Speech was given by Bro. Larry Roberts 32° KCCH on May 23rd 2016 at the Portland Valley Scottish Rite.
Welcome brothers and friends.
Today we are here to celebrate the historic evolution of our Scottish Rite Memorial Library and to recognize and dedicate the library to one of the Scottish Rite’s most prolific Masonic scholars, Illustrious Brother Norm Peterson 33°.
First I would like to briefly discuss the history of our growing library.
The Portland Valley Scottish Rite Memorial Library first began its modest 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 Candidate’s Room. It later moved up to the second floor on the northeast corner of the building to what was originally dedicated as a Blue Lodge room.
The new Library was then dedicated to Illustrious Brother Joseph Simon, 33° who donated funds in 1935 “which serve as the libraries corpus for both acquiring and installation of a Masonic Library.”
In the 1950’s it was supervised by the Chief Librarian Illustrious Brother 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 it was decided to move the collection it to its new home in the Members Lounge on the basement level.
The Brothers of the Scottish Rite Library Club:
Specifically brothers:
Nathan Neff 32° KSA
Matt Turcotte 32°
Eric Arneson 32°
Michael Robinson 32° KSA
Michael Shabora 32° KSA
assisted over several months to sort, pack and move 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 Larry Roberts, 32°, KCCH.
Currently there are plans underway to raise the necessary funds to complete the remaining shelving required to display and catalogue the entire collection.
***
Today we are very pleased to rededicate the Scottish Rite Memorial Library in honor of Illustrious Brother Norm Peterson, 33°.
Brother Peterson at the young age of 14 joined La Grange, which was a Masonic like fraternal organization founded after the civil war by 4 masons and 3 Odd fellows. Both his mother and father were also members of this organization.
He received his E.A. degree on Feb 8th 1954
His Fellow Craft on April 26th 1954
And Master Mason on May 28th 1954 within his father’s home in Washington state…..lodge Malden #188
While in college he worked part time as a library clerk giving him access to many books and introduced him into one of his passions…indexing.
Norm has a BA and Masters in Psychology
BA in education, with a minor in math and a minor in Biology.
And has taught classes at the University of Portland.
He is a member of the Vancouver Valley Scottish Rite
Life Member of the Research Lodge of Oregon #198
Member of the Scottish Rite Research Society
And a Fellow of the Philalethes Masonic Research society.
He has made contributions to many Masonic works of literature and donated hundreds of books to our Library’s collection over the years.
He began his Masonic scholarly writing In 1957 when he wrote two articles for the Scottish Rite magazine then called “NEW AGE”. He has since published numerous articles in various Masonic publications including Heredom, Philalethes and Quatuor Coronati.
His research papers written specifically for the Portland Valley Scottish Rite and Research Lodge of Oregon are far too numerous to list here but are now being collected and archived in the library you see before you today for future Masonic research.
Norm at the young age of 88 still writes Masonic articles and indexes and is currently working on a number of projects both independently and with other Masonic scholars.
His contribution to Masonic education cannot be overestimated and it is with great joy and honor that we here at the Portland Valley now re-dedicating the Scottish Rite Memorial Library in his name.
Henceforth to be known as the Simon – Fahrion – Peterson Scottish Rite Memorial Library
Please join me in congratulating Illustrious Brother Norm Peterson 33° for his vast contribution to this prestigious fraternity and his honorable Masonic career.
Larry Roberts 32° KCCH, Portland Valley Executive Director/Treasurer. Member of Modesto Lodge 206, Esoterika Lodge 227 and Research Lodge 198.
ORDER OF EVENTS
3:00 pm Audience assemble in the Auditorium, Masons assemble in the Old Library room to open Lents Lodge No. 156 for Masonic Memorial service
Refreshments and conversation in the Lounge
All Masons, Family and friends of Bro. Al are welcome.
All Portland Scottish Rite Members and a guest are invited to attend the Portland Valley’s 14th Degree Ring Ceremony to be held Tuesday May 31st, 2016.
The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, with its honors and obligations, touches on all aspects of a new member’s life. The Ring Ceremony with its color warmth, and dignity is meant to impress the family of the Candidates and make them feel a part of the Scottish Rite. This is a great opportunity to get together with old friends and welcome our new brothers and friends at the presentation of their 14th Degree Rings.
The roll of the workmen has been called, and one Master Mason, Past Master of Portland Lodge No. 55 and member of the Portland Valley Scottish Rite, Worshipful Brother Garry D Lienhard, 32°, K∴S∴A∴, has not answered to his name. He has laid down the working tools of life and with them has left that mortal part for which he no longer has use. His labors here below have taught him to divest his heart and conscience of the vices and superfluity of life, thereby fitting his mind as a living stone for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Strengthened in his labors here by faith in God, and confident of expectation of immortality, he has been granted admission to the Celestial Lodge above.
As information on memorial services & arrangements become available the Craft will be updated.
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.
Tuesday May 17th will be the New Member Orientation.
Please come and welcome our New Scottish Rite Brothers!
For the new Brothers we will be going in to greater detail on how to participate in the activates and Degrees of the Rite as well as how the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite College of Masonry educates and functions through the enrichment of the lessons of the Degrees.
Please RSVP for dinner by emailing officemanager@portlandsr.com or calling the office at 503-226-7827.
Schedule
5:00 pm Social in the Members Lounge
6:00 pm Dinner
Orientation to start as diner wraps up.
“I wish to preach not the doctrine of ignoble ease,” said President Roosevelt in a memorable address, “but the doctrine of the strenuous life.” This expression has been quoted the world over and has met with a heartiness of response that is evidence of a conviction of its truth. Few men present a better illustration of a life abounding in activity than Philip Schuyler Malcolm. An irrepressible desire to see the world and to take an active part in its affairs early manifested itself and it has found expression in many climes and under many conditions. Mr. Malcolm is essentially a man of quick apprehension, strong convictions and well grounded principles which have sought a useful outcome for all expenditure of time and energy. As a result he occupies one of the most important government positions in the northwest, and also has gained recognition in Masonic circles as one of the leading men of the order.”
So he was remembered during his life.
Philip Schuyler Malcolm was born on October 30, 1847 in Oswego, New York. His ancestors hold a prominent place in American History.
Col. William Malcolm
His great grandfather was William Malcolm, born January 23, 1745 in Glenrothes, Scotland, the son of Richard Malcolm, he descended from a powerful Scottish family, one of whom, Malcolm of Balbeadie – was created a knight-baronet by King Charles II. William Malcolm came to America in his twenties and settled in New York where he was a successful merchant. He served on the New York assembly in 1774 and became an officer in the Northern Department. He took an active part in campaigns of the Continental Army in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, eventually attaining the rank of Brig. General. William Malcolm’s son Samuel married Catherine Van Rensselaer Schuyler the daughter of General Philip John Schuyler, whose ancestors were among the earliest Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam aka New York; arriving in the 1630’s.
Gen. Philip Schuyler
Philip Schuyler served on the Continental Congress until he was appointed Major-General on the Continental Army, being the fourth highest in rank, third after Gen. Washington. The product of this union was William Schuyler Malcolm, the father of our subject, who was born on February 23, 1810. He was educated as a Civil Engineer, but chose the nautical life and owned and operated ships on the Great Lakes. Captain Malcolm also sailed the high seas and served as deputy U.S. Marshal. After marriage he served as the first Alderman in Oswego and was appointed assistant engineer for the U.S. Civil Service.
Philip Schuyler Malcolm was trained as an Electrical Engineer and like his father before him chose to follow the transportation industry, in his case Railroads rather than shipping. He started in the general office of the New York and Oswego Midland Railroad before going to the Isthmus of Panama in 1869. He worked for the Panama Railroad for seven years. He went to Melbourne Australia in 1879 and worked for a few years in the Import business. He arrived in Portland in the Spring of 1882 and took a job as the chief clerk of construction with the Villard line of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation company.
Andrew Roberts
Philip married Sarah the daughter of Andrew Roberts, a Scotsman, Freemason and long time merchant in Portland. The couple travelled to New York, were they married on August 5, 1885. Philip then took his new bride and went to London where he worked a short time before returning to Portland and entering into a retail clothing business on 1st and Alder, with his father-in-law. He served two terms as Recorder of Conveyances for Multnomah County and in January 1907 was appointed Collector of Customs for the Port of Portland.
Part 2
Philip S. Malcolm. Master of Portland Lodge #55
The Masonic career of Philip Schuyler Malcolm was of diverse origin and one of eminent achievements.
He was initiated in Sodus Lodge No. 392 Sodus, Wayne County, New York December 1st 1868 (age 21 years 1 month and 2 days), exalted in Washington R. A. Chapter at Melbourne Australia July 5th 1880. Knighted in Pembroke Commandery under the Grand Priory of England in October 1880 and was elected Eminent Commander in January 1882. He received the degrees 4th to 30th inclusive from Bodies of the Grand Orient of New Granada at Panama 1870 – 1874 and the 32° at Portland Oregon in 1882. Was elected a Knight Commander of the Court of Honour on October 22, 1890, and later that same day elected 33° Honorary Inspector General by the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction. He was awarded the Grand Cross of Honor for the extraordinary services he had rendered on October 26th 1895. He was crowned active member of the Supreme Council October 21st 1911. In the Blue Lodge he passed the chairs of Senior Grand Deacon, Junior and Senior Grand Wardens of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Victoria, Irish Constitution, 1880, 1881 and 1882. He was elected to Worshipful Master of Portland Lodge No. 55 for the year 1887. He was elected Grand Master of Oregon July 11th 1894 and Grand Commander Knights Templar of Oregon October 8th 1894.
When Brother Malcolm arrived in Oregon the Scottish Rite bodies consisting of Lodge, Chapter and Council, had a very small membership, no paraphernalia, and as the officers seldom conferred a degree, they had not committed the work to memory: he was induced to take the office of Wise Master of Ainsworth Chapter of Rose Croix, and in two years had a well drilled corps of officers and six hundred dollars in the Treasury; during his absence in England this was dissipated and work had again practically ceased in the Bodies. So discouraged were the members that when he returned in 1886 a meeting was called for the purpose of surrendering the Charters.
George E. Withington
The late George E. Withington 33° Hon., an enthusiastic Scottish Rite Mason, proposed that instead of doing so, they apply for a Consistory, and that Brother Malcolm be selected head of the four Bodies with power to select his own officers, this course was pursued and in a comparatively short time the old Hall was refitted, officers drafted, and the Bodies actively at work. The prosperity of the bodies in Oregon had a marked effect upon the Rite in other States of the Pacific Coast. In 1903 they opened the Cathedral where the Rite meets to this day. This was the first purpose built Scottish Rite Building and was the model for many building erected around the country and the world. By 1913, having performed twenty-eight years of labor in Oregon for Scottish Rite Masonry the Brethren gathered for the “Burning of the Mortgage” on the fine Cathedral erected twelve years prior under his direction.
Portland Oregon Scottish Rite Cathedral Opened in 1903
The membership, was then about 3500 hundred, and value of their property about $500,000 dollars. Illustrious Brother Malcolm continued on another 16 years, and saw the Rite continue to grow and prosper. In the four years following WWI alone over 2,000 men joined the Scottish Rite. Classes were so big they had to have the Reunions at the Portland Municipal Auditorium from June 1918 to January 1922.
33rd Cathedral (Victory) Class January 17, 1919
Other Valleys were formed throughout the State and the influences of the Oregon Scottish Rite could be felt in every corner of the State. The Grand Cathedral thought to have been built to house the Rite for generations was outgrown and plans were being made to build a larger and grander building.
Honor Men 1921, K.C.C.H. and 33°
With the loss of Brother Malcolm in 1929 and the advent of the Great Depression that same year, these plans fell by the wayside.
Our Beloved Brother Malcolm Passed to the Grand Lodge on High on February 1, 1929 at the age of 82. He was well remembered.
Wallace McCamant
Brother Wallace McCamant’s statement follows:
“Brother Malcolm became a Mason in 1868, a few months after he became of age. During a long life he devoted himself to the service of the Masonic fraternity. He received all of the honors which Masonry has to bestow, but on this occasion it is more fitting that we speak of what he gave to than of what he received from Masonry.
“Brother Malcolm, more than most men who receive the Masonic degrees, appreciated the philosophy which is the basis and the groundwork of Masonry. He studied Masonic literature and history. He had a retentive memory and was one of the most scholarly of Masons. He reflected on the lessons taught in the several degrees and endeavored with marked success to weave these lessons into his life. He was loyal to his Masonic obligations and lived the life of a good Mason.
“H e was zealous in the service of the institution and contributed largely to its prosperity. Under his leadership during a period of 45 years the Scottish Rite bodies in the valley of Portland grew from small beginnings to their present flourishing condition.
“He possessed the qualities of leadership in an eminent degree–tact, wisdom, executive ability, discrimination and poise. His judgment was dependable; he had no off days.
“It is a pleasure to speak of Brother Malcolm’s personal qualities. He was one of the most companionable of men, genial, approachable and welcome in any company. He was always a gentleman, courteous, thoughtful of others and mindful of the opportunities for service that came his way.
“He formed friendships readily and was loyal to his friends through good report and ill. Few men would go so far as he in the service of a friend. His departure is mourned by a large circle of friends here and throughout the union.
“Brother Malcolm was a public-spirited citizen. He was interested in all that made for the welfare of the community. He saw Portland grow from a little town without railway connection with the east or California, and he contributed his full share to making the city a better and more attractive place in which to live.
“He was a man of rare civic courage. He was always ready to stand and be counted in support of those causes which he espoused.
“On the great questions which came before the country in his lifetime it is the mature judgment of history that Brother Malcolm’s views were sound. He led a constructive life. We who have had contacts with him are the better for our association with him.”
Philip S. Malcolm 1923
Michael D. Robinson 32° KSA, was the second Master Mason Raised in Esoterika Lodge #227, and the first member Raised in that Lodge to serve as Worshipful Master. He was elected Master in 2013 and 2014, and currently serves as Chaplain for that Lodge. Brother Robinson was appointed Historian for the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Orient of Oregon in December of 2014, and Secretary of the Eugene Valley in March of 2015. He also serves as Historian for Research Lodge #198 and Eugene Lodge #11. He is the recipient of the “Novus Astorum” from the Scottish Rite in 2010, and the Hiram Award from Esoterika Lodge in 2012.
Brother Robinson has a degree in History from Colorado State University, class of 1982
Tuesday May 10th will be the Stated Meeting night for the Portland Valley Scottish Rite.
The Oregon Consistory will be opening in full form so all Scottish Rite members 32nd° and higher are welcome to attend.
We will be balloting on petitions of candidates and will also be holding a joint installation for all officers of the four Bodies. All Members and Officers are requested to attend.
It will be Taco Tuesday with a Taco bar provided by Bridges Cafe & Catering of Portland. Dinner will be $10 per person.
Throughout our masonic journeys, I expect that every mason has felt the power and emotion of his lodge. It is the feeling of being united and elevated by his brotherhood. Through these emotions and moments of clarity exists an intangible thread, a force that binds us in our work. I have heard many of my brothers express their views and imaginings of what form that force might take. The perspective that I would like to present tonight, is that of the Masonic Egregore.
An Egregore is defined as, “A thoughtform or collective group mind, an autonomous entity made up of and influencing, the thoughts of a group of people”. The term derives from the Greek word Grigori and means to ‘be awake’ or ‘to watch’, the term being strongly linked with the experience of enlightenment, and awakening. These obscure entities are brought about by either a group’s conscious effort, or are the unconscious result of a group’s energies blending over time. The masonic Egregore falls into the latter category. It’s properties and functions are relative to the group which produced it, resulting in an agent for that group’s ambitions.
Masonic lodges are uniquely capable of creating and sustaining an Egregore. While the creation of an Egregore is an occult practice and that the average Lodge may not be esoterically minded, the thought form could come into existence through the unconscious thoughts and energies generated by a Lodge of Masons. Masonry by its nature draws in men with strong wills and a desire to grow. Much like the rough ashlar, the rough energies of a lodge are shaped and refined by those strong wills, resulting in a perfected Egregore. The Egregore’s purpose is a reflection of the will of its Lodge and stands as a trestle-board for their designs.
The functions of the masonic Egregore are numerous. Awakening when lodge is opened, the Egregore is felt as an ambiance, relating to all Masons in attendance that our work has begun. It aids in the rituals we perform, a tool unconsciously directed by our words and actions. The Egregore exists between the realms of the material and the spiritual, this is where the thought form serves its greatest purpose. We as Masons also do our work between those realms, as represented by the square and compass. Each Mason seeks to be raised from a lower level to a worthy and upright state, and the Egregore’s true purpose is to assist in that ascent.
The range of the Masonic Egregore may carry beyond the walls of its mother lodge, a passenger in the breast of each Mason. Alive in that mason’s thoughts and speculations, further binding him to his brotherhood. While that Mason is away from his lodge he is reminded that the path he is on is well tread. He follows in the footsteps of countless brothers, who like him, have felt this immaterial connection. While every lodge will produce an Egregore as unique as its members, the thought form should always reflect the Masonic lessons and symbols that are immovable. This facilitates a union, that through the energies of our lodge we hold a connection to all past, present and future Masons.
At its most basic The Masonic Egregore is our collective emotions, and is the atmosphere that each of us encounters when we enter lodge. It is that feeling of entering into a place of great work, a thread sewing unity between brothers, and masonry as a whole. At its macro this Egregore is the cement of a Speculative Mason. It is the material with which we build our inner temples, and find ourselves worthy of the habitation of God.
By Devin Roberts 32° Portland Valley and Esoterika Lodge 227 in Portland Oregon.
The Portland Valley Scottish Rite invites members of all Portland area lodges to join us for our Setting Maul Dinner.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Where we acquaint Master Masons with the benefits of Scottish Rite membership.
This invitation is extended to all who wish to attend, however, only Master Masons who are not members of the Scottish Rite [along with their partiner!] will receive complimentary dinners as our special guests.
Reservations are Required! Email officemanager@portlandsr.com or call 503.226.7827 by May 2 no later than 11 am.
