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!
By virtue of the generous support of our Speech Charity’s Doners the Oregon Scottish Rite Speech & Language Charity was able to provide a grant of $120,000 to the University of Oregon College of Education HEDCO Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic and in thanks we received the following letters of gratitude from UO College representatives.
On behalf of the UO College of Education HEDCO Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, we are incredibly grateful to the OR Scottish Rite Speech & Language Charity for the recent $120,000 award which is currently supporting summer camps for pediatric speech clients, and which will fully subsidize all pediatric speech sessions in the academic year ahead. The opportunity to ensure that all pediatric clients face no financial barriers to speech services is a true milestone in our Clinic and community, where demand for services continues to increase and families face ongoing financial constraints. We are proud to partner with OSR to help young Oregon children develop the communication skills they need to be successful at home, in school, and in life.
We recently acknowledged OSR’s generous support on the College of Education’s social media changes. I’ve provided links to those posts below.
Again, thank you for this investment in youth pediatric services in Lane County. We look forward to reporting back on the impact of this investment in the year ahead.
With gratitude,
Esther, Director of Development, UO College of Education
COE acknowledgement of gift on LinkedIn
COE Facebook Page
COE acknowledgement of gift on Instagram
I would like to add my appreciation for the OR Scottish Rite’s recent gift for pediatric speech/language services in our College of Education’s HEDCO Clinic. This gift makes such a difference to the children and families we serve!
Thank you for this impactful gift.
Warmly,
Laura Lee, Dean & Castle-McIntosh-Knight Professor, UO College of Education
Thank you to all those who provided the contributions and support that made this endowment for the benefit of Oregon’s youth a possibility!
The Orient of Missouri is having another broadcast of their Cinematic Reunion July 25-28, 2024. Current Scottish Rite members of the 32° or higher are welcome to signup for the broadcast. Prospective Members or Candidates who have not been conferred the 32° will need to be balloted on by their Valley and receive dispensation to participate in this experience.
As a reminder, if you attended any of the previous Cinematic Reunions, you may login with your same user credentials to view and participate in any upcoming Cinematic Reunion Experience.
The Officers of the Oregon Consistory No. 1 invite all Masons, their spouses, and accompanied guests to attend and celebrate the 223rd anniversary of the Scottish Rite at the Feast of the Manifesto. Tickets are just $40. Accompanied non-members are welcome, this is not open to the general public.
The Feast of the Manifesto is a celebration of the world changing declaration in 1801 that formed the Scottish Rite as we know it today. It is considered by many Scottish Rite Masons to be the most important day in our history, for it was in 1801 that the Scottish Rite formally began as an organized Masonic body. The Feast Day of the Consistory is also known as the FEAST OF THE MANIFESTO of the Order, for it was in the 1802 Manifesto, called the “Circular throughout the two Hemispheres,” where May 31, 1801 was declared to be the formal establishment of the first Supreme Council in Charleston, South Carolina.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1208706137279070
Featuring synth musical artist Kalob Wisdom
Meal catered by Gilda’s Italian Restaurant featuring: • Mista salad • Rigatoni al Formaggio (cheese and cream) • Chicken Cacciatore (tomato, olives, mushrooms) • Pork Loin Tuscan style (garlic, rosemary, & lemon) • Market vegetables • Roasted Potatoes • Bread and tapenade oil. Coffee, red or white wine, beer or n/a beverages for toasts and cookies for desert.
Brethren,
The roll of the workman has been called and, one Master Mason, Courtland B. Brooks, 33°, I.G.H., 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 vice 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 “C.B.” Courtland Benjamin Brooks, 33°, Inspector General Honorary, was born on July 5th, 1944, in Greenport, Long Island, New York, and on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, our Heavenly Father smiled upon him and taking him by the hand, gently led him to the land where our fathers have gone before us.
Illustrious Brother C.B. joined the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in the Orient of California, Sacramento Valley in the Sacramento Lodge of Perfection on June 5th, he was Knighted in the Sacramento Chapter of Rose Croix on June 5th, Knighted in the Sacramento Council of Kadosh on June 5th, and Invested a Master of the Royal Secret in the Sacramento Consistory on June 5th, in the year 1998. He affiliated with the Valley of Salt Lake City, Orient of Utah on February 10th, 2000. He was Invested a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor on November 5th, 2005, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He affiliated with the Valley of Coos Bay, Orient of Oregon on January 8th, 2007, and was Coronated a 33°, Inspector General Honorary, on November 2nd, 2013, in Portland Oregon. He was a 26-year member of the Scottish Rite.
Illustrious Brother Brooks was Initiated in Outpost Lodge No. 895, in Berlin, Germany, and Raised to the Sublime degree of Master Mason in June of 1967 in that Lodge. He affiliated with Cloverdale Lodge No. 126, Oregon in 1969 (later merged with Tillamook No. 57, March 27, 2012). He was a Charter member of John L. McClelland Lodge No. 780 in Brindisi, Italy, and served as Master from 1974-1975. He affiliated with Unity Lodge No. 18 in Ogden Utah and served as Master there in 2001. In Oregon he affiliated with North Bend Lodge No. 140, and he served as Master in 2006, and 2012. He also affiliated with Blanco Lodge No. 48, where he served as Master in 2007, 2011, and 2018. He was a member of the Oregon York Rite Bodies, serving as Past Grand High Priest, Illustrious Grand Master, and Grand Commander. He was a member of the Red Cross of Constantine, the Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priests, the Knight York Cross of Honor, the Allied Masonic Degrees, the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and the Order of Eastern Star. He was also a life member of the V.F.W. and American Legion.
Biographical Information: C.B. graduated from Greenport High School, class of 1963. He attended Delhi Ag. & Tech., Delhi, New York for two terms and then decided that the Air Force was better suited for him. He enlisted November 2, 1964, and served 20 years, 8 months, and 29 days and retired July 1985. He attained the rank of E-6, Technical Sergeant. His entire Federal Government Service was in the field of Radar and Electronics. While in the Air Force, he was assigned to: Templehof Air Base, Berlin, Germany, Mount Hebo Air Force Station (twice), Hebo, Oregon, San Vito Air Force Station, Brindisi, Italy, Beale Air Force Base, Marysville, California. He was married to Stephanie Elbers and divorced in 1980. C.B. married the love of his life, Maryon (Boles) Sigman in 1983. C.B. worked for the US Civil Service (Air Force) from 1986 – 2006.
C.B. is survived by his sister, Francis (Brooks) Franke of New York; daughter, Jennifer Brooks and her husband Chris of Coos Bay; daughter, Christine (Brooks) Czogalla of Berlin, Germany; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; step-daughters, Lisa (Sigman) Cozza and her husband Scott, and Valerie Sigman; four step-grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren; two nieces and three nephews; twelve great-nieces and nephews; and 4 great-great nieces and nephews. C.B. was preceded in death by his parents, Frank, and Alice Brooks; and his wife, Maryon Brooks in 2021.
Memorial arrangements: A Celebration of Life and a Masonic Memorial Service will be held for Courtland B. “C.B.” Brooks on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Harmony United Methodist Church, 123 Ocean Boulevard in Coos Bay, OR. A reception will follow services in the church fellowship hall. A private urn placement will take place at Sunset Memorial Park in Coos Bay.
More Information: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/courtland-brooks-obituary?id=55071609
The Orient of Oregon’s Education Foundation Scholarship application period is still open but the deadline for this year is fast approaching on April 15th, 2024.
Online applications are available at https://orsrscholarships.com/ or a downloadable PDF is attached.
The was a letter and an email sent to all Valley PRs, Secretaries, and Scholarship Reps with more information. You can use the contact page on the Education Foundation’s website for any questions.
At this time we have received a limited number of applicants but are hoping to get more before the deadline. Acceptance of Applications will CLOSE midnight Monday April 15th, 2024.
All Valley Scholarship Representatives are requested to contact their local high schools and encourage them to have students apply, ASAP!!!
Current Valley/Applicants
Baker/9
Coos Bay/1
Eugene/15
Klamath Falls/3
Medford/4
Pendleton/33
Portland/21
Roseburg/3
Salem/7
Total 96
Please Note: Mailed in applications must be postmarked by no later than April 15th, 2024.
Portland Valley Spring Reunion, Friday April 19th & Saturday April 20th, 2024, to be held in honor of Illustrious Brother Stan Schmidt, 33°.
You, your family, and friends are cordially invited to attend the Valley of Coos Bay Scottish Rite’s annual observance of Remembrance and Renewal.
The location this year is Sidney Croft Masonic Lodge, 416 Azalea Road, Brookings, OR. The ceremony will be held on Monday, April 8th and will start at 6:00 p.m. with the Extinguishing of the Lights, followed by a dinner in the dining room.
After the meal an Easter message will be given. Then we will retire to the lodge room for a memorial of our departed brothers and the Re-lighting of the Lights.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP Wise Master Steve Mathis.
Dress is suit, tie, and Scottish Rite cap. Cast members should arrive no later than 5:30p.m.
The Orient of Oregon’s Education Foundation Scholarship application period is still open but the deadline for this year is fast approaching on April 15th, 2024.
Online applications are available at https://orsrscholarships.com/ or a downloadable PDF is attached.
The was a letter and an email sent to all Valley PRs, Secretaries, and Scholarship Reps with more information. You can use the contact page on the Education Foundation’s website for any questions.
At this time we have received a limited number of applicants but are hoping to get more before the deadline.
Valley Applicants Baker 2 Coos Bay 0 Eugene 9 Klamath Falls 0 Medford 3 Pendleton 15 Portland 7 Roseburg 1 Salem 4 Total 41 As of March 7, 2024
All Valley Scholarship Representatives are requested to contact their local high schools and encourage them to have students apply.
Please Note: Mailed in applications must be postmarked by no later than April 15th, 2024.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the Orient of Oregon welcomes Illustrious Grand Commander James D. Cole, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, 33°, of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, SJ, USA, hosted by the Portland Valley.
To cap off this momentous occasion Illustrious Brother Cole will hold a townhall discussion for members to find out more about the Scottish Rite, Supreme Council, and the plans for the future of our fraternity.
All Scottish Rite members are invited to attend.
RSVP required for all attendees. (Click HERE to RSVP)
Current dues card will be required at check-in, this event is exclusively for members, it is not open to the public.
Agenda
All attendees are requested to arrive no later than 6:45pm if not attending the banquet.
$40 Buffett, Menu provided by Gilda’s Italian Restaurant
Click Here to RSVP for banquet
Limited parking will be available at the Portland Valley’s parking lot located at 669 SW 15th Ave, Portland, OR 97205. Parking is on a first come basis, and limited to 50 vehicles. The height clearance is 6’6″ so it cannot accommodate lifted vehicles.
Pay parking is also typically available at Hotel de Lux parking next to the hotel on the corner of 15th and Yamhill St., or at the pay lot on 16th Street at Morrison Plaza.
ILLUSTRIOUS JAMES DEAN COLE, 33º, SOVEREIGN GRAND COMMANDER, SUPREME COUNCIL, 33º, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY, SOUTHERN JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
James D. Cole, 33°, was installed as the nineteenth Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, 33°, Southern Jurisdiction, USA on August 19, 2019.
A Mason since 1983, he served as Worshipful Master of Craighill Lodge No. 160, Elliston, Virginia, in 1987 and as Virginia’s Grand Master in 2001. Coroneted a 33º Inspector General Honorary on October 3, 2001, on January 1, 2003, he was appointed Deputy of the Supreme Council in Virginia; on October 7, 2003, he was crowned as an Active Member, later serving as Grand Treasurer General and Lieutenant Grand Commander.
He is a Royal Arch Mason, a Knight Templar, a National Sojourner, a Shriner, a member of the York Rite College, a life member of the Royal Order of Scotland, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a life member of the Scottish Rite Research Society, a Past Puissant Sovereign of the Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine, a Past Sovereign Master of the Allied Masonic Degrees. He holds 9th Grade membership in the Masonic Societas Rosicruciana and remains active in the Grand Lodge of Virginia, serving as Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of England and as a member of the Code Commission.
His honors include: honorary membership in eleven lodges; the Legion of Honor from DeMolay International and honorary membership on the International Supreme Council; the Grand Cross of Color from the Rainbow for Girls; the Pierpont Edwards Medal from the Grand Lodge of Connecticut for outstanding Masonic Service; the Grand Lodge of Virginia’s highest award, the George Washington Distinguished Service Medal; commission as an honorary Kentucky Colonel; the Odie R. Howell Leadership Award from the Virginia DeMolay Foundation; the Albert Mackey Medal from the Grand Lodge of South Carolina; and Honorary membership in the Conference of Grand Secretaries of North America.
Born in Asheville North Carolina in 1958, he moved to Virginia in 1969, where he and his wife Mary Ann reside; they have two children and five grandchildren. Formerly employed as CEO of the Masonic Home of Virginia, Brother Cole is a CPA whose previous professional experience includes practice with an international accounting firm and almost twenty years in a variety of positions at Virginia Tech, a large public university. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from Virginia Tech. Both an author and consultant, he has served numerous companies, universities, and non-profit organizations, including Masonic groups, throughout the country and has been a frequent speaker at business conferences.
Brother Cole has been active in community and church service, including more than twenty-five years teaching an Adult Bible Class and serving as an active lay speaker since age fifteen. He has been a high school basketball referee, a baseball umpire, a youth basketball and baseball coach, and a high school football announcer. In his spare time, he enjoys playing with his grandchildren, reading, and golf.
Scottish Rite Journal * November/December 2019. Photography by Dupont Photographers, Inc., Washington, D.C.