Esprit de Corps: 20th Degree

by M. Todd McIntosh, 33°, Active for Ohio

The 20th degree is one of the favorite degrees in the Scottish Rite pantheon. There is not a Valley or a member who does not have a litany of stories and fond memories of the ritual itself or of the good times Brothers have had in presenting the degree on stage for members and candidates. Indeed, it is in a league unto itself.

I had the honor of directing the newest iteration of this magnificent degree for the screen this August at the High Output Studios in Boston. The 10-day shoot was the culmination of almost a year of preparation, script review, casting throughout the jurisdiction, set design and building, and a whole lot of work on behalf of the Brothers selected to take up the roles of our dearest patriots and that unhappy and foresworn man whose name is no longer uttered in a Masonic lodge!

Our library of filmed degrees continues to grow and is a sublime effort that brings with it significant production costs, but it is undeniable that this labor of love has its place in our world. The enjoyment brought by the unique nature of cinematographic artistry brings a different perspective to our Craft as well as helps those Valleys which have difficulty in assembling large casts.

None of this would be at all possible if not for Commander Samiec’s vision and confidence. He appointed the devoted and talented Executive Directors: Illustrious Brothers Jim Dill, 33° and Marcus Abbott, 33°. These two intrepid Brothers manned the rudder, kept the weather eye on this project, and brought her safely into port.

Among the 30-plus person crew who was equally responsible for the magnificent product you will enjoy, under the steady hand of supervising producer, Andy Boucher, I must give honorable mention to Nicole Coakley who gathered and selected the period costuming; Jen Demarco-Gregory on makeup and hair (I looked 10 years younger, and my wig was marvelous); Jack Henault, the set construction supervisor; Ian Thorsell who selected, prepared, and managed our props; and Brenda Coffey who was our script continuity supervisor. They and their teams were the un-beheld heroes of the work.

The 25 Brothers who comprised the cast of the 20th degree were from 14 Valleys representing nine of our 15 states. To a man, they came to the shoot not just prepared but honed and polished, having not only mastered their lines but even researched the men whose shoes they were to fill! They put in long hours, often waiting arduously in costume for yours truly and the Director of Photography Ken Willinger (an Emmy award-winning professional in his own right) to get the perfect shot, and they often sang impromptu ditties to pass the time. (Okay boys, I will admit you were good at it!)

It is to the following Brothers that we owe an extensive measure of gratitude; they will forever have my indefatigable respect and admiration. If you see them around the jurisdiction, be sure to tell them that they did not just do a good job, they did a stunning one!

WASHINGTON: Maurice Joseph Marshall, 33°, MSA

ARNOLD: Michael S. Brito, 32°

BELLTOWER: Jeffrey A. Bickel, 33°

CRANSTON: Graeme H. Marsden, 32°

CRISP: H. Robert Huke, 32°

GERRY: Ernest W. Brown, 32°

JR. DEACON: Kyle N. Gamache, 32°

JR. WARDEN: Drew S. DeWalt, 32°

KNOX: Robert M. Porter, 33°

LAFAYETTE: Chad M. Lacek, 33°, HGA

MERCER: Mark E. Megee, 33°, MSA, HGA

ORATOR: Jonathan K. Neitz, 32°

PUTNAM: Matthew Brad Marston, 32°

RANDOLPH: Francis M. Hart, 33°

SECRETARY: Robert J. Fish, 32°, MSA

SR. DEACON: Richard A. Poudrier, 33°

SR. WARDEN: Robert C. Snyder II, 33°

SULLIVAN: John E. Lobdell, 33°

TREASURER: Charles Tower Jr., 32°

TYLER: Craig A. Haycook

WORSHIPFUL MASTER: Robert D. Kimmel, 32°, MSA

LODGE MEMBER: James Dill, 33°, HGA

LODGE MEMBER: Jeramie D. Hammond, 32°

BARN SCENE (SOLDIER): Michael Todd McIntosh, 33°

BARN SCENE (FARMER): Frederick L. Sewall, 32°, MSA

BARN SCENE (FARMER): MacLean B. Rankin, 32°