My Brothers All:

You should have received my letter explaining the challenge we face with our income vs expenses and our building. Additionally, the approach we are taking was also explained.  I briefly shared some additional thoughts at the April 28th stated meeting and would again like to again share with you that while this will create some change, it is a step forward and not backwards. We will continue to maintain a strong fraternal fellowship, will be able to continue our reunions and all the degrees (possibly having to make an adjustment or two), and will be better able to face the future with a much stronger financial footing. I would ask all our members to please keep a positive attitude about this change and know that together, as we always do, we will be better for having made this tough decision now rather than waiting until it was too late. Starting with the June 1st eNews we will start posting updates on how we are progressing.  Please know your continued support is greatly appreciated!

The annual Celebrate the Craft (CTC) webathon by the Supreme Council, takes place this Saturday the 20th of May from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. As in past years, your charitable donation made during the webathon may be split between the Rebuilding the Temple Campaign and the Scottish Rite charities in your Orient as directed by your SGIG or Deputy.  In our case that would be to the Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida USA, Inc. which supports our 14 language learning disorder clinics.  For more information on his national webathon visit https://scottishrite.org/development/giving/celebrate/. As we have done in past years we will host a fellowship gathering at the Valley Masonic Center on the 20th of May from 5:30 p.m. until around 8:00 p.m. We will provide light refreshments and ask you to please put this date on your calendar and join us for an hour or two of family fellowship with your brothers and their families. We will also be broadcasting the webathon live. As with all our meetings and events that are not tyled, please feel free to invite those brothers and their spouses or significant others to join us, affording them an opportunity to begin to understand some of the lessons we teach, meet some new brothers and participate in the fellowship we share. Your attendance and support is greatly appreciated!

Mentoring is an important part of a brother’s development and understanding of the Scottish Rite, and supports him in becoming an active part of our organization.  Mentoring in this valley is done by the top line signer of a petition who is most likely best known to the new Master of the Royal Secret. Being there to answer their questions and ensure they are comfortable and feel a part of our Valley and the Rite is important as they continue their journey in the Scottish Rite. Feeling comfortable allows a New Master of The Royal Secret to enjoy the rights, light and benefits that are available to them as 32° Masons. As a top line signer – past, present or future (meaning ALL brothers) – of a brother’s petition into the Scottish Rite, you are requested to please put the 8th of July from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on your calendar for breakfast and a mentoring refresher program. Please contact our General Secretary Ill:. Keith Albright and let him know you will be attending, so we can ensure we have breakfast and copies of information sheets available for each Mentor.

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

“People forget what you say, and forget what you do, but forever remember how you made them feel!”