9645_Jan Exc

This notice was placed in the mail November 15
VOL. 53
November, 2011
No. 4
SOVEREIGN PRINCE’S MESSAGE
I
n my profession, I am a Global Risk Manager, I have
to be very observant of the political and social issues
that can have an effect upon our business endeavors
around the world. Understanding numerous local
customs and political issues is critical in determining the
feasibility of any undertaking. A good risk manager
weighs the upside gains against the
downside risk and creates a risk analysis
based upon the most up to date
information available as well as experience.
Only then can we be confident that our
position is one that favors success.
If we apply some simple risk assessment tools
to Freemasonry in the United States, and
specifically to the state of New Jersey and the
Scottish Rite of Southern New Jersey, it is not
hard to see that some of the facts give rise to concern over
the long term survival of our craft. I was surprised to find
that the average age of members in Excelsior Consistory is
actually increasing, right now it is about 73 years of age.
The increase in age is due to the aging of our membership,
the majority are over 50, and in spite of the numbers of
younger members we have begun to bring into the Valley,
it will take a much greater effort to sustain the membership
as our older members begin to pass away. With the
majority of members being older than 50, and most in their
60s and 70s, we risk, not only a decline in numbers but also
in participation as our older and more active members
retire and leave the area or pass on. As membership
decreases so do revenues, and as we all know money is
essential to any organization’s long term viability.
I do not mean to present a gloomy look at our fraternity,
but while in recent years the numbers of candidates has
been on the increase, membership has not been growing
fast enough to replace the losses we see as our older
members, the majority of members, decreases. Which leads
me to the obvious conclusion that we, as stewards of this
great fraternity, are duty bound to find quality individuals
and introduce them to the beauties of Freemasonry in
general and to the Scottish Rite in particular. It should be
our goal to bring members into Masonry and then
influence them to consider membership in the Scottish
Rite, for if we do not help grow Freemasonry, we cannot
hope to grow the Scottish Rite.
Again, looking with an objective eye, what do we actually
offer a new candidate when he joins the Valley of
Southern New Jersey? Sure, we have impressive ritual, and
a very nice certificate of membership. We have a great
social life, best dinner and entertainment in the state for
twenty five bucks. But what do we do to get our
members involved in Scottish Rite Masonry? At our
business meetings, the first Wednesday, attendance is
made up of the most active of our members, and the
meeting is truly a “business of the Valley” affair, no
speakers or programs as we see in the better Craft Lodges.
Committees are made up of older members and the
membership of those committees is closely managed so
that newer members find it difficult to participate. With
one notable exception, cast and crew, there are few
opportunities for the new member to learn about
and participate in Scottish Rite Masonry.
So why become a Scottish Rite Mason?
Ask yourself that question my brother.
Then ask yourself… what can we do
to make the experience of Scottish
Rite Masonry more rewarding?
How can we entice Master Masons to want to become
Scottish Rite Masons? I believe the answer is really quite
simple, in fact it’s not only simple, but it’s almost free. We
must leverage our strengths to increase interest and create
demand — to adopt a marketing concept — that will
inspire the younger, as well as senior Craft Lodge Masons
to want to become members of Excelsior Consistory.
Our greatest strength is in our membership. We simply
have to focus our efforts to raise awareness, provide
instruction, and build stronger ties within the Blue
Lodges. Raising awareness can be accomplished by more
targeted utilization of our speakers bureau, getting our
brethren that are gifted public speakers on the program at
as many blue lodges as possible, and speaking about
Scottish Rite Masonry, not a sales pitch but talking about
our rich history, not solicitations for money, but interesting
stories about Scottish Rite and Scottish Rite Masons.
Asking our knowledgeable members to hold seminars for
all members, not just the new guys, to explain Scottish Rite
ritual, history and operation to members who do not
have the time or the inclination to do the research on their
own. I think if you were to ask one hundred members at
random about the history of the Scottish Rite, or about
the meaning of the any of the most performed degrees you
would see nothing but blank stares. People in general will
affiliate with groups that they understand, and feel
accepted in.
Finally, my brothers, we all must strive to influence one
new member each year to join the Scottish Rite and
Excelsior Consistory in particular. If we can accomplish
these obvious tasks we can ensure not only the survival of
Scottish Rite Masonry in Southern New Jersey, but we can
ensure that Scottish Rite Masonry in Southern New
Jersey will thrive for years to come.
ALLAN D. KLINE, 32°
Sovereign Prince
BUFFET DINNER
Friday, November 25, 2011
Will be held at the
Scottish Rite Grand Ballroom,
315 White Horse Pike,
Collingswood, New Jersey
Social Period 5:45 pm
Buffet Dinner 6:30 pm
(see page 4 for reservations)
ENTERTAINMENT
Taylor Mason
Stand-up Comedian
HOSTED by ALL EXCELSIOR
COUNCIL of PRINCES
HOSTING OFFICERS DRESS
Tuxedo
EVERYONE ELSE
Jacket & Tie
CALL TO MEETING
The December Business Meeting
of Excelsior Scottish Rite Bodies
is CANCELLED, so that our
members can attend the annual
meetings of our Lodges, and
other Holiday events.
By Order of:
THE PRESIDING OFFICERS
Attest:
DAVID J. HERMAN, JR., 33°
Secretary
PAGE 2
EXCELSIOR
NOVEMBER 2011
F R O M T H E S E C R E TA RY
The Stuff that Dream
are Made Of
Last month I reported finding a large collection of parts at an estate sale held in
Westmont. The collection was in various
containers, including
cigar boxes, mayonnaise jars, and cardboard boxes large and
small. They were not
in any particular order.
It took my dad and I
several days to sort
through them all.
Stores also depended on these catalogs to
determine what to stock each year, and
often gave some away to customers hoping
to inspire sales.
The effectiveness and popularity of this sales
tactic can surely be seen by the vast number
of catalogs that still survive, even if most are
Nevertheless, Lionel still issues a new
catalog (or two) every year.
Actually, its amazing to see the parallel
between Lionel catalogs and Scottish Rite
degree scripts.
But instead of risking my job by going in
that direction, I want
to share the real
Masonic connection
to this story. Among
the train catalogs,
(between the Lionel
1956
and
the
American Flyer 1948
issue) was a script for
a Masonic table
lodge! This whole
collection was owned
by a Mason. Without
the permission of his
family, I am uncomfortable giving his
name, but it was on
some of the issues.
With that information, I discovered he
was a brother who
was also a member of
According to the 1948 American Flyer catalog, even the Man of Steel had a model railroad! our Valley.
One of the discoveries
was that two of the
boxes
contained
original Lionel and
American
Flyer
catalogs dating back to
the 1930’s. Back in
the
days
before
websites, including
Amazon or Ebay,
catalogs were an
efficient
way
for
manufacturers
to
announce, explain, and
advertise their entire
run of products. And every year they had to
be updated to show off that year’s new
innovations. From the 1920’s to the 1970’s
Lionel and model train companies would
advertise in the Sunday funnies, family
magazines and comic books (usually around
October and November) that for 10 to 25
cents they will send you their latest Wish
Book of trains, toys or anything else you
want to receive that year for Christmas.
in well-worn condition. And these old
catalogs still have value and meaning to
most train collectors as a record of the items
offered in a given year, as well as a (usually
full color) picture book of the collector’s
items we dream of acquiring. In recent years
their value has gone down. So many have
survived, that supply has outnumbered the
demand. And even for the rare issues, they
are now readily available as cd-rom copies.
Here are twenty happy Sublime Princes, all members who
joined us as part of the George Washington Class this past
spring, and who attended our Oktoberfest dinner held
here last month. We thank Sam Katz, 32°, Ambassador
from the Valley of Lower Delaware, for taking this picture.
I did not know the
brother, but I am sure that we went to
some of the same local train shows. It’s a
shame we never introduced ourselves, since
we obviously had a lot in common. But
that’s why I write about my hobby in the
Scottish Rite Excelsior, and its why I wear my
Teddy Bear hat and double-headed eagle
shirts to train shows. In our fraternity, we
share more that common degrees, we share
common experiences.
NOVEMBER 2011
EXCELSIOR
PAGE 3
This Month’s Entertainment!
T
aylor Mason’s quick wit, flawless delivery &
polished material make him a hit with
audiences of all ages. He is a ventriloquist,
musician & stand-up comedian.
Nonetheless, he carved out a career in comedy and
entertainment that has taken him around the world and
into living rooms across the United States for the past
25 years. He’s appeared on a myriad of television
programs, youtube videos, and other online viral
videos. He has won
awards,
he’s
played Carnegie Hall,
he’s written a book for
Penguin Publishing, and
once he did a show for
children at his local
public library!
Having graduated from
The
University
of
Illinois with a degree in
agriculture
(fertile
training ground for any
comedian!), followed
by a master’s degree
from
The
Medill
School of Journalism at
Northwestern
University (in advertising – he could have written beer
commercials!), Taylor Mason has never held a “real”
job. His experience as a comedy writer and performer
has taken him from The Second City Theater in
Chicago to headlining gigs at every major comedy
club across the country. He’s as comfortable writing
and executing humor for corporate clients like
Microsoft and Wal-Mart as he is doing a show for
teens or children on a Disney Cruise ship. He’s
performed for countless church functions. He’s done
bar mitzvahs and synagogue shows. He continues to
sell out comedy clubs and is requested at college
campuses. Has he done a show on a rollercoaster yet?
No, but for the right price he would!
It’s impossible to put Taylor Mason in a box. You
cannot define his audience, because his act transcends
demographics and niches. It’s a throwback and yet
it’s contemporary. He’s inclusive, he’s genuinely
interested in his audience and he’s 100% committed to
every performance, every project, and every single job
he takes.
There is no way to describe what he does, because
combining ventriloquism, music and comedy is
unique to Taylor Mason and quite
literally needs to be
seen to be believed.
Google
“Taylor
Mason” and view
hundreds of videos,
some
home-made,
some taken from
countless television
and DVD projects,
that continue to add
up, including “Thou
Shalt Laugh V.”
This is not the kind of
act that draws media
attention or big-time
television sitcom deals
or lucrative movie
offers. Taylor Mason
stays out of the bedroom and out of the bathroom
(which sets him apart from most comedy acts today)
and concentrates on jokes and punch lines. He
respects people’s differences and concentrates on
getting laughs. He gives great effort every time he takes
the stage.
Does it sound old school? Only if music, laughter and
the shared experience of sheer joy and excitement are
out-of-date. For Taylor Mason these are calling cards
as a comedian, and the pillars on which he has built an
outstanding, consistent and truly American career as an
entertainer.
Please send us your e-mail address to valleyofsnj@comcast.net
PAGE 4
EXCELSIOR
NOVEMBER 2011
EXCELSIOR
Make your reservations now for
Friday, November 25th
The BLACK FRIDAY
BANQUET
Being the Official Notice of and published by
Excelsior Scottish Rite Bodies
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite
Valley of Southern New Jersey
315 White Horse Pike
W. Collingswood, NJ 08107
Voice: 856-854-1991 Fax: 856-854-2069
Email: excelsiorsnj@comcast.net
OFFICERS FOR 2011-2012
EXCELSIOR LODGE OF PERFECTION, 14°
Gerald J. Sharpe, 32°, Thrice Potent Master
John F. Daugherty, 32°, MSA, Deputy Master
Peter W. Saunders, 32°, MSA, Senior Warden
Bruce C. Zielinski, 32°, MSA, Junior Warden
David Tucker, 32°, Orator
A. Kenneth Novakoff, 32°, Master of Ceremonies
Roy A. Winter, 32°, Captain of the Guard
EXCELSIOR COUNCIL OF PRINCES
OF JERUSALEM, 16°
Allan D. Kline, 32°, Sovereign Prince
John M. Zioance, 32°, High Priest
Michael F. Ohr Jr., 32°, Senior Warden
James C. Gaul, 32°, Junior Warden
Craig M. Applebaum, 32°, Master of Ceremonies
Raymond W. Taylor, 32°, Master of Entrances
Grazing Display
Colorful Vegetable Crudités with Dip
Our Famous Seven Cheese spread
with French bread
Mediterranean Hummus with Pita Crisps
Grand Cheese Display with Crackers,
Dried Fruit, Nuts
Dinner Buffet
Rolls and Butter
Traditional Caesar Salad
Chicken Breast Marsala
Potato Crusted Salmon Sauce Beurre Blanc
Penne Primavera with Garden Vegetables
and Rose Cream (vegetarian)
Dessert Tray at Each Table
Our Famous Assortment of Miniature Pastries, Tartlettes and Cookies
Coffee, Tea
Catered by
Andreotti’s Viennese Café of Cherry Hill
Members, Ladies & Guests welcome
$25.00 per Person, $8.00 for Children 12 & Under
Please note that the cost of the Open Bar is included in the dinner.
Reservations Are Required
Please contact the Office As Soon As Possible!
Deadline for Reservations is Noon, Monday, November 21
Call: 856-854-1991 Or E-mail: valleyofsnj@comcast.net
You can pay at the Door
Checks should be made payable to Excelsior Consistory, AASR
EXCELSIOR CHAPTER OF ROSE CROIX, 18°
Francis J. Conway, 32°+, MSA, Most Wise Master
Francis B. Hicks, 32°, Senior Warden
Mickey J. Guarduci, 32°, MSA, Junior Warden
J. Mark DiMeglio, 32°, Orator
Brian J. Read, 32°, Master of Ceremonies
Bruce C. Golway, 32°, Captain of the Guard
EXCELSIOR CONSISTORY, S.P.R.S., 32°
Mark E. Carl, 33°, Commander-in-Chief
Raymond C. Thorne, 33°, MSA, 1st Lieut. Commander
Ronald W. Brining, 33°, 2nd Lieut. Commander
John Gary Brenner, 33°, MSA, Orator
Larry S. Plasket, 33°, Chancellor
Joseph T. Mezzina, 33°, MSA, Master of Ceremonies
Patrick C. Weisgerber, 33°, Engineer and Seneschal
Leonard M. March, 33°, Standard Bearer
William T. Costello Jr., 33°, MSA, Captain of the Guard
OFFICERS – ALL BODIES
James R. Roberts, 33°, Treasurer
David J. Herman, Jr., 33°, Secretary
William J. Milligan, 32°, MSA, Tyler and Sentinel
David A. Dorworth, 32°+, Hospitaler
COMMITTEES
Robert Thornborough, 32°, MSA, Cosmeticians
Robert G. Wingstad, 32°, MSA, Costumers
William T. Costello, Jr., 33°, MSA, Director General
Robert W. Hertneck, 32°, MSA, Stage Crew
Robert W. Hertneck, 32°, MSA, Membership
ALLEGIANCE
The Bodies of the Scottish Rite, sitting in the Valley of
Southern New Jersey, State of New Jersey, acknowledge and
yield allegiance to the Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern Masonic
Jurisdiction of the United States of America, whose Grand
East is in Boston Massachusetts, and whose officers include;
Sovereign Grand Commander
ILL.: JOHN WILLIAM MCNAUGHTON, 33°
Grand Treasurer General
ILL.: DONALD G. HICKS, JR., 33°
Grand Secretary General
ILL.: C. DEFORREST TREXLER, 33°
Deputy for New Jersey
ILL.: DAVID A. GLATTLY, 33°
Hawthorne, NJ
Active Member for New Jersey
ILL.: ROBERT J. SHERIDAN, 33°
Galloway, NJ
Active Emeritus Member
ILL.: THURMAN C. PACE, 33°
Westfield, NJ
Active Emeritus Member
ILL.: DONALD D. MILLER, 33°
Moorestown, NJ
Active Emeritus Member
ILL.: VERDON R. SKIPPER, 33°
Burlington, NJ
Deputy’s Representative for Valley of Southern NJ
ILL.: STEPHEN R. MILLER, 33°
Califon, NJ