September 2010

The Newsletter of the Orient of Virginia Scottish Rite

Volume IV, Issue 3 September 2010

Table of Contents

Page 2 - SGIG Message Page 3 - Conf. Schedule Page 4 - AASR Leader Page 6 - Valley News Page 7 - Fourth Degree Page 8 - AASR Website Page 9 - VA DeMolay 0 - Story of the Elu Page 12 - 23rd Degree Page 14 - Valley Info

Copyright © 2010, The Orient of Virginia under

the auspices of The Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient and Accepted

Scottish Rite, SJ, USA. No part of this publication may

be reproduced without permission of its Editor at

[email protected]

Scottish Rite Foundation Donates $33,000 to Radford University

RADFORD -- While Allison McGowan of Christiansburg

waited patiently to receive her poodle balloon, her mother Pam stood nearby taking in all the excitement on the lawn of Radford University’s Waldron College of Health and Human Services. Mrs. McGowan knows that what is taking place has had a significant impact on her daughter and their entire family.

Allison was among 18 children participating in the “Friendly Faces, Far Away Places” Autism Camp, part of the annual Radford University Summer RiteC-are® Clinic, sponsored by the Scottish Rite Foundation. During a special ceremony that followed in the universi-ty’s Covington Center for Visual and Performing Arts, Scottish Rite Masons’ Sover-eign Grand Inspector General in Virginia James Cole presented Rad-ford University President Penelope W. Kyle with $33,000 to help sus-tain a program that has improved the lives of thousands.

This is the 16th year the Scottish Rite Freemasonry and the university have partnered to host the RU Summer RiteCare Clinic® and the 20th year that the two entities have worked together with the university to enhance children’s language and literacy skills. To date, the Scottish Rite Foundation has donated more than $700,000 to RU’s clinic. The Scottish Rite is a philanthropic organization with a key ob-jective of being an active financial supporter for autistic children, their families and faculty and students who work with them. Because of the foundation’s generosity, the clinic and camp are provided at no charge.

“You are walking hand-in-hand with us, helping to educate, and helping to ‘give back,’” Kyle told the Scottish Rite and families gathered for the event. “It is great to see all that is taking place and to know you are delivering educational opportunities for these children and for our students. You are our partners.”

(Continued on Page 5)

The Virginia Light©

Published quarterly for the Brethren of Virginia

Ill. Ronald A. Seale, 33°

Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme

Council, 33°, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, SJ,

USA

Ill. James D. Cole, 33° Grand Treasurer General

and Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Virginia of the Supreme Council, 33°,

Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, SJ, USA

Ill. William L. Holliday, IGH Personal Representative to

the SGIG in Virginia

Ill. David A. Burkus, IGH Newsletter Editor

Editorial Staff

Ill. David C. Morris, IGH Ill. William A. Wells, IGH Ill. Orville L. Lindsey, IGH Bro. J. Richard Rawls, 32

Ill. Paul W. Pennybacker, IGH Ill. W. H. ‘Andy’ Anderson, IGH Ill. Robert W. Carpenter, IGH Bro. Paul D. Sleeper, KCCH

WEBSITE:

www.yibm.com/TheVirginiaLight/

So, a Perfect Master? Really?

Each Scottish Rite Mason reading this newsletter article might begin by pausing to reflect on his memory of the fifth degree, that of Perfect Master. Since this is not a “mandatory” degree, some of us may not have witnessed firsthand the beautiful lessons held in this insightful look into the human experience.

The degree teaches Masonic honor and that honesty and trustworthiness combine as the cornerstone of the foundation of a life of Masonic honor. In these lessons we are admonished that this virtue should be in all of our undertakings with mankind. The apron of the fifth degree is white and green, with a cubic stone and a Hebrew YOD. The jewel is represented by a compass open on a segment of a circle, to an angle of sixty degrees. The specific teachings of the degree are honesty, sincerity, and good faith.

Like many Masonic degrees, this one offers special lessons that can and should be applied to our daily lives. In reflecting on this degree, perhaps we should pause and consider how our world would change if we all enhanced our lives by applying more honesty, sincerity and good faith.

Would we need as many law enforcement officers? Would there be as many lawsuits? Would we need as many courthouses? Certainly, I am not suggesting that we would want a world with fewer police officers, attorneys or judges. I would not want to put anyone out of work.

But, my point is far simpler. If the creations of the Creator could learn to get along better, would it not be better for the entire world? Certainly within our Fraternity we would function more effectively. In our dealings with friends and family, things would be far different. How much time would be saved each day in simply avoiding misunderstandings?

When a Mason tells me something, be it in business or in my social life, I believe him. For me, even before receiving any Masonic lesson, there was TRUTH and anything else was an untruth. I know that is “black and white,” but it is accurate. After all, whoever taught that truth was gray? A Mason, especially a Scottish Rite Mason has promised to always deal with me honestly, in a sincere manner and in good faith. Until their acts are proven un-Masonic, that is how we should all deal with our Brethren. But we have also promised that if we do learn of their error, we are to be sincere and honest with them and help them improve themselves.

Far too often, we witness a Masonic degree and initially say to ourselves, “Yes, that is a nice idea…….” Then, the next day, we walk into the world unchanged. Freemasonry was meant to change, not to continue the same old dreary walk in life.

My sincere and honest hope is that each Scottish Rite Mason strives for an honorable life by acting in good faith to live up to the teachings of the fifth degree, because without such an effort, he is less likely to one day be met above and receive a welcome from the True Perfect Master.

The Virg in ia L ight—Sept 2010


News from the Valley of Alexandria

The Alexandria Valley is in the process of upgrading its library. Over the years a number of books -- outdated textbooks, Reader’s Digest condensed book volumes, and assorted fiction have accumulated, the collection of Masonic literature has languished. We are in the process of reversing this trend and have pruned the books we do not believe are right for our library and are in the pro-cess of upgrading our Masonic holdings and, in this regard, we ask you to send us your recommen-dations as to the Masonic books we should have in our collection.

We also would ask if you have extra copies of Masonic books or are reducing your Masonic Library to send these books to a good home at the Alexandria Valley. Also, as you visit second-hand book stores, search the Internet, or see Masonic books on sale, we hope you would consider purchas-ing and donating Masonic books to the Alexandria Scottish Rite Library. Be sure to put your name on the books you donate so we can recognize your generosity, now and in the future.

For more information send email to [email protected] or books may be sent to the Alexan-dria Scottish Rite, P.O. Box 175, Alexandria, VA 222313, Att: John T. Tillery, Chairman, Library Committee.


Virginia’s Scottish Rite Leaders By Bro. Stormy Thorson, KCCH

Director of Education, Valley of Portsmouth

Virginia's Scottish Rite leader during the 1950s was a 'man for all seasons'. Illustrious and Most Worshipful Robert South Barrett was a world traveler logging over 2,000,000 miles and visiting 'nearly every place on earth'. He was a businessman, a churchman, a newspaperman, a philanthropist, an author, a Mason, and a "go to" guy for every organization he joined.

Brother Barrett was a member of one of the First Families of Virginia, being a direct descendant of John Waller who arrived at Jamestown with Capt. John Smith, but he would make his mark in many other locales before making his home in Alexandria, Virginia, in the house where the bill to form the Dis-trict of Columbia was written.

In what began, with him being a cub reporter in New York, grew as Brother Barrett became a columnist, then the Editor of the Mexico City Daily Record, and ended with him becoming the owner, editor, and publisher of the Alexandria Gazette. He was a member of the National Press Club, in Wash-ington DC and served as President of the Virginia Press Association. In the business world, he was Presi-dent and Director of the Alexandria Improvement Corporation, a real estate and investment business. Fol-lowing WWII, where he served as a Trade Commissioner and Commercial Attaché' for the Department of Commerce, in South America, he was the Vice President of Portalis & Co., International Bankers in Paris and Buenos Aires. He also wrote two guide books about Mexico.

Raised to Master Mason in Puritan Lodge No. 7 in Mexico City, Brother Barrett affiliated with Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 in 1908. He was Worshipful Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 and helped organize the George Washington Chapter, Order of DeMolay in Alexandria. He served as Grand Master of Masons in Virginia in 1942. He was made an Honorary Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Florida and was elected an honorary member of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota. He was the Grand Lodge Representative of the Grand Lodge of England.

Brother Barrett was a good friend and supporter of the Masonic Home of Virginia. Erecting an infirmary in 1940 and then in 1957, paying to have it remodeled and made into a hospital. This building now serves as the York Rite Building. He was the Chairman of the Masonic Home Endowment Commit-tee and raised over $1,000,000 for the fund. He was also involved from the beginning with the George Washington Masonic Memorial and served as Assistant to the President raising $1,000,000. He was the Chairman of the Grand Lodge Committee on the Dedication of the Memorial and served as Secretary of the Memorial Association.

He helped organize the Alexandria Scottish Rite and served as the first Senior Warden of the Al-exandria Lodge of Perfection. He received his 33rd Degree in Virginia Consistory No. 1, Alexandria. In 1951, he was appointed Grand Almoner and was made an Active Member of the Supreme Council and Sovereign Grand Inspector General of Virginia. He helped organize Anezeh Shrine Temple in Mexico and after years of dedication, was appointed as Extraordinary Deputy of the Imperial Potentate of the Shrine of North America. He was a member of the Chapter, Council, and Commandery in the York Rite, serving as Sovereign of the Red Cross of Constantine. He was also the Provincial Grand Master of the Royal Order of Scotland in Argentina.

Outside of Freemasonry, he was the Grand Exalted Ruler of Elks in 1945 and later Grand Treas-urer and Grand Trustee. He donated an auditorium to the Elks Home. He was a member of the Virginia Academy of Science, the American Club in Buenos Aires, and a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society. He was the President and Chairman of the Board of the Florence Crittendon organization and wrote a book about his involvement. He gave a library to the City of Alexandria and donated a dormitory and a theater to a local college. He served as a Vestryman at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Illustrious and Most Worshipful Robert South Barrett died in Bedford, VA on February 24, 1959 and the Richmond Valley's May Reunion Class was named in his honor.


Scottish Rite Foundation Donates $33,000 to Radford University (Continued from Page 1)

Illustrious Cole, who read the book “The Van That Dad Cleaned” from the confines of a card-board bus which one of the children’s family members painted and constructed, is pleased with what is being accomplished through the partnership. “We are impressed with what we have seen here today. I thank you for the talent the faculty and students have shared, and I congratulate the parents of these chil-dren on the role they play every day.”

For the past three years, Communication Sciences and Disorders Associate Professor Diane Mil-lar has directed the camp. She and COSD Instructor Pat Rossi developed a camp-style intensive interven-tion program that includes children with autism spectrum disorders and is based on the latest clinical re-search.

“Following recommended guidelines in the literature, families are key members of our treatment. We created a program that brings together the knowledge and talents of professionals from other disci-plines, fellow speech-language pathologists, undergraduate and graduate students, and generous volun-teers,” says Millar. “We all have diverse backgrounds, but are united in our interest in helping these in-credible children and their families. This year’s program would have been impossible without each of the individuals who participated. It was truly a humbling experience and one for which I am so thankful.”

The clinical program is founded upon family-centered intervention. Parents engage in workshops and learn to participate in therapy sessions with their children so they can facilitate their language devel-opment long after camp ends. The RU Summer RiteCare® Language and Research Clinic is a partnership comprised of the RU Communication Sciences and Disorders Department and music therapy faculty members and students.

Peer models and volunteers also participate in the event. This year’s volunteers included high school students, RU undergraduate and graduate students and students from other universities, and citi-zens interested in learning more about children with autism spectrum disorders. Informational sessions were held for parents and grandparents who wanted to learn more about autism spectrum disorders, lan-guage impairments, and key strategies for improving communication. Speech-language pathologist Lori Havens of Tazewell County Schools served as a mentee for the program. Havens will be sharing infor-mation with her colleagues, offering ideas related to assessment and intervention with children with au-tism spectrum disorders.

The camp-style activities included six stations with activities to demonstrate a sample of therapy activities. Children participated in experiential learning events that assist in speech, reading and social interaction skills and also took part in drumming, dancing, lessons in nature, craft sessions, and more. In addition to the check presentation and Cole’s reading, highlights of the special ceremony included a per-formance by the children featuring dancing, singing and drumming.

Allison says her favorite part of the camp was dancing and “I got a poodle.” She is already look-ing forward to attending next year. “This clinic not only teaches Allison skills but it teaches the entire family skills,” says her mother, adding that those skills especially help interaction between Allison and her brother.

Graduate clinicians receiving 2010 RU Scottish Rite Clinical Scholarships were Ashley Richards, Meghan Duignam, Melissa Gibson, JoBeth Hamilton, Brandi Holland, Ami Dalton, Valerie Tipton, An-gela Obst, Ashley Morgan, Cara Casey, Whitney Wilhelmi and Kalyn Thornburg.

Graduate student Katie Sandy of Chester worked and played alongside Allison as she visited ac-tivity tents. “It’s so rewarding to see this and realize how important it is. We get attached to these chil-dren,” says Sandy.

(Editor’s note: This article and pictures was provided courtesy of Radford University. The article

was written by Bonnie Roberts Erickson and the picture was taken by Lora L. Gordon. The article can be found on their website at http://www.radford.edu/NewsPub/July10/0729scottishrite.html.)

An Idea was born…

In the city of Lynchburg, there is a program called Partners in Education, which consists of a partnership between the Scottish Rite’s Valley of Lynchburg and the Lynchburg School Sys-tem. Through this six year partnership, the fruits of their labor are known as Project Talkk.

Project Talkk is ” Teaching age appropriate languages through kids in kits.” This pro-gram started as an idea of Wyllys Vanderworker, the Special Education Superintendent of the Lynchburg School System and brought to form with the skill and knowledge of Ruth Wymer and Sarah Sutton, the speech therapists. Kits were designed for children between the ages of three and five. The Lynchburg Scottish Rite supplied funds and volunteers to assemble and maintain the kits, which were distributed to various day care locations throughout the city. The thought was that use of these kits would help develop language skills, help with early diagnosis of com-munication problems, and get parents involved in their child’s education.

The program has grown from two speech therapists and a few day care centers to fourteen teachers and their aides working in twelve day care centers, several private homes, and four shel-ters. In the beginning, the focus of the kits was for children between the ages of three and five, but with the growth of pre-school the focus is now on two to four year olds. All of the feedback we have received has been positive, both from teachers and parents. We are looking forward to continued growth and development in both our program and the young people it serves.

At our November stated meeting, we will recognize Ruth and Sarah for their hard work and dedication and acknowledge all of the people that have helped make Project Talkk work.

Valley of Danville Honors Illustrious Brother Denny

On July 12, 2010, Illustrious James Robert Denny, Jr., IGH, Treasurer Emeritus of the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite Bodies, observed his 64th year as a Master Mason. He stated, “On July 12, 1946, my Dad raised me to a Master Mason in Ramah Lodge.” Also like his father, Brother Denny was selected to become a 33rd degree Mason.

During his tenure as a Scottish Rite Mason, he served as Master of all four Bodies and was the Valley’s Treasurer for 30 years. Illustrious Denny has also served the Scottish Rite Con-ference as one of its presidents. In February of this year, Most Worshipful William E. Rorer, Jr., Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, presented Brother Denny with the Grand Master’s Award of Merit.

Brother Denny serves as member of the board of directors and treasurer of the Roman Ea-gle Nursing Home. Brother Denny has also served 27 years as a member of the Danville School Board with the last five of those years as Board Chairman. He also had the honor of having past Virginia Governor, the Honorable Gerald L. Baliles, set aside June 18, 1988 as “Bob Denny Day in the State of Virginia for his contribution to education in Virginia.” He still volunteers at the Danville Regional Memorial Hospital.



An Essay on the Fourth Degree - “Secret Master” By Bro. Michael Johnstone, 32°

The central theme of the Fourth Degree teaches us that Duty, Fidelity, and Obedience are

important virtues which require daily practice. We also learn about the importance of mourning for the death of the Master and the ongoing search for the Lost Word. We, as Scottish Rite Masons, are introduced to the Kabbalahic philosophy and its similarity to our order. We learn that as Mas-ter Masons our journey has not ended with being raised, but yet it is a beginning to self-discovery.

The ceremony of this degree is of mourning for the death of the Master Hiram. The work of the craft is thus suspended. We learn that duty is the performance of work and our labors may not be rewarded. The performance of duty because they are duties is a necessary element for our quest for perfection. With due observance, to the tenants of Freemasonry, we may finally obtain thy promises and find the entrance into the city of our God. I have the good fortune of being the Senior Warden in this degree at my Valley. In some way I feel the role chose me rather than me choosing it. In my professional life, I am a mental health social worker and work for a public ser-vice agency. Our agency offers services to individuals who are seriously mentally ill, abuse sub-stances, and/or have intellectual disabilities. Our consumers are challenging and not always willing to be treated. For this reason the lines I recite are not simply for the candidate, but serve to remind me that I have a duty to perform and it may not be rewarded.

This degree also teaches us to seek truth from falsehood or error. We learn that by regular study of reason, logic, and the Book of Sacred Law we will help discern truth. In the book A Bridge to Light (page 20) we are informed that “Learning is the ultimate accomplishment of hu-man purpose and far outlast the physical monuments erected by the hand of man. Thus the teach-ings of Masonry are not to be acquired lightly or to be taken so after they are learned.”

Our assignment is to outline a contemporary application of the teaching of this degree. I believe the following applies quite well. On March 16, 2010, my Lodge passed two candidates to the degree of Fellowcraft. Just prior to opening Lodge, my ex-wife requested I pick-up our daugh-ter at the hospital where she had been visiting her grandfather. Michelle’s grandfather was admit-ted the week prior and it was thought he would be discharged the prior weekend, but those plans changed. Upon my arrival at the hospital, my ex-wife requested that I go upstairs to say hello to her father. I felt uneasy about this, but did as requested. We walked into ICU and she reported his condition before we entered his room. It had been awhile since we have been together. I walked towards the bed; he looked up and extended his hand. I took his hand and he said, “Now there is a real gentleman.” I encouraged him to get some rest and left the room. We returned to the family waiting area and then headed back downstairs and exited the hospital. This event impacted me dur-ing our degree work, which I admit distracted me. I thought about the signs, summons, and cable tow. I thought about how we as Masons meet on the level. But more especially I thought of the Level and it’s more noble and glorious purposes…”and teaches us all that we are travelling on the broad level of time to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.”

I honored my ex-wife’s request to speak with her father, when I could have said no. I let any past events go and focused on the present situation. Her father passed the next day. His suffer-ing is over and the healing process for those left will begin.

On March 19, 2010, the Valley of Norfolk held our Spring Reunion and I took my place as Senior Warden in the fourth degree. I was impacted again by the teachings of this degree and a renewed opportunity to reflect on the duties it imparts.

May we ever remember the important virtues we have been taught which are Duty, Fideli-ty, and Obedience. Our earthy labors will be rewarded in our personal satisfaction.

Orient of Virginia’s 2011 Scottish Rite Workshop March 26, 2011

Being held at the Valley of Richmond’s

Scottish Rite Masonic Center Starts at 9:00 A.M.


Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite Website

By Bro. Jonathan Mark Mills, KCCH Valley of Roanoke

The 21st Century is upon us and there is a lot of information available to us as Scottish Rite Ma-sons on the internet. The first stop you should make on the internet as far as the Scottish Rite goes is the Supreme Council’s official website which can be found at http://www.scottishrite.org.

The Supreme Council’s website has a little something for everyone, be it the Mason that is inter-ested in joining or the 33° Inspector General Honorary who wants to be up to date with the latest infor-mation from our Supreme Council. The Supreme Council has its own forums (http://forum.scottishrite.org/login.cfm) of which I am one of the moderators. You can find information on the Master Craftsman Program, Masons in the Military and much more by setting up an account and checking it daily.

Interested in purchasing Scottish Rite and Masonic items? The Supreme Council has an on-line store located on the main page of the website. You can order the Master Craftsman Program, books, CD’s, shirts, hats and more from the site.

Are you interested in knowing how the Supreme Council operates? How the Knight Command-ers and 33° IGH members are chosen? How about what constitutes a quorum at the Supreme Council? All of these questions can be answered by checking out the Supreme Council Statutes located on the main page of the Supreme Council website. Click on the “Publications” tab and you will have access to the Supreme Council Statutes, Secretary’s Manual and several other items dealing with Masonic Educa-tion.

You can learn about scholarships, the intern program, RiteCare, and more by just perusing the pages on the site. Take a few minutes out of your day and check out the information our Supreme Coun-cil has for us. We are tasked as a young Entered Apprentice “to learn”…let’s make it happen in all as-pects of our Masonic and Scottish Rite experience.

Tidewater Scottish Rite Foundations’ Friends Dinner The Tidewater Scottish Rite Foundation’s Friends Dinners & Auction will be held on Saturday October 2, 2010 at 5:30pm at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Newport News. Tickets are $30.00 per person and are currently on sale. Please contact any of the three Valley’s offices for tickets: Newport News, Norfolk, or Portsmouth. As I hope you already know, this event supports the Childhood Language Center and the House of the Temple Preservation Fund. Please be generous in supporting this event.


Virginia DeMolays in Major Ritual Tournament Submitted by the Valley of Roanoke

Proud supporters of two DeMolay Chapters

Many Masons are familiar with the Order of DeMolay, the Masonically sponsored organization for young men 12 through 20. Many are familiar with DeMolay ritual and its uses to initiate candidates and for public perfor-mances of some of its ceremonies. Fewer are aware of a third aspect of DeMolay ritual: that it is performed competi-tively, often by very young men before large crowds of strangers and under highly-stressful conditions Nation's Capital DeMolay hosted the 27th Annual Mid-Atlantic Tournament of Champions (MATOC) at the Almas Shrine Temple over the weekend of September 10-12, 2010. The MATOC is an annual ritual tournament sponsored by DeMolay International's Region II, which consists of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C, Virginia, and Ontario. During the tournament, DeMolays compete against each other in individual and team ritual competitions that are organized into "classes" (CHAMPION for state champions and OPEN for all other competitors) and age-based "divisions." Every word is judged and in most competitions every ges-ture, movement, inflection, and action will also be judged. 46 Virginia DeMolays and advisors from Cmdr. W. L. Herndon, Edwin A. Mroz, Hanging Rock, Prince William, Westhampton, and Woodlawn chapters attended the tournament as competitors, judges, and/or chaperones. From those chapters, Virginia DeMolay put forth 12 of the 62 competing teams that attended this year's tournament. Of those 12 teams, 3 won first place in their tournament category, class, and division. We are extremely proud of all of our competing teams, especially the following who placed in the tournament: Cmdr. W. L. Herndon 3rd Place - Chapter Proficiency (Champion Class) 3rd Place - Magnificent 7 - Division 2 (Champion Class) (Will Hamm) Edwin Albert Mroz 2nd Place - 9 O'clock Interpolation Champion Hanging Rock 1st Place - Preceptor Trio - Division 2 (Champion Class) (Aaron Parizo) 4th Place - Ceremony of Light - Division 2 (Open Class) (Andrew Parizo) Westhampton 1st Place - Ceremony of Light - Division 2 (Champion Class) (Jacob Levin) 1st Place - DeMolay Degree Champion 2nd Place - Chaplain - Division 3 (Open Class) (Kevin Creager) Woodlawn 1st Place - Preceptor Trio - Division 2 (Open Class) (Anthony Rappaport) [tie] 1st Place - Preceptor Trio - Division 2 (Open Class) (Jeremy Schimmel) [tie] 2nd Place - Chaplain - Division 2 (Open Class) (Evan Haskel) 2nd Place - Orator - Division 2 (Open Class) (Brandon Schimmel) Virginia DeMolay thanks all of this year's MATOC attendees for their hard work and outstanding DeMo-lay spirit. Virginia DeMolay was represented by some very fine ritualists. We especially thank Dads Lenny Demoran-ville, Mike Morehouse, John Stallings, and Scott Solomon; and Mom Kristin Demoranville for volunteering their time to judge some contests. The tournament would not be possible without the time and expertise these individuals pro-vide. Additional information about the tournament, as well as information about next year's tournament is avail-able on the MATOC web site: http://www.demolay-matoc.org Next year's MATOC is scheduled for the weekend of September 9-11, 2011 in Fairfax, Virginia. I hope to see you all there! Fraternally, Dad Tom Sellers VA DeMolay Competitions Advisor Member Herndon Lodge No. 264


Story of the Elu By Ill. Benjamin F. Hill, IGH

The story of the Elu, or Elected, is the story of the Fellowcrafts after the discovery of the

murder of Grand Master Hiram Abif in the Second Section of the Third Degree. It is the story of the Elu of the Nine (Elect of Nine; Elected Knights of Nine; Master Elected of Nine), the Elu of the Fifteen (Illustrious Elected of Fifteen), and the Elu of Twelve (Prince Ameth). It is how Al-bert Pike took the Second Section of the Sublime Master Mason Degree and weaved the Hiram-ic Legend for the Scottish Rite Lodge of Perfection complete with points of departure for reflec-tion.

Hiram Abif, an allegorical figure in Masonic ritual, is referred to King of Tyre, the "Widow's Son", and figuratively the master of the construction of King Solomon's Temple. The Hiramic Legend was not used when modern Freemasonry started in 1717, but by 1730 it was the central part of Master Mason ritual. Today it remains the heart of the ritual and is used to teach Masonic lessons.

The drama of Hiram Abif is ritualistic and is interested in the clash of forces, the crises and fates of the human spirit. But the ritualistic drama was not explained at the end of the degree because it is impossible for one man to explain the tragedy of Hiram Abif to another - each man must learn the explanation of the Masonic lessons presented for himself.

Scottish Rite degrees differ markedly from those of the Symbolic Lodge with respect to the allegory of the Second Section the Master's Degree--the assassins are not apprehended in the Master' Degree but in the 9th and 10th Degrees. The drama in the Second Section of the Mas-ter's Degree focused on the death of Grand Master Abif and the "lost word." But what of the Fel-lowcrafts? What happened to the Elu elected to oversee the rest of the workmen in the construc-tion of King Solomon's Temple?

The story of the Elu is at the heart of Scottish Rite Freemasonry, because Masonry is not merely speculative, nor is it merely theoretical, rather it is experimental. Today's global environ-ment has more pronounced the experimental nature of Freemasonry; not sentimental, but practi-cal. Today's World requires Masonic self-renunciation and self-control. The Master Mason must wear a stern face toward men’s vices, requires a personal reformation of character, and strength-en personal control over with many of pursuits and fancied pleasures.

The Elu of Nine were chosen by King Solomon to seek out the assassins of Grand Mas-ter Hiram Abif. They faced a moral war within themselves, to restrain their frail human nature or espousing pursuit of the assassins. In the Ninth Degree the Elu lean that fear and ignorance are the two major enemies which enslave men. It is important that Master Masons do not become slaves of certain ideas; remember that they have the power to fight against ignorance and intol-erance for the sake of civilization and their own intellectual freedom. A Mason's duty is to mor-ally raise his own conscience, to enlighten his soul and mind so that he may actively participate in instructing and enlightening others. The Elu of Nine are consecrated to bravely, devotedness, and patriotism. A simple mandate: "Protect the oppressed against the oppressor; and devote yourself to the honor and interests of your Country."

The Elu of Fifteen is a continuation of the Ninth Degree. It is devoted to religious and political toleration and the enlightenment of the mind of soul. The rosettes above the South, North, and East gates (arch) of the Temple represent the ruffians who murdered Grand Master Abif and symbolize Ignorance, Tyranny, and Fanaticism. This degree teaches us to be tolerant

(Continued on Page 9)


Story of the Elu (Continued from Page 8)

and respect the opinions of others. Freedoms of political and spiritual ideologies should be shared by all. Masons should always be opposed to ignorance, fanaticism, and tyranny. While it is Mason's duty to continuously fight against these oppressive forces, the Master Mason must themselves be educated, tolerant, and open to freedom of thought. The war against fanaticism and terrorism can be won with education and enlightenment.

The Elu of Twelve dramatizes the capture, trails, and fates of the three assassins of Grand Master Abif and illustrates the reward conferred by King Solomon on twelve of the fif-teen Masters who brought assassins to justice. Those twelve, chosen by random ballot, are con-stituted Governors over the twelve tribes of Israel, and advanced to the rank Princes Ameth, meaning a "true man--just, fair, sincere, faithful, fearing God." This degree emphasizes that life is a school for moral and spiritual training; that the entire lesson is a course in virtue, happiness, and a future existence. The Master Mason is to view himself and the entire human race as one great family. He is to champion the people. His work is never done, and his examples in life must be such that no man will have cause to repent because he has relied on his resolve, his pro-fession, or his word.

As the Elects attain a degree of Masonic virtues, they attained a sense of humanity. Mas-ter Masons have the duty to be forward-thinking men of strong moral and ethical quality, to weigh their actions between their own convictions, cultivation to their own character, and ser-vice to others. The Elu lessons should be directional milestones for the Master Mason's lifetime journey on the highway of life: purity of Honor, Integrity and Duty.

"To make honor and duty the steady beacon-lights that shall guide your life-vessel over the stormy seas of time; to do that which it is right to do, not because it will ensure you success, or bring with it a reward, or gain the applause of men, or be “the best policy,” more prudent or more advisable; but because it is right, and therefore ought to be done; to war incessantly against error, intolerance, ignorance, and vice, and yet to pity those who err, to be tolerant even of intolerance, to teach the ignorant, and to labor to re-claim the vicious—these are some of the duties of a Mason." (Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, Page 219) To Freemasons "peace and harmony" are important mantas for Masonic meetings. In

generalities, they are laudable goals. But our Ancient Brethren were great thinkers, they chal-lenged establishments, whether political, theological or philosophical. They were the Elu of their time. A Master Mason can be a man of action, the Elu of the 21st Century. Today's global environment whether political, theological or philosophical, a Master Mason cannot afford to lay down his working tools for a Mason's work is never done--men of action are still needed. Whether from the Second Section of the Third Degree or the Story of the Elu, the Hiramic Leg-end teaches truth, industry, honesty, benevolence, justice, toleration, patriotism, and love of country. - - - - - - - - - - De Hoyos, Artura, 33⁰, Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide, The Supreme Council, 33⁰, AASR SJ, Washington DC, 2007 Hutchens, Rex R., 33⁰, A Bridge to Light: A Study in Masonic Ritual & Philosophy, The Supreme Council, 33⁰, AASR SJ, Washington DC, 2006 Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prepared for The Supreme Council, 33⁰, S.J., USA, 1962


Twenty-Third Degree Chief of the Tabernacle By Ill. Jim Tresner, 33°, Grand Cross

Colors associated with the Tabernacle dominate in this Degree. The apron is white, lined with crimson, and bordered with red, blue, and purple ribbons. The color symbolism is slightly different than in the other Degrees. The meanings are taken from the writing of Flavius Josephus. White symbolizes the earth, from which the flax for linen grows. Following the obvious color symbolism, red symbolizes fire and blue symbol-izes the sky. Here, purple symbolizes the sea, since the color purple originally was obtained from a dye extract-ed from the shell of a mollusk. To these symbols, we add the more traditional Scottish Rite meanings. Thus white symbolizes the earth but also the Beneficence of God, who made the earth. Red represents fire and zeal, but also the Glory of the Deity. Blue symbolizes the sky and the infinite heavens, but also the Wisdom of God. Purple represents the sea, but also the Power of God. Thus, in the colors of the apron we find symbolized the physical world in the form of the four elements—earth, air, fire, and water. But we also find symbolized the Attributes of De-ity—Beneficence, Glory, Wisdom, and Power. In the center of the apron is embroidered the golden seven-branched candelabrum. The seven lights hold for us the same symbolism they did for the ancients: the seven planets—Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. It also represents seven manifestations of God (and thus seven Sephiroth): Justice, Mercy, Beauty, Glory, Victory, Dominion, and King-dom. Thus, again, the physical world is symbolized by the planets, and the spiritual world is symbolized by the attributes of Deity. A red leather belt is worn over the apron. The bottom edge of the belt is fringed in gold. From the belt hangs the jewel of the Degree, a censer (burner for incense) in silver. Its shape is that of a hand holding a bowl. The silver of the censer and the gold of the belt's fringe and the candelabrum give us the symbolism of the sun and moon, or male and female, again reinforcing the idea of completeness and totality already symbolized by the presence of the physical and spiritual words in the rest of the regalia. It reminds us of our duty to God and the need to offer up the acceptable sacrifices of good deeds and acts. This Degree begins the exploration of the ancient mysteries. The Candidate here repre-sents a young Levite, presenting himself for initiation into the first mysteries of the Hebrew priesthood. The mysteries represented a series of increasing purifications of the body and spirit, and an increasing awareness of one's own spiritual identity. It was not a single event but a pro-cess, not an act but a journey. The goal was self-discovery. It still is. Reprinted from the March 2001 issue of The Scottish Rite Journal. The picture was painted by Bro. Robert H. White, 32

Valley of Alexandria Valley of Danville

Valley of Lynchburg Valley of Newport News

Valley of Norfolk Valley of Portsmouth

Valley of Richmond Valley of Roanoke


Valley of Alexandria

Stated Meetings on the 2nd Friday @ 7:30PM

Chartered October 1911

Ill. Edmund Cohen, IGH

Personal Representative of SGIG

Ill. David C. Morris, IGH Secretary

Ill. Roy M. Heaster, IGH

Treasurer

Ill. Norman A. Mayo, IGH Almoner

Masters of the Four Bodies

Bro. Michael A. Riley, KCCH

Venerable Master

Bro. Sheldon B. Richman, KCCH Wise Master

Bro. Jay E. Patterson , KCCH

Commander

Bro. Heber, C. Willis III, 32° Master of Kadosh

Building Address:

1430 West Braddock Road Alexandria, VA 22302

Mailing: P.0. Box 175 Alexandria 22313 Office: 703.998.9904

Fax: 703.778.2804

[email protected]

Office Hours Monday through Friday

10AM till 4PM


Valley of Danville

Stated Meetings on the 2nd Tuesday @ 7:30PM

Chartered May 1923

Ill. Ronny L. Lewis, IGH


Ill. Steven A. Moss, IGH Secretary

Bro. Johnnie C. Dodson, KCCH Treasurer

Ill. Jesse M. Hutcherson, Jr., IGH

Ill. J. Robert Denny, Jr, IGH Almoner


Bro. Thomas W. Self, III, 32°

Venerable Master

Bro. Bruce L. Hutcheson, Jr., KCCH Wise Master

Bro. Edgar L. Little, Jr., 32°

Commander

Bro. Ted K. Rice, KCCH Master of Kadosh

Building Address: 134 Tunstall Road

Danville, VA 23601 Office: 434.793.9805

Fax: 434.793.9805

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2418

Danville, VA 24541-0418

E-mail: [email protected]

Valley of Lynchburg

Stated Meetings on the 2nd Friday @ 7:30PM

Chartered

October 1920

Ill. Lonnie L. Godfrey, IGH Personal Representative of

SGIG

Ill. Orville L. Lindsey, IGH Secretary

Bro. Jimmy P. Carter, 32° Treasurer

Bro. Robert R Eckenrode, KCCH

Almoner


Bro. Obediah A Martin, 32° Venerable Master

Bro. Mark L MacKizer, KCCH Wise Master

Bro. William A Robertson Jr, KCCH Commander

Bro. A. Alvin Hatter, KCCH Master of Kadosh

Knights of St. Andrew

Matthew V. Gibson, 32° Commander

Building Address: 214 Lemon Drive Lynchburg, VA

Office: 434.385.4103

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 521

Lynchburg, VA 24505



Valley of Newport News

Stated Meetings on the

4th Wednesday @ 7:30PM


Ill. Clifford A. Parker, IGH


Ill. Adrian “Pete” Eure, IGH Secretary

Ill. Gerald E. Burks, IGH Treasurer

Bro. Harold C. Joyner, KCCH Almoner


Bro. George A. Hollingsworth, III, KCCH

Venerable Master

Ill. Danny O. Belott, IGH Wise Master

Bro. John E. Mattison, Jr., KCCH Commander

Bro. George A. Hollingsworth, III, KCCH

Master of Kadosh

Knights of St. Andrew

Bro. C. Lee Trent, 32° Commander

Building Address: 65 Saunders Road

Newport News, VA 23601 Office: 757.599.6617

Fax: 757.599.0021


Office Hours Monday thru Wednesday and

Friday between 9AM and Noon

Valley of Norfolk

Stated Meetings on the

3rd Thursday @ 7:30PM

Chartered December 1874

Ill. Carlton L. Gill, Jr., IGH


Ill. T. Dudley Myers, IGH Secretary

Ill. Donnie E. Baines, IGH

Treasurer

Ill. Shepherd W. McClenny, IGH Almoner


Ill. Richard E. Carlson, IGH Venerable Master

Bro. Berkley B. Bristow, Jr., KCCH

Wise Master

Bro. Raiford L. Whitfield, 32° Commander

Bro. Frederick R. Dixon, KCCH

Master of Kadosh

Building Address: 7001 Granby Street

Norfolk, VA Office: 757.489.1076

Fax: 757.489.1742


Office Hours Monday thru Friday

9AM till Noon

Valley of Portsmouth

Stated Meetings on the 1st Monday @ 7:30PM

Chartered

October 1955

Ill. J. R. “Jack” Goodwin, IGH Personal Representative of SGIG

Ill. W.H. ‘Andy’ Anderson, IGH Secretary

Bro. Franklin D. Edmondson, KCCH

Treasurer

Ill. Franklin D. Peters, IGH Almoner


Ill. Terry L. Wilburn, IGH Venerable Master

Bro. William P. Burke, KCCH

Wise Master

Ill. Frank A. Bonnewell, IGH Commander

Bro. Eugene R. Daniels, KCCH

Master of Kadosh

Building Address: 3401 Cedar Lane P.O. Box 7276

Portsmouth, VA 23707 Office: 757.484.2930


Office Hours

Monday thru Friday 9AM till 1PM


Valley of Richmond

Stated Meetings on the 4th Monday @ 7:30PM


Ill. John R. Quinley, IGH Personal Representative of SGIG

Ill. L. Aubrey Stratton, IGH Personal Representative Emeritus

Ill. Robert W. Carpenter, Jr., IGH Secretary

Ill. Mack T. Ruffin, III, IGH Treasurer

Ill. Clarence E. Whitley, IGH Almoner


Bro. Gary W. Bradford, KCCH Venerable Master

Bro. Dale E. Wright, 32°

Wise Master

Bro. Donald G. Price, 32°Commander

Bro. William R. Heltzel, 32°

Master of Kadosh

Building Address: 4204 Hermitage Road

PO Box 9136 Richmond, VA 23227 Office: 804.264.2050

Fax: 804.261.0071


Office Hours

9:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. on M-Th

Valley of Roanoke

Stated Meetings on the 2nd Tuesday @ 6:00 PM


Ill. Louis K. Campbell, IGH Personal Representative of SGIG

Ill. Leonard A. Rowe, IGH Assistant Personal Representative

Ill. James Campbell Bay, IGH Secretary

Bro. Robert J. Rohrback, 32° Treasurer

Ill. Warren M. Cratch, IGH Almoner


Bro. William A. Parks, Jr., KCCH Venerable Master

Bro. Thomas E. Purves, KCCH

Wise Master

Bro. Melvin L. Crowder, KCCH Commander

Ill. David I. Bower, IGH

Master of Kadosh

Building Address: 622 Campbell Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24016-3597

Office: 540.343.6666 Fax: 866.266.4990


Office Hours Monday thru Thursday 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

www.mastermason.com/roanoke_aasr/

Editor’s comments: I used a “new” program (Publisher 2010) for this version of the Virginia Light. I hope all of the formatting errors clear up due to some problems I had realigning items. If not, please be kind. For those who provided articles, thanks for your efforts in trying to en-hance this newsletter and make it a worthy publica-tion for our Orient. Fraternally, The Editor

September 2010

Documents

Transcript of September 2010