Hello My Brothers All:

Let me start by offering my congratulations to Ill:. John Dickenson, 33° and his lady Polly for their generous donation to the House of the Temple (HOT) preservation fund. Ill:. James H. “Chuck” Morgan III, Major Donor Officer for the Scottish Rite Foundation, attended our February meeting and presented a beautiful framed certificate to Ill:. John and Polly for their commitment, as well as his thanks on behalf of the Supreme Council for their generous support. Also at this meeting we celebrated the Feast of Kadosh, with a special program coordinated by Ill:. Ricky Ricks, Commander of the Council of Kadosh; presented our newest Masters of the Royal Secret with their patents at the “Ring Ceremony;” knighted new members into the Knights of Saint Andrew; and presented “Double Eagle” awards to deserving Brothers. I was also pleased to see several Brothers who are not yet Masters of the Royal Secret in attendance for this special meeting – thanks for joining us.

As we press forward into 2017, I would like to encourage all the Brothers of the Valley of Orlando to take a moment and reflect on how generous you have been in supporting the Scottish Rite Foundation of FL, USA, Inc. The Foundation is the funding mechanism for the fourteen language learning disorder clinics throughout the state. Our success in supporting the children we sponsor and allowing additional children to be helped is determined by the numbers. Small donations ($10, $15, $20 or $25 or more) from each of our over 1900 members in the Valley, would generate quite a sizable amount toward this year’s goal of $54,748 for the year ending on June 30, 2017, and most likely put us over the top. As was indicated in the article from our Valley Trustee in a previous edition of the eNews, we are currently at 37% of our goal. My Brothers, I ask that you take a moment and see if that small donation I mentioned above can be made now so that we can achieve our goal and support the kids who are helped by these donations. Remember, 97% of the donations made go directly to programs that assist the kids, and as an added incentive, Double Eagle points are awarded. Your donation will be put to good use and be greatly appreciated!

Just a reminder that our Spring Reunion is on April 8th and 9th and now is the time to be turning in those petitions from Master Masons who are searching for more light. Dominick Tesoriere, Membership Chairman, and the Lodge Ambassadors are coordinating visits to various Masonic Lodges throughout the four District to introduce the Rite, and encourage those who are not members to consider membership in the Rite as they continue their search for more light.

Until next time, remember the many things for which you are thankful! Be safe in your travels; “whisper wise counsel in the ear of an erring brother;” and respect the dignity of all, as it makes you and our fraternity stronger one action at a time. We are realizing the benefits of Scottish Rite Freemasonry as we actively participate today. We want to ensure that what we are enjoying today will be strong for those who will follow. Simply stated, “We lead the way today, so those who follow us can lead the way tomorrow!” Thanks for your continued support and participation; and may the “Spirit of Fraternity” reign supreme within our “Valley of Orlando!”

Fraternally,

Ill:. Chester A. “Chet” King, 33°

Personal Representative