Dear Brethren and Friends:

 

As we say farewell to another year,
We all shake hands and spread about good cheer.
In our Valley, there is no doubt,
At midnight each one will shout,
Happy New Year to you and yours,
And everyone between our shores.

So hoist a hot cup and a sweet confection
To all the boys in the Lodge of Perfection;
To Michael and Gerry, Tony and Doug
We pass along a fellowship hug,
And don’t forget Joel, Mike and Joe,
Those appointed guys complete the show.

What a better way to beat the winter chill,
Than some warm fellowship from the fellows of DeJoinville;
Frank, Jeffrey, Tom and Pete,
Their brotherly attitude is sure to greet,
Russ and Harry are in there too,
And send along new year greetings to you.

Our cheer of course is far from thinning,
And so we’ll pass along the greetings of Kilwinning;
Jeff, John and John, Wagner and Lanckowski,
And Danny and the two Bills, Kingsbury and Klosz see?

Before the old year becomes history,
Roll out the greetings of the Consistory,
Ray, Art and Clay,
Send you greetings this day
Along with those of
Bob, Winton and Phil,
Send on their cheer to you and still,
There’s Jim, Rick, Fred and Steve
To send a smile on this New Year’s eve.

Greetings also come from our
Treasurer and our Trustees
and all the members of the Executive Committee

Here’s hoping this song
Gave you a positive reactionary,
As it was written by the Valley Secretary!

Happy New Year!

 

 As always, I pray the Grand Architect watches over all of you and your families.

Be of good cheer and have a great time this evening, but please, be safe.

 Sincere fraternal regards,

Steven A. Morrison, 33, Valley Secretary

Dear Brethren and Friends:

I hope this edition finds you and yours doing well and enjoying all the Holiday Season has to offer.

To our Jewish Brethren and their families that are currently celebrating and observing Hanukkah, we wish a very blessed and happy holiday!

I've had a few telephone calls regarding the Valley's now cancelled Holiday Celebration Dinner, which was to have taken place this Friday (December 14th) evening. This event was cancelled due to insufficient support. 

We thank everyone who sent in a check to attend the event. Your support of and continued interest in our Valley and its events is greatly appreciated. 

We are in the planning stages of a "Ladies Night" event for the Spring. Once everything is finalized details will be available.

It is my sad to duty to report the illness of Mrs. Cindy Zenzel, wife of Valley Brother, Daniel, and mother of Valley Brother, Christopher Zenzel. Please keep her and the family in your prayers. 

Anyone wishing to send a card, please call the Scottish Rite Office for contact information.

Supreme Council has released two holiday ornaments to adorn your Hanukkah bush or Christmas  tree this Holiday Season:

The brass ornament, costs $16.95

The ball ornament is available for $11.95

If you would like either one or both, send your check made payable to "Supreme Council," to Supreme Council, PO Box 519, Lexington, MA 02420.

Don't forget our Fall Special Rendezvous on Friday, December 21, 2012. Our Class Honoree, Ill. Jay W. Smith, 33, Right Worshipful Grand Master will be us, as will Ill. Russell W. Baker, 33, Active Member of the Supreme Council and Deputy for Pennsylvania.

The evening begins at 6:00 P.M.  with a delicious buffet dinner in the Grand Banquet Hall. The menu for dinner is: Caesar Salad, New England Clam Chowder, Prime Rib carving station, Boston Scrod, Roasted Potatoes, and Succotash. All for $20 per person. Candidates as always are free.

Following the meal, the Rendezvous opens at 7:30 P.M. at which time the 22nd Degree, "Prince of Libanus" will be presented in its new DVD format. The Valley Cast will present the 31st Degree, "Knight Aspirant," and then the Commander-in-Chief and the Officers of Benjamin Franklin Consistory will present the 32nd Degree, "Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret."

The Ladies are having an old fashioned "Family Game Night." All ladies are encouraged to bring along a favorite card or board game to share in a night of fun.

The deadline for dinner reservations is Wednesday, 19 December. You can make yours by calling 215-563-1814 or by email to phila.aasr@juno.com or by clicking 'Going' on the Fall Special Rendezvous event page on the Valley's Facebook group (if you are a member of the group!).

Don't miss out on what is shaping up to be a great evening!

Well that will do it for this edition. As always I pray the Grand Architect blesses each and everyone of you and your families with all that is good!

God Bless Cindy Zenzel and be with her family at this time and always.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Steven Morrison, 33

Valley Secretary

Dear Brethren and Friends:

I hope this edition finds you well and recovering from your best Thanksgiving ever!

It is my unfortunate duty to announce that the Valley's Holiday Celebration Dinner which was to be held on Friday, December 14, 2012 has been cancelled. We did not have enough members participating to make the event happen. 

Those that sent in ticket orders will be reimbursed and we thank them for their support of and continued interest in our Valley and its activities.

A "Mother's Day" Ladies Night event is in the planning stages for the Spring. Stay tuned!

The Holiday Season is officially underway, and we want to wish a Happy Hanukkah to all of our Jewish Brethren and their families. Hanukkah is observed this year December 8th through the 16th.

By now you have no doubt heard all the hysteria regarding the Mayan calendar and how the world is supposed to end on December 21, 2012. Well, I'm here to tell you that, the MAYANS ARE WRONG!!!!!

Yes, that's right. They're wrong. Think about it. Our Fall Special Rendezvous is happening on Friday, December 21, 2012. Our Class Honoree, Ill. Jay W. Smith, 33, Right Worshipful Grand Master and our Illustrious Deputy, Russell W. Baker, 33 will be with us that evening. How can the world possibly end when we have such a huge event happening? It just goes to show you that the Mayans didn't read THE DOUBLE EAGLE and quite possibly weren't subscribed to "Across My Desk, the web edition!" So we'll give them a pass on this one.

Friday, December 21, 2012 is going to be a big evening for the Valley of Philadelphia. In addition to the R.W. Grand Master and the Deputy's visit, we will recognize our Class of 2012 33rd Degree Members and our 2012 Meritorious Service Award recipients as well as those Brethren that have recently completed their Scottish Rite Passports.

We will present the 22nd Degree, "Prince of Libanus" that evening by showing the brand new DVD production of the Degree, our Valley Cast will present the 31st Degree, "Knight Aspirant," and again we have a Cast full of first timers. Come out and support them! The Commander-in-Chief and the Officers of Benjamin Franklin Consistory will confer the 32nd Degree, "Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret."

The evening begins at 6 PM with our buffet dinner in the Grand Banquet Hall. The menu for the buffet includes; Caesar Salad, New England Clam Chowder, Prime Rib Carving Station, Boston Scrod, Roasted Potatoes and Succotash. The cost per person for dinner is $20. The deadline is Wednesday, December 19th.  Reservations may be made by calling 215-563-1814, by clicking the "Going" button on the Fall Special Rendezvous event page on the Valley's Facebook group page (If you belong. And if you don't, why not? You're missing instant updates to all that is happening in our Valley!) or by email to phila.aasr@juno.com

The Ladies Auxiliary have a fun evening planned. They're asking all Valley Ladies to bring along   a favorite card or board game to share for a night fun and, yes, games!

Take a break from the hustle and bustle (and shopping) of the Holiday Season and join with us for the VERY LAST DAY of, no, not the world, but, our Fall Reunion!

If you cannot be with us, we want to wish you and yours a very Happy Hanukkah, a very Merry Christmas and of course a very Happy New Year too!

Don't forget the time is now here to apply for the Abbott Scottish Rite Scholarship! This general scholarship is available to Scottish Rite Masons in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, their children, their grandchildren (if the the grandfather can claim the the grandchild as a sole dependent) and the young people of our Masonic Youth groups, DeMolay, Job's Daughters and Rainbow.

Individual scholarships are limited to funds available from donations to the annual Blue Envelope Appeal.

Applications may be obtained by writing to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520, or by email to phila.aasr@juno.com and returned on or before MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2013, in order to be eligible for submission.

2013 is going to be a busy year in the Valley of Philadelphia and we already have bunch of dates to put on your calendar.

Our Spring Reunion begins on Friday, March 18th with the Special Communication of Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection. The Reunion continues on April 19th, with the Special Convocation and Assembly of DeJoinville Council, Princes of Jerusalem and Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, respectively. The Reunion concludes Friday, May 10th with the Special Rendezvous of Benjamin Franklin Consistory.

Our Annual Officers Training Conference is scheduled for Saturday, April 27th at Tacony Masonic Temple, 4400 Magee Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia. All elected and appointed Officers are expected to be there. Valley Committee members are encouraged to attend and ANY Valley member who is interested in getting more involved are welcome to attend too. For more information or to register your attendance, please call 215-563-1814, or email to phila.aasr@juno.com. For Valley Facebook group members, there will be an event page set up for the Conference as the date draws closer. You will be able to RSVP there as well.

Ill. Jeffrey S. Greene, 33, Most Wise Master and the other Officers of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, welcome you and your family to attend the Valley's Annual Memorial Service on Sunday, April 28, 2013 at Gloria Dei (Old Swede's) Church, Columbus Boulevard and Christian Street in South Philadelphia. The Service begins at 3PM and as always a complimentary dinner will follow in the Church's Social Hall. Everyone is welcome, but to attend the dinner you MUST have a prior reservation. To make a reservation, please call 215-563-1814, or email to phila.aasr@juno.com. As we get closer to the date of the Service, there will be an event page on the Valley's Facebook group, where you can also RSVP your attendance.

The Valley's Annual Meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2013. That evening we will elect and install those that will serve the Valley for the 2014 Scottish Rite year, as well as recognize our 50 year members and present Abbott Scottish Rite Scholarship checks to deserving students.

Well that will do it for this edition. I pray the Grand Architect continues to watch over all of you and bless you and your families with all the goodness there is to offer, not only through this Holiday Season, but also in the coming new year too!

Oh, I almost forgot! What sort of Navy Veteran would I be if I didn't remember the annual Army-Navy game on Saturday, December 8, 2013? The Navy is going for it's eleventh straight victory this year. I'm sure all of our Valley Sailors and Marines will join me in wishing the Midshipmen a successful and victorious game! Oh and to our Valley Soldiers, good luck, you're going to need it!

GO NAVY BEAT ARMY!

Sincerely and fraternally,

Steven A. Morrison, 33
Valley Secretary

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Our 2012 Fall Reunion continues on Friday, November 16, 2012 with the Special Convocation of DeJoinville Council, Princes of Jerusalem and the Special Assembly of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix at the Masonic Temple. The 15th Degree, Knight of the East and the 18th Degree, Knight of Rose Croix will be presented.

The evening begins at 6 P.M. with dinner in the Grand Banquet Hall. The buffet-style meal will include a seafood entree as well as Chicken Marsala. The cost per person for dinner is $20, Candidates meals are free.

The Ladies of the Valley have an interesting and entertaining program scheduled featuring a one man presentation of "Sherlock Holmes and the Speckled Band."

Plan now to join with us. Call 215-563-1814 to make your dinner reservations. The deadline is Wednesday, November 14, 2012. All reservations made past the deadline or walk up non-reserved meals are $30 per person.

The Board of Governors of the Children's Dyslexia Center are pleased to announce their upcoming fund raiser, "The Art of Literacy" in conjunction with Barnes & Noble. This is the third such effort with Barnes & Noble to benefit the Center's mission of helping children overcome dyslexia.

The event runs at all Barnes & Noble bookstores from Saturday, November 17th through Wednesday, November 21, 2012. This period is extended until November 23, 2012 for all purchases made online at www.bn.com  Be sure to use ID CODE: 10821593

20% of your purchase price paid at any Barnes & Noble store will benefit the Children's Dyslexia Center of Philadelphia, a Scottish Rite Charity. This includes all books, magazines, and food at the store. This special ID CODE: 10821593 must be used at the time of purchase to earmark the funds to the Center.

If you shop online at www.bn.com during the event, up to 10% of your purchase price is donated. Buy your books, gift items, and Nooks on these days and earn a donation for the Center. Nook (e-reader) purchases are capped at a 5% donation. Remember when shopping online to use ID CODE: 10821593.

Be sure to tell your family, friends, Masonic Brethren, neighbors, co-workers, etc. about this event. Don't forget to tell them to use ID CODE: 10821593.

Members of the Philadelphia Center's Board of Governors will be present at the Barnes & Noble at 300 Neshaminy Mall in Bensalem, PA from 10 A.M. until 3 P.M. on November 17, 2012 to promote the event. Come on out and greet them and do some holiday shopping! Don't forget ID CODE: 10821593!

Thank you for your assistance and participation in this fund-raising event!

Don't forget ID CODE: 10821593 must be used in order to donate funding to the Philadelphia Children's Dyslexia Center.

Share the gift of reading this Holiday Season!

This Sunday, November 11, 2012 is Veteran's Day. We would like to offer our sincere "Thank you for your Service," to all of our Valley member Veterans as well as any of our Veterans and including those currently serving!

The Valley's Holiday Celebration Dinner is scheduled for Friday, December 14, 2012 at the Radisson Hotel Philadelphia, 2400 Old Lincoln Highway at US Route 1. The event runs from 6-10 P.M.

The evening begins with the Social Hour at 6 P.M. featuring a cash bar. During this time our Ladies Auxiliary will have their gift basket Silent Auction to benefit the Children's Dyslexia Center of Philadelphia, a Scottish Rite Charity.

The Radisson's delicious Continental Buffet will be served at 7 P.M. After dinner, a special entertainment program featuring music of the "Doo Wop" era will be presented.

The cost per couple for this event is $75 or $38 per person. Please note that this is a prepay event. There will be no tickets sold at the door. The deadline for ticket purchases is Friday, November 30, 2012. Make your check payable to 'Scottish Rite Bodies' and send it to, Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520. Be sure to put "Holiday Celebration" on your check's memo line.

The Fall Reunion concludes on Friday evening, December 21, 2012. That evening we will be joined by two very special guests. Our Fall Class Honoree, Ill. Jay W. Smith, 33, Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania and Ill. Russell W. Baker, 33, Active Member of the Supreme Council and Deputy for Pennsylvania. 

That evening we will debut the new DVD version of the 22nd Degree, Prince of Libanus, and our Valley Cast and the Officers of Benjamin Franklin Consistory, will present the 31st Degree, Knight Aspirant and the 32nd Degree, Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret.

Also we will be making special presentations to our 2012 33rd Degree Class as well as our 2012 Meritorious Service Award Recipients and a number of Brethren who have completed their Scottish Rite Passports.

Plan now to be with us for this most special evening.

Well that will do it for this edition. Please keep our Brethren in New Jersey and New York who are recovering from the effects of Hurricane Sandy in your prayers. I do not have any information regarding Masonic relief efforts, but you can always check with the Masonic Service Association for more information as to how you can help.

I look forward to greeting you on Friday, November 16th or at any one of our upcoming events. If I don't see you, on behalf of me and mine to you and yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincere fraternal regards,

Steven A. Morrison, 33

Valley Secretary

Our 2012 Fall Reunion at the Starting Line!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Our Fall 2012 Reunion begins this Friday evening, October 19, 2012, with the Fall Special Communication of Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection.

The evening begins with a buffet dinner in the Grand Banquet Hall, at 6:00 P.M. The cost per person is now $20. Dinners must be reserved by this Wednesday, October 17th. All non-reserved dinners will now cost $30 per person. Don't let this happen to you! Call 215-563-1814 today! 

Our Fall Class, also known as the "Ill. Jay W. Smith, 33, Right Worshipful Grand Master Class," will receive the 4th Degree, Master Traveler (DVD) and the 14th Degree, Grand Elect Mason. 

Our Lodge of Perfection Officers are working hard to put on a fantastic Degree. Be sure to be here to support them and welcome our new Valley Brethren!

The Ladies will have a seasonal program on how to make a corn husk wreath.

It will be a great night of Scottish Rite fellowship. Don't miss out. Call 215-563-1814 or you can email your reservations to phila.aasr@juno.com or if you are a member of our Valley's Facebook group, you can click on the "Going" button on the Fall Special Communication event page to confirm your reservation. How easy is that?

This Saturday, October 20, 2012, the parents of the students of the Philadelphia Children's Dyslexia Center, a Scottish Rite Charity, present, "Fall Fest," at the Tacony Masonic Temple, 4400 Magee Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 

This fund raising event sounds like it will be a great time for all those who attend, while raising money for the Center's continued efforts to assist area kids with dyslexia.

The event runs from 7-11:00 P.M. and will feature food, beverages, a sports memorabilia auction, a DJ and Irish Dancers. There will be a 50/50 and you can purchase tickets for the "Cooler of Cheer" raffle! 

Tickets to the event are $25 per person. Contact the Scottish Rite Office at 215-563-1814 for more information

The Supreme Council's Bicentennial Membership Jewel is now available!  To get one, send your check for $25 (made payable to "Supreme Council") to; Supreme Council, PO Box 519, Lexington, MA 02420. Be sure to include your shipping address with your order.

Any (32nd or 33rd Degree) Scottish Rite Mason in a Valley of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction can wear this jewel. Candidates for the Scottish Rite in those Valley's between the Spring Class of 2012 and the Fall Class of 2013 will receive the jewel and do not need to purchase one.

The Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Children's Dyslexia Center, a Scottish Rite Charity, present their annual "A Toast to Reading" on Friday, November 2, 2012 at the William Penn Inn, Rt. 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd, PA 19436.

This year's event will honor the memory of event founder and Valley Brother, Ill. Thomas Hopkins, 33, and salute the Honorable Dennis O'Brien, Philadelphia City Councilman, who was instrumental in securing the location of the Center at the Philadelphia Academy Charter High School. 

Hot and Cold Hors D'oeuvres and wine will be served. The event runs from 7-10:00 P.M. and tickets are $75 per person. For more information on this fund raising event call, 215-563-1814.

Help us continue the important work of helping kids to read by attending one or both of these great events!

Our Fall Reunion will continue on Friday, November 16, 2012 with the Fall Special Convocation of DeJoinville Council and the Fall Special Communication of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix.

The 15th Degree, Knight of the East, featuring a Cast filled with many new members and first time floor workers will be presented, as will the 18th Degree, Knight of Rose Croix, which will also have a large contingent of new Cast members. Plan now to be there to support them and meet our new Valley members!

The Ladies program that evening will feature a one man show, "Sherlock Holmes and the Speckled Band."

The Valley's Holiday Celebration Dinner is set to happen on Friday, December 14, 2012 at the Radisson Hotel Philadelphia, 2400 Old Lincoln Highway at US Route 1 in Trevose, PA.

The Social Hour with a Cash Bar begins at 6:00 P.M. during which time the Valley's Ladies Auxiliary will host a silent Gift Basket Auction to benefit the Philadelphia Children's Dyslexia Center. You can browse the baskets and 'silently' bid on your favorite and help a great cause

Dinner will served at 7:00 P.M. featuring the Radisson's delectable  Continental Buffet.

After dinner, a special musical program featuring the music of the "Doo Wop" era will entertain us.

This is a pre-paid event and tickets will not be available at the door. If you wish to go, send your check, made payable to 'Scottish Rite Bodies,' to; Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520. 

Our Fall Reunion concludes on Friday, December 21, 2012 with the Special Rendezvous of Benjamin Franklin Consistory. Our Fall Class Honoree, Ill. Jay W. Smith, 33, Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania will be our special guest that evening.

The Degrees to be presented that evening include, the 22nd Degree, Prince of Libanus (DVD), the 31st Degree, Knight Aspirant and the 32nd Degree, Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret.

With the busy activity of the Holiday Season, be sure to put this date on your calendar now to be with us as we welcome our Right Worshipful Grand Master!

As you know our Valley is on Facebook with both a 'fan' and a 'group' page. We are now proud to announce that we also have a Google+ page and a Twitter account as well. If you are on Google+, please add our page to your circle. If you have a Twitter account, please follow us at @PhilaScotRite.  Through these social media opportunities in addition to "Across My Desk, the Web Edition," you can keep up to the minute on all that is happening in our Valley.

As you can see we have a lot of things happening this season and we're only at the Starting Line! 

I pray the Grand Architect continues to watch over each and everyone of you.

Don't forget to call in your dinner reservations!

Sincere fraternal regards,

Steven Morrison, 33

Valley Secretary

On the Threshold of our 2012 Fall Reunion

Greetings Brethren and Friends:

First, on behalf of the Officers and Members of the Valley of Philadelphia, we send out our thoughts and prayers to the families of those killed at the U.S. embassy in Libya. We are living in dangerous times and the peacefulness of our gentle Craft stands as a stalwart to the principle of Brotherly Love regardless of religious or political doctrine.

Now I have the unfortunate duty of announcing that this Saturday's bus trip to Nemours Mansion and Gardens has been cancelled due to lack of sufficient participation. Those who sent in checks for their fee for the trip will be reimbursed. Our Valley has traditionally run two bus trips each year, which have been enjoyable ventures for Valley members and their families, but in recent years our trips have become less then a popular attraction.

The Executive Committee is looking into an alternative activity for our members and their families. Once that is decided and approved, it will be announced. Stay tuned.

The 33rd Degree Members of the Valley have returned from the Annual Meeting of the Supreme Council, which was held in Cleveland, Ohio this year. Valley Members, Matthew Dupee, Jeffrey Greene, William Kingsbury, John Lanckowski and Harry Rutter, were coroneted as Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, 33rd Degree, Honorary Members of the Supreme Council. Congratulations again to them.

Now we turn our attention to next years session in Washington, DC. This will mark the 200th Anniversary of our Supreme Council, and we understand that exciting plans are place to make this a memorable event.  Valley Brothers, Philip Janusz, MSA, James Rae, MSA and John Wagner will receive the 33rd Degree at that time.  Congratulations to these Brothers on their nomination and election to be so honored.

Valley members interested in purchasing the Supreme Council's bicentennial membership jewel are reminded to keep an eye on the Council's web site, www.scottishritenmj.org for when the jewel will be available for purchase. This is the only way to get the jewel, unless you are a Candidate for the Scottish Rite Degrees between the 2012 Spring Class and the 2013 Fall Class. The jewels cost $25.



As our header says, we are on the threshold of our 2012 Fall Reunion which will begin on Friday, October 19, 2012 with the Fall Special Communication of Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection.

We have some changes to announce with this Reunion. Beginning on Friday, October 19, 2012 our dinners will now cost $20 per person and we will now charge $5 for a parking chaser. Also non-reserved dinners or those made past the reservation deadline will now cost $30 per person. Economic times have made these changes necessary. We apologize for any incovenience this may cause you, but these steps have to be taken if our Valley is to continue to operate in a fiscally responsible way. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Getting back to the Fall Special Communication, the evening will begin at 6PM with a buffet dinner in the Grand Banquet Hall. The Communication opens at 7PM at which time the 4th Degree, Master Traveler (DVD), will be presented. The 14th Degree, Grand Elect Mason presented by the Officers of the Lodge of Perfection will follow.

If you plan to attend we ask that you get your dinner reservations in no later than the deadline of Wednesday, October 17th. Call 215-563-1814 or email to phila.aasr@juno.com to make your reservations.

If you don't know by now our 2012 Fall Class is named in honor of our Right Worshipful Grand Master, Ill. Jay W. Smith, 33rd Degree. He will be with us on Friday, December 21, 2012. Make plans now to join with us to welcome him.

Our Family Picnic at the Cape May County Zoo on Saturday, September 29, 2012 is looking like it is going to be a great event. Tickets are still available if you wish to go. Send your check for $5 per person to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520. The Zoo is open from 11AM until Dusk and our event will run throughout that time. The Zoo is free, but we will have our own reserved pavilion with a catered picnic with burgers, hot dogs, salads, sodas, and the usual picnic fixings.  Bring your family and your lawn chairs and join us down the shore for what will be a great Valley Family event!

The Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Children's Dyslexia Center invite you to attend their annual "A Toast To Reading" benefit event on Friday, November 2, 2012 at the William Penn Inn, Rte 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd, PA 19436 from 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM.

This year's benefit is held in memory of Ill. Thomas Hopkins, 33rd Degree, who was instrumental in developing this annual fund raiser and served as its Chairman from its inception. The event will also honor Special Guest, Philadelphia City Councilman, Dennis O'Brien. Councilman O'Brien was very instrumental in assisting our Center's Board in identifying the Philadelphia Academy Charter High School as the site for hosting the Center. He will be present at the event.

For more information on how to purchase tickets, call 215-563-1814.

While on the subject of the Center, the parents of the students are hosting a fund raising event at Tacony Masonic Temple, 4400 Magee Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19135, on Saturday, October 20, 2012. The event runs from 7-11PM. There will be food, beverages, entertainment and raffles. For more information on how to purchase tickets call 215-563-1814.

I know it's only September, but don't forget our Valley's Holiday Celebration Dinner scheduled for Friday, December 14, 2012 at the Radisson Hotel Philadelphia. For more information call 215-563-1814.

Well, you're reading this blog, which means you know that the Valley of Philadelphia is making use of the world of social media. But, did you know that we have other resources as well? We do! We have both a 'fan' and a 'group' page on Facebook, we have a page on Google+ and we have a Twitter page too (@PhilaScotRite). If you have an account on either of these social outlets, check us out and give us a 'like' or a 'follow.' Please be advised that our Facebook group is limited to members of the Valley of Philadelphia and their Ladies only. All others are welcome to 'like' our fan page to keep up to date on all that is happening.

That will do it for this edition. As always I pray that the Grand Architect watches over you and your families.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Steven Morrison, 33rd Degree

Valley Secreatary



Hope You're Enjoying Your Summer!

Dear Brethren and Friends:


Well, I hope this edition finds you relaxing and enjoying what remains of the Summer of 2012. So, what's going on? What's happening? Glad you asked!


The Valley of Philadelphia was very well represented at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation. Congratulations again to Bros. Skip Leopold and Tom Wible on receiving their Meritorious Service Awards! 

Next July, the Council's Annual Meeting will be held at the Seven Springs Resort, out in the beautiful Laurel Highlands of Western Pennsylvania. Congratulations go out to Bros. George Burns and Jeff Lees on their nomination to receive the MSA at the 2013 meeting! Both of our Brothers have served our Valley with such dedication that has earned them both this honor.


I have some more good news from the Annual Meeting to share with you as well. Again, our Commander-in-Chief was pleased to accept on YOUR behalf, the "Ill. Richard A. Kern, 33, Benevolence Award for Pennsylvania." This award is presented annually to the Valley that has the highest percentage of total membership donating to the Supreme Council's Annual Blue Envelope Appeal. Congratulations Brethren on receiving this award, again, and  Thank You, for your support of our Scottish Rite Charities. 

As many of you may already know, Illustrious Bro. Kern, was a member of the Valley of Philadelphia as well as an Active Member of the Supreme Council and Right Worshipful Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. He is also the only Brother ever named to the station of Honorary Past Sovereign Grand Commander for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.  We have an enviable record for winning this award named in our Valley Brother's honor and memory.

The Supreme Council has recently announced that the Bicentennial Membership Jewel will soon be available for you to purchase. The jewel can be ordered by any Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite Mason for $25. Once available, the jewel can be ordered online from the Supreme Council's web site.

The Supreme Council recently introduced its new "Bookend Concept," in regards to conferring Degrees during Reunions. To comply with the Bookend Concept, a Valley will need to either confer or show the DVD presentation of the 4th Degree, along with three Degrees which exemplify the Scottish Rite Core Values, and complete the Reunion with the 32nd Degree. The Scottish Rite Core Values are explained as Degrees that demonstrate the following; Reverence for God, Justice, Toleration, Devotion to Country, Service to Humanity, and Integrity. 


Two such Degrees are the 22nd, "Prince of Libanus,'" and the 24th, "Brother of the Forest." The Supreme Council recently had both of these 'Bookend' Degrees produced on DVD for showing at Reunions.


They also produced a promotional video for both:

These are indeed exciting times to be a Scottish Rite Mason. Speaking of which, have you mentioned that to a Masonic friend yet? 

Our Fall 2012 Class is just around the corner. The Class Honoree this Fall is, Ill. Jay W. Smith, 33, Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Free and Accepted Masons.

Everything begins on Friday, October 19, 2012, when Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection holds its Fall Special Communication. The Degrees to be conferred that evening and throughout the upcoming Reunion will be announced shortly. 


The Reunion will continue on Friday, November 16th, when DeJoinville Council, Princes of Jerusalem and Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, hold their Fall Special Convocation and Assembly respectively.


The Reunion concludes on Friday evening, December 21, 2012 with the Fall Special Rendezvous of Benjamin Franklin Consistory. Our Grand Master will honor us with his presence that evening.


We learned during the Council of Deliberation's Annual Meeting that only 30% of eligible Master Masons belong to the Scottish Rite. This is unacceptable. Scottish Rite has so much more to offer to our Brethren. Let's all do our part to introduce a Masonic friend to this most vital, and dare I say it, necessary part of the Masonic family.

As always petitions can be downloaded 24 hours a day from our Valley web site. Share your Scottish Rite experience with a Masonic friend today!


Our Valley has some fun and interesting activities coming up as well.


Our Sovereign Prince, Ill. Frank Weckenman. 33, MSA and the other Officers of DeJoinville Council hope to see you on their bus trip to Delaware's Nemours Mansion and Gardens on Saturday, September 15, 2012.


This tour of the 300 acre of the country estate of Alfred I. Dupont, costs $21 per person.


You can board the bus at either LuLu Shriners, 5140 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting at 7:00 AM or Prospect Masonic Temple, 9th & Lincoln Streets, Prospect Park, at 7:45 AM


The trip includes the tour of the Mansion and Gardens followed by lunch on your own at Brandywine Prime in Chadd's Ford, PA. 


Yes, I know I said it was 300 acres, and yes, that is a lot of walking, but guess what? There is no walking, they have a bus which will take you to each point of interest on the tour! How about that?


If you are interested in this trip and would like to have more information or order tickets, click here.


Our next 'grrrrrreat' Family Life program is the Valley's Family Picnic at the Cape May County Zoo on Saturday, September 29, 2012 from 11:00 to Dusk.


We will have our own catered pavilion for the day, so bring your family and your lawn chair! The cost per person is $5, which includes the Zoo followed by a family barbeque with; Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, and all the fixings!


If you are interested in this Valley family event and would like to have more information or order wrist bands, click here.


Hey did you miss out on our Valley Family Day at the Camden River Sharks? Well, you can still be a part of this great Valley event by purchasing a River Sharks/Valley of Philadelphia ball cap!

The cap features the River Sharks' "Shark-bite C" logo with "Valley of Philadelphia" embroidered on the back. These very nice quality hats are available for only $10. We have a limited supply left, so don't miss out. Send your check made payable to "Scottish Rite Bodies," to the Scottish Rite Office Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 191017-2520. Be sure to put 'ballcap' on your check's memo line.

The Board of Governors of the Children's Dyslexia Center of Philadelphia invite you to attend their annual "A Toast To Reading" benefit event on Friday, November 2, 2012 at the William Penn Inn, Rte 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd, PA 19436 from 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM.

This year's benefit is held in memory of Ill. Thomas Hopkins, 33, who was instrumental in developing this annual fund raiser and served as its Chairman from its inception.

For more information on how to purchase tickets, click here.

Now I now it's Summer and we have another heatwave peeking over the horizon, but, how about some cool thoughts? Ready? Close your eyes. Let your mind drift for a moment. Think about colder temps, holiday shoppers bustling about, strings and strings of colored lights, holiday tunes on the radio, are you there? Okay, what does that remind you of? You are absolutely correct if you said the Valley of Philadelphia's Holiday Celebration Dinner!

This years event will again be held at the Radisson Hotel Philadelphia, on Friday, December 14, 2012 from 6-10 PM.

For more information on this great Valley event or to purchase tickets, click here.

Well that will do it for this edition. I pray that the Grand Architect continues to watch over each of you and your families. Enjoy what remains of the Summer. Be safe, have fun and most importantly, RELAX!

Don't forget our Fall Class. Talk to that Masonic friend you meet at the backyard cookout.

Sincere fraternal regards,

Steven A. Morrison, 33

Valley Secretary

Happy Birthday America, Happy Birthday Freedom

Dear Brethren and Friends:


On this eve of our Nation's 236th Birthday, I give pause to recognize what this great experiment in freedom means.


Two hundred and thirty-six years ago when those first Patriots signed the Declaration of Independence and declared to the world that America was a free nation filled with a free people who were prepared to go forward and make their timeless imprint on history, the world took notice. How could this upstart survive in a world ruled by crowned heads that had the unlimited resources to bring destruction upon it and bring it back under the rule of colonialism?


As a man of faith and a Freemason, I believe that Divine Providence had a lot to do with it. The Founding Fathers, were going forth to begin a Nation in which everyone who was willing to take a chance can succeed. Freedom provides one with opportunity to venture forward, to grasp the gold ring, to dream, and to create. We profess to be children of God. How could God not lead this fledgling dream to become a Nation? We are His children, and we offer each and everyone of us, freedom to live and grow regardless of race or creed. "Love one another as I have loved you. . ."


Every American is provided with the opportunity to have an education. Using this gift to one's best potential is what makes the difference. Thanks to this reward of freedom, America has been the first in so many frontiers. The most classic and best example is the venture of Orville and Wilbur Wright. Who would think that one day this invention of flight would lead to our Star-Spangled Banner being planted upon the surface of the Moon?


Here everyone has a chance. It is up to the individual as to whether they choose to dream big enough to take their chance and pursue their dream. To the naysayers, who say that race or station can prevent a dream from coming true, all I can say is, "you've given up and given in" and that is not what being an American is all about. 


Our 26th President and Masonic Brother, Theodore Roosevelt knew what it meant to be an American dreamer. A sickly child afflicted with asthma. He strengthened his body, improved not only his mind, but the work of his hands and his daring spirit. His 'big stick' announced to the world that we had arrived. We were a Nation with industry and determination and that we were going to be a leader in the world. We had survived a civil war. We reunited, we healed the hurts, we expanded our borders and our dreams. Can do, will do, is the spirit of America.


This Country thrives on the best production of the brightest creators, the biggest dreamers. Our Founding Fathers knew that. They may have never envisioned everything we've become, but they laid the foundation upon which the most wonderful house has been built. A house in which through every window a beautiful vista awaits the eyes to behold.

We are in the midst of some very uncertain times. There are those that will proclaim gloom and doom. There are those that feel we have ventured far from the path of the Founders, while some believe it is best if we do. This is why we are free to vote for our government. We, the people, make the choice and the majority rules. But, the majority is still the Brethren of the minority. We are one people, united and indivisible. Win or lose, we have each other's back. No one is left out or left behind, but by their own choosing. God has truly blessed America.


Songs have been written and sung proudly to let the world know who we are and we're about. We ask God to bless America, and as you venture this great nation, "from sea to shining sea," you might say, 'well, yes, God has indeed blessed America.' Let us never sway from His guiding light.


Many of us can trace our roots in this country back to only one or two generations. This 'lamp beside the golden door,' with all of its promise attracted so many to leave what they knew to come to a new world and begin  a new life. Those that did, helped to create what we have today.


There are those that have entered this country in the less than proper way, and while we would not agree with that route, we understand their yearning for opportunity not only for themselves but for their children and grandchildren. America holds the promise. We don't need 'hope and change,' we represent that. We always have.


We've been challenged by evil. Those that choose to defy the glory of freedom. They learned in the most harsh manner that America means to survive. We will defend our people, our land and our freedom. We will also come to the aid of freedom loving neighbors around the globe. American blood has watered the soil of every Continent and was shed for the cause of freedom. We've never been a conqueror, we are defenders, we are protectors. But when we've been the victor, we've also been the compassionate friend to the defeated. 


Happy Birthday America. Happy Birthday Freedom. Thank you for your opportunities and for your promise.


May God continue to bless America. May He also bless each and everyone of you and your families.


Sincere fraternal regards,


Steven A. Morrison, 33
Valley Secretary