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Friday, July 31, 2009

A Century of Scottish Rite Masonry in Des Moines


This little book was written by Don Lavender 33° - He dedicated it to the memory of:
Jerald E. Marsengill, 32° KCCH (1930-1991) Masonic Scholar, Author and Editor.

Over the next few weeks I am going to post parts of the book as most of our members will not have read it since it was published in 1992. I hope you enjoy it.
Origin of Scottish Rite

Scottish Rite began with the Rite of Perfection in France in 1761. It consisted of the Fourth to the Twenty-fifth degree under what was known as the Secret Constitutions of 1761 and the Constitutions of 1762. It was first introduced tin this country in New Orleans in 1763 from Bordeaux, France through the West Indies, and subsequently at other points including Albany, New York in 1767, Philadelphia in 1781 and Charleston S. Carolina in 1783. The Rite was extended to 33 degrees by the Grand Constitutions of 1786.

A Manifesto in Charleston in 1801 established that the Rite would be governed in each country by a Supreme Council of the Thirty-third and last degree.

The name Scottish Rite was not in general use until Albert Pike was Grand Commander about 1859. It did appear in France in 1832 when the Grand Constitutions of 1786 were published. Official word from our present Supreme Council indicates that the Scottish Rite did not originate in Scotland as there was no Supreme Council there until 1846.

In 1761, in Paris, the Council of Emperors of East and West granted a Patent or Deputation to Stephen Morin authorizing him to establish the Rite in the Western Continent. In the same year, Morin arrived in the city of St. Domingo where he began the dissemination of the Rite and appointed Inspectors both for the West Indies and the United States. He conferred the degrees on M. Hayes with the power of appointing others. Hayes in turn appointed Isaac Da Costa, Deputy Inspector General for South Carolina and he is the one who introduced the Rite in that state by establishment of a Grand Lodge of Perfection. Other Inspectors were subsequently appointed and the Supreme Council was established at Charleston by John Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho.

The Birthplace of the Mother Supreme Council of the World in Charleston, South Carolina.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Express

Membership Appreciation Dinner
Reservations need to be received by 4 pm today to ensure there is a steak for everyone.

The annual Membership Appreciation dinner will be held on July 29th. At this dinner we will recognize those SR Masons who have served on committees, preformed ritual, and worked to make our past year successful. The Blosser Award (most candidates), the Loring Parker Award (outstanding Ritualist), the “PIP” Award (outstanding committee work), and the outstanding new member awards will be presented.

We will begin with social hour at 6:00 pm, dinner at 7:00 pm, followed by the awards presentation. The parking lot north of the building will be open at 6:00 pm. Dinner is grilled sirloin steak, sweet corn, baked beans, salad, and dessert. Potential members are invited to attend as well.

University of Free Masonry
Join us on August 26 as we read and study the 31st degree. This degree titled the Inspector Inquisitor. This degree teaches that we should give every man the benefit of innocence and purity of intentions. He who would judge others must first judge himself. The mistakes of today should not be committed tomorrow. The duty is to judge yourself in the same light as you judge others, considering both actions and motives. The degree reading will begin at 7:00 pm and will take place in the library. All Scottish Rite Masons are invited.

Member Updates
It is with regret that we announce the passing of Robert Eugene Derby, 32° KCCH. Bob joined the Des Moines Scottish Rite Bodies in 1973. He was honored with the Knight Commander Court of Honour in 2007. Bob was active in the 5th and 6th degrees. He also served on the “Breakfast Club” committee doing many repair and maintenance projects on the building.

He became a member of Gnemeth Lodge #577 in 1968 and served as Master in 1974. Bob recently became a Masonic Instructor in March of 2009. He served as a DeMolay Advisor and was recognized with the DeMolay Legion of Honor. He also served as a Rainbow Dad.

Visitation will be from 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM at West Des Moines United Methodist Church at 8th & Grand with a Masonic Service at 7:30 PM on Monday, July 27, 2009. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, July 28 at the church.
Bob passed to the Grand Lodge above on July 24, 2009.

Consistory Quarterly Meeting and Elections
The quarterly meeting of the DSM Valley will take place on September 9, 2009. The main order of business will be the election of new officers for the Consistory and the Chapter Rose Croix

2009 Fall Reunion – Honoring George R. Carr 33° G.C.
October 16/17 – Fall Reunion (1st Weekend)
October 30/31 – Fall Reunion (2nd Weekend)
October 31 – Double Eagle Gala

Shane Harshbarger
Des Moines Scottish Rite
515-288-8927 (office)
515-288-8929 (fax)
515-865-4727 (cell)

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Scottish Rite Express


Membership Appreciation Dinner

The annual Membership Appreciation dinner will be held on July 29th. At this dinner we will recognize those SR Masons who have served on committees, preformed ritual, and worked to make our past year successful. The Blosser Award (most candidates), the Loring Parker Award (outstanding Ritualist), the “PIP” Award (outstanding committee work), and the outstanding new member awards will be presented. RSVPs are due to the office by July 23rd. We will begin with social hour at 6:00 pm, dinner at 7:00 pm, followed by the awards presentation. The parking lot north of the building will be open at 6:00 pm. Dinner is grilled sirloin steak, sweet corn, baked beans, salad, and dessert. Potential members are invited to attend as well.

Golf, Golf, and more Golf

Join us for Scottish Rite and Blue Lodge Golf Nights Starting Monday, August 3 2009
Occurs the first Monday of each month through September at Toad Valley
Starts at 5 p.m. (Everyone pays their own way)

The next Scottish Rite/ Blue Lodge Golf Night is coming up next Monday August 3, 2009. We will be teeing off at 5 pm at Toad Valley Golf Course. The fee is $18 for 9 holes and a cart. This event is designed to invite non-masons and masons alike to join us in a friendly game of golf. We will be promoting the brotherhood of Blue Lodge and the Scottish Rite while having some fun. If you are interested in joining us this coming Monday please reply to this e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone (515-681-9036) so I can give the golf course a heads up. I will be talking with those folks before Saturday so hurry up and make a reservation
Please RSVP to Greg Spooner at 515-681-9036 or E-mail to gspooner@grandview.edu for reservations

Meet and Greet -
Wednesday - August 5
4:30 - 7:30 PM
Library

A chance to meet and visit with your Scottish Rite Brothers. Prospects and ladies are welcome.
2009 Fall Reunion – Honoring George R. Carr 33° G.C.
October 16/17 – Fall Reunion (1st Weekend)
October 30/31 – Fall Reunion (2nd Weekend)
October 31 – Double Eagle Gala