July 2015

DEADLINE FOR OCTOBER 2015 VALLEY NOTICE - AUGUST 31, 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

Page 1 Spring Reunion Class of 2015 Pages 2 & 3 Presiding Officer Messages

Commander-In-Chief Thrice Potent Master

Sovereign Prince Most Wise Master

Page 4 Golden Eagles Ladies Auxiliary Page 5 Feast Of Tishri Information & Reservation Announcement Page 6 Hospitaler Awards Scholarship Four Abbott Scholarships Awarded Page 7 Family Picnic July 26, 2015 Rajah Shrine Complex Reservation Form Page 8 Hiram’s Scottish Riders Children’s Dyslexia Center Raffle Page 9 Ontelaunee Stag Night Pancake & Sausage Dinner Monday, October 5, 2015 Page 10 Pagoda Club Movie & Chili Night – Saturday, October 17, 2015 Lancaster County Club Sea Food Night John Gay Scholarship Winner Page 11 Reading Lodge 549 September 2015 Sandwich Sale Page 12 Family Picnic

13 Brethren were created Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, 32° Scottish Rite Masons on May 16, 2015. Joining the Class and the Marshalls in this photo are: Arthur K. Armstrong, 32°, Most Wise Master; Craig W. Shaffer, 32°, Sovereign Prince; Ronald J. Dalius, 32°, Thrice Potent Master; Ill. Russell W. Baker, 33°, Deputy for Pennsylvania; Ill. William H. Tennant, Jr., 33°, Commander-in-Chief; Ill. Irwin A. Kohler, 33°, First Lieutenant Commander; Ill. Edward O. Weisser, 33°, R.W. Past Grand Master; and Ill. Marvin G. Speicher, 33°, R.W. Past Grand Treasurer.

Photograph By Bro. Harold E. Hoch, 32°

Spring Reunion Class of 2015

David C. Balmer Reading, PA Reading Lodge No. 549 Czar L. Belinda Blandon, PA Huguenot Lodge No. 377 Christopher T. Bixler Allentown, PA Huguenot Lodge No. 377 Eric J. Cassel Chester Spring, PA Stichter Lodge No. 254 Michael F. Conner Phoenixville, PA Spring-Ford Lodge No. 553 Samuel M. Conner Phoenixville, PA Spring-Ford Lodge No. 553 Barry J. Friel New Holland, PA Skerrett Lodge No. 343 Robert C. McMichael Audubon, PA Brandywine-Goddard Lodge No. 383 Christopher S. Miller Harrisburg, PA Mount Olivet Lodge No. 704 Glenn M. Reese, Jr. Lebanon, PA Columbia Lodge No. 286 Randy P. Rowe Chester Springs, PA Spring-Ford Lodge No. 553 Eleuterio Santana-Wright Morgantown, PA Lodge No. 62 Daniel P. Whalen Pottstown, PA Stichter Lodge No. 254

Degrees conferred as a Courtesy to the Valley of New York

Louis Cooper Staten Island, NY Beacon Light Lodge No. 701, NY Harold Glenn Far Rockaway, NY Heritage Lodge No. 371, NY Jermaine J. Gordon Mount Vernon, NY Dunwoodie Lodge No. 863, NY Carlos G. Sosa Lombardo Mount Vernon, NY Dunwoodie Lodge No. 863, NY

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Thrice Potent Master’s Corner Michael J. Huck

Fraternal Greetings Brethren! As we begin a new year in Scottish Rite Masonry here in the Valley of Reading, I am feeling humbled by you confidence, and generosity in giving me the opportunity to serve you my Brethren, and this Valley as Thrice Potent Master. I am looking forward to an exciting year. Had it not been for some great Brethren and friends drawing me into this fantastic adventure, I would not have truly experienced the Scottish Rite the way it should be. So to those brothers who invited me into this journey, and who guided me through the preceding chairs, I thank you. Summer is here, and there are plenty of activities at your Valley to keep you in touch with your friends. You will find all of those offerings on these pages, so there is no need to rehash them here. But I will say that the meetings are important, and the Reunions even more so, but it is the fraternalism and fellowship among the members that makes this Fraternity what it is. It is truly my belief that meetings and reunions don’t make you a Mason, it’s your experiences with your Brethren that does that. So enjoy the bonds of Brotherly Love and Affection with your friends this summer. Looking toward the fall when rehearsals and meeting pick up again, we once again have the opportunity to be with our brothers as we work toward the goal of putting on meaningful and interesting degrees. The degrees of the Lodge of Perfection degrees are intended to remind us of, and expand upon the lessons taught in our Symbolic Lodges. More over they recall our devotion to the Grand Architect. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate my fellow officers in the Council, Chapter, and Consistory. I look forward to serving with you, in some cases again, during this year. Finally, I look forward to seeing everyone throughout the year at the Valley functions and events.

Through the seasons of life we tend to associate friends with the places we’ve lived or the ages of our children and grandchildren. Then there are the friends we make when we get involved. In things like church, little league, gun clubs, fire companies and the list goes on. Take a moment to think about the seasons of your life, of family, friends, places and events Over the years, I’ve thought about those times and especially in the fraternity and those friends I have made…special friends. Many have since passed on, but I can still hear their voice no matter how much time passes. The tone of their voice still fresh in my mind, I wish you could hear them! We can hear a voice and instantly recognize the speaker. Even if only in our memories, strong and loving voices from the past are a comfort and a treasure in ways emails, tweets and texts will never be. They are only ways to stay connected. I’ve told you all that to say this; By getting involved and staying involved you too can share in the seasons of the Scottish Rite family. You can make those friends, the kind I’ve talked about, the kind I hold dear. These are exciting times in the life of our valley and there is someone who is waiting to meet you!! Make a memory…remember strangers are only friends you have yet to meet. My personal congratulations go out to the immediate past officers who have served this valley. More especially; now past CIC Ill William H. Tennant. (We sure had fun!) I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Lois Ensslen, our valley office manager who is retiring after 34 years. Lois is a very passionate lady not only about her friends and her family but also about the Valley. She knows our valley and its members. The office just will not be the same with-out her. Lois we will miss you, we expect to see you at the events of the valley and we wish you love, health and lots of travel time! I’m waiting to greet each of you at the events scheduled this summer. All listed in this valley notice. Take advantage of these activities and enjoy the summer.

STAY CONNECTED! Sincerely and Fraternally, Butch

The Commander-in-Chief

Ill. Irwin A. Kohler, 33°

Valley Notice

Is a publication of the four bodies of the Valley of Reading,

Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction

And is the official notice of meetings, Events and activities of the Valley.

Editor Dick Miller, 32° The Valley of Reading, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite

P.O. Box 6013, West Reading, PA 19610 Phone: 610-373-0722

Fax: 610-373-0795 Email: valley.of.reading@comcast.net

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I want to thank everyone who made it possible for me to serve you as Sovereign Prince for the 2015-2016 year. Time has passed quickly since I first accepted an appointment into the line of Sovereign Princes. As I think back and reminisce on the messages of prior Sovereign Princes and line officers, there is one common thread; we are all told the same message as we join the officer’s line--it’s only four meetings and two reunions a year. I will say, although there is a lot more to it, the time has gone fast. I know If this year is the same as when I was Worshipful Master it will become one of the most memorable and rewarding years of my life. The one message I would like to share with each of you is to become active in the Valley’s activities. Getting involved in one or more of the many activities that the Valley of Reading schedules for all of us will make your membership more rewarding. The simplest is to attend the meetings or help out at the reunions, join one of our clubs, and of course if you have the time become an officer. Getting involved in one of these activities makes Scottish Rite Masonry better for you and better for the Fraternity in general.

The Council of Princes of Jerusalem will be hosting the Holiday Happenings the first two weekends in December. The attendance at this event has increased each year due to the hard work of the many volunteers and groups that give their time and effort to promote a festive atmosphere at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.

The displays and activities have become bigger each year and this year will be no exception. We had over 2500 people in attendance last year and hope to increase the attendance this year. Bring your family, friends and neighbors out to enjoy what Scottish Rite Freemasonry has to offer. I am looking forward to this year and working for and with the men and women of the Valley of Reading.

Have a great summer and enjoy the summer activities that the Valley has planned for you.

Fraternally,

Sovereign Prince Speaks Darwin A. Kerper, Jr.

Fraternally

I would like to say thank you to everyone for giving me the opportunity to serve as Most Wise Master of Francis Marion Highley Chapter Knights of Rose Croix for the years 2015 and 2016. I remember when I told my Grandfather it seemed like forever till I was sixteen so I could drive and then twenty-one so I could consume adult beverages. My wise Grandfather then told me the older you get the faster the days and years will go by and as always he was right. It seems like just yesterday my mentor Daniel Yoder Hoch told me sign a petition to join Reading Consistory, then Chapter, Commandery, Council, Mark Lodge, Tall Cedars, Shrine and many many more. After going through most of them I was asked to join Rose Croix and another journey began. At that time Gerald R Baum 33° and John R Nester 33° AKA (little Danny) became my new mentors. The time has gone by so fast and now I have the privilege and honor of serving as Most Wise Master. I know I have to follow in the footsteps of many Great Past masters and will hopefully meet or exceed their expectations. I know that having their support and knowledge there when needed will make my year successful.

Most Wise Master’s Moment Bruce M. Cronrath

Class Photograph by Bro. Harold E. Hoch, 32°

Presiding Officers Photographs by Bro. Rodney E. Small, 32° PTPM

Thank you Brethren

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Golden Eagles Bus Trip To:

HUNTERDON HILLS PLAYHOUSE December 7, 2015

The 2015 Christmas Musical

A PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS Bus departs the Scottish Rite Cathedral at 9:00 AM

Lunch : 11:00 AM, Show 1:00 PM

Price: $90.00 Per Person Includes: Round trip transportation by Elite Coach

Matinee Lunch, Show & Gratuity Deposit: $25.00, Final Payment due November 3rd

Make you check payable to: GOLDEN EAGLES Mail to: Carol Brandt

437 Ford Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Any questions, Contact: Marion I. Miller

45 Colebrookdale Road, Boyertown, PA 19512 610-207-7413 or 484-624-5584

LADIES AUXILIARY OFFICERS – INSTALLED MAY 26, 2015 Carol Keen, President, 610-369-7972; Holly Higgins, Vice-President, 610-678-4608;

Janice Kaucher, Recording Secretary, 610-670-9827; Lynda Hackman, Treasurer, 610-344-4995;

Deann Brandt, Corresponding Secretary, 717-484-6174; Terri Swisher, Membership, 610-670-8084.

WE ALL INVITE YOU TO ATTEND THE NEXT DINNER ON OCTOBER 27, 2015, BEGINNING AT 6:00 P.M. FOLLOWED BY THE BUSINESS MEETING AT 7:00 P.M.

(Those whose last name begin with A to L, please bring a dessert)

THE PROGRAM WILL BE “GHOST STORIES” BY

THE BOYERTOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Fashion Show held on April 11, 2015 was once again a huge success. Many, many thanks to the models, servers, those folks who brought in fabulous door prizes, those that set up on Friday, cleaned up on Saturday, the committee and especially the ladies who attended. The Aux. will once again be able to sponsor a child with a gift to the Learning Center. Again, A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL. A Special Thank You Carol Brandt for your 30 plus years as Membership Chairman. Helen M. Hummel, Chairman

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE UPCOMING TRIP ON NOVEMBER 21, 2015, TO BIRD-IN-HAND RESTAUANT AND STAGE TO SEE “JOSIAH FOR PRESIDENT”

More Information will be mailed to you.

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Reading Consistory, Sublime prince of the Royal Secret, 32°

Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Reading, Pennsylvania.

Invites every Master Mason to celebrate

The Feast of Tishri Deuteronomy 16:13 - Thou shall observe the feast of tabernacles after thou hast

gathered in thy corn and wine.

A Members Only Dinner and Table Lodge.

BLACK TIE REQUESTED with the appropriate decorations of your organization.

A Profound Experience, Featuring Great Food and Fraternal Fellowship.

Guest Speaker:

Illustrious John Wm. McNaughton, 33° Sovereign Grand Commander, A.A.S.R., N.M.J., U.S.A.

Social Hour begins at 6:00 o’clock in the Evening FRIDAY OCTOBER 2, 2015

at the SCOTTISH RITE CATHEDRAL

310 South Seventh Avenue West Reading, PA 19611

$65.00 per person Includes a souvenir and full beverage service

Prepaid Reservations Required. RESERVATIONS: Please detach the form below and mail to the Scottish Rite Cathedral along with your check made payable to: AASR Activities. No reservations can be accepted after September 24th.

DON’T BE DISAPOINTED. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- CUT HERE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RESERVATION FORM NAME Number of Reservations Amount Enclosed _________________________________________ _____ @ $65.00 $__________ PLEASE PRINT ___________________________________________________________________ TABLE WITH

Make check Payable to: AASR Activities and return to the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Prepaid Reservations Required. No reservations can be accepted after September 24th. Tables of eight are available.

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HOSPITALER AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP

Illustrious Marvin G. Speicher, 33°, announced that the Hospitaler’s fund has awarded the 2015 Valley of Reading Scholarship to Virginia A. Moyer. Virginia will be studying Sports Management and Physical Fitness in Baltimore Maryland. The School is part of the University of Maryland. Virginia is the daughter of Allen D. and Emily S. Moyer.

The purpose of the Valley of Reading Scottish Rite Scholarship Program is to be of assistance and encouragement to young men and women with a high school education desiring to acquire training in trades, business, technical, vocational or career programs and, who have been accepted in accredited schools offering such programs. The training programs (Certificate or Associate Degree) typically are two years in length; however, the time required for completion may vary. Scholarships are for one year, awarded annually. Students entering the second year of a training program are also eligible and encouraged to apply. Illustrious Brother Speicher also thanks the members of the Valley of Reading who included a donation to the Hospitaler’s Fund along with their dues payment.

Four Abbott Scholarships Awarded Four Leon M. Abbott Scottish Rite Scholarships in the amount of $2,000.00 each have been awarded by the Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, N.M.J., to students who applied through the Valley of Reading:

Elizabeth L. Geisinger of Kutztown; Alexandra E. Agensen of Manhein; Adam T. Pritchard of Mertztown, and Sean W. Haines of Reading.

The Abbott Scholarships are awarded to qualified students in recognition of scholastic and all-round achievement. The goal is to help young people fulfill their career goals by assisting them financially as they further their education beyond high school. Abbott Scholarships are given to children of Scottish Rite Masons and to young people who have been active in Masonic-related organizations such as DeMolay, Rainbow and Job’s Daughters. The Grants are made throughout the fifteen-state Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Total scholarships in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction will be $450,000 for the 2015-2016 academic period. More than 350 college level students across the Jurisdiction were helped by Abbott grants. In addition to the Abbott Scholarship, the Scottish Rite Masons of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction also support the award-winning National Heritage Museum in historic Lexington, Massachusetts; yearly fellowships for Schizophrenia Research; and the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc

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Dear Brethren,

I bring you greetings from the Hiram’s Scottish Riders Motorcycle Club. The club has had a great year so far and we are looking forward to a great summer. On behalf of all the members of the club I wanted to take some time to tell you about some of the things we have been working on and recap some of the events we have had so far this year.

Our combination Valentine’s Day/St. Patrick’s Dance was a great success; we had over 100 attendees and raised several thousand dollars to benefit the Children’s Dyslexia Center. I would like to take a minute to personally thank our sponsors, those who donated to our silent auction, and all the members involved with organizing and running the event. Everyone did a great job and we could not have asked for a better evening.

Our next meeting and ride is scheduled for Saturday, June 20. The meeting will be at 9am and a ride will follow at 10. Please note this date and time change for the meeting Brethren, as we are meeting on the 3rd Saturday this month due to Father’s Day, and have moved the meeting time to accommodate the ride scheduled for after the meeting. The ride itself will be to Hershey, PA and will wind us through some of the best riding scenery in Pennsylvania. Please join us if you are able, you will not be disappointed. As a reminder you need not be a member of HSRMC to participate in a ride. If you are interested in joining us just come on out, we would love to have you. Information on future rides will be coming soon.

As you may or may not know, each year HSRMC has an annual Motorcycle raffle benefiting the Children’s Dyslexia Center. The raffle tickets are $20 and only 1000 tickets will be sold. Grand Prize is a 2016 Harley-Davidson Street Bob or $10,000 cash. Please consider buying a ticket Brethren and help us do our part to support the center. The winning raffle ticket will be pulled at our Annual HSRMC Car and Bike show which will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2015 here at the Valley. There is no cost to show your car or bike so come on out and join us for a fun day at the valley, all are welcome so bring the family. It should be an entertaining day for everyone.

Thank you for your time and consideration Brethren.

Fraternally, Richard Storms, President HSRMC

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THE ONTELAUNEE CLUB.

FAMOUS PANCAKE & SAUSAGE STAG NIGHT

WHERE: VIRGINVILLE HOTEL (In the Village of Virginville) WHEN : MONDAY OCTOBER 5, 2015 WHO : ALL SCOTTISH RITE & BLUE LODGE MASONS are INVITED Any Blue Lodge Member who has signed a petition to join the SCOTTISH RITE, VALLEY of READING, will be a GUEST OF THE VALLEY TIME : SOCIAL HOUR 6:00 to 6:45 - DINNER at 6:45 P.M. OPEN BAR for Miller Lite & Lager Draft & Soda, CASH BAR for COCKTAILS & BOTTLE BEER COST: Only $ 15.00 per person, Guests with a signed S.R. petition do not pay RESERVATIONS: Please detach and fill in the form below and return to IRVIN D. HERRING, Treasurer 2028 OLD 22, LENHARTSVILLE, PA. 19534 with a check in the amount due, Payable to the ONTELAUNEE CLUB, VALLEY of READING

NO RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED AFTER SEPTEMBER 28, 2015!!! ------------------cut here---------------------------------------------cut here---------------------------------------------------------cut here------------------ RESERVATION FORM NAME Member Scottish Blue Lodge Guest With AMT. DUE

Rite Only Signed Petition

_______________________________________ _______ _______ ______ ___________ _______________________________________ _______ _______ ______ ___________ _______________________________________ _______ _______ ______ ___________ _______________________________________ _______ _______ ______ ___________ TOTAL AMOUNT DUE ___________ All S.R. & Blue Lodge Members, $ 15.00 A Blue Lodge member with a signed S.R. petition, no charge.

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John Gay scholarship winner Jesse Goranson receives certificate from Chester County Club banquet chairman,

Paul A. Swank, Jr. assisting Brother Swank is

Ill. Mark A. Haines, 33°, R.W. Grand Secretary And

Bro. Thomas Gamon IV, R.W. Junior Grand Warden and 33° Designate.

All members of the Valley of Reading.

The presentation was made at Elizabethtown On May 28. 2015.

Pagoda Club Movie & Chili Night

Saturday, October 17th Scottish Rite Cathedral

5:00 pm Social Hour

6:00 pm Food & Movie

Only $10.00 per person

Bring your ladies, friends and family For a fun evening

Enjoy some of “Catch” Hoyes

World famous chili Bring a favorite chair and enjoy a movie

Lancaster County Club Valley of Reading Annual Fall Ladies’ Night

ALL YOU CAN EAT SEAFOOD NIGHT

AT THE SHADY MAPLE

Tuesday, September 29, 2015 6:30 PM Shrimp, Clams, Mussels, Scallops, Salmon

Reservation Deadline September 23, 2015

MAIL CHECKS TO: Randy Kegerise

403 Spruce Street Denver, PA 17517

NAME _________________________________________ ADDRESS _____________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP _______________________________ NUMBER ATTENDING: ______ X $28.00 = ___________ CHECK NUMBER: _______________

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READING LODGE No. 549 SANDWICH SALE – ITALIAN OR HAM ON ROLL

SALE DATE –SEPTEMBER 24, 2015

ORDER DEADLINE – SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 COST $5.00

50 % OF THE PROFITS BENEFITS

THE CHILDREN’S DYSLEXIA CENTER OF READING

TO ORDER: CONTACT STEPHEN HIGGINS, PM 610-678-4608 OR srh2020@netzero.net

Or mail to: 2020 SPRING STREET, WEST LAWN, PA 19609

Make checks payable to Reading Lodge No. 549

SANDWICHES MAY BE PICKED UP BETWEEN 11:00 AM AND 1:00PM AND AGAIN BETWEEN 5:00 PM AND 6:00 PM ON SEPTEMBER 24

AT THE MASONIC TEMPLE, 300 S. 7TH AVENUE , WEST READING, PA 19611

Name _________________________________________ Phone ________________________ No. Italians with onion _______________ w/out onion __________________ No. Ham with onion _______________ w/out onion __________________ Total Sandwich order _________x $5.00 each Total _______________________

ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE

2015

DETAILS INSIDE