Virginia Light-May 2012

Volume VI, Issue 1 May 2012

Table of Contents

Page 3 - VA SR Conference Page 4 - Why Join the Scottish Rite ... Page 6 - Story of the Elu Page 8 - Master Craftsman Page 6 - Fifth Degree Page 9 - New H.O.T. Staff 0 - Valley Info

Copyright © 2012, The Orient of Virginia under

the auspices of The Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient and Accepted

Scottish Rite, SJ, USA. No part of this publication may

be reproduced without permission of its Editor at [email protected]

We Celebrated the Craft By Ill. James D. Cole

Well, we did it. A six-hour marathon of a web-a-thon. Except for a four minute glitch caused by a major internet service provider who shall re-main nameless, it certainly looked great! Well, except for the time from 7:17 to 7:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time, when yours truly was featured on the screen. The Supreme Council was firm in its commitment that the event be designed not simply to raise money (we brought in $400,000 or so), but that we use the time to Celebrate the Craft. Of course, this was done from the per-spective of Scottish Rite, but anyone who listened and watched saw that we talked as much about pure Freemasonry, that which is practiced in our Lodges and among our members, more than any single topic. Mary Ann and I arrived at 1:00 PM at the House of the Temple. Staff members were already swarming like ants performing dozens of tasks. In the kitchen, we found three people preparing the food for the cookout – hamburg-ers, barbeque chicken, all sorts of side dishes, and desserts. The day before, two members of the Development staff had cut out cardboard and taped it down in the hallways to protect the floors and rugs from the traffic of the cam-era and equipment crews. Maintenance staff was cleaning and keeping every-thing in working order. Other staff members were reviewing the timing of the videos and live scenes. The wonderful event was planned and coordinated by the hardworking Ill. Matt Szramoski, 33°, a member of our own Alexandria Valley. I was given a booklet outlining to the second each video and live sce-ne. The chart showed that I was to go to make-up at 6:30 PM, then sit down in my chair in front of the cameras at 7:11 PM, to be ready to go live at 7:17 and to finish by 7:22. WOW.

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The Virginia Light©

Published quarterly for the Brethren of Virginia

Ill. Ronald A. Seale, 33°

Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme

Council, 33°, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, SJ,

USA

Ill. James D. Cole, 33° Grand Treasurer General

and Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Virginia of the Supreme Council, 33°,

Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, SJ, USA

Ill. William L. Holliday, IGH Personal Representative to

the SGIG in Virginia

Ill. David A. Burkus, IGH Newsletter Editor

Editorial Staff

Bro. J. Richard Rawls, KCCH Ill. T. Dudley Myers, IGH

Ill. W. H. ‘Andy’ Anderson, IGH Ill. Robert W. Carpenter, IGH

Ill. David C. Morris, IGH Bro. J. Terry Ley, 32°

Bro. Robert R. Eckenrode, KCCH Bro. David H. Dew, KCCH

WEBSITE:

http://www.orientofvirginia.org

The Virg in ia L ight—May 2012

(Continued from the Front Page)

At 6:30 PM, I developed a new appreciation for my wife’s morning labors in front of the mirror. I also REALLY developed an appreciation for anyone who serves as a CLOWN. First, they brushed glue-like goop on my face, right to the edge of my eyes then put about three layers of powder on me with different brushes. I then spent forty-five minutes with the worst urge to scratch my nose…………….. Then I began to wonder, was all this work, dozens of people running (literally) around behind the scenes, goop and powder on my face…….. all the planning for weeks, was it worth it? Well, at 7:17 PM, I got to sit with my good friend, Ill. Ronnie Seale, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander for the Southern Jurisdiction and we chat-ted on air about why the House of the Temple is so important. I shared from my heart why I want the building open for all Masons and for all non-Masons. Anyone who knows me realizes that my remarks were not on the Teleprompter. In fact, the Teleprompter showed the following while I was sitting there: But, I think I said something like the following: “I view this great facility as a glass door. It is a doorway through which everyone can view Scottish Rite Freemasonry, what we have done, what we are doing and what we can do, but it is more importantly an oppor-tunity to open a door and enter into an experience. People can visit and experience what happens when the principles of Freema-sonry are used by men to change their communities and their world. Sure, you can see how these principles have inspired great historical figures, but each visitor can experience what this can mean personally. This building is an op-portunity for members of Freemasonry, their relatives and friends and also for every person entirely unfamiliar with Freemasonry to experience how solid principles like Truth, Caring for others, Justice, Temperance and Love of Fellow man can change the world.” This is how I want Virginia’s Scottish Rite to think of the House of the Temple. I want it used by all mankind. For Scottish Rite members, I want them to use it to renew their efforts. I think our Grand Commander said it best as just before midnight, he wrapped up the event by charging each Scottish Rite Mason to renew his efforts in his Commandery, his Valley, his York Rite body, his Shrine Center, and most importantly in his Lodge. In a similar manner to our Lodges, we were admonished that these generous principles are to extend further………. To each person who watched, who donated or who will watch us NEXT time or who will donate, I say on behalf of all people who will bene-fit………….. THANK YOU.

JIM COLE – HIS OWN REMARKS INTRO DAN BROWN


September 21 & 22, 2012 Holiday Inn ‐ Lynchburg, VA

2012 Conference President :

Illustrious Lonnie L. Godfrey, IGH

Valley Vice‐Presidents: Brother William M. Keyser, KCCH (Roanoke) Illustrious Carlton L. Gill, Jr., IGH (Norfolk) Illustrious Larry Alexander, IGH (Alexandria) Illustrious David E. Amstutz, IGH (Richmond)

Brother Foy A. Greenwood, Jr., KCCH (Portsmouth) Brother T. Keith Rice, KCCH (Danville)

Illustrious George A. Hollingsworth III, IGH (Newport News)

Secretary/Treasurer: Illustrious William F. Perdue, IGH, PGM

Honorary President:

Illustrious James D. Cole, 33˚ SGIG, PGM


Why Join the Scottish Rite….. By Bro. J. Richard Rawls, KCCH

Director of Membership in the Orient of Virginia

I have had the opportunity and privilege to speak with various groups in my area. I often begin my talks saying: “Hi, my name is Richard Rawls and I am the Director of Membership for the Orient of Virginia”. You can tell that the thought of another talk on membership is not some-thing the members want to hear. But I do my best to keep my talks interesting without boring the folks with the “numbers” associated with membership. At a recent Lodge meeting, I was in-vited to speak on membership and the Scottish Rite. Here are some of my remarks to the group: As many of you know, I wear many hats in the Masonic Community. One of those hats is Director of Membership for the Orient of Virginia Scottish Rite. I work with the Membership Chairman at each of the eight Valley’s in the Orient and support the work of the S.G.I.G. of Vir-ginia, Ill. and Mt. Wor. James Dean Cole, 33°. For many years, we all have heard about the de-clining membership in the Scottish Rite and other Masonic organizations and the numbers are very disturbing. The real fact is that we cannot change the past, but we can certainly work to-wards making the future better in our Masonic Organizations. In the Orient of Virginia’s Scottish Rite, we ended 2011 on a slight increase in membership. The increase was approximately 0.5%, which to most would seem not worth reporting. I see it as a positive point that interest in Freemasonry is out there and we need to work hard to encourage folks to join. As most Mason-ic Organizations in our State in 2011 showed continued declines in membership, I noticed with-in the Scottish Rite that the Valley of Alexandria showed a substantial increase in membership. This was due to an aggressive effort to make their 100th year special by bringing in at least 100 new members. They succeeded by adding 112 to their roles. It is unfortunate that it takes an anniversary or special event to stimulate our members to bring in more members. We must be pro-active for membership to grow. Membership falls into two basic categories: recruitment and retention. There is no sim-ple answer to membership recruitment, but we all need to be looking at our work locations, churches, social organizations, and neighborhoods for prospective new members. In the area of retention, the Scottish Rite Supreme Council has been encouraging us to employ the Brother-to-Brother Program. I believe this program is something we should in-clude in every Masonic Organization and I would ask that you consider it here today. The pur-pose of this program is to simply reach out to those members we have not seen in a while to find out how they are doing. It also helps us to determine if they are having health issues, finan-cial issues, or something else that may be keeping them away from our meetings. Simply letting them know someone cares can be the motivation for them to come back to Masonry. The pro-gram is not complicated; it simply means you start making some phone calls. The program has also been used to reach out to those members who are about to be suspended for non-payment of dues. Obtain a list of those members from your Secretary and start calling them to see why they have not paid their dues. Providing programs on Masonic History and Education have also served to help with retention as it provides something of interest to your members. As with everything we do, communication is a key factor in improving our Masonic activi-ties. Make use of the social media, emails, and notices in your local newspapers and make those personal phone calls to your members. Phone calls still work best for getting the infor-mation out and there are a number of calling services that can make it very easy to do. Finally Brethren, I want to thank you again for the opportunity to speak about Member-ship and the Brother-to-Brother Program. If you don’t remember anything else from this

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Why Join the Scottish Rite….. (Continued from Page 4)

presentation, please remember by reaching out to those members you have not seen in a while and showing them you care may be the motivation for them coming back and participat-ing in your Lodge. At the conclusion of my talk, I open the floor to questions. A veteran member of his Lodge posed the following question: “Every time we hear a program about membership, we never hear anything about the charities the various Masonic Organizations support. What can you tell me about the charity the Scottish Rite supports.” You know, he was right, we often for-get about mentioning the charities we support. Knowing something about the charity we sup-port can be the motivation for a person to want to be a part of our organization and to help out. I went on the explain the charities associated with the Scottish Rite which lead to a discussion about the charities supported by other Masonic Organizations such as the Royal Arch, Knights Templar, Tall Cedars, and Shriners. One interesting point of this discussion was that everyone had heard about the work of the Shriners and the Shrine Hospitals they support, but few knew about the charities associated with our other Masonic Organizations. Are we as Scottish Rite Masons doing all we can to not only promote our organization but to also let everyone know about our charitable work? This may be an area we need to focus on more and it may be the information a good Mason needs to join our ranks. Membership is a difficult thing these days with our economy being what it is. Difficult for those who are already members and those we hope to recruit. You must be pro-active for your Scottish Rite to grow and you must provide as much information about our organization as you can to let prospective new members know why it is a good idea to join the Scottish Rite. Why did you join the Scottish Rite?……. Why should another good Brother join?

32˚ - Master of the Royal Secret By Brother Brian Croteau

The 32nd Degree - Master of the Royal Secret is a summary of all the degrees which came before it. What is important is the way the material is presented to the candidate taking him through all previous degrees one-by-one, bringing each to its single most important meaning. In preparing my remarks, I found the chart in A Bridge to Light, found on pages 304-305, to be the most helpful. With that in one hand, I read The Scottish Rite Ritual Moni-tor and Guide, in particular pages 828 to 831. Between the two, I re-learned this degree, and the entire panoply of Scottish Rite degrees, with more precision than the entire Master Craftsman course has provided. Consider the chart in A Bridge to Light. Especially in the outer Nonagon, the grouping of degrees is im-portant. Under the blue flag and the letters I and S are found the three degrees from the Blue Lodge. Their relation-ship to each other is undisputed; all would agree they belong together. Note the shading of the boxes that contain their entries and how it creates a grouping that pulls the eye. Also note the column labeled “Important Lessons or Duties.” In it are found the core summaries of the degrees. By their topic alone, we could likely create these group-ings. Consider the 15-18˚, the Rose Croix degrees. One who enjoys freedom of thought, speech, and action would want others around him, likewise enjoying the same freedoms, to deal with him fairly and honestly. As men of Masonry, we take upon ourselves an increased responsibility to be truthful as it applies to our Masonic dealings with our Brethren. Having established ourselves in freedom and committed ourselves to truth, we logically seek deeper un-derstanding of how truth is derived and how others subvert it. This inspires us to seek the light of Masonic philoso-phy, that we would understand ourselves, our fraternity, and how its lessons, morals, and requirements commit us to walk upright among all men. Yet in our daily walk, we will encounter those who do not adhere to the same self-discipline. In terms of immediate outcome, it matters not whether this is through laziness or through some dishonest attempt to gain more from the world than one puts into it. True evil is, thankfully, rare; but it does exist. The lesson of the 18˚ - Knights Rose Croix gives us a tool to understand how such evil persists, and what conquers it. By using this chart, I learned more in a few minutes than I did in the entire Master Craftsman course.


Story of the Elu By Ill. Benjamin F. Hill, IGH

The story of the Elu, or Elected, is the story of the Fellowcrafts after the discovery of the murder of Grand Master Hiram Abif in the Second Section of the Third Degree. It is the story of the Elu of the Nine (Elect of Nine; Elected Knights of Nine; Master Elected of Nine), the Elu of the Fifteen (Illustrious Elected of Fifteen), and the Elu of Twelve (Prince Ameth). It is how Al-bert Pike took the Second Section of the Sublime Master Mason Degree and weaved the Hir-amic Legend for the Scottish Rite Lodge of Perfection complete with points of departure for re-flection. Hiram Abif, an allegorical figure in Masonic ritual, is referred to King of Tyre, the "Widow's Son", and figuratively the master of the construction of King Solomon's Temple. The Hiramic Legend was not used when modern Freemasonry started in 1717, but by 1730 it was the central part of Master Mason ritual. Today it remains the heart of the ritual and is used to teach Masonic lessons. The drama of Hiram Abif is ritualistic and is interested in the clash of forces: the crises and fates of the human spirit. But the ritualistic drama was not explained at the end of the de-gree because it is impossible for one man to explain the tragedy of Hiram Abif to another - each man must learn the explanation of the Masonic lessons presented for himself. Scottish Rite degrees differ markedly from those of the Symbolic Lodge with respect to the allegory of the Second Section the Master's Degree--the assassins are not apprehended in the Master' Degree but in the 9th and 10th Degrees. The drama in the Second Section of the Master's Degree focused on the death of Grand Master Abif and the "lost word." But what of the Fellowcrafts? What happened to the Elu elected to oversee the rest of the workmen in the con-struction of King Solomon's Temple? The story of the Elu is at the heart of Scottish Rite Freemasonry, because Masonry is not merely speculative, nor is it merely theoretical, rather it is experimental. Today's global envi-ronment has more pronounced the experimental nature of Freemasonry; not sentimental, but practical. Today's world requires Masonic self-renunciation and self-control. The Master Mason must wear a stern face toward men’s vices, requires a personal reformation of character, and strengthen personal control over with many of pursuits and fancied pleasures. The Elu of Nine were chosen by King Solomon to seek out the assassins of Grand Master Hiram Abif. They faced a moral war within themselves, to restrain their frail human na-ture or espousing pursuit of the assassins. In the Ninth Degree, the Elu learn that fear and igno-rance are the two major enemies which enslave men. It is important that Master Masons do not become slaves of certain ideas; remember they have the power to fight against ignorance and intolerance for the sake of civilization and their own intellectual freedom. A Mason's duty is to morally raise his own conscience, to enlighten his soul and mind so that he may actively partici-pate in instructing and enlightening others. The Elu of Nine is consecrated to bravery, devoted-ness, and patriotism. A simple mandate: "Protect the oppressed against the oppressor; and de-vote yourself to the honor and interests of your Country." The Elu of Fifteen is a continuation of the Ninth Degree. It is devoted to religious and political toleration and the enlightenment of the mind of soul. The rosettes above the South, North, and East gates (arch) of the Temple represent the ruffians who murdered Grand Master Abif and symbolize Ignorance, Tyranny, and Fanaticism. This degree teaches us to be tolerant and respect the opinions of others. Freedoms of political and spiritual ideologies should be shared by all. Masons should always be opposed to ignorance, fanaticism, and tyranny. While it is Mason's duty to continuously fight against these oppressive forces, the Master Mason must themselves be educated, tolerant, and open to freedom of thought. The war against fanaticism and terrorism can be won with education and enlightenment.


The Elu of Twelve dramatizes the capture, trails, and fates of the three assassins of Grand Master Abif and illustrates the reward conferred by King Solomon on twelve of the fifteen Masters who brought the assassins to justice. These twelve, chosen by random ballot, are con-stituted Governors over the twelve tribes of Israel and advanced to the rank Princes Ameth, meaning a "true man--just, fair, sincere, faithful, fearing God." This degree emphasizes life is a school for moral and spiritual training; the entire lesson is a course in virtue, happiness, and a future existence. The Master Mason is to view himself and the entire human race as one great family. He is to champion the people. His work is never done, and his examples in life must be such that no man will have cause to repent because he has relied on his resolve, his profes-sion, or his word. As the Elects attain a degree of Masonic virtues, they attained a sense of humanity. Master Masons have the duty to be forward-thinking men of strong moral and ethical quality, to weigh their actions between their own convictions, cultivation to their own character, and ser-vice to others. The Elu lessons should be directional milestones for the Master Mason's lifetime journey on the highway of life: purity of Honor, Integrity and Duty.

"To make honor and duty the steady beacon-lights that shall guide your life-vessel over the stormy seas of time; to do that which it is right to do, not because it will ensure you success, or bring with it a reward, or gain the applause of men, or be “the best policy,” more prudent or more advisable; but because it is right, and therefore ought to be done; to war incessantly against error, intolerance, ignorance, and vice, and yet to pity those who err, to be tolerant even of intolerance, to teach the ignorant, and to labor to reclaim the vicious—these are some of the duties of a Mason." (Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, Page 219)

To Freemasons "peace and harmony" are important mantas for Masonic meetings. In generali-ties, they are laudable goals. But our Ancient Brethren were great thinkers; they challenged establishments, whether political, theological or philosophical. They were the Elu of their time. A Master Mason can be a man of action, the Elu of the 21st Century. Today's global environ-ment whether political, theological or philosophical, a Master Mason cannot afford to lay down his working tools for a Mason's work is never done--men of action are still needed. Whether from the Second Section of the Third Degree or the Story of the Elu, the Hiramic Legend teach-es truth, industry, honesty, benevolence, justice, toleration, patriotism, and love of country. - - - - - - - - - - De Hoyos, Arturo, 33°, Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide, The Supreme Council, 33°, AASR SJ, Washington DC, 2007 Hutchens, Rex R., 33°, A Bridge to Light: A Study in Masonic Ritual & Philosophy, The Su-preme Council, 33°, AASR SJ, Washington DC, 2006 Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prepared for The Supreme Council, 33°, S.J., USA, 1962


The Scottish Rite Master Craftsman (SRMC) program is an exciting by-mail correspondence course designed and administered by staff at the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C., under the guidance and leadership of the Supreme Council, 33°, of the A. & A. Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A. The Master Craftman I program consists of 6 lessons and the Master Craftsman II program con-sists of 9 lessons. In each the student is challenged with multiple choice questions, fill in the blank, and essay assignments. The Orient of Virginia has been very active in participating in the Scottish Rite Master Craftsman programs. We congratulate the following brethren on their commitment to the Scottish Rite and for fur-thering their search for knowledge. (As provided from the Supreme Council on 5/14/2012).

Master Craftsman I & II Program Graduates

*Note that MC II Graduates have also completed the first Master Craftsman program.

ALEXANDRIA

Mourad Beni-ich David R. Brosnan Edmund Cohen

Robert M. Cooper Jeffrey R. Fuller

James D. Hawkins Roy M. Heaster

Norman L. Hoff, Jr. Edgar B. Holley Richard O. Hurt John D. Jenkins

Earl R. Jones Kerry D. Kirk

Norman A. Huehni Jason W. Lotz Cory B. Nelson Jay E. Patterson Bradley L. Rees

Harry P. Shaffer, Jr. Terry R. Shaffer David H. Smith

Raymond D. Steele William B. Stoddart

Peter E. Terrill Matthew S. Urbanic Gregory M. Walker

Carl E. Weaver Kent S. Webber

DANVILLE

Johnnie C. Dodson Wayne N. Edwards James D. Emerson

Garland H. Hamlett, Jr. Bruce L. Hutcheson, Jr.

Ronny L. Lewis Ted K. Rice

Robert P. Turkington, Jr.

LYNCHBURG

H. Winston Mead

NEWPORT NEWS

Danny O. Belott George F. Black, Jr.

Gerald E. Burks David A. Burkus Harold K. Carney Brian R. Croteau Edgar F. Douglas Otis G. Edwards Adrian L. Eure

Robert C. Farinholdt, Jr. James A. Freeman

William W. Green, Jr. George A. Hollingsworth, III

Russell Kellam, Jr. Robbie J. LeBlanc Paul E. Lubic, Jr.

Harris T. Luscomb, III Marshall J. T. Manipol

TimothyJ. Miller Robert C. Mohr, III Page S. Neale, Jr. Jesse A. Norman

William F. Overby William E. Rorer, Jr. Richard A. Russell George H. Scherer

Jack L. Smith Emil E. Spring Jeremy B. Utt

Steven P. Vaughn Michael S. Vecchione

Jerry S. Whitlock Kurt D. Williams Jimmy C. Willis E. Keith Winder

NOFOLK

Thomas K. Barnes, Jr. Landon S. Birsch, Jr.

James D. Boone William L. Breed

Raymond T. Brogan, Jr. Michael E. Bryan

Richard E. Carlson Ralph M. Clark

Michael D. Johnstone John C. Jones

Ernest H. Knox John Henry Knox, Sr.

Paul W. Pennybacker, Sr. William T. Peterson Steve A. Ridgeway James R. Steckel Joseph L. Stocks Aaron S. Zeno

PORTSMOUTH

Leroy T. Coleman George G. Gregory Dixie J. Grinnalds

Andrew N. Hampton Benjamin F. Hill

Richard A. Patterson Franklin D. Peters

Carl M. Sharp Major G. Stephenson, III

Stormy Thorson E. Clifton Whitlock

RICHMOND

John W. Andrews, Sr. Gray W. Bradford

J. Larry Dixon Herbert H. Eades, Jr.

RICHMOND

Wade V. Evans, Jr. C. Thomas Fifer, Jr.

James E. Gifford William C. Hensley

Terry F. Hilton Clarence Holloway, Jr.

Robert C. Jacobs Matthew J. Johnson Stephen L. Marshall Jeffrey D. St. Onge

Don G. Price Ethan K. Rhodenizer

Wayne A. Robison, Sr. Mack T. Ruffin, III Charles S. Sarbaugh Charles W. Seward John Q. Sheppard Robert E. Simpson

David C. Smith Ralph E. Spring, III

Nelson C. Trinkle, Sr.

ROANOKE

Edward L. Barger Albert K. Breeding

Robert L. Brent Glen A. Bryant

Oliver P. Craughwell Richard E. Kretz Barry D. Light

Jonathan M. Mills Ronald D. Patton Bruce W. Russell

Warren W. Schmid Tommy Skeens

Tommy E. Skeens Paul D. Sleeper

James L. Wilhelm

MASTER CRAFTSMAN II *

ALEXANDRIA

Allen D. Beckner Generoso De Guzman

Calonge Kent A. D. Clark Thomas J. Dame

Aubey A. Dellinger, Jr. Jay E. Garbus

Robert P. Hume Oral M. Marple Roger W. Peake John T. Tillery

DANVILLE

John P. Dameron James Terry Ley

NEWPORT NEWS

Manuel J. Lacerda Patrick C. Murphrey

NOFOLK

Frederick R. Dixon Carlton L. Gill, Jr.

RICHMOND

David E. Amstutz Harvey L. Fleshman

John R. Quinley

ROANOKE

Fredric E. Dooley William A. Parks, Jr.


Bro. Jay Eugene Patterson grew up in Nashville, TN and attended Middle Tennessee State University. Besides being a musician in Nashville, he worked at WTVF Channel 5 as a cameraman covering news and worked on what he considered intellectual shows, such as Can-did Camera and Hee-Haw. Bro. Patterson worked for ABC News in Washington, D.C., for over 29 years and has covered all kinds of news items for World News, 20/20, Nightline, and Good Morning America among others. He has an Emmy, DuPont, and a Peabody for news coverage. He covered the White House, traveled on Presidential Campaigns for Presidents George H.W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack H. Obama and also covered campaigns for Robert Dole and

Al Gore. He has flown on Air Force One and followed the President’s around the world. He has provided war cover-age in Panama, Desert Storm, Bosnia, and Haiti. He retired from ABC in December 26, 2011, after accepting his current position as Manager of Membership Services for the Supreme Council, AASR, SJ, USA. Bro. Patterson became a Mason in 1999 at Herndon Lodge No. 264 and became a member of the Valley of Alexandria the same year. He was Worshipful Master in 2005 and elected High Priest of Loudoun RAC No. 55 for 2006 and 2007, and served as District Deputy Grand High Priest in 2009. He was invested as a KCCH in 2007. In 2010, he served as Commander of Kadosh and is currently serving the Valley as Chairman of the Public Relations Committee and Assistant Director of Work for the Valley. He is member of three Grand Lodge committees: Com-mittee of History, Committee on Public Relations, and Masonic Herald Publication Board and has membership in about every Masonic body known to man (according to him). When he wasn’t covering world events, he served as Deacon at McLean Baptist Church and spends his free time, whatever is left, with his lovely wife, Carol, of 31 years. They have a son, Adam, and a daughter, Megan, who is expecting a baby girl later this year. Illustrious Brother Matthew Todd Szramoski was born in Newport News and grad-uated from Denbigh High School. He obtained an A.A.S. in Public Administration and B.A. in History from Christopher Newport University. He is married to Alicia and they have two children: Alex, who is currently the Senior Councilor in Woodlawn DeMolay Chapter, and Haley, their daughter. He has served as Youth programs Manager for the NRA for 13 years before beginning to work at the Supreme Council. He is a Past President and the current Treasurer of the Newington Civic Association and Chairman of the Deacon Board, Virginia Hills Baptist Church Brother Matt is a Senior DeMolay from Tidewater DeMolay Chapter, served as State Master Councilor in 1986, Past President of the VA DeMolay Foundation, and has received the awards of Chevalier, Cross of Honor, and Active Legion of Honor from the DeMolay Association. He served as Associate Bethel Guardian of Bethel No. 22 in Alexan-dria. Brother Matt was Raised in Yorktown Lodge No. 205 in 1989 and served as its Worshipful Master in 1993. He joined John Blair Lodge No. 187 and served as Worshipful Master in 1996-1997 and currently serves as its Sec-retary. He has a LMIP in both Lodges. He served as the 2003 District Deputy Grand Master from District 1A, has served the District also as District Instructor of Work. He currently is the Chairman of the Grand Lodge of Virginia’s Finance Committee and has served as the Chairman to the Grand Lodge’s Committee on Youth. He is a recipient of the John Blair Medal. He is a Past High Priest of Uroy Harris RAC No. 83 and is a member of Mount Vernon RAC where he has a LMIP. He is a member of Old Dominion Commandery No. 11, where he is a Past Commander, Past District Depu-ty Grand Commander, and was District Instruct of Work. He is a Past Governor of Washington and Lee York Rite College and a member of Knight Masons Virginia Council. He is also a recipient of the KYCH. He originally joined the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Newport News and is also a member of the Valley of Alexandria. He was invested with KCCCH in 2003 and coroneted to 33°, Inspector General Honorary in 2009. He has served as Past Commander of the Council of Kadosh and serves in the 18th Degree as the presiding officer of the 1st Apartment. He started to work as Director of Development, Supreme Council, AASR, SJ, USA in 2011. He is also a member of Kena Shrine and the Tall Cedars.


Greetings from the Valley of Norfolk! By Ill. Aaron Zeno, IGH

If you travel to the Valley of Norfolk, you will notice a very unique and handsome new flagpole in front of the Granby Street Masonic Center. At first it just seems to be an extra tall and beautiful flagpole, but it is actually a "stealth" flagpole! The Temple Corporation swung a deal with a mobile telephone company to construct this "stealth" flagpole which is really an antenna for the mobile company, which pays the Temple Corporation a yearly fee, to helps to offset the cost of operation for the year! We have started off the year with a new slate of officers, who are very enthused and full of new ideas. The Valley and its degree teams have been working diligently with going back to the original Albert Pike ritual and it seems that we are having no difficulty getting used to it again! For the third year in a row, the Valley has combined the "Feast of Tishri" and our "Teachers of the year" program. The Valley decided to do this in order to obtain greater attendance, and it has worked very well, as can be attested to by the results we have gotten. We held our "Friends of the Rite" dinner and auction on Saturday, April 20th, with the Valleys of Newport News and Portsmouth. It was a very successful event. The Valley looks forward to the Fall Reunion, and we are confident it will be a great success as in past years. All the degree teams have already started on organization, and practices should begin very shortly. If anyone desires a part in any of the degrees, or wishes to help in any capacity, please contact the secretary of the Valley who will put you in touch with the proper degree captain. The Valley of Norfolk wishes all the Valleys great success for the upcoming year.

Valley of Newport News’ Golf Tournament On May 3rd, the Valley of Newport News held their major fund raiser for the year, the 10th Annual William M. John-son Memorial Golf Tournament. The rain weather held off to let the activities get completed on time. The Valley was able to raise around $11,000 for the Tidewater Scottish Rite Clinic at Old Dominion University!!

Valley of Alexandria’s FRIENDS AND FAMILY DINNER AND AUCTION

Alexandria Scottish Rite Valley will be having its "Friends and Family Dinner and Auction" on Saturday, June 23, 2012, 5:30 PM. Join us for a night of great food…great auction…great fellowship!! All tickets sales and sponsorship will go to not only the Valley scholarships, but a portion will go help the House of the Temple Foundation preserve the building for the future. Dinner Tickets are $50 a person with $20 of the amount being tax-deductible!

Table Reservation: $400 reserves a table in your name so that you may invite relatives, friends and non-

Scottish Rite Masons as your guests, and includes eight (8) dinner tickets. $160 of the ticket price is tax de-ductible.

Sponsor: $200 includes two (2) dinner tickets and a listing in the program as a Sponsor. $138 of your Sponsor ticket is tax deductible.

Underwriter. No dinner tickets, but you donation will help to pay for the cost of auction items, dinner expens-es, etc., you will be listed in the program as an Underwriter and the full amount you donated is tax deductible.

Auction Donor: You can donate items for the auction as well, and their value is tax deductible

This is the fur coat being raffled off at the “Friends of the Rite” dinner on April 21st. The coat is being worn by Joann Gill, Ill. Pete’s Wife.

Wineglasses sold at the Friends Dinner of the Newport News, Norfolk, and Portsmouth Valleys on April 21. 39 contained cubic zirconia of small value and one contained a ¼ carat diamond.

Valley of Alexandria Valley of Danville

Valley of Lynchburg Valley of Newport News

Valley of Norfolk Valley of Portsmouth

Valley of Richmond Valley of Roanoke


Valley of Alexandria

Stated Meetings on the 2nd Friday @ 7:30PM

Chartered October 1911

Ill. Edmund Cohen, IGH

Personal Representative of SGIG

Ill. David C. Morris, IGH Secretary

Ill. Roy M. Heaster, IGH Treasurer

Ill. Norman A. Mayo, IGH Almoner

Masters of the Four Bodies

Bro. Oral M. Marple, KCCH Venerable Master

Bro. John A. Light, KCCH Wise Master

Bro. James D. Barker, KCCH Commander

Bro. Donald G. Phillips, KCCH Master of Kadosh

Building Address: 1430 West Braddock Road

Alexandria, VA 22302 Mailing: P.0. Box 175 Alexandria 22313

Office: 703.998.9904 Fax: 703.778.2804

[email protected]

Office Hours Monday through Friday

10AM till 4PM


Valley of Danville

Stated Meetings on the 2nd Tuesday @ 7:30PM

Chartered May 1923

Ill. Ronny L. Lewis, IGH


Bro. J. Terry Ley, 32° Secretary

Bro. Johnnie C. Dodson, KCCH Treasurer

Ill. William A. Wells, Jr., IGH Almoner


Bro. J. Terry Ley, 32º Venerable Master

Bro. Ted K. Rice, KCCH Wise Master

Ill. Robert L. Warren, IGH Commander

Bro. Johnnie C. Dodson, KCCH Master of Kadosh

Building Address: 134 Tunstall Road

Danville, VA 23601 Office: 434.793.9805

Fax: 434.793.9805

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2418

Danville, VA 24541-0418

E-mail: [email protected]

Valley of Lynchburg

Stated Meetings on the 2nd Friday @ 7:30PM

Chartered

October 1920

Ill. Lonnie L. Godfrey, IGH Personal Representative of SGIG

Bro. Robert R Eckenrode, KCCH Secretary

Bro. Jimmy P. Carter, KCCH Treasurer

Bro. Benjamin F. Smith, KCCH Almoner


Bro. Mark A. Smith, KCCH Venerable Master

Bro. Mathew V. Gibson, 32° Wise Master

Bro. Mark KacKizer, KCCH Commander

Bro. Obediah Martin, 32° Master of Kadosh

Knights of St. Andrew

Bro. Nate Lacy, 32° Venerable Master

Building Address:

214 Lemon Drive Lynchburg, VA

Office: 434.385.4103

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 521

Lynchburg, VA 24505



Valley of Newport News

Stated Meetings on the

4th Wednesday @ 7:30PM


Ill. Clifford A. Parker, IGH


Ill. Adrian “Pete” Eure, IGH Secretary

Ill. Gerald E. Burks, IGH Treasurer

Bro. Harold C. Joyner, KCCH Almoner


Ill. Jimmy C. Willis, IGH Venerable Master

Bro. Rickey R. Johnson, KCCH Wise Master

Ill. George F. Black, Jr., KCCH Commander

Ill. Danny O. Belott, IGH

Master of Kadosh


Bro. R. Vince Mundie, 32° Venerable Master

Building Address: 65 Saunders Road

Newport News, VA 23601 Office: 757.599.6617

Fax: 757.599.0021


Office Hours Monday-Wednesday and Friday

between 9AM and Noon

Valley of Norfolk

Stated Meetings on the

3rd Thursday @ 7:30PM

Chartered December 1874

Ill. Carlton L. Gill, Jr., IGH Personal Representative of SGIG

Ill. T. Dudley Myers, IGH Secretary

Ill. Donnie E. Baines, IGH Treasurer

Ill. Shepherd W. McClenny, IGH Almoner


Ill. James D. Boone, Jr., IGH Venerable Master

Ill. John C. Eggert, IGH Wise Master

Bro. John C. Jones, KCCH Commander

Bro. Larry D. Bateman, KCCH Master of Kadosh


Bro. Samuel G. Welty, 32° Venerable Master

Building Address: 7001 Granby Street

Norfolk, VA Office: 757.489.1076

Fax: 757.489.1742


Office Hours Monday thru Friday

9AM till Noon

Valley of Portsmouth

Stated Meetings on the 1st Monday @ 7:30PM

Chartered

October 1955

Ill. J. R. “Jack” Goodwin, IGH Personal Representative of SGIG

Ill. W.H. ‘Andy’ Anderson, IGH Secretary

Bro. Franklin D. Edmondson, KCCH Treasurer

Ill. Franklin D. Peters, IGH Almoner


Bro. Randall D. Reed, KCCH Venerable Master

Bro. William T. James, KCCH Wise Master

Bro. Jerry C. Flower , 32° Commander

Bro. Stephen I. Bruce, 32° Master of Kadosh


Bro. Nay C. Austin, 32° Venerable Master

Building Address: 3401 Cedar Lane P.O. Box 7276

Portsmouth, VA 23707 Office: 757.484.2930


Office Hours

Monday thru Friday 9AM till 1PM


Valley of Richmond

Stated Meetings on the 4th Monday @ 7:30PM


Ill. John R. Quinley, IGH Personal Representative of SGIG

Ill. Robert W. Carpenter, Jr., IGH Secretary

Ill. Mack T. Ruffin, III, IGH Treasurer

Ill. Clarence E. Whitley, IGH Almoner


Ill. J. Larry Dixon, IGH Venerable Master

Bro. Michael L. Shelton, KCCH Wise Master

Bro. V. Reid Shelton, 32° Commander

Bro. David P. Clifton, Jr., KCCH Master of Kadosh


Bro. Peter D. Klei , 32° Venerable Master

Building Address: 4204 Hermitage Road

PO Box 9136 Richmond, VA 23227 Office: 804.264.2050

Fax: 804.261.0071


Office Hours

9:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. on M-Th

Valley of Roanoke

Stated Meetings on the 2nd Tuesday @ 6:00 PM


Ill. James M. Scearce, Jr., IGH Personal Representative of SGIG

Bro. David H. Dew, KCCH Secretary

Bro. Robert J. Rohrback, 32° Treasurer

Ill. Warren M. Cratch, IGH Almoner


Bro. Joseph L. Kropff, KCCH Venerable Master

Bro. Warren W. Schmid, KCCH Wise Master

Bro. Melvin L. Crowder, KCCH Commander

Bro. William A. Parks, Jr., KCCH Master of Kadosh

Building Address: 622 Campbell Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24016-3597

Office: 540.343.6666 Fax: 866.266.4990


Office Hours Monday thru Thursday 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

www.mastermason.com/roanoke_aasr/

Editor’s comments: In the last issue (yes, it has been a while due to health issues), we held a contest for a new banner for our newsletter. The winner was Bro. Pat-rick C. Murphrey, 32°, from the Valley of New-port News. The prize for the contest was an award of a Master Craftsman Course I or II from our SGIG, Ill. James D. Cole, 33°. Brother Murphrey has already completed both of these courses, so he accepted the first course and gave it to an-other Brother to further his education in Scottish Rite. Also please note that the webcast of the Supreme Council’s webathon is still available on their website: http://www.scottishrite.org Fraternally, The Editor

Virginia Light-May 2012

Documents

Transcript of Virginia Light-May 2012