165 Years of Scottish Rite Masonry in Pittsburghfiles.constantcontact.com/ca5a5f59201/9d842cce-aa79-44fc-9bbb-5… · Year. Take time to enjoy this wonderful Fraternity and at the

165 Years of Scottish Rite Masonry in Pittsburgh

VOL. XXVI NO. 3 March 2017H H H

The men and organizations pictured tothe right are those who have made a

$10,000 or more commitment to support theValley of Pittsburgh Children’s Dyslexia CenterEndowment Fund.

As Freemasons, we have always beenbenevolent and charitable. For Scottish RiteMasons, our Charity is to teach children withdyslexia how to read. It is important in givingthem social confidence.

The teaching method is the Orton-Gilling-ham program. It is a one tutor – one studentratio. This method is very expensive butextremely effective. It costs approximately$5,000 a year for each child. Our goal is toraise $2,500,000 to endow the Children’sDyslexia Center for the future.

To make it easier to make this commitment,you can spread out your $10,000 donationover a ten year period. Call Bro. Ray Dietz,33°, at 412-369-9500 for information. Thefuture of our children is our most importantmission. I encourage each of you to haveyour picture on this page and be a BUILDERof this Masonic benevolence.

Your donation is tax-deductible. Thomas K. Sturgeon, 33°

Deputy for Pennsylvania

VVaa ll ll eeyy oo ff PP ii tt tt ssbbuurrgghhTeaching children with dyslexia

Demosthenes Agoris Edward & JoanAiello

Robert & JaniceAmend

Emery & CarolAnden

David & CarolBagaley

Fred & KathyDonatelli

Robert Eckbreth James Ecker &Donna Murtha

James & EllenFlanigan

Raymond & LynnDietz

Raymond & DorothyJames

James & LisaJenkins

Robert & P.J.Jones

Paul & PennyKappel

Benjamin Henderson

John L. McCain

Bruce A. Robinson

Bob & CharleneWells

John McCutcheon Jay & JoanneMcElravy

Roy & Sara JaneMcCullough

Joseph A. Schrock, Jr. James W. SeelDon & GinnySauer

John & Jerry Williams

Jeff & SharonWonderling

James & JillWest

Builders Council Enrollment Form

I pledge the sum of: � $10,000 � $15,000 � $20,000 � $25,000

With payments in equal installments over a period of: � 3 years � 5 years � 10 years.

This pledge will be payable: � Annually � Semi-annually � Quarterly � *Monthly

*Monthly payments may be made only by credit card.First payment of $ is enclosed.

Deduct my pledge from my credit card when due:� MasterCard � Visa � American Express

� Discover � Other . Number Exp. date Name you would prefer in recognition:

� This gift is anonymous.Signature

Name

Address

City State Zip

Ph. ( ) Date Mail to: Builders Council, 3579 Masonic Way,

Pittsburgh, PA 15237-2700.

Valley

of

Pittsburgh

Valley

of

Uniontown

SupremeCouncil GroupValley of Pittsburgh

Classic

Car Club

Valley of PittsburghLegion ofHonor

James & AnettaWest

Richard & BetteRodibaugh

John & JudyMcCombs

Mark & PattyBliler

Jeff & SusanBiddle

Robert & JacquelineBeatty

George H. Cox Rick & ReneeCross

Donald & DebraGreen

Wally & LeahGrossett

Erich & RayleneGumto

Harvey & CarolGumto

John & RuthHabel

Leland A. Hale, Jr. Jeff & Lauren Heiger

Howard & SharonFlynn

David & SandyKearns

David & JudyKielman

John Kovac George & JudithLewis

William & BarbaraMagnotti, Jr.

Frank R. Mangery Jack MarshPaul & JackieKauffman

Donald & BarbaraMurphy

John & ValerieNicklas

Raymond & JoyNicklas

Ronald & KarenPlesh

D. William RobertsJack & CarolMiller

Thomas & JoanSturgeon

Kurt & NancyTesche

Gregory Triko George & NormaVance

S. Timothy WarcoSamuel & JudySpanos

Glenn & MaryMiller

Dr. Glenn & RobertaMiller

William Shaw William Slater, II

Chartiers

Lodge No. 297

F. & A.M.

30th

Masonic

District

Homestead AmityMcCandlesLodge No. 582F. & A.M.

Lodge

No. 45

F. & A.M.

Washington

Lodge No. 164

F. & A.M.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Bro. Winston Churchill

Avalon

Lodge No. 657

F. & A.M.

OakdaleLodge No.669In Memory ofW. Robert &Marion Jones

Infinity

Lodge No. 546

F. & A.M.

PittsburghCommandery

No. 1Knights Templar

Unified

Lodge No. 2

IOOF

to read – one child at a time!

BBuu ii ll ddee rr ss CCoo uunncc ii ll

You’re Lodge, Club, or Name could be here! Call 412-939-3579.

James & EdaDean

Mario & LindaDeBlasio

Bill & HeatherDickey

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

March 2017 The Rite News Page 4.

VALLEY OF PITTSBURGH OFFICERS August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016

GOURGAS LODGE OF PERFECTION 14°Robert B. Ruff, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thrice Potent MasterSam H. Jessee, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Deputy MasterShawn P. Lang, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Senior WardenBrian T. Wilding, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Junior WardenBranden T. Plesh, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OratorZack S. Morgans, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Master of CeremoniesJeffrey R. Jones, 32°. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GuardPENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL, PRINCES OF JERUSALEMLarry D. Horath, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sovereign PrinceWilliam J. Wiker, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . High PriestErastus Z. Allen, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior WardenJoseph G. Whitaker, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Junior WardenRobert M. Polander, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Master of CeremoniesCharles H. King, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Master of EntrancesPITTSBURGH CHAPTER OF ROSE CROIX 18°Rodney E. Boyce, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Most Wise MasterRobert B. Malwitz, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior WardenJames C. Mayes, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Junior WardenJoshua S. Freeman, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OratorCharles J. Anthony, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Master of CeremoniesDavid B. Firda, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GuardPENNSYLVANIA CONSISTORY 32°Donald W. Boehm, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commander-in-ChiefDavid W. Morgans, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st. Lt. CommanderJeffrey M. Wonderling, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd Lt. CommanderDavid L. Moore, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OratorJoshua L. Miller, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ChancellorMitchell D. Goldstein, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Master of CeremoniesRichard H. Kucera, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engineer & SeneschalEric S. Teasdale, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Standard BearerMatthew A. Boice, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GuardPaul J. Roup, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TreasurerDonald M. Murphy, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SecretaryVito A. Urso, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HospitalerDennis R. Johnston, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TilerPeter A. Leary, 32°, Joseph G. Whitaker, 32° . . . . Masonic Fund Society Charles M. Bombich, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Representatives

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Donald W. Boehm, 33°, ChairmanRodney E. Boyce, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry D. Horath, 32°Sam H. Jessee, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert B. Malwitz, 32°David W. Morgans, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Donald M. Murphy, 33°Paul J. Roup, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert B. Ruff, 32°William J. Wilker, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeffrey M. Wonderling, 33°Vito A. Urso, 33°,Trustee . . . . . . . . . . Thomas K. Sturgeon, 33°, Active

TRUSTEESVito A. Urso, 33°, Chairman

Jeff A. Biddle, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald W. Boehm, 33°Rodney E. Boyce, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith J. Caito, 33°Thomas M. Gasmire, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry D. Horath, 32° Donald M. Murphy, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . George W. Polnar, 33°Richard A. Rodibaugh, 33° Paul J. Roup, 33° Robert B. Ruff, 32°

TRUSTEES EMERITUS

Patrick G. Blackwwell, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald H. Coester, 33°Charles W. Doege, Jr., 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert E. Dunkelman, 33°William J. Ebertshauser, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . Edward H. Fowler, Jr., 33° Stephen A. George, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert R. Havers, Sr., 33°John W. Hisiro, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dennis R. Johnston, 33° Albert L. Kappeler, Jr., 33° Robert Mellon, 33° Donald E. Sauer, 33°Walter L. Sykes, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kurt R. Tesche, 33°

SECRETARY EMERITUS TREASURER EMERITUSElwood R. Schultise, 33° D. William Roberts, 33°

ALLEGIANCE

The bodies of the Scottish Rite, sitting in the Valley of Pittsburgh, Stateof Pennsylvania, acknowledge and yield allegiance to the SupremeCouncil, 33°, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for theNorthern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America whoseGrand East is in Lexington, Massachusetts, and whose Officers are:Ill...John Wm. McNaughton, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander,Ill...Thomas K. Sturgeon, 33°, Deputy for Pennsylvania. Other Activemembers for Pennsylvania are: Ill...Jeffrey W. Coy, 33°, Ill...GeorgeNakonetschny, 33°, Ill...Robert J. Bateman, 33°.

Carl L. AndersonKevin D. BorkNicholas C. BruichSamuel E. BuckinghamWilliam M. CipkalaJohn A. ColeDonald E. DuksteinJohn O. DulaneyCharles F. FoxRoy A. Gilliland Jr.Timothy P. GorantGeorge H. Gray Jr.Dallas E. Haun Jr.William K. Henley Jr.George C. Hipsley Jr.John W. Hoak Jr.William J. HoegelDean E. HughesStanley Ivosevic

Laurence W. Jones Jr.James H. JordanRobert M. KassWilliam V. KeselichDaniel KochWilliam W. Kottner Sr.Paul M. KunstLeo W. MartinJohn S. McKeanRobert L. McNallClyde E. MillerGerald E. MillerJacob R. MinsingerFrank L. Moore Jr.George S. MorganRobert A. MousseauCarl T. ObergEdward P. PrihodeWilliam W. Reese Jr.Edwin R. Reynolds

James W. RutledgeWilliam R.SchwartzmillerAdam L. SnyderWilliam E. SnyderWilliam F. SpicherCarl H. Swanson Jr.George R. TaylorEdgar R. Taylor Jr.William H. ThomasMelvin TrkulaJoseph E. TurpinGeorge G. WeddellRobert L. Williams Sr.Russel M. WinterEarl E. WoodRoy E. WorthyPaul J. Wright Jr.Robert V. Yanssens

“Well Done, Good and Faithful Brother”

May it be his portion to hear from Him who sitteth as the Judge Supreme

Message from the Deputy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5by Thomas K. Sturgeon, 33°

Message from the Commander-in-Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7by David W. Morgans, 33°

Wonderling Wonders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8by Jeffrey M. Wonderling, 33°

Message from the Thrice Potent Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9by Sam Jessee, 32°

The Modern Vitruvian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10by P. J. Roup, 33°

Upon the Checkered Pavement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12by D. Todd Ballenger, 33°

Message from the Sovereign Prince . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15by William J. Wiker, 32°

Your Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18by Glenn D. Miller, II, 33°

From the Desk of the Valley Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20by Donald M. Murphy, 33°

Message from the Most Wise Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21by Robert D. Malwitz, 32°

Masonic Services Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Directing Dickens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23by D. Todd Ballenger, 33°

Enchanted Evening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

In This Issue

In Memoriam

Since our last issue, the following brethren have been called home.



THOMAS K. STURGEON, 33°Deputy for Pennsylvania

Icontinue to be pleased to serve asyour Resident Active and also to

serve all of Pennsylvania Scottish RiteMasonry.

In 2016 we had a very successful OneDay Journey where we welcomed over1500 new Scottish Rite Masons into ourvarious Valleys. Much of this was possi-ble due to the Grand Master having a OneDay Masonic Journey and that we wereinvited, by him, to participate.

The great Valley of Pittsburgh led theway that day – bringing over 300 into ourValley. All of our membership, especiallythe officers, are to be congratulated fortheir effort.

What we have created in the Valley ofPittsburgh in the past several years isheartwarming for us, the old guard, or theveterans.

I attend meetings and events through-out Pennsylvania and I assure you that noValley is more progressive or doing asmany good things for the Craft as we arein Pittsburgh.

When I travel around the state, or to

Supreme Council offices for meetings, Istand tall with pride as a member of thisgreat Valley.

Last year, in 2016, Pennsylvaniainitiated over 50% of the new ScottishRite members in the entire NorthernJurisdiction. Add the numbers from theother 14 states and we got more newmembers than all of them put together.

Next year we will have a new Sover-eign Grand Commander as Ill. BrotherMcNaughton retires after eleven years ofservice.

The new Commander is Ill. DavidGlattly from New Jersey. Brother Glattlyis a friend of Pennsylvania and a specialfriend of mine. This relationship will begood for Pennsylvania.

To each of you, I wish you a great NewYear. Take time to enjoy this wonderfulFraternity and at the same time love yourfamily and love your God.

If you take time for those things youwill find that your life is good. Or, asConstans says in the 32nd Degree –

“MY HOPE IS IN GOD”

My Dear Brethren of the Valley of Pittsburgh – Thank You!

Saturday, May 13th 2017

SCOTTISH RITE EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCESponsored by the Valley of Pittsburgh, AASR NMJ USAGreater Pittsburgh Masonic Center3579 Masonic Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15237-2700

An event open to all 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Masons of the Northern and Southern Jurisdictions

Come for a full day of informative lectures and exemplification of both NMJ and SMJ degrees,including prominent guest speakers.

Fly the Flag of Freedom

Iam old glory; for more than 9score years I have been the

banner of hope and freedom forgeneration after generation ofAmericans.

Born amid the first flames ofAmerica’s fight for freedom, I am thesymbol of a country that has grownfrom a little group of 13 colonies to aunited nation of 50 sovereign states.

Planted firmly on the high pinnacleof American Faith, my gently flutter-ing folds have proved an inspirationto untold millions.

Men have followed me into battlewith unwavering courage. They havelooked upon me as a symbol ofnational unity. They have prayed thatthey and their fellow citizens mightcontinue to enjoy the life, liberty andpursuit of happiness, which havebeen granted to every American asthe heritage of free men.

So long as men love liberty morethan life itself, so long as they treas-ure the priceless privileges boughtwith the blood of our forefathers; solong as the principles of truth, justiceand charity for all remain deeplyrooted in human hearts, I shallcontinue to be the enduring bannerof the United States of America. v

Flag DayWednesday, June 14

“It ended like most of my cases... with everybody dead.”

Name’s Thyme, Justin Thyme. I’m a fictional detective. I take on the toughest, dirtiest cases in English literature. That’s why the King dropped a dime: to tell me something was rotten in the state of Denmark. But before the old guy could cry

“murder most foul”, somebody croaked him, and I was up to my peepers in betrayal and revenge. It was the most dangerous case of my career and the greatest murder mystery ever told. If I were you pal, I’d take notes.

From the files of Justin Thyme, Fictional Detective, comes The Case of the Prince Formerly Known as Hamlet, a tale that is one part Shakespeare

and one part Dashiell Hammett (or vice versa).

Name’s Thyme, Justin Thyme. I’m a fictional detective. I take on the toughest, dirtiest cases in English literature. That’s why the King dropped a dime: to tell me something was rotten in the state of Denmark. But before the old guy could cry

“murder most foul”, somebody croaked him, and I was up to my peepers in betrayal and revenge. It was the most dangerous case of my career and the greatest murder mystery ever told. If I were you pal, I’d take notes.



ORDERTICKETSNOW!

COMING

MAY19, 20

Note: This performance contains language, themes, and situations that somemay find offensive and others find hilarious. Theatergoer discretion is advised.

From the files of Justin Thyme, Fictional Detective, comes The Case of the Prince Formerly Known as Hamlet, a tale that is one part Shakespeare

and one part Dashiell Hammett (or vice versa).

- TICKET ORDER INFORMATION -Early Bird Special: Tickets $8.00 to April 15 - $12.00 after April 15.

Order online at: justinthyme.eventbrite.comReserve by phone: Call 412-939-3579

Order by Mail: Curtain Time 7:30 p.m.Enclosed is check for $ for tickets @Name Phone ( ) Address City State Zip

(Make check payable to Ghost Light Theater) Scan to

buy tickets!Mail to: Ghost Light Theater, GPMC, 3579 Masonic Way

Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Questions? 412-939-3579

q $8.00 - q $12.00q May 19 - q May 20

Something Hilariousin the

State of DenmarkDon’t let the name fool you. Ghost

Light Productions’ newest show,The Case of the Prince Formerly Known asHamlet is not Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Sure,it takes place in Elsinore Castle, and thecharacters are Shakespeare’s (mostly), butthis is not your typical Shakespeare.

Why is that? Well, for starters, Shakespeare’s version

of the tale did not have Justin Thyme,time-traveling, film-noir-detective style agentfrom the FBI (Fictional Bureau of Investiga-tion), on-hand to sling puns, cause trouble,and chase the women of Elsinore all whilehelping Prince Hamlet avenge the murder ofhis father.

Next there’s the sexy Ophelia – her friendscall her Feelya – who chases Thyme untilhe catches her. She tells Thyme that he’sdifferent than the other men she’s dated.When he asks her in what way, she replies,“Well for one thing, you’re not a relative.”

And when we meet Queen Gertrude,she’s simultaneously planning her husband’sfuneral as well as her marriage to herhusband’s brother, Claudius. She seemsunaffected when she’s told that she willbecome her own sister-in-law.

The show, which is being directed byPJ Roup, stars Bill Holman as Justin Thyme,Sam Jessee as Prince Hamlet, SallyDenmead as Gertrude, and Chelsea Barnesas Ophelia.

The jokes, puns, and innuendo come fastand furious in this ever-so-slightly edgycomedy from author Bruce Kane.

“This isn’t your typical Scottish Rite pro-duction,” says Roup. “There is some adulthumor and themes sprinkled throughout theshow. It’s a chance for people to come outand see something a little out of the ordinary.I hope they enjoy it in the spirit it is intended.”

Tickets are on sale now. There are threeways to order:

• Order onlline: justinthyme.eventbrite.com• Reserve by phone: 412-939-3579• Order by Mail: Use coupon in the ad.

Get yours before the prices go up on April16th! See the ad to the left for details. v



There are many great benefits tobeing a Freemason. One of those

many benefits is knowing that we haveBrethren who are ready, able, and willingto come to our aid at a moment’s notice.We come to each other’s aid because weobligated ourselves to do so when wejoined the Fraternity. However, I wouldlike to think that we do not come to theaid of our Brethren just because of ourobligation but because we know andunderstand the meaning of brotherly love.

This Masonic brotherly love wasdemonstrated in a powerful way to mejust recently. My father-in-law passedaway in mid-January 2017. Prior to hisdeath, he asked that I take the WorshipfulMaster’s part in his Masonic funeral. Iwas honored to fulfill that request butknew it would be difficult. My son, and hisgrandson, offered to stand next to mewhile taking the Chaplain’s part. On thenight of the funeral service, I was over-whelmed by the Brethren who showedup. I don’t know the actual count but itseemed as if around forty Masonsshowed up that evening. Some of thoseattending knew my father-in-law andothers did not. All showed up as a wayof fulfilling their Masonic obligation andshowing their brotherly love.

As stated earlier, this service wasgoing to be difficult for me to get througheven though I have taken the Master’s orChaplain’s part in well over 100 funeralsin my travels. Just the thought of knowingthat I would be looking at my wife andfamily as I uttered the comforting andmeaningful words of the funeral service

caused a lump to grow in my throat. As Igave instructions to the Brethren assem-bled about the funeral service I apolo-gized in advance to them if I were to“crash and burn” while doing the service.That apology was met with a show ofsupport from those Brethren who knewthe funeral service well. Each one offeredto step in and prompt me if needed.

Knowing that I was going to be sur-rounded by not only brotherly love butalso by brotherly help, aid, and assis-tance gave me courage and strength aswe processed into the sanctuary of thechurch for the service. If I was going tofall, my Brothers were there to catch me.

That is the beauty of Masonry, Broth-ers supporting Brothers. The funeralservice went well. My son and I did finebecause we knew that we had the sup-port of our Brothers. We each shouldhave the confidence of knowing that wedon’t walk through life alone. We haveBrothers out there who are willing to helpus in our moments of need whether it is

emotional, physical, or financial. It isamazing and wonderful to see thevarious ways in which Masons supportone another. It is concerning, on theother hand, to see how some Masonsnever are able to experience this broth-erly love and support because no oneever knows of their need.

Some Masons would rather besuspended for non-payment of dues thanto ask for assistance. Some would ratherstruggle with problems of all kinds than toask for help. Some would rather fightagainst the temptations and fears of lifethan to allow a Brother to come alongsidethem to support and encourage them intheir struggles. Masons are standing byready, able, and willing to help a Brotherwho might be “crashing and burning” inthe various parts of life but they can onlydo so if they know of the need.

Brethren, never forget that we have abuilt in network of good and true menwho can be trusted to act well and wiselywhen others need help, aid, or assis-tance. Be honest and open with yourMasonic Brethren and experience thebrotherly love that is so uniquely presentin our great Fraternity. I will always begrateful for all the Brethren who havesupported and encouraged me over theyears. I am equally grateful to all theBrethren that have asked for my supportand encouragement because they gaveme the opportunity to practice the virtuesof Freemasonry and experience first-hand one of the many great benefits ofbelonging to this wonderful Fraternity,brotherly love. v

Message from the Commander-in-Chief

David W. Morgans, 33°

"Believing that good and true men can be trusted to act well and wisely, this Supreme Council considers it the duty ofthe Fraternity to impress upon its members the principles of personal righteousness and personal responsibility, to en-lighten them as to those things which make for human welfare, and to inspire them with that feeling of charity, or well-wishing, toward all mankind which will move them to translate principle and conviction into action."

Declaration of Principles

HAPPY EASTER



The Annual Grotto Lenten Fish DinnerGreater Pittsburgh Masonic Center

Friday: Mar. 17, 24, 31, Apr. 7, Apr. 14

Served from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. – Purchase Tickets at the Door!

$10.00per person

H

H

Now that several months havepassed and the dust has settled.

This is the time of the year when my pro-fessional life slows down a bit and I havethe time to sip a merlot and assess the re-cent past. As I ponder the events of lastyear I am ecstatic to see a cultural changebeginning within our Fraternity. Ournewer members are talking aboutFreemasonry with other quality men thatare joining us daily. A big thank-you to ourActive Member, Illustrious BrotherThomas K. Sturgeon, 33rd Degree, andRight Worshipful Past Grand Master fordecision to allow “selective invitation” in2010. It wasn’t a popular decision at thetime but most times the right decisionsaren’t. Also a huge thank you to Bro. Ray-mond T. Dietz for the One Day MasonicJourney which afforded men hamperedwith busy schedules an opportunity to joinour ranks.

Lately I have noticed new membersparticipating in Valley activities which is agreat sign that Brother Mitch Goldsteinand his team are indeed mentoring themand engaging them. Another huge thankyou to Illustrious Brother David Morgans,33rd Degree, your Commander in Chiefand his team for the outstanding “Holly-wood” event welcoming everyone to fel-lowship together at the Valley. As MikeLange, Hall of Fame announcer for thePittsburgh Penguins would muse “If youmissed that event, shame on you for sixweeks”. The important message is thatthrough proper mentoring and caring for

each other we are slowly turning the shipin a positive direction. I caution it wouldbe a mistake to think that things will turnaround overnight but we are turning thetide. I would like to offer each of you myheartfelt gratitude for not only being aFreemason and a Scottish Rite Mason inparticular.

I had just about finished my Merlot andwas calling it a night when solemnity ofthe moment was pierced a breaking storyon the evening news concerning the re-cent election. I had been deep in thoughtand didn’t realize the noise in the back-ground. I became quite aggravated thatmy quiet had been interrupted by rhetoric

surrounding an event that concluded 3months before. I think that no matter whatyour thoughts or political persuasion, after2 years most of us have had enough. Itwas then I had an epiphany. In the pasttwo years I had attended numerous lodgemeetings however not once had I heard,Trump, Clinton, Sanders, Cruz, etc., men-tioned at a Masonic gathering. The nightsin fellowship with my Brothers had been aretreat from the rigors of daily life. It oc-curred to me that as a group we hadhelped a myriad of people and made thelives of many just a little bit better. I satback in my recliner, tuned out the noiseand thanked God for the gift of Freema-sonry. And I thanked Him for personalprofit of self-satisfaction one realizesthrough his beneficence to others. So I sayto you my brothers—“Well done true andfaithful servants, my brothers of the Craft”.You should feel pride in being a ScottishRite Mason and the work we do. I suggestyou reward yourself with your favoriterefreshment. Personally I will have acelebratory glass of Merlot. v

by Jeffrey M. Wonderling, 33°1st Lieutenant CommanderR.W. Junior Grand Warden

Wonders!onderling

G

There are three parts to theValley of Pittsburgh

Membership Program:

The 3R’s!Retention: Get the present membership

involved.Re-Instatement: Get members who

dropped out to re-commit.

Recruitment: Get new members.

“Foot to Foot”



On Saturday, January 21,2017, the Valley officers

met for a mid-year meeting toreview the first half of this AASRyear and to evaluate the plans forthe remainder. There were manysuccesses in 2016 for the Valley ofPittsburgh: the initiation of over300 new members at the One DayMasonic event held in October, theHollywood Gala celebrating the NationalScottish Rite Day in November, both theadult and childrens’ Christmas parties,and a well-attended and enjoyable pres-entation of A Christmas Carol by GhostLight Productions, LLC.

On Saturday, January 28, 2017, manyof our new members, as well as veteranmembers, saw the Fourteenth Degree,Grand Elect Mason, exemplified by theGourgas Lodge of Perfection. On behalfof the current and past officers of GourgasLOP, we sincerely hope the message(s)of this degree made a deep and lastingimprint on your conscience.

If you attended all or most of theseevents, we are sure you enjoyed yourselfand that you contributed to the success ofthe Valley. If, however, you did not attendany of these events, we strongly urge youto attend events planned for the remain-der of the AASR year. There are a num-ber of events planned over the next 4months:

• DeMolay Conferral (March 11)• Story of the Crucifixion (April 9)• Spring Class (April 21-22)• Education Seminar (May 13)• Mother’s Day Luncheon (May 14)• Ghost Light Production (May 19-20)• Scholarship/Awards Night (May 25)• Car Cruise (June 4)• Golf Outing (June 10)• Pirates Game (June 16)There are sure to be additional events

planned for this period and the Calendarof Events listed in The Rite News willprovide information as it becomes known.

In the short term, perhaps the most

important effort you can make tobenefit your Valley is to identifythose members of your BlueLodge or other Masonic bodiesto which you belong that youbelieve would be valuable andcontributing members of theValley of Pittsburgh. Talk tothem about the Ancient Ac-

cepted Scottish Rite! Talk to them aboutwhy you are a member! Answer theirquestions about the Valley of Pittsburgh!Bring them to any event in the near futureto show them what they are missing! Givethem a Petition for the Spring Class!

Finally, I would like to congratulateIllustrious Brother William D. Johnston,33rd Degree, for being appointed DistrictDeputy Grand Master for the 37thMasonic District of Pennsylvania.

Illustrious Brother Johnston has givenan unquantifiable number of hours of histime and energy as Director of Work forthe Valley of Pittsburgh as well as tomany other Masonic bodies to which hebelongs. v

The Valley is Alive with ActivityBy Sam H. Jessee, 32°, Thrice Potent MasterGourgas Lodge of Perfection

Visit the Valley website at www.valleyofpittsburgh.org

ATTENTIONBLUE LODGES!If 3 of your lodge members joins the

Valley of Pittsburgh, a 4th membercan join for free.

Or, all 4 members can join at a 25%discounted rate, $150 a member.

Also, the lodge with the most candi-dates in the Spring Class, April 21 and22 will be invited to the June StatedMeeting with dinner on the Valley.

(Scottish Rite Members only, ladieswould be paid for by the member.)

Interested lodges should contact theValley office at 412-939-3579 for furtherinformation.

Join us in celebrating rebirth andregrowth at the Phipps Spring Flower

Show: Enchanted Forest as birds, frogs,ducks, bees and more critters awakenfrom their long winter snoozes to explorethe tens of thousands of vibrant springblooms that wash the glasshouse in color.

The Conservatory is positively buzzingwith life and bursting with blooms, offeringa treat for the senses and the perfect wayto spend a spring day.

Set your heart aflutter in Palm Court asyou witness the remarkable developmentof a chrysalis before a beautiful butterflyemerges amidst pops of pink hyacinths

and yellow primula. Sink to the forest floorin the Serpentine Room as you wanderbeneath massive mushrooms, marvel atvibrant azaleas, snapdragons and tulips,and meet a friendly snail, frog and turtleon the banks of a tranquil pond.

Then, meander among a sea of blue,coral, red and pink spring blooms in theSunken Garden as feathered friends chirpand tweet from their perches. Colorfulsights and whimsical delights are waitingaround every corner and in nine displayrooms at the Spring Flower Show: Enchanted Forest! v

Spring Flower Show at Phipps March 18 – April 16, 2017



I’m in the grocery storynow, Henry. Need any-

thing while I’m here? . . . It isn’tany trouble. I wouldn’t haveoffered, otherwise. . .You worrytoo much, old man. I’ll drop itoff on my way home.” Dylanregretted his choice of wordsimmediately because it gave Henry theopportunity to remind him that it wasn’texactly on the way home.

“You’re right, Henry. You’re almost aquarter mile off my direct route home –that’s half a mile round trip. Not to mentionthat I’m going out of pocket to the tune offour dollars for nearly five minutes beforeyou insist on reimbursing me for the milk.Oh, don’t forget the arduous journey I’mgoing to have to make from the car to yourdoor with it. Sometimes I think the price ofthis friendship is too high. Maybe I need toget a different friend.”

Dylan listened to Henry chuckle on theother end of the line. He was happy thathis sarcasm was never lost on Henry.“Hey, I need to put you down. I seeBrother Whitman’s wife. Sarah, right? . . .We suspended him last month. Maybe Ican find out what’s going on. Have aSherpa ready for when I get there. Milk isheavy, you know. . . Later.” He dismissedthe call and slid his iPhone into his jacket.

Sarah turned left at the end of the aisle,so Dylan spun his cart around and madetwo quick rights so he could “accidentally”bump into her in the next aisle. Sheseemed a little out of sorts as he ap-proached. Her hair was disheveled andher hoodie was stained, probably havingbeen dribbled on by of one of the twinssleeping peacefully in the front of her cart.Her face was pallid, and the circles underher eyes seemed a little darker than hehad remembered. She was gently addingbaby food and diapers to the cart, beingcareful not to wake the kids, as he calledher name in a loud whisper.

“Oh, Dylan. H-h-hey,” she stammered,reddening slightly. She fidgeted with thediapers, pushing them around the cart,paying a little too much attention to whereeach bag lay. Dylan saw immediately thatit was all an effort to try and cover up the

Last Chance stickers on the meatand the Day-Old labels on manyof the other goods that filled hercart.

“The kids are adorable.They’re growing so fast,” he saidquickly, hoping to alleviate someof the awkwardness that his

presence was apparently causing.“Yeah, it’s hard to believe they’re

already eight months old,” she said forcinga feeble smile.

“Listen, I have been trying to get intouch with Carl. He never paid his Lodgedues, and they suspended him last month.I know how much he loves Lodge. I canswing by and get a check sometime. Youknow, save him the trip to Lodge.”

She began twirling the string of herhoodie around her finger. “He must havejust forgotten,” she said, avoiding Dylan’seyes. “Don’t come over though. I mean,he’s been busy. He’s working like crazythese days. I’ll let him know you asked,though.” The more she talked, the tightershe twirled the drawstring, to the point thatthe end of her finger was turning blue.

Dylan stood silently for a beat. Carl wasanything but forgetful. Something was off,he was sure of that much. “That looks alittle tight,” he said, pointing at her finger.

“Oops. Bad habit,” she replied. Adding,“Well, I better get out of here before thesetwo wake up and start crying. I’ll tell Carlto call you.”

“He better,” Dylan said as they both goton their way.

Dylan finished his shopping andheaded toward the check-out lines. Thecashier was nearly through with Sara’sorder when Dylan began placing his itemson the belt a few lanes to her right. Thelayout was such that she had her back tohim and was unaware that he was nearby.He watched the twins shift slightly andhoped for her sake that they could stayasleep for just a few more minutes.

“Your card was declined,” he heard hercashier say, probably a little too loud.

“Can you try again,” she pleaded sottovoce. He could tell from her motions thatshe was strangling her index finger again.

A few seconds later, the cashier con-

Pride of Lonership

The Modern Vitruvianby P. J. Roup, 33°

firmed that it was still declined.“Can I just give you cash for the baby

food and diapers?” she asked weakly. Sherummaged in her purse and came out witha few crumpled bills and coins which shethrust hurriedly to the cashier. She pushedthe cart toward the door, trying a little toohard to be slow and deliberate. She wasnearly running as the automatic doorsparted and allowed her to escape to theparking lot.

Dylan was trying to make sense of it.Sure, twins must be expensive, but Carl isa good salesman, and Sarah just said hewas working a lot. They had a modesthouse, two older cars, and nothing in theirlife screamed extravagance, so hedoubted they were over-extended. Hemade a decision.

“Excuse me,” he said to the cashier,“can you finish ringing this up and hold itto the side for a few minutes? I have acouple of things I forgot. I’ll be right back.”

He made his way over to Sarah’scashier. She was unbagging all thegroceries that she had left behind. “Can Iget that cart from you?”

“This? It’s all the stuff some lady justleft behind. Didn’t have the money for it.It’s mostly death row.”

Dylan shot her a puzzled look.“That’s what we call all the last chance

stuff. If someone doesn’t buy it, it’s off tothe dumpster.”

“Clever. I’ll put it all back for you. Youknow, give it a pardon. I don’t mind.”

“Suit yourself,” she said, pushing thecart toward him. “Dead ham walking,” shedeadpanned as he spun the cart around.

Dylan made his second full circuit of thestore that hour, swapping each clearanceitem with a fresh replacement. When hewas finished swapping all the old for new– as well as adding a few extras – he wentback to where he and Sarah had justtalked and loaded the cart with diapers,formula, and baby wipes.

“A couple of things?” the cashiersmirked when he returned. “It looks likeyou forgot more than you remembered inthe first order.”

“Something like that,” he smiled.Not wanting to let the first warm day of

the year go to waste, Henry was busyclearing the winter debris from his tulipbeds when Dylan pulled up. They stoodthere in the crisp spring air as Dylanrecounted what had just happened.

“Beats me,” Henry said when the storywas finished. “It always seemed like hehad his act together. Are you stoppingover there now?”



“



“Yeah. I want to drop these groceriesbefore Carl gets home. I know he’ll giveme grief. Actually, I’m hoping I can just putthem on the porch and get out unnoticed.”

“You’re probably right. Most peoplewould rather suffer silently and alonerather than admit they could use help.You know what I call that?” he asked.“Pride of Lonership.” He waited a beatbefore repeating it, beaming at his cleverturn of phrase.

“Nice one, I may use that,” Dylanresponded.

“Feel free. You’re one of a kind, youknow that?” Henry said. “They say yourgeneration is self-absorbed. I sure don’tsee it in you.” He began fishing in hispocket for his wallet.

“I had some pretty good role models,including the guy who is about to try –unsuccessfully, I might add – to hand metwenty dollars for the four dollars’ worth ofmilk I just brought him.”

Henry flushed a little as he put his handback in his pocket. “I am certain that Ihave no idea what you’re talking about.Now get out of here Mr. Know-it-all.”

“Fine. Love to Eva,” he said as he gotback in his car.

Both of the Whitmans’ cars were in thedriveway when Dylan pulled in. Great, hethought, so much for anonymity.

It took him four trips to transfer all thegroceries to the porch. He had arrangedthem in a long sweeping arc, being carefulto allow enough room for the storm doorto swing open. Before he could knock,Carl opened the door wearing a baseballcap with the square and compasses on it.He was thin. Too thin. His sunken cheeksand ashen complexion made him appearutterly defeated. He didn’t notice the bagsof food and baby supplies at Dylan’s feet.

“I guess I shouldn’t be wearing this,huh?” he said, referring to the baseballcap which he snugged down a little tighter.Dylan could barely see his eyes. “Sarahtold me she ran into you. You may as wellcome in. I probably owe you an explana-tion.” He opened the door and noticed thebounty laid out on the porch.

“Yeah, there were a few things thatSarah forgot. I figured I’d bring them by,”Dylan said with a laugh intended to lightenthe situation.

“I don’t know what to say.”“I don’t need you to say anything. I

need you to help me bring this all in. Ittook me four trips,” Dylan answered.

Sarah appeared behind her husband.“Dylan, you didn’t need to do this.”

“I know, but I lost the receipt so you

may as well take it,” he quipped.“Listen,” she said, looking at the

ground. “I . . . should have told you thetruth today.” She started twisting the draw-string of the hoodie around her fingeragain. “I just figured it was Carl’s story totell, not mine.”

“No worries,” Dylan replied. “At all.”“How about if we get this stuff into the

kitchen, then you and Carl can come backout and talk. I can go play with the kiddosand give you some privacy.” She pickedup several bags and headed to thekitchen.

Carl led Dylan back out to the frontporch and gestured him into one of therocking chairs. He swallowed hard andcleared his throat before beginning. “I, um. . .” He cleared his throat again. “I lost myjob. They decided they don’t need sales-men anymore. They’re transitioning tointernet sales.”

“That stinks. I’m sure something willcome along quickly,” Dylan reassured him.

“I thought that too – six months ago.”“Six months?! You haven’t worked in six

months? And you have eight-month-oldtwins? Why didn’t you say something?”

“What was I supposed to say?” askedCarl. His chin was quivering. He drew adeep breath trying to compose himself.“What? That I couldn’t provide for myfamily? That I was a terrible father andhusband?” Tears began to pool in thecorners of his eyes, and he pulled his hateven lower. “I can’t do that.”

“Carl,” Dylan said. “We’ve known eachother since we were kids. We playedvolleyball together. We joined the Masonstogether. You didn’t need to say any ofthose things. They aren’t true. You justneeded to say ‘help.’ Say that, and yourfriends and brothers would have donewhatever it took to get you through.”

“Former Brothers,” Carl corrected himas he wiped a tear from his cheek.

“Let me handle that. You’ll be back in atMonday’s meeting.”

“I can’t take charity from the Lodge. I’llfigure it out.”

“There’s nothing to figure out. And it’snot charity,” he said. Do you rememberwhen we built the wheelchair ramp forBrother Bowers? Or put the roof onBrother Frank’s widow’s house?”

“Of course. What’s your point?”“We – you and I, and every other

Mason who has passed through theLodge – promised to help each otherwhen necessary. That’s what thoseprojects were. But we can’t help if wedon’t know who needs it. There’s no

dishonor in losing your job. It doesn’tmake you less of a man. It shouldn’t bringyou shame. And you shouldn’t go it alone– a wise friend called that Pride of Loner-ship. The Lodge always has its handextended to lift you when you fall. It’s upto you to reach out and take it.”

Continued on page 21.

Walter L. Sykes, 33°

Congratulations!

Brother Walter Louis Sykescelebrated his 101st Birthday

on January 13, 2017.He was made a Mason in Chartiers

Lodge No. 297, in Canonsburg, PA onSeptember 14, 1937 - passed on Octo-ber 17, 1937 and raised to the SublimeDegree of Master Mason on November15, 1937. He served as WorshipfulMaster in 1945.

Bro. Sykes is a Past District DeputyGrand Master of District 29 (1963 to1972) and a Past Thrice Potent Masterof the Gourgas Lodge of Perfection(1976) in the Valley of Pittsburgh.

He was coronated a thirty-thirddegree Mason in 1982 in St. Louis, MO.He also served several years on theGrand Lodge Committee on MasonicHomes.

Bro. Sykes was awarded a 75 YearMasonic Service Emblem by R. W.Grand Master Jay W. Smith, at theMasonic Village at Sewickley in 2012. v

101Happy Birth

day

1916 - 2017



Upon the Checkered Pavement

D. Todd Ballenger, 33°, Feature Writer

Because it’s that very vision of success -whatever it may entail - that drives usforward when we’ve had enough. Whenthings get difficult, be it work, practice,people, or some other internal struggle,those dreams keep us from chucking inthe towel and quitting. I’ve watched myown son skate so far past his limits thathe physically could not pull his feet underhim on the ice, for no other reason thanhe wanted to be a hockey player. For therecord, he was ten at the time and play-ing developmental hockey. He now playson his high school JV team as well as onanother team in the amateur leagues. Hekept his dream and focused on his visionuntil he succeeded. It’s the same with allof us, whether at home, at work, or inlodge. If there is something you reallywant - I mean really want to achieve - youshould allow that vision to drive you tothat success. Your efforts will pay off inthe end. And when setbacks happen tostall your progress, just remember myson’s first coach’s words: “We don’t failwhen we fall down. We fail when we don’tget back up again.” Build a vision foryourself, your lodge, your team. Take thatvision and pursue it until you succeed.You may go through ups and downs. Yourvision may even evolve, or take a newshape entirely. But having that passionand persistence to reach something youlove not only makes you better, but in-spires those around you to do the same.That’s what makes a worthy dream.It’s Not Whether You Win or Lose . . .

Effort over Outcome. Sports poetGrantland Rice famously penned, “It’s notwhether you win or lose, it’s how you playthe game.” He also wrote, “Failure isn'tbad if it doesn't attack the heart. Successis all right if it doesn't go to the head.”Both ideas are critical components of the“effort over outcome” mantra for players.Its not so much about the win-lose as-pect, but more about what you did tocontribute to the team’s performance.Not everyone on the team has the samejob. Some require different skill sets anddifferent game plans. That’s why you seeoffensive and defensive assistants, goaliecoaches, skating coaches, and the likeinvolved with hockey teams. Every posi-tion has its own nuances, and for a teamto be successful, everyone has to beresponsible for his/her own preparationand play during the game, or else theteam falters. Sound familiar? Have youever tried doing lodge work with peoplewho don't take things seriously or are

when the direct infusion of coffee was stillnot quite enough to completely engagemy brain. Then, an unusual poster caughtmy eye. It contained no photos or illustra-tions - only text in numerous fonts andsizes, all in black with the exception ofthree words: BE A PLAYER, which werein bold red. This was The Player Mani-festo, a promotional tool distributed byUSA Hockey that encapsulates a numberof concepts behind having the right atti-tude for a player. And, as we are all partof one team or another, I’d like to sharesome of my favorite ideas from thisteaching tool with all of you.

Wake Up - Chase Dreams!

Nurture the dreams that inspire youto go beyond your limits. Why are youhere? It’s a very basic question, but animportant one. I would hope that it is yourdesire to be a part of the team thatbrought you here in the first place. Somepeople dream of being hockey stars.Some dream of discovering the secrets ofFreemasonry. One thing is true, however.In the very beginning, none of us has aclue as to how to go about being a con-tributing part of the team. But we do havedreams, and those dreams instill in us avision of success. That’s important. Why?

I’m a hockey coach. Though I’mcertain many of you already know

that, I’d be willing to bet that there are afew who don’t. Still, it’s true. I am a card-carrying, USA Hockey-certified coach.Classes, clinics, continuing ed - yeah, Ido that; and over the next few issues ofThe Rite News, I’d like to share some ofthe interesting things that I’ve learnedalong the way both on the ice and behindthe bench. Don’t worry, I’m not going to“X and O” you to death. But I do think thatI’ve picked up some particularly intriguingconcepts in my time that you may be ableto put to good use.

First things first - in organized hockeyyou’ve got players and coaches. In myexperience, these two groups need eachother in order to be truly successful.Great players almost always had a coachthat was especially helpful to them atsome point in their careers. Greatcoaches are typically known for theirteams filled with talented players andtogether they experienced the thrill ofvictory. But think about this: what if youwere missing one, or even both sides ofthat equation? What happens if you’re aplayer without a coach, or a coach with-out players? Believe me when I say thatthere are things that you can easily dofrom both perspectives to make yourteam successful - player or coach, anyteam, on or off the ice.

The Player Manifesto

USA Hockey has adopted a methodol-ogy for teaching the game to youth. ThisAmerican Development Model (ADM)takes into account such things as thephysical and mental growth of playersthrough the various stages of develop-ment with regard to age and ability. It alsostresses the concept of team growth andcontributions to the group in order to pro-mote more successful team play. Thatmeans training players to have the rightattitudes to be contributing teammates. Ifirst encountered The Player Manifestoon the wall of a hockey rink in Its-Way-Too-Early-to-Be-Playing, Pennsylvania,

The Player Manifesto Part I



poorly prepared? Rough nights, huh?But I’ve also been part of those eveningswhen despite the preparation and con-centration, things just don’t go well. Apositive mental attitude is invaluablewhen you need to encourage a teammateor a Brother. A team that doesn’t take asetback to heart is already halfway to itsnext success, and that goes for individu-als, too. The positive attitude of a singleperson can often carry over to others anddrive the group forward in their vision ofsuccess.

Next time, we’ll pick up with somemore on-ice wisdom from coaching classthat hopefully, you’ll find useful in otheraspects of your lives. I know I enjoy shar-ing them, mainly because I know theywork. I’ve seen it. Now take a lap and getoff the ice before the zamboni guy runsus both over! v

D. Todd Ballenger, 33°, is a Past ThricePotent Master of the Lodge of Perfectionand an Assistant Coach for the South HillsAmateur Hockey Association (SHAHA)Panthers Bantam B team. A 10-year veteran of various adult

hockey leagues, he still loves the smell ofthe ice (yes, you can), the sound of skatesbeing sharpened, and wrapping stickblades and various injuries with hockeytape. You can read more from Bro. Ballenger

at his blog, The Luminosity of Souls(luminosityofsouls.blogspot.com).

Bro. & Coach Todd Ballenger with his son,Ian, who plays for the SHAHA Panthers.

Happy St. Patrick’s DayFriday, March 17



FRI. SAT. SUN. APRIL 7, 8, 9

68th AnniversaryShrine Circus

– TICKET ORDER –Check enclosed for Reserved seats at $17.00 each. Total Payment $ . (Select Performance Below!)

*** COMPLETE YOUR PERFORMANCE SELECTION ***Friday, April 7 Saturday, April 8 Sunday, April 9

7:00 p.m. seats 10:30 a.m. seats 2:00 p.m. seats2:30 p.m. seats7:00 p.m. seats

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Make checks payable to: SHRINE CIRCUS FUND1877 Shriners WayCheswick, PA 15024-1075

CREDIT CARDS NOW ACCEPTED (VISA) / (MASTERCARD) CIRCLE ONEName on Card: Card No. Expire Date: .

Seats assigned on first response basis. Tickets will be mailed approximately 2-3 weeks prior to event.Proceeds benefit Syria Shriners. Ticket purchases are not deductible as a charitable contribution.

ORDERTICKETSNOW!



as the revival of some old ones,are constantly being proposedand implemented.

One new event coming up isthe Masonic educational semi-nar on May 13, 2017.

The proposed speakers aretruly excellent. Good attendancewith feedback from attendeesgives the officers an idea of the

value of the program to the members andmay signal the renewal or cancellation ofthe event. The input from the members isessential to this and every other program;and the criticism must be both construc-tive and honest.

Tiris takes a form of commitment on thepart of the members; the commitment tobe both honest, as well as showing the re-spect one brother should have for anotherwhen criticizing.

It's really not so difficult. Attend themeetings and events as you are able. Becommitted enough to place some priorityon the Scottish Rite. If you like what yousee, talk it up; invite new Masons to joinand long-time members to reconnect. Ifyou don't like what you see, let us know.Be concerned enough to share your feel-ings about the Valley honestly. We valueyour opinion. v

In my last column. l dis-cussed what a treasure we

had here in the Valley of Pitts-burgh, as well as the importanceof participation in its events.

So, as I sat at my desk, wring-ing my hands in anxiety, tryingto come up with a topic for thiscolumn, I realized that in order tokeep the Valley moving forward,new ideas and new programs areneeded to propel this progress. Theseideas and programs usually come fromboth members and officers, committedmembers and committed officers.

So, the Valley needs not only partici-pation but also commitment. Not a com-mitment to attend every meeting orevery event, but, rather, a commitmentto try to improve the Valley in some way.Attendance is always good; attendanceand participation is better; attendance,participation and commitment to im-proves the Valley – BEST!

If you have an idea that you think mayimprove the Valley in some way, pleasedon't hesitate to talk to any of the men inwhite, yellow, red and blue hats. If theycan't help you, they certainly could redi-rect you to the right person. All ideashave value; and new programs, as well

Join us for a grandday of Charity Golf

and fellowship at the annual Valley ofPittsburgh Golf Outing benefiting theChildren’s Dyslexia Center.

The date is Saturday, June 10 at theButler’s Golf Course in Elizabeth, PA.

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. withplay beginning at 9:00 a.m. Player fee is$90 which includes a golfer's gift, bagservice, greens fees, cart, snack at theturn, lunch and awards.

For "non-golfers" wanting to attend thefellowship luncheon, the cost is $25.

We are limited to 120 Golfers, but un-limited as to Program Sponsorships orCharitable Donations in any amount.

The Children’s Dyslexia Center is theonly one of its kind in the Pittsburgh areaoffering FREE tutoring.

To continue this magnificent programwe must annually raise at least $125,000to cover material and educational ex-penses.

The Center opened in April 1999 andoffers a dynamic reading program at nocost to the students family.

This program has had many inspiringsuccess stories in bringing children, whocould not read, up to their reading gradelevel and beyond.

Currently there are 36 students en-rolled in the 28 week (during the schoolyear) reading learning program and along waiting list of children who can ben-efit from it.

The Center is also recognized byPenn State University as a student cur-riculum training program.

Please share this information withthose who might want to golf in thisevent, or be a financial Sponsor, ormake a Donation.

Complete the application form on page 20 and mail today!

Questions about sponsorships, pro-gram advertising, or general informa-tion?

Call Bro. David Morgans, Chairman, at412-939-3579 or call or email:

Donald Murphy, Secretary 412-939-3579

[email protected]

GOLFFor Dyslexia

Looking to the Future Part IIBy William J. Wiker, 32°, Sovereign Prince

Pennsylvania Council, Princes of Jerusalem

Please reserve show tickets (no charge). Enclosed is my check for $10 payable toLodge of Perfection for dinner tickets.Name Phone ( ) Mail to: GPMC, 3579 Masonic Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15237-2700

Dinner following performance (optional) $10.00

The Story of theCrucifixion

Palm Sunday, April 9 – Curtain Time 3:00 p.m.

The Valley of PittsburghGreater Pittsburgh Masonic Center

presents a free on stage production of the drama

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

Grand Master Presents Bro. William D. Johnston as DDGM of the 37th Masonic District

On January 18, Grand MasterRaymond T. Dietz presented

Bro. William D. Johnston as the new DistrictDeputy Grand Master of the 37th MasonicDistrict replacing Bro. William A. Moiseywho retired after serving five years asDDGM of the District.

Bro. Johnston was initiated into Freema-sonry in Crafton Lodge No. 653 on April 22,1988 and served as Worshipful Master in

1992.He became a

member of theYork Rite, joiningCrafton ChapterNo. 312 (now St.Clair Chapter No.300) in 1988 serv-ing as High Priestin 1993. He thenjoined AlleghenyCouncil No. 38serving a ThriceIllustrious Masterin 1997 - 98. He is

also a dual member of Zerubbabel-Duquesne Chapter No. 162 and also a dualmember of Mount Moriah Council No. 2. InCommandery, Bro. Johnston is a memberof Chartiers Commandery No. 78 and alsoPittsburgh Commandery No. 1. He was theEminent Commander in 1995-96 and iscurrently the Eminent Commander ofPittsburgh No. 1.

In Scottish Rite masonry, he joined theValley of Pittsburgh on November 12, 1988and served as the Sovereign Prince in1995-96. He has served on several com-mittees and is currently the Director ofWork.

He is a Charter Member of Hiram’sRiders Motorcycle Club, serving as Treas-urer. He was Coroneted a 33° Mason in2003 at St. Louis, MO.

Other masonic organizations to whichBro. Bill is a member of include: Chartermember of the Roland C. Fisher MarkLodge No. 401; Knights Masons, Gatewayto the West Council No. 5; Knights of theYork Cross of Honour, Keystone Priory No.26 where he is a Past Prior (2013-14);Red Cross of Constantine, United StatesPremier Conclave, serving as PuissantSovereign in 2010; the Royal Order ofScotland; Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Wa-cha-gree Forest No. 149; Syria Temple; Islam

serves on the Directors staff.Bro. Johnston in his remarks,

thanked the Grand Master for his confi-dence in him in appointing him as theDDGM of the 37th Masonic District, hiswife, Maggie, and his family who waspresent for his installation. He also toldthe district lodge brethren present, thathe was looking forward to working withthem in the coming months and years.

Following the presentation of Bro.Johnston, the Grand Master presentedthe outgoing District Deputy, Bro.William A. Moisey with his past deputyapron and jewel.

Bro. Moisey also thanked the Grand

Grotto; Scottish Rite Research Society;Joshua Association; The Royal ArchMason; Holy Royal Arch Knight TemplarPriests, Transfiguration Tabernacle XXIX -2010.

For the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania,he is a member of the Guest Committee,Principle Instructor of the PittsburghSchool of Instruction (2011-16) and nowDDGM of the 37th Masonic District (2016).

Bro. Johnston’s wife Maggie is his righthand helper with all themasonic organizations hebelongs to. They are alsothe proud parents of threechildren, Eric, Nathan,William, who are alsomembers of the Craft andactive in their BlueLodges. Bro. William G.Johnston, the oldest son,is a Past Master of Crafton- Guyasuta Lodge and aPast Thrice Potent Masterof the Valley of PittsburghLodge of Perfection, andcurrently 2nd LieutenantCommander of theConsistory. He also

Master and the Masters of the Lodges inthe 37th District for their loyal coopera-tion during his tenure as the DDGM.

We offer our congratulations andthanks to both ‘Bill’ and ‘Bill’ for theirservice to Freemasonry. v

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

Surprise Toast & Roast Party for DDGM William A. MoiseyA Photo Essay



Chickenpox is a highly contagiousairborne disease that is caused by

the varicella zoster virus, which is a formof herpes. It often starts with a fever inthe 101 – 102 degrees Fahrenheit range,sore throat, headache, or stomachache.Chickenpox is characterized by a red,itchy skin rash that usually starts on thechest, back, abdomen, or face and thenspreads to almost everywhere else on thebody. The rash begins as multiple smallred bumps that look like pimples. Theyusually appear in clusters over a 2-4 dayperiod. The red bumps then develop intothin-walled blisters that are filled with fluid.The blister walls eventually break whichleaves open skin lesions. The open skinlesions eventually crust over to form dry,brown colored scabs.

The chickenpox virus can be spread bydirect contact with the patient’s mucus,saliva, or fluid from the blisters as well asthrough the air via the patient’s cough orsneeze. The symptoms of chickenpoxappear 10-21 days after exposure to thevirus and usually resolve within a coupleof weeks. Chickenpox is contagious fromabout 2 days prior to the appearance ofthe rash up until all of the blisters havecrusted over (scab formation), typically a4-7 day process.

Chickenpox occurs worldwide. Before1995, approximately 4 million people inthe United States contracted chickenpoxeach year resulting in up to 150 deaths.The varicella vaccine became available in1995 and was administered as a one timevaccination. In 2006, a second “boosterdose” became standard medical practice.Since that time, the number of cases inthe United States has decreased bynearly 90%. With this regimen the chick-enpox vaccine is 99% effective at prevent-ing infection in kids.

Current recommendations are thatchildren receive the first vaccination atage 12-15 months and the secondbooster vaccination at age 4-6 years.People 13 years of age and older whohave never had chickenpox, or whohaven’t received the vaccination, shouldreceive the two vaccine doses at least

damage, and death in up to 20-40% ofaffected individuals. Antibiotics are notroutinely recommended but may berequired if the skin lesions becomeinfected by bacteria. Antiviral medicationssuch as acyclovir are not recommendedunless patients are immunocompromisedor have other medical conditions whichincrease their risk of developing complica-tions.

Chickenpox in adults is a more seriousinfection with increased morbidity andmortality due to pneumonia (viralpneumonia or secondary bacterialpneumonia), bronchitis (viral bronchitis orsecondary bacterial bronchitis), hepatitis,and encephalitis (brain inflammation).

Other rare complications includemyocarditis (inflammation of the heartmuscle) and glomerulonephritis (inflam-mation of the kidney’s filters or“glomeruli”). Chickenpox is generallymore severe in adult males as comparedto adult females or children. Varicella canbe fatal in adults with impaired immunitysuch as people with HIV infection orpeople requiring immunosuppressivemedications for conditions such as anorgan transplant or autoimmune diseases(lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’sdisease, or Sjogren’s syndrome). Treat-ment with antiviral medications (acycloviror valacyclovir) is generally advised foradults and should be started within 24-48hours from the onset of the rash. Medica-tions and remedies to ease the symptomsof chickenpox are basically the same asthose recommended for children. Afterrecovering from chickenpox, it is recom-mended that adults receive one injectionof varicella zoster virus immune globulinand one injection of either varicella vac-cine or herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine.

One subset of patients that requirespecial consideration is non-immunepregnant women which consists ofpregnant women who have never hadchickenpox or those who have neverreceived the varicella/chickenpox vaccina-tion. If a pregnant woman contractschickenpox within the first two trimesters(0-6 months), the greatest danger is to theunborn fetus. If chickenpox is contractedduring the third trimester (6-9 months), thegreatest danger is for the mother todevelop severe symptoms such as pneu-monia as previously outlined. Pregnantwomen who have developed immunity tochickenpox via previous infection or vacci-nation cannot become re-infected, and willtransfer the antibodies via the placenta tothe fetus which will protect the baby from

28 days apart to ensure adequate immu-nization.

It is thought that chickenpox originatedin Africa and subsequently spreadthroughout the world. The first descriptionof chickenpox was recorded by the Italianphysician Giovanni Filippo in the 1500’s.In the 1600’s English physician RichardMorton proposed that chickenpox andsmallpox were the same disease and thatchickenpox was just a milder form of thedisease. In 1767 English physicianWilliam Heberden discovered that chick-enpox and smallpox were separatediseases with distinct pathology.

In 1875 chickenpox was identified asbeing caused by an infectious agent. Itwasn’t until 1972 that Japanese virologistMichiaki Takahashi, who had trained atboth Baylor University in Texas andTemple University in Pennsylvania,isolated the virus and developed the firstchickenpox vaccine. This vaccine wasapproved for use in Japan and Korea in1988, and subsequently in the UnitedStates in 1995.

Chickenpox is usually a self-limiteddisease in healthy young children. Onecaveat is that infants from birth up toage 6 months should be kept away frominfected individuals for 10-21 dayssecondary to their immune systems notbeing adequately developed to handlethe stress of the disease. Treatment isusually aimed at relieving the itchiness,fever, and discomfort caused by thedisease. These treatments includefrequent cool or lukewarm baths usingoatmeal bath products, application ofcalamine lotion on itchy areas other thanthe face, oral antihistamine medicationsfor itching, application of pain relievingcreams to skin lesions in the genitalregion, and acetaminophen (Tylenol) forfever reduction and pain control. It isextremely important to never use aspirin,or aspirin containing products, in childrenwith chickenpox because of the risk indeveloping Reye’s Syndrome. Reye’sSyndrome is a rapidly progressiveencephalopathy that is associated withmultiple organ failure, permanent brain

Your HealthDr. Glenn D. Miller, II, 33°, Chairman

Valley of Pittsburgh Medical Committee

Chickenpox

Your HealthDr. Glenn D. Miller, II, 33°, Chairman

Valley of Pittsburgh Medical Committee



infection for the first few months of life.Varicella infection in a pregnant woman,especially if the infection occurs duringthe first 28 weeks of gestation, can lead tofetal varicella syndrome (congenital vari-cella syndrome). Potential effects on thefetus can be extremely severe and includeunderdeveloped fingers and toes, severeanal and bladder malformation, encephali-tis, microcephaly, hydrocephaly, aplasia ofthe brain, microphthalmia, cataracts, opticnerve atrophy, visual impairment, damageto the cervical and lumbosacral spinalcord, motor/sensory deficits, and Horner’ssyndrome. Additionally, maternal infectionis associated with premature delivery andlow birth weight. v

In the next issue of The Rite News wewill cover the topic of shingles, which isthe most common sequelae of chicken-pox.

King Solomon‘s Lodge No. 346invites you to the 20th

If you have never been to a Meeting In The Hills, do yourself a favor and get afew Masons together and head for the hills. You’ll not regret it! It’s a lot of fun.

It’s a great evening of fellowship and food attended by over 500masons. A delicious New York Strip Steak Dinner is served with all thefixin’s at 6:00 p.m. A brief meeting follows dinner. Then dessert!

Call Brother Alan R. Sandusky, PM, 724.628.4463 or 724.557.1441for tickets, questions, and directions or email him at:

[email protected]

MEETING IN THE HILLSFriday, June 16

Greater PittsburghMasonic Center

Sunday, May 14hor’s d’oeuvres

followed byBuffet Luncheonand EntertainmentCall 412-939-3579 for

Reservations.

Luncheon Buffet andEntertainment

Hiram’s Riders .30-30 Rifle WinnerBro. Mark Bliler, 33°, Co-Chairman

of Hiram’s Riders Fund RaisingRaffle for Charity, sold the winning ticketon the .30-30 Wildlife Tribute Rifle tofellow employee Jim Bick of Pittsburgh.The drawing, based on the PA Lottery,was held on December 19. vNew Gun Raffle for Charity

Drawing: PA Lottery 3 digit (1st) evening numberMonday, May 29, 2017 - 7:00 p.m.

Small Games of Chance License #16987. Must be 21 years of age to purchase.

Winner need not be present.

Questions? Call 412-576-5856

Colt .45 Competition Pistol* Dual spring recoil system* 2 colt magazines * Novak adjustable rear sights * Fiber optic front sights* Undercut trigger guard * Upswept beaver tail grip safety * Custom blue Colt logo G10 grips * Custom Masonic logo grips * 5 inch national match barrel

$10.00per ticket2 numbers

Mark Bliler presents rifle to Jim Beck

WERID

ETO

SU

PPORT MASONIC

CHARITIES

�

Buy A Ticket NOW!Enclosed is my check payable to Hiram’sRiders in the amount of $ fortickets for the Colt Competition Pistol.Name Address City State Zip Ph.

Mail to: Hiram’s Riders, GPMC, 3579 MasonicWay, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Include a self-ad-dressed, stamped envelope for return of tickets.



From the Desk of the Secretaryby Donald M. Murphy, 33°

The Scottish Rite 2016-2017 year is half com-

plete. So far we are having agreat year. We are seeing moremembers at our activities andmeetings. We are looking for-ward to our Spring Class.Excitement is building. We hada great fall class and are hoping forgood numbers this spring.

With only a few months to go beforethe June meeting we still have thepotential of suspending severalhundred members. This would bequite a blow to the organization. Welose many members to death eachyear but to lose many more to suspen-sion would definitely weaken theValley.

Perhaps some members do notrealize how the system works. In 2011Supreme Council started a new duescard system. Each member wasmailed a permanent plastic dues card. This card becomes valid each year

upon receipt of your annualdues. If you have misplacedthat gray plastic card we cansecure a new one to replacethe original.

Each year we mail at leastthree notices to those mem-bers who have not yet paid

their dues. After three notices you be-come delinquent in your dues. Again,it is your responsibility to respond tothese notices and make proper restitu-tion for the statement. If at the JuneStated Meeting you are two yearsbehind in your dues, the constitutionrequires that we suspend people whofind themselves in that circumstance.

If you have any questions regardingyour dues, please feel free to contactthe Valley office at 412-939-3579.

We cherish your friendship andmembership in the Scottish Rite, so ifyou happen to be in financial need,please call us so that we may be ofassistance with your concerns. v

Car Cruise

Benefits the PittsburghChildren’s Dyslexia Center

Mail by June 1, with check, to Charity Golf,3579 Masonic Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.Questions? Dave Morgans, 412-929-3579.

Name Address

City State

Zip Ph. ( ) Name Address

City State


City State


City State

Zip Ph. ( )

Enclosed is my check, payable to CharityGolf in the amount of $ for:

q Golf, $90 per golfer q Lunch Only, $25 per person

Registration: 8:00 a.m.

Play Begins: 9:00 a.m. Snack: 1:30 p.m.Fee: $90.00 per golfer.

Includes a golfer's gift,bag service, greens fee,cart, snack at turn,lunch, and door prizes.

Lunch Only: $25.00.

Valley of Pittsburgh CHARITY GOLFSaturday, June 10

Please print Golfers Names

Butler’s Golf Course800 Rock Run Road Elizabeth, PA 15037

Open to men, women and non-members.

- 2017 Registation Form -



FELLOWSHIP

GPMC

Last Saturday of the Month(except December)

Served by Ohio Valley Rainbow Girls

Pittsburgh DeMolay

per person$600

Buffet FeaturesScrambled Eggs, Sausage, Bacon

French Toast, Potatoes, Toast Milk, Coffee, Tea, Orange Juice

H All Masons and Guests

WELCOME!

H Groups & Parties

WELCOME!

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center

We are now at themid point of winter

and so far the snow hasstayed away. The weatherhas been fairly nice and I forone am looking forward toSpring.

I was sitting and watchingthe birds at my bird feedingarea and after I filled the three foodcontainers, I watched the birds. Ihave a fairly large seed containerthat the birds can take from, a couplesort containers and a bird seed stackthat they can peck at. I have watchedcardinals, bluejays and other birds aswell as a squirrel or two eat theseeds. I noticed that they get alongfairly well. They all eat from all theseeds. I also noticed as the seedsdisappear from one container thebirds don’t show up as much. and as

all the seeds are eaten andthe ground is cleared of theseeds they tend to fly offand go elsewhere till thenext time the feeders arefilled.

What has this to do withMasonry? Well, if we don’ttake care and see that our

members are taken care of they willsoon depart for fresher pastures.Over the years I have seen activeMasonic bodies lose their member-ship simply because they didn't taketime to care for their members. Fromtime to time they will attend a meet-ing but if they don’t see anything tokeep their interest they will soonleave. We took in a large class inOctober and it would be a shame tosee them leave because we didn’tcare for their needs.

We have another opportunity inthe spring to have another largeclass but we will have to get out andwork at it. We have an active mem-bership chairman and an activementoring committee. It behoovesall of us to roll up our selves and helpthem as much as we can. I lookforward to seeing a large class in thespring and having members of thelast class participate in our degreework as well as attending reunionsand other Valley activities. v

Spes Mea In Deo Est

We Have to Care for Each OtherBy Robert B. Malwitz, 32°, Most Wise MasterPittsburgh Chapter of Rose Croix

Hiram’sHideawaySATURDAY, AUGUST 5details in June issue of

The Rite News

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

SUMMER STAG PARTY

“Sounds like something Henry would say. Maybehe’s right. I probably am too proud. Stubborn even.I’ve hardly been able to look at Sarah.” He startedsobbing. “I wanted her to be proud of me, you know.It’s my job to take care of her, and I’ve failed. I’vebeen doing odd jobs – shoveling driveways, handy-man work – all winter long just to make a couple ofbucks. What kind of husband am I?”

“Look at me,” Dylan ordered. “You’re the best kindof husband, and the best kind of father becauseyou’re doing everything you can. Sarah isn’tashamed of you, she knows this is temporary. Sheloves you. That’s why she protected you earliertoday.”

“You’re too good to me, Dyl,” Carl said. He blewout a long breath. “I . . . I need help – short-termhelp. What do I do?”

“You just did it. You asked,” he replied. “Makesure you have a shirt pressed on Monday morning.I know I can get you something in my department.We’re expanding and haven’t even advertised yet.”

“How? I thought it was hard to get in there.”“It can be. But I have lunch with the CEO a couple

of days a month. Just the two of us.”“Seriously? How’d that happen?”“Long story. The short version is that I acciden-

tally sat at his table on my first day because I wasnervous and he had the only friendly face in theroom. Now we eat together when it works out.Weird, huh?”

“A little. I don’t know what to say, Dylan.”“Just say you’ll be ready to start on Monday when

I call you. And promise me that you’ll be back toLodge Monday night. Your brothers miss you.”

Carl took off his hat and ran his hands through hishair. He sat up straight, met Dylan’s eyes. “Thankyou. . .Brother,” was all he could manage throughthe tears.

“Not necessary,” he replied as he rose to go.“Listen, there’s one more thing you can do for me,”he added.

“Anything.”“One of those grocery bags has a couple of

juicy ribeyes and a bottle of wine in it. Grill those upfor you and Sarah tonight. Tell her you love her andthat it’s going to be okay.”

Carl engulfed him in a long, tight hug beforewalking Dylan to his car.

“They say that pride comes before the fall,” Carlsaid. “Mine came after the fall. I was too proud toget help. I am an idiot.”

“No, you’re not. You’re human. Now go start thegrill,” Dylan said before he drove away.

Carl stood and watched as Dylan’s car made itsway back to the road. Sarah came out and took himby the hand.

“Is everything okay?” she asked.“It will be,” he said, taking her in his arms. “It

definitely will be. v

Pride of LonershipContinued from page 11.


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Directing Dickens

When my friend Bill Roberts askedme to put down my thoughts

about directing the recent Ghost LightProductions offering, A Christmas Carol, ARadio Play by Philip Grecian, I very nearlyfell into the same trap that I did when Ipitched the treatment for the play to theproducers and took the director's chair atthe outset of the project. I mean to say, Ireally didn't consider all of the aspects ofwhat I would like to write about prior tosaying, "Sure, Bill, I can do that. No prob-lem." And truthfully, it's not a problem.What is typical is that it is very easy tounderestimate the scope of a writingassignment, just like it is to underestimatethe duties and responsibilities that areattached to piloting a show through thewaters of production all the way to per-formance.

So here is your own personal peekbehind the scenes of a real stageproduction - a moment or two in thedirector's chair, so to speak. Hopefully, itwill give you an idea of the efforts andcamaraderie of those both seen andunseen who work for months to bring youseventy-five minutes of distraction.

As with most things, directing beginswith an idea - a vision. Having seen dra-matic readings of Mr. Dickens' classic andeven been a part of the cast of a radioplay version of the story, I thought it wouldbe an ideal piece for a holiday perform-ance. The story was familiar, but the pres-entation in the form of a 1940's radioproduction with on-stage music and soundeffects was just the thing to set our showapart from other productions. Picking thescript and pitching the idea was the easypart. The real fun was about to begin.

Talking to GirlsThere were several interesting points

that made this version of A ChristmasCarol special, but the one that comesimmediately to mind was the fact thatfor the first time, our Ghost Light com-pany actually had to talk to girls. That'sright - real females; and not just one,either. Four very talented female ac-tors helped bring Dickens to our stage.I must admit that after years of workingin the all-male casts for the Valley ofPittsburgh, it was a bit odd to share thestage with actresses. That's odd in agood way, mind you. It was refreshingto be able to portray a story in an envi-ronment more reflective of what wesee every day - a diversity of people,

Studios in the 1930's and are still usedtoday in modern film-making. Don't misun-derstand, the actors working the sound ef-fects weren't difficult, but mixingvoice-acting talent with live-action effectsin front of an audience was somethingvery different on our stage. Believe me, itwas a treat to witness all the different at-mospherics come to life in real time! And ifthat weren't enough, the majority of themusic in the production was performedlive on the same stage - an incredibletreat for both the eyes and the ears!

These are just a few of the more excit-ing aspects of directing my first produc-tion, and I couldn't be happier with theresults. If you happened to miss it, thenhopefully you'll make yourselves availablefor the next Ghost Light production com-ing to the stage on May 19 and 20.

We have an incredibly talented groupof people working behind the scenes tobring a different kind of entertainment toyou all - different themes, different genres,and different twists on stories designed tolet you enjoy something familiar in abrand-new way. That's what happened tome; and I'll tell you now, I had a Dickensof a time doing it. v

voices, and attitudes that aren't necessarilydriven by adrenaline and testosterone.

Multiple PersonalitiesThis diversity of people, however, didn't

stop with the personality of each individualactor. Oh no, that would be entirely tooeasy. Another unique facet of directingDickens for Ghost Light was the premise ofour production. Though the story is familiarto most, our staging had Mr. Scrooge'sclassic tale presented by a group of actorsin a 1940's radio studio, performing an on-air play. That’s right: a play within a play.Use your imagination and picture yourselfsitting in the living room in front of yourPhilco radio console listening to the voicescoming from the speaker painting a pictureof old Victorian London with the sights andsounds of the day filling your head as thestory unfolds. What this play presented wasa peek inside the studio with all the actorsplaying, well, actors. And an enormouschallenge for the actors was the task ofportraying anywhere from three to six dis-tinct characters each within the drama.Watching these actors bring the charactersin Dickens' world to life and helping to moldthem for a live audience was pure magic.

Dancing with MyselfThe last really unique part of A Christ-

mas Carol was working with what mayhave been the most complicated membersof the cast. If you think acting with yourvoice can be difficult, then consider the twoFoley artists in the play, who were giventhe task of bringing all of the sound effectsto life. Just as the other actors were doingtheir vocal gymnastics to bring differentcharacters to the stage, these two actorswere dancing dervishes of arms, legs,hands, feet, knees, and elbows makingthe sounds of the world come alive! Tocatch everyone up, the art of Foley refersto manually-produced sound effects onstage or screen. They are named for JackFoley, a sound-effects pioneer at Universal

Foley Artists, David Morgans, assisted byMegan Leary, provided the sound effects.

By D. Todd Ballenger, 33°

Spring Class 2017Conferral Schedule

Friday Evening April, 21, 20175:00 Registration & Dinner6:00 Welcome by Thrice Potent

Master, Declaration of Principles, Communication of 5th

thru 10th and 12th thru 13th Degrees.6:10 4th Degree Ceremonial 6:20 4th Degree DVD7:00 11th Degree8:00 Degree – DVD (Possible)8:30 14th Degree

Saturday Morning April 22, 20178:00 Coffee and Donuts9:00 16th Degree10:15 Class Picture10:45 18th Degree

12:00 LunchSaturday Afternoon April 22, 2017

1:00 Communication of 19th thru 23rdand 25th thru 31st Degrees

1:10 24th Degree Speaker-Secretary

2:15 Degree – DVD (Possible)2:45 32nd Degree3:45 Official Reception

Speaker-Hospitaler4:15 Dinner

Loretta Fitzgerald Helen Kennedy B.J. Manzinger Emily Albeck Betty Jonosy Virginia Baker

Mildred Huntsman

Betty Morris

Betty Nolf

Dottie DeWeese

Rose Verzella

On Wednesday, February 15,the Wm. Slater II Master

Mason’s Club sponsored the 10thAnnual Enchanted Evening for 104ladies residing in the Star PointsPersonal Care and the SturgeonHealth Care Center communities.

Ladies from both areas receiveda beautiful invitation for the specialnight out. One week before theevent, the ladies were given theopportunity to shop for their formalevening wear from four portableclothing racks of evening gowns,party dresses, and pants suits.

After a visit to the beauty shop,they were assisted with makeupand jewelry by Retirement Living“primpers.”

After receiving their beautifulcorsage and their photo taken, theywere escorted to dinner by RainbowYouth Members, DeMolay, and

Master Mason Club Members.Donna and Mark Groom provided

music while the ladies enjoyed anelegant meal of Lobster Tail & FiletMignon prepared by our own MVSFood Service Staff. Corsages andFloral Decorations were providedBy Taunia.

R.W. Grand Master Raymond T.Dietz was the featured speaker,and his lady Lynn. Other specialguests were District Deputy GrandMaster William D. Johnston, andhis lady Margaret, Beth Bossert,COO of Health Care Services at theMasonic Village at Elizabethtown,Tracy Leja, Assistant ExecutiveDirector of the Masonic Village atSewickley, and Michal Lea andErica Pryor, sisters of the late DavidP. Rihl, P.M., Co-Founder of theEnchanted Evening event.

While the ladies dined on Surf “n”

Turf, men from Personal Care andHealth Care Communities enjoyed“Beer & Pizza, Black-Jack Poker,and a Dog Racing Game on the BigScreen T.V. in the P.C. dining area.

This wonderful evening for allof our residents would not havebeen possible without the generousfinancial support from MasonicLodges, Eastern Star Chapters,Valley of Pittsburgh and Valley ofNew Castle Scottish Rite, Wm.Slater Master Mason’s Club, MVSRetirement Residents, Relativesand Friends of the Masonic Village.

A special recognition goes out tothe dedicated staff members andvolunteers who contribute theirun-tiring effort in making this specialTENTH ANNUAL “ENCHANTEDEVENING” a huge success for ourresidents. v

The 10th Enchanted Even

Janet Burland Margie Gleichert Arlene McKrell Shirley Tomb Cheryl Hart Esther Slemenda

Liz Baltzer

Marian Lippert

Miriam Bennett

Lois Nelson

Donna Stevens

ing at the Masonic Village

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FRIENDSHelen AbramsElizabeth B. AllynLuella BarlettSally BrownSarah H. BrownRonald & Pamela CharlesMary EricksonRita EtterJohn H. FergusonPaul & Joanna FittingWilliam & Mary GassmanEric & Brenda GrossJohn & Patricia GrubbPhoebe J. HarringtonGary & Carol HartmanJ. Richard HaysKathy M. HenkelDeane HillegassLois HoltMary J. KnoxGerald W. KylerJames & Michal LeaRobert & Jean LenhardtL. Sherwood LennartsonRoger M. LewisRalph R. MamayRobert MarionThomas & Ruth MasonRonald & Jane McKenzieJim McMahonVirginia McMullanLeslie Eugene MendenhallKenneth & Audrey MenkeTracy & Sandra MillerWilliam & Marlene MoiseyIsabel MooreWilliam E. NelsonNan R. NorrisWilliam W. PetersHugh L. PollonCharles W. PryorJosephine PusateriJerrold E. RobertsMary SardelloJohn & Lou SeifarthHenry ShockeyThomas & Sarah St. ClairErnest & Margie StangerNick & Madeline TisakAnne M. WalkoTimothy C. WatsonMarvin WedeenWilliam & Phyllis WeissWill & Lynn WhiteCharles & Barbara Wright

Kittanning No. 277Latrobe No. 221Morris No. 14New Bethlehem No. 230Parker City No. 60Sewickley No. 439Springdale No. 453Stoneboro No. 110Uniontown No. 263Woodlawn No. 164Zellienople No. 485

OTHERIslam GrottoMVS Advisory CouncilMVS Retirement LivingSyria ShrineValley of New CastleValley of PittsburghWm. Slater Master Masons Club

BLUE LODGESAmbridge No. 701Apollo No. 437Avalon No. 657Butler No. 272Centennial LaFayette 544Chartiers No. 297Corinthian No. 573Crawford No. 234Dallas No. 231Doric No. 630Duquesne/McKeesport No. 731East McKeesport No. 765Eureka No. 290Franklin/St. John’s/Trinity No. 221Hebron No. 575Henry Phillips No. 337Homestead-Amity-McCandless No. 582King Solomon’s No. 346Lake No. 434Laurel No. 65Lodge 451Lodge of the Craft No. 433Loyalhanna No. 275William H. Miller No. 769Monaca No. 791Myrtle No 316North Hills No. 716North Star No. 241Oakdale No. 669Oasis 416Olive Temple No. 557Parian No. 662Plum Creek-Monroeville No. 799Rochester No. 229Shenango No. 810Stephen Bayard No. 526St. James No. 457Sunset No. 623Washington 164Youghiogheny No. 583

ORDER OF THEEASTERN STARAnna L. Windolph No. 495Apollo No. 125Bedford Springs No. 41Century No. 100Chartiers No. 97Connellsville No. 247Corinth No. 229Ellwood City No. 212Farrell No. 156Golden Crown No. 44Irwin No. 400Jephthah No. 73

The Donors Who Made It Possible! Thanks!

Tracy H. Miller, P.M.Co-Founder

In Memory of David Rihl, P.M.Co-Founder

Grand Master Raymond T. Dietz assisted guitarist DeeDee Evans in entertaining the ladies while they werewaiting to be escorted to the dining room.



T.T.G.O.T.G.A.O.T.U.Thursday, April 6, 2017

7:00 p.m.

STATED MEETINGOF THE FOUR

COORDINATE BODIES

A Stated Meeting of the Four Coordi-nate Bodies of the Ancient AcceptedScottish Rite of Freemasonry in theValley of Pittsburgh, PA will be heldat the Greater Pittsburgh MasonicCenter on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at7:00 p.m. Business will be transacted in theLodge of Perfection 14°; Council ofPrinces of Jerusalem 16°, Chapter ofRose Croix 18° and Consistory 32°.Officers of the Gourgas Lodge ofPerfection will preside.

4th Stated Meetingof the 2016 - 2017 Scottish Rite Year

H Ladies & Children Invited

H Entertainment following dinner

H Enjoy a Fellowship Dinnerbefore the meeting!

$10.00Served from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Please make Reservations 412-939-3579

David W. Morgans, 33°Commander-in-ChiefRobert B. Malwitz, 32°Most Wise Master

William J. Wiker, 32°Sovereign Prince

Sam H. Jessee, 32°Thrice Potent Master

ATTEST:Donald M. Murphy, 33°

Secretary

MYSTERY’S MOST WANTED

presents

An Evening of Comedy, Mystery & Dinner

Thursday, April 6Valley of Pittsburgh AASR

Stated Meeting

[email protected] for reservations or call 412-939-3579Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for DinnerShow starts promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Amajor project recently beganbehind the Masonic Center that

will expand the usable acreage of theGPMC campus as well as generaterevenue for the facility.

For the past several years, theGPMC Board of Directors has beenworking with a major construction com-pany on a project that would benefitboth organizations.

The construction company has sev-eral large-scale projects in the regionunderway as well as additional projectsscheduled for the next several years.

The GPMC has contracted with the

company to provide a location for theclean fill dirt excavated from thoseprojects.

The construction company will soonbegin the placement of excavated fillfrom their projects in an engineeredmanner that will ensure their stabilityand the construction worthiness of theacreage gained by the Masonic Cen-ter.

The company will also pay the Ma-sonic Center a fee per cubic ton of soildeposited on the property. Steps havebeen taken to protect the African-American cemetery located alongCemetery Lane, as well as remediaterainwater runoff during the clearing andconstruction process.

The Masonic Center leadership isalso in talks with the construction com-pany regarding the development of anamphitheater as part of the project. Ifyou have questions regarding the proj-ect, contact the office at 412-931-1996.

Inside the Masonic Center, a teamof volunteers has taken significant

steps forward in the documentationand preservation of the museum andlibrary collection. This long-term proj-ect is already underway with thedocumentation of items currently ondisplay in the cases along the libraryhallway.

In the coming weeks, the museumcases will continue to be catalogued,cleaned and cleared in anticipation ofa series of thematic museum-qualityexhibits to rotate every 6-8 months. Inaddition, the Museum & Library teamis documenting the artwork and pho-tography which previously hung in the

hallways of the Center with the intentto rehang them in an organized man-ner including text panels with informa-tion on each displayed artwork.

If you have any questions aboutthe Museum & Library project, or areinterested in volunteering, pleaseemail Mike Marcus, at [email protected] v



Changes are underway both insideand outside at the GPMC

By Mike MarcusGreater Pittsburgh Masonic Center Fund Society

Robert Schwanbeck from Dallas Lodgeworks on cataloging museum piecesduring a recent Museum work day. Thenext Museum & Library work day isscheduled for Sunday, March 12).

The annual Valley of Pittsburgh Baseball outing at PNC Park.

Friday, June 16, 2017

$55.00 includesH Box Seat for the game.

H Tailgate party begins at 5:30 p.m. at PNC Park parkinglot.

Questions? - 412-939-3579

Baseball Ticket OrderEnclosed is my check payable to Gourgas Lodgeof Perfection for $ for tickets tothe baseball game at PNC Park on Friday, June16, 2017 at 7:05 p.m.Name

Phone ( ) Mail to: GPMC, 3579 Masonic Way, Pgh. PA 15237Please include a stamped, self-addressed #10envelope for return of game tickets and directionsto the tail gate party.

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE!

Don’t be disappointed, order early!

It’s A Baseball Nightat the Ball Yard!

Pirates vs Cubs



Rates include all port charges, government fees and taxes. No air or transfersare included in the above rates. Air will be available by August. Added bonus: Each person will a receive a drink package consisting of 12beverages in bars, restaurants, and includes, wine by the glass, beers, non-premium spirits and cocktails, soft drinks, mineral water and hot drinks.Deposit is required at time of booking of $250.00 per person with final pay-ment due Oct 02, 2017.A valid passport is required for travel.To make reservations, call ALL SEASONS TRAVEL and ask for the Valley of Pittsburgh Caribbean Cruise. 800-435-1077 or 724-483-7989.

JANUARY 6 - 13, 2018SAILING ABOARD

CRUISES - SEASIDECruising to:

ST. MAARTEN, SAN JUANand NASSAU

Valley of Pittsburgh Caribbean Cruise

This ultra modern ship is designed for warm weather and puts you closerto the Caribbean sea than ever before. With the most interactive aquaparkat sea, an open air promenade, beach like condos and more, you will wantto be on "the ship that follows the sun".

Per person price based on double occupancy

Cruise Only Rates: Early Bird Pricing Until May 01, 2017 Inside Cabin. . . . .$649.93 per personOutside Cabin . . .On Request Only

Balcony Cabin. . . $949.93 per person

Prices subject to change.

Call 800-435-1077

BOOKNOW!

Celebration ofEducation DinnerThursday, May 25 - 6:00 p.m.Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center

$25.00 per person

Make check payable and mail to:Lodge of Perfection

GPMC, 3579 Masonic WayPittsburgh, PA 15237 (tickets held at door)

The Celebration of Education Dinnerfeatures distribution of Abbott Scholar-

ships to high school and college applicantsfrom Scottish Rite families. Applications areavailable from the Valley office (412-939-3579) or on line at: www.scottishritenmj.org(click on philanthropy and scroll down toAbbott Scholarships and ‘click here’) Mailtwo copies to the Valley office at 3579 Ma-sonic Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. The dead-line for submission of applications is April 3.

The four Valley presiding officers will alsoselect four Masons (not necessarily membersof the Valley) who will be recognized as theideal Family Man – living by the principlestaught in the Scottish Rite.

Additionally, two grants will be presentedto Rainbow members and two grants toDeMolay members to attend leadershipconferences to be held in the summer.

Applications for these grants are availablethru Youth Leaders and must be submitted byApril 3.

The evening of student recognitions, andfamily life, celebrates masonic values, andreinforces individual commitment to thefamily. v


Former Smithfield Street Bridge Canopy Clock Now a Coffee Tableat the Masonic Village at Sewickley


When the Pittsburgh and Lake ErieRailroad (P&LE) Station was run-

ning over 80 passenger trains a day fromthe station at the southern end of theSmithfield Street (now the Grand Con-course Restaurant) an elaborate hand-some structure across the bridgeprotected people from weather as theycame and went by trolley. Embeddedwithin the canopy was a large clock.

Years later, the P&LE announced theproposed demolition of the structure and

a coffee table. However, he was never ableto confirm that, but visitors to a house inSewickley spoke of it.

On a recent visit to see Bro. D. WilliamRoberts, at the Masonic Village in Sewick-ley, Mr. Ziegler was pleasantly surprised tofind the clock coffee table in the lobby of theClub House of the Masonic complex. “Weare very happy to see that the clock is amajor feature and located in a good publicspace that visitors can see.”

Following the removal of the clock from

Arthur Ziegler, president of PittsburghHistory and Landmarks Foundation(PHLF), called the then president of therailroad, Curtis D. Burford, and asked thatit not be taken down. The president ofthe railroad's response was: “we want tobe part of the new Pittsburgh.”

The canopy over the Smithfield StreetBridge was removed in July 1967, andalong with it, the clock.

Years later, Mr. Ziegler heard that theclock itself had been saved and made into

the Smithfield St. Bridge canopy in July1967, it was placed in storage. Someyears later, Mr. Henry ‘Hank’ Allyn, whowas president of P&LE from 1969 - 1982,was taken by surprise when P&LE, inrecognition of his service, asked if he wouldlike to have the clock which had beentransformed into a table. After some furthermodiification, it became a beautiful coffeetable in his home, and as a personal touch,Mr. Allyn added a model train to its center.

In 2005, the Allyns moved into a Villa at

the Masonic Village and the clock camewith them. Mr. Allyn passed away in De-cember 2006. His wife, Betsy, had theclock appraised, but did not like the idea itwould end up some place strange, so shedonated it to the Masonic Village atSewickley. (April 11, 2011)

The clock is now displayed in the lobbyof the Clubhouse where residents gatherwith friends and family. Running on elec-tricity, it still keeps accurate time. If thepower goes out, however, staff have towait until the next day, at the exact sametime of the power outage, to restart it.

The clock weighs about 1,500 lbs.,including a 700 lb. glass face (the largestsingle piece built by Pittsburgh PlateGlass Company (PPG) at that time. v

Note of Interest: Brother D. William Roberts,Editor of The Rite News, serves on the Boardof Directors of the Landmarks DevelopmentCorp., a division of the Pittsburgh History andLandmarks Foundation.

See Page 6 for details



CALENDAR Masonic & Other Events 2017

GPMC - Greater Pittsburgh Masonic CenterMVS - Masonic Village at Sewickley MVE - Masonic Village at ElizabethtownMARCH 2017

12 - Daylight Savings Time Begins23 - Lunch & Learn - MVS - 412-749-686225 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC28 - High 12 Luncheon - MVS

APRIL 201706 - VALLEY STATED MEETING - GPMC07, 08, 09 - Shrine Circus, PPG Paints Arena09 - Story of the Crucifixion - GPMC13 - Lent ends15 - Shrine Bunny Bash21, 22 - Valley Spring Class - GPMC25 - High 12 Luncheon - MVS29 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC

MAY 201713 - Education Seminar - GPMC14 - Mothers Day Lunch Clebration - GPMC17 - Lunch & Learn - MVS - 412-749-686219, 20 - Ghost Light Theatre production GPMC25 - Scholarship/Awards Night - GPMC23 - High 12 Luncheon - MVS27 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC

JUNE 201701 - VALLEY STATED MEETING - GPMC04 - Classic Car Club Cruise - 11 a.m. GPMC10 - Valley Golf Outing - Butler Golf Course16 - Pirates vs Chicago Cubs - PNC Park16 - Meeting in the Hills, Dawson, PA17 - Shrine Gun Bash21 - Lunch & Learn - MVS - 412-749-686227 - High 12 Luncheon - MVS30 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC

JULY 201714 - Washington Wild Things Baseball22 - GPMC All Masonic Bodies Picnic25 - High 12 Luncheon - MVS29 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC30 - Blue Ride - Washington, PA

AUGUST 201704 - Masonic Day at Kennywood05 - Hiram’s Hideaway Stag - Wonderlings09 - Lunch & Learn - MVS - 412-749-686222 - High 12 Luncheon - MVS26 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC27, 28, 29 - Supreme Council Annual Meeting

Rochester, NY

SEPTEMBER 201702 - Hiram’s Riders Gun Bash - GPMC07 - VALLEY STATED MEETING - GPMC10 - Classic Car Club Cruise - 11 a.m. GPMC23 - One-Day Class26 - High 12 Luncheon - MVS30 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC

OCTOBER 201707 - Community Festival - MVS14 - Autumn Day - Elizabethtown24 - High 12 Luncheon - MVS27 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC

NOVEMBER 201702 - VALLEY STATED MEETING - GPMC25 - Fellowship Breakfast - GPMC28 - High 12 Luncheon - MVS

DECEMBER 201702 - Valley Christmas Party08 - Grand Lodge Quarterly - Philadelphia09 - Children’s Christmas Party - GPMC16 - Hiram’s Riders Christmas Party - GPMC26, 27, 28 - Grand Lodge Annual Meeting -

Installation of Brother S. EugeneHerritt, 33° as R. W. Grand Master - Hershey Convention Center

Schedule updated monthly: www.valleyofpittsburgh.org

DON’T FORGET THE BLUE RIDESponsored By

Washington LodgeNo. 164

andBlue Knights

PA Chapter XVISUNDAY, JULY 30

This is the Fourteenth Annual Charity Motorcycle Run. Proceeds fromthe run will be divided between the two organizations, and used tosupport area charities. Registration will be at North Strabane Twp. Volunteer Fire Departmenton Rt. 19 Canonsburg, PA from 9 am to 11 am, and will departpromptly at 11:30 am. Cost for the ride is $25.00 single, and $35.00double.

Pre-Registration preferred by July 20, 2017.Cost for Pre-Registered riders is $20.00 single and $30.00 double.

Make Checks Payable to: “Blue Ride Fund”Send to: PO Box 422, Eighty Four, PA 15330

Need More Information or a

Pre-Registration Form?Contact Br0. Richards:

[email protected]

724-263-6218SUNDAY, JULY 30

Norman E. Flaherty, 33°the official Irishman of

Pittsburgh and Freemasonry sez:

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Friday, March 17

May your pockets be heavyand your heart be light,May good luck persue you

each day & night!

D. William Roberts, 33°, [email protected] - 412-576-5856

The Rite News magazine is the official publication of the Valley ofPittsburgh, AASR, District of Pennsylvania, Northern MasonicJurisdiction, USA. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s). In-formation is obtained from correspondence, press releases, Masonicpublications and miscellaneous sources, which in many cases, can-not be verified. Published four times a year. Copyright© 2017, Valley of Pittsburgh, 3579 Masonic Way, Pgh, PA,15237. 412-939-3579. [email protected]

THE RITE NEWSVOL. XXVI NO. 3 March 2017

D. Todd Ballenger, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FeaturesDr. Glenn D. Miller, II, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . .ColumnistRev. John M. Piper, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ColumnistP.J. Roup, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ColumnistAustin R. Shifrin, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ColumnistJeffrey M. Wonderling, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . ColumnistMark E. Bliler, 33° . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proof Reader Kenneth B. Brooks, 32° . . . . . . . . . . . Photographer

Greetings, Brethren!

It is a new year, which means somenew things coming to the membership

of the Valley, and also a return to some ofthe old ones.

Last year saw a cancellation of theSpring and Fall Classes, with the One DayMasonic Journey. The number of newScottish Rite Masons initiated that day willbe impossible to duplicate, but that should-n’t really be our focus. Since they havejoined, many of our new brothers have at-tended events such as the Gala, the Four-teenth Degree Exemplification, and evenour Stated Meetings. I believe many haveenjoyed their first experiences and areeager to get involved in the workings of theValley. We need to be there as members toinvite and encourage them to participate.Making them feel welcome in the Valleyand find profit in their membership will en-courage them to spread the word in theirBlue Lodges and speak well of the Rite.Hopefully, their good experiences will makethem good ambassadors for the Valley. Wewill be having a traditional Spring Class onApril 21-22.

We will be conferring the usual line offi-cer degrees, 14th, 16th, 18th & 32nd, butwe will also be conferring the 11th and 24thdegrees, which haven’t been presentedsince 2010-11. Many of these will be thefirst degrees our new brethren have seenin the Valley, and it will definitely be theirfirst experience with a reunion weekend. Ihave been reaching out to many of ournew brethren and trying to get them in-volved on stage. I should mention thateven if you’ve never seen a degree, youstill get everything out of it by being in it,perhaps even more. If we all waited untilwe saw every degree to participate, manyof our cast members wouldn’t be involvednow. That also goes for the Story of theCrucifixion, which is taking place on PalmSunday, April 9th. This event is open to thepublic, so friends and family can see yourparticipation on stage. If you are interestedin getting involved in the degree work, orany aspect of the Valley, please do nothesitate to reach out. I will put my contactinformation at the end of this message.

We are bringing back our Mother’s DayLuncheon this year. Ghostlight TheatreCompany will be having another productionthis May. The annual Celebration of Educa-tion Dinner and Charity Golf Outing areboth returning this year. Details for all ofthese events will be found in this issue, aswell as subsequent issues and electronic

media as well. I will also be organizing some social

events outside of the Valley to promotefellowship and fraternity between the mem-bers of the Valley, and to increase publicawareness of the fraternity. We all grow ourfriendships when participating in Valleyactivities and functions, but sometimesthey leave only enough time to take care ofthe business aspect of things. We need tohave more times out having fun with ourbrethren and their families. Just meetingfor a beer, a cigar, to play a game of cards,or simply to shoot the breeze helps to ce-ment our bonds of brotherly love. Look for

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u M u E u M u B u E u R u S u H u I u P uWilliam G. Johnston, 32°Membership Chairman

information about these events coming byway of email and the Valley website andFacebook pages. If you are on Facebook,but are not following the Valley page,please do so. If your email address orphone number is not current with the Valleydatabase, please contact the office at (412)939-3579 or [email protected] are working on an outreach programto all of our members, and its successdepends on current contact information.

I look forward to seeing, meeting andworking with you all to make the Valleyof Pittsburgh the best in the NorthernMasonic Jurisdiction! v

[email protected](412) 977-3714

Valley of PittsburghGOURGAS LODGE OF PERFECTION Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center3579 Masonic WayPittsburgh, PA 15237-2700Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of FreemasonryNorthern Masonic Jurisdiction, USAInstituted 20 January 1852Office Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Phone: 412-939-3579 Fax: 412-939-0560 Web: www.valleyofpittsburgh.org E-mail: [email protected]

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGREENSBURG, PAPERMIT NO. 1234

Join us for a Lunch & Learn Wednesday, August 12

RETIREMENT LIVING CLUBHOUSE

www.masonicvillages.org | 1000 Masonic Drive, Sewickley, PA | Open for Everyone. | Masonic Villages on Facebook

Call to RSVP by August 5:412-749-6862

smooth, coolsenior living minutes from

See Events Calendar on page 30 for 2017 dates

Call 412-749-6862

Documents

165 Years of Scottish Rite Masonry in Pittsburghfiles.constantcontact.com/ca5a5f59201/9d842cce-aa79-44fc-9bbb-5… · Year. Take time to enjoy this wonderful Fraternity and at the