New York Scottish Rite - The Fraternity of Choice

Excelsior Initiative Presents "Journey ON with Pathfinder" on June 16th

5/10/2022

Our journey and search for Masonic light began in the Blue Lodge. After being raised to the Sublime degree of a Master Mason, the world of Freemasonry opened wide for us. When we chose to join the Scottish Rite, NMJ, our 29 degrees offered the “Journey of a Lifetime” as we pursued further light in Freemasonry.

Recently introduced, the Pathfinder program is designed to help you continue your Masonic journey, seek more light, and uncover the road that leads to the most personally fulfilling membership experience possible. Learn more here - https://scottishritenmj.org/pathfinder

The New York Council of Deliberation's Excelsior Initiative presents Ill. J.B. McNaughton, 33° at 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 16, 2022 with an overview on the NMJ's new Pathfinder program, as well as answer your questions on how to begin your Journey.

Sign up at https://forms.gle/8iAbBKKKjeCdvBsg8 to receive the link for the session. The program will begin at 7:00 PM. The link will be emailed to you during the week leading up to the session.

Valley of Buffalo Confers Degrees

4/29/2022

The Buffalo Chapter of Rose Croix held its degree night of 2022 at the Valley of Buffalo (VOB) building, Cheektowaga NY, on Friday April 1. The evening started with a 4˚ video presentation to a couple of new members who started their Scottish Rite journey. It was followed by a 17˚ Video presentation, after a catered dinner, introduction of dignitaries, and announcements from the CIC Distinguished Brother Albert Luss, 32˚ MSA. MWM Illustrious Selom Adjogah 33˚, after a minute of silence in honor of Illustrious Stephen Whittaker, 33˚ Active Emeritus of SCNMJ, Past Minister of State and Honorary Member of the VOB, whose funeral service was held in Rochester earlier that afternoon, welcomed and introduced the Active for the Valley of Buffalo, Illustrious Richard Powell, 33˚ who made his remarks to the attendees.

The 18˚ was then conferred live on 13 candidates including 3 visiting brothers from the Valley of Coudersport, PA. It was the highlight of the event. It was very well received and highly praised as all feedbacks were positive. Congratulations to our new Knights of Rose Croix and special thanks and appreciation to the cast and support team for another job well done.

Valleys of Syracuse & Utica Degrees on 4/30/22 are POSTPONED

4/28/2022

Attention! Due to the current rise in Covid Infections and meeting restrictions, the Degrees scheduled for the Valleys of Utica & Syracuse on April 30, 2022 in Utica are postponed.

This meeting will be re-scheduled with a new date to be announced soon.

JOINT STATEMENT PROMOTES VISITATION BETWEEN VALLEYS REGARDLESS OF JURISDICTION

4/5/2022

My Brothers All,

Sovereign Grand Commanders James D. Cole of the Southern Jurisdiction and I released a joint statement encouraging visitation between the jurisdictions. Together, we wish to encourage all of our members, wherever so disbursed and no matter where your Scottish Rite roots are planted, to continually enhance your personal Masonic journey by seeking Masonic light from wherever it shines. Therefore, we strongly promote and encourage the sharing of Masonic Fellowship between our Valleys and their members. While there are some differences, much between our jurisdictions is the same. Feel free to make your own comparisons and draw your own conclusions. But above all, enjoy the fellowship of Scottish Rite Freemasonry with your cross jurisdictional Brothers. And as always, Journey On.

Peter J. Samiec, 33º
Sovereign Grand Commander

To promote the advancement of fraternal harmony we've issued the memorandum below.

CNY Children's Dyslexia Center Throws its Annual Gala

3/18/2022

On Saturday, March 12th, the Central New York Children's Dyslexia Center held its Ninth Annual Gala and Fundraiser at the Hart's Hill Inn in Whitesboro, NY.

The Central New York Center began seventeen years ago with two children, and in 2021-2022 they have seventeen children enrolled. Each child receives individual l:l tutoring for an hour per session two limes per week during the course of the school year. They have provided services to one hundred eighty eight children of whom thirteen have graduated. These children have worked to meet the requirements of attaining grade level skills or above. They have also trained and certified fifty seven tutors at the Center.

If they are unable lo raise the monies to cover operating costs, they may have to onsider charging in the future. It is events like the Gala and good people who help provide the funds they need.

Children's Dyslexia Centers, Inc. is operated by the Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction- Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Freemasons, United States of America.

If you would like to make a Donation, it can be made directly to the Children's Dyslexia Center, Central New York or through The Children's Dyslexia Centers, Inc. website - https://www.childrensdyslexiacenters.org/tutoring_location/new-york-central-new-york/

Please enjoy the photos, compliments of Ill. Stephen C. Park, 33°

Sad Tidings - Passing of R.W. & Ill. Brother Stephen R. Whittaker

3/14/2022

It is with heavy heart that we announce that our dear RW & Illustrious Brother Stephen R. Whittaker, 33º laid down his working tools and passed to the celestial lodge on March 10, 2022. We will miss him dearly.

He was always the Officer & Gentleman and was very influential to many a Masonic Leader, especially in the Scottish Rite. His Biennial Leadership Seminar cultivated leaders across New York State and to honor him, we renamed it the Ill. Stephen R. Whittaker Biennial Leadership Seminar at last year's Council of Deliberation Session. Steve's physical presence will be missed but his spirit will always be with us. May he Rest in Peace...

The Memorial Service for our dear Brother will be held on Friday, April 1, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the All Season’s Chapel at White Haven Memorial Park. White Haven Memorial Park is located 210 Marsh Road, Pittsford, New York.

Memorial donations can be made to the Masonic Brotherhood Fund or a charity of choice in his name.

Cards and messages may also be sent to the Whittaker family in care of:

Ann Whittaker
39 Wincanton Dr.
Fairport, NY 14450

Obituary
Stephen R. Whittaker
Fairport - Passed away on March 10, 2022.

Predeceased by his parents, Lloyd ("Ray") Raymond Whittaker and Mildred ("Millie") Eleanor Green Whittaker.

He is survived by his loving wife, Anna ("Ann") Newton Whittaker and two children, Laura (Arthur) Cogan and Michael (Emily) Whittaker. He cherished his grandchildren: Brooke, Charlie, Jack, Daniel, Elena and Savannah. Steve is also survived by his brothers, Paul (Hannah) and Russ (Judy), as well as many nieces and nephews.

Steve was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1946 and grew up in East Providence, where he loved to work on boats and sail. He came to Rochester to attend RIT and graduated in 1968 with a degree in Printing Management. While a student, he began to date Ann and they married in June 1968. They were married for 53 years.

In the fall of 1968, Steve was drafted to go to Vietnam and was awarded a Bronze Star for his service in the Army. Upon his return in 1970, he began his career in commercial printing and eventually retired as the Vice President of Quality Management & Sustainability Initiatives at Monroe Litho in Rochester.

Steve continued a family tradition of membership in the Freemasons and was actively involved in many affiliated organizations. He served as the Master of Seneca Lodge from 1984-1985 and was a Deputy District Grand Master from 1990-1991. In 2000, he received his 33rd Degree and from 2009-2019 was an Active Member of the Scottish Rite Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction.

A memorial service will be held at the All Seasons Chapel at White Haven Memorial Park on Friday, April 1st at 1PM. Memorial donations can be made to the Masonic Brotherhood Fund or a charity of choice in his name.

Posted online on March 12, 2022
Published in Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
https://www.democratandchronicle.com/obituaries/rdc170061

NYCOD Secretary-Treasurer Training Seminar is POSTPONED

3/10/2022

The 2022 NYCOD Secretary-Treasurer Training Seminar scheduled for this weekend, March 11-12 is POSTPONED due to the winter storm coming across the state. The meeting will be rescheduled.

Excelsior: Contemplative Masonry Lecture on 4/29/22

3/7/2022

Have you registered for the next Lecture?
On Friday, April 29th at 7:00 PM, we will present an
"Introduction to Contemplative Masonry"
by
Brother C.R. “Chuck” Dunning, Jr.

Register for the link here - https://forms.gle/8nE9XGtpg6dXq3Bt7

Ill. Rick Powell Receives his Purple Cap

2/28/2022

On the afternoon of Sunday, February 27th, over 50 guests gathered at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Syracuse for the Official Presentation of the Purple Cap to Ill. Richard J Powell, one of New York's newest Active Members of Supreme Council. Present, in addition to the many Brothers, Wives & Friends from the Valleys of Syracuse, the Hudson, Norwood and Rochester were Ill∴ Peter J. Samiec, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Acient Accepted Scottish Rite, NMJ, Ill∴ G. Michael Morris, 33°, Deputy for New York State , Ill∴ David E. Barnes, 33° & Ill∴ John R. Patterson, Jr., 33° Active Members of Supreme Council for New York. (Photos compliments of Linda Egnaczyk)

COD Ambassador Training POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER (2/26)

2/24/2022

From the Excelsior Initiative:
The COD Ambassador Training scheduled for the Capital District this Saturday, February 26th in Scotia, NY, is BEING POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER.

We anticipate hazardous travel conditions and do not want to place anyone in harm's way.

It will be rescheduled.

<<Previous