November 1999

Sam And Millie Hilburn Family Room And Chapel | Isaacs Donation To Benefit New Orlando Clinic | International Visitors |
Washington Portrait Presentation | New Videotape Is Great! | Shrine Aviation Association Dinner | Caring In Wyoming | Attic Treasures Raise Funds | Alaska State Fair Masonic Booth | Lodge Lays Cornerstone Of Church | Wyoming Mason Named "Paramedic Of The Year"

On September 15, 1999 (pictured l. to r. above), Bro. J. A. "Tony" Herring, 32°, Chief of Staff for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital (TSRHC); Ill. J. C. Montgomery, Jr., 33°, President TSRHC; Ill. Sam E. Hilburn, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Texas and Chairman of the Board of TSRHC; his wife, Millie; Ill. Robert L. Dillard, Jr., 33°. G.C., Vice Chairman of the Board; and Ron Somers–Clark, Chaplain TSRHC, came together to celebrate the dedication of the new Sam & Millie Hilburn Family Room & Chapel at TSRHC in Dallas.

To accommodate a growing patient population at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC) in Dallas, a larger, more comfortable surgery waiting area and chapel were designed for the use of children and their families. On September 15, 1999, it was dedicated as the Sam & Millie Family Room & Chapel. Benefactors Ill. Sam E. Hilburn, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Texas, Chairman of the Board of TSRHC, and Grand Treasurer General of the Supreme Council, and his wife, Millie, were on hand at the dedication to unveil a serene turtle terrarium that is a focal point of the 2,476-square-foot family waiting room. The adjacent 875-square-foot chapel will serve as a quiet, reflective place for families of all denominations. "When a child is undergoing a surgical procedure, the experience for parents can be very stressful," according to Dr. J. A. "Tony" Herring, M.D., 32°, Chief of Staff for TSRHC.

Having an appealing waiting environment and chapel available for families will help ease their feelings of anxiousness and make the waiting period as comfortable as possible."

(See related story.)

On August 21, 1999, at the Annual Meeting of the Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida, U.S.A., Inc., held at the Tampa Scottish Rite Center, in Tampa, Florida, Brother Albert Isaacs, 32° (left in photo), presented Ill. Robert L. Goldsmith, S.G.I.G. in Florida and President of the Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida (right), with a donation of $500,000 in the form of a Charitable Lead Annuity Trust. The trust will benefit the establishment of a Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinic in the Greater Orlando area.

Brother Isaacs recognized this metropolitan area, one of the larger communities in Florida, was without the service of a Scottish Rite Clinic. Thus patients had to travel to Tampa or St. Petersburg, until recently (November 1998) when a new Scottish Rite clinic, named in honor of Illustrious William M. Hollis, 33°, Past S.G.I.G. in Florida, was opened in Lakeland, Florida.

Following the presentation by Bro. Isaacs, the Trustees of the Foundation approved the 1999–2000 budget of $518,000. The budget includes funds for the opening of Florida's 11th Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorder Clinic. It will be located in the greater Orlando area before the end of this year and will be dedicated in honor of its benefactor, Brother Albert Isaacs, 32°.

Brother Isaacs was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and graduated from the Baltimore City College. He attended the University of Baltimore, majoring in accounting, and then served his country during World War II in Europe and Africa with the Army Air Corps as a 1st Lieutenant. Brother Isaacs and his wife, Carmel, moved to South Florida in 1955 where he served as President of Hanes Department Store and later, of Hanes Real Estate, which owned and managed commercial properties. Brother Isaacs has been a licensed Real Estate Broker for over 30 years. In 1982, he purchased the Oaklawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Lake Mary, Florida, later building the Oakland Funeral Home at the cemetery, and then served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Cemetery Association. Brother Isaacs also served on the Board of the T.O.P. Jewish Foundation, where he was Chairman of its seven Orlando Trustees, and on the Board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando as its Vice President for Administration responsible for facilities management.

Brother Isaacs' Masonic background began when he was raised a Master Mason in St. John Lodge No. 34 in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1948, receiving his 32° in the Miami Scottish Rite Bodies in 1956. Brother Isaacs affiliated with the Orlando Scottish Rite Bodies and is a Perpetual Member of Scottish Rite in the Orient of Florida.

Brother Isaacs was married to his wife, Carmel, for 47 Years. She passed away in April 1998 but is survived by two sons and one granddaughter.

Article submitted by Ill. Thomas E. Embree, 33°, Trustee Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida, U.S.A., Inc.

On August 18, 1999, Sovereign Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, was pleased to greet two distinguished Brethren from the Supreme Council, 33°, for the Czech Republic and the Supreme Council, 33°, of Romania. Ill. Jan Kvasnicka, 33°, Grand Treasurer of the Supreme Council for the Czech Republic, is a Professor of Hematology in the Charles University of Prague, and was in Washington, D.C., to present a paper at the XVII Congress on Thrombosis and Hemostasis. Ill. Art deHoyos, 33°, Grand Archivist and Grand Historian of our Supreme Council, attended the meeting as an observer and to assist communication since Ill. Kvasnicka is not fluent in English, though fluent in German.

International Masonic visitors, pictured above during a visit with Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, and Ill. Art deHoyos, 33°, Grand Archivist and Grand Historian (center, l. to r.) at the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C., are (far left) Ill. Jan Kvasnicka, 33°, Grand Treasurer of the Supreme Council for the Czech Republic, and (far right) Ill. Marian Ciocarlan, 33°, a member of the Supreme Council of Romania.

Ill. Kvasnicka expressed gratitude for assistance previously rendered by the Southern Jurisdiction to the Supreme Council for the Czech Republic. Also, Ill. Kvasnicka asked for and gladly received information relevant to several questions about the Scottish Rite Ritual previously communicated to the Supreme Council for the Czech Republic and the Standard Revised Pike Ritual approved by the Supreme Council at the 1999 Biennial Session.

The meeting with Ill. Kvasnicka was followed by a conference with Ill. Marian Ciocarlan, 33°, a member of the Supreme Council of Romania. Ill. Bros. Kvasnicka and deHoyos also attended this meeting. Ill. Ciocarlan expressed the warm fraternal regards of the Supreme Council of Romania and presented the Grand Commander with a highly collectable silver coin and paper currency commemorating the last solar eclipse of the century. Ill. Kleinknecht expressed his gratitude for these very thoughtful gifts, which will become part of our Supreme Council's Library/Museum, and extended fraternal assistance regarding introductions for Ill. Ciocarlan to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore where Ill. Ciocarlan's daughter hopes to improve her hearing with a cochlear implant.

In late July, a delegation from Alexandria–Washington Lodge No. 22, Alexandria, Virginia, presented a copy of the William Williams portrait of George Washington to Ill. Stephen Joel Trachtenberg 33°, Grand Cross, President of The George Washington University. Ill. Trachtenberg had earlier expressed a desire to hang a copy of the Williams portrait in his office. The Lodge delegation consisted of Bros. Michael P. Bible, 32°, Worshipful Master, Alexandria–Washington Lodge No. 22; P.M. Frank R. Dunaway, Jr., 32°, P.D.D. G.M.; William H. Consla, 32°; and Bro. Robert E. Huneycutt, Jr., 32°, all members of the Alexandria, Virginia, Scottish Rite Bodies.

Pictured (l. to r.) are Ill. Stephen Joel Trachtenberg, 33°, G.C., President of The George Washington University, receiving a framed portrait of Bro. George Washington from Bro. Michael P. Bible, 32°, Worshipful Master of Alexandria–Washington Lodge No. 22.

Williams painted the original of this portrait for the Lodge in 1794. It depicts Washington in Masonic regalia as a Past Master of his Lodge. Today, it hangs over the Worshipful Master's chair in the Alexandria–Washington Replica Lodge Room in the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Of all the portraits of Washington by various artists, this portrait is thought by many to convey the closest likeness to Brother Washington's actual appearance at the time of his Presidency.

The following is a recent letter, edited for length, written to Grand Commander Kleinknecht by Bro. Gerald A. Edgar of Bethel Lodge No. 319, Garner, Iowa.

The June 1999 Scottish Rite Journal had a review of the Supreme Council's new videotape, "Architects of Freedom." The review was by Ill. Jim Tresner, 33°, G.C., a Brother whose insights I've learned to value greatly. With his recommendation, I ordered a copy of the videotape and promptly showed it to my wife and children. The following week, I took a videotape player to Lodge and showed the program. Among the members present were a local medical doctor, bank president, dentist, retired Methodist pastor, attorneys, and other prominent civic leaders.

All gave it rave reviews. In fact our Worshipful Master, also active in Rotary, had been looking for a good Masonic video he could use for a luncheon program. This tape fitted the bill perfectly! He was tired of trying to explain what Masonry is (and isn't) and needed something that was authoritative yet entertaining. I am going to suggest to our Iowa Grand Lodge Committee on Education that we show the videotape continuously at our State Fair Masonic Booth next year.

Thanks to the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, for this fine videotape which makes Masonry better understood among Masons and non-Masons alike. Bravo!

To order "Architects of Freedom," please send checks ($10.00 per videotape, S&H included, domestic checks only) payable to The Supreme Council to: The Supreme Council, 1733 Sixteenth St., NW, Washington, DC 20009–3103. VISA and MasterCard orders, with credit card number and expiration date, are accepted. Please call 202–232–3579, ext. 136; fax 202–387–1843; or e-mail council@srmason-sj.org.

A tour of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas was a highlight of the annual meeting of the International Shrine Aviation Association (ISSA). Also, at the Association's banquet a Gold Card Life Membership card was presented (photo below) to Ill. H. Wallace Reid, 33°, S.G.I.G. in South Carolina and Grand Minister of State of the Supreme Council. Not present to receive their Gold Card Life Membership cards were Ill. C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, and Ill. William G. Sizemore, 33°, G.C., Grand Executive Director and Director of Education and Americanism. The International Shrine Aviation Association is the support arm for all Shrine Temples with pilots. It flies children to 22 Shrine hospitals for their appointments.

Pictured (l. to r.) are Noble Doug Sanders, 33°, Past Commander International Shrine Aviation Association (ISSA); Noble H. Wallace Reid, 33°, S.G.I.G. in South Carolina; and Noble George Gibson, 32°, K.C.C.H., Past Commander, ISSA.

Recently, monies from the Supreme Council and the Orient of Wyoming Almoner's Fund have helped two special people. In one case, support has gone to Brother Chet Millard who is limited to a wheelchair or power scooter. In reality, he was confined to his home since his home didn't have a deck or ramp. The Almoner's Fund, in conjunction with Western Wyoming Center for Independent Living, purchased materials to build a ramp and deck. The latter was accomplished with the construction expertise from Brothers of Tri-Mountain Lodge No. 35 of Lovell, Wyoming. Bro. Millard is now able to exit and enter his home safely and independently, work in his yard, and visit with his neighbors.

Wyoming's Scottish Rite Brethren have contributed to building an access ramp and deck for the mobile home of Brother Chet Millard who is confined to a wheelchair.

In a second case, support from the Supreme Council and the Orient of Wyoming Almoner's Fund have helped six-year-old Tyler Nickel of Torrington, Wyoming. Tyler was born with only one kidney, and it is deteriorating. Tyler now needs eight hours of dialysis every day. Physicians do not recommend a kidney transplant operation until Tyler is a teen and much stronger. The expected cost of Tyler's kidney transplant is between $100,000 and $200,000. A donation on behalf of Scottish Rite Masonry has contributed significantly to a fund established to accumulate this sum. Consequently, Tyler's ability to have a kidney transplant at the appropriate time will be enhanced.

The second Attic Treasures event, chaired by Ill. James D. Ward, 33°, in the Valley of Fort Worth, Texas, was another huge success. It not only exceeded last year's income from the sale, but also had more people involved in the process. The three-day event netted over $20,000. After expenses are deducted and money from the bid items arrives, the Valley's Scottish Rite Foundation will realize profits above the $18,000+ mark of last year. These funds will buy a lot of scholarships, keep the adult literacy program solvent, and help many patients in Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas.

Volunteers from several organizations made the project successful. In addition to Scottish Rite members, there was tremendous help from the Scottish Rite Ladies Auxiliary and from Shrine groups. Everyone recognized the good work resulting from the project and was eager to help. The goal this year was to have 85% of the inventory made up of new items. Thanks to the Rubber Maid Corporation, the Valley met this goal. For the second year, Rubber Maid, donating four truckloads of products, was the primary corporate sponsor of the Attic Treasures sale.

The Texas Masonic Home and School is another part of the key to success. They kindly let the Fort Worth Valley use a warehouse, which allowed delivery of the Rubber Maid products on short notice. Also, this warehousing capability will allow the Valley to accept products from any donor during the year in preparation for next year's Attic Treasures event. Congratulations to everyone on a job well done!

Submitted by Bro. Tom Guest, 32°

The whole Masonic family gets involved when the Alaska State Fair is open. The Anchorage Scottish Rite Bodies have had a booth each year for several years. For the last eight years, all net proceeds have gone to the Alaska Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Foundation. The booth is actually almost a full-service restaurant with deep-fried halibut, shrimp and scallops, along with steak fries and nacho chips, being served from one side, and a full range of ice-cream products sold at the other side. You can't go away hungry from this booth!

The whole Masonic family gets involved in the Alaska State Fair where DeMolays Billy Wilson and Charlie Phipps (behind the counter) dish up delicious treats from the Anchorage Scottish Rite food booth. The mom about to place her order is a former "Shriner Kid" who had surgery on her legs as a child.

Many Scottish Rite, Shrine and other Masonic Brothers, along with members of Eastern Star, Ladies Oriental Shrine, Amaranth, and Rainbow Girls, provided great assistance. This booth is the largest single source of income for Alaska's Childhood Language Disorders Program. The hard work of all who help is greatly appreciated by the Scottish Rite Foundation and by "Our Kids."

Submitted by Bro. Gerald R. (Jerry) Fairley, 32°, K.C.C.H.

On Sunday August 15, 1999, in Richland, Washington, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Washington laid a cornerstone to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Northwest United Protestant Church. The Grand Master, M.W. Bill R. Wood, 32°, and about 50 Masons from all over the state, as well as the local Prince Hall Lodge, attended in Masonic regalia. After church services were conducted by Dr. James Dyson, Pastor, Grand Lodge Officers laid the cornerstone. It was the first time in about 30 years that the Grand Lodge has been asked to lay a cornerstone at a church. Richland Lodge No. 283, has worked closely with Northwest United Protestant Church over the years, initiated the idea of a Masonic cornerstone laying ceremony to celebrate the church's 50th anniversary, and presented the cornerstone as a gift to the church, which is sponsored by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

M.W. Bill R. Wood, 32°, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Washington, and Dr. James W Dyson, Pastor of Northwest United Protestant Church, stand by the cornerstone, laid in Masonic ceremonies on August 15, 1999, in Richland, Washington, to celebrate the church's 50th anniversary. The cornerstone was the gift of Richland Lodge, No. 283, and bears a Masonic Square and Compasses. (Photo: Bro. W. Steven L. Guffy, 32°)

Risking his own life to defend other drivers on the highway behind him, Bro. David L. Fluckiger, 32°, Valley of Lander, Wyoming, used his Tahoe patrol vehicle to stop a disabled driver whose car was out of control.

Bro. David L. Fluckiger, 32°, Valley of Lander, Wyoming, was honored on May 17, 1999, by the Utah State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, as "Paramedic of the Year." The award is given to honor persons who are exceptional examples in the field of emergency medical services. It reads as follows.

"On December 14, 1998, at approximately 3:30 pm, Davis County Utah dispatch received several calls advising of a possible drunk driver. The vehicle was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of highway 89 In North Davis County. The driver appeared to be intoxicated or have some type of medical problem. The dispatcher immediately aired an attempt to locate the vehicle. Dispatch received calls from victims all the way from Ogden to Kaysville, who had been forced off the road or been hit by the suspect's vehicle.

"Paramedic Sgt. Dave Fluckiger was northbound on Highway 89 in Kaysville when he heard the attempt-to-locate broadcast. Traffic was heavy and school had just let out. Dave knew the vehicle was approaching his location, so he used his patrol vehicle to slow traffic behind him to avoid a major accident. Sgt. Fluckiger was able to stop traffic and had stopped his own vehicle northbound in the inside lane with his overhead lights on. Another deputy in the area saw the suspect vehicle southbound in the northbound lanes heading straight for Sgt. Fluckiger's vehicle. Within seconds, Sgt. Fluckiger was hit head on by the suspect vehicle at 50 miles an hour.

"Dave's patrol vehicle, a Chevrolet Tahoe, was totaled, and even though Dave was injured, he forced the door open and responded to aid the driver of the car that hit him. Dave found the driver was in diabetic shock, the reason for his erratic driving. The individual's air bag had deployed, and he only had a few scratches. The vehicle had barely missed a school bus and many other vehicles as it continued southbound in the northbound lanes of Highway 89 before crashing into Sgt. Fluckiger's car.

"Sgt. Fluckiger went far above and beyond the call of duty, and when he saw the vehicle coming towards him, he choose to remain stationary and risk his own life to save and protect the citizens behind him. There is no doubt that Sgt. Fluckiger's actions saved at least one citizen from serious injury or even death."

Bro. Dave is a member of Franklin Lodge No. 32, in Pinedale, Wyoming, and since this incident has been promoted to Lieutenant at the Davis County Sheriff's Office, in charge of paramedics. Dave is also a Paramedic for the University of Utah, Air-Med.

Reprinted with permission from The Scottish Rite Magazine of Freemasonry in Wyoming, Summer 1999.