The following was written by our Portland Valley Scottish Rite Historian Michael D. Robinson 32° KSA and delivered by Wayne Ford 32° KSA at the unveiling of our most recent bust addition, which is a rendering of our current S.G.I.G. Garry W. Kuney, 33º Active.
A Bust is a sculpted or cast representation of the upper part of the human figure, so Wikipedia tells us. The making of such creations date back thousands of years, and can probably be attributed to man’s desire to be remembered and live beyond the grave. Gods, Heroes and men of renown were honored and their likenesses passed to future generations by these sculpted and cast works. If fortune favored them their stories lived on as well.
The first use of Busts in the Oregon Scottish Rite dates back to the mid 1920’s, in part because the Rite in its earlier days could not afford such works unless funded by individual members. Photography had developed in the mid nineteenth century allowing the common man to be remembered by his contemporaries and those who followed, and many such photos exist of our founding members. Painted Portraiture, another well-established manor of immortalizing those with the means, was still in use and a number of portraits of our nineteenth century brethren have been found, including those of all our past and present S.G.I.G.’s displayed here in our building.
The written history of the Oregon Scottish Rite did not record much about the busts of our Sovereign Grand Inspector Generals, among the few facts related was mention of a bust of the Grand Commander John Henry Cowles donated by Inspector Clarke. This is an error, as we find that the Portland Valley did receive a bust generously donated by Louis G. Clarke 33° in 1925, but it was of our great Ill. Brother Albert Pike. This piece was created in 1924 by the 32° Freemason Ulrich Stonewall Jackson Dunbar (1862-1927), whose cast bust of Albert Pike also graces many Scottish Rite Temples across the country.
The first bust of an Oregon S.G.I.G. was that of Philip Schuyler Malcolm. It is little wonder that this great Mason would be honored in such a manner. Through his efforts the Rite in Oregon went from considering relinquishing its charter in 1890, to building this magnificent building in 1902, to having in the neighborhood of 4,000 members by 1929. Unfortunately, the details of the commission and date of this work are yet uncovered. However, we do know that the work was carried out by the Italian sculptor Pompeo Luigi Coppini (1870-1957), another 32° Scottish Rite Freemason. Brother Coppini came to America at the age of 26 and sculpted many famous works across the United States, as well as a few in Italy and Mexico. His sculptures of Sam Houston and George Washington grace the doors of the San Antonio Scottish Rite, where he was a member. He likely came to the attention of the Portland Valley in 1927 when his statue of George Washington was placed in front of the former Friendship Masonic Center in NE Portland. It may be around this time that Brother Malcolm’s sculpture was commissioned, but as the date was not found on the work it is currently unknown.
The sculpture of Louis G. Clarke was created in 1938 by the sculptor Alonzo Victor Lewis (1886-1946). Mr. Lewis was based in Seattle and his works can be found primarily in the state of Washington. Among the many contributions of Brother Clarke, was the recording of the early events in the history of the Oregon Scottish Rite. He also worked tirelessly to have all Oregon children educated. He was a talented man and Mason, and was very successful in his life. Oregon Freemasons are still helped to this day by the Trusts created in his name, and many of our beautiful artifacts and pieces of furniture were donated by him to the Rite.
The bust of Leslie Scott was created by Gifford MacGregor Proctor (1912-2006) the son of the sculptor Alexander Proctor. G. Proctor’s work can be found in government buildings in Louisiana, Montana, Oregon and Washington State. This work is also undated. Brother Scott was the first of our S.G.I.G.’s to be born in Oregon. He was the son of the famous Editor Harvey Scott, Leslie wrote many books and edited many more including the chapter on Oregon Freemasonry in Gould’s Masonic History. “His activities at the Scottish Rite were quite extensive as would be expected of a strong leader.”
The sculptures of Clarence Phillips and David O. Johnson were created in 1991 and 1992 respectively by the same artist. Brother Phillips was a highly respected attorney. “The services rendered by Inspector Phillips to the community, state and Masonic Fraternity were both numerous and extensive.” Along with his service to the Rite he gave nearly 20 years ‘diligent work’ for the benefit of the Portland Shrine Hospital for children. He was honored by his successor, David O. Johnson, in a ceremony on September 3, 1991, when his bust, created by the artist and sculptor Francisco Reynders, was dedicated in the Scottish Rite Temple. Francisco Reynders (1929-1996) was a Dutch Fine Artist, Theatrical designer and renowned Mime. He settled in Portland and taught at Lewis and Clark College. Mr. Reynders created the bust of Ill. David O. Johnson in 1992 which was presented to the Rite that same year.
This brings us to tonight’s event and our current S.G.I.G. Ill. Gary W. Kuney, whose bust joins the honored members in this hall, to be remembered by the brethren of today and the future for his role in shaping the Scottish Rite in Oregon.
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 Chaplin 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