The year's first Scottish Rite Leadership Conference chartered fresh directions for our Order's success in the new century.

On March 3–4, 2000, the Brethren of the Orient of Virginia hosted the first of the year 2000 Scottish Rite Leadership Conferences. A record number of 467 members and their wives, totaling over 600 attendees, gathered at the Williamsburg Lodge to participate in a day of motivational meetings and, also, enjoy visits to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, including its restored Masonic Lodge.

An early shotgun start began the First Biennial Childhood Language Disorders Golf Outing at 8:00 am on Friday, March 3. Perfect spring weather enhanced the beauty of the Williamsburg Inn's famous Golden Horseshoe Golf Course, and several holes displayed sponsor signs designating funds donated to the Scottish Rite Foundation of Virginia's support of Childhood Language Disorders in the Old Dominion State. Dr. David Kruger, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Virginia and host of the conference, personally sponsored a Platinum Hole ($1,000), as did the Supreme Council. The Valleys of Alexandria, Danville, Lynchburg, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Richmond, and Roanoke, Orient of Virginia, sponsored Gold Holes ($500) as did the Valleys of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Cumberland, Maryland, and the Orients of Tennessee and Mississippi. Also, the Valleys of Charleston, South Carolina, Martins-burg, West Virginia, and Savannah, Georgia, sponsored Silver Holes ($250). The afternoon was devoted to two meetings. From 1:30 to 4:15 pm, Ill. William G. Sizemore, 33°, G.C., Grand Executive Director, and Ms. Martha Bell, Office Manager, Grand Executive Director's Office, led the Valley Secretaries Meeting, in a detailed discussion on how to improve Valley operations and communication. Active Members, Deputies, and Personal Representatives were welcome to attend this informative session. At 4:30 pm, Sovereign Grand Commander Kleinknecht conferred with all attending S.G.I.G.s, Deputies, and certain other Brethren in special leadership positions. Among Active Members of the Supreme Council attending (in alphabetical order by last name) were: Ill. William B. Brunk, 33°, S.G.I.G. in North Carolina; Ill. Robert L. Goldsmith, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Florida; Ill. C. B. Hall, 33°, S.G.I.G. in West Virginia; Ill. William H. Hutcheson, 33°, S.G. I.G. in Georgia; Ill. David Kruger, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Virginia; Ill. Joseph O. Martin, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Tennessee; Ill. John E. Moyers, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Kentucky; Ill. H. Wallace Reid, 33°, S.G.I.G. in South Carolina; and Ill. Bernard R. Rothman, S.G.I.G. in Maryland. Deputies attending were Ill. Howard E. Kerce, 33°, Orient of Mississippi, and Ill. Joseph L. Martinez, 33°, Orient of Puerto Rico.

Other distinguished Brethren attending were: Ill. John W. Boettjer, 33°, G.C., Managing Editor, the Scottish Rite Journal; Ill. T. Michael Fegan, 33°, P.G.M., Chairman, Masonic Renewal Committee; Ill. Forrest D. Haggard, 33°, G.C., P.G.M., President, Scottish Rite Research Society; Ill. Earl D. Harris, 33°, Past Grand Master, Georgia; Ill. Earl E. Ihle, Jr., 33°, Director of Major Gifts; Ill. Jerold J. Samet, 33°, Personal Representative, District of Columbia; and Ill. William G. Sizemore, 33°, G.C., Grand Executive Director.

On March 3, 2000, in Williamsburg, Virginia, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33° (l.), was welcomed to the first of the this year's Scottish Rite Leadership Conferences by Ill. David Kruger, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Virginia and host of the Leadership Conference. Photo: Bro. Jack Milliner, 32°, Portsmouth, Va.

The General Session of the Williamsburg Leadership Conference began promptly at 8:15 am on March 4 to a standing-room-only assemblage of Brethren, the largest number to ever attend a Scottish Rite Leadership Conference. Ill. David Kruger, 33°, Grand Secretary General, S.G.I.G. in Virginia, and host of the Leadership Conference, called the meeting to order and welcomed all attendees to a "day of information and inspiration." The Brethren of the Orient of Virginia, he noted, have long dreamed of sponsoring a Scottish Rite Leadership Conference, and he gave special thanks to Ill. William M. Benson, Sr., 33°, Secretary, Valley of Portsmouth, and Ill. Thomas F. May, 33°, P.G.M., Personal Representative in Portsmouth, for so effectively managing the multiple details that go into a successful conference. Dr. Kruger then invited Ill. Clayton M. Robertson, 33°, Valley of Norfolk, to deliver an invocation and to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ill. Kruger then introduced Grand Commander Kleinknecht who thanked the Brethren for attending this first major Scottish Rite meeting of the new century. He invited all the Brethren, including the 87 Scottish Rite Fellows attending, to join him in "understanding where we are now and creating new ways to get where we wish to be tomorrow. Together, we can make this two-day event a major stepping stone for our Order into the new century."

Ill. Sizemore was then called on to outline the purpose and structure of the Leadership Conference—eight brief presentations and a keynote speaker in the morning, followed by four breakout discussion sections in the afternoon. The morning's first presenter, Ill. Forrest D. Haggard, 33°, G.C., as President of the Scottish Rite Research Society (SRRS), noted that the Society is continuing its tradition of excellence. This year, for instance, it has already published Heredom, Vol. 7, the transactions of the Society consisting of several outstanding scholarly essays.

In addition, this year's bonus book, Vested in Glory, will be mailed to all dues-current members. It is an informative, inspirational and fully illustrated study of the Scottish Rite regalia by one of modern Freemasonry's most outstanding authors, Ill. Jim Tresner, 33°, G.C. Ill. Haggard concluded, "The Research Society is far more than a journey into yesterday. Research means involvement in the future and the extension of our traditional Scottish Rite values into the new millennium."

Also, the Williamsburg Leadership Conference marked the debut of a new SRRS recruitment tool, a colorful tabletop display, pictured on the inside front cover of this issue. Manned by Bro. Todd E. Carton, 32°, Chief Financial Officer of the Supreme Council and Treasurer of the SRRS, the display drew everyone's attention during the conference and garnered 40 new SRRS members, five of them Life Members. In addition, nearly $1,000 in SRRS books were ordered. The exhibit is available free of charge to large Masonic meetings. Contact the office of the Grand Executive Director (202–232–3579) for details.

Ill. Paul T. Million, Jr., 33°, Chairman of the Ritual and Ceremonial Forms Committee, could not be present, but his paper on the Standard Revised Pike Ritual was delivered by Ill. Tresner and can be read in its entirety starting on page 23 of this issue.
Ill. Arturo deHoyos, 33°, the Grand Archivist and Grand Historian of the Supreme Council, then reported on the Supreme Council's Archives and Library, noting several innovative programs which have enhanced our collections and provided for their safekeeping as well as convenient use.

Ill. Sizemore then gave a preview of the 2001 Biennial Session, which will also be a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Supreme Council. Held in Charleston, South Carolina, the birthplace of our Order, the Bicentennial observance, September 30 through October 3, 2001, will include many special mementos and events: a commemorative plate, souvenir medallion, large-size pictorial history of the Supreme Council, special lapel pins and badges, the opening of a Scottish Rite exhibit in the Charleston Museum, a gala concert on the hanger deck of the USS Yorktown, the dedication of historic markers, a colorful reception of foreign Masonic dignitaries, and the 2001 Biennial Session itself to be held in Charleston's brand-new convention center. Be sure to make your reservations now and don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime Masonic event!

Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, fielded questions directly from Scottish Rite Fellows during a special Fellows Luncheon on March 4, 2000, at the Williamsburg Inn.

Bro. James C. McGee, 32°, K.C. C.H., Grand Master, International Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay, in a presentation titled "DeMolay, Tomorrow's Leaders Today," described DeMolay's importance and presented a dynamic multi-media display of DeMolay activities worthy of support by every Freemason.

Ill. T. Michael Fegan, 33°, P.G.M., Chairman of the Masonic Renewal Committee of North America, Inc., used a computer and projector to describe the committee's programs dedicated to advancing Freemasonry as an active, viable, and relevant institution in the 21st Century.

A record number of Brethren, 467 in all, attended the Scottish Rite Leadership Conference held in Williamsburg, Virginia, March 3–4, 2000.

After a refreshment break, Ill. Earl E. Ihle, Jr., 33°, Director of Major Gifts for the Supreme Council, showed how partnership opportunities exist to enhance each Valley's financial resources. "By working together as a team, we will," Ill. Ihle noted, "be able to continue and improve the growth of the 47 Scottish Rite Foundations in the Southern Jurisdiction."

Ill. H. Wallace Reid, Grand Minister of State and S.G.I.G. in South Carolina, then addressed the subject of Americanism and Education and outlined ways we could "begin anew making meetings, Reunions, and other programs truly special and worthy of each member's participation."

The morning's final speaker, Ill. Jerry L. Margarden, 33°, Florida House of Representatives Majority Leader, delivered an inspirational address, titled "The Relevant Rite," which is presented in this issue of the Journal, starting on page 19. A prolonged standing ovation demonstrated the enthusiasm of the Brethren for Ill. Maygarden's fine keynote address.

While the majority of Brethren adjourned for lunch, 87 Scottish Rite Fellows gathered in the North Ballroom of Williamsburg Lodge to break bread with Grand Commander Kleinknecht and have an opportunity to address key questions directly to him and Ill. Brothers Sizemore, Boettjer, and Ihle who were also present. The Scottish Rite Fellows are younger members sent by each Valley because of their already demonstrated leadership abilities. Their questions accented the need for the Rite to focus more on youth groups, opening appropriate meetings and our buildings to the public as community resources, implementation of the new Standard Revised Pike Degrees, and increased leadership opportunities as well as family involvement in the Rite.

The afternoon sessions were in two tiers. Tier two presented programs of special interest to Active Members, Deputies, and Personal Representatives. Among the subjects were investment of Valley/Foundation funds, financial management, IRS reports, managing Americanism/Education Programs, and an open forum on meeting membership challenges.

Tier one, attended by all the other Brethren, was divided into three-round robin breakout sessions, each 45 minutes long, where audience participation and discussion were encouraged by three very capable facilitators:

• Ill. Jim Tresner, 33°, G.C., Masonic author, on "What is the Scottish Rite and what can it do for me?"
• Bro. Paul M. Bessel, 32°, Librarian, George Washington Masonic National Memorial, on "Wiring the Scottish Rite to Electronic Masonry"
• Ill. Robert G. Davis, 33°, Secretary, Valley of Guthrie, Oklahoma, on "Becoming a Leader in the Scottish Rite."

The afternoon's formal sessions ended with a wrap-up meeting where all conference participants gathered in Williamsburg Inn's auditorium. There the afternoon's three facilitators briefly reviewed the input of the Brethren during their sessions. Then, speaking for all the attending members of the Supreme Council, Ill. William M. Hutcheson, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Georgia, thanked the Brethren of the Orient of Virginia for "going the extra mile and more" to make the conference a memorable and significant event. Grand Commander Kleinknecht then invited M.W. William L. Holliday, 33°, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Virginia, to respond for the other attending Grand Masters: M.W. Bros. Francis E. Larrimore, 32°, K.C.C.H., Maryland; Kenneth W. Lawson, 32°, Kentucky; Gilbert L. Martin, 33°, South Carolina; and John Vincent, 33°, Tennessee. Grand Master Holliday declared the event "a great meeting" that demonstrates how "with combined effort, we can move Freemasonry into the 21st Century."

At the end of the Leadership Conference, the attending 87 Scottish Rite Fellows gathered for a photo with the Grand Commander.

Finally, Ill. Kruger closed the conference by noting that over $13,000 had been donated to the Virginia Scottish Rite Foundation as a result of the golf outing and that, having attended every Leadership Conference from their inception nearly three decades ago, he can say from his heart that this has been the best conference ever because of the participation and interaction of the Brethren. "Clearly, Freemasonry faces challenges," he concluded, "but these challenges can make us great!"

While the Brethren attended the morning General Session, ladies could participate in a continental breakfast and small-group, guided walking tours of Colonial Williamsburg. A traditional colonial luncheon at Shields Tavern capped the tour and left the afternoon free for individual shopping or sightseeing tours of historic Williamsburg or nearby William and Mary College. That evening, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, a delightful reception was offered for all attendees, their wives, and guests. Aside from delicious and diverse finger foods, the reception was marked by a colorful visit from the Colonial Williamsburg Drum and Pipe Corps.
Clearly, the first of the year 2000's Scottish Rite Leadership Conferences was a great success and predicts similarly outstanding conferences in Omaha, Nebraska, March 17–18; Tulsa, Oklahoma, March 31–April 1; and San Diego, California, April 14–15.

John W. Boettjer is a former professor of The George Washington University, Virginia Military Institute, and Michigan State University. A member of Cypress Lodge No. 295, Naples, Florida; the S.R. Bodies of Alexandria, Virginia; Kena Shrine Temple, Fairfax, Virginia; Adoniram–Zabud Council No. 2, Washington, D.C.; the Royal Order of Scotland, and National Sojourners, Inc., Illustrious Boettjer is a 1993 recipient of "The Distinguished Service Award" from The Philalethes Society, and has been Managing Editor of the Scottish Rite Journal since 1989.