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Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Toledo

September, 2008

The Board of Trustees for the Valley of Toledo is pleased to announce that the Fall Reunion Class is named in honor of Illustrious Brother Clarence Milton Shields, 33º. Illustrious Brother Shields was an Internationally known Illustrator and Artist. His works have been both published and praised world wide. When you visit the Valley of Toledo Offices some of his works adorn the walls of the Valley Museum. Members of the Fall Class will be proud to have been a part of the Reunion Class honoring this very talented Mason.

The Board of Trustees is also very pleased to announce that our Guest Speaker will be Ill. Bro. S. Brent Morris, 33º, GC noted Masonic Author and Speaker. Illustrious Brother Morris is a member of the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction but his works are known World Wide. He will be speaking during the Reunion and at our Reunion Banquet following the Reunion at Heatherdowns Country Club.

We will be portraying the 4º, 14º, 15º, 16º 18º, 28º and the 31º/32º. The date for the Reunion is Saturday November 8, 2008 and it will be held in the Stranahan Theater located on Heatherdowns Blvd. in Toledo.

Members of the Fall 2008 Class will be treated to a Candidates Agape Dinner to be held on Friday evening November 7, 2008 at the Heatherdowns country club. Use the enclosed Reservation Form to make your Meal Reservations for the Reunion and the Reunion Banquet.

Fall Reunion Class To Honor Illustrious Brother Clarence M. Shields

Fall Reunion Agenda – Saturday November 8, 2008 7:00 AM Registration 7:30 AM Class Orientation 8:00 AM Open Lodge of Perfection – Cover Obligation 8:15 AM 4º 9:00 AM 14º10:30 AM 15º11:45 AM 16º12:20 PM Lunch – Guest Speaker 1:30 PM 18º 2:45 PM 28º 3:45 PM 31º & 32º 6:00 PM Social Hour & Banquet at Heatherdowns Country Club (Ladies Invited)

FALL REUNION RESERVATION FORM

Yes - I would like to attend the Fall 2008 Reunion. Please make the following meal reservations:

NAME: ___________________________________

REUNION LUNCH: ______@ $10.00 = _________

BANQUET ______ @ $35.00 = _____________

Make checks payable to: AASR VALLEY OF TOLEDO and mail to:

AASR Valley of Toledo1720 Indian Wood Circle Suite EMaumee OH 43537Make your Reservations on line at www.toledoaasr.com

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Published by the32° FREEMASONS,Valley of ToledoAncient Accepted Scottish Rite

Mail address:32º Freemasonry AASR Valley of Toledo 1720 Indian Wood Circle Suite EMaumee OH 43537

Phone: 419.893.2942Fax: 419.893.2962E-mail:secretary@toledoaasr.comkaren@toledoaasr.compamela@toledoaasr.com

Editor:Gary L. McElfresh, 33°

Design/LayoutDavid L. Olmstead, 33°

Contributing Reporter:Gary L. McElfresh, 33°

Membership Development:Michael A. Lake, 32°

Photography:Richard L. Davis, M.S.A.,32°James R. Weyer, 32°

Trustees:Robert C. Rill Jr., 33°Nicholas J. Stroh, 33º Richard J. Herr, 33°Christopher J. Hill, 32°Douglas W. King, 33ºWilliam H. Koon II, 33°Gregory L. Zook, 32°James A. Foote, 33°

From The Desk of the Executive SecretaryWhere does the time go? It’s hard for me to believe that we are already talking about our fall activities and our Annual Christmas Gathering at the Zoo. I was always told that time goes faster the older you get and I’m finding that to be a true statement.

There is a lot of information contained in this issue of the Tidings. I do hope you will read it from cover to cover so you don’t miss out on any of the upcoming events. And please, if you have the time and can see your way clear come out to some of these events. It’s always good to see our members and you might even have a good time!

I would also like to ask you to give serious thought to the article concerning removing yourself from the mailing list for the Tidings and to begin to receive it on line. This will really help with overhead costs for the Valley and will also help us help the environment. Just as a point of interest you can already review the Tidings on line at our Web Site www.toledoaasr.com. Our Web Site also has a calendar of events, a link to the Valley Offices for Reservations to the various events and other useful information. Check it out.

It’s been said that you only get out of something what you put into it and our fraternity is no exception. The more one participates the more one receives back. Our reunions are a great time to visit with old friends and make new ones. And it is always a pleasure to watch the different degrees. It takes a lot of work both on stage and behind the scenes to put on a reunion. If you would like to help give the office a call, I’m sure we can find something

for you to do to participate.

Speaking of reunions, our fall reunion is just around the corner. We will be doing the required degrees plus the 28º and we will have a guest speaker Illustrious Brother Brent Morris, 33º who is a noted Masonic Author and Speaker. Now is a good time to be thinking about petitions and who among your Masonic acquaintances you want to share your Scottish Rite experience with. I truly believe there is no denying that the lessons taught in the Scottish Rite Degrees are worthwhile and can be applied to everyday life. I hope you feel the same and that you will want to give another brother the opportunity to experience these lessons as well. We all need to seek out those brothers who we feel would enjoy and benefit from the Scottish Rite Degrees and encourage them to petition.

One of our more popular events is the Air Force Band of Flight. Tickets for this event usually go very quickly so make sure you get yours reserved right away. And trust me; it’s not too early to begin to think about the Holiday Season. Our Annual Christmas Gathering at the Toledo Zoo has been gaining momentum and it really is a fun evening. Don’t wait until the last minute. Mark your calendars and make your reservations now.

One last item. The Testimonial Dinner in October will be a very nice affair and pay recognition to three very deserving brothers. They deserve a good turnout for this event and I look forward to seeing you there.

SPES MEA in DEO EST.

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The Valley of Toledo Lyceum Presents:

S. Brent Morris, Ph.D., 33º, G.C.

Guest Speaker – Valley Reunion November 8, 2008

The Valley of Toledo Lyceum is proud and very excited to announce that Ill. Bro. S. Brent Morris, Ph.D., 33°, Grand Cross, has accepted the invitation by the Valley of Toledo to attend our November Reunion as Lyceum Guest Speaker.

Ill. Bro. Morris is one of the most accomplished scholars and commentators on historic and modern Freemasonry. He is the Managing Editor of the Scottish Rite Journal, the largest circulation Masonic magazine in the world. He is a leader among Masonic research societies including the Founder of the Scottish Rite Research Society and Editor of its scholarly journal, Heredom, and a Mackey Scholar. He carries the distinction of having been the only American to serve as Worshipful Master of the world’s foremost lodge of research, Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076 in London, England. A retired mathematician, Ill. Bro. Morris is believed to have the only doctorate in the world on card shuffling.

The author and editor of numerous works on Freemasonry, Ill. Bro. Morris co-authored with Ill. Bro. Arturo de Hoyos Is It True What They Say About Freemasonry? and Freemasonry in Context: History, Ritual, Controversy. His other varied works include Cornerstones of Freedom, A Radical In the East and The Folger Manuscript: The Cryptanalysis and Interpretation of an American Masonic Manuscript. In 2006, he authored the best-seller Idiot’s Guide to Freemasonry.

We look forward to his insights and comments during the Candidate’s Dinner on Friday, November 7, and during and after the Reunion at the Reception/Banquet for our new Sublime Princes.

The Valley of Toledo Lyceum was created by the Valley of Toledo Board of Trustees for the purpose of developing programming responsive to the increasing interest by our members for in-depth study of Masonic history, philosophy, symbolism and current issues facing the Fraternity.

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Illustrious and Most Worshipful Brother Thomas E. Reynolds, 33º Past Grand Master of Masons in Ohio passed away in July. The comments that follow are from an article written by Brother Jeremy Z. Sharninghouse to the local Paper in North Baltimore. I believe Brother Sharninghouse has captured the essence of Ill. Brother Reynolds and the article is printed here in its entirety with Brother Sharninghouse’s permission.

I believe most of the people who live in North Baltimore don’t realize that an important event occurred last Tuesday July 2, 2008. If you happened to be passing by Smith-Crates Funeral Home you may have noticed a large group of men lined up wearing white aprons and gloves. These men were there to pay their last respects to a great man and a good friend to all who knew him. One gentleman said it best. “There are 3 kinds of people those who are related to Tom, those who are Tom’s friends and those who Tom has yet to meet, that will soon be his friends.” Few people have had as much impact on so many lives as did Thomas E. Reynolds. During his career he taught over 8,000 students. He was a Boy Scout leader, a baseball coach and umpire and a State Champion golf coach. Just to name a few.

But the reason that all those men from around the state and in some cases around the country (as far away as Vermont) had come to pay their last respects was because it was a duty they owed to the man who had been the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio. He served in this high office from 2001 to 2002.

So on a beautiful summer evening in July, somewhere between 160 to 180 men gathered to remember and to offer their condolences to his family. Of those in attendance we had the current Grand Master Ronald L. Winnett,

Illustrious and Most Worshipful Brother Thomas E. Reynolds, 33º Passes

the Deputy G r a n d M a s t e r Charles R. Murphy, the Junior Grand W a r d e n B r a d f o r d A. Goebel, the Senior G r a n d D e a c o n Norman J. Mick, the Grand Treasurer Thomas H. Galyen and the Grand Secretary George O. Braatz. Also present were 11 Past Grand Masters, the current Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, the current Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, about 2 dozen current District Deputies and 2 dozen Past District Deputies, about 50 members of North Baltimore Masonic Lodge No. 561 (Tom’s home Lodge) with the remainder being made up of Brethren from around the District, State and Country.

No greater tribute could have been paid to such a great man as was the gathering of so many men all of which Tom could have called by name. He will be missed by all who knew him. We could so easily curse the darkness for it has taken from us such a great guiding light. But let us all set a flame aglow, just as Tom would have done, in our lives to better ourselves, our communities and every endeavor we embark on. And finally may we never forget to encourage all those around us, everyday, thereby making ourselves a living example of Tom’s character by extolling his greatest virtue. In doing so we will pay homage to Tom’s memory and he will live on through us.

SO MOTE IT BE

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At the recent DeMolay Supreme Council held in Anaheim CA on June 19th-21st, Illustrious and Most Worshipful Brother C. Michael Watson, 33º, Past Grand Master of Masons in Ohio and former Executive Officer of Ohio DeMolay was installed as the 77th Grand Master for DeMolay.

Illustrious Brother Theodore B. Korn, 33º was appointed as Grand Chaplain and was also elected as Region 4 Coordinator for Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois and Michigan. Illustrious Brother Korn is a Past Sovereign Prince of Northern Light Council Princes of Jerusalem.

Valley Members Honored and Elevated at DeMolay Supreme Council

Brother Michael Lake was honored with the Honorary Legion of Honor and will receive his HLOH on September 20th in Cleveland

OH. Brother Lake is currently serving the Valley of Toledo as Master of

Ceremonies for Ft. Industry Chapter of Rose Croix and is also the Valley

Membership Chairman.

Illustrious Brother Clarence L. Hartzell, III, 33º and Chairman Emeritus for the

Board of Trustees Valley of Toledo was also honored with the Honorary Legion of Honor. Ill. Brother Hartzell received his HLOH at the recent Ohio Conclave held in Canton OH

on July 19th.

In an effort to reduce operating costs and help achieve a “Green” situation concerning the Tidings, you are being asked to remove yourself from the Mailing list and receive your Tidings on Line. If you are in a position to do this we ask that you send an E-Mail to the Valley Office (pamela@toledoaasr.com) and notify us that you no longer wish to receive your Tidings via the US Mail and that you would be willing to receive it electronically. If you are not in a position to do this you need do nothing and we will continue to mail you your Tidings as we have always done.

We hope to develop a large enough E-Mail Address Book to allow us to do this. Initially you can go to our Web Site www.toledoaasr.com and get the Tidings there as an Adobe PDF file.

If you have questions/concerns or if you would like to help in this effort please contact the Valley Secretary.

The Tidings Is Going “Green” & Electronic

Annual Meeting To Be Held Monday September 15, 2008 In Findlay, OhThe Annual Meeting for the Valley of Toledo will be held at the Findlay Masonic Temple located at 303 Osborn Ave in Findlay, Ohio on September 15, 2008 beginning at 7:30 PM in the Lodge Room. Reports will be received from the Executive Secretary, Treasurer and the Board of Trustees and any other business appropriate to receive. Light refreshments will follow the meeting.

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On June 30, 22 Members of the Valley of Toledo made history. Answering the call of the Valley, these men met to learn about and organize a Chapter of the Knights of Saint Andrew. The group represented a cross-section of men but consisted primarily of members who joined since 2000.

After an enjoyable Italian dinner in the Club 32 Room, the Chapter Advisor outlined the history and organization of the Knights. The purpose of a Chapter of Knights is simple: to perform Masonic Service for the Valley, Scottish Rite Masonry, to the community and to Masonry in general. Our goal is to be fully constituted at or by the Fall Reunion.

Several important principles were unanimously agreed upon. All those seeking knighthood would be required to serve a probationary period as a member of the “Order of the Thistle” during which the candidate could demonstrate his commitment to Masonic Service. Then and only then could he become a Knight of Saint Andrew.

Membership is also limited to Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret - 32º Masons who are the backbone of our Valley. And all were excited by the opportunity to present a stirring image of our Scottish heritage by distinctive and colorful uniforms, regalia and ritual.

The invitation stands to those Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret who

want more from their Masonry and wish to join a “band of brothers” dedicated to living our highest ideals. Our next

meeting is on Sunday, September 7, 2008 at 6:00 PM at the Valley Headquarters located at 1720 Indian

Wood Circle, Suite E in the Arrowhead Business Park in

Maumee. Dinner will start at 6:00 pm with the meeting

to follow. Please RSVP to the Valley via E-Mail to: pamela@toledoaasr.com, or by phone 419-893-2942, no later than September 1, 2008.

Fraternally,

Douglas W. King, 33ºChapter Advisor

The Knights of Saint Andrew Hold First Organizational Meeting

The Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction located in Lexington, MA has announced that the Per Capita per member charged to Valleys will increase. The Per Capita for the dues year which just ended (2008) was $8.50 and will increase to $12.00 for the ensuing dues year (2009). This increase will be for the next dues collection beginning this fall.

Supreme Council Per Capita will subsequently increase $3.00 per year for the next five years

Supreme Council Increases Per Capita – Board of Trustees Decide to Hold The Line On Dues

following and eventually reach a level of $27.00.

The good news is that at least for next year The Board of Trustees for the Valley of Toledo has decided to hold the line and not seek any dues increase. Even though operating revenues will be decreased the Board is doing all in its power to continue to find ways to reduce Valley overhead, provide value to our membership and achieve a balanced budget.

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The Eaglesticks golf outing recently held on June 16th was another success. Golf Outing Chairman, Illustrious Brother Jim Foote, 33º reports that 88 golfers from around the state participated in this year’s event. The course is one of the most beautiful golf courses in the State of Ohio and is located in Zanesville OH. The traveling trophy returned to the Valley of Toledo for the fifth time following an absence for a number of years. Of the six foursomes from Toledo that participated the winners were Brother: John Stone, Bob Sickelbaugh, Todd Young and Trent Dominique with a score of 12 under in the scrambles play. Mark you calendars now for June 15, 2009 and watch for forthcoming information if you would like to play in this popular event.

Eaglesticks Trophy Returns To Toledo

The Testimonial Dinner Honoring the Valley of Toledo’s recently coroneted 33º Mason, Illustrious Brother Christopher J. Hill, 33º will be held on Saturday October 25, 2008 at Central Park West located at 3141 Central Park West in Toledo OH. (Central Park West is located just west of Route 23 off of the Central Avenue exit).

In addition to Honoring and Congratulating Illustrious Brother Hill the Valley will also be recognizing two other Brothers who have distinguished themselves for their years of service and dedication. Illustrious Brother Clarence L. Hartzell, III, 33º will be recognized for his many years of service to the Valley on the Board of Trustees most recently serving the last nine years as Chairman, and illustrious Brother James E. Olmstead, 33º

Testimonial Dinner October 25, 2008 At Central Park Westwill be recognized for his many years of service as the Active for the Valley of Toledo. Illustrious Brother Olmstead has taken Emeritus Status with Supreme Council and has retired his position as Active for the Valley.

The evening will begin at 6:00 PM with a Social Hour followed by Dinner at 6:45 PM. A recognition program will follow dinner. Cost for the evening is $ 35.00 per person. Use the form enclosed to make your reservations.

Testimonial Dinner Reservation Form

Yes - I will attend the Testimonial Dinner. Please make the following reservation:

Name: ________________________Number of Meals: _____ @ $35.00 = ______

Please make you check payable to: AASR Valley of Toledo and mail to:

32º FreemasonsAASR Valley of Toledo1720 Indian Wood Circle Suite EMaumee OH 43537

Make your Reservations on line at:www.toledoaasr.com

OR

Call the Office at: 419-893-2942

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When: Sunday October 5, 2008(Rain or Shine)

Time: 1:00 PM

Where: Swan Creek Metro Park ToledoEntrance at Airport Highway.

Course: 3 miles long

Info: Nick Stroh 419-866-4734 www.dyslexiawalk.org

The Annual James E. Olmstead Walk to help Children with Dyslexia

The annual Christmas Gathering at the Toledo Zoo to enjoy the Lights before Christmas, along with food and fellowship will be held on Friday December 5, 2008. This event has gained in popularity the last two years and is a very fun filled and enjoyable evening.

The evening will begin at 6:00 PM with pizza, breadsticks, cookies, hot chocolate, soda and coffee. We will once again be in the Nairobi Pavilion Room which is a heated room and we will have it to ourselves.

Cost for the evening is $10.00 for Adults (12 years and older) $7.00 for children ages 2-11 and children under 2 are free. Your ticket price includes parking, admittance to the Zoo, food,

Annual Christmas Gathering At The Toledo Zoo On Friday December 5, 2008

beverage and the Lights Before Christmas. There will also be a special treat for all who attend.

Mark your calendars now and make plans to attend.

As the Valley of Toledo underwrites some of the cost for this event it is limited to Scottish Rite Members and their Families.

See the flyer in this issue of the Tidings and use the reservation form or go on line at www.toledoaasr.com or Call the Office 419-893-2942 to make your reservations.

See you at the Zoo!

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Scottish RiteChristmas GatheringWHEN: Friday, December 5, 2008

@ 6:00 pm

WHERE: The Toledo Zoo, Nairobi Pavilion Room

COST: Adults (ages 12 and over) - $10.00Children (ages 2-11) - $7.00Children (under 2 yrs) – N/C

Package includes:

Reservation Form: Scottish Rite Christmas Gathering at the Toledo ZooFriday-December 5, 2008 • 6:00pm • Nairobi Pavilion Room

Please reserve:____# of tickets Adult tickets (age 12 and over) ____at $10.00 each $_____________ Children’s tickets (age 2 thru 11)____ at $7.00 each $_____________Children’s tickets (under age 2)____ at N/C each FREE Total Amount Enclosed: $_____________Member’s Name: ___________________________ Phone #: ________________

Street Address: ___________________________ ___________________________

City/State/Zip: ___________________________ ___________________________

Room to gather from 6pm to 8pm

Admission to the “Lights Before Christmas”

Parking

All you can eat:Pizza

BreadsticksHot Chocolate / Coffee

SodaCookies

Christmas surprise for the first 200 paid reservations! (Event is limited to Valley members and their families)

Please submit your reservation form no later than Monday, 11/24/08

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We are most excited and pleased to announce that the Valley of Toledo will once again host the Air Force Band of Flight. The event will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2008 in the Stranahan Theater beginning at 4:00 PM. Prior to the AFBOF performance beginning at 3:30 PM the Springfield Jr. ROTC will do a drill presentation. This should prove to be a most exhilarating and entertaining event.

Air Force Band Of Flight Returns On October 12, 2008

AIR FORCE BAND OF FLIGHT RESERVATION FORM

Yes! Please make the following reservations for the Air Force Band of Flight:

Name: __________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: __________________________________________________________

Number of tickets: ________________________________________________________

Mail your ticket request to:

32º FreemasonsAASR Valley of Toledo1720 Indian Wood Circle Suite EMaumee OH 43537

Order your tickets on line at www.toledoaasr.com Or Call the Office at: 419-893-2942

Please use the enclosed form to make your reservations. Tickets are free (sponsored by the Valley of Toledo) and the event is open to the public. Invite your neighbors, family and friends to join you in this most festive Holiday and Patriotic production.

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12Visit our new web site at www.toledoaasr.com for event information and registration

AASR Valley of Toledo 1720 Indian Wood Circle Suite EMaumee OH 43537-4005

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDTOLEDO, OHIO

Permit No. 251

DATE EVENT TIME LOCATION CITY

9/15/2008 Annual Meeting 7:30 PM Findlay Masonic Findlay Temple10/5/2008 Learning Center Walk-A-Thon 1:00 PM Swan Creek Toledo10/12/2008 Air Force Band of Flight 4:00 PM Stranahan Theater Toledo10/17&18/08 Grand Lodge All Day Convention Center Columbus10/25/2008 Testimonial Dinner 6:00 PM Central Park West Toledo11/8/2008 Fall Reunion 8:00 AM Stranahan Theater Toledo12/5/2008 Christmas Gathering 6:00 PM Toledo Zoo Toledo

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