My Brothers and Friends of the Scottish Rite:  

I just finished reading the Grand Commander’s article in the March/April 2019 Journal.  It is titled “Two Questions,” and if you haven’t yet read his article please do so.  All of us need to keep asking these two questions as we journey through life as a Freemasons, more especially as Scottish Rite Freemasons.

Let me jump right in, the Spring Reunion scheduled for the 13th and 14th of April and is quickly approaching.  Now is the time to get those petitions submitted to Ill Keith, so we can ensure we are ready for those who have made the decision to join the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in the Valley of Orlando and continue their Masonic Journey.  The same message applies to those who participate in the delivery of the Reunion Experience we provide our new brothers seeking more light.  Degree teams, have you had your rehearsal(s); are the lights, sound, stage crews and wardrobe ready to support the effort and add to the experience we endeavor to provide?  I am confident that the kitchen crew is ready to provide nourishing and tasty meals at breakfast and lunch on both days.  No doubt the class conductors, and the classroom teachers, as well as the Committee on Work will be ready to enhance the experience.  My Brothers if we all give our best, we will create an experience that will match or exceed what our candidates will be expecting.  Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

In that this is a Biennial Year we will be coronating and investing brothers from around the Orient with honors.  This will again take place in at the Valley of Tampa with details to follow after our summer Council of 400 meeting.  However, for now I encourage all who desire to attend to put the weekend of November 9th and 10th on your calendar.  The Ceremony of Coronation for new 33° Inspectors Generals will take place the morning of November 9th and the Ceremony of Investiture of new Knights Commanders of the Court of Honour will take place the afternoon of the 9th.  The evening of the 9th will be the Celebratory Banquet.  As soon as details are final, I will ensure they are published in our eNews so you can lock in your plans for that weekend.  Once the details are final I will have some interesting and good news concerning the Honors Weekend in Tampa.

As you are aware, the AASR is an organization that confers or communicates twenty-nine additional degrees and is structured to provide additional Masonic Education to assist a Master Mason 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!”

Fraternally,

Ill Chester A. “Chet” King, 33°
Personal Representative

“People forget what you say, and forget what you do, but forever remember how you make them feel!”