University of Freemasonry - Dead Sea Scrolls

Members Lounge

Albert Pike Room

These were the gathering places for the pre-event social where Brothers and their ladies could visit with one another and socialize before the talk. There were around 80 in attendance.

Donald A. Driscoll 33°, Master of Kadosh introduces our speaker.

Lyle Simpson, 33° was the speaker for the evening. Lyle has made an extensive study of the Dead Sea Scrolls and he condensed his six hour course which he taught at Drake University down to an hour for the evening. Over 15,000 Dead Sea Scroll fragments were found in Cave 4 and are being sorted. He told of how the scrolls were found and then discovered because they were being used to wrap food from a market. The Scrolls are ancient copies of every book of the Hebrew canon (Old Testament) have been discovered except for the book of Esther.

Lyle also included the story of Masada in his remarks.

The second half of the presentation, linking the Dead Sea Scrolls to Masonry will be given on November 17. After the meeting I heard several people say they were anxious to attend the next installment.

University of Freemasonry

THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS (Part 1) - February 24, 2010

In our early history those of faith were among the few that could read or write. Moses designated one of the tribes of Israel to be the keepers of the Ark of the Covenant and the ancient scrolls. They became the Priestly class, or Rabbi’s of the Jewish faith. Since the time of Moses, Priests reduced the wisdom of their day in ancient scrolls. These were carefully preserved to pass to future generations our ancient traditions. In 1947 the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in Israel. These are duplicates of the original ancient scrolls that were kept under the Holy of Holies of the Jerusalem Temple and extend from the time of Moses to 70 AD. What has happened to them? What do they tell us? Since they were written from 200BC to 70AD they were contemporaneous with the life of Christ and the Exodus of the Jewish people from Israel. Since they were not discovered until 1947 they have not been affected by history. They tell a different story than our current traditions. Will this knowledge make any difference for us today?

Lyle Simpson has made an extensive study of these important documents. He will present the first of two programs on Wednesday, February 24. (The second program will be on November 17.) There will be a social time at 6:00 P.M. with the program at 7:00 P.M. Following the program there will be desert. All events will take place in the Tapestry Longue. Please call the office - (515) 288-8927 or e-mail ddriscoll@dmscottishrite.org, To make a reservation.

Consistro Bistro Photos.

Consistro Bistro (Ladies Night)

Scottish Rite on Tuesday, February 16th.

6:30 Social

7:30 Dinner

Our Consistro Bistro is designed to be a night where you and your lady just come enjoy the fellowship of Freemasonry. No speeches, degree work, or program, just a nice leisurely dinner of good food and great company. It will be held in our Tapestry Lounge, which will be decorated as your favorite Italian Bistro.

There will be a choice of several different pastas on the menu, along with fresh baked breads, two salad choices, and spumoni ice cream complete the meal. But your evening is not limited to just good food; Italian Bistro music, anti-pasto appetizers, and a selection of wines will complete the affair.

The cost is $13 per person and we need your reservation by February 12th. Feel free to invite your friends and family as this event is open to all.

Pictures from the Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Des Moines Consistory will take place on February 10th at 7:30 pm. There will be a light dinner preceding the meeting beginning at 6:30 pm. There will be an election for the position of 2nd Lt. Commander for the Council of Kadosh in addition to the annual meeting business.

Scottish Rite Giving

Jay Simser, 32°KCCH presents a check to Roberta Milinsky, Associate Chief Executive Officer of the Youth and Shelter Services in Ames. Youth & Shelter Services says that "Together we can make this a better world." They strive to make that difference by being

"in the business of changing lives, giving hope and improving odds by ensuring that youth have access to safety, guidance and caring adults. Each year, more than 7,000 youth are impacted through the opportunities YSS offers. More importantly, YSS is helping to instill values in these young people that they will carry with them for their entire lives; values like self-reliance, forgiveness and respect for others and themselves.'

Additional charitable donations are being made to the following organizations:

Food Bank of Iowa
World Food Prize
and the Good Brotherhood Fund of Scottish Rite Park.

The Scottish Rite is pleased to support these charities in the work they do in our communities.