march_2009

The Newsletter of the Orient of Virginia Scottish Rite

Volume III, Issue 1 March 2009

Table of Contents

Page 2 - SGIG Message Page 3 - Conf. President Page 4 - Rededication Page 6 - What Numbers Mean Page 7 - What is SR Ma-sonry? Page 8 - Project TALKK Page 9 - License Plates 0 - Registration Form Page 11 - 29th Degree Page 12 - Valley Photos Page 13 - Valley Informa-tion Page 14 - Valley Informa-tion Page 15 - Valley Informa-tion

Copyright © 2009, The Orient of Virginia under

the auspices of The Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient and Accepted

Scottish Rite, SJ, USA. No part of this publication may

be reproduced without permission of its Editor at

[email protected]

The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry has long been noted for providing unique educational and fraternal experiences for its members. We now prepare for another singular experience, a joint North and South Carolina State-wide Reunion in which all twenty-nine of the Degrees of the Scottish Rite will be conferred in full form. Designated as the Grand Cross Reunion of the Carolinas, the event will pay tribute to those of our number who have been recognized with the highest honor available from our Supreme Council – the Grand Cross of the Court of Honour. It is our pleasure to extend to you a very warm and cordial invitation to join us at the Charlotte Scottish Rite Temple in its beautiful nine hundred seat auditorium at 4740 Randolph Road, Charlotte, North Carolina on April 15-18, 2009 for what we know will be one of the signature events of this Scottish Rite year. This Reunion will provide an opportunity for our Brethren to witness the beauty, the pageantry, the intellectual and philosophical stimulation, and the warm fraternal fellowship of the Scottish Rite. Most members of the Rite have never had an opportunity to experience all twenty-nine of the Degrees, and we are extremely pleased that the Orients of North and South Carolina have come together in a spirit of fraternal cooperation in order to bring such an occasion to pass. Candidate registration will begin at 3:00 PM, April 15th, and the Fourth Degree will begin shortly after 6:00 PM. The Grand Commander of our Supreme Council, Grand Masters of both North and South Carolina, and various other dignitaries will be received formally on Thursday morning. A banquet will be enjoyed by everyone on Friday evening, and interesting and fun activities have been planned for our ladies. The Thirty-second Degree and concluding ceremonies will be completed by late Saturday afternoon, April 18th. Courtesy Candidates from any Orient are welcome to participate in this Reunion. They should petition their individual

(Continued on Page 9)

The Virginian Light©

Published monthly for the Brethren of Virginia

Ill. Ronald A. Seale, 33°

Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme

Council, 33°, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, SJ,

USA

Ill. James D. Cole, 33° Grand Treasurer General

and Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Virginia of the Supreme Council, 33°,

Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, SJ, USA

Ill. William L. Holliday, IGH Personal Representative to

the SGIG in Virginia

Bro. David A. Burkus, KCCH Newsletter Editor

Editorial Staff

Ill. Walter S. Downs, GC Ill. William A. Wells, IGH Ill. Orville L. Lindsey, IGH

Bro. Danny O. Belott, KCCH Ill. Paul W. Pennybacker, IGH Ill. W. H. ‘Andy’ Anderson, IGH Bro. Bradford F. Burnett, KCCH

Bro. Paul D. Sleeper, 32°

WEBSITE:

Acacia16.org/TheVirginiaLight

Paper and Technology

I am typing this article on a computer, but my desk on which my computer resides is covered with papers. My email box is loaded with the typical hundred-plus emails I receive each day. How do we balance it all? Not easily. For me, as for many in the information age, I am beginning to prefer email for routine correspondence and information gathering, but I remain convinced that personal or more important correspondence needs to be done on paper. When I served as Grand Master in 2001, I learned the value of hand-writing a short note after my visits, or when I learned of an ill Brother. I still use that technique today. In fact, I just wrote notes to the top fifty or so donors to the Masonic Home. A personal note or letter is still important. As I mentioned, it is far easier and much more economical to gather information via email. This very newsletter is delivered electronically, with no postage cost, although those who contribute their time to write articles and especially our tireless editor, Brother Dave Burkus, K.C.C.H., realize there is a “cost” in human terms. But, this newsletter works. It gets information in the hands of our members. An October, 2008 study by Nielson showed that over 75% of American households can now access the Internet. For those under age 60, the use of electronic correspondence is overwhelming. Statistically, we can expect that at least half of our members could receive electronic correspondence and would be at least as likely, or in many cases, more likely, to read it regularly. Therefore, I am asking every Valley in the Orient of Virginia to convert to electronic formats for routine correspondence. I really see no reason that Valley bulletins or newsletters should be mailed to those among our members who can access email. Why should we use a portion of our dues to mail paper when the same information can be sent faster AND save money? Please understand, I am not suggesting that we stop sending paper bulletins to members who strongly prefer paper. I know many people are still fearful of turning on a computer, as I was a few years ago. That is fine and I very much respect that feeling. But I am asking every Valley to develop a plan to convert all newsletters and bulletins to electronic format before the end of 2009, but to include a paper version for members who ask for that method of delivery. However, I am asking that those paper versions be planned for a more attractive appearance. Also, I would like to see the color of the paper changed every few issues. There is usually no cost for that, but by changing the color, it might attract more attention.


The V i rg in ia L ight—March 2009

The Virg in ia L ight—March 2009

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for electing me as it were. I look forward to our September conference, which will occur on September 25th and 26th of this year just prior to the Southern Jurisdiction, USA, Supreme Council’s Bi-ennial Session in October. We will be having our Orient of Virginia’s Scottish Rite Workshop on March 28th at the Richmond Scottish Temple in Richmond. The schedule below is for your planning purposes and convenience:

8:30 A.M. Coffee and Pastries in Dining Room 9:30 A.M. Welcome by Bro. William P. Burke, Jr., KCCH, President Invocation by Bro. Edwin C. Whitlock, KCCH, Conference Chaplain Pledge of Allegiance Introduction of Conference Officers by Bro. William P. Burke, Jr., KCCH Introduction of Heads of Appendant Bodies & Grand Master of Masons in Virginia by Ill. James D. Cole, 33°, SGIG Introduction of Grand Lodge Officers & Past Grand Masters by Most Worshipful Jeffery E. Hodges, KCCH Grand Master’s Remarks

Report of Scottish Rite Foundation by Ill. Leonard A. Rowe, 33°, Foundation President

Improving Public Relations by Getting our Message to the Press Ill. William Brunk, 33°, S.G.I.G. in North Carolina

The House of the Temple by Ill. Sean D. Graystone, 33°, GC, Chief Building Engineer/

Building Superintendent Remarks of Sovereign Grand Inspector General by Ill. James D. Cole, 33° Benediction and Blessing by Bro. Edwin C. Whitlock, KCCH

Lunch

The September conference will be at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Virginia Beach. Same place where the Valley of Norfolk held the Conference in 2006. Our theme will be “A Vision for the Future”.

Paper and Technology (Continued)

Allow me to start the electronic age in Virginia. My email is [email protected] I welcome correspondence from our membership. I am also asking each Valley to please send my newsletters to that email address. You see, our Sovereign Grand Commander has established Scottish Rite email addresses for every SGIG and all Supreme Council correspondence is required to use that email address. If our Supreme Council can convert to electronic correspondence and save money, certainly each Valley in the Orient of Virginia can do so as well.

Fraternally, James D. Cole, 33° Grand Treasurer General and S.G.I.G. in Virginia


REDEDICATION By Ill. Robert E. Simpson, 33°, IGH

We are all creatures of habit, some of us more than others. When we come to Lodge we

know that at a certain point in the opening ritual the Chaplain prays. If you come to all the Com-munications in a year, you will hear that same opening prayer many times. But what does that prayer say? It is not a prayer derived from any partisan religion; it has no trick phrases or hidden meanings. That prayer is made to a Supreme Being whom we in Masonry choose to call the Great Architect of the Universe and it has special significance to our great Fraternity.

That prayer, first of all acknowledges the source of all our blessings—family, friends, home, and material things. It states that we have assembled in the name of a Supreme Power and it asks for His blessings that we may know and serve Him in a manner acceptable to Him; it asks that all our actions may tend to His glory and to our advancement in knowledge and virtue.

The opening prayer asks that our minds be illuminated with the divine precepts of Free-masonry; it ends with the prayer that we may walk in the light of the Great Architect's counte-nance that, when the trials of this life are ended, we may be admitted into a Heavenly home. And then we respond with "so mote it be".

Is that response automatic with you—the product of a habit? Or is it a heartfelt acknowl-edgement that, in your heart, you have prayed right along with the Chaplain? There is a difference between praying and merely saying a prayer.

In the closing prayer, we find the very essence of Freemasonry in the phrase "May all our irregular passions be subdued, and may we daily increase in Faith, Hope and Charity, but more especially in that Charity which is the bond of peace and the perfection of every virtue".

We might keep those words indelibly on our minds as we, at the beginning of this New Year, consider the concept of rededication. Many Lodges set aside the first communication in the New Year for examining our individual performances under the obligations we assumed when first we knelt at the altar. Have we kept the promises we made there? Do we even remember what they were? Yes to all of them?

The more we know about Freemasonry and its teachings the more we will derive from our Masonic affiliation. The initiatory process through which we pass in becoming Master Masons, for some if not all of us, is not the most conducive atmosphere in which to absorb the deep mean-ings of Masonic teachings. Regular attendance to Lodge and diligent attention to Lodge proceed-ings are good ways to keep in touch with and better understand the most excellent teachings of our institution. Understanding those teachings will be greatly enhanced by attending Lodge schools. Lodge schools are for all Master Masons, not for officers only.

From the moment we sign a petition for entry into Masonry until we are raised to the Sub-lime Degree of Master Mason, we invest an enormous amount of time. That investment of time can best be justified by making the maximum effort to clearly understand the tenets of Freema-sonry and the obligations we assume when we become Master Masons.

All of this leads to two questions: One, "Is Masonry worthwhile?", and two, "Is Freema-sonry worth saving?"

Your very presence in Lodge clearly states that your answer to the first question is "yes". That being true, the answer to the second question should also be "Yes, Freemasonry is abun-dantly worth saving".

Let us, then, review some of the competitive aspects of preserving this Fraternity.



REDEDICATION (Continued from Page 4)

The past half century has seen vast increase in outlets for our energies, interests, and

participation. New causes develop almost every day and each clamor for our time and support. There has been enormous growth in entertainment mediums, travel possibilities, community affairs, clubs, group activities, organizational projects. Behind each of these there is tremendous promotional activity to recruit you and your time. But the very nature of Masonry prevents our entry into membership promotion. Our product,—that is, the teachings and morality of our Craft, are as good as they have ever been and some think more badly needed now than ever be-fore. So, in responding to the necessity to compete for the minds, the time and the participation of others in order to reverse the downward trend in Masonic membership, our tools are limited to what we can reflect to the world in terms of personal values we have derived from Masonic membership.

It is time now for each of us to take a personal inventory of the virtues that have been added to our lives because we first knocked on the door seeking entry into the Lodge. We need to polish those virtues and make them so to shine to our non-Masonic friends, neighbors, and co-workers—all with whom we come in contact, to the end that they will be attracted by and drawn to those qualities so valued by good Masons.

So, as we reflect on rededication of ourselves to the most excellent tenets of this Frater-nity, we must not only set our goals on being better Masons, we must each of us also resolve to do our part to improve our ritual, improve lodge attendance and we must employ every appro-priate device—limited as they are by our customs—to add to our numbers, halt the decline of Masonic membership nationwide and worldwide, as well as here in our own lodge.

When reduced to its barest essentials, Freemasonry, like religion, is a personal commit-ment. In measuring the depth of that commitment we would do well to remember the admoni-tion found in Shakespeare's "Hamlet", which reads:

"This above all: to thine own self are true. And it must follow, as the night the day, thou can-not be false to any man."

My Brethren, if we are to be true to ourselves, then we must be true to the teachings we embraced and swore to uphold when we knelt at the altar upon entering this great Masonic or-der.

Will you rededicate yourself to the principles of Freemasonry in 2009? If the Scottish Rite, in particular, and Freemasonry in general is worthwhile and abundantly worth saving, re-dedicate yourself right now and plan to make a personal commitment to supporting your Blue Lodge and the Scottish Rite in 2009. I pray that you will be illuminated with the divine pre-cepts of Freemasonry once again.

“Behold how good and how pleasant it is, for Brethren to dwell together in unity.”

What Numbers Mean By Ill. Jim Cole, 33˚, S.G.I.G. of Virginia

Recently, I was very privileged to attend the Grand Master’s very successful forum on Freemasonry for the Twenty-first Century. As I often do, when I attend workshops, I tried to con-sider the ramifications of some of the excellent information being presented. I also paid close at-tention to some of the questions from the audience. A couple of questions related to “trying to get our members active again.” These questions pointed out a common misconception. Far too often, we equate the suc-cess of our Lodge or Valley with the number of attendees at our regular meetings. In fact, if we reduce Freemasonry to simply meeting attendance, then we overlook the vast body of our teach-ings and of the requirements of our obligations. Ask yourself, should you only help, aid, and assist others inside a Lodge or Scottish Rite facility? Are you limited to stretching forth your hand to assist your Brother only when he needs you while at a meeting? Of course not! This may sound silly to ask these questions, but is that not the logical conclusion if we feel those who do not attend our meetings are “not active?” Well, I am a numbers guy, a CPA by trade so let’s play with some numbers. Surveys commissioned by the Masonic Services Association show that nationally, on av-erage about fifteen percent (15%) of Masons attend their Lodge meeting regularly. We know that in Scottish Rite that figure is even lower. So, only one in seven members attend regularly. Why? The Grand Lodge of Virginia surveyed our members in 2005 and found that the two pri-mary reasons that members do not attend Lodge meetings were that the meetings were too long (18%) and boring (18%). I personally feel that this applies even more directly to Scottish Rite meetings. How many members reading this article can disagree? I was also reminded of another reason members do not attend meetings. At the forum, my good friend, Ill. Mike Smith, 33˚, S.G.I.G. of South Carolina, shared a story with me in which while he was Master of his Lodge, a young man, the son of an older member, received the de-grees of Freemasonry. However, Mike learned that the reason the boy’s own father did not attend his degree work was that the father felt he “could not get into the Lodge,” since his ritual was very rusty. Standing there, thinking about what that statement meant did not make me feel very proud. It made me feel that as a Fraternity we had let a Brother down. But, I have personally heard the same type of statement in Virginia. Interestingly, the survey also found that the overwhelming reason that our members at-tended Lodge was for the fellowship (51%). In fact, for all members attending who were under age 71, the result was even more astounding (71%). Statistically (a fancy word for “the numbers show”), far more men attend Masonic functions for fellowship than for programs or for good rit-ual. Fellowship….. bonding…..fraternity…..the cement of Brotherly love and affection…. In fact, it seems these numbers show that perhaps our members realize more about what Freema-sonry is really about than perhaps we as “leaders” do. Here is another surprising number……..95% of all men who do not attend Lodge and Val-ley functions STILL pay their dues. Perhaps the ones not attending really GET the Masonic mes-sage. Masonic teachings are designed to improve us, from the inside out. So, having a valid dues card reminds me of what kind of man I AM, not where I should be (in meetings). Our teachings provide light for us to live in the world, not just to attend meetings.




What Numbers Mean (Continued from Page 6)

After all, we strictly charge our members at the close of our meetings to take what they learned and live it in the world. So, to this problem, what do we apply as remedies? First, the suggestions we often make of keeping meetings more interesting, reducing the boring reading of minutes and using great, but CONCISE programs, are all very valid. I want to suggest another innovation. Why not have your Valley put together a small committee of one or two people. Encour-age all members to send to the committee examples of Scottish Rite Masons who are doing great things outside the Valley’s meetings. It will be the Committee’s job to send a note of con-gratulations to the member, on behalf of the Valley. For example, a Brother who rarely attends is cited in the newspaper for receiving an award of some sort. Send him a note telling him we are proud that he is showing his Masonic principles! Or another member gets a promotion – we read about these things all the time in local newspapers. Why not congratulate him? Imagine if he got a congratulatory note from his Scot-tish Rite! Far too often, when our members get a mailing from us it is either a dues notice, or one of those dreaded bulletins….. you know, the one where every month we list the same group of officers and “past officers,” and throw in perhaps one pertinent item of interest, designed to get the busy person to attend one more meeting (which of course, the majority feel are too long and too boring). Let’s search out our members who are successfully living their Scottish Rite Freema-sonry in the world. After all, they are doing what they promised. They are living in Masonic light. Why not let them know that we are proud of them? Who knows, they might come back to a meeting and we might all learn from them, by letting them show us how they are really be-ing “active” in the world with their Masonic lessons!

What is Scottish Rite Masonry? By Bro. E. Clifton Whitlock, 32˚, KCCH

According to Henry C. Clausen 33˚ in Clausen’s Commentaries on Morals and Dogma, Scottish Rite Masonry is not merely the formal organization or even the rituals we recite. It is “a peculiar system of morality veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols.” Every Valley of Scottish Rite Mason should adopt by his actions and life a standard of morality demonstrated by its members. The symbols we flaunt should not be our lapel pins or rings, but rather noted by a kind word, a hug or even a steady embrace. Clausen summed up his adaptation of our morals and dogma when he stated, “Hence, inspired by our accomplish-ments of the past and encouraged by our endeavors of the present, we go on to even more monumental achievements in the great tomorrow – toward our greater Scottish Rite destiny.”

THE LYNCHBURG SCOTTISH RITE VALLEY By Ill. Lonnie L. Godfrey, 33°, P.R.S.G.I.G.

Partner In Education With The Lynchburg School System and

Surrounding Area Participating Day Care Centers Teaching Age-appropriate Language Skills

To Kids Through Kits = Success

Project Goals One of the indicators of success in school is age-appropriate language skills during preschool years. As a locality, we see that preschool children would benefit from struc-tured activities focusing on acquisition of language skills. We know that success in in school is directly related to age-appropriate language skills. The goals outlined herein will be met through the availability of language skill kits that are now being used in local pre-school and participating day care centers. The funds for the materials in these kits are provided by the Lynchburg Scottish Rite Valley and the kits themselves have Scottish Rite Emblems on them. Members of our Valley are also involved in the packaging of the items that go into these kits and the distribution of them. We are also involved in reading to pre-school children at their particular locations. The kits are designed by certified speech pathologists. Each kit focuses on a spe-cific age appropriate language skill. Each kit has an explanation of activities that the school, day care center, and parent can use to teach the child a specific language skill. The materials (tools) for each language skill/related activity is available in each kit. Certified speech pathologists can be contracted to train all involved in the use of the kits. The utilization of volunteers will result in periodic application of the skills taught. The frequency of volunteer facilitation at a specific facility is based on time avail-able. In our Valley we refer to this involvement as PROJECT TALKK = SUCCESS or Teaching Age-appropriate Language to Kids through Kits = Success. Overall Project Goals • To improve the language skills of preschool aged children • To prepare children for success through the development of language skills • To provide parents an opportunity to learn how to provide language skill based in-

struction through typical preschool play structured parent/child interactions • To increase the use of structured language-based activities to public and private cen-

ters • To identify children who have language delays, disabilities which call for speech ther-

apy ( focus: early identification of speech and language delays). Our Valley’s involvement in this program is bringing positive local visibility to who and what we are as Scottish Rite Masons!

Grand Cross Reunion of the Carolinas (Continued from Page 1)

Valley and a simple request for courtesy work can then be forwarded from their Valley Secretary to the Char-lotte Valley Secretary. A Registration form (see Page 10) is included with this message, and may be duplicated for distribu-tion as you may see fit. Each member and candidate attending the Reunion should file a registration form with the Valley of Charlotte as follows:

General Secretary Scottish Rite Valley of Charlotte P.O. Box 221149 Charlotte, NC 28222-221149

The host hotel for the event is the Blake Hotel, an upscale hotel located at 555 S. McDowell Street in Charlotte. Call 704.372.4100 for reservations and ask for the Scottish Rite Group Code # 415 for the spe-cial rate of $ 99.00 per evening. Early reservations are suggested as the number of rooms is limited. We hope that you will be able to join us for what we hope will be one of the most interesting and en-joyable events. If you are arriving by means other than automobile, please let us know in order that proper transportation to the hotel may be arranged. See you in Charlotte! Cordially and fraternally, Bill Mike William B. Brunk, 33° Michael D. Smith, 33° SGIG in North Carolina SGIG in South Carolina Have you ordered yours yet? If not, please contact Bro. William A. Parks, Jr., KCCH for fur-ther information on obtaining your plates.

William A. Parks, Jr. P.O. Box 1175

Covington, VA 24426-5175 540.968.0230

[email protected]



Member Registration

Grand Cross Reunion of the Carolinas April 15 – 18, 2009 Charlotte, NC

Separate Registration is required for each Scottish Rite Member. Deadline is April 1, 2009

Name: __________________________________ __32° __32° KCCH __ 33°__Active__GC Valley Membership: (Lodge of Perfection) _____________________________ Address: _________________________ City __________ State __ Zip ______ Telephone: _____________________ Email Address: ____________________ Lady Attending? Yes ____ No _____ Her Name: _______________________ Days Attending ___ 15th ___ 16th ___17th ___ 18th ___ Full Event

Member Registration (For All 4 Days) _____ $ 75.00 Includes all meals, snacks, and program at the Charlotte Scottish Rite Center (no transportation) Individual days as follows:

Wednesday _____ $ 15.00 Thursday _____ $ 25.00 Friday _____ $ 20.00 Saturday _____ $ 20.00

Bus Transportation round trip from Blake Hotel to Scottish Rite per day _____ $ 14.00 Friday Evening Banquet (must be purchased separately) _____ Tickets X $ 45.00 Banquet to be Held at The Blake Hotel in Charlotte on Friday Evening Dress is Business Suit and Caps for Gentlemen Items Sold Separately at the Reunion Event (may be ordered with this form) North Carolina Scottish Rite Foundation Commemorative Reunion Coins _____ $ 10.00 each South Carolina Scottish Rite Foundation Carolina Tartan Neck Ties _____ $ 30.00 each Carolina Bow / Cummerbund _____ $ 75.00 each Ladies Event Registration Wednesday Visit Johnson & Wales Cooking School. _____ $ 20.00 Thursday Visit Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens / Luncheon _____ $ 40.00 Charlotte Walking Tour _____ Free Ladies Dinner with Florist Haskel Eargle _____ $ 20.00 Friday Visit Billy Graham Museum Donations accepted _____ $ 20.00 Luncheon on your own in Cafeteria Charlotte Walking Tour _____ Free Banquet with Gentlemen at the Blake _____ $ 45.00 Saturday Luncheon / Tour Rite Care Center _____ $ 10.00 Ladies registration includes bus transportation except Saturday. Make Check Payable to: Scottish Rite Valley of Charlotte Member Total $ _______

Hotel Information The Blake Hotel, upscale casual hotel at 555 S. McDowell Street is the host hotel. Call 704-372-4100 for reservations and ask for the Scottish Rite Group Code # 415 for our special rate of $99.00 per evening. Make your reservations today! Send Registration Form to: General Secretary

Scottish Rite Valley of Charlotte P.O. Box 221149 Charlotte, NC 28222-221149 704-365-3579

TWENTY-NINTH DEGREE Scottish Knight of Saint Andrew

Jim Tresner, 33° Grand Cross

The X-shaped cross is the primary symbol of this Degree. The jewel of the Degree is a large St. Andrew’s cross* in gold, with a Knight’s helmet above and a thistle below. In the center of the cross is a large emerald. The emer-ald signifies the manly virtues and strength (by its color) as well as purity (by the clarity of the stone). Both the thistle and the St. Andrew’s cross have become sym-bols of Scotland. The collar is green, edged with crimson, with the jewel hanging from the point. The regalia also includes a white cordon or scarf, fringed with gold and worn from left to right. In these two pieces of regalia, we have again the colors red, white, and green which are so significant in the Scottish Rite. It is interesting to note that this is one of the few Degrees for which Pike describes a banner (and the banner, of course, plays a role in the theatre of the De-gree). It is white, with a St. Andrew’s cross on green. On the ends of the arms of the cross are the four Hebrew letters, which spell the name of Deity. Above the cross is a circle formed of five gold stars with five points. Inside the circle is a golden thistle. The cross of St. Andrew is an ancient symbol, far older than Christianity. It is formed in the heavens by the point at which the celestial equator crosses the plane of the ecliptic. Seeming to have symbolized the idea of change from very early times, it appears on ancient statues of the Mithraic deity Kronos, the lion-headed, winged human figure often shown standing on a globe marked with that cross, probably suggesting change as a function of time. In many ways, change is the theme of this Degree. The Candidate undergoes several changes and reverses in the action of the Degree, before coming at last to his reward. He appears suddenly before the Inquisition—the very type and image of religious intolerance and a reminder to all that intolerance in any form and from any source is tyranny. It is only when he proves faithful to his trust that the illusion dissolves and he discovers he is not in the hands of the In-quisition but of his friends. His world changes again when he is left to guard the banner and is attacked. And it changes yet again when he is instructed in the nine great excellencies of a Knight of St. Andrew. The three excellent qualities are humility, pa-tience, and self-denial. The three more excellent qualities of a knight are charity, clemency, and generosity. The three most excellent qualities of a knight are virtue, truth, and honor. The Degree ends with passages of sheer beauty, some of the most lovely language of the Rite, as Pike shows that heroic figures of the past have much to tell us and that their teachings are echoed and seconded in the natural world around us. And so the Knight is now armed with the excellent qualities he has learned from the great examples of human-ity who have gone before. His character has been proved, and he has been trained (27°) in the arts of combat. It is now time to learn the identity of the enemy. *The St. Andrew’s Cross (Cross Saltier, Crux Decussata) forms the jewel of the 29°, Knight of St. Andrew. The cross of this shape has many Masonic associations. It is represented upon the Celestial Sphere of the Fellow Craft Degree as the point at which the plane of the ecliptic crosses the celestial equator. Plato taught that it marked the spot of the creation of the uni-verse. It is thus a symbol of change or transformation, and it is as this that it appears in the prophetic casting of lots, which we have come to know as the children’s game, Tic-Tac-Toe. In the original casting ritual, the X represented change and transition while the O represented permanence and stability. It also symbolizes the intersection or interaction of the mate-rial with the spiritual. In making the Sign of the Good Shepherd, the arms form a St. Andrew’s Cross, used as the position of prayer in the Scottish Rite. The major symbol of the 29°, it also appears in the camp symbol of the 32°, where its crossing marks the location of the Grand Commander. In many of the Degrees from the 6° onward, a St. Andrew’s Cross is formed by crossed swords.

(Printed from The Scottish Rite Journal, January-February 2005 issue.)



Valley of Alexandria Valley of Danville

Valley of Lynchburg Valley of Newport News

Valley of Norfolk Valley of Portsmouth

Valley of Richmond Valley of Roanoke

Valley of Alexandria

Stated Meetings on the 2nd Fri-day @ 7:30PM

Chartered October 1911

Ill. Walter S. Downs, GC

Personal Representative of SGIG

Ill. Walter S. Downs, GC Secretary

Ill. Roy M. Heaster, IGH

Treasurer

Bro. Brian W. Galusha, 32° Almoner

Masters of the Four Bodies

Ill. Robert G. Watkins, Jr., IGH

Venerable Master

Bro. James D. Hawkins, KCCH Wise Master

Bro. William L. Alexander, KCCH

Commander

Bro. John W. Pearson, KCCH Master of Kadosh

Building Address:

1430 West Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22302

Mailing: P.0. Box 175 Alexandria 22313 Office: 703.998.9904

Fax: 703.778.2804

E-mail: [email protected]

Office Hours Monday through Friday

10AM till 4PM


Valley of Danville

Stated Meetings on the 2nd Tuesday @ 7:30PM

Chartered May 1923

Ill. Ronny L. Lewis, IGH

Personal Representative of SGIG

Ill. Jesse M. Hutcherson, Jr, IGH

Secretary

Ill. J. Robert Denny, Jr, IGH Treasurer

Ill. J. Robert Denny, Jr, IGH

Almoner


Bro. Johnnie C. Dodson, 32° Venerable Master

Bro. Edgar L. Little, Jr., 32°

Wise Master

Bro. Bruce L. Hutcheson, Jr., KCCH Commander

Bro. Thomas W. Self, III, 32°

Master of Kadosh

Building Address: 134 Tunstall Road

Danville, VA 23601 Office: 434.793.9805

Fax: 434.793.9805 Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 2418 Danville, VA 24541-0418


Valley of Lynchburg

Stated Meetings on the 2nd Friday @ 7:30PM

Chartered

October 1920

Ill. Lonnie L. Godfrey, IGH Personal Representative of

SGIG

Ill. Orville L. Lindsey, IGH Secretary

Bro. Jimmy P. Carter, 32° Treasurer

Ill. Robert E. Wilmouth, IGH

Almoner


Bro. Mark L. MacKizer, 32° Venerable Master

Bro. William A. Robertson, Jr., KCCH

Wise Master

Bro. A. Alvin Hatter, KCCH Commander

Bro. Donlie R. Henderson, KCCH Master of Kadosh

Knights of St. Andrew

Matthew V. Gibson, 32° Commander

Building Address: 214 Lemon Drive Lynchburg, VA

Office: 434.385.4103

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 521

Lynchburg, VA 24505



Valley of Newport News

Stated Meetings on the 4th

Wednesday @ 7:30PM

Chartered October 1912

Ill. Clifford A. Parker, IGH Personal Representative of

SGIG

Ill. Adrian “Pete” Eure, IGH Secretary

Ill. Gerald E. Burks, IGH

Treasurer

Bro. Harold C. Joyner, KCCH Almoner


Bro. Rickey R. Johnson, KCCH

Venerable Master

Ill. Jimmy C. Willis, IGH Wise Master

Bro. David A. Burkus, KCCH

Commander

Bro. Rickey R. Johnson, KCCH Master of Kadosh

Building Address: 65 Saunders Road

Newport News, VA 23601 Office: 757.599.6617

Fax: 757.599.0021


Office Hours Monday thru Wednesday and

Friday between 9AM and Noon

Valley of Norfolk

Stated Meetings on the 3rd

Thursday @ 7:30PM

Chartered December 1874

Ill. Carlton L. Gill, Jr., IGH Personal Representative of

SGIG

Ill. T. Dudley Myers, IGH Secretary

Ill. Donnie E. Baines, IGH

Treasurer

Bro. Shepherd W. McClenny, KCCH Almoner


Bro. Patrick B. Miskill, KCCH

Venerable Master

Ill. Charles T. Fraley, IGH Wise Master

Ill. Carlton Lee Gill, Jr., IGH

Commander

Bro. Lynn R. Smith, KCCH Master of Kadosh

Building Address: 7001 Granby Street

Norfolk, VA Office: 757.489.1076

Fax: 757.489.1742


Office Hours Monday thru Friday

9AM till Noon

Valley of Portsmouth

Stated Meetings on the 1st Monday @ 7:30PM

Chartered

1955

Ill. J. R. “Jack” Goodwin, IGH Personal Representative of

SGIG

Ill. W.H. ‘Andy’ Anderson, IGH Secretary

Bro. Franklin D. Edmondson, KCCH

Treasurer

Bro. Franklin D. Peters, KCCH Almoner


Bro. Arthur R. Ybarra, KCCH

Venerable Master

Ill. Frank A. Bonnewell, IGH Wise Master

Ill J.R. "Jack" Goodwin, IGH

Commander

Ill. W.H. "Andy" Anderson, IGH Master of Kadosh

Building Address: 3401 Cedar Lane P.O. Box 7276

Portsmouth, VA 23707 Office: 757.484.2930


Office Hours

Monday thru Friday 9AM till 1PM


Valley of Richmond

Stated Meetings on the 4th Monday @ 7:30PM

Chartered

October 1878

Ill. L. Aubrey Stratton, IGH Personal Representative of SGIG

Ill. Robert W. Carpenter, Jr., IGH

Secretary

Ill. Mack T. Ruffin, III, IGH Treasurer

Ill. Clarence E. Whitley, IGH

Almoner


Bro. Robert C. Jacobs, KCCH Venerable Master

Bro. Charles W. Seward, KCCH

Wise Master

Bro. Berkley J. Alexander, 32°Commander

Ill. Samuel E. Dunn, IGH

Master of Kadosh

Building Address: 4204 Hermitage Road

PO Box 9136 Richmond, VA

Office: 804.264.2050 Fax: 804.261.0071

E-mail:

[email protected]

Office Hours 9:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. on M-Th

9:00 A.M. – Noon on Fri

Valley of Roanoke

Stated Meetings on the 2nd Tuesday @ 6:00 PM

Chartered

October 1911

Ill. Louis K. Campbell, IGH Personal Representative of SGIG

Ill. James Campbell Bay, IGH

Secretary

Bro. Robert J. Rohrback, 32° Treasurer

Ill. Warren M. Cratch, IGH

Almoner


Bro. Thomas E. Purves, KCCH Venerable Master

Bro. Melvin L. Crowder, KCCH

Wise Master

Bro. Charles W. Hale, KCCH Commander

Bro. William M. Keyser, KCCH

Master of Kadosh

Building Address: 622 Campbell Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24016-3597

Office: 540.343.6666 Fax: 866.266.4990


Office Hours Monday thru Thursday 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Yes,

the rumor

is true!

You could have

had

space

right

here

for

your

fund

raiser!!

Better

luck

next

time!

march_2009

Documents

degree page

president page

rededication page

scottish rite year

scottish rite of freemasonry

valley photos page

valley information page

registration form page