Brothers,

As I write this article, I am deeply moved by the events of today…. September 11th.  I was devastated by the act of carnage that I watched on television. Being in the emergency response profession at the time I had to begin helping to shape the new normal or our local community. I congratulate our sovereign grand Commander and the other three grand commanders of supreme councils in the United States that today contributed to the tunnel  for towers, charity organization that now takes care of and helps Goldstar military and first responder survivors. We should all be thankful to those first responders who continue to this day, 25 years later, who help protect our nation. Locally we were alarmed because the largest entertainment venue was right here in our own backyard and we did not know if we could be next. please join me as we remember those who gave that ultimate sacrifice on that horrifying day.

This month’s meeting is especially important because we will be observing our annual Feast of Tishri. It is essentially a Masonic adaptation of the biblical Feast of Tabernacles. Tishri is the name of the first month of the Jewish civil calendar commemorating the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, The completion and dedication of Solomon’s Temple and the Harvest and thanksgiving. In 1866, the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction formally designated the 15th of Tishri as the feast day of the Lodge of Perfection. The symbolism is particularly important because Solomon’s Temple is central to Masonic symbolism. 

One important distinction is that the Masonic Feast of Tishri is not itself a Jewish religious observance. It is a Masonic observance derived from and symbolically interpreted through the biblical Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tishri is Scottish Rite Masonry’s annual symbolic feast of thanksgiving, freedom, brotherhood, and dedication, modeled on the biblical Feast of Tabernacles and associated particularly with the dedication of Solomon’s Temple.

Be sure to come and be with us as we salute our Masonic roots and renew our 14th degree vows in the tiled Lodge of Perfection meeting. 

You should share in the pride of our Valley receiving the VMAP Award for 2025 again, showing the great work that so many of you have accomplished in the last year. A special thanks for Brother Michael Catello for documenting and conveying our efforts to the Supreme Council. 

It is our hope that each of you are planning to attend our upcoming Reunion on October 10 & 11!! If you have a role in a degree, please polish your work so we make the finest impression on our new candidates. If you would like to participate, please come and let us and know so you can be plugged into this vital role of our Valley.  And needless to say….  but I will anyway… seek out those of your Lodge Brothers who have not yet discovered the Royal Secret and encourage them to come join us, there is still time to submit their petition.

Fraternally,

Illustrious Walter “Ricky” Rick