Scottish Rite Express

October 16th Tapestry Lounge Carpet Ribbon Cutting

The new carpet has been installed in the Tapestry Lounge. It was completed last week by Allied Construction. In celebration of all the hard work and phenomenal financial support, we will be having a party.
It will be October 16, 2007 beginning at 6:30 pm. It will feature an impressive menu of hors d'oeuvres and libations as well as a couple of toasts to our success. It is open to all members of the Scottish Rite and your guests. The cost will be $15 per person to cover the cost of the party.
This will be the official ribbon cutting ceremony and first Scottish Rite event in our newly carpeted lounge. The Advisory Conference will bring remarks and provide an update on the next renovation project. We look forward to celebrating with you!

October 19th/20th Scottish Rite Fall Reunion – Richard Koch 33° Memorial Class (1st Weekend)

This is the formal initiation for new Scottish Rite members. The first weekend consists of the 4th through 18th degrees. These degrees expand on the first three degrees of Masonry and the search for light and the lost word. They also feature degrees that encompass the rebuilding of the Temple of Solomon as well as an introduction to certain religious figures and their teachings in the role of character development.

November 2nd/3rd Scottish Rite Fall Reunion – Richard Koch 33° Memorial Class (2nd Weekend)

This is the formal initiation for new Scottish Rite members. The second weekend consists of the 19th through 32nd degrees. These degrees are more historical, chivalric, and philosophical than the degrees of the first weekend. The Knights Templar and Jacques de Molay, their last Grand Master, play important roles in these degrees. The 32nd degree reviews the overall lessons of the previous degrees and culminates with the candidates becoming a Master of the Royal Secret.

November 3rd Double Eagle Gala

Our Fall activities end with the first ever Double Eagle Gala. This celebration dinner and dance is open to all. It features the big band sounds of the 15 piece High Society Big Band. This class event would be a great opportunity for you and your lady to enjoy the social side of Free Masonry.

For more information, please contact the Des Moines Scottish Rite at 515-288-8927 or sharshbarger@dmscottishrite.org.

University of Freemasonry - September 18, 2007

Robert G. Davis 33 Speaks at the University of Freemasonry

Des Moines Scottish Rite members were given a rare treat on September 18, 2007. Illustrious Robert G. Davis of Guthrie, Oklahoma, gave an interesting and informative talk on various aspects of Freemasonry. There is no way that I can convey to you all of the material he covered but I was able to jot down some very interesting statements which he made. Anyone who was there is welcome to add their comments to the comment section below.

(Initiation) is fundamental to a man's process of growth.

(It) is done to convey that he has left one life and is entering another.

Men have to be initiated into manhood by other men. It is not a rite of puberty...it is a rite that incorporates us into society as adults.

Our (Masonic) values define us because they define for the outside world who we are.

Life is a study and our duty is to learn.

We need a Fraternal Association with other men. We need older men in our lives to teach us the magic of manhood.

(It) exists foremost to transform men. (This) occurs in the sacred and social space of Lodge.

(It helps them) to grow and achieve balance in their own personal and spiritual lives.

He spoke of the first three degrees as being:

1st - Death of the Ego. You see men as brothers, equal.

2nd - Death of the intellect. Everything we have learned is not enough in and of itself to transform us.

3rd - We have to deal with the worst ruffians of our lives. The things about ourselves that we like the least. (There is a) quest or perfection... the ruffians (are) within ourselves.

He spoke of the journey of the Scottish Rite and gave a review of the ritual of the Southern Jurisdiction and how it relates to our lives

It's about finding the spiritual connection deep within itself that is the path to mature masculinity.

It is about discovering who we are and what we are supposed to be doing in the world.


Following the speech he was presented with a certificate of appreciation from William L. Knoll (Bill); Personal Representative of the SGIG - Valley of Des Moines


















Members were also able to visit the 2nd floor to get a preview of the new carpet in the tapestry lounge and had a wonderful (as usual) meal and a great time to socialize with their Scottish Rite Brethren.

Membership Kick off

October 4 - Fall Membership Kick-off

Coming up soon is the annual Fall Membership dinner. This event is designed to build enthusiasm for the upcoming Fall Reunion and as a chance to invite potential SR Masons to a fun event to meet other Scottish Rite Members. There will be a special program introducing the Scottish Rite as well as building tours. Cost is $10 for SR Masons. However, SR candidates are free. If you bring a candidate with a signed/paid petition, your dinner is free as well. There will be a social hour at 6:00 pm, dinner at 7:00 pm, program at 7:45 pm. This event is for men only.

If you plan to attend please contact the office by calling 515-288-8927 or email sharshbarger@dmscottishrite.org.



October 19/20 & November 2/3 - Fall Reunion

The Fall reunion is just around the corner. Now is the time to brush up on your ritual, attend your degree practices, recruit your candidates, volunteer to be on a committee, etc

Robert Davis to Speak

Brother Davis writes this:

I'm off to Nebraska and Iowa this coming week to give talks to the Omaha, Souix City and Des Moines Scottish Rite Valleys. I believe there are five speeches overall. I've lost track..I know I've been working on them all week. I'm looking forward to seeing some old friends and meeting new Brothers. That alone is a wonderful benefit of Masonic travel.

Brother Davis is the one on the right. He will speak in Des Moines Tuesday evening. Contact the Office for details.

September 18th — University of Free Masonry

Guest Speaker: Robert Davis 33° G.C.



We are pleased to announce a special University of Free Masonry event that will be held on Tuesday, September 18, 2007. The presenter for the evening will be Robert Davis 33°G.C. He is the Valley Secretary for Guthrie, OK. Bro. Davis is a very well known Masonic speaker and researcher. He has a program designed that will discuss some of the early history of the Scottish Rite, the differences between Northern & Southern Jurisdictions of the SR, and many additional things you may not be aware of concerning our great Fraternity. He is currently writing a book on the history and evolution of the Masonic ritual. After his program, there will be a question and answer session.

There will be a social hour at 6:00 pm, dinner (Chicken Marsala) at 6:45 pm, program at 7:30 pm. All events will take place in the Grand Banquet room. If you enjoyed the Brent Morris presentation, you will appreciate Bro. Davis as well. We encourage all SR Masons, their ladies and guests to attend. $8 per person.

Please RSVP by September 17th by calling 515-288-8927 or email sharshbarger@dmscottishrite.org.

Tapestry Lounge Carpet Removal Begins

Tapestry Lounge Carpet Removal Begins

Attached are a couple of photos of the removal of the carpet in the Tapestry Lounge. Allied Construction is doing the tear out and install. The carpet shipped from Georgia this week. We are planning a ribbon cutting and celebration party on September 18th, so mark your calendars.

University of Free Masonry – “Trial of Jacques de Molay”



“Trial of Jacques de Molay” to be performed at the Des Moines Scottish Rite

Des Moines – July 23, 2007 – The play the “Trial of Jacques de Molay” will be held on September 6, 2007 at the downtown Des Moines Scottish Rite as part of the 2007 University of Free Masonry series. The event begins with a 6:00pm Social Hour, followed by 6:45pm Curtain and 7:45pm Dessert with the cast. The event is open to the public. Cost is $5 per person.

The “Trial of Jacques de Molay” is a presentation of the final confrontation between the leader of the Knights Templar and the Philip, the King of France.

The story, set in 1314, details how the Knights Templar, a group of warrior monks sworn to protect the Christian Holy Land, were captured and tortured at the end of the Crusades. The round-up of the Knights Templar on Friday, Oct 13, 1307 is believed to be the origin of the superstition of “Friday the 13th.” 2007 marks the 700 year anniversary of the events.

Jacques de Molay was the last Grand Master or leader of the Knights Templar. The events leading to his execution form the basis for the play. The story of Jaques de Molay and the Knights Templar has been featured in movies such as “DaVinci Code” and “National Treasure.”

The play’s actors will come from throughout Iowa for the 700th Anniversary portrayals.

The event begins with a 6:00pm Social Hour, followed by 6:45pm Curtain and 7:45pm Dessert with the cast. The event is open to the public and cost is $5 per person

Reservations are requested –either by calling the Des Moines Scottish Rite at 515-288-8927 or by email - sharshbarger@dmscottishrite.org.

The “Trial of Jacques de Molay” will be held in the Consistory Auditorium of the Des Moines Scottish Rite, 519 Park Street, just north of the American Republic Insurance Building.

University of Freemasonry –

The University of Freemasonry is a series of educational events organized by the Des Moines Scottish Rite to share knowledge about the history and future of Freemasonry. Previous events in the University of Freemasonry series included topics such as Masonic Music, Masons in the U.S. Civil War and movies with Masonic themes, such as the DaVinci Code. Details on future events on posted on the Des Moines Scottish Rite website - www.dmscottishrite.org