Before beginning this edition I want to offer my thoughts and prayers to all affected by the horrible tragedy in Boston yesterday.
America will mourn her losses, care for her wounded, gather her people and bring to justice those responsible.
Our Spring Reunion concludes this coming Friday evening, April 19, 2013. Our Sovereign Prince and the Officers of DeJoinville Council will welcome everyone.
The evening will begin with a buffet dinner in the Grand Banquet Hall at 6PM. The Convocation opens at 7:30 PM in Gothic Hall at which time the Officers of DeJoinville Council will communicate the obligation of the 15th & 16th Degrees upon the members of our 2013 Spring Class.
Prior to opening the meeting, Mrs. Kathleen Hopkins, widow of our Class Honoree, Illustrious Thomas Hopkins will be welcomed into Gothic Hall for a special presentation and for a moment to address the Class named in honor of our her late husband and beloved Brother of the Valley of Philadelphia.
The new 19th Degree, "Brothers of the Trail" will be presented in the Valley of Philadelphia for the very first time, followed by the Commander-in-Chief and the Officers of Benjamin Franklin Consistory, presenting the 32nd Degree, "Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret."
While all that is going on the Ladies Auxiliary will hold their annual flea market to benefit the Children's Dyslexia Center of Philadelphia, a Scottish Rite Charity. The ladies are asked to bring along pre-items to donate to the sale. The Brethren are also welcome to donate items. Bartering is welcome and encouraged.
If you're coming don't forget our deadline for dinner reservations is this Wednesday, April 17. Please call 215-563-1814, email phila.aasr@juno.com or if you are a member of the Valley's Facebook group, you can RSVP there as well. The cost per person for dinner is $20.
Parking for the meeting is in the new Convention Center Parking Facility at 1324 Arch Street. If you park there, we have parking validations for sale for $5. We have received reports that the exit ramps for this garage are tight and if you have a pickup truck, van or large SUV you may wish to find alternative parking on your own.
The Most Wise Master, Ill. Jeffrey Greene, 33 and the other Officers of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, hope you and your family plan to attend the Valley's Annual Memorial Service at Gloria Dei (Old Swede's Church) on Sunday, April 28, 2013. The Service, which is open to all faiths, begins at 3PM. The Church is located at Columbus Blvd and Christian Street in South Philadelphia.
Following the Service, a complimentary dinner will be served in the Church's Social Hall. Reservations are required for the dinner. If you do not have a reservation we cannot and will not guarantee you a meal. Your cooperation is expected and appreciated. Please call 215-563-1814 or email phila.aasr@juno.com to make a reservation.
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Valley Officers, Officer Prospects, Committee Members, Degree Cast Members, or ANY Valley Member interested in getting more involved in the Valley are encouraged and invited to attend the Annual Officer's Training Conference on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Tacony Masonic Temple, 4400 Magee Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia. The dress code for the event is business casual.
The doors open at 7:30 AM at which time a Continental Breakfast will be served. The Conference kicks off at 8:30 AM and will conclude by noon. Lunch will be served and everyone is free to go after that.
The Conference Facilitators will speak on subjects regarding, Planning a budget, Staging, Family Life, Working with the Valley Secretary, Protocol, the Trustees, plus the ever popular, SO MUCH MORE!
Our Valley's Officer Training has been recognized as one of the best in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. You will have your questions answered, learn what it takes to serve our Valley, and have a fun day. This Conference is worth your time!
Our Spring Reunion concludes this Friday night, but, we do have one more meeting left in this Scottish Rite year, and it is our most important one of the year. Our Annual Meeting on Friday, May 17, 2013.
That evening we will elect and install the Officers who will serve, Benjamin Franklin Consistory, Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, DeJoinville Council, Princes of Jerusalem, and Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection, along with two At-Large Members of the Executive Committee (32nd & 33rd) and a Trustee.
We will also honor our 70, 65, 60 and 50 year members at the Annual Meeting, as well as our outgoing Presiding Officers. Plus, we will announce this year's winner of the Valley of Philadelphia's "Scottish Rite Lifetime Achievement Award." Who will it be? Come on out and find out!
The Dinner Reservation Deadline for the Annual Meeting is Wednesday, May 15th. Call 215-563-1814 or email, phila.aasr@juno.com, or if you're a member of the Valley's Facebook group, you will be able to RSVP there as well.
Don't forget our Annual Family Day at Campbell's Field on Sunday, June 9th, featuring the Camden River Sharks vs the York Revolution. Game time is 1:06 PM
Your ticket includes a picnic as well as the game. Food is served for a half hour before first pitch and a hour and a half after. Tickets are available for Valley members, and their families. Tickets cost $6 for children ages 12 and under and $12 for everyone 13 and up. To order tickets, send your check made payable to "Scottish Rite Bodies" to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520. We've sold this event out the last 3 years. Don't miss out on the fun. Order your tickets today!
Well, that will do it for this Edition. Please let us remember the folks in Boston in our prayers. I pray the Grand Architect continues to watch over each of you and your families.
Sincere fraternal regards,
Steven Morrison, 33
Valley Secretary
