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THE SCOTTISH RITE

REPORTER

“Learn more about being a Mason, attend the Scottish Rite.”

Vol. XXXVII Published Monthly August 2009

SUPPORTOUR

TROOPS!!!

2 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER

Illzzzzz Ronald A. Seale, 33°, Sovereign Grand CommanderIllzzzzz William F. Stovall, 33°, Sovereign Grand Inspector General

of the Supreme Coucil in California

LONG BEACH BODIES OF THE ANCIENT ANDACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY

855 ELM AVE, LONG BEACH, CA 90813-4414Telephone: (562) 435-8381 or (714) 633-1920FAX: (562) 436-9891 www.lbscottishrite.org

Illzzzzz Joseph W. R. Ashwill, 33°Personal Representative of the

Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Supreme Council in [email protected]

James B. Scribner, 32°, KzzzzzCzzzzzCzzzzzHzzzzz, Assistant Personal RepresentativeIllzzzzz Murray E. Cooke, 33°, General Secretary

[email protected]

2009 OfficersChris Christopherson, 32°, Venerable Master - L.B. Lodge of Perfection

Stanley Ault, 32°, Wise Master - L.B. Chapter of Rose CroixRoy E. Steinfeld, 32°, KzzzzzCzzzzzCzzzzzHzzzzz, Commander - L.B. Council of KadoshWilliam P. Willis, 32°, KzzzzzCzzzzzCzzzzzHzzzzz, Master of Kadosh - L.B. Consistory

Serving All BodiesRobert J. Moss, 32°, KzzzzzCzzzzzCzzzzzHzzzzz, Treasurer

Douglas Tayrien, 32°, OratorIllz z z z z Thomas G. Horngren, 33°, Almonor

Fr. Chuck Maier, 33°, ChaplainIllz z z z z John R. Jansen, 33°, Tiler

Harry G. “Ben” Benezette, 32°, KzzzzzCzzzzzCzzzzzHzzzzz, Tiler Emeritus

Cathedral StaffIllzzzzz Don Fishering, 33°, Chief Purveyor

Matthew Marfield, 32°, KzzzzzCzzzzzCzzzzzHzzzzz, LibrarianRoy E. Steinfeld, 32°, KzzzzzCzzzzzCzzzzzHzzzzz, Director – Sound Department

Ira Sadis, 32°, Lighting DirectorIllzzzzz Aldo M. Zanier, 33°, Stage Director

Illzzzzz Preston M. Jones, 33°, Director of the Robing Room

Degree StaffIllzzzzz James Sunseri, 33°, Classroom Director

Illzzzzz Tim Cable, 33°, Director of the Work

Support OrganizationsHans Zuchett, 32°, Chieftain, Knights of Saint Andrew

Charles H. Bruggeman, 32°, KzzzzzCzzzzzCzzzzzHzzzzz, President, Talons & Talonetts

Scottish Rite ReporterBen Ponder, 32°, KzzzzzCzzzzzCzzzzzHzzzzz, Managing Editor & Typesetter

2146 Mt. Shasta Dr., San Pedro, CA 90732 - (310) 831-0458E-Mail: [email protected] — Fax (310) 547-3943

Illzzzzz Terry T. Sargent, 33°, Proofreader

3399 East Willow StreetLong Beach, CA 90806www.CoastCadillac.com

Serving Long Beachand all Southern California since 1975

Sales and ServiceBody ShopParts and Accessories.

562-595-6076

AUGUST, 2009 19

SUPPORT THESE MEMBERS WHO ARE MAKING THIS REPORTER POSSIBLE

WEDBUSH MORGANSECURITIES

Joseph W. R. AshwillAssistant Vice President, Investments

(949) 719-3200 FAX (949) 759-9539 (888) 247-8069E-Mail [email protected]

1600 Newport Center Dr., Suite 100Newport Beach, CA 92660

Members of the New York Stock Exchange

Randolph D. DildayVice President - Investments

562-799-7575Toll Free No. 877-799-94256700 East Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite 280Long Beach, CA 90803-9919FAX 562-493-8578

N. Jack DildaySenior Vice President - Investments

SEASIDE PRINTINGCOMPANY, INC.1220 East Fourth Street

Long Beach, CA(562) 437-6437

www.seasideprinting.com

KNIGHTS OF ST ANDREWMEETING, SATURDAY, SEPT. 19th

L.B. SCOTTISH RITEAT 10:00 A.M.

TALONS & TALONETTSLUNCHEON MEETING

THURSDAY, ????PETROLEUM CLUB — 11:30 A.M.

OF

SUPPORT THESE MEMBERS WHO ARE MAKING THIS REPORTER POSSIBLE

Call me,I will take care of all

your real estate needs!BROTHER

ALDO ZANIEROWNER - BROKER

5924 NAPLES PLAZALONG BEACH, CA 90803

CELL (562) 508-7303

THE ROYAL ORDER OF TALONS / TALONETTSThis Masonic support unit is open to all members

of the Masonic Order and includes wives and wid-ows. We meet monthly on the 2nd Thursday at theL.B. Petroleum Club, 3636 Linden Ave., at 12 noon.

Charles Bruggeman, 32°, KzCzCzHz, President

Signal Hill

High Twelve ClubMeets every Tuesday at Noon

Coco’s Restaurant11510 E. South Street

Cerritos, CALadies & Guests welcome

Dick Barber, President, 562-425-4644

Past Master’s Shrine ClubEl Bekal Shrine

Bi-monthly dinner meetings, second

Monday, starting in February

Please call for reservations.

Ron Schemm, M.D., President Preston Jones, Secretary, 562-596-3869

AUGUST, 2009 3

Well as we move along into the autumn of our year we are grateful forhaving had a very successful Southwest Regional Reunion Class. Of coursethis did not jus happen, it was a concentrated effort on the part of many Broth-ers and Ladies over a 12 month period to end with a successful conclusion.The University of Masonry successfully graduated 63 “Masters of the RoyalSecret,” with the combination of three Orients and several Valleys, to wel-come them as members into Scottish Rite Masonry. We are hopeful that thisevent was the beginning of an education that will continue to grow in theirindividual lives and Valleys. It is the individual commitment and dedication ofnew and elder statesmen Brothers that will cause the flag of Scottish RiteMasonry to flourish in the future.

Our rehabilitation efforts continue at our Long Beach Valley, as we nowhave our flower beds restored as a result of repairing our sprinkler system,which is automated so as to conserve plants and water, they are here for all toenjoy. It goes without saying that our beloved Cathedral was in need of lots ofTLC after some 80 years of band-aid repairs, but with the support of the Mem-bers donations to the Cathedral Building Fund and our rentals, we hopefullywill continue our progress.

We want to express our gratitude as well for the effort put forth over thepast two years by our Brother Illz John, “Jack” Palmer, 33°, as President ofour Childhood Clinic Board. Illz Brother Jack has served with distinction dur-ing a time of major change, and we wish him the very best in whatever newactivities he has now chosen to pursue.

Since we all know that change is never ending, it now becomes necessaryto reconstitute our Clinic Board in preparation for our future plans. We aremoving forward in our plans for the annual fund-raiser for our Clinic, which isnow scheduled for December 11, 2009, and we solicit your support and willkeep you advised as we develop our exciting program for our children.

The newly appointed Board is now structured as follows; Honz MahmoudGhaffari, 32°, KzCzCzHz, President, Honz James Scribner, 32°, KzCzCzHz,Vice-President, Illz Joseph W. R. Ashwill, 33°, Consultant, and with the fol-lowing Members; Honz Richard Ivey, 32°, KzCzCzHz, Illz Preston Jones,33°, Ira Sadis, 32°, Fred Shooshani, 32°, and Douglas Tayrien, 32°, to providethe leadership necessary for the present and future important activities of our

(Continued on Page 12)

Notes from the

Personal Representative

Illz Joseph W. R. Ashwill, 33°Personal Representative of the Sovereign Inspector General in CA



MASONIC SERVICE BUREAUOF LONG BEACH

Serving Area Lodges,Visiting Masons and Their Families

LAKEWOOD MASONIC CENTER5918 Parkcrest St., Long Beach, CA 90808-2120Telephone: (562) 429-7237 • Fax: (562) 429-7457

ANDY HOWARTH

P.O.Box 90091Long Beach, CA 90809

Phone: (562) 494-7749 (949) 497-7867Fax: (562) 494-6749 (310) 442-1595Toll: (866) 494- EURO (714) 960-9323

Knights of St Andrew:This is notification that next year dues will increase from

$10.00 to $15.00 per year.

Donations made are recorded at the time they are received, and depending on theamount, some are acknowledged by special letters to the donors. However,REPORTER deadlines mean that we may not get everyone listed. If you were missedthis time, your name will appear in the next issue. We DO appreciate yourdonations.

CHARLES L. BRINER

CLYDE M. BECK

HARRY HINTERGARDT, JR.

LANGUAGE CENTER

DONATIONS WITH DUESMark Fulkerson

In Memoriam

MASONRY —MAKING GOOD

MEN EVEN BETTER

Scottish Rite Word SearchBy DR Rawson, 32°, KzCzCzHz

We know that there are many of you who enjoy these types of puzzles. So,here’s what we have done. The puzzle below contains words that were used ina previous REPORTER. We hope you enjoy this, please let us know. Goodhunting!

F U N E T A R B E L E C B

A D N N D T G E G A Y O V

C I M Y R E D F F Q S N B

J R R A M S F P T R E F Q

K N V F U O I I E S I N B

C E N B A C N M L H R T F

L H K T N R M O Z I O H A

N N I I Q U E N C P M I M

I G C L S U G N G E E N I

A G L T D L I F E E M K L

R R H O V R L C M M Z I I

T R N H Q M E I K M Y N E

M P L A N E T N C S A G S

AIRFARE, BUS, CELEBRATE, CHILDREN, ECONOMY,

FAMILIES, FUN, GAS, HOT, LIFE, LIFE, MEMORIES, PICNIC,

PLANE, QUICK, SHIP, SUMMER, THINKING, TIME, TRAIN,

TRAVEL

AUGUST, 2009 17


DINNER RESERVATIONS — No later than 3 days prior to the dinnerMake Check Payable to L. B. Scottish Rite, and mail to L. B. Scottish Rite 855 Elm Ave., Long Beach, CA 90813

PHONE RESERVATIONS: (562) 435-8381 • (714) 633-1920 • E-Mail: [email protected]

Phone Reservations Must Guarantee to show or pay

Vegetarian dinners are available, please let us know at the time of your reservation

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY ZIP PHONE ( )

Event Date $15.00 Each Total $

Please join us Friday, October 2nd, for our Ladies Night Dinner. Make yourreservations early. This is a good time to introduce your friends to Freemasonry.

➨

Life Membership ProgramLong Beach Scottish Rite

Under age 49, 21 times annual dues ................ $1,995.00

50 to 54 inclusive, 19 times annual dues ......... $1,805.00



65 and over, 11 times annual dues ................... $1,045.00

The advantage of a life membership is that the funds will be contrib-uting to our Scottish Rite in perpetuity and you’ll no longer be payingdues.

Long Beach Scottish RiteLanguage Center

$3.00 per pinThe profit of $1.00

goes to the Clinic.

Give children the freedom to communicate. Supportour center with a simple $3.00 donation and receivethe pin shown on the left. If you want it mailed to you,please add $.50 per pin.

Send your money to: Long Beach Scottish Rite, Clinic donation. You will bemailed your pin in 5 to 7 days. On behalf of the children, THANK YOU!

AUGUST, 2009 5

AID AND ATTENDANCE FOR VETERANS

Aid and Attendance is a medical reimbursement pension for Veterans, theirspouses, and surviving spouses. It was established by an Act of Congress in1952 under section 38 USC. It is a mandatory pension and is not subject topartisan spending or discretionary Federal budget cuts. In 2006 this programwas funded at $4.3 billion dollars. This program does not require that the medi-cal condition that requires a person to need the assistance of someone else on aregular basis.

To qualify for this pension you need to have served at least 90 days activeduty in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or the U.S.Coast Guard, The Merchant Marines during World War 2 or the National Guardif their Unit was Federally Activated. This pension is available to all qualifiedVeterans even if you are receiving military retirement pay based on years ofservice. This pension benefit would likely be reduced for all qualified veteransreceiving compensation based on disability. You must have served at least oneday of Military Service during a “war-time period.” These War-Time Periodsare:

• World War 1 - Apr. 16, 1917 to Nov. 11, 1918• World War 2 - Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946• Korea - Jan. 25, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955• Viet Nam - Aug. 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975• Lebanon Campaign - Aug. 5, 1982 to “end to be determined”• Granada Campaign - Oct. 25, 1983 to Dec. 15, 1983• Panama Campaign - Dec. 20, 1989 to Jan. 31, 1990• Persian Gulf - Aug. 2, 1990 to “end; to be determined”A Veteran that was on active duty in a theater of operation prior to the date(s)

listed above may be an exception to the dates listed. This is determined on acase-by-case basis. This program pays up to: $1,632.00 monthly for a veteran;$1, 055.00 monthly for a surviving spouse; $1,949.00 monthly for veteran andspouse. These funds may be used to pay the following:1) Nursing home long term care.2) Assisted living or for adult care services such as board and care.3) And in some cases it pays family members, except for the spouse, to provide

care at home.4) Professional home care providers to come into the home. Qualification is

more difficult.5) Up to $1200.00 to renovate the home to help with disability - such as ramps

and grab bars.(Continued on Page 15)

From the Secretary’s DeskBy Illz Murray E. Cooke, 33°, General Secretary of all Bodies

“Light On Masonry”

Another happy donation to our Library brings us a book both old and new:Light on Masonry — The History and Rituals of America’s Most ImportantExposé, by Illz Arturo de Hoyos, 33°, Kz.YzCzHz, SRRS, 2008. This is afacsimile reproduction of the original Fifth Edition of Elder David Bernard’sLight on Masonry…, 1832, with a historical introduction and commentary bythe Author. It may be stated that Light on Masonry was the first of thecomprehensive exposures published in America, revealing forty eight degrees,including the “York” Rite, Detached Degrees, French Degrees, and nearly allof the degrees of the Scottish Rite, as they were worked in the first quarter ofthe nineteenth century.

Out of curiosity, I decided to compare three Scottish Rite Rituals toBernard’s Exposure. I set my 19th Century Lodge of Perfection RitualManuscript, my Ordo ab Chao, Poemandres Press, 1995, and a 20th CenturyManuscript of Rituals attributed to Claude Samory next to Light on Masonry,all being opened to the 4th Degree.

Not surprisingly, Bernard’s 4th “Degree” was more of the nature of aLecture, consisting of a brief Opening, Reception, and Obligation, followedby a lengthy question and answer Lecture. In the early days of the ScottishRite, it was common to communicate the degrees, and is very close to theSamory 4th Degree, and less so to the Ordo ab Chao 4th Degree. To my surprise,the 4th Degree of the 19th Century Lodge of Perfection Manuscript, attributedto John James Joseph Gourgas, was the most different, being composed as aceremony, and being the most brief.

While Masonic Expose’s are generally written off by Masons as beinghostile, deceptive, and/or inaccurate, the fact is that they are usually accuratefor their time; and while Anti-Masons often blindly accept them as being up-to-date, Masonic Rites and Degrees do evolve and change. A careful MasonicStudent or Researcher with authentic sources for reference can, more oftenthan not, use these exposures to chart the evolution of Masonic Work. There have been many Masonic Exposés before Light on Masonry, mostlyin Europe (many of which were sold in the States). William Morgan’sFreemasonry Exposed of 1827 took America by storm, and started what hasbeen called the “Anti-Masonic Movement.” The first edition of Light onMasonry closely followed in 1829, and was the first American Exposé to revealthe ‘High Grades’ to the masses. Explore the “Anti-Masonic Movement” and,Light on Masonry here at your Scottish Rite Library.

We’ll see you there!


Library CornerBy Matthew T. Marfield, 32°, KzCzCzHz, Librarian

AUGUST, 2009 15

From the Secretary’s Desk (Continued from Page 8)From the date your application is accepted by the Veterans Administration, allpayments are retroactive, back to the 1st day of the first month after theapplication is accepted. This program is income and asset based, however, it isnot necessary to spend down your assets until you reach poverty level to beeligible for this benefit. Assets can be repositioned without creating any periodof ineligibility. The major obstacle to obtaining Aid and Attendance benefits isthe long and complicated application process required by the VeteransAdministration.

When you think about the fact that a Veteran can receive up to $19,000.00a year, a surviving spouse can receive up to $12,660.00 a year, a Veteran andspouse can receive up to $23,00.00 a year TAX FREE, I think you’ll agree thebenefit is worth putting up with a little inconvenience.Why Professional help is advised¨:1) To assure that you get the full benefit to which you are entitled.2) To avoid:

• costly delay or denial of claim.• anxiety and frustration of dealing with the Gov’t in an area where you do

not know the rules.• inadvertently disqualifying yourself from other Gov’t programs if your

health declined further.• being disqualified because you did not know how to properly re-position

your assets.• creating unnecessary tax liabilities.• making serious mistakes related to the handling of your assets.

3) To be sure that all your legal documents support your desired goals.Questions you need to ask of those who offer to help you:

• How much training and experience do you have?• How much work do you do and what am I responsible for?• Is this your full time job or do you just handle claims occasionally?• What is your success rate with my type of claim?• What resources do you have if my claim is denied and I need to appeal?During the summer of 2007 I researched various assisted living facilities

for friends who presently reside in one. At the time, I had never heard of Aidand Assistance. Fortunately, I met Amos Johnson and eventually retained himfor his professional assistance. He is a financial planner with over 30 yearsexperience with CLU and ChFC designations. For the past 12 years his agencyhas specialized in asset preservation for seniors who are seeking governmentbenefits. His agency works with a law firm which does the actual application.This firm has completed thousands of applications with a near perfect successrate. The agency partners with other professionals to provide comprehensiveassistance to handle all needs related to qualifying for the Veterans Adminis-tration Aid and Attendance benefit. The team consists of an attorney, accoun-tant, notary, home care providers, placement specialist, a Realtor, propertymanager, death benefit specialist, as well as a case manager.

If you would like more information, please contact Brother Ed Harris, 32°,Valley of San Diego


SEPTEMBER CALENDAR(Closed on Mondays)

SEPTEMBER IS DARK — THERE ARE NO DEGREES ORDINNERS SCHEDULED

OUR DINNERS WILL RESUME IN OCTOBER

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th10:00 A.M. — KNIGHTS OF ST ANDREW

MEETING

HAVE AN ENJOYABLE SUMMERSEE YOU IN OCTOBER

AUGUST CALENDAR(Closed on Mondays)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8th7:30 P.M. — ORDER OF EASTERN STAR

RECEPTION FOR HON. MIKEWINFORD, 32°, KzCzCzHz, GRANDSENTINEL RECEPTION

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11th7:00 P.M. — STATED MEETING & IzGzAzCz

MEETINGSATURDAY, AUGUST 15th — NO MEETINGS

SCHEDULED FOR KNIGHTS OF ST.ANDREW

The Importance of Investigations (Continued from )what Freemasonry is, an applicant can make an honest decision about becominga member.

Those of you who are asked to conduct an investigation must realize thatthis is an important function of the Lodge and must be handled in a professionalmanner. If asked, please perform this task in a serious, timely manner.

It has been suggested that a committee of three go together and conduct aninvestigation. I believe that Grand Lodge in future should consider this option.

Through a proper investigation the Masonic Families of Blue Lodge,Scottish and York Rite and the Shrine will gain members desiring to participateand contribute to our outstanding fraternity.

Remember: We cannot initiate anyone until they are investigated.

NOTICE!The next meeting of the Knights of St Andrew

will take place on

September 19th at 10:00 a.m.

at the Long Beach Valley.

The cost of our dues will be going up to

$15.00 per year on January 1, 2010.

FREEMASONRY— TO ENJOY LIFEAND SERVE MANKIND

AUGUST, 2009 7

THE IMPORTANCE OF INVESTIGATIONSBy Harold Kennedy, 32°, Expert, Chapter of Rose Croix

One of the most important duties in Freemasonry is the investigation of aperson soliciting Lodge membership. This is a requirement all Lodges musttake part in prior to balloting on a new member. The normal procedure for thisprocess is that when an application is read in the Stated Meeting, the Mastergives an investigation form to three individuals who will then contact theindividual and meet with him. Afterward the form is turned in to the Masterand the application is balloted upon at the next Stated Meeting. Below aresome reasons for this necessary procedure.

Personal Contact: This is the first time that someone applying to join aMasonic Lodge can have a lengthy, serious discussion with a member of theLodge. Through this process the potential candidate is getting to know a Masonand is also getting an understanding of the basic workings of Masonry. He isanswering questions asked by the investigator and is encouraged to ask anyquestions he may have concerning the fraternity. All this takes place throughthe question and answer format of the investigation.

Clarification: The applicant will get a better understanding of therequirements and benefits of Lodge Membership. He will be told aboutproficiency examinations that are part of a requisite which is necessary beforehe becomes a Master Mason. The investigators can let him know about activitiesthat his family can attend and Lodge programs he can become involved in.And he will discover that lifelong friendships are to be found within thefraternity. Any misconceptions can be cleared up in the investigating process.

Mentoring: This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is on theinvestigation committee to consider mentoring the person he is speaking with.By getting to know this potential Brother an opportunity could arise to coachthis man. Once you, as an investigator, establish a rapport with this person youmay wish to instruct him through his degree work. He will be encouraged toget involved with the Lodge and our other appendant bodies. And you willhave the satisfaction of knowing that your assistance helped with the growthand development of a Brother Mason.

Family Awareness: The applicant’s family will have a chance to ask aboutMasonry and how it affects them. Any issues they may have can be satisfactorilyanswered. Remember: the family must be completely comfortable with thisman joining Masonry.

Decision: Through the interviewing process the applicant may decide thathe has made a fantastic choice to join Freemasonry. Or, he may decide that thisorganization was not what he thought it was and may decline to join. Thisdecision saves a lot of time on both parties. How many times has a candidatebeen initiated and then never seen again? By getting a clear perspective on



What is a Scottish Rite Mason?By Roy Ellis Steinfeld, 32°, KzCzCzHz, Commander of Kadosh

With the three holidays of Memorial Day, Flag Day and IndependenceDay having occurred in the last three months, I started thinking about thequestion above, “What is a Scottish Rite Mason?” Of course, this is anextremely personal opinion, which follows, but I thought I would give it ashot.

A Scottish Rite Mason is not delineated by any particular appearance oroccupation. His is a person from many places, with many shades of skin, ofdifferent sizes and varied energies. He may have a master’s or doctorate de-gree, or he may never have finished high school. He may drive an expensivecar, or perhaps he relies on horses to carve out a living out of the earth. Butregardless of what he is, lacing the different physical features together is abond of strength in tradition, which exemplifies the Masonic way, a way thatopens the doors of opportunity and enlightenment to all people who may knockupon them. A Scottish Rite Mason has a spirit that responds to the call ofliberty.

A Scottish Rite Mason does not view armed conflict as a means of gettingwhat he wants, but rather as a means of protecting what he has. His is one wholoves that peace. He sees the knowledge of experience in his past, feels thepride in the accomplishments of the present, and has hope for the future of theworld, even when others would view the days to come with dismay. A realist,he finds no guarantee of freedom or security in the future solely because hehas always had it in the past.

The American Scottish Rite Mason finds nothing at all unusual aboutgetting cold chills when our flag passes in review, for our flag has always beena inspiration: as when the smoked cleared over Fort McHenry, when its sheenwas reflected on the sands of Iwo Jima, and when the colors glistened on thecraft that took the first man to the moon. He sees nothing strange about gettinga lump in his throat when the national anthem is played, or weeping (yes,weeping) unashamed when taps are played for one who paid the ultimate pricefor his freedom. A Scottish Rite Mason is someone, I think and feel, thatrealizes that the only thing that exceeds that price is freedom itself. He neverforgets the indebtedness he has because of that sacrifice, for without it, his andour freedom would only be an unreachable concept in some philosopher’s mind.

So what is a Scottish Rite Mason? A man who is patriotic without beingjingoistic; a man who believes in a Supreme Being, and allows his fellowmento believe in their Supreme Being, whatever they may call him; and a man whofeels and attempts to understand the world in which he lives and is willing toshare with all he may come in contact with that feeling of solidarity...

AUGUST, 2009 13

Brethren,Welcome to the August edition of the Scottish Rite Reporter. In my humble

offering to this edition, I would like to reflect upon some of my experiences inthe 28 years since I was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. I’dlike to characterize these as my personal observances of the, “Good, Bad, andUgly” within our beloved fraternity.

Being the optimist that I am, I’d like to start with some of my recent expe-riences with the good of freemasonry, although for me my first exposure to ourcraft was the life my father led, and the incalculable lessons in integrity, mor-als, and ethical conduct that he taught on a daily basis.

The first experience I’d like to share occurred when I was visiting theLaughlin, NV, area back in December, 2004 (my son is a conductor for BNSF,and was stationed in Needles at the time). I had occasion to go to the “FezRoom,” of the Shrine Club in Bullhead City one night to see if any of thebrethren I might know would be hanging around that night. I was disappointedto see that no one from the ‘80’s was present; therefore, no one would remem-ber me, nor did I expect any satisfying Masonic dialogue to transpire. I or-dered a beer, drank it, and was about to leave when a brother at the far end ofthe bar queried me, “Whence came you.” That initial question led to a series ofothers, and we discovered that we were both Past Masters of the lodge. Weboth agreed that too many brothers were passing through the degrees of theBlue Lodge without really “getting it,” and thus, were ill-prepared to appreci-ate the beauty and teachings of the higher degrees. This brother gave me anAlan Jackson Christmas Song CD, even though we had only just met, and Ireciprocated a couple of months later with a bolo tie (very popular in Arizona).

The next several experiences relate to people I have met here in California,since moving from Nevada. The first was meeting the Reynolds family. I metJohnny while he was obligating a candidate, and his apron fell off (I handed itback). Later, I became acquainted with his father, Officers’ Coach of Solomon’sStaircase Lodge #357, and my mentor, John H. Reynolds. I met and sponsoreda great young man into masonry by virtue of using his establishment for mydry cleaning, and his asking, “What does it take to become a mason?” Afterretiring from Southern California Edison, I worked briefly for AES Hunting-ton Beach. I met a rather new brother who is a Control Operator there, whoasked me about my ring. Of all the crews and people I had the pleasure to getto know at Huntington, this brother went out of his way to make me feel wel-come, and to get his crew to accept me as one of the team. I am now back atSan Onofre Nuclear Generating Station working as a contract safety


Lodge of PerfectionBy Chris Christopherson, 32°, Venerable Master


10 CLUB MEMBERS

Over 125Main, Lewis Jr., 33° ...........................141

Over 50Hernandez, 32°, KzCzCzHz ..............51

Over 25Chastain, James A. Sr., 33° .................. 37 Lemons, H. Douglas, 33° .................... 25Navarro, Benjamin E., 32° .................. 29 Anderson, Ian, 32°, KzCzCzHz ....... 26Bodnar, Bart, 33° ................................. 26 Pontello, Frank, 33° ............................. 25Manoukian, Vartan, 32° ....................... 45 Thompson, Charles, Jr., 33° ................ 25Sunseri, James, 33° .............................. 26

Over 10Nomicos, Eugene N., 33° .................... 24 Johnson, Lester Jr., 32° ........................ 19Benton, Lowell E., 32°, KzCzCzHz 17 Lopez, John C., 32°, KzCzCzHz ...... 10Benezette, Ben, 32°, KzCzCzHz ...... 10 Lord, John, 33° .................................... 15Boyadjian, Sarkis, 32° ......................... 10 Ludwig, Bob, 33° ................................ 13Corcoba, Axureliano, 32° .................... 14 Luben, Dougan, 33° ............................. 15Dukellis, Arthur F., 32° ........................ 12 Palmer, John A., 33° ............................ 15Garcia, Danny, 33° .............................. 10 Sargent, Terry, 33° ............................... 16Thagard, Raymond, 33° ....................... 10 Van De Weghe, Bill, 32° ...................... 12Hull, Donald, 33° ................................. 12 Wallace, John, 33° ............................... 10Roberts, Edward, 32° ........................... 10 Wilde, George, 33° .............................. 10

AUGUST, 2009 9

Notes from the Personal Representative (Continued from Page 3)primary charity, Rite Care. I am certain that each of these Brethren and ourMembers understand the commitment needed for our Rite Care to succeed, itwill be through our mutual support that makes it happen.

I call to your attention that our Brother, Honz Johnny Reynolds, 32°,KzCzCzHz, will be honored Sunday the 16th at 1:00 P.M., Pasadena ScottishRite, be receiving the coveted “DeMolay Legion of Honor Award,” for hismajor contribution to our young men involved in DeMolay activities. We ofthe Long Beach Valley congratulate him for achieving and receiving this veryhigh Award and tribute, and encourage his many Brothers to attend this impor-tant occasion to personally congratulate him for his contribution to this impor-tant young men’s group of Masonry.

Until next time, May God Bless You.

Stewart INSURANCE SERVICE INC.

TOM E. STEWART

Telephone (562) 498-0669 • (714) 826-4183FAX (562) [email protected]

Long Beach Shrine ClubShrine’s Oldest Club

The next meeting will be Monday, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

at 11:30 A.M.

Secretary, Don Sever

562-494-5005NO Reservations Necessary

President, Gary Hooper

562-694-3351Meets quarterly at the Petroleum Club in Long Beach.

Join the oldest and the best Shrine Club in America.

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Do You Know These Masons?By Roy Ellis Steinfeld, 32°, KzCzCzHz, Commander of Kadosh

This Masonic Quiz is for your enjoyment. In two months there will beanother quiz, which may be a bit harder.

Roy

1. A motion picture star and comedian born in 1880, who played in “TheMan on the Flying Trapeze,” A member of E. Coppee Mitchell Lodge#605, Philadelphia, PA.

2. A man whose brother, as President of the United States, said in 1955,“I feel a distinct sense of pride in appearing before this group(Masons) which takes on it own shoulders the care, and welfare ofthe unfortunate.”

3. Lieutenant General, U.S. Army, and Director of Selective Service in1948.

4. Congressional Medal of Honor awardee, 26 victories as a fighterpilot of WW I. Spent three weeks on a life raft in the Pacific duringWW II.

5. An Ohio newspaper publisher and later President of the United States,who once said, “I have been a better citizen for being a Mason. Thereis nothing in Masonry that a free, religious, and just American couldnot be proud of.”

6. A member of Welcome Lodge #255, Lemoore, CA. Grand Master ofDeMolay International, a graduate chemist and a lawyer, who wasalso Judge of the : Superior Court of Los Angeles.

7. A member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and the greatest pitcher in thefirst quarter of the 20th Century. In the 1905 World series he pitchedthree shutouts and was the first to win 30 games in three successiveyears.

8. Bandmaster and composer known as “The March King.” Leader ofthe U.S. Marine Corps Band from 1880 to 1892.

9. One of America’s most famous physical culturist until his death in1955. A foundation financed entirely with his own money providedwelfare and training to children in the United States and overseas. Amember of Publicity Lodge #1000, New York City, NY.

10. United States Minister of France in 1801. Negotiated the LouisianaPurchase. He administered the oath of office to the first President ofthe United States, Freemason George Washington.

(Answers will appear in next month’s Scottish Rite Reporter. Score: 8 ormore: excellent. Six correct answers: good. If 5 or less, your knowledge ofMasons in history should improve.)

10 THE SCOTTISH RITE REPORTER AUGUST, 2009 11

Lodge of Perfection (Continued from Page 13)professional for the U2 Steam Generator Replacement Project Team. I waspleased to learn that one of the carpenters there, who I originally met back in2007 during a class to teach us how to use the new phone system (and whoalso noticed my ring and asked the proper question) had gone on to be raised tothe sublime degree of a Master Mason in Vista Lodge #687.

Here in our Valley of Long Beach, more of the “good” of freemasonry isexhibited. The first good brother I met in our Valley (excepting John A.Reynolds, John H. Reynolds, and James Chastain) was Illustrious Jim Sunseri,who made an impassioned plea for cast members after one memorable Satur-day a couple of years ago when he was Director of the Work. Around this time,I also met Illustrious Joe Ashwill, Illustrious John McElhaney, and later on,Illustrious Tim Cable. As I attended more functions, played a role in many ofthe degrees, and participated in the recent SWRRC Planning Committee, I hadthe distinct pleasure of meeting many more of the fabulous brothers who makeup the membership of our Valley, as well as the Valley of Los Angeles. All ofthis is what I consider the “good” of freemasonry.

The “bad,” in my personal experience with freemasonry came during myearly years after having been raised, when I learned that a “brother,” of ourfraternity had been caught stealing 55 gallon drums of oil from the coal-firedplant I worked at in Laughlin, Nevada. He was taking these drums of oil toTexas, and selling them for his own profit. This “brother” wore a ring, talkedthe talk, BUT he certainly did not walk the walk. So called “men,” of his ilkare what gives our beloved fraternity a “black eye!”

The only “ugly” experience I can relate is one of abuse of power. When Ifirst became a member of my lodge in Arizona, where I would eventually be-come Master, I heard of three Past Masters who held a strangle hold on thethree top elected positions in the lodge; namely, Master, Senior, and JuniorWardens. They made it clear to anyone trying to break up the triumvirate thatno one was sufficiently versed in the ritual to advance beyond Senior Deacon.These Past Masters went around and around in the chairs, leaving the Master’schair, going back to the Junior Warden’s chair, so that they occupied the Orien-tal Chair every three years. Finally, the lodge got someone elected who waswell-versed in the ritual, and made sure all the progressive chairs were filledwith brethren who could advance. The triumvirate was broken: one PastMaster was never seen in our lodge again, another was embittered and highlycritical of anyone else’s exemplification of the work, and the other eventuallybecame a Deputy District Grand Lecturer for our district (analogous to ourDistrict Inspectors).

Brethren, let us resolve to conduct ourselves so that no aspersions can everbe cast upon our beloved fraternity as a result of behaviors that are within ourcontrol. We can all recall from our first introduction into freemasonry the words,“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together inunity.” May we always endeavor to do so, and live our lives so as to ultimatelyreflect honor upon ourselves, and the legacy that each of us will leave when(as Shakespeare wrote) we “…shuffle off this mortal coil.”

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