Jim Tresner, 33°, Grand Cross

Special arrangements made for an extraordinary presentation to Oklahoma’s most outstanding Brother.

"We must do something about that," said Ill. Doug Watson, 33°. "He can’t wear one of those paper aprons again."

Ill. Brother Doug was referring to Ill. Paul T. Million, Jr., 33°, S.G.I.G. in Oklahoma. The Grand Master of Oklahoma had ordered that aprons were to be worn at Grand Lodge that year—not a common practice in Oklahoma—and Ill. Million had walked to the lectern to bring greetings from the Scottish Rite, wearing one of the disposable paper aprons which had been available at the door.

So started what was to become a major project.

Ill. Watson soon discovered that there was no official apron for the S.G.I.G. to wear, so he set out to have one created. A telephone call to the Grand Commander, Ill. C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, told him the Scottish Rite had no objection to the proposed S.G.I.G. apron. A similar call to Ill. Garry D. Odom, 33°, then Grand Master of Oklahoma, brought support for the idea. Under a pledge of confidentiality, Bro. Watson conferred with Scottish Rite scholars and, ultimately, with JaNell Million, wife of the S.G.I.G. on the design. L.A. Fraternal Supply Company was contacted and agreed to manufacture the apron. Ill. Watson confidentially contacted some Scottish Rite members, who contributed the funds to cover costs.

So far, the secrecy had held, but could it hold through the planning of a Reunion? It could and did!

On October 24, 1998, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, made a surprise visit to the McAlester, Oklahoma, Fall Reunion to congratulate Ill. Paul T. Million, Jr., 33°, on his receiving an elaborately crafted S.G.I.G. apron from the Scottish Rite Brethren of Oklahoma.

Ill. Kleinknecht was invited and agreed to attend. The Reverend Dr. Forrest D. Haggard, 33°, G.C., came from Kansas, ostensibly to visit the McAlester Temple where he had taken the Scottish Rite Degrees. The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, several of the Grand Lodge floor officers and their wives found it "convenient" to be at the McAlester Temple for the opening ceremonies. In back rooms, seating charts were drawn and redrawn, special escort teams were formed and rehearsed. It is phenomenally difficult to get anything past Inspector Million, and without the able assistance of his wife, JaNell, who provided distraction at critical points, it would have been impossible.

On October 24, 1998, the evening before the Reunion, S.G.I.G. Million gave his customary reception for the members of the McAlester Advisory Conference and any visiting guests. The reception had been going on for several minutes when he stepped out into the yard for a breath of air. The car belonging to Ill. John C. Alexander, 33°, General Secretary of the Tulsa Bodies, pulled up to the curb, and a trim figure with snowy hair climbed out.

"Hmmm," Brother Million said to himself, "John’s hair is getting grayer than I realized."

Thoughts grew a little more chaotic a few seconds later, when Inspector Million realized that the figure was the Grand Commander, whom he thought was in Washington, D.C.

The reception and the dinner which followed were greatly enjoyed. Many Brethren and their ladies had a chance to meet and visit with the Grand Commander. The food and fellowship combined to make a memorable evening. And still, almost miraculously, no one let word slip about the apron.

The next morning, Brethren, candidates, and guests gathered in the Temple dining room at 6:30 for breakfast and then filed into the auditorium. As the ceremonial music played, the Knights of St. Andrew in their highland regalia escorted the dignitaries to the front.

The Candidates were still talking about it days afterward. Two Grand Crosses, many Grand Lodge Officers and their ladies, visitors from other Valleys—and then S.G.I.G. Million introduced the Grand Commander, a man whom, because of the constraints of geography, most Scottish Rite Masons never have a chance to meet. Then the Grand Master addressed the group and concluded his remarks with, "and, now, I understand there is a presentation to be made."

And the apron was brought forth.

It is beautiful. (See photo above.) The apron bears the double-eagle of the 33°, in full color. The purple silk velvet border has the same laurel design as the band on the caps worn by Sovereign Grand Inspectors General. The embroidery and bullion work glint in the light.

And it came as a complete surprise. Twice in as many days, we managed to surprise Inspector Million. Almost certainly it will never happen again. It was a joy to honor a man Oklahoma holds in such high esteem.