Ceremony for Dedication of the Portland Valley Masonic Library

Greetings Brethren,
On Tuesday May 24th there will be a ceremony to rededicate the Portland Valley Scottish Rite Library in honor of Illustrious Brother Norm Peterson, 33°. Brother Norm is a member of the Vancouver Valley Scottish Rite, Life Member of the Research Lodge of Oregon, member of the Scottish Rite Research Society and Fellow of the Philalethes Masonic Research society. He has made contributions to many Masonic works of literature and donated a number of books to the Library’s collection over the years.

The Portland Valley Scottish Rite Library first began its collection in 1870 in the same year the Scottish Rite was chartered in Oregon. When the current building was constructed in 1902 a small library collection was housed originally in the Founders Room or Candidates Room. It later moved up to the second floor on the north east corner of the building to what was originally dedicated as a Blue Lodge room and the new Library was then dedicated at that time to Illustrious Brother Joseph Simon, 33° who had contributed funds in 1935 “to serve as the nucleus fund of acquiring and installing a Masonic Library.” In the 1950’s it was supervised by the Chief Librarian Illustrious F. McNeal Fahrion, 33° who obtained further funds and directly purchased volumes to contribute to its growth. Upon Brother Fahrion’s passing the Library was rededicated as the Simon – Fahrion Scottish Rite Memorial Library.

In 2014 when the climate control and damage from light exposure became an issue for preservation in the old location it was decided to move the collection it to its new home in the Members Lounge on the basement level. The many Brothers of the Scottish Rite Library Club and Committee assisted over several months to pack up and store the collection while the construction of the first section of shelves was underway by Illustrious Brother Walt Johnson, 33° and Brother Earl Tradup, 32° KCCH. Once the first section of shelves was installed a portion of the collection was put out on display in 2015. At present the Portland Valley Scottish Rite Library Club continues to grow and collect new volumes under the supervision of the Chief Librarian Brother Larry Roberts, 32°, KCCH, Valley Treasurer. Currently there are plans underway to raise the necessary funds to complete the remaining shelving required to display and catalogue the entire collection.

The upcoming rededication, to include Illustrious Brother Norm Peterson, 33° in honor of his contributions to many Masonic literary works over the years, is the latest sign of growth and development toward furthering Masonic education within the Scottish Rite to unite the past with the present to create the future of Freemasonry.

Guests are welcome to attend this semi-formal event. All attendees are requested to arrive in proper attire.

Schedule for the evening:
5:30 pm Body Head Meeting
6:00 pm Social & Dedication Ceremony

Please RSVP by email no later than 11:00 am Monday the 23rd at officemanager@portlandsr.com with the total number in your party planning to attend.