Category: Orient News
Passing the torch of the Orient’s Leadership🎩
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
Education Foundation Update Jan. 14, 2022
Brethren,
As you are all aware every year your Valley submits applications from students to receive scholarships from the Orient of Oregon Scottish Rite Education fund. In the past the process has been cumbersome, and at times confusing for all involved. This year we have launched a new website that will help streamline the application process for you and most importantly, the students. The website can be found here: https://orsrscholarships.com
Another change is that we have partnered with ASPIRE Oregon. The ASPIRE program helps students plan for their postsecondary education and future career. Trained volunteer mentors consisting of counselors, teachers, and parents work with middle and high school students to explore colleges, research career training options, and apply for financial aid. It is a program operated by the Office of Student Access and Completion, which is a department in the State of Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
I want to assure you the process is essentially still the same. As in the past, students will fill out their application with the difference the application process is now done completely online. Once we receive their application we will forward it to the proper Valley for review and approval. Once the Valley has made their decision, they will forward their top pics to us, and we will award out the scholarships.
My hope is that with the changes we will see an increase in students applying for our scholarships, and a lot less work for all of us on the back end.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Fraternally yours,
Nicholas Johns 32° KSA
President Orient of Oregon Scottish Rite Educational Charity
Honours Ceremonies Canceled
Brethren,
This message is very hard for me to write. I am postponing our Honors Ceremony for now. I found out that hospitals are overflowing and people are being turned away that need help. On top of that the recent Cave Degree resulted in a member contracting the virus.
As your leader in the Scottish Rite I must make decisions based on numerous details. Three of the most important details are everyones’ health, safety, and your families’ health and safety. Because of this our Ceremonies are postponed.
I just received today the scripts that have been modified by Ill. Brother Art de Hoyos. They will be used for our Honors Ceremony.
A huge thank you to all the Brothers who have worked so hard putting together our Honors Ceremony. I will be calling on many of you to help with the taping of the the ceremony.
Again, our Honors Ceremony has been canceled. Please contact the honorees and let them know. Thank you.
God bless all of you!
Gary Kuney, 33°
S.G.I.G. in Oregon
Supreme Council 2021 Biennial Session
In case you missed the live broadcast of the 2021 Biennial Session, here is the recording.
Grand Master’s Message: Update to mask-wearing 08-17-2021
Greetings Brethren,
Attached is the latest update from the Grand Master of Oregon regarding the recent Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Governors’ health recommendations. Additionally the regulations on the Secretary of States site indicate further actions that are the responsibility for the Scottish Rite Centers across the state to be aware of for operations and they are included in their entirety as they are currently stated. In the event situations change over time this post will either be updated or replaced with more recent updates.
Fraternally,
Scottish Rite Orient of Oregon
If the link in the Grand Lodge notice is not available further information regarding the full recommendations are available below or at https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewSingleRule.action?ruleVrsnRsn=280420
From the Secretary of States Website:
Oregon Health Authority
Public Health Division – Chapter 333
Division 19
INVESTIGATION AND CONTROL OF DISEASES: GENERAL POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
333-019-1025
Masking Requirements for Indoor Spaces
(1)(a) It is vital to this state that individuals wear a mask or face covering when in indoor spaces with other people (but not when in private residences). COVID-19 undergoes frequent mutations as it replicates, which over time has resulted in variants that are more transmissible, cause more severe disease, or have other features of public health concern such as decreased vaccination effectiveness. As of the time this rule was adopted, Delta was the variant making up more than 90 percent of sequenced specimens in Oregon. The Delta variant is approximately two to three times more infectious than early wild-type COVID-19 variants. There is emerging evidence that people infected with the Delta variant have similar viral loads regardless of vaccination status suggesting that even vaccine breakthrough cases may transmit this variant effectively.
(b) COVID-19 infection is transmitted predominately by inhalation of respiratory droplets generated when people cough, sneeze, sing, talk, or breathe. Studies show that masks and face coverings block the release of respiratory droplets into the environment and can reduce the wearer’s exposure to droplets. COVID-19 viral particles spread between people more readily indoors than outdoors. Indoors, the concentration of viral particles is often higher than outdoors, where even a light wind can rapidly reduce concentrations.
(c) This rule is necessary to help control COVID-19, reduce hospitalizations and deaths, and provide general health protection to people in Oregon.
(2) Nothing in this rule is intended to:
(a) Prohibit an individual or person from complying with a more restrictive local, state or federal mask requirement.
(b) Prohibit a person, including a business, from applying a more restrictive requirement.
(3) For the purposes of this rule, the following definitions apply:
(a) “Business” means an individual, organization or entity engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities.
(b) “Common or shared space” means an area where individuals may interact such as a restroom, breakroom, hallway, elevator, lobby, classroom, large room with cubicles, meeting rooms, conference rooms and any area open to the public.
(c) “Face covering” means a cloth, polypropylene, paper or other face covering that covers the nose and the mouth and that rests snugly above the nose, below the mouth, and on the sides of the face. Face coverings are not a covering that incorporates a valve that is designed to facilitate easy exhalation, mesh masks, lace masks or other coverings with openings, holes, visible gaps in the design or material, or vents.
(d) “Face shield” means a clear plastic shield that covers the forehead, extends below the chin, and wraps around the sides of the face.
(e) “Fully vaccinated individual” means an individual who has received both doses of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or one dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine and at least 14 days have passed since the individual’s final dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
(f) “Indoor spaces” means anywhere indoors, including but not limited to public and private workplaces, businesses, indoor areas open to the public, building lobbies, common or shared spaces, classrooms, elevators, bathrooms, transportation services and other indoor space where people may gather for any purpose. An indoor space does not include a private residence or a private automobile being used for personal use and that is not used for ride sharing.
(g) “Mask” means a medical grade mask.
(h) “Person responsible for an indoor space” means any person or governmental entity responsible for the activities within an indoor space.
(i) “Private individual workspace” means an indoor space within a public or private workplace used for work by one individual at a time that is enclosed on all sides with walls from floor to ceiling and with a closed door.
(j) “Public and private workplaces” means indoor places where people work, including but not limited to businesses, banks, food processing plants, manufacturing facilities, construction sites, warehouses and farms.
(k) “Public transportation” means any form of transportation open to the public including but not limited to trains, buses, trolleys, street cars, vans, school buses, airplanes, boats, ride sharing services. Public transportation does not include private vehicles unless the private vehicle is being used for public transportation such as ride sharing services.
(l) “Ride sharing services” means transportation services, whether public or private, where a driver transports an individual or a group of people in a vehicle and charges a fare or bills for services. Ride sharing services include, but are not limited to, taxicabs, Uber, and Lyft.
(m) “Transportation hub” means any airport, bus terminal, marina, seaport or other port, subway station terminal (including any fixed facility at which passengers are picked-up or discharged), train station, U.S. port of entry, or any other location that provides transportation subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(4) Individuals, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask, face covering or face shield when in an indoor space unless the individual:
(a) Is under five years of age; unless an individual is using public transportation or in transportation hubs in which case an individual under two years of age is not required to wear a mask, face covering or face shield.
(b) Is sleeping.
(c) Is actively eating or drinking.
(d) Is engaged in an activity that makes wearing a mask, face covering or face shield not feasible, such as when actively swimming.
(e) Is in a private individual workspace.
(f) Must remove the mask, face covering or face shield briefly because the individual’s identity needs to be confirmed by visual comparison, such as at a bank or if interacting with law enforcement.
(g) Is practicing or playing a competitive sport at any level.
(h) Is performing, including but not limited to playing music, delivering a speech to an audience, and theater.
(5) A person responsible for an indoor space must:
(a) Ensure that employees, contractors, and volunteers comply with this rule within the indoor space.
(b) Make reasonable efforts to ensure customers, guests, visitors and other individuals comply with this rule within the indoor space.
(c) Post signs at every entrance to the indoor space that face coverings are required as described in this rule.
(6) Nothing in this rule is intended to prohibit an employer or place of public accommodation from making reasonable accommodations in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, ORS 659.850 or applicable provisions of ORS chapter 659A.
(7) Penalties: An individual or person responsible for an indoor space who violates any provision of this rule is subject to civil penalties of up to $500 per day per violation.
Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 413.042, ORS 431A.010, ORS 431.110 & ORS 433.004
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 431A.010, ORS 431.110 & ORS 433.004
History:
PH 35-2021, temporary adopt filed 08/11/2021, effective 08/13/2021 through 02/08/2022
Orient of Oregon 2021 Honours Ceremony update
The Orient of Oregon Ceremonies of Honour for the Orient recipients will be held on Saturday, September 11th, 2021, at the Salem Scottish Rite Temple.
Address: 4090 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302
The times of Investitures, and Coronations:
- 33rd Degree Inspector General Honorary Coronation: 9:30am (Limited to 33rd Degree Elected and Current 33rd Degree Members)
- Knight Commander of the Court of Honour Investiture: 1:00pm (Limited to Scottish Rite Members)
Hello my Brethren!
I hope all of you are healthy and doing well.
It has come to my attention that the schedule for honors hasn’t made it to everyone, so I am asking for your help. Here is the schedule. September 11, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. the 33° will start. Then at 1:00 p.m. the K.C.C.H. will start. Honors will be held at the Salem Valley this year. All Scottish Rite Masons are invited, but to watch the 33° you have to be a 33°. No wives or guests. If the Covid-19 restrictions increase, the number of members who can attend the ceremonies may decrease.
Please pass the word to all of your members and honorees. There will not be a dinner, but there will be sandwiches for lunch thanks to our host Valley of Salem.
A huge thank you to the Salem Valley, cast members, stage, transportation, Stewarts, program designers, PRs, Secretaries, Treasures, Orient officers, security, and the many members behind the scenes. We couldn’t pull this off without your hard work and dedication.
Thank you all!
God bless all of you!
Gary Kuney, 33°
S.G.I.G. in Oregon
Congratulations 2021 Scottish Rite Orient of Oregon Honourmen!
The following Brethren have been nominated to receive the 33°,
Inspector General Honorary, for the 2021 Biennium.
Baker Valley – Lynn A. Halliday
Eugene Valley – Michael D. Robinson
Medford Valley – Roland L. Kari
Medford Valley – Bruce A. Kundert
Roseburg Valley – Randy J. Haugen
The following Brethren have been nominated to receive the 32°,
Knight Commander of the Court of Honour, for the 2021 Biennium.
Baker Valley – Timothy J. Best
Baker Valley – Duane A. Bush
Baker Valley – John F. Ferguson
Baker Valley – David S. Gover III
Coos Bay Valley – Charles O. Cornell
Eugene Valley – Steven A. Karner
Klamath Falls Valley – Ezekiel N. Ordaz
Medford Valley – Donald G. Wetzel
Portland Valley – Curtis J. Lewis, Jr.
Portland Valley – Sean P. McCallum
Salem Valley – Jerald D. Schierling
Thank you Brethren for your service and dedication to the Scottish Rite!
See all the Southern Jurisdiction Honourmen by clicking here: 2021 Honourmen
Orient of Oregon 2021 Honours Ceremony date and location announcement
The Active Members of the Supreme Council will meet in Executive Session on Saturday, August 21, to conduct necessary business. Elections for the Knight Commander Court of Honour and the 33rd Degree will be conducted in normal fashion.
The Orient of Oregon Ceremonies of Honour for the Orient recipients will be held on Saturday, September 11th, 2021, at the Salem Scottish Rite Temple. The times of practices, Investitures, and Coronations will be announced after further event planning takes place. The traditional awards banquet will not be held at this occasion.
Passing of Ill. Deary Vaughn, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, United Supreme Council AASR (PHA) SJ
Brethren,
The role of the workman has been called and, one Master Mason, Ill. Deary Vaughn, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, 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.
December 14, 2020
On behalf of the Supreme Council, 33°, A.& A.S.R. of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, USA, I extend my condolences and heartfelt prayers to the family of Illustrious Deary Vaughn, 33°, who served as Sovereign Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council AASR (PHA) SJ from 2003 until his passing today.
To my Brethren and friends of the United Supreme Council AASR (PHA) SJ, I offer to you my prayers and my pledge of continuing support. You have lost a great leader and an outstanding Mason.
As with all who met him, I count it an honor to have called Deary my friend and Brother. He extended the kindest courtesies to me whenever I was in his presence, and he truly walked the Masonic path.
To his successor, Illustrious Corey D. Hawkins, 33°, and the other officers of his Council, I have pledged our continued support and best wishes as they deal with this significant loss.
I will miss my good friend. May his memory continue in our hearts as we continue our Masonic journey that he himself traveled so well.
Sincerely and fraternally,
James D. Cole, 33°,
Sovereign Grand Commander, A. & A.S.R. of Freemasonry, S.J., U.S.A.