January-February 2010

Capital Hilton Hotel Ballroom set up for the Opening Session of the Supreme Council, 33°, S.J., U.S.A.’s Monday Opening Session (Elizabeth A. W. McCarthy, The Scottish Rite Journal)

The Mysteries of Masonry

In the days when I first joined my lodge, new Masons soon learned that you just didn’t ask too much about budgets and finances. If you needed to know, you’d be told; otherwise, rest assured that everything was in good hands—and it usually was, but the custodians didn’t talk much about money matters.

Good Work: 2009 Vesper Service Message

As Freemasons, we are commissioned by the Supreme Architect to take an active part in the building of His moral order. Based on our Eighth Degree, “we are to embody the lessons of benevolence and charity, denoting the importance of passing the lessons of ethics and morals to the next generation.” Based on our Masonic Obligations, we cannot escape God’s challenge.

2009 Biennial Session

The 2009 Session of the Supreme Council, 33°, S.J., was held October 5–6, at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. Making history, the Grand Commanders of the four US Supreme Councils were present.

The Secrets of Heredom

The House of the Temple is a central location for action in Dan Brown’s new book, The Lost Symbol. It’s interesting, but is it true?

Scottish Rite Foundation & Radford University: Partnering to Help Children

Ten-year old Zach Crosier is a charter student of Radford University’s Summer Language Clinic. At last summer’s annual Scottish Rite Luncheon, his mother, Mary Vaughn, told the crowd the clinic continues to have a major impact on her son’s life.

Bro. Brother’s Journal: A Masonic Jewel

Then with a few incantations and more gesticulations, she descended slowly to the stage and awoke—a fascinating illusion, indeed!

The George Washington Masonic Memorial Centennial Celebration

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association was created 100 years ago, and its leadership led to the construction of the GW Masonic Memorial, one of our national Masonic treasures.

Investing in the Future: Receiving the Intendants

Intendants of the Building have made a significant commitment to pass on the principles of Freemasonry to future generations.

Book Reviews: An Excessive Fondness of Reality

Dr. Robert Lee Jones, Professor of Theology at Oklahoma City University and one of the primary mentors of my youth, was wont to say to his Comparative Religions of Mankind class, “I would be very disappointed in any of you who went for a walk in the woods expecting to see an elf: I would be even more disappointed in you if you were surprised when you did see one.”

Current Interest: Dexter W. Lum, 33°, Appointed Deputy in Hawaii

Effective on January 1, 2010, SGC Ronald A. Seale appointed Dexter W. Lum, 33°, as Deputy of the Supreme Council in the Orient of Hawaii.

Current Interest: Rite Now! Developing Membership through Leadership

On April 16 and 17, 2010, the first ever National Leadership Conference for the Supreme Council, 33°, SJ., will be held at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, 500 Canal St. Scottish Rite Leaders from across the jurisdiction will gather for two days of thought-provoking training and warm fellowship, immediately following the RiteCare Conference.

Current Interest: Valley of Wilmington, N.C., Centennial Anniversary

On October 17, 2009, the Valley of Wilmington, North Carolina, celebrated the centennial anniversary of the “Johnston Blakeley Lodge of Perfection.”

Current Interest: 116 New 32° Masons in West Virginia

As part of the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Charleston, West Virginia, Lodge of Perfection, the Valleys of Charleston, Parkersburg, Morgantown, Huntington, and Clarksburg joined forces to create 116 new 32° Masters of the Royal Secret on November 21, 2009.

Notes from The Northern Light: January-February 2010

A Publication of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction

The Scottish Rite Journal (ISSN 1076-8572) is published bimonthly by the Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Southern Jurisdiction, United States of America, 1733 Sixteenth St., NW, Washington, DC 20009-3103.