My Brothers all: At our August meeting we were able to memorialize sixty-five Brothers who were called to the Celestial Lodge above during the 2019 year. Special thanks to Ill. Ed Sexton and the team who assisted in extending this honor to these brothers. They will be missed, but keeping them in our memory will ensure they are not forgotten. Our Fall Reunion is just round the corner and will be held on Saturday the 10th of October. With the Corona Virus, safety is important for a positive reunion experience, the Brothers who have petitioned to join us, and members. Please pay attention to the message that follows.
The Fall Reunion, conferring the 5 Mandatory Degrees, will be held in a modified format. We want to ensure we are complying with distancing and face mask requirements associated with COVID-19. The day will begin with a simple breakfast of Bagels and Donuts along with a good cup of coffee. We will offer the 4th and 14th degrees or Ineffable Degrees of the Lodge of Perfection; the 18th degree representing The Chapter of Rose Croix and the degrees of the second temple; the 30th Degree representing the Philosophical or Chivalric degrees; and representing the administrative degrees will be the 32nd degree. While there is only five-degrees they each represent the four bodies of the Scottish Rite (The Lodge of Perfection, The Chapter of Rose Croix, the Council of Kadosh, and the Consistory). While we would normally encourage your attendance at any Spring or Fall reunion, this is not a normal reunion. It is focused on receiving new members, while at the same time minimizing the number of Brothers who attend to ensure we are following the required distancing and face mask requirements. If you are participating in one of the five degrees, or are a working as a member of a committee that supports the operation of a reunion (i.e. Stage Crew, Wardrobe, Lights, Sound, Kitchen Crew, etc.) we look forward to having you join us. However, if you are not participating, please do not attend this reunion! We have coordinated with the five degree teams, and supporting committees, and they are ready to make it happen. As is the case with Grand Lodge, if you are working with a candidate or potential new members please ensure you have on a face mask and gloves to minimize contact. A more detailed schedule will be provided in a future eNews. Your continued support and compliance of guidelines aligned with COVID-19 is greatly appreciated. Please get those petitions in to let Ill. Keith so he can continue building the class of Fall ’20.
For the last time, the below article titled “What Have I Done for Scottish Rite” was published in the Knoxville Scottish Rite News (July/August ’20 Edition) and the August 1st, and 15th eNews. It is being included again for you to read it and reflect as I did, on what I might be able to do different 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!”