My Brethren All —

June is here and summer is quickly approaching.  The weather is heating up and the rain is slowly starting to arrive on a daily basis.  It will take quite a bit of rain to make up the short fall we have experienced during the past winter and spring seasons, and while I am not fond of Hurricanes, maybe we could have a Tropical Storm with a lot of rain and just a little wind.

To those brothers and guests who attended our “Celebrate the Craft” get together at the Valley, thank you.  Paul and Patty provided a nice assortment of sandwiches and snacks, we enjoyed some entertainment from the talent on the CTC broadcast.  Several brothers made donations, as well as from the Valley of Orlando.  When I learn the amount of total donation and pledges I will share that total with you via the eNews.

Mentoring is an important part of a brother’s development in 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 15th of July from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on your calendar for breakfast and a mentoring refresher program.  Please note that the date has been changed to the 15th vs the 8th.  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.

If you have not yet read the Grand Commanders message in the May/June ’17 Scottish Rite Journal, please do so.  After you have read it, take time to reflect and think of how we can do things different with our reunion and take it to the brothers as was suggested.  We will be looking for different approaches to freshen up our reunions and at the same time make attendance at the reunion a bit more convenient to ensure that those Master Masons who live in the outskirts of our area to join us and become a Master of the Royal Secret and receive all the rights, light and benefits that Scottish Rite membership provides?

It is listed elsewhere in this eNews, but please remember our Flag Day program on the 10th of June starting at noon sharp and the 30th of June we will host our annual Putt-Putt Golf Challenge, with an all you can eat spaghetti dinner and a silent auction.  Your attendance is earnest solicited for each of these events and is greatly appreciated.  Remember, these are open events and offer an opportunity to introduce Scottish Rite to friends who are not yet Master Masons, or to Master Masons who you would like to have join us here in the Valley of Orlando.

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!”