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Friday, February 27, 2009

Spring Reunion Kickoff – March 4th


This is the last of three fun events scheduled prior to the Spring Reunion for you to invite prospective Masons to attend. The Spring Reunion Kick-off is coming up on March 4, 2009. This event is designed to build enthusiasm for the upcoming Spring Reunion and as a chance to invite potential SR Masons to a fun event to meet other Scottish Rite members. It will feature a steak dinner. And a special program introducing the Scottish Rite as well as building tours. Cost is $10 for SR Masons. However, Masonic candidates are free. If you bring a candidate with a signed & paid petition, your dinner is free as well. Prospects for the Blue Lodge are also welcome. This event is for men only. The spring reunion is not far away, now is the perfect time to approach that Master Mason who has been considering joining but hasn’t for one reason or another. If you plan to attend please contact the office (515-288-8927 or sharshbarger@dmscottishrite.org.)

Monday, February 23, 2009

Reminder

Just a reminder that the AASR will be holding a UFM on February 26 at 7:00 in the Blue Lodge Room (we will meet there, and then find a smaller venue). This is the new version of the 7th degree that we currently do not perform.

Attire is casual, but wear your AASR hats if you have one. It should be an enjoyable hour of learning about a degree and interacting on a philosophical level with your brothers. So bring a Scottish Rite friend and join us.

If you have questions, please let me know.

Fraternally,

Charlie Smithson

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Winter Dance Review

Tonight was the Consistory Winter Dance. The band, One Night Stand, played a variety of R&B music, with numerous couples dancing the night away in the Banquet Room. Unfortunately those dancing were moving a bit too fast to get decent pictures in the dark without disturbing them with a flash. Below are the pictures that did turn out:

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Upcoming Events

Winter Dance Party (February 21st)
The Scottish Rite will be rocking on February 21st at our winter dance party. The party begins at 7:30 pm and goes until 11:30 pm. The band is an R&B band called “One Night Stand”. Here is a link to their music on their website. http://www.onenitestandband.com/demo.html
There is no cost to attend but donations are welcome at the bar. This is a free will offering to cover costs. Some light snacks will be available but there is no meal planned for the event. This event is open to all SR Masons, their ladies, and guests.

University of Free Masonry – Degree Reading

Our University of Free Masonry degree readings are designed to allow for greater study and interpretation of the lessons taught in our Scottish Rite degrees. The readings last approximately one hour and use “Bridge to Light” and “Scottish Rite Ritual, Monitor and Guide” as supplemental sources of study. The next one is the 7th Degree Provost and Judge and will be held on February 26th at 7:00 pm in the Blue Lodge Room.

Provost and Judge
We learn that impartial justice protects person, property, happiness and reputation. We are instructed to judge with patience and impartially. The apron of the 7th degree is white, edged with red, with a key and five rosettes. The jewel is a golden key.

Upcoming Events for Prospective Members to attend with you

Spring Reunion Kickoff – March 4th
This is the last of three fun events scheduled prior to the Spring Reunion for you to invite prospective Masons to attend. The Spring Reunion Kick-off is coming up on March 4, 2009. This event is designed to build enthusiasm for the upcoming Spring Reunion and as a chance to invite potential SR Masons to a fun event to meet other Scottish Rite members. It will feature a steak dinner. And a special program introducing the Scottish Rite as well as building tours. Cost is $10 for SR Masons. However, Masonic candidates are free. If you bring a candidate with a signed & paid petition, your dinner is free as well. Prospects for the Blue Lodge are also welcome. This event is for men only. The spring reunion is not far away, now is the perfect time to approach that Master Mason who has been considering joining but hasn’t for one reason or another. If you plan to attend please contact the office (515-288-8927 or sharshbarger@dmscottishrite.org.)

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

University of Freemasonry - 7th Degree



On February 26 at 7:00 at the Consistory we will be doing another University of Freemasonry by reading/discussing the NEW 7th degree. This is a version of the degree we do not currently perform, but it the degree described in Bridge to Light and the Master Craftsman Program. I don't know which room yet, but will find the smallest room available so we can actually interact in a meaningful manner. If you are interested in reading a part, please let me know. Also, if you could please pass notice of this event along to your personal Scottish Rite circles I would appreciate it.

Fraternally,

Charlie Smithson wcsmithson@ascalon139.org,



7° - Provost & Judge We learn that impartial justice protects person, property, happiness and reputation. We are instructed to judge with patience and impartially. The apron of the 7th Degree is white edged with red, with a key and five rosettes. The jewel is a golden key. The duty is justice.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Des Moines Consistory Annual Meeting

The Annusl Meeting of the Des Moines Consistory was held this evening. Following a delicious Minute Steak dinner the meeting was held. Some pictures of the event are below.


Don Driscoll 33° was the presiding officer for the meeting. We heard about activities for the year 2008 and the membership. We currently have 1,502 members. A prospect folder was a part of the hand outs for use in recruiting new members. Brothers are encouraged to ask people to join for it is only by attracting new members that we can continue to grow and be a vital force in Des Moines Freemasonry.

Charlie Smithson, High Priest, Illustrious Master and Commander of the York Rite that meets at the Des Moines Scottish Rite Center announced the purchase and gift of several "repeaters" which allow for computers to be used in most parts of the Temple. This is a good thing. Companies that use the facility often utilize the WiFi capability.

Shane Harshbarger announced plans for a trip to Guthrie, Oklahoma April 1 - 5 to see the degrees presented there. If you are interested in going on this trip contact him or Jay Simser (JaycoleS@aol.com) and as details are worked out you will receive information.

A "Help Wanted" feature will be added to the side bar to assist those who are organizing committees in obtaining volunteers. You are encouraged to look the list over and contact the person in charge to volunteer. Committee Chair's and others send your "ads" to Jaycoles@aol.com to have your request added.

Reports that were shared are available in the office.

The Knights of St. Andrew were also instituted this evening. This is a new organization for our Valley. Here are a few pictures of the event.




Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Scottish Rite Express


Annual Meeting of Des Moines Consistory
The annual meeting of the Des Moines Consistory is tomorrow night at 7:30 pm. It will be held in the Grand Banquet room and will be preceded by dinner at 6:30 pm. The dinner will be Minute Steak with Mushroom gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable, and dessert. Cost is $7. All Scottish Rite Masons are invited to attend. We will be officially chartering the Knights of St. Andrew following the annual meeting.

Upcoming Events for Prospective Members to attend with you

Winter Dance Party (February 21st)
The Scottish Rite will be rocking on February 21st at our winter dance party. The party begins at 7:30 pm and goes until 11:30 pm. The band is an R&B band called “One Night Stand”. Here is a link to their music on their website.
There is no cost to attend but donations are welcome at the bar. Some light snacks will be available but there is no meal planned for the event. This event is open to all SR Masons, their ladies, and guests.

Spring Reunion Kickoff – March 4th

This is the last of three fun events scheduled prior to the Spring Reunion for you to invite prospective Masons to attend. The Spring Reunion Kick-off is coming up on March 4, 2009. This event is designed to build enthusiasm for the upcoming Spring Reunion and as a chance to invite potential SR Masons to a fun event to meet other Scottish Rite members. It will feature a steak dinner. And a special program introducing the Scottish Rite as well as building tours. Cost is $10 for SR Masons. However, Masonic candidates are free. If you bring a candidate with a signed & paid petition, your dinner is free as well. Prospects for the Blue Lodge are also welcome. This event is for men only. The spring reunion is not far away, now is the perfect time to approach that Master Mason who has been considering joining but hasn’t for one reason or another. If you plan to attend please contact the office (515-288-8927 or sharshbarger@dmscottishrite.org.)

Congrats & Thanks
A special thank you to our Kitchen Krew for the awesome job on the Consistro Bistro. Over 130 SR members and their ladies enjoyed the food and festivities on Friday night. Master of Kadosh, Clark would also like to thank the dining room committee, Curt Vandivier and the Mail Crew for their efforts in making this event a success.

New Degree Masters for the Spring Reunion
5th Don Jones
9th & 10th Craig Davis
13th Charlie Smithson
15th Mike Aves
17th Rich Citarella

Breakfast Club
The “Breakfast Club” work committee is a having a work day on Saturday, February 28th. It will begin with breakfast at 8:00 am with work beginning at 8:30 am. We are planning to address a number of issues throughout the building and can use all skill levels. If you are available to assist please let us know, so we can prepare enough food. The plan is for work to conclude by 1:00 pm.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Winter Dance Party (February 21st)



The Scottish Rite will be rocking on February 21st at our winter dance party. If you have never heard “One Night Stand”, the band for the party. Here is a link to their music.
This event is open to all SR Masons, their ladies, and guests. More details to follow, but mark your calendar now for a chance to dance the night away.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Annual Meeting


Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the Des Moines Consistory will take place on February 11th at 7:30 pm. It will be preceded by a light dinner at 6:30 pm for $7.

Thanks!

Breakfast Club

We had a number of volunteers attend the "Breakfast Club" work committee on this past Saturday. The guys worked on a number of projects throughout the building. We need to do some plumbing maintenance in some of our public restrooms, replacing and updating light bulbs, adding and fixing some of our motion detector light switches, as well as fixing general wear and tear. Thanks to Rex Kehoe 32° KCCH for coordinating the work day and to Dick Hudnall making breakfast. Watch the express for your next chance to join us.

Library
A special thanks to Kurt Hoffmann and Jay Simser , who took it upon themselves to clean and organize the Consistory Library. They have cataloged, organized, and reshelved all of the books and magazines. We were amazed to discover the variety of subject matter that is contained in our “little” library. We have over 2000 items in the collection. There are still a few loose ends to tie up but next time you are in please check it out. If you see Kurt or Jay, please thank them for their efforts as they logged over 100 hours on the project as well as spending a few bucks. There is a list of our collection linked to our website

Monday, February 2, 2009

Consistro Bistro (February 6th)



This Friday is the Consistro Bistro. If you haven’t invited your lady, tonight is the night to do so. It will be a true Italian dinner, candle light, music, and Chianti. Your non-Masonic friends and family are invited to attend. The dinner is $13, but we ask that you please make reservations by calling the Scottish Rite office at 515-288-8927 or rsvp@dmscottishrite.org. Seating is limited to 120 people.