I want to start this edition off with a belated Happy Father's Day wish to all of our Valley Dads. Freemasonry confers so many different and unique Degrees, Honors, Orders, Titles upon us, but we'll never have one more important or 'illustrious' than, Dad.
This Saturday is the BIG DAY! What's that? You don't know what the BIG DEAL on the BIG DAY is? I guess I better explain it then.
As you know, or should know by now, our Supreme Council is celebrating its 200th Anniversary during 2013. As part of the celebration, they will be releasing a DVD commemorating our Nation's Flag. Part of this DVD will be filmed here at the Masonic Temple this Saturday, 23 June, from 2-5PM and YOU can be a part of the show!
They've asked us to provide 50-60 Brethren in coat and tie and Masonic apron (we're working to have aprons available for those that do not own an apron), to form a chorus to sing "God Bless America, and "The Star Spangled Banner."
If you are interested and are able to attend we sure could use you. Don't worry about whether or not you can sing. EVERYONE, and I do mean EVERYONE sounds great in a group.
The filming will take place in Ionic Hall on the second floor of the Temple. Parking chasers will be provided for parking in the Parkway garage, 13th & Filbert Streets. Yes, that's right, that's the same garage we use for our Reunions.
If you are interested and can make it, I'll see you here Saturday. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call the Scottish Rite Office at 215-563-1814 for more information. This is our chance to show the rest of the Northern Jurisdiction what we mean when we say that we are "Pennsylvania Freemasonry's Best Kept Secret!"
From the amount of phone calls I'm receiving in the office, no doubt you have received your 2013 Scottish Rite Dues Bill by now.
Again this year, we have a number of Brethren who are up in arms over the term, "Assessment" that appears on your Dues Bill. We go over this every year in THE DOUBLE EAGLE, but for those that may have missed that, I am happy to explain it again here. This assessment represents your dues to the Supreme Council, nothing more. And yes, you have to pay it or you will be suspended. Just like your Lodge has to pay dues to the Grand Lodge, we have to pay dues to the Supreme Council.
I've been asked by a number of Brethren about paying their dues by credit card. Yes, you can do that. However, you cannot do it by calling the Scottish Rite Office, we are not set up to receive credit card payments, but not to worry, our Supreme Council is!
You can pay your dues by credit card by going to the Supreme Council web site and clicking on the "Pay Your Dues Online" option. You will have to register with the Supreme Council site as a member to do this. They will ask for your 9-digit Supreme Council Member Number. This number is on your dues card and your dues bill.
As always if you have any questions or concerns regarding your dues, I am here to help you at 215-563-1814.
Okay, I titled this thing by telling you to get your calendar out, so lets get to all these important dates you're looking for!
First up, the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation's Annual Meeting on Saturday, 14 July at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, PA.
All Valley elected Officers are EXPECTED to attend. You do not have to get a room and stay overnight. You can just go out for the meeting and return home afterwards if you choose to, but it would be nice to see a large representation of our Valley there. As I said, all electeds are expected to attend, but any Valley member is welcome to come out for the meeting.
At the banquet following this year's meeting Brothers, Skip Leopold and Tom Wible will receive the Meritorious Service Award for their tireless contributions to our Valley. Congratulations again go out to Bros. Skip and Tom along with our gratitude for all they do to make our Valley as great as it is.
All elected Officers, MSA recipients and 33rd Degree Members should have received their Annual Meeting Notice by now along with information regarding hotel booking, banquet tickets, etc. If anyone has any questions, please call the Scottish Rite Office at 215-563-1814.
Second item:
On Saturday, 15 September, our Sovereign Prince, Ill. Frank Weckenman, 33, MSA has planned an interesting bus trip and tour to Nemours Mansion and Gardens in Wilmington Delaware.
This 300-acre site was the country estate of Alfred I. Dupont. You can board the bus at either LuLu Shriners, 5140 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting at 7AM or Prospect Masonic Temple, 9th & Lincoln Streets, Prospect Park at 7:45AM. The cost per person is $21. The tour includes a tour of the Mansion and Gardens, followed by lunch on your own at Brandywine Prime in Chadds Ford.
Want to go? You can download a ticket order form at our Valley's Event Calendar page. Be sure to make your check payable to 'Scottish Rite Bodies.'
Third item:
Our Family Life Chairman, Bro. Jim Rae, 32, MSA, has put together another great family event idea for Saturday, 29 September. It will be a family picnic at the Cape May County Zoo.
Bring your family 'down the shore,' for a day of fellowship and fun at the Zoo. We will have a picnic in our own private pavilion. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, and all the fixings will be provided. The cost per person for this event is $5. Again visit our Valley's Calendar of Events to print out a ticket order form. And once more, be sure to make your check payable to 'Scottish Rite Bodies.'
Fourth item:
Our Fall 2012 Reunion begins on Friday, 19 October with the Special Communication of Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection. Our new Thrice Potent Master, Bro. Mike Bauerle, 32 and his Officers look forward to greeting you and your Candidate(s).
Remember Valley Petitions are available 24 hours a day at our Valley's Printable Petition page
Fifth item:
On Friday, 2 November, at The William Penn Inn, the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Children's Dyslexia Center invite you to attend the "A Toast To Reading, In Memory of Ill. Thomas Hopkins, 33." The event time is 7-9:30PM.
This annual event supports the efforts of the Center. Come on out. Have an enjoyable evening, honor the memory of our beloved Brother, Tom and help our Center help the kids of our community.
For pricing and ticket ordering information you can download the event flyer by visiting our Valley's Event Calendar page.
Sixth item:
Our Fall 2012 Reunion continues on Friday, 16 November with the Special Convocation of DeJoinville Council, Princes of Jerusalem and the Special Assembly of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix. Our new Sovereign Prince and Most Wise Master, Ill. Frank Weckenman, 33, MSA, and Bro. Jeffrey S. Greene, 32 respectively, and their Officer lines are looking forward to welcoming you and your Candidate(s).
Seventh item:
By popular demand we will sharing the cheer of the Holiday season at the Valley's Holiday Celebration Dinner on Friday, 14 December at the Radisson Philadelphia Northeast Hotel, 2400 Lincoln Highway at US Route 1, Trevose, PA
The evening will begin with the Social Hour at 6PM followed at 7 by the Radisson's delicious Continental Buffet. Again this year our Ladies Auxiliary will be offering gift baskets for auction to benefit the Philadelphia Children's Dyslexia Center.
The cost per couple is $75 or $38 per person. You can download a ticket reservation form by visiting our Event Calendar page. Be sure to make your check payable to 'Scottish Rite Bodies.'
Eighth and Final item:
Our 2012 Fall Reunion will conclude on Friday, 21 December with the Special Rendezvous of Benjamin Franklin Consistory. Our Commander-in-Chief, Ill. Raymond G. Brown and the Officers of the Consistory look forward to greeting you and the members of the Fall Class.
Speaking of the Fall Class, it is named in honor of our Right Worshipful Grand Master, Ill. Jay W. Smith, 33. He will be in attendance on December 21st and will participate in the conferral of the 32nd Degree.
Well, now you've got some dates on your calendar. I hope to see you this Saturday for the video shoot. This is your chance to be a 'Scottish Rite Star!'
Summer starts this week and it's bringing a heat wave with it. Take it easy.
May the Grand Architect continue to watch over you and your families.
Sincerely and fraternally,
Steven A. Morrison, 33
Valley Secretary
