My Brothers All:

Of late we have lost two honorable and distinguished 33° Inspectors General Honorary – Ill:. Ottis Erickson and Ill:. H. Glen Avery. The worked in the quarries of Freemasonry up until the end, and then made that journey to the Celestial Lodge on high. Thanks go to all of you who attended and participated, sent cards or wishes to the families, or only offered up a prayer. Every one of these actions makes a difference.

Change is essential to growth, and that is something we are looking for as a fraternity. Doing the same thing time and time again will get us exactly what we have been getting. I am sure you agree with me that what we would like to see: membership growth and positive change. It is highly unlikely that doing the same thing will get us different results. What follows was shared in the previous eNews, but I believe it is worth restating. Change happens every day of our lives, in all areas of our lives and some of us see it as a negative, while others see it as a positive. I have always tried to embrace the phrase “Change is my Friend!” My friend, because of all the change I have experienced in my lifetime, in 99% of the cases it made me better and improved my situation or lead me down the path that turned out to be the right one for me and mine! I share this thought on change because after you read my article on “Rightsizing the Rite in the Valley of Orlando” you will see that change is getting one step closer, and is around the corner.  To quantify this change, I have summarized it as – “it is the right change, at the right time, for the right reason,” and that is a good thing. By keeping an open mind, and focusing on the benefits we will receive, allowing us to continue practicing and sharing Scottish Rite Freemasonry in the Valley of Orlando, it will be a positive change that will put our Valley in a much better financial position. We earnestly request your support and greatly appreciated as we plan, implement and complete our transition.

Are you a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, or an Inspector General Honorary, and wish to attend the Investiture and Coronation in Tampa? Please contact our General Secretary, Keith, and he will provide you will all the details for the event, including the banquet and lodging.

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!”