July 1999
Sanders Memorial Fund | Masonic Information Center Offers New Brochure | Scottish Rite Videotape Wins International Award | Rare Book Group Visits Library | Grand Lodge Honors Anna Ramey | Video Interviews Now Available | Mason Graduates Navy Flight School | Miami Honors 50-Year Members | Friends Of The Library Donors | DeMolay Officers Visit Potentate | Teacher Of The Year | Trooper Teddy Bears | Donations For Tornado Victims | Philippines Commander Visits | Shrine Session In Dallas | "DeMolay Month" In California | Historic Masonic Theater Project | Students Visit House Of The Temple | "Templary 2000 Crusade" | John D. Blankinship, 33°, 1918–1999
On April 23, 1999, just three days
following the tragedy at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado,
the Grand Lodge of Colorado established the Dave Sanders Memorial
Scholarship Fund in memory of Columbine teacher Dave Sanders who
heroically sacrificed his life while saving the lives of many
Columbine High School students. All contributions are tax deductible
and will be used for scholarships given to one or more graduating
seniors of Columbine High School based on need and scholastic
promise.
The Grand Master of Masons in Colorado, M.W. Kent R. Gould, 32°, K.C.C.H., Valley of Denver, said, "Dave Sanders inspired his students scholastically and as a coach. He placed himself in harm's way, making the supreme sacrifice for his students. This scholarship will help carry forth his memory to future generations of Columbine students by providing financial assistance to them in achieving their educational dreams and goals. All Colorado Masons join with the Columbine community not only in their sorrow but also in their praise of the students, teachers, and administrators for their brave and courageous actions so much in evidence on April 20, 1999. Please donate generously in honor of Mr. Sanders and the 12 students whose lives were taken away so suddenly, so needlessly." Contributions from all Masons, private citizens, companies, and others are appreciated.
Dave Sanders Memorial Scholarship Fund
Account Number 1242346
c/o Mountain States Bank
1635 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80218
Vernon B. Ingraham, 32°,
K.C.C.H.
Chairman, Grand Lodge Public Schools Committee
Junior Warden, Lodge of Perfection
Valley of Denver, Colorado
The Masonic Information Center now has available a new full-color, eight-panel brochure titled "Who Are the Masons?" Meant as a "generic" brochure for use by Blue Lodges and all other Masonic Bodies, the new publication provides an attractive, easy-to-read introduction to Masonry. It is a perfect handout to give to prospective members, and it offers a clear description of Masonry for the general public. Space is provided on the end panel so that a Lodge, Grand Lodge, Scottish Rite Temple, or other Masonic Body can insert its own name as a point of contact.
Complimentary copies have been distributed to all Grand Secretaries
in the United States and Canada, and a copy was sent, along with
the May "Short Talk Bulletin," to individuals, Lodges,
and other Masonic organizations on the extensive mailing list
of the Masonic Service Association. Within a two-week period following
this mailing, orders for over 50,000 copies were received, so
it looks like the Masonic Information Center—and Freemasonry—happily
have another big hit on their hands.
A complimentary copy of the brochure can be obtained by writing
to the address below. Larger orders (sold in lots of 50, plus
shipping) may be obtained as follows:
50 @ 27¢ea. = $ 13.50
100 @ 25¢ea. = $ 25.00
500 @ 23¢ ea. = $115.00
1000 @ 20¢ ea. = $200.00
Order from and make checks payable to:
Masonic Information Center
8120 Fenton Street
Silver Spring, MD 20910–4785
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On April 30, 1999, the International Film and Video Festival announced its judging results. "Architects of Freedom, The Story of Freemasonry in America," the Supreme Council's new videotape, received a prestigious "Silver Screen Award" in the category of documentary and informational productions. A Silver Screen Plaque will be presented to George T. Brown Associates, producer of the videotape, at the festival's 32nd Annual International Awards Presentation to be held on June 4, 1999, at the Marriott Downtown Hotel in Chicago. |
On Tuesday April 27, 1999, the Supreme Council Library hosted the monthly meeting of the Rare Book Group of Washington, D.C. The meeting was held in the Robert Burn's Room, and lunch for 28 persons was catered. After the luncheon, Librarian–Curator Joan K. Sansbury gave a short talk about the building and the Burn's Collection. This was followed by a tour of the building, ending in the library. Several rare books were pulled from the collection and placed on the reading room table to let the group see examples from the Council's special collections. Most of the persons attending had no idea of the resources available in the House of the Temple to special groups and to the general public. The visit of the Rare Book Group accents the Supreme Council's outreach to the local community and all interested parties, non-Masonic as well as Masonic.
On December 4, 1998, during its
Annual Meeting in Waco, the Grand Lodge of Texas honored Anna
Ramey (pictured right), Vice President and Director of Development
at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, Texas,
by presenting her with the W. B. and Brandon Carrell Humanitarian
Award. Past recipients include legendary Dallas Cowboys coach
Tom Landry and Waco philanthropist Bernard Rapoport.
Established in December 1992, the award is given to non-Masons who have significantly contributed to humanitarian causes. Named in honor of Dr. W. B. Carrell and his son, Dr. Brandon Carrell, who both served as Chief-of-Staff at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC), the award parallels the Grand Lodge's Sam Houston Medal, which is presented to Masons who have distinguished themselves in American society.
Anna Ramey joined TSRHC in 1975, and, through the years, she has served in several capacities including Vice President and Director of Public Relations, Director of Dyslexia/Literacy Programs, and Administrative Director/Department Head of the Child Development Division of the hospital.
In her current position, Ramey works to secure financial support for TSRHC from individuals, corporations, and foundations. In addition to her other fund-raising efforts, Ramey successfully spearheaded the completion of funding for the James F. Chambers, Jr., Youth Fitness Park, which includes the hospital's first commemorative brick campaign.
"We are extremely proud of Anna's humanitarian award and her accomplishments," said Ill. J. C. Montgomery, Jr., 33°, President of TSRHC. "Under her leadership, gift revenue has significantly increased further enabling the hospital to continue in its mission of treating children without charge."
From: The Voice of Scottish Rite Masonry in South Texas, April 1999.
The May 1999 Scottish Rite Journal's Book Reviews focused on the new "Masonic Conversation" series of videotaped interviews with outstanding Masons addressing a variety of topics. At that time, four tapes were available: Ill. Stephen Joel Trachtenberg, 33°, Grand Cross, President, The George Washington University, on "Freemasonry and the Enlightenment"; Dr. William Fox, 33°, on his new history of the Southern Jurisdiction, Lodge of the Double-Headed Eagle; Ill. Donald M. Robey, 33°, then Executive Secretary and Treasurer of The George Washington Masonic Memorial, Bro. James Rees, 32°, Director of Historic Mount Vernon, on George Washington; and Bro. Kevin M. Tuck, 32°, Institute for Masonic Studies at the Grand Lodge of California, on Masonic symbols.
Now the remaining six half-hour videotaped interviews in the Capstone Production series are available. Brethren interviewed are Ill. Richard E. Fletcher, 33°, Masonic Information Center; Colonel George F. Harrington, 32°, K.C.C.H., National Sojourners, Inc.; Wallace E. McLeod, The Philalethes Society; Dr. S. Brent Morris, 33°, author and historian; Dr. Rex. R. Hutchens, 33°, G.C., author and ritual scholar; and Ill. Pierre "Pete" Normand, 33°, Editor of The Plumbline, a publication of the Scottish Rite Research Society.
Each interview in the 10-tape series makes an excellent presentation to a Lodge, Scottish Rite meeting, or other Masonic group. Also, all tapes in the series can be played on public access cable channels.
The ordering address is Capstone Productions, Inc., PO Box 221466, El Paso, TX 79913 E-mail masonictv@compuserve.com Telephone 915–833–8700 Fax 915–584–6903. Videotapes cost $20 each, plus $5 s/h (shipping and handling are free on orders of three or more tapes).
Ensign Michael P. Kline (pictured
left), 32°, is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis,
Maryland. Brother Kline was selected for Naval Flight School and
has completed his Primary Phase. He graduated at the top of his
class and earned a place on the Commodore's List. His citation
reads as follows: "Having displayed flight and academic excellence
during the Primary Phase of Naval Flight Training, you have achieved
the honor of having your name placed on the Commodore's List and
awarded this certificate in recognition of this outstanding performance
of duty. Your performance is noted with pleasure and serves to
exemplify pride in yourself and the naval service. Recognition
of this award will be noted in your Officer's Report of Fitness."
Brother Kline is a member of Annapolis Lodge No. 89, Annapolis, Maryland. He received his Master Mason Degree December 22, 1997. He then reported for flight training at Pensacola, Florida, and concluded his training in Corpus Christi, Texas. He received his Scottish Rite Degrees in Corpus Christi on April 25, 1998, as a courtesy for the Orient of Baltimore. Brother Kline will be reporting to Enid, Oklahoma, where he will continue his jet flight training in the T-1A Jayhawk which is a medium-range jet trainer. Upon receiving his wings, Ens. Kline will be assigned to Tinker Air Force Base where he will continue his flight training with the Navy's E-6A. This aircraft has become the nation's only strategic command/communications aircraft. Brother Kline is married to Karen L. Frazier, the daughter of Ill. Jack R. Frazier, 33°, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Maryland.
| In March 1999, nearly 100 members and guests attended a special dinner and ceremony honoring five 50-year members of the Valley of Miami. Secretary James V. Prigodich, 33°, noted that 20 living 50-year members have been identified, but only five could attend. Pictured right, they are (l. to r.): Bros. George A. Graham, 32°; Thomas F. Rayfield, 32°; Ill. Joseph G. Moretti, 33°; Pete Piermarini, 32°; and Guido T. Caserta, 32°. Pictured behind them are Bro. Robert D. Rose, 32°, K.C.C.H., Master of Kadosh and Master of Ceremonies for the presentation of 50-year pins and certificates, and Ill. Vance E. Larkins, Jr., 33°, Personal Representative in the Valley of Miami. Ill. Moretti responded for the honorees and gave a stirring talk, which credited the Scottish Rite and Shrine for keeping him young. |  |
From March 25 to May 25, 1999, the following Brethren and friends have contributed to "The Friends of the Library." These donations assist the restoration of the library's rare books and the purchase of special works of particular historic and Masonic value. Donors to the "Friends of the Library" ($100 or more contribution) will be listed periodically in the Scottish Rite Journal and the Friends of the Library quarterly newsletter by last name, title, and Scottish Rite Valley.
Bartles, Harry H., 32°, K.C.C.H., Augusta, Georgia
Bocksteadt, Chester W., 33°, Tuscon, Arizona
Canaday, David L., 33°, Atlanta, Georgia
Cohen, Edmund, 32°, K.C.C.H., Alexandria, Virginia
Conn, Alan L., 32°, Santa Barbara, California
Davidson, Harold, 32°, K.C.C.H., Librarian, Billings, Montana
El Paso Scottish Rite Bodies, El Paso, Texas
Eller, Thomas, 33°, Winston–Salem, North Carolina
Galbraith, Thomas R., 32°, K.C.C.H., McAlister, Oklahoma
Grinnalds, Dixie J., 32°, K.C.C.H., Portsmouth, Virginia
Harker, William C., 32°, Everett, Washington
Hirose, Yuya, 32°, Past Master, Tokyo, Japan
Lansford, James R., 33°, San Diego, California
Melius, John D., 33°, Washington, D.C.
Meyer, Lloyd E., 32°, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mollere William J., 33°, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Morris, Walter C., 32°, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Morris, Walter D., 33°, Tallahassee, Florida
Nixson, Jack E., 33°, Grand Almoner and S.G.I.G. in Wyoming
Ramlo, John H., S.G.I.G. in North Dakota
Saint, Donald L., 33°, American Military Bodies, NATO Bases
Sinco, Harry, 33°, San Antonio, Texas
Stevens, Wilbur H., 33°, San Jose, California
VanArsdale, Alexander A., 32°, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Wacknov, David, 32°, K.C.C.H., Phoenix, Arizona
Wiltse, Clare D., 32°, Spokane, Washington
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Every January, the Shrine hosts the East–West Shrine Football Classic as a fund-raiser for the Shrine's Children's Hospitals. The Northern California DeMolay Association (NCDA) is proud to be a part of this exciting time. This year, the Association's officers were honored to meet "Dad" John C. Nobles, 33°, Imperial Potentate, before the start of the game held at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California. Pictured above with Illustrious Nobles are (left to right): Gardner A. Landon, NCDA Senior Councilor; Scott E. Peters, NCDA Master Councilor; Imperial Sir John Nobles, 33°; Brenda Herechski, Sweetheart of Northern California DeMolay; and Peter A. Ackeret, NCDA Junior Councilor. |
On March 24, 1999, for the sixth
year the Brethren of the Valley of Portsmouth, Virginia, sponsored
the Portsmouth Public Schools Teacher of the Year Banquet and
Recognition Ceremony in the Portsmouth Temple. The gala evening
included military honors, live musical performances, and several
distinguished civic, educational, and Scottish Rite speakers.
The highlight of the evening came when Bro. Franklin D. Edmondson,
32°, honored the Teacher of the Year by presenting her a check
from the Scottish Rite Bodies of Portsmouth (pictured right).
The year's top teacher is Simonetta Wright, a kindergarten through
fifth grade science resource teacher as well as a reading resource
teacher at S. H. Clarke Academy, Portsmouth.
The event received front-page notice, with two photographs, in The Portsmouth Times of April 2, 1999, and quoted Ill. John R. Goodwin, 33°, Chairman of the Portsmouth Scottish Rite's Americanism and Education Committee, saying: "The general public either takes for granted or does not understand how important education is. The teachers are molding our children, our future leaders. They have the single most important job in the entire world." Congratulations to the Brethren of Portsmouth, Virginia, for giving such high profile to the Scottish Rite Order's traditional support of the American public school system.
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The Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection for the Valley of Richmond, Virginia, Bro. Frederick G. Martin III, 32°, K.C.C.H., on April 27, 1999, presented teddy bears to the Virginia State Police at their Administration Office in Richmond. The teddy bears were for their use in traumatic situations. All of the bears were contributed by the members of the Valley of Richmond as part of their community service program. One bear was dressed as an aviator, and it will be placed with the Aviation Unit to aid a young patient they have to transport. Again, Scottish Rite Masons are reaching out to others! |
On Tuesday, May 11, 1999, to aid the unfortunate victims of two back-to-back tornadoes in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Wichita, Kansas, Sovereign Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, issued an appeal for donations from Almoner's funds, Valley funds, and/or personal funds to the:
Scottish Rite Foundation, SJ, USA, Inc.
1733 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009–3103
All donations will be forwarded on a proportional basis according to FEMA damage estimates of 70 percent for Oklahoma and 30 percent for Kansas. Subsequently, Inspectors Paul T. Million, Jr., 33°, of Oklahoma and Thomas C. Raum, Jr., 33°, of Kansas will distribute the funds where the need is greatest.
A donation of any size would help the unfortunate tornado victims during the difficult time of recovery. On behalf of the Supreme Council, Grand Commander Kleinknecht has forwarded a donation of $5,000 from the Scottish Rite Foundation, Southern Jurisdiction, USA, to assist in the tornado recovery efforts.
| On April 7, 1999, Ill. Rosendo C. Herrera, 33° (photo left center), Sovereign Grand Commander, the Supreme Council of the Philippines, made a courtesy call on Grand Commander Kleinknecht at the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C. Grand Commander Kleinknecht discussed international aspects of the Scottish Rite with Ill. Herrera and presented him with a Sovereign Grand Commander's cap. Bro. Napoleon R. Cruz, 32° (left), Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge of Virginia and a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Alexandria, Virginia, accompanied Grand Commander Herrera, and Ill. William G. Sizemore, 33°, Grand Cross (right), Grand Executive Director, participated in the meeting. |  |
Dallas, "The Texas Star,"
is the center of attention as nearly 20,000 Shriners and their
families plan to attend the 125th annual Imperial Council Session
of the Shrine of North America this July.
Imperial Potentate John C. Nobles, 33°, of El Paso selected Dallas, and Hella Temple will host the Session, which runs from July 4 through July 8, 1999, and is headquartered in the Wyndham Anatole Hotel. Previous Imperial Sessions of the Shrine were held in the city in 1898, 1913, and 1972.
The Ladies' Luncheon is set for Monday, July 5, and the Imperial Sir's Evening will be held on Wednesday, July 7. The non-denominational church service is scheduled for Sunday, July 4, at 10:30 am. The Shrine Market place will open on Sunday at noon, and the popular Shrine Parade featuring many Shrine Units will be held in historic West End district of Dallas on the evening of Monday, July 5. While in Dallas, be sure to visit the Dallas Zoo, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. You can also take advantage of 22,743 acres of parkland and 500 miles of bicycle trails.
Governor Gray Davis issued a Proclamation
declaring March as "DeMolay Month" in the state of California.
The Proclamation was presented to the Northern California DeMolay
Association Officers when they visited the State Capitol in Sacramento
(photo right). On the same visit, the officers also received a
Proclamation from the State Assembly regarding DeMolay Month.
Public relations of this type pay many dividends for public awareness
of DeMolay and Freemasonry. Shown receiving the California State
Assembly Proclamation declaring March "DeMolay Month"
are (l. to r. above): Gardner A. Landon, Northern California DeMolay
Association (NCDA) Senior Councilor; Senator Don Perata of the
9th Senatorial District; Brenda Herechski, Sweetheart of Northern
California DeMolay; Scott E. Peters, NCDA Master Councilor; Senator
Jackie Speier of the 8th Senatorial District; and Peter A. Ackeret,
NCDA Junior Councilor.
New Bern is the second oldest town in North Carolina and was once the colonial capital and then state capital. George Washington visited and attended St. John's Lodge No. 3 in New Bern. The Masonic Temple, at the corner of Hancock and Johnson Streets, is one of New Bern's many historic sites.
Serving as a Confederate arsenal and then a Union hospital during the Civil War, the building still displays marks from rifle bayonets on its walls. Since its beginning, it featured a theater within the Masonic Temple.
When it was completed, leading architects described it as "the largest and most elaborate building ever built in New Bern up to its time, with the exception of Tryon Palace." The cornerstone of the building was laid April 15, 1801, in an impressive Masonic ceremony. An engraved silver plate and three coins—a copper half-cent dated 1797, a copper cent dated 1789, and a silver dollar dated 1800—were placed it the cornerstone. At the conclusion of the Civil War, a Union soldier carried these items to the north.
St. John's Lodge No. 1 of Providence, Rhode Island, had come into possession of these precious relics through the aid of one of its members. In 1876, the plate and the three coins were placed in a special new case and appropriately inscribed. In 1878, all four artifacts were returned to St. John's Lodge No. 3 by St. John's Lodge No. 1.
The original cornerstone, hollow and empty, was found 42 years after the return of these items, and the stone was placed on an appropriate foundation, with suitable inscription, in front of the Masonic Temple. The case, plate, and coins are kept in the Lodge archives.
The Masonic theater, which dates its beginning to 1804, was once the cultural center of New Bern. Through the years, the Masonic Theater was the scene of countless stage plays, talent benefits, band concerts, vaudeville acts, political rallies, civic conventions, public and private school commencements, church services, and sundry other community gatherings. In all these, it established a record of high contribution to both the community and the Masonic Fraternity.
After having served all this time as the town's chief place for civic gatherings, it became a motion picture theater in 1917 and remained so until 1974. It was the nation's oldest continually operating theater until it closed its doors in December 1974. The years have taken a toll on the theater, and this grand old girl now needs restoration to be returned to her original beauty.
The Masons of the New Bern area have been working to raise funds to refurbish the theater, and restoration has now begun to bring it up to modern standards. To help in this endeavor, a Masonic Theater Restoration Committee was formed and is now accepting contributions. Donations may be sent to:
Masonic Theater Restoration
New Bern Scottish Rite Temple
516 Hancock Street
New Bern, NC 28560–4925
Submitted by
Bro.Donald R. Manweiler, 32°, K.C.C.H.
Fund Raising Chairman
Masonic Theater Restoration
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In the March 1999 issue of the Knight Templar Magazine, Ill. James M. Ward, 33°, Valley of Jackson, Mississippi, Most Eminent Grand Master, Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, announced a new program called "Templary 2000 Crusade." In a letter to Grand Commander Kleinknecht, Ill. Ward said: "With the approach of the year 2000, I believe we have a unique opportunity to positively increase the publicity of our good works, and thus increase membership. In this spirit, I am announcing the establishment of this program which is designated to encourage each Commandery within the Grand Encampment to knight new members on the same day, and that will be February 5, 2000. The Crusade is a win-win situation for all of Masonry."
In a letter dated May 12, 1999, to all Actives and Deputies, Grand Commander Kleinknecht demonstrated his support, noting that it is "in the interest of Masonic unity" to support and promote as much as possible this new membership drive: "Wherever possible, I believe we should cooperate with and work for the success of this program for the mutual benefit of the York and Scottish Rites."
On May 2, 1999, Ill. John Douglas
Blankinship, 33°, Past Lieutenant Grand Commander of the Supreme
Council, passed away in Seattle, Washington. Dubbed "Freemasonry's
Visionary" by a biographical article in the Scottish Rite
Journal (June 1991), Ill. Blankinship applied his expert legal
and fraternal abilities to blazing a path for the future of the
Craft whether as Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge of Washington,
1964–65, Active Member of the Supreme Council (1973–92),
or key architect of two history-making reports for the Masonic
Renewal Committee.
Born in Portland, Oregon, on April 19, 1918, Ill. Blankinship served as a gunnery officer in World War II and then attended the University of Washington, graduating with honors in 1948. He began practice as an Assistant Attorney General with the State of Washington and then, in 1950, entered private practice, becoming a prominent trial attorney in many cases that set important legal precedents. Among his many civic leadership roles were chairmanship of the Northwest Regional Advisory Conference of the American Arbitration Association and the National Advisory Conference for Americans United.
He was raised in Maritime Lodge No. 239 in Seattle, Washington (Master in 1957) and served the Grand Lodge of Washington on such important committees as By-laws and Jurisprudence. Ill. Blankinship received the Scottish Rite Degrees in the Valley of Seattle in 1952 and, in recognition of his many services, was invested a K.C.C.H. in 1965, coroneted an Inspector General Honorary in 1971, elected an Active Member in 1973 and Lt. Grand Commander in 1989. Under his leadership, the Scottish Rite Foundation, Orient of Washington, grew to over a million dollars, and two Childhood Language Disorders Clinics, Seattle and Spokane, were established on a sound financial basis. In other areas of his many successful Masonic endeavors, Ill. Blankinship contributed significantly to the York Rite, Red Cross of Constantine, Shrine, Royal Order of Scotland, and DeMolay. The latter conferred on him the Honorary Legion of Honor and, in 1974, elected him an honorary member of the International Supreme Council.
Ill. Blankinship is survived by his beloved wife, Ann (married 1944), three sons, six grandchildren, and one great-grandson. A celebration of his distinguished life and Masonic career was held on May 11, 1999, at the Seattle Scottish Rite Center.