Louisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard 2007.pdf · Louisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard Scottish Rite...

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October-November 2007 ORIENT OF LOUISIANA Volume 9 Issue 5 1 Louisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard Scottish Rite KEEP MOVING FORWARD SCG Ronald A. Seale, 33° announced the election of Ill. William Jules Mollere, 33° as Sovereign Grand Inspector Gen- eral-Louisiana during the Biennial Session held in Washing- ton, D.C. during the last weekend of August. Ill. Mollere has had a distinguished Masonic career, beginning with his initia- tion in Baton Rouge Lodge No. 372 in 1967 and his Raising as a Master Mason one month later. Bro Mollere graduated from LSU-Baton Rouge with a bachelors degree in political science. He served as Master of his Lodge in 1980. Ill. Mollere is known and recognized nationally in Masonry and in all its appendant bodies. He has serves the Blue Lodges, Grand Lodge, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine, Allied Masonic Degrees, Royal Order of Scotland, Order of DeMolay, Grotto, Eastern Star, High Twelve and the 13th Masonic District with dedication and sincerity. Ill. Mollere’s exemplary service in the Fraternity actually started on April 5, 1961 when the fif- teen year old Bill was initiated in the Istrouma Chapter of the Order of DeMolay. Since that day, his work and leadership have resulted in numerous honors with this body. Ill. Mollere became a Master of the Royal Secret in 1968 and the Valley of Baton Rouge has been enriched by his devo- tion, service and leadership ever since. For his devoted service to the Craft, Ill. Mollere received the Rank and Decoration of the Knight Commander Court of Honour in 1977 and in 1991 he received the Thirty-third Degree and became an Inspector General Honorary. During the 2003 Supreme Council Session, Ill. Ronald A. Seale, 33° Sovereign Grand Commander appointed Ill. Mollere as Deputy in the Orient of Louisiana. With this appointment, the Orient has been under his tutelage and leadership. Through his leadership, the Orient of Louisiana continues with positive growth in Valley programs, exemplary degree work and progress in technology. The Orient of Louisiana looks forward to Ill. Mollere’s con- tinued leadership in the Scottish Rite and warmly congratu- lates him on his election. SCG Ronald A. Seale, 33° announced the election of Ill. John Lee Atkinson, 33° as Grand Cross of the Court of Honour during the Biennial Session held in Washington, D.C. during the last weekend of August. Ill. Atkinson was born in Evening Shade, Arkansas in 1928. John was a member of the USAF from 1948 until 1976. His duties from 1952 until retirement as Chief Master Sergeant were special agent OSI (Office of Special Investigations). This office’s mission within the Air Force is the investigation of criminal matters and counter-intelligence services. The train- ing is extensive and requires one of the most thorough back- ground investigations. Character and integrity must be of the highest and above reproach. Ill. Atkinson was raised a Master Mason in Au Sable Lodge #243 F. & A.M. in Oscoda, Michigan on May 22, 1957. He became a Master of the Royal Secret at the Valley of Bay City, Orient of Michigan, NMJ in 1957. Ill. Atkinson affilliated with the Valley of Shreveport in 1974 and Broadmoor Lodge #432 in 1978. Bro John received the Rank and Decoration of the Knight Commander Court of Honour in 1981 and in 1985 he was coroneted as 33°-Inspector General Honorary. Since 1985, Ill. Atkinson has been Secretary for the Shreveport Valley and appendant bodies. From 1997 through 2004 Bro John also served as Personal Representative. In 1998 Ill. Atkinson was elected to serve as President of the Louisiana Scottish Rite Foundation, which currently sup- ports five Centers in Louisiana. Bro John is a member and Past Potentate of El Karubah Shrine Temple as well as a member and has served on the Board of Directors of the Shriners Hospital for Children. Ill. Atkinson’s training, background and involvement in Masonry, in all of its various forms, set him apart as a recog- nized leader. His efforts indeed make a difference in our State. Congratulations Bro. Sec. It looks good on you! Ill. William J. Mollere. 33° Elected Sovereign Grand Inspector General-Louisiana Ill. John L. Atkinson, 33° Elected Grand Cross

Transcript of Louisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard 2007.pdf · Louisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard Scottish Rite...

Page 1: Louisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard 2007.pdf · Louisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard Scottish Rite KEEP MOVING FORWARD SCG Ronald A. Seale, 33° announced the election of Ill. William

October-November 2007 ORIENT OF LOUISIANA Volume 9 Issue 5

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Louisiana

Scottish Rite Trestleboard

Scottish Rite KEEP MOVING FORWARD

SCG Ronald A. Seale, 33° announced the election of Ill.William Jules Mollere, 33° as Sovereign Grand Inspector Gen-eral-Louisiana during the Biennial Session held in Washing-ton, D.C. during the last weekend of August. Ill. Mollere hashad a distinguished Masonic career, beginning with his initia-tion in Baton Rouge Lodge No. 372 in 1967 and his Raising asa Master Mason one month later. Bro Mollere graduated fromLSU-Baton Rouge with a bachelors degree in political science.He served as Master of his Lodge in 1980.

Ill. Mollere is known and recognized nationally in Masonryand in all its appendant bodies. He has serves the Blue Lodges,Grand Lodge, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine, Allied MasonicDegrees, Royal Order of Scotland, Order of DeMolay, Grotto,Eastern Star, High Twelve and the 13th Masonic District withdedication and sincerity. Ill. Mollere’s exemplary service inthe Fraternity actually started on April 5, 1961 when the fif-teen year old Bill was initiated in the Istrouma Chapter of theOrder of DeMolay. Since that day, his work and leadership haveresulted in numerous honors with this body.

Ill. Mollere became a Master of the Royal Secret in 1968and the Valley of Baton Rouge has been enriched by his devo-tion, service and leadership ever since. For his devoted serviceto the Craft, Ill. Mollere received the Rank and Decoration ofthe Knight Commander Court of Honour in 1977 and in 1991he received the Thirty-third Degree and became an InspectorGeneral Honorary.

During the 2003 Supreme Council Session, Ill. Ronald A.Seale, 33° Sovereign Grand Commander appointed Ill. Mollereas Deputy in the Orient of Louisiana. With this appointment,the Orient has been under his tutelage and leadership. Throughhis leadership, the Orient of Louisiana continues with positivegrowth in Valley programs, exemplary degree work and progressin technology.

The Orient of Louisiana looks forward to Ill. Mollere’s con-tinued leadership in the Scottish Rite and warmly congratu-lates him on his election.

SCG Ronald A. Seale, 33° announced the election of Ill.John Lee Atkinson, 33° as Grand Cross of the Court of Honourduring the Biennial Session held in Washington, D.C. duringthe last weekend of August.

Ill. Atkinson was born in Evening Shade, Arkansas in 1928.John was a member of the USAF from 1948 until 1976. Hisduties from 1952 until retirement as Chief Master Sergeantwere special agent OSI (Office of Special Investigations). Thisoff ice’s mission within the Air Force is the investigation ofcriminal matters and counter-intelligence services. The train-ing is extensive and requires one of the most thorough back-ground investigations. Character and integrity must be of thehighest and above reproach.

Ill. Atkinson was raised a Master Mason in Au Sable Lodge#243 F. & A.M. in Oscoda, Michigan on May 22, 1957. Hebecame a Master of the Royal Secret at the Valley of Bay City,Orient of Michigan, NMJ in 1957. Ill. Atkinson affilliated withthe Valley of Shreveport in 1974 and Broadmoor Lodge #432in 1978. Bro John received the Rank and Decoration of theKnight Commander Court of Honour in 1981 and in 1985 hewas coroneted as 33°-Inspector General Honorary. Since 1985,Ill. Atkinson has been Secretary for the Shreveport Valley andappendant bodies. From 1997 through 2004 Bro John alsoserved as Personal Representative.

In 1998 Ill. Atkinson was elected to serve as President ofthe Louisiana Scottish Rite Foundation, which currently sup-ports five Centers in Louisiana.

Bro John is a member and Past Potentate of El KarubahShrine Temple as well as a member and has served on the Boardof Directors of the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Ill. Atkinson’s training, background and involvement inMasonry, in all of its various forms, set him apart as a recog-nized leader. His efforts indeed make a difference in our State.

Congratulations Bro. Sec. It looks good on you!

Ill. William J. Mollere. 33° ElectedSovereign Grand Inspector General-Louisiana

Ill. John L. Atkinson, 33° ElectedGrand Cross

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Louisiana Scottish Rite TrestleboardPublished bimonthly by the

Louisiana Scottish Rite FoundationP. O. Box 64 Shreveport, LA 71161

EditorSteve Pence, 32°-KCCH

105 Bay Hills DriveBenton, LA 71006

Tel: H: 318-965-9977

E-mail: [email protected]

Louisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard is published bi-monthly by the Louisiana Scottish Rite Foundation. Anyarticle or views expressed in this publication are thoseonly of the writer and do not reflect the official positionof the Louisiana Scottish Rite. The editorial policy ofthis publication grants free reign to the Editor, within thelines of Masonic principles and teachings. Articles andpictures submitted become the property of this publica-tion.

Permission is granted to use contents of this Trestle-board for Masonic purposes, as long as credit is given tothe source.

Editorial StaffEditor:

Steven A. Pence, 32° KCCHValley of Baton Rouge:

C. Daniel Smith, Jr. 32° KCCHValley of New Orleans:

Marc H. Conrad, 32° KStAValley of Shreveport:

John F. Ayer, 32° KStAValley of Lake Charles:

John C. Butterick, 32°Valley of Monroe:

Beryl C. Franklin, Ph.D., 33°

AllegianceThe bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite

of Freemasonry, sitting in the Orient of Louisiana, ac-knowledge and yield allegiance to the Supreme Councilof the Thirty-third degree for the Southern Jurisdictionof the United States of America (Mother Supreme Coun-cil of the World) whose See is at Charleston in the Stateof South Carolina, and House of the Temple, Washing-ton, D.C., of which

Ill. Ronald A. Seale, 33°Sovereign Grand Commander

and

Ill. William J. Mollere, 33°,Sovereign Grand Inspector General

Orient of Louisiana

Ill. Charles L. McCarty, 33°Personal Representative for Valley of New Orleans

Ill. Ballard Smith, 33°, PGMPersonal Representative for Valley of Shreveport

Ill. Richard B. Smith, 33°Personal Representative for Valley of Lake Charles

Ill. Robert J. Hutchinson, 33°Personal Representative for Valley of Baton Rouge

Ill. Woody D. Bilyeu, 33°, GJWPersonal Representative for Valley of Monroe

M.W. S. Bruce Easterly, 33°and Grand Master of Masons in Louisiana

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Calendar of EventsGrand Lodge

Grand Lodge Committee MeetingsAlexandria October 20Grand Lodge Session-2008Bossier City February 2-3

Orient of LouisianaConference of the OrientShreveport November 9Scottish Rite Honors DayShreveport November 10Leadership ConferenceBaton Rouge January 26

ValleysFall Reunions

New Orleans October 6Baton Rouge October 27-28Monroe October 27

York RiteYork Rite MeetingAlexandria October 13

The trite saying that honesty is the bestpolicy has met with the just criticism thathonesty is not policy. The real honest manis honest from conviction of what is right,not from policy. Robert E. Lee

A purple cap is that of a SovereignGrand Inspector General, or S.G.I.G. It issurrounded by a band of purple velvet, bor-dered in gold and decorated with a gold vineof laurel leaves and berries. The front of thecap is emblazoned with a purple and goldPatriarchal Cross with crosslets. The wearerof this cap is the head of the Rite in hisOrient and is an Active Member of the Su-preme Council.

A white silk cap surrounded by a bandof dark blue velvet bordered in gold is thecap of the Grand Cross of the Court ofHonour. The front of the cap is adorned withthe gold Teutonic cross of the Grand Cross.

The highest honor awarded by the Su-preme Council, 33°, S.J., is the Grand Crossof the Court of Honour. There are fewer than80 living recipients of this decoration outof nearly 253,000 members in the SouthernJurisdiction. The Grand Cross jewel has asits foundation the Teutonic Cross of the 32°and 33° resting on a wreath of gold oakleaves, emblematic of strength of purposein the service of humanity and the Rite. Inthe center is a gold circular plate with a blueenameled border containing the gold letters,“GR. CROSS COURT OF HONOUR.” Inthe center of the plate is an enameled crim-son rose with green leaves on a white back-ground. The red rose recalls the imagery ofthe 18°, Knight Rose Croix, where theflower represents renewal, as a recipient ofthe Grand Cross is forever renewing his ef-forts to serve.

Now You Know

We must cultivate our own garden. Whenman was put in the garden of Eden he wasput there so that he should work, whichproves that man was not born to rest.

Each player must accept the cards lifedeals him or her: but once they are in hand,he or she alone must decide how to playthe cards in order to win the game.

Voltaire

www.la-scottishrite.org

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The Louisiana Scottish Rite Foundation

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Fraternally,John L. Atkinson, 33° G.C.

President

The fiscal year of the Foundationended on June 30, 2007. I am Happy toreport that the Foundation had a verygood and successful year. The CPA firmof Smith, Pugh & Company, is currentlyconducting the annual audit.

The major expenses of the Foundationfor 2006-2007 fiscal year as pertains tothe Speech centers were as follows:

D. Walter Jessen Civil EngineeringScholarships: $ 3,996.00

Speech Scholarships: 34,250.00

Speech Therapy: 62,657.00Total : $100,003.00

Foundation Update

Scholarship AwardsThe Louisiana Scottish Rite Founda-

tion is proud to announce that the fol-lowing Scholarships have been awarded:

Monroe, LADeanna Guyton

Katie EppsCasey Hoftman

LSU Baton RougeAmanda Beverly

Carla Gaston

SoutheasternSarah McKinney

Lauren Bacot

University of Louisiana at LafayetteJamie C. Covington

Mitzie N. Miller

LSUHC-ShreveportMegan Lerchie

Jeanette Morgan

continued next column

Scholarship Awards continued:

Through the support of our membersand their financial contributions, andwith the countless hours of hard work,diligence, training and caring by ourEducators and Specialists, we have en-abled hundreds of children to communi-cate and thrive.

Donations

Mr. & Mrs. Beryl C. FranklinMr. & Mrs. Eldred P. Gilmore, Jr.

Mr. Bob S. HornMr. Ira J. Pennison

Mr. Archie E. Hickman, Jr.Mr. Donald O. Gable

Mr. & Mrs. John L. AtkinsonMr. John W. Beadle

Mr. Edward A. Cannon, Jr.Mr. Zealie Johnson

The Foundation is so very blessed bythe continued financial support fromwithin the Fraternity as well as from thosefrom outside.

It is only fitting that these supportersbe recognized in some small way.

Envelope ReminderThe June-July issue of your Louisiana

Scottish Rite Trestleboard had a veryimportant envelope inserted for everymember’s use. Your continued donationsare not only needed by the Foundation tocontinue our Centers, but also for plan-ning expansion of our services.

The Foundation must also receive fi-nancial support from outside the Frater-nity. This means that we must continueto receive funds not associated withmembership dues or investment income.

Your personal contribution, makinguse of the envelope, is an outside dona-tion. Please consider sending a tax de-ductible check to your Foundation. Thankyou for your continued support.

A distinguished Louisiana delegation L:R - Ill. William J. Mollere, 33° SGIG-Louisiana, Ill. S. BruceEasterly, 33° Grand Master- Louisiana, Ill. Ronald A. Seale, 33° SCG, Ill. Donnie W. Broughton, 33°Grand Master-Texas and Ill. M. Douglas Adkins, 33° SGIG-Texas. All are Louisiana natives.

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Enlightenment LiteVIII-Voltaire

byLawrence C. Wade, MD-32°Valley of Baton Rouge

Probably the best known leader of the French Enlighten-ment was the man born as Francois Marie Arouet, who gavehimself the name, "Voltaire" (1694-1778).

Voltaire was a commoner, but a highly uncommon com-moner. His exceptional wit, the keenness of his social and po-litical insights, and especially his skills as a creative writerkept him at the center of the Parisian arena of ideas.

He was popular at the parties of the bourgeoisie. At onesuch party, the young Voltaire was regaling wealthy youngnoblemen with his wit, when an older nobleman approachedand had the audacity to remark, "It must be nice to be able togive oneself a new name." Voltaire's folly was to reply, "Betterto give oneself a new name than to disgrace an old one."

The aging nobleman took umbrage. The following evening,Voltaire was visited by scofflaws, paid by the old fellow to roughhim up. Voltaire responded by challenging the old guy to aduel. It would have been unheard of for a nobleman to fight aduel with a commoner. Furthermore, the old nobleman was askilled swordsman, which Voltaire was decidedly not. Ratherthan stoop to killing a hapless commoner, the nobleman wentto the King and arranged to have Voltaire imprisoned in TheBastille. There he remained until, in 1726, he agreed to leaveFrance and not return.

During three years in England, Voltaire was free to writediatribes against the French bourgeoisie. His criticisms of theFrench upper classes were very popular among the lowerclasses, and it wasn't long before Voltaire was the most cel-ebrated Frenchman alive. With this fame came great wealth.

The German philosopher Leibniz (1646-1716) had inde-pendently invented calculus almost simultaneously with New-ton (Installment VI). Leibniz had also theorized that the worldthat exists at any given time is "the best of all possible worlds"that could have resulted from the world that had existed beforeit. This "best of all possible worlds" theory was widely accepted,in its time.

When tens of thousands of people were killed by the 1755Lisbon earthquake, Rousseau (Installment V) "understood" thisas "the best of all possible worlds". His reasoning was that bymeans of this cataclysmic event, nature had "corrected"mankind's "error" of having put too many people and too manybuildings in too small a geographic space. (Somehow, Parishad escaped Nature's notice, I suppose.)

Voltaire at first was so taken by Leibniz that he offered nochallenge to Rousseau's reasoning. But he soon came outswinging. He was outraged, and as one old nobleman hadlearned years earlier, an outraged Voltaire was not one to betrifled with. How dare anyone, he said, try to suggest that thetragic death of tens of thousands of people is acceptable!

Voltaire was one to do his f ighting with his pen, whichtruly was mightier than his sword. (We have seen earlier thatVoltaire did not have a very mighty sword.) In response toRousseau, Voltaire put pen to paper and produced Candide.Voltaire won this literary duel -- nowadays, people rememberCandide who have never heard of Leibniz and wouldn't knowRousseau from Robspierre.

Candide is a very powerful expression of Sir FrancisBacon's (See Installment III) sentiment, "The fruits of knowl-edge must be those of Charity." In Voltaire's concise philo-sophical satire, Candide travels Europe with his companion,Pangloss. As they encounter corruption, war, and pestilence,Pangloss, a disciple of Leibniz, repeatedly dismisses humansuffering by means of the convenient remark, "All is for thebest in this best of all possible worlds." Candide, though, ulti-mately concludes that human suffering should not be so readilydismissed. He acknowledges that there is very little that anyone person can do, in the face of human tragedy. Nonetheless,he asserts, each of us should do what little we can do. Thestatement with which Candide closes is sometimes interpreted,"Let us tend our gardens." This, in my opinion, does verylittle to capture the true meaning of the work. Prof. AlanCharles Kors, on the other hand, interprets this same closingstatement as, "Let us work without theorizing." This is pro-found. This one statement counters pre-Enlightenment "theo-rizing" (as to, for example, the pecking order in Heaven) andsimultaneously debunks Leibniz.

Voltaire was never the same, after the Lisbon earthquake.From that time onward, his entire life was devoted to the reliefof human suffering.

He had in time, of course, returned to France, settling atFerney, on an estate that straddled the border of France andGermany. (He explained that if and when French off icialsshould come for him, he could elude them by moving to thepart of his estate that was in Germany.)

Though not himself a Catholic, Voltaire's humanistic lovefor his fellowman was so great that he built a chapel for theCatholics of his town and paid from his own purse to providethem with a priest, whom he warmly befriended.

In February, 1778, Voltaire made a triumphal return to Paris-- his f irst visit to that city in 28 years. On April 9, he wasinitiated into Masonry at The Lodge of the Nine Muses, con-ducted by none other than MW Bro. Benjamin Franklin, theone man alive at the time who could have been said to com-mand respect among the French people at least equal to thatwhich they accorded to Voltaire, himself. Voltaire was feted asthe national hero of France, but when he returned to his hotelroom late on the evening of May 30, 1778, he collapsed anddied of exhaustion. Thus ended the life but not the legend ofperhaps the most outstanding activist moral philosopher of TheEnlightenment

Fraternally,Larry Wade, 32°

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Valley of New Orleans NewsThe Oldest Scottish Rite Valley in the World - Chartered April 7, 1811

Albert Pike was Grand Commander of Grand Consistory of LouisianaFrom April 1857-January 1859

Meets on the first Wednesday of every month

New Orleans Scottish Rite Temple619-621 Carondelet Street

New Orleans, LA 70130-3503Secretary: Lloyd A. Hebert, 33°

Tel: 504-522-3789 Fax: 504-527-5982Email: [email protected]

WebSite: www.nolascottishrite.com

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Calendar of Events-2007Stated Communications 7:30 PM

Wednesday, October 3rdOpen Meeting-ALL Master Masons andtheir families invitedGuest Speaker - Dr Chris Mandry, Ma-jor Army Special ForcesSaturday, October 6th Fall ReunionWednesday, November 7thGuest Speaker-Professor on ComparativeReligion from TulaneRegular Business-Guest ChefWednesday, December 6thAnnual Christmas Music Program

Knights of St. AndrewMeets after Regular Business Meetings

continued on page 10

In MemoriamRonald Paul Boudreaux, 32°Harvey Elsworth Finch, 32°

Frederick Holden Sanders, Sr., 32°Thomas Azzie Scott, 32°Monroe Wheat, Jr., 32°

Fall ReunionOctober 6th

From The Secretary’s DeskFour brothers and their wives from the

Valley of New Orleans recently traveledto the Washington, DC for the SupremeCouncil's Joint Session with the North-ern Masonic Jurisdiction in August. Thiswas truly a historical event and I wasextremely pleased to have been a part ofit.

Our Valley's Fall Scottish Rite Re-union is soon approaching. It is sched-uled for October 6th at 7:00 a.m. I amstill accepting petitions for new appli-cants. I would encourage every ScottishRite brother to extend an invitation toyour blue lodge brethren by offering thema Petition for the Scottish Rite degrees.

Please consider the following quote:"If Masonry is your ego trip, then it islike feasting at a great banquet and leav-ing hungry.” I believe that this quoteteaches us to rededicate ourselves to thetrue principles of Freemasonry. It is ourduty to avoid ego trips and pettysquabbles-we are here to help our broth-ers, to break down barriers, to strengthenfraternal bounds, and to support theyounger masons entering the craft. It isour duty to encourage them even if itmeans stepping aside and letting themlead the way. They are the future of thecraft. Brothers, my office door is alwaysopen. Sincerely & Fraternally,

Lloyd A. Hebert, 33°

Recent Valley NewsOn August 1, 2007, after a heartfelt

prayer by Ill. Bro. Dan Alexander, 33?,the Valley of New Orleans and its guestsshared good fellowship and a fine mealconsisting of fried catfish, a spinach saladwith walnuts, diced apples and toastedpecans, cheese grits, and assorted past-ries for dessert. Volunteers from Louisi-ana Lodge 102, F.&A.M. and the Knightsof St. Andrew prepared and served thisdelightful gourmet meal (much thanks!)After the meal, Ill. Bro. Lloyd Hebert, 33?

welcomed our fifty year members andthanked them and their families for theirlong dedication and service to ScottishRite Masonry. Judge Thomas Wicker rep-resented the fifty-year class and delivereda moving talk about his experiences inthe Scottish Rite and what it has meantto him personally and to his fellow fifty-year class members. Judge Thomas C.Wicker, Jr. encouraged the younger Scot-tish Rite Brothers in the audience to re-dedicate themselves to the craft. The fol-lowing fifty-year members received theirfifty-year certificates and the right to weartheir exclusive "blue caps" at future Scot-tish Rite meetings: William C. Addison,Claude J. Autin, Wayne H. Crenshaw, Jr.,John L. Dodgen, Antoine J. Doucet, JohnD. Hansen, George J. Faustermann, Wil-liam F. Grosch, William L. Hancock,Charles D. Johnston, Paul O.Langenbeck, Hartwell A. Lewis, JamesW. Moffitt, J. Chris Nungesser, II, JamesF. Osborne, Jr., Bernard P. Pentes, An-drew V. Petit, James C. Phelps, NicholasRandazzo, Roy T. Sandlin, James B.Sharon, Linn Tompkins, Maurice P.Weinstein, Thomas C. Wicker, Jr., OrsonC. Zinglersen, and Charles D. Zucker.After the ceremony, Bro. Marc H. Conrad,32º, KSA, lectured on the unique historyof New Orleans Scottish Rite freema-sonry, the importance of preserving itslegacy, and the contributions that thefifty-year members have made to thecraft. At this time, the Valley also re-dedicated the recently restored A.A.S.R.S.J. Charter that established the GrandConsistory of Louisiana. This charter willbe displayed in a position of honor sinceit has not been seen in our Valley sincethe mid-1970's when it was returned to

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Valley of Shreveport News Chartered October 26, 1913

Meets on the second Tuesday of every month

Shreveport Scottish Rite Temple725 Cotton Street

Shreveport, LA 71101-9713Secretary: John L. Atkinson, 33° G.C.

Tel: 318-221-9713 Fax: 318-226-0843Email: [email protected]

Web: www.shreveportscottishrite.com

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IN MEMORIAM

2007 CALENDAR OF EVENTSTuesday, October 9thKCCH Club Meeting 5:30 PMRegular Meeting 6:30 PM

Tuesday, November 13thDinner with Ladies: 6:00 PMOpen Meeting/Veteran’s DayHeroes` of ‘76-Historic Flag Program

Tuesday, December 11thRegular Meeting 6:30 PM

Election & Installation of OfficersNote: Advisory Conference meets at 5:00

P.M. before each meeting.

Scottish Rite KEEP MOVING FORWARD

HONORS DAY - Nov 10thGive a Living Legacy! Donate to

the Shreveport Scottish Rite

Coleman Lewis Beazley, 32°William Kenneth Cosby, 32°

David Emory Laird, 32°William Lane Stephenson, 32°

Melvin Marvin Regan, 33°

2007 OfficersShreveport Lodge of Perfection:Venerable Master: Roy B Tuck, PGM 33°Senior Warden: Robert L LaBorde, 32º KCCHJunior Warden: Richard L Hollier, 33°

Shreveport Chapter Rose Croix:Wise Master: Thomas F Murphy, 33°Senior Warden: H Edward Durham, 32° KCCHJunior Warden: Stanford L Jensen, 33°

Shreveport Council of Kadosh:Commander: Frank L Falkenberry, 33°1st Lt. Commander: Stanford L Jensen, 33°2nd Lt. Commander: Gary L Gribble, 33°

Shreveport Consistory:Master of Kadosh: Frank L Falkenberry, 33°Prior: Robert L LaBorde, 32° KCCH

Preceptor: Charles E Shearer, 33°Treasurer to All Bodies E. Louis McGee, 33°Secretary to All Bodies John L Atkinson, 33°G.C.

From the Secretary’s DeskA special welcome to Mrs. Lynette

Macolly our new Executive Assistant.Come by and visit her. She's the Prettyone in the office!

The Ending of the Year is upon us. Ifyou haven't paid your dues, please do so.Also, if you have changed your address,phone numbers, including e-mail ad-dresses it's important that you let us know,so we may communicate with you cor-rectly

Feast of TishriOn the 11th of September and under

the direction of Robert D. Southern,KCCH elect, this year the Valley cel-ebrated the Feast of Tishri which derivedfrom the Israelite Festival of Sukkoth alsoknown as the Feast of the Tabernacles.The play represents the exodus fromEgypt by the Jews, the end of the fall har-vest, a celebration of thanksgiving and thededication of King Solomon's Temple.The play was thoroughly rehearsed andpresented in an outstanding manner to allthe guests and members, of which over100 were in attendance. Our own Illustri-ous William J. Mollere, 33° S.G.I.G. Loui-siana was the featured speaker. His re-marks were well received by all and spokewell of the Scottish Rite. We are reminded

that this is a time to rejoice and also atime to adore the Great Architect of theUniverse.

KCCH Club Corner

Fall ReunionThe Valley's Fall Reunion dedicated

to the memory of Melvin Marvin Regan33° was held the weekend of the 29th.The Reunion kicked off with numerousdoughnuts being served to the membersand Candidates along with lots of coffeeby careful planning of the Refreshmentand Entertainment Committee. The Di-rector of Work, E. Louis McGee, 33° andDegree Masters did an outstanding jobensuring that all degrees were presentedin correct form. The Stage and WardrobeCommittee's served with due diligenceto insure that the regalia and scenes werecorrect for the settings and plays. Ofcourse, the Light and Sound Committeewere always on queue and without them;we all would have been in the dark andwithout a cue. The Registration and ClassCommittee's were exceptionally orga-nized, and had the Candidates thor-oughly prepared by 7:15 am, and photo-graphed as a Class by 8:00 am. Churchservices were held Sunday at 11:30 am,followed by an outstanding meal enjoyedby all.

As you can see, most of the insiderenovations and repairs are in full swing.A recent matching grant and generous do-nations from members, the exterior paint-ing of the woodwork and cleaning of thewindows is underway. It’s never finishedand always ongoing. A tax deductible do-nation to the Foundation is always a greatway to honor a departed friend and lovedone. Send your tax-deductible contribu-tions to: Shreveport Scottish Rite Foun-dation, Inc. (SSRFI) P. O. Box 64Shreveport, LA 71161.

Building FoundationThe KCCH Club meets once a quar-

ter, during the same month of the 1stDistrict Lodge meeting. The next KCCHClub meeting is October 9th beginningat 5:30 pm. Always, your service is ap-preciated and needed. If you want totruly get involved, give Steve Pence,KCCH Club President a call at (318)834-1847. continued on page 10

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Valley of Lake Charles News Chartered October 16, 1923

Meets on the third Wednesday of every month

Lake Charles Masonic Temple717 Hodges Street

Lake Charles, LA 70601Secretary: Charles G. Callahan, 33°

Tel: 337-436-1676 Fax: 337-436-1673Email: [email protected]

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS-2007Wednesday, October 17thFeast of TishriSaturday, October 20thFamily DayWednesday, November 21stHomeland Security-Dick GremillionWednesday, December 19thElection of OfficersThe last Friday of every month, throughOctober, is Back Door Lunch.

Scottish Rite KEEP MOVING FORWARD

IN MEMORIAM

2007 Dues are due January 1, 2007

Bobby Lee Dunn, 32°William Fred Groves, 32°

Earl J Richard, 32°

Valley News

continued on page 14

Bus TripThis year our trip was to DeRidder

Lodge #271 and what a fine host theywere. Chicken & Dumplings was theepicurean delight. Our speaker was J F“Jeff ” Webb, 32° KCCH and Grand Se-nior Warden. Bro Jeff spoke about themove to the new Grand Lodge facilityand the need to preserve our archives.

During a recent meeting Bro WilbertStelly, 32° KCCH & Clinic Administra-tor was the featured speaker. Bro Stellyprovided an extensive report and updateon our Learning Center at the Universityof Louisiana-Lafayette. Several Valleymembers remember the ribbon cutting forthis facility in August 2006. Bro Stelly,along with Bro Richard Arnaud, Assis-tant Administrator, has the new facilityoperating smoothly.

Also during this meeting, Bro Rich-ard Morgan, 32° KCCH presented a spe-cial military coin to Bro Ken Michel, 32°KCCH. Bro Morgan is also a member ofthe local VFW Post.

Part of the large gathering at DeRidder

L:R Ken Michel and Richard Morgan

Each month the Lake Charles ScottishRite meets at noon for what they call theBack Door Lunch. There is no formality orprogram or speakers, but there is good foodand fellowship for those that can attend. Atthe July 27th lunch, one of our volunteercooks and Past Venerable Master, AllenFruge’ 33° and his wife Laura Nell, werecelebrating their 64th wedding anniversarywith applause and a delicious cake. Theyare shown in the photograph below.

Backdoor Lunch

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Valley of Baton Rouge NewsChartered October 20, 1955

Meets on the second Monday of every month

Baton Rouge Scottish Rite Temple14598 Florida BoulevardBaton Rouge, LA 70819

Secretary: Beverly J. Guillot, 33°Tel: 225-275-0668 Fax: 225-273-0750

Email: [email protected]

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS-2007Dinner 6:30 Meeting 7:30Monday, October 8thFeast of TishriFALL REUNION October 27-28Monday, November 12thThanksgiving CelebrationMonday, December 10thElection of Officers-Christmas Party

Knights of St. AndrewMeets the 4th Monday of every month.Refreshment 6:30 Meeting 7:00

Scottish Rite KEEP MOVING FORWARD

In MemoriamBarney Lee Bennett, 32°

FALL REUNIONOCTOBER 27 & 28

Personal Representative Message

God Bless you All,Robert J. Hutchinson., 33°

Greetings Brethren from the BatonRouge Valley and the Orient of Louisi-ana. Have you ever thought of how fortu-nate we are to live in such a great nation,and in particular the state of Louisianaand to be members of such a great frater-nity as the Masonic fraternity? In Augustwe had the distinct pleasure of attendingthe first joint bi annual session of theNorthern and Southern Jurisdictions ofthe Scottish rite. It was truly a pleasureto participate with masons from all overthis United Stated of America and theworld. Not only did we have the oppor-tunity to travel with these brothers, butalso we got to travel in the same path asour forefathers like George Washington,Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock. Itwas inspiring to listen to Ill. John Glenn33 tell of his adventures in space andthroughout the world.

This was also a very rewarding tripfor the members of the Orient of Louisi-ana as we, as well as our Sovereign GrandCommander Ill. Ronald A Seale 33 , hadthe opportunity to congratulate Ill. Will-iam Jules Mollere 33 on being madeSGIG in Louisiana. All of us were movedwhen Ill. Mollere advised that Ill. JohnL. Atkinson 33 , Secretary of the ValleyShreveport, would receive the GrandCross. It was also exciting for us to seeour Grand Master Bruce Easterly, DeputyGrand Master Lloyd Hennigan, GrandSenior Warden Jeff Webb and Past GrandMaster Chip Borne receive their 33 . Thiswas truly a great trip for Louisiana, butas with all festivities, they must end andwe must go back to work.

The Baton Rouge Valley will hold itsfall reunion on October 27th & 28th andwe need you to get your petitions in tothe office. During this year, we have beenrebuilding our degree teams and educat-ing our members by putting on degreesduring our regular monthly meetings. Itis our plan to put on as many degrees inthe fall as time permits and to continuewith the rebuilding throughout the year.

Plan on joining us during the reunion andrenew old friendships and make newones.

Brethren, our perpetual membershipdrive is still in place and will be in placeuntil the end of the year. Give the officea call at 225-275-0668 and talk to Bev orBill to get the details.

For some time I have challenged allto bring someone to a lodge meeting, ora Scottish rite meeting, who has not beenattending or who could not come by them-selves. A brother took me up on my chal-lenge and started bring another memberwho could not drive at night. BrotherBarney Bennett 32 started picking upBrother Charles E "Chuck" Julian 32 , acharter member of the Baton Rouge Val-ley and a two time Past Master of TrinityUnion Lodge, to our meetings. All wereexcited to see these brethren with us. Theywere present at our meeting in August,but on the Wednesday following our meet-ing; Barney had a heart attack and died.Barney Bennett was a kind, compassion-ate and caring brother who believed inand practiced the obligations he took andwe all were very fortunate to have him asour friend. Barney brought his friendChuck to the meetings because he was afriend and brother and I can assure youthat Chuck will have a ride to the meet-ings and Barney will always be with usin our hearts. Our prayers are with theBennett family.

Brethren, accept the challenge ofbringing someone to a meeting and if youcan't do it for Barney and me, do it foryourself. You might just get a little plea-sure from it.

2007 OfficersBaton Rouge Lodge of Perfection:Venerable Master: James E Wingate, 32° KCCHSenior Warden: Jimmie A Galloway, 32ºJunior Warden: Ricks M Bowles, 32º, KCCH

Baton Rouge Chapter Rose Croix:Wise Master: Ben F Melanson, 32º KCCHSenior Warden: Marshal Woodard, 32ºJunior Warden: Roy Blair, 32º

Baton Rouge Council of Kadosh:Commander: Keith A Duncan, 32º1st Lt. Commander: David M Wallace, 32°2nd Lt. Commander: Gene Caigle, 32º

Baton Rouge Consistory:Master of Kadosh: Michael Hawkins, 32°Prior: Wayne M Mitchell, 32ºPreceptor: Lawrence D Wade, 32ºTreasurer to All Bodies Joe A Stroud, 33°

Knights of St. Andrew:Venerable Master: Keith A Duncan, 32º

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Valley of Monroe NewsChartered November 13, 1971

Meets on the first Thursday of every month

Monroe Scottish Rite Temple205 University Avenue

Monroe, LA 71203-3701Secretary: Robert Joyner, 33°

Tel: 318-343-6388 Fax: 318-343-5492Email: [email protected]

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IN MEMORIAM

2007 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thursday, October 4thDinner with Ladies 6:00 PMMeeting & Program 7:00 PMThursday, November 1stDinner with Ladies 6:00 PM25 & 50 Year Program 7:00 PMThursday, December 6thAnnual Christmas Party 6:00 PMInstallation of Officers 7:00 PM

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FALL REUNION-One DayOctober 27th

The Valley in November

Charles Clay Bedenbaugh, 32°Charlie Cecil Brown, 32°

William Henderson Till, 32°Charles Edgard Youngblood, 32°

2007 Officers

Don’t study the idea to death with ex-perts and committees. Get on with it andsee if it works. Ken Iverson

The October 4th, 2007 meeting of theMonroe Scottish Rite Bodies should bean interesting and very informative ses-sion. At that meeting, the program willbe presented by two legal minds of ourmembership. Brothers Hennigan andHolley have agreed to offer their ideas andeven some "legal advice" on various sub-jects that might be of interest to the mem-bership. Illustrious Lloyd E Hennigan,33° is presently serving as Deputy GrandMaster of the Grand Lodge of Masons ofLouisiana and Brother Travis M. Holley,32°KCCH are Attorneys at Law and theirpractices have covered various aspects ofthe legal code in Louisiana and will en-deavor to answer questions and perhapsoffer suggestions as to the correct proce-dure to follow in litigation that might beof interest to the membership.

The Monroe Scottish Rite Bodies willhave their November Meeting on Thurs-day, November 1, 2007. What a wonder-ful way to start a month!! The programfor that meeting may cause some of youto wonder what you might have done thatcaused the Valley of Monroe to have per-sons of the legal profession present pro-grams in two successive months. Don'tworry! If you have heard Ill: BrotherJudge Jay McCallum, 33° speak before,you will remember that he is an interest-ing, entertaining and informative speakerwho slips a pearl of wisdom by you, ifyou are not paying close enough atten-

Legal Issue Questions?

Monroe Lodge of PerfectionVenerable Master Clifford D. Whitehead,33°Senior Warden Challie B. Griggs, 32°KCCHJunior Warden Joseph H. Baker, Jr., 32°KCCH

Monroe Chapter of Rose CroixWise Master D. Karl Fulton, 32°KCCHSenior Warden William P. Griggs, 32°KCCH

Junior Warden Michael A. Watts, 32°

Monroe Council of KadoshCommander Leroy G. Stenzel, 32°KCCH1st Lt. Commander Ralph H. Owens, 32°KCCH2nd Lt. Commander Earl Killingsworth,

32°KCCH

Monroe ConsistoryMaster of Kadosh Earl D.Hailey, 32°KCCHPrior C. Alton Drummond, 33°Preceptor H. Levern Defee, 32°Treasurer all Bodies Carl T. Fatheree, 33°Secretary all Bodies Robert C. Joyner, 33°

tion to him! I promise you will enjoy thespeaker as well as the usual fellowshipand camaraderie that we all look forwardto at our monthly Scottish Rite meeting.

The Monroe Scottish Rite Bodies willhave our Fall Reunion a bit later this year.The Reunion will be held on October 27,2007 at the Monroe Temple located at 205University Avenue. The degree Captainsand the casts for the degrees to be pre-sented are hard at work learning theirparts and hope to get at least one goodpractice session before demonstratingtheir acting ability before what we hopewill be a large class.

This certainly behooves each of us todo our level best to secure petitions fromour Blue Lodge Brethren. The MonroeBodies will reward those Brethren whosecure a sufficient number of petitionsduring the year by remitting their annualdues. This in itself, is a pleasant thoughtto contemplate. Oh, by the way, would youlike to get six (6) petitions during a yearand get your dues remitted? This is a goalworth striving for and, at the same time,you would be allowing other Brethren tojoin in the fellowship, interesting pro-grams, a light repast at each monthlymeeting as well as enjoying the companyof your spouse or girl friend (but not both)at our meetings.

Fall Reunion

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Scottish Rite KEEP MOVING FORWARDcontinued from page 5New Orleans Valley News :

Shreveport Valley Knights Carey Allison, Jim Smith, Cliff Brown and RobertClark

continued from page 6Shreveport Valley News :

Knightly Knews

continued page 13

The Shreveport Chapter of the Knights of St. Andrew havesuccessfully completed 2 full years as a Chapter. Chartered inSeptember and officers installed on October 17, 2005. John F.Ayer, 32° served diligently during his two year tenure as theChapter's Knight Commander. During his tenure, the Chapterparticipated in all of the Valley's activities. The noticeable St.Andrew Tartan Sash and Glenn Gary Caps, Hat Badges, Chap-ter Pins and Kilts make them highly visible to all the membersand guests. During the October Valley meeting, the Chapterwill award the Title of Knight Chevalier to two members. TheChapter is proud to announce that Sir Knight E. Allen Kelly,32° KSt.A, currently the Knight Warden will serve as the KnightCommander for the next two years. Installation will be held atthe Chapter meeting on October 26th. The Chapter proudlyannounces that Sir Knights Larry Laborde and Keith Tindellhave been awarded the title of Knight Emeritus. Both Knightsare Charter members of the Chapter and have served faithfullysince their induction. Knights LaBorde and Tindell are KCCHelects.

If you are interested in being a member of the KStA and arededicated to service and eager to participate, talk to any Knight.They will get you an application.

the House of the Temple for archiving and safekeeping. TheValley is extremely grateful to Ill. Bro. Ronnie Seale, 33º SGCand Ill. Bro. Bill Mollere, 33º SIG for returning a copy of thehistorical Charter back to the Valley for display in our Hall.

Knightly NewsOur newest squires are preparing to become Knights in

2008. We will also elect new officers in December of 2008 tolead the troops. Congratulations to those who have been calledto service in 2008-the Valley appreciates your dedication. Eso-teric and Philosophical Lecture CommitteeThe Knights of St.Andrew continue with their plans to jointly host a traditionalRobert Burns Supper at the Valley on Bro. Robert Burns's birth-day: Friday, January 25, 2008. For those who don't know it,the AASR, SJ currently holds one of North America's largestcollections of Robert Burns literature at the House of the Templein Washington, D.C. Hence, if anyone would like to donate a"haggis" for the Robert Burns supper then please let us know(you might want to read Robert Burns's poem To a Haggis be-fore doing so-it 's for your own protection). Seewww.robertburns.org/. If you are interested in this fun event,then dust-off your kilt and ask us for more information. Canyou give a good toast? This function will be an advance-ticket-only event requiring suitable formal wear. We expect a fun timeto be had by all. Wives, family, and friends are invited to at-tend. More information will be provided as the plans are final-ized and the anniversary date approaches in 2008.

From Your CorrespondentIllumination: An Essential Ingredient of FreemasonryEvery Mason enters our Order by asking a very simple ques-

tion. Do you remember what that question is? We all stood in adoorway leading from the profane to the Masonic world, fromDarkness to Light, before we were allowed to become Masons.If you don't remember this question or its answer, then youneed to seriously reflect upon your reason for entering and re-maining in the fraternity. Why is this question and answer soimportant? This very question and its answer are what sepa-rate Freemasonry from other "ordinary" social clubs that existsolely for entertainment and social networking. Those who don'tremember Masonry's vital first question or those who haven'tattempted to find an answer to that question would simply bebetter served by other organizations.

Freemasonry isn't a club or even a simple fraternity. Rather,it is an Order, and, one with an important mission. Our Order,the fundamental question referenced above, and the many an-swers found to it by our Masonic predecessors, motivated themto do great things. The answers that they found caused them toprogress mankind's condition, advance science, create govern-ment, expand liberty, and challenge despotism, to name but afew of their accomplishments. As we progress through Ma-sonic degrees, including the Scottish Rite degrees, we continueto ask this same question again and again. We are given expla-nations, but they are often veiled in allegory and symbolism.Consequently, all Masons are charged with studying the lib-eral arts and sciences to explore these mysteries in order to

Yours in Service,John F. Ayer, KSt.A

Knight Commander

Editorial Staff ChangeIll. John L. Atkinson, 33° G.C., General Secretary for the

Shreveport Valley, President of the Louisiana Scottish RiteFoundation and many other committee appointments has namedBro John F. Ayer, 32° KStA Knight Commander to replace himas the Shreveport Valley representative for the Editorial Staffto the Louisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard. Bro John˝ is al-ready on the job and is responsible for the Shreveport submis-sion in this issue. I think he has done an admirable job. Con-gratulations and welcome aboard John˝.

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CENTER NEWS

Admiral E. A. Barham, 33°Scottish Rite Center - Monroe

Southeast Regional Scottish Rite ChildhoodLearning Center

Aimee AdamsClinical Supervisor-Center Coordinator

SeLU

Holly Damico, DirectorSpeech Language and Hearing Center

Southwestern RegionalChildhood Learning Center

We served 6 clients throughout the summer semester and dis-charged 3 for program completion. The Southeastern clinic is ex-cited about the new fall semester, and we plan to serve 6 clientswith speech, language, voice and cognitive needs. Two new Scot-tish Rite scholarships have been awarded to student clinicians.Those students are Lauren Bacot from Florida and Sarah LeanneMcKinney from Mississippi. Both recipients had glowing recom-mendations and have been involved with extensive communityservice. They are excited about joining the Scottish Rite effort inhelping children in need.

We previously announced that the Center would be moving outof Burke Hawthorne Hall for expansion and renovation work. Weare now officially in our new temporary location across the streetin O K Allen Hall. We have two new graduate students that arejoining us as clinicians.

O K Allen Hall-University of Louisiana, Lafayette

The Rite Care Center at the Monroe Scottish Rite Templewas a busy place this past Spring Semester as well as duringan abbreviated Summer Session. The Center had three (3)graduate Clinicians giving therapy to children in need of helpin communicating. Each Clinician had four (4) clients (patients)during the regular Semester and two (2) during the abbrevi-ated (accelerated) Summer Session. The children showed splen-did progress.

During the Summer Session, the Monroe Bodies demon-strated their caring attitude by allowing the overflow of ULM'sClinic to use the excellent facilities at the Temple, when not inuse. This cooperative arrangement helps to build an even stron-ger bond between the University and the Scottish Rite of Free-masonry.

The University of Louisiana at Monroe's Department ofCommunicative Disorders has hired an additional Clinical Su-pervisor foe the Fall Semester. The new supervisor is Mrs. MegHayden CCC/SLP and, we at the Admiral E. A. Barham Cen-ter, welcome her to our Center as well as to the University'sDepartment of Communicative Disorders.

The annual party for the children and their families, theUniversity personnel involved in the Center as well as the Scot-tish Rite members and their spouses who help out at the Cen-ter will be held on November 14th, 2007. Last years party wasa huge success and helped to "get the word out" that the Scot-tish Rite was doing charitable work in "Helping Children Com-municate".

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Scottish Rite KEEP MOVING FORWARD

continued next column

Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion; and its teach-ings are instruction in religion. For here are inculcated dis-interestedness, affection, toleration, devotedness, patriotism,truth, a generous sympathy with those who suffer and mourn,pity for the fallen, mercy for the erring, relief for those inwant, Faith, Hope, and Charity. Here we meet as brethren,to learn to know and love each other. Here we greet eachother gladly, are lenient to each other's faults, regardful ofeach other's feelings, ready to relieve each other's wants. Thisis the true religion revealed to the ancient patriarchs; whichMasonry has taught for many centuries, and which it willcontinue to teach as long as time endures.

From: Albert Pike's Morals & DogmaThese lines from Our Illustrious Brother Pike's exposition

of the Thirteenth Degree would seem to challenge one of thefirst things we are told about Freemasonry, even before we areinitiated as Entered Apprentices. Over and over it is empha-sized to Freemasons, and to those outside our fraternity, that,"Although we believe in a Supreme Being, we are not a reli-gion." And this is very true. We are not a religion. Let merepeat that. We are not A religion. In fact, we do not even al-low discussions centered on our religions in our Lodges.

However, we do insist that all men who join our GentleCraft profess a sincere belief in a Supreme Being. We erect ourLodges to God. We pray. We quote from the Book of Law. Alltoo often we do these things insincerely, trivially, without rev-erence for the Lodge or its great purpose.

I would submit, in the words of our Brother Joseph FortNewton, "Freemasonry is not a religion, it is Religion." Free-masonry encompasses all religions under its Great Canopy ofHeaven and allows all believers, no matter their faith persua-sion or culture, to come together in respect, tolerance and lovefor one another

Most of all, however, Freemasonry is an opportunity forgood men to come together in corporate contemplation and dedi-cation to the Great Architect of the Universe in a structuredmanner. The form of the Lodge and our ritual may be, if usedproperly, a guide to those first steps of understanding the dwell-

Reflections on the 13th DegreeThe Royal Arch of Solomon

byRicks Martin Bowles, 32° KCCH

Valley of Baton Rouge

ing of God with man. If used consistently it can take us farbeyond those first steps with our Creator. The form of the Lodgecan be a refuge from all that is profane. The lodge gives usSanctuary in that which can be made Sacred.

Let me quickly assert that Freemasonry is not in the busi-ness of evangelizing the world or saving souls. The reality ofFreemasonry is that it exists to make better, those men that ithas already determined are decent, morally upright, faith pro-fessing, honest, and "hail fellows well met" in the opinion ofat least two Master Masons.

We cannot reasonably deny, however, that religious moralvalues play a major role in that stated purpose of "makinggood men better." The way that we make good men better is byturning our thoughts and study inward. Our ritual is condu-cive to this. It sets the proper attitude that can enable us tocontemplate our place in the world created by the SupremeArchitect as well as God's presence within ourselves. It helpsmany of my Brothers, and me, to hear the "Still Small Voice"spoken of by the prophet Elijah in the First Book of the Kings.A good summation of the Thirteenth Degree is from the bookof Galatians, Chapter Six, Verse Seven, "Whatsoever a mansoweth, that also he shall reap." In fact, Brother Pike ends hiscommentary on this Degree with that quotation. That is thelesson of every Religion with which I am familiar.

So, is Freemasonry A Religion? The answer must now, andalways be, a resounding NO!

Is Freemasonry Religion? That is up to each and everyBrother of the Craft. But, I sense that it is the duty of everyFreemason, through considered observance of the Craft's ritual,and the practice of its values, to make it so.

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Scottish Rite KEEP MOVING FORWARDNew Orleans Valley:

Valley of New Orleans-From Your Correspondentcontinued from page 12:

Fiat Lux,Marc Conrad, 32° KStA

propel us out of spiritual darkness. We are also compelled toseek answers to life's mysteries by serving TGAOTU and wor-shipping him in the manner of our own choosing.

The primary mission of Freemasonry isn't any of the fol-lowing. It isn't about being entertained at social events. It isn'tabout preparing, serving, or eating meals. It isn't about read-ing secretarial minute entries. It isn't paying ordinary expensesand bills. It isn't about fundraisers. It isn't about being elected,advanced, or appointed to an officer's station. It isn't abouttitles or honors. It isn't about the color of a hat or an apron. Itisn't about degree work. It isn't about mindlessly memorizingthe ritual (even animals can be taught repetitive tasks and taperecorders can repeat our words). It isn't about creating newbrothers to simply increase our ranks. It isn't about pedigreesor charters. It isn't about rings or lapel pins. It isn't about pa-rades. It isn't about institutional charity or dollars spent perday on charitable contributions. It isn't about history. It isn'tabout famous masons who were members of the Order. It isn'tabout buildings.

Freemasonry is about Illumination! This is the flame uponwhich the fraternity is driven. We exist to explore questionsthat have been asked by men since the dawn of time. We con-gregate together to help each other find answers and travelalong a spiritual path toward self-improvement. We are chargedto seek light wherever it may be found. We are charged withdefending all paths to Light even if we disagree with some ofthose paths. We are charged with keeping the flame of the hu-man spirit alive. The primary purpose of Freemasonry and Scot-tish Rite Freemasonry is to advance knowledge, increase spiri-tual progress, improve the state of mankind, ease suffering,and defend the freedoms that allow us to follow these pursuits.The themes and teachings of the Scottish Rite degrees con-tinually reinforce these principles and urge us all to seek Lightwherever it may be found.

However, many of our brothers, lodges, and Masonic orga-nizations have forgotten about our primary purpose and ourprimal question. We seek and pursue Light. Every time that weattend a Masonic function that does not contain an educationalcomponent that advances spiritual progress, knowledge, char-ity, or strengthens fraternal bonds, we have failed! And, anytime spent at a Masonic function that fails to illuminate dark-ness is time simply wasted. We all approached Freemasonryasking for Light. We should congregate together as Masons inan effort to find it. Every other activity is secondary. Whenthese secondary activities become our primary purpose formeeting together, then darkness wins.

2007 OfficersAlbert Pike Lodge of Perfection:

Venerable Master Henry F. Thibodaux, 32º,KCCHSenior Warden Ion Lazar, 32º, KSAJunior Warden Robert Barrios, 32º, KSA

Pelican Chapter Rose Croix:Wise Master Clayton A. Wolfe, 32º, KSASenior Warden Frank duTreil , 33°Junior Warden George Lupo, 32º

Eagle Council of Kadosh:Commander Warren A. Hintz, Jr., 32º, KCCH1st Lt. Commander Leon Roberts, 32º, KSA2nd Lt. Commander Joe Loyocano, 32º, KSA

New Orleans Consistory:Master of Kadosh Marc H. Conrad, 32º, KSAPrior Guy T. Wilson, 32º, KSAPreceptor: Elmo Pitre, III, 32º

Treasurer to All Bodies:John Z. Zollinger, III, 33°

Knights of St. Andrew:Venerable Master Marc H. ConradSenior Warden Guy T. WilsonJunior Warden Ralph T. RabalaisSecretary/Treasurer Joe Loyocano

Director of WorksWarren A. Hintz, 32° KCCH

Members of the Committee continue to study the new Scot-tish Rite Ritual & Monitor recently published by the SupremeCouncil. A study group is being formed for serious students toexplore the topics raised in the Monitor. Moreover, the Com-mittee is developing a study outline for use by new students. Ifyou would like to join our study group, give a lecture in 2007,or have a suggestion about a lecture topic, then please contactBro. Marc H. Conrad, 32°, KSA when you next visit the Val-ley.

Giving a lecture and studying Morals & Dogma is an ex-cellent way to learn more about the deeper meanings and les-sons of the Scottish Rite degrees. Bro. Conrad would be gladto assist you with your studies or if you have a question aboutthe Scottish Rite. There are a number of resources available inour Valley to assist you. However, you can also enroll in a freeindependent study of the Scottish Rite degrees by applying formembership in the College of the Consistory sponsored by theGuthrie Valley in Oklahoma (http://guthriescottishrite.org/consistory.html). Membership in the Scottish Rite ResearchSociety is also encouraged (http://www.scottishrite.org/what/educ/srrs.html). Please take advantage of these valuable re-sources.

Esoteric and Philosophical Lecture Committee

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Scottish Rite KEEP MOVING FORWARD

Ill. William J. Mollere, 33°Sovereign Grand Inspector General

THE FINALWORD

TOLERANCE & UNDERSTANDINGThe end of August was a most emotional experience for

me. Attending the first-ever Joint Session of the Scottish RiteSupreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (NMJ),those fifteen states of our United States that compose our sisterScottish Rite organization, and of our own Southern Jurisdic-tion (SJ) in Washington, DC was truly a great experience. Manyof your Louisiana Leadership Team - together with severalmembers of our Grand Lodge Family - a total of 28, celebratedin the historic moment in Washington, DC by attending - ajoyous occasion - united in a meeting and practicing Brother-hood. I was most honored, and humbled, to have been electedan Active Member of our Supreme Council and your new Sov-ereign Grand Inspector General. In Louisiana, nothing reallychanges, but our beloved Brother, Ronnie Seale, can now haveme serve on committees and assist in programs in our ScottishRite. An honor, I think.

With so much joy being expressed and Brotherhood shared,I was reminded that in our world of today's great informationalnetworks such as the cell phones, instant messaging andinternet, misunderstandings and intolerance still exists con-cerning Freemasonry throughout our great nation, and in ourown Orient of Louisiana. Our work is not done; we cannotrest while the Truth is not known to all. After all, as Freema-sons, our quest, our Journey, is to seek, find and present theTruth.

A copy of a letter reached me this summer from the Pastorof a Catholic Church in the southern regions of our Orient. Itwas greatly disturbing to me. By way of understanding myown personal background, my Father is a Roman Catholic, stillcelebrating Mass every Monday morning from his retirementhome and daily saying his rosary; his rosary hangs by his nightstand. My Mother was an active Southern Baptist and wasalso active in Eastern Star. After she died, my Father marrieda fine lady who was also a Southern Baptist - he said Baptistgirls made good wives. After her death, he has not gone search-ing again; yet. Growing up, I attended early Mass with myFather, came home and ate breakfast, attended Sunday Schooland Church with my Mother, and by lunch, I am told that Iwas a Holy Terror! Maybe so. When I joined DeMolay, myFather and Mother became active members of the Mothers' Club- my Father not being a Mason could not attend the meetings,so he was there to support me through the auxiliary group.My parents did the same when my younger Brother joined

Annual Family Day Celebration

continued page 15

Mark your calendar NOW and get ready for the Annual Fam-ily Fun Day scheduled for Saturday, October 20, 2007. YOU areinvited and bring your family, yes, all of your family, and yourMasonic friends and their families, and your non-Masonic friendsand their families. Translated that means “Y’all come now, cher.”There is no cost for you or any of the attendees. The place is theHabibi Shrine Center and the starting time is around 10:30 a.m.and the ending time is about 1:30 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. There is al-ways food, soft drinks, music, rides, bingo, free family portraits,and special entertainment. This year one of the very special enter-tainers is Br. Carl Jones from Dallas. Br. Jones is a magician anda clown and his passion is the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. Hetravels all over the United States performing to raise funds (dona-tions only) for the hospital and to date the total is well over$45,000.00. We are delighted that he has made time in his busyschedule to come to Lake Charles for our Family Day. You willlaugh and the kids will squeal in delight. Please don’t miss thisone. Mark your calendar NOW.

continued from page 7Lake Charles Valley News :

2007 Supreme Council of 33

Ill. J. F. “Jeff” Webb, Ill. S. Bruce Easterly-GM, Ill. William J. Mollere-SGIG, Ill. Lloyd E. Hennigan and Ill. Clayton J. “Chip” Borne III-PGM in

Washington DC after receiving their respective honors.

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Scottish Rite KEEP MOVING FORWARD

Bill Mollere, S.G.I.G.

DeMolay and became very active, eventually serving as StateMaster Councilor of Louisiana DeMolay. When I turned twenty-one, my Father's birthday gift to me was my fees to join Ma-sonry. He did the same when my Brother turned twenty-one.At that point, twenty-one was the earliest age to join. My Fa-ther was and is a very enlightened man. He said that he be-lieved in all that Masonry stood for, appreciated Masonry's sup-port of DeMolay, and met many fine men who were connectedwith Masonry through my Brother's and my membership andparticipation; however he never felt inclined to join Masonry.I am certain that my Father is one of those who is a Mason inhis heart. So the copy of the letter disturbed me even more,knowing my background of religious tolerance and understand-ing.

Scottish Rite has several "missions" and one is to fight in-tolerance, misunderstanding and bigotry - in any form. Somesee this as supporting religious tolerance, some see it as work-ing toward racial understanding and tolerance, some see it asworking to understand all differences in all people. However,the beauty of living in this free society is also the freedom toaccept or ignore "missions" in our religious, fraternal and per-sonal dealings and just attempt to live a good life, remember-ing and practicing our Obligations, accepting certain codes ofbehavior (some say "live and let live") and obeying the laws ofthe land. But above all, practicing the duties and principalsenjoined upon us as we knelt at that Altar with our hands onthat Volume of Sacred Law.

One of Scottish Rite's missions is to recognize outstandingyoung people through our Americanism Award. Our five Scot-tish Rite Valleys in Louisiana work to find and recognize highschool seniors each year and present them with a medal and aframed certificate - no strings attached - no regard to race,creed, or affiliation with Masonry. Several hundred Louisianahigh school young people receive the Americanism Award eachyear from Louisiana Scottish Rite. So the letter hurt even more.

The letter, on church stationery, stated that two young menin the Catholic School had been presented with the award, andthe Pastor did not know how their names were given to theMasons, but if someone in the school had given the names out,"they did not know what they were doing". The Pastor contin-ued by saying that "Catholics are not able to belong to Masons,because your teachings are contrary to the truth and to theCatholic Church". The Pastor stated that he had "talked to thetwo students and they freely refused the awards, so we are re-turning them to you". The Pastor then added, "the Knights ofColumbus gave them an award instead." He ended by saying,"please never send anything to our school again." He signedthe letter "Sincerely in Christ,". I read the letter four timesand kept coming back to the words - Tolerance and Under-standing.

How sad in this day and time that anyone can be that intol-erant and uneducated about Masonry - and yet veiled in churchtrappings and ending by evoking the name of The One whopreached Toleration, Understanding and Love. This priest didnot know, or care to know, that Roman Catholics constituteabout 20% of the membership of Masonry in Louisiana today.If he knew that the first Grand Master of Masons in Louisiana,

Pierre F. duBourg, was Catholic, and his brother was the Ro-man Catholic Archbishop of New Orleans and celebrated Massin St. Louis Cathedral after the Grand Master's installation,what would he say? Roman Catholics have been the backboneof Freemasonry in this state for many early years. As havebeen our Jewish Brethren, as have been our Protestant Breth-ren - all joined together as Freemasons practicing and livingthe tenets of Freemasonry. How sad that this had to happen totwo young students who were being recognized as outstandingAmericans - today, in our America.

How do we as Scottish Rite Freemasons combat such intol-erance and misunderstanding in America today - how do weteach what we are about as Freemasons - how do we bring theuneducated to Light - how do we let all with whom we comeinto contact know the good deeds that we all perform daily andin our five Childhood Learning Centers each day in Louisianawe help little children - how do we get past this uninformed,and yes, ignorant man, dressed and clothed as a teacher and apreacher of My Great Teacher?

There is only one way - we must redouble our efforts - eachday, every day - we must live our Obligations; we must prac-tice our Brotherhood; we must show our Fraternity to all andbe who and what we claim to be. At every opportunity, wemust tell what we believe and show it by living it. Given anychance, we must attempt to educate the uneducated about thegoodness of Freemasonry. Unlike the priest's words - Freema-sons, especially Scottish Rite Freemasons, can be and are prac-ticing Roman Catholics, our teachings are not contrary to Truth,nor are the teachings contrary to the Roman Catholic Church -let us pray that this priest will be enlightened and that his in-tolerance will truly disappear. We cannot single out one branchof Christianity either - other denominations have tried to presentmisinformation to their congregations about Freemasonry - mostrecently, the Southern Baptist. But Lutherans, Methodists,Mormons, Pentecostals, many of the "fundamentalists" groupspresent misinformation about Freemasonry every day. In myown home town, Jimmy Swaggart has preached against Free-masonry, Larry Stockstill has preached against Freemasonry -both mega-church leaders who are good Bible-oriented preach-ers who are truly ignorant and misinformed about Freemasonry.

Scottish Rite Freemasonry will continue to recognize out-standing young Americans in this Orient of Louisiana with theAmericanism Award - that is our duty and one of our missions.We will continue to welcome Roman Catholic, Baptist, andother Christian men into Freemasonry, and all men of what-ever religious creed they follow who truly believe in A SupremeBeing and who seek Truth and who want that Brotherhood thatwe try to practice. We will continue to perform Degrees thatattempt to teach and remind every Scottish Rite Freemason toseek Truth, practice Brotherhood and be Tolerant toward all.Let us not fail. We must redouble our efforts to stamp outintolerance and misinformation - that is our Mission - Seekand teach Truth.

Thank you for continuing to be a Tolerant, Informed andUnderstanding Scottish Rite Freemason.

The Final Word-Tolerance & Understandingcontinued from page 14:

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Louisiana Scottish Rite FoundationLouisiana Scottish Rite Trestleboard

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October-November 2007 Issue07-05

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Baton Rouge Scottish Rite ChildhoodLearning CenterP.O. Box 15766Baton Rouge, LA 70895-5766Telephone: (225) 275-0668Admiral E. A. Barham, 33° ScottishRite Childhood Learning Center205 University AvenueMonroe, LA 71203-3701Telephone: (318) 343-6388Southeastern Louisiana RegionalScottish Rite Childhood LearningCenterSoutheastern Louisiana UniversityScottish Rite Temple619 Carondelet StreetNew Orleans, LA 70130Telephone: (504) 522-3789Shreveport Scottish Rite ChildhoodLearning CenterScottish Rite Temple725 Cotton StreetShreveport, LA 71101Telephone: (318) 221-9713

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Lake Charles Scottish Rite ChildhoodLearning CenterUniversity of Louisiana-LafayetteLake Charles Masonic Temple717 Hodges StreetLake Charles, LA 70601Telephone: (337) 436-1676

I Don’t Know

Did You Know?

Oscar Wilde

The Ed

In America the young are always readyto give to those who are older than them-selves the full benefits of their inexperience.

My thoughts exactly as there is trulynothing further to be said.

What happens when a vacancy exists inan Orient?

Article IV, Sec. 2.Whenever a vacancy exists in an Ori-

ent, the Supreme Council may, at any regu-lar session thereafter held, elect from theInspectors General Honorary resident andaffiliated within that Orient, one personto the office of Sovereign Grand Inspec-tor General in the Orient, who becomesex officio an Active Member of the Su-preme Council. A Sovereign Grand Inspec-tor General shall become automaticallyretired at the close of the calendar yearof his 80th birthday.

(2) Such elections shall be after nomi-nation in executive session as a specialorder of business at each regular session,and the vote shall be taken viva voce onroll call, beginning with the youngestMember and must be unanimous, allpresent voting.