The Northern Light Fall 2022 by The Northern Light Magazine

THE

N ORTHER N

LIGHT

FALL 2022

VOL. 53 | NO. 3

Inside this issue… p

Preserving Fairfield’s Sun Tavern with the Freemasons

2021-2022 Valleys of Excellence

Beyond the Quarry: Labors of Love Reaching for the Stars

A M A G A Z I N E O F 3 2 ˚ S C O T T I S H R I T E F R E E M A S O N R Y TM

BRING FREEMASONRY INTO YOUR WARDROBE PURPLE SCOTTISH RITE EMBROIDERED POLO

Polo Shirts starting at $29.50

A SCOTTISH RITE POLO FOR ANY SUMMER OCCASION

PRODUCT MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM WHAT IS DISPLAYED.

THE NORTHERN LIGHT

Fall 2022

Inside this issue… 4 Leadership Report

The Unintentional Journey

6 From the Editor’s Desk

A Light to Guide You Home

29 Southern Jurisdiction

Scottish Rite Journal FEATURES

14 Rite Over the Road:

Brother Michael Seevers Keeps on Truckin’ for More Light

16 Heroes On a Journey 18 Preserving Fairfield’s

Sun Tavern with the Freemasons

C 8

CULTURE

Souvenirs of Masonic Travel at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library 12 “To all Brethren through the world”: American Masonic Traveling Certificates

NEWS 20 Tompkins Medal Recipients 20 Masonic Marketing Resources

Available to Members 22 In Memoriam 22 Supreme Council Surpasses Previous Membership Milestones, Welcomes 45 Valleys of Excellence

EDUCATION

26 HAUTS GRADES ACADEMY

Intendent of the Building

30 8th Degree

Solomon Ascending: A Fresh Look at a Timeless Message

CHARITIES

34 A Lasting Legacy 36 Celebrating Student Achievement at the Children’s Dyslexia Centers

About This Issue The cover of this issue of The Northern Light is a photograph of the Orion Nebula by Brother Tim Herald of the Valley of Ft. Wayne. You can see more photos and read more about Brother Tim’s astrophotography on page 38. This issue features stories about finding your way. Whether the journey is measured in miles, waypoints or light years, it’s clear that the members of the NMJ are not standing still. This year, a staggering 45 Valleys achieved the Valley of Excellence. That took countless of hours of hard work and dedication on the part of hundreds of you throughout the Jurisdiction. That is simply out of this world. We hope you find the Fall 2022 issue of The Northern Light to be stellar.

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MEMBERSHIP

38 Beyond the Quarry: Labors of Love Reaching for the Stars

42 Around the Jurisdiction

MASONRY 45 Remarkable Freemasons 46 Brotherhood on a National

and International Level 46 DeMolay Path Forward Earns Recognition: The Road Begins Here

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The Unintentional Journey When folks are sitting around relaxing and reminiscing, someone might query, “What was the best trip you ever took?” At that point, you can almost hear those “WayBack Machines” (remember Dr. Peabody?) conjuring up those fond memories: a family trip to Disney World, a wilderness fishing trip with friends, a Caribbean cruise, maybe a summer junket to Europe back in your college days. Trips like this are usually preceded by much planning and preparation, with anticipation building by the day. Some trips are more spontaneous, even unintentional, with very little prior planning. Oftentimes, the most memorable journeys are unplanned and unanticipated.

by definition, implies a longer (in terms of time and/or distance) trip, perhaps to multiple destinations, sometimes with a greater sense of the unknown. That description brings to mind Lemuel Gulliver, the protagonist in Jonathan Swift’s book, Gulliver’s Travels. His journey was somewhat spontaneous, had multiple destinations, and was filled with the unknown. On May 20, 1982, without any anticipation or expectations (long term or otherwise), I embarked upon my Unintentional Journey. On that day, I was raised a Master Mason in St. Patrick’s Lodge #4 in Johnstown, NY. That was 40 years ago, almost to the day, and truth be told, my travels continue with as much enthusiasm

by Peter J. Samiec, 33˚, Sovereign Grand Commander

and intensity as ever. Little did I know I was beginning the journey of a lifetime. It took some time before I realized that I was indeed traveling on a Masonic journey that began in my heart and continued onward through a variety of mileposts and waypoints until it was decision time. The late, great Yogi Berra once said, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” In 1995, I came to a fork in my Masonic trail, and had to make a choice: Symbolic Blue Lodge or Scottish Rite. I chose the Scottish Rite path and have never regretted my decision. Over the course of my travels, I’ve accumulated many friends, tokens, and remembrances that enrich my life in many ways. I often think of the people I’ve met far and wide, the friends and

It’s even possible to be on a journey without conscious awareness. I can attest to that! While the words trip and journey are often used interchangeably, a journey,

ScottishRiteNMJ.org

The Northern Light

WELCOME

Masonic Brothers I now have, and the memories we’ve made together. It’s highly unlikely that I’d have met any of them had I not begun this journey. Every journey is memorialized by acquired tokens and mementoes, each evoking a memory of some pleasant experience along the way. And when I’m in a reflective mood, I realize that these cherished possessions have a far greater value when measured in memories rather than in dollars. Each provides a unique link to a Brother, or to a special time or event—all mile markers along my Masonic path. For example, a glance at my 33˚ ring will bring back vivid recollections of the auditorium in Cincinnati and the Illustrious Brother from Vermont who placed it on my finger on September

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29, 1998. Then there’s the night not so long ago when I was presented my Sovereign Grand Commander’s cap, made even more memorable because it was a gift from a very beloved Brother. It literally brought tears to my eyes when he placed that cap on my head. That’s one memory I’ll always cherish.

wonderful journey, and I have them all. They are vestiges of the best unintended journey ever. And as Yogi once said, “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.” Journey on…

All of these: the friends, mementoes, and memories are the elements of a

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A Light to Guide You Home Because they were off the coast of a stilloccupied Japan, the carrier deck would not be illuminated, but the planes were equipped with Automatic Direction Finders (ADFs) that could follow a radio signal and bring them safely back to the ship. What Lovell didn’t realize was that a tracking station on the Japanese coast was also broadcasting a homing signal on the same frequency, and consequently, leading him away from his carrier.

On a

cold November night off the coast of Japan, Jim Lovell was feeling hopeless. The Lieutenant Junior Grade and naval aviator had done a few night landings on an aircraft carrier, but always in more ideal conditions. On this particular night, storms rolled in not long after his F2H Banshee was launched from the deck of the USS Shangri-La, forcing them to abort the mission. He and his patrol were directed to circle the carrier group to burn off some fuel before attempting to land on the deck.

There was no moon; cloud cover obscured the stars, and Lovell was having difficulty even discerning the horizon, much less finding a blacked-out carrier in a dark sea. He was worried. He checked his instruments again and again hoping for a clue. Desperate to regain his bearings, he followed his instincts, turning away from the homing signal on his ADF. He flipped on a light inside the cockpit so that he could consult his charts and flight plans and the situation got a whole lot worse. The light he had designed to help him read the small print of the charts overloaded the circuit, plunging the entire cockpit into complete darkness. Nothing.

by PJ Roup, 33˚, Editor, Active for Pennsylvania

be found. Neither of those seemed particularly attractive. He turned off the penlight and scanned the night, praying that another answer would appear, when off the right side of his aircraft he noticed a faint green swath undulating in the water. Lovell realized instantly that he was looking at the road home. He recognized that the path he was seeing was the glow of the phosphorescent algae being churned up by the massive propellers of the USS Shangri-La!

If knowledge is power, we think, then lack of knowledge must make us powerless. Lovell was able to follow the glow and eventually bring his craft safely home, but the irony was never lost on him. Had he not suffered the cockpit blackout, his eyes never would have acclimated enough to the darkness to have seen the road home.

Lovell knew it was bad—real bad. He used a penlight to illumine the instruments one at a time while he assessed his options. He could radio in a distress call and have the carrier light up its deck, a virtual admission of his poor piloting skill which would surely cause him a lifetime of embarrassment among his fellow pilots. Allternately, he could ditch his plane and parachute into the cold water, hoping that he would F2H Banshee on the deck of the USS Shangri-La

ScottishRiteNMJ.org

The Northern Light

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

T H E

N O RT HERN LI G H T A magazine of 32˚ Scottish Rite Freemasonry

Fall 2022 | Vol. 53 | No. 3 SOVEREIGN GRAND COMMANDER Peter J. Samiec, 33° EXECUTIVE EDITOR Linda Patch

Today, where all the world’s accumulated knowledge can be instantly accessed by a computer the size of a bathroom tile that you carry around in your pocket, we are hesitant to admit that we don’t know something. If knowledge is power, we think, then lack of knowledge must make us powerless. We clamor to know everything, and to know it now—all the ritual, all the symbolism, the titles, the jewels, the secrets. It is certainly human nature to be impatient, and our Fraternity, while not intentionally, feeds that. We dangle 32 degrees out there—each with symbols, signs, and words—things to master. If you liked that, you’ll really like this, she seems to say. It is easy to forget that it is okay to be an apprentice. The quest for light— deep, soul-changing self-knowledge— is a personal one, and rushing the process doesn’t get us the same result as measured, slow steps. There are no shortcuts to be taken.

EDITOR PJ Roup, 33° CREATIVE DIRECTOR Rodney E. Boyce, 33° CONTENT MANAGER Joann Williams-Hoxha DIRECTOR OF DESIGN Matt Blaisdell, 32° COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Thomas R. Labagh, 33°, Chairman Richard V. Travis, 33° Donald R. Heldman, 33° Donald G. Duquette, 33° PJ Roup, 33° J. Brian McNaughton, 33°

Automatic Direction Finders (ADF)

Pathfinder, the newest program from the NMJ, is designed to help us to learn and understand the Rite better—how we are organized, our mission, and the life of our Valley. The Hauts Grades Academy is an in-depth study program tailored to those who want to look deeper into our 29 beautiful degrees. Just as a mass-produced suit sold at a discount chain will simply never measure up to a bespoke suit, simply seeing the degrees doesn’t compare with study, participation, and even meditation on the lessons or getting involved in the success of your Valley.

SUPREME COUNCIL, 33° Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A. THE NORTHERN LIGHT (ISSN 1088-4416) is published quarterly in the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter by the Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A., as the official publication. Printed in U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at Boston, MA, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER Send address changes to The Northern Light PO Box 519, Lexington, MA 02420-0519 MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 519, Lexington, MA 02420-0519 EDITORIAL OFFICE 33 Marrett Road (Route 2A), Lexington, MA 02421 phone: 781-862-4410 email: editor@srnmj.org

It is interesting to note that each small step prepares us for the next. Jim Lovell surely used the lessons he learned that dark November night to later bring his crew safely home in his most famous mission—that of Commander of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission.

WEBSITE: www.ScottishRiteNMJ.org @scottishritenmj @TNLMagazine Copyright ©2022 by Trustees of the Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A.

Remember that our quest for light in the Scottish Rite need not begin with a blazing star. Go into the darkness, shut out the noise, and look for that faint light, that shimmer, that will guide you home.

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ScottishRiteNMJ.org

Souvenirs of Masonic Travel at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library In 1880, James G. Elwood, along with thousands of other Knights Templar, attended the 21st Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment of the United States in Chicago. Elwood and other office holders in the Commandery of Illinois had special booklets of personalized calling cards, also called emblem cards, assembled for the event. Tied with red ribbon and protected by a colorful cover, each bundle contained cards related to one man’s Masonic affiliations. Elwood’s collections of gilt-edged cards noted his Blue Lodge in Joliet, his Royal Arch chapter, and his office in the Commandery of Illinois. These booklets were likely given to or exchanged with Conclave attendees and preserved as souvenirs of the event. Freemasons like James Elwood have long created and amassed souvenirs designed to commemorate travel, special meetings, ceremonies, and social gatherings. The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library is lucky to count many of these objects in its collection.

Booklet of James G. Elwood’s Calling Cards, 1880. Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, GL2004.11350.

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Drawing thousands of men—many of whom brought family members with them—the Knights Templar Triennial Conclaves held in the late 1800s and early 1900s were spectacles. Along with social activities, attendees marched in or observed elaborate parades. Out-of-

town participants also took advantage of the chance to take in new sights and scenes. Hoping to cash in on attendees’ urge to collect souvenirs of their travels, the Soule Company designed a distinctive photographic item to mark the 1895 Knights Templar Conclave in Boston. This card featured a portrait of Samuel Crocker Lawrence, the Eminent Grand Commander of Knights Templar in Massachusetts & Rhode Island, and several pictures of his gardens and estate in Medford, Massachusetts. The Soule Company proposed that this souvenir would be for sale at area hotels for 50 cents during the meeting. In 1892, the Grand Lodge of New York dedicated the first of several buildings of the Masonic Home and School at Utica, New York. The Grand Lodge established the Home with the purpose of helping destitute Masons and their children and widows. Several impressive buildings, including a hospital and a chapel, were later added to this campus and the complex became a local landmark. This pocket-sized mirror is a souvenir of the facility that was likely designed to appeal to the many tourists who came to see the Home over the years. In the early 1920s, the Bruton Studio produced another photographic souvenir, a postcard of the Prince Hall Masonic Temple in Roxbury, Massachusetts, home to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The group purchased the building around 1920. Soon after, in 1922, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge held a celebration to burn the mortgage and mark the

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by Hilary Anderson Stelling, Director of Exhibitions and Collections, Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

$40,000 raised to pay for the building. This postcard may date from the time that the Grand Lodge bought the structure and served as a handsome souvenir of the Grand Lodge’s new home on Tremont Street. Seeking to promote the commercial potential of shipping goods by air, in 1923 the Army Air Service, Wamsutta Mills, and the Board of Commerce in Augusta, Georgia, working with the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of the United States, collaborated to produce souvenir aprons for the Shrine’s 49th Imperial Session. The legend printed on each apron tells the story of the project: the cotton used to weave the aprons, carried on two Martin bombers, reached Wamsutta Mills in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in late afternoon. Workers at the mill wove, sewed, and printed the aprons overnight. The aprons, each folded and wrapped in brown paper, arrived at the meeting in Washington, D.C. the following day. Press accounts of the extraordinary effort noted that

Sample of Lawrence Souvenir, 1895. Soule Photo Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, GL2004.4630.

Pocket Mirror Souvenir of the Masonic Home at Utica, ca. 1905. Gift of Gift of Jacques Noel Jacobsen, Jr., GL2004.4630.

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C SOUVENIRS OF MASONIC TRAVEL... continued

“this really historic flight” was “the first time in history cotton was transported through air from the field where it is grown to the mills where it is made into cloth.” Organizers hoped that demonstrating the remarkable speed of transporting commercial goods by plane to the tens of thousands of Shriners at the convention would draw attention to the possibilities of air transportation and help spur Congress to regulate the nascent industry. Records show that business traveler

Karl Harry Lindquist likely made two journeys to Brazil by ship in 1948. While he was there, he commissioned this custom-made picture. This picture combines information about Lindquist’s Masonic affiliations with stylized scenes of tropical landscapes. Membership records at the Grand Lodge of California confirm that Lindquist was a member of Paul Revere Lodge #462. Lindquist received his Scottish Rite degrees in San Francisco in 1945. The craftsmen who created this picture used paint along with blue, pink, and yellow butterfly wings to give vibrant color to this personalized souvenir of Lindquist’s travels and his involvement in Freemasonry.

collectible souvenirs. These figures— which retailed for about a dollar each—were wildly popular through the 1960s. During the height of the trend, this plaster bobble head doll of a Shriner, identified with a metal plaque as a souvenir of the Shrine All-State Convention held in Houston, Texas, was produced. If this doll was given to all convention-goers or was available for sale at the meeting is not known. Either way, the doll served as a light-hearted reminder of the gathering and suited the fun-oriented reputation of the Shrine. Whether humorous or serious, souvenirs of Masonic events and achievements help tell the story of what Freemasonry meant to many participants.

Different kinds of nodding figures of people and animals made of ceramic, papier-mâché, and plaster have been produced as novelties since the mid1700s. In the 1960s, professional American baseball and football teams offered bobble head dolls representing both generic and specific players as Postcard, Prince Hall Masonic Temple, Boston, Mass., 1920-1925. Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, A2022.026.001.

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For more information about the exhibition and the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, visit srmml.org.

Souvenir Apron, 1923. Wamsutta Mills, New Bedford, Massachusetts. Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts, GL2001.2719.

If you would like to learn more about the souvenirs in the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library collection, visit our online collections database at https:// www.srmml.org/ collections/.

Bobble Head Doll, 1963. Gift of Mrs. John F. Stucke, SC82.25.2.

Picture Made for Karl Harry Lindquist, ca. 1948. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Museum Purchase, 2017.001. Photograph by David Bohl.

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ScottishRiteNMJ.org

C “TO ALL BRETHREN THROUGH THE WORLD”:

American Masonic Traveling Certificates Freemasons

have long

used words, grips, and tokens to identify themselves to other members of the Fraternity. For nearly three centuries, Brethren have also carried official documents to further prove their Masonic membership when they are far from home. Masonic lodges in the American colonies began issuing credentials to members and new initiates in the mid-1700s. These documents, when presented at another lodge, helped demonstrate that the holder was a Mason in good standing—a Brother entitled to a warm welcome, hospitality, and, in some cases, charity. Until the end of the 1700s, Masonic certificates were not issued as a matter of course, but only if requested. Recognized by their fellow lodge Brethren, members did not need a certificate to attend meetings at their home lodge. A Masonic Brother who relocated or who was traveling might want a certificate to help him verify his status as a Mason. Certificates from the handful of lodges that met in North America in the mid-1700s, if issued at all, were handwritten, rather than printed, documents. They could be folded up into a small rectangle – about the size of an index card – that could fit in a pocket or pouch. The oldest Masonic certificate in the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library’s collection was originally issued to James Harding by Philadelphia Lodge

srmml.org

Master Mason certificate issued to James Harding, 1756. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Gift of the Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite, A1990/036/001. https://digitalvgw.omeka. net/items/show/881

No. 2 in 1756. Measuring approximately 11 x 14 inches, the certificate’s fold lines indicate that it was once folded into a rectangle about 3 x 5 inches, easy to tuck away when traveling. Samuel Derby carried a certificate that was issued forty years later, in 1796. Derby’s certificate is a printed document. It proclaimed “To all Brethren through the world” that he had received the Master Mason degree at Essex Lodge in Salem, Massachusetts. This certificate’s design reflected Essex Lodge’s many seafaring members’ interest in the world; the four allegorical figures at the bottom represent the continents of Africa, America, Asia, and Europe. Lines show that Derby’s certificate was folded into eighths. During the 19th century and into the 20th, many Freemasons continued

to carry traveling certificates. In some cases, such as Arthur Anton Pearson’s Master Mason certificate, issued by the Grand Lodge of Maine, the certificates were pasted into a pocket-sized cover so that they could be protected and easily carried. For years, many members of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction were issued both a large presentation-style certificate and a portable traveling certificate. Many members, including the Valley of Toledo’s Wayne Edwin Stitcher, carried their traveling certificates with them and asked fellow Scottish Rite Brothers to sign them. Stichter’s certificate, dated 1930, functioned not only as a way of identifying himself as a Scottish Rite Mason, but also as a personalized souvenir of his participation in Masonic activities.

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by Jeffrey Croteau, Director of the Van Gorden-Williams Library and Archives

32° Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction certificate issued to Wayne Edwin Stichter, 1930. Boston, Massachusetts. Gift of Richard H. Curtis, A2000/033/001. https://digitalvgw.omeka.net/items/show/987

Gradually, the Masonic dues card has come to function like a traveling certificate. Proving that members are paid up on their dues, these wallet-sized cards can help a Mason establish his membership to Brethren throughout the world, just as James Harding’s certificate did over two hundred and fifty years ago.

The Van Gorden-Williams Library & Archives is located in Lexington, Massachusetts, at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library and is open to the public.

Master Mason certificate issued to Samuel Derby, 1796. Salem, Massachusetts. Museum Purchase, A1984/021/001. https://digitalvgw.omeka. net/items/show/397

Master Mason certificate issued to Arthur Anton Pearson, 1942. Portland, Maine. Gift of Linda Barrows, A1997/085/001. https://digitalvgw.omeka.net/items/show/930

Have questions? Drop us a line at library@srmml.org or give us a call at 781-457-4109.

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RITE OVER THE ROAD:

Brother Michael Seevers Keeps on Truckin’ for More Light

By Joann Williams-Hoxha, Content Manager

Brother Michael Seevers is a long-haul truck driver who says the opportunity to find connection while on the road can be challenging. Still, that challenge did not deter him from connecting with his Scottish Rite Brothers this spring during his six-day stretches on the road.

Brother

Michael, of the Valley of Steubenville, joined Scottish Rite earlier this year and is one of 2,000 new members who were able to take advantage of Supreme Council’s “Join the Rite Night” opportunity during the spring season of Thursday Night at the Rite. Join the Rite Nights allow Scottish Rite, NMJ candidates to witness the 4th degree followed by the additional degree exemplification for each event, thereby becoming newly initiated Scottish Rite Brothers. In addition, the new initiates can watch online discussions from Valley representatives to reflect upon the key takeaways of each featured degree. Brother Michael, who is 40 years old and also a member of York Rite, said he was reluctant to join Scottish Rite at this point in his career because he didn’t want to overcommit and not be able to take part in meetings. A lifelong friend wanted to join Scottish Rite and he encouraged Brother Michael to join with him, so they both petitioned and started their Scottish Rite journeys together. When asked about witnessing Scottish Rite degrees online, he said he was a bit skeptical at first.

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However, he gave it a chance, and said he was so glad that he did. “I love it, I really do. Driving truck, it is difficult for me to participate in Freemasonry. It takes up a lot of my free time,” Brother Michael said. Deputy’s Representative Edsel Emery, 33°, initially reached out to Brother Michael and let him know about Thursday Night at the Rite. Ill. Brother Emery told him that if he happened to have a break while driving truck, to pull over and check out the latest online offerings. During the March 31st Thursday Night at the Rite, Brother Michael said he was at a Walmart distribution center and tuned in while the freight handlers were unloading his trailer.

When he has a longer chunk of downtime, Brother Michael said he prefers to find a store where he can park to enjoy the degree on his laptop in his sleeper cab area. “I will make an hour, or an hour and a half out of it. I’ll cook my dinner. Then while I eat my dinner, I watch the degree.” He said it is a blessing to be able to take part in these online events and connect on a deeper level with his Brethren while juggling his busy work schedule. “I really enjoy it and really appreciate it. It’s a great way out here to connect while being on the road. It really connects the whole Jurisdiction.” Thus far, Brother Michael said his favorite degree among the six he has witnessed so far is the 4th degree, Builder. “I was worried about Scottish Rite being entirely different from Blue Lodge but quite the contrary. It’s amazing how much they complement one another.”

Brother Michael Seevers with his rig.

ScottishRiteNMJ.org

Heroes On a Journey This April, seven Scottish Rite Masons from the Valley of Springfield, Illinois, caravanned to the Valley of Guthrie, Oklahoma, SJ, for their annual Spring Reunion featuring exquisite presentations of all 29 degrees, 4˚ through 32˚, presented in order over three days. The days are long, but the experience makes a lasting impression and stands out as a highlight of Masonic life.

The group in front of the Valley of Guthrie, Oklahoma.

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The

seven of us—Steven L. Scaife, 33°; Paul L. Wiseman, 32°; Kyle R. Koestner, 32°; Ryan G. Flanagan, 32°; J. Jordan Kelly, 32° (2nd visit); Kevin L. Stevenson, 32° (5th visit); and I (Perpetual Member, 8th visit)—arrived equipped with certain signs, tokens, words, our points of entrance, and most importantly, our NMJ membership cards (although they can look you up if you forget yours). We were warmly welcomed at registration early Friday morning into a grand atrium that opens in every direction to interior design splendor. The grand auditorium is multi-level, ornate, and easily worthy of Broadway. Surrounding the atrium, historically themed rooms convey rich grandeur from Egyptian to Victorian periods. Superb craftsmanship in original glasswork and chandeliers, rugs, furniture, carvings and woodwork is

evident everywhere. Take a peek at the website (https://www.newspin.com/ tour/?site=25&scenename=452) and catch a tour if you can.

The experience makes a lasting impression and stands out as a highlight of Masonic life. Following an impressive opening ceremony, candidates are instructed that they are undertaking a quest. This is a personal Hero’s Journey to discover Masonic light, great truths, and a deeper look within oneself. But no hero completes a quest without experiencing change. The search for truth lies within and begins with mourning the death of Master Hiram. The Lodge of Perfection, Chapter of Rose Croix, Council of Kadosh, and Consistory are arranged by theme to deliver crafted encouragement

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By John Levalley, 32˚, Valley of Guthrie, Oklahoma SMJ & Valley of Springfield, Illinois NMJ

(l to r): Paul L. Wiseman, 32˚; Steven L. Scaife, 33˚; John A. Levalley, 32˚; and Kevin L. Stevenson 32˚

toward self-discovery. The value of taking each degree in order provides an accumulated wisdom that is hard to duplicate by sampling degrees at limited Reunions. The Valley of Guthrie presents the SMJ “Revised Pike Rituals” by Rex Hutchens, 33°. They are essentially those composed and edited by Albert Pike over 100 years ago. Pike was intimately familiar with the classics, religions, and ancient culture. His work exemplifies wisdom ranging from practical to enlightened to esoteric. Be assured the work presented by the Valley of Guthrie is extremely well performed and staged. In order to deliver a full presentation, they rely upon degree teams from Oklahoma

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City, Ponca City, Stillwater, and other cities in Oklahoma. Visitors marvel at the participation and coordination of so many characters, stagehands, and support staff.

The work presented by the Valley of Guthrie is extremely well performed and staged.

the country. Many arrived almost as candidates, discovering new light in themes not seen before. Finding new meaning in subtleties we previously missed is also part of Masonry. The more we seek the more we find. Wherever one is along their personal journey, it is good to keep traveling.

Our most popular traveler was Paul. As an officer in the Sangamo Lodge of Perfection, Brother Paul wore his Gold Officer Cap which is an unfamiliar color in the Southern Jurisdiction. Paul lost count of the number of greetings and handshakes he collected from friendly, curious Brothers.

You may count yourself a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret (NMJ) or Master of the Royal Secret (SJ) or both. May we all share a sentiment from Ryan G. Flanagan, 32°, after some reflection on his Hero’s Journey: “After this past weekend, I’m more convinced than ever that Freemasonry is a pure institution established solely for the moral perfection of humanity.”

We met fellow travelers from all around

So mote it be!

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Preserving Fairfield’s Sun Tavern with the Freemasons On the moonlit evening of November 15, 2012, Freemasons returned to Sun Tavern for the first time since 1809, thanks to Fairfield Museum’s preservation efforts. In the process, the Museum awakened the Tavern’s role in the town’s daily life. But how did saving a landmark end up nurturing an ancient society?

Friendship

PHOTO: JAMES W. D’ACOSTA

is at the heart of this Masonic adventure. Passion for Fairfield’s history drew Chris S. J. Jennings and Walter Matis into each other’s circle of acquaintances. Jennings, the Worshipful Master of St. John’s No. 3, knew of its early meetings at the Tavern and aspired to orchestrate a return. Matis, Fairfield Museum’s Program and Volunteer Coordinator, was involved in raising funds for vital lead paint abatement and encapsulation.

Sun Tavern’s claims to the Museum’s scarce resources are manifest. Built in 1780, it stands on its original foundations. Situated along Old Post Road in the southern corner of the town green and adjacent to town hall, it is a witness to American history since Independence. Travel along the New York City to Boston corridor still flows within sight of its windows. That George Washington slept at Sun Tavern on the night of October 16, 1789, is the conclusion of Thomas J.

Farnham in Fairfield: The Biography of a Community, 1639-1989. Additionally, John Adams wrote of being “in good health and Spirits” while staying there, and later correspondence finds Abigail attesting to the same “upon a visit at Fairfield.” According to Matis, the Tavern is called “Penfield’s” and sometimes listed as “S. Penfield’s” in early documents. The first references to the name “Sun Tavern” appear in the late nineteenth century and may have been started by Robert Manuel Smith who lived in the structure from 1885 until the early 20th century. Samuel Penfield bought 1.5 acres with “buildings thereon standing” from Thomas and Hannah Gibbs in 1761 and began operating a tavern on the property sometime before the revolution which fell victim to “Tryon’s Raid” on July 7, 1779. During this cataclysmic event, British troops also burned the courthouse, church, and most of the homes near the green. Sun Tavern rose from these ashes. Lodge records reveal that Jonathan Bulkeley’s competing tavern, known to have been General William Tryon’s headquarters during the raid, was many times its meeting place during Bulkeley’s unusually long tenure as Worshipful Master from 1771 to 1788. Masonic lodges often met at taverns.

Sun Tavern in Fairfield.

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Seeking funds to preserve Sun Tavern, Matis conducted a presentation at the lodge which led to a major donation from The Connecticut Freemasons Foundation. Masons were thrilled to

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F E AT U R E

The author leading a Masonic meeting seated in the Windsor armchair preserved from 1762.

help preserve a meeting place of St. John’s Lodge No. 3, the first lodge in Fairfield County. Established in 1762, its charter bears the date 5762 because Freemasonry adds four thousand years to the Common Era to symbolically allude to the creation of the world. In gratitude, Fairfield Museum gave permission for the 2012 meeting. To augment the rich physical setting members wore period clothing, from Continental Army uniforms, Scottish kilts and the cotton waistcoats and silk stockings of country gentlemen to the humble go-to-church-andweddings linen and wool of farmers and tradesmen.

Stewards of artifacts safeguard their preservation, but the Sun Tavern experience demonstrates that allowing their original use, even briefly, can nourish the surviving spiritual and intellectual culture of historic groups. In this case, Freemasons were invigorated and Fairfield Museum gained access to the fraternity’s private records and an understanding of its activities. When Masons gather, they strive to create an ideal community in which religious, political, racial, and class differences yield to their common humanity. Efforts to live according to these Enlightenment principles, embedded in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution by Brother Benjamin Franklin and many others, play out imperfectly across the arc of our national history. Fairfield Museum now understands what this looks like at the local level.

This story first appeared in the Spring 2022 issue of Connecticut Explored, the magazine of Connecticut history, ctexplored.org.

Charter of St. John’s No. 3 dated February 12, 5762 or 1762 in common usage.

SCAN: JAMES W. D’ACOSTA

PHOTO: DANIEL REGAN

by James W. D’Acosta, 32˚, Valley of Bridgeport

Ascending the narrow steps to the second floor, Masons entered the room George Washington, their eminent Brother, likely was given for his overnight stay. With candlelight playing upon the room’s 12-inch planks and open hearth, members performed the Master Mason degree with centuries-old precision.

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N by Joann Williams-Hoxha, Content Manager

Supreme Council Presents Tompkins Medal to Brother

Roger Pellerin, 33°, MSA On May 31, 2022, at the Valley of Nashua’s stated meeting, Supreme Council conferred The Daniel D. Tompkins Medal on Illustrious Brother Roger Pellerin, 33°, MSA, for his outstanding and exemplary service to the Masonic Fraternity at large. The Tompkins Medal is a unique degree and continued directing for the Supreme Council recognition that Lodge of Perfection and Consistory for honors distinguished contributions 15 years. not often witnessed by the general Ill. Brother Pellerin has been an active membership. The medal is named in supporter of the Children’s Dyslexia honor of Daniel D. Tompkins, first Center of Nashua, serving on its Board of Sovereign Grand Commander of the Governors and taking part in fundraising Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (1813efforts, from walk-a-thons to golf 1825) and former U.S. Vice President tournaments. He chaired the popular under President James Monroe. Tony Pace (a Las Vegas entertainer with “One of the great privileges I have as local ties to New England) fundraising Deputy for the State of New Hampshire events. When Brother Pellerin learned is to recognize distinguished Scottish Rite that Tony was going to become a Masons who’ve labored in the quarries Freemason, he traveled with two other in support of our beloved Scottish Rite,” Brothers to be at his raising in Las Vegas. said Ill. Brother Ken Clay Jr., 33˚. Through his craft as an operative “Illustrious Brother Pellerin is stonemason, Brother Pellerin has also the consummate ‘behind the scenes’ created and donated numerous granite supporter of Scottish Rite and New dedication markers to New Hampshire Hampshire Freemasonry,” he said. Grand Lodge. A life-long resident of Hudson, New His additional recognitions include Hampshire, Roger joined Rising Sun the Major General John Sullivan Lodge #39 in Nashua and was raised to Distinguished Service Medal in Bronze, the Sublime Degree of Master Mason presented in 1996 by the Grand Lodge in 1986. Just one month later, Brother of New Hampshire for his dedication to Pellerin joined the Scottish Rite in the the Craft, and the Meritorious Service Valley of Nashua, receiving his degrees in Award from New Hampshire Council all four bodies. He served as Worshipful of Deliberation in 2007. Master of Rising Sun Lodge from 1995-1997 and was coroneted a 33˚ Mason by Supreme Council in 1999 in Atlantic City. He quickly took part in non-speaking roles in the Lodge of Perfection and Consistory degrees, followed by speaking roles, then directed Lodge of Perfection degrees. In 1997, he took over directing the Shown (l to r) are Ill. Brother Roger Pellerin, 33˚, MSA; Ill. Robert Allegorical portion of the 32nd Bianci, 33˚; and Ill. Robert Hansen, 33˚. 20

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Masonic Market Available to Me Seeking ways to expand your Valley’s outreach and communications efforts? Look no further than Scottish Rite, NMJ’s Masonic Marketing series. Thus far, the series includes five e-books that walk members through best practices for building their Valley’s digital presence. The downloadable resources are free and include the following “how-to” guides:

• Email Marketing: A Step-byStep Guide to Getting Started • Digital Marketing for Masons: 4 Ways to Promote Your Organization Online • Google Business Profiles: A Step-by-Step Guide for Raising Your Visibility on Google • Social Media: Using a Facebook Page for Your Organization • Social Media: Facebook Boosted Posts

To access these valuable resources, simply scan the QR code below or visit scottishritenmj.org/ best-practices/masonicmarketing-series

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eting Resources embers Linda Patch, Director of Marketing & Communications, said among the top social media channels, Scottish Rite, NMJ typically recommends that Valley leaders start with Facebook as their initial social network. “Based on our current member demographics, Facebook remains the most popular social outlet for getting the word out about who we are and what we do. By leveraging these e-books as part of each Valley’s outreach efforts, leaders will see a marked difference in both member engagement and prospect interactions.”

Supreme Council Confers Tompkins Medal on Brother

Vince Baker

by Joann Williams-Hoxha, Content Manager

In a special ceremony at the U.S. Pentagon on May 13, 2022, Supreme Council conferred The Daniel D. Tompkins Medal on Brother Vince Baker for outstanding and exemplary service to his country and the Masonic Fraternity at large. Recipients of the Tompkins Medal include President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 33˚; D-Day hero Leonard “Bud” Lomell, 32˚; and Vietnam hero Sammy Lee Davis, 33˚. Brother Baker is the 26th recipient to receive this prestigious honor. The award was presented by Supreme Council Grand Lieutenant Commander Mark Roth, 33˚; Grand Treasurer General and Deputy of Michigan Walter F. Wheeler, 33˚; Active Member for Michigan Jacob E. Hayrynen Jr. 33˚; Travis T. Freeman, 33˚, Director of Communications in Michigan; William F. Baker, PM of McMillan Lodge #400; and Ricky L. Williamson, Vice Admiral of the Navy. The medal is named in honor of Daniel D. Tompkins, first Sovereign Grand Commander of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction from 1813 to 1825. Brother Tompkins also served the nation as vice president under President James Monroe. Brother Baker has a distinguished military career and currently serves at the

Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. Prior to that, he served as Station Norfolk’s 49th Commanding Officer and Chief of Staff for Navy Region MidAtlantic. In 2008, he deployed to the Arabian Gulf with his crew in command of the USS Dextrous (MCM-13). He then completed a joint tour as Policy Advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Affairs. In 2011, Captain Baker assumed command of USS De Wert (FFG-45) and deployed to the Indian Ocean as part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, capturing 11 pirates and freeing the Italian-owned cargo ship Montecristo and her crew of 24 off the coast of Somalia. Brother Baker’s additional recognitions include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards). Brother Baker is a member of McMillan Lodge in Newberry, Michigan.

Brother Baker with his father, William F. Baker, 32˚, of the Valley of Michigan

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In Memoriam

Supreme Council Surpas Milestones, Welcomes 4 As if coming out of hibernation after a challenging 2021, Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction’s membership year emerged anew and kicked into high gear, with new programming, fresh ideas, and revived in-person connections.

Ill. Samuel C. Williamson, 33°

1926-2022

Ill. Samuel C. Williamson, 33°, laid down his working tools on Sunday, July 3, 2022. Raised a Master Mason in Tyrian Lodge No. 612 of Level Green, PA. Completed the degrees of the Scottish Rite in 1952. Coroneted a 33° Mason and Honorary Member of the Supreme Council in 1977. He served as the Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania in 1982 and 1983. It was at that time he led the Grand Lodge to establish the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation, a charitable outreach of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to promote leadership training for youth and to support Masonic-related youth groups such as DeMolay, Rainbow Girls and Job’s Daughters. He served on its Board of Directors as an officer of the corporation from its inception until retiring in 2020. One of his most satisfying accomplishments was the conversion of the Patton Masonic School at Elizabethtown, PA, into a Masonic Conference Center for youth. Another was bringing the Order of DeMolay and the Knights of Pythagoras together for annual Brotherhood Retreats and establishing, through the youth, an informal dialogue with Prince Hall Freemasonry. Sam received many Fraternal honors. He was invested with the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania’s Benjamin Franklin Medal in 1984 for outstanding service. A similar recognition, the Daniel Coxe Medal, was awarded to him in 2005 by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. In 2006, he was honored with the DeMolay Grand Cross. In 2013, he was given Honorary Membership in the Prince Hall Scottish Rite Council of Deliberation. In 2016, was inducted into the DeMolay International Hall of Fame, and in 2019, he became only the 46th recipient of the Scottish Rite Supreme Council Medal of Honor. 22

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This membership year (June 16, 2021 - June 15, 2022), 2,184 new initiates joined our ranks, an increase over the number of new members we welcomed last year. Among our 97 Valleys, 59 of those Valleys also brought in more new members this year than they did the previous year. Online and In-Person Joining Opportunities Membership growth can be attributed to a combination of Valleys having the ability to reopen and host events with fewer restrictions associated with the pandemic, as well as hosting new Brothers online at our “Join the Rite Night.” Join the Rite Nights took place just before each Thursday Night at the Rite, and allowed new members to witness the 4th degree, followed by the featured degree and discussion. Brother Michael Seevers, who is a long-haul truck driver, said being able to connect through Join the Rite Night/ Thursday Night at the Rite was such a blessing. “I really enjoy it and really appreciate it. It’s a great way out here to connect while being on the road. It really connects the whole Jurisdiction,” he said. Read more about Brother Seevers’ Scottish Rite journey on page 15.

Members Restoration and Engagement In February 2022, Supreme Council launched a newly branded website and marketing campaign known as “Journey On,” in addition to accompanying digital assets and resources. Then, leveraging a combination of technology and direct mail, Supreme Council launched The Northern Light

NEWS

asses Previous Membership 45 Valleys of Excellence

by Joann Williams Hoxha, Content Manager

Pathfinder, an extension of “Journey On” which enables Brothers to expand upon the member experience and continue their journey through Scottish Rite. These efforts, in addition to several direct mail and email campaigns, directly contributed to Supreme Council welcoming back more than 1,100 Brothers, a member restoration number that is close to double that of the previous year.

Valleys of Excellence During its inaugural 2020-2021 membership year, a total of 19 Valleys achieved Valley of Excellence status. This year, among a total of 97 Valleys, 45 accomplished this feat, with seven Valleys achieving a score of 100%, and 15 Valleys repeating. “It is both rewarding and inspiring to see the number of Valleys who achieved Valley of Excellence status this year,” said Bob Kefalas, 32°, Assistant Director of Valley Relations. “You truly embody our vision of fulfilling our Masonic obligation to care for our members.” This year, all Valleys of Excellence also deployed “Rite on the Road” to introduce Brothers to Scottish Rite, enabling Valley officers to initiate members anytime, and almost anywhere, with proper protocols still in place. “The jurisdiction could not have achieved these membership milestones without the support of each and every one of YOU,” said George T. Taylor IV, 32°, Senior Director of Member Services and Programs. “Thank you, Brethren, from the bottom of our hearts. Keep up the great work and continue to share the Scottish Rite Experience.”

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Scottish Rite, NMJ by the Numbers JUNE 16, 2021 - JUNE 15, 2022

2,184

New members joined our ranks outpacing last year

59 of 97 Valleys brought in new members

1,100 Brothers restored their membership, doubling the restoration rate of the previous year

Valleys achieved Valley of Excellence status

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2021-2022

Valleys of Excellence Achieved VOE for Two Consecutive Years and Achieved a Score of 100%m 1. 2. 3. 4.

by Joann Williams-Hoxha, Content Manager

Achieved a VOE Score of 100% 5. Evansville (IN) 6. Canton (OH) 7. Steubenville (OH)

Rockville Centre (NY) Toledo (OH) Dayton (OH) The Firelands (OH)

9 23

Achieved VOE for Two Consecutive Years 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.

The Hudson (NY) Chicago (IL) Columbus (OH) South Bend (IN) George Rogers Clark (IN) Bridgeport (CT) Rochester (NY) Schenectady (NY) Northern New Jersey (NJ) Harrisburg (PA) Springfield (IL)

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38 37 18 11 28

35 42

10 12

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Achieved VOE for the First Timem 15

14 27

8 44 1

40 19

17 25

22 45 34

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45.

Reading (PA) Allentown (PA) Erie (PA) Philadelphia (PA) Michigan (MI) Youngstown (OH) Uniontown (PA) Akron (OH) Syracuse (NY) Southern Illinois (IL) Bangor (ME) Wilmington (DE) Southern New Jersey (NJ) Boston (MA) Coudersport (PA) Cleveland (OH) Indianapolis (IN) The Merrimack (MA) Danville (IL) Peoria (IL) Providence (RI) Scranton (PA) Pittsburgh (PA) Terre Haute (IN) Fort Wayne (IN) New York City (NY) Lowell (MA)

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HAUTS GRADES ACADEMY

Intendent of the Building 8 T H

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D E G R E E

The Northern Light

E D U C AT I O N

by William P Fenty III, 32°, Valley of Rockville Centre, NY

In deciding on which degree to select for my second essay, I decided

to choose one that struck me as unremarkable, but after further investigation, revealed a deeper meaning. In attending the degrees, I have found some—those whose message and moral were obvious to me—that caused an immediate emotional response. There have also been degrees where I was left confused and wondering if I had missed the meaning or the symbolism in the degree. The 8th degree was such a degree for me. After spending some time contemplating the degree and re-reading the script more carefully, I believe I have found a deeper meaning. After my first viewing, my thoughts on this degree were only on the outcome of how Solomon had become King. As we learn in this degree, King David was coming to the end of his reign and was leaving roles for those of his sons who had reached 20 years of age. We then meet Adonijah, the oldest living son of David. He immediately makes an impression with his arrogance and demeaning treatment of his brothers. The story explains how Adonijah continues his almost childish behavior, until ultimately, David decides to anoint Solomon as King. While there clearly is a lesson in my abridged understanding regarding how our actions can lead to our undoing, I think I missed the more critical lesson in this degree. This degree represents the Scottish Rite Core Value of Service to Humanity. I decided to re-read the degree with this Core Value in mind. In doing so, I found much more meaning in the degree than at first. I had missed so much in this degree, because I had made a conclusion based on the story’s outcome without considering the story itself. Within the context of the Scottish Rite, service can take on Fall 2022

many meanings: service to our country, service to God, service to our Brothers. It can also mean service in leadership. This degree took on a whole new meaning for me when I looked at it through the lens of leadership.

I had made a conclusion based on the story’s outcome without considering the story itself. In contemplating his end as King, King David faces the daunting task of determining which son is ready to take on this role. He decides to give each equal responsibilities and assigns roles without identifying any of them as King. We then are given a view of how each handles their new leadership responsibilities. Most of the brothers, when contemplating their new position, only consider how this position will affect them. Is it a position worthy for them? Will it bring them honor or glory by fulfilling it? Adonijah clearly demonstrates that he is not interested in service. He dismisses what he is offered, as if

fulfilling his assignment is below him. He puts himself ahead of the needs of the people. His arrogant and shameful boasting proves that he is less interested in being a leader than a despot. Solomon, however, has an entirely different reaction. When first queried on how he will attend to the new responsibilities, Solomon responds with, “I will do whatsoever is allotted me to do.” Solomon’s first thoughts are not what’s in it for me but rather for the greater good. We then learn Solomon isn’t even entirely sure what the position “Intendent of the Building” entails. To the viewer who understands our history, it is apparent that the building is the temple that Solomon was to build as foretold to David by God. Still, Solomon isn’t aware that that is his destiny. He is demonstrating one of the key behavioral attributes of a leader: the ability to serve where he is needed and to do what must be done. In the conclusion, we are taught our final lesson on leadership: benevolence and charity are two of the essential traits of a leader. Solomon then demonstrates this when faced with how to handle his wayward brother ScottishRiteNMJ.org

E D U C AT I O N

INTENDENT OF THE BUILDING... continued

! To learn more about HGA and sign up for the waitlist, visit

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Adonijah. Solomon decrees that so long as Adonijah is a worthy man, no harm will come to him, demonstrating his benevolence in dealing with a direct threat to his authority.

Solomon’s first thoughts are not what’s in it for me but rather for the greater good. For me, this degree turned from being quite unremarkable to quite remarkable. Hidden within the story are valuable lessons we can apply both within and without Masonry. In my professional life, I have been leading teams for more than 20 years, and I am still learning the art and science of leadership. This degree teaches that service, benevolence, and charity are key attributes of any good leader. I have found this true as I have applied my trade. In Masonry, as I head East in the chairs of my lodge, it further confirms what I have learned. A good leader realizes that he is in service to his Brethren as he travels to the East. He must look at problems and challenges and contemplate, as Solomon did, how best to serve those he leads, the body of Masonry, and God. Are my actions benevolent? Am I being charitable in my actions? Have I sought God’s guidance with tough problems, especially if I’m unsure of the answer? It is through service that we learn to lead. The 8th degree provides us examples from our history on these lessons that are as relevant today as they were in the time of Solomon. 28

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The Northern Light

The Masonic Traveler

ne of the salient features of the Scottish Rite Journal is the Masonic Traveler, a continuation of an SRJ series published decades ago called the Masonic Tourist. In fact, even in its early days the magazine presented occasional travel articles, such as a 1905 piece by Warren Harper on trolleying up the Jungfrau summit of the Swiss Alps to “make merry over little Swiss cakes and beer.” The new series began with a visit to Williamsburg Lodge (chartered 1770) in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. We also enjoyed nearby reconstructions of eighteenth-century buildings explained by colonially-garbed historical interpreters. Our feature has since visited coastal Delaware (with its early Netherlandic history), the beautiful Scottish Rite Temple in Portland, Oregon, and Sandusky, Ohio—

the only city with a deliberate Masonic Square and Compasses shape to its street designs. An unusual Traveler article by M. Christopher Lee, 32º, took us back in time to Fredericksburg, Virginia, as he Corinthian Room, Philadelphia Masonic Temple, where murals tell imagined future classical tales of Greek mythology. Photography: Joshua Mongardini president George Most recently, the Masonic Traveler visWashington beited the Masonic Temple at Philadelphia. coming a Mason in the tavern where the Managing Editor Mark Dreisonstok, 32º, still-extant Fredericksburg Lodge met: KCCH, wrote in our pages: John Jones’ tavern smells of strong hops, candle wax, burnt whale oil, cooked food, and men. The ale is cold because it is November, and the barrels are stored in unheated rooms. A gentleman enters. He’s a tall fellow—a head higher than most of the other patrons. He has traveled from his home in Ferry Farm, just across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg. He has business here tonight, for he has come to knock on a door.

Writer John M. Bozeman, Ph.D., took us to neighboring Maryland to visit the world’s first monument to Br. George Washington:

World’s first Washington Monument, Washington County, Maryland. Photography: Cordelia Dreisonstok

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On July 4, 1827, the citizens of Boonsboro walked two miles up South Mountain and began constructing a stone monument in honor of George Washington.. While the monument itself is of modest size, the dry-laid (i.e., mortarless) construction and Winnie-the-Pooh beehive shape exude a rustic charm and offer breathtaking vistas looking out over four states.

A visit to the home of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is a vicarious trip to Renaissance Italy, Moorish Spain, and Ancient Egypt. We also witness Romanesque, Gothic, Classical Greek, and Ancient Celtic architectural splendor, all through lodge rooms masterfully recreating these historic cultures and building styles.

Not only U.S. locations are included in the series, for Simon Weissenberger, 32º, has taken us to explore the Monument of the Battle of Nations in Leipzig, Germany, in order to explain why it is a “Masonic treasure.” We look forward to visiting more places, both familiar and unfamiliar, in future installments of the Masonic Traveler. As we know from Masonic tradition, Freemasonry is traveling!

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Solomon Ascending 8 T H

D E G R E E

: A Fresh Look at a Timeless Message

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The Northern Light

E D U C AT I O N

by PJ Roup, Active for Pennsylvania Member, Committee on Ritualistic Matters

Before I talk about the Valley of Pittsburgh’s reimagining of the 8th

degree, Intendent of the Building, I should begin with a disclaimer: Before undertaking any kind of reimagining of the official work of the Scottish Rite, NMJ, one should seek consent from the Sovereign Grand Commander through their state Deputy and confirm that it will count for the passport program.

BACKGROUND In 2017, the Valley sought permission from Commander Glattly to develop a modern retelling of Intendent of the Building. Our request came in the form of a one-page outline detailing the proposed transformation of the biblical degree to modern times along with a few sample pages showing the stage direction and updated dialogue. The Commander quickly gave us permission with the caveat that it must retain the message and Core Values of the original degree. Brother William Fenty has an excellent breakdown of the original degree in his article on page 26, so I will instead focus on the adaptations we made as well as the reasons behind them.

WORLD BUILDING With our marching orders in hand, our writing team (Todd Ballenger, 33˚; Rodney Boyce, 33˚; Bob Dunkle, 33˚; Dave Morgans, 33˚; and me) began by creating the new world for the characters to inhabit. We pored over the dialogue with a fine-

Left top and bottom: members of the Valley of Pittsburgh plan and rehearse Solomon Ascending. Left middle left: Solomon (Eric Johnston) receives advice from Nathan (Bill Holman) and Zadok (Will Johnston). Left middle right: The Board members gather.

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toothed comb, updating language and situations. For example, David was no longer “King of all Israel and Judah,” but rather the CEO of DavidCorp, a global corporation, and its subsidiaries, Judahco and Israel, Inc. His sons were to be made vice presidents of divisions. Next, we made the decision to eschew the prologue in favor of an opening scene. At curtain, a biblical King David breaks the fourth wall, a term that refers to a character interacting with the audience, to explain to the audience exactly what they were about to see: I want to explain something that you’re probably wondering about—why all those men behind me are dressed like modern day businessmen. That’s simple. You see, if I could magically take you back to my time, you would have a hard time understanding what we did and how we spoke—we spoke Hebrew after all, not that King James Bible version of English with all of its thees and thous and wherefores and words that end in E-T-H. No one talks like that today—I’m not sure anyone ever did. No one reads from scrolls, no one consults prophets, and the affairs and customs in the court of the king mean little to your modern sensibilities. So, my sons and

I are going to tell you the story in a language that you can understand and in a setting that you can wrap your head around. “You’re welcome,” he adds with just a hint of modern-day sarcasm before handing the story off to his sons seated in the DavidCorp boardroom. Once the sons have set the stage (still talking directly to the audience), they put the “fourth wall” back up so the drama that we know can begin in earnest. We wanted to stay as true to the story as possible without any anachronistic holdovers from the original. For example: a videotaped last will and testament replaced the “scroll” that was David’s will in the original; Nathan and Zadok became his advisor and pastor respectively; and David learns of Adonijah’s takeover plans through his social media feed, just to name a few. Finally, we needed a new name. We chose Solomon Ascending. It was short, memorable, and melded the modern with the esoteric.

EXECUTION Once we satisfied ourselves that we had put together the best script possible, the real work began. We chose the best actors in the Valley and cast it early; it ScottishRiteNMJ.org

E D U C AT I O N

SOLOMON ASCENDING... continued

Our lessons are timeless, and there are multiple ways to make that message heard. was a brand-new script for everyone, after all. We held an early table read so that we could identify and correct any issues with time to spare. One of the things that came from this table read was that there definitely was a need to give a little more backstory on DavidCorp; it came out of nowhere and could potentially confuse the audience. Rather than rewrite the entire opening, we decided to produce a corporate marketing video for DavidCorp as a cold opening for the show. We used stock video footage of different facets of manufacturing and trade accompanied by a professional voiceover to make a very believable advertisement for this very fictional company. This served two purposes. First, it quickly connected the audience to this 21st-century company without the need for dry exposition. Secondly, it informed them that what they were about to see was not their grandfather’s 8th degree. The next problem was that of scenery. Solomon Ascending is set in a contemporary boardroom, and I would venture a guess that none of our Valleys have drops to pull that off. The Valley of Pittsburgh was no exception. We were fortunate, however, that a local theater company had flats for an oakpaneled room that they no longer had room to store. Problem solved. Because it was a technology-heavy production with multiple video, audio, and lighting cues, we held seven rehearsals including technical and dress rehearsals. It was admittedly a big ask for the cast and crew, but in the end, 32

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everyone agreed that it was worth it. It was a tight performance that broke new ground in the way Scottish Rite degrees are performed. As a bonus, we simulcast the degree to the Valley of Williamsport who was holding their reunion on the same day.

CURTAIN CALL I would love to tell you that every single Brother who witnessed the degree that day (or in the Thursday Night at the Rite last season) was a fan, but I can’t. To be certain, the overwhelming majority of the comments were very positive, but there were some who prefer the original version, and that’s okay. I suspect that every Mason in every Valley who has witnessed a degree more than once has a preference on cast, costumes, and set design, so this should be no different. My biggest surprise was that the split did not correspond to any one age bracket. Some younger men liked the original version, and some older members were blown away by our multimedia presentation. I am a firm believer that our lessons are timeless, and there are multiple ways to make that message heard. I would encourage each of you to read one of our Scottish Rite degrees. As you do, imagine different ways that they could be set and still teach our enduring truths and Core Values. You don’t have to write anything down. Just doing this simple thought exercise may afford you the opportunity to find a lesson that may have eluded you or a secret that had yet to be revealed. In the end, it’s the message that matters.

The CEO (Dave Morgans) meets with Hiram, King of Tyre (Jeff Wonderling).

Biblical David (Rodney Boyce) explains the Boardroom to the audience.

Dave Morgans as David, CEO

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A Lasting Legacy Did you know that August is National Make-A-Will Month? For many who have been putting off this important task, I hope this reminder serves as the motivation needed to finally sit down and create a last will and testament. Once begun, many find the process isn’t as long or tedious as anticipated.

Two reasons to write your will:

A will is an important legal document that everyone should have. This powerful document lets you distribute your property and protect your loved ones after you pass.

A will creates peace of mind for you and the people you love. Your final wishes are stated, and heirs have a direction to carry these out.

For those who already have a will in place, a word of friendly advice: take 15 minutes to look over your existing will and make sure it’s up to date with your current preferences. Estate attorneys recommend reviewing your will every three to five years. You may also consider taking a few extra minutes to make sure you’ve named

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by Walt Wheeler, 33˚, Director of Charities

beneficiaries of your non-probate assets, such as your life insurance policies and/or retirement accounts. You can even name a charity as a beneficiary of your assets as a meaningful way to leave a lasting impact on the philanthropic work near and dear to your heart. As much as we try, none of us live forever. Yet there are ways to continue making a positive impact on this world long after you leave it. One of these ways is by donating to a charity in your will.

Your gift can be in the form of: • A cash sum; • A particular property or asset; • A share, or the whole, of your residuary estate (what’s left after other specified gifts, costs, and tax).

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CHARITIES

Brothers have made a difference in the history of the Scottish Rite by leaving a gift to our Scottish Rite Charities.

Questions? Please Reach Out.

George A. Newbury Cornerstone Society Brothers have made a difference in the history of the Scottish Rite by leaving a gift to our Scottish Rite Charities. Many of our Charities were established or sustained through generous supporters remembering our work in their wills. Named for one of the Fraternity’s greatest builders, the George A. Newbury Cornerstone Society was created to acknowledge those who have made a lasting investment through will provisions in the life-changing efforts of Scottish Rite Charities.

It is always recommended that you consult your financial/tax advisor or attorney before you make your estate plans. Many of our Brothers have already generously included Scottish Rite Charities in their estate plans. Thank you to all who have done so. Too often we are unaware of these very meaningful and personal planned gifts until a Brother passes away, a lost opportunity for you to be recognized and celebrated during your lifetime.

For more information about joining the Newbury Cornerstone Society or how to include Scottish Rite Charities in your estate plans, please contact our office. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

If you have not done so, please let us know of your intentions to include Scottish Rite Charities in your estate plans, so we can include you as a member of our Cornerstone Society.

Brethren, a Call to Action! As Grand Treasurer General for the Supreme Council, my charge is to help keep the Scottish Rite NMJ’s financial house in order. I’d like to encourage you to make sure your personal financial house is in order by writing or reviewing your will today. And whether you are creating or revising your will, please consider including a provision to include the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation as a beneficiary. Fall 2022

Walt Wheeler Director of Charities Email: wwheeler@srnmj.org Office: (800) 814-1432

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Celebrating Student Achievement at the Children’s Dyslexia Centers Every summer, hundreds of Children’s Dyslexia Center (CDC) students graduate from the program in local ceremonies known as Celebrations of Achievement. While dyslexia cannot be cured (so a student never truly “graduates” from the condition), these ceremonies serve as an important reminder of how hard these students have worked to overcome reading challenges. Most students graduate from the program after two and a half years of one-on-one support from their tutor. Because of the challenges and stigma surrounding dyslexia, many children enter the program afraid and

skeptical. However, over the course of hundreds of hours spent together, students and tutors begin to build trust and understanding rooted not only in the progress they have made in reading, but also through sharing

2022 Celebration of Achievement Children’s Dyslexia Center of the Great Lakes

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their hobbies, interests, and how they have grown as an individual. For both the child and tutor, this bond can make Celebrations of Achievement bittersweet as they prepare to say goodbye.

More than 900 children are expected to graduate from the program this year. Gia Kiley, a tutor at the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Madison, is no stranger to this feeling. In 2019, she began working one-on-one with Nate, a severely dyslexic child afraid to raise his hand in the classroom. Speaking at his Celebration of Achievement just two years later, voice brimming with emotion, Gia shared, “He is such an incredibly calm, hardworking, funny, amazing student. After a while, we started reading this gigantic book,

Children’s Dyslexia Center of Western Pennsylvania

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CHARITIES

For more information on your local Center, and how you can help students access essential tutoring resources, please visit: www.childrensdyslexiacenters.org

by Jocelyn Wallace Grant Writer and Coordinator

and we would switch off page by page. He would get lost in the story and forget to switch it back to me, and I didn’t tell him. I said to him near the end of our time together, ‘You don’t need me anymore.’ It makes me sad, but it makes me proud. He’s going to go far in life.” The relationship between tutors and their students is uniquely valuable and leaves a lasting impact. When asked about his two years at the Center and his experience working with Gia, Nate shared, “I just want to say I love it. It helped me a lot. And I have to say I’m also really sad to leave. We’ve built this relationship; we’ve worked every week—twice a week—and it’s going to be hard saying goodbye. But I’m also really proud of myself and Gia and how great a tutor she is.”

Because of the challenges and stigma surrounding dyslexia, many children enter the program afraid and skeptical.

2022 Graduates and Director Heather Brown, Children’s Dyslexia Center of Lancaster

Gia Kiley and Nate, Children’s Dyslexia Center of Madison

Centers are helping to bring communities together through tutorstudent mentorship. These bonds are born in the classroom but are never more apparent than at a Center’s Celebration of Achievement where students, tutors, and their families come to together to laugh and cry as students embark on the next chapter of their life.

More than 900 children are expected to graduate from the program this year, having developed grade level reading skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Thanks to the generous support of members, the Children’s Dyslexia Children’s Dyslexia Center of Southeastern Michigan (Dearborn, MI) 2022 Ice Cream Social and Graduation

Fall 2022

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Beyond the Quarry: Labors of Love

Reaching for the Stars

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MEMBERSHIP

by PJ Roup, 33˚, Editor, Active for Pennsylvania

When Tim was a boy, he got a cryptic call from his grandmother telling him to come and get his money. He had no idea what that meant, but at her insistence, he paid her a visit. The money she was talking about was his inheritance. She had figured out that she had all she needed for the rest of her life. “If I give it to you now,” she told him, “I will get to see what you do with it and enjoy it with you.” Tim Herald, 32°, Tyler of the Valley of Fort Wayne used the windfall to purchase his first camera, a professional-grade Canon F1, and put the rest in the bank. “Being that it was a professional camera, there were very few automatic settings,” he said. “That forced me to learn how to actually use the camera and learn photography more than just taking pictures.” It was never more than a hobby for several years, but once his children became active in sports, he got his rig out of mothballs and began shooting again. Other sports families became interested in his photos, so he began selling them at the events. Tim’s photography business TeamColors, LLC was born. In the summer of 2020, Tim attended a Milky Way photography session he set up for the local photography meet-up group he co-founded. He figured it might the best way to learn the nuances of dark sky photography. That night, another member of the group pointed out that the comet NEOWISE was currently visible. Tim turned his camera 180° and found NEOWISE in the eyepiece. “I was hooked,” he admitted. The Pillars of Creation (part of the Eagle Nebula) captured during the summer of 2022.

Fall 2022

For those who might want to get into the game, his first astrophotography kit was a Meade 70mm Quadruplet APO 350mm f5 telescope used for wide-angle photography, a SkyWatcher Star Adventurer mount, and a Sony a6300 mirrorless camera which was converted to full-spectrum. It was a nice setup, but Tim reminded me, “You can take photos of many beautiful things like the Milky Way with just a standard camera lens and tripod.” Like all hobbyists, Tim soon realized he needed some upgrades. He currently shoots with a Celestron 9.25" EdgeHD SchmidtCassegrain 2350mm f10 Optical Tube on Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Equatorial Mount and a ZWO 2600 color dedicated Astro camera. There are also several attachments added to enhance

light gathering, all controlled by a single-board computer and an iPad. “A typical night of astrophotography begins with my wife telling me, ‘It looks like a good Astro night,’ and off I go,” Tim says. “I set things up about an hour before dark so everything is ready.” Tim uses a computerized mount that he aligns to the North Star. Once aligned, the computer then tracks the object so that it stays in view throughout the evening. “Imaging requires multiple shots known as subs. The more subs you have the better. I usually try for a minimum of 25 images hoping to have 16 that are usable,” Tim explained. Once he has the images, he uses software to stack the images,

Brother Tim Herald prepares for a night of stargazing.

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M BEYOND THE QUARRY: REACHING FOR THE STARS... continued

The comet NEOWISE in 2020

remove the digital “noise,” and enhance the colors. “Processing a single image can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a couple of hours depending on how critical you get with it.” Just as Tim was hitting his stride as an astrophotographer, he became ill. He was hospitalized with Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (right side heart failure) caused by pulmonary embolism (blood clots in his lungs). “The Brothers of the Valley [of Fort Wayne] were incredibly supportive of me. I got calls and visits. It was really something. Even when I got out, they were constantly asking how I was doing,” Tim said. As a way of avoiding answering health questions all the time, Brother Tim

“I have always said how much I love God’s paintbrush—things like sunsets and clouds.” started showing pictures of the deep sky objects he had photographed— nebulas, galaxies, and planets. “Showing my images opened up a very relaxing world of conversation— everything from talking about the evening, to the gear, to how beautiful the images were. There seemed to be almost a disbelief that these celestial bodies were out there. With so much enthusiasm, I decided to start posting them on the Valley’s Facebook page. I hope to hold a Valley stargazing event in the future.” Chicagohenge

PRODUCTS MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM WHAT IS DISPLAYED.

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MEMBERSHIP

! Beyond the Quarry: Labors of Love is a new recurring column that will feature Masons outside of the Lodge. Do you have an interesting hobby, event, or recreational activity that you would like to share with us? If so, contact editor@srnmj. org and let us know about it. You just might find yourself featured in a coming issue.

Though his preferred subjects are heavenly bodies, Tim still looks for the opportunity to capture unique images here on Earth as well. “Typically, I hear about interesting phenomenon after they happen, so the opportunity is lost. This year I got lucky though,” Tim said. He heard about Chicagohenge, an event that happens twice a year when the sunset perfectly aligns with the streets of Chicago, the night before it was to occur. “The morning of the event, I told my wife I was heading to Chicago to take a couple of pictures. She could tell I was excited, so she just said, ‘Be safe,’ and off I went. It was amazing. For the shot I got, it was more than worth the drive.”

Tim’s passion can be felt when you hear him talk. “I have always said how much I love God’s paintbrush— things like sunsets and clouds. Most of us have no idea there are things so beautiful just above our heads when the sun goes down.” Tim knows he’s a lucky man. “When I look up and see no clouds, I get excited because I know there’s going be an evening where I get to sit under the stars and look at beautiful targets. At the end of the session, I take a deep breath and appreciate all the blessings I have. Then I get excited thinking of what tomorrow will bring when I process the new image and upload it for all my Brothers to see.”

The Rosette Nebula

Fall 2022

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Around the Jurisdiction New Hampshire Scottish Rite Brother David Akridge, 32˚, presents Cadet Connor Cherry with the Scottish Rite Americanism Award.

The Valley of Northern New Jersey's presiding officers at their installation. Shown (l to r) are Jay Schwartzapfel, 32˚; William Von DerHeide IV, 32˚; Richard E Schultz, 33˚, MSA; and David Martin, 32˚.

Brother Jordan Frei, 32˚, presents the Scottish Rite Americanism Award to Cadet Madelyn R. Ostapchenko.

NJ On May 7th, 167 Brethren attended a Rite on the Road event for Dayton and The Firelands, where two candidates began their Scottish Rite journey.

ME NH

ME PA

IL A warm welcome to Valley of Chicago’s Spring 2022 class.

The Valley of George Rogers Clark’s spring class

DE The Valleys of Wilmington and Lower Delaware partnered with local military members to distribute flags at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery for Memorial Day. Shown (l to r) are Brothers Greg Vernicek, 32˚; Stephen Tucker, 32˚; and Kennard Brown III, 33˚.

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WI MI On April 9th and 30th, the Valley of Eau Claire had the honor of bringing 11 new Sublime Princes into their ranks. Welcome Brothers!

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MEMBERSHIP

Congratulations to the new members of the Valley of The Merrimack who received the 32˚ in Boston on April 23rd! They are pictured here with Brother George Hamilton, 33˚ (front, right), Deputy for Massachusetts.

Past Sovereign Grand Commander Dave Glattly presents the Commanders Medal for Distinguished Service to MW and Illustrious William H. Berman, 33˚, Past Grand Master of New Jersey. MW Brother Bill is currently the Secretary of the Masonic Renewal Committee of the Conference of Grand Masters of North America and has continually labored for the betterment of Freemasonry.

Brothers reconnected at the Valley of Steubenville’s spring reunion.

Valley of Hartford Tri-Consistory Reunion

MI Cast photo (above) and class photo (below) from the Valley of Michigan’s Southwest Region Reunion

ME NY Brothers from the Valley of The Hudson at their spring reunion

Fall 2022

Maine COD Veterans Program Director, Jeff Sukeforth, 33˚ (left), and Randy Stearns, 32˚, MSA (standing, right) present a check to Paws for Vets program on behalf of Scottish Rite Veterans and members.

NH On Thursday, May 26, the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Nashua, NH held its graduation ceremony. Shown (l to r) are Ill. Mark C. Roth, 33˚, Grand Lieutenant Commander; Aileen Cormier (wearing the red lanyard), Center Director; Ill. Kenneth Clay, Deputy for NH; and tutors from the Center.

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Around the Jurisdiction

continued The Scottish Rite Valley of Augusta presented $5,000 each to the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in Portland and Bangor at its Rose Croix meeting that also welcomed five new members. Welcome, Brothers!

Brothers from the Valley of The Hudson enjoyed food and fellowship at their spring table lodge event.

NY ME

The degree cast from the Valley of Erie’s spring reunion Photo credit: Kevin Soles Photography

Brothers from the Valley of Allentown held a food drive for their local food bank.

PA Valley of Erie spring reunion

PA Brother Edwin D. Clarke, 32˚, of the Valley of Pittsburgh poses with Senior DeMolays who served with him during his tenure as the Administrative Officer of the Pacific DeMolay Association (1972-1981). They presented him with a shadowbox of his Masonic, DeMolay, collegiate and military treasures. Brother Ed will receive his 70-year recognition this year. He is also a member of the Southern Jurisdiction where he holds the 33rd degree.

WI The Valley of La Crosse held a watch party of the 25th degree during Season Three of Thursday Night at the Rite.

VT Members of the Valley of Burlington meet to learn more about the Pathfinder program.

If you would like to have your Valley featured in Around the Jurisdiction, be sure to submit photographs and descriptions to

Communications@SRNMJ.org

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M C

MASONRY

Remarkable Masons

by Jeffrey Croteau, Director of the Van Gorden-Williams Library and Archives

St. Cecile Lodge No. 568, located in New York City, is a “daylight” lodge that was founded in 1865. The lodge meets during the afternoon. St. Cecile was created for musicians, theater professionals, and journalists whose evening work precluded them from attending nighttime meetings. Many famous performers have been members of St. Cecile Lodge No. 568. Here are just a few…

Louis B. Mayer (1884-1957)

Harry Houdini (1874-1926)

Paul Whiteman (1890-1967)

Al Jolson (1886-1950)

Film

Born

Singer,

producer and co-founder of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Studios in 1924, Mayer led the company at the height of its prestige. Mayer was born in Russia, grew up in Canada, and later moved to the United States. Actor Spencer Tracy, speaking of Mayer’s ambition, said, “The story he wanted to tell was the story of America, the land for which he had an almost furious love, born of gratitude—and of contrast with the hatred in the dark land of his boyhood across the seas. It was this love of America that made him an authority on America.” Mayer was raised in St. Cecile Lodge No. 568 on September 15, 1914.

Fall 2022

Erich Weiss in Budapest, Harry Houdini was a worldfamous illusionist and escape artist. Houdini came to Freemasonry just a few years before he died. He was raised in St. Cecile Lodge No. 568 on August 21, 1923; was a member of Mecca Shrine Temple; and joined all four bodies of the Scottish Rite in New York City in 1924.

American composer and bandleader, Whiteman was hugely popular in the 1920s and early 1930s. During his life, he released more than 600 phonograph recordings and provided music for six Broadway shows. Known as the “King of Jazz,” he is remembered for having recorded jazz and pop standards, including George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” in 1924.

actor, and vaudevillian, Jolson is considered the United States’ most popular and highestpaid star of the 1920s. From 1911 until 1926, Jolson was Broadway’s biggest attraction. Jolson is wellknown today for playing the lead in the first talking movie, 1927’s “The Jazz Singer.” Jolson was raised in St. Cecile Lodge No. 568 on July 1, 1913.

Whiteman was raised in St. Cecile Lodge No. 568 on May 2, 1922, and joined all York Rite bodies in New York City that same year. He was also a member of New York’s Mecca Shrine Temple.

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MASONRY

by Richard Elliot, 33˚, Active for New Hampshire

Brotherhood on a National and International Level

the spirit of international relations and serving in his role as Grand Representative

March 19, The Grand Lodge of Michigan and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Michigan held a historic joint degree

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for the Grand Lodge of Illinois to the Grand Lodge of Lithuania, Brother Vytautas Paukstys, 32°, attended the Grand Lodge of Lithuania’s Annual Communication on April 30, 2022. Shown here are Brother Paukstys, 32° (left), with Jurunas Jonas Jablonskas 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander of Supreme Council for Lithuania Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

at the Bay City Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Bay City, where 42 Brothers were passed to Fellowcraft.

DEMOLAY PATH FORWARD EARNS RECOGNITION:

The Road Begins Here

(l to r) Senior DeMolays and Scottish Rite, NMJ staff members Jeff Kitsmiller, 32˚; Matt Blaisdell, 32˚; Rich Elliot, 33˚; Walt Wheeler, 33˚; George Taylor, 32˚; and Matthew Gerrish, 32˚, pose with the Visionary Leadership Award.

the 101st Annual DeMolay International Supreme Council Session, the Scottish Rite, NMJ was recognized with the DeMolay Grand Master’s Visionary Leadership Award for the work done on the DeMolay Path Forward Project. After much anticipation from DeMolay from around the globe, the launch of “The Road Begins Here” campaign commenced with a highquality presentation by the NMJ team in Orlando and was received with much excitement and enthusiasm. The scope and extent of this project cannot be described any better than with the words of team member Matt Blaisdell—“With many hands involved, this has been a massive collaborative effort

between the incredible people at Scottish Rite, NMJ; our creative partners; and DeMolay International. This would not have been possible without the many teams who collected the data, developed the scripts, filmed the ads, kept the momentum, built the brand, developed the website, planned the logistics, pitched the campaign, provided the vision, and so much more to make it all happen.” We likely will never know the full magnitude of this project but can be confident that it will provide the essential tools to create the opportunity for the message of DeMolay to be shared in a quality and effective fashion, positively impacting the lives of countless young men. The Northern Light

The Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction is proud to have partnered with DeMolay International on The Road Begins Here campaign. Congratulations on a successful launch! JOURNEY ON!

Where will your road take you?

BEADEMOLAY.ORG

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS F O R T HE

5TH ANNUAL GIVING TUESDAY TELETHON, CE LE BRAT I N G O UR

SCOTTISH RITE CHARITIES AND THE LIVES THAT HAVE BEEN CHANGED BY YO UR G E N E RO US S UP P O RT

JOIN US LIVE ONLINE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2022 AT 7PM EST

EVENT DETAILS

This year, for the first time ever, we’re inviting a limited number of guests to experience this incredible event in person.

Doors open 4:30 EST Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library 33 Marrett Road Lexington, MA 02421 TICKETS

Giving Tuesday – A Night of Charity will kick off with personal tours of our Masonic Museum & Library, a banquet dinner, featured speaker, silent auction, and the opportunity to be a part of the live audience for the Telethon as it streams online to Brothers across the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

$75 for individuals, $125 for couples Sponsorship opportunities are available

For more information or to make your reservation online, please visit ScottishriteNMJ.org/GivingTuesday

The Northern Light Fall 2022

Articles inside

Around the Jurisdiction

Masonic Marketing Resources Available to Members

Supreme Council Surpasses Previous Membership Milestones, Welcomes 45 Valleys of Excellence

In Memoriam

Brotherhood on a National and International Level

Supreme Council Confers Tompkins Medal on Brother Vince BakerThe Northern Light Fall 2022

Supreme Council Presents Tompkins Medal to Brother Roger Pellerin, 33°, MSA

DEMOLAY PATH FORWARD EARNS RECOGNITION:

A Light to Guide You Home

Remarkable Freemasons

Beyond the Quarry: Labors of Love

Celebrating Student Achievement at the Children’s Dyslexia Centers

A Lasting Legacy

Southern Jurisdiction

Heroes On a Journey

Leadership Report

Rite Over the Road

HAUTS GRADES ACADEMY

“To all Brethren through the world” American Masonic Traveling Certificates

Preserving Fairfield’s Sun Tavern with the Freemasons

Souvenirs of Masonic Travel at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library