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VOL. 1, Issue 13

Dec 2022

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

Download the "QR" Poster

Brethren,

It’s a Wonderful Life…It has been a joy being part of the cast in our performance of this heartwarming story that has become a Holiday favorite. In the many practices and the two live performances we have done at the time of this writing, I have come to realize that there is an important lesson that this “wonderful” story relays. That of selfless sacrifice that the central character, George Bailey, performs for his fellow citizens and friends of his hometown, Bedford Falls. George had a dream to leave Bedford Falls and see the world, then go to college to become an architect. But fate intervened and he stays to save a central institution in the town – the Building & Loan, which provides dreams of home ownership for many in the community. Though he never does follow his dreams of adventure, in the end, he receives something far more precious and satisfying…A loving wife, family and friends. He “walked uprightly in his several stations before God and man.

To make our community a better place is one of our goals as a Scottish Rite Mason. Like George Bailey, sometimes we sacrifice and put on hold things we would rather be doing, versus helping at an event, volunteering our time to support our RiteCare program, studying our ritual so that the next generation gains traditional, or even, new insight on how to become better. Or taking the time out to simply listen to a brother who needs your wise counsel. But like Georgia Baily, by putting yourself out there for others will lead to what Clarence the Angel writes in his book, “Tom Sawyer” and leaves it as a gift for George…”Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.” I guarantee you, the more you help those in need, including your brethren and their families, you will have “A Wonderful Life.”

“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO BROADCAST – WVOC IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA”

What a wonderful event for the Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus. Making money for the operations of the Valley is, from my point of view, secondary. What has occurred is as magical as what happens in the play. It has become a great opportunity to open the Scottish Rite to the Columbus community. Many of the audience have never visited our Scottish Rite temple. The message that is in this play lines up perfectly to what is right and good and expected in a good individual, and what many of our degrees teach us. I have received very positive feedback from some who have attended a performance. This play has pulled together the membership and their families in working towards a greater good. I can only speak for myself, but I have also met new friends and strengthened existing ones with my cast mates. Plus, it has been fun.

With that in mind, I want to thank the following for this very special experience. The driving force behind this effort is Illustrious Dan Dawson 33° and his incredibly talented wife, Sandy Dawson. It is their vision that has brought back joy to “The Scottish Rite Little Theater.” A big thank you go to the cast: Brother Steve Box, Illustrious Phil Harris, 33°, Brother Jonas Barlow, 32°, Ms. Bonnie Hagerty, Ms. Susan Dolan, Brother John Adams, 32° and Bug Adams. Our creative support team deserves a big hand, as well: Kat Adams who is our digital audio director, Gabby George who is the acoustic sound effect expert, Brother Charles Hall, Jr, 32° KCCH, our special affects director and our director extraordinaire who has brought the level of professionalism to the performance to almost Tony award winning - Ms. Lynn Register-Dane.

And of course, tremendous thanks go to Illustrious Brother John Ohrt, 33° and Brother Scott LaVelle, 32° (along with Illustrious Brother Dawson) for building the incredible set of the play. And so many others that have worked to make this event fun and successful.

If you have not attended a performance, we will have our final two this weekend, December 9^th and 10^th. I believe you will have a “Wonderful” time.

MEMBERSHIP EVENT

Check out the information on the Orient Membership event in the membership section of the Committee Reports of this issue. Please consider inviting a worthy Master Mason who would make a great Scottish Rite Mason to this event.

TNT Fireworks Sales

Brethren, to support the continued operations of the Valley and to build up our building fund, the Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus has been assigned a fireworks booth at the Walmart at 3515 Victory Drive, Columbus. We will need help with set-up after Christmas – possibly on December 26. Then we need help in selling fireworks for New Years from December 27 to December 30^th. We will need volunteers for sales and for security during the overnight hours. If you and your family members want to volunteer, please call the Valley office at 706-322-3091, email colsec@gascottishrite.org, or ask anyone at the next Lodge of Perfection Meeting.

The Ashlar

Finally, I would like to take a moment to highlight the first anniversary of The Ashlar Newsletter. We launched our newsletter on 2 December 2021. Under the motto "Connecting our Scottish Rite Masons to the Valley, one Ashlar issue at a time" we have always endeavored to keep the Scottish Rite Masons in the Chattahoochee Valley well informed of all our activities and updates. We pack every issue with valuable information from RiteCare to upcoming events or committee reports as well as personal growth opportunities through the College of Freemasonry section. This year, we will expand The Ashlar's connection to our masonic education and growth through monthly Short Talk emails written by Brother Joseph Fort Newton at the request of the Masonic Service Association. If you miss the email, don't worry - you will always find the link to the current re-publication in The Ashlar. Thank you to all the Brethren involved in the publication of our wonderful newsletter and congratulations on its first anniversary.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah, and a 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

“It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play"

Flyer Download

The Scottish Rite Little Theater

1127 2nd Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901

Call: 1-706-322-3091

The Scottish Rite Little Theater Presents:

“It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play"

Friday, December 9
Saturday, December 10

Doors open at 6:30pm

Play starts at 7:30pm

Cost: $20.00 Adults; $10.00 Children 12 and under Purchase at the Door or go to Freshtix.com. On Freshtix.com go to “Buy Tickets; In “Event, Venue, Date” put in “Scottish Rite Little Theater” and the four performances should appear.

Lite desert and drink refreshments will be available until five minutes prior to the start of the play and during intermission. A donation will be asked for these Refreshments.

All proceeds go to support the Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus, A. A. S. R.

Ticket Sales

Volunteer HERE

Key Notes from the Valley

Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus - 2023 Officers

Lodge of Perfection

Venerable Master Baron Conklin, 32^o, KCCH
Senior Warden Roger Buterbaugh, 32^o, KCCH
Junior Warden Rossi Ross, 32o, KCCH
Master of Ceremonies Bob Lyon, 32^o, KCCH
Expert Ditmar Chavez, 32^o, KCCH
Assistant Expert Russell Ward, 32^o
Captain of the Host Dennis Buchanan, 32^o
Prelate Scott Lavelle, 32^o
Tyler Harry Ross, 32o, KCCH

Chapter Knights Rose Croix

Wise Master Rossie Ross, 32^o, KCCH
Senior Warden Bill Block, 32^o, KCCH
Junior Warden Scott Lavelle, 32^o
Master of Ceremonies Torrey Knight, 32^o, KCCH
Expert Jonas Barlow, 32^o
Standard Bearer Larry Cox, 32^o, KCCH
Guardian of the Temple Richard Luna, 32^o
Tyler Russell Ward, 32^o

Council of Kadosh

Commander Ed Lynch, 32^o, KCCH
1^st Lt Commander Harold Culpepper, 32^o, KCCH
2d Lt Commander Ron Provencher, 32^o, KCCH
Chancellor Jonas Barlow, 32^o
Master of Ceremonies Bayardo Reyes, 32^o
Tercopiller Bill Buffton, 32^o, KCCH
Draper Mark Stillwell, 32^o
Junior Deacon Brian Pierce, 32^o
Bearer of the Black Stand Jacob Robideaux, 32^o
Bearer of the White Stand Tony McCool, 32^o, KCCH
Lt of the Guard Chris Bagley, 32^o

Consistory

Master of Kadosh Roger Buterbaugh, 32^o, KCCH
Prior Harry Ross, 32^o, KCCH
Preceptor Russell Ward, 32^o
Chancellor Bayardo Reyes, 32^o
Minister of State Phillip Jones, 32^o
Prelate Torrey Knight, 32^o, KCCH
Master of Ceremonies Ed Lynch, 32^o, KCCH
Expert Matthew DeWiner, 32^o
Assistant Expert John Adams, 32^o
Captain of the Guard Tony McCool, 32^o, KCCH
Steward Rob Grant, 32^o

Torrey Knight, 32° KCCH

Venerable Master

Comments

Dear Brethren of the Valley of Columbus,

I hope to see you at our December Lodge of Perfection meeting on Friday, December 16th. Bring the whole family for a festive event. Santa and Mrs. Claus may just make a visit, so bring your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. And honor those that will serve our Valley as officers for the 2023 Scottish Rite year as they are installed by Illustrious Paul Wells, 33°.

Fraternally yours,

Torrey Knight, 32° KCCH

Venerable Master

Valley of Columbus

General Secretary

Comments

Brethren,

Congratulations to the new officers elected for 2023 at our November Lodge of Perfection meeting. Attached is a list of the new officers - CLICK HERE. We hope you can join us at our Lodge of Perfection meeting on December 16 where we will install the new officers and celebrate this holiday season.

Hopefully you have noticed that the most recent Executive Committee and Lodge of Perfection minutes are attached to the Ashlar. We want to be transparent, allowing all of our members to see what we are doing at these two meetings. If you have any questions, let me know. Also, any Scottish Rite Mason can attend the Executive Committee meeting, but only those who are members can vote.

Reminder that 2023 dues are due no later than December 31, 2022. You may mail your dues to me or give it to me at a Lodge of Perfection meeting. If you want to pay by credit card to your account on the Supreme Council website, you can pay there.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a joyous and prosperous New Year.

Fraternally yours,

Roger Buterbaugh, 32° KCCH

General Secretary

Valley of Columbus

Roger Buterbaugh, 32° KCCH

Lodge of Perfection Minutes (20221118)

Exec Committee Minutes (20221116)

Sir Knight

Bayardo Reyes, 32°

Upcoming KSA Meetings, Events, & Important Dates

December 16, 2022 6PM
January 14, 2023 (Saturday) KSA 10:00AM Burns Knight Preparations / KSA Update Manual/Bylaws
January 20, 2022 (Burns Night)
February 17, 2023 6PM
March 17, 2023 6PM
April 15, 2023 (Saturday) 10:00 AM KSA (Can be done by Zoom)
April 21, 2023 6PM
May 19, 2023 6PM
June 16, 2023 6PM
June 24, 2023 KSA Annual Elections - Elections/ Ritual Walk
July 21, 2023 KSA Night 6PM Initiation/Installation

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

2023 Burns Night at the Valley of Columbus

Ticket Sales

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.

$35.00 Per ticket

$60.00 Per Couple

Enjoy a Scottish atmosphere with traditional haggis, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) 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.

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:

Rededication of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus’ Temple – by the Grand Lodge Officers
Lunch for all attendees of the Rededication
Black Tie Gala – to include Dinner, Presentations and Dancing
The forging of a Centennial Coin, development of a Centennial Program and other keepsakes

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.

September - The Future of Masonry

October - The Cable-Tow

November - The Rite of Destitution

December - The Level and Plumb

What Came Ye Here to Do?

The Mystic Tie: What Came Ye Here to Do?

Roberts, Allen. E. (1991). The Mystic Tie. Macoy Pub. & Masonic Supply Co.

Printed as the Scottish Rite Educational Bulletin, Nebraska, 1971. It relates more of the story of Joseph Fort Newton and the birth of House Undivided.

The eminent Christian minister, Joseph Fort Newton, D.D., in his autobiography, River of Years, told the story of how his father, a Confederate Soldier, had been made a Freemason in a Military Lodge of the Confederate Army.

Soon after becoming a Master Mason Newton's father was captured by Federal troops and taken to a prison camp at Rock Island, Illinois. There he became deathly ill. The commander of the prison learned Newton was a Mason. He took him into his own home, nursed him back to health, and when the war had ended saw him safely on his way home to Texas.

As soon as the son reached his majority, he petitioned Freemasonry. Newton told why: "The fact that such a fraternity of men could exist, mitigating the harshness of war, and remain unbroken when states and churches were torn in two, became a wonder; and it is not strange I tried for years to repay my debt to it."

Joseph Fort Newton more than paid his debt to the Fraternity. He toiled for years to enrich the literature of Freemasonry. His many books will live as long as freedom is allowed to exist.

Why did Freemasonry gain a Joseph Fort Newton? Because a Mason in a prison camp had learned the answer to "What came ye here to do?"

Harry Leroy Haywood, another eminent Masonic scholar and writer, also enriched the literature of Freemasonry. His love for research brought to light many truths about the Fraternity that had been hidden in darkness.

Hayward's work for the Craft began early in his Masonic career. He became editor of the world-famous publication of the National Masonic Research Society, "The Builder." And as a young Mason he opened with prayer the first meeting of what was to become The Masonic Service Association of the United States. Throughout his lifetime he served the Order through this Servant of Freemasonry.

And why did Harry Leroy Haywood become a world-renowned Masonic writer and a worker in the quarries of Freemasonry? Because a Freemason knew the answer to "What came ye here to do?" Joseph Fort Newton was acquainted with Haywood long before Haywood became a Master Mason. And Newton took time out of his busy schedule to travel to the lodge in Webster City, Iowa, to help raise the young man to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. His interest in Haywood continued throughout the years. Yes, Newton knew what he entered Freemasonry to do.

It was Newton (although he never knew it) who caused me to write House Undivided: The story of Freemasonry and the Civil War. During a church service at which my lodge was in attendance I first heard the story of Newton's father. Newton's reaction and his deep love for the Fraternity made a lasting impression on me. I began a search for more stories of brotherhood in action during that unfortunate conflict. They were hidden in the mists of time. Unfortunately, the ugly word "secrecy" played an unsavory role. Now, when I find myself disappointed in my Brother, I think back to those men of the Civil War period who remembered to practice out of their lodges those truths they had learned about their altars.

All of us have known Master Masons who knew what they came here to do. Fortunate are those of us who were taken by the hand by such men.

On the other hand, all of us know far too many who have not learned the answer. Why?

There is no easy answer. We blame the activities of the modern-day world, but they are only excuses. Americans have always been active. They have always found many things that they needed to do.

In many respects everything has become easier for us now than ever before. The leadership blames the members; the members blame the leaders. Who and what we blame is inexhaustible. We criticize. We condemn, but we don't try to determine just what we came here to do.

Our forefathers, those great Masons of yesteryear, handed down to us a heritage that we should never take for granted. They knew how to live, work, play, love, and be of service to their fellowman. It could have been one of them who wrote:

The heart grows rich in giving, All its wealth is living grain; Seeds which mildew in the garner, Scattered, fill with gold the plain.

There we find an answer to "What came ye here to do?" By letting our hearts grow rich in giving. By sharing with others; by being selfless and by taking our Brother by the hand and helping him, then we will know why we are Master Masons.

But Masonic principles cannot be the exclusive property of Freemasons. They are universal. They must be shared. The ethics and tenets of Freemasonry should be the common possession of all right-thinking men and women. They will be if we as dedicated Master Masons will share them.

THERE CAN BE NO DEDICATION WITHOUT EDUCATION should be etched over the door of every Masonic Temple in the world. Throughout the centuries we have left Masonic Education out of our lodges. We have placed our full concentration on the ritual of the Craft. We have neglected to teach the meaning behind the ritual.

We need to learn the ABCs of Freemasonry. We must start with the interesting, the simple, the obvious and what is well known. Then we must graduate to the spiritual values found in the Craft. We must go about learning and teaching the history, tradition, symbolism, philosophy, benevolence and meaning of Masonic principles as we did the ritual-a piece at a time.

The ritual is the thread that unites us into one sacred band of friends and brothers. Symbolism is the soul of the Fraternity. Masonic history is the window through which we witness human struggle and achievement and see Masonic principles at work. Courage, strength, and confidence in the teachings and philosophy of the Craft are built from seeing the evidence of what other Freemasons have done.

We can start this campaign to turn members into Freemasons by reading good Masonic books. Through books we can learn; without them we can acquire but little knowledge.

As we learn more about Freemasonry, we begin to explore the misty origins of our ceremonies. We begin to feel the heart throb of struggling and aspiring mankind. We find that all humanity is one; that brotherhood is composed of sympathy, understanding, encouragement, and an all-embracing love.

As we learn about Freemasonry, we learn more about human beings; we discover what we came here to do. We find that all religious men, regardless of their sectarian persuasions, have faith in the Great Architect of the Universe. They may call him Jehovah, Allah, or by one of a multitude of names, but He is still God.

Through studies that have been made by industry during the past half century we have learned many things about human nature. What these studies reveal are important to Freemasonry. One important discovery pointed out that man's creativity is being wasted. Fewer than twenty percent of the creative ability of man is being used. This leaves over eighty percent going to waste. What a golden opportunity this is for Freemasonry! What an opportunity this is for each of us to accomplish what we came here to do!

Freemasonry, that advocated an eight-hour-day when a sixteen-hour-day was the rule, should take the lead in fulfilling man's needs. Freemasonry should create an atmosphere wherein men will be anxious to achieve the goals of their lodges and Grand Lodges.

Why? Why should we turn our creativity loose within the framework of Freemasonry? Because there is no other organization that can do so much for the world. Freemasonry incorporates only that which is good. It has no dogmas, no theology, no political motives that divide. It has only the good that unites.

An organization that teaches the Brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God cannot be wrong. It is only those who haven't learned what they came here to do who can harm the Fraternity.

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.

Date: Saturday Feb 11, 2023
Registration: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Program: 10 a.m.
Lunch: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Program Resumes: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Book Signing/Fellowship: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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.

Download

VMAP

With another passing year of hope, joy, and time with our Family during Thanksgiving, it has brought us all to many Thanks that we cherish.

I want to personally thank you all for the camaraderie over not just this past year, through out all the years since I was raised a Mason. Throughout this past year at the Valley of Columbus, Scottish Rite we came together in all our our community services and our Masonic service in support of each other in charity work as one! Special Thank you to our executive board members for managing all that we do at the Valley of Columbus, Scottish Rite Center - spear heading our efforts. Thank you to all Scottish Rite members and The Knights of Saint Andrew who are the backbone. The result of ALL our hard work pays off and dually noticed with being awarded the VMAP AWARD 2022. Thank you again!

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.

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Vol. 1, No. 13 - Dec 2022

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