Notes from The Northern Light: May-June 2012

Almoner’s Fund: Helping Brothers

We all want to take care of others in need, and in our fraternity we have an obligation to lend a hand to our Brothers when the necessity arises. In these difficult times many of our Brothers really need our assistance.

Sovereign Grand Commander John Wm. McNaughton recognizes that as Masons we need to live up to our obligations and has made funding available to those truly in need. The Supreme Council Almoner’s Fund has given more than $100,000 to Brother Masons in need, particularly those affected by the recent floods and tornadoes.

Scottish Rite Masons are committed to making a difference in the lives of our Brothers. Read on to learn about just one example of the help extended to members of the craft during the recent floods in Illinois:

Dear Brother McNaughton,
This letter is to express the most sincere gratitude and thanks to you and the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite for your unfettered generosity to me and my family in our recovery from the catastrophic flood of 2011.
Words are simply deficient to express our appreciation to anyone and everyone involved in the decision to assist us in one of our darkest hours.
It is in times like these that we pause to comprehend the gravity of our Brotherhood. Be assured that the charitable financial assistance from the Scottish Rite will be put to the best use in our continuing effort to restore our home and lives to some semblance of normalcy.
For this, as well as all right and honorable reasons, I will strive to be a better Mason. We will never, ever forget and are eternally thankful.


A Mason at Sight

Clifton Truman Daniel was made a Mason at Sight at the Masonic Temple in Joliet, IL, on Dec. 3. Daniel is the grandson of Ill. Harry Truman, 33°, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri and, of course, President of the United States.

Daniel, speaking at the Annual Meeting of 2011, related interesting stories of his grandfather’s political and Masonic life in Missouri. Daniel ended his talk by telling the audience that he has always had an interest in Freemasonry. He said he began the process of joining but never followed through. Now he has renewed his journey. Welcome Bro. Daniel.


Getting Connected

The Supreme Council offers a new e-zine known as Rite Now. Plans call for its delivery to your email inbox once a month. If the need arises and the interest is there, we will increase the frequency of its issue.

Rite Now will contain shorter stories than those in The Northern Light, and will keep you informed about changes, upcoming events, and goings-on throughout the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

Events leading up to the bicentennial celebrations will be highlighted. Upcoming degree dates will be published.

It’s fast and easy to sign up for your subscription. Visit ScottishRiteNMJ.org to sign up right now for Rite Now.


NFL Alumni Player of the Year Awards

The Valley of Indianapolis Cathedral was chosen to host a piece of the hoopla surrounding this year’s Super Bowl, held in that city. The NFL Players of the Year award show was televised the day after the big game from the cathedral. The show was broadcast live on Feb. 6 with Alec Baldwin serving as host for the awards. Other celebrities included Vivica Fox, Stephen Baldwin, Patrick Warburton, and Keith David. Former NFL players taking part were five hall-of-famers: Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow, Andre Tippett, Marv Levy, and Jim Taylor.