h vol. xxv no. 3 january 2016 raymond t. dietz, · february 4, 2016 stated meeting dinner @ 6pm a...

VOL. XXV NO. 3 H H H January 2016

164 Years of Scottish Rite Masonry in Pittsburgh

G

Raymond T. Dietz, 33°121st Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania

Ronald & Karen D. William Roberts Bruce A. Robinson Richard & Bette Don & Ginny Plesh Rodibaugh Sauer

The men and organizations pictured tothe right are those who have made a

$10,000 or more commitment to support theValley of Pittsburgh Children’s Dyslexia CenterEndowment Fund.

As Freemasons, we have always beenbenevolent and charitable. For Scottish RiteMasons, our Charity is to teach children withdyslexia how to read. It is important in givingthem social confidence.

The teaching method is the Orton-Gilling-ham program. It is a one tutor – one studentratio. This method is very expensive butextremely effective. It costs approximately$5,000 a year for each child. Our goal is toraise $2,500,000 to endow the Children’sDyslexia Center for the future.

To make it easier to make this commitment,you can spread out your $10,000 donationover a ten year period. For information, call412-939-3579. The future of our children is ourmost important mission. I encourage each ofyou to have your picture on this page and be aBUILDER of this Masonic benevolence.

Your donation is tax-deductible. Thomas K. Sturgeon, 33°

Active Member of Supreme Council

VVaa ll ll ee yy oo ff PP ii tt tt ss bb uu rr gg hh

Builders Council Enrollment FormI pledge the sum of: � $10,000 � $15,000

� $20,000 � $25,000 With payments in equal installments over a period of:

� 3 years � 5 years � 10 years. This pledge will be payable: � Annually

� Semi-annually � Quarterly � *Monthly *Monthly payments may be made only by credit card.First payment of $ is enclosed.Deduct my pledge from my credit card when due:

� MasterCard � Visa � American Express� Discover � Other .

Number Exp. date Name you would prefer in recognition: � This gift is anonymous.Signature

Name

Address

City State Zip

Ph. ( ) Date Mail to: Builders Council, 3579 Masonic Way,

Pittsburgh, PA 15237-2700.

Teaching children with dyslexia

Robert & Janice Emery & Carol David & Carol Robert & Jacqueline Jeff & Susan Amend Anden Bagaley Beatty Biddle

Raymond & Lynn Fred & Kathy Robert Eckbreth James Ecker & James & Ellen Dietz Donatelli Donna Murtha Flanigan

Leland A. Hale, Jr. Jeff & Lauren Raymond & Dorothy James & Lisa Robert & P.J.Heiger James Jenkins Jones

Frank R. Mangery Jack Marsh John & Judy Roy & Sara Jane Jay & Joanne McCombs McCullough McElravy

Kurt & Nancy Gregory Triko George & Norma S. Timothy Warco Bob & Charlene Tesche Vance Wells

Valley

of

Pittsburgh

Lodge

No. 45

F. & A.M.

Infinity Lodge

No. 546

F. & A.M.

Washington

Lodge No. 164

F. & A.M.

Homestead AmityMcCandles

Lodge No. 582F. & A.M.

to read – one child at a time!BB uu ii ll dd ee rr ss CC oo uu nn cc ii ll

Glenn & Mary Dr. Glenn & Roberta Jack & Carol Donald & Barbara John & Valerie Raymond & JoyMiller Miller Miller Murphy Nicklas Nicklas

Mark & Patty George H. Cox Rick & Reneé James & Eda Mario & Linda Bill & HeatherBliler Cross Dean DeBlasio Dickey

Howard & Sharon Donald & Debra Wallace & Leah Eric & Raylene Harvey & Carol John & Ruth Flynn Green Grossett Gumto Gumto Habel

Paul & Penny Paul & Jackie David & Sandy David & Judy John Kovac William & Babara Kappel Kauffman Kearns Kielman Magnotti, Jr.

Joseph A Schrock, Jr. James W. Seel William Shaw William Slater II Samuel & Judy Thomas & JoanSpanos Sturgeon

Unified

Lodge No. 2

IOOF

PittsburghCommandery

No. 1Knights Templar

James & Annetta James & Jill Jeff & SharonWest West Wonderling

Valley of PittsburghLegion ofHonor

100% 2,500,000

2,375,000

90% 2,300,000

2,125.000

80% 2,000,000

1,875,000

70% 1,750,000

1,625,000

60% 1,500,000

1,375,000

50% 1,250,000

1,125,000

40% 1,000,000

875,000

30% 750,000

625,000

20% 500,000

375,000

0% 250,000

*RECEIVEDGOAL $2,500,000

Help the Endowment Fund for Dyslexia

GROW!Make a Pledge or a Donation!

GOAL: $2,500,000

*from donations, bequests,pledges & fund raisers.

“We make a living by whatwe get, but we make a life

by what we give.”– Bro. Winston Churchill

SupremeCouncil Group

Valley of Pittsburgh

Valley

of

Uniontown

Chartiers

Lodge No. 297

F. & A.M.

30th

Masonic

District

OakdaleLodge No.669In Memory ofW. Robert &Marion Jones

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

January 2016 The Rite News .

SUPREME COUNCIL, 33°Corporate Headquarters: P.O. Box 519, Lexington, Massachusetts 02420-0519

781-862-4410 • Fax 781-863-1833 • ScottishRiteNMJ.org

Thomas K. Sturgeon, 33°Deputy for Pennsylvania

3406 Timberglen DriveImperial, PA 15126cell: 412-736-2525

email: [email protected]

ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE n NORTHERN MASONIC JURISDICTION n UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

November 21, 2015

It gives me great pleasure to congratulate III. Brother Raymond T. Dietz, 33rdon his installation as our new Grand Master. It has been my privilege to bepersonal friends with Brother Dietz for over twenty five years. I know that hehas many great initiatives to bring to action during his term as Grand Master.

The more than thirty thousand members of the Pennsylvania Council ofDeliberation, AASR stand staunchly behind the efforts of Brother Dietz. There isno question that he will make an exceptional Grand Master. The ActiveMembership and all of our members are excited to offer all possible supportduring his term of office.

On behalf of all Scottish Rite Masons in Pennsylvania, we congratulate BrotherRay as he assumes the highest office in Pennsylvania Freemasonry.

Fraternally,

Thomas K. SturgeonDeputy for Pennsylvania

Celebrating 200 years of Brotherhood

"We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members."

Thomas K. Sturgeon

Congratulations Grand Master Dietz from the Presiding Officers of the Valley of Pittsburgh

Most of us—if not all of us—were in-troduced to Freemasonry by our fa-

ther, grandfather, brother, uncle, or otherfamily member. If not, then it was most likelyby someone close to us who we consider tobe a “family” member.

Freemasonry has a long, rich, and storiedhistory of family. As members we addresseach other as Brothers. And we indeed areBrothers—fraternal Brothers. We are all verydifferent men, we share different ideas, welead separate lives, we may even disagree.But we have a common belief, and a com-mon bond, and a common love for one an-other. It is a different love than what we havefor our mother, our spouse, and our children.

How do we define this love? How do wedescribe it? How do we explain it?

Raymond T. Dietz, Right Worshipful GrandMaster, explains how he was introduced tothe Craft—“by witnessing the fraternal lovebetween my father and my ‘uncle’ Ray. Bothmen could not have been more different, beit in their political ideals, their field of employ,or their chosen paths in life. And yet theywere truly the best of friends—even moreso—they were the best of Brothers whoseadmiration and compassion and love for oneanother was unyielding.”

“Uncle” Ray was not a relative in the tradi-tional sense of the word—he was not blood—but instead a man so esteemed by the fatherof Brother Dietz, that he named his son in hishonor.

The Scottish Rite, too, puts a strong em-phasis on family. Each of us, as members of

the Valley of Pittsburgh, has created deepbonds with our brothers in Scottish Rite.They too are everlasting and hard to de-scribe.

On December 28, 2015, in the David L.Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania, Brother Raymond T. Dietz,33˚, was installed as the 121st Right Wor-shipful Grand Master, of the Grand Lodge ofFree and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania.Brother Dietz is a 23-year member of theValley of Pittsburgh, past officer, and wascoroneted a Member of the Supreme Councilof the Sovereign Grand Inspectors Generalof the Thirty-Third and Last Degree of theAncient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freema-sonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdictionof the United States of America in 2006.

Brother Dietz is our friend. He is a trueleader in our Valley and our Fraternity. He isa part of our family. We beam with pride andpledge our support and loyalty to his newideas, concepts, and solutions for our ever-evolving Fraternity. He is dedicated to mak-ing our Fraternity better. He is dedicated toserving with passion, with love, and with anew vision. He is dedicated to helping thosein need and advancing our Fraternity as aplace of hope and compassion for others.

As officers, members, and friends of thisgreat Scottish Rite Valley, we heartily con-gratulate Ill. Brother Dietz on this auspiciousoccasion.

We look forward to your inspiration andleadership as we chart a new course over thenext two years!

Congratulations! vRobert B. Ruff, 32°Thrice Potent MasterGourgas Lodge of Perfection

Donald W. Boehm, 33°Commander-in-ChiefPennsylvania Consistory

Larry D. Horath, 32°Most Wise MasterPittsburgh Chapter of Rose Croix

Rodney E. Boyce, 33°Sovereign PrincePittsburgh Council of Princesof Jerusalem

Spes Mea In Deo Est



“You’ve got to find some way to say it without saying it.”

— Brother Edward “Duke” Ellington, Entertainer

“What we have done for ourselves alone,dies with us; what we have done for othersand the world, remains and is immortal.”— Brother Albert Pike, Attorney, Soldier,

Masonic Writer



John A. Habel, Jr., 33°Grand Commander

MASONIC TEMPLE , ONE NORTH BROAD STREETPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19107

215-567-5836

128 HOMEWOOD AVENUEBELLE VERNON, PENNSYLVANIA 15012

[email protected]

December 6, 2015

I would like to extend Knightly Greetings and Congratulations toBrother Raymond T. Dietz, our newly installed Right Worshipful GrandMaster.

I have known the Grand Master for many years. I find him to be agood Christian, family man, friend, and Freemason.

The Officers and members of the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvaniaextend to you our best wishes for an enjoyable and productive term andwe pledge our support to you in all of your endeavors.

In Templary.

John A. Habel, Jr. Grand Commander

Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of PA

John A. Habel, Jr.

for an evening to celebrate the

join us

inScottish

Rite

Thursday, February 4, 2016

S T A T E D M E E T I N G

Dinner @ 6PMa traditional Scottish meal

Stated Meeting @ 7PMfeaturing a special program

Entertainment @ 8PMDessert will be served immediately

after the performance

This event is open to members only.Call 412-939-3579 for dinner reservations.

Dinner cost is $10. Dinner reservations must be made by January 29, 2016.

MEM

BERS

ONLY

entertainment by the

Seton Hill University Pipe Band



Jeffrey M. Wonderling, 33°, installedR.W. Junior Grand Warden

Brother Jeffrey Wonderling wasborn in Ridgway, PA on Febru-

ary 27, 1960. He resided in AlleghenyCounty until 1990 when he moved toWestmoreland County where hecurrently resides. He was educatedin the public schools and graduatedfrom Gateway Senior High School in1978.

Bro. Wonderling is a member ofSalem Evangelical Lutheran Church,Delmont, PA where he has served onChurch Council, chaired two capitalcampaigns, and currently serves onthe Finance Committee. He hasbeen active in his community servingon the Board of Directors for theAmerican Heart Assoc. and he iscurrently serving as Secretary of theBoard of Directors for the BetterBusiness Bureau of Western PA.

Bro. Wonderling is employed byFlynn’s Tire Group as a TerritorialManager and he has specialized inbusiness development for over thirtyyears.

He began his career with E. W. TireCo. in 1977. He was employed by theGoodyear Tire and Rubber Co. from1984 - 1997.

He is married to the former ShanonLee (Raab) and he is the father of twostepsons Thomas and Michael Bah-ney He is he grandfather of Julia andDylan Bahney.

Bro. Wonderling was raised aMason in King Solomon’s Lodge No.346, serving as Worshipful Master in1998. He is a Charter member ofLodge Ad Lucem No. 812 - serving asWarrant Secretary in 2007 and 2008.He is a member of the PennsylvaniaLodge of Research and Co-foundedthe outdoor Meeting in the Hills in1998.

In York Rite Masonry, Bro. Wonder-ling is a member of ConnellsvilleRoyal Arch Chapter No. 283 where heserved as Most Excellent High Priestin 2000 – Kedron Commandery No.18 and Red Cross of Constantine,U.S. Premier Conclave.

In the Scottish Rite of Masonry, heis a member of Uniontown Lodge ofPerfection, serving as Thrice PotentMaster in 2005, the Valley of Pitts-burgh, serving as Most Wise Masterof the Pittsburgh Chapter of Rose

Croix in 2012. He was ElectedSecond Lieutenant Commander ofPittsburgh Consistory in 2014 andwill advance to 1st Lieutenant Com-mander on September 1, 2016.

He is a member of the BuildersCouncil for the Endowment of thePittsburgh Center for Dyslexia andwas Coroneted a Honorary Memberof Supreme Council 33rd Degree inChicago in 2006.

Bro. Wonderling was appointed aDistrict Deputy Grand Master of the30th Masonic District of the GrandLodge of Pennsylvania, 1999 thru2005 . He served on the Committeeon Masonic Homes from 2007through 2014. He is the recipient ofthe Century Award for Conferringover 100 Degrees and the GrandMasters Outstanding Service Awardin 2014. He is also a member of theMasonic Villages Franklin Society.

Other Masonic Affiliations includeHonorary Member of the DeMolayLegion of Honor, Syria Shrine, Pitts-burgh, PA, Caravans No. 8 and 20,the Royal Order of Jesters, CourtNo. 2, Royal Order of Scotland, TallCedars of Lebanon, WestmorelandForest No. 77, Forbes Chapter No.524 Order of the Eastern Star wherehe is a Past Worthy Patron, IrwinChapter No. 400, Order of the East-ern Star and Jeannette Court No. 25,Order of the Amaranth, and is a PastRoyal Patron. v

Sharon and Jeffrey M. Wonderling, 33°Junior Grand Warden of the GrandLodge of Pennsylvania

The Pittsburgh Chapter of Rose Croix will preside at the February 2016 Stated Meeting.Ill. Rodney E. Boyce, 33°, Most Wise Master


December 10, 2015

On behalf of the Syria Shriners of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I extend toyou, Brother Noble Raymond T. Dietz, heartfelt and fraternal congratulationson your election and installation as the Right Worshipful Grand Master ofMasons in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Many of us who are yourfriends have witnessed qualities in you that insure that you will be a greatGrand Master.

We, the Syria Shriners, pledge our support to you in all of your endeavors over the nexttwo years. You have clearly demonstrated the attributes that all Masonic bodies seek in aRight Worshipful Grand Master, and we anticipate the leadership of wisdom and faith thatyou will provide.

Yours in the Faith,

Robert W. HerbertPotentate


Robert W. Herbert

ChristmasLuncheon2015 In The Valley

Rebecca and Larry Horath

Harvey and Carol Gumto

Margaret and Bill Johnston

Mary Miller, Glen Miller, III , Roberta Miller, Dr. Glen MillerRobert and Janice Amend

Lynn and Raymond DietzGrand Master of Masons

in Pennsylvalnia

1st row: Sam Williamson, Sharon Wonderlling, Jeff Wonderling.2nd row: Rodney Boyce, Irvin Boyce, Jean Boyce, P.J. Roup, Leslie Morgans, Dave Morgans

Rebecca and Larry Horath

Al and Sibyl Kappeler

Kari and Todd Ballenger

Dave and Leslie Morgans

Vito Urso, Sandy Kearns, Marilyn Urso, David KearnsGeorge Hulse

Lynn and Raymond DietzGrand Master of Masons

in Pennsylvalnia

Sam Williamson and Norm ArthursKari Ballenger, Leslie Morgans, Sharon Wonderling, Jean Boyce

Presiding Officers: Don Boehm, Larry Horath, Rodney Boyce



Dear Brethren,

Hope, anticipation,excitement and

maybe a fear of the un-known, are just a fewemotions stirring as eachNew Year approaches.We hope for health andhappiness for our fami-lies, friends and lovedones. We anticipate what the future holds forour careers and relationships and the excite-ment of it all is the spice of life.

These feelings are also prevalent regardingour Fraternity. Every two years a new GrandMaster takes his station and the weight of ourJurisdiction is placed upon his mantle. Can yousense the excitement? Do you feel the antici-pation? I most certainly do? I hope the visionthat the Grand Master reveals as his termbegins will spur us to action. To have meetingsand events that you will want to attend andshare with other like-minded men. To continueour mission of making good men better. To

make a great Fraternity even greater.On Monday, December 28, 2015, Bro

Raymond T. Dietz was installed as the121st Right Worshipful Grand Master ofThe Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Hehas officially retired from the MortgageBanking Industry to give his time, energy,and considerable talent to the Fraternitywe all love. I pledge my support to him andmy service to you. I can’t wait to getstarted.

The Grand Master, with the assistanceof your Grand Lodge Officers, and staff,has woven together a series of programsdesigned to improve each individualMasonic experience. He has also beenworking to improve our membership.There will be new and innovative programsthat I hope you will embrace. Times arechanging and Freemasonry will changewith them. I would encourage your partici-pation. Here are a few simple things youcan do to help. If you have an idea, shareit. When the opportunity presents itself toassist a Brother or his family, help them.Share the story and purpose of our organi-zation with those men you covet in yourlife. And most importantly, get involved.We are so much better with you than with-out you. The Grand Master needs yourassistance to move the Fraternity forward.

May God be with us as we go. v“Foot to Foot”

by Jeffrey M. Wonderling, 33°Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden

onders !onderlingW FELLOWSHIP

GPMC

Last Saturday of the Month(except December)

Served by Ohio Valley Rainbow Girls

Pittsburgh DeMolayHosted by:

The Valley of Pittsburgh

per person$600

Buffet FeaturesScrambled Eggs, Sausage, Bacon

French Toast, Potatoes, Toast Milk, Coffee, Tea, Orange Juice

H All Masons and GuestsWELCOME!

H Groups & PartiesWELCOME!

If you have a large party, please

call 412-939-3579 and let us know

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center

1st row: Arlene Pasinsky, Alberta Feightner, Elenore Beardsley, Lynn Whitaker. 2nd row: Howard Sproul, Daryl Sproul, Helen Crawford, SissyKengyel, Carol Tharpe, Margie Matevich, Patti Dunn, Wally Grossett, John Whitaker. 3rd row: Howard Crawford, Glen Irvin, Bill Kengyel,Don Thompson, Mike Matevich, Dr. Larry Dunn, Bob Tharpe.

Bro. Wally Grossett’s annual Christmas Luncheon Party



December 9, 2015

Right Worshipful Raymond T. DietzOf the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons In Pennsylvania and Masonic Jurisdictions thereunto belonging.

It is with sincerest personal and fraternal respect that I congratulate youupon being elected Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Ancientand Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons In Pennsylvania andMasonic Jurisdictions thereunto belonging.

On behalf of the over eight thousand members of the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter in Pennsylvania I offer our support in all of your undertakings and in any capacity we can assist the Grand or subordinate Lodges in the Commonwealth.

May your years as Right Worshipful Grand Master be productive and rewardingand may the grace of God be with you always.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Wayne C. FaupelMost Excellent Grand High Priest

Wayne C. Faupel, 33°

The Oldest Grand Chapter in the United States Serving Capitular Masonry in Pennsylvania since 1795

Wayne C. Faupel



Masonic Veterans Assoc. ofWestern Pennsylvania

Many Masonic Veterans are not aware of theAssociation of Masonic Veterans of Western

Pennsylvania because they think it is based on amilitary requirement. The Masonic Veterans are thoseMasons who have been a member of the MasonicFraternity for a minimum of 21 years. Therefore anyqualified mason is welcome to join and enjoy goodfellowship at four stated meetings a year (secondWednesday in March, June, September and Decem-ber) held at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Centerand two special events (Corn roast in August and aPast Presidents and Ladies Night in October).

Membership applications are available from: John A. Habel, Jr., SecretaryPO Box 31Monessen, Pennsylvania 15062-0031Email: [email protected]

Fee to join: $10.00 Annual dues: $5.00The stated meetings usually have a dinner before

a short business meeting followed by an interestingprogram for the enjoyment of the members.

The Association of Masonic Veterans of WesternPennsylvania was founded on November 30, 1885. Itwas established to recognize the long and honorableservice to the craft by members of the Masonic Frater-nity while they are still living instead of in an obituary.It’s main goals are to retain existing friendship, to formnew ones, to assist preserving the history of the craft,and to set an example for the younger members.

The objects of this Association shall be: • To strengthen the fraternal ties existing between

those, who for a period of twenty one years or more,have been members in good standing of the MasonicFraternity.

• To increase our zeal for and our devotion to thecherished principles of Freemasonry

• By our example to stimulate our younger brethrenin the pursuit of virtue and truth

• To extend our knowledge of the Royal Art, that wemay the better instruct our less informed brethren

• To make research into the history of WesternPennsylvania so far as it relates to Freemasonry

• To preserve memorials thereof in our archives• To perform as men and Masons such things as we

are dictated by the laws of humanity as well as thelaws of the Craft. v

Mason's First Point Ceremony, allin raised 24K gold relief against abackground of classic floral engrav-ing.

On the right side, black and whitemosaic squares represent the floorof King Solomon's Temple to illus-trate "human life, checkered withgood and evil." Ascending stairsremind a member of the path tohigher levels of Freemasonry, withanother "G" at the top as the ulti-mate goal.

It's built with the same smoothaction that all rifles in Henry's award-winning Golden Boy family areknown for. This model features anickel-plated finish and the receiverengravings are plated with 24K gold.The buttplate and barrel band arebrass. The American Walnut stock isengraved and hand-painted.

It features a fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight with a reversiblewhite diamond insert and brassbeaded front sight. It includes ablued octagonal barrel and is drilledand tapped for easy scope mount-ing. Offered in caliber .22 S/L/LR,capacity is 16 rounds of 22 LongRifle and as much as 21 rounds of22 Short. v

Henry RepeatingArms is introduceing

the newest rifle in its collection, TheHenry Golden Boy Freemasons Trib-ute Edition.

“It recognizes the long history ofthis honorable fraternal order andrewards the work and dedication ofFreemasons everywhere.”

The rifle is crafted with the high-est attention to detail. The selectAmerican walnut stock depicts ourfirst President in full Masonicregalia, with apron, trowel, andWarden's column, standing on a"temple" floor in front of a Masonicstaircase, in a painted tableaubordered by scrollwork in the samestyle as the receiver.

The left side carries the famoussquare and compass, retained fromthe earliest days of Freemasonry,the mason's plumb, and level, theletter "G" which stands for both Godand Geometry, the All-Seeing Eyeof God as the symbol of divinewatchfulness, and the wordsBROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF &TRUTH that the order considers itsfoundation, along with FAITH,HOPE, CHARITY, emphasized in a

Masonic Rifle Fundraiser for Dyslexia

- Masonic Tribute Rifle -Here’s my contribution check for the School forDyslexia. $5 $10 $20 $50 $100 payable to Hiram’s Tribute Rifle.Name

Phone

Email

Mail to: Hiram’s Riders, Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center, 3579Masonic Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Please include a stamped,self-addressed envelope for confirmation.

Questions? 412-576-5856 or [email protected]

You could own this rifle for $5.00! Here’s how.Make a voluntary contribution to the ValleySchool for Dyslexia. (A $5.00 minimum issuggested) and we’ll do the rest - whichincludes conducting a random drawing for alucky winner on Saturday, July 30. Enter asoften as you like! Complete the coupon below and mail. Sponsored by Hiram’s Riders Motorcycle Club.

The Masonic Tribute Rifle

WeRide

to

Help Kids with

Dyslexia

Thought Provoking Words!Remember those immortal words of Polonius givingadvice to his son Laertes as he departs from Denmark,on his return to France, in Shakespeare’s greatest play,Hamlet –

“This above all, to thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”

December 11, 2015

The Officers and members of Islam Grotto congratulates Brother RaymondT. Dietz on being installed as the 121st Grand Master of the Grand Lodge ofPennsylvania.

Brother and Prophet Raymond T. Dietz became a Grotto member on June21, 1979..

The Grottoes of North America is a charitable organization, dedicated topromoting Good Fellowship, Friendship, and fun amongst Master Masons.

The requirements for membership in the Order of Veiled Prophets is that aman must first be a Master Mason in good standing, and that he must con-tinue to maintain his good standing in his Blue Lodge in order to retain hisstanding in the Order. In no way does the Grotto infringe upon the rights andceremonies of Masonry or of any other Order.

The Grottoes of North America Humanitarian Foundation is a 501 (c) (3)nonprofit organization that brings “Special Smiles” to children with specialneeds by providing them much-needed dental care. The program helpscover the cost of dental treatment, including hospital and anesthesiacost, when needed, for children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, andrelated neuromuscular disorders, those with mental retardation, and organtransplant recipients. may go without, one smile at a time."

Fraternally,

George GittinsMonarch



Islam Grotto M.O.P.V.E.R.Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

3579 Masonic WayPittsburgh, PA 15237-2700

(412) 418-2655George Gittens Michael Tomlinson, P.M.Monarch Secretary

George Gittins

As we ring in a new yearand celebrate the instal-

lation of a new Grand Master,it’s the perfect time to tell youabout a new club being formedin the Valley of Pittsburgh: TheGhost Light Theater Com-pany. It takes itsname from the solitarylight left burning onstage when the theateris closed. Some say itis just there for safety.Others say it is thereto ward off theaterghosts. No matterwhich side you believe, GhostLight is committed to bringing itsown magic to the Scottish Ritestage.

Ghost Light will produceplays under their own auspicesbeginning as entertainment forValley functions and eventuallyfor the general public. Member-ship in Ghost Light is open toall Scottish Rite Masons in goodstanding. Whether you enjoyacting, production, makeup,costuming or stage crew – oreven if you would just like tosupport this new club – there’sa place for you. Check the web-

site soon for details on how tobecome a charter member ofthe club.

We are pleased to announcethat our first production will be ofReginald Rose’s Twelve AngryMen. Set entirely in a jury delib-

eration room, thisdrama takes a hardlook at bigotry, intoler-ance, and the inherentfallibility of humanbeings. This intenseplay has everythingfrom stirring personalrevelations to edge-of-

your-seat tension.Twelve Angry Men will be

performed one night only, asthe entertainment immediatelyfollowing the Stated Meeting onApril 7th. Ladies and guests arewelcome to attend as well.Admission is Free.

Mark your calendars now,and see the next Rite News orvisit valleyofpittsburgh.org formore information as the dateapproaches. We hope to seeyou in the house, and we’ll besure to leave the Ghost Light onfor you. v



Sunday, February 7, 2016

Sunday, February 21, 2016

SUPERBOWL PARTY

NASCAR NEXTEL CUP

Sponsored by the Valley of Pittsburgh and the Grotto

Sponsored by the Valley of Pittsburgh

2 BIG FEBRUARY SPECIAL EVENTS

Doors open at 12:30 p.m. FOX TV broadcast begins at1:00 p.m. on the (9’ x 12’) TV screen in the Grotto room atthe Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center.

H Refreshments H 50/50 Drawing H CardsCall the Valley Office at 412-939-3579 for reservations.

Cost? Only $5.00 (for members)FREE TO POTENTIAL SPRING CLASS CANDIDATES

A Tailgate Party startsat 4:00 p.m. at the GreaterPittsburgh Masonic Centerfeaturing “Master Chef”Don Murphy’s famous hotdogs, hamburgers, salads,desserts and beverages.

After the ‘dinner party’sit back, relax, have abeer, and enjoy the 50thexciting NFL Superbowlon the BIG, BIG, BIG(9’ x 12’) TV screen.Cost? Only $5.00

Family and Friends are invited to join you.Please RSVP to the Valley Office: 412-939-3579.

WHEN

ALL

ELS

EFA

ILS

READ

THEDIR

ECTIO

NS

s

by P.J. Roup, 33°



Avalon Lodge No. 657525 Lincoln Ave

Bellevue, PA 15202

December 28, 2016

To: Brother Raymond T. DietzRight Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in PennsylvaniaGrand Lodge of Pennsylvania1 North Broad StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19107

Dear Grand Master Dietz,

On behalf of the officers and members of Avalon Lodge No. 657,I would like to congratulate you on being installed Right WorshipfulGrand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania. We here at Avalon LodgeNo. 657 are very proud to have you as a member of our lodge andlook forward to an exciting and productive two years under yourleadership.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

John F. PfaffWorshipful Master

Avalon Lodge No. 657

Worshipful Master John F. Pfaff, Senior Warden Brandon P. Cooper, Junior Warden Christopher Galbreath, Treasurer Robert C. RobinsonSecretary Gerald F. Grossi, Senior Deacon Alex Martinez, Junior Deacon Thomas Brantner, Senior Master of Ceremonies TBDJunior Master of Ceremonies Michael Hopkins, Pursuivant Brain Farren, Chaplain Thomas Sparke, Tyler Robert Nicho, Senior Steward JosephA. Schrock. Trustee Jesse J. Stoltz, PM, Trustee Joseph A. Schrock, PM, Trustee David J. Corcoran, PM, Rep in Grand Lodge David Coopey,PM, Substitute Rep in Grand Lodge John C. Deller, PM.

John F. Pfaff

Avalon Lodge No. 657525 Lincoln AvenueBellevue, PA 15202-3548 724-683-4785



The biggest donation that theMasonic Children’s Home in Eliza-

bethtown has ever received came as asurprise. It was from the late DorotheaIlgen Shaffer, a former resident of thehome who left $10.9 million in her will.

"To think, a child who grew up here in1914 would one day help provide for kidsshe'll never meet,” said Cindy Phillips,executive director of the Masonic Village atElizabethtown, a retirement communityestablished by PennsylvaniaFreemasons, which includesthe children's home.

Phillips said the gift “willhelp youth for many years tocome, giving them a chanceto pursue opportunities theyotherwise wouldn't have. ”Thedonation equals roughly five years of thehome’s operating budget, and no one hadany idea it was coming, according toMasonic Villages spokeswoman MeganLeitzell.

Leitzell said Shaffer entered the homewith her brother in 1914 at age 3 and livedthere until she graduated from high school,but did not have any recent involvementwith the nonprofit. Shaffer died in 2012 atage 101, but closing her estate took awhile and the home just received the gift inNovember.

The missionThe home, which currently has 40

residents, has housed more than 2,100children since being established by thePennsylvania Freemasons in 1913.

Leitzell said: “Today, the staff at thechildren's home see less children that areorphaned and more who might be raisedby aging grandparents (and great grand-parents), suffer from neglect and abuseand children who have parents that sufferfinancially, from addiction and mentalillness or have been incarcerated.”

Its website says parents or guardiansneed not relinquish their legal rights andmay arrange biweekly visits.

The home relies on donations, as itdoes not accept government funding.According to Phillips, Shaffer’s gift will funddaily necessities and education after highschool for the children.

Life after the homeAfter graduating from high school and

leaving the home, Shaffer obtained exten-sive higher education, earning a bachelor's

degree in design from Syracuse University,then completing a master's degree fromPenn State University and graduate workat Lebanon Valley College, University ofPennsylvania, University of Mexico andUniversity of Bogata Columbia.

She taught art in the Harrisburg AreaSchool District and married Maurice E.Shaffer, an attorney who died in 1997.

In an article commemorating Shaffer’slife, Syracuse University reported she

founded a commercial interiordesign firm named Ilco in 1933.She and her husband madenumerous gifts to the university,including $3.25 million for what isnow called the Dorothea IlgenShaffer Art Building.

The Masonic Village said Shaf-fer also participated in many civic organi-zations and served on various boards,including as honorary trustee for MessiahCollege and Syracuse University at thetime of her death.

The children's home has installed aplaque in Shaffer's memory, bearing aquote attributed to anti-apartheid activistand former South African President NelsonMandela. It says, “Education is the mostpowerful weapon which you can use tochange the world.” v

Please reserve show tickets (no charge). Enclosed is my check for $10 payable toLodge of Perfection for dinner tickets.Name Phone ( )Mail to: GPMC, 3579 Masonic Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15237-2700

Dinner following performance (optional) $10.00

The Story of theCrucifixion

Palm Sunday, March 20 – Curtain Time 3:00 p.m.

The Valley of PittsburghGreater Pittsburgh Masonic Center

presents a free on stage production of the drama

Former resident leaves $10.9M to theChildren's Home in Elizabethtown

Heather Stauffer | Staff Writer | LancasterOnLine.com

“Education isthe most powerfulweapon which youcan use to changethe world.”

– Nelson Mandela

The Rite News

The Rite News magazine is the official publication ofthe Valley of Pittsburgh, AASR, District of Pennsylvania,Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, USA. Opinions ex-pressed are those of the author(s). Information is ob-tained from correspondence, press releases, Masonicpublications and miscellaneous sources, which in manycases, cannot be verified. Published four times a year. Copyright© 2016, Valley of Pittsburgh, 3579 MasonicWay, Pgh, PA, 15237. 412-939-3579.

VOL. XXV NO. 3 January 2016D. William Roberts, 33°, Editor

D. Todd Ballenger, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . .FeaturesDr. Glenn D. Miller, II, 33° . . . . . . . . . .ColumnistRev. John M. Piper, 33° . . . . . . . . . . .ColumnistP.J. Roup, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ColumnistAustin R. Shifrin, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ColumnistJeffrey M. Wonderling, 33° . . . . . . . . .ColumnistMark E. Bliler, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . .Proof Reader William D. Johnston, 33° . . . . . . . .Proof ReaderRobert J. Binnie, 32° . . . . . . . . . . .Photographer Kenneth R. Brooks, 32° . . . . . . . . .Photographer

Happy New Year from the Staff

of the Valley of Pittsburgh

Rite News



VALLEY OF PITTSBURGH OFFICERS August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016

GOURGAS LODGE OF PERFECTION 14°Robert B. Ruff, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thrice Potent MasterSam H. Jessee, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Deputy MasterShawn P. Lang, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Senior WardenBrian T. Wilding, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Junior WardenBranden T. Plesh, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OratorZack S. Morgans, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Master of CeremoniesJeffrey R. Jones, 32°. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GuardPENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL, PRINCES OF JERUSALEMLarry D. Horath, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sovereign PrinceWilliam J. Wiker, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .High PriestErastus Z. Allen, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Senior WardenJoseph G. Whitaker, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Junior WardenRobert M. Polander, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Master of CeremoniesCharles H. King, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Master of EntrancesPITTSBURGH CHAPTER OF ROSE CROIX 18°Rodney E. Boyce, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Most Wise MasterRobert B. Malwitz, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Senior WardenJames C. Mayes, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Junior WardenJoshua S. Freeman, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OratorCharles J. Anthony, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Master of CeremoniesDavid B. Firda, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GuardPENNSYLVANIA CONSISTORY 32°Donald W. Boehm, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Commander-in-ChiefDavid W. Morgans, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st. Lt. CommanderJeffrey M. Wonderling, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Lt. CommanderDavid L. Moore, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OratorJoshua L. Miller, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ChancellorMitchell D. Goldstein, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Master of CeremoniesRichard H. Kucera, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Engineer & SeneschalEric S. Teasdale, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Standard BearerMatthew A. Boice, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GuardPaul J. Roup, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TreasurerDonald M. Murphy, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SecretaryVito A. Urso, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .HospitalerDennis R. Johnston, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TilerPeter A. Leary, 32°, Joseph G. Whitaker, 32° . . . .Masonic Fund Society Charles M. Bombich, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Representatives

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEDonald W. Boehm, 33°, Chairman

Rodney E. Boyce, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry D. Horath, 32°Sam H. Jessee, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robert B. Malwitz, 32°David W. Morgans, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Donald M. Murphy, 33°Paul J. Roup, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robert B. Ruff, 32°William J. Wilker, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeffrey M. Wonderling, 33°Vito A. Urso, 33°,Trustee . . . . . . . . . .Thomas K. Sturgeon, 33°, Active

TRUSTEESVito A. Urso, 33°, Chairman

Jeff A. Biddle, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Donald W. Boehm, 33°Rodney E. Boyce, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keith J. Caito, 33°Thomas M. Gasmire, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Larry D. Horath, 32° Donald M. Murphy, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .George W. Polnar, 33°Richard A. Rodibaugh, 33° Paul J. Roup, 33° Robert B. Ruff, 32°

TRUSTEES EMERITUSPatrick G. Blackwwell, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Donald H. Coester, 33°Charles W. Doege, Jr., 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robert E. Dunkelman, 33°William J. Ebertshauser, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . .Edward H. Fowler, Jr., 33° Stephen A. George, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robert R. Havers, Sr., 33°John W. Hisiro, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dennis R. Johnston, 33° Albert L. Kappeler, Jr., 33° Robert Mellon, 33° Donald E. Sauer, 33°Walter L. Sykes, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kurt R. Tesche, 33°

SECRETARY EMERITUS TREASURER EMERITUSElwood R. Schultise, 33° D. William Roberts, 33°

ALLEGIANCEThe bodies of the Scottish Rite, sitting in the Valley of Pittsburgh, Stateof Pennsylvania, acknowledge and yield allegiance to the SupremeCouncil, 33°, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for theNorthern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America whoseGrand East is in Lexington, Massachusetts, and whose Officers are:Ill...John Wm. McNaughton, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander,Ill...Thomas K. Sturgeon, 33°, Deputy for Pennsylvania. Other Activemembers for Pennsylvania are: Ill...Jeffrey W. Coy, 33°, Ill...GeorgeNakonetschny, 33°, Ill...Robert J. Bateman, 33°.

+ + +

Calendar of Masonic EventsJanuary 2016

26 - High 12 Luncheon - Masonic Village at Sewickley30 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC

February 2016 04 - VALLEY STATED MEETING - GPMC07 - Super Bowl Party - GPMC21 - Daytona 500 Party - GPMC23 - High 12 Luncheon - Masonic Village at Sewickley27 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC

March 2016 20 - Story of the Crucifixion - GPMC26 - High 12 Luncheon - Masonic Village at Sewickley30 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC

April 2016 07 - VALLEY STATED MEETING - GPMC08 - 10 - Shrine Circus26 - High 12 Luncheon - Masonic Village at Sewickley30 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC

May 2016 24 - High 12 Luncheon - Masonic Village at Sewickley28 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC

June 2016 02 - VALLEY STATED MEETING - GPMC11 - Valley Golf - Butler’s Golf Course, 9:00 a.m.25 - Grand Lodge Quarterly Communication - GPMC 25 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC28 - High 12 Luncheon - Masonic Village at Sewickley

July 2016 26 - High 12 Luncheon - Masonic Village at Sewickley30 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC

August 2016 23 - High 12 Luncheon - Masonic Village at Sewickley27 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC

September 2016 01 - VALLEY STATED MEETING - GPMC24 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC27 - High 12 Luncheon - Masonic Village at Sewickley

October 2016 25 - High 12 Luncheon - Masonic Village at Sewickley29 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC

November 2016 02 - VALLEY STATED MEETING - GPMC12 - Scottish Rite Day (details later)22 - High 12 Luncheon - Masonic Village at Sewickley 26 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC

December 2016 03 - Valley Christmas Party10 - Children’s Christmas Party - GPMC17 - Hiram’s Riders Christmas Party27 - High 12 Luncheon - Masonic Village at SewickleySchedule updated monthly: www.valleyofpittsburgh.org

Contributions to theChildren’s Dyslexia Center

are Income TaxDeductible.

Make Yours Now!

Valley of PittsburghGOURGAS LODGE OF PERFECTION Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center3579 Masonic WayPittsburgh, PA 15237-2700Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of FreemasonryNorthern Masonic Jurisdiction, USAInstituted 20 January 1852Office Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Phone: 412-939-3579 Fax: 412-939-0560 Web: www.valleyofpittsburgh.org E-mail: [email protected]

164th Year of Scottish Rite Masonry in Pittsburgh

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGREENSBURG, PAPERMIT NO. 1234

To our Members and Friends

Happy New Year 2016

Donald W. Boehm, 33°, Commander-in-ChiefRobert B. Ruff, 32°, Thrice Potent MasterLarry D. Horath, 32°, Sovereign PrinceRodney E. Boyce, 33°, Most Wise MasterPaul J. Roup, 33°, Treasurer Donald M. Murphy 33°, Secretary

Trustees

Jeff A. Biddle, 33° Keith J. Caito, 33° Thomas M. Gasmire, 33°

George W. Polnar, 33° Richard A. Rodibaugh, 33° Vito A. Urso 33°

h vol. xxv no. 3 january 2016 raymond t. dietz, · february 4, 2016 stated meeting dinner @ 6pm a...

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