Fall Reunion Update

Dear Brethren and Friends:

Hope you all had an enjoyable Summer with your families and friends.

We had a great Summer in the Valley of Philadelphia. We have two new MSA's and three new 33rds!

Congrats again to Bros. George Burns, MSA and Jeff Lees, MSA. Also kudos go out to our 2014 MSA nominees, Bros. Norman Greene, 32 and Stephen Bradley, 32. Bros. Norm and Steve will receive their well deserved awards at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, this coming July! Way to go guys!

Congratulations to our new Illustrious Brothers, Phil Janusz MSA, Jim Rae, MSA and John Wagner.

While we were in Washington, DC for the 200th Anniversary Session of the Supreme Council, we learned that four Valley Brothers had been nominated and elected to receive the 33rd Degree in 2015 in Indianapolis. Those Brothers are; Bill Greet, Ed Neilson, Dan Scheetz and Tom Toscani. Best wishes to them!

Our Fall Reunion begins on Friday, 18 October with the Special Convocation of DeJoinville Council, Princes of Jerusalem. Our Sovereign Prince, Bro. Jeff Lees, 32, MSA and the other Officers look forward to welcoming all Valley members and their Ladies and of course the members of our Fall Class!

Speaking of our Fall Class, it is named in honor of the Supreme Council's Bicentennial, "The Supreme Council 200th Anniversary Class." This Class will be the absolute LAST Class to receive the 200th Anniversary Member's Jewel. Yes, Philadelphia region Master Masons, I'm talking to you! Petitions are ALWAYS available at http://www.philascottishrite.org/printable_petition.htm.

 The evening starts with dinner in the Grand Banquet Hall at 6:00 P.M. The Masonic Temple has a new Caterer. The Members of the Valley's Advisory Committee attended a taste test hosted by the Caterer, and I all can say is everything was delicious! Starting with the Fall Reunion we will go back to serving a sit down dinner. That's right, no more buffet!

Following dinner, Bro. Lees will open DeJoinville Council. The Degrees to be conferred that evening are the 4th Degree, Master Traveler, the 16th Degree, Prince of Jerusalem, and the "Valley's Signature Degree," the 20th, Master Ad Vitam. We have an entirely new Cast this time around for the Degree, with one exception, Past Commander-in-Chief, Ill. Dan Martin, 33, reprises his role as General Mordecai Gist. It will be great to see this new Cast of upcoming Valley stars in action. Plan now to be with us.  You can call 215-563-1814, email to phila.aasr@juno.com, or our NEW email address philascottishrite@gmail.com, or in you are a member of the Valley's Facebook group, "Valley of Philadelphia, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite-Members Only!" you can 'one click' your RSVP soon.

The Fall Reunion will conclude on Friday, 15 November, with the Special Assembly of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix.

 

The Degrees scheduled for that evening are the 18th, Knight of Rose Croix and the 32nd, Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret.

 

The evening will be opened by our Most Wise Master, Ill. John Wagner, 33 and closed by our Commander-in-Chief, Ill. Arthur Becker, 33, MSA.

 

So, will that be it for the Fall? As far as our Degrees and Candidates are concerned, yes, but our Family Life Chairman, Ill. Bro. Jim Rae, 33,MSA has again planned a return to a Valley Holiday favorite, "Christmas in Hershey." Stay tuned to the web edition, The November Double Eagle and of course the Valley's Facebook group for information on ticket ordering.

 

Well, that will do it for this edition. As things develop they will be posted here.

 

As always, I pray that the Grand Architect watches over you and your family.

 

Sincere fraternal regards,

Steven Morrison, 33

Valley Secretary

 

 



 

PA Council of Deliberation Postgame Wrap up

Dear Brethren and Friends:

We had a great time at the Annual Meeting of the Council of Deliberation. So good to see so many Valley of Philadelphia Members present.

 Our 16th Degree line wins the 'bragging rights prize' with our Sovereign Prince, Jeffrey Lees, MSA, High Priest, Tom Wible, Junior Warden, Russell Combs, Master of Ceremonies, Ill. Harry Rutter and Master of Entrances, Yasser Al-Khatib being present.

 

 Our Consistory line was represented by Commander-in-Chief, Ill. Arthur Becker, MSA, Second Lt. Commander, Ill. Jeff Greene, Orator, Ill. Robert Bateman, RWDGM, Chancellor, Ill. Winton Hewitt, Master of Ceremonies, Philip Janusz, and Captain of the Guard, James Rae, MSA being present.

 Our Most Wise Master, John Wagner, represented the 18th Degree line.

The Officers of the Coordinate Bodies present included, Trustee, George Burns, Valley Treasurer, Ill. John Platt and myself. Also in attendance were Past Commander-in-Chief, Ill. G. Kent Hackney, Past Most Wise Master, Ill. Len Bezar, Past Most Wise Master, Ill. Matt Dupee, Past Sovereign Prince, Chas Pierro, Make up Director, Norman Greene, Reception-Stewards Committee Member, Andrew Dobson, and Valley Marshal, Skip Leopold, MSA

 There were ten Valley Ladies in attendance as well.

 Congratulations again go out to our two new MSA Recipients Bro. George Burns and Bro. Jeff Lees. Also to our 2014 MSA Nominees, Bros. Steve Bradley and Norman Greene. Our Brothers will receive the Award at next year's Annual in Hershey.

We did not bring home any awards this year, but we did receive recognition at the meeting as Ill. G. Kent Hackney, took his station as the Council's Master of Ceremonies, Ill. Harry Rutter gave the report for the Council's Finance Committee, Bro. Yasser Al-Khatib was recognized for his work in developing the Scottish Rite phone app, and myself as web master of Council's web site (www.pacod.us)

Congratulations and Thank You again to all of our Valley Brothers who attended the Annual Meeting for their support of our Valley!

 

As always I pray that the Grand Architect watches over you and yours.

 

Sincere fraternal regards,

Steven Morrison, 33

Valley Secretary

 

 

 

   

Council of Deliberation, Dues, Fall Class, etc.

Dear Brethren and Friends: 

First I hope this finds you enjoying the Summer! 

This coming weekend is the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation. This year's meeting will be held at the Seven Springs Resort in Seven Springs, PA.

Valley Brothers, Jeffrey Lees and George Burns will receive the Meritorious Service Award. This is a great honor for our Brothers. Congratulations to them and thanks for their continued outstanding service to our Valley.

Bro. Burns currently serves the Valley as a Trustee. He has served on the Reception-Stewards Committee in the past and has been seen in a Degree Cast or two.

Bro. Lees, is our new Sovereign Prince of DeJoinville Council, Princes of Jerusalem. Jeff is one of our Membership Committee's Associate Coordinators, and he is probably most famously known as our Valley Organist.

Due to the Council meeting, the Valley Office will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, 11 July and Friday, 12 July and will reopen on Monday, 15 July.

By now you have no doubt received your bill for dues for the 2014 Scottish Rite year. 

This year's dues are $87, which represents the $60 dues to the Valley and the $27 'assessment' or dues to the Supreme Council. Just as your Lodge must pay dues to the Grand Lodge for you, we must do the same to the Supreme Council.

When paying your dues be sure to include your dues bill with your check. I use the bill when posting the dues batch to our membership system, and our Auditors use the dues batches when comparing our dues run report. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Make your check payable to "Scottish Rite Bodies," and send it to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2520.

Our Valley has a great program in which we pay the dues of a member who is the first line signer on 3 petitions in one year. However, the three candidates must be initiated in that year in order for the recommender to qualify for the free dues. If you find yourself in this situation, simply write "Membership Builder " on your dues bill and send it in to the office.  Remember, being the first line recommender on 25 new members earns you LIFE MEMBERSHIP in the Valley!

You can also pay your dues by credit card by visiting the Member's Center on the Supreme Council web site, www.scottishritenmj.org . You will be required to set up an account using your email address or your nine digit Scottish Rite member number, which can be found on your dues card. If you do not have a card, call 215-563-1814, and we'll get one ordered for you. 

Also on this year's dues bill you will notice that we've added two new funds that you can choose to donate to when paying your dues. In the past we've had the Learning Center Endowment, which will remain, but this year we've added the Almoner Fund and the Equipment Fund.

The Valley's Charity Fund has been used to pay the rent of the Children's Dyslexia Center since the Center opened. This means that our available charity monies can be somewhat limited. This situation has raised the awareness that we needed to create a fund to assist Valley Brethren in distress, this is what the new Valley Almoner Fund will do.

Our Valley's staging props, costumes, officer's collars and aprons are starting to show their age and normal wear and tear are beginning to take their toll. To solve this problem and fund new purchases as needed we've created the new Equipment Fund.

Your consideration of either or all of these funds when paying your dues, is greatly appreciated. As with the Learning Center Endowment fund, you may donate to the Almoner Fund or the Equipment Fund at anytime during the year.  As always donors to our Valley funds will be officially recognized in an upcoming issue of The Double Eagle.

Speaking of  The Double Eagle, with our Summer 2013 issue we will be unveiling a new format! Keep an eye out for our new look publication!

Yes, it is Summer, and you may or may not have had your vacation yet, but that doesn't mean that it isn't time to begin thinking about our 2013 Fall Class. 

Our Fall 2013 Class has been named in honor of the Supreme Council's 200th Anniversary. This historic Class will be the very last Class that will receive the 200th Anniversary Member's Jewel, and they will also receive a special Valley name badge.

Our Fall Reunion will begin on Friday evening, 18 October. The 4th Degree, Master Traveler (DVD) will be presented along with two Degrees, to be announced.

The Reunion will conclude on Friday, 15 November, at which time 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.

While we're on the subject of the Fall, be sure to keep an eye on The Double Eagle, and our Valley's web site calendar, www.philascottishrite.org/calendar_of_events.htm for information regarding our next big Family Life event, "Christmas in Hershey!"

Well, that will do it for this edition. Have a safe and enjoyable Summer. If you are attending the Council of Deliberation meeting this weekend, travel safely and I'll see you out there.

As always I ask the Grand Architect to keep you and your family in His care. 

Sincerely and fraternally,

Steven Morrison, 33

Valley Secretary

Dear Brethren and Friends:

If you were at yesterday's fourth Annual (SOLD OUT) Valley Family Day at Campbell's Field, no doubt you had a nice time. If you weren't there, you missed, said nice time. But, never fear, we have another great Family event on the horizon.

That's right, our Family Life Chairman, soon to be Illustrious Brother, Jim Rae, 32 1/2 MSA is finalizing the details for the Valley to return to "Christmas in Hershey" this coming holiday season. This has been a great event for us in the past and due to its popularity we're bringing it back. Believe me, you do not want to miss that!

Stay tuned to this page and of course, THE DOUBLE EAGLE for updates and ticket ordering information.

So what's next you might ask? Well for our Officers, 33's and MSA's, and any Valley member that may wish to attend, the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation's Annual Meeting at Seven Springs, July, 12-13, 2013. Yes, I know, you haven't gotten your notice yet. Our Illustrious Deputy has informed me and the other Valley Secretaries that they will be out soon. As many of our Masonic/Scottish Rite Degrees emphasize virtues, don't let us forget that all important one, PATIENCE!

I have had a few inquiries from Valley members who are non-Council members about attending the COD Annual. Yes, you are welcome and even encouraged to attend. No, you will not receive a notice as you are not a member. Once the notices are received, I will post that information here. If you are interested in going, call me in the Scottish Rite Office at that time and I will provide you with the information relative to the hotel, the annual banquet, etc.

Even though the Summer is just beginning and we're all hearing motions to go dark throughout the season in our various Lodges and other Masonic Bodies, our membership efforts NEVER go dark! Be sure to discuss Scottish Rite membership with that Masonic Brother. Let him know that our Fall Class, named the "Supreme Council, 33, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction 200th Anniversary Class," will begin on Friday, 18 October. This Class is the very LAST Class that will receive the Supreme Council's 200th Anniversary Membership Jewel. This Class will also receive a commemorative 200th Anniversary Class name badge as well.

Speaking of commemoratives, yesterday at the ball game a number of us were wearing the blue Valley of Philadelphia t-shirts we sold 4 years ago at Reunions. A few Brethren inquired as to how they could get one. Well like I said, we sold those 4 years ago and they're gone. But if we have enough interest, I can look into having a new shirt designed and made available. Let me know by calling the Scottish Rite Office (215-563-1814)  and we'll see if the response warrants a new shirt offer.

 

Well that will do it for this edition. Stay tuned throughout the Summer as I will keep you updated as developments happen.

 

Have a safe and enjoyable Summer. Don't forget our upcoming Fall Reunion, get a Candidate, or two, or three or. . .

 

May the Grand Architect continue to watch over you and yours.

Sincere fraternal regards,

 

Steven Morrison, 33

Valley Secretary

Remember and be Thankful

Brethren and Friends:  Today is Memorial Day, that American holiday when we pause to remember those that gave their lives to protect all that we hold dear. If you served our country, Thank You. If you are participating in Memorial Day events in your area today to honor those that served, Thank You. If you encounter and Active Duty Service Member or Veteran today, don't forget to say, Thank You.

Our Spring Reunion and our Annual Meeting have come and gone and now we turn our attention to our 2013 Fall Class, but before we do that, lets take a moment to congratulate our new

 Officers and thank our now past Officers. Thank you Ill. Ray Brown, Past Commander-in-Chief, Ill. Jeff Greene, Past Most Wise Master, Ill. Frank Weckenman, Past Sovereign Prince, and Bro. Mike Bauerle. Past Thrice Potent Master. Congratulations to our new Commander-in-Chief, Ill. Art Becker, Most Wise Master, Bro. John Wagner, Sovereign Prince, Bro. Jeff Lees, and Thrice Potent Master, Gerry Sealy. Our Valley has a long tradition of dedicated Masonic leaders and all of these Brethren are now recorded among them.

Our next Valley event is our fourth annual Family Day at Campbell's Field on Sunday, June 9, 2013.

 

 

Tickets are still available for this event, which includes the River Sharks taking on the York Revolution in exciting Atlantic League Baseball action! We have the Party Tent picnic area for the day, serving you a half hour of food before the game and an hour and half of food during the game. Tickets cost $12 for those ages 13 and up and $6 for those 12 and under.

 

 

This great family program has sold out the past three years and no doubt it will again this year. Do you want to go? Send your check made payable to "Scottish Rite Bodies," along with how many tickets you need to the Scottish Rite Office, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia. PA 19107-2520. Come on out with your family and enjoy a great day of baseball and Scottish Rite fellowship!

 

 

Our Membership Team, which did a fantastic job in recruiting a large Class this Spring, have begun their work towards doing the same for the Fall Class. Our guys are visiting William Penn-Harmony Lodge No. 52 on Friday, June 7th at the Masonic Temple. If you are able and available, go on out and support our Team.

 

 







 



 





 

Our Fall Class begins on Friday, October 18, 2013.  The Class is named in honor of our Supreme Council's 200th Anniversary.

 

Philadelphia Lodge of Perfection will preside over the evening at which time the 4th Degree, Master Traveler, plus two other Degrees to be announced will be presented.

 

 

 

The Fall Reunion concludes on Friday, November 15, 2013 when 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.

 

Now is the time to begin speaking with that Masonic friend about the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. All members of the Class will receive the Supreme Council's 200th Anniversary Membership Jewel along with a commemorative Valley of Philadelphia name badge.

 

 

The Fall 2013 Class marks the completion of the yearlong celebration of our Supreme Council's Bicentennial year. They will be the last Class to receive this beautiful and historic Masonic jewel. If you are a Philadelphia region Master Mason, don't miss out. Call our office at 215-563-1814 for more information on how you can take that next step in your search for further light in Freemasonry by becoming a Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of "Pennsylvania Freemasonry's Best Kept Secret," the Valley of Philadelphia!

 

 

Well that will do it for this edition. I wish each and every one of you and your families an enjoyable, relaxing and safe Summer and pray that the Grand Architect continues to bless and watch over you all.

 

Sincere fraternal regards,

 

Steve Morrison, 33

Valley Secretary

 

 



 

 

 



Spring Convocation coming right up!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

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

 

 

 



Our Spring Reunion Continues and Everything else Happening!

Dear Brethren and Friends:

I hope this finds you enjoying a very Happy Easter/Passover with your families.

While on the subject of family, I must share with you a recent announcement from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Children under the age of 16 years are no longer permitted in the Masonic Temple, without prior notice. Our Valley, Lodges, and other Masonic bodies are still permitted to have family nights and other family events and young children will be welcomed provided notice of these events is given in advance to the Superintendent's Office. The Right Worshipful Grand Secretary will be issuing a letter to Secretaries regarding this announcement shortly.

Our Valley's Annual Meeting has always been a family welcome event, and will be this year as well. The Superintendent's office will receive notification of this.

As our Ladies are welcome at our Reunion evenings, we have had some Brethren who have brought their children and grandchildren along on those nights. That is no longer permitted, unless the young person is 16 or older.

Please understand that this is a Grand Lodge decision. The Valley of Philadelphia has always prided itself for being a family friendly organization and we will remain that way. Our Family Life Chairman and Committee will continue to plan events for you and your families to enjoy.

Our Spring Reunion is underway and we have 50 Candidates in the Class!

This large Class is due in part to the efforts of our Membership Committee. Our team have been visiting local Lodges and presenting a fun and interactive program promoting membership in the Scottish Rite.

One such program will occur on Thursday, April 11, 2013 when our Membership Team visits Fernwood Lodge No. 543 at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. If you are able, stop on in and support our guys!

We are proud of the work our Brothers are doing in sharing the Valley of Philadelphia and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite with local Brethren. Keep up the great work!

Our Spring Reunion will conclude on Friday, April 19, 2013. That evening our Sovereign Prince and the Officers of DeJoinville Council, Princes of Jerusalem will preside.

The evening will begin with a buffet dinner in the Grand Banquet Room at 6:00 P.M. As always reservations are required. You can make your reservation by calling 215-563-1814, by email to phila.aasr@juno.com, or by clicking 'Going' on the Valley's Facebook group page.

 

 

The meeting will open at 7:30 P.M. in Gothic Hall. At that time the 19th Degree, Brothers of Trail, which is a new ritual, will be presented for the very first time in the Valley of Philadelphia. Yes, this is an official Scottish Rite Passport ALERT! The Commander-in-Chief and the Officers of Benjamin Franklin Consistory will close out the evening with the conferral of the 32nd Degree, Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret.

 

While we are meeting, the Ladies Auxiliary will hold their annual Flea Market to benefit the Children's Dyslexia Center of Philadelphia. Ladies and Brethren are asked to donate items for sale at the market. Items should be pre-priced, but as always, bartering is encouraged.

 

 

Our Most Wise Master and the Officers of Kilwinning Chapter of Rose Croix, welcome all Valley Members and their families to attend the Valley's Annual Memorial Service, on Sunday, April 28, 2013.

 

 

The Service which is open to all faiths, will again be held at Gloria Dei (Old Swede's) Church, Columbus Blvd & Christian Streets in South Philadelphia. This historic Church is a wonderful location for us to hold this Service which will memorialize our Valley Brethren lost over the past year.

 

The Service begins at 3:00 P.M. and all Valley members and their families are welcome to attend. Following the Service there will be a complimentary dinner served in the Church's Social Hall. Reservations are a MUST for the dinner. Reservations can be made by calling 215-563-1814, by email to phila.aasr@juno.com, or by clicking 'Going' on the Annual Memorial Service event page through the Valley's Facebook group. Please note that if you do not have a reservation, we cannot and will not guarantee you a meal.

 

We hope to see you and your family there!

 

Our Membership Team will be visiting Widener-Apollo-Kensington Lodge No. 211 on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at the Masonic Temple, 4400 Magee Avenue in Tacony. Again if you are able, stop by and support our Brethren, as they begin laying the foundation of our Fall 2013 Class.

 

All Valley Officers, Committee Members and ANY Valley Brother interested in getting more active and involved are expected and encouraged to attend our Annual Officer's Training Conference on Saturday, May 11th at Tacony Masonic Temple.

 

The day begins at 7:30 A.M. with a Continental Breakfast and fellowship. The Conference begins at 8:30 A.M. and will cover many topics which will benefit those who seek to further themselves in service to the Scottish Rite. The Conference will conclude at noon at which time lunch will be served.

 

Again, Valley Officers and Committee Members are expected, but any Valley Member is welcome. We have been told that our Valley conference is one of the best in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. This training is worth your time! If you wish to go, please call 215-563-1814, email phila.aasr@juno.com, or click 'Going' on the Annual Officers Conference event page on the Valley's Facebook group.

 

Our 2013 Scottish Rite year closes out at our Annual Meeting on Friday, May 17, 2013 at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia.

That evening we will elect and install a new officers in all four of the Bodies of the Valley of Philadelphia, two At-Large Members of the Executive Committee, and a Trustee, as well as recognize our immediate Past Presiding Officers, and our 50-year Members.

 

As I said before this event is Family Friendly. 

 

The evening will begin with a buffet dinner in the Grand Banquet Hall at 6:00 P.M. Reservations are required.

 

I've heard a number of members complain that I no longer do the email, "Valley Update." This is true, I don't do that any more as this blog has replaced the need for that email. I found that many of our email addresses had become obsolete and rather send the message out to a dwindling list, this blog can reach a bigger audience and have more of an impact. But, I have heard from some that say, 'they don't blog or use Facebook.' While I understand the Facebook fears that some have, I have found social media to be very useful and have made use of it. Our Valley's Facebook group for instance allows me to keep our members updated, literally up to the second on all that is going on in our Valley. This technology has saved the Valley a considerable amount of money in postage, as I no longer have to mail flyers for events to such a large group. We still have a few that receive mailings but our numbers of electronic RSVPs is increasing.

 

Technology changes daily, and the Valley of Philadelphia will continue to evolve with it. For those Brethren that miss the email update, click on over here and read the blog. You don't have to sign up for anything. It's just like visiting any other site on the web. For those of you reading the blog, when you hear a Brother bemoan not receiving the email anymore, please tell him about the blog. Thanks!

 

Again, I wish you and your families a very Happy Easter/Passover.

 

Until the next edition, I pray the Grand Architect continues to watch over each of you and your families.

 

Sincere fraternal regards,

 

Steven Morrison, 33

Valley Secretary