Hello, My Brothers All:

I start with a special Thank You to those new Masters of The Royal Secret and their families who joined us for the Ring Ceremony and the knighting of new members to the Knights of Saint Andrew. I look forward to your participation and will do what I can to ensure your journey is what you expected. The Honor Guard, along with Bag Piper W:.M:. Reginald Lyle of Orange Lodge No. 36 lead the York Rite Honor Guard who presented the Flag of the United States of America into the banquet hall to begin the opening ceremony of the Official Visit of our Grand Master M:.W:. John E. Karroum. To the KSA Honor Guard who participated at the Grand Masters Official Visit (GMOV) to the 16th Masonic District, thank you!

At the stated meeting of the Valley on the 22nd of June, we welcomed our new Deputy of the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction of the in the Orient of Florida, and his lady Bobby. Many of you presented him with donations to the Scottish Rite A.A.S.R. of Florida USA, Inc., which totaled over $3,450, and with matching funds, put us over the top regarding our 2017/18 goal. Thank you, your support allows us to help our kids with language learning disorders, and I know that they and their families appreciate our support.

Speaking of language learning disorders, at our stated meeting on the 27th of July, representatives from our local clinic in Orlando will be sharing an overview of the programs available and the successes which they have been able to provide our local children. Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program. Please join us!

I am pleased to report that all six modular units are assembled and leveled, they installed the electrical feed, but we are still waiting for inspections. The sidewalks will be framed and poured next week, and with the luck of the Irish on our side, the inspections completed, and we will be totally in our new home. Both Keith and I anticipate that we will be in by mid-July of this year. At that point, our General Secretary, Ill Brother Keith will be asking for assistance in unloading our PODS and transferring all our costumes, props and records into our new modular building, when Keith requests if you are available your assistance would be greatly appreciated. You know the saying – “many hands make little work!” As soon as the building is ready, we will also have a short ribbon cutting ceremony!

The executive committee will start planning for what’s next and establishing a vision statement so that we can all focus on those activities that will take us forward in the growth of membership, enrichment of our VMAP efforts and ensuring we consider the needs and desires of all our members in making our plans in moving into tomorrow.

Speaking of membership now is the time that we should be introducing the A.A.S.R. and the benefits that are available to assist a Master Mason to continue with further growth and a deeper understanding of our Masonic fraternity. While membership efforts should be a year-round effort the 3 – 5 months before each reunion are particularly important and reminds those, who were considering the A.A.S.R. that now is the time to act.

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. 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!”