Happy Holidays to my Brothers and Friends: Several weeks ago, we had an enjoyable time with festive entertainment and a special meal prepared by our kitchen staff.  I look forward to seeing you in 2023 as we start the New Year with a tyled meeting on January 27th in which the topic of the evening is known as our State of the Valley meeting.

ILL Keith located a “Pocket Petition,” which asks for basic information needed to create a file for a brother petitioning the Valley for membership. It is easily folded keeping at hand allowing you to provide a petition for a Brother when requested. The attached pocket petition will continue to be attached in future editions of the eNews. Sat/Sun the 8th and 9th of October will be our fall reunion. Now is a good time to start utilizing the new pocket petition.

Remember, the “Master Craftsman” program is available to all who are interested. As previously shared, a very active Master Craftsman study group program within the Valley is available to you. You are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. If interested, please contact ILL Keith at 407.657.4550 or via eMail at GenSecOrl@gmail.com and he will assist you in getting started and ensure you are added to the mailing list to receive all ZOOM invitations.

A new text message feature has rolled out with the capability to remind you of meetings and special events. By now you have probably received 3 – 5 text reminders. Thank you for the positive feedback in our effort to better communicate with our members. There is an article contained in this eNews that explains the process and what to expect. Please take a few minutes to carefully read the article. Information regarding meetings and other Valley of Orlando updates will be sent to your cell number. Therefore, it is important that you ensure your cell number is in the data base maintained by ILL Brother Keith, General Secretary. If you have not previously done so, please take a moment to update ILL Keith (via eMail or office phone) of your cell number.

Remember, AMAZON-Smile offers an opportunity to directly fund your favorite charity – The Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida, USA, Inc. If you have not already done so, please visit the Amazon.com site online, and go to AMAZON Smile. You will be directed to the appropriate location to sign-up. At that point select The Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida, USA, Inc. Amazon will ensure the appropriate funds are sent to the Foundation. Thanks for your continued support!   

In each eNews article, I encourage you to read the bi-monthly Scottish Rite Journal to enjoy the excellent articles and information to continue growing and learning about Freemasonry.

At the start of the 2022, through the eNews, we started sharing short articles each month on notable Brothers within the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. This expanded section is titled “Notable Brothers of Free and Accepted Masonry.” To date we have enjoyed featured articles on Albert Pike, Brother Robert Burns, Masonic Presidents, Albert Gallatin Mackey, Benjamin Franklin, Buzz Aldrin, Harry Houdini, Mark Twain, Brother John Wayne, and Brother Davey Crockett. This month features Brothers Lewis and Clark. Check it out, I am sure you will enjoy! These short articles afford another opportunity to learn about the many that have gone before us. Please read and enjoy!

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” and at this time of year – enjoy your holidays!

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!”