News from the Valley of Salem

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While most Valleys in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction do not wear the black cap of a 32° Mason, many do. Read more about this tradition.

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The Sutton Lodge of Perfection is requesting men to step forward to become officers of Perfection.  There are currently have 3 vacancies which Ill. Judson  Greene, would very much like to see filled by guys willing to put in the time and effort to learn new parts and become strong officers for Perfection.

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Join Aimee E. Newell, the Museum's Director of Collections and curator of the exhibition, to learn about the Scottish Rite's French roots, its founding in America two centuries ago and its evolution into one of the most popular American fraternal groups during the 1900s. The exhibition includes photos, costumes, and Scottish Rite props, many of which have never previously been on view. Free. Saturday, April 26, 2:00 p.m.

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The Massachusetts Consistory member jewel is unique among those presented within the Scottish Rite. It was custom-designed to represent the lessons learned and principles inculcated in Scottish Rite degrees. The jewel illustrates the strong link between Massachusetts Consistory and our Scottish Rite heritage. It also emulates our close ties to Blue Lodge Masonry and the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

The jewel proudly displays the Teutonic cross, an emblem of the most ancient chivalric orders dating back to the year 1191. The Teutonic Cross is...

Read more to learn about the new Consistory jewel. 

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As you know we all took an obligation to take care of our Brothers and in many cases we haven't done a very good job. In these difficult economic times many of our Brothers really need our assistance.

Commander McNaughton recognized that as Masons we need to live up to our obligations and make funding available to those truly in need. Through the Blue Envelope Appeal, the Supreme Council Almoners Fund has given more than $2,000,000 to Brother Masons in need, particularly those affected by the recent floods and tornadoes.

Scottish Rite Masons are committed to making a difference in the lives of our Brothers.

If you know of a Brother Mason in true need, please contact your Valley Secretary and he will pass it on to an Active Member or the Deputy for Massachusetts. We will be there to help, should the need arise.

Scottish Rite ~ The Fraternity that Cares!

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Two Christmas ornaments are available for sale at the Scottish Rite NMJ Shop. First is a 200th anniversary 3-inch custom brass ornament, depicting the anniversary logo with the square and compasses and the double-headed eagle. The price is $15.00 and ships for $1.95.

The second is a glass globe, 2.6 inches in diameter, showing the Scottish Rite double-headed eagle. Sale price is $10.00 and ships for $1.95.

To purchase these keepsakes of this era in Scottish Rite Fremasonry, visit the Scottish Rite NMJ Shop.

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Do you like history? Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a curator or a librarian? Come join the staff of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library and find out.  

Masonic Work Day

Saturday, January 25, 2014
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
Lexington, Massachusetts

We are looking for eight volunteers to spend the day helping us with collections-related projects. Projects may include: inventory of object and library collections; housing and numbering objects and archival collections; computer data entry.

No experience needed. Training and lunch will be provided.

Please note that most projects will require prolonged periods of standing and/or sitting and that exposure to dust and/or mold is possible. Most projects will consist of repetitive tasks.

We are accepting registrations on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email Aimee E. Newell, director of collect ions, with your name and contact information to sign up, or with questions.

If you can't make it on January 25, but would like to learn more about volunteering on a regular basis, please let the staff know.

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On Friday, September 27, the new Heads of the Valley of Salem bodies were installed. Ill. Mark C. LeBeau, 33 was installed as Thrice Potent Master of Sutton Lodge of Perfection, Ray Randall, 32 became  Sovereign Prince for Jubilee Council Princes of Jerusalem, and Mason W. Russell, 32 was installed as Most Wise Master for Emmanuel Chapter of Rose Croix. All supporting officers, both elecgted and appointed were also installed by the team of Ill. James M. McCulloch, 33rd, Ill. Donald M. Moran, 33rd, Ill. John R. Blaney, 33rd, and Ill. John R. Elwell, 33rd.

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The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library announces a call for papers for its symposium, "Perspectives on American Freemasonry and Fraternalism," to be held on Friday, April 11, 2014, at the museum in Lexington, MA.

The symposium seeks to present the newest research on American fraternal groups from the past through the present day. By 1900, over 250 American fraternal groups existed, numbering six million members. The study of their activities and influence in the United States, past and present, offers the potential for new interpretations of American society and culture. Diverse perspectives on this topic are sought; proposals are invited from a broad range of research areas, including history, material and visual culture, anthropology, sociology, literary studies and criticism, gender studies, political science, African American studies, art history, economics, or any combination of disciplines. Perspectives on and interpretations of all time periods are welcome.

Proposals should be for 30-minute research papers; the day's schedule will allow for audience questions and feedback.

Proposal Format: Submit an abstract of 400 words or less with a resume or c.v. that is no more than two pages. Be sure to include full contact information (name, address, email, phone, affiliation).

Send proposals to: Aimee E. Newell, PhD, director of collections, Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, by email or by mail to 33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421.  

Deadline for proposals to be received is September 3, 2013. For more information about the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, visit http://www.nationalheritagemuseum.org/. For questions, contact Aimee E. Newell as above, or call 781-457-4144.

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In honor of the jurisdiction's 200th anniversary the Supreme Council has published a new history book called A Sublime Brotherhood. The much anticipated volume is now available for purchase. The 200-page lavishly illustrated work traces the history of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction from 1813 to the present. It is a "must-have" volume and a great souvenir of our bicentennial celebration. You can order your copy now at the Scottish Rite NMJ web store. The price is $33 plus $7 shipping. They are going fast, so don't wait.

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We are sad to report the death of our Soverign Prince, Carl A. Wold. Our sincere condolences are extended to Dorothy and all the family. Visitation at Anderson-Bryant Funeral Home, 4 Common St., Stoneham, Thursday, May 2nd, 4-8 P.M. with a Masonic Service at 6:30. A graveside service will be held in Forest Hills Cemetery, Lynnfield on Friday, May 3rd at 10 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Aleppo Shrine www.alepposhriners.com, 99 Fordham Rd., Wilmington, MA 01887 or the Knights Templar Educational Foundation, 186 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02111.

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A One-Day Class will be held in the Valley of Salem on Saturday, March 9, 2013
Check here for the details.

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The degrees in Lexington this weekend have been cancelled due to impending weather. The Presiding Officers prefer to air on the side of caution, as the safety and security of our members is our primary concern.

No make-up date for this class has been announced yet. No details for rescheduling are currently available. As soon as decisions are made, we will make announcements via e-mail, our webpage, our social media outlets, and through our Valley voicemail for all to see and hear.

To everyone in the Scottish Rite family: please be safe. The tendency during times like this is to be skeptical of the forecast ahead. As it is truly better to be safe rather than sorry, we hope each of you takes time Saturday to be with your families and your loved ones.

Scottish Rite will be here for you soon enough. Thank you for your continued patience in this process, and we look forward to seeing you in the near future!

Fraternally,

Christopher D. Rooney

Valley Webmaster 

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Now you can visit the Scottish Rite store online and purchase a 200th anniversary jewel. As more products are offered, they will also be available online.

Check it out at at shop.scottishritenmj.org

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Yes, folks, it is time to get our students to sing their own praises and complete the applications. Those students who are eligible should consider applying. Who is eligible, I hear you asking? Well, check this out:

• A Scottish Rite Mason of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction; or
  
• A child of a Scottish Rite Mason of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, who is a high school senior or currently enrolled at an accredited college or university, who has attained a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; or
  
• A member of DeMolay, Rainbow or Jobs Daughters in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction who is a high school senior or currently enrolled at an accredited college or university, who has attained a minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.

 Note that there is a change. The applicant must be a CHILD of a Scottish Rite Mason. Previously, a grandchild was eligible, but no more unless his or her Dad is also a member of our Valley. Also, please note that your friendly Secretary doesn't make the rules.

Application Form on Scottish Rite web site.

Follow the instructions carefully. For those applicants who are just coming out of high school, don't forget the instructor recommendations. The instructions might say the recommendations should be from a professor, but not having hit college, that seems impossible. So ask a teacher. But get them. Just remember - applications that do not meet 100% of requirements of the instructions will be dismissed out of hand. There can be no exceptions. I am told that failure to fully complete the application is the single biggest reason for failure to receive the award, so take due notice.

Applications MUST be in the Secretary's hands (not in the mail - in his hands) by April 1.

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John William McNaughton, Sovereign Grand Commander announced that the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction that,

"... the Supreme Council's Almoner's Fund made a commitment to our Brethren in both New Jersey and New York. To each of those jurisdictions, we pledged $1,000,000 for the purpose of assisting in their efforts to start the rebuilding process."

This news is a real boost to efforts to help Masons in need in these areas.  Our fraternity was on the ground in both states shortly after the super-storm hit, working alongside Masonic Lodges that were organizing food and clothing to those whose homes were destroyed.  In the first few days of the disaster, the Scottish Rite distributed more that $200,000 in debit cards to Brothers - financial relief at a time when many banks were closed and ATM machines were empty.

Ill. Brother David A. Glattly, Deputy for New Jersey, has been spearheading the effort in the Garden State.  He has visited and directly helped many of his fellow Masons.  For men whose home has been ravaged this can me quite emotional. Brother Glattly describes the experience:

"The response by our Masonic Brothers is heartwarming when we offer them financial assistance.  It is difficult for a Mason, familiar with giving charity, to instead accept it.  We have often shared tears and hugs with our Brothers.  These are special moments."

While the storm occurred October 28, the work to rebuild continues.  If you want to help, you can donate to the Scottish Rite Benevolent Foundation Almoners Fund by going to http://www.scottishritenmj.org/ and access "Donate Now" under Almoner's Fund.

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The 200th anniversary pocket jewels have arrived. To purchase a jewel send a check to Supreme Council, P.O. Box 519, Lexington, MA 02420 for $26.95 (includes shipping to US). Make sure to include your shipping address.  All those who have previously ordered the medal do not have to re-order.  They will receive theirs soon. If you would like the jewel shipped out of the country, please call for shipping details.

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Two Scottish Rite ornaments are available just in time for the holidays. The brass ornament is $16.95 and the ball is $11.95, prices include shipping costs. Send a request and check to: Supreme Council P.O. Box 519 Lexington, MA 02420

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