Dear Brethren and Friends:

Good Morning everyone and welcome to Friday!

Our Commander-in-Chief, Ill. Art Becker, 33 MSA, will have surgery on his injured hand this morning. Please take a moment and remember him in your prayers.

Tomorrow is our Annual Officer's Training Conference. It is being held at a new venue this year, as we've moved from Tacony Temple to the Jenkintown Temple, 443 Old York Road. We thank the Tacony Temple Association for allowing us the use of their facility over the course of the past 10 or so years that we were there.

The doors open at 7AM, we'll have coffee and donuts and pastries. The Conference begins at 8:30 or sooner is everyone is there and ready to go a bit earlier. Our Conference Facilitators have their presentations ready. Be prepared to be engaged, to laugh, to learn, and to join in on the discussions that might arise. We are outta there by noon! For those that registered, business casual is the dress code. You don't need to bring anything, we'll have packets, pads and pens for you. See you there.

Sunday is our Annual Memorial Service at Gloria Dei. Our Most Wise Master, Ill. John "Doc" Wagner and his Officers are looking forward to greeting you and your family. The Service kicks off at 3PM with the 'annual complimentary dinner' to follow in the Church's social hall. We have a confirmed count of 65 folks joining us for dinner. If you're number 66, you're welcome to attend the service, but we cannot seat you for the meal.

We still have 34 tickets remaining for the Valley's Annual Family Day at the Riversharks, on Sunday, May 4th. I'll have them with me tomorrow at the Officer's Conference. If you want to purchase some, well, now you know where to find me.

Today is going to be my weekend, which means the Scottish Rite Office is closed. See you tomorrow and or Sunday! Have a GREAT weekend everyone and of course, LETS GO FLYERS!!!!!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Good morning everyone and welcome to Monday.

Unfortunately for me, Monday woke me up at 03:30 in the form of a throbbing headache and a serious stomach ache, which is still with me. So needless to say, the office is closed today while I get some bed rest and try to beat this thing off. I'm just hoping that this isn't the bug that has effected some many in our Valley and throughout the region.

This week is the BIG week in our Valley, another reason why this bug is so unwelcome with me right now.

Our Annual Officer's Training Conference is this coming Saturday at the Masonic Temple, 443 Old York Road in beautiful downtown Jenkintown. The doors open at 7AM and the sessions start at 8:30. We will have coffee and donuts available for you. If you haven't registered yet, please do by calling 215-563-1814. Why do you need to register? Well we have information handouts that we provide and an accurate count helps. If you have any desire or interest in being an active part of our Valley, this training is where and how you get started. Business casual (no coat, no tie) is the dress code and you're out of there by noon!

Our Annual Memorial Service is this coming Sunday at Gloria Dei, Old Swede's Church, Columbus Blvd & Christian Streets, in South Philadelphia. The service which memorializes our Valley Brethren lost over the past year, begins at 3PM and is open to Valley members and their families, of all faiths. As always we will have a complimentary dinner in the church's social hall following the service. Our Valley Prior, The Reverend and Illustrious William D. Hartman, 33 will preside and be assisted as always by the Officers of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix. We hope to see you and your family there, BUT, you must have a reservation for the meal. You can do that by the Scottish Rite Office as well. If you do not have a reservation we cannot and will not guarantee you a meal. I do take attendance, and if I don't have you down, you won't be seated for the meal. Don't embarrass yourself or me, please.

If you are one of those folks that need a budget for the coming Scottish Rite year and haven't submitted your numbers yet, get that done today if possible. The Executive Committee meets this Thursday and our Valley's Finance Chairman, Ill. Frank Weckenman, 33 MSA would like to have everything finalized and approved for presentation to the Valley at the Annual Meeting on 16 May. So if you have a budgetary need, get your numbers into Bro. Frank today. If you need a budget, you're either an Officer or a Committee Chairman, which means you have a Valley Directory, he's in there, so you have his contact information.

Speaking of the Annual Meeting, that happens on Friday, May 16th. This is the Valley's MOST IMPORTANT night of the year, but is usually the least attended. Why? I'll never know. We elect and install our Officers, approve our budget, recognize our 50+ year members and present (if available) the Abbott Scottish Rite Scholarship checks to our Valley winners. A large portion of the meeting is open to the public, so you can bring your family, or a Masonic friend along with you. But of course, you need a dinner reservation. You can do that by calling the Scottish Rite Office.

And finally, we still have plenty of tickets available for our Family Day at Campbell's Field. The date is, Sunday, May 4th. The cost is $15 for ages 13 and up and $7 for 12 and under. We have 2 1/2 hours of food prior to and during the game in our own private picnic tent. The Riversharks are taking on the Sugarland Skeeters. This is always a great family day and usually sold out as well. But, this year tickets are moving a bit slow, so there's still time for you and your family to be a part of it. Get your check, cash or money order in now! Send it to Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520. Don't be that guy that said, "I wish I went."

Now if you don't mind, I feel like garbage, so I'm going back to bed. Have a great day everyone!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Greetings! 

First off I want to wish you and your families a very Happy Easter/Passover season. May this season fill your home with both love of family and friends and of course with peace.

Now, our Spring Reunion has concluded but we are far from being 'done' for the season. What's coming up you ask? Well, let me tell you about.

FIRST:

The Valley's Annual Officer's Training Conference, Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the Jenkintown Masonic Temple, 443 Old York Road, Jenkintown, PA.

All Elected and Appointed Officers who will serve the Valley during the 2014-2015 Scottish Rite year are expected to attend. Valley Committee members should plan to attend. ANY Valley member who is interested in getting more active and involved are welcome and encouraged to attend. Which means YOU can attend!

Our Annual Conference has been lauded as one of the best Valley offered training programs in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. It's fun and interactive. You will be engaged and never bored!

The doors open and coffee and doughnuts will be served at 7:30 AM. The Conference begins at 8:30 AM and will conclude at noon. The dress code is business casual.

Parking is available in the lot of the Church of Our Savior Church across the street from the Temple. Turn off of Old York Road and onto Homestead to access the parking.

To prepare for the Conference each attendee must register. You can call 215-563-1814 to register your attendance.

SECOND:

The Valley's Annual Memorial Service, Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Gloria Dei, Old Swede's Church, Columbus Blvd. & Christian Street in South Philadelphia. Beginning at 3PM.

The Most Wise Master and the other Officers of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, 18th Degree, welcome all Valley members and their families to attend.

This ecumenical Service is held in memory of our Valley Brethren lost during the past year. Our Valley Prior, The Reverend and Ill. William D. Hartman, 33 will officiate assisted by the Officers of Kilwinning Chapter.

A complimentary dinner will follow the Service, but you MUST have a prior reservation. If you do not have a reservation we cannot and will not guarantee you and your guests a meal! Your cooperation is expected and appreciated.

Call 215-563-1814 to reserve your dinner. 

THIRD:

Tickets are still available, but don't delay. $15 for ages 13 and up and $7 for 12 and under. 2 1/2 Hours of food in our own private tent.  Great Atlantic League baseball action!

Send your check made payable to "Scottish Rite Bodies," to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520.

Hope to see you and your family there!

FOURTH:

The Annual Meeting of the Scottish Rite Bodies of the Valley of Philadelphia. Friday, May 16, 2014 at the Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520

The Valley's MOST IMPORTANT meeting of the year happens on Friday, 16 May!

The evening begins with dinner in the Grand Banquet Room at 6PM. The menu for dinner is: Caesar Salad, Roast Prime Rib of Beef au jus OR Shrimp Scampi, Mashed Potatoes, Glazed Carrots and Pound Cake for dessert. The cost per person for dinner $20. The Deadline for reservations is Friday, 9 May. Call 215-563-1814 to reserve your dinners.

It is at this meeting that we will elect and install the Officers that will serve Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection, DeJoinville Council Princes of Jerusalem and Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix for the coming Scottish Rite year. Also we will elect and install two At-Large members to the Executive Committee and one Trustee. We will also take action on the proposed Valley budget for the 2015 Scottish Rite year.

A portion of the Annual Meeting is open to the public, so family and friends are welcome, BUT they need a dinner reservation too! Be sure to include those with yours!

We will also recognize our 50+ year members and present the Past Thrice Potent Master's, Past Sovereign Prince's and Past Most Wise Master's jewels to Bros. Gerry Sealy, Jeff Lees, and Ill. John Wagner. If available we will also present the checks to our Valley's Abbott Scottish Rite Scholarship winners.

As always parking will be in the Convention Center Parking Facility, 1324 Arch Street.

This is our MOST IMPORTANT meeting of the year! Will we see YOU there?

AND FINALLY:

Bring your Family and join us for our picnic on Saturday, July 26, 2014 in the picnic grove at the Canstatter Volkfest Verein, 9130 Academy Road, Philadelphia PA, 19114. The picnic will run from 12 to 5PM and both lunch and dinner will be served, for ONE PRICE!!!!

The cost per person is $15 for ages 13 and up and $10 for ages 12 and under. We will have games and activities for the kids all day, so you can relax and enjoy everything. Bring your table cover, lawn chairs, decks of cards, board games, whatever you want.

The menus include: For Lunch: Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, French Fries, Pickles, Condiments. For Dinner: Roast Beef, Fried Chicken, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Cucumber Salad, Tomato Salad and Corn on the cob.

You must purchase your tickets to the picnic in advance. No tickets will be sold that day. Make your check payable to "Scottish Rite Bodies," and mail it to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520.

Bring your family and join with us for this great Valley Family event!

So as you can see, we have quite a bit going on! Hope to see you one or all of them!

Although we have sold this event out every year, we have PLENTY of tickets still available for this years event on Sunday, May 4th!

Don't miss out on this great Valley Family Life event!

Camden Riversharks vs Sugarland Skeeters. Private picnic tent. 2 1/2 hours of food. Fun and fellowship with your Valley Brethren and their families.

$15 for 13 and up. $7 for 12 and under. Make your check payable to "Scottish Rite Bodies." Mail it to, Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520.

Hope to see YOU there!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Welcome to the morning after the close of our Spring Reunion!

I'd have to say all in all our Reunion was a great success. We have a large group of new Sublime Princes and hopefully they've been inspired by their experience and will become active members among us.

I too want to echo the thoughts of our Class Honoree, Ill. Robert J. Bateman, 33, RWGM, who said, "You saw the best Degree work. I know, because this is my Valley!" Couldn't agree more Grand Master!

But now that our Reunion has concluded, does that mean we're done? No. Far from it. We have four more events before the summer break.

1. The Annual Officer's Training Conference: No you don't have to be an Officer to attend! This happens on Saturday, April 26th at the Jenkintown Masonic Temple, 443 Old York Road. The doors open at 7AM. We'll have coffee, donuts and fellowship until the Conference starts at 8:30. As usual our Conference Facilitators will provide everything you need to know to serve our Valley. Business casual dress. This is a great place to get started being an active part of Pennsylvania Freemasonry's Best Kept Secret! Our Officers Training has been called the best Valley offered leadership training in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Elected and Appointed Officers and those who will enter one of the lines this year, are expected to be in attendance. Valley Committee members should plan to attend, and of course ANY Valley member who wishes to become more involved or are just interested in learning what it takes to be involved, are WELCOME and ENCOURAGED to attend. Please know that our Officers Selection Committee takes note of who attends this Conference, so if you wish to become an Officer one day, this is a great way to get noticed! But, you need to register. Please call 215-563-1814 to do that. Hope to see you there!

2. The Valley's Annual Memorial Service, happens on Sunday, April 27th at Gloria Dei (Old Swede's Church) at Columbus Blvd and Christian Street in S. Philadelphia. The service begins at 3PM and a complimentary meal will be served in the Church's social hall afterwards. The Service is open to all faiths. It is conducted by our Valley Prior, Illustrious and The Reverend William D. Hartman, 33 and the Officers of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix. You and your family are encouraged to attend. But, you must have a reservation. We cannot and will not guarantee you a dinner if you do not have a reservation. Please call 215-563-1814 on or before 17 April to do that. Hope to see you and your family there!

3. On Sunday, May 4th, the Valley will again return to Campbell's Field in Camden, NJ for our Annual Valley Family Day at the Riversharks. Tickets are now available. The cost per person is: $15 for those 13 and up and $7 for those 12 and below. Your tickets get you 2 1/2 hours of food under the picnic tent, plus some great Atlantic League Baseball action! We've sold this event out the last 4 years. 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 19107-2520 today! For those that purchased tickets already, they'll be on their way to you starting Monday. Hope to see you and your family there!

4. Friday, May 16th is the MOST IMPORTANT night of the Valley's year. Why? Because it is our Annual Meeting! This is the night we approve our budget for the 2015 Scottish Rite year, which for all your newbies, begins on August 1, 2014, and elect those Officers, that will serve Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection, DeJoinville Council Princes of Jerusalem and Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix. We will also elect and install two At-Large Members of the Executive Committee and one Trustee. After that happens we will close the meeting and welcome the Ladies and other Guests into Gothic Hall for the remainder of the evening, in which we will hold the installation of our new Officers, recognize our 50+ year members, present the Past Thrice Potent Master's, Past Sovereign Prince's and Past Most Wise Master's jewels to Bros. Gerry Sealy, Jeff Lees, MSA, and Ill. John Wagner,respectively. If available, we will also present the Abbott Scottish Rite Scholarship checks to our Valley's 2014 recipients. Dinner reservations for the Annual Meeting are a must. Call 215-563-1814 to make yours! Hope to see you there.

So there you have it. We're far from being 'done.'

Have a great weekend everyone and an even better week ahead!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Good Morning and Great Friday everyone!

Well, it's here. This evening is the close of our 2014 Spring Reunion.

Our Class Honoree and fellow Valley of Philadelphia member, Ill. Robert J. Bateman, 33, Right Worshipful Grand Master will be there to address, 'his' Class in his home Valley. Our Class is the first in the State named in his honor. It is fitting that his home Valley is the first.

Also visiting with us will be the Valley of Philadelphia's "Other Best Friend," Lady Faye Baker. She'll be accompanied by our "Best Friend," Ill. Russell W. Baker, 33, Active Member of the Supreme Council and Deputy for Pennsylvania.

During dinner we will present the Valley of Philadelphia's Lifetime Achievement Award to Illustrious Valley Brother and Past Treasurer, John H. Platt Jr. 33. I can't think of a better way to recognize John for his many years of service to our Valley. Also our Deputy will present a special award from the Supreme Council to a deserving Valley Brother. Who is that Brother? I know and Illustrious Bro. Russ knows. You'll find out tonight.

The Officers and Cast Line of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, will present the 18th Degree, 'Knight of Rose Croix' followed by the presentation of the 32nd Degree, Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, by the Officers of Benjamin Franklin Consistory. Both presentations will no doubt be excellent.

The weather folks are calling for rain during the evening drive. Be careful on your way to the Temple. See you tonight!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Good Morning and Good Monday everyone!

I called our final count into the Caterer on Friday, which means, our dinner reservations are now, CLOSED.

Now, what does that mean? Does that mean if you didn't make a reservation you can't come on Friday night? No, it doesn't. You are of course welcome to attend meeting. Dinner on the other hand is something you will have to do at home or at a favorite local eatery. But of course, if you're thinking of coming down and joining us for the honoring of our Illustrious Valley Brother and Right Worshipful Grand Master, Robert J. Bateman, 33, by all means come on down.

While on the subject of reservations and attendance of things, if you haven't registered to attend our Officer's Training and or our Annual Memorial Service, please do so soon. If you are interested and having any questions about either of those events, by all means, give me a call at 215-563-1814. I am very happy to answer any and all questions.

If you bought tickets for our Family Day at the Riversharks and haven't received your tickets yet, don't worry. They'll be going out soon. We haven't received them from the team yet, but as soon as they come in, they're in the mail and on their way to you. Do you have your order in yet? This annual Valley event is always a great day and you don't want to miss it. We always seem to have nice weather for it too. You know why that is don't you? Come on, I say it all the time, God Loves the Scottish Rite! Get your order in soon. Please note, no tickets for our picnic will be available at the game.

Our 32nd Degree Cast rehearses this Wednesday night at 7PM in Gothic Hall. If you're in the Cast, Ill. Bro. Daniel Martin, 33 is looking forward to seeing you there. Dan tells me he had more than a few MIA's last week. Don't miss it this week! With both the RWGM and our Illustrious Deputy coming, this rehearsal is muy importante! And you thought I could only order a beer in Spanish. . .

Have a great day everyone and an even better week ahead!
 

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Good Morning and Great Friday everyone!

TODAY, is the reservation DEADLINE for next Friday's Spring Reunion Closing Night. Do you have a dinner reserved? If not do it today!

Next Friday, Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix and Benjamin Franklin Consistory will present the 18th Degree, "Knight of Rose Croix" and the 32nd Degree, "Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret" respectively, to the members of our Spring Class.

Our Class Honoree and Illustrious Valley Brother, Robert J. Bateman, 33, Right Worshipful Grand Master, will be officially received. Having spoken with him about this, I can tell you that our Illustrious Brother is very excited and moved that his home Valley is the first in the State to honor him this way.

Also joining us will be the Valley of Philadelphia's "Best Friend," Illustrious Russell W. Baker, 33, Active Member of the Supreme Council and Deputy for Pennsylvania, accompanied as always by Lady Faye. Be sure to be there to welcome them back to our Valley!

During dinner our Commander-in-Chief, Ill. Arthur D. Becker, 33 MSA will present the Valley of Philadelphia's 'Scottish Rite Lifetime Achievement Award' to Illustrious Valley Brother, John H. Platt Jr. 33, Past Treasurer. Normally, the Award is presented at our Annual Meeting, but as we will have both the Grand Master and the Deputy present, Illustrious Bro. Art felt we couldn't have a better opportunity to recognize Illustrious Bro. John and thank him in grand style for his many years of service to our Valley.

And, we will also welcome our new Brothers, the members of the "Ill. Robert J. Bateman, 33, Right Worshipful Grand Master Class," as Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret!

Sounds like a very exciting evening, doesn't it? If you haven't made a reservation yet, do it now! Call 215-563-1814 TODAY!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Good Morning and Great Thursday everyone!

Tomorrow, Friday, 4 April is the DEADLINE for dinner reservations for next Friday's BIG Night! If you haven't called, clicked or emailed, get it done! There will be absolutely NO reservations taken after that date. Don't call on Monday, I'm not kidding!

Okay that being said, lets see, where did we leave off? Officers Training? Check. Annual Memorial Service? Discussed. Oh yeah! That's it!

Have you ordered your tickets yet for what is becoming a Valley of Philadelphia Family Tradition? If you haven't there's still time and tickets, do not miss out!

Wait. What do you mean, "what are you talking about?" I'm talking about our Valley of Philadelphia Family Day a the Camden Riversharks! It happens on Sunday, May 4, 2014. Tickets are $15 for those 13 and up and $7 for those 12 and under. You can download an order form by visiting our Event page at http://www.philascottishrite.org/calendar_of_events.htm
or in your April issue of THE DOUBLE EAGLE!

As with the prior years, your ticket gets you 2 1/2 hours of food in our own private picnic pavilion, while we enjoy some great minor league baseball! There's things for kiddies to do while the game is on and it is a great time to get to know your Valley Brethren too. Just like in previous years we expect that we will again, SELL OUT. We're still taking ticket orders, and will be mailing them soon. The Riversharks haven't run them yet. But once they're in, they're on their way to you!

Now unlike the Officers Training, the Reunion dinner, or the Annual Memorial Service, you cannot call and say, "Steve, please reserve X tickets for me for the Riversharks." No, you can't do that. Nope. Not going to happen. This is a cash and carry operation. But as I've said before we've sold this event out each of the last 4 years. This alone tells you that this is a popular outing, you don't want to miss out on this fun, fantastic and great Valley of Philadelphia gathering!

Have a great day everyone!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Good Morning and Great Wednesday everyone!
 
Although THE DOUBLE EAGLE says that yesterday was the deadline for dinner reservations, you now have until this Friday to get them in. So, if you haven't done that yet, you have a few days left. But, why delay? Do it TODAY! Call 215-563-1814 or you can make your reservation right here, right now. (Yep, now you have Sammy Hagar in your head all day!)
 
Yesterday (Okay Sammy move over and make room for Sir Paul), I discussed our Annual O...fficers Training Conference. Today, I want to remind you of our Annual Memorial Service.
 

The Service is being held on Sunday, April 27th at Gloria Dei (Old Swede's) Church, Columbus Blvd & Christian Streets in South Philadelphia.

 The Service begins at 3 PM and as always a complimentary dinner will be served in the Church's social hall following the Service. BUT, yes, there it is again, you MUST have a reservation.

As always you and your family are welcome to attend our Service and join us for dinner afterwards, but please be sure to get your reservation in no later than April 17th. Again, you can call the office or post it below.

Our Service, which is conducted to memorialize our Valley Brethren lost over the past year, is open to all faiths. It will be conducted by our Valley Prior, The Reverend and Illustrious William D. Hartman, 33, assisted by the Officers of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, 18th Degree.
I'll be there and hope to see you and your family too!

So to recap: Dinner on Friday, 11 April, reservations needed. Call 215-563-1814 NOW. Memorial Service on Sunday, 27 April, reservations again needed, call the same number NOW. Officers (You don't have to be) Training, Saturday, 26 April, registration required, call the office, NOW.

Have a great day everyone!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Good Morning and Great Tuesday everyone!

It's April Fools day and I'm not fooling around when I tell you that although many of you have called in your dinner reservations, and thank you for that, you have until this Friday to get it done! HEY! You. Yes, you. Did you call in yet?

Speaking of calling in, did you register yet for the Annual "You don't have to be an Officer," Officer's Training Conference, yet? That's right you don't have to be an Officer, or a Committee member ...to attend. No. You don't. Any Valley member can attend!
 

It's on Saturday, 26 April at the Jenkintown Masonic Temple, 443 Old York Road. The doors open at 7AM, for coffee, donuts and that all important Masonic fellowship. The Conference begins at 8:30 and will conclude at noon. That's right. A half day! Dress code is business casual.

The Valley's Officer Selection Committee takes notice of who attends. If you're planning to get involved in the Valley, or go through one of our Lines, you do not want to miss the Conference! Call 215-563-1814 .

It's going to be 60 today. Get out and enjoy it if you can. Spring has arrived!

Have a great day everyone!