Medford Valley Newsletter March/April

Masonic Education

Since 2008, the Scottish Rite Master Craftsman™ program has been providing light in Freemasonry through mail-in and online correspondence courses focusing on Masonic history, ritual And philosophy. Thousands of our brothers have learned more about our ancient craft, and more about themselves through these courses.

Now the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction has taken the next step in Masonic Education. The Master Craftsman® Online College & Leadership Academy is a complete, online, multimedia learning system designed by Masons for Masons, and is similar to online learning platforms used by colleges and universities around the world. Master Craftsman® Online College & Leadership Academy students will be able to select from numerous Masonic Education & Leadership courses and track their learning progress through a fun and interactive learning system. Best of all, the online learning system is available on any device, so you can improve yourself in Masonry anytime, anywhere.

New courses will be released regularly, providing the modern Freemason with a constant source of more light in Freemasonry. Registration is now open, and the next part of your Masonic Journey is only a few clicks away. Open the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, S.J., U.S.A. The Supreme Council, 33° web page at https://scottishrite.org and access the members portal with your Scottish Rite membership number on your dues card. There is no need to purchase the books being used as we have them available for check out here at the Valley.

A Message to Our Valley

It is with a heavy heart that we remember the passing of our late General Secretary, Brother Stephen Larrance, 32°, whose dedication, service, and friendship meant so much to all of us. His contributions to our Valley will not be forgotten, and we carry his example forward with gratitude.

During this time of transition, I have stepped into the role of General Secretary. I do so with humility and a sincere desire to serve each of you and to continue the work that strengthens our Valley.

Please know that I am here for you. I am always available to help, to listen, and to support our members and all activities within the Scottish Rite Valley. I look forward to working together, growing together, and honoring the spirit that unites us.

Our Valley is getting stronger every day, and everyone who works in the office appreciates you and all that you contribute. You are always welcome to stop by—have a cup of coffee, share your thoughts or concerns, or simply enjoy some fellowship. We encourage you to become involved: help with a project, take part in a degree, or lend your talents where you feel called. Your involvement is what makes the Medford Valley Scottish Rite the thriving, fraternal organization that it is.

Thank you for your kindness, your support, and your fellowship.

Fraternally,
Steve Wikoff 32°
Medford General Secretary

Upcoming Events
April 13 Executive Meeting 5:00
April 13 Dinner 6:00
April 13 Stated Meeting 7:00
April 17-18 Portland Valley Reunion
April 23-15 Baker Valley Reunion
April 26 Family Dinner 6:00

March Birthdays
Morton Brookler 3-4
Mark McQueen 3-4
Chris Smith 3-12
Bruce Kundert 3-14
Don Blankenship 3-15
Michael Card 3-17
Dario Vidal 3-18
Douglas Breidenthal 3-19
Robert Irwin 3-24
Jamie Neal 3-28
George Hyde 3-29

April Birthdays
Ambers Thornburgh 4-1
John Lynch 4-13
Arnold Winters 4-17
Larry Nicholson 4-17
Neal Olson 4-19
Sheldon Slomowitz 4-22
Michael Harder 4-24
James Glbert 4-6
Billy Thompson 4-8

FROM THE DESK OF BOB CRUM

I want to start this article by saying we lost one of our most beloved Brothers this month, Brother Stephen Larrance 32°, Knight of St. Andrew, passed away on March 2, 2026.

Brother Steve was our General Secretary, and an integral member of the Scottish Rite. He never seemed to say no to any opportunity to serve his brothers. He is sorely missed by all. A memorial service, will be conducted here at the Rite and all will be notified.

Here we are closing out the Month of March 2026. We have had a good year thus far with participation in meetings and events. As we state a new quarter, we look forward to working on our degrees, education and protocols.

Each month, with the exception of July and August, we plan on having a family type dinner, or other such event to keep our families involved in our fraternity. We look forward to seeing many more of our families attending these events and could use some ideas for any special events we have not had on our agenda in the past.

I WANT TO WISH ALL MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES A HAPPY EASTER.

Bob Crum, PR
Medford Valley

Bro. Lloyd Gathright, 32°, KCCH, 106-Year-Old member of Medford Valley invested a Knight Commander!

On June 24th, 2024, Brother Commander Lloyd A. Gathright was invested by representatives of the Supreme Council, the Orient of Oregon, and the Orient of Arkansas with the Knight Commander of the Court of Honour at a special ceremony held in his honor. You can view the ceremony on the Supreme Council’s YouTube channel here.

The Orient of Oregon offers Brother Gathright a hearty and heartfelt Congratulations on his investiture as a Red Cap, well done!

Masonic BBQ and Picnic at the Medford Scottish Rite Center  

Masonic BBQ and Picnic at the Medford Scottish Rite Center

All Masons and families are invited to a BBQ, on Sept. 24th, 2022 , from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.
This is a FREE dinner just for coming to the Scottish Rite Center and meeting the Scottish Rite Officers and members.
It’s been a long time since we have met with our Brothers, so come visit. Please RSVP your reservation by Sept. 22nd, 2022.

Call or email the Scottish Rite Secretary and reserve your spot.

Menu: Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Potato Salad, Chips, Drinks and Dessert will be served with all the fixins!

Date: Sept. 24, 2022  Time: 2:00pm-5:00pm

Venue: Medford Scottish Rite Center
3581 Lear Way, Medford, OR. 97504
Phone: 541-772-2205
Email: office@medfordscottishrite.com

Passing of Brother Irvine Lawrence Urie, 32°, KCCH

Brethren,

The roll of the Workmen has been called, and one Master Mason, Brother Irvine Lawrence Urie, 32°, KCCH, 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. His Brethren mourn the passing of a great man and Mason.

Brother Irv Urie was born on October 13, 1936, in Houlton, Oregon to Glenn and Anna-Gunheild Urie and passed to the Celestial Lodge on Friday April 29, 2022, at 85 years of age in Medford Oregon of a heart attack and stroke. Brother Irv was raised in Reedsport, Oregon where he graduated and then went to College and received a degree in Business.  He met and married Ruth Fisher while working at Walker Weeper Trailer as a Salesman and they gave birth to their only Son William Urie a couple of years later.  The marriage ended in 1978 and Irv went on to marry two more times before his death. Irv was an avid Fisherman and Guide/Outfitter for over sixty years, running River Trips Unlimited.  He was admired and respected by so many for his dedication to preserving our natural resources and fish runs.  He diligently kept copious records of water levels, temperatures, and salmon and steelhead counts on the Rogue River throughout the years.

Irv was a member of Warren Masonic Lodge #10 in Jacksonville Oregon for over 50 years and remained an active member until the time of his passing.  Brother Urie received his Scottish Rite 32° on May 27, 1972, at the Central Point Valley Scottish Rite and was a member of the Medford Valley Scottish Rite.  He was to receive his 50 Year Scottish Rite Service Certificate, Pin and Blue Cap at our next Stated Meeting.   Irv was a Charter Member of the Medford Chapter of the Knights of Saint Andrew and became Emeritus Member upon his receiving the Honours of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour on November 9, 2015.  He remained an active member of the Scottish Rite until his passing.  Brother Urie was 50 year plus member of Hillah Shriners in Medford, Oregon and was Potentate of Hillah Shriners in 2009 as well as an active member of numerous other Masonic Organizations.   He was known and loved by all who knew him.  A true man and Mason; Irv will be sorely missed.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Brother Irv on May 28th, 2022, at 1 PM at

3537 S. Fork Little Butte Creek Road in Eagle Point, Oregon.

Medford Scottish Rite Remembrance & Renewal

Brothers,

Our annual Remembrance & Renewal Ceremony and inner will be on April 18th, with the Ceremony starting at 6:00pm.

Dinner will start at 6:30pm.
The menu is: Lasagna or Pasta Alfredo, Vegetable, Bread, Salad, and Gelato for dessert. Iced Tea, Coffee, or water to wash it all down.

The cost is $20.00 per person due to inflation.
Please RSVP to the Medford Scottish Rite office by April 15.

Hope to see you there.
Ed Davis
Secretary

Medford Valley of the Scottish Rite Presents The 2021 Annual Feast of Tishri Monday October 18th

Dinner at 6:30 pm, Lodge members assemble in the lodge room at 6:15 to renew our obligation on the 14th degree.

Menu:
Chicken Alfredo, Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Bread
Cost: $15.00
Please RSVP to Secretary by Oct 15, 2021
Business attire is desired. Scottish Rite caps will be worn. KSA members: Tuxedo

Medford Valley of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite looks forward to seeing you there.

Passing of Illustrious Brother James “Jim” W. Aday, 33°

Brethren,

The roll of the workmen has been called, and one Master Mason, Illustrious Brother James Wesley Aday, 33°, 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. His Brethren mourn the passing of a great man and Mason.

Illustrious Brother James (Jim) Aday was born on March 25, 1933 in Denver Colorado and passed to the Celestial Lodge on Tuesday July 20, 2021 at 88 years of age. He was a life member of the Medford Valley Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and a Past Potentate in 2006 of the Hillah Shrine in Medford Oregon.  Jim was also Past Master of Laurel Lodge #13, A.F. & A.M. in Roseburg, Oregon.  Brother Aday received his 33° Honours in October of 1995.  He demitted in 2009 due to failing health issues.

He passed away peacefully at home, with his loving wife Minnie.  Funeral plans are in work; most likely being held in September at their Roseburg Church.  No date or time was announced at this time. 

Three new Knights at Medford KSA Chapter

Medford Valley Scottish Rite welcomes our three new Knights of Saint Andrew; Sir Knights Kent Clinkenbeard,  Jim Pringle and Tracy Morton to our KSA Chapter.

These three Squires have been in waiting due to the COVID restrictions for a long period.  With the lifting of some of these restrictions we were able to proceed with their advancement to Knights status for the Medford Valley KSA Order.  After the Knighting Ceremony Sir Knight Jim Pringle was installed as Senior Warden for the Medford KSA Chapter.  Special thanks to Past Venerable Master Sir Knight Michael Harder for performing the Knighting Ceremony last Monday evening.