Express

We made the goal!!!

Air Conditioning Fund-Raising

A big thank you and a pat on the back to all SR Masons, their ladies, and friends who supported the air conditioning of the Tapestry Lounge and the Blue Lodge room. A special thank you to Capital Lodge #110 and the Des Moines York Rite bodies who each donated $10,000.00 to the project.

We had our "we are going to score" fund-raiser on Thursday and in doing so met our challenge goal of $50,000.00. Over $3500 was raised and this pushed us over the top. Due to the generosity of Richard Langdon and James H. Windsor III, who created the challenge, we will have raised $70,000 for the project. Upon reaching $50K, Jim and Dick each donated an additional $10K.

Thank you to each and all who donated. There are a couple of our SR committees who also made this fund raising campaign a success, our Kitchen Krew and our Dining Room Committee.


Not that we have needed it, but the air conditioning is operational and ready for warm weather. There will be a celebration of our success coming up in June. Watch your mail for an invitation.

Spring Reunion Recap

March 28/29 and April 11/12

Our Spring Reunion honoring Harold "Pete" Paschal 33°, PGM welcomed 18 new members to the Des Moines Valley. We were pleased to have Pete's two daughter's and their family in attendance at the class banquet and were thrilled to present a number of 50 year certificates. One brother came from Virginia to recieve his certificate from William L. Knoll 33° and Master of Kadosh, Brian D. Pappaducas 32° KCCH.

Class Officers

Philip Gauthier 32°, Class President

Leverett Tuller III 32°, Secretary/Treasurer

Michael Washington 32°, Orator

We presented in full form 22 of the 29 Scottish Rite degrees. If you haven't been to a reunion for a while, mark your calendar for the Fall reunion (Oct 17/18 & Oct 31/Nov 1). Our degree work is top notch and it is always nice to see people on the sidelines.

Thank you to all SR Masons who assisted in the reunion. We couldn't do it without you.

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Did you know?

SR History

In addition to the 29 Scottish Rite degrees that are conferred by the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction, their are actually 4 more degrees. One of these is the 33rd degree, which is honorary and conferred only by authorization of the Supreme Council on specially selected members who have been honored as Knight Commander Court of Honour.

The other three degrees are special Scottish Rite versions of the Entered Apprentice 1°, Fellow Craft 2°, and Master Mason 3° and were written by Albert Pike. They are not conferred as part of our recognition agreements with the various Grand Lodges in the SJ.

SR Golf Outing



The annual Scottish Rite Golf outing is scheduled for May 16th. Now is the time to ask for the day off at work, tell your wife you have plans, clear your calendar so you can join us. More details to follow.

Scottish Rite Leadership Conference Reports from Minneapolis

I asked the Brothers who attended the Conference to write up short reports about their experience. I will add them as (if) I receive them.
Kurt Hoffmann reports:

What an awesome weekend in Minneapolis. We started the Scottish Rite Leadership Conference with an introduction from Ron Seale, Sovereign Grand Commander for the Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction. He’s an excellent, and down to earth speaker. After the usual Masonic introductions, he spoke of how the Scottish Rite must be able to adapt with the times.

Following him was an excellent presentation on the four different generations in Masonry today, and how each is unique. The weekend continued with classes introducing the Master Craftsman program. This is an excellent opportunity for Scottish Rite Masons to expand their knowledge and understanding of the Rite. It’s also affordable at $35. I quickly signed up, and have nearly completed my first exam for it. It consists of 6 exams, in an open-book format, with the book included. The book is worth well over the $35, and the knowledge is priceless! We also learned about Valley structures, leadership development and mentoring, Valley finances, and much more. Dean Albin led an especially moving presentation on Membership. He shared the stories of a number of brothers who had been dropped from the rolls for non-payment of dues, and his conversations with them, including a wounded soldier from Iraq. His stories couldn't help fill my heart with pride for our fraternity, and brought tears to my eyes. The presentations are available online at: http://www.scottishrite.org/srmasons/lcmaterials-08.html

Bro. Jeremy Davis and I were invited to represent the Des Moines Valley as Scottish Rite Fellows. Our main duty is to assist our Valley in implementing the Strategic Plan of the Scottish Rite. The Fellows program is designed for new Scottish Rite Masons to serve a two-year term as kind of an idea man for their Valley. As a Fellow, we work closely with our state SGIG, his personal representative in our Valley, the Secretary/Recorder for our Valley, and the Valley’s leadership. We’re charged with helping come up with, and present ideas that would improve our Valley. We also participate in an on-line forum for all of the Fellows throughout the jurisdiction in sharing ideas and what does/doesn’t work. It’s a tremendous opportunity for newer Scottish Rite Masons to assist our Valley in preparing for the future. I was very honored by the invitation, and hope that I can help improve my Valley while respecting the traditions it has. Bro. Seale asked us in closed-door sessions to answer some very tough questions, including, 'if you could encapsulate Masonry and the Scottish Rite in one word, what word would that be?'. He demanded an answer from each one of us, and my word was 'caliber'. To me, Masonry is about:

The caliber of men

The caliber of morals

The caliber of fellowship

The caliber of history

The caliber of trust

More information about the Scottish Rite Fellows program is available at: http://www.scottishrite.org/fellows/

I met a number of brothers, including a special guest of Ron Seale from the Northern Jurisdiction. Rich is an excellent Brother from New Hampshire, and I look forward to seeing our two jurisdictions work closely together in the years to come.

The closing gathering on Saturday afternoon was quite moving. Bro. Seale led an awe inspiring, and tear-jerking reminder of the importance of our obligations in Masonry, and the opportunities we have in the Scottish Rite. He asked each of us to reflect upon, and remember our Raising to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. It was truly touching, and a memorable experience.

All in all, it was reinforced what the Scottish Rite and Masonry is all about, Friendship and fellowship.
Kurt
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Wade Sheeler reports:


I very much enjoyed the Scottish Rite Leadership Conference held this weekend in Minneapolis. Grand Commander Seale was there and his friendly and warm manner made everyone feel very welcome. From the Des Moines Valley we had the following in attendance: Shane Harshbarger, Kurt Hoffmann, Jeremy Davis, Don Driscoll, Billy Joe & Bryce Hildreth. I think there were seven of us in attendance all together.

I was impressed with the Fellows discussion, which Grand Commander Seale hosted for our new Scottish Rite brothers. Kurt and Jeremy attended those sessions. These were designed for the new members to discuss with the Grand Commander their thoughts and impressions on the Rite. The Grand Commander's efforts to reach out to our new and younger brothers for their thoughts and ideas impressed me.

I particularly enjoyed the session that Dean Albin (the membership development director at the Supreme Council) presented. Bro. Albin told stories about some of our Scottish Rite brethren. One story he related was about a brother who had gone through the degrees in Oklahoma and was then sent over to Iraq. During his stay in Iraq he was wounded when a bomb exploded under his Humvee. He suffered some injuries to his brain. He was eventually sent back to Walter Reed Army Hospital in D.C. (which is located not far from the House of the Temple). This brother came down to the House of the Temple one day to visit. He, unfortunately, had been suspended for N.P.D. by his valley (they had lost track of him). Bro. Albin related how they got him reinstated. Freemasonry meant so much to this brother that he had a square and compass tattoo on his chest (which was shown in one of the pictures of him in his hospital bed).

Freemasonry really is all about relationships and reaching out to one another in our daily lives. M.W. Bro. Bob Conley PGM from Michigan gave two excellent presentations on the mentoring process. I have come to the conclusion that we really don't do a very job of mentoring individuals in our fraternity...that is why we are seeing a climbing suspension rate for nonpayment of dues. We need to be doing what Masonry is all about...reaching out and being brothers to one another!

Masonic education was strongly pushed at this conference. The Supreme Council has come out with the Master Craftsman program, which is a series of five open book, multiple-choice exams which a brother can complete. This program used the Scottish Rite Ritual (Monitor and Guide), which was written by Bro. Arturo de Hoyas of the Supreme Council. I bought the course and the book. I have my first "quiz" almost completed and will be sending it back into the Supreme Council this week. I think this is an excellent Masonic education tool (hopefully our Grand Lodge might consider this in the future)!

All in all it was a fun and enjoyable weekend...Masonic fellowship at it's best.

Scottish Rite Friends Party

It was a Baseball theme this evening and the Scottish Rite hit a home run.

Good Food, good Fun. To see all the pictures Click here.

Time for another little movie.

It was a great evening!

Friends Night - This Thursday

Now that Spring training is over and the season has begun, the Des Moines Consistory is down 5 to 3 in the bottom of the 5th inning. We have runners on the 1st and 2nd but we need your help to bring them home. We think we're gonna make it! It all comes down to this. We have raised $46K, leaving us short of our goal of $79K for the cool breeze of our new air conditioning in the Tapestry Lounge.



6:00 pm – First Pitch (Cocktails and Hors de oeuvres)

7:00 pm – 7th Inning Stretch (Ballpark Buffet)

Menu

Shrimp Cocktail
Spring Salad with Fresh Raspberries
Ribeye Steak Sandwiches
Ball Park Franks
Pasta Salad
Soft Baked Pretzels
Relish Tray

8:00 pm - Bottom of the 9th

Fresh Baked Apple Pie



Cost is $10 per person, Please RSVP as soon as possible

Will you help us to score the winning runs?

Singles - Cost $25
Doubles - Cost $50
Triples - Cost $75
Home Runs - Cost $100
Grand Slam - $250

Shane Harshbarger
Des Moines Scottish Rite
515-288-8927 (O)
515-865-4727 (Cell)
www.dmscottishrite.org

Spring Reunion Second Weekend

Harold "Pete" Paschal
The Pete Paschal Class
(Click on a picture to see it full size.)

The Paschal Family with Brian and Mrs. Pappaducas and Host Wade Sheeler

Personal Representative Bill Knoll presented two 50 year certificates following the Banquet.

The York Rite (Temple Commandery, Alpha Council and Corinthian Chapter presented a check for $10,000 to the Air Conditioning Fund. David Dryer made the presentation.














Below are a sample of the snapshots taken this afternoon and this evening. There are three little movies following them and then there will be a link to go to the on-line photo album of all the pictures taken today. I hope you enjoy them.

The rest of the pictures are here.

Scottish Rite - News - April 10, 2008

Second Weekend. Spring Reunion

FYI – The North parking lot will be open at 5:30 on Friday and will be available from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturday.

The Friday night supper ($5.) will be at 5:30 P M and will be Barbeque Ribs. It will be in the Third Floor Members Lounge.

On Saturday following the Degrees there will be a Banquet in the Grand Ball Room. A String Quartet will provide pre and dinner music with dancing to follow the meal. Brother Pete Paschal’s Daughters and members of his family will be in attendance.

The Schedule for the weekend is posted below.
FRIDAY, APRIL 11

LIGHT DINNER 5:30 PM
PASCHAL CLASS ASSEMBLE 6:00 PM

COUNCIL OF KADOSH DEGREES
The 20th Degree-Master of the Symbolic Lodge 6:15 PM
The 21st Degree-Noachite or Prussian Knight 7:20 PM
The 22nd Degree-Kinght of the Royal Axe 8:50 PM
DISMISSAL 9:30 PM
SATURDAY, APRIL 12

PASCHAL CLASS ASSEMBLE 7:45 AM
Communication of Degrees 19 - 27 8:00 AM
The 28th Degree-Knight of the Sun, Prince Adept 8:30 AM
The 29th Degree-Scottish Knight of St. Andrew 9:25 AM
The 30th Degree-Knight Kadosh 10:20 AM
LUNCH 11:45 AM

CONSISTORY DEGREES
The 31st Degree-Inspector Inquisitor 12:45 PM
The 32nd Degree-The Royal Secret (1st Section) 2:00 PM
The 32nd Degree-The Royal Secret (2nd Section) 3:00PM
SOCIAL HOUR 4:30 PM
BANQUET 5:30 PM

Coming Events

April 17. Friends Baseball Party

Now that Spring training is over and the season has begun, the Des Moines Consistory is down 5 to 3 in the bottom of the 5th inning. We have runners on the 1st and 2nd but we need your help to bring them home.

We think we're gonna make it! It all comes down to this. We have raised $46K, leaving us short of our goal of $70K for the cool breeze of our new air conditioning in the Tapestry Lounge.

Will you help us to score the winning runs?

Singles - Cost $25
Doubles - Cost $50
Triples - Cost $75
Home Runs - Cost $100
Grand Slam - $250

First Pitch - 6:00 PM (Peanuts, Popcorn and Cracker Jacks)
7th Inning Stretch - 7:00 PM - Ballpark Buffet
Bottom of the Ninth - Apple Pie

$10. per person - RSVP by April 14
Call the office - 515-288-8927
Or e-mail - sharshbarger@dmscottishrite.org

Quarterly Meeting and Joint Ascension Service.

On May 14, 2008 the Scottish and York Rites will hold a joint Ascension Day Service.
This is a very impressive service and members are encouraged to attend to honor those who have died during the year.

At 6:00 the Bodies will hold abbreviated meetings, (Stated for the York Rite and Quarterly Meeting for the Scottish Rite) Dinner will be at 6:30 P.M. and the Ascension Service will be held in the Auditorium at 7:30 P.M.

(Note – Due to the Quarterly Meeting and Ascension Service the regularly scheduled Officer’s meeting will not be held.)

Other Events Scheduled at the Des Moines Consistory

As you know the Des Moines Consistory is the “Happening Place” in our city. Many events are scheduled to take place in the various areas of the building. Some of them are:

Saturday April 12, 2008
The Des Moines Symphony Youth Academy will hold a Concert in the Grand Banquet Room beginning at 11:00 AM ( Note: They will have their lunch in the Tapestry Lounge. The Scottish Rite Lunch will be in the Third Floor Members Lounge.)

April 26, 2008
York Rite Festival – Beginning at 8:00 AM

The Coalition against Domestic Violence Fund Raiser will be in the Grand Ball Room .

May 10, Capital Lodge 150th Anniversary and Rededication Ceremony beginning at 4:00 P.M.

Other Events Not Scheduled at the Consistory.

Iowa Scottish Rite Foundation Annual Meeting will be held May 9th at the Scottish Rite Park.

AASR – Scottish Rite Golf Tournament. May 16th – Terrace Hills Golf Club (8700 NE 46th Ave, Altoona, IA 50009). Cost is $80. per person and includes dinner, cart and green fees. Call the Office to reserve a place.

By the way there are tickets being sold for an excellent golf bag with the Scottish Rite Logo embroidered on it. They will be on sale on Friday evening and Saturday noon at the Reunion.

July 16 and 17 are the dates (to be verified) at the Royal Mile for the Table Lodge.

Fall Reunion.

The Fall Reunion will be held on October 17/18 and October 31/Nov. 1. November 1 will also be the Orient (all-Iowa) one day Class and Gala) It is not too soon to ask your Lodge Brothers to join us in the Scottish Rite. The Office has material available to help interest potential new members. Bring them to as many open events as you can to help interest them in joining. The Master of Kadosh would like for the class to be large.

Consistory Class Banquet and Party

The 2008 Spring Reunion banquet is being held in honor of the members of the Harold "Pete" Paschal 33rd Degree Memorial Class. At the conclusion of the degree work, there will be a social hour preceding the banquet. Following the banquet there will be music for dancing. Cost is $15 per person. We invite you and your lady to attend.

Menu

Spring Salad with Raspberry Dressing
Choice of Grilled Iowa Chop or Walleye
Rosemary Red Potatoes
Vegetable Medley
Fresh Baked Rolls and Butter
Decadent Desserts

Please RSVP by April 10th to the SR Office 515-288-8927

Friends Night Baseball Party

Now that Spring training is over and the season has begun, the Des Moines Consistory is down 5 to 3 in the bottom of the 5th inning. We have runners on the 1st and 2nd but we need your help to bring them home.

We think we're gonna make it! It all comes down to this. We have raised $46K, leaving us short of our goal of $79K for the cool breeze of our new air conditioning in the Tapestry Lounge.

Will you help us to score the winning runs?

Singles - Cost $25
Doubles - Cost $50
Triples - Cost $75
Home Runs - Cost $100
Grand Slam - $250

Thursday April 17th

First Pitch - 6:00 PM (Peanuts, Popcorn and Cracker Jacks)
7th Inning Stretch - 7:00 PM - Ballpark Buffet
Bottom of the Ninth - Apple Pie

$10. per person - RSVP by April 14
Call the office - 515-288-8927
or
e-mail - sharshbarger@dmscottishrite.org

Second Week-end Schedule

FRIDAY, APRIL 11

LIGHT DINNER 5:30 PM
PASCHAL CLASS ASSEMBLE 6:00 PM

COUNCIL OF KADOSH DEGREES
The 20th Degree-Master of the Symbolic Lodge 6:15 PM
The 21st Degree-Noachite or Prussian Knight 7:20 PM
The 22nd Degree-Kinght of the Royal Axe 8:50 PM
DISMISSAL 9:30 PM
SATURDAY, APRIL 12

PASCHAL CLASS ASSEMBLE 7:45 AM
Communication of Degrees 19 - 27 8:00 AM
The 28th Degree-Knight of the Sun, Prince Adept 8:30 AM
The 29th Degree-Scottish Knight of St. Andrew 9:25 AM
The 30th Degree-Knight Kadosh 10:20 AM
LUNCH 11:45 AM
CONSISTORY DEGREES
The 31st Degree-Inspector Inquisitor 12:45 PM
The 32nd Degree-The Royal Secret (1st Section) 2:00 PM
The 32nd Degree-The Royal Secret (2nd Section) 3:00PM
SOCIAL HOUR 4:30 PM
BANQUET 5:30 PM