My Brothers All: Just a quick reminder that if you have been previously honored as a 32° KCCH, or an Illustrious 33° Inspector General Honorary, and would like to attend this year’s ceremonies, information is listed elsewhere in this edition of the eNews.

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 has been utilized since the 2015 biennial honors ceremony.

The Ceremony of Coronation will take place at the Tampa Scottish Rite Masonic Center on Saturday the 13th of November 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., with the banquet taking place the evening of the 13th at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt.

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.

I am pleased to report that our July 23rd open meeting was a huge success. We celebrated the patriotic holidays of Flag Day and The Fourth of July, by pledging allegiance to the flag of our country, and inviting ILL Marty D. Schwebel to toast the flag. Following this Ceremony a picnic menu with Hamburgers and Hot Dogs along with all the fixins was served. As I moved around the room visiting with brothers, it was apparent that the meal was enjoyed by all. Thanks to Brother Chet Tokar and his crew for preparing a delicious picnic meal.

After the meal we recognized and honored first responders. Seven Deputies from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office who patrol our area, and five Fire Fighters and Paramedics from Fire Station 23 across the street from our meeting location were presented Certificates from the Valley of Orlando. Additionally, a Flag of the U.S.A., which had flown over the U.S. Capital building, folded and displayed in Shadow Boxes were presented to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and to Fire Station 23 to be displayed as appropriate. Closing out the evening was an excellent patriotic musical show by the “American Siren’s!”

Our August 28th meeting will enjoy dinner served at 6:30pm, followed by a tyled meeting (members only) at 7:30 pm with the Chapter of Rose Croix opening and closing. There will also be a short educational presentation on a topic associated with the Chapter. 

The Master Craftsman study group is well underway, but there is always room for additional participants. If you are interested in participating in this monthly study group, please 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 new brothers who participate.  

As a reminder, you are encouraged to read the Scottish Rite Journal when received. The articles and stories will enhance your knowledge of the A.A.S.R. Enjoy the read, I do! 

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 available 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!”