THE RITE RECORDER

Scottish Degree Team Returns

Last Stops on Event Tour

Programs in Pictures

Scholarships

Guard Well the Sacred Fire

Valley of Cincinnati www.32masons.com February 2016

THE RITE RECORDERVolume 72 No. 7

Cincinnati Masonic Center317 East Fifth Street Cincinnati, OH 45202–3399 513-421–3579 • 800-561–3579 Fax: 513-562–2661 Web: www.32masons.com

EDITOR

Ben P. Rosenfield, 32ºbenr@32masons.com

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Chairman K. Douglas Akers, 33º

Members at LargeDonald E. Hoffman, 33ºWilliam M. Judd II, 33º Jeffrey P. Waltz, 33ºDwight D. Wilson, 33º

PRESIDING OFFICERS

Gibulum Lodge of Perfection Michael C. Bartholomew, 32º

Dalcho Council, Princes of Jerusalem Thomas N. Thinnes, 32º

Cincinnati Chapter of Rose Croix Douglas A. Sunnenberg 32º

Ohio Consistory Daniel G. Bainum, 32º

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Robert W. Dumford, 33º

rdumford@32masons.com

FRATERNAL SECRETARY

Michael A. Himes, 33ºmhimes@32masons.com

Secretary Emeritus John R. Teller, Jr., 33º

TREASURER

Ronald W. Zemites, 33º

HOSPITALER

Kraig J. Walker, 33º

TYLER

Keith L. Clepper, 32º

THE SUPREME COUNCIL

Deputy for the State of OhioDouglas N. Kaylor, 33º

Active Member, Resident in CincinnatiM. Todd McIntosh, 33º

Sovereign Grand CommanderJohn Wm. McNaughton, 33º

Active Member at Large Robert O. Ralston, 33º, P.S.G.C.

Active Members EmeritusWilliam R. Powers, Jr., 33ºAlfred E. Rice, 33º

CMC is Final Destination on Event TourThe 4º, 14º, and Scottish Master Mason Degree bring traveling-degree initiative to a close

The Cincinnati Masonic Center is the last stop on the Hit the Road event tour. Clear your calendar right now for Saturday, April 16, 2016, as the Valley of Cincinnati hosts members of the Scottish Degree Team for an unforgettable day of Freemasonry. We welcome membership petitions at all Hit the Road travel-ing events, and will gladly accept complete petitions at this special program. Petitions are available at the Cincinnati Masonic Center and at 32masons.com.

The day starts with registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 4º, Master Traveler, at 9:45 a.m., featur-ing a cast made entirely of members of the Sixth District Scottish Rite Club. Next, at 10:45 a.m., is the 14º, Grand Elect Mason, during which candidates will be presented their 14º rings. This the only conferral of the 14º planned in the Valley of Cincinnati for 2016, so be certain the candidates you’re introducing to the Scottish Rite this year are in attendance and ready to participate in this moving and challenging degree.

Lunch is served at noon, at a cost of $5.00 per person, and reservations are required by April 8 by completing the electronic form on the events page at 32masons.com or by calling Kim Halloran at the Scottish Rite office at 513-421-3579. The program will culminate with the Scottish Black Watch Degree Team’s portrayal of the Master Mason Degree at 1:30 p.m. Alembic Lodge No. 793, the newest Blue Lodge in the Valley of Cincinnati, will open a Lodge of Master Masons and then hand over the proceedings to the members of the Scottish Degree Team.

The Valley of Cincinnati also is excited to report that Blue Lodges in the area are hosting our Scottish Brethren for a series of degree events that you simply cannot miss. Some details are still being finalized, but be certain to get your mobile devices and calendars caught up with the following dates.

April 11, 2016 Scottish Entered Apprentice Degree, hosted by Montgomery Lodge No. 94,, 7790 Cooper Rd., Montgomery, OH 45242. Dinner details TBA; Lodge opens at 7:00 p.m.

April 13, 2016 Scottish Fellow Craft Degree, hosted by Norwood Lodge No. 576, 2020 Hopkins Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45212. Dinner details TBA; Lodge opens at 7:00 p.m.

April 16, 2016 4º, 14º, Scottish Black Watch Master Mason Degree, hosted by the Valley of Cincinnati, 317 E. 5th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Itinerary is published above.

Hit the Road — Tour DatesThe Butler and Warren County Clubs host on February 6 at the Hamilton Masonic Temple, 724 High St., Hamilton, OH. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m. The 4º is at 9:45 a.m., followed by the 26º. Lunch is at 11:30 a.m. The Valley of Dayton presents the 24º at 12:30 p.m. Reservations are required by January 29 by completing the electronic form on the events page at 32masons.com or by calling Kim Halloran at the Scottish Rite office at 513-421-3579. The Scioto County Club hosts on March 19 at the Portsmouth Masonic Temple, 602 Chillicothe St., Portsmouth, OH 45662. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. The 4º is at 10:45 a.m., then the 29º at 11:30. Lunch is at 12:30. Reservations are required by March 11 by completing the electronic form on the events page at 32masons.com or by calling Kim Halloran at the Scottish Rite office at 513-421-3579.

Photos by Ben P. Rosenfield, 32º

Photos by Terry Alexander, 32º

Upcoming Events February 6, 20164º, 24º, 26º, hosted by the Butler and Warren County Clubs. Details are published in the article on page 2. Reservation deadline is January 29.

February 10, 2016 Breakfast Lecture, featuring Dr. O’dell Owens. Complete details and speaker bio are avail-able at www.cincinnatimasoniccenter.com/bls.

February 11, 2016 Stated meeting, CMC, 7:30 p.m. Business attire.

February 20, 2016 Mid-Winter Degrees at Dayton Masonic Center. Opens at 7:30 a.m. Dues cards required. Dayton, 8º, 9:00 a.m.; Cincinnati, 5º, 9:55 a.m.; Columbus, 27º, 10:50 a.m.; lunch and 22º by Dayton, 11:30 a.m.; Toledo, 20º, 1:15 p.m. Coat and tie. There is no charge for lunch, but reservations are required by February 16 by completing the electronic form on the events page at 32masons.com or by calling Kim Halloran at the Scottish Rite office at 513-421-3579.

March 18, 2016 March Madness Party, CMC, noon, casual attire. Featuring the annual chili cookoff, high-definition TV and games in Club 32, and more. Open to Scottish Rite Masons and their invited guests.

March 19, 2016 4º and 29º, hosted by Scioto County Club. Details are published in the article on page 2. Reservation deadline is March 11.

April 14, 2016 Stated meeting/nominations, CMC, 7:30 p.m. Business attire.

April 16, 2016 4º, 14º, Scottish Black Watch Master Mason Degree, CMC.

May 12, 2016 Annual meeting/elections/awards, CMC, 7:30 p.m. Business attire.

The Valley of Cincinnati’s extremely popular March Madness Party and Chili Cook Off return at noon on March 18, 2016. If you’re a chili aficionado, or you just like to compete bring a crock pot of your own recipe to share. You could win a prize! The party gets rolling in Club 32, where you’ll find lots of room to socialize, a pool table, dart board, HD TV, and more. The entire program is open to all Masons and any non-Scottish Rite friends who you invite. If you plan to attend, please visit the events page on 32masons.com to let us know, es-pecially if you want to put your best chili recipe to the test. You’ll also be able to sign up your invited guests. Casual dress is definitely encouraged.

Adams County Hosts a Packed HouseDegrees and dining are winners at this Hit the Road event

The Ohio Valley Career Center was full of Scottish Rite Masons as Adams County hosted a very success-ful stop on the Hit the Road event tour.

A full room enjoyed the recording of the 4º, Master Traveler, followed by a special lunch that was prepared by the culinary students of the Ohio Valley Career Center. Lunch was followed by an outstand-ing exemplification of the 16º, Prince of Jerusalem.

“Adams County hosted the largest county event to date. Every county in was in attendance for this great program,” says Brad A. Toft, 32º, membership chairman for the Valley of Cincinnati. “This event was proof that the collaboration with our counties is needed and welcomed.”

Academic Scholarships: Now is the Time to ApplyRead on to learn about the types of scholarships offered and how to determine eligibility

The Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction sponsors academic scholarships throughout its Valleys. The Valley of Cincinnati also offers scholar-ships funded by the Valley of Cincinnati Foundation and the Kath-leen Castle Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The application process for the Abbott and Valley scholarships is the same. Applicants are considered for either an Abbott or a Val-ley scholarship.

The Kathleen Castle Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to provide scholarships for daughters and granddaughters of Eastern Star members, either living or in good standing at the time of death.

Completed applications must be in the hands of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Cincinnati, by April 1, 2016.

To obtain an application for either scholarship, visit www.32masons.com and then click on the Charities link. If you’re without Internet access, you may call the Scottish Rite office at 513-421-3579 or 800-561-3579 to request an application by mail.

The Valley of Cincinnati Foundation provides funding for the scholarship program and awards grants in support of the charitable aims of the Scottish Rite. Valley of Cincinnati Foundation scholar-ships are open to members, their children, and grandchildren.

Donations to the foundation are tax deductible in accordance with I.R.S. requirements. Please contact the Scottish Rite office for more information about the Valley of Cincinnati Foundation.

Eligibility for Scottish Rite scholarships• A Scottish Rite Mason of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction• A child of a member in good standing of the Valley of Cincinnati who is a high-school senior or currently enrolled at an accredited

college or university, who has attained a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale• A member of DeMolay, Rainbow, or Job’s Daughters in the North- ern Masonic Jurisdiction who is a high-school senior or currently enrolled at an accredited college or university, who has attained a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale• Please submit only the following with the application (one copy each): most current copy of high-school or college grade transcript, most current copy of ACT or SAT test results, most current copy of FAFSA form, and letter of recommendation from an instructor, counselor or advisor. Applications must be received in a 9 x 12 envelope (please do not fold). No staples or paper clips, please.

Eligibility for Kathleen Castle Memorial scholarships• Daughter or granddaughter of member of the Order of Eastern Star (living or deceased)• Graduate of a public or private secondary/preparatory school• Provide a copy of grade transcripts and ACT or SAT scores.• Letter of recommendation from teacher or school counselor.• Submit two copies of the completed application to the Scottish Rite office.

Application DeadlineCompleted scholarship applications must be received by the Valley of Cincinnati by April 1, 2016. No exceptions.

It’s getting cold out, so naturally you’ve been feeling like building a cozy fire in your fire-place—a warm, crackling oasis you can sit beside in your man chair while you read thick, leather-bound books and ponder manful thoughts.

There’s just one problem. Whenever you fire up the fireplace, things start out okay, but then seemingly without any rhyme or reason, smoke starts billowing into your room in plumes. You’re coughing, your eyes are burning, and everything smells like smoke. Instead of pondering manfully, all you can think is, “Why is this happening?!”

Use Seasoned WoodThis is key. Seasoned wood burns better and with less smoke because it’s drier than the green variety. If you’re buying firewood, the best way to tell if it is seasoned or not is by its weight, appearance, and even smell.

A piece of seasoned wood will be lighter than a similarly sized, but green counterpart, and it will sound hollow when hit against another piece of wood. Green wood will also be lighter in color and generally have a stronger, fresher smell to it, while seasoned wood will usu-ally appear darker and have little odor. Seasoned wood can also be identified by cracks on the end of the logs.

The wood you buy in bundles at grocery stores isn’t all that seasoned, even if it’s labeled as such. Your best bet is to buy a rick of wood from someone local and check the wood before you purchase it. If the pieces you end up with still look a little green, you can always let it season for another year before you use it.

And of course, if you split your own wood, you’ll be able to season it well yourself. At least six months is recommended, and the longer the better.

Open the DamperWhen I talked to a chimney cleaner about how to fix my smoke problems, the first thing he said was, “Make sure to check that the damper is open.” You’d think it’d be a no-brainer, but he told me this is the most common reason people have smoke coming out of their fireplace! I’ll admit, I forgot to open the damper once. Don’t be that guy.

Crack a WindowFireplaces require large volumes of air to burn. This air comes from inside the living area and must somehow be replaced.

With modern energy efficiency concerns, most houses have been carefully insulated and weather-stripped to keep out the cold drafts, but an undesirable side effect is that there is often nowhere for all that air leaving through the chimney to get back in. This can lead to fireplaces that burn sluggish and smoky. To counter that, open up a window a crack and sit closer to the fire.

Turn Off the HeaterAs the fireplace consumes air and cold air moves

into the house to replace it, the furnace is likely to come on. When the furnace comes on, air is drawn into the return vent and competes directly with the air needs of the fireplace. To avoid that, turn off the furnace. You’ve got the fire going, so you don’t need it anyway.

Prime the FlueWhen you open the damper, cold air in the flue will sink and come into your warm house. If you try to light a fire during this air sink, you’re go-ing to end up with smoke coming into the house instead of up the chimney.

To counteract the air sink, you need to prime the flue by warming it up. Light a roll of newspaper and hold it up the damper open-ing for a few minutes. When you feel the draft reverse, you know the flue is primed, and you’re ready to start your fire.

Build an Upside Down FireSeveral fire-building methods exist, and all of them have their merits. If there’s a particular way you like to build a fire, by all means do it. But if you’re looking to build a clean-burning fire that lasts for hours, you might consider using the upside-down fire.

This method has been used for centuries in fireplaces in Europe. Unlike traditional fire lays that require you to put tinder and smaller kindling at the bottom and larger fuel logs on the top, the upside down fire lay reverses the sequence.

Start off by stacking your large fuel logs on the bottom of the fire grate. Stack smaller logs on top. Add a kindling layer (small twigs about the size of your pinky or bigger) on top of the stack. Add some planks of cedar board. Top off the stack with some sheets of newspaper and your tinder.

Light the fire from the top, and presto. In about 20 minutes you’ll have a roaring fire. Be-cause smoke won’t have to pass through the cold logs, the fire will burn cleaner. What’s nice about this arrangement, too, is that you don’t have to do much to keep it going.

Don’t Build a Fire on Very Windy DaysIf the wind is howling outside, there often isn’t anything you can do to prevent fireplace smoke from blowing back into your house. You’ll have the best luck enjoying a minimally smoky fire on calm days.

Call a Chimney SweepIf you’re still having problems after following all these tips, call a professional chimney cleaner to check to see if your chimney has any blockages or structural problems that might be causing the smokiness.

This article was reprinted by permission of The Art of Manliness. For more great content like this, visit artofmanliness.com.

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