Thanksgivings

Happy Thanksgiving (belated) to all.

Nat and I went to my mom and dad's for turkey day Thursday. My mom's health has been failing, but she wanted to cook dinner for the four (six if you count Lucy and Jenny, our dogs) of us. Friday Nat and I hosted dinner for her two daughters and mom and dad. I had to go to Independence Friday afternoon to meet with their Sec/Rec of the York Rite. It was a quick trip up and back and dad went along. Now I need to loose another 10 or 15Lbs. My how the banquet circuit and good food can make your clothes shrink.

Our lives seem to become so busy that It is easy to forget the greatness of life. It really doesn't matter how big your bank account is or what car you drive or where you live. Sure these things make us feel good, feel important, but what are they compared to good health, a loving family, our friends, and hope in our future. In the Order of the Temple we are taught that life is but a fleeting moment. That we are all born, and that we all must die. A person who lives on the streets and looks for his next meal may be happier than those perched high atop the skyline looking over our cities. We all share the same sunshine, the same rain. It matters not who we are, but rather what we are. Our actions, how we live our daily lives and treat others is the aim we should have in view. I give thanksgivings for many things. My health, my family, my friends, and most importantly to God. May God Bless You.

Right Worshipful Brother Wade's Reception

Saturday evening was a Grand Lodge reception in honor of R.W. Brother Wade Sheeler, Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Iowa. A tremendous crowd showed up to honor Wade and his service to Freemasonry. Wade is a hard worker in every organization he belongs to. He travels across the state and helps out in any way that he can. The affection of his Brethren was evident.

Above is Wade in the center, his dad to the left, and Bob Kilfoil to the right

Nat and I with the Grand Recorder, Willard and his wife Karen

Des Moines George R. Carr York Rite Festival

Early Saturday morning Companions and Sir Knights from across assembled at the Des Moines Scottish Rite Masonic Center for the Des Moines York Rite Fall Festival in memory and honor of S.K. George R. Carr. The Chapter degrees started around 7 a.m. and the Royal Arch degree was completed by lunch time. After lunch the council degrees were conferred, then the Commandery Orders. The Order of the Temple completed around 5:30 p.m. The Grand High Priest, MI Grand Master, and myself as Grand Commander were in attendance. The degrees and orders were presented in fine fashion with few parts being read. Corinthian Chapter #14 has an excellent Past Master degree team. Four Past Grand Masters and a Past Deputy Grand Master filled out the cast with only two non Past Grand Lodge cast members. Their work is outstanding. I am not saying that the other degrees are not good, because they were, but to have four Past Grand Masters in one degree is rare. As Grand Commander I conferred the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross and the Order of Malta in short form. It is to bad that they are seldom given in long form. I hope Des Moines will do one or both of the orders some evening for the members. Nine Grand Commandery Officers were in attendance and most helped with the Order of the Temple. Also five Past Grand Commanders were there. I served as Prelate and S.K. Rusty did a good job as Commander. The highlight of the entire day was the class. I don't know the final count as there were several courtesy candidates, but I am guessing around 35 new Sir Knights and Companions. WOW! That is the larges class in at least a decade for Des Moines. This is the result of the hard work and efforts of many Sir Knights.

Knight Commander of the Court of Honour

The Des Moines Valley of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite held their biannual ceremony of Investiture to those Master's of the Royal Secret who had been elected by the Supreme Council to receive the designation of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour of the Rite. (boy that is a lota words LOL) I fondly remember when I received my KCCH, I was so proud, that my mom and dad where there. The ceremony is impressive and I had a part in it for many years. More importantly than me, was the 19 new recipients. I know personally all but one of them, and that one is a active in community affairs. As Grand Commander I was proud that three of the Grand Commandery Officers received their KCCH, plus our current Commander, several Past Commanders, and a Past Grand High Priest. While they did not receive the KCCH for their York Rite involvement alone, as each is active in Scottish Rite, it shows that the two Rites can and do work together. (in Des Moines at least). All 19 earned their KCCH in some manner of service to the Rite and society. We had a great meal, and great ceremony. It is nice to see so many Brothers in tuxedos and the ladies dressed so nice.
Congratulations to the new KCCH's.

Order of the Temple in Albia

My how this past week went by so quickly. Wednesday night I traveled to Albia for an Order of the Temple. They have had one last week and their inspection is this Saturday. This Commandery has an interesting story. Several years ago they where ready to surrender their charter and call it quites. The Grand Bodies meet with them I it seemed there was no hope. Then through the leadership of a couple members, and lots of hard work and dedication, they started meeting again, had new members joining, and became a top York Rite in Iowa. While several of those men that helped save Albia are now gone, several others are still working hard to make sure this small commandery remains. Funny to note that when they where considering closing they discussed consolidating with Centerville. Now Centerville is consolidated with them. They had an good Order of the Temple and the new Sir Knight was appreciative of the work done by all. I made a point to attend as I am unable make their Inspection Saturday as Des Moines is having our York Rite Festival. I try to attend when and where I can, and am always greeted by friends and bring greetings on behalf of the Sir Knights of Iowa.

Veterans Day

Wednesday was Veterans Day. The day we as Americans honor those who have given of themselves to serve in the military. Countless thousands have given their lives to defend and protect our great Nation. Many more thousands today serve in defense of our country.

In honor of those Veterans the Des Moines Scottish Rite put on a program based on the old ritual of the 30th degree. This was my favorite Scottish Rite degree until the new changes. The "old" degree was filled with patriotism, lessons of equality, and defense of democracy. The flag lecture tells the history of the American Emblem. This was one of my very favorite lectures I have given. I remember it still.

Here is L to R: Myself, Kay, and John

Many of the "old" cast took parts for this public event. The ritual was completely changed (except the flag lecture and school house lecture, which never were ritual) but the ideas of the degree shown through. Over 140 people attended and gave the portrayal high marks. These lectures have been performed for other organizations and lodges. Greg, the school house lecturer and I are happy to go give the the lectures as a program.

Thanks to Kurt and the Des Moines Consistory for the photos.
It was a great evening honoring those who have and those who continue to serve America in the military. God Bless You!

Cornerstone at Clarion Public Library

Last Tuesday the Grand Lodge of Iowa held a cornerstone laying ceremony in Clarion for their new Public Library addition. What a great day in November, high of 60 and a little wind and the sun was shining. Seven Sir Knights helped form the lines for the Grand Lodge and though the area for the ceremony was cramped, we still had a procession. Many citizens from the area were in attendance. It was especially nice for me to see Rusty, an old friend who's husband was a very good friend and mentor. My mom spent the afternoon at Rusty's house while Dad, Gene, and I attended opening Grand Lodge. The lodge furnished an oyster stew/chili supper after closing Grand Lodge. It was a fun day.