The More Things Change

The more they stay the same.

The Northern Light will continue to be The Northern Light!

With almost 300 submissions, we had a lot to choose from, and one thing is certain: there is no lack of creativity among our members. The suggestions ranged from the clever (The Compass, EnLIGHTenment, The Rite Way, The Eagle’s Lair), to the practical (The Path Forward, The Double Eagle, Beacon of Brotherhood) to the esoteric (The Royal Secret, The Mystic, Fiat Lux, The Torchbearer, Diogenes’ Lantern), just to name a few.

We also had our share of traditionalists who were not in favor of changing a name which has stood the test of time. Some of our members made precisely that argument for leaving the name alone. Others were in the camp of If it ain’t broke, why fix it? Our most empassioned plea, however, came from Brother Robert Siebold, MSA, Valley of the Hudson, who wrote:

The Northern Light reflects a tradition of great Masonic insight and information. It has a legacy that has stood the test of time. The magazine provides a look back, a snapshot of where we are presently and most importantly where we are headed as Scottish Rite Masons. I truly consider this publication one of the finest within our Masonic circles.

In a world where so many things are changing around us, it’s nice to have something you can always count on that is evolving for the better but at the same time staying the same. The name is solid.

Brother Siebold’s words so perfectly capture the mission of The Northern Light: To remember our past, record our present, and chart a course for our future—all the while evolving to meet the needs of our members.

From the editorial staff, a heartfelt thank you to all of you who took the time to submit your recommendations. If space had permitted, we would have listed them all. Your creativity and passion made the choice a difficult one.

Congratulations to Brother Seibold. As our winner, you will receive a $500 credit to TheMasonicMarketplace.com

The legacy of Scottish Rite Freemasonry creates a special bond with our Brothers and with the long line of Scottish Rite Masons who have come before us. This Fall, we honor and celebrate the legacy that is the cornerstone of our fraternity.

Four GENERATIONS STRONG

For many of us, one of the most defining moments in our Masonic Journey is when we transcend generations and share the Bond of Brotherhood to ensure the family’s legacy continues.

George T. Taylor, IV’s Masonic legacy started in 1923, in Western Pennsylvania when both his greatgrandfathers joined the same lodge and later, the Valley of Pittsburgh. It continued through his grandfather, his father and uncle, and now his brother and him. Bro. Taylor said, “While we didn’t have the opportunity to take the iconic generational photo, many of the Masonic keepsakes I have, have been passed down through four generations.”

WE WANT YOUR STORY

Are you a second, third, or even fourth generation Scottish Rite Mason? We want your story for The Northern Light this Fall! Are you a first generation Scottish Rite Mason? Tell us how you would like to begin the legacy in your own family. Tell us your story at ScottishRiteNMJ.org/Legacy and attach photos of your Scottish Rite legacy. (You may have to scour the attic for that photo of your great-grandfather!) Deadline for submissions is August 1, 2020.

ScottishRiteNMJ.org/Legacy Send us your story at

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We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic Obligation to care for our members.

Our Scottish Rite, NMJ vision is more important now than ever.

If you are in need of brotherly help, contact your Valley. If you can help with the Grand Almoner’s Fund, go to DonateRite.org.

BeAFreemason.org

A Freemason is committed to bettering himself, his community, and the world. He is on a journey of self-discovery believing in something greater than himself, a journey in which he will be supported by other good men.

Become the best version of you. Answer the call. Begin the journey.