Masonic Membership Kick-off

Tonight over 125 men attended the Masonic Membership Kick-off. Many in attendance are candidates to join Masonry and several more are prospective candidates for the Scottish Rite. After enjoying fellowship and a fantastic meal, the group received an exceptional speech by Brother Jeff Kaufmann, 32nd degree. Brother Kaufmann has held a number of elected positions in politics and government, is a History Professor, and still finds time to be a loving husband and devoted father.

 Brother Kaufmann spoke on the issues of fellowship, faith, and brotherly love and how Masonry promotes and develops those concepts among its members. He also spoke about the "snapshots" of special moments in his life that Masonry has provided. From being raised as a Master Mason by his Great Uncle in a very small lodge, to joining the Scottish Rite in 2011 as part of a special class with Governor Branstad and State Representative Tom Sands. Perhaps most importantly, he included examples of how Masonry has positively impacted his professional life. In addition, he spoke on how Masonic principles, it utilized, make men better leaders.

 Overall it was a great night and an example of how our Fraternity can be fun, educational, and meaningful all in one evening.

h/t Charlie Smithson

2014 Fall-Kickoff and Workers Dinner

A great night to introduce Masonry to all, and recognize our Brothers for their hard work.

Here's the run-down of awards:

• Above & Beyond: Rick Hubbell, Greg Spooner, Dick Hudnell
• PIP: Lee Leonard
• Loring Parker: Sam Wise
• Blosser: Jason McVay
• New Member of the Year: Dylan Rasmussen
• Master Craftsman I: Pierre Lanham
• Master Craftsman III: Kurt Hoffmann, Brian Truex

Lavendar Reunion Kickoff Recap

The Kitchen Krew has outdone themselves once again!  After a wonderful prime rib dinner, we enjoyed a presentation by Steve Jacobsen, Master of Kadosh, and Tom Cox, Junior Warden of the Chapter Rose Croix on Masonry and the Scottish Rite in particular.  Ron Lindhart, Past master of Kadosh gave a thorough tour of the building as well.

A great evening of food and fellowship!

Herbert M. Smith 33 Class Reunion Recap

What an amazing couple of weekends!  The members of the Herbert M. Smith, 33 Memorial Class experienced some of the best work and hospitality of the Des Moines Scottish Rite.

After spending nearly two full weekends drinking from the fire hose that is the Scottish Rite work, participating in 27 of the 29 degrees of the Southern Jurisdiction, the members of the class escaped to the islands.

As snow fell outside, members of the class donned their Hawaiian shirts, and joined their ladies and guests in the Grand Banquet room that had been transformed into a tropical paradise, complete with live fish on the tables, and palm trees adorning the room.

Upon enjoying a meal that was straight from the islands (pineapple, mango, sweet potatoes  macadamia nut ice cream, and more) the program began with the usual Masonic introductions, and then the officers of the Herbert M. Smith, 33 Memorial Class shared their reactions to they had just experienced.  Class President Dylan W. Rasmussen, 32 having just served as the active candidate in the 32nd degree, shared his thoughts, then introduced class Secretary/Treasurer Lee Roy W. Porter, Jr, 32 who presented a gift on behalf of the class to the Valley to assist in the building improvement endeavors.  David E. Funk, 32 as the class Orator gave an excellent talk on his reactions to the work, and the applicability of its lesson in the world at large.

Then the music started, and nearly everyone present found themselves on the dance floor at some point in the evening, as music provided by Absolute Music DJ kept everyone enjoying the evening.

An absolutely perfect finish to a great reunion!  Welcome members of the Herbert M. Smith  33 Memorial Class to your Scottish Rite!

(KMH)

K C C H Investiture Photos

The last two photos are taken by Jason Wolcott

Capital Lodge 150th Rededication

Capitol Lodge # 110 was rededicated by the Grand Lodge. Click on the picture above to go to a slide show of the event.

Maundy Thursday - Des Moines

The Des Moines Chapter of Rose Croix held it's annual Maundy Thursday Observance tonight. It was a very nice event with many in attendance including families. It was wonderful to see the young people there. Click on the picture above or here to see a slide show of all the pictures.

After a delicious meal we adjourned to the auditorium for three ceremonies.
First was the extinguishing of the lights.

Following that a living Last Supper with The Twelve Apostles telling their stories and then the final ceremony was the relighting of the lights.

It was very appropriate that tonight's ceremony coincided with the Vernal Equinox. The day when the day and the night are the same length and the promise of Easter and Spring is present as Winter has ended and the days will begin to be longer. All in all this was a very impressive event and the participants did an excellent job.

Reminder...The Knights of St. Andrew Organizational meeting will be Saturday at 10:00 AM.

Friends of the Consistory

The Friends of the Consistory meeting was held tonight at the Des Moines. Click on the Emblem to view the Slide Show On-line of all the pictures.

Members begin to gather for the wine and cheese tasting and social hour.

A variety of cheese and crackers for your sampling pleasure/

Members enjoy each other's company and good conversation.

An absolutely wonderful meal. Notice the mound of shrimp in the middle of the back. No one went home hungry.

Entertainment was just right. Not too obtrusive and gave a great background.

Shane gave a report about the 2007 activities that had been accomplished. A general clean-up of the building makes it look fresh and new. The carpet which was financed with a lot of $50. donations. New Thermostats and other equipment which I did not get written down were installed at a cost of $10,000. They have already saved the Consistory $8,000 in heating bills.

Projects planned for the coming year were also outlined including air conditioning for the Tapestry lounge and small lodge room and other projects around the building including the women's restroom. There are two challenge grants from Brothers who will provide funds if a certain amount of dontaions are reached.
And of course we had an opportunity to donate funds before we went home. If you would like to donate the address is at the top of the blog.

A wonderful evening with a chance to socialize and visit with friends. Another successful Consistory Event.

Meeting Night

Lots of activity at the Consistory tonight. But none in the newly remodeled "skybox" room on the 4th floor.
















The Officers held their meeting in the Classroom.

















The planning meeting for the Knights of St. Andrew met in the 33 degree room. Steering Committee members Kurt Hoffman, Doug Petty, Steve Hall and Jeremy Davis. The first meeting is next Monday Night.

George Carr was meeting with his computer doing some Foundation business when I intruded to take his picture.

A chili and taco bake supper. Spicy.

Master of Kadosh Brian held the annual meeting. He kept things moving and reports were made about the Spring Reunion plans. It is time to start getting petitions.

Shane gave his report about the use of the building and membership figures. I have asked him to send me the Power Point so I can put the information on here. The use of the building statistics and the projects which were done in 2007. Friday Night at the Friends of the Consistory meeting we will hear the plans for 2008.

Shane emphasized that the $50.00 donations from members really are important and do add up, so anything a member can afford is helpful.

Following the meeting several of us went to the auditorium to take pictures of the flags for the next "Lost Lecture" You can see all of the pictures from tonight by clicking on Shane's picture or here.