4 minute read
Heroes On a Journey
By John Levalley, 32˚, Valley of Guthrie, Oklahoma SMJ & Valley of Springfield, Illinois NMJ
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 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.
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 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.
(l to r): Paul L. Wiseman, 32˚; Steven L. Scaife, 33˚; John A. Levalley, 32˚; and Kevin L. Stevenson 32˚
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 City, Ponca City, Stillwater, and other cities in Oklahoma. Visitors marvel at the participation and coordination of so many characters, stagehands, and support staff.
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.
We met fellow travelers from all around 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.
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.”
So mote it be!
