October 1999

New Scottish Rite Mouse Pad | Scottish Rite Milestones In Hawaii | Corn Maze Benefits Shrine | Salt Lake City Mason Honored | Masonic TV Documentary | TSRHC Dyslexia/Literacy Programs | Bro. Ryland, 32°, Elected National President, National Sojourners, Inc. | Unique Masonic Emblem | Masonic Halloween Carnival | Play Celebrates Lodge Centennial | FBI Agents Visit Temple | New Historic Masonic Materials | Rainbow Scholarships Presented | Wyoming Clinic Halloween Party | JROTC Americanism Award | Council Videotape Wins Awards | Supreme Council Donation Honors Ill. Roye A. Mulholland, 33° | Badge And Vest Save Policeman | Scottish Rite Singers In Baltimore | DeMolay Grand Master Installed | Three Generations Of Honored Queens

Newly developed by the Supreme Council, 33°, a Scottish Rite mouse pad is now available. More and more Brethren are now connected to the Internet and using their home or office computers to obtain information or to conduct personal, Masonic, and business correspondence. The mouse pad makes an excellent gift for these Brethren, and they, in turn, should find it a timely and practical gift to give to other computer users, Masonic or not, as well as to their children and grandchildren.

The wording on the mouse pad applies to any Valley's or Orient's Foundation, so the pad can also be used as a fund-raiser locally or presented as a token of appreciation to active Brethren. To order a mouse pad ($6.00 each, S&H included), please send checks payable to The Scottish Rite Foundation, S.J., U.S.A. to: 1733 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009–3103. Credit card orders ($25.00 minimum; VISA and MasterCard only; include your card number with card expiration date) are accepted by telephone 202–232–3579, ext. 136; fax 202–387–1843; or e-mail council@srmason-sj.org. For large orders contact the Grand Executive Director at 202–232–3579, ext. 122, for volume price.

The new Scottish Rite mouse pad is an inexpensive gift and a high profile, modern way to boost local Childhood Language Disorders Clinics, Centers, and Programs as well as Scottish Rite Foundations. With fall fund-raising campaigns getting under way and the holidays coming up, you may wish to start your gift list with this attractive new Masonic mouse pad.

The 1999 Scottish Rite Spring Class was the largest, 104 strong, in the history of the Orient of Hawaii. The previous record was 100 candidates for the 1974 centennial anniversary of Scottish Rite Masonry in Hawaii. The large class this year (pictured below) was the result of a cooperative effort between the Grand Master, M.W. Randolph T. S. Chang, 32°, K.C.C.H., who is also the Potentate of Aloha Shrine Temple; Ill. A. James Wriston, 33°, Deputy for Hawaii; and the officers and members of all three Bodies. Plans for the class were made at a meeting of the Advisory Council for the Honolulu Scottish Rite Bodies. The candidates had the opportunity to become Master Masons on Friday May 21, 1999; 32° Scottish Rite Masons on Saturday, May 22; and Shriners either by a "cold sands" ceremony on Saturday the 22nd or a "hot sands" ceremony on Saturday, May 29. Interestingly, one of the Candidates was Quentin Kawananakoa, a former member of the Hawaii House of Representatives and a member of Hawaii's royal family.

Another milestone in the "Aloha State" was the Scottish Rite Foundation of Hawaii meeting the Grand Commander's recent special promotional pledge of $6,000 from the Supreme Council's Language Disorders Special Fund to Orients where matching funds are raised by July 20, 1999. Hawaii Brethren met and surpassed this challenge by raising $16,000 during June and July, thus qualifying for the $6,000 pledge. The Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinic is going so well that Deputy Wriston met with the Executive Director and Clinical Director of the facility on July 15, 1999, to discuss expansion plans for the clinic.

Forming a maze entirely out of corn takes plenty of organization and hard work. According to organizers of El Kahir Shriners' corn maze in rural Palo, near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, over 30 Shriners and their ladies are needed each day to manage the maze in two shifts during each of its 49 days of operation, July 16–October 10. Noble Dennis R. Wiley, 32°, K.C.C.H., Valley of Cedar Rapids, on whose farm the maze is located, says, "It's a good, fun thing for families to do this summer."

The maze features the Shriners' Scimitar and Crescent symbol cut out of the corn and three miles of pathways that twist and turn through 7.2 acres. Income from admission benefits El Kahir Shrine Temple, but the maze is free for children under five. Brethren park cars, staff the towers, sell refreshments, collect money, help people who get lost in the maze, and perform many other duties.

Although Wiley designed the original rectangular maze, other Brethren computerized the design with global positioning system satellite technology, mapping the maze and plotting the exact locations of where the pathways should be. From the computer map, hundreds of flags were hand placed in the cornfield to mark where each row would be. After the corn was about three inches high, Bro. Wiley dug out the maze pattern with a tractor. This step took nearly three days.

The maze itself is comprised of a durable type of corn, donated by AgVenture. The corn is cross-planted, with rows going two different directions, instead of one direction so that persons can't see down the rows and find their way easily out of the maze. Although this is the first year of the maze, the Shriners plan on hosting the maze for at least two more years due to large start-up expenses such as lumber for the towers, radios, telephones, and other equipment. The event and the maze's design may change slightly from year to year. Congratulations, Brethren, on a novel way to raise funds for a Masonic cause!

Brother Glen A. Cook, 32°, a Life Member of the Valley of Salt Lake City has been named the outstanding senior Naval Reserve attorney in the Western United States. Cmdr. Cook was presented the Rear Admiral Hugh H. Howell Award of Excellence for meritorious service. The award is granted to individuals in recognition of singularly outstanding contributions to the Naval Reserve Law Program. Cmdr. Cook was chosen based on his service as the Commanding Officer of a West Coast reserve unit during the period of October 1997 to May 1999. Additionally, his unit received a commendation for the same time period. Brother Cook was previously recognized by the Salt Lake Chapter of the NAACP as its Attorney of the Year in 1996.
A member of the Salt Lake City law firm of Cook, Skeen and Robinson, L.L.C., Bro. Cook has served on the editorial committee for the Utah Bar Journal and is presently a Bar Examiner for the State of Utah. He is also currently Senior Warden of Acacia Lodge No. 17, Salt Lake City; Assistant Rabban of El Kalah Shrine Temple, and Commander of the Great Salt Lake Camp of Heroes of '76. He is also the immediate Past President of Salt Lake Chapter No. 114 of National Sojourners and a member of York Rite and the Royal Order of Scotland.

This fall, Capstone Productions Inc. will release a new television documentary called "200 Years of George Washington's Masonic Heritage." Produced for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association, the half-hour program includes footage from nine TV cameras that videotaped the Association's June 26, 1999, commemoration of the bicentennial of George Washington's death. As part of the commemoration, Masons from across the country attended the dedication of a large Square and Compasses emblem in front of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial building in Alexandria, Virginia. Capstone Productions aired the program live on the Internet, a first for Freemasonry.

William A. Sommerfield, in character as America's first President, is featured in a new videotape, "200 Years of George Washington's Heritage," produced by Capstone Productions, Inc., for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

The M.W. George H. Chapin, 33°, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Virginia (see article), and his officers performed the ancient Masonic Corn, Wine, and Oil ceremony in dedicating the new emblem. This is the same Masonic ceremony performed by George Washington to dedicate the U.S. Capitol's cornerstone in 1793. Appearances of "General George Washington," as portrayed by William A. Sommerfield (pictured above left being filmed ), were recorded to allow the "General" to observe the commemoration and reflect on Masonic philosophy in the TV documentary.

Capstone's cameras also recorded a VIP Masonic tour of Mount Vernon where several Masonic groups laid wreaths at Washington's. Memorial footage also included a concert by the U.S. Army Band, which was followed by nighttime fireworks at the Memorial. The video will be available this fall through the Memorial Association. To order a copy, contact the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association at 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, Virginia, 22301, 703–683–2007, and at www.gwashington.org.

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC), Dallas, Texas, has every right to be proud! This year, it passed the milestone of having treated 130,000 children. In addition, its Dyslexia Training Program and Literacy Program are proving very popular. In all, 813 dyslexia programs have been installed in public and private schools/individuals: 562 in Texas; 233 in other states across America; and 18 in foreign countries. Similarly, 503 literacy programs have been installed in public or private schools/individuals: 304 in Texas; 193 in other states across America; and 6 in foreign countries. The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is pleased to be using these TSRHC programs in many of our Childhood Language Disorders Clinics, Centers, and Programs throughout the Southern Jurisdiction. This profound impact on thousands of children is truly a tribute to Dr. Lucius Waites, an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of dyslexia and Medical Director of the Child Development Division at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children for more than 30 years. Congratulations to all involved in this great mission to help children and adults learn to read, speak, and learn.

Brother William J. Ryland, 32°, Valley of Pasadena, California, was installed as the National President of National Sojourners, Inc., on June 18, 1999, during the 79th Annual Convention of National Sojourners, Inc., held in San Antonio, Texas. Brother Ryland received the M.A. degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1969, and is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

He earned his commission as a Distinguished Military Graduate from the Auburn University ROTC program in 1960, going on to serve a series of assignments in the United States, Germany, and two tours in Vietnam. After retiring from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, he worked for the U.S. Treasury Department and subsequently retired from the Civil Service.

His Masonic career has been extensive and continues since his raising as a Master Mason in 1965. In the Blue Lodge, Bro. Ryland has served in most offices. He expects to be Master of Rosemead Lodge No. 457, Rosemead, California, in 2001 and presently serves as an officer in the Rose Croix of the Pasadena, California Scottish Rite Bodies. Bro. Ryland is also currently working as a floor officer in each of the three York Rite Bodies. He was selected for membership in the York Rite College and chosen to be a member of the Allied Masonic Degrees. He joined Temple City High Twelve Club in 1984 and served as President in 1989. Since 1991, he has been the Treasurer of the National Masonic Postal Chess Club. Bro. Ryland is a member of Al Malaikah Shrine Temple in Los Angeles where he is the President of a mini-car parade unit. He is a member of the Royal Order of Scotland, the Robert The Bruce Association, and a member of Temple Forest No. 136 Tall Cedars of Lebanon. Brother Ryland is a Past Associate Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 143, San Gabriel, California, International Order of Job's Daughters.

Brother Ryland joined National Sojourners in 1970. He is Past President of Arrowhead Chapter No. 421 and Past Commander of Abraham Swartwout Camp, Heroes of '76. He was Regional Representative for Kansas and later for Southern California, East. He has served National Sojourners as Chairman of the National Membership Committee, Chairman of the National Education and Training Committee, was a member of the National Americanism Committee, and was elected at NASOCOCO and to the Committee of 33.

New Mexico Scottish Rite Masons assisted the ranching community of Magdalena celebrate its founding by participating in their annual "Old Timers Days" parade. Afterwards, townspeople and Brethren attended the dedication of a Square and Compasses emblem for Magdalena Lodge No. 50. The 100-pound symbol is made from a quarter-inch-thick pierced steel plate to be mounted at the top of the brick-and-adobe Lodge building, built circa 1880.

Standing next to a unique Masonic emblem are (l. to r.) Bro. Robert Paul Everett, 32°, Valley of Santa Fe, Proficiency Chairman of Magdalena Lodge No. 50, who created the Square and Compasses from steel plate; and, W.M. Steve Astorga, 32°, Valley of Las Cruces, and Master of Magdalena Lodge No. 50. (Photo: Bro. Ronald L. Horsley, 32°, Valley of Sante Fe)

Last year, all five Masonic Bodies represented in the 82nd Masonic District of West Texas got together to organize a Masonic Halloween Carnival to be held in the American Legion Hall of Odessa, Texas. Some 100 Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Eastern Star, and Shrine members hosted approximately 1,600 kids from age 2 to 70 and gave away nearly 800 pounds of candy. All proceeds benefited the Special Olympics. This is a great way for other Masonic districts and groups to raise funds for any good cause, plus everyone, adults included, have a great time. For more information about how to organize a Masonic Halloween Carnival, contact Bro. Lindle W. Dempsey, 32°, Valley of El Paso, during business hours (Central Time) at 1–915–362–7801.

A variety of costumed pirates, super heroes, ghosts, goblins, and other unusual characters turned up to share fun, like fishing for apples (above), at the Masonic Halloween Carnival fund-raiser in Odessa, Texas, last October 31, 1998.

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Churches Ferry, North Dakota, is a very small town, and Welcome Lodge No. 54 is a very small Lodge (46 members total, 15 living locally), but when their 100th Anniversary came, they thought big. Spearheaded by James Lynn Savaloja, 32°, P.G.M. of North Dakota, they decided to recreate history. M.W. Bro. Savaloja contacted Jim Tresner, 33°, Grand Cross, Valley of Guthrie, Oklahoma, about writing a one-act play for the anniversary celebration. Together, they decided to explore what was happening in Scotland when the operative craft was just beginning to develop speculative elements. Working forward and backward from the Regius Poem, the Ancient Charges and other documents, "The Guild Lodge of St. Canice" was created. The members of Welcome Lodge made and located costumes, built props, and acted the parts (almost every member of the Lodge had a role). Mike Savaloja, 19-year-old son of Jim Savaloja, whose petition had just been accepted by Welcome Lodge, played the part of Colin, the young man who is about to be apprenticed. The play ended a day that included a rededication of the Lodge in a special ceremony. M.W. Howard D. Freige, Grand Master of North Dakota, and M.W. John Reid, Grand Master of Manitoba, and their entourages attended the ceremony and play.

On July 10, 1999, Ill. Arnold L. (Al) Flottman, 33°, Chief Guide of the House of the Temple and former FBI Supervisor (second from right in photo), was pleased to conduct a tour of the House of the Temple for Scottish Rite Brethren who were the members of the 1989, class 6, FBI New Agents Class and their families. The group, in Washington, D.C., for a their 10-year reunion, was led by Bro. Jonathan V. Siverling, 32° (left above), a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Tampa, Florida.

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A significant collection of documents and published materials related to Freemasonry in African–American communities has recently been catalogued and made available to researchers by the Livingston Masonic Library. These materials were collected, primarily in the 1950s and 1960s, by Edward R. Cusick (ca. 1900–1971). Cusick was the author of numerous articles published in Masonic periodicals and served as Master of New York City's prominent Independent Royal Arch Lodge No. 2 in 1945.

The Cusick collection includes many printed items created by and for Masonic organizations established in New York State by Americans of African descent. Groups represented include the Alpha Grand Lodge, the Enoch Grand Lodge, the Hiram Grand Lodge, the King Solomon Grand Lodge, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, the St. John's Grand Lodge, and the Universal Grand Lodge, among others. Souvenir journals and other ephemera published by African–American Scottish Rite, York Rite, and Shrine organizations are in the collection as are newspaper clippings and articles from popular periodicals. Although materials from New York State comprise the bulk of the holdings, Masonic Bodies from other localities, including California, Delaware, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Ohio, are also present. The vast majority of the organizations represented in the Cusick collection traditionally have been characterized as clandestine or spurious by the Anglo–American Masonic establishment.

Archival material related to Cusick's research into the history of African–American Freemasonry forms a significant facet of the collection. Noteworthy within this material is his correspondence with writers such as Harry A. Williamson and Harold Van Buren Voorhis.

The Cusick collection, when added to the Livingston Masonic Library's already strong holdings of African–American Masonic materials, solidifies the institution's position as a leading center for the study of all aspects of American Masonic history. The Livingston Masonic Library is a state-chartered non-profit center for the collection, study, and preservation of the Masonic heritage. For further information concerning the Cusick collection, to learn more about the Library's holdings or to assist with the Library's mission, please contact William D. Moore, Director, Livingston Masonic Library, 71 W 23rd St., New York, NY 10010–4171 or send e-mail to livmalib@pipeline.com.

The Grand Assembly of Texas, International Order of Rainbow for Girls, presented two scholarships at the recently completed Grand Assembly Session held in Corpus Christi on June 13–16, 1999. Rebecca O'Bier received the $2,500.00 Victor C. and Martha Marie Whitfield Scholarship and Jill Nennmann received the $1,000.00 Past Grand Officers Scholarship.

The selections for the scholarships were based on scholastic record, financial need, and Rainbow service. They are intended to make a significant contribution to a graduating senior who can demonstrate that she will be a good student in the academic program she selects and will be a good representative of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls. The Victor C. and Martha Marie Whitfield Scholarship was established to honor the Whitfields for their many years of Rainbow service. Victor Whitfield served as Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Texas in 1953–54. He later served as Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Master of Texas in 1958. Mrs. Whitfield began her Rainbow service as Supreme Deputy in Texas in 1943.

Mrs. Marlene Dibrell, Supreme Deputy in Texas (l.), poses with Miss Rebecca O'Bier, Duncanville Assembly No. 339, a 1999 Rainbow scholarship recipient.

Rebecca O'Bier is the 1999 Victor C. and Martha Marie Whitfield Scholarship winner. Rebecca is a member of Elmwood Assembly No. 285, attended Duncanville, Texas, High School, was active in the National Honor Society, and performs as a musician with the First Baptist Church in Duncanville. She plans to attend Southern Methodist University in the fall.

The Past Grand Officers established their scholarship to honor Mrs. Pearl Mills, Supreme Outer Observer. Jill Nennmann is the 1999 Past Grand Officers Scholarship winner. Mrs. Nennmann, a past Grand Officer and currently a member of the Grand Music Committee, is a Religious Music major at the Texas Christian University. She has a 4.00 GPA and is active with her church's children and adult music programs.

On Halloween Day, the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Clinic of Cheyenne, Wyoming, held a party for its clients. The students, wearing gowns to protect their clothes, were asked to wear their Halloween costumes, and they were given mock pumpkins to color. Therapists and guests also dressed up, refreshments were served, and a good time was had by all.

On May 13, 1999, at the Annual Air Force Junior ROTC Awards Banquet, Bro. Jack A. Harlan, 32°, LTC, USA (Ret.), Valley of Denver, Colorado, was pleased to present the Scottish Rite Education and Americanism Award to Cadet Princess Diamond Brockway of Arvada, Colorado. The ceremony was held in the Westminster Elks Lodge No. 2227 in Westminster, Colorado. The Scottish Rite recognition (consisting of a handsome medallion, ribbon, and certificate) has proved very popular in the Southern Jurisdiction. Requests for the JROTC Award should be channeled through the Scottish Rite Valley nearest the locale of the Cadet recommended for this honor. If the location of the nearest Valley is not known, information is available from the national headquarters. Either call 202–232–3579, or fax your request to 202–387–1843, or write to: The Supreme Council, 33°, 1733 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009–3103.

The Supreme Council's new videotape, "Architects of Freedom, The Story of Freemasonry in America," won three awards this year: the U.S. International Film and Video Festival Silver Screen Award, the Bronze TELLY, and the AXIEM Silver First Place Award.

The U.S. International Film and Video Festival, founded in 1968, is the world's leading yearly event to honor business, television, industrial, and informational media productions. The festival's rigid standards have given it an outstanding reputation, and the competition's awards are highly sought after and respected around the globe. "Architects of Freedom" won this year's Silver Screen Award in the category of "Training & Education—Business, Government: General Information."

The TELLY Awards were founded in 1980 to recognize outstanding non-network and cable TV commercials. Later the competition was expanded to include film and video productions. The TELLY has become one of the most coveted awards in the TV, commercial, and video industry. The TELLY statuette has even appeared on the set of many TV shows, such as Thirtysomething, Newhart, and Murder, She Wrote. "Architects of Freedom" won the Bronze TELLY (finalist) in the category of membership enhancement.

The AXIEM (Absolute Excellence in Electronic Media) is in its inaugural year. A national awards program created to honor those who produce the very best in all forms of electronic media, the AXIEM is the only award representing the entire electronic media industry. It sets the standard of creative communication and production excellence by establishing a "level playing field" for all entries. Each is judged solely on its own merits against a standard of excellence established for each category. "Architects of Freedom" won the Silver AXIEM (first place) in the field of promotional/information media.

The 23-minute color videotape uses special computer graphic effects and historical footage to present a dynamic overview of the Craft and its role in America today. It makes an excellent program for any Masonic meeting and is particularly good for informing the general public and prospective members. To order, please send checks ($10 per videotape, S&H included, domestic checks only) payable to The Supreme Council to: The Supreme Council, 1733 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009–3103. VISA and MasterCard orders ($25 minimum) with 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.

Recently, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, was pleased to honor the memory of Ill. Roye Artice Mulholland, 33°, Valley of Austin, Texas, by making a substantial donation on behalf of the Supreme Council to the Scottish Rite Dormitory for Girls in Austin. The donation will become part of the Scottish Rite Educational Association Endowment Fund in recognition of Ill. Mulholland's unselfish dedication to the Dormitory and to the Scottish Rite.

Ill. Mulholland (1907–1999), a native Texan, excelled as an engineer, building defense plants during World War II and working for the Texas Department of Health after the war before becoming a private engineering consultant. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Olga, but he is survived by three children, four grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

Recently, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, was pleased to honor the memory of Ill. Roye Artice Mulholland, 33°, Valley of Austin, Texas, by making a substantial donation on behalf of the Supreme Council to the Scottish Rite Dormitory for Girls in Austin. Pictured above (l. to r.) are: Ms. Suzie Holt, Dormitory Administrator; Bro. Gary Brinkley, 32°, Scottish Rite Dormitory Treasurer; and, presenting the Supreme Council check, Ill. Jack E. Hightower, 33°, Past Grand Master of Masons in Texas, Chairman and Personal Representative of the S.G.I.G., Valley of Austin, and the newly elected President of the Scottish Rite Dormitory.

Ill. Mulholland was extremely active in Masonry, serving as Master and then Secretary of University Lodge No. 1190 in Austin for many years. A dedicated Scottish Rite Mason, he donated a collection of rare railroad watches to the Supreme Council in 1996, and they are now mounted in a beautiful display at the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C. (See March 1996 Journal.) The majority of Ill. Mulholland's fraternal energy, however, was devoted to the Scottish Rite Dormitory for Girls in Austin. He served on the Dormitory's Board of Directors from May 1966 and as President of the Board of Directors from 1972 until his death. During that time, he was instrumental in achieving not only the highest degree of operation for the Dormitory but also seeing it put on the National Register of Historic Buildings. (See March 1999 Journal.)

It happened at lunchtime in crowded Stone Place, a popular commercial area of shops and restaurants in the middle of downtown Dallas, Texas. On bicycle patrol, Dallas police officer Scott A. Transou, 32° (pictured right), responded to a call for assistance from a shop owner who had just been robbed at gunpoint. As Officer Transou approached the crime scene, the suspect emerged from the crowd, drew his gun, and shot Brother Transou in the chest at pointblank range.

The bullet, partially deflected by the officer's badge, slammed into his bulletproof vest. Using a female hostage as cover, the suspect disappeared into a bank building where he changed his appearance, reappeared on the street, and attempted to escape unnoticed in the crowd. While backup officers searched for the suspect, already wanted on a murder warrant, Officer Transou was ordered by his supervisor to seek medical attention. From a gurney in the ambulance, Officer Transou recognized the suspect attempting to slip away unnoticed in the noontime crowd. Leaping from a gurney, he tackled, subdued, and handcuffed the suspect who was turned over to other officers responding to the emergency.

Protective vests are hot and very uncomfortable in Texas summer heat. However, Brother Transou will never again complain about having to wear a vest, and he is pleased that his policeman's badge, often referred to as a shield, truly shielded him from the criminal's bullet. Bro. Scott is the youngest son of Ill. Plez A. Transou, 33°, General Secretary of the Dallas Scottish Rite Bodies. He became a Scottish Rite Mason in spring of this year, representing his class as the Active Candidate in the 18th Degree.

The Scottish Rite Singers of Baltimore, Maryland (photo left), under the spirited direction of Ill. Charles A. Haslup, 33°, bring a bit of joy and happiness to nursing homes, retiree groups, and church get-togethers. They receive no fee for their program but will accept gifts for their music scholarship fund. These Brethren receive a satisfaction money can't buy. What they see on the faces and in the body language of their audience is payment enough. The program lasts for about an hour and consists of several all-time favorites sung by the entire group. Then there are solos by the most gifted singers, a barbershop quartet, a few comic skits, a duet or two, and a harmonica solo. The finale is sing-along where members of the group go into the audience to encourage participation in a few songs, ending with everyone belting out "God Bless America." Inevitably, the audience members are very appreciative and enthusiastically ask, "When will you be back?"

The 68th Grand Master for DeMolay International is Dad James C. McGee, 32°, K.C.C.H. (pictured right), of Florence, Alabama. He is a member of the Huntsville, Alabama, Scottish Rite Bodies as well as the Muscle Shoals Scottish Rite Club and was invested a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 1997. Bro. McGee joined Florence Chapter of DeMolay, Florence, Alabama, in 1977, was elected Master Councilor of his Chapter in 1979, and then elected State Master Councilor of the Alabama DeMolay Association in 1981. Grand Master McGee has been honored with the Degree of Chevalier, the Cross of Honor, and the Active Legion of Honor. He served on the Executive Officers staff as Membership Director from 1990 to 1992, as Executive Officer for Alabama since 1994, and has held membership or leadership positions on various International Committees, including the Investment, Finance and the Executive Officers Conference Nominating Committee. Grand Master McGee joined Florence Lodge No. 14, Florence, Alabama, in 1982, has served the Grand Lodge of Alabama on the Youth Organizations and Finance Committees since 1995, and currently serves as the Chairman of the Finance Committee. He is also a member and Past Patron of Cypress Chapter No. 195, Order of the Eastern Star. Other Masonic memberships include: Cyrus Chapter No. 6 R.A.M., Florence Council No. 74 R.&S.M., Florence Commandery No. 39 K.T., all of Florence Alabama; Emrys W. Johns Sovereign York Rite College No. 179 of Birmingham, Alabama; Cahaba Shrine Temple of Huntsville, Alabama. Bro. McGee has been elected to receive the Order of the Purple Cross from the Sovereign Grand York Rite College, and in 1991 he was made a Master of the Grand Cross of Color by the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.

Grand Master McGee currently serves as a senior Vice-President and Investment Sales Manager of the Investment Sales Division of Colonial Bank since 1993 and holds membership in the International Association for Financial Planning.

Pictured on the right, Ann Elizabeth Simons of Rapid City, South Dakota, was installed as Honored Queen of Bethel No. 39 of the International Order of Job's Daughters in Rapid City, South Dakota, on May 15, 1999, at the Masonic Temple there. She became the third member of her extended family to receive the honor. In 1944, her grandmother, Joyce Carlson Lindeman (left), a past Honored Queen of Bethel No. 19 of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was the first family member to serve as an Honored Queen. In 1973, her daughter, Gayle Lindeman Simons (center) of Rapid City, South Dakota, was the second family member to be a Past Honored Queen, Bethel No. 40 of Golden Valley, Minneapolis. Attending the May 15 installation of officers was husband, father, grandfather Douglas E. Lindeman, 32°, Valley of Minneapolis. He is a Past Associate Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 40, Golden Valley, Minneapolis, and Past Worthy Patron of Plymouth Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star of Minneapolis.