My Brothers,

I am honored and humbled to be entrusted with such an important task and to help lead our Valley into the future. It is your hard work and diligent efforts that have brought us this far, and it is your continued dedication that will make us even stronger.

I’m deeply grateful for many things: to S.G.I.G. Rick Hoover, for showing his confidence in me by appointing me to this role; to my mentors, Ill. Chet King and Ill. Keith Albright, for helping guide my path, and to each of you, for fostering the spirit that makes our Valley the premier Valley in the Orient. You are the heart and soul of this organization—from Ormond Beach to Palm Bay, from Eustis to Kissimmee, and all points in between. Scottish Rite Freemasonry flourishes in Central Florida thanks to the lessons you live out every day.

We have much to be proud of—and even more to strive for. Now begins the task of taking something great and making it even greater.

What a memorable meeting we had this past June! We gathered to honor our very own Ill. Chet King, who faithfully served as our Personal Representative for 15 years. Under his stellar leadership, our Valley thrived. He ensured the conferral of all 29 degrees each year, led the creation of essential membership programs, and had the foresight to broker the sale of our former building—beloved but unsustainable—which led to our new, successful partnership with Winter Park Lodge. His efforts have placed the Valley on solid financial and fraternal footing for years to come. Most importantly, he accomplished all of this with a true Masonic spirit, always treating others with dignity and grace. His signature phrase, “People forget what you say… but not how you make them feel,” is a testament to the kind of leader he is. We are blessed to have had his guidance.

And if that weren’t enough, we were further honored by the presence of our S.G.I.G. Rick Hoover, who made Scottish Rite history in Florida by inviting S.G.I.G. Chris Terrell of the A.A.S.R. Southern Jurisdiction Prince Hall Affiliated to participate in our meeting—the first time ever a PHA SGIG has done so in the Orient of Florida. S.G.I.G. Terrell was most gracious in his remarks, and we look forward to continuing this historic and fruitful relationship.

Thank you, my Brothers, for the opportunity to serve as Personal Representative. I know that success in this role will only come through your continued support and your unwavering love for Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite. Together, we can—and will—remake the world.

Fraternally,

Ill Rickey Ricks, 33°
Personal Representative