Yes, we are tired of winter and it's still January! But, our Spring Reunion is getting closer everyday!
We are pleased and proud to announce that our Spring 2013 Class has been named in memory of our late Illustrious Brother, Thomas Hopkins, 33rd Degree. Tom served Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection as Thrice Potent Master in 2010-11. He was very active with the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Children's Dyslexia Center, serving as Founder and Chairman of the Board's annual "A Toast to Reading" event. This is a most fitting honor for our Brother.
And, beginning with the Spring 2013 Reunion we'll have a MAJOR change to how we do things in the Valley of Philadelphia.
The Supreme Council has implemented its new "Bookend Concept" for the conferral of Degrees that will qualify a Candidate to become a 32nd Degree Mason.
A Candidate for the Degrees of the Scottish Rite must now see the 4th and 32nd Degrees and in between these two 'bookends' he must also witness three Degrees that exhibit one or more of the Scottish Rite Core Values; Reverence for God, Integrity, Justice, Toleration, Devotion to Country, and Service to Humanity.
This new procedure is mandatory and is ICE (Inspirational, Convenient and Enjoyable) compatible. As we will only be required to confer 5 Degrees throughout the course of the Reunion, this will be convenient to our members and candidates as we will have shorter evenings. It will both inspire and be enjoyable as the Valley will now be able to provide more of a variety in the Degrees selected for the Reunion. In the past we were required at each Reunion to present the 4th, 14th, 15th or 16th, 17th or 18th, 31st and 32nd, thereby limiting the presentation of other Degrees.
So how does all this impact our Spring Reunion you ask? Well, first, I'm glad you asked, not that I wouldn't have told you anyway, but thanks for asking just the same. Beginning on Friday, March 15, 2013, we will present the 4th Degree, "Master Traveler" (DVD), followed by the 5th Degree, "Perfect Master," the Officers of Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection will then present the 14th Degree, "Grand Elect Mason." That's three of the five Degrees we are required to present to the Spring Class.
The Most Wise Master and the Officers of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix hope to welcome you and your family at the Valley's Annual Memorial Service on Sunday, April 28, 2013 at Gloria Dei (Old Swede's) Church located at Columbus Boulevard and Christian Street in South Philadelphia. The Service will begin at 3:00 P.M. and The Reverend and Illustrious William Hartman, 33rd Degree, Valley Prior will present the message. Following the Service a complimentary dinner will be served in the Church's social hall, but as always, RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED!
We hope you will come and bring your family as we again gather to remember those Valley Brethren we've lost over the past year. If you plan to attend please contact the Scottish Rite Office by Wednesday, April 24, 2013. If you do not have a reservation we cannot, and will not guarantee you a meal! Reservations can be made by calling 215-563-1814, clipping and sending the reservation form in the March 2013 DOUBLE EAGLE, by clicking "Going" on the Annual Memorial Service event on the Valley's Facebook group page, or by email to phila.aasr@juno.com. With so many options, how can you not make a reservation?
All Valley elected and appointed Officers, Committee Members, Degree Cast Members, and any interested Valley Brother, are expected, encouraged and welcome to attend the Valley's Annual Officer's Training Conference on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Tacony Masonic Temple, 4400 Magee Avenue, in Northeast Philadelphia.
The doors open at 7:30 A.M. at which time a Continental Breakfast will be served. The Conference will kick off at 8:30 A.M. Again this year, we will have a half-day format. Our Conference Facilitators will present Valley impact topics including; Budgets/Finance, the Family Life program, Membership, Protocol, Staging, Makeup & Wardrobe, and Working with the Valley Secretary, plus so much more! At noon a fellowship lunch will be served and the Conference is closed.
If you plan to be there, you must register. Okay, how do I do that? Again, thanks for asking. You can call 215-563-1814, clip the registration coupon in the March DOUBLE EAGLE, click "Going" on the Annual Officer's Training Conference event on the Valleys Facebook group page, or by email to phila.aasr@juno.com. Again so many options, how can you miss out?
So as you know by now, our Spring Reunion will conclude on Friday, April 19, 2013. Does this mean that we won't have a meeting in May? Well, we won't have the 'traditional' Spring Special Rendezvous of Benjamin Franklin Consistory, but, there's always a but, we will have our Valley's Annual Meeting on Friday, May 17, 2013.
That evening we will elect and install the officers that will serve, Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection, DeJoinville Council Princes of Jerusalem, Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, and Benjamin Franklin Consistory, as well as a Trustee, a 32nd and 33rd Degree At-Large Members of the Executive Committee, as well as approve our 2014 budget and recognize our 50-year Members!
I guess now you're thinking "Well, that's a packed full of events Spring in the Valley. There couldn't possibly be anything else, could there?" Again, thanks for asking. Yes, it is a full calendar of events, but, there's that but again, we do have one more big, Big, BIG event for you and your family!
This event is open to all Valley members and their families (spouse, children, grandchildren). The cost per person is the same as last year, at $12 for ages 13 and up and $6 for ages 12 and below. If you want to go, there will be a coupon in the March, April and May issues of THE DOUBLE EAGLE or you can send in your check made payable to 'Scottish Rite Bodies,' to Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520.
"Okay, that's got to be it. Right?" Well, yes and no. We have had a number of interested Brethren approach the Executive Committee about forming a Clan of Knights of St. Andrew in the Valley of Philadelphia. What's that you ask? Well, and again, thanks for asking, let me explain it all to you.
Interested? To sign up for the charter group, there will be a registration coupon in the March, April, and May (if needed) DOUBLE EAGLE, or you can call 215-56-1814 or email, phila.aasr@juno.com. This is another great way to serve the Valley for that Brother that is looking to get more involved!
And on that note, that will do it for this edition. As always, I pray the Grand Architect watches over you and your families.
Think Spring!
Sincerely and fraternally,
Steven Morrison, 33rd Degree
Valley Secretary
