Volume 67 No. 03
May- June 2020
The Skull and Crossbones - pg 9
Membership
Ely Parker
Get your Shirts
pg 6
pg 12
pg 14
2 Seattle Scottish Rite
Scottish Rite Communicator Valley of Seattle
www.seattle-scottishrite.org
SCOTTISH RITE OFFICERS Ill. James D. Cole, 33° Sovereign Grand Commander Ill. Alvin W. Jorgensen, 33° S:.G:.I:.G:, Orient of Washington Ill. Sat Tashiro, 33° Personal Rep. of S:.G:.I:.G:. pr@seattle-scottishrite.org Daniel Southerland, 32° KCCH General Secretary Communicator Editor secretary@seattle-scottishrite.org Gene Ulrich, 32° KCCH Treasurer Ill. Tom Lamb, 33° Almoner PRESIDING OFFICERS Bob Gunther 32°KCCH Master of Kadosh, Consistory Ian Hyde 32°KCCH Commander, Council of Kadosh Jeff Hardin 32° KCCH Wise Master, Chapter of Rose Croix Kirk Stensvig, 32° Venerable Master, Lodge of Perfection Seattle Scottish Rite Center 1207 N 152nd St. Seattle, WA 98133-6213 206 324-3330 voice 206 324-3332 fax
The Communicator (USPS 485-660) is published by the Valley of Seattle, A&A Scottish Rite, 1207 N 152nd St., Seattle, WA 98133-6213, for the benefit of its members, bimonthly and is mailed as a non-profit publication to all members of the Valley of Seattle and to specified other interested parties. $2.00 per member is assessed for the publication of The Communicator. Periodicals postage paid at Seattle, Washington and at additional mailing offices. The material contained within this publication is intended for the education and enjoyment of the members of the Masonic Fraternity and all material published becomes the property of Seattle Valley of Scottish Rite. Postmaster: Send address changes to — The Communicator at 1207 N 152nd St., Seattle, WA 98133-6213.
The Tune of the Antients By: Wor. Jason Eddy
From deep within the misty night, He wandered 'neath the twinkling light, The Master's work within his sight, As he then sang the Antient's tune. "The Seekers pass from earthly plight, When grip and word are given right, Where Earth to Heaven is the height, And from the darkness comes the moon. Then shadows flee from newfound Light, And intellects and hearts ignite, As from the ashes it takes flight, The Master's stone now fully hewn."
Seattle Scottish Rite 3
News from the Personal Representative
The events of the recent months have been dominated by the Corona virus 19 Pandemic and the ever-changing grim news of the mortality and those recovering from its effects as well as our economy. In addition the guidelines from the Federal Government and the directions from the Governor, correspondence from our Grand Master and our SGIG have resulted in the cancellation of our many scheduled events which were distributed in our recent Communicator. Until we receive approval we will not have an official meeting. Our Members are invited in small number to meet via ZOOM or small numbers in our Lounge to maintain a degree of fraternity and fellowship. We are aware of the consequences of these decisions as it impacts our lives and the hardships faced by our membership and their families.
As we proceed into the latter half of 2020 it is not clear as to decisions to be made regarding a return to normalcy. Concerns abound on the health aspects of the pandemic and potential return to a second phase of its recurrence are in the minds of many. Your leaders in the valley are in the midst of discussions on resuming our labors within the constraints imposed by our federal, state and health officials. We have not forgotten about our class of 2020 and remain committed to completing the terminal degrees this year and having a cap and ring ceremony in the fall of this year, within the constraints imposed by the pandemic. We will not take any actions to compromise the health of our membership and their families. Stay healthy
Fraternally, Sat Tashiro 33° Personal Representative of the S:.G:.I:.G:.
Seattle Scottish Rite 4
Greetings All, I hope this finds you all well and staying safe. To say these are interesting times we are enduring may be an understatement. Since most of us are having to stay in place I hope you all are finding interesting ways to stay sane. This sure has given me a chance to catch up on some of the things we never seem to get to. Since we all have extra time on our hand be sure to check on those brothers that are at risk or shut in. Maybe they need our help or just a voice to talk with. I know I have called several brothers that we don’t see very much at lodge and they were delighted to talk for awhile. It was so great to just catch up on life, and benefited me just a s much as my brother. The one big thing I have noticed is the amount of ways we all are pitching in to make this a better time. We all see the great efforts some are going to in the name of helping. I would challenge you all to remember this as we go forward and as we get back to some normal way of life to keep it all going. If we think about it, this is the way we are supposed to treat each other normally after all this is exactly why most of us joined the great fraternity in the first place. In all our teachings and degrees we see it all comes down to how we are and we treat our fellow man. We have not started our degrees this year for our new petitioners so if any one would like to get their petition in there is still time. We are not sure when this will start or what it will look like so please stay tuned. I have again put the petition in this issue to make it easier to get it. I do come into the office a few times a week to get the necessities done and return emails, and calls so just know I am always here for anyone who needs me. I as you sure do miss the fellowship and interaction with you all. I would also like to say in this time of need and when so many are out of work. For those who are able please remember our charities. We have had requests from our Almoner and this has brought the funds down so we have asked for help. There is a way to donate through our website if one is able. Also we have our best charity of all, Early Life Speech & Language, we never want to forget them as the children so need our help giving them the best future they deserve. I am thinking once we are all back to normal and we are able to get back out we should look at having a nice celebration here at the Seattle Scottish Rite with our Brothers and families. I would like to see us have great fellowship and get to know one another even better than before. On the next page I have listed some ideas for Scottish Rite reading if you need something to occupy your time and the reruns on the television have lost your interest. Maybe one of these would trike you. Enjoy! I would like to regretfully tell everyone we have had a brother pass to the Celestial Lodge above. Brother Robert Adams 33° passed on April 13th . Blessings and Prayers to his family.
Please all, stay safe and we hope to see you all soon.
Fraternally, Daniel Southerland, 32° KCCH General Secretary
5 Seattle Scottish Rite
Scottish Rite Book Ideas
Samuel Harrison Baynard, Jr., History of the Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America and its Antecedents, 2 vols. (Williamsport, Pa.: Grip Publishing Co., 1938) James D. Carter, ed., R.Baker Harris, History of the Supreme Council, 33° (Mother Council of the World) Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A. 1801–1861 (Washington, D.C.: The Supreme Council, 33°, 1964) James D. Carter, History of the Supreme Council, 33° (Mother Council of the World) Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A. 861–1891 (Washington, D.C.: The Supreme Council, 33°, 1967) James D. Carter, History of the Supreme Council, 33° (Mother Council of the World) Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A. 1891–1921 (Washington, D.C.: The Supreme Council, 33°, 1971) Arturo de Hoyos, Light on Masonry. The History and Rituals of America’s Most Important Masonic Exposé (Washington, D.C.: Scottish Rite Research Society, 2008) William L. Fox, Lodge of the Double-Headed Eagle: Two Centuries of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in America’s Southern Jurisdiction (Fayetteville, Ark.:University of Arkansas Press, 1997) William L. Fox, ed., Valley of the Craftsmen. A Pictorial History. Scottish Rite Freemasonry in ica’s Southern Jurisdiction 1801–2001 (Washington, D.C.: The Supreme Council, 33°, 2001)
Amer-
Rex R. Hutchens, A Bridge to Light (Washington, D.C.: The Supreme Council, 33°, 1988) Rex R. Hutchens, A Glossary to Morals and Dogma (Washington, D.C.: The Supreme Council, 33°, 1993) Rex R. Hutchens, Pillars of Wisdom. The Writings of Albert Pike (Washington, D.C.: The Council, 33°, 1995)
Supreme
Rex R. Hutchens and Donald W. Monson, The Bible in Albert Pike’s Morals and Dogma (Washington, D.C.: The Supreme Council, 33°, 1992) Charles S. Lobingier, The Supreme Council, 33° Mother Council of the World Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A. (Louisville, Ky.: The Standard Printing Co., 1931) Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (Charleston, AM 5632 [1871]; new and revised ed.: Richmond, Va.: L.H. Jenkins, 1950) Albert Pike, Sephir H’Debarim. The Book of the Words. A facsimile of the 1879 second edition.With an Introduction by Art de Hoyos (Washington, D.C.: Scottish Rite Research Society, 1999)
Jim Tresner, Vested in Glory. The Aprons, Cordons, Collars, Caps, and Jewels of the Degrees of
the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (Washington, D.C.: Published for the Scottish Rite Research Society by The Supreme Council, 33°, S.J., USA, 2000) This information courtesy of AASR, SJ https://scottishrite.org/members/general-membership-information/masonic-education
Seattle Scottish Rite 6
7 Seattle Scottish Rite
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Valley of Seattle
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America 1207 N 152nd St. Shoreline, WA 98133 Telephone (206) 324-3330 ___________________________, 20______ Today's Date
TO THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF: SEATTLE LODGE OF PERFECTION
SEATTLE CHAPTER OF ROSE CROIX
SEATTLE COUNCIL OF KADOSH
SEATTLE CONSISTORY
I THE UNDERSIGNED, DO CERTIFY THE FOLLOWING TO BE TRUE AND CORRECT: MY FULL NAME IS ____________________________________________________________. MY AGE IS ______ YEARS. MY DATE OF BIRTH IS ________ ________ ________. I WAS BORN AT ________________________________________. STATE OF _____. I CURRENTLY RESIDE AT _______________________________________________________________. Address, City and State I HAVE RESIDED THERE FOR ____________ YEARS. MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS _________________________________________________________________________________. MY MAILING ADDRESS IS_______________________________________________________________________________. Street address or Post Office Box City, State, & ZIP MY CURRENT TELEPHONE NUMBER IS (____)_______________________. SPOUSE NAME_______________________. Area Code MY OCCUPATION IS _____________________________. I AM EMPLOYED BY __________________________________. If retired, state previous occupation If retired, enter “Retired” I AM A MASTER MASON IN GOOD STANDING IN _________________________ LODGE NO. ___________ LOCATED AT ___________________________________ , UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF____________. I WAS RAISED TO THE DEGREE OF MASTER MASON ON __________________________________________________. Date you received third degree PLEASE ENTER YOUR CAP SIZE (IF KNOWN) __________. PLEASE ENTER YOUR RING SIZE (IF KNOWN) __________.
Continued on other side
Page 1 of 1
Seattle Scottish Rite 8 What motivated you to join the Scottish Rite?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please indicate your interest in the following subjects.
Scottish Rite Education
Scottish Rite Ritual
Esoteric Research & Education
Participation is Scottish Rite Degrees
Participation as an officer in one of the four bodies
Participation in Scottish Rite Committees, i.e. Finance, Building, etc.
Americanism (ROTC, JROTC)
Craft Lodge Education
Craft Lodge Ritual
Other ___________________________________________________
THE SUPREME COUNCIL REQUIRES ACCEPTANCE OF THE FOLLOWING FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES: THE INCULCATION OF PATRIOTISM, RESPECT FOR LAW AND ORDER, UNDYING LOYALTY TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY. DO YOU APPROVE OF THESE PRINCIPLES? ________ YES ________ NO I HAVE NEVER PREVIOUSLY APPLIED FOR ANY OF THE SCOTTISH RITE DEGREES NOR FOR ANY MEMBERSHIP IN ANY BODY OF SCOTTISH RITE MASONS. (IF PREVIOUSLY APPLIED FOR MEMBERSHIP HERE OR ELSEWHERE, USE THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS APPLICATION TO PROVIDE FULL DETAILS OF SAID APPLICATION, SPECIFICALLY INCLUDING THE SCOTTISH RITE BODIES TO WHICH APPLICATION WAS MADE, DATES THEREOF, AND RESULTS OF SAID APPLICATION ) I NOW RESPECTFULLY MAKE THIS APPLICATION TO RECEIVE THE DEGREES OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY, PROMISING ALWAYS TO BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE THIRTY-THIRD DEGREE OF THE SOUTHERN JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATED OF AMERICA. ________________________________________________________________________ (Signature)
PLEASE ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR CURRENT CRAFT LODGE DUES CARD PLEASE FILL IN ALL PROCEEDING BLANKS ================================================================================== RECOMMENDED BY: (TWO SCOTTISH RITE SPONSORS ARE NECESSARY) 1.____________________________________________________________________________________________ Printed Name Signature Address 2. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Printed Name Signature Address RECEIVED _________________________ REFERRED ____________________________ ELECTED __________________ Please include the $200.00 fee for the degrees plus $100.00 dues for the current year with your petition: Total of $300.00 *for petitioners under 31 years of age the fees are $125.00 plus $100.00 dues for the current year: Total of $225.00 The total fees for the 4°-32° degrees of the Scottish Rite include your 14° ring, 32° Scottish Rite hat, Master Craftsman book and materials, and A Bridge to Light: A study in Masonic Ritual & Philosophy.
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9 Seattle Scottish Rite
The Symbol of the Skull and Crossbones and its Masonic Application
There has been a great deal of controversy of late concerning the symbol of the skull and crossbones and whether or not it should be regarded as a legitimate Masonic emblem. This article is an attempt to demonstrate that this symbol is indeed authentic in its Masonic association, for it both conceals and reveals genuine mysteries pertaining to our Craft. Considering the fact that the skull and crossbones continue to be a common addition to chambers of reflection and third degree tracing boards of many Masonic jurisdictions as well as a prominent feature within the Templar and Kadosh Degrees of the York and Scottish Rites, it would seem to me that the symbol's legitimacy is, if the reader will allow the parlance, a "given," but unfortunately for many Masons, the connection between the seemingly macabre emblem of the skull and crossbones and our gentle Craft is one which remains obscured by what in all probability are simply and understandably the shadows of their own ill-founded fears and insecurities. The association of the symbol of the skull and crossbones with notions of piracy and poison has no doubt left many Masons desirous of distancing themselves and indeed the Fraternity from these and similar emblems. Memento Mori.1 It is natural to fear death, but we as Masons are taught to view that inescapable moment not as something to dread but rather as the motivating factor in accomplishing our own work and duty as men and as Masons. "The particles [of the hourglass] run rapidly, and, for aught we know, with the passing of one of them you or I shall die. It is uncertain. We should not‌neglect a moment, but‌do all we can do to the great end of being really happy. For we shall die, and in the grave there is no working. There is no device, no knowledge, no pardon there."2 For this reason we are given a sobering reminder every time we have the fortune to sit in Lodge during the raising of a fellow of the Craft to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason or during the Knighting of a Mason as a Templar or Knight Kadosh that death is always near and that it could come at any place and any time, regardless of the person or persons involved. Be it in the chamber of reflection in the jurisdictions where one is permitted or required, the tracing board of the Master Mason degree, the Knighting ceremony of the Order of the Temple in the York Rite or the Knights Kadosh Degree in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction, that which stands as the primary reminder of the grim truth that death is ever imminent is the chilling human skull and crossbones. However, the symbol also has an esoteric application which is equally if not more profound in its relevance.
10 S e a t t l e S c o t t i s h R i t e
We shall begin our explanation by first focusing on the Masonic significance of the death's head or human skull. In his book, Low Magick, Brother Lon Milo DuQuette half-jokingly stated regarding the mechanism of ritual work and ceremonial magic that "[i]t's all in your head‌you just have no idea how big your head is." According to one 18th century Masonic expose, Brother DuQuette is absolutely right. In Samuel Pritchard's Masonry Dissected we encounter the following dialogue: Q. Have you any Key to [the Secrets contained in the Lodge]? A. Yes. Q. Where do you keep it? A. In a Bone Bone Box that neither opens nor shuts but with Ivory Keys. Q. Does it hang or does it lie? A. It hangs. Q. What does it hang by? A. A Tow-Line 9 inches or a Span. Q. What Metal is it of? A. No manner of Metal at all; but a Tongue of good Report is as good behind a Brother's Back as before his Face. - N.B. The Key is the Tongue, the Bone Bone Box the Teeth, the Tow-Line the Roof of the Mouth.3 A similar exchange, appearing in the Sloane Manuscript, led historian Tobias Churton to declare outright that indeed "the Lodge is in the head."4 This suggests that the Lodge, furniture, ornaments, and officers may all have their reflection within the make-up of man. Sufi-inspired Russian mystic, G.I. Gurdjieff, offered a similar teaching. According to Gurdjieff, every man, not unlike a perfect Lodge, has an internal sevenfold constitution which he termed the "Seven Men." This notion is not unlike the Theosophical teaching concerning the septenary nature of the soul of man, an interpretation which has, since the occult revival of the 19th century, consistently been extended by authors such as Manly P. Hall, J. S. M. Ward, and W. L. Wilmshurst to the seven officers which constitute a perfect Lodge. "[M]an, the seven-fold being, is the most cherished of all the Creator's works, and hence also it is that the Lodge has seven principle officers, and that a lodge, to be perfect, requires the presence of seven brethren; though the deeper meaning of this phrase is that the individual man, in virtue of his seven-fold constitution, in himself constitutes the "perfect lodge," if he will but know himself and analyze his own nature aright."5 More recently, in his formidable book, Freemasonry: Symbols, Secrets, Significance, W. Kirk McNulty applied a decidedly Jungian solution to the problem of Masonic ritual, placing the Lodge, candidate, and officers squarely and neatly within the conscious and unconscious mind; that is, inside of the head. The crossbones also have an intriguing Masonic application. In the guidelines provided by the Grand Lodge of Colorado for implementing and conducting a proper chamber of reflection, Masons are informed that "[t]he crossbones are also a hint at the pillars, the portico of man upon which he must stand as he labors in the quarry."6 As Matthew C. Pelham, Sr. demonstrated in his thought provoking article "A Search for More Light in the Symbolism of the Skull and Crossbones," the association between the crossbones, which themselves are always constructed using human femurs or thighbones, and the two pillars of the Temple, stems no doubt from the verse in Song of Solomon which announces in a moving hymn to Deity that "His legs are as pillars."7 Still, there is another similarity between the pillars of the Masonic Lodge and someone's (or, more specifically, something's) legs which is so absolutely striking that I dare not fail to mention it.
S e a t t l e S c o t t i s h R i t e 11
In the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts, the ship Argo sailed to Europa in Crete following Jason's legendary retrieval of the golden fleece. On the island of Europa, the Argonauts encountered a great metallic giant called Talos, meaning sun or solar, which was cast wholly of solid bronze. His legs, on the other hand, while also made of bronze, were cast completely hollow, and one of them, it was said, contained a single vein through which flowed the divine ichor or golden blood of the gods. The presence of the ichor within his leg animated the giant, enabling Talos to perform the sole function for which he was created, that is to circumambulate Europa three times daily in order to protect and guard the land from approaching pirates. If the reader will recall, the Pillars of Freemasonry are also said not only to have been hollow and cast from bronze, but according to some traditions within the Craft, it was only one of them which contained the treasured archives of Freemasonry, not unlike Talos' peculiar legs, only one of which was possessive of the Olympic gods' magical ichor. Lastly, it is notable that scholar A. B. Cook interpreted the myth of Talos as being a veiled allusion to the Masonically relevant lost wax casting method of metallurgy thus bringing us back full circle to the question of the legitimacy of this symbol. Regardless of the negative connotations which may surround the image, the symbol of the skull and crossbones, whether considered exoterically or esoterically, is absolutely possessive of profound Masonic import. As we have demonstrated, the image is suggestive of both man's mortality and more significantly, initiation within the Masonic Lodge. We are hopeful that we've aided our more uncertain Brethren in laying aside some of their underlying fears and insecurities concerning this most curious and potent of Masonic emblems. The symbol of the skull and crossbones points at once to the inevitable end of man as well as to one of the means by which he might accept and come to peace with the knowledge and anticipation of such an ending, tried and true Masonic initiation. End Notes 1 Meaning "Remember Death" 2 Folger Ms. 1 3 Samuel Pritchard's Masonry Dissected (1730) 4 Tobias Churton's- The Golden Guilders: Alchemists, Rosicrucians, and the First Freemasons, p. 222 5 Song of Solomon 5:15 References Blavatsky, H.P.- The Secret Doctrine Churton, Tobias- The Golden Builders: Alchemists, Rosicrucians, and the First Freemasons Cook, A.B.- Zeus a Study in Ancient Religion De Hoyos, Arturo- Committed to the Flames: The History and Rituals of a Secret Masonic Rite (with S. Brent Morris) De Hoyos, Arturo- Albert Pike's Esoterika DuQuette, Lon Milo- Low Magick: It's All In Your Head‌You Just Have No Idea How Big Your Head Is McNulty, W. Kirk- Freemasonry: Symbols, Secrets, Significance Ouspensky, P.D.- The Fourth Way Porter, Cliff- The Secret Psychology of Freemasonry Pritchard, Samuel- Masonry Dissected Ruck, Carl A.P.- Classical Myth The Holy Bible: Master Mason Edition Ward, J. S. M.- The Master Mason's Handbook
12 S e a t t l e S c o t t i s h R i t e
Freemasonry and Equality: A Native American Freemason
Freemasonry recognizes men of many faiths, backgrounds and races; after all we are a “Brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God”. When one takes the lessons that are obtained from Masonry by “practicing outside of Lodge what he has learned within” he has the opportunity to become a better man. These two aspects of Freemasonry are intimately tied together no better than they were in the case of Bro. Ely S. Parker, (pronounced E-lee). Brother Parker lived in an unfortunate time where the race of a man was a huge issue in the United States, but even some did not let this stop him from becoming the best man he possibly could, and the impact his life had was a huge benefit to our country. He was born in 1828 on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation in Indian Falls, New York a Seneca Indian with the name of Ha-Sa-No-An-Da, which means “coming to the front” or “leading name”. Ironically he would live up to his birth name. There is also record of his birth name being Hasanowanda which means “the reader”. At the age of 23 when he became Grand Sachem of the Six Nations (chief) he was given the Indian name of Do-Ne-Ho-Ga-Wa which translates to “keeper of the western gate” or “open door”, it’s also quite ironic that Parker lived up to all of these names and the fact that a Freemason can see the relation of Parker’s Indian names and their relation to Freemasonry. He acquired the white mans name Ely S. Parker being named after a Reverend Ely Stone who was a teacher at the Baptist mission school he attended as a boy. As a young man Parker was an excellent student and was extremely fluent in the English language, while a teenager he was one of three people chosen as an interpreter to speak with President James Polk to discuss Indian affairs and a grievance over the sale of reservation land to a developer. It was during these talks when Parker realized the significance that law would have on the future of him and his people. It was also when he met a man by the name of Lewis Henry Morgan. Morgan saw the potential in Ely and aided in furthering his education by paying for his tuition at the Cayuga Academy. Together both men were members of a club called “The Grand Order of the Iriquois” which held their meetings in Scipio Masonic Lodge #110 in Aurora, New York which is where Ely Parker’s first exposure to Freemasonry occured. Brother Ely S. Parker was raised to Master Mason in Batavia Lodge #88 in 1847 and throughout his Masonic career he was affiliated with and served in many Lodges in New York and Illinois as well as being an active member in Council, Chapter and Commandery in both states. Ely Parker Lodge #1002 in Buffalo, New York is named after him. While in Illinois and serving as Master of Miner’s Lodge #273 in Galena; Parker raised a man by the name of John Corson Smith who eventually became the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. Smith who wrote a book titled ” History of Freemasonry in Illinois” also considered Parker to be his “Masonic Father” and also credits Parker to have had the most influence on his Masonic life.
S e a t t l e S c o t t i s h R i t e 13
After attending and graduating from the Cayuga Academy in his youth, Parker indeed decided to study law, and he did extremely well; he even took the bar exam and passed with exceptionally high scores. Unfortunately due to his Native American Heritage and also considering the time in which he lived, he was not considered a citizen and therefore could not practice law. Undoubtedly disappointed by this he sure did not let it stop him from reaching his full potential, anyways his knowledge of the law would come in handy later in his life. He then went on to study civil engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Upon his graduation from there he went to work as a civil engineer on the Erie Canal working on rebuilding sections of the canal that had deteriorated over time. After the Erie Canal project he moved on and was working for the Federal Government as Chief Engineer for the Chesapeake and Albermarle Canal as well as for the U.S. Customs House and Post Office in Galena, Illinois which still stands today. While working in Galena as well as his Masonic activities, Ely Parker became a very close friend to a man by the name of Capt. Ulysses S. Grant. When the Civil War broke out in 1861 Parker was desirous to join the Union side of the fight like his friend Grant, but again and sadly his ethnicity initially kept him from serving at that time. He even went as far as to plead with the then Secretary of State Steward to retain a commission to allow him to fight only to be told “go home, it’s a white mans war”, suffice it to say, this wasn’t the first time Parker ran into this racial problem and this one instance sure wasn’t going to stop him either. He kept on trying to join the war effort, and through Masonic connections he was granted a commission courtesy of General J.C. Smith and he joined the Union forces. Ulysses Grant didn’t forget about his friend, Ely Parker; he secured an appointment for Parker in 1863 as Capt. of engineers and later that same year Ely served with Grant in Vicksburg, Mississippi. In the spring of 1864 Grant was promoted to Lieutenant General and posted in the eastern U.S. as the Commander of all Union Forces, wherein he asked Parker to follow him and serve as his personal aid. Towards the end of the Civil War, Parker would do one last monumental thing where he would have the ability to put his education and knowledge of law to good use. Brother Ely Samuel Parker, a Native American Indian and Freemason who had fought against racism, and intolerance his entire life was the man who wrote the surrender terms and treaty agreement that was signed by Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee and in turn put an end to the U.S. Civil war. It was said the General Lee stated at the signing that “it is good to see a real American present” wherein Parker responded by saying ” we are all Americans Sir!”
14 S e a t t l e S c o t t i s h R i t e
Messages Happy Birthday!
Congratulations from all your Scottish Rite Brethren To our members over 90 who have reached a very important birthday!
May
June
Martin Grossman 05/24/1923
Douglas Edlich 06/18/1923
Donald Bartholomew 05/26/1926
John Swafford 06/17/1924
Rudy Pastori05/28/1926
Alfred Bartol 06/19/1924
Louis Sackett 05/16/1927 John Cohn 05/29/1927 Leo Smyth 05/14/1928 Richard McKnight 05/01/1930 Stephen Dowell 05/31/1930
Arthur Phelps 06/03/1925 David Campbell 06/01/1926 Seth Wilson 06/08/1928 James Cook 06/15/1929 Willis Colvin 06/14/1930
Polo shirts are in! Get yours now $20.00
S e a t t l e S c o t t i s h R i t e 15
www.seattle-scottishrite.org
MONTH TIME EVENT May 16 9:00 am Virtual Stated Meeting on Zoom If you need the link please email us and we will email it out to you. Tentative: May 19
6:30 pm
Stated Meeting & Dinner
June 6 9:00 am Excom Remember all our meetings and gatherings are on hold at least until May 18th as per the orders from the Grand Master and our SGIG. Stay Tuned!
* All events subject to change.
Jackets $40.00 looks great
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Scottish Rite of Freemasonry 1207 N 152nd St. Shoreline, WA 98133-6247
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