TheScottish RiteBULLETIN

Brethren,Now having celebrated the birth of

our Lord, and a New Year being with us, staying warm can be a challenge at times. As Scottish Rite Masons we should all turn our attention to the upcoming activities of t he Va l ley of Wi l l ia m spor t, part icularly the Feast of the Paschal Lamb that takes place on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 3:00 P.M. in the Howard Memorial Cathedral. The Chapter of Rose Croix coordinates this ceremony, which celebrates and honors the lives of those Scottish Rite Masons who have passed away since the last Feast of the Paschal Lamb. This ceremony provides an opportunity for members, widows, and friends of members to celebrate their lives. It is of the utmost importance that these brothers be recognized for their dedication to our fraternity. This also provides for the family and friends alike a glimpse of our fraternity and how we also cherish and honor their memory.

The widows and families of all Scottish Rite members who have passed away this past year have been sent an invitation to attend this ceremony. If any of the brethren know a widow who would like to attend but does not have the means to make the journey, please advise us and we shall do all in our power to try and make it happen for her. Remember always brethren that beside every Scottish Rite Mason in most cases there was a very good woman to help, aid, and assist him along the way (we owe our ladies a lot!).

The ritual of the Feast of the Paschal Lamb is under the guidance of the Chapter of Rose Croix Senior Warden, Bro. Robert E. Saul. He is the Celebration Director and has put together an outstanding cast. The officers of Rose Croix and many members consider this to be one of the most beautiful rituals in the Scottish Rite. Any member of the Valley of Williamsport that would like to witness this ritual, please plan to attend this ceremony and honor our deceased brothers.

Much is happening in our fraternity, and as members and officers of the Valley of Williamsport we must make every effort that we can to support it.

We have our Spring Class approaching in April and I urge you to talk to your brothers in your Blue Lodges and invite them to be a part of Scottish Rite Masonry. Also, to the newly-made Scottish Rite Masons from our Fall Class or any previous classes, we invite you to become active with us. If you have the time to invest we would like the opportunity to include the work of Scottish Rite Masonry in your Masonic journey. Finally, I would like to thank everyone who allowed me the privilege and honor to serve as Most Wise Master of the Williamsport Chapter of Rose Croix.

Fraternally, John L. Debo, Jr., 32° Most Wise Master

Bro. John L. Debo, Jr., 32º

PUBLISHED BY THE VALLEY OF WILLIAMSPORT, PA March 2015

© Valley of Williamsport, A.A.S.R. P.O. Box 1032 Williamsport, PA 17703 (570)323-6194

A Message from the Most Wise Master

VALLEY WEBSITEwww.williamsportscottishrite.org

If for whatever reason you do not get your bulletin on time, please go to the website. The bulletin is always posted on the Publications page of the website as soon as it is finalized, even before it is printed. We are also on Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo, and Pinterest!

2

DEAR BROTHER:

By order of

Ill. Kenneth W. McClintock, 33° Charles T. S. Ricketts, 32°

Commander-in-Chief Secretary

NOTICE OF STATED MEETING

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015

at 7:30 P.M., E.S.T.

or the transaction of such business as may be regularly presented. A cordial and fraternal invitation is extended

to all members of the Rite duly accredited. The Lodge of Perfection will be the greeters and offer the invocation

at dinner. This is a “Stag Night” so only members are invited to attend dinner at 6:30 P.M. for which tickets are

now available. We will be showing the 29° on DVD during the meeting, so come out and enjoy the show.

DINNER RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015!

IF YOU MAKE A RESERVATION AND THEN CANNOT ATTEND THE DINNER, YOU MUST CANCEL YOUR

RESERVATION BEFORE MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015, OR YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR YOUR MEAL.

The Grand Architect of the Universehas received into his presence:

In Memoriam

A Consistory Only Stated Meeting of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the

Valley of Williamsport will be held in the Howard Memorial Cathedral on

MENU: Stuffed Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Buttered Peas, Dinner Salad, Baked

Alaska Dessert (sugar-free desserts available upon request when made with reservation).

Ill. Keith R. Tressler, 33º

Commander-in-Chief

Stephen M. Wertz, 32º

Secretary

Edward C. Ray 1-31-2015

© Valley of Williamsport, A.A.S.R. P.O. Box 1032 Williamsport, PA 17703 (570)323-6194

THE SCOTTISH RITE BULLETINOfficial publication of the Scottish Rite Bodies of the Valley of Williamsport, PA

Publication Office: Stephen M. Wertz348 Market Street, Williamsport, PA 17701

(570) 323-6194 • Fax (570) 323-2243The Bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Valley of Williamsport acknowledge the authority of, and yield allegiance to the Supreme Council, 33º, for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, whose Grand Orient is located at Lexington, MA, and of which Illustrious John Wm. McNaughton, 33º, is Sovereign Grand Commander.

WILLIAMSPORT LODGE OF PERFECTIONBro. Marvin R. Long, 32º – Thrice Potent Master

WILLIAMSPORT COUNCIL PRINCES OF JERUSALEMBro. Franklin E. Hort, Sr., 32º – Sovereign PrinceWILLIAMSPORT CHAPTER OF ROSE CROIXBro. John L. Debo, Jr., 32º – Most Wise Master

WILLIAMSPORT CONSISTORYIll. Keith R. Tressler, 33º – Commander-in-Chief

The Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce hosted their 7th Annual Denim & Diamonds event in the Valley’s Acacia Club and Howard Memorial Cathedral on January 24, 2015. Many prominent members of the community attended the event and were able to see firsthand the marvelous architectural gems that our facilities are.

Recent Happenings

Fraternal Greetings Brethren!

I hope everyone is staying warm! One of the tasks I am trying to do here at the Valley Office is update our member records, more specifically member email addresses. If you have an email address and you do not think we have it here at the Valley, please send me an email at swertz_aasr@comcast.net and I will update your record. Sometimes it is much easier to keep in contact via email, so if you are using this technology please let me know.

A Friendly Reminder… Dues, Dues, Dues!As of February 11th, a total of 178 members still owe dues for 2015. Please remember to submit your 2015 dues ASAP to avoid suspension. If you are having troubles making this payment, please contact me and we can discuss options. Remember, if a member is truly in need, we have ways to help out our Brothers! Fraternally, Stephen M. Wertz, Secretary

SECRETARY’SCORNER

Dale R. Smith 2-4-2015

DEAR BROTHER:

3© Valley of Williamsport, A.A.S.R. P.O. Box 1032 Williamsport, PA 17703 (570)323-6194

Valley of Williamsport – Proposed By-Laws RevisionsWilliamsport Consistory S.P.R.S., 32°

Article III, Officers, Section 1 (proposed addition):The elected officers of this Consistory shall be the Commander-in-Chief, First Lieutenant Commander, Second Lieutenant Commander, Secretary, Treasurer, Hospitaler and three Trustees. All other officers will be appointed by the Commander-in-Chief.

Article IV, Election of Officers, Section 2 (current):A nominating committee shall be appointed by the Commander-in-Chief, to be composed of the immediate Past Commander-in-Chief, who shall serve as Chairman, the First Lieutenant Commander, two other members of the Executive Committee and a member of the Board of Trustees. This committee shall present its report of nominees to be elected as officers. Nominations may also be made from the floor. Voting shall be by voice vote in those instances where there is only one nominee for an office. Where there are two or more nominations for the same office the Commander-in-Chief shall appoint tellers to conduct the election for such offices by written ballot.

Article IV, Election of Officers, Section 2 (proposed change):A nominating committee shall consist of the immediate Past Commander-in-Chief, who shall serve as Chairman, the Commander-in-Chief, the First Lieutenant Commander, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Thrice Potent Master, the Sovereign Prince and the Most Wise Master. This committee shall present the names of nominees to be considered for election and appointment to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will ensure a biography for every nomination is prepared and will forward such to the Advisory Committee for final approval. Voting shall be by voice vote in those instances where there is only one nominee for an office. Where there are two or more nominations for the same office the Commander-in Chief shall appoint tellers to conduct the election for such offices by written ballot. All elected and appointed officers are required to complete a current biography and turn it into the Valley office upon assuming said office. The Commander-in-Chief will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the biography requirements is met.

Article VI, Duties of Executive Committee, Section 1 (current):It shall consist of the Commander-in-Chief, First and Second Lieutenant Commanders, Treasurer and Secretary of the Consistory; the Thrice Potent Master and the Deputy Master of the Williamsport Lodge of Perfection; the Sovereign Prince and High Priest, Williamsport Council Princes of Jerusalem; the Most Wise Master and Senior Warden, Williamsport Chapter of Rose Croix; and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Article VI, Duties of Executive Committee, Section 1 (proposed change):It shall consist of the Commander-in-Chief, First and Second Lieutenant Commanders, Treasurer and Secretary of the Consistory; the Thrice Potent Master and Deputy Master of the Williamsport Lodge of Perfection; the Sovereign Prince and High Priest of the Williamsport Council Princes of Jerusalem; the Most Wise Master and Senior Warden of the Williamsport Chapter of Rose Croix; and the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Article VIII, Trustees, Section 2 (current):The Most Wise Master, the Sovereign Prince, and Thrice Potent Master, may sit with the Board without voice or vote.

Article VIII, Trustees, Section 2 (proposed change):The Most Wise Master, the Sovereign Prince, and the Thrice Potent Master may sit with the Board having voice, but no vote. The Secretary of the Board of Trustees will also have a voice, but no vote.

Article XI, Dues, Section 2 (current):Any member in arrears for two or more years’ dues will be suspended from membership by a vote of the Consistory, provided he shall have been notified of the proposed action

Article XI, Dues, Section 2 (proposed change): Any member in arrears for one year’s dues will be suspended from membership by a majority vote of the Consistory provided he shall have been notified of the proposed action.

Article XIV, Amendments (current)Article XVI, Amendments (proposed article number change)Article XIV, Charges, Hearings and Trials (proposed new article):Section 1: Any member of this Valley conducting himself in a manner that is considered to be Non-Masonic may be brought up on Masonic charges and subsequently a hearing and trial may be conducted if said charge or charges are found to be justified.

Section 2: When a Masonic charge or charges are made against a Brother they must be in writing and signed by the accuser. Each charge must be specific, stating the matter complained of, and to each charge there must be added such special matter, in the nature of a specification, as will bring the subject complained of to the understanding of the Valley membership, great care being taken that nothing is put in writing that violates the principles of Scottish Rite Masonry. After the charge or charges, and specifications, are prepared by an experienced Brother, or submitted to such for examination as to the special case required, the same shall be presented to the Executive Committee to conduct an informal hearing of facts for their review and approval or disapproval prior to being presented at a Stated Meeting of the Valley, at which time the report shall be read by the Valley Secretary.

Section 3: At a Stated Meeting of the Valley a motion may then be made, and after a majority vote of the members present, shall cause said charge or charges, and specifications, to be sent to a committee to try the Brother on the same. If the Valley resolves to try the Brother, the Commander-in-Chief shall appoint a committee of not less than three, nor more than five, Brothers to conduct the trial. If the trial results in a conviction and suspension and expulsion, the entire record connected with the trial will be kept in the Valley records.

Section 4: Immediately following the Stated Meeting in which the Trial Committee is appointed, they shall gather and elect a Chairman and a Secretary. The committee will then determine the date of the trial, which will be no more than 21 days from their appointment, and notify the accused Brother by certified mail as to the date, time and location of the trial. The Secretary of the Trial Committee shall keep a full and complete record of all proceedings and surrender the same to the Valley Secretary at the Stated Meeting of the Valley when the Trial Committee reports its findings.

Article XV, Advisory Committee (proposed new article):Section 1: The Advisory Committee of the Valley of Williamsport will be comprised of all living Past Commanders-in-Chief. Their charge and duty is to assist and advise the current officers and members of the Valley. The Advisory Committee will have final approval on any and all members nominated for office, both elected and appointed, by the Executive Committee to serve this Valley in accordance with Article IV, Election of Officers, Section 2.

Williamsport Lodge of Perfection, 14°

Article III, Officers, Section 2 (proposed addition):The elected officers shall be the Thrice Potent Master, Deputy Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Hospitaler, and three Trustees. All other officers will be appointed by the Thrice Potent Master and approved by the Executive Committee and the Advisory Committee.

Williamsport Council Princes of Jerusalem, 16°

Article III, Officers, Section 2 (proposed addition):The elected officers shall be the Sovereign Prince, High Priest, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Hospitaler, and three Trustees. All other officers will be appointed by the Sovereign Prince and approved by the Executive Committee and the Advisory Committee.

Williamsport Chapter of Rose Croix, 18°

Article III, Officers, Section 2 (proposed addition):The elected officers shall be the Most Wise Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Hospitaler, and three Trustees. All other officers will be appointed by the Most Wise Master and approved by the Executive Committee and the Advisory Committee.

4© Valley of Williamsport, A.A.S.R. P.O. Box 1032 Williamsport, PA 17703 (570)323-6194

Happy Anniversary!Congratulations to Bro. Victor I. Carlson and his wife Donna,

who celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on February 23, 2015!

Valley of Williamsport

2015 Winner’s Choice Raffle

The next edition of the Winner’s Choice Raffle is here! Win $20,000 or a choice of a vehicle! Three tickets have been mailed to every member, so please support this fundraising effort by purchasing or selling these tickets. Additional tickets are also available in the Office. The drawing will be held prior to the dinner banquet at our Fall Reunion Class. This raffle has been very popular over the past six years, and hopefully it will be a hit again this year!

1st Prize: $20,000 OR any 2015 Standard EquipmentVehicle listed below:• Chevrolet Cruz LT • Dodge Dart • Jeep Patriot Sport 4x4 • • Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Classic •2nd Prize: $1,0003rd Prize: $5004th Prize: $2505th, 6th, and 7th Prizes: $1008th, 9th, and 10th Prizes: $50

Ticket Donations: $20 each or 3 for $50Drawing Date and Time: Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 6:00 P.M.Drawing Location: Acacia Club, 348 Market Street, Williamsport

Spring Anniversary ClassWe apologize for the error in last Month’s bulletin! The Spring Anniversary Class is on April 25, 2015 (not April 18th). Hopefully this error did not inconvenience anyone. We will be conferring the following degrees during the class: 4°, 12°, 16°, 18°, 29° (DVD), 32°. Look for a full schedule in April’s bulletin. Please get those petitions in ASAP and come out and enjoy the festivities. Remember, the class is not only for the candidates, it is for you, the members, as well!

Petitions • Petitions • Petitions • Petitions • Petitions • Petitions Please invite a Brother Master Mason to join the Scottish Rite at our Spring Anniversary Class on April 25, 2015. Once again we have an anonymous donor contributing half of every candidate’s initiation fees and we are waiving 2015 dues for all new candidates as well. The total cost for a new candidate will be $100 and they will not have to pay dues until the 2016 cycle. Help us have another great class and help the Valley by replacing yourself and more!

Dinner TheaterB-I-N-G-O Spells Murder

The Williamsport Scottish Rite and the Resounding Cymbals Theatre Group present a performance of “B-I-N-G-O Spells Murder.” Come out and enjoy a night of fun, food, fellowship, and entertainment in the Howard Memorial Cathedral.Showtimes: Friday, March 20, 2015 at 6:30 P.M. Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 5:30 P.M.Ticket Prices: $22 Dinner and Show ($20 if Scottish Rite Member) $7 Show Only ($5 if Scottish Rite Member) $27 VIP Seating Dinner and Show ($25 if Scottish Rite Member)Menu: Chicken Bruschetta, Parsley Potatoes, Buttered Corn, Salad, and Assorted Cakes

Concessions available during show and at intermission

5© Valley of Williamsport, A.A.S.R. P.O. Box 1032 Williamsport, PA 17703 (570)323-6194

Historical Photoof the Month

Valley of WilliamsportSpring Anniversary Class

232 New MembersMay 4th, 5th and 6th 1949

Scottish Rite Window ProjectThe Valley of Williamsport would like to thank the following people for their recent window purchases: Pat Wagner and the Williamsport Chapter of Rose Croix.

The windows on the 4th Street facade have all been purchased, as well as the first three floors on the Acacia Club facade. The Valley still needs donations for the 4th floor of the Acacia Club and prices will soon be released for the windows along the grassy area on 4th Street. Can you support this endeavor and help the Valley make some upgrades while honoring or memorializing someone important to you? Please contact the Office if you can assist with this endeavor and to answer any of your questions. Quoted prices are only good for a short period of time, so please act now to secure this pricing.

“X” means window has been purchased, while “\” means half of a two set window has been purchased.

Howard Cathedral - 4th StreetWindows 1 through 3 PurchasedWindows 4 through 6 bottom PurchasedWindows 4 through 6 top Purchased

Acacia Club - Market StreetWindows 1 through 9 bottom $409 eachWindows 1 through 9 top $457 eachWindows 10 through 15 bottom PurchasedWindows 10 through 15 top Purchased

FOUNDATION NEWSCongratulations to Our Newest Century Club Member!

The Century Club is a commitment by members to donate $10,000 over a ten year period to the Williamsport Scottish Rite Foundation in order to establish an endowment fund for the preservation of Scottish Rite Masonry at the Valley of Williamsport. It is a completely tax deductible gift that can be paid monthly, quarterly, biannually, annually, in full, or any other installments that are convenient to the contributor.

Bro. William Skumanich, 32°, M.S.A.

Ill. Ronald A. Aungst, Sr., 33° *Ill. C. Frederick Harris, 33° *Ill. Kenneth W. McClintock, 33° *Ill. Charles D. Springman, 33° *Ill. Gregory C. Wenrich, 33° *Ill. William H. Rice, Jr., 33° *

Ill. Allen J. Henninger, 33° *Robert E. Johnson, 32°, M.S.A. *David G. Wascher, 32° *Stephen M. Wertz, 32° *Ill. Keith R. Tressler, 33° *Muncy Lodge No. 299 *

Ill. J. Budd Bell, 33° *John L. Debo, Jr., 32° *Franklin E. Hort, Sr., 32° *Larry E. Maynard, 32°Ill. Marlin L. Plymette, 33°William Skumanich, 32°, M.S.A.

Current Century Club Members * Charter Members

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDWilliamsport, PA 17701

Permit No. 8

$100 MembershipChecks payable to Williamsport Scottish Rite.

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Wednesday, March 4, 2015American Red Cross Blood DriveSponsored by the Scottish Rite Foundation1:00 to 6:00 PM – The Acacia Club

Friday & Saturday, March 20-21, 2015“B-I-N-G-O Spells Murder” Dinner TheaterShowtimes: Friday 6:30 PM Saturday 5:30 PMHoward Memorial Cathedral

Monday, March 23, 2015Board of Trustees Meeting 4:00 PMExecutive Committee Meeting 6:30 PMPost - Post Critique Meeting 7:30 PM

Thursday, March 26, 2015Stated Meeting – Consistory Only - “Stag Night”Dinner 6:30 PM Meeting 7:30 PM

Sunday, March 29, 2015Feast of the Paschal LambSponsored by the Chapter of Rose Croix3:00 PM – Howard Memorial Cathedral

Wednesday, April 8, 2015Pre-Critique Meeting 7:00 PM

Monday, April 20, 2015Board of Trustees Meeting 4:00 PMExecutive Committee Meeting 6:30 PM

Thursday, April 23, 2015Stated Meeting – All BodiesDinner 6:30 PM Meeting 7:30 PM

Saturday, April 25, 2015112th Spring Anniversary ClassWardrobe Fundraiser Breakfast 7:00 AMDegree Work Begins 8:30 AMWinner’s Choice Raffle Drawing 6:00 PMDinner Banquet 6:15 PM

ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITEValley of Williamsport

Stephen M. Wertz, Secretary348 Market Street

Williamsport, PA 17701