VOL. 2, Issue 5

May 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,


We had a wonderful “Remembrance and Renewal” due to the hard work of our Chapter of Rose Croix.  Thanks go to our Wise Master, Honorable Brother Rossi Ross and his team for the excellent tribute to our lost Brethren and Renewal of our Scottish Rite values. 


The program for our May Lodge of Perfection will be presented by myself on the differences and similarities of the Northern and Southern Jurisdictions of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.  Having been a member in a Valley in both Jurisdictions my hope is to bring an interesting presentation to provide interesting tid-bits of the Degrees, Bodies, Caps etc. that make each Jurisdiction unique.  I will also provide some historical perspective, as well.


ZOOM ACCESS TO OUR LODGE OF PERFECTION MEETINGS 


I want to apologize to those brethren that may have attempted to Zoom into our April Lodge of Perfection meeting.  We had technical difficulties that did not allow us to Zoom during that meeting.  I believe, in working with our provider that the problem has been resolved for the May meeting.  We plan to offer this capability to our membership going forward.  We want to offer this to those of our brethren that may be homebound, unable to drive at night or any other member that would benefit “attending” our meetings virtually.  This capability is also great for our members and other Scottish Rite Brethren who are remote and live great distances from Columbus.


MASONIC RESUME


Brethren, I want to reiterate a new program for the Valley of Columbus.  I am asking each of you to provide a digital Masonic Resume to our General Secretary, Honorable Brother Roger Buterbaugh, 32° KCCH.  This can be sent to him via his Valley email: colsec@gascottishrite.org.  What is expected in this resume?  Masonic Organizations, when joined (for example when initiated, passed and raised a Master Mason); Officer Positions held, when and dates of service; community service (any community organizations that you belong to - dates joined and time served), examples may include Lions, Rotary, etc.; service to your faith and or church/temple (are you an usher, serve on committees, etc.); Government service such as county commissioner, city service, etc.  Any other important information such as employment, education or what you may want to include.  Any updates (elected to a new office, join another concordant body), please update with an updated date and forward to our General Secretary. 


Why are we putting this in place?  This will help us in supporting brethren for honors, possible newsletter articles or any situation where “color commentary” may be useful to the brother.  Please note, information will only be used with the express approval of the brother whose information is to be used. 


ORIENT WIDE REUNION


Brethren, are there any Master Masons in your Lodge or who you may know that would make a great Scottish Rite Mason?  Or a brother who you think would benefit from membership in the Scottish Rite?  Consider introducing them to our Valley.  Invite them and their significant other to our monthly Lodge of Perfection meeting on the third Friday of each month.  Dinner is on us. 


Importantly, make them aware that the Orient of Georgia is having “The Grand Masters Class” to be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Atlanta Masonic Center.  They will participate in an epic Reunion.  They will observe some of the best ritual of some of our Scottish Rite Degrees, including our very own team that will be performing the 14th Degree, Perfect Elu.  Thank you to Illustrious Paul Wells, 33°, Degree Director Illustrious John Ohrt, 33° and the other members of our 14th Degree team for this outstanding effort.  Do not miss our team and others at this very special Reunion.  Even if you have been a Scottish Rite Mason for years, I guarantee you will find growth in observing the Degrees at this Reunion.


MASONIC HENRY RIFLE RAFFLE TO SUPPORT THE GEORGIA SCOTTISH RITE FOUNDATION


Brethren, in support of our efforts to provide scholarships to worthy students who attend a Georgia four-year University or College and funds for RiteCare in the Orient of Georgia an Orient wide raffle of a Masonic decorated Henry rifle is in effect.  This effort will run to early June.  Tickets can be purchased at all Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus events.  Cost: one (1) ticket for $10.00 or six (6) for $50.00.  See Brother Bayardo Reyes for tickets.


MEMORIAL DAY


As we approach the beginning of Summer with the weekend of Memorial Day, it is right and just that I write about this very American Day of remembrance.  As the Valley of Columbus’ area includes Ft. Benning it is especially important to pay tribute to many of our Membership who may have lost friends, teammates, and those of their Band of Brothers.  We are fortunate to have as members proud veterans and others still serving on that thin red line protecting our freedoms.


Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) is a federal holiday for honoring and mourning the US Military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Services It is observed on last Monday of May. 


The first national observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868.  Then known as Decoration Day, the holiday was proclaimed by Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic to honor the Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War.  This national observance was preceded by many local ones between the end of the Civil War and Logan's declaration. Many cities and people have claimed to be the first to observe it. However, in 2022, the National Cemetery Administration, a division of the Department of Veterans Affairs, credited Mary Ann Williams with originating the "idea of strewing the graves of Civil War soldiers - Union and Confederate" with flowers.


Columbus, Georgia


The United States National Park Service and numerous scholars attribute the beginning of a Memorial Day practice in the South to a group of women of Columbus, Georgia. The women were the Ladies Memorial Association of Columbus. They were represented by Mary Ann Williams (Mrs. Charles J. Williams) who, as Secretary, wrote a letter to the press in March 1866 asking their assistance in establishing annual holiday to decorate the graves of soldiers throughout the south.  The letter was reprinted in several southern states and the plans were noted in newspapers in the north. The date of April 26 was chosen. The holiday was observed in Atlanta, Augusta, Macon, Columbus and elsewhere in Georgia as well as Montgomery, Alabama; Memphis, Tennessee; Louisville, Kentucky; New Orleans, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi, and across the south.  In some cities, mostly in Virginia, other dates in May and June were observed. General John A. Logan commented on the observances in a speech to veterans on July 4, 1866, in Salem, Illinois.   


Official recognition as a holiday spread among the states, beginning with New York in 1873.  By 1890, every Union state had adopted it. The World Wars turned it into a day of remembrance for all members of the U.S. military who fought and died in service. In 1971, Congress standardized the holiday as "Memorial Day" and changed its observance to the last Monday in May.


It is a day to remember those who gave that last full measure of devotion in defense of our great Republic.  Please make an effort to visit a national cemetery near you.  Participate in a community memorial service.  This day is not just about hamburgers and hot dogs.  It is our joy to enjoy these typical summer festivities because, so few gave so much for so many.


I leave you with the following letter that President Abraham Lincoln wrote to a mother.  A mother that lost five sons in the great struggle of the Civil War.  I cannot imagine losing one child, but five….


“Executive Mansion,

Washington, Nov. 21, 1864.


Dear Madam,


I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle.


I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.


I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom.


Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,
 A. Lincoln”

 

Let us never forget…



Warmest Fraternal Regards,  Joe


Joseph F. Oelgoetz III, 32° KCCH

Personal Representative to the

Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the

Orient of Georgia


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

Dear Brethren of the Valley of Columbus,


April saw us celebrate both Easter and the lives of those we lost in the last twelve months. Our sadness was tempered with the memories of all they had meant to each of us, and our Valley. Many thanks to Wise Master Rossi Ross and the Brethren of our Chapter Rose Croix for a moving event.


The Grandmaster’s statewide reunion is only a month away (June 3rd), and we need more candidates. Our goal should be to at least reach double figures. Our Fourteenth Degree team has been practicing, and will be ready to proudly represent our Lodge of Perfection. Remember, you can get half off your dues for 2024 if you are a first-line signer on two petitions. Three petitions gets you 75% off, and four means no dues at all!


This month our Personal Representative to the Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Orient of Georgia, Honorable Brother Joe Oelgoetz is going to enlighten us with a talk on the differences between the Northern and Southern Jurisdictions. If you are like me, there is a significant gap in your knowledge of that important subject, so spread the word to your other Scottish Rite Brethren, and let’s pack the house!


Centennial Celebration tickets are now available. You should get your RSVP in for the gala masquerade ball as early as possible, as there is a limit of how many can attend.


Take a few minutes to call a Scottish Rite Brother who hasn’t been in Lodge recently. Let him know he is missed, and offer to bring him downtown on the 19th.

General Secretary

Comments

Brethren, 

The Columbus Chapter, Knights Rose Croix did an excellent job conducting our Remembrance and Renewal service at our April Lodge of Perfection meeting.  We remembered 12 Scottish Rite Masons from our Valley who laid down their working tools since our 2022 service.  We did have one glitch.  A few hours before the service began our Internet went down so we were unable to Zoom the service.  We apologize to those who tried to log in.  I called our ISP Monday morning and they sent out a technician.  Turns out the culprit was a broken fiber optic cable across the street that provided our service.  

On April 20 I had the honor of presenting Scottish Rite JROTC medals to nine Cadets from the Muscogee County School District JROTC Program.  I've included a photo from the ceremony.  Each school Senior Army Instructor selected the Cadet who "demonstrated ideals of Americanism by deed of conduct and demonstrated potential for outstanding leadership" to receive the medal.  I saw a lot of enthusiasm in the Cadets - it did my heart good.

Tickets for our Centennial Masquerade Ball September 23 are now on sale.  You can purchase them by going to https://www.scottishritecolsga.com/Centennial.  We only have room for 150 guests so buy your tickets early if you wish to attend.

The Orient Wide Grand Masters' Reunion is scheduled for June 3 at the Atlanta Masonic Center.  Those interested can still submit petitions, which may be found on the Valley web site as well.  The fee is $125, and the new Scottish Rite Mason will receive a patent, their black cap, a 14th Degree ring, and the book "A Bridge to Light".

We have several fund raisers scheduled throughout the year and are always seeking volunteers to help work them.  Members can earn extra Double Eagle Award points by working these fund raisers.  Brother Jonas Barlow is our Fireworks Captain, IB Danny Dawson is in charge of the plays, and IB Phil Harris is in charge of the dove shoot.  For more information on how you can help contact one of these Brothers or me.  The scheduled fund raisers are:

Finally, we are going into summer attire with our May Lodge of Perfection meeting.  Members may wear their Scottish Rite polo, their Lodge polo, or another appropriate polo.  The KSA Commander will determine what the Knights of St Andrew can wear.

Hoping to see you at the next Lodge of Perfection meeting on May 19.

Fraternally yours,


Roger Buterbaugh, 32° KCCH

General Secretary

Valley of Columbus

Roger Buterbaugh, 32° KCCH

Scan here for our online petition

Sir Knight 

Bayardo Reyes, 32°

Upcoming KSA Meetings, Events, & Important Dates

Fraternally,


Sir Bayardo “Rey” Reyes

Knight Commander

Knights of St Andrew 

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.

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. 

Current Blog Post

And Give Them Proper Instruction

The Educator - And Give Them Proper Instruction

by W Bro. Alphonse Cerza & adapted by V.W. Bro. Norman McEvoy  Original Source

The Worshipful Master is constantly being reminded by the ritual that he has a solemn duty “to set the Craft to work and give them proper instruction.”

The two key words ”work and “instruction” naturally go together. In recent years, unfortunately, the word ”work” has been applied only to the ritualistic work of the Craft. In its broadest sense it really means all types of Masonic work. The aim of Freemasonry is to teach men to live uprightly, do good in the community,” and by their work to set a good example. Since the word “mason” implies work and Freemasonry glorifies the dignity of work, we can reasonably assume that the Craft should devote its attention to the kind of work which will help fulfill this aim.

There is no question that the Masonic ritual is the foundation of the Craft. In it we find the message that Freemasonry has for the candidate, its philosophy, and its moral teachings. If one knows these lessons fully and completely, he is indeed a wise man. Too many of us are concerned more with perfection of the words rather than securing a full understanding of the spirit and the meaning of the ritual.

Let us not make the mistake of believing that the ceremony of initiation makes a man a Mason. True, this ceremony is vital and necessary, but unless the lessons of the ceremony and the spirit of the ritual is understood it is nothing.

For example, for hundreds of years in the ancient world there were a number of associations that we now call the Ancient Mysteries. These organizations had a number of things in common. One element stands out above all others: the belief that the ceremony of the Mystery purified the candidate. This basic belief more than any other factor brought these organizations to an end. Let us learn one lesson from this page of history: the ceremonies of the three degrees are of no value unless they are understood by the candidate and are grafted into everyday life. An informed and enlightened membership is a better and more successful one.

This is not idle talk. Brother William H. Knutt, in 1952, at the Mid-West Conference on Masonic Education, gave a report in which it was clearly shown that when the great depression of the thirties came along, the jurisdictions in which the Craft had been offering educational programs lost the least number of members.

The Craft should be put to WORK. That there be perfection in the ritual, that members receive instruction in the ceremonies of the Craft, and that our degree work be retained is of vital importance. No fault can be found with the ritualistic work for it is the foundation of our Order. Fault should be found with the view that we stop our efforts with the conferring of the degrees.

We are amiss in our duty to the Craft when we do not properly prepare our candidates and then abandon the newly-made Mason to his own devices. Lodges that devote their entire time to conferring degrees will soon find that quantity is not a substitute for quality. The quality of the membership is determined not only by the careful screening of applicants for the degrees but also in making the new member Mason in fact. This can be done by putting the new Mason to work.

What his work shall be must be determined by the Worshipful Master. While the new member is receiving his degrees someone should try to ascertain his likes, his dislikes, his hobbies, his aptitudes, and his inclinations. If he has a fondness for ritualistic work, by all means put him to work in that field. If he likes to read, introduce him to Masonic literature. If he likes to speak why not encourage him to become a Masonic speaker? All this effort will help make this member a better Mason for he will be doing what he likes. And the Craft will profit thereby.

One method of discovering the talents of a member is a questionnaire. Each member is asked to answer certain questions so that the lodge may have information on his hobbies, whether he plays a musical instrument, likes to sing, is interested in amateur theatricals or has other interests. Thus the aptitudes, the likes, the inclinations of the members are ascertained. A resourceful Worshipful Master, by the use of the cards, can put practically every member to work at some time or other on a project to his liking. The matter of giving the Craft “proper instruction” can take many forms. Each method should be used to make sure that the Craft does receive proper instruction.

Investigation Committee. Masonic instruction can start with the investigation committee. The applicant for the degrees can be informed about our Masonic homes, about our Masonic charitable activities, and he should be given information explaining the fundamental principles of the Craft.

Candidate Booklet. Many Grand Lodges have prepared a series of booklets for the use of the lodges while the candidate is taking the degrees. These booklets can serve a useful purpose if they are placed in the hands of the candidates and meetings are held to discuss the material; in this manner it can be ascertained if the new member is reading the booklets. It will also give him an opportunity to ask questions that have arisen in his mind.

Posting (Introducing) the Candidate. The member who posts the candidate performs a most important function. He can render a real service if he will also discuss with the candidate the booklet he is supposed to be reading at that particular time.

Discussion Groups. Discussion groups may be organized on the District level. They should be established primarily for the candidates, but all members should be encouraged to take part. The group could meet at different lodges in the district in accordance with a pre-arranged schedule. This would also help to encourage more attendance by members and will bring the lodges in the District closer together.

 Speakers. A list of speakers should be developed in each District so that they may be available for the lodges in the District as occasions arise. It may be discovered that there is among the members a real student who can from time to time make some valuable contributions to Masonic thinking.

Book Clubs. Where there is a group of Masons that like to read, one inexpensive way to read Masonic books is to have each member of the group buy a book and then exchange books. In this way each member, for the price of one book, will have the opportunity to read as many books as there are members in the group.

Computer ONLINE Addresses focusing on Freemasonry In this day & Age there are many articles & references to Freemasonry available including “The Educator” and coaches & education officers should make the new freemasons aware of those opportunities to learn & share.

Study Clubs. If we can have successful ritualistic clubs, why can’t we have successful Masonic study clubs? That the ritualistic clubs have done much to perfect the ritualistic work of many members is well known. The same could be done with groups that are desirous of studying Masonic literature, history, and other subjects.

Research lodges The name is somewhat misleading. These lodges are really Masonic literary societies. Their main purpose is to study the history of the Craft and to issue reports on various phases of Freemasonry. Undoubtedly, there are many ways of setting the Craft to work and giving them proper instruction. Only a few of these are discussed here.

The ancient ceremonies of the Craft should not be set aside. The basic laws of the Craft should not be changed. The times, however, call for a re-evaluation of the procedures of the Craft in fulfilling its part of the life of the community. What we need is more well- informed Masons and this can be done by proper instruction and by putting every member to work at a task that pleases him.

Committee Reports

On Saturday April 8 we had 46 of the children and parents from our RiteCare Clinic, The Autism Learning Center, (ALC) visit with us at Pancakes with the Easter Bunny event at the Columbus Shrine Club. Brother Jim Davis, 32nd Degree, was a great Easter Bunny and Rose Hill Brother Clay Daniels was Mr. Bunny. There were 56 others who attended the breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt where over 1,200 eggs with treats were provided. Also, Brother Bayardo Reyes, 32nd Degree, took photos of all the children, that we printed in a 5 X 7 portrait that was provided to the parents.

 

We have secured a different dove field for this years Charity Dove Shoot. One of our sponsors from last year offered to plow, plant and provide about a 100 acre field for us. This should be a great success again this year. 

 

Illustrious Brother Gene Jernigan, President of the RiteCare Foundation, and I visited with the staff at ALC earlier this week along with another Foundation Trustee, Brother Robert Bradshaw, 32 Degree. It was very informative to see the staff work with several children who are non verbal and watch them communicate with the "Picture Exchange Communication System " (PECS) that we had provided. 

 

We also measured two wall spaces with plans to put the new RiteCare logo on walls.

 

Thanks for Everyones support.

 

Phil Harris  

and ALC childgen and families 

Fundraising

Fireworks Fundraiser - Bro. Jonas Barlow, Fireworks Captain

For historical bacground, we began selling fireworks at the Victory Drive Super Walmart just prior to the 2023 New Year and sold for about 6 days. After expenses, we raised around $4,000 for the Valley.  Based on historical data, we anticipate successful future outcomes with our fireworks stand at this location. Typically a stand will earn at least twice as much, for the selling season leading up to the 4th of July, as it did for the New Year season. That means we expect a profit in the neighborhood of $8,000 to $10,000, for selling during the upcoming ten day period.

As an incentive, those who volunteered for the New Years stand were awarded Double Eagle Points for each hour they are at the Fireworks Stand. These points will also backdate for our Valley’s stand this past summer.

Save the dates: Reserve on your calendar now from June 23 to July 4th! You don’t want to miss being a part of this amazing and easy opportunity to raise money for the Valley and earn Double Eagle points for yourself!

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. 

Membership

Orient Wide  Reunion

For the Hotel (Note: we could only block 10 rooms, they will add more if needed and available. Reserve your room ASAP) Atlanta Marriott Northeast / Emory Area | 2000 Century Boulevard NE | Atlanta, GA 30345|P: 404.348.1134 | F: 404.325.4920

Here's your reservation link your guests can use to make reservations:

Book your group rate for Scottish Rite of Free Masonry June

Event Summary:

Hotel:

More Specific Details from the Captain of New Membership, Bro. Jonas Barlow

Scan the petition QR code above or click here to share or get started on your Scottish Rite journey.

Valley of Columbus 

Recruitment Incentive

Vol. 2, No. 5 - May 2023