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Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Toledo

November, 2008

Valley Of Toledo Members Receive The DeMolay Honorary Legion Of Honor

The annual Christmas Gathering at the Toledo Zoo to enjoy the Lights before Christmas, along with food and fellowship will be held on Friday December 5, 2008. This event has gained in popularity the last two years and is a very fun filled and enjoyable evening.

The evening will begin at 6:00 PM with pizza, breadsticks, cookies, hot chocolate, soda and coffee. We will once again be in the Nairobi Pavilion Room which is a heated room and we will have it to ourselves.

Cost for the evening is $10.00 for Adults (12 years and older) $7.00 for children ages 2-11 and children under 2 are free. Your ticket price includes parking, admittance

Annual Christmas Gathering At The Toledo Zoo On Friday December 5, 2008

to the Zoo, food, beverage and the Lights Before Christmas. There will also be a special treat for the first 200 paid reservations.

Mark your calendars now and make plans to attend.

As the Valley of Toledo underwrites some of the cost for this event it is limited to Scottish Rite Members and their Families.

See the flyer in this issue of the Tidings and use the reservation form or go on line at www.toledoaasr.com or Call the Office 419-893-2942 to make your reservations.

See you at the Zoo!

Pictured here are (from left to right) Illustrious Brother Charles R. Murphy, 33º. Illustrious Brother Michael J. Olmstead, 33º, Illustrious Brother Clarence L. Hartzell, III, 33º, Tim Williams, DeMolay State Senior Councilor and Illustrious Brother Theodore B. Korn, 33º. They are all smiles following the investiture of Ill. Brother Hartzell after he received the DeMolay Honorary Legion of Honor at the DeMolay Conclave held in Canton in July. Illustrious Brother Hartzell has recently been appointed by Illustrious Brother Neil M. Smalley, 33º, Deputy for Ohio to be his Representative to the Valley of Toledo.

Also receiving the DeMolay Legion of Honor in Cleveland Ohio in September was Brother Michael A. Lake, Master of Ceremonies for Ft. Industry Chapter of Rose Croix and Membership Chairman for the Valley of Toledo.

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Published by the32° FREEMASONS,Valley of ToledoAncient Accepted Scottish Rite

Mail address:32º Freemasonry AASR Valley of Toledo 1720 Indian Wood Circle Suite EMaumee OH 43537

Phone: 419.893.2942Fax: 419.893.2962E-mail:deputyrep@toledoaasr.comsecretary@toledoaasr.comkaren@toledoaasr.compamela@toledoaasr.com

Editor:Gary L. McElfresh, 33°

Design/LayoutDavid L. Olmstead, 33°

Contributing Reporter:Gary L. McElfresh, 33°

Membership Development:Michael A. Lake, 32°

Photography:Richard L. Davis, 32° M.S.A.James R. Weyer, 32°

Trustees:Robert C. Rill Jr., 33°Nicholas J. Stroh, 33º Richard J. Herr, 33°Christopher J. Hill, 33°Douglas W. King, 33ºWilliam H. Koon II, 33°Gregory L. Zook, 32°James A. Foote, 33°

From The Desk of the Executive SecretaryOn my morning walk the other day I noticed the squirrels busy at work gathering their stores for the winter and I realized that autumn was not far off and soon the farmers would be harvesting the fruits of their labors. I then thought about how only several months ago I watched as the farmers were preparing their fields and planting their crops. They carefully and skillfully till the soil, plant their crops and then have to tend to them so that there is a good yield when the time comes. And when the yield is good and the harvest is bountiful the cause for celebration and thanksgiving is approached with great exuberance. But I also know that when the yield is low and the harvest less than adequate there must still be a time for giving thanks and celebrating the blessings we do have.

Caring for Freemasonry reminds me in some ways of the cycle a farmer endures every year to grow his crops and ensure a good harvest. In Freemasonry we carefully watch a man to determine if we think he is good and if he will make a good Mason. We then plant the seed of Masonry in his mind. As he works through his degrees we carefully tend to his Masonic experience and help him to grow in Masonic knowledge and then we hope that he will in turn someday plant the seeds of our craft in the mind of another well qualified man. When this happens our yield is good and our harvest is bountiful.

Yet, even so like the farmer, we need to celebrate and be thankful for what we have. The Masonic Fraternity has given so much to so many that we need to insure that we continue

to plant, nourish and grow our Fraternity as best we can. And when our yield is low and our harvest is not as bountiful as we would like we still need to be thankful for being part of the greatest fraternity in the world. Then, we all need to work just that much harder to insure that we are doing all we can to insure a bountiful harvest for the future.

In this issue of the Tidings Illustrious Brother James E. Olmstead, 33º encourages each one of us to get one new man to join our fraternity. One new candidate to nourish and help our fraternity grow. Just think of what that would mean come harvest time. There would be cause for celebration. Our harvest would be bountiful, our ranks would begin to swell, and hopefully our new brethren would then set about the work to get just one new Mason.

This applies not only to the Blue Lodge but to our beloved Scottish Rite as well. Let’s make our battle cry for the ensuing year (in the words of Ill Brother Olmstead) “Everyone Get One”. It is not as difficult as it may seem, sometimes all you have to do is ask.

As we approach the Holiday Season and we gather around our festive boards with our families and our friends, let us all, each and every one of us, in our own way be sure to return thanks for what we have. We enjoy freedoms and blessings unparalleled by most of the world. We have a tendency sometimes to take our blessings for granted and often lament that we want more.

Continued on page 3

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I extend my thanks to every member of the Valley of Toledo for giving me the opportunity to serve.

During the early development of our civilization, many kings, emperors or other heads of state acquired large treasuries of precious gems and jewels. These were usually guarded and kept under lock and key, not to be displayed or to be shared with anyone else. They were material possessions of the individual owner. Even in today’s society, it’s not unusual for someone who has something valuable, to place it in a secure safe place to insure that it will be there when the owner desires to hold it, view it or show it off to visitors.

Membership in our Masonic Fraternity is considered by most Masons as a very valuable possession. In fact, many Masons today treat their Masonic membership much like the gems and jewels of the kings and emperors of old. They hide it or at least they don’t share it with others. What good is there in owning a fine gem if you never take it out of the safety deposit box or if you never display it to others?

The same can be said about Masonry. Masonry was never intended to be kept a secret. The principles of Masonry were intended to be demonstrated in our daily lives but even more important Masonry was intended to be shared. Sharing our membership in the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organization can be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences that a brother can have. The very existence of our respected fraternity is dependent upon each

A Message From Our Active Emeritusone of us bringing in one new member to replace our selves.

If each member of the Valley of Toledo made it his Personal Goal to bring in one petition, we wouldn’t have to concern ourselves with membership. Bringing in one petition is not a difficult task and by doing this you can help insure that the next generation of Masons has the opportunity to experience the joy, pride and satisfaction of Masonic membership.

I suggest to you that you should accept this challenge. If you share my love for this fraternity, you will agree that Masonry has given you more than you could ever give back to it. Our Masonic forefathers would have expected each of us to perpetuate this beloved fraternity.

Make it your goal to get that one extra petition. Attend your Blue Lodge, support its activities, and be on the lookout for that one special brother with whom you can share one of your most valuable possessions, your Scottish Rite Masonry.

FraternallyJames E. Olmstead, 33º

(Editors note: Ill. Brother Olmstead became an Active Emeritus member of Supreme Council in August. He wrote this article in 1991 when he was Commander-In-Chief of Toledo Consistory. He feels it is still timely even yet today and gave us permission to publish it again)

Remember, we come into this world with nothing and we take nothing with us when we leave. Enjoy what you have while you are here. Be thankful for what you have and always remember to give thanks.

From all of us here in the Valley Office, Jack, Karen, Pam and me Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May each and every one of you have a blessed and safe Holiday Season.

SPES MEA in DEO EST.

Executive Secretary Continued from page 2

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In an effort to reduce operating costs and help achieve a “Green” situation concerning the Tidings, you are being asked to remove yourself from the Mailing list and receive your Tidings on Line. If you are in a position to do this we ask that you send an E-Mail to the Valley Office (pamela@toledoaasr.com) and notify us that you no longer wish to receive your Tidings via the US Mail and that you would be willing to receive it electronically. If you are not in a position to do this you need do nothing and we will continue to mail you your Tidings as we have always done.

We hope to develop a large enough E-Mail Address Book to allow us to do this. Initially you can go to our Web Site www.toledoaasr.com and get the Tidings there as an Adobe PDF file.

If you have questions/concerns or if you would like to help in this effort please contact the Valley Secretary.

(Editors Note: response to this request has been very minimal. I am asking that you consider going electronic with your Tidings if at all possible. Visit our Web Site @ www.toleodaasr.com and check out the current issues that are already on the Site. While you are there check out the calendar and other areas of the Web Site. Also check out the RSS Feed article. This article tells you how to get notified when a new issue of the Tidings is placed on the Web Site.)

The Tidings Is Going “Green” & ElectronicEach year the Valley of Toledo in conjunction

with the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction awards Scholarships to students attending post high school institutions of higher learning.

The follow criteria are used to determine the eligibility of applicants for the program:

A high school senior enrolling in • an accredited college or university, a currently enrolled freshman, sophomore, junior or senior at an accredited college or university

A minimum grade point average of • at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale

A child or grandchild of a Scottish • Rite Mason in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction

A member of a youth organization • sponsored by the Masonic Fraternity in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction

A graduate of one of the 32º Masonic • Learning Centers for Children in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction

S.A.T. /A.C.T. scores and a transcript • of grades (cumulative GPA) along with specific financial information must accompany the application.

Applications will be available in the Scottish Rite Office after the first of the year. The completed application and required financial information must be received in the Valley Office by April 1, 2009. The Scholarship Committee will then review all applications and select the recipients to receive the awards for the coming year.

Scholarship Applications Due April 1, 2009

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There are some great names from history and pre-history: Abraham, Nimrod, Noah. But one of the favorites is the mythical Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh was a king of ancient Uruk, now modern Iraq. A great man and leader, he became paralyzed with fear of his own death and, at the height of his earthly success; he renounced his throne and wandered the land in search of the experience of life beyond the veil of death. He ultimately crossed over to another dimension and traveled through vast dark regions to arrive at a garden of eternal light. He beheld the glory of the Eternal but, being unable to stay awake, could not remain there and was forced to return to the real and mortal world.

Gilgamesh’s experience is the first mention in written history of an initiation. The word “initiation” comes from the Latin initium: meaning “entrance”, “beginning” or literally, “a going in”. We are familiar with the concept which varies greatly in its character and application. Initiations can be religious and spiritual (the Eleusian Mysteries of Ancient Greece), secular or social (college fraternities and sororities and trade unions), military (King Neptune when crossing the International Date Line) and tribal (Bapedi tribe in South Africa).

As Freemasons, our concern is not whether we undertake an initiation but the character and import of that initiation. The rituals of Freemasonry appear strongly linked to the Esoteric and Initiatory traditions which are certainly psychological and spiritual – if not outright religious – in nature. Thus,

“Gilgamesh, Where Are You?”every Mason has stood for a moment on the threshold of the Divine and the Eternal and then returned to the mundane world.

Yet despite those origins, American Freemasonry has for many generations downplayed or ignored the spiritual nature of its ritual in an apparent effort to preserve its mass acceptability and avoid religious criticism. However, the new Masons joining our ranks are well versed in Freemasonry as a world-wide phenomenon of great spiritual mystical richness. They are led through the same rituals but expect more: to glimpse what lies beyond the door of perception and, upon their return, to discuss and share the experience with others who have traveled the same path.

As one Masonic author expressed:

Ritual is at the heart of Freemasonry…ritual is a sharing in the timeless; its unchanging form helps free it from mundane time. There are moments when stillness and a silence precipitate out of the words and the movement. And, sitting in the lodge, one is aware of the soft embrace of the Eternal.

Thus, to meet this new generation of Masons on the level, we should welcome them as fellow initiates in the Eternal and recognize that we all have traveled the path and walked in the steps of our ancient brother, Gilgamesh.

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The Knights of St. Andrew Toledo Chapter officers were installed on October 26th. An Indiana Chapter of Knights of St. Andrew installed the following members of the Valley:

Ron Drebert – Venerable MasterMike Lake – Senior WardenJim Anderson – Junior WardenDennis Sharninghouse – TreasurerSean Forrester – Secretary

The Knights of St. Andrew exist as a service organization on behalf of all the members of the Valley and provide support to assist the Scottish Rite. This may include, but is not limited to, helping with reunions, degree work; assisting Tyler’s, escorting dignitaries/candidates, and presenting colors. Other functions may be participating in civic events, parades, fund raising and aiding in special events with members playing bagpipes and drums.

We welcome you to learn more about our Scottish heritage while at the reunion. You will notice the Knights of St. Andrew by our distinctive uniforms and regalia. Membership is limited to Sublime Princes of the Royal

Secret 32nd degree freemasons. Interested brothers should consider participating at the reunion due to our membership requirements and commitment to Masonic service. Petitions will be available at the reunion.

Our first Annual Meeting will be held on November 30th, at the AASR Valley of

Toledo office located at 1720 Indian Wood Circle Suite E, Maumee OH 43537 at 6pm. Petitions

for candidates for the “Order of the Thistle” will be received along with any other business appropriate.

Please contact an officer for any questions or a petition. Petitions are available at the Toledo office

and the Valley web site, www.toledoaasr.com.

Our goal is to enthusiastically support the Valley of Toledo, promote Scottish Rite Masonry, and provide opportunities for further education, leadership development, and brotherly ideals.

Fraternally,

Ron DrebertVenerable Master

Knights of St. Andrew

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Scottish RiteChristmas GatheringWHEN: Friday, December 5, 2008

@ 6:00 pm

WHERE: The Toledo Zoo, Nairobi Pavilion Room

COST: Adults (ages 12 and over) - $10.00Children (ages 2-11) - $7.00Children (under 2 yrs) – N/C

Package includes:

Reservation Form: Scottish Rite Christmas Gathering at the Toledo ZooFriday-December 5, 2008 • 6:00pm • Nairobi Pavilion Room

Please reserve:____# of tickets Adult tickets (age 12 and over) ____at $10.00 each $_____________ Children’s tickets (age 2 thru 11)____ at $7.00 each $_____________Children’s tickets (under age 2)____ at N/C each FREE Total Amount Enclosed: $_____________Member’s Name: ___________________________ Phone #: ________________

Street Address: ___________________________ ___________________________

City/State/Zip: ___________________________ ___________________________

Room to gather from 6pm to 8pm

Admission to the “Lights Before Christmas”

Parking

All you can eat:Pizza

BreadsticksHot Chocolate / Coffee

SodaCookies

Christmas surprise for the first 200 paid reservations! (Event is limited to Valley members and their families)

Please submit your reservation form no later than Monday, 11/24/08

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AASR Valley of Toledo 1720 Indian Wood Circle Suite EMaumee OH 43537-4041

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDTOLEDO, OHIO

Permit No. 251

On Thursday September 11, 2008 Findlay Lodge #227 held a Reception/Dinner for three of its members who have received honors from the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Toledo. Those honored were Brother Leo “Skip” Garey, Meritorious Service Award Recipient, Illustrious Brother Richard Barchent, 33º and Illustrious Brother Richard “Doc” Herr, 33º. Ill. Brother Herr is currently serving the Valley of Toledo as Most Wise Master Ft. Industry Chapter Rose Croix.

The evening was planned and organized by Illustrious Brother Jim Buckingham, 33º. The Worshipful Master for Findlay Lodge, Worshipful Brother Jerome Haupert welcomed the gathering and Illustrious Brother Frank Crane, 33º served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. The Executive Secretary for the Valley of Toledo, Illustrious Brother Gary McElfresh, 33º made comments and presented the honorees with their jewels.

Members of the Findlay Temple Board then unveiled the portraits shown here and accepted them on behalf of the Lodge. They are to be displayed along with other members of the Lodge who have also received honors in the various bodies of Freemasonry.

The portraits shown here are (from left to right) Ill. Brother Barchent, Brother Garey and Ill. Brother Herr.

Findlay Lodge Holds Recognition Dinner