THE RITE RECORDERValley of Cincinnati www.32masons.com March 2013
Grand Master’s Class
Special Plans for the Spring Reunion
Scottish Rite Clubs
THE RITE RECORDERVolume 69 No. 8
Cincinnati Masonic Center317 East Fifth Street Cincinnati, OH 45202–3399 513-421–3579 • 800-561–3579 Fax: 513-562–2661 Web: www.32masons.com
EDITOR
Ben P. Rosenfield, 32°[email protected]
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chairman William M. Judd II, 32°
Vice Chairman Dwight D. Wilson, 33°
Members at LargeK. Douglas Akers, 32ºKraig L. Gordon, 32ºDonald E. Hoffman, 33°
PRESIDING OFFICERS
Gibulum Lodge of Perfection William N. Frank, 32°
Dalcho Council, Princes of Jerusalem Richard E. Fey, Jr., 32°
Cincinnati Chapter of Rose Croix John H. Donohoo, 32°
Ohio Consistory Edward C. McIntyre, 32°
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Robert W. Dumford, 33°[email protected]
FRATERNAL SECRETARY
Michael A. Himes, 33°[email protected]
SECRETARY EMERITUS
H. Ray Evans, 33° John R. Teller, Jr., 33°
TREASURER
Jeffrey P. Waltz, 33°
TYLER
Keith L. Clepper, 32°
THE SUPREME COUNCIL
Deputy for the State of OhioWilliam R. Powers, Jr., 33°
Sovereign Grand CommanderJohn Wm. McNaughton, 33°
Active Member at LargeRobert O. Ralston, 33°, P.S.G.C.
Active Member EmeritusAlfred E. Rice, 33°
513-421-1600 / bermanprinting.comPrinter of record for The Rite Recorder
On Saturday, May 11, 2013, the Valley of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Masonic Center will host the 2013 Grand Mas-ter’s One-Day Class. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who has thought about becoming a Mason but has not had time in the past.
The candidates for this class can receive all three of the Blue Lodge Degrees, and they will have the option of joining the Scottish Rite by seeing the 4º. The candidates must petition a Lodge of their choice in the usual manner, as well as petition the Scottish Rite for
membership. Any petitions received must be investigated in the usual manner, and voted upon in that Lodge.
M.W.B. James F. Easterling, Jr. has given permission for Lodges to hold spe-cial meetings for the purpose of balloting on the petitions.
All approved petitions must be registered with the Grand Secretary by April 1, 2013. No exceptions. For more information about the upcoming Grand Master’s One-Day Class, please contact R.W.B. L. John Lasonczyk by e-mail at [email protected].
Grand Master’s Class Coming in MayThe event will be held at the Cincinnati Masonic Center
Tentative Schedule for the One-Day Class:
Registration and sign-in: 7:00 to 7:45 a.m.On The Threshold / Entered Apprentice Degree: 8:00 to 9:45 a.m.Fellowcraft Degree: 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.MM Degree: 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.
The 4º, for those who petition the A.A.S.R., will begin at 3:15 p.m.
Ready for a King’s Feast at lunchtime? We thought so. The Spring Class will feature the 16º dur-ing the membership luncheon, where cast members will be situated throughout the dining room and all in attendance will be able to join along in
the choral music during the degree. The Syrian Shrine Oriental Band will also participate and help set the tone for an enjoyable degree.
Need more? A special 200th anni-versary banquet will follow the 32°. This is a return to an evening meal to wind down the day—something we haven’t done in several years. We will honor those earning service awards, present Brown Jewels to class builders, and more. Read on to learn more about our great class-building incentives.
Dinner will also feature brief and entertaining multimedia presentations about the origins of the Scottish Rite and the history of the Valley of Cincinnati.
Ill. Bro. William R. Powers, Jr., 33º, Deputy for Ohio, will close the evening with comments, after which the members of the 200th Anniversary Class will retire to the balcony to receive their commemorative pocket jewels (an example is shown at left). Brethren, the ultimate fraternal experience awaits!
Class-building incentivesThose who sign the top line of five or more petitions will have their Scottish Rite dues remitted for the following year. Those who sign the top line of three petitions will earn a bicentennial pocket jewel. Those who sign the top or bottom line on five or more petitions will receive the prestigious Brown Jewel. It is awarded to those who bring in five, ten, 25, 50 member. A unique form of recognition is reserved for creating more than 100 member-ships. Masonic Lodges that generate ten or more petitions for the Spring 2013 Reunion will receive special recognition.
Special Plans in Store for Spring ClassThe Valley of Cincinnati has some awesome extras for participants
Join us at the second annual March Madness Party and Chili Cookoff in Club 32 on Friday, March 22, 2013. The doors open at 10:00 a.m. and stay open until 11:00 p.m. Fill a crock pot with your favorite chili recipe and chow down with friends while you take in some college hoops. Your chili might be voted the best, and you could win a prize for it! Bowls, spoons, crackers, snacks, and drinks will be provided by the Valley of Cincinnati.
Basketball. Chili. Fun.
The event is hosted by the Royal Highlanders. Come and spend the whole day—or just a portion of it. This program is open to members, spouses, and invited guests at no charge. Donations will be accepted.
Approximately 6,700 members will receive The Rite Recorder this month. Can you imagine what would happen if each recipient were to use the peti-tion that appears in this issue to bring a new member into our Valley? That would be an incredible problem to have! But let’s be a bit more realistic, shall we? Consider the following: If just 1% of the readership were to use the petition, the Spring Class would grow by more than 65 people. Impressive, right? Well, if just 2% were to use the petition, we’d have a heck of a Spring Class with more than 130 candidates. If 10% were to use the petition, the Scottish Rite auditorium would begin to feel a bit cramped. And if 12.5% of our membership were to use the petition, the Scottish Rite auditorium would be at capacity!
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Scottish Rite’s Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdic-tion. The first American Supreme Council was established in Charleston, SC, in 1801.
In 1813, that body recognized a Supreme Council that had been formed in New York in 1806. One of the members of this group was John James Joseph Gourgas (1777-1865). Gourgas eventually became Sovereign Grand Commander, serving from 1832 to 1851.
The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, in Lexington, MA, actively collects objects and documents associated with Scot-tish Rite Freemasonry. Scottish Rite members and Valleys donated many of the objects now in our collection.
One of the most eye-catching items in the collection is a lectern that DeWitt Clinton Consistory of the Valley of Grand Rapids, MI, presented to the Supreme Council in 1931. Constructed from several different woods, and inlaid with miniature Masonic symbols, the lectern shows an Egyptian Revival style and sports a book holder at top supported by the Scottish Rite’s double-headed eagle symbol.
A silver plaque on the lectern credits the design of the piece to Edgar A. Somes, the inlay to T.A. Conti, and the fabrication to Century Furniture Company and Associates. Grand Rapids, MI, was a center of American furnituremaking during the late 1800s and
early 1900s. The pride that makers took in their craft is evident.
Commander Leon M. Abbott (1867-1932) received the lectern at the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction’s 1931 annual meeting in Detroit. At the meeting, a representative from Michigan explained that the Egyptian style was chosen because of its connection to Masonic rituals and symbols. The Supreme Council used the lectern for many years, be-fore it was retired to the Museum & Library for safekeeping and its preservation.
The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library is pleased to present an exhibition about the history of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, opening this summer (see our website, www.nationalheritagemuseum.org, for more information). The lectern will be one of the objects on view.
The exhibition will be up for at least a year, so start planning your visit now. If you have any Scottish Rite objects that you would like to donate to the Museum & Library’s collection, please contact Aimee E. Newell, Ph.D., by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 781-457-4144.
Aimee E. Newell, Ph.D., is director of collections for the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library at the National Heritage Museum.
Lectern Among the Highlights at the Scottish Rite MuseumItems donated by Scottish Rite Valleys and members are some of the most important pieces on display
SUBMITTED BY DR. AIMEE E. NEWELL
At right: Scottish Rite Lectern, 1931, Century Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, MI. Gift of the Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, USA, 2010.042.31. Photograph by David Bohl.
Robert L. Ross October 20, 2012James A. Bilby November 10, 2012Herbert E. King November 10, 2012Robert H. Siegrist November 11, 2012Richard K. Brown November 12,2012Donald W. Ulmer November 13, 2012Marvin J. Mundy November 14, 2012David J. Cotes November 15, 2012Jay G. Gates November 18, 2012Stanley M. Woster, Jr. November 22, 2012Milton S. Johnson November 26, 2012Marion F. Amiott November 27, 2012William A. Browning November 27, 2012John H. Parr December 1, 2012Ralph E. Kratzer December 5, 2012Edward C. Reilly December 7, 2012Arthur F. Edmonds December 8, 2012
David L. Jones December 11, 2012Albert C. Schuchmann December 10, 2012Stanley L. Carter December 11, 2012James Schwarberg December 12, 2012Everett R. Davidson December 17, 2012Eugene N. Simpkins December 17, 2012Edward E. Pearson December 18, 2012Gary B. Parker December 20, 2012Calvin D. Sands December 20, 2012Frank R. Plazzotta December 21, 2012Howard Abney December 28, 2012Clifford H. Dornette December 28, 2012Edgar J. Hodge January 4, 2013Elmer Walling January 4, 2013Fred H. Sess January 7, 2013Ralph E. Smith, Jr. January 11, 2013Billy L. Wells January 11, 2013
Robert J. Early January 24, 2013Richard E. Fetty January 24, 2013Ralph S. Lovett January 24, 2013William C. McHenry January 26, 2013Jerome A. Reinert January 26, 2013Ralph E. Davidson, 33° January 27, 2013Cecil E. Harry January 27, 2013Harry Bixler, Jr. January 30, 2013Earl L. Holland January 30, 2013Philip A. Deerwester February 1, 2013Robert L. Fisher, Sr. February 1, 2013Albert E. Jacobson February 1, 2013Kent Jones February 3, 2013Howard M. Goldberg February 5, 2013Lawrence S. Grady, 33° February 7, 2013Earnie Ross, Jr. February 7, 2013Clyde F. Royse February 11, 2013
IN MEMORIAM
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
VALLEY OF CINCINNATI, DISTRICT OF OHIO317 East Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-3399
Near the B . . . B . . . and under the C . . . C . . . of the zenith that corresponds with 39º 6’ N. Latitude, 84º 27’ W. Longitude
Cincinnati, Ohio ________________________________________ , 20 ______
To the Officers and Members of Gibulum Lodge of Perfection, 14º Dalcho Council, Princes of Jerusalem, 16º Cincinnati Chapter of Rose Croix, 18º Ohio Consistory, Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, 32ºGreetings:
I, the undersigned hereof, humbly show that I am desirous of being admitted as a member of your Honorable Body, and humbly request that I may be received among you, and I will ever pray for the prosperity and glory of the Fraternity and the welfare of the brethren.
In making this application I promise on my word of honor that should I be elected and become a member of your Honorable Body, I subscribe to the following Oath of Fealty:
“I, the undersigned, do hereby promise on my word of honor, and swear true faith, allegiance, and fealty to the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third and Last Degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, sitting at its Grand East in the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts, and will support and abide by its Constitutions, Orders, and Decrees.
“That I will hold allegiance to the said Supreme Council and be loyal thereto, as the supreme authority of the Rite; will hold illegal and spurious every other Body that may be established within its Jurisdiction, claiming to be a Supreme Council; and every other Body of said Rite within the same Jurisdiction that does not hold its powers from said Supreme Council and will hold no communication whatsoever in Scottish Rite Masonry with any member of the same nor allow him to visit any Body of the Rite of which I may be a member; and I will dispense justice to my brethren according to the laws of equity and honor.
“And should I violate this, my solemn vow and pledge, I consent to be expelled from Scottish Rite Masonry, and all rights therein and in any Body of the Rite, and to be denounced to every Body of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the world as a traitor and forsworn.
“And may God aid me to keep and perform the same. Amen.”
Recommended by (must be members of the Valley of Cincinnati)
___________________________________________________________________SIGN HERE
___________________________________________________________________PRINT NAME AND MEMBER NUMBER HERE
___________________________________________________________________SIGN HERE
___________________________________________________________________PRINT NAME AND MEMBER NUMBER HERE
FEE: $100.00 Gold-plated 14º ring, passport, and dues for the current year
OR
FEE: $200.00 10K gold 14º ring, passport, and dues for the current year
Not less than $100.00 must accompany petition. Make checks payable to and mail or deliver to: Secretary, Valley of Cincinnati, A.A.S.R., 317 E. Fifth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202-3399.
FILL IN FORM ON REVERSE SIDE.
SignatureSIGN NAME IN FULL
This petition is valid for theSpring 2013 Reunion only!
DATA FOR SCOTTISH RITE RECORDS
Present age
Place born
Primary e-mail address
r Yes
r No
Occupation or profession Name of business
Location of business Business phone
Residence Residence phone
I certify the above answers are true and correct.
Signature ________________________________________________
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
Name _____________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________
City______________________________________________________
State _____________________________ ZIP ____________________
County___________________________________________________
COMPLETE IF PAYING BY CREDIT CARD
r Visa r Master Card
Number _________________________________________________
Amount _______________________ Exp. date______________
Full name (print clearly your first, middle, and last names in full — no initials) Date of birth(month/day/year)
Primary phone
Name, number, and location of Lodge in which you were raised
Have you resided in Ohio for the past 12 months? r Yes r No How long?
Year raised
Name, number, and location of Lodge in which you are currently a Master Mason in good standing Were you a DeMolay?
Are you a Past Master? r Yes r No Lodge Year
Have you ever petitioned for Scottish Rite Degrees before and been accepted or rejected? r Yes r NoIf yes, to which Valley and when?
UPCOMING EVENTSReminder: The deadline for scholarship applications is April 1, 2013.Notice: The March 9 Butler County Club meeting is cancelled.
MARCH 2 Clermont County Club MeetingThe spring meeting/breakfast will take place at Batavia Lodge No. 104, 21 S. 2nd St., Batavia, OH. Breakfast will be served at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. Please RSVP via e-mail right away to Brad Toft at [email protected].
MARCH 9 Royal Highlanders EventThe Royal Highlanders will put the hurt on a sausage buffet with the Händlmaier Mustard Club at Mecklenburg Gardens. Participation at this event is limited to the first ten members of this 50-and-under club who RSVP to Jack Lennon at 513-600-8813 or by e-mail at [email protected]. The meal includes a variety of tasty Ger-man sausages, side items, pretzels, and the main attraction: Händlmaier mustard. Those who RSVP will meet at 10:15 a.m. The cost is $11 per person. Several spots were already filled as The Rite Recorder went to press, so space will be very lim-ited—if any remains. For more information about the Royal Highlanders and their awesome programs for young Scottish Rite Masons, please contact Jack Lennon.
MARCH 22 March Madness PartyHead to Club 32 for NCAA basketball and enjoy a chili cookoff, pop-a-shot games of skill, and more. The room will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The event is open to members and invited guests.
APRIL 6 Spring 2013 ReunionBe a part of celebrating the bicentennial of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, and take in the 4º, 14º, 16º, 18º, 21, and 32º.
APRIL 11 Stated MeetingCurrent Scottish Rite dues cards are required for admission to the meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Cincinnati Masonic Center. Nominations for officers will be held.
MAY 1 Breakfast Lecture SeriesThis installment features Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil. The event is from 7:45-9:00 a.m. at the CMC.
MAY 9 Annual MeetingCurrent Scottish Rite dues cards are required for admission to the meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Cincinnati Masonic Center. Elections will be held, followed by an open installation. No meal will be served.
MAY 19 Family Day at Kings IslandThe event includes admission to Kings Island and lunch. Tickets on sale in April.
MEAL RESERVATIONS FOR THE SPRING 2013 REUNION — APRIL 6, 2013Deadline for ticket orders is March 29, 2013.
We cannot accept reservations during the week of the Reunion.
Meal tickets are $5.00 each, plus a $1.00 shipping and handling fee for the first ticket only.
c Please send one lunch ticket only ($6.00 total for one ticket only)c Please send one dinner ticket only ($6.00 total for one ticket only)c Please send one lunch ticket and one dinner ticket ($11.00 total)c Please send _____ lunch tickets and/or _____ dinner tickets ($6.00 for the first ticket, $5.00 for each additional ticket)
Total amount enclosed: $_____________
Print Name:___________________________________________________
Member Number:______________________________________________
Telephone Number:____________________________________________
Make your check payable to the Valley of Cincinnati. Mail it with this form to Spring 2013 Reunion, 317 E. Fifth St., Cincinnati, OH 45202-3399.
Having trouble coming up with extra cash to pay your Scottish Rite Dues? For the past two years, the Valley of Cincinnati has offered a convenient budget plan to make your dues pay-ments.
The Automated Clearing House service (ACH) allows you to divide your annual payment into monthly de-ductions from your checking account
or by charging to a credit card or debit card each month.
ACH can now also be used to pay for a life membership in the Valley of Cincinnati. To find out more about life-membership fees or how to spread out a life-membership payment via ACH, please contact the Valley of Cincin-nati’s office at 513-421-3579.
ACH Service Now Available for Life Memberships
The Valley of Cincinnati is always open to new ways of expanding the services to our membership. To that end, we’re pleased to announce two new interest groups being formed within the Scottish Rite.
The first is the Scottish Rite SCUBA Club, which is intended to bring certified SCUBA divers together to enjoy sharing and maybe some trips. This club is coordinated by Jeff David-son, who can be reached by e-mail at
[email protected]. The second is the Scottish Rite Shooters Club, intended to bring together members of the Valley who like target shooting. This club is being coordinated by Ben P. Rosenfield, who can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].
Please contact Robert Dumford, 33º, at [email protected] or 513-421-3579 if you’d like to start a special-interest club in the Valley of Cincinnati.
New Special-Interest Clubs Forming
The Valley of Cincinnati’s use of social media continues to grow. The latest initiative involves the use of Instagram, a social-media platform for sharing photos quickly and easily.
The Valley’s Website now features Instagram integration, thereby allow-ing members who have Instagram ac-counts and would like to take pictures at Valley events to automatically share
their photos on the Valley’s Website, www.32masons.com.
Those who use Instagram and are interested in participating will be issued hashtags (unique identifiers) to use for the photos they take at each event. The Valley’s Instagram account is www.instagram.com/32masons. For more information, contact Ben P. Rosenfield at [email protected].
Valley Expands Social-Media Presence
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