My Brothers All: I am pleased to announce that III\Richard G. Hoover, 33° was unanimously elected and crowned Sovereign Grand Inspector General in the Orient of Florida on Saturday, August 21st, 2021 during the biennial session of the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction.

Congratulations Inspector, and please know that the Valley of Orlando looks forward to continuing to work with you as we advance the Rite and our Foundation. Included in this edition of the eNews, there is a picture and full Masonic Biography of III Richard G. Hoover, 33°. Please take a read and note his accomplishments over his Masonic career leading him to be crowned a Sovereign Grand Inspector General. 

Just a quick reminder, 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. 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 held the evening of the 13th at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt. Detailed information is available elsewhere in this edition of the eNews.

With the Fall Reunion quickly approaching, remember the new Membership Initiative “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 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.

Our September 24th stated meeting will be our “Feast of Tishri” Celebration and will start with dinner at 6:30pm, followed by a tyled meeting (members only) at 7:30 pm with the Lodge of Perfection opening, closing and conducting the business that comes before us. We will also re-obligate ourselves. The dinner portion of our evening will include a short history of the Feast of Tishri and the appropriate toasting will follow before we enter the Lodge room to re-obligate ourselves.

Please remember all members are welcome to attend this tyled meeting, but please keep in mind directives number 5 and 6 issued by the Grand Master and followed by our Sovereign Grand Inspector General. FYI – current COVID protocols will be followed to ensure the safety of us all. If you are comfortable following these protocols please come out and enjoy the fraternal fellowship of the evening.

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 experiencefor everyone, and starts the building of a fraternal friendship between those brothers who participate.  

In each article I encourage you to read the bi-monthly Scottish Rite Journal when received. The articles and stories in each issue will enhance your knowledge of the A.A.S.R. and the rich history it enjoys. The July/August edition had several items I found particularly enjoyable. “Shadows” from our SGC Cole; “Encourage vs Criticize” from Aaron M Shoemaker, 32°KCCH; “The Parable of the Talents” from Dr. Robert J.F. Elsner; and for those who enjoy music and the arts “The Masonic Music of John Phillip Sousa” from Gregory Martin, MM. Enjoy the read as I do every other month, on paper or my mobile device! 

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!”