February 2000

Illustrious Howard E. Kerce, 33°, Appointed Deputy In Mississippi | A Great Day For Masonry In Little Rock, Arkansas | Cedar Rapids Center Declared Historic Place | Oklahoma Brethren Celebrate State's Scottish Rite Centennial | Shrine Ladies Welcomed To The House Of The Temple | Hon. Roy E. Barnes, Governor Of Georgia, Invested With K.C.C.H. | Scottish Rite Fellow And Former U.S. Ambassador To Albania | Masonic Postal Chess Club | Admiral Eugene A. Barham, 33°, Grand Cross, 1911–1999

Pursuant to statutory age limitations, Ill. Julian W. Fagan, 33°, recently retired after a decade of dedicated and outstanding service as S.G.I.G. in Mississippi and Second Grand Equerry of the Supreme Council. Effective January 1, 2000, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, appointed Ill. Howard E. Kerce, 33°, Personal Representative in Jackson, Mississippi, to succeed Ill. Fagan.

Ill. Kerce was born on October 22, 1933, in Rome, Georgia, and attended the public schools of that city as well as Floyd Community College before entering a successful career in retail store management for Sears Roebuck (1955–66) and JC Penney Company (1967–94). Affiliated with the Colonial Heights Baptist Church of Jackson, Mississippi, he is also active in a number of community groups including the Magnolia Speech School (Member of the Board of Directors, serving as Secretary for two years) and Mended Hearts Inc. (Assistant Regional Director) working in concert with the American Heart Association. He and his beloved wife, Mary, of 45 years have two children, a son and daughter.

Among the many Masonic memberships, offices, and honors garnered by Ill. Kerce during his extensive career in the Craft are the following: Master of Capitol Lodge No. 600, Jackson, Mississippi, in 1979; Treasurer of Capitol Lodge for 14 years; Presiding Officer of all Scottish Rite Bodies; Executive Board Member for 11 years; Secretary, Valley of Jackson, 1992–96; Personal Representative, 1997–99; Presiding Officer in all York Bodies; Treasurer of Jackson York Rite Bodies; Knight York Cross of Honor (K.Y.C.H.); Secretary, Mississippi York Rite College No. 83; Past Excellent Chief, Mississippi Knight Masons; Past Puissant Sovereign, Red Cross of Constantine; Past Dean, DeMolay Legion of Honor; Secretary/Treasurer, Mississippi Masonic Youth Foundation, Inc.; Member, Masonic Scorietas Rosiecruciana in Cibitatibus Foederatis; Grand Orator, Grand Lodge of Mississippi (1999/2000); Member, Wahabi Shrine Temple; member, Scottish Rite Research Society; and President, Mississippi Scottish Rite Aphasia Foundation, 1992–99, in which capacity Ill. Kerce has been particularly active in advancing the Mississippi Scottish Rite Masons Dyslexia Program.

Given the above outstanding record of involvement and accomplishment, it is clear Deputy Kerce will continue the outstanding work so well evidenced by his illustrious predecessor in the Orient of Mississippi.

Seated in the front row (l. to r.) before the Fall Reunion Class, Orient of Arkansas, of 400 new 32° Scottish Rite Masons are: Ill. Larry D. Berry, 33°, Wise Master, Valley of Little Rock; Ill. Herman M. Ray, 33°, Pers. Rep., Valley of Little Rock; Ill. Burton E. Ravellette, Jr., 33°, Pers. Rep., Orient of Arkansas; M.W. Kevin L. Hatfield, 33°, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Arkansas; Ill. Dwane F. Treat, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Arkansas; M.W. Garry C. Jones, 33°, Grand Treas., Grand Lodge of Arkansas; and Ill. William H. Trice, III, 33°, Venerable Master, Valley of Little Rock.

On October 23, 1999, the Albert Pike Memorial Temple in Little Rock, Arkansas, was a beehive of activity as Brethren from across Arkansas gathered to participate in the Fall Reunion of the Scottish Rite, Orient of Arkansas. Ill. Dwane F. Treat, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Arkansas, had set a goal of 318 new members, one from every Lodge in Arkansas. He was not disappointed. As time came for the Degrees to begin, 400 Master Masons were registered and ready to experience the Scottish Rite Degrees. In addition, out of the 400 new Scottish Rite Masons, 114 became members of the Shrine.

A good part of the credit for the success of this Reunion can be attributed to M.W. Garry C. Jones, 33°, Past Grand Master, now Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas. The first lesson taught us as Entered Apprentices is the value and necessity of dwelling together in unity. Ill. Bros. Jones and Treat have made this lesson come to life in Arkansas Masonry. By their untiring efforts, at the forefront and behind the scenes, these two Masons have set an example for all to follow, "Meet, Act, and Part as Master Masons." M.W. Jones, at his installation as Grand Master in 1994, told the assembly that if Masonry is to survive, grow, and prosper, we must "Project the Proper Image." This was his theme in 1994 and remains his watchword today.

Arkansas is fortunate to have had great Masonic leaders, such as Albert Pike, in the past, and it is a tradition that continues today with two such Masonic giants as M.W. Garry C. Jones, 33°, and Ill. Dwane F. Treat, 33°.

From Ill. James L. Weatherall, 33°, P.G.M., Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge of Arkansas

On October 9, 1999, the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Scottish Rite Center was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places. A plaque unveiling ceremony commemorating the occasion drew a large turnout of Brethren, their ladies, and guests. Soloist Lori Ferguson's rendition of "Bless This House" made everyone realize just how truly blessed they are to have such a magnificent Masonic building, and the oration delivered by the Honorable Charles E. "Chuck" Grassley, 33°, G.C., U.S. Senator from Iowa, was as fitting as any words ever spoken within the walls of the center. Senator Grassley's address is reprinted as an article on page 6 of this issue. In recognition of his service to America and Freemasonry, Senator Grassley was unanimously elected by the Supreme Council to the Rite's highest honor, the Grand Cross, at the 1999 Biennial Session, October 4–5.

United States Senator and Brother Charles E. "Chuck" Grassley, 33°, G.C., makes a point with Brother Mark E. Bowden, 32°, K.C.C.H., during the unveiling of a Historic Place plaque at the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Scottish Rite Center on October 9, 1999.

Ill. Richard D. Aldershof, 33°, Personal Representative of Ill. Harry S. Barrows, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Iowa, welcomed the audience and asked Bro. Robert T. Spurgin, 32°, to give the Invocation. Then the Pledge of Allegiance followed the presentation of the colors by the El Kahir Color Guard. Master of Kadosh, Ill. Vernon J. Kriz, 33°, was introduced and responded with brief remarks recognizing several of the Brethren whose efforts turned years of dreaming into reality. Mark Hunter, Cedar Rapids City Archivist and Historian, reviewed the 72-year history of the Scottish Rite Center (formerly the Scottish Rite Temple), and Ill. Carl E. A. Hallberg, 33°, had the honor of unveiling an artist's rendition of the bronze plaque which will be permanently attached to the front of the center in the near future.

After Senator Grassley's eloquent words, Bro. Spurgin gave the benediction, and Bro. Gerald R. "Jerry" Pollock, 32°, shared his keyboard talents at the social hour which was provided by the ladies of the El Kahir Shrine Auxiliary. It was truly a historic and very memorable day in the illustrious history of the Scottish Rite in Cedar Rapids.

Recently, the Brethren of the Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple, Guthrie, Oklahoma, held a special Reunion celebrating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Scottish Rite in Oklahoma. As part of the celebration, Ill. Paul T. Million, Jr., 33°, S.G.I.G. in Oklahoma, gave permission to stage the 27th Degree as an open Degree for the wives and adult family members of all candidates and other Masons.

The three-day event began on the evening of October 29, 1999. In cooperation with city officials and local historical societies, a large cast aluminum historical marker had been prepared for permanent installation at the site of the first Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie, located behind the site of the present Grand Lodge of Oklahoma building. Streets were closed off to provide space for the crowd, and a public dedication of the sign was held, with remarks by the Mayor, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, M.W. William C. "Bill" Clure, Jr., 33°, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Oklahoma, and Inspector Million. The crowd then retired to the Grand Lodge building for a reception.

The next day, the Reunion proper began. Special buttons had been ordered for the 131 candidates and all others attending. More than 1,000 members and their ladies registered. The candidates and the first 300 Brethren to register received a special commemorative pewter goblet, celebrating the event. Displays and class photographs were set up in special rooms in the Temple so that members could find the years of their classes, register in a special 100th Anniversary book, and renew friendships while the Degree work continued in the auditorium. During the afternoon, a program was held to celebrate the charitable and educational work of the Temple Foundation. Early that evening, a special banquet and table Lodge was held for members, families and friends who had purchased the advance tickets. Those attending were presented with a beautifully engraved Masonic "firing glass" ordered from England for the event.

They then retired to the auditorium for an open, elaborately staged production of the 27th Degree. As presented in Guthrie, the Degree requires a speaking cast of 15 and an additional non-speaking cast of 28 as well as fire and fog effects, dancers and mimes. Comments from the audience and, especially, from the wives present indicated that the Degree was greatly enjoyed. One lady seemed to speak for all when she said, "I see now why this is so important to my husband. I'm really glad he does this."

In preparation for the Centennial Reunion, the somewhat deteriorated cement plaza in front of the Temple had been replaced, and a special box had been cast into the concrete. The box, covered with a large bronze plaque, contains a time capsule of artifacts and records of Oklahoma Scottish Rite's first 100 years. Original plans were to hold a ceremony outside by the box. During the ceremony, Grand Lodge officers would dedicate the plaque and Temple to another 100 years of service. It was pouring rain, however, so the ceremony was moved to the stage. Grand Master Clure and the entire line of Grand Lodge Officers performed the ceremony (see photo above), the Grand Master noting with pride that every Grand Lodge officer was a member of the Scottish Rite.

Guthrie's special events shows there is an interest in Masonry by the general public. We serve ourselves well when we let them know who we are.

It is always a pleasure to have interested individuals and Masonic or other groups visit the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C., and one recent occasion was particularly memorable. On Saturday, November 20, 1999, 47 ladies of Kena Shriners, Fairfax, Virginia, held Kena's Ceremonial/Charity Ball Ladies Luncheon in the International Room of the House of the Temple. The group was led by Kay Hall, wife of Kenneth L. Hall, 32°, K.C.C.H., Potentate of Kena Shriners.

Ill. William G. Sizemore, 33°, G.C., Grand Executive Director of the Supreme Council, was on hand to greet them personally and to take a snapshot of the group on the steps of the Temple (photo right). Lady Kay is third from the right, front row in the photo pictured here. The Ladies were served a catered lunch, supervised by Fran Johnson from the Grand Commander's office, and enjoyed a tour of the building hosted by four Temple guides: Harry Miller, Jr., 32°, K.C. C.H., John L. Crull, 32°, K.C. C.H., Arnold L. "Al" Flottman, 33°, and George E. Enders, 33°. The guest of honor was Lady Edna Riley, wife of the Ceremonial/Charity Ball Honoree, Past Potentate (1989) James S. Riley. Loretta Speaks, a former Shrine burn hospital patient, was the luncheon guest speaker. Loretta spoke about her hospital experience and recognized the ladies and the Shriners for their service to those in need. Subsequent comments of appreciation echoed by the ladies included: "the entire affair was first class," "this was one of the finest afternoons we have ever had," "now that I know what the Scottish Rite is, I want my husband to join," and "I'm making my husband bring me back; he needs to see this!"

On November 6, 1999, the Honorable Roy E. Barnes, Governor of Georgia, was the Active Candidate for the Investiture of the Knights Commander Court of Honour in Macon, Georgia. As the class respondent after the ceremony, Bro. Barnes expressed his appreciation at being honored and assured the assembled Brethren and guests of his continued interest in and support of Freemasonry. Governor Barnes is pictured right being congratulated by Ill. William M. Hutcheson, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Georgia and First Grand Equerry of the Supreme Council, 33°.

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In August 1999, Marisa R. Lino completed her assignment as the United States Ambassador to Albania. In 1972 when she received her Master's Degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., she was a Scottish Rite Fellow from Oregon. When stationed in Tirana, the capital of Albania, she was dubbed "the Iron Lady of Tirana" because of her strong policies in defense of human rights. Ambassador Lino has had a wide range of assignments in the Foreign Service. They range from serving as Consul General in Florence, Italy, to helping Afghan refugees in Pakistan, to holding executive State Department posts in Washington. In 1997, when the Albanian government collapsed, over 450 Americans were evacuated, but Ambassador Lino stayed because America "cares about democracy and represents, for much of the world, the best hope for freedom."

Ambassador Lino's work is politically vital and personally gratifying, for "to come to the United States as an immigrant from Trieste [then a free territory between Italy and Yugoslavia, now part of Italy] with my family and to be appointed U. S. ambassador—it's a very satisfying reward." The feeling is undoubtedly mutual for her father, Brother Louis L. Lino, 32°, K.C.C.H., Valley of Portland, Oregon, now resident in Virginia.

With great sorrow, we note Ill. Eugene A. Barham's passing on November 22, 1999. Rear Admiral Barham was unable to attend the 1999 Biennial Session, October 4–5, 1999, due to failing health. Had he been present, he would have been saluted as a newly elected Grand Cross, the highest honor the Rite can bestow. During a visit to Shreveport, Louisiana, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, congratulated Admiral Barham by phone and expressed a wish to visit his bedside to decorate him with the Grand Cross cap and jewel. This final honor, however, could not be bestowed before Admiral Barham's passing. He not only served our nation as a distinguished military leader but also labored with outstanding success for Masonry throughout his life. The latter service was recognized in a formal manner on September 3, 1998, when, with Admiral Barham present, the Orient of Louisiana's third Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinic was dedicated in Monroe, Louisiana, and named in his honor as the Admiral E. A. Barham Speech and Hearing Clinic.

Ill. Barham was born in Oak Ridge, Louisiana, on December 21, 1911, and throughout his life maintained a close tie to his native state as a farmer, cotton ginner, and investor. After graduating with honors from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, he established a distinguished naval career that included outstanding service during World War II and the Korean Conflict. Among his subsequent posts were the U.S. Naval Academy; staff of the Commander, Naval Forces Far East; command of several ships and, finally, command of the Air Defense Training Center in Dam Neck, Virginia.

A dedicated Freemason, Bro. Barham was a member of Brookville Lodge No. 161 in Oak Ridge, Louisiana, serving three terms as Worshipful Master (1974, '75, '77). He was invested a 32° Scottish Rite Mason in 1973, Valley of Monroe, Louisiana, and later received K.C.C.H. and 33° honors for his many services to our Order and America. Admiral Barham was also active in the Grand Lodge of Louisiana. He served as a member and then chairman of the Grand Lodge's Budget and Control Board and as Grand Marshal in 1977 and 1981.

Recognizing his service to our Craft and America, we mourn the passing of Ill. Bro. and Admiral Eugene A. Barham, 33°, G.C., as a true Masonic hero and great American.