My Brothers and Friends of the Scottish Rite – Valley of Orlando:

We are off and running in 2019. Let me start by offering a few comments on membership and the dues related to that. Your membership is valued, but more critical than dues is your participation. As we finalize and release plans for the 2019 year, you will likely be asked to participate, whether directly or through the eNews or other communications. When asked, please look for a way to say yes and not quickly reply – No I am busy! Once you take steps to participate and reap the benefit of that participation, you will feel compelled to pay your dues as you continue receiving the rights, light, and benefits offered through the A.A.S.R. If your dues are not current, please take steps to become a current paid-up member, this step would be much appreciated as we move forward as a Valley, taking steps to create new life long members.

While it is early in 2019, and the spring reunion is months away, it is never too early to ensure that we – each and every one of us – are introducing the opportunities and benefits that the A.A.S.R., and in particular the Valley of Orlando, have to offer to a Master Mason who has not yet made the advance into the Rite.

In past years, at our January regular meeting, I would share a “State of The Valley” overview and offer thoughts on moving forward. Unfortunately, I will be out of town for this first meeting; however, Ill Keith and I are looking for the next opportunity where I can share this update and ensure you are in the know about our current position and the State of The Valley. This presentation will be informative, and data-driven, allowing time for you to offer program suggestions and continuous improvement ideas as we move forward.

The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite is an organization that confers and/or communicates twenty-nine additional degrees and is structured to provide further Masonic Education to assist a Master Mason to grow and expand his knowledge and understanding of our great fraternity. I am confident that there are many of you out there who have a particular subject, topic, thought or experience that could be shared that would be of interest to brothers that receive our eNews. If you would like to prepare an article (and I strongly encourage you to do so) that would be published in a future edition, please get with me via email or text and give me a quick overview of what your topic will be and when you can have it ready. We will then schedule your article in a future edition.

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 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!”

May you and yours be blessed with health, happiness, and prosperity in 2019!

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!”