  
The Valley of Syracuse AASR held its first Rite on the Road Program on April 19th, 2021 at Bethany Lodge No. 821 in Black River, New York. During the program we initiated 4 new Brothers, from the Lodge, into the Scottish Rite experience. Congratulations to Worshipful Brother. Robert Mullin, Bro. John Zimmer, Bro. Kevin Cordero, and Bro. Christopher Murray!! Of special significance to this presentation was the fact that Worshipful Robert Mullin is the sitting Master of Bethany Lodge #821. During the program, the Lodge of Perfection was open in due form to confer the 4° (The Builder), the 6° (Master of the Brazen Serpent), and the 12° (Master of Mercy). All three Degrees were conferred via video presentation. It was truly a wonderful evening. There were 17 Scottish Riter’s in attendance, Including D.B. Terry A. Byard, 32° MSA, Thrice Potent Master from the Valley's Lodge of Perfection, S.P.R.S. Gary Hamburg, 32°, Most Wise Master from the Valley's Chapter of Rose Croix, Valley Secretary, Ill∴ James D. Swan, Jr., 33° and D.B. Lawrence Egnaczyk, 32° MSA, Commander in Chief, were impressed with the turn out and success of the program. These 4 new Scottish Riters will now just need one additional Degree along with the Capstone 32° to be fully recognized as a 32° Mason. The Rite on the Road Program is one of the initiatives created by the Supreme Council along with their “Not Just A Man, a Mason” Campaign to enhance membership in the Scottish Rite. It allows a Valley to go to any Masonic Lodge in its jurisdiction and confer the 4° and 1 or two other Degrees to get Brothers started in the Scottish Rite. The Valley of Syracuse is committed to fully supporting this program. Any Brother, groups of Brothers, or Lodges that are interested in hosting a program is encouraged to contact the Valley to set up a date and location to host your own Rite on the Road.  The Valley of Syracuse welcomes new Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret! Of the 25 members of the combined Ill. Richard J Powell, 33° & D.B. Douglas H. Storey, 32° MSA Classes, nine traveled from near and far to be Knighted on Saturday, April17th. Congratulations!!!  Over 80 participants today for the New York Council of Deliberation Leadership Forum! Every Valley was represented and the presentations were top notch. Thank you to all who attended.  The Children's Dyslexia Center Central New York holds an Annual Gala Fundraiser each March to benefit the Center. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the 2021 Gala which will be the 7th, will be Virtual. It will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Below, you will find information on the event which includes a live performance by Illusionist Leon Etienne. He is known throughout the world for his Magic Rocks Show. In order to participate complete the information on the sheet. Once registered, an email link will be sent with login information for the Zoom event.     The Valley of Rochester Presents College of Freemasonry on Saturday March 27, 2021 “Legends and Myths in Freemasonry” We are excited to inform you that the College of Freemasonry will be taking place on March 27th at 9am. While the realities of COVID have us conducting the meeting via zoom, this has not prevented us from putting together a nationally renowned panel of speakers to present on some truly fascinating topics. This is an amazing opportunity to expand your own masonic knowledge and to hear some truly pre-eminent researchers talk about their area of expertise. This year’s topic for the College is “Legends and Myths in Freemasonry” and we have three prominent masons presenting.  Brother Michael Poll: The Unique Louisiana Scottish Rite Craft Lodge Brother Michael Poll is the owner of Cornerstone Book Publishers and the Editor, Fellow, and Past President of the Masonic Society, and a New York Times Best Selling Author and Publisher.  Right Worshipful E. Oscar Alleyne: The Count St. Laurent: Exploring the Myths, Evidence, and Role of the Legendary Mason RW E. Oscar Alleyne is the Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of New York, a well-known author and international speaker, a Fellow and Vice President of the Philalethes Society, and Fellow and VP of the Masonic Society. He holds a Doctorate from the New York Medical College and is the Chief Program Officer at the National Association of County and City Health Officials.  Ill. Thomas W. Jackson, 33°: Thomas W. Jackson Award for Excellence The college will conclude with the presentation of the Thomas W. Jackson Award for Excellence in Masonic Education award presented by Ill. Thomas Jackson himself, and accompanied with a talk on his thoughts on Masonry. In 2007 the Valley established the Thomas W. Jackson Award for Excellence in Masonic Education in honor of Ill. Thomas W. Jackson 33° who has been a worldwide champion of Freemasonry, education, and a strong supporter of the College of Freemasonry since its inception. The Award recognizes individuals who have taken the message of Freemasonry and transformed it into an educational inspiration at a regional, state, or national level. This Free Event will take place on March 27th at 9am on Zoom.
ZOOM ID: 942 0186 2229 OR Link https://rochester.zoom.us/j/94201862229  Due to COVID, the Valley of Syracuse was not able to host their Knights of St. Andrew Burns Supper at Coleman's Irish Pub so they went virtual! They had nearly 50 registrants with multiple people online with each, so close to 60 online from all over New York State - Syracuse (of course), Binghamton, Albany, New York City & Rochester AND a Piper from Illinois (Thanks Steve Scaife)!
Thank you to all who attended and participated! It was a great time! Can't wait to do it again in person in 2022! |
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