My dear Brethren,
First and foremost, it has been my honor and privilege to work with each of you. Your diligence, loyalty, and hard work have awarded me with honors, here at home and overseas. Every one of these awards and honors were directly effected by your willingness to perform your duties, your dedication to the Scottish Rite, and your loyalty to the Orient of Oregon.
The following is a list of some of our successes, but not all because I want to keep this letter under 10,000 words. Our Scholarship Charity has improved its communications and web page, reaching out better to everyone who might need a scholarship. We increased how many scholarships we provide and the money available for them. The Speech and Language Charity was going broke, the charity is now fully financed because of our due diligence. Portland State University has named its clinic after the Scottish Rite. We also contribute to the University of Oregon, helping their Speech Department with the training of its Speech Language Pathologists and their youth summer camp. The Board of the Orient of Oregon Speech and Language Charity saved the charity from financial ruin. We have also saved numerous Valleys from financial difficulties. Financially, we put together an excellent set of Orient policies and procedures. There are several Valleys who have successfully provided outreach to help their communities. We now have annual training classes for our membership and leadership. Valleys are helping other Valleys, cooperating with each other, and treating Masons like Masons with Brotherly Love. At Reunions at the Medford Valley, we now have five Valleys coming together, each of which puts on a degree. We have developed job descriptions, standard operating procedures, organization charts, and installed computers in each Valley, to improve communication in the Orient, and for the Supreme Council’s Valley Membership Achievement Project (VMAP). We also sold three of our buildings and built a new one for Medford Valley. All three of these Valleys have improved their financial situation with the sale of their buildings. Like I said, this is not a complete list, but it gives you an idea of some of our accomplishments. The leadership and membership have performed above and beyond all expectations and I am very proud of all of you.
My wife has supported me throughout my Masonic career, now it is time for me to be there for her and reciprocate the Love and support I have received. With that in mind I put in my request to retire as your Sovereign Grand Inspector General in January. I have attached the Grand Commander’s letter so you can read more details… I know, Masons never gossip.
My Brethren, I can honestly say I am leaving the Orient of Oregon in better shape than I found it. Times bring new challenges every day. Our new Deputy will be able to deal with them; I have complete confidence in our Deputy and believe he will do a great job. Yes, as you assume, I know who it will be but it is our Grand Commander who must make the call. If asked, I will give my opinion and support to our new Deputy 100%. The last time I talk to our Grand Commander he shared that the phone call will take place in a couple of days.
My dear Brothers and friends, I thank you with all that makes me a person and Mason. Your support, loyalty, dedication, intellect, and Brotherly Love will never be forgotten and always cherished!
God Bless all of you and your families!
Fraternity and Loyalty,
Gary W Kuney, 33°
S.G.l.G. in Oregon
Grand Chamberlain of the
Supreme Council