My Brothers All:

I would like to start this article with a big THANK YOU! to the many brothers, family members and friends who have assisted the Valley in cleaning, disposing of, and moving a lot of items that have been part of the Valley for many years and are no longer needed or were worn out from use.  We had a lot of items we were no longer going to need as we relocate to a smaller facility. We were pleased to offer these items to Lodges and other Masonic organizations within the four District area we serve. As items were picked up by these organizations, donations were made to the Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida, USA, Inc.  It was a pleasure to be able to assist these organizations that are part of our Masonic family with items still in good condition that could be utilized for many years to come. Thanks to all of you who took the time, made the pick-up of the desired items and completed the transaction with generous donations to the Scottish Rite Foundation.

Change is vital to our 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 is growth through positive change. It is highly unlikely that doing the same thing will get us different results. These thoughts on change appeared in the previous eNews, but I believe change is important to our success and believe they are worth repeating. Change happens every day of our lives, in all areas of our lives.  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 closer, and is just around the corner. To quantify this change, I have summarized it as – “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 positive change that will put our Valley in a much better financial position, allowing us to continue our outreach to those Brothers who are still searching for more light on the road to Masonic fulfillment. Your support is earnestly requested and greatly appreciated as we plan, implement and complete our transition.

Our last meeting in the building we currently occupy will take place on Friday the 25th of August. It will be a dinner meeting with a short speech from the Medical Profession, followed by a recap from our beginning as a Scottish Rite Club to where we are today and a few thoughts on where we hope our actions will take us in the future. It will not be a long night, but it will afford us an opportunity to reflect, reminisce and remember all the good times we enjoyed in this beautiful Masonic Center with which we were blessed for so many years.

As a reminder, any Brother who is a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, or an Illustrious 33° Inspector General Honorary and desires to attend the Investiture and Coronation ceremonies in Tampa on the 11th of November, please get with our General Secretary, Keith and he will provide you the information for the event including the banquet and lodging information.

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!”