My Brothers All: In the past 2 – 3 editions of the eNews a “Joint Memorandum” prepared and signed by the Sovereign Grand Commanders of the Northern and Southern Jurisdictions was shared with all Scottish Rite Masons of these areas. The memorandum talks about the pandemic, how it prevented us from enjoying our fraternal fellowship, and encouraged that we again partake of opportunities, not only in our Jurisdiction, but also others as appropriate. For your convenience, if you have not yet read this memorandum it is attached, and will run in the eNews through the end of June. I encourage you to take a few minutes and read the Commanders’ message.

Also attached is a document titled “Statement of Principles.” Prepared and issued by the Grand Commanders of the Northern and Southern 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. All members are encouraged to read this document and understand that these Principles apply to all of us. A strong relationship between the allied and appendant orders, and the Grand Lodge System or Blue Lodge, make all members of Freemasonry stronger and create a stronger fraternity for us all to enjoy.

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 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 Benjamin Franklin is featured. These short articles afford you another opportunity to learn about the many who have gone before us. Please read and enjoy!

Our June meeting is on Friday the 24th and is an open meeting starting with dinner at 6:30pm, followed in the Lodge Room with the Ring Ceremony, welcoming and inviting those Brothers who became 32° Masters of the Royal Secret in our Spring Class. We also offer the knighting ceremony for those 32° Masters of the Royal Secret who would like to become a member of the Knights of Saint Andrew organization. In addition, Kim and Kirsten from the Orlando Center for Speech and Language will pay a visit. To make the evening even more special, please enjoy the attendance of ILL Richard G. Hoover, 33° Sovereign Grand Inspector General (SGIG) of the Supreme Council for the Orient of Florida who will bring us up to date with activities taking place in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. I am confident that he would be pleased to accept donations to the Foundation in support of our clinic and the children which need our assistance.

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!”

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!”