September 1999

Tartan Golf Classic Benefits Texas Scottish Rite Hospital | Scottish Rite Research Society To Meet During Biennial Session | Golf Tournament Benefits Waco, Texas, S.R. Learning Center | Scottish Rite Supports DeMolay | Valley Honors JROTC Cadet | "Light Up the Belmont" | International Masonry In The District Of Columbia | Washington State Grand Lodge Week Honored | Brother Audie Murphy Hall Of Honor Portrait Nearing Goal | Family Of Freemasonry Float For 2000 Rose Parade | Second Statewide Scottish Rite Reunion in Louisiana | Scottish Rite JROTC Awards In Orient Of Florida | Official Visit To Colombian Supreme Council | Second Annual Mel Tillis Benefit Concert In Branson, Missouri | Baptist Minister Honored | Valley of Waco, Texas, Welcomes 82 New 32° Masons | Commemoration Day At George Washington Masonic National Memorial

The biennial national general membership meeting of the Scottish Rite Research Society will take place at 1:00 pm on October 5, 1999, in the Robert Burns Room of the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C. All members of the society and their guests are welcome. Members will have the opportunity to comment on the society's activities or publications. Joan K. Sansbury, Librarian/Curator, Library of the Supreme Council, 33°, will present a paper, "New Directions and Community Outreach," focused on recent programs offered by the Library, particularly its neighborhood involvement, book restoration project, and Friends of the Library newsletter.

Joy Smithwick, wife of Waco Valley new member Bro. Ripley Wayne Smithwick, 32°, and Bro. Lawrence R. "Larry" Bowers, 32° are pictured holding an afghan made by Mrs. Southwick. The afghan was donated for sale at the Waco Valley's recent golf tournament and awards banquet, and Bro. Bowers, a participant in the tournament, purchased the afghan for $250. All proceeds benefited the Waco Scottish Rite Learning Center.

The ninth annual Bob Scott Scottish Rite open Golf Tournament was held on April 30, 1999, at the Connally Golf Course in Waco, Texas. A total of 88 golfers took part in the tournament, which used a shotgun start with a Florida scramble format. A good time was had by all, and many teams did extremely well. Proceeds of $12,500 from the tournament went for the support of The Waco Scottish Rite Learning Center. Eighty sponsors paid $100.00 each to have their sign placed on the golf course and at the awards banquet. Prizes were awarded for the tournament, and there were door prizes at the tournament banquet. In all, the event was a great time for fellowship and a tremendous success in helping the Waco Scottish Rite Learning Center. Thanks to all who participated!

On June 24–26, 1999, seven S.G. I.G.s from the Southern Jurisdiction, each a member of the International Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay, represented our Order at the annual meeting of the International Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay, in Kansas City, Missouri. At the opening session, Ill. Curtis N. Lancaster, 33°, was introduced as representing the Grand Commander, and he presented a check for $10,000 from the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, to Bro. Samuel L. Cole, Jr., Grand Master, DeMolay International. Inspector Lancaster took the opportunity to announce the various winners of the 1999 Paul R. Kach, 33°, DeMolay Essay Competition which is sponsored annually by the Scottish Rite for DeMolays from both the Southern and Northern Masonic Jurisdictions. See pages 46–53 of this issue for the Grand Prize essays and a list of all 1999 regional winners. In addition to Inspector Lancaster, the following Illustrious Brethren attended and were introduced: Robert F. Hannon, S.G.I.G. in Arizona; Dwane F. Treat, S.G.I.G. in Arkansas; William R. Miller, S.G.I.G. in Washington; John E. Moyers, S.G.I.G. in Missouri; Ronald A. Seale, S.G.I.G. in Louisiana, and Karl F. Reed, S.G.I.G. in Alabama.

The Valley of Salem, Oregon, was invited to participate in the Fourth Annual Viking Battalion JROTC awards evening on May 21, 1999. Held in the North Salem High School gymnasium, it honored 125 cadets upon their completion of a highly successful year with their program. The Salem Valley was very pleased to be able to participate in the event and to present Cadet Captain Nicole Lombardi with the Scottish Rite award certificate, ribbon, and medal.
Among the many awards Nicole Lombardi earned were:

• U.S. Army Recruiting Command Award
• Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, USA, Award
• Department of the Army Superior Junior Cadet Award
• Distinguished Cadet Award for Scholastic Excellence
• Academic Excellence Award
• Cadet of the Year
• Recognized by the Commander, Fourth ROTC Region, Fort Lewis, Washington, for outstanding performance on the annual formal inspection of the North Salem High School program
• Selected for promotion to the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and appointment as the Viking Battalion Commander.

The Salem Valley of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, is very proud to be able to participate in JROTC and in the future of our younger generation. Requests for the JROTC award for presentation 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, fax your request to 202–387–1843, or write to: The Supreme Council, 33°, 1733 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009–3103.

Photo: Bro. Jonathan E. Strong, 32°, K.C.C.H., Chairman of the Salem Valley Scottish Rite, presents the Scottish Rite JROTC Award to Cadet Nicole Lombardi.

Dust off your dancing shoes and mark your calendars for Saturday October 2, 1999! That evening, the Brothers of Federal Lodge No. 1, Washington, D.C., and the Brothers and Sisters of Federal Chapter No. 38 O.E.S. cordially invite the men of the Scottish Rite and their ladies to join in "Lighting Up the Belmont" for the eighth annual Belmont Ball.

This year's gala evening will benefit two singular children's charities: For Love of Children and The Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders in our nation's capital. What a great way for the members of the Scottish Rite to show support for their flagship charity by attending this occasion in the elegant Belmont Mansion, the International Eastern Star Temple near Dupont Circle, a fashionable area in the Federal City.

Ill. Charles S. Iversen, 33°, S.G.I.G. in the District of Columbia, paused during 1997's festive Belmont Ball to be photographed with his wife Eleanor (r.) and Maxine F. Justice, then Most Worthy Grand Matron, General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.

Among the focal points of the evening will be the "Big Band" sounds of a 19-piece orchestra, delicious food for which the Belmont Ball has become famous; a silent auction for two round-trip airline tickets to anywhere in the United States and, as always, a few special surprises. Tickets for this year's Belmont Ball are $75.00 each. Because the event is held under the auspices of Capital Charities Corporation, a portion of the ticket price and all contributions are tax deductible.

This event should be especially appealing to couples attending the Biennial Session of the Supreme Council, October 3–5. If your Saturday evening is free and your lady loves to dance in a formal environment, attending the "Light Up the Belmont" will brighten your evening and again spread the light of Freemasonry in our nation's capital. For more information, contact Bro. Peter Bronson, Capital Charities Corporation, c/o 3225 Grace Street NW, Suite 109, Washington, D.C. 20007. Also, to be included on the invitation list (or if you have friends you would like to receive an invitation), please contact the Belmont Ball Committee at 202–338–9246 or by e-mail at BronsnP@aol.com. Please provide your name, mailing address, and telephone number.

It has become a custom in early June each year for the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia to sponsor a Universal Brotherhood weekend. This has resulted from the existence of five foreign language Lodges chartered by the Grand Lodge, in addition to a Lodge conducted in English pursuant to the emulation ritual of Scotland.

During the weekend of June 4–6, 1999, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia was honored by the presence of the Grand Masters of Masons of Russia and Romania, as well as delegations from France and Turkey. All arrangements were made by the Grand Lodge's International Committee chaired by M.W.B. Robert B. Heyat, 33°.

The events included two fine banquets, to which ladies were invited, as well as several Masonic meetings. One of these featured the installation by the Grand Master of the officers of Nur Lodge, U.D., a Turkic speaking Lodge, increasing the number of foreign language Lodges to six. Dispensation for Nur Lodge was granted June 5 by M.W. Dan L Frederick, Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia.

The photograph above was taken on June 5 and shows (1. to r.): Todor Kostov, Master of a Russian Lodge and interpreter for the Grand Master of Russia; M.W. George Dergachev, Grand Master of Masons in Russia and Lieutenant Commander of the Supreme Council, 33°, in Russia; M.W. Dan L Frederick, 32°, K.C.C.H., Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia; and Ill. Charles S. Iversen, 33°, S.G.I.G. in the District of Columbia.

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Washington State Grand Lodge Week Honored During the June 1999 Annual Grand Lodge Communication in Wenatchee, Washington, Wor. Bro. Steven Guffy, 32°, of William H. Jett Lodge No. 285 in Wenatchee (pictured at left), presented a proclamation from Governor Gary Locke declaring the week of Grand Lodge as "Washington State Masonic Appreciation Week." M.W. Carl B. Smith, 32°, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Washington, later presented Wor. Bro. Guffy with a plaque naming him "Mason of the Year" for his work throughout the state in support of Masonry. Bro. Guffy is a Past Venerable Master of the Wenatchee Lodge of Perfection and is very active in the Scottish Rite Speech Therapy Board as well as his local York Rite Bodies.

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Brother Audie Murphy Hall Of Honor Portrait Nearing Goal The drive to have an original oil portrait of Bro. Audie Leon Murphy, 32°, K.C.C.H., received into the Scottish Rite Hall of Honor was announced in the February 1999 special "Masonic Heroes" issue of the Scottish Rite Journal. I am pleased to announce that we are nearing our goal of $50,000 to benefit the House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. This donation will help maintain and enhance the House of the Temple, a Scottish Rite architectural masterpiece, while honoring the most-decorated hero of World War II. Please help us make installation of the Audie Murphy Hall of Honor portrait a reality before the Biennial Session in October 1999. Your financial support of this effort is deeply appreciated, and it is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Donations earmarked for the Audie Murphy portrait may be sent to: House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc. 1733 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009–3103 Sincerely and fraternally,

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Family Of Freemasonry Float For 2000

A floral replica Statue of Liberty, 50 feet high, will represent the Family of Freemasonry in the year 2000 Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California. Ill. Stanley L. Channon, 33°, Chairman of the Float Committee, notes that the Family of Freemasonry float in 1999 was awarded the Lathrop K. Leishman Trophy for the "most beautiful entry by a non-commercial sponsor." This was the first award received by the Family of Freemasonry in nine years of participation in the Rose Parade. In addition, the California Sesquicentennial float in the 1999 parade, mainly decorated by Masons and members of the Masonic family, received the Governor's award for "best depiction of life in California."

The Masonic float for the January 1, 2000, parade is the Statue of Liberty surrounded by a bed of floral flags. It will carry out the parade theme of "Celebration 2000—Visions of the Future." There will be no riders. Bro. Alvin J. Weis, 32°, K.C.C.H., who is in line to become Grand Master of Masons in California in October, notes, "We feel that the Statue represents a magnificent celebration of 'Liberty for All,' our float's title, and a beacon of hope for generations to come."

The media will be provided with information about the role played by French and American Freemasons in the history of the Statue of Liberty from 1865 when Freemasons supported its construction to 1986 when Freemasons contributed $2 million to its restoration.

Contributions to support the Float Committee's 1999 Tournament of Roses parade entry may be sent to: Robert C. Coe, Treasurer, PO Box 661567, Arcadia, CA 91066–1567. Your help is needed and very much appreciated!

The high school auditorium in Marksville, Louisiana, was again the choice for the Second Statewide Scottish Rite Reunion for the Orient of Louisiana on April 24, 1999. The five Scottish Rite Valleys, under the direction of Ill. Ronald A. Seale, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Louisiana, paid tribute to the Blue Lodge Worshipful Masters and to M.W. Ballard L. Smith, 33°, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana. A total of 250 Master Masons received the Scottish Rite Degrees, and Ill. Curtis N. Lancaster, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Utah, was the honored guest at the Reunion. Also, Louisiana's five Shrine Temples had a short-form Ceremonial for induction of 200 candidates who joined the Shrine.

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Scottish Rite Junior ROTC Awards Continue In Florida

This spring, the Brethren of Lake Worth, Florida, presented the popular Scottish Rite Education and Americanism Award to three JROTC Cadets at local high schools. On April 22, 1999, Ill. James E. Gibbs, 33°, joined Lt. Col. Jan C. Larson, an instructor at Martin County High School, in presenting the Scottish Rite award to Cadet Dharmia Olivi of Martin County High School. Then on May 13, Ill. Robert T. Langford, 33°, presented the Scottish Rite award to Cadet Sr. Chief Patricia Stafford, a Boca Raton High School JROTC Cadet, at the Boca Raton High School. Bro. Kenneth A. Bingham, Lt. Col. USN Ret., is an instructor at the Boca Raton High School. Finally, on May 18 (photo on previous page), Bro. James H. Bussey, 32°, Chief Warrant Officer 3, presented the Scottish Rite award to Cadet Benjamin Agusti, a Lake Worth High School JROTC Cadet, during a ceremony at the high school.

On the evening of April 25, 1999, Ill. Arthur J. Kerr, 33°, Deputy of the Supreme Council, 33°, Orient of the Panama Canal, had the honor and pleasure of representing Sovereign Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°, at a Session of the Colombian Supreme Council, 33°, in the city of Barranquilla, Colombia. The session was presided over by Ill. Ramiro Arteta–Guzman, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Colombian Supreme Council, 33°, at the brand-new Grand Lodge building in Barranquilla. There 12 Masters of the Royal Secret were conferred as Sovereign Grand Inspectors General Honorary. At the termination of this conferral, five Thirty-third Degree Brethren were elevated to the rank of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General Active.

The Degree work, done by a Supreme Council installed only a few years ago, was performed magnificently. Clearly, Sovereign Grand Commander Arteta and the Active Members of his Council are to be commended for the hard work and many hours of practice they put into this outstanding program. Everything went off like clockwork, background music was used at the appropriate time, and every member of the cast knew his part and performed flawlessly.

At the conclusion of the program, Deputy Kerr, speaking for Sovereign Grand Commander Kleinknecht, congratulated Sovereign Grand Commander Arteta for the work performed and also thanked him for inviting a representative of the Supreme Council, 33°, S.J., U.S.A., to attend the Session and Degree.

Illustrious Mel Tillis, 33°, renowned country music singer, has graciously agreed to perform a second Benefit Concert in Branson, Missouri, on Monday, October 11, 1999, at 8:00 pm. The concert will feature Mel and some very special members of his family. As before, there will be a guest appearance by Mrs. Dorothy Ives (widow of Ill. Burl Ives, 33°, G.C.) and a greeting by Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°.

Concert proceeds will be split 50/50 this year by a special agreement between Mrs. Dorothy Ives and Brother Mel. Half of the proceeds will go to the House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc., to provide funding for the maintenance of the Burl Ives Collection which is displayed in the Scottish Rite Museum/Library in the House of the Temple, Washington, D.C. The other half of the proceeds will go to the Scottish Rite Foundation, S.J., U.S.A., Inc., to be distributed, on a pro-rated basis, for the benefit of local Scottish Rite clinics, to Valleys who have sold concert tickets.

Tickets for the Mel Tillis performance are $30.00 each, and the cost is tax-deductible. To purchase tickets and sit with the Scottish Rite group, mention "the Supreme Council" when calling 1–417–335–6635 or writing to the Mel Tillis Theater, PO Box 1630, Branson, MO 65615–1630.

For hotel accommodations at special rates of $45 to $69 a night, please mention "The Benefit Concert at the Mel Tillis Theater" when calling the following hotels (use area code 417): The Barrington (334–8866), Branson Towers (336–4500), Foxborough Inn (335–4369), Guest House (336–3132), or Tara Inn (334–8272). An amazing 62 other concerts and theatrical performances are scheduled in Branson during the weekend of October 9–10. Thus, attending the Second Annual Mel Tillis Benefit Concert can be combined with a wide variety of other entertainments. For shows and schedules, call Ozark Ticket & Travel toll free at 888–752–7267.

Pictured above during the presentation of the "God and Community Achievement Award" plaque to Brother and Reverend Carrol W. Caldwell, 32°, are (l. to r.): Dr. James T. Sloan, Woodruff, South Carolina, Baptist Association; Rev. Caldwell, Pastor of Cavins Baptist Church; W.M. Rex Grant, Cavins Lodge No. 226; and Jimmy Senn, Cavins Baptist Church.

On June 18, 1999, Father's Day, the Brethren of Cavins Lodge No. 226, Woodruff, South Carolina, Woodruff Baptist Association, and Cavins Baptist Church honored one of their own, Rev. Carrol W. Caldwell, 32°, Pastor of Cavins Baptist Church and Past Master and Chaplin of Cavins Lodge. Bro. Caldwell is a 40-year-plus Mason and the Chaplain of Hejaz Shrine Temple, Mauldin, South Carolina. Bro. Rex Grant, W.M. of Cavins Lodge, notes: "Rev. Caldwell is a terrific community worker and always promoting Freemasonry. Giving him the God and Community Achievement Award recognizes his service to several generations, a labor given with dignity and honor."

To commemorate the bicentennial of the death of our nation's first president, the Masonic Grand Lodges of the United States sponsored a special day of historic events, music, and fireworks at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia, on June 26, 1999. The day was a huge success with thousands of people attending. Nearly all the Grand Lodges of the United States were represented as were several foreign jurisdictions. The event officially began with the firing of a cannon by the First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line from their "living history" encampment on the grounds of the memorial. The regiment presented tactical demonstrations and portrayed camp life during the American Revolutionary War.

The Masonic dedication of the large Square and Compasses emblem (60 feet wide and 70 feet long) was done with great dignity by M.W. George H. Chapin, 33°, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Virginia, and the Officers of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. This ceremony continued the tradition of consecrating the cornerstone of buildings and structures with Masonic honors. The event's participants proceeded out of the front entrance of the memorial to the pipes and drums of the Kena Highlanders. First in the procession were the Heroes of '76, National Sojourners, Inc., who provided the Color Guard which consisted of the National, Virginia, and Grand Lodge of Virginia colors followed by flags of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. All the Appendant Bodies were represented by a presiding officer of each Body. Grand Masters from almost all of the U.S. Grand Lodges were present or represented.

Following the procession, M.W. Paul E. Ellis, 33°, Chairman of the Commemoration Committee, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The crowd was welcomed by M.W. Edgar N. Peppler, 33°, President of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association, and by the Honorable Kerry J. Donley, Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia. The Mayor introduced the members of the city council present and spoke of the ties between Freemasonry, Alexandria, Virginia, and George Washington. M.W. Peppler spoke on the reasons for the commemoration as well as the inspiration and purpose for building the Masonic emblem.

Bro. James C. Rees, 32°, Resident Director of Mount Vernon, presented an informative and inspiring speech entitled; "George Washington: A New Look at an Old Hero." After the dedication ceremony, entertainment was provided by recording artist and Brother Daniel A. Hall. Included in his repertoire was "What a Mighty Building," a song written by Bros. David O. Norris and Hall for the occasion. M.W. George H. Chapin, 33°, Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, spoke on the significance of the day's events and the effect Washington had on the formation of our country.

A picnic was served on the grounds of the memorial prior to the concert presented by the United States Army Concert Band. Festivities culminated at dusk with a splendid fireworks display in front of the memorial. This was a great day for the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Freemasonry, and America.

Photo captions:
Above right: Capstone Productions' filming of the dedication of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial's new Square and Compasses emblem was picked up for live Internet and television broadcast both locally and nationally.

Above left: Grand Lodge of Virginia officers (l. to r.), R.W. Frederick Garrison Martin, III, 32°, K.C.C.H., Grand Senior Deacon; M.W. George Harry Chapin, 33°, Grand Master; R.W. James Milton Scearce, Jr., 33°, Grand Junior Deacon, proceed to the dedication of the Square and Compasses emblem during Commemoration Day ceremonies at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial on June 26, 1999.

Photos by Bro. Arthur W. Pierson, 32°, Pierson Photography, Falls Church, Va.