My Brothers All: As we prepare for the second half of 2024, I want to thank you for your participation thus far in all activities of 2024. I encourage your continued participation through the remaining calendar year. The Spring Reunion, while earlier than usual, was on the 9th and 10th of March, was a success with 15 brothers joining the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in the Valley A warm thank you goes out to the brothers of the Valley for participating in those degrees conferred.

ILL Keith and I had an opportunity to attend the 2024 RITE WAY Conference in Jacksonville. The 2-day agenda was titled “Framing the Future.” Each of the courses were prepared and rehearsed with audio visual support. ILL Keith and I returned with information on the new online petition, ideas on Membership & VMAP; Scottish Rite Clubs; Valley and Orient Leadership Development; and a few other topics. The Conference closed with a town hall led by Sovereign Grand Commander Cole.

The fall reunion is also taking place earlier than normal and will be on the 14th and 15th of September. For those degrees taking place at the fall reunion, now is a good time to start rehearsing. Several of the degrees will rehearse at their home Lodge, but If you will need to schedule the Lodge Room at Winter Park Lodge for a rehearsal or two, please contact me via phone at (407)405-3268, or by eMail at (kingca1@bluetiehome.com). It is anticipated that we will, in 2025, return to our regular schedule for our reunion. These dates will be published in future issues of the eNews.  

At the start of the 2022 year, the eNews started sharing short articles on notable Brothers within the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. This section has been expanded and is titled “Notable Brothers of Free and Accepted Masonry.” Each month this section provides an article on a notable Brother Mason(s). Take time to read and enjoy these specially prepared articles! Special thanks to Brother Den for the time he devotes to finding some notable Brothers and their success.

My Brothers of the Valley of Orlando, we are not planning to raise dues in 2024, but I would encourage members, when you receive your new dues card, to make a donation to the building fund. Even though we do not own a building, we do have expenses that allow us to make improvements from time to time in support of our host, Winter Park Masonic Lodge No.239. Also please remember the “Almoners Fund,” to assist a brother who is in distress, and the charity we sponsor, which is our local Language Learning Clinic. They do excellent work and assist a lot of children in improving their language learning skills.    

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. 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!”