deHoyos and Van Dyke Visit Recap

Wow! What an event! If you missed this one, you missed a special treat. In addition to being the Quarterly Meeting and annual election of officers, members of the Des Moines Valley had the distinct opportunity to spend some quality time with two Masonic leaders, Arturo deHoyos, 33° GC and Jason VanDyke, 32° KCCH. Both work at the House of the Temple, the home of the Supreme Council of the 33° of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

Illustrious Brother deHoyos is a very well-known and respected Masonic scholar. He serves the Supreme Council as the Grand Archivist and Grand Historian. He has become one of the foremost experts on Masonic history and origins, especially through his works that are shared through the Scottish Rite Research Society. Some of his works include: the Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide (the text book for the Master Craftsman program), a transcription of Albert Pike’s Esoterika, and many other well-known Masonic titles. Illustrious Brother deHoyos shared his thoughts with members of the Des Moines Valley on the origins of the Scottish Rite during a special Scottish Rite Masons-only luncheon, and then the development of the Master Mason degree in the evening following a steak dinner from the Kitchen Krew.

Brother Van Dyke is the Assistant Director of Communications and Assistant Director of Education for the Supreme Council. Brother Van Dyke shared some information regarding the Master Craftsman program during the Quarterly Meeting, including some successes and methods for organizing study groups. He also mentioned that the Master Craftsman II program will be overhauled over the course of the next few year to bring more exciting educational opportunities to those who have completed Master Craftsman I. Brother Van Dyke encouraged all to pursue the Master Craftsman: Symbolic Lodge edition as a way to learn more about Masonry, its origins, history, philosophy, and symbolism. It is a great introduction to the Master Craftsman program in general, and a wonderful way for all Masons to further more Light in Masonry. A wonderful day for Scottish Rite Masonry, and an inspiring event for all!