Baker Valley news
Author: oregonsr
The Masonic Book Club Is Restarted!
Press Release
The Masonic Book Club Is Restarted!
Washington, DC, September 16, 2020:
The Masonic Book Club (MBC), formed in 1970 by Brothers Alphonse Cerza and Louis Williams, has been restarted fifty years later by the Supreme Council, 33°, SJ USA, to continue the MBC mission of printing fine Masonic books. After forty years of service to the Craft, the directors in 2010 decided to dissolve the original MBC. In 2017 MW Barry Weer, 33°, the last president of the MBC, transferred the MBC name and assets to the Supreme Council, 33°, SJ USA. The revived Masonic Book Club has the goals of publishing classic Masonic books and of supporting Scottish Rite SJ USA philanthropies. Membership is open to anyone 18 years or older interested in the history of Freemasonry and allows them to purchase MBC editions at a pre-publication discount.
The club originally was limited to 333 members, but the number eventually expanded to nearly 2,000, with 1,083 members when it dissolved in 2010. The new MBC will have a different business model from the old. Most significantly, there will be no dues; being a member entitles you to purchase books at a prepublication discount. An editorial committee (Arturo de Hoyos, S. Brent Morris, and others) will select the books using survey feedback from MBC members. The first publication should be announced in early 2021 with anticipated shipment 3–4 months later.
For more details, check out the Masonic Book Club page at https://scottishrite.org/media-publications/masonic-book-club/. For specific questions, write to mbc@scottishrite.org.
Part 7 of The mystery of Emil Weber by Br. Michael Robinson
Brethren,
We finally come to the end of the story of Emil Weber and Sandy Olds. I hope that you have found it of interest. This side note to the story of the Masonic Temple at Third and Alder, ended up taking 3 months to unravel and became a book in itself. Through it we have learned the stories of many of our Masonic Brothers, from simple farmers to Supreme Court Justices, within the backdrop of this tale of murder, corruption and betrayal (which did not involve Masons)
In this difficult year I leave you with this, be honest and true, be peaceable citizens and stand up for what is right, reject violence, immorality and dishonesty. Repudiate those who spread violence, fear, hatred and division. Study and verify before you spread information, and remember that we see the hateful things some of you post. Don’t be an unwitting servant of foreign and domestic powers seeking to divide and confuse us with lies. Try to understand those working for positive change, and reject those who rephrase things to sow discord. We all need clean air, water and food to survive and the destruction of our environment for the profit of the few is an attack on our own children and grandchildren. We are the greatest nation because we contain people from all nations. There are good and bad people in both parties, so generalized finger pointing is a disservice to Truth. All people are equal in the Eyes of the Great Architect. God is not a racist, a sexist or a religious bigot, God is Love. Remember your obligations and do Good unto all, not just because it is a duty, but because it is Right.
Finally my Brethren be well and safe and live in peace, and may the God of Love and Peace delight to dwell with you and Bless you.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Michael D. Robinson 32º K.C.C.H.
Orient Historian
Possible Wildfire Disaster Relief Funds Sept. 23rd, 2020
Dear Brethren,
I hope this communication finds you in good health and safe.
I have spoken to our Sovereign Grand Commander, Illustrious Brother James Cole, 33°, and he informed me the Supreme Council will be establishing a disaster relief fund for those affected by the wildfires in Oregon with a page set up on their website to receive donations.
Portland Valley will be utilizing the Acacia Fund 501(c)3 to aggregate the donations, not culminating the funds. These funds will be solicited throughout the United States and every penny of this fund will go to the relief of the general citizens of the State of Oregon affected by the wildfires. In other words the recipients are not required to be members of the Scottish Rite or Masons. None of the monies donated will be utilized for the cost of administration.
I have appointed a state wide committee of Illustrious Brothers to analyze the needs throughout the state and disburse the funds. The committee consists of Illustrious Brother Lyle Logan,33°, PGM, Illustrious Brother Hank Stockhoff, 33°, and Illustrious Brother Eric Gazow, 33°. I greatly appreciate the assistance of these Brothers for volunteering to help administer this endeavor.
All Valley Personal Representatives are requested to gather the necessary information from anyone in Oregon requesting aid and provide the following criteria for disbursement of relief funds:
- The full name of the person requesting assistance.
- A brief explanation of the nature of their need and the reason for the request or what damages occurred to cause the need for assistance.
- An explanation of any insurance coverage of the damaged property and if there is an expectation of any reimbursement for coverage.
If you feel there is any additional relevant or pertinent information that should be shared with Illustrious Brother Eric Gazow. If any requests come in from individuals other than the various Valley Personal Representatives the requests will not be considered at this time.
Again let me state that this is for the assistance of all Oregonians.
Thank you and God bless you all!
Gary Kuney, 33°
Grand Chamberlain &
S.G.I.G. in Oregon
The Greatest of these is Charity, 2020 Temple Fundraiser
Greetings Brothers,
I hope you are well and staying safe. With the current conditions in Oregon I am reminded of our lessons of the 18th Degree where we discuss the axiom Igne Natura Renovatur Integra, meaning, “All of Nature is Renovated by Fire,” which sages of antiquity connect to the greatest secret of mother nature, that of universal regeneration.
To the matter at hand; at this time we have 10 Brothers that hope to set out on the expedition to summit South Sister on the weekend of September 25-27; to that end so far they have managed to accumulate $2,500.00 of their goal of $4,000.00 in pledged donations to support the Portland Valley Temple Preservation Foundation. And contribute to its mission to generate the funds for restoration and preservation of your Portland Scottish Rite Temple.
Although the current conditions in Oregon are unfavorable, the contingency of Brothers from our Consistory that determined to set out on this great cause are hopeful that the unfortunate situation across our State is alleviated in time to still achieve their goal.
If you are interested in participating in the hike or base camping please email Br. Sean McCallum, Master of Kadosh for the Oregon Consistory at consistory@portlandsr.com.
If you would like to donate to the cause you can do so either through our PayPal account, by check addressed to the “Temple Preservation Fund” mailed to the Valley Office, or you can call the Valley Office at 503-226-7827 to make a credit card donation over the phone.
Please take care and try not to breath outside very much.
Fraternally,
Bro. Nathan Neff, 32°, KCCH,
Personal Representative
Portland Valley, Orient of Oregon
Part 6 of The mystery of Emil Weber by Br. Michael Robinson
Brethren,
Here is part six of the ongoing saga the 4th Trial of Sand Olds. Also included is the story of Thomas Tongue. As Grand Orator in 1888 he presented a jewel of Masonic wisdom, herein included. There will be at least one more part to bring everything to a conclusion.
Enjoy
Michael Robinson 32 KCCH
Orient Historian
The Circular Throughout Two Hemispheres or the 1802 Manifesto
The Oregon Consistory No. 1 presents The Circular Throughout Two Hemispheres or the 1802 Manifesto by Right Worshipful Brother Adam Bayer, Past Master of Research Lodge of Oregon No. 198, Past Master of Portland Lodge No. 55, & Current District Deputy of District No. 4 of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of AF&AM of Oregon
In this presentation Brother Adam discusses the origins of the Scottish Rite from the mid-1700s up through when the Supreme Council announced itself to the Masonic world by publishing an exceptional document known as the Manifesto of 1802. Through this presentation RWBr. Bayer will expounded upon the relationship of the higher degrees of Masonry and the genealogy of the Rite from Illustrious Brother, Frederick the 2nd, King of Prussia, to Brother Etienne Morin and the establishment of the current Supreme Council (Mother Council of the World) of the Inspectors General Knights Commanders of the House of the Temple of Solomon of the Thirty-third Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America. This talk is presented on behalf of Research Lodge of Oregon No. 198 to the Portland Valley of Scottish Rite.
Part 5 of The mystery of Emil Weber by Br. Michael Robinson
Brethren,
Now for the third time Sandy Olds goes on trial for murder. Will this decide the matter? Don’t count on it. Included also are the stories of Brother Bellinger of the defense and Bro. Page for the prosecution.
Michael Robinson 32º, K.C.C.H.,
Orient Historian
Portland Valley Sentinel Volume 15 September-October 2020
Portland Valley Zoom event, The Circular Throughout Two Hemispheres or the 1802 Manifesto
Greetings Brethren,
The Grand Master has requested the Portland Valley cancel the event for next week that was to be held in his honor. If the opportunity to reschedule comes up the Valley will be notified.
In lieu of that event the Oregon Consistory No. 1 will present an online event via Zoom at 7pm on Tuesday the 1st, on The Circular Throughout Two Hemispheres or the 1802 Manifesto by Right Worshipful Brother Adam Bayer, Past Master of Research Lodge of Oregon No. 198, Past Master of Portland Lodge No. 55, & Current District Deputy of District No. 4 of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of AF&AM of Oregon
In this presentation Brother Adam discusses the origins of the Scottish Rite from the mid-1700s up through when the Supreme Council announced itself to the Masonic world by publishing an exceptional document known as the Manifesto of 1802. Through this presentation RWBr. Bayer will expounded upon the relationship of the higher degrees of Masonry and the genealogy of the Rite from Illustrious Brother, Frederick the 2nd, King of Prussia, to Brother Etienne Morin and the establishment of the current Supreme Council (Mother Council of the World) of the Inspectors General Knights Commanders of the House of the Temple of Solomon of the Thirty-third Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America. This talk is presented on behalf of Research Lodge of Oregon No. 198 to the Portland Valley of Scottish Rite.
This event will be hosted via Zoom, for registered Zoom users, and via live streaming on the Orient of Oregon’s Facebook group on Tuesday, September 1st, 2020 at 7 o’clock pm, Brother Adam will be available afterwards for a Q&A. The Zoom event will start shortly before 7:00pm and be locked by 7:05pm. A video should be available of the recording from the event for those that cannot make it.
Please email officemanager@portlandsr.com with your membership info to get a link to join the Zoom meeting.