Hello, My Brothers all:

This being a Biennial year is synonymous with honoring those brothers who have honored themselves notable by their actions, words and deeds, and by the character that they have built and maintained as the years pass by. The Valley of Orlando is pleased to announce that we are honoring eight (8) Masters of the Royal Secret by investing them as a Knight Commander of the Court of Honour (32°KCCH). These Brothers are: Dennis B. Ardinger, Jeffrey D. Battaglia, Johnny M. Brock, Dennis A. Ickes, Justin S. Mc Donald, John A. Miles, Edwards M. Slauson and Patrick Marshall Uppole.

As 32° Knight Commanders of the Court of Honour, we have two brothers who will be coronated a 33° Inspector General Honorary.  These two Brothers are: C. Bertram Nelson, Jr. and Dominick Frank Tesoriere. The awarding of these honors to these Brothers reflects a notable step in their Masonic journey. It reflects positively on each of them and the quality of their character, not just as Scottish Rite Masons, but as Freemasons participating in the many Masonic organizations to which they belong, as well as their participation in the communities in which they live, and by the families they have grown over the years. Congratulations to these Brothers for their past participation and support, as well as their support and participation in moving forward.

The Valley of Tampa is pleased and honored to host the 2021 Honors Weekend in the Orient of Florida. The Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay will again be the Host hotel for the weekend’s events, including hotel rooms, Ladies lunch and the Honors Banquet. The hotel is located at 2900 Bayport Dr., Tampa, FL. This is the same hotel that was utilized in 2015, 2017, 2019.

The Ceremony of Coronation will take place at the Tampa Scottish Rite Masonic Center on Saturday November 13 at 9:30 a.m. The Ceremony of Investiture will take place at the same location on the same date at 1:30 p.m. The banquet will take place the evening of the 13th at the grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt. Details of this event, and contact information on hotel rates and reservations can be found elsewhere in this eNews.

With the Fall Reunion quickly approaching remember the new Membership Initiative titled “Sign 3, Get One Free!” Our Valley has agreed to participate in this initiative. The concept is that any member of the Valley who signs as top line signer on three (3) or more petitions in the agreed upon calendar year, that brother’s (i.e. the signer’s) dues, including the Supreme Council’s per capita, will be waived in the following year. Only the per capita will be waived by the Supreme Council. Please think it through and take advantage of the benefit to you of participating in the “Sign 3, Get One Free” initiative.

Mark your calendars for our July 23rd open meeting. We will be celebrating the patriotic holidays of Flag Day and The Fourth of July, and will start with a Hamburger/Hot Dog meal at 6:30pm. We will be honoring first responders from the Seminole County Sherriff’s office who patrols our area, and the Fire Fighters and Paramedics from Fire Station 23 across the street from our meeting location. In addition, we will have a short program by the Heroes of 76 from the National Sojourner’s Chapter No. 373 to honor the Flag of the U.S.A. Closing out the evening will be the “American Siren’s!” Remember them from our holiday 2019 meeting!

We continue taking advantage of technology and the regular utilization of the Zoom Video Conferencing for Executive Committee meetings, and for our newly started Master Craftsman study group. If you are interested in participating in this monthly study group, please do not wait to contact Ill. Keith at the Valley office via 407-657-4550 or via email at GenSecOrl@gmail.com. He will ensure you are added to the mailing list and receive all invitations. Participating in a study group enhances the Master Craftsman experience for everyone, and starts the building of a fraternal friendship between those brothers who participate.

You are encouraged to read the Scottish Rite Journal when received. The Grand Commander’s article always contains a message and call to action. Several enhancements have been made such as a section on “Bible Study for Freemasons;” a story of a historic figure from the past; “Chips from the Quarry;” and other articles and stories you may find informative and educational. Do not forget, the SR Journal can also be received electronically. Just visit your app store online and type in Scottish Rite Journal.

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!”