My Brothers all:

I hope this edition of the eNews finds you and your families doing well! I was pleased to see 59 Brothers and their ladies in attendance at our first meeting since February. A special thank you to the Heroes of ’76 from the National Sojourner’s Chapter in Central Florida who shared a history of the Military flags of the United States of America. Following an interesting and informative program, we enjoyed the thoughts and comments on “Finances in the Ever-changing Times in Which We are Living,” from Adam Campbell, the Financial Money Manager for our Valley of Orlando. Following these two programs, we closed the evening with two members – Ill. Keith W. Albright and Ill. Chester A. King – of the Valley of Orlando being commissioned Kentucky Colonels by Brother Chet Tokar, Jay Cebollero, and Ill. Bill Thomas and the many other Colonels who joined us in the commissioning ceremony. Both Keith and I were surprised and will do our best to honor the title of Colonel.

As was decided by the Executive Committee, we are resuming monthly meetings and will continue to do so unless the situation changes and necessitates adjusting this plan. On the 28th of August, we will meet and enjoy dinner at 6:30pm followed by an open meeting with the “Ceremony of Remembrance and Renewal,” where we reflect and remember those Brothers who have passed to the Celestial Lodge above during the 2019 year.

To ensure we have enough food prepared and seating for all in attendance, please send an eMail to Ill Keith at (GenSecOrl@gmail.com) and let him know you will be attending the dinner and meeting on the 28th of August.

Please keep in mind that our Fall Reunion is approaching and now is the time to get any petitions in so we can assess how many Brothers we might potentially have in this class. We have yet to finalize what we will do for the reunion. The Executive Committee along with Ill Keith and myself will be discussing what we can do to make this a memorable event. As plans start to develop, I will keep all our members aware through future articles in the eNews which becomes available on the 1st and 15th of every month! In support of planning the Fall Reunion, there will be a ZOOM Video Conference with all Fall Degree Masters being invited and you are encouraged to attend. This will take place on Saturday the 8th of August at 10:00 am – 11:30 am. Ill Keith will be sending an invitation to all Degree Master and Committee Chairmen who are part of our Fall reunion planning. Please make every effort to attend this Video Conference, and please contact your degree team members to have a commitment of who will attend and who feels uncomfortable attending because of COVID-19.   

Please let Ill. Keith know if you are unable to attend this meeting on the 8th of August, and please have a member of your degree team in attendance representing you.

The article titled “What Have I Done For Scottish Rite” was published in the Knoxville Scottish Rite News (July/August ’20 Edition). Please read it and reflect as I did on what I might be able to do differently or better.

What Have I Done For Scottish Rite?

Have I made an honest effort to secure the application of some worthy brother of the Blue Lodge to progress in the mysteries of the Scottish Rite?

Have I given the officers and members my moral support by attending the regular meetings?

Have I endeavored to assist in any way to advance the course of the Scottish Rite?

Have I offered my services to work in the degrees, on committees, or in any capacity during the Reunions?

Have I visited the sick brethren of the Rite in their home or in the hospital?

Have I a right to expect more than I am willing to give?

Have I let someone else do all the work and have the proud distinction of my membership in the Rite without the thrill of a desire to help?

Have I given as little as one hour of my time to interest a friend and brother in securing the benefits of Scottish Rite Free Masonry, as some brothers have done on my behalf?

Have I believed all the criticisms and rumors I have heard and did I give them further circulation, or let them stop with me?

Have I kept my dues paid up promptly that my organization might have the funds necessary to carry on the work?

Have I let my Masonic light shine that my friends might have been attracted thereby?

Have I given constructive criticism and suggestions?

What sacrifices have I made, if any, for the benefit and furtherance of Scottish Rite Masonry?

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 reliable 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!”