Part 68

Thomas M. Boles, 33°, G.C.
Director of Development
1761 East Woodcrest Avenue
La Habra, California 90631-3260
Tel . 562-691-4227; Fax 562-691-5327

Earl E. Ihle, Jr., 33°
Director of Major Gifts
1733 Sixteenth St., Washington, DC 20009–3103
Tel. 202-232-3579, Ext. 143, Fax 202-387-1843
Or call 800-486-3331, Ext. 143
council@srmason-sj.org

A Masonic couple proves that happiness comes from giving, not getting.

I am so proud to share a part in the life of Bro. Jack J. Evinger, 32°, Valley of San Bernardino, and Marilyn Evinger (photo right), who have become very close friends of mine over the years. They are not only truly great human beings but are also generous supporters of our great philanthropy, the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Program. Most of us have read, more than once, I Corinthians 13–2 (KJV), where it is written: "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing". But we also know that the word for charity in Latin is caritas, meaning Christian love, which is equivalent to the Greek word agape, meaning self-giving love. Thus, this biblical verse could be read as: "If I do not have love, I am nothing."

You cannot separate charity and love, especially in the lives of Jack and Marilyn. They both love our philanthropy, and their charity goes beyond just words, for they are members of our "Grand Temple Architects" classification of donors. Their generosity has been appropriately recognized in the House of the Temple by a bronze name plaque, and they are registered in our Gold Book of Recognition.

Brother Jack was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, a few years back, and moved to California in 1940. At age 14, it was necessary for him to quit school and work to help support his family. I'm sure some of us can relate to that. He worked hard selling newspapers, performing yard work, driving for different people and, in fact, doing anything he could find to earn a little money. Finally, he got his first big break when he was hired by Convair Aircraft in San Diego and Pomona, California, as a machinist and toolmaker. This opportunity gave him his start toward financial independence. He soon began to invest in real estate, started to build apartment buildings, bought a bakery, and worked in it while his real estate business grew and he became the friend of Hollywood film stars and movie moguls.

All this time, Jack enjoyed membership in the Masonic Fraternity, and he recently received his 50-year pin in his Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Shrine. He is a Past Patron in the Eastern Star and has always enjoyed traveling with any of the Masonic Bodies.

Marilyn, the former Marilyn Le Breton, and Jack have been married for many years, though they seem short years because of their love. She is a native of Dayton, Ohio, and the daughter of a Master Mason. Marilyn is the proud mother of two, grandmother of six, and great grandmother of twelve.

Jack and Marilyn found a saying they like very much: "Half the world is on the wrong scent in the pursuit of happiness. They think it consists in having and getting, and in being served by others. On the contrary, it consists in giving and in serving others. If a friend of mine gave a feast and did not invite me to it, I should not mind at all. But if a friend of mine had a sorrow and refused to allow me to share it, I should feel it most bitterly."

Yes, this is Jack and Marilyn, and I am honored and privileged to share and introduce you to my two great friends who are also great customers in our "store" of Scottish Rite philanthropy. Which leaves my "ad" for this month to read: "The highest test of the civilization of a race is its willingness to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate." 

Please Note: This information is distributed with the understanding that the authors are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expertise is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. From: A Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers.
To learn more about the Scottish Rite Pooled Income Fund, click here. For a chart illustrating Scottish Rite Foundation, S.J., USA, Charitable Gift Annuity Rates–Single Life, please click here.

Ill. Thomas M. Boles, 33°, G.C. (left in photo) has worked extensively in fund-raising for children's programs throughout our Fraternity. For more information on planned giving, call Bro. Tom at 562–691–4227 (Fax 562–691–5327) or the Scottish Rite Foundation, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., at 202–232–3579, ext. 143.

Ill. Earl E. Ihle, Jr., 33°, is our development team's Director of Major Gifts. He has been a member of the Fraternity for 25 years and served in 1978 as Master of Lafayette Lodge, No. 111, Baltimore, Maryland. He is also a member of Boumi Shrine Temple in Baltimore, the York Rite, and a dual member of the Scottish Rite Valleys of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. You can reach Bro. Ihle toll free at 1–800–486–3331, ext. 143.