In many ways, our lives are about transitions: nothing being static forever nor under our complete control. In Freemasonry, we reflect upon our major life transitions when we first study the experiences and teachings of the three Symbolic degrees. These allegorical lessons employ the transitions from the inquiring aspirant to the youthful Apprentice, to the learned but developing Fellowcraft, and finally to the skilled and wise, albeit imperfect Master to illuminate our personal life journey from a Masonic perspective. Masonry teaches us that in life, with each transition there is risk and anxiety, but also the potential of great advancement and expanded understanding.
The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry seeks to encourage us to take the risk, to subdue our anxiety, and to continue developing our lives for our own sake and for the sake of our family and community.
In Oregon, our Scottish Rite Educational Foundation seeks to assist individuals to refine the tools necessary for this journey, specifically that of an advanced education. In 2015, the Foundation Board made 13 general awards and 10 additional awards to members of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps of Oregon to support the recipient’s educational aspirations. This year the JROTC awards were funded via the Scottish Rite Acacia fund.
In the Portland Valley this year three recent high school graduates were selected to receive financial support to begin their college careers. These people are exceptional in many ways as judged by their intellectual and cultural maturity, the assessments of their mentors, and their demonstrated achievements. The recipients this year are Andrew W. Murphy of Hillsboro, Brittany N. Scafidi of Gresham, and Bradley A. Olson of West Linn.
This year the Board also initiated a trial program to assist meritorious Oregon Scottish Rite members who, although already having an established career, now seek support for additional professional advancement via further education or training. The recipient selected this year is Sterling R. Anton, 32º, Past Master of Multnomah Lodge #1 of Portland Oregon.
We, the Foundation Board, hope that we will have helped enable each recipient to attain great success and find satisfaction with his or her “transitions”. Photographs of the awardees in the Portland Valley are included here. Some of the award winners from the rest of the Orient have been posted in previous entries of this blog.
The Board regrets only that there are not more resources to distribute in this endeavor: there are many truly inspiring people throughout Oregon to encourage becoming contributing citizens of society. Nevertheless, we as Masons should be proud that our Order could help at least a few each year. If you are supportive of the goals of the Foundation, please consider ways in which you can help build the resources of our Foundation and broaden our positive impact.
Submitted for the Board, Wayne K. Ford, 32º KSA
