July 2000

Third S. R. Language Disorders Clinic Announced | First Golf Tournament Benefits East Texas Center | Class Reunion In West Virginia | Three Generations Of Freemasons | Scottish Rite Conference Of Virginia Plans For The Future | DeMolay Swings Into 2000 | Tennessee Masons Visit England | Thanks From Venezuela | Lodge Social Issues Program | Girl Scouts Welcomed At Las Cruces Scottish Rite Temple | Thanks To Brother Bill Pollin And Aleta Pollin | Journal Index Available | Miami Honors 50-Year Members | Ill. Donald M. Jett, 33°, 1915–2000

On April 20, 2000, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, issued a memo announcing the third conference of our Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinics and Learning Centers. It will be held in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Friday and Saturday, September 8–9, 2000. The conference will meet at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort on the Bay in St. Petersburg. All Children's Hospital will host the conference in cooperation with the Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida under the leadership of Ill. Robert L. Goldsmith, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Florida.

Teresa Montenaro, Conference Coordinator, has announced the theme of the conference will be "Caring for Kids Thru Communications." The conference will offer exciting ways to increase the awareness of the work of our clinics among our Scottish Rite Masons and our communities. Following the success of the 1998 conference in Dallas, the program will appeal to both the professional clinician and the clinic board member. Individual Valleys and Clinics will again support the expense of having representatives at the conference. If financial assistance is needed in order to attend the conference, please contact your local Sovereign Grand Inspector General. He will channel requests for funding through Inspector Goldsmith who has agreed to handle the funding. On a first-come, first-served basis, a limited number of small scholarships are available for clinic personnel. A registration fee of $195 has been established. The fee will include lunch on Friday and Saturday; a reception, dinner, and program on Friday evening; and a continental breakfast on Saturday. Registration and hotel information will be mailed in the near future to all 138 Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinics and Centers.

At least one representative from each clinic or center is encouraged to attend. In some Orients, one person may represent two or more clinics. Clinic Board Members, Active Members, and Deputies of the Supreme Council may want to attend if their own budgets permit.

The first annual golf tournament benefiting the Scottish Rite Learning Center of East Texas, Inc., in Tyler, Texas, was held last October. Brothers from Henry Marsh Bell Lodge No. 1371 in Whitehouse, Texas, organized the event with the help of over 25 merchants and friends providing prizes. More than 40 golfers had a great time while raising $2,200 for the learning center. Proceeds from the tournament will allow the center to continue helping children challenged by dyslexia. The center uses Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children's videotaped Dyslexia Training Program. By assisting these children realize that they, too, can learn, the center releases them from the bonds of their learning challenge. The program is free, but the rewards for students, instructors, and sponsors are priceless. Pictured left with an oversize check representing the donation to the Scottish Rite Learning Center of East Texas, Inc., from tournament proceeds are (l. to r.) Bros. Brent A. Primrose, 32°, Valley of Waco, Texas, and Senior Warden of Henry Marsh Bell Lodge No. 1371, Whitehouse, Texas; James L. Cochran, 32°. Valley of Waco, Worshipful Master, Henry Marsh Bell Lodge; Earby A. Wright, 33°, Valley of Dallas; and Gregg P. Bonham, 32°, Valleys of Dallas and Austin. Submitted by C. Randall Camp, 32°, K.C.C.H., Valley of Waco, Texas

The weekend of March 25, 2000, a "Millennium Class 2000 Reunion" was held in Williamson, West Virginia. It was a joint effort between the Scottish Rite Valley of Charleston, the Valley of Logan, and the Beni Kedem Shrine Temple in Charleston, West Virginia. This was the first of similar Scottish Rite/Shrine "Millennium 2000" joint Reunions and Ceremonials to be held throughout West Virginia in Union, Marlinton, and Point Pleasant. Each, like Williamson, is in a remote area of the state that has had little exposure to the Rite or Shrinedom. This cooperation demonstrates, according to Ill. C. B. Hall, 33°, S.G.I.G. in West Virginia and Grand Sword Bearer of the Supreme Council, that "the Shrine and Scottish Rite are working together in unity in the Mountain State." In all, 55 new Scottish Rite Masons also became Shriners at the joint ceremonies in Williamson.

At an intermission between the "Millennium Class 2000 Reunion" reception and dance held in Williamson, West Virginia, on March 25, Ill. C. B. Hall, 33°, S.G.I.G. in West Virginia, was honored by Governor Cecil H. Underwood, 33°. On behalf of the Governor, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of West Virginia, Elliott M. Maynard, 32°, presented Inspector Hall with a large plaque declaring him an "Outstanding West Virginian."

The five mandatory Scottish Rite Degrees were expertly conferred in the Williamson High School Theater by Degree Teams from Logan and Charleston. Then, the Shrine took over the candidates, and under the leadership of Ill. James E. White, 33°, Potentate of Beni Kedem Temple, Charleston, a beautiful Shrine Ceremonial was held along with the walking of the Hot Sands. As highlights to the occasion, a parade was held at midday, and Potentate Jim White and Inspector C. B. Hall were interviewed by a local radio station, both wonderful opportunities to present what Masonry is all about to the general public. To cap off a great day of unity, a reception and dance were held at the Williamson Fire Station Community Center.

As a man's family grows, he sometimes jokes about creating his own football or baseball team. While Ill. Robert R. Phillip, 33°, of Hermosa, South Dakota, likes sports well enough, his 54-year involvement in Alliance Lodge No. 183, Alliance, Nebraska, and the Alliance Scottish Rite Bodies, led him to build Masonic membership with his oldest son, Don L. Phillip of Longmont, Colorado, and his five grandsons. Ill. Robert Phillip was made a Master Mason in 1946, became a 32°, Valley of Alliance, in 1948, was invested a K.C.C.H. in 1981, and coroneted a 33° in 1991. His son, Bro. Don L. Phillip, 32°, K.C.C.H., was made a Master Mason in 1973, joined the Alliance Scottish Rite Bodies in 1974, and was invested a K.C.C.H. in 1997. Grandpa Robert and grandson Bro. Terry A. Phillip, 32°, help Bro. Don on the Alliance Valley stage, while grandsons Brother Walter R. Phillip, 32°, and Brother Scott M. Phillip, 32°, man the sound system during Reunions. To round out the family's Masonic bonds, Brothers Kyle Lawrence and Brian Lawrence are recent members of Alliance Lodge No. 183. Pictured above right (front row, l.–r.) are: Kyle Lawrence, Don Phillip, Robert Phillip, Scott Phillip; (back row, l.–r.) Walter Phillip, Terry Phillip, and Brian Lawrence.

Nearly 200 Brethren attended the Spring Workshop of the Scottish Rite Conference of Virginia on March 25, 2000, at the Scottish Rite Temple in Richmond. Ill. William Y. Roper III, 33°, President of the Conference, welcomed the Brethren and outlined an interesting agenda that included remarks by M.W. William L. Holliday, 33°, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Virginia, who sketched key aspects of his program for moving Freemasonry forward in the new millennium. Ill. John W. Boettjer, 33°, G.C., Managing Editor of the Scottish Rite Journal, then brought the greetings of Grand Commander Kleinknecht and shared the Supreme Council's plans for the upcoming 2001 Biennial Session in Charleston, South Carolina. Many special events will make this biennial celebration particularly festive and memorable.

A highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Robin K. Olivier, CCC–SLP, Director of Clinical Services for the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center at Richmond, Inc., which is contiguous to the Scottish Rite Temple. She and four staff members demonstrated clinic equipment and showed brief segments on videotape of therapy sessions treating a variety of conditions ranging from autism, apraxia, and stuttering to mental retardation, hearing loss, and articulation/language disorders. Judge James B. Wilkerson, 33°, Orient Personal Representative and President of the Childhood Language Center at Richmond, Inc., expressed the group's warm appreciation for so fine and moving a demonstration. Also, he noted that the vast majority of offenders he sees in court have language or learning disorders. Undoubtedly, these conditions and the frustration they engender contribute to these individuals turning to crime as a means of survival. Through its Childhood Language Disorders Program across the Southern Jurisdiction, the Scottish Rite, he believes, helps protect society by saving many children who might otherwise fail in school, become juvenile delinquents and, in time, turn into the criminals he sees in court every day.

After a delicious lunch of traditional brunswick stew, sandwiches and dessert, Ill. Alvin L. Lehman, 33°, described the good work of the Richmond Scottish Rite Guard. Then, Bros. Gray W. Bradford, 32°, and Malcolm R. Holley, 32°, two Scottish Rite Fellows sent by the Richmond Temple to the Leadership Conference in Williamsburg, March 3–4, 2000, reported very positively on their experiences at the conference. They especially enjoyed the interactive discussions made possible with Grand Commander Kleinknecht at the Scottish Rite Fellows Luncheon and with the presenters at the conference's three afternoon breakout sessions.

Ill. David Kruger, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Virginia, Grand Secretary General, and Honorary President of the Scottish Rite Conference of Virginia, closed the session by briefly sharing a number of pertinent reports and inspiring remarks about Freemasonry's role in modern society. In particular, he thanked all the clinicians who, as in Richmond, staff our Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Centers, Clinics, and Programs. "They have," he said, "the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon, and the love of Jesus" in performing their wonderful work of helping America's children create happier, more productive lives.

Realizing public awareness is vital to the growth of DeMolay, Pacific Crest Chapter in Redding, California (Northern California DeMolay), recently approached the officials at Evergreen Middle School and suggested they be allowed to conduct swing dance lessons during student physical education periods. Approval was received, and swing dance lessons were conducted with the assistance of a local swing dance club. Some 156 students participated along with four teachers and ten parents. It was a great success, and other schools have contacted Pacific Crest Chapter to see when DeMolay can come to their school to conduct a similar project. Pacific Crest Chapter also prepared a display that described DeMolay and had a lot of photos on various Chapter projects. The Chapter has also been asked to assist the Kids at Risk program on a regular basis. Pacific Crest Chapter was opened in August 1999 and has already made a great impact on not only the Masonic community but also on the general public.

On February 21, 2000 six Scottish Rite Masons from Tennessee visited Wrekin Lodge No. 2883 in the Grand Lodge of England Building in London where they witnessed the installation of Bro. Bill Murray (fourth from left in photo) as Master of the Lodge.

While there, the group visited the Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire, England. Construction of this building was started in 1220 and finished 38 years later, rapid work for that era. In 1986, work was carried out to restore the 404-foot spire at a cost of about ten million dollars. The Grand Lodge of England raised about five million dollars in one day for this purpose. In 1995, Brother Murray climbed the spire and salvaged a rough ashlar, which had not been moved since the stonemason carved and placed it there sometime between 1230 and 1235. At the same time, a small but perfect ashlar replacement was cut, and these two stones were presented to Bro. Thomas E. Hager, 32°, K.C.C.H., P.G.M. of Tennessee (1994), and current Treasurer of the Grand Lodge.

The photo above shows the six Tennesseans in the Lodge Hall in London with their hosts. Left to right are Bros. Danny W. Wyatt, 32°, Valley of Nashville; Jerry R. Belcher, 32°; Thomas E. Hager, 32°, K.C.C.H., Valley of Nashville; Bill Murray, Master of Wrekin Lodge in London; Laddie L. Wilson, 32°, Valley of Nashville; Brady W. Jarrells, 32°, Valley of Knoxville; Thomas O. Conn, 32°, Valley of Nashville; and Douglas Black from the Isle of Wight in England.

On behalf of Illustrious Grand Commander, Dr. Edito Acevedo, 33°, and of the Brothers of the Supreme Council of Venezuela and myself, I send our deepest thanks for your noble and altruistic gesture you made for the Brothers who suffered from the damage of the natural disaster which affected so many Venezuelan families during the month of December of last year. It is not every day that institutions or people hold out their generous hands to help those who are suffering. This is why we offer special thanks for your initiative which resulted in all of the aid given to us. The timely help sent by your Supreme Council has resulted in a growth in aid funds which our Supreme Council administers to those in need. This help is used for food and clothing according to the selection which our body has in collaboration with the National Red Cross depending on the level of need. We are pleased to inform you, in the name of all beneficiaries of the act, that the amount of money which you sent has really been of great help.

With sincere fraternal greetings, Miguel Cabrera Manzo, 33°, Grand Chancellor and Grand Secretary General Supreme Council of Venezuela

On March 12, 2000, at the invitation of Bro. Steven "BB" Griffin, 32°, Worshipful Master of Marrero Lodge, No. 479, Marrero, Louisiana, Detective Jason E. Hippler presented a very educational program on gangs to the Brethren of the Lodge and guests. Detective Hippler is a nine-year veteran of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office and is assigned to the street gang unit. W.M. Griffin (pictured above right) presented a certificate of appreciation to Detective Hippler.

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On November 2, 1999, the Las Cruces, New Mexico, Scottish Rite Temple was the scene of a wonderful program on the childhood home and life of Juliette Gordan Low, the founder of the Girl Scout movement in the United States. In a unique presentation, Mrs. Lois Sieman from Chatham, Illinois, portrayed Mrs. Low in an original Girl Scout Leader uniform, telling stories and showing slides of her childhood home in Savannah, Georgia (known to Girl Scouts as the "Birthplace"). Mrs. Sieman travels all across America putting on these performances to large Girl Scout audiences. Las Cruces was no exception. The Las Cruces Scottish Rite Bodies graciously donated their auditorium for the use of the 300 Girl Scouts (girls and adults) of the Rio Grande Girl Scout Council (RGGSC) who attended. Shown in the photo above are Lois Sieman (center back) surrounded by the members of the Rio Grande Girl Scout Council's Heritage Committee in reproduction copies of original uniforms. Shown on the front row are Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts in current uniforms. This program was another example of Scottish Rite Bodies reaching out to fulfill a need in their community. The Girl Scouts thank the Masons of the Las Cruces, New Mexico, Scottish Rite Bodies. Submitted by Joyce S. Syfert Chair, Heritage Committee, RGGSC Chair, Scottish Rite Ladies, Las Cruces, N. Mex.

The Spokane, Washington, Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders has story after story to tell about the children helped by enabling them to communicate with their family and friends. But we never forget just how all of this is made possible because of such dear friends as Bro. William John Pollin, 32°, and his beloved wife, Aleta. They and many others are always ready to give the financial help needed to sustain and expand our busy center.

Bro. Edwin E. Weber, 32°, K.C.C.H. (right), President, the Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders in Spokane, Washington, congratulates Bro. William J. "Bill" Pollin, 32°, and his wife, Aleta, on 50 years of generous support of the Scottish Rite, in particular the Spokane, Washington, Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders.

For example, this great couple has supported the center in the last ten years, from 1989 to 1999, by giving over $475,000 in stocks, trusts, and donated items. Our caps come off to this generous couple! More of us must join Bro. Bill and Aleta in furthering the good work being done at our Scottish Rite Childhood Language Clinics, Centers, and Programs across America.
Brother Bill is now wearing a beautiful blue 50-year Scottish Rite cap, and Bill and Aleta have been recognized with a beautiful bronze nameplate prominently displayed in the House of the Temple, Washington, D.C. From the hearts of all Scottish Rite members, God bless you Bill and Aleta. You will never be forgotten.

The Index for the 1999 Scottish Rite Journal is now available. It and indexes from previous years may be ordered for $2.00 each. Please send remittance payable to The Supreme Council, 33°, to:

The March 2000 meeting of the Valley of Miami was particularly memorable because of a moving ceremony honoring the Valley's 50-year members. The open ceremony, conducted in the Lodge room by Ill. C. E. Gonzalez, 33°, Valley Almoner, followed a no-cost dinner attended by nearly 80 members and wives. Although 13 men were eligible for the honors, 10 were unable to attend due to health or travel restrictions. Ill. James V. Prigodich, 33°, General Secretary, said those not attending will be sent or presented with their 50-year certificate and pin. Shown below receiving their 50-year honors are (l. to r.) Bros. Leo R. Valene, Albert Hirschensohn, and Woodrow W. Cone, all 32°.

Sadly, we note the passing on April 13, 2000, in Baltimore, Maryland, of Ill. Donald Morgan Jett, 33°, Past Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Supreme Council in Maryland and a dedicated Mason for over 51 years. Ill. Jett was born in Baltimore on December 27, 1915, attended the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and the University of Maryland, and then became a prominent realtor and residential home developer.

In 1949, he was raised a Master Mason in King David Lodge No. 68 in Baltimore (Master of his Lodge in 1955) and quickly established a record of distinguished service to Blue Lodge Freemasonry as, among other offices, Grand Marshal, Chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on Religious Service and Education, Grand Inspector, and Past Senior Grand Warden, Grand Lodge of Maryland. He also served for 19 years as a member of the Board of Trustees and of the Executive Committee of the Maryland Masonic Homes.

Invested a 32° Scottish Rite Mason, Scottish Rite Bodies of Baltimore, in 1951, Ill. Jett served as Venerable Master, Albert Pike Lodge of Perfection, and as a member of the Valley's Entertainment Committee. An excellent ritualist, he performed in, among others, the 5th, 7th, and 21st Degrees. In recognition of his contributions to the Rite, he was invested a K.C.C.H. in 1961, coroneted a 33° in 1967, and appointed Deputy of the Supreme Council in 1983, being elected Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Maryland the same year. He retired effective January 1, 1991. Under his leadership, the Hilgenberg Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders was built in the Baltimore Scottish Rite Temple, and he served with distinction as Founding President of the Board of Directors of the Maryland Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation, Inc.

In addition to many Masonic affiliations, including the Royal Order of Scotland, Ill. Jett was very active in church and community service, particularly the Salvation Army. His impressive lifelong leadership, dedication, and concern for the principles of Freemasonry provide an example for all Brethren to follow as they live Ill. Jett's favorite motto: "We Pull The Most When We Pull Together."