November News

Consistory

My Brothers,
One of the true “secrets” of our Fraternity is the power Masonry has in influencing people and events when Masons live their liveS according to the teachings and tenants of our fraternity.

I am pleased to announce a new honor that will be bestowed by myself and future Commander-In-Chiefs to brothers who have unknowingly had a tremendous influence upon the Commander-In-Chief through the powerful example the brother has set by their actions and deeds.

This honor is called the Legion of Valor and will be bestowed upon two brothers each year at our Valley’s annual Recognition and Awards night. I am proud to announce that this year’s recipients are Charles Victory and James McNeal.

Our Awards and Recognition night will be held on Monday, November 23rd. The social starts at 6:00, dinner at 6:30 with the program to follow. On this night, we will also be recognizing Brothers Rick Powell, Norm Kruth and Harley DeShane as our new Dedicated Service Award Recipients and Brother George Black will be presented his Red Hat as our Valley’s newest Meritorious Service award recipient. Illustrious Brother Peter Samiec 33rd, State Deputy will be our guest speaker and will be presenting diplomas to our newest members.

On Monday, Nov. 09th, we will be hosting our annual Veterans program which is being chaired by Brother Tom Santmyer. (Social at 6:00, dinner at 6:30 with program to follow). This evening will be a most memorable night and our opportunity to honor those who have served our country. Special recognition will be given to Brother Arnold Zilm from Homer.

Saturday, Nov. 14th is our Scottish Rite Day. The event will be held in Utica with the conferral of the 31st and 32nd degrees in the morning and lunch to follow. If you would like transportation call George at 315-452-7976.

Let us keep in our prayers Brother Dick Freeman who is has recently undgergone major surgery and Brother Charles Victory.

We mourn the passing of Brother Casimer Szopinski who passed away September 16th.

See you in Lodge.Brother Sandy Samson, 33°, Commander in Chief

Chapter

Greetings Brethren, from the Chapter of Rose Croix.

I would like to start out by shouting, Membership, Membership!!, That’s one of our top priorities. Our Valley needs new members to stay healthy, and keep moving forward. The R.W. Freddie Liehs and myself have been made Scottish Rite Ambassadors, in charge of membership in the Cortland / Madison District. Please give Freddie or myself a call if any one needs an application, and or, literature on the Scottish Rite.

To the Masters of Lodges, if you need a program for Lodge night, Dr. Lynwood Bennerson, recently visited Cautious Lodge No. 726 in Georgetown to give a nice presentation of who we are, and what we are all about.If Lynwood can work it into his busy schedule, he will happy to come and speak.

On November 9th, you and your Lady are invited to a Veterans Day Celebration. There will be a dinner and a program that evening at The Masonic Memorial Center in North Syracuse, with a social time starting at 6:00 pm. Please make reservations by Nov. 2nd

On November 14th plan on attending Scottish Rite day in Utica. It all starts at 10:00am . The 31st and the 32 Degrees will be done with Lunch following. This should be quite a show as the Brothers from the Valley of Binghamton will be joining us that day.

Don’t forget your Blue Lodge, and a contribution to the Learning Center. ~ Brother Dick Freeman, 32°, Most Wise Master

Council

Brethren,
Greetings from the Council Princes of Jerusalem.

Winter is on its way. Including the Flu Season. Here is hoping that all stay well and healthy as we begin the journey into Holiday Season.

The November schedule calls for three important programs...

The Veterans Day program on the evening of November 9th will be quite enjoyable this year as it is being crafted to entertain as well as inform. I hope you all can attend.

The presentation of the 31st and 32nd degrees in order to welcome new Scottish Riters into the fraternity will be on the 14th of November 14. Please attend to show your support to these new Brothers.

November 23rd is Recognition and Awards Night at the Lodge. This meeting is always enjoyable to attend. Please attend and recognize the Brothers that will be recognized for their contribution to the Valley.

The following is background information on Brother David Barnello, 32nd degree.
David is serving as the Junior Warden in the Council this year. He is also an active Mason that was raised in the Cato Lodge #131 where he is presently serving in the position of Junior Warden.

He has been in the service of his community in his association with the Boy Scouts of America in Cato and Cayuga County for 20 years. He is approaching his 15th year as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 50. He is an Honor Scouter, a member of many committees and has earned the prestigious Silver Beaver Award.

He is an employee of Microwave Filter Company for many years and serves as the Mechanical Operations Manager. Dave and his wife Ann live on a small farm in Cato where they have raised two fine sons and a variety of animals of which some have tried the patience of Ann. David is an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper. ~ Brother Milo Peterson, 32°, Sovereign Prince

Lodge

No News from the Lodge of Perfection!

~ Brother Adam Ferguson, 32°, Thrice Potent Master

October News

Consistory

My Brothers,
“The architect began to design and the plans which he laid down, improved by time and experience, have resulted in works which have been the admiration of every age.”

This Masonic thought was shared with us as we embarked on our travels in Masonry and is most meaningful today as we continue to strive to add value to your Scottish Rite membership.

During the 2009-2010 year, your Officers will be actively evaluating our Trestleboard and programs and we would welcome your thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Your input is needed and appreciated.

Congratulations to our 1st Lt. Commander, Brother Lynwood Bennerson who has been elected to receive the 33rd degree next year at Supreme Council. Brother Bennerson is a tremendous individual and Mason and deserves our hearty congratulations.

I received an email from brother Lawrence Hamilton who now resides in Colorado. He recently received his certificate for 50 years of membership in Scottish Rite. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his communication and would encourage other members to update me on their activities. Brother Hamilton is a shut-in so our thoughts should be with him.

Upcoming Events:
Saturday morning October 17th we will be conferring the 4th and 14th degrees with lunch afterwards. More details to follow.
Monday, October 26th, we will confer the 4th degree at 7:30 p.m. (no dinner) in the evening on any candidates who are unable to attend on Saturday. If none, there will be a program.
November 9th, Veterans Program – Social at 6:00 dinner at 6:30 program at 7:30

Deaths:
We mourn the passing of Brothers Thomas McCann, Robert Ludwig and Robert Murray.

Our thoughts and prayers go to:
Brother George Becksted who lost his brother Harold.

Brother Bob Colman’s wife Marilyn is undergoing chemo.

Brother Willard Bahn is living with his son in Cazenovia and his wife is in a nursing home.

May God Bless us one and all. See you in Lodge. ~ Brother Sandy Samson, 33°, Commander in Chief

Council

Brethren,
Greetings from the Council Princes of Jerusalem.

October will be a month of introduction to the Scottish Rite of those Masons who have decided to begin the journey in the Rite. It is up to us to insure that it starts off on the right foot to correctly guide them on the path.

The introductory degrees of the 4th and 14th degrees are the first steps in this effort. We must present these degrees as professionally as we can. Rehearsal of the two degrees is scheduled for October 12th. It would behoove the cast members to attend the rehearsal whether you are an “old” or a “new” member of the cast. Practice makes perfect.

The 4th and 14th degrees are scheduled for presentation on October 17th and a repeat performance of the 4th degree is scheduled for October 26th. If at all possible, we should come out and attend these degrees. The candidates need all the support they can get. The faces in attendance at those degrees counts a lot in spiritual support.

I was to present information on another of the Officers of the Council in this report. But, it would be remiss of me not to thank all those that supported the NYS Child ID program on August 30. Thus I will use this alloted space to thank those Brothers and others in the community that volunteered their time and effort in support of the program. Those personnel that specifically represented the Council were: my wife Carol, Brother David Barnello and wife Ann, Brother Carl Fahrenkrug Jr., Brother Mark Martino Sr and his wife Linda, Brother Mark Martino Jr., Mr. Al Biel and wife Susan, Mr. William Kuhn and wife Helena, and the two young men provided by Brother Lynwood Bennerson ~ Brother Milo Peterson, 32°

Chapter

Greetings Brethren,

On behalf of the Chapter of Rose Croix, I would like to say thank you to all of my friends, family, and all of the volunteers that helped staff the Masonic Child ID Booth on Sunday August 30th at the State Fair. We did IDs for approximately 75 children and Senior citizens that evening.

It was recently announced that Lynwood J. Bennerson has been selected to receive the 33rd Degree. Our congratulations to Lynwood on his achievement to this Illustrious position.

October will be a very busy month in the Valley of Syracuse. There are five scheduled dates, that include, Executive Committee (that all may attend) 10/5, Rehearsal on 10/12, the 4th and 14 Degree on 10/17, the 4th Degree again on 10/26 (or program), and an Officer’s Planning meeting on 10/27. Please check your calendars and mark these dates.

I would like to share some background information on the Officers of the Chapter with you, beginning with our Senior Warden, Rev. Allan J. Ferguson. Allan is a native of Watertown, N.Y. and currently resides in Homer. He has recently retired as the Minister from the United Methodist Church. He and his wife Linda have been married since 1976, and have one son. Their son, Adam, is the Thrice Potent Master of the Central City Lodge of Perfection. Allan has been the Past Master of Cortlandville Lodge #470, and is currently serving as Secretary. He is also Commander of Cortland Commandery #50, member of Washington Chapter RAM, and active in the Valley of Syracuse. Of special note, he went through his Master Mason degrees and Scottish Rite with his son. Allan enjoys fishing, camping, cycling, and amateur radio. He also plays bagpipes and banjo, and is a published military historian and theologian.

In closing, please keep thinking Membership, Membership !!, and don’t forget your Blue Lodge. ~ Brother Dick Freeman, 32°

Lodge

Greetings from the Lodge of Perfection!

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who volunteered and showed up at the Child ID booth at the New York State Fair. We had a great deal of fun, and for a very worthy cause.

Preparations continue for the 4th and 14th degrees for the Scottish Rite celebration in November, as well as for the 10th degree in the spring.

I look forward to meeting with the members, soon to be members, and the brothers who are simply interested in joining Scottish Rite over the coming months. Our Valley has so much to offer, and it is up to us as individual brothers to put our best foot (and face) forward.

I wish you all a peaceful fall season, and I will see you in Lodge!~ Brother Adam Ferguson, 32°