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leaders gathered in Lexington to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library. All four Sovereign Grand Commanders from the United States along with many other Masonic dignitaries attended the event. The occasion was marked by a rededication of the cornerstone as well as a nod to the leaders whose vision made the Museum & Library a reality. To read the full story, see page 24.
Masonic Milestones
by Walter F. Wheeler, 33˚, Sovereign Grand Commander
April 2025 marked two momentous anniversaries in Lexington, Massachusetts, that were cause for both celebration and reflection. The first was the 50th anniversary of our Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, and the second was the 250th anniversary of the “shot heard ’round the world,” just steps away from Supreme Council headquarters. Both milestones are a testament to the enduring legacy of our Masonic principles and the values that have shaped this great nation.
Forfive decades, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library has been a beacon of knowledge, preserving the rich history of Freemasonry and the role it has played in the fabric of American life. Established in 1975, our museum serves as a guardian of Masonic artifacts, rare manuscripts, and
historical documents that illuminate the profound influence of our Craft in shaping civic virtue, leadership, and patriotism. It has welcomed countless visitors (Masons and non-Masons alike), offering a deeper understanding of the ideals we hold dear: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
On April 13, 2025, we kicked off our 50th-anniversary celebration with a rededication ceremony at the Museum & Library, marking this milestone with a cornerstone laying ceremony, a time capsule commemoration, and the unveiling of two new museum and library exhibitions. Officers from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts joined us in this dignified celebration, just as they did 50 years ago.
I encourage everyone to take part in these enriching experiences, either online or in person.
In addition to the rededication ceremony, the Museum & Library launched a year of anniversary programming, paying homage to its founding and celebrating the invaluable contributions of Freemasonry to our
Thomas Moe in Da Nang in 1967
shared history. I encourage everyone to take part in these enriching experiences, either online or in person. Learn more about upcoming events and exhibitions on display at srmml.org/celebrate50.
On the morning of April 19, 1775, approximately 70 members of Lexington’s town militia faced down 800 British troops on the Lexington Battle Green, a moment that reminds us of the deep connections between Freemasonry and the birthplace of American liberty. From Brothers Paul Revere and William Dawes, who raised the alarm, to Brother Israel Bissel, who spread the word so quickly, to the countless Brethren who have answered the call of service in every generation, we have stood at the forefront of advancing liberty, justice, and equality. Our Fraternity’s teachings have inspired leaders, fortified communities, and upheld the ideals upon which this country was founded.
For five decades, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library has been a beacon of knowledge, preserving the rich history of Freemasonry and the role it has played in the fabric of American life.
These two anniversaries are not just a commemoration of the past but an opportunity for us, as men and as Masons, to renew our commitment to the future, ensuring that new generations can access and appreciate the treasures of our heritage. Through
educational programs, research initiatives, and sharing our knowledge with others, we reaffirm our role as stewards of history and enlightenment.
Our Fraternity’s teachings have inspired leaders, fortified communities, and upheld the ideals upon which this country was founded.
As we look back on each of these April milestones, let us take pride in our shared history and look ahead with rekindled dedication. May the light of the East continue to shine brightly, guiding us as we preserve our past and pave a future worthy of our principles.
Journey On, my Brothers!
Solid as a Rock
by PJ Roup, 33˚, Editor, Active for Pennsylvania
When I was a child, I had a rock collection. It came with thirty or so unique pieces, all neatly organized and labeled. While the ten-year-old me liked them all, one never failed to attract my attention: petrified wood. It was a polished slice of a tree branch with clear growth rings. “How did it get that way?” I asked my parents. “Well,” they hesitated, recalling their high-school science classes, “It’s sort of like a fossil. Over time, all that was alive in it turned into stone.”
Ican remember holding this rigid, cold artifact in my hand and trying to envision it as once alive and as flexible as the branches my friends and I would break off the maple tree to use as weapons. I marveled at what it must have taken to cause such a transformation. I tried to project myself millions of years into the future so I could watch some other kid hold a piece of the tree now standing in my front yard that, at that moment, yielded itself so easily to the breeze.
The memories of my rock collection had lain dormant and undisturbed in some rarely accessed portion of my brain until I recently overheard a couple of young lodge officers talking about the “fossils” in their lodge who wouldn’t let them do anything new. I didn’t know precisely who they were talking about. Still, I could picture them vividly, first, as new Masons, eager to help and to do whatever was asked of them, then as older Masons, set in their ways and unwilling to compromise on even the slightest detail.
What is it about Masons that causes us to become so uncompromising, so petrified? The good and bad news is that it isn’t just Masons. None of you belongs to the first generation to have stubborn parents. I’d be willing to wager that the grandparents of the grandparents of the oldest Mason you know complained about how obstinate his parents were getting as grew older. It is human nature to recall idyllic times and want to freeze the world that way. Naturally, the older you are, the more of those times you might have to choose from. The important thing to remember, though, is that those idealized things of days gone by have all been acted on by things outside your control, and that progress can sometimes make fossils of the things we didn’t think we could live without.
What is it about Masons that causes us to become so uncompromising, so petrified?
I would bet that your grandfather thought the simple joy of walking to his neighbor’s house for an unannounced visit was ruined by the telephone. Your father thought that the personal touch of a phone call was ruined by texting. And some day, as sure as you sit here, you will think that the simplicity of a text was spoiled by something not yet invented.
So, how do we fight human (and Masonic) nature? How do we stay flexible enough to sway in the winds of change and avoid becoming petrified relics of the past?
For starters, we must let go of the mentality that change is bad. Nobody would prefer biting on a leather strap over anesthesia. Nor would anyone argue that they’d eschew cars, trains, or airplanes for cross-country travel, choosing instead a covered wagon. If we view those things as positive changes, we should also be open to Masonic change. Sure, we have landmarks and timeless truths, but how we convey them can surely be adapted, right? If new Masons aren’t receiving our message, are we really teaching timeless truths?
For starters, we must let go of the mentality that change is bad.
Next, become part of the change. When forced to sit still for an extended period, most of us want to get up, walk around, and stretch a little to combat the stiffness. You must do the same thing if you feel yourself becoming unreceptive to new ideas. Just as you wouldn’t continue to sit in a chair until you were too sore to move, you shouldn’t isolate yourself from Masonic change. Be open. Be receptive.
The interesting thing about the process of petrification is that it can only occur under very specific circumstances. Most trees just rot when they die, but for petrification to happen, the plants must
be buried under heavy, wet sediment that deprives them of oxygen. This heavy sediment and lack of oxygen prevent ordinary decay and instead allow the cells to be replaced slowly by the minerals in the sediment, effectively turning the wood into rock.
Be open. Be receptive.
So take heart. No matter how old you are or where you see yourself in the process, there is hope. Wash off the sediment of nostalgia and breathe in the oxygen of new thought so that you will forever be one of the thriving trees of Freemasonry rather than the fossil of another time and place.
THE NORTHERN LIGHT
A magazine of 32˚ Scottish Rite Freemasonry Spring 2025 | Vol. 56 | No. 1
SOVEREIGN GRAND COMMANDER
Walter F. Wheeler, 33°
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Linda R. Patch
EDITOR PJ Roup, 33°
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Rodney E. Boyce, 33°
CONTENT MANAGER
Joann Williams-Hoxha
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN
Matt Blaisdell, 32°
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Richard J. Powell, 33°, Chairman
Donald G. Duquette, 33° PJ Roup, 33° J. Brian McNaughton, 33° Donald M. Moran, 33°
SUPREME COUNCIL, 33°
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A.
THE NORTHERN LIGHT (ISSN 1088-4416) is published quarterly in the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter by the Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A., as the official publication. Printed in U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at Boston, MA, and at additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER Send address changes to The Northern Light PO Box 519, Lexington, MA 02420-0519
MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 519, Lexington, MA 02420-0519
Ill. Albert R. Marshall, Active Emeritus Member for this Supreme Council for the state of Delaware, laid down his working tools on January 31, 2025.
Raised a Master Mason at Seaside Lodge, No. 144, on November 30, 1956, in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. He then became a Charter Member of Granite-Corinthian Lodge No. 34 in Wilmington in 1968, following his move to Delaware. He retained membership in both lodges.
Ill. Bro. Marshall received the Scottish Rite degrees in May 1983. Served as Treasurer of the Valley of Wilmington from 1990-2002. Coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council on September 23, 1997, in Grand Rapids. Became a Charter Member of the Valley of Lower Delaware in 2007. Crowned an Active Member of the Supreme Council on September 3, 2002, in Boston. Appointed to the Supreme Council Finance Committee in 2003. Served as Chairman of the Records & Unfinished Business Committee. Served as Deputy for Delaware from 2003-2010.
Member of York Rite bodies of Delaware (Chapter, Council, and Commandery). He was a charter member of Daylight Chapter No. 10, Royal Arch Masons, and served as High Priest and Treasurer. Served twice on the staff of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Delaware.
Other Masonic affiliations include Honorary Member of the Supreme Council of Mexico, Delaware Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, member of various bodies of the Allied Masonic Degrees, Joshua Association, DeMolay Legion of Honor, Nur Shrine and the Royal Order of Jesters.
Ill. Bro. Marshall retired with the rank of Colonel after 30 years of service (1986) in the U.S. Army, Active and Reserves. Earned the Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal.
Ill. Loren I. Barnes, 33° 1946-2025
Ill. Loren I. Barnes, who served many years as Class Marshal for Supreme Council’s 33rd Degree conferral ceremonies, passed to the Celestial Lodge on February 28, 2025.
Raised a Master Mason at Chatham Lodge No. 523 on November 1986 in Chatham, Illinois, where he was a lifetime member and served as Worshipful Master in 1990 and 1993. Also active in New Richmond Lodge No. 195. Ill. Bro. Barnes worked as building manager of the Masonic Temple in Springfield for many years and stayed on as building supervisor when it transformed into The Hoogland Center for the Arts.
Ill. Bro. Barnes received the Scottish Rite degrees in November 1986 in Springfield, Illinois, where he held many leadership roles. He became a plural member of the Valley of Eau Claire in 2015. Coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council on August 31, 1993, in Boston. Served as Deputy’s Representative for the state of Illinois from 2011-2015. He played an active role in several Scottish Rite degree presentations. “Loren took the part of Kenaz in [the sixth degree] Master of the Brazen Serpent and always did a top-notch job,” relayed Bro. Douglas Hoffman, 32°.
Exalted a Royal Arch Mason at Springfield Chapter No. 1 on October 1991, where he served as Scribe. Greeted as a Select Master at Springfield Council No. 2 on October 1992; served as Captain General. Knighted at Elwood Commandery No. 6 in February 1992; served as Senior Warden.
A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Ill. Bro. Barnes was an active member of American Legion posts and their Honor Guard in Springfield, Illinois, and New Richmond, Wisconsin. He was active in many community organizations, including driving veterans to the VA hospital.
Ill. James Robert Filliez, 33° 1936-2025
Ill. James Robert Filliez, Active Emeritus Member for this Supreme Council for the state of Ohio, was received by the Grand Architect of the Universe on March 16, 2025.
Raised a Master Mason in Tubal Lodge No. 551 F&AM in Minerva, Ohio, in January 1958. Remained active in Tubal Lodge until its consolidation into Augusta Lodge, at which time he demitted to William H. Hoover Lodge No. 770 in Canton. Served twice as Worshipful Master. Assisted in the formation of the DeMolay Chapter, where he served as Chapter Advisor from 1971-1976 and Chairman of the Advisory Council from 1976-1981. Awarded the Advisor’s Cross of Honor and the Zerubbabel Key.
Received the Scottish Rite degrees in the Valley of Canton in April 1973. Served as Sovereign Prince, Mystic Council Princes of Jerusalem from 1990-1992. Valley Membership Chairman from 1991-2001 and was instrumental in the creation of the Canton Children’s Dyslexia Center. Directed the 8th degree for 28 years and directed the 15th degree as well. Coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council on September 24, 1991, in Indianapolis. Served as Deputy’s Representative 2001-2005. Crowned an Active Member of the Supreme Council in August 2005, in Grand Rapids.
Exalted in Canton Chapter, No. 83, R.A.M. (1983); greeted in Canton Council No. 35, R.&. S.M. (1983); and knighted in Canton Commandery, No. 38, K.T. (1984). Consecrated a Knight Commander of the Temple in Columbus in 2005 by the Grand Encampment of the Knights Templar.
Served as Worthy Patron, Esther Chapter No. 120 Order of the Eastern Star; Past Puissant Sovereign of Holyrood Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; and Secretary/Treasurer of Tadmore Shrine Past Masters Unit. Also a member of the Alliance Shrine Club.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1959-1968.
Ill. Ralph I. Sewall, 33° 1942-2025
Ill. Ralph I. Sewall, Active Emeritus Member for this Supreme Council for the state of Massachusetts, passed to the Celestial Lodge on March 27, 2025.
Raised a Master Mason in Norfolk Lodge, A.F. & A.M. on June 1, 1964. Served as Master in 1973. Appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the Brighton 5th Masonic District. Appointed Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts (1998), receiving the Henry Price Medal during his term. Served on the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Board of Directors between 1999 and 2004.
Received the Scottish Rite degrees in the Valley of Boston in 1966. Appointed assistant Master of Ceremonies for the Consistory in 1974. Served as Commander-in-Chief of Massachusetts Consistory from 1994-1997. Coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council on August 27, 1996, in Boston. Served as Deputy’s Representative for the Valley of Boston 1998-1999. Crowned an Active Member of the Supreme Council on September 26, 2000, in Pittsburgh.
Exalted in Mt. Vernon Chapter in Needham, Massachusetts, greeted in Boston Council R & S.M. (1972), and knighted in St. Bernard Commandery No. 12 KT on April 9, 1975. Past Master of The Masters Lodge in Newtonville, Massachusetts.
Ill. Bro. Sewall was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1963-1971.
Ill. Bro. Sewall was also a member of Marine Lodge, Falmouth; honorary member of Fraternal Lodge, Centerville; Charter member of The Lodge of the Royal Secret, Boston; Aleppo Shrine; Massachusetts College S.R.I.C.F.; and Massachusetts Preceptory DeMolay Legion of Honor. He served as treasurer of the Needham Masonic Corporation and vice-chairman of the Board of Governors for the Newtonville Children’s Dyslexia Center.
A Freemason’s Journey through Space &Time
This captivating book invites readers to witness the extraordinary journey of a man who ascends from the first to the 33rd degree of Freemasonry, navigating a timeline that spans from well before the Middle Ages to the 21st century. At each degree, the protagonist sheds his earthly and spiritual shell, transforming into a different person and evolving through stages of knowledge, wisdom, tolerance, and both physical and spiritual development. He possesses a remarkable ability to adapt to the diverse settings where fate places him: among the masters of the Renaissance in Southeastern Europe, the Apache in North America, the Knights Templar in the Middle East, and Buddhist monks in Asia, to mention only a few.
Marcel Burton, the fictional hero of this narrative, embodies the journey of any soul-searching individual seeking the meaning of life. His odyssey takes readers through the epochs of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and up to the modern era. His spiritual journey begins as a demigod, gradually metamorphosing him into a Freeman, a Gnostic, a Knight, a Shaman in the time of Geronimo, and ultimately, a Servant of God—alternatively as a Muslim Imam or a Jewish Rabbi, sharing the same soul in different bodies.
A Freemason’s Journey through Space & Time is a collaborative work written by Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library Author in Residence, Kamel Oussayef, 33°, a member of the New Hampshire Consistory, and Illustrious Brother Jacques Ruelland, PhD, 33°, Deputy for the Scottish Rite in the Province of Quebec, Canada. To bridge the geographical distance between them and facilitate their remote labor, the authors wrote the initial text in French, an easier working language for both. Kamel then translated the final manuscript into English.
The book draws upon stories, legends, and allegories from a variety of sources—including the Bible, the Quran, and other religious, philosophical, and historical texts—that have endured through time without losing their relevance. These timeless narratives are reminiscent of the works of Classical Greek playwrights, Roman orators, medieval scholars, Chinese and Indian thinkers, 17th-century Japanese and Russian writers, and the prolific intellectual creativity of 18th-century Europe during the Enlightenment.
The primary aim of this book is to establish a parallel between the progression of Masonic degrees and the broader human experience. It spans seven key periods: primordial nothingness, the eternal future, Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and modern times. The comparison is succinctly illustrated by the metaphor of the Masonic three classical Greek columns in action: Corinthian beauty during Antiquity, Doric inner strength during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and Ionic wisdom in modern and contemporary times.
While this book is particularly intended for younger and newer members of the Scottish Rite, it will also captivate more seasoned Brothers and the general public with its exploration of philosophical, historical, political, sociological, and demographic themes. It is unique in its approach, perhaps even a world-first, in presenting the degrees of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in this manner. An innovative type of Masonic manual that reads like a novel, it seamlessly blends multiple literary genres, ranging from historical fiction to science fiction or from a literary essay to a 21st-century treatise on ethics for younger generations.
Kamel Oussayef, 33°
Jacques Ruelland, PhD, 33°
A FREEMASON’s JOURNEY through SPACE & TIME
To purchase A Freemason’s Journey through Space & Time, visit srmml.org/product/ a-freemasons-journey-throughspace-time or scan this QR code.
CDC Announces New Executive Director
Ill. J. Randolph “Randy” Clark, 33° Executive Director of the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc (CDC)
Illustrious Brother Clark brings more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and economic development. Most recently, he served as Executive Secretary and Chief Operating Officer for the Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, overseeing operations and managing a $2.5 million budget and a broad range of programs.
Earlier in his career, he served more than 20 years as a pastor, where he was known for his leadership in community outreach and youth ministries. Clark also served as Director of Research at the Center for Economic Education, where he conducted economic impact studies and consulted with local governments. He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati (B.A. in Economics) and United Seminary (M.Div. in Theology).
Clark’s appointment follows the retirement of David L. Sharkis, 33°, who served as Executive Director for the last six years.
A Scottish Rite member for 36 years, Ill. Bro. Clark is a dual member of the Valleys of Cincinnati and Dayton. He has served as a state officer since 2021, as well as Chief Aide to the Sovereign Grand Commander.
Ill. Bro. Clark’s commitment to youth development and education is longstanding. He serves on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Miami Valley, is an Active Member and local Advisor for DeMolay International and contributes to international initiatives through the Rotary Club of Dayton.
Clark will be relocating from Dayton, Ohio to CDC headquarters in Lexington, Massachusetts, later this summer. “I am excited to join our team that is changing lives across the Jurisdiction. I look forward to working with our corporate and center staffs in continuing and growing the work of Scottish Rite's largest charity,” he said.
(From the 1st to the 33rd Degree)
by Kamel Oussayef and Jacques G. Ruelland, Ph.D.
The Masonic Murals of Ill. Sam Welty, 33°
Scottish Rite Journal
readers recently were introduced to Ill. Sam Welty, 33°, a truly unique artist who paints wall-sized murals, often on the exteriors of buildings. The July/August 2023 Journal , for example, visited his outdoor mural The Pony Express and Beyond in St. Joseph, Missouri, which recalls the groundbreaking 1860–61 postal route from St. Joseph to Sacramento, California, with a postman on a pony delivering mail. The mural also depicts the stagecoach and locomotive that would replace the ponies for east-to-west postal service.
The November/December 2024 Journal then featured Br. Welty’s stunning Masonic-themed indoor murals at Ocean View Masonic Temple in Norfolk, Virginia. Br. Welty’s outdoor murals can be found
in many areas of Norfolk and neighboring Virginia Beach, where they often take on a nautical flavor of naval ships, fishing vessels, and maritime life.
Ocean View’s murals by painting master Welty are indoors, however, and feature famous Founding Father Masons such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, tributes to the Eastern Star and Job’s Daughters, ancient views of Jerusalem and King Solomon’s Temple, and Templar Knights of the Middle Ages unfurling banners.
Ill. Welty’s crowning achievement may well be the still on-going epic mural at Ocean View Masonic Temple. The allegorical work features highlights of Craft tradition and lore (a Master Mason providing guidance to fellow Masons, Masons erecting an arch never far from the watchful eyes of three angels), but it also includes acknowledgment of the challenges of human imperfections and foibles (a person looking self-important in one case, one looking distracted in another).
Additionally, Ocean View Masonic Temple features a completed map mural by Br. Welty showing the Masonic lodges of Virginia’s Tidewater region as well as ocean waves moving far beyond the local shore. This is fitting, for Ill. Welty and his murals represent the living continuation of the centuries-old tradition of Masonic art found throughout the world. • —Mark Dreisonstok, 33° Managing Editor, Scottish Rite Journal
Want to read more of the Journal? Find it online at https://scottishrite.org, under the Education & Media tab.
Sam Welty, panoramic Masonic mural. Detail
Sam Welty, banner with a Royal Arch Triple Tau in front of King Solomon’s Temple. Detail Ocean View Mural Photography: Cordelia Dreisonstok
LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD: Fifty Years of Collecting
Motivated by patriotism and his belief that Americans should celebrate the country’s traditions, ideals, and great leaders, in the late 1960s, Sovereign Grand Commander George A. Newbury suggested that the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction build an American history museum and library in Lexington, Massachusetts. Responding to the divisive politics and social turmoil of the 1960s, Newbury dreamed of a gift to the nation from Scottish Rite Freemasons in honor of the American Bicentennial, a new institution that would bring people together to help “build a better and more noble United States.” The enthusiastic support of the Fraternity brought Newbury’s vision to life.
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The design for the new museum specified separate galleries on one level to allow for accessibility and frequent exhibition changes. Designers included an “enormous storage space” in the building’s basement to accommodate the collection in the years to come.
Museum Exterior, 1975. Gift of the Buffalo Consistory, Valley of Buffalo, New York, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, USA, 2005.043.13.
“A multitude of priceless collections”
The Museum of Our National Heritage opened to the public on April 20, 1975, two hundred years and a day after the historic battles at Lexington and Concord. Speaking at the museum’s
by Hilary Anderson Stelling, Director of Collections and Exhibitions, Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
dedication, Newbury hoped “all who enter here find within these walls the inspiration to seek for common grounds of understanding…and the inspiration to eliminate from our national life all hatred, prejudice, and intolerance….” At the time, the brand-new museum, located next to the Scottish Rite’s headquarters in Lexington, had a small collection of only a few hundred items, comprised of souvenirs, historic Masonic objects, and a handful of gifts and purchases. The Van GordenWilliams Library & Archives held 5,000 volumes as well as archives related to the history of Scottish Rite Freemasonry. Looking to the future, Newbury and others believed that the museum and library would “attract handsome gifts over the years” and would eventually hold “a multitude of priceless collections.”
FIFTY YEARS OF COLLECTING
A Growing Collection
By 1985, staff and leadership at the Museum of Our National Heritage had begun to reflect on the institution—and the collection—that they had built over the last decade with the aim of creating “A museum and library of American history with changing exhibitions exploring the national character: the events, issues, and leadership that have made the nation great…” When it was founded, the museum did not have
a significant permanent collection to help it fulfill its goals. Soon, the story changed. Visitors and supporters, enthused about the new institution, made gifts of collections or family heirlooms to the museum. Staff also made purchases for the museum and library. In 1985, the museum collection included 5,700 objects; by 1994, the collection approached 9,500 objects. The library collection grew to over 40,000 volumes. Through the mid1990s, the museum primarily depended on other museums, collectors, and collaborators in developing exhibitions. (below)
Seventeen-year-old artist, Rembrandt Peale, had the opportunity to sketch President George Washington from life in 1795. Peale produced over 70 portraits of Washington based on this early work.
George Washington, 1847. Rembrandt Peale (17781860), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Gift of John Bartholomew Webster, 75.6.
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Given to the museum in 1975, Rembrandt Peale’s portrait of Washington was first featured in an exhibition at the museum that same year.
Museum Gallery, 1975. Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library.
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Over the years, the museum has acquired quilts dating from the early 1800s through the 1990s. Quilt, 1880-1900, Pennsylvania. Special Acquisitions Fund, 85.30. Photograph by David Bohl.
The museum’s lack of a defining collection was, in some ways, a strength. It offered the museum the flexibility to present exhibitions to the public about a variety of topics – the opportunity to “sample the entire spectrum of U.S. History.”
Welcoming the Twenty-first Century
Entering the 21st century, the Museum of Our National Heritage was firmly established and seeking new ways to explore American history with its exhibitions and collection. Staff increasingly devoted time to longterm exhibitions that showcased the museum’s now superlative collection of material culture related to American
Masonic and fraternal groups. In the early 2000s, in an effort to more accurately document the diversity of fraternal history, curatorial staff began to seek out material related to organizations that were underrepresented in the museum’s collection, such as African American fraternal groups, women’s fraternal groups, and youth groups. Approaching its fourth
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In 1784, the Grand Lodge of England granted a charter for African Lodge No. 459 to Prince Hall and fourteen other Black men. This lodge was the first American Masonic lodge founded for and by Black men. From this beginning, historically Black Masonic organizations grew across the United States. This Past Master’s apron, given to the museum in 1997, was the first apron associated with a Prince Hall organization to enter the collection.
Past Master’s Apron, ca. 1950. Gift of Roland K. Woodberry, 97.050a-b.
decade, in 2002, the museum refreshed its name, changing it to the National Heritage Museum to better reflect the institution’s aspiration to tell an inclusive story of American history.
A Unique Collection
In the mid-2000s, as the museum celebrated its 30th anniversary and assessed its holdings, staff realized that the museum’s collection – which had grown to 13,000 objects by 2005 – put the organization in a unique position. The museum had developed object, library, and archives collections that could convey a compelling and under-told story: how Freemasonry and fraternalism had intersected with American history from the nation’s beginning to the present day.
FIFTY YEARS OF COLLECTING
Back to Our Roots
In 2009, to call attention to its founders and longtime supporters, the museum began doing business using its legal name: Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library. Reflecting the strength of the collection it had developed over three decades, the museum also adjusted its collecting criteria to emphasize objects, publications, ephemera, and archival material that related to the history of Freemasonry and fraternalism in the United States. Taking advantage of the possibilities of new technology, the museum started sharing its extraordinary collection with researchers around the world through social media and on its website with a collections
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Starting in 1986, Jacques Noel Jacobsen began donating items to the museum-- over two decades, his gifts numbered over 1,500 items. This portrait of the presiding officer of the Templars of Honor is from one of his first donations.
Worthy Chief Templar, Templars of Honor, 1870-1890. Gift of Jacques Noel Jacobsen, Jr., 86.60.6.
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Starting in the late 1800s, Masonic and fraternal regalia manufacturers began issuing increasingly sophisticated illustrated catalogs of their goods. Numerous examples of these catalogs are held in the Library & Archives collection.
Catalog No. 11, The Henderson-Ames Company, 1896. Museum Purchase, A2002/015/005.
If you would like to learn more about the collections in the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, visit our online collections database at https://www.srmml.org/collections/. ?
database, library catalog, and online exhibitions.
The Collection Today
The Museum of Our National Heritage was founded with high ideals and expectations. At the museum’s dedication in 1975, George Newbury charged the new institution to move forward with this aim: “As the story of America unfolds in the exhibits to be shown in these Galleries…it must ever be truthfully told, presenting those aspects of our history and our national life that we deplore as well as those that we applaud; depicting our failures as well as our successes.” Over the last halfcentury, to help achieve this lofty goal, the museum has collected, preserved, and cared for material related to American history, Freemasonry, and fraternalism. The museum’s collection of objects has grown from a few hundred objects to over 27,000. Today, the library and archives collections include 65,000 volumes and over 2,100 linear feet of archival material. Together, these items can help us better understand
the past and the lives of those who have come before us—what they were proud of, what they accomplished, and how they saw themselves in the world.
An Enduring Gift
Newbury brought his vision of an American history museum – what he called “This patriotic endeavor” – into reality with the help and support of tens of thousands of Scottish Rite Masons throughout the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. For 50 years, the museum and library has sought to fulfill Newbury’s vision “to tell a thrilling story – the story of America” through programs, publications, exhibitions, and collections. Ongoing generous support from Scottish Rite Masons, along with that of museum members, special donors, and the public, has sustained
(left)
In the 1940s, Justin B. Galford, a young teacher, began gathering posters published by the Office of War Information and other government agencies. Galford used these items to teach his students. Galford’s family later donated his collection of over 700 posters to the museum.
Serve With Women’s Reserve U. S. Coast Guard SPARS, 1942. Gift of the Galford Family, A96/055/0547. Photograph
(below)
Sovereign Grand Commander George Newbury speaking at the lectern–opening ceremonies of the museum
the museum and its collection for its first fifty years. Building on this strong foundation, we look forward to the decades ahead.
(above)
The DeWitt Clinton Consistory of the Valley of Grand Rapids, Michigan, presented this podium to the Supreme Council in 1931 when the annual meeting was held in Detroit. By 2010, the podium was retired from use. It is now preserved as part of the museum’s collection.
Lectern, 1931. Century Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Gift of the Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, USA, 2010.042.31.a. Photograph by David Bohl.
Photo, 1975. Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library.
by Michael Cardinali.
Ritual of the Equitable Aid Union
by Jeffrey Croteau, Director of Library & Archives Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
“Looking Back, Moving Forward: Fifty Years of Collecting,” currently on view at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, includes objects from the Van Gorden-Williams Library & Archives. Among them is the Ritual of the Equitable Aid Union, published in 1889. A fraternal benefit society, the Equitable Aid Union distributed this degree ritual book to subordinate lodges (known as “Unions”) to insure uniformity in its initiation ceremonies.
Striking illustrations make this ritual degree book particularly interesting. Many of the ritual books from this period contain charts that illustrate the layout of a lodge room where ceremonies are to be performed or the movement of various officers around the room during certain parts of an initiation, but few contain colorful pictures that depict scenes from initiation ceremonies. The library added this publication to its collection of fraternal ritual degree books in 1985.
Organized in Columbus, Pennsylvania, on March 22, 1879, the Equitable Aid Union was a fraternal benefit society. The group took the word “equitable” literally by admitting both men and women. Fraternal benefit
societies flourished during the period between 1870 and 1930. According to the Cyclopaedia of Fraternities, the Equitable Aid Union “sought to bring men and women into its Unions to promote benevolence, charity, social, and mental culture, to care for the sick and needy, to aid one another in obtaining employment, and to assist each other in business.” In existence for only 18 years, the organization dissolved in 1897.
The Equitable Aid Union included four Masons among its founders. Its ceremonies, along with many other fraternal organizations at the time, were patterned after Freemasonry. Fraternal benefit societies not only provided relief in times of need, but, like Freemasonry, they offered members the chance to participate in self-improvement activities, secret rituals, and social functions. These organizations also promoted the idea that financial and social support might be more easily achieved when people come together, rather than by each individual working in isolation.
Do you have any material related to the Equitable Aid Union or another fraternal benefit society? We’d love to hear from you!
The Van Gorden-Williams Library & Archives is located in Lexington, Massachusetts, at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library and is open to the public.
Have questions? Drop us a line at library@srmml.org or give us a call at 781-457-4109. ?
A Life of
Purpose
Knight of the East and West
by Jorge Urrutia
HAUTS GRADES ACADEMY
My profound interest in advancing to the 17th degree, Knight of the East and West, stems from its unique emphasis on the Core Values of Reverence for God and Service to Humanity, values deeply aligned with my Masonic aspirations. These values are explored through a compelling ritual that presents complex moral dilemmas, prompting introspection and a renewed commitment to ethical action. This essay will examine how the degree’s ritual communicates those Core Values and then reflect on the moral, philosophical, and life lessons it imparts.
The script establishes an atmosphere of reverence through the setting: the Essenes gathered around a pedestal bearing the Holy Scripture and the “Book of Life.”
This reverence for divine law and the weight of human action sets a solemn tone, further enhanced by subdued lighting and reverent silence.
Service is exemplified through Samuel’s candidacy. Zacharias states that Samuel kept God’s laws and renounced a worldly life, illustrating that service is a complete dedication to a higher moral code and the community’s well-being.
Jonathan elaborates by listing many of their regular obligations, highlighting the practical application of service within the Essene community.
Within the lodge, I will actively foster an environment of respectful discourse.
The intrusion of the Sadducees and Pharisees demonstrates the challenges of upholding these values. The central conflict, triggered by Herod’s placement of the Roman Eagle, presents a clash between religious conviction and political reality. The Sadducees, like Nathaniel, prioritize pragmatism; while the Pharisees, led by Mathias and Simeon, are incensed by what they perceive as desecration, crying, “Down with the Eagle!” While their zeal could be interpreted as reverence, their violent approach undermines true service.
Schnyder, 32° Valley of New York City
A LIFE OF PURPOSE
The Essenes maintain a detached stance, remaining as observers. This raises the question of whether their reverence for peace leads to a passive acceptance of injustice, forcing the candidate to grapple with the ethical implications of service and the limits of non-violence.
I will endeavor to be a voice for the voiceless, advocating for social justice, equality, and the protection of human rights.
Herod’s arrival further complicates matters. His anger stems not from piety but from political expediency. The order he gives reveals a tyrannical disregard for life and perverts justice, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of moral principles.
The degree underscores the importance of discernment, moral courage, and the balance of action and contemplation. It encourages humility and emphasizes service to others.
These lessons will inform my actions both within and beyond the lodge in concrete ways. Within the lodge, I will actively foster an environment of respectful discourse, encouraging Brethren to critically examine complex moral questions and challenge their own assumptions. I will
champion charitable endeavors, both within the lodge community and in the broader world, with particular emphasis on initiatives that promote education, alleviate suffering, and empower the marginalized. Recognizing the ever-present potential for power to corrupt, I will consistently advocate for transparency, fairness, and equitable treatment for all members. Furthermore, I will actively mentor newer members, guiding them to understand and embody the principles of reverence and service in their own Masonic journeys.
Outside the lodge, I will strive to translate these ideals into tangible action in my daily life. I will seek out opportunities to serve my community through volunteer work, civic engagement, and acts of everyday kindness. I will endeavor to be a voice for the voiceless, advocating for social justice, equality, and the protection of human rights. In my professional life, I will uphold the highest ethical standards, prioritizing integrity and
To learn more about HGA and sign up for the waitlist, visit ScottishRiteNMJ.org/ hauts-grades-academy !
I hope to inspire others to embrace a life of purpose, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of humanity.
This reverence for divine law and the weight of human action sets a solemn tone.
In conclusion, the 17th degree offers a powerful exploration of reverence and service. Through its ritual and dilemmas, it challenges the candidate to engage in introspection and ethical action. The lessons learned will guide my personal and Masonic journey, inspiring a life of purpose and selfless service.
SCOTTISH RITE MUSEUM & LIBRARY
Commemorates 50th Anniversary
In a moving celebration that drew more than 400 in-person attendees and over 200 virtual participants, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library commemorated its 50th anniversary on April 13th with a historic event that brought together Masonic leaders from near and far.
by Joann Williams-Hoxha, Content Manager
With the rhythmic cadence of the Lexington Fife and Drum setting the tone and the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts conducting a solemn cornerstone ceremony, the day paid homage not only to the past but to the enduring principles of Freemasonry.
Among the distinguished guests were the Sovereign Grand Commanders from all four recognized Supreme
“Because of the vision of our Masonic Brothers, we have the honor of being here with you today.”
Councils. “We believe that this is the first time that the four Sovereign Grand Commanders have all gathered together in Lexington, Massachusetts to attend a Masonic function,” noted Sovereign Grand Commander Walt
“This is a place where history comes alive, where we learn from the past, and where the values of Masonry resonate,” he added.
Sovereign Grand Commander Melvin Bazemore, 33°, United Supreme Council, Prince Hall Affiliation, Northern Jurisdiction, addressed the
Exterior of the Scottish Rite Museum & Library, 2025
significance of The Statement of Unity, a declaration signed in 2022 by all four Supreme Council leaders to recognize one another and work cohesively for the betterment of the Craft.
“Not long ago, before The Statement of Unity, this more than likely would not have occurred. Because of the vision of our Masonic Brothers, we have the honor of being here with you today.”
A Day of Reflection
The event was rich with reflection and reverence for previous leadership, particularly past Sovereign Grand Commander George Newbury, who, motivated by the American Bicentennial, conceived of the idea for a museum that would “tell a thrilling story – the story of America.” Several audience members were present at the museum and library’s 1975 grand opening. Stacey Fraser, Assistant
“We believe that this is the first time that the four Sovereign Grand Commanders have all gathered together in Lexington, Massachusetts to attend a Masonic function.”
Curator, recognized these attendees and gave thanks to all who helped bring the celebration to life.
Jeffrey Croteau recalled that, 50 years ago, the museum’s vaults held only a few hundred objects. Thanks to the generosity of lodges, families, and individuals, the collection now includes over 27,000 artifacts, 65,000 volumes, and 2,100 linear feet of archival material.
Over the last 50 years, the Museum has hosted more than 300 exhibitions, said Hilary Anderson Stelling, Director
of Collections & Exhibitions. The event marked the opening of the Museum’s latest exhibition, “Protest & Promise: The American Revolution in Lexington.”
Wisdom from the Commanders
James D. Cole, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction, offered thoughtful remarks about personal
responsibility and action. “History is brought to its full value when you learn from it and act upon it. History is made by action, more so than inaction,” he said. Drawing inspiration from Brother Paul Revere, he urged Brethren not to wait for perfect conditions to act: “Next time you get the opportunity, don’t forget, it’s time to saddle up.”
“This is a place where history comes alive, where we learn from the past, and where the values of Masonry resonate.”
Sovereign Grand Commander Corey D. Hawkins, 33°, of the United Supreme Council, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction, shared his personal passion for history: “I am a history minor, so
when I come to this museum and library I am like a kid in a candy store.” He underscored the importance of preserving all aspects of our history— both noble and painful—for future generations.
Each of the four Sovereign Grand Commanders contributed a symbolic artifact to a time capsule which will be preserved until the museum’s 100th anniversary.
“This is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of our shared history, our values, our commitment to making the world a better place. This institution was a gift to the nation and has become a treasure trove of American and Fraternal history. It is an enduring legacy of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. This is a place where history comes alive, where we learn from the past and where the values of Masonry resonate.
This museum is a result of the vision of past Sovereign Grand Commander George Newbury. He said, ‘We sometimes speak of building for the future all too frequently. It carries a connotation of something that will start tomorrow. What is overlooked is the important fact that we are building the future every minute of every day of our lives in everything that we say and do.
Our work is far from over. As we move to the next chapter, let us commit to deepening our understanding of history, expanding our reach, and ensuring that the values of this museum and library continue to inspire for generations to come.
— Commander Walter Wheeler at the Anniversary Celebration, 2025
is a part of this library and museum,” Petty said.
The Town of Lexington, represented by Select Board Chair Doug M. Lucente, presented an official proclamation recognizing April 20, 2025, as Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library Day, further emphasizing the museum’s integral role in the community.
At the close of the event, Richard Elliot, 33°, presented the Sovereign Grand Commanders and Grand Masters with U.S. flags flown over the museum and library that very morning to commemorate the occasion on behalf of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library.
“It’s indeed a pleasure to be here on this special occasion. Fifty years ago, as a young lad with my father, I was in the militia group that came to Lexington to reenact the battle here at five in the morning, as I recall.
As we prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of that shot heard round the world in Lexington next week, we are reminded of the role that Masons played in forming our country. They pledged their lives, their fortune, and their sacred honor to the idea that common men could govern themselves. Every generation since that time has worked hard to be worthy of that noble birth.
We strive to be the same men as our forefathers. Institutions like the Scottish Rite Museum and Library show us how important it is for Masons to remain anchored in our Core Values of Integrity, Service to Humanity, Justice, Tolerance, Reverence for God, and Devotion to Country. We are very grateful to the talented museum and library staff for all their hard work, and we look forward to the next 50 years.
— Grand Master George Hamilton at the Anniversary Celebration, 2025
ABBOTT SCHOLARSHIP:
Words of Wisdom
by Spencer North, Development Associate
Ivy and Lessa Gharaibeh grew up hearing their stepdad’s advice: “Get a degree in what you want to do and a trade in what’s needed.” This advice came from experience. Bro. Dan Pirlot, 32°, came to Masonry during the Covid pandemic and was raised at the end of the it.
He is a Past Master of his lodge, and serves as a props master for rituals in Dearborn, Michigan. He has a degree in special effects and a business degree but currently works as a planner and scheduler for a valve company. Outside of his trade, he puts his education to good use. He has designed parts of roller coaster rides at both Disney World and Universal theme parks and has made foam latex props for movies. His trade is steady, and it pays the bills. With that stability comes the freedom to do what he’s interested in. Bro. Pirlot has advised his stepdaughters to follow their dreams while also
staying grounded, and both Ivy and Lessa are following in his footsteps.
“That’s
why the Abbott Scholarships are so important. The girls can put that money toward the things that aren’t included in tuition.”
Lessa has always been interested in food and the culinary arts. The high school
The family in the East
that both girls attended had a class with hands-on restaurant training. There was a student-run restaurant on their high school campus, and their classes involved planning, ordering, preparing, and serving food to the public. Students could learn more about working in the food service industry. Lessa learned that while she was passionate about food, she felt more comfortable in an environment without the time constraints of a restaurant kitchen.
Lessa is entering her freshman year of college, pursuing a nutrition degree.
The Leon M. Abbott Scholarship Program provides financial support for the continuing undergraduate and graduate education of Scottish Rite Masons, young men and women from Scottish Rite families, and Masonic-related youth groups.
“I’ve always loved helping people, and I can use my degree to find ways for people with allergies or sensitivities to find fun and nutritious things they can eat.” Lessa has also loved fantasy books and movies, and she dreams of opening her own restaurant with a fantasy-based theme and menu.
Ivy has had an interest in blacksmithing since she was young. She has made knives and spoons at forges she’s visited with her family. When it comes to a college degree, Ivy is not sure what she wants to do yet. She plans to get an
“But
the price of college isn’t just for the classes you take,” Ivy says.
“It’s the textbooks that you need to get, which need to be this year’s edition with the CD you need to pay extra for.”
associate’s degree with general education credits, which she can use to transfer to a four-year degree. Alongside her
Lessa Gharaibeh
Ivy Gharaibeh
JOIN THE 1975 CLUB AND HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE SCOTTISH RITE MASONIC MUSEUM & LIBRARY.
Your membership supports the Museum & Library’s mission to inspire, preserve, and share Masonic history for generations to come. As we celebrate 50 years of impact, members of the 1975 Club play a key role in honoring that legacy and in building what comes next.
By joining the 1975 Club of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, you become an essential part of the enduring legacy celebrated during its 50th Anniversary. Members commit to a monthly donation of $19.75 (totaling $237 annually) and receive the exclusive benefits below.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
A personalized engraved brick on the Museum & Library walkway
An exclusive welcome package to proudly share your support
Annual Contributor-Level Membership benefits*
Free admission to 1,400+ museums through NARM**
ARIZONA AND FLORIDA
Commander’s Tour 2025
Sovereign Grand Commander
Walter F. Wheeler, 33°, recently visited Arizona and Florida to connect personally with members, express gratitude for their continued dedication, and share the latest updates from the Scottish Rite, NMJ. Through receptions in both states, Brothers, families, and friends gathered to enjoy fellowship, strengthen fraternal ties, and hear meaningful highlights about member programs and the impact of our charities. These visits were a reminder that the heart of our Fraternity lives in the relationships we build and the values we carry forward—together. Thank you to all who joined us!
Be sure to update your seasonal or permanent address in your Member Center account or through your Valley to receive invitations to future events near you! !
Not Just Clowning Around
For over a decade, Brother Peter Flihan, 32°, a member of the Valley of The Hudson, has been a volunteer clown in the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “A great friend of mine got me in, and I ended up being a clown in the group that started the parade. It was an amazing experience,” he said. Having appeared in television commercials since 2002 as well as in TV shows like Blue Bloods, it wasn’t the chance for more camera time that appealed to our Brother.
He recalled his decision to first take part in the holiday tradition.
“The opportunity to march in the parade that ushers in the holidays was something I couldn’t pass up,” said Peter. “But just like in our lodges and Valleys, the best part ended up being the personal connections that I made along the parade route. Families who had come from around the nation lined the route, many to watch a son or daughter in a dance group or a marching band in their once-in-a-lifetime participation, and most of them with homemade signs saying ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ from their hometown. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to recognize them.”
Brother Flihan continued.
“After I did that the first time and continued on my route, I heard a Dad remark, ‘Well, I guess some New Yorkers are friendly.’ At that moment, I realized that I was not just a clown but also a goodwill ambassador for Macy’s, and, more importantly, New York City.”
“Since that time, I have made it a mission to find
those handmade signs in the crowd, to see families clad in spirit wear of their hometown high school that is marching that day. They are so thankful to be at that special place and time, and I am truly thankful that they chose to spend their day with a group of strangers who maybe felt a little more like their hometown than they expected.”
I realized that I was not just a clown but also a goodwill ambassador for Macy’s, and, more importantly, New York City.
Brother Flihan mentioned that the 100th parade was coming up in a few years, and that maybe he would march in that milestone and then retire. “But then I think...every year I still have a chance to put a smile on someone’s face. Every parade I can leave someone realizing that we are all a little more connected than they thought we were before that special Thanksgiving. Truthfully, it’s a gift to me to have that honor.”
by Bob Siebold, 33°, MSA, Assistant Director of Membership
“Freemasonry helps us build those connections, friendships, interactions that are so important to a man’s being... Men don’t even realize how much they need it.”
—Sovereign Grand Commander Walt Wheeler, 33°
Getting To Know Your Commander
In an all-new Scottish Rite, NMJ video vignette compilation, SGC Wheeler shares his journey through Masonry, from DeMolay to York Rite, Shriners International, Eastern Star, and of course the Scottish Rite, NMJ. Discover everything from his favorite degrees to his vision for the future of our Brotherhood.
SGC Wheeler invites you to learn more about his priorities, passions, and principles on our website at srnmj.us/meet-the-sgc !
Your Voice. Our Future:
A LISTENING TOUR WITH THE SOVEREIGN GRAND COMMANDER
Join Sovereign Grand Commander Walt Wheeler on his 2025 NMJ Listening Tour—an essential opportunity to share your ideas, insights, and aspirations for the future of the Scottish Rite.
DATES & LOCATIONS
SEPTEMBER 6, 2025
SCOTTISH RITE MASONIC MUSEUM & LIBRARY
33 MARRETT RD. LEXINGTON, MA
SEPTEMBER 13, 2025
GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA
ONE N. BROAD ST. PHILADELPHIA, PA
SEPTEMBER 20, 2025
VALLEY OF CAMBRIDGE
935 WHEELING AVE. CAMBRIDGE, OH
SAVE THE DATE
REGISTRATION
SEPTEMBER 27, 2025
SCOTTISH RITE CATHEDRAL
650 N. MERIDIAN ST.
OCTOBER 4, 2025 VALLEY OF CHICAGO
383 E. LAKE ST.
WILL OPEN LATER THIS SUMMER.
Stay tuned at SRNMJ.org and on our Facebook page for updates on when registration opens.
PRE-LISTENING TOUR SURVEY
Speak from experience. Think toward tomorrow. Help us plan the best agendas possible by participating in the survey at the link below or by scanning the QR code.
SRNMJ.US/MEMBER_SURVEY
Around the Jurisdiction
MI
The Valley of Michigan - Southwest welcomed new Sublime Princes at their Reunion in Grand Rapids. NH
their officers for the coming Scottish Rite year.
Congratulations to the newest Sublime Princes from the Valley of Bridgeport.
Brothers from the Valley of
presented Scotty's Diner with an Annual Community Service Award.
Ill. John Gordon, Past Grand Master, poses with his 60-year certificate from the Valley of Portsmouth Dover.
The Valley of New Castle installed
Norwood
Around the Jurisdiction
Thursday Night at the Rite: Watch Party Roundup
The sixth season of Thursday Night at the Rite is in the books, and this year, watch parties were more popular than ever. Some Valleys made them into big events, some focused on bringing in new members, and others were casual get-togethers to see their Brothers perform on the big screen.
If you didn’t make a watch party this season, be sure to plan to be there for Season Seven of Thursday Night at the Rite when it comes to a Valley near you in 2026. Keep an eye on coming issues of The Northern Light for more information.
The Valley of Fort Wayne hosted watch parties for every evening of Thursday Night at the Rite, from Blackford County to Warsaw.
IN
Food and fellowship brought a large turnout of Brethren to the Valley of Cincinnati for Thursday Night at the Rite.
The Valley of Rochester gathered for Thursday Night at the Rite.
Nine Brothers from the Valley of Lancaster-Littleton gathered for a watch party on January 30th.
Brothers from the Valley of Columbus enjoyed a fun Thursday Night at the Rite watch party.
Around the Jurisdiction
An incredible Spring Reunion in the Valley of Rutland! The Brothers from the Valley of The Hudson attended as well and performed the 30th degree. Sixty Brothers were in attendance, and five new Brothers were welcomed into the Fraternity!
Members of the Valley of Lower Delaware and their guests enjoy a night out to recognize their past officers.
The Valley of The Androscoggin held a Rite on the Road event that drew members from nine Valleys in five states.
Valley
Rite Guide Program Launched
In mid-March, the NMJ’s first Rite Guide Program Training was launched at the Vermont COD Mid-Winter Leadership Meeting in South Royalton.
The Rite Guide is the Scottish Rite, NMJ’s innovative mentorship initiative designed to equip dedicated members with the skills to guide and support new and returning Brothers.
Member retention is a challenge for any organization. However, the Scottish Rite is taking proactive steps to understand why men leave the Fraternity and, more importantly, how we can strengthen their bond with our Brotherhood.
Exciting things are ahead.
Journey On!
If you would like to have your Valley featured in Around the Jurisdiction, be sure to submit photographs and descriptions to Communications@SRNMJ.org !
of The Hudson had a large turnout for their awards night and first responders and military recognition ceremony.
Massachusetts held their COD leadership training focusing on the Ambassador and Rite Guide programs.
The Valley of Chicago held an Explore the Rite Night with entertainment by hypnotist David Anthony.
The Brethren were all smiles at the Valley of Central Jersey's Feast of the Paschal Lamb.
REMARKABLE MASONS:
Museum-Founding Masons
by Stacey Fraser, Assistant Curator Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
In the early 1970s, as the Bicentennial approached, Americans were making plans to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Two leaders from the Scottish Rite’s Northern Masonic Jurisdiction were hard at work creating a lasting legacy: the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library.
George Adelbert Newbury (1895-1984)
BORN in Ripley, New York, George Newbury served in the United States Navy from 1917-1918 on the USS Delaware, assisting the British Grand Fleet near Scotland’s Orkney Islands. After the war, he worked as a lawyer in Buffalo, New York. He was raised as a Mason in Summit Lodge No. 219, Westfield, New York, and joined the Scottish Rite in 1926.
Newbury founded this magazine in 1970. Not long after, he conceived of the idea of an American history museum on the campus of the Supreme Council’s new headquarters in Lexington. In his role as Sovereign Grand Commander from 1965-1975, he worked to make his vision a reality. At the museum’s dedication, Newbury expressed his hope “that this Museum and Library situated at this historic spot may be a continuing inspiration to us in America to staunchly uphold those principles and ideals proclaimed in our Declaration of Independence.”
He died in Sarasota, Florida, nine years after the museum opened to the public. Newbury had left the museum and the Scottish Rite in good hands—those of his successor, Stanley Maxwell.
Stanley Fielding Maxwell (1910–1997)
BORN in Reading, Massachusetts, Stanley Maxwell was raised in Good Samaritan Lodge in Reading in 1931. In his professional life, he worked as Office Manager for the United Farmers of New England, Inc., a cooperative dairy products marketing company, for 20 years.
Maxwell became a Scottish Rite Mason in 1959. Six years later, he became Executive Secretary of the Scottish Rite, NMJ. In his unofficial role of “clerk of the works,” he supervised the museum’s construction alongside Newbury between 1973 and 1975. At the conclusion of Newbury’s term, Maxwell took the reins as Sovereign Grand Commander, serving from 1975-1985. During this time, he also held the role of Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts from 1975 to 1977.
Maxwell died in Woburn, Massachusetts, in 1997, two years after the museum celebrated its 20th anniversary. We remain grateful for the vision and labor of these two men as we celebrate the museum’s 50th anniversary this spring.
George Newbury, Donald Vose, and Stanley Maxwell at the cornerstone laying of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, March 10, 1974. Van Gorden-Williams Library and Archives.
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