louisiana scottish rite trestleboard

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2010 ORIENT OF LOUISIANA Volume 12 Issue 4

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Louisiana

Scottish Rite Trestleboard

Scottish Rite FULFILL-BUILD-PROVIDE

Ion Lazar, 32° KCCH

The Master Keys to The Camp

The Symbolic Camp of the 32° - Part VIMysteries of Sacred Geometry and Masonic Astronomy

by

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Are you afraid of dragons? What a silly question! After all,everyone knows their modern-day descendants are such mildand useful little creatures, particularly their Komodo cousinswho always put a smile on your face as they cheerfully prom-ise to save you money on car insurance on those TV commer-cials… Let's play with the "Rewind" button for a minute. Whenmaps were made in ages past, as the old mapmakers reachedthe far edge of known water or land, they stopped, fearing whatwas uncharted, and ominously wrote on the map: "Beyond herethere be dragons". Instead of going forward and daring to dis-cover what was over the horizon, they stopped, fearing theunknown. Have times changed? Have we conquered our fearof the unknown and of the uncharted, or have we merely sup-pressed it while displaying a smug yet passive and completereliance on the unerring precision and infallibility of our "new"maps?

Fear and courage are as intensely relevant to Masonic re-search as they are to the very personal process of spiritual de-velopment through Initiation. "Know Thyself" captures this sobeautifully as to not need any further commentary. Our Ma-sonic Camp in the 32nd Degree is the perfect example of acomplex puzzle so intricately veiled and so densely packed withesoteric symbolism which spans across multiple fields of studyas to simultaneously elicit a little fear from the aspiring stu-dent and also represent just the type of challenge that oftenbreeds courage and perseverance. A serious study of the Camp'ssymbolism requires some fairly lengthy forays into Compara-tive Religion, Astrology, Sacred Geometry, the Kabballah, theBook of Revelation, and several other topics, not to mention athorough knowledge of the symbolism of most, if not all, ofthe Degrees preceding the 32nd Degree. As a very brief ex-ample of this latter reference, a complete understanding of theesoteric symbolism of the ritual scene from the Egyptian Bookof the Dead, which is enacted beautifully in the 31st Degree("Inspector Inquisitor, or Initiate of the Egyptian Mysteries")is an invaluable aid to understanding the trinity and dualismconcepts presented in the 32nd Degree.

In this last part of our little series on the 32nd Degree Camp,I can only hope to present in summary fashion to the aspiringAdept a series of "master keys" to the entire Camp. These sym-bolic interpretive keys will tie together the information pre-

sented in the previous five parts of the series and hopefullyoffer the opportunity for an in-depth understanding of the in-ner secrets at the esoteric core of the Scottish Rite teachings.Previous parts in the series have looked at the Geometricaland Astrological symbolism of each individual component partof the Camp. We shall now examine the whole of the Campand its inner meaning. We will show how the overall geometryof the Camp relates to both early Christian mysteries and tothe early Jewish mystical system known as the Kabballah. Wewill also present the mathematical key to the Hebrew alphabet,as promised in an earlier part, and show how it relates to theKabalistic Tree of Life and to the Camp's design. Do you haveenough cans of anti-dragon spray handy?...

The first important clue whenlooking at the overall design ofthe Camp is to realize that thegeometrical layout remained es-sentially unchanged from thetime the Camp was a feature ofthe old 25th (and last) Degreeunder the old nomenclature ofthe Order of the Royal Secret.Decades before the formation ofour Supreme Council, this 25thDegree was worked under thetitle of "Knight of the Black andWhite Eagle, or Royal Secret, orKnight of St. Andrew, and Faith-ful Guardian of the Sacred Trea-sure". This early identity is veryimportant, particularly whenconsidering the arithmetic in-volved in the series of odd inte-gers that make up the polygons of the Camp. Counting thecenter circle as "one", we have 1 + 3 + 5 +7 + 9 = 25, and 25was exactly the number of Degrees under the old system, henceeach of the Degrees actually had a place in the design, includ-ing the Heptagon (7 sides). But then why is the Heptagon now"empty" under the current system of 32 Degrees, meaning thatthere are neither Tents nor Standards on the Heptagon? This isa key question, the full answer to which can easily fill severalbooks. Let's give it a try in brief.

The Heptagon may be "empty" of Tents under the new sys-tem, yet it is full of hidden meanings. We are merely dealingwith a subtle shift of emphasis following the ritual revisionsby Albert Pike. The Kabballah and the Book of Revelation areintegral to the understanding of the Camp as part of the 32ndDegree system. Well, in the Book of Revelation we find theSeven Spirits of God about the Throne, and in the Kabballah

Louisiana Scottish Rite TrestleboardPublished bimonthly by the

Louisiana Scottish Rite FoundationP. O. Box 64 Shreveport, LA 71161

EditorSteve Pence

105 Bay Hills DriveBenton, LA 71006

Tel: H: 318-965-9977

E-mail: [email protected]

Louisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard is published bi-monthly by the Louisiana Scottish Rite Foundation. Anyarticle or views expressed in this publication are thoseonly of the writer and do not reflect the official positionof the Louisiana Scottish Rite. The editorial policy ofthis publication grants free reign to the Editor, within thelines of Masonic principles and teachings. Articles andpictures submitted become the property of this publica-tion.

Permission is granted to use contents of this Trestle-board for Masonic purposes, as long as credit is given tothe source.

Editorial StaffEditor:

Steven A. Pence, 33°Valley of Baton Rouge:

Shane C. Crump, 32°Valley of New Orleans:

Ion Lazar, 32° KCCHValley of Shreveport:

John F. Ayer, 32° KCCHValley of Lake Charles:

Darrell L. Guillory, 32°C. Clifford Heath, 32° KCCH

Valley of Monroe:Beryl C. Franklin, Ph.D., 33°

AllegianceThe bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite

of Freemasonry, sitting in the Orient of Louisiana, ac-knowledge and yield allegiance to the Supreme Councilof the Thirty-third degree for the Southern Jurisdictionof the United States of America (Mother Supreme Coun-cil of the World) whose See is at Charleston in the Stateof South Carolina, and House of the Temple, Washing-ton, D.C., of which

Ill. Ronald A. Seale, 33°Sovereign Grand Commander

and

Ill. William J. Mollere, 33°,

Sovereign Grand Inspector General

Orient of Louisiana

Ill. Charles L. McCarty, 33°Personal Representative for Valley of New Orleans

Ill. Ballard Smith, 33°, PGMPersonal Representative for Valley of Shreveport

Ill. Richard B. Smith, 33°Personal Representative for Valley of Lake Charles

Ill. C. Daniel Smith, Jr., 33°Personal Representative for Valley of Baton Rouge

Ill. Woody D. Bilyeu, 33°, GMPersonal Representative for Valley of Monroe

M: W: Woody D. Bilyeu, 33°and Grand Master of Masons in Louisiana


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Calendar of EventsOrient of Louisiana

Conference of the OrientBaton Rouge November 13

ReunionsNew Orleans Sept 25Shreveport Sept 11-12Lake Charles Sept 11-12Baton Rouge Oct 23-24Monroe Oct 23

Master Craftsman Program

ShreveportJonathon D WilliamsJohn S Nightengale

New OrleansEdward Lance Atchison

MonroeMichael A Watts - Level II

The following members have recentlycompleted the first course and have re-ceived or should shortly recieve their cer-tificates and lapel pins.

Master Craftsman, My Valleyand Me

York RiteYork Rite Mason DayShreveport Aug 14South Central ConferenceShreveport Sept 17-18

I have been a Scottish Rite Mason foryears however; I just felt that I didn't getit. Maybe I missed the part where theyexplained all of this mystical stuff.Maybe I wasn't smart enough to figure itout. It appeared that many of my broth-ers must have "gotten it" because a lot ofthem were wearing red or white hats.Working my way through the MasterCraftsman program, I read the words ofAlbert Pike instructing us that we shouldlabor for the Order for labor's sake. Ifinally got it!

I needed to labor for the Valley ofBaton Rouge, my Valley. Because I livein Houston the distance had always beena convenient reason why I was not ableto attend the meetings - they were dur-ing the week. But now I had this "burn-ing desire" to do something. Reading"The Trestleboard", I discovered thatBaton Rouge would be having a Reunionin a few weeks and it would be on Satur-day.

Aside from paying my dues, I had notbeen in contact with my Valley in years;however I got in contact with the Personal

Representative and offered to do what Icould for the Reunion. He gave me a partto learn, and invited me to come earlyand help if I wanted. I was a little scared,but I wanted to do this whole heartedly.

The part I was given was the Mysti-cal Ladder. This was not a big part, bycomparison to some parts it was quitesmall, but it was my part and my last fewwords were to do [your] whole duty inthe most perfect manner. I felt that as anexample, I had to do this in a most per-fect manner. The next few weeks, werechallenging. I had not learned a ritualpart in many years, and the last time Ihad learned anything that was this im-portant to me was my Catechism, when Iwas receiving the first three degrees inMasonry.

Having driven to Baton Rouge on Fri-day evening, I got up early and went toour Consistory. I met some friends that Ihad not seen in a long time, and I met alot of new brothers. Then I went to workin the kitchen helping to get breakfastready, get it served and then cleaning upafterwards. This felt really good, andwhile we were working I got to visit withsome of the other brothers who wereworking in the kitchen. Along the waywe transitioned into preparing lunch. Igot to help one of the brothers make awonderful jambalaya in a big iron caul-dron. As we worked, we got to visit. Hewas a member of a lodge that was "downthe bayou" and it fascinating discussingthe differences between life there and lifein the big city. It wasn't fancy, but beingin the back yard, making a jambalayawith my brothers was so "Louisianan"!

Then came the time, all of the mem-bers of the degree team got into our cos-

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The Louisiana Scottish Rite Foundation

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In Memory of Robert Riedinger

In Memory of Carl T FathereeBeryl C Franklin

E L RobersonJames Corry

Richard D NormanRobert Joyner

In Memory of Kayla MooreWaymon McMillon

In Memory of Allen StevensGeorge McAnn

DonationsRichard B Smith

William LucasJames WigginsGeorge EinhamFrank JensenBallard Smith

Anthony RadostiIra Pennison

Archie HickmanSid Felps

Oliver WhittingtonLawrence Tabony

Grimball and Associates

Louisiana Scottish Rite Foundation

ContributionsThe Foundation is so very blessed by

the continued financial support fromwithin the Fraternity as well as from thosefrom outside.

It is only fitting that these supportersbe recognized.

Scholarship Awards

Speech & Language Scholarships

Louisiana State University-ShreveportPaula Pedeaux

Kelli MilletKristy Holmes

University of Louisiana-LafayetteJamie Maxwell

Kaile Stoute

The Louisiana Scottish Rite Founda-tion is proud to announce that the fol-lowing Scholarships have been awarded:

Foundation Officers 2010-2011S. Bruce Easterly PresidentWilliam V. King Vice PresidentE. Louis McGee TreasurerRobert C. Joyner SecretaryWilliam J. Mollere ChairmanGary L. Gribble Executive DirectorHarry E. Moseley Board MemberWilliam H. Brown Board MemberI. C. Turnley, Jr. Board MemberCharles K. Watts Board MemberNeal R. Crane Board MemberJohn L. Atkinson President Emeritus

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Louisiana DeMolayThe recent meeting of the DeMolay International Supreme

Council in Dallas, Texas at the Galleria Center highlightedsome Louisiana Scottish Rite Masons. The presiding Interna-tional Grand Master of DeMolay was Robert Cockerham, 33 ,SGIG of Missouri, and he asked the Sovereign Grand Com-mander, Ronald Seale, 33 , of Washington, DC formerly ofBaton Rouge, to be the "Key Note Speaker" during the Open-ing Ceremony. During the Opening, Louisiana's ExecutiveOfficer for DeMolay, M. W. Chip Borne, 33 , was introducedand recognized. Louisiana's SGIG, Bill Mollere, 33 , a PastGrand Master of DeMolay International was also recognized.During the Opening, Ill. Bro. Seale was given an Honor nor-mally presented only to heads of government, he was made anHonorary Past Grand Master of DeMolay! He has served onthe Supreme Council as an Active Member from Louisiana formany years, and formerly served as Chapter Dad of PelicanChapter in Baton Rouge.

Also attending the DeMolay Supreme Council Session wasNick Auck, 32 KCCH, a Deputy Member of the DeMolay Su-preme Council and Assistant to the Executive Officer. Duringthe Session, Bro. Auck was elected an Active Member of theSupreme Council. He joins Ill. Seale, Mollere and Borne onthe Council. Ill. Bro. Ballard Smith, 33 , PGM, is an EmeritusMember of the Council having served many years as an ActiveMember. Ill. John L. Belanger, 33 , serves as a Deputy Mem-ber of the Council. Louisiana is well represented in the DeMolayInternational organization and each man continues to servethe young men of DeMolay in various positions in Louisiana.Congratulations to Ill. Seale and to Bro. Auck!

It is a great pleasure to announce to you that Louisiana hasonce again had an individual qualify for the coveted Sam andMillie Hilburn Scholarship of $5,000 for Speech and LanguagePathology during 2010-11.

Ms Jennifer T. Pham is enrolled as a first-year student inthe Master's Degree Program at UL-M in Monroe and is a Magna CumLaude Graduate with a Degree inPsychology, a member of severalhonor societies and was awardedthree scholarships while an under-graduate.

In 2004, her father, Dr. TruongPham, underwent surgery for a braintumor and required months oftherapy. At that point, Ms. Pham

decided that her caring for her father was the turning point inwanting to work in the field of Speech and Language Disor-ders.

Louisiana is fortunate to have another outstanding, wellqualified and worthy recipient of this year's Sam and MillieHilburn Scholarship.

Sam and Millie Hilburn Scholarship

tumes, and I must admit I felt pretty silly. Then they gave usour mikes - OMG - everyone in the room would be able to hearme if I messed up! We took our places and in a few minutes, Iwas up, and I was ready, I had a cue card in my left hand justin case. As it were, I had to steady the candidate with my lefthand, so no cue card for me. I explained that ladder. I ex-plained each step. Suddenly I was finished, it was done!

Driving back to Houston, I was tired and happy. It hadbeen a long day but it had been a most rewarding day. I thoughtabout seeing those friends that I hadn't seen in a long time,and the brothers I had met and gotten to know, not just fromBaton Rouge, but from all around the area. I thought about thenew candidates, and that I had been a part of making the Scot-tish Rite Masons. I thought about the brethren who had as-sembled the day I was initiated, and in a small way, I had re-paid them for their labours. And I knew that I would be sign-ing up for the next Reunion to do whatever I could.

I don't think that I am the only member who has gottenaway from regular participation in Valley events and I want toaddress these members for a moment. Maybe like me, you justdidn't "get it" when you received your degrees, perhaps youlive a great distance from the Consistory. Perhaps you feellike there is not a place for you, or that you are not needed.Let me encourage you, my brother to pick an event and go, itmay be one of the most rewarding days of your life. You canvisit the Louisiana Orient Express at www.la-scottishrite.orgwhich has a list of most events for the Orient and links to thelocal Valleys. Put the event on your calendar, make plans, andperhaps reserve a motel room and go. Maybe you don't havethe time, ability or desire to learn a part, but you can help. Ifyou can make coffee, wash a pot, lift the lid on the jambalayacauldron, hand out costumes, whatever you can do, there is aneed for you.

Why I was taking the Master Craftsman Program is still amystery to me. I was a most unlikely candidate for this. Per-haps it was because our S.G.C. is from my Valley and I wantedto support his program, I don't know, but Master Craftsmanwas one of the best things I have ever done. I encourage everyScottish Rite Mason who has not signed up for this program toconsider doing so. One of the things that it did for me was toexplain each degree. When I was initiated, I received the man-datory degrees, and there was just a lot missing, but MasterCraftsman explained each degree, and the essentials that oneshould take from them. Going through the course I was re-minded of many lessons that can be put in our daily lives, tomake each of us a better man and Mason. As I said at thebeginning according to Albert Pike, we should labor for theCraft for labor's sake.

continued from page 2Master Craftsman, My Valley and Me cont’d:

Fraternally,Robert Hagan, 32º

Valley of Baton Rouge

Valley of New Orleans NewsThe Oldest Scottish Rite Valley in the World - Chartered April 7, 1811

Albert Pike was Grand Commander of Grand Consistory of LouisianaFrom April 1857-January 1859

Meets on the first Wednesday of every month

New Orleans Scottish Rite Temple619-621 Carondelet Street

New Orleans, LA 70130-3503Secretary: Lloyd A. Hebert, 33°

Tel: 504-522-3789 Fax: 504-527-5982Email: [email protected]

WebSite: www.nolascottishrite.com

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Calendar of EventsStated Communications 7:30 PMAdvisory Conference 5:00 PM

In Memoriam

2010 Membership Fees were dueon December 31, 2009

Recent Valley News

Wednesday, August 4thBring a Friend Night50-Year member celebrationWednesday, September 1stFeast of Tishri - Reobligation nightFall Reunion September 25thWednesday, October 6thDegree exemplificationWednesday, November 3rdAnnual Thanksgiving programBranson Trip November 6thWednesday, December 1stChristmas program

Jesse R HodgesRonald J Giroir, Sr.

Jerry D HeylElmo A Pellegrin

Harold J ButtsJeniece D HunterHerman Mopsick

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After a few months of holding somevery successful meetings and Programs"on the road" while being hosted by sev-eral Lodges, our Valley has now returnedto its home base at the beautiful andstately building on Carondelet Street. Weall have a lot of exciting stories to tellabout the recent experiences of our "trav-eling Valley" - we have seen a lot, werereceived warmly and entertained by per-fect hosts who treated us like family andlike true Brothers. More importantly, wehad the opportunity to once again expe-rience first-hand the depth of our Frater-nity and the unbreakable, special bond weall share as Scottish Rite Masons.

The recent Valley meetings hosted bySlidell Lodge #311 and by William D.White Lodge #408, respectively, offerexcellent examples of the progressivenature of the new Programs which haveturned our Valley into a beehive of activ-ity. The Slidell meeting featured a sur-prise of rather large proportions, as planswere unveiled to put together a ScottishRite Bicentennial celebration and Aca-demic Symposium slated for the first partof June 2011. This event is projected tobe on a somewhat smaller scale than theultra-successful National LeadershipConference of this last April. However,the organizational and logistic modeldesigned and implemented in April byour own Ill. Bro. Lloyd Hebert 33º, andwhich ensured the widely-acclaimed suc-cess of that larger Conference, was alsoidentified as an initial possible compari-son point and general framework sugges-tion for the Bicentennial effort. A fullreport of the several modules of the Lead-ership Conference was entertained andshowcased the unique and crucial roleplayed by our General Secretary Hebertthroughout that unforgettable Nationalevent as well as in the many months oftireless planning which preceded it. Ill.Bro. Clayton "Chip" Borne III 33º PGMthen offered remarks on behalf of the

2011 symposium's planning committee.The meeting in Gretna featured an in-

depth presentation of the Scottish RiteFellows Program which is administeredby our Supreme Council. The presenta-tion honored the current recipient of thismost exalted honor, Bro. David R. McCann, Jr. 32º, while the remarks weredelivered by our Fellow Alumnus of 2004,Bro. Ion Lazar 32º KCCH. Our Ladieswere in attendance throughout theevening, and everyone enjoyed additionalremarks by Ill. Bro. Nicholas Randazzo33º and by our SGIG's Personal Repre-sentative, Ill. Bro. Charles L. Mc Carty33º who brought our members up to dateon the plans for another successfulBranson group trip.

A multitude of very innovative eventsand programs is the focus of our Valley'sactivity in the next few months. TheKnights of St. Andrew are once againspearheading the efforts for a memorableFamily Day on July 11. A most interest-ing Program is also now being plannedto honor our 25-year and 50-year Scot-tish Rite members, of whom we are veryjustifiably proud. Research and esotericinstruction are also at the very top of thelist of priorities. These are very, very ex-citing times for our Valley. Please do notmiss them! We hope to see you all at theValley!


Fraternally,

Ion Lazar, 32ºKCCH

Valley of Shreveport News Chartered October 26, 1913

Meets on the second Tuesday of every month

Shreveport Scottish Rite Temple725 Cotton Street

Shreveport, LA 71101-9713Secretary: Gary L. Gribble, 33°


Web: www.shreveportscottishrite.com

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IN MEMORIAM

CALENDAR OF EVENTS


Give a Living Legacy! Donate tothe Shreveport Scottish Rite

Foundation

Tuesday, August 10thRegular Meeting 6:30 PM

FALL REUNION SEPT 11-12Tuesday, September 14thOpen Meeting 6:30 PMFeast of Tishri

Tuesday, October 12thRegular Meeting 6:30 PM

Tuesday, November 9thOpen Meeting 6:30 PM

Tuesday, December 14thRegular Meeting 6:30 PMElection of OfficersNote: Advisory Conference meets at 4:30 pm

before each meeting.

The KCCH Club meets during the samemonthas District Lodge at 5:30 pm.

FraternallyGary Gribble, 33°General Secretary

From the Secretary’s Desk

Overton BarteetEdman L James, Jr.

James J KatzPat L Miller

Johnnie E Moore

A Cajun in The Kitchen

Commencing in 1998 and approved bythe Assistant Secretary ofDefense, the Supreme Coun-cil, Southern Jurisdiction, ini-tiated a program of recogni-tion for outstanding JuniorROTC students. This initia-tive recognizes high schoolyouth enrolled in the JuniorReserve Off icers TrainingCorps (JROTC) unit for theirscholastic excellence and pa-triotic Americanism efforts. The award con-sists of a medal, ribbon and a certificatesuitable for framing.

Brethren I would like to take a mo-ment and thank all of you who have beenso supportive during my first few monthsas your Secretary. Many challenges havearisen and with your help we have pre-vailed.

There are many new and excitingideas on the trestleboard which will beimplemented in due time. At our Julymeeting we had a special program givenby two musical prodigies from the SuzukiSchool of Music Catie & Emily Owens.They did an excellent job entertaining uswith Classical Violin music.

In this issue of the Trestleboard youwill find the new dues structure for TheOrient of Louisiana. Our SGIG Ill: Wil-liam J. Mollere put a lot of hard workinto this decision and we need to thankhim for his wisdom and foresight. Take afew moments to study this, as in all or-ganizations we must raise our dues tosurvive. It is very important that each ofyou take an active role in your ScottishRite. We have plenty of new ideas toimplement and need help in doing so.Look forward to seeing you at our meet-ings. Our office hours are Monday thruFriday 8:00 a.m. till 3:30 p.m.

Our August meeting will be a Pros-pect Night. So, get out there in the BlueLodges and let's recruit some members.A fine meal will be prepared, and the 29thDegree will be presented by the Knightsof St. Andrews. If you need applications,you can get them in the office.

August Prospect Night

You won't want to miss out on theAugust Valley meeting. Our SecretaryGary Gribble was talking to GeraldSavoie, owner of Gerald Savoie's Res-taurant. Gerald stated that he wantedto Cater a meal to the members of theShreveport Scottish Rite. Now, Geraldis a true Cajun, and being so, is goingto bring us those great Southern CreoleClassics. So, get your taste buds ready,bring with you that appetite, and bringthe ladies too!. All we ask, is that youcall in to the office, and let us know howmany will be coming! We've got to planand all for the great attendance Gerald'sCooking is sure to bring! ThanksGerald!

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Recently we began a new club at theValley. It is open to all members andcalled the Centurion Club, it's foundingis based upon the principles of the Ro-man Centurion, where-in he commanded100 soldiers. The purpose is to recog-nize those that give a gift of $100.00 ormore to the Valley. The members will berecognized for their contributions. Also,

Centurion Club

L:R - COL (ret) T. Patrick Dickson, 32° KCCH andCadet Matthew LaRue

Valley of Lake Charles News Chartered October 16, 1923

Meets on the third Wednesday of every month

Lake Charles Masonic Temple717 Hodges Street

Lake Charles, LA 70601Secretary: Donald Blake Ford, 32°


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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Wednesday, August 18thOn the Road MeetingAurora Lodge #193 New IberiaFall Reunion Sept 11-12Wednesday, September 15thHonoring Past Venerable Masters & 50Year membersWednesday, October 20thFeast of TishriWednesday, November 17thAnnual Thanksgiving DinnerWednesday, December 15thElection of 2011 Officers


IN MEMORIAM

2010 Membership fees were dueDecember 31, 2009

Personally Speaking

Warren G Cox, 32°Jeff Edward Townsend, 32°

2010 OfficersLake Charles Lodge of Perfection:Venerable Master: Noland R Gamble, 32° KCCHSenior Warden: Daryl G Johnson, 32º KCCHJunior Warden: Harry C Northrop, 32º, KCCH

Lake Charles Chapter Rose Croix:Wise Master: Harry C Northrop, 32° KCCHSenior Warden: Ricky A Venable, 32º KCCHJunior Warden: Donald R Verret, 32° KCCH

Lake Charles Council of Kadosh:Commander: William B Powell, 32° KCCH1st Lt. Commander: Daryl G Johnson, 32° KCCH2nd Lt. Commander: Richard D Morgan, 32º KCCH

Lake Charles Consistory:Master of Kadosh: Murray C “Bo” House, 33°Prior: Herrin J Ducote, 33ºPrreceptor: Ricky A Venable, 32º KCCH

Treasurer All Bodies:Clarence L Callihan, 32° KCCH

Secretary All Bodies:Donald Blake Ford, 32°

Director of WorkGregory L Bruce, 32° KCCH

Back Door Lunch: Last Friday of ev-ery month.(Except November & Decem-ber)


Fraternally,Richard B Smith, 33°

Personal Representative

Several years ago, Tom Brokaw wrotea book entitled "The Greatest Genera-tion." This book was a collection of shortbiographies of the men and women thatworked, served, and fought for our na-tion in World War II. Each story revealeda glimpse of a person's life. These were,for the most part, common everyday citi-zens, after living through the Great De-pression, were called together out of theneed to preserve the American ideal offreedom and democracy. Brokaw did amasterful job in recognizing this genera-tion of Americans for saving not only theUnited States, but the world, from tyrannyand oppression. His inspiration for thestory was that members of that genera-tion were nearing the end of their naturallives and passing away at an alarmingrate.

The Greatest Generation also includedthe largest number of Masons in the his-tory of the fraternity. These men under-stood that freedom is not free, hard workcomes before success even in the dictio-nary, and that the Supreme Being is onthe side of the faithful defenders of the

people. These are the same principlestaught in our Scottish Rite degrees. Ourdegrees have roots extending from over200 years ago. While there have beensome periodic modernizations, throughthe years, the underlying principles re-main the same.

The time is Rite for us to exemplifythese principles in our daily lives to honorthe memory of the members of the Great-est Generation that came before us, andto leave the legacy of solid citizenship,valor, courtesy, honesty, and integrity forthe next generation of young men to fol-low. We have the Rite stuff; it is the Ritetime; let us do the Rite thing; and spreadthe Rite to all worthy men throughout theworld.

Secretary RemindersReserve your spot on the bus trip from

Lake Charles to New Iberia for the Au-gust meeting. Bus will depart the Ma-sonic Temple in Lake Charles at 4:30p.m. with scheduled stops in Iowa atVanity Fair, Jennings at the old HolidayInn, Crowley at the Rice Palace, andLafayette at the Home Depot onEvangeline Thruway. Call the office forBlake or Becky at 337-436-1676 or [email protected].

Don’t forget that our Fall Reunion isSeptember 11-12. Start gathering peti-tions!

Valley of Baton Rouge NewsChartered October 20, 1955

Meets on the second Monday of every month

Baton Rouge Scottish Rite Temple14598 Florida BoulevardBaton Rouge, LA 70819

Secretary: Beverly J. Guillot, 33° DGMTel: 225-275-0668 Fax: 225-273-0750

Email: [email protected]

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CALENDAR OF EVENTSDinner 6:30 Meeting 7:30Monday, August 9thA Rose Upon the Altar performed by theMonroe Valley CastSaturday, August 21stHonoring our Widows NightMonday, September 13thPresentation on 27th DegreeJoe A Stroud, 33°Monday, October 11thOn the Road - Feast of TishriFall Reunion Oct 23-24Monday, November 8thAnnual Thanksgiving programAdvisory Conference meets at 5:30 prior toregular meetings.


In Memoriam

2010 MEMBERSHIP FEES ARENOW PAST DUE

Representative Notes

Charles W BeardRobert S LeakeWilliam H Lebo

James H Morgan, 33°Danny Smith, 33°

Personal Representative

How time flies! We are half waythrough 2010 and it feels like we just cel-ebrated New Years Day, but with the heatwe all know summer is here. I hope allof you are enjoying the year and you andyour family are doing well. The BatonRouge Valley recently completed itsSpring Reunion with a fine class of 14new Masters of the Royal Secret. We arelooking forward to an active remainderof the year. On Saturday, August 21 at6:30 P.M., the Baton Rouge Valley willbe holding its annual Widows Night.This event is open to all Masonic wid-ows, Scottish Rite or not, and proves tobe a fun event each year. Plan on com-ing out and volunteering; it will helpbring a little joy into the lives of our wid-ows.

Our attendance at regularly scheduledmeetings, second Monday of each month,has been a little light the last few meet-ings. These meetings give you a chanceto renew old friendships and enjoy thewonderful programs the Venerable Mas-ter has scheduled.

As stated in the last message, we arepreparing an e-mail list for the Valley sowe can inform the brethren in a more ef-ficient manner about upcoming events.If you would like to place your addresson the list, please contact Bro Keith Ber-nard at [email protected] andgive him your information.

The LSU Chapter began in the early1950's with a group of 25 DeMolays at-tending LSU as the first Pledge Class andsome prominent Masons, one beingCharles Lenton Sartain, Jr., 33°. JudgeSartain, aka Chief is one of the foundersof the LSU Chapter and a former nationalFraternity Judge Advocate.

During the Greek Excellence Gala,Chief Sartain was honored as the recipi-ent of the Greek Excellence Award.

Acacia Fraternity is a Greek socialfraternity originally based out of Ma-sonic tradition. At its founding in 1904,membership was originally restricted tothose who had taken the Masonic obli-gations, and the organization was builton those ideals and principles. Withinone year, four other Masonic clubs re-ceived Acacia charters, which led to arapid expansion in the following years.Today the bonds with the Free and Ac-cepted Masons vary amongst Acaciachapters, for some the tie is more dis-tant and informal while others workclosely with their local Masonic Lodges.Acacia's fundamental principles arescholarship, leadership, brotherhood andhuman service/philanthropy.

Excellence Award

Chief Sartain and Venerable Dean Rob Barrios

Valley of Monroe NewsChartered November 13, 1971

Meets on the first Thursday of every month

Monroe Scottish Rite Temple205 University Avenue

Monroe, LA 71203-3701Secretary: Robert C. Joyner, 33°


9

CALENDAR OF EVENTS


2010 Membership fees were due byDecember 31, 2009

IN MEMORIAM

August Meeting

Dinner with Ladies 6:00 PMProgram 7:00 PM Venerable Master’s MesssageThursday, August 5thguest speakerThursday, September 2ndFeast of TishriRev. Jeffery Smart-Guest SpeakerThursday, October 7thguest speakerFall Reunion October 23Thursday, November 4th25 & 50 year members recognizedThanksgiving programThursday, December 2ndAnnual Christmas programElection & Installation of Officers

continued page 10

Carl Thomas Fatheree, 33°Verley Oray Ray Floyd, 32° KCCH

Claud Dexter Hughes, 32°Wilmer Rozell Roper, 32°

Charles Edward Ward, 32°continued next column

Attendance at the stated meetings ofany Masonic body rarely exceeds 10 -15% of the membership of that Masonicbody. That, unfortunately, is true in ourbeloved Scottish Rite. It can be attrib-uted to a number of factors - some overwhich we have little control. There are,however, things that we can do to im-prove attendance. We can do things dif-ferently and provide programs that areinteresting, informative and entertaining.

From "time immemorial" (masonicfor a long time) we have opened the bod-ies of the Consistory by proclamation.We began this year opening the Lodge ofPerfection in ritualistic form. Ritual ispart of our identity as Masons. We willcontinue to open the other bodies of theMonroe Valley by proclamation.

We have incorporated the Knights ofSt. Andrew in the opening procedure.They post the Flag and their banners tothe accompaniment of bagpipe music,and lead the members in the Pledge ofAllegiance to the Flag. It is their dutythen to collect the alms.

We are working hard to include en-tertainment in our programs. Ms BayleeRegan will provide a musical programat our regular meeting in August. Baylee

is the 9-year-old daughter of Pat andKathy Regan of West Monroe. She isschooled at home and is an active mem-ber of the Northeast Louisiana ChristianHome School Association and BrownieTroop 45. First West Baptist is her churchhome. She has invested an untold num-ber of hours serving her community bypresenting concerts to civic clubs, churchgroups, nursing homes, and numerousother venues, offering her rendition of the"Star Spangled Banner" at sportingevents, rodeos, and more. She has a strongvoice and is exceptionally talented. Herparents and music instructors guide her,but credit her talent as a gift from God.

Your entertainment for the Octobermeeting will be Blue Grass music broughtto us by the Sandy Hill Bunch. This bandconsists of six members led by DeweyFondren and equipped with all the instru-ments you would expect to see in a BlueGrass band.

Brethren, you will not want to missthese programs. Bring your family,friends and prospective members withyou. Remember, we serve a meal at 6:00p.m. prior to all of our meetings.

Fraternally,Joe Baker, 33°

Venerable Master

The Monroe Scottish Rite Bodies willhold its August meeting at the MonroeScottish Rite Temple on August 5, 2010.As usual we will have a nice meal pre-pared by our culinary experts on theKitchen Crew. Remember that the ladiesare invited to join us for the refreshmentsas well as the program that follows. Inthe past, we have endeavored to tell youexactly what the program was to be. But,this time, we are going to keep you insuspense as to the exact nature of thisprogram. It will be one that you will en-joy and learn something that will staywith you for years to come! You will beglad you heard it!

Even though we have upper90°weather and school is out; it is not tooearly to be thinking about getting peti-tions from your Blue Lodge Brethren forthe fall reunion. Remember the lessonslearned when you received the ScottishRite Degrees leading up to your beingnamed a Master of the Royal Secret!Coupled with this additional "Light" wasthe privilege of the Fellowship and ex-pressions of Brotherly Love you have ex-perienced at the Regular meetings where

Fall Reunion October 23rd

Words to Live ByAlways keep your words sweet, just in case youhave to eat them.

Drive carefully: It is not only cars that can berecalled by their maker.

If you lend someone $20.00 and never see thatperson again, it was probably worth it.

Birthdays are good for you, the more you have,the longer you live.

10


Personal Representative’s Message

continued from page 5New Orleans Valley News:continued from page 9

Monroe Valley News-Fall Reunion:

September at The MonroeScottish Rite Bodies

On September 2, 2010 at the Monroe Scottish Rite Temple,the members and their Ladies will be able to participate in theAnnual Celebration of "Feast of Tishri" (or "The Feast of Tab-ernacles"). For the newer Masters of the Royal Secret, this ref-erence may provoke the question, "What is the Feast of Tishri?"This is an obligation Feast Day and the Master of the RoyalSecret heard reference to it in the Fourteenth Degree (The Per-fect Elu). As you may have surmised, this Feast is known bymany names; "The Feast of Ingathering: "The feast of The FirstFruits", as well as "The Feast of Salvation". The ancient He-brews followed a lunar calendar of thirteen months of twenty-eight days each. Since this Feast was celebrated in the monthof Tishri, (last of September or first of October) we have usedthis title more frequently. This is the time of harvest and thusyou can see the relevance to the various names used for it. Itwas really the first government-sanctioned "ThanksgivingFeast". While our ancient Jewish brethren used it as a periodof Thanksgiving for their deliverance from captivity in Egypt,we could easily use it as a period of remembrance and thanks-giving for the many blessings we have enjoyed from our Found-ing Forefathers, from our first Declaration of Independence,through the many wars that have been fought up to the presentthat allow us to celebrate our many blessings. We should re-member and be extremely grateful for those men and womenwho have fought, bled, and even paid the ultimate price thatwe may live in this Country and enjoy the contributions theymade possible. Let us remember and be humbly and prayer-fully grateful at our "Feast of Tishri".

your wife or girl friend (but not both) could share a very nicemeal and enjoy the interesting program as well as you. Someof these programs were also appropriate for the older kids aswell. Why not start a little friendly contest with a Scottish RiteBrother to see who can get the greater number of petitions.Now you have some time to do this so, don't miss it. RewardsAwait!

My Brothers, I want to tell you about a Tradition that canchange your life. For those of you who seek a deeper under-standing of Freemasonry, the Scottish Rite Research Society(SRRS) has much to offer. We need Programs that provide uswith a better understanding of Masonry and Programs thatdevelop Leadership. Our Craft needs well-educated and will-ing Brothers in leadership roles for the survival of our Ma-sonic Fraternity.

We must, in a traditional way, interest our membership inthe esotericism of Freemasonry, whether it be in our BlueLodges or in our beloved Scottish Rite. We must strive to changeour Fraternity by being innovative, offering workshops thatexcite our membership in Programs that strive to meet the needsof those of us who did not have this opportunity. Masonry pro-vides many opportunities such as leadership skills, personaldevelopment that translates into one's daily actions and makeseach of us a better person.

Please call the Valley at (504)522-3789 or email us [email protected] if you would like additional informationabout our Programs. We would love to hear from you.

Fraternally Yours,Charles L. Mc Carty 33º

SGIG's Personal RepresentativeValley of New Orleans, LA

11


CENTER NEWSAdmiral E. A. Barham, 33°

Scottish Rite Childhood Learning Center

Baton Rouge Scottish RiteChildhood Learning Center

Shreveport Scottish RiteChildhood Learning Center

Southeast Regional Scottish RiteChildhood Learning Center

Southwestern RegionalChildhood Learning Center

Holly L Damico, CoordinatorSouthwestern Regional Scottish Rite Childhood Learning Center

Clinic Director-Communicative Disorders ULL

Robert Joyner, 33° General Secretary presents scholarship awards to (L:R)Tera Dozier, Andrea Parks and Tiffany Nobles

Kaile Romero Stoute is from Delcambre, Louisiana, whereshe graduated fifth in her high school class as an honors stu-dent. After starting college at UL Lafayette as a nursing ma-jor, she transferred her desire for a career helping people tospeech pathology and audiology. While completing her under-graduate degree, she was active in the National Student SpeechLanguage and Hearing Association and the CODI Honor Soci-ety. She would like to eventually operate a private practiceworking with autistic children. She is married to TJ Stoutewho is currently deployed with the 256th.

Jamie Maxwell is currently a graduate student at the Uni-versity of Louisiana at Lafayette, pursuing a career as a SpeechLanguage Pathologist. She received her undergraduate degreein Communication Disorders at Florida State University. Origi-nally from Vero Beach, Florida, Jamie recently moved here withher husband of one year. She plans to work in the school sys-tems and is especially interested in language and literacy in-tervention.

Kaile Stoute Jamie Maxwell

The Mollie E Webb Speech and Hearing Center, of the De-partment of Rehabilitation Sciences-LSU School of AlliedHealth Professionals, held their annual continuing educationand honors program at the Shreveport Valley.

Dr. Ghali Ghali, a highly recognized surgeon specializingin oral and maxillofacial field, was a featured presenter onpalatoschisis (cleft palate).

Drs. David Irwin and MaryPannbacker (seated)

Dr. Ghali E Ghali, MD

Dr. Mary Pannbacker, profes-sor Communication Disordersand Dr. David Irwin, Head ofClinical Services were presenterson Ethics and Implications forclinical practice and researchwhen dealing with cleft palatepatients. The powerful emotionsthese patients bring with themargue for caution in medical de-cision making. The relationshipbetween patient and surgeon isparticularly charged and is animportant source of support, in-formation, hope and advice.

The honors portion of theprogram was a source of pridefor the Louisiana Scottish RiteFoundation and its members.Dr. Gina Easterly-Taylor, As-sistant Professor-LSU HealthSciences Center Baton Rougeand daughter of Ill. S BruceEasterly, 33° President of theSR Foundation, was honoredas Alumni of The Year Award.

Dr.Gina Easterly and Dr. Thomas Powell, ExecutiveDirector off Mollie E Webb

12

Scottish Rite FULFILL-BUILD-PROVIDEcontinued from front pageThe Master Keys to The Camp:

continued page 13continued next column

we find 10 spheres or Sephiroth arranged in such a way as toform a total of 22 connecting paths between them, for a total of32. Incidentally, there are 22 main letters in the Hebrew al-phabet, and each of them has a place on the 22 connectingpaths, respectively, as seen in the diagram above. Furthermore,in the Kabballah the 3rd sphere or emanation of the initialtrinity contains within itself the following 7 Sephiroth. Theseare the same 7 sephirothic emanations of which we are specifi-cally informed in the 32nd Degree ritual ("Voices" section) thatthey were "four male and three female" - this exact correspon-dence of polarities is also to be found on the same KabalisticTree of Life! We have thus elucidated the "emptiness" of theHeptagon following the new Degree nomenclature, suffice itto say that it is most definitely not empty of meaning. As forthe Kabballah and Book of Revelation we only briefly men-tioned, have no fear if the above sketch lacked sufficient intro-ductory material, we will explain things more fully below aswe present further keys to the Camp's structure.

Speaking of introductory material, let us touch briefly uponthe subject of study pre-requisites necessary to understand theCamp. First, I beg the reader to understand that a certainamount of "pain" and confusion is somewhat inevitable whenone first approaches subjects as complex and as abstruse as theKabalistic keys to the 32nd Degree Camp. Private study ofmultiple reference sources, as well as participation in the eso-teric classes offered at the Valley can ease this initial shocksubstantially. All other things being equal, there is no substi-tute for a good primer. Of the two hundred or so books on theKabballah strewn about my esoteric library, I would probablyrecommend no more than three. One of these is particularlyawesome, a true gem from which I have selected a couple ofpictures below: "Kabbalah: Tradition of Hidden Knowledge"by Z'Ev Ben Shimon Halevi. In addition, as you will see below,an understanding of the Book of Revelation is crucial to grasp-ing the inner meaning of the Camp. Read it patiently, withparticular emphasis on Chapter 4.

Now that we've covered the preparatory resources, let uscontinue unveiling the "keys". Here's a very important ques-tion: Why does the Kabballah figure so prominently in so manyDegrees of the Scottish Rite? Entire Degrees are built aroundit, starting with the 4th - why? The answer has to do with thefact that Masonry in general, and the Scottish Rite in particu-lar, explore the nature of the relationship between Man andthe Creator, and the Kabballah very aptly offers an expressionof this eternal quest, and it does so within a format where sym-bols are encoded geometrically and also through the numeri-cal values of letters. So what exactly, pray tell, is the Kabballah,more precisely? It is a school of thought connected historicallyto the mystical aspect of Rabbinic Judaism. It comprises a setof esoteric teachings meant to explain the complex relation-ship between an infinite GOD and a finite Universe as GOD'screation. The various levels of creation, or of manifestation,are portrayed in a geometrical model (known as the Tree ofLife) of ten spheres or Sephiroths, seen as outward emanationsof GOD, and arranged around 3 Columns so as to form a totalof 22 connecting paths between them. These Columns are iden-

tif ied in the 4th Degree as Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty, thusgiving the esoteric key to much of the Blue Lodge symbolism.Each of the 10 Sephiroth has a Planet associated with it (in-cluding the Moon), and each of the 22 connecting paths isassociated with one of the 22 Hebrew letters, each of which inturn has a numerical value. This constitutes one of the mainesoteric keys to our Camp. In addition, the planetary attribu-tions, particularly as they relate to the Standards on the Penta-gon, as well as the mystical significance of the odd integers 1,3, 5, 7, and 9, have already been discussed at length in previ-ous parts of this series. A further connection will become ap-parent when the mathematical key to the Hebrew alphabet isrevealed below.

We need to pause here briefly in order to make a crucialpoint. Anytime you attempt to unlock the meaning of any Ma-sonic symbol or ritual, remember the most important axiom ofHermetic Philosophy: "As Above, So Below", which is alsothe meaning of the two interlaced triangles, one pointing up,the other pointing down. The geometry of the Kabbalah does

not only describe the natureof GOD, it also describes thestructure of Man as a modelof human consciousness. Thisone aspect is about as impor-tant to understand as the factthat Hiram represents boththe Sun and the Soul of Man.I have searched long and hardfor a way to express to the stu-dent as painlessly as possiblejust how the Kabballah de-scribes in coded geometricalform a process of creation, nota static thing. Once again, thebook referenced above cameto the rescue and provided anexcellent practical examplethrough which the studentcan immediately grasp theessence of the doctrine:

The patient student who will pair off the names and themeanings of the Sephiroths by "superimposing" both picturesgiven above, and in addition fill in the planetary attributionsand the letters on each of the 22 paths, will be well on his waytoward understanding the deeper mysteries of the Scottish RiteDegrees. By now you should have a very clear idea of the keyrole of the Kabballah in interpreting the 32nd Degree Camp.There are actually plenty of direct references to the Kabballahwithin the text of the Degree ritual itself. Also, please con-sider the fact that no less than two of the Passwords of the32nd Degree are actually the exact names of Sephiroths on theTree of Life!

It is now proper to fulfill a promise made in an earlier partof this series to reveal the Kabalistic and Geometrical keys tothe Hebrew alphabet. You will f ind this to be quite unique, Iassure you. There are a total of 24 positive integers which di-vide the 360 degrees of a circle into whole numbers. Two ofthese 24 divisors are the numbers 1 and 360, respectively. We

13

Scottish Rite FULFILL-BUILD-PROVIDEcontinued from page 12The Master Keys to The Camp:

Salve Frater!

Ion Lazar, 32ºKCCH

may safely eliminate them from the discussion because anypositive integer above 1 is always divisible by 1 and by itself,by definition. We are left with 22 integers that divide the 360degrees of a circle: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 24, 30,36, 40, 45, 60, 72, 90, 120, 180. Notice anything special aboutthis series? Well, the numbers over 10 are obviously factorialcomposites of the first 7 numbers in the series, but it is moreimportant to notice that 360 is divisible by every single posi-tive integer from 1 to 10 except the number 7! This is anotherreason why the Heptagon is "empty" - the Heptagon cannotform whole-number arcs on the circle, therefore cannot be con-sidered "perfect" or "regular" within the symbolism presented.This leads us to the truly important revelation concerning theCamp: just as the 10 Sephiroth progressively emanate fromthe initial ONE, the entire Camp is itself a symbol of ONE,and this is why all the figures of it are concentric, as if ema-nating from the one central point at the intersection of theCross's bars, the place symbolically occupied by the SovereignGrand Commander. The numerical attributions of the 22 He-brew letters, much like the 22 divisors of the circle, express asimilar concept when properly arranged along the 22 paths ofthe Tree of Life. The Adept needs no further clues here. SanctaSanctis!

Much has been revealedhere. However, much moreremains hidden within thetext of the 32nd Degreeritual. It is hoped that thesincere student would un-dertake a serious study ofthe text at the earliest op-portunity. Also, having ac-cess to the source materialcited above is a must in or-der to examine the full-sizeillustrations where all theattributions ("labels") onthe Tree are legible, whichcannot be accomplishedhere at full size due to spacelimitations. At this point thestudent possesses all theesoteric keys to the Camp,except one. Let us look be-yond the horizon, shake offthe fear of the unknown, and dare to complete the map / puzzle.

The Book of Revelation supplies the final key to the Camp.Again, there are pre-requisites strongly recommended here inorder to achieve a comprehensive view of the many connec-tions with other Scottish Rite Degrees. I would particularlysuggest a thorough study of the themes and symbolism of the17th Degree (Knight of the East and West) - one will find amultitude of Kabalistic connections there along with very rel-evant teachings built around the symbolism of the Seven Seals.

Chapter 4 of the Book of Revelation offers us some unmis-takable clues as to the design of the Camp and to its overall


purpose in the 32nd Degree. The throne seen "in the spirit" bythe mysterious author "John" has a rainbow around it (sevencolors in one). In the 32nd Degree, the seven-pointed star dis-playing the colors of the rainbow is set behind the Master'schair in the East. Around the throne are 24 seats with 24elders. In our Camp, outside of the Circle the values of theTriangle, Pentagon, Heptagon, and Nonagon add up to 24 (3 +5 + 7 + 9 =24). Seven lamps are burning around the throne asthe Seven Spirits, while the Camp features the Heptagon. Thereare "voices" coming from the throne, as there are also "voices"featured in the Degree, seven, no less. There are also four mys-terious "beasts" guarding the throne. We find that the centerof our Camp has a cross of four points, and at each point issymbolically identified a Grand Marshall. In the Book of Rev-elation, the four creatures have the face of a lion, a bull, aman, and an eagle, respectively. In the Camp we find thesefeatured on the Standards around the Pentagon. They are actu-ally symbolic representations of the 4 signs of the Zodiac thatform the Celestial Cross, as has been fully unveiled in an ear-lier part of this series: the lion represents Leo, the Bull is Tau-rus, the Man stands for Aquarius, and the Eagle is the symbolalways used to denote Scorpio. The Cross thus formed furtherrelates, as previously explained, to the equinoxes and solsticeswhich are key to the interpretation of several Scottish RiteDegrees and teachings. We may conveniently choose to stopour analysis here knowing that the Book of Revelation is muchmore than a mere description of a vision - some researchersclaim it is a complete, yet ciphered path to spiritual Initiation- and also that we have not by any means exhausted the richtreasure of symbolism in the 32nd Degree.

As we reach the end of our series of brief incursions intothe mysterious Camp of the 32nd Degree, I can't help but pon-der briefly, albeit a bit nostalgically, the delicate balance offactors and of choices involved in the somewhat subjectiveprocess of selecting esoteric interpretations in Masonic re-search. In a beautiful 1920 poem, the immortal Robert Frostwrote:

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference."

Masonic Initiation is intensely personal. It should leave anindelible mark upon your Soul. We present our timeless mys-teries to you as the Aspirant, and yet we can never see theworld through your eyes. In the final analysis, the one inter-pretation that "works" to trigger in you the transformative pro-cess of spiritual Initiation is the one which you instinctivelyrecognize as capable of giving you wings and of inspiring youto dream and to create. It is a path you must choose yourself.

14


Ill. William J. Mollere, 33°Sovereign Grand Inspector General

THE FINALWORD

“A Quarter, A Nickel and Two Pennies”

continued from page 6Valley of Shreveport NewsCenturion Club cont’d:

continued page 15

A Legacy in Perpetuity

In my last message to you in the June / July issue of thisTRESTLEBOARD, the facts of higher Dues and Fees wereexplained for the coming year. Over the last two months, sev-eral Brothers have talked to me about the figures mentioned.Remember that the suggested range was a $1 each year in-crease to $1 per day Dues - an interesting range of $76 to $365per year. One very good, dear friend and Brother asked me inChurch one Sunday what the decision would be. He is retired,a faithful Member for many years, and on a fixed income. Heexplained that he wanted to maintain his membership and un-derstood that expenses were increasing, as in all other areas,but he hoped that the increase would not "price him out" of therange of being able to continue to pay his Dues. AnotherBrother sadly explained that he knew several who would De-mit or just quit if Dues went up even $1. Another Brotherasked me if I understood the value of Membership to Brotherswho joined and were not able to regularly attend. Still anotherBrother complained that I appeared to dictate and not listen toMembers or even seek advice on the method of increases. Allcomments have been received with my thanks, even the nega-tive ones, and all truly understood. I too am retired and on afixed income. I have asked every Valley to talk, listen andgive me the thoughts, ideas and suggestions from the member-ship. Every September and October when Dues notices beginarriving for the various organizations, especially Masonic, Ishutter and wonder how I got myself into so many organiza-tions and why I have continued to belong to those in which Irarely participate. Then the checks get written, stamps affixedand the mail goes off, and the Dues cards eventually arriveensuring that my membership is secure for another year. Mostly,I believe in these organizations, enjoy the membership func-tions and most importantly, the organizations support someworthwhile cause or charity, and it is my way of participatingand supporting them vicariously.

True membership is always defined by those who want tobelong and want to support and participate in the organiza-

they can give more than once! If you would like to become amember, simply make a $100.00 contribution to the Valley.Come join and be recognized!

I met a wonderful man recently and thought that I wouldshare a little about him. He was the quiet type, and was al-ways thinking about the future. He had that gift of not lookingat just the present, but was always thinking about what a dif-ference he could make to those that depended upon him. Hewas always planning things, and thinking: What can I do tomake that difference?" He told me that he didn't want to bejust like everybody else, to blend in, to be a name on a list, orforgotten after a short period of time. He said, "I want toleave a Legacy. I want to do something that will mean a lot toothers long after I am gone. I want to be remembered as onethat gave when others quit giving." He looked at me, and witha gleam in his eyes told me that he had thought of what hewould do. He had thought of what that special gift that wouldbe. He had realized what his Legacy for all time would say.Through forethought, he gave the gift that keeps on giving.He realized that paying dues once each year would end withhim. His Legacy he found would be realized if he would paydues that keep paying beyond the present and continue longinto the future. He could help keep alive that gift of givingand being a charitable man. Friends, this wonderful man willforever be known as "Perpetual".

Our September meeting immediately follows the weekendof the Fall Reunion. The September 14th Meeting will haveour cast presenting the Feast of Tishri. Now, for those thatdon't know, the Feast of Tishri is derived from the IsraeliteFestival of Sukkoth also known as the Feast of the Tabernacles.This is a play representing the exodus from Egypt by the Jews,the end of the fall harvest, a celebration of thanksgiving andthe dedication of King Solomon's Temple. The audience par-ticipates with the players, in toasting throughout the play. Ifyou haven't seen the play, you can correct that by planning toattend and enjoy a great meal too!

Feast of Tishri

Built of the finest Italian marbles, emblazoned with inlaidgold leaf; bereft with Tiffany glass Chandeliers, and Englishtufted carpet. Our is the finest Temple in the South. Help uskeep it standing strong and beautiful. Give to the BuildingFoundation by sending your tax-deductible contributions to:Shreveport Scottish Rite Foundation, Inc. (SSRFI) P. O. Box64 Shreveport. LA 71161.

Shreveport Scottish Rite Building Foundation

15


Bill Mollere, 33° S.G.I.G.

continued from page 14The Final Word-How Much is Your Membership Worth:


tion. As mentioned last issue, some Brothers once joined Scot-tish Rite in order to become Shriners - that is no longer a pre-requisite. Some joined to be able to boast that they were 32ndDegree Masons - worthy, but being a Master Mason in Free-masonry is really as high as anyone could hope to attain - be-ing a Master of the Royal Secret, 32nd Degree, means a Brotherwanted "More Light" by traveling further down the road ofFreemasonry and joined the fellowship of Scottish Rite - newlessons, new challenges, new friends and Brothers - all worthyof Masons seeking to be better than themselves, helping oth-ers, improving their lives through lessons inculcated, and hope-fully regularly practicing the lessons exemplified in the De-grees.

So, today being a Master of the Royal Secret in Louisianacosts $75 per year in Dues. Yet we have many Members whoare quitting - the money is not the real reason they quit, andeach has his own reason. Our neighboring states have higherDues, but that is not an excuse to raise Louisiana's Dues andFees. Our Dues and Fees have long been so low that one won-ders how the organization paid its bills previously, especiallywhen a building, employees and services are provided in eachof our five Valleys. My Dues in professional organizationsand other civic clubs compared to Masonic fees have alwaysbeen much, much higher - and no one seemed to complain.Yet, when my Lodge attempted to raise its Dues several yearsago, there was a general uprising - $35 per year with a $5increase was open war! $40 per year? Rotary was $240 peryear plus lunch at $7.50 each week - and you had better notmiss a week - and the room was full! Masons trying to in-crease fees have always faced a challenge when compared toevery other group or organization in the world.

Well - here is the news, my Brothers, Masters of the RoyalSecret, 32nd Degree Masons - about 32 cents a day in 2011 -$10 per month - $120 per year. Can you afford to pay that? IsScottish Rite worth about 32 cents a day to you - a quarter, anickel and two pennies? Do you still want to support the fiveRiteCare Clinics helping hundreds of children every year inLouisiana? Do you want to support the thousands of dollars inscholarships awarded to Speech Pathology and to EngineeringStudents each year? Do you want to support the ROTC andAmericanism awards given to over 500 Louisiana students eachyear? Do you want to receive a magazine each month fromScottish Rite? Do you want to attend and participate in monthlymeetings, events, semi-annual Reunions and know that youare a part of a progressive, active arm of Freemasonry? Withthe Dues increase there is a caveat - if you are a 50-year Scot-tish Rite Mason, your dues will be $80 per year. Fees to jointhe Scottish Rite are increasing January 1, 2011 to $400, whichincludes the first year Dues. For petitioners between the agesof 18-29 and those over 65 the fee will be $300 with the firstyear Dues included. Fees for petitioners in the Clergy and Ac-tive Servicement are waived, but the Dues must be paid. Per-petual or Endowed Membership will be $2,500.

Attempting to arrive at a reasonable Dues & Fee structurehas not been easy, but it has been made with many comments,

suggestions and forethought. I do not like to make decisionsthat will make Brothers chose to continue to belong or choseto leave because of money; but some Brothers will leave. Hope-fully, many will redouble their activity level wanting to knowwhere their Dues are going, how the money is being spent,what is going on down at the Scottish Rite, and become activeand involved. Recruiting new Brothers may become more of achallenge too, but sense of value of membership is the answer- do you value your membership and do you participate in thiswonderful Craft of Brotherhood? Is the fellowship, the Broth-erhood, the lessons offered, the tangibles and intangibles ofScottish Rite worth a quarter, a nickel and two pennies a day?I hope so; and thank you for continuing to be a practicing,participating, involved and Dues-paying Scottish Rite Mason


Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PaidBaton Rouge, LAPermit No. 2408

Baton Rouge Scottish Rite ChildhoodLearning CenterP.O. Box 15766Baton Rouge, LA 70895-5766Telephone: (225) 275-0668Admiral E. A. Barham, 33° ScottishRite Childhood Learning Center205 University AvenueMonroe, LA 71203-3701Telephone: (318) 343-6388Southeastern Louisiana RegionalScottish Rite Childhood LearningCenterSoutheastern Louisiana UniversityScottish Rite Temple619 Carondelet StreetNew Orleans, LA 70130Telephone: (504) 522-3789Shreveport Scottish Rite ChildhoodLearning CenterScottish Rite Temple725 Cotton StreetShreveport, LA 71101Telephone: (318) 221-9713

16

Southwestern LouisianaRegionalScottish Rite Childhood LearningCenterUniversity of Louisiana-LafayetteLake Charles Masonic Temple717 Hodges StreetLake Charles, LA 70601

Did You Know? It is the mission of the Scottish RiteofFreemasonry, SJ, to improve its membersand enhance the communities in whichthey live by teaching and emulating theprinciples of Brotherly Love, Tolerance,Charity, and Truth while actively embrac-ing high social, moral, and spiritual val-ues including fellowship, compassion,and dedication to God, family and coun-try.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES← Fulfill the promise of additional Ma-sonic knowledge through education andtraining.← Build a Positive Public Image of Free-masonry and the Scottish Rite.← Support and expand our philanthropicactivities.← Provide a framework for effective lead-ership to ensure the stability and long-term success of the Fraternity.← Provide a financial process to ensurethe stability and long-term success of theFraternity.

Mission Statement

We have a procedure for balloting:Article XVII, Section 9:

Louisiana Scottish Rite FoundationLouisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard

Post Office Box 64Shreveport, LA 71161

Tel: 318-221-9713

August - September 2010 Issue10-04

When, upon a ballot being taken, oneblack ball appears, further action shallbe postponed until the nest regular meet-ing of the Body. In the meantime theobjector may make known to the presid-ing officer in secret his objection to thecandidate, which objection the presidingoff icer may, in his discretion, makeknown to the Body, if the identity of theobjecting Brother be not revealed thereby.The presiding off icer may also makeknown to the Body his opinion as towhether or not the reasons which havebeen communicated to him are sufficientto justify rejection. At the next regularmeeting, whether the reasons have beencommunicated to the presiding officer ornot, a second ballot shall be taken, and ifthere then be one or more negative votes,the candidate will be declared rejected.

Section 10; When there are two ormore black balls cast on the question ofinitiation or affiliation, the candidate willbe declared rejected. Note: There is norejection declared on the first ballot un-der section 9.

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