January, 2010

Grand Master Slater Addressed 18 Brethren

of Reunion Class

Deadlines for Valley Notice in 2010:

Issue Deadline

March January 29

May April 2 Please deliver your submissions to the Scottish Rite Office, or email directly to the editor at:: pm1989@comcast.net

NOW … Receive your Valley Notice via email ! Keeping up with the Scottish Rite has never been more convenient. Have the Valley’s award-winning newsletter delivered directly to your email account. To begin receiving Valley Notice exclusively via email, simply email a message to: valley.of.reading@comcast.net

We will make sure you are on the distribution list. Inside this issue: You may advise us to remove you from the email distribution at any time, so you’ve got nothing to lose – start enjoying Valley Notice via email today!

In Memoriam Page 5 Scottish Riders Dance Page 6 Golden Eagles Page 7 Casting Call Page 8 Walk for Dyslexia Page 9 Combined Clubs Ladies Night Page 11

2009 Fall Class of 32º Scottish Rite Members The Valley of Reading held its 2009 Fall Reunion Friday Night and Saturday morning, November 13 and 14 during which, thirteen candidates became 32° Masons. Seated (l-r) are Presiding Officers of the Valley of Reading Bradley L. Auker, Most Wise Master; Kevin S. Barnhardt, Thrice Potent Master; Paul A. Swank, Sovereign Prince; Ill. Russell W. Baker, 33º, Active Member For Pennsylvania; Ill. Victor M. Frederick, III, 33º, Commander-in-Chief; and Officers of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Ill. Mark A. Haines, 33º, R. W. Grand Secretary, Ill. Edward O. Weisser, 33º, R. W. Past Grand Master; and Ill. Marvin G. Speicher, 33º, R.W. Past Grand Treasurer.

VALLEY NOTICE Is a publication of the four bodies of

the Valley of Reading, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of

Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction and is the

official notice of meetings, events and activities of the Valley.

Editor- Ill. Jon J. DeHart, 33° Associate Editor-

Ill. Blaine F. Fabian, 33°

The Valley of Reading, A.A.S.R. P.O. Box 6013

West Reading, PA 19610

Phone: 610-373-0722 Fax: 610-373-0795

Email: valley.of.reading@comcast.net

Standing front: Ill. Louis A. Fiorini, 33º, Chairman of Class Marshals and Class Members Miguel Angel Gonzales; Francis Thomas Gill, Jr.; Glen A. Houck; Gary Allen Gougler; Frank Wesley Ike; John C. McDonough; Jan Renard Murphy; and Ill. Gerald R. Baum, 33º. Class Marshal Standing rear: Class members Antonio M. Salonga; Dwayne Glen Miller; Francis John Jroski, Jr.; Jack Ayoub; William Calvin Henley, III; Kevin James Matthews; and Richard A. Imgrund, Class Marshal.

2010 CALENDAR IS ON PAGES 3 AND 4 Clip and Save - - It Folds to Pocket Size

2

Greetings Brethren: I hope this is an interesting read and summarizes what you may or may not have known about the Lodge of Perfection. Historical background In its origin, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry has no known geographic connection to Scotland. It developed from a system of 25 so-called “higher degrees” which flourished in France in the mid-18th century and which came to be known as the Rite of Perfection. There is evidence that some of these degrees had an ancestral source also in England and Scotland.

Thrice Potent Master’s Corner

Kevin S. Barnhardt

Hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hopefully this New Year will be prosperous for all of us as well as for our Valley. A special thank you to all who participated either by attendance or being a helping hand at our Family Life program. It certainly is a fun time around the Valley when the public comes and enjoys our Fellowship. In 2010 we will be making some changes, hopefully for the better to make your Scottish Rite experience more Inspirational, Convenient and Enjoyable. At our March Stated Meeting we will be exemplifying the twenty sixth degree in full ceremonial form. The degree will be conferred by the Hiram’s Scottish Riders Degree Team. Don’t panic the Stated Meeting will be run by the Lodge of Perfection with all four bodies represented on stage at one time. We will only have one opening and one closing thus reducing the meeting time considerably. We will all be experiencing this form of meeting for the first time and as they say time will tell if it will be effective. "Our most profitable lessons are learned from failure, not success." This past Fall Reunion only netted the Valley thirteen new Scottish Rite Masons. Though we are pleased to have these new members and greet them with open arms of true fellowship we need to increase our numbers. Declining membership and inflation are creating troubled times for Reading Scottish Rite and hoping that things will get better won’t make it happen. We need to take the bull by the horns and act now. If we would all only sign up one brother in the year of 2010 our troubles would go away. I am certain that each and every one of you know a worthy brother who does not belong. Please reach out and give him a petition. Tell him how family oriented our Scottish Rite Masonry is. Bring him to a County Club affair or other activity in the Valley. Bring a non-Mason to our events. Remember that men know Masonry only through the lives of individual Masons. Let’s show them what they are missing and hope that they want to be a part of it. Don’t forget to check out the rest of this newsletter for exciting events scheduled in the first quarter of this new year. Remember to attend our Stated Meeting on January 26th and bring your lady. Our annual Pork and Sauerkraut dinner will be served starting at 6:00 PM. Hope to run Butch out of food. See you then.

The Commander-in-Chief Ill. Victor M. Frederick III., 33°

Henry Francken deputized by Stephen Morin, organized a Lodge of Perfection in Albany, New York in 1767. The beginning of what was to become the AASR in the United States. During the colonial period, deputies appointed by Morin organized Masonic groups conferring advanced degrees at points along the Atlantic seaboard. These groups were independent, without centralized supervision or control, except to agree that their authority came from Stephen Morin. Reading Lodge of Perfection, 14th , chartered September 20, 1906. The first TPM was Adam H. Schmehl. The original membership fee was $25.00 and a life membership could be obtained for $80.00. Bro. Schmehl served as WM of St. Johns No 435from 1887-1888. First to obtain 33rd was Bro. Thomas P. Merritt, local businessman and city mayor elected in 1890. The number of members at the time of Constitution was 118, most of whom had resigned from the Valley of Philadelphia to become charter members at Reading. Within eight years, membership had increased to well over 700. This healthy growth in the Lodge of Perfection prompted the brethren to consider the establishment of the other bodies of the Rite in Berks County. A request was ultimately directed to Supreme Council for a dispensation to organize a Council of Princes of Jerusalem and a Chapter of Rose Croix.

Rules and Regulations Valley of Reading Fiscal Agent section 1 Reading Lodge of Perfection shall be the fiscal agent and/or fiscal body of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Reading and the business and financial affairs of said valley shall be conducted in and by said Lodge of Perfection, which, as trustee for the respective coordinate bodies, shall be charged with the custody, management, and control of all funds (not including funds in control of the hospitaler) belonging to the four coordinate bodies as their interest may appear. Communication The Ineffable degrees, from the fourth to the fourteenth inclusive, are conferred in the Lodge of Perfection. They are called “ineffable” because they are concerned with the ineffable or unutterable Name of God and with man’s eager quest for the true name. In these eleven degrees there is a profound unveiling of the character and purposes of God. “That high and holy One who inhabits eternity but dwells with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.” In formal ritual and in drama, ten of these degrees, based upon Old Testament Scripture and legends of the Solomonic era, Elaborate the teachings of Symbolic Freemasonry and apply them to practical situations which are faced in everyday life. The fourteenth degree summarizes what has been taught and is a moral and philosophical climax.

Continued on page 4

Life goes so fast and to just sit around watching it go is a shame. The Valley of Reading has so many great people and so many great events taking place throughout the year. You are only cheating yourself if you don’ t meet these people and attend some of the events. We all know some of the people from the Valley of Reading from our Blue Lodges. Scottish Rite Masonry offers an opportunity to meet people outside of your Masonic District. These other Masons are having the same problems in their districts that you are having in yours. Two heads are better than one, how much better then, is five or ten? The Valley of Reading is Scottish Rite Masonry at its best, and there is so much more to take advantage of and so many people to learn from. You have heard it before, but it remains true; you only get out of it what you put into it. Try it and discover the truth of that statement. When the Valley Notice comes, cut out the Calendar, come to the meetings and bring your Lady. Come to the Reunions, County Club meetings, picnics and all the other events, to see what you are missing. If you don’t like it, we are always open to suggestions to improve our Valley. Your ideas may help to make the Valley of Reading even better. Take care as I leave you with one more thought: “Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds."

-Theodore Roosevelt

Greetings from your Chapter of Rose Croix, I tried a couple of times to write this column, but it just did not come together. Which is unusual for me, because most of the time the words just flow when writing for the different columns I do. Then this Thanksgiving morning when checking my e-mail I read one about Heaven’s Grocery Store. Here one could get Patience, Love, Understanding, Wisdom, Faith, Charity, the Holy Ghost, Strength, Courage, Grace, Salvation, Prayer, Peace, Joy, Song and Praise. For no cost, it has already been paid for by our lord many years ago. Thanks be to God! How lucky we are to live in this country, with all its problems and everyone who says this country can’t last the way it is going. I am still thankful to be born and raised in the USA. We must remember no matter how bad it is, ours is the country to which others want to come so they can live the dream we often take for granted. We have so much to be thankful for! Mostly, thanks to GOD for all he has given us. One of our other blessings is the Valley of Reading A.A.S.R. and the four bodies in the Valley. Our Valley has so much to offer its members, it is a shame some choose not to take advantage of the things their dues make available to them. The Family Life Celebration will be over by the time you are read this. I am sorry if you chose not to attend. A lot of work goes into the Family Life Celebration and remember once it is gone you can never get it back. Your Chapter of Rose Croix will have started practicing for the Feast of the Paschal the Lamb before the January Valley Notice l comes to our door. Please Mark your calendar for March 7 and help us honor your Brethren who have passed through the West Gate during the previous year.

Most Wise Master’s Moment

Bradley L. Auker

 

CROONERS NEEDED The Scottish Rite choir needs your help! They are always looking for members who enjoy singing.  Please consider lending your voice to their efforts, which help bring our 

Reunions to life. VOLUNTEER TODAY!

Clip & Save

AASR VALLEY OF READING 2010 CALENDAR Jan. 10 SRVC 2p.m. Jan. 10 Ladies Aux Board Meeting 2:30 p.m. Jan. 11 Oversight Adv. Committee 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 Executive Committee 7 p.m. Jan. 20 Golden Eagles Noon Jan. 26 STATED MTG (Dinner at 6 p.m.) 7 p.m. Jan. 29 33° Members Annual Mtg 6 p.m. Feb. 7 SRVC 2 p.m. Feb. 17 Golden Eagles Noon Mar. 5 Lancaster Co. “Spring Fling” 6:30 p.m. Weaver’s Banquet Facility, Adamstown Mar. 7 SRVC 2 p.m. Mar. 7 Ladies Aux Board Meeting 2:30 p.m. Mar. 7 Feast of the Paschal Lamb 2 p.m. Scottish Rite Cath. Mar. 8 Oversight Advisory Committee 7:30 p.m. Mar. 15 Executive Committee 7 p.m. Mar. 17 Golden Eagles Noon Mar. 19 & 20 Council of Deliberation Workshop

Mar. 23 STATED MTG (Dinner 6 p.m.) 7 p.m. Mar. 27 Ladies’Aux Fashion Show Noon Apr. 3 Easter Egg Hunt 10:30 a.m. Scottish Rite Cath. Apr. 4 SRVC 2 p.m. Apr. 8 Chester Co . Ladies Night 6 p.m. Inst. of Officers – Coatesville Moose Apr. 10 Council of Deliberation 8:30 a.m.

Ritualistic Seminar Apr. 17 Pagoda Club Spaghetti Dinner 6:00 p.m. Scottish Rite Cath. Apr. 20 Lancaster Lodge of Perfection 6:30 p.m. Apr. 21 Golden Eagles Noon Apr. 21 Schuylkill Co. Stag Seafood Night 5 p.m. Sch. Lodge No. 138, Orwigsburg Apr. 28 Good Fellowship Spring Stag 6 p.m. Keystone Fire Co., Boyertown May 1 Combined Co. Clubs Ladies’ Night 6 p.m. Scottish Rite Cath. May 2 SRVC 2 p.m. May 2 Ladies Aux Board Meeting 2:30 p.m. May 3 Department Head/Degree Masters Mtg 7 p.m. May 10 Executive Committee Mtg 7 p.m. May 17 LAST DAY FOR PETITIONS

May 19 Golden Eagles Noon May 22 SPRING REUNION May 24 Post Mortem 6 p.m. May 25 STATED MTG (Dinner 6 p.m.) 7 p.m. Installation of Officers June TBD John Gay Mem Sports Banquet 6 p.m. Revere Tavern, Paradise, PA June 4 33° Members’ Spring Mtg 6 p.m. June 6 SRVC 2 p.m. June 7 Oversight Adv Committee 7:30 p.m. June 9 Schuylkill Co Stag Steak Fry 5 p.m. Sch. Lodge No. 138, Orwigsburg June 12 Fishing Rodeo – Limestone Springs June 16 Golden Eagles Noon June 21 Ont. His & Hers Clambake 3 p.m. Hamburg Game Assn. Pavilion June 23 Good Fellowship Steak Fry 3 p.m. Ringing Rocks Park July 10 PA. Council of Deliberation – Hershey July 15 Workers’ Picnic 5 p.m. Scottish Rite Cath. July 21 Golden Eagles Noon

3

Aug. 7 AASR FAMILY PICNIC 4 p.m. Reading Leiderkranz Aug. 14 Rajah Potentate’s Picnic Aug. 14 Chester Co. Chicken BBQ Noon– 4 p.m. Skerrett Lodge #343, Cochranville Aug.18 Schuylkill Co. Ladies’ Picnic 5 p.m. Schuylkill Lodge No. 138, Orwigsburg Aug. 18 Golden Eagles Noon Aug. 29-31 Supreme Council – Philadelphia Sept.11 Gala for Dyslexia Concert 7 p.m. & VIP Event Scottish Rite Cath. Sept.12 SRVC 2 p.m. Sept.15 Golden Eagles Noon Sept. 18 Craft Show 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sept. 18 Bike/Car Show 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sept.20 Oversight Adv Committee 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 SRVC 2 p.m. Oct. 4 Ont. Pancake/ Sausage Stag Night 6 p.m. Virginville Hotel Oct.10 Pagoda Sunday Football 1 p.m. Oct.13 Schuylkill Pre-Reunion Stag 6 p.m. Red Lion Café, Pine Grove Oct.18 Cathedral Assn. Annual Mtg 7 p.m. Oct.19 Lancaster Lodge of Perfection 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20 Golden Eagles Noon

Oct. 26 STATED MTG (Dinner 6 p.m.) 7 p.m. Oct. 30 Masonic One Day Class Nov. 1 Dept Head/Degree Master Mtg 7 p.m Nov. 2 Lancaster Co. Fall Ladies Night 6:30 p.m. Shady Maple Smorgasbord Nov. 7 SRVC 2 p.m. Nov. 12 Chester Ladies’ Night 6 p.m. Coatesville Moose Lodge Nov. 15 LAST DAY FOR PETITIONS Nov. 17 Golden Eagles Noon Nov. 20 FALL REUNION Nov. 22 Post Mortem 6 p.m. Dec. 5 SRVC 2 p.m. Dec. 11 & 12 Family Life Celebration 6 – 8 p.m. Dec. 11 Rajah Shrine Ceremonial Dec. 15 Golden Eagles Noon Dec. 18 & 19 Family Life Celebration 6 – 8 p.m. 2011 Jan. 9 SRVC 2 p.m. Jan. 17 Exec Committee Mtg 7 p.m. Jan. 19 Golden Eagles Noon Jan. 25 STATED MTG (Dinner 6 p.m.) 7 p.m. Jan. 28 33° Members Annual Mtg 6 p.m.

A.A.S.R. VALLEY OF

READING

2010 CALENDAR

Happy Winter everyone. As we are in the dark days of winter, I hope you can look back fondly on a great Holiday Season that was blessed with good health, good friends, and good visits with your relatives. I can certainly do that, but I am also blessed with all of you who made the Family Life weekends so successful. I wish to thank the Scottish Rite Volunteer Committee, the Ladies Auxiliary (great refreshments!), all those who staffed the Live Nativity and the greeters (thanks Dave Wells, the Rainbow Girls and DeMolay and Wardrobe and Makeup), all those who made the Dinners With Santa possible, the Train Club for many hours setting up and running the displays, the Hiram Scottish Riders, the Fish Pond Staff, Clowns, Face Painters, and our ever popular Santa. I would like to recognize each of you personally, but be assured I am grateful for your help. It is a great example of going hand to hand with unanimity. This notice contains the information on the Combined County Club Ladies Night on Saturday May 1st. I strongly encourage you to attend as the entertainment is superb. I have heard Charlie Zahm on several occassions and never tire of his songs. You will not be disappointed and you will certainly not nod off. If you would like more information, visit his website at www.CharlieZahm.com.

Sovereign Prince Speaks

 

As in the past notices, I am again encouraging your participation in the Valley activities. Make an effort to support your officers by attending the stated meetings; join in your county club activities; volunteer for committees and be active. You in particular and the Valley in general will be better by your participation. Hang in there, beat the winter blahs, the groundhog is just around the corner.

Paul A. Swank 

Clip & Save

Thrice Potent Master’s Corner Continued from page 2 Important practical lessons are taught in the eleven Ineffable degrees: secrecy and silence in all confidential relationships; reverence and obedience to God; faithfulness to family and country; justice tempered by mercy; universal brotherhood; honesty in business relations; forgiveness of past injustices; and perseverance in overcoming the difficulties encountered in our progress toward Perfection. The honor of Freemasonry is placed in the hands of those who seek perfection in character and who reverence the Ineffable name of God. Questions often arise about our Fraternity, brethren: Where did it come from? How does it work? What does it stand for? Hopefully, I have been able to shed some light on these questions in regard to the Reading Lodge of Perfection. Now that we all know more about Scottish Rite and our Valley of Reading, I challenge you to share this info with some of your blue lodge brethren!

LADIES AUXILLIARY

Ladies, Please plan to join us for dinner at 6:00 p.m. on January 26, 2010. Immediately following our business meeting there will be a presentation on "How Not to be a Victim" by Deputy John Phillips of the Berks County Sheriff’s Department. Dates to reserve on your 2010 calendar: Saturday, March 27, 2010 - Fashion Show Saturday, May 22, 2010 - Spring Reunion Trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse

4

The Board of Directors of the 32° Masonic Learning Center for Children announces:

THE GALA FOR DYSLEXIA 2010Concert & VIP event to benefit children with dyslexia

September 11, 2010 Mark your calendar NOW!

A Stated meeting of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Bodies of Freemasonry sitting in the Valley of Reading, Pennsylvania will be held in the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 310 S. Seventh Avenue, West Reading, Pa., on the 11th day of the Hebrew month Sh’vat 5770 corresponding to: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 7:00 o’clock p.m. Business will be transacted in Reading Lodge of Perfection, 14°; C. Gilbert Steffe Council, 16°, Princes of Jerusalem; Francis Marion Highley Chapter, 18°, Knight of the Rose Croix; and Reading Consistory, 32 ° Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret. A cordial and fraternal invitation is extended to all members of the Rite duly accredited. By order of: KEVIN S. BARNHARDT, 32 BRADLEY L. AUKER, 32° Thrice Potent Master Most Wise Master PAUL A. SWANK, JR, 32° VICTOR M. FREDERICK, III, 33° Sovereign Prince Commander-in-Chief

ATTEST: Christopher H. Tecklenburg, 33°, MSA Secretary

DINNER BEFORE THE MEETING ON OCTOBER 27 6 TO 6:45 P.M.

$5.00 PER PERSON

IN MEMORIAM The Valley of Reading remembers with respect the

following Brethren whose deaths have been reported since the last publication of VALLEY NOTICE:

T.T.G.O.T.G.A.O.T.U.

Rufus W. Yoder August 10, 2008 Joseph R. White August 13, 2008 Otis E. Dellinger January 27, 2009 Christian D. Swope August 30, 2009 Lee F. Adams September 13, 2009 Robert H. Madenford September 19, 2009 Donald F. Evans September 24, 2009 Ronald A. Richards October 3, 2009

Ill. George E. Boyer, 33° December 3, 2009

Samuel A. Faust October 23, 2009 J. Richard Weaver October 25, 2009 Lewis J. Liber October 27, 2009 Brian J. Hocker October 31, 2009 John F. Reisig November 1, 2009 Walter M. Zweizig November 5, 2009 John E. Good, Jr. November 8, 2009 Lawrence A. Gaul November 22, 2009

Things You Ought To Know Facts, Information, Legends and Trivia

NATIVITY SCENE A VALLEY TRADITION -- Again, for who knows how many years, the traditional Nativity Scene drew large numbers of visitors the two weekends before Christmas, December 12 and 13 and 19 and 20. Thanks to the dedicated Brethren who erect and dismantle the blessed display each year: Ill. Robert W. Fries, 33º; Ill. Irvin D. Herring, 33º; Ill. William H. Tennant, Jr., 33º; Ill. Raymond Thompson, Jr., 33º; and David J. Dickson.

- - - - - - - - - - - KEEP UP-TO-DATE ON AASR – You will know what’s going on in your Scottish Rite. Go to the Internet and check the Valley’s web page at “valleyofreading.org”.

- - - - - - - - - - - SURE, SHRINERS ARE MASONS – Shriners belong to the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, or AAONMS. Juggle the letters just right and you’ll spell “A MASON.”

- - - - - - - - - - - SPELL IT BACKWARDS – Also, there’s an interesting monthly e-mail newsletter produced by M.W. Past Grand Master Neil Neddemeyer of Nevada titled “Cinosam” – that’s “Masonic” spelled backwards. There’s a Cinosam web site. You might want to look it up; even sign up for the newsletter – it’s free!

- - - - - - - - - - - - CASTING TIME COMES SOON – As you’ll read elsewhere, complete casting of characters is key for making a Reunion a complete success. Soon the “Casting Chairman” will be “filling the slots” for Fall. ATTENTION, NEW MEMBERS OF THE FALL CLASS, DON ‘T WAIT TO BE ASKED. E-mail “valley.of.reading@comcast.net” or call the Valley office to leave a message and join in, be sure to include your name and phone number.

5

Oldies Dance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scottish Rite Cathedral 310 South 7th Ave

West Reading, PA 19611

 

 

 

Saturday February 6, 2010 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm

 

 

B.Y.O.B and Dance with your Sweetie while enjoying music provided by DJ John Rambo 

 

 

 

 $15 per Person or $25 per Couple

Dress is Casual!  

 

 

All Proceeds to Benefit the 32˚ Learning Center for Dyslexic Children

6 

 

 

 

 

Price includes Mixers and Food Items Available via Silent Auction

 

 

Please contact the one of the following to make a reservation: Sam 610-223-6554 or Vic 484-942-9340 or sam@hsrmc.org

Golden Eagles Fly Into 2010 With Fun –Packed Schedule

Golden Eagles ready to board the bus at the Scottish Rite Cathedral for the Nov.18 trip to Hunterdon Hills Dinner-Theater.

The Golden Eagles are on the fly to enjoy another fun-filled year throughout 2010 whether its monthly programs in its “Nest” at the Scottish Rite Cathedral or on the road to dinner-theaters. On April 14, there will be a bus trip for a family-style lunch at Hershey Farm Restaurant and to Sight & Sound Theater to see “Joseph,” featuring extraordinary music, costumes, special effects, animals and more. The all-inclusive cost is $90 per person. For reservations, contact the Trip Coordinator, Golden Eagles President Marion I. Miller at (610) 845-7610 Nearing midpoint of the 2009-2010 year, President Miller said, “We’re having great times in the Nest and on the road. Anyone whose age is the same as or exceeding the 55 speed limit can join the fun.” Serving with President and Trip Coordinator Miller in leadership roles are: James R. Strunk, 1st Vice President; Howard Derr, 2nd Vice President; Elaine Koch, Secretary; Barbara R. Loose, Treasurer; Robert E. Crouse, Chaplain; and Jean Petersen and Harry Eisenbise, Hospitality and Programs Co-Chairpersons. The Golden Eagles Nest is a social club of persons 55 years and older that is sponsored by the Scottish Rite Masons of Reading. Attendance is open to all seniors from the community. The Golden Eagles Nest meets in the Scottish Rite Cathedral at noon on the third Wednesday each month for lunch, entertainment, and fun.

Schuylkill County Club

You are invited to attend

THE FEAST OF THE PASCHAL LAMB

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Presented by Francis Marion Highley Chapter,

Knights of Rose Croix Valley of Reading

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2010 2:00 P.M.

SCOTTISH RITE CATHEDRAL

Helps Fight Dyslexia

Raymond W. Moyer, Schuylkill County Club President (left) presents Commander-in-Chief, Ill. Victor M. Frederick, III, 33° (right) with a one thousand dollar check for the Masonic Learning Center for Children during the club’s annual pre-Reunion dinner at the Red Lion Café and Restaurant on October 14, 2009. Thirty hungry travelers supported the event with their attendance.

Valley of Reading Find us on the web:

www.valleyofreading.org

7

Complete Casting Is a Key For Successful Reunions

Like a challenge? You should try your hand at the challenge of casting the characters for seven to ten degrees performed during each of the twice-a-year Reunions. Already, Ill. Irvin D. Herring, 33º, is wrestling with casting assignments for the Spring Reunion -- and that task will have to be tackled again in June for the Fall Reunion. Bro. Herring has been casting as a “Committee of One” since 1987, so he obviously is the “Chairman.” “Complete casting is needed for a Reunion to be successful,” Ill. Bro. Herring said. Depending upon the needs of the

degree, there about a dozen to two-dozen characters to be cast for each and, ideally, an alternate/understudy for each character. Since some of the eight County Clubs of the Valley selectively take responsibility for a degree, they are one of the major players for successful Reunions. Ill. Bro. Herring pointed out concerns that the Casting Chairman has in making character assignments, some of which are: though a lot can be done through costuming and

make-up, physical characteristics, age and talent relationships of the performer with those of the character in the degree; since many performers must be cast in more than one degree, ample time for costume and make-up changes must be allowed between appearances; consideration is needed for the performer’s capability for memorizing and on-stage delivery; and more.

Casting Chairman Ill. Bro. Herring

OVERSIGHT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The next Stated Meetings of the Oversight Advisory Committee will be at 7:00 p.m. on Mondays, January 11, 2010, March 8, 2010, June 7, 2010 and September 20, 2010

To Contact Committee Members Larry A. Buzzard (610) 286-6579 Victor M. Frederick, III (610) 970-2153 Mark A. Haines (610) 678-9874 Thomas A. Keen (610) 369-7972 L. Donald Loos, Chairman (610) 678-1063 Herbert K. Swisher (610) 670-8084 Carl F. Berger, Secretary (570) 385-2567 Blaine F. Fabian, Consulting Aid (610) 678-4347

The “Casting Chairman” always has a dire need for more performers (not all cast assignments are speaking roles, such as guards, standard-bearers, crowd scenes and cameo walk-ons). Wonderful benefits go along with it: Fun, fellowship and satisfaction at rehearsals and the Reunions. Bro. Herring doesn‘t know every member of the Valley – especially the new Scottish Rite Masons -- so don’t you wait. E-mail valley.of.reading@comcast.net, say you don’t want to miss out on great fraternal associations, and give your name, e-mail address and phone number. That way, Ill. Bro Herring can find you.

MASONIC SCHOLARSHIPS Leon M. Abbott Scholarship Program Masonic Scholarship Resource Guide www.supremecouncil.org www.pagrandlodge.org/pyf/scholar/index.html Click on Philanthropy Tab Click on Masonic Scholarship Resource Guide Click on Abbott Scholarship

8

9 

   

May 2, 2010

 

Please make checks payable to “CLC Dyslexia Walk” and mail your registration form to: The Annual Reading Walk 32° Masonic Learning Center for Children Attn: Ed Stumm P.O. Box 6013 Reading, PA 19610

10 

 

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CLUB It’s the start of a New Year with our County Club Events. This year, like the Dollar Store where everything is a dollar

our, Club is going to be the $20 Event Club; every event will be $20.

This year the first three events will be held at the Schuylkill Lodge No.138 F&AM in Orwigsburg. So for those attending, the Stag Steak Fry and the Ladies Picnic, if it’s too warm for you, you may sit in the air conditioning. Also this year, there will be entertainment at the Ladies Picnic and a speaker at our Pre-reunion Banquet. Mark your calendar Stag Seafood Wednesday April 21, Stag Steak Fry Wednesday, June 9, Ladies Picnic Wednesday, August 18, and our Pre-Reunion Dinner at Red Lion Café Wednesday, October 13.

CHESTER COUNTY CLUB Greetings, from the Chester County Club! I hope everyone had a happy holiday season. November was a very busy month for all of us as we began pulling costumes, setting props, the choir tuning their pipes, lights being adjusted and the very important degree rehearsals. All in all, the two day reunion was a GREAT SUCCESS thanks to the dedicated Brethren of the Valley. It was topped off with a very nice luncheon with live German music and Folk dancing, by the members of the Reading Liederkranz. This I.C.E. day was arranged by the Commander in Chief, his wife Mickey and the other officers of the Valley. As a matter of fact, it was so nice that the West Reading Fire Department showed up for the festivities. I would like to welcome the newest members of the Chester County Consistory Club. Bro. Jack Ayoub, West Chester Lodge No. 322, Bro. William Calvin Henley, III, Brandywine – Goddard Lodge No. 383 and Bro. Kevin James Matthews of Howell Lodge No. 405, as well as all the other candidates who were initiated into the Scottish Rite Valley of Reading this past November. Our Ladies night dinner dance featuring the “oldies music” spun by our own Bro. Benjamin Witkowski was another fun filled evening to put in the books. There were forty plus in attendance. I would like to note that this event most likely would not have come to fruition if it were not for the dedicated persistence of our “Secretary for Life”, a.k.a. Bro. Paul A. Swank. Thank you Paul! In following the lead of Ill. Bro. William McNaughton and his I.C.E. program, the Chester County Club has begun a lecture series. It began with Thrice Potent Master Kevin Barnhart speaking to our club regarding the Lodge of Perfection. It is our intension to have a speaker from every line and department in the Valley of Reading to Inspire our club with useful information about the A.A.S.R. in the Valley of Reading at a Convient dinner location which is Enjoyable to all who attend. By following this I.C.E. concept it is our hope to educate the members to become involved with family and friends in our Valley. All males of age are able to attend

COUNTY CLUB NEWS

our meetings and become involved and we encourage you to bring a friend or Brother to break bread with us. Our next meeting will be held at the Coatesville Moose on January 14, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. with Bro. Paul A. Swank, Sovereign Prince speaking about the C. Gilbert Steffe Council Princes of Jerusalem. As I said before, “the more you go, the more you know”. Stay tuned, as we have a lot of exciting events in the works which will be posted at www.valleyofreading.org I hope you can attend some or all and I will speak to you in the next Valley Notice issue. Enjoy.

Sincerely and Fraternally, Bro. Craig W. Shaffer, President Chester County Consistory Club

PAGODA CLUB Pagoda Club's Sunday Afternoon Football @ Scottish Rite deemed a success. The 40 or so folks attending the first Sunday Afternoon Football had a fantastic time downing pizza, wings, a HUGE hoagie and the usual liquid libations while watching the Philadelphia Eagles play another fantastic game. A hard core group even stayed around for the second game. We had so much fun that we are already planning for next year. Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 10, 2010. We'll be happy to do it again! In the meantime, Pagoda Club is planning a spaghetti supper just for the fun of it and like the football game will be open to everyone. The date for that one is April 17, 2010. Bring your wife, bring a friend, bring a Brother Mason. It's all in fun and fellowship, and you don't have to be a member of Pagoda Club. Please, consider attending some of these County Club functions-as in Blue Lodge, you will get out of this Fraternity what you are willing to put into it!

Your Faithful Servant and President, John J. Tumolo, III

Nascar Fans Get Ready! Annual Stag Dinner

Wednesday - April 28, 2010 Boyertown Fire Company

_____________________________________ Mark your calendar for our steak and spuds picnic June 23rd. If you think you’ve got what it takes to win the big trophy, show up for our horseshoe tournament.  

Charlie Zahm is one of the most popular soloists at Celtic music festivals, Maritime and Early American music events anywhere east of the Mississippi. With a baritone voice some have described as "coming along once in a generation," Charlie has become one of the most successful performers on the Celtic festival circuit, weaving magical moments of Scottish and Irish history for the listener and viewer, with passion for the performance and a chosen repertoire pleasing to all members of the family. A master of the guitar as well, Charlie brings an authentic love and respect for the music he sings—and with dashes of humor and a light in his eyes, he will draw you into the stories of his songs!

For reservations and tickets by mail, complete the order form below and send with check and stamped, self-addressed envelope to Scottish Rite Office, P.O. Box 6013, Reading, PA 19610. Tickets are also available in the Scottish Rite Office or by contacting any County Club officer. Brethren, here’s your chance to show your lady the appreciation she so richly deserves. Great entertainment will follow the scrumptious buffet by the well-known Hess Caterers of Schuylkill Haven. Reservations are a must. Full tables of 8 can be reserved. Let’s band together as brothers, neighbors and friends and enjoy the evening together at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Dinner at 6:00 p.m. Show begins at 8:00 p.m.

COMBINED CLUBS LADIES NIGHT TICKET ORDER FORM Enclosed is my check in the amount of $ for the Combined Clubs Ladies Night.

#________________ Tickets for Dinner and Show at $30 Each #________________ Tickets for Show Only at $10 Each

From: (Name)

(Address)

11

The Valley of Reading Launches Website

The Valley of Reading, in addition to offering the Valley Notice newsletter via email, has taken another step into cyberspace by launching www.valleyofreading.org. The new website provides essential information about the Valley of Reading; calendar of events, contact information, County Clubs, Officers and degrees of all four bodies, and back issues of Valley Notice. In addition, the site also includes wonderful photographs of many Valley events and a membership page for anyone interested in the Fraternity. A 32° Masonic Learning Center page is currently under construction. Focused on moving Scottish Rite Freemasonry forward, the Valley of Reading has developed this new resource so everyone can better see and understand the benefits of the Fraternity, and its relevance in modern times. www.valleyofreading.org

Wunderbar: Fall Reunion Oktoberfest Once the lessons were learned, and the degrees conferred at the Fall Reunion, the only thing left to do was…celebrate! The Valley of Reading hosted an afternoon of Octoberfest fun with authentic German food, music and entertainment by the GTV edelweiss dancers.

 Good Music

Good Friends

Good Food

Good Times! Good Dancing

12  

 

Sunday, May 2, 2010 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Rain or Shine at the Scottish Rite Cathedral

$5.00 Half a Chicken

_____ @ $5.00 = _______

$8.00 Chicken Dinner (Half a Chicken, Potato, Roll, Drink, etc.) _____ @ $8.00 = _______

13 

 

 

By Carl F. Berger

You may have read about the acronym ICE which stands for the principles behind the Sovereign Grand Commander’s adoption of the Hedgehog Concept: Inspiration, Convenience and Enjoyment. You may have also noticed throughout the Valley Notice if you are a regular reader, that things in the Valley of Reading have changed in keeping with the spirit of those principles. Some long-standing or recurring activities have changed time, or day or even the makeup of the event itself. All these changes have been made in order to be more Inspirational, Convenient, or Enjoyable. Did you know that membership means not only seeking new members, but also ensuring that our present members are aware of and consequently support the various events and activities of their Valley. The officers of the Valley are trying to do just that by communicating via Valley Notice, email and now the Valley’s website. Help them spread the word, and while you are at it, strive to get your money’s worth from your own membership by attending a few of the events offered throughout the Valley. We are often encouraged to share these events with our family members, so bring them along and consider making more memorable moments as a member. Remember, strangers are friends we haven’t met yet.

Fall Class Exemplar Passes Just Weeks After Reunion The Exemplar for the Fall Reunion Class in the Valley of Reading, Illustrious George E. Boyer, 33°, passed away December 3, 2009 less than three weeks after the Fall Reunion. He was 91 years old. The members of the Fall Reunion class may not have had the opportunity to meet personally with their exemplar, but the timing of this loss is particularly poignant.

Ill. George E. Boyer, 33°

Illustrious Brother Boyer was raised a Master Mason in Stichter Lodge No. 254 on September 19, 1945, and was installed as Worshipful Master on December 26, 1961. He was appointed the District Deputy Grand Master of the 40th Masonic District by The Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania, John L. McCain, in 1976, and served the traditional 10 years. He was Knighted a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, 32°, in Reading Consistory in 1946, and was coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Scottish Rite Supreme Council on September 26, 1975, at Atlantic City, New Jersey. Additionally, he was member of numerous other Masonic Bodies and appendant organizations. A Masonic Funeral Service was held in Pottstown on December 10, 2009. The service was well attended by members, Masonic luminaries and a number of Illustrious Brethren of the Valley of Reading. The Commander in Chief, Ill. Victor M. Frederick III, 33° conducted the funeral service. Having had a close personal friendship with Ill. Brother Boyer, the Commander in Chief lamented, “George had a positive influence on every brother he encountered, in fact he was like a father figure to me. George was one heck of a good man.” Proper respects will be paid to all brethren who passed away during the past year at the Feast of the Paschal Lamb Memorial Service on Sunday, March 7. This moving service is scheduled for 2:00p.m in the Scottish Rite Cathedral. .

to all our new members on having taken a step forward in your Masonic Journey. We proudly present three key factors from which you have the opportunity to benefit: Inspiration,  Convenience and Enjoyment. The experiences available to you and your family will bring smiles and fond memories to last a lifetime. Don’t delay getting started.  If you can’t find something of your liking, let us know by contacting the office. Think something is missing? Let us know that too. 

14 

 

County Clubs And You

As you navigate through each issue of the Valley Notice you notice the many activities of the county clubs. In case you might have forgotten or don’t know, your affiliation with a county club is based on your place of residence. If you are not sure to which club you belong, contact the Valley office or click on the “Scottish Rite Clubs” tab on the Valley website. Naturally, I.C.E. (Inspiration, Convenience and Enjoyment) goes hand in hand in all the events. Haven’t been to any events lately, or haven’t visited another club’s function? Remember, regardless of the club with which you are affiliated, you may attend any club’s functions. Find one or two that sound enjoyable and are convenient for you, then try it you’ll like it. Reservations are normally required. Most County Clubs announce their activities in each issue of Valley Notice.

Family Life Celebration a Wonderful Holiday Tradition

The Valley of Reading’s Council, Princes of Jerusalem led by Sovereign Prince Bro. Paul A. Swank organized and presented to the public, the Valley’s holiday tradition known as The Family Life Celebration. The Celebration included Hiram’s Scottish Riders Motorcycle Club taking photos of the children seated on their motorcycles and providing temporary holiday tattoos, the Valley’s Train Club used the candidates room to create a massive model train display, Santa, Clowns making balloon animals and a fishing pond game rounded out the fun. The Ladies of the Valley provided many baked goodies and hot beverages to take the edge off the cold Winter weather. And perhaps most meaningful was the traditional Hanukkah display and a live Nativity manned by members, their wives and local Masonic youth organizations. When the weather turned to freezing rain and ice on December 13, the Live Nativity was moved indoors rather than cancel. Turnout that evening was low due to weather, but attendance on the remaining three nights made up for it. It was truly a celebration of family life at this festive and inspirational time of year. One woman not affiliated with the Fraternity was attending with her two daughters. She replied when asked if she had been here before, “Oh yes, we come every year, we love it. Thank you for doing this.” That’s Scottish Rite: Family – it’s what we do. Enjoy some of the scenes from the 2009 Family Life Celebration.

Trains…

Kids Love Trains…

The Ladies Serve Goodies…

And More Trains!

And From Valley Newsletter Editors!

 Ill. Bro. Santa Stumm mugs with the Ladies…before swiping their copious

cookies! Santa Takes Requests From Children…

15  

Due to severe weather, the live Nativity moves inside to portray the reason for the season.

COMBINED COUNTY CLUBS LADIES NIGHT Saturday, May 1

In the Scottish Rite Cathedral

Dinner at 6 p.m. – Show at 8 p.m. Doors Open at 5:00 p.m.

$30 per person Show only: $10 per person

Enjoy the musical talents of Charlie Zahm

Details on page 11

For reservations and tickets by mail, fill out order form on page 11, send with your check and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Scottish Rite Office. Tickets are also available in the office or by contacting any County Club officer.

Valley of Reading, AASR