My Brothers All: Independence Day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence and its ratification by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This document declared that the Thirteen Colonies, now united, free, and independent states were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III.

The Fourth of July (Independence Day) has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the American Revolution. Let us all take a moment to thank those who are currently serving or have served in our armed forces for their efforts in protecting our nation. We enjoy freedom paid for by their sacrifices.

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, and barbecues, celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. In honor of the occasion, our July open meeting on Friday the 26th starts with dinner at 6:30pm, followed in the Lodge Room with live entertainment.

I would also like to thank ILL Richard G. Hoover, 33° Sovereign Grand Inspector General (SGIG) of the Supreme Council in the Southern Jurisdiction for the Orient of Florida who joined us at our June 28th meeting. ILL Rick’s visit drew a nice attendance of Brothers and their ladies. We collected in excess of $6,425 for the Foundation to start the 2024-2025 year. No doubt it will be put to good use at Orlando’s Center for Speech and Language (CS/L). Thanks to all who attended and welcomed our new 32° Masters of the Royal Secret to the Valley of Orlando, as they were received through the Ring Ceremony.

Remember, the “Master Craftsman” program is available to 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 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. Each Masonic Lodge receives a copy of the STB each month. Please take 10 minutes to read and reflect.

“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, Albert Gallatin Mackey, Benjamin Franklin, J. Edgar Hoover, and Clark Gable. These short articles afford you another opportunity to learn about the many who 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!”

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!”