VOL. 2, Issue 1

Jan 2023

Scottish Rite

The Ashlar

Valley of Columbus, Orient of Georgia

Serving Scottish Rite Masons in the Chattahoochee Valley

Personal Representative's Message


Joseph F. Oelgoetz

32° KCCH

colpr@gascottishrite.org

Personal Representative 

to the SGIG


Greetings Brethren,


As we enter a new year of 2023, I would like to first thank our officers that served our Valley for 2022.  Our past Venerable Master, Honorable Torrey Knight, 32° KCCH, did an outstanding job in leading our Lodge of Perfection meetings and scheduling incredible programs for us all.  Illustrious John Ohrt, 33°, as our Wise Master of the Chapter of Rose Croix directed a wonderful Scottish Rite invocation of both the Remembrance and Renewal and our Feast of Tishri.  Our other two presiding officers, Honorable Brother Bob Lyons, 32° KCCH, Commander, Council of Kadosh, Honorable Brother Sidney Cooley, 32° KCCH, as Master of Kadosh of the Consistery of Columbus, and our Commander, Knights of Saint Andrew, Brother Bayardo Reyes, 32°, I thank you for your service.  


To our new presiding officers, I welcome you to leadership and I offer my services and that of our Executive Committee in support of your efforts for our upcoming Scottish Rite year.  Specifically, congratulations to Honorable Brother Baron Conklin, 32° KCCH, our new Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection.  To Honorable Brother Rossi Ross, 32° KCCH, Wise Master of our Chapter of Rose Croix, Honorable Brother Ed Lynch, 32° KCCH, as Commander, Council of Kadosh and Honorable Brother Roger W. Buterbaugh, 32° KCCH as our Master of Kadosh, Consistory of the Valley of Columbus, A. A. S. R., I congratulate you.


What a great year we had in 2022.  So much leadership from our officers, great programs, fun fellowship and growth as Masons.  I thank you all for your love of this fraternity and your efforts in all the programs that were executed.  May the Grand Architect bless each and every one of you, and your ladies and families that help us have a great Scottish Rite year here in the Valley of Columbus.


What a year we have to look forward to.  2023 marks the 100th Anniversary of the Valley of Columbus!  We have wonderful plans to celebrate this important milestone in September 2023.  This year marks the year of Honormen.  I look forward to welcoming those that have been selected to Knight Commander Court of Honor and those that will be Coronated into the 33rd Degree.  We have an Orient wide membership event on February 11th as well as an Orient wide Reunion in Atlanta on Jun 3rd.   We plan continued support of our RiteCare partner, The Autism Learning Center of Columbus, and to provide help in scholarships for our young people of Columbus.  This will be a wonderful year, and we need your support and enthusiasm to be successful in all we do.


Like many I look at my life over the past year.  As a Freemason and a Man, I try to improve myself.  I look to mentors for some guidance.  We have many great Freemasons that provide great lessons.  One is Illustrious Albert Pike, 33°, who stated: 


“What we do for ourselves dies with us.  What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”


Brethren and Ladies, help me to make what we do for the Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus in 2023 to be immortal!


Another famous quote that I try to live by is by Most Worshipful Brother Benjamin Franklin, Grand Master of Masons of Pennsylvania: 


“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”


I could not say what it means to be a good Man or Mason better than what Most Worshipful Franklin stated more than 200 years ago.


I truly wish each and every one of you and your families a Blessed, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!  




Warmest Fraternal Regards,  Joe


Joseph F. Oelgoetz III, 32° KCCH

Personal Representative to the

Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the

Orient of Georgia


2023 Burns Night at the Valley of Columbus

Join us for our 7th Annual Robert Burns Night Fundraiser Dinner Event, hosted by the Knights of St Andrew, Valley of Columbus GA - Kilts attire highly encouraged. Open to the public, Burns Night is a Local Observation in Scotland during the month of January to celebrate Brother Robert Burns (1759 - 1796) who was poet Laureate of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. 


Enjoy a Scottish atmosphere traditional meal with Haggas being offered as a appetizer and a dram of whisky is non-negotiable. Enjoy bag pipe music and presentations.  Events include toasts and readings of pieces written by Robert Burns.


Friday, 20 January 2023

$30.00 Per Scottish Rite Member (incudes a firing glass), $25.00 per lady or $50.00 per couple.

Key Notes from the Valley

Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus - 2023 Officers 

Lodge of Perfection

Chapter Knights Rose Croix

Council of Kadosh

Consistory

Baron L. Conklin, 32° KCCH

Fraternally yours,


Baron L. Conklin, 32° KCCH

Venerable Master

Valley of Columbus

Venerable Master

Comments

According to Illustrious Brother, Rex R. Hutchens, 33°, Grand Cross and author of A Bridge to Light, the Lodge of Perfection consists of "the 4th through 14th [Degrees and] are called the Ineffable Degrees because their principal purpose is the investigation and contemplation of the ineffable name of Deity. " The word ineffable "As used in these Degrees, refers to the belief of ancient Judaism that the name of God was not to be spoken." The head of the Lodge of Perfection is known as the Venerable Master, who  shall preside at all meetings and shall see that the statutes, edicts, rules, and regulations of the Supreme Council and the bylaws of this Lodge of Perfection are always enforced.  

We welcome our newly installed Venerable Master, Honorable Brother Baron L. Conklin, 32° KCCH and look forward to a wonderful year as we leap into 2023.  The Lodge of Perfection and Columbus Scottish Rite hopes to see you all at our January Burns Night on Friday, January 20th, hosted by the Valley of Columbus, Knights of Saint Andrew.  


Presented by: Columbus Scottish Rite

General Secretary

Comments

Brethren, 

"Happy New Year to everyone!  Our last event of the year was our fireworks fundraiser.  We operated the fireworks booth at the Victory Drive Walmart December 26-31.  It was a slow start, but customers crowded in the last couple of days we were open.  We are waiting for the final auditing and check from TNT Fireworks but it appears we made around $4,000.  Not bad for one week of work!  A big thank you to all of the Brethren who gave up part of their holiday to work the booth, and a special thanks to those who spent the night at the booth to "guard" it.  We plan to have another fireworks fundraiser the week before Independence Day 2023.  If you did not have a chance to work the last fundraiser, here's your chance!

We will have our Awards Presentation at Burn's Night on January 20.  It will include our annual presentation of the Double Eagle Award.  I am finalizing the point count now and will have the awards ready for presentation.

2023 looks to be an exciting year for the Valley of Columbus.  Our capstone event will be the celebration of our Centennial on September 23.  The Sovereign Grand Commander, the Grand Master of Masons in Georgia, and the Mayor of Columbus have all accepted our invitations to attend and participate in our ceremony.  Look for more information as we get closer to September.

Wishing everyone a blessed New Year!

Fraternally yours,


Roger Buterbaugh, 32° KCCH

General Secretary

Valley of Columbus

Sir Knight 

Bayardo Reyes, 32°

Upcoming KSA Meetings, Events, & Important Dates

Knights of Saint Andrew Commander

Comments

Dear Knights & Brethren,


As The Knights of St Andrew , Valley of Columbus, Georgia Chapter, I have taken the lead in the organizing and making preparations as Centennial Committee Chairman for our Valley, but not forgetting about our own event of Burns Night on January 2023. 


For Burns Night: it’s our traditional fundraiser night entirely driven by the KSA of our valley. Members, Honoraries and Past Commanders take part with full Scottish attire and regalia accompanied with toasts and presentations. If interested on more information and would like to attend please contact me for updates at colsm@gascottishrite.org. Subj: 2023 Burns Night. 


Pertaining to our centennial: We will announce soon of final plan/agenda. We have a tentative plan of having dinner Friday evening (September 22, 2023) at a local restaurant with special guests prior to Saturday’s ceremony.   We are looking to do our Centennial ceremony at 10:00 a.m., possibly hosting the KCCH event same day. Afterwords, a formal dinner that evening. Our Centennial Masquerade Gala Night. This is our Valleys 100th celebration event, also a fundraiser event. And yes, you read right. A masquerade: Black tie/Dark Suit, formal dresses and masquerade masks. You do not want to miss this. More to follow soon. If want to follow up, can contact me at same email (colsm@gascottishrite.org) subj: Centennial info


Fraternally,


Sir Bayardo “Rey” Reyes

Knight Commander

Knights of St Andrew 

College of Freemasonry

Short Talks   by Joseph Fort Newton

Between the years 1923 and 1927, Brother Joseph Fort Newton, at the request of the Masonic Service Association, wrote a series of talks designed to be read at Lodge meetings. They proved to be so popular that they were collected and published in book form in 1928 as Short Talks on Masonry. Throughout the coming year, the College of Freemasonry will re-publish many of these talks in email format because, while the material in the book was written many years ago, we find that it has enormous relevance in the world today. 

The Teachings of Masonry

The Teachings of Masonry

by VW Brother Norman McEvoy, October 23, 2021, Original Source

One of the main objects of Masonry is to bring together persons who accept certain principles and ideals and are willing to co-operate with one another in a spirit of brotherhood and friendliness.

There maybe other various objects but this one is obvious from the beginning by the very nature of Masonry.

Freemasonry teaches men their duty to Almighty God; to act as becomes the creature of his Creator; to be amenable to HIS dispensations and in all cases of emergency to seek the aid of His wisdom and strength by prayer and supplication.

It instructs men in their duty to their neighbor; to apply the Golden Rule in all their dealings; to act with justice and impartiality; to stifle all enmity, wrath and dissention; to nourish peace, love, friendship and every social virtue; to seek happiness in the bestowment of happiness and to love their neighbors as themselves. It informs men that they are children of our great Father God that man’s earthly life is short and passes away as a shadow; that he is hastening to that goal where the trappings of pride will be no more; where human titles and distinctions have no value and where virtue alone will have pre-eminence.

Freemasonry teaches also that love for humanity is the soul of religion; that Freemasonry instructs men to be true to themselves; to be models of virtue; to set bounds to their desires; to curb their sensual appetites and to walk uprightly; to stretch forth the hand of relief to their neighbor’s necessity and if he be in danger to run to his help and to comfort him when neglected.

Masonry teaches us the wonderful doctrines of Charity which is one of the characteristics of a Mason. In order to exercise this virtue both in the character of Masons and in common life with propriety we must forget every obligation but affection, for otherwise it would confound charity with duty.

The feelings of the heart ought to direct the hand of charity.

To this purpose we should be divested of every idea of superiority and estimate ourselves as being of equality.

In this disposition of mind we may be susceptible to those sentiments which charity delights in; to feel the woes and miseries of others with a true and genuine sympathy of soul. Compassion is of heavenly birth; it is one of the first characteristics of humanity.

He whose bosom is locked up against compassion is a barbarian.

It should be broadcast in all directions that Masonry is ever striving to build men up in virtue, integrity, kindness and fraternal goodness.

The whole of its symbolism though simple, is nevertheless sublime and it teaches men everywhere some of the highest truths of the kingdom of God.

All those who come within the scope of its influence in their quest for truth and satisfaction, acknowledge that they have entered into the experience of a better humanity.

They learn at the Altar of Masonry the fear of God; the sanctity of life; the joy of benevolence and the satisfaction that follows a circumspect and an upright life.

Freemasonry teaches its members to be peaceful and respectable citizens; never to countenance disloyalty nor rebellion; to be true to the Government of their country and cheerfully to conform to it in all things; never to put Masonry before their business and professional duties; to restrain and subordinate their passions to the highest impulses of the soul and never to recommend anyone for initiation into the Craft unless they are convinced that their candidate will bring honour and credit to the fraternity.

Lodges are made up of Brethren who may differ from each other in politics, religion and many other important points. Here, in Masonry, they find a meeting place where all differences are subordinated.

We show the world that there are points of agreement between man and man, more important than the questions about which they quarrel and in times like the present, when the religion and political atmosphere is charged with excitement, we present the world with a very valuable object lesson.

Courage, tolerance, a wide and objective judgment, a concern for new solutions aimed at general progress, a sense of responsibility – these are the things that a Freemason should strive to acquire and develop.

100th Anniversary Celebration 

Mark your calendars for the Centennial Celebration of the founding of the Valley of Columbus, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry – Saturday, September 23, 2023.  We have gained acceptance of our invitation to Sovereign Grand Commander, Illustrious James D. Cole, 33°, Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction, who will be in attendance for this event.  Additionally, we have gained acceptance to attend by Most Worshipful & Illustrious Michael A. Kessler, 33°, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Georgia.  The Grand line will also be in attendance.

The current overall elements of the celebration event would be the following:

We are being led in our planning of this very special event by Brother Bayardo Reyes, 32°.  He is looking for others to join the planning committee.  Brethren and Ladies are welcome to be a part of the planning of this once in one-hundred years event.  If interested, please do not hesitate to contact either our General Secretary: Honorable Brother Roger Buterbaugh, 32° KCCH at colsec@gascottishrite.org, or Brother Bayardo Reyes, 32° at bayardo.reyes.32@gmail.com.


Committee Reports

Membership

The Scottish Rite Orient of Georgia invites all Master Masons to continue their Journey. Join us for an informative day and hear from  Illustrious Brothers Arturo De Hoyos and Dean Alban. 

Location: 


Tyrian Lodge, No. 111

650 Tallulah Trail

Warner Robins, Ga. 31088

This event is for Master Masons in good standing who are members of Lodges operating under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Georgia or other Jurisdictions in Amity with the Grand Lodge of Georgia. A current dues card will be required for admission.

Lunch Menu: Baked Chicken and Fried Pork Chops with assorted vegetables and dessert. 

Continuing Masonic Journey Flyer-final.pdf

Click HERE to register or use the QR Code below.

300th Celebration Silver Coin

300th Anniversary Coin commemorating the first constituted Grand Lodge from 1717-2017. 1 oz .999 Fine Silver Masonic coin. [One side stamped with Square and Compass and Genesis 1-3. Other Side with Appendant Bodies of masonry and coin sequence Number]. Each are serial number stamped 1-150. Can ask for specific number and availability but requires coordination with Bayardo Reyes at colsm@gascottishrite.org. 

Vol. 2, No. 1 - Jan 2023