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Saturday, January 28, 2012

Blue Lodge Breakfast



On Saturday, January 28, 2012, the Des Moines Scottish Rite hosted the annual Blue Lodge Breakfast. The Council of Kadosh served a complimentary breakfast of eggs, hash browns, sausage, and cinnamon rolls to over one hundred Freemasons who attended.

After breakfast, Master of Kadosh John W. Clearman introduced a short video program honoring the American Flag. The fifteen-minute video features historical information, patriotic themes, and a hilarious comedy routine by Robin Williams. The video is available free from the Freemason Network, a social networking site sponsored by the Supreme Council, 33°, A.&A.S.R. of Freemasonry, S.J. Click here for a link to the video on the Freemason Network’s YouTube page.

The Des Moines Scottish Rite hosts the annual breakfast as a service for Blue Lodges in the area. A directory of area Lodges and officers was distributed and upcoming events were announced. Cleon Babcok, PM of Pioneer Lodge #22 was the lucky winner of a drawing for a free Scottish Rite Polo Shirt. After the program, many stayed for the cribbage tournament. (M.A.M)

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Meet the Master of Kadosh


The Des Moines Consistory installed John W. Clearman as Master of Kadosh on December 14, 2011. John was born and raised in Des Moines graduating from Valley High School in 1976. When he was only seventeen years old, John earned his private pilot’s license with an instrument rating, and at nineteen he earned his commercial pilot’s license. As a student at Drake University, John purchased a convenience store in Des Moines. He has been in sales his entire life, starting out helping his father with his small businesses.

John was raised to the Degree of a Master Mason in Home Lodge #370 on May 3, 1990 and he served as Master of Home Lodge in 1995. He is a member of the York Rite, serving as Grand Master of the Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters of Iowa (2003-2004), and a member of the Shrine. John has also earned his Masonic Instructor certificate from the Grand Lodge of Iowa. “The challenge of learning and delivering ritual with meaning was a driving force for me,” John says.

Freemasonry runs in John’s family. Both his paternal and maternal grandfathers were Freemasons and John recalls that as a child, he and the rest of the grandkids eyed a Masonic sword kept on his grandfather’s wall. All of the kids wanted to play with the sword of course, but they had to satisfy themselves with merely looking at it. John remembers that his grandfather promised the sword to the first grandson to become a Mason. Needless to say, John was not only the first but he was also knighted with that same sword; it is now mounted on the wall of his study at home!

John and his companion Kolette Barnhart live near White Oak Vineyards outside of Cambridge. Kolette is a Neonatal Intensive Care nurse in Ames. Their children and grandchildren keep them busy, and two more grandkids are on the way! John enjoys playing golf and woodworking when he’s not spending time with his grandkids.

John’s vision for the Des Moines Consistory is to continue the strong work of his predecessors. He is excited about a new member enrollment program which will begin with an event in just a month or so. The program is aimed at helping new Scottish Rite members build relationships with current members to encourage involvement and develop a sense of attachment and enthusiasm. There are many opportunities for new members to become involved, but for some, such a large organization can be intimidating. John’s vision is for this new program to provide assistance in connecting new Scottish Rite Masons to all of the activities and traditions of the Des Moines Valley.

Congratulations to the Des Moines Consistory Master of Kadosh, John W. Clerarman, 33°!
(M.A.M.)

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Capital Cornerstone Campaign Announcement!



In the past few years over one million dollars in renovations have been completed in the Des Moines Consistory building. These projects have literally rebuilt our physical Temple and maintained its status as one of Iowa’s Masonic crown jewels. Thursday night provided an opportunity for the Friends of the Des Moines Consistory to say thank you to the Scottish Rite community for all of their generous support and to celebrate the announcement of three extraordinary financial gifts made to the Cornerstone Capital Campaign.

Paul Tyler, Trustee of the W.T. and Edna M. Dahl Trust, announced a grant in which the Trust will match financial donations to the Cornerstone Capital Campaign up to a total of $375,000. If that wasn’t enough excitement for the evening, Personal Representative William L. Knoll, 33°, announced two additional anonymous donations which will also provide matching funds to further multiply the impact of contributions.

With these generous gifts, the 120th year anniversary of the Des Moines Scottish Rite is off to an exciting start. The foresight of the men who started the Rite here in Des Moines back on February 3rd, 1912 allows us to enjoy the benefits of our Rite and this wonderful building. Thanks to your generosity, the Des Moines Scottish Rite will continue its proud tradition and rightful place as a crown jewel in Iowa Freemasonry.


(M.A.M.)

Sunday, January 15, 2012

A message from the Personal Representative

"On the 3d day of February 1892, eight Masonic brethren, who had long entertained a favorable opinion of Scottish Rite Masonry assembled in the hall of the Masonic Temple at Des Moines.  Their petition being approved by that veteran in Masonry, Buren R. Sherman, Inspector General for Iowa.  They formed Tabernacle Lodge of Perfection #3 at which time the degrees of the Lodge of Perfection were conferred upon thirty Master Masons."

sherman
Buren R. Sherman, former Governor & SGIG in Iowa
So begins the early history of Scottish Rite in Des Moines.  There are several important events from our history that take place in 1892 up to the founding and constitution of Des Moines Consistory. 2012 marks the 120th anniversary of founding of our Scottish Rite and just a few short years later the building of our own Consistory building.  These men created a great legacy.  Today, we carry it on.

Our Cornerstone Capital Campaign is in full swing.  Many Scottish Rite Masons and their ladies have made important donations to this campaign.  Work has been started in several areas because of this generosity and we thank you.

In a manner similar to the story above, January 19, 2012 will begin the writing of a new chapter in the history of our Scottish Rite.  Through a great deal of hard work and a bit of good fortune, the Friends of the Des Moines Consistory are prepared to make a major announcement concerning our Cornerstone Capital Campaign.  Please help us celebrate by joining us to hear this exciting news about the future of Scottish Rite in Des Moines, Iowa.

Sincerely & Fraternally,

William L. Knoll, 33°
Personal Representative ♦ Valley of Des Moines
Capital Campaign Friends Night
Thursday, January 19, 2012

6:15 pm            Social Hour
Featuring
Court Avenue Brew Pub Beers
Selection of Wines & Liquors
Variety of Cheeses & Gourmet Crackers
Mixed Nuts and Snack Mix
  
7:00 pm            Dinner
Romaine Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing
Chilled Shrimp Cocktail
Boursin Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Rosemary Crusted Pork Loin
Italian Meatballs with Red Sauce
Roasted Blue Cheese Red Potatoes
Ginger Marinated Fruit Compote
Cheese Stuffed Ravioli
Assorted Rolls and Croissants


 8:00 pm       Major Campaign Gift Announcement
 Dessert
Fresh Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies
with Homemade Ice Cream
Click here for Scottish Rite Express.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Friends of the Des Moines Consistory

Cornerstone Capital Campaign


January 19, 2012


6:15 pm - Social Hour
Featuring:
 Court Avenue Brew Pub Beers
Selection of Wines and Liquors
Variety of Cheeses and Gourmet Crackers
Mixed Nuts and Snack Mix


7:00 pm  Dinner
Romaine Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing
Chilled Shrimp Cocktail
Boursin Cheese Stuffed Mushrroms
Rosemary Crusted Pork Loin
Italian Meetballs with Red Sauce
Roasted Blue Cheese Red Potatoes
Ginger Marinated Fruit Compote
Cheese Stuffed Ravioli
Assorted Rolls and Croissants


8:00 pm

Major Campaign Gift Announcement


Dessert
Fresh Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies
with Homemade Ice Cream


$20.00 per person
RSVP - by Tuesday January 17, 2012  rsvp@dmscottishrite.org  or 515-288-8927