My Brothers All: Winter is behind us and spring is rolling in. I can sense the pollen in the air, the warmer temperatures are felt on a daily basis, and I am loving all of it although hoping summer doesn’t get here too quickly.

In the last edition of the eNews a “Joint Memorandum” to all Scottish Rite Masons of the Northern and Southern Jurisdictions of the USA was shared that was prepared and signed by the Sovereign Grand Commanders of these two Jurisdictions. This memorandum talks about the pandemic, how it may have prevented us from enjoying our fraternal fellowship, and encouraged that we again partake of opportunities, not only in our particular Jurisdiction, but also within the Northern Jurisdiction as appropriate. Please read this Joint Memorandum that will appear in the eNews through the month of May.

This encouragement to hold Masonic communications with the Northern Jurisdiction is expanded with the document titled “Statement of Principles” and is included for the first time in this eNews. It was prepared and issued by the Two Grand Commanders of the Southern and Northern Jurisdiction and the Imperial Potentate of Shriners International. It clearly states that as appendant orders, we rely on the Grand Lodge System where a Brother starts his journey. I encourage all members to read this document and understand that these Principles apply to all of us. A strong relationship between all the allied and appendant orders makes all members of Freemasonry stronger.

Remember, the “Master Craftsman” program is available all who are interested. It will assist you in gaining a better understanding of The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, as well as the basics of Freemasonry. As I shared with you, we have a very active Master Craftsman study group program within the Valley that is now available to you. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. If interested please contact ILL Keith our Valley Secretary at 407-657-4550 or via eMail at GenSecOrl@gmail.com who will assist you in getting started and ensure you are added to the mailing list to receive all invitations to participate via ZOOM. Keep in mind that participating in a study group enhances the Master Craftsman experience for everyone and starts the building of fraternal friendships between those brothers who participate.

In each eNews article, you are encouraged to read the bi-monthly Scottish Rite Journal to enjoy the excellent articles and information contained therein. Also, to continue growing and learning about Freemasonry, the Short Talk Bulletin (STB) offers short stories about many varied topics. Please note that this publication is celebrating its one hundredth anniversary with Volume 100, No. 1. Each Masonic Lodge receives a copy of the STB each month. Please take 10 minutes to read and reflect.

At the start of the 2022 year, through the eNews, we started sharing short articles on notable Brothers within the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. This section has expanded and is titled “Notable Brothers of Free and Accepted Masonry.” Each month this section provides an article on a notable Brother Mason(s). To date we have enjoyed featured articles on Albert Pike, Brother Robert Burns, Masonic Presidents and Albert Gallatin Mackey. In this eNews Arthur Conan Doyle is featured. These short articles afford you another opportunity to learn about the many that have gone before us. Please read and enjoy!

The next item that warrants your attention is our up and coming Golf Event on Friday the 20th of May 2022 with a shotgun start at 8:30 AM. It is named a golf event because it is not necessary that you play par golf, but rather enjoy golf simply to experience some fraternal fellowship. It is not limited to just Masons, so please ask your friends, and work associates who play golf to come and have some fun and fellowship. Please note that the proceeds from this Golf Event support the Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida, Inc. which is a 501(c)(3). This Foundation funds a network of fifteen Language and Speech Clinics for children in the State of Florida. There are sponsorship opportunities, and now is the time to “step-up and sign-up!” All information on this event can be found online at GolfScottishRite.com. Please sign up to play, and consider a sponsorship by your Lodge, or a friend or associate who has a business. It would sure be nice to have a foursome from each of the Lodges in the four District area that is served by the Valley of Orlando.

Our May meeting will be a tyled, and the Commander of the Council of Kadosh and his officers will manage the meeting for the evening. Dinner at 6:30pm with the tyled meeting starting promptly at 7:30pm, a long meeting is not anticipated.

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 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!”

May you and yours be blessed with health, happiness and prosperity in 2022, and may we all stay COVID free.

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!”