Masonic Unity Theme of Illinois Scottish Rite Reunion by Sir Knight Randall W. Becker, P.C. On Saturday, November 5, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Chicago, leaders of Illinois Grand Lodge, Scottish Rite, the York Rite grand bodies, Medinah Shrine Temple, and Illinois DeMolay joined with the Valley of Chicago in a spectacular demonstration of unity between state Masonic bodies. Gregory R. Klemm, M.S.A., Commanderin-Chief, Oriental Consistory, and Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Illinois, organized the Valley of Chicago's Fall Reunion around the theme of Masonic Solidarity. Named for the 75th anniversary of the Order of DeMolay, the reunion featured a unique, dramatic adaptation of the original DeMolay Degree, performed by area Senior DeMolays. State Master Councilor Ronald R. Smith was visibly moved by the professional staging and intense dramatic presentation of the degree, as were the present and former members of the order who witnessed the performance. This impression was largely due to the direction of Emmy-award winning CBS-TV Director Don Carruthers, Master of Work of Oriental Consistory. He also directed the 32째 Allegory, which was conferred by members of Frank S. Land Preceptory, DeMolay Legion of Honor. The 32째 Ceremonial began with Highland flourish from the Valley's Scottish Rite Pipes and Drums, under the direction of John J. Griffith, Chief. They piped in a united Scottish Rite Army led by Captain General James W. Patton, 330, Grand Principal Sojourner of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Illinois, and Sir Knight J. Robert Stockner, Deputy Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Illinois.
February 1995
Thirty-one uniformed Knights Templar from twelve northern Illinois Commanderies joined with red-and-white plumed Consistory officers and uniformed Shrine Nobles to welcome the leaders of Illinois Masonry.
The Templars formed a Guard of Honor as Commander-in-Chief Klemm introduced John R. Louden, Jr., 330, Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois; and Grand Lodge officers J. Garrie Burr, 330, Senior Grand Warden; James E. Durbin, M.S.A., 330, Junior Grand Warden; Robert Kalb, 330, Grand Secretary; and Roy L. Wyckoff, 330, Grand Treasurer. Brothers Durbin and Burr assumed roles in the 260 and 320, respectively, during the reunion. From the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, N.M.J., Klemm introduced Robert W. LaSurs, 330, Active for Illinois and the Supreme Council's Grand Marshal; and Robert L. Giesel, 330,
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