Chronicle October 2011

OCTOBER, 2011
TheValley of Canton’s Newest 33o Masons
Pictured with Ill. James R. Filliez, 33o, Active for Ohio, are the Valley of Canton’s newest 33o Scottish Rite Masons.
Left to right, Ill. Michael D. Cecil, 33o, Ill James R. Filliez, 33o, Ill. Gary E Eubank, 33o, Ill. Daniel E Riggle, 33o, who were coroneted at the Supreme Council Session in Chicago on August 30, 2011.
ON THE
INSIDE
• Trestle Board • Reservation Forms •
• Membership Column • Secretary's Column • More •
MEMBERSHIP
FROM THE SECRETARY
Our stated meeting program last
month was a fitting tribute to the men
and women in our armed forces and
was presented by one of our newest
33rd degree masons, Ill. Bro. Dan
Riggle. Congratulations to him and
his fellow classmates Ill. Bro. Mike
Cecil and Ill. Bro. Gary Eubank on being coroneted in Chicago in August.
Brethren, moving from summer
into fall, we can reflect on past successes, remarkable achievements,
and dramatic changes while focusing
on future efforts to improve the Valley of Canton for the benefit of all of
its members. The members’ approval
of a gradual dues increase over the next three years signaled
approval of the efforts by the Valley’s leadership to promote
Inspirational, Convenient and Enjoyable events and confidence in the leadership’s efforts to continue wise stewardship
of the Valley’s resources. All of the leaders of the Valley have
pledged themselves to sincere, aggressive efforts on behalf
of the members and to continue a tradition of innovative and
unusual events designed to bring 21st Century technology into
all our endeavors to promote the time honored principles of
Freemasonry and demonstrate why Scottish Rite is the “Fraternity of Choice.”
Congratulations also go out to Ill. Bro. Jim Filliez on
achieving Active Emeritus status for Supreme Council. Ill.
Bro. Filliez has led this Valley for the last 10 years as an Active member of Supreme Council and resident of the Valley
of Canton. Ill. Bro. Frank L Sekeres has been appointed as
Deputy’s Representative to the Valley of Canton. Congratulations to Ill. Bro. Sekeres, and we look forward to his continued
leadership in the Valley.
I mention these changes in leadership for our Valley because
I am also shifting roles. I have appointed RWB R. Wesley
Webber and WB Dave Newkirk as Co-Chairmen of the Membership Committee and ask that you support their efforts to
grow and engage our members in the coming years.
At the Supreme Council Session in Chicago, Illinois on
August 30, 2011, three brethren of the Valley of Canton
received the 33° in an impressive ceremony. When you see
them, please congratulate Ill. Michael D. Cecil,33°, Ill. Gary
E. Eubank ,33° and Ill. Daniel E. Riggle,33° on their accomplishment. You will also want to congratulate three brethren
who have been elected to receive the 33° next August at the
Supreme Council Session in Cleveland, Ohio : Bro. Gust
Goutras, Bro. Kenneth R. Morris and Bro. R. Edward Trego.
All of these brethren have worked tirelessly on behalf of the
fraternity and continue to serve in many different capacities.
They personify why Freemasonry continues to be an important part of all of our lives and why it will forever be a force
for Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth in this world.
I must mention in closing that we have an exciting lineup of
degrees coming up for our Fall Reunion on Oct. 20, 21 and 22,
exciting because “You’ve never seen it done this way before.”
Get your candidates here to witness the beauty of the Scottish
Rite degrees in a presentation that will be the first of it’s kind
ever witnessed! I guarantee you will be most impressed with
the new multimedia presentation interwoven with live action.
Don’t miss it!
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as your membership chairman and as always, see you soon.
Also at the Supreme Council Session in Chicago, Ill. James
R. Filliez,33°, who as Deputy’s Representative and more
recently as the Active for Supreme Council, spearheaded
reforms that propelled the Valley of Canton into a position
where it is now one of the premiere Valleys in the Northern
Masonic Jurisdiction, assumed Active Emeritus status. In an
eloquent Charge to the 33rds assembled, he movingly articulated his reasons for being passionate about Scottish Rite
Masonry and exhorted all present to live up to their responsibility to ensure this fraternity continues to be a viable presence
in the future. His remarks evoked two rounds of applause and
a standing ovation.
Tom White, 33o
twhite@cantonscottishrite.com
232nd AASR Reunion
The Fall Reunion on October 21 and 22 honoring Lewis E.
Beaver, MSA, promises to be a multimedia event you will not
want to miss. On Friday evening, October 21, we will have
a delicious dinner open to the public at 6:00PM, followed
at 8:00PM by the Public Introduction to 32° Freemasonry.
These events are free of charge, but RESERVATIONS ARE
A MUST! Coupons appear elsewhere in this issue of the
Chronicle. The Reunion concludes on Saturday, October 22
with a lunch and outstanding ritual work all day long. Remember brethren, for success, we need candidates and attendance
by the members.
Plans are underway to recognize Jim Filliez’s stellar efforts
on behalf of Scottish Rite in a gala celebration at the Canton
Masonic Temple at 6:00PM on Saturday, November 12,2011.
Please keep your calendar clear for this event.
Ill. Bro. Filliez’s assumption of Emeritus status led to the
appointment of Ill. Frank L. Sekeres,33°, as Deputy’s Representative for the Valley of Canton. ( Continued on page 4)
Deadline for reservations is October 18th
2
A.A.S.R. VALLEY OF CANTON
Frank L. Sekeres, 33o, Deputies Representatve
to the Valley of Canton
James G. Fidler, 33o, Executive Secretary
Trestle Board
Mailing Address:
Publication Staff:
A.A.S.R. – Valley of Canton
Bill Rodgers, Editor
Masonic Temple
Phone: 330-833-7236
836 Market Avenue North
w43j48@sssnet.com
Canton, Ohio 44702
Phone: 330-455-2321 or 1-877-444-4592
FAX: 330-455-7370
OCTOBER
Thurs., Oct. 13 - 7:30 PM AASR Stated Meeting
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 14 & 15 - Grand Lodge in Cleveland
Thurs., Fri., Sat., Oct. 20, 21, & 22 - 232nd AASR Reunion
E-mail: valleyofcanton@yahoo.com
Web Page: cantonfreemasons.com
Publication Deadlines: 16th of Each Month
NOVEMBER
Sat., Nov., 5 - 5:00 PM “Shawshank Rejection” at Tadmor Temple to benefit Akron & Canton Learning Centers
Thurs., Nov. 10 - 7:30 PM AASR Stated Meeting
Fri., Nov., 11 - VETERANS DAY
Sat., Nov., 12 - 6:00 PM Dinner Honoring Ill. James R.
Filliez, 33o at Canton Masonic Temple
Thurs., Nov. 24 - THANKSGIVING DAY
RESERVATION COUPON
IMPORTANT DATES
Thurs., Oct., 13 - 7:30 PM AASR Stated Meeting
Fall Reunion Dinner, Friday, October 21
Fri., Sat., Oct., 14 & 15 – Grand Lodge in Cleveland
at 6:00 PM
Thurs., Fri., Sat., Oct., 20, 21, 22 – 232nd AASR Reunion
Sat., Nov., 5 - “Shawshank Rejection” at Tadmor Temple to
benefit Akron & Canton Learning Centers
Reserve ____________ dinners for me and my guest(s)
Thurs., Nov. 10 - 7:30 PM AASR Stated Meeting
NAME _____________________________________
Fri., Nov., 11 VETERANS DAY
There is no charge for this meal, but a reservation is neces- sary. A public Introduction to 32o Freemasonry follows din-
ner at 8:00 PM
Sat., Nov., 12 - 6:00 PM Dinner Honoring Ill. James R.
Filliez, 33o at Canton Masonic Temple
To register by mail, send your reservation to:
Thurs., Nov., 24 THANKSGIVING DAY
A.A.S.R. Valley of Canton
Thurs., Dec. 8 - 6:30 PM Quarterly Dinner
7:30 PM AASR Stated Meeting
836 Market ave. North
Sun., Dec. 25 CHRISTMAS
Canton, Ohio 44702
You may phone the Valley office – 330-455-2321
VETERANS HONOR FLIGHT INFORMATION
Veterans interested in applying for a seat on a future Honor
Flight from the Canton Akron Airport to Washington DC.
should contact Valerie Street Kinney, Executive Director,
Honor Flights from Canton/Akron, 567 East Turkeyfoot Lake
Road, Akron, Ohio 44319. Veterans are paired with “guardians” who assist in a one-day visit to national memorials.
Deadline for reservations is October 18th
Have you ever been on a blind date that went well?
3
232nd Reunion – Fall Class
(Secretary column continued from page 2)
. Ill. Bro Sekeres was installed in an impressive ceremony at the September Stated Meeting. As Chairman
of the Board of Trustees, Ill. Bro. Sekeres has been an
integral part of the advances made by the Valley in the
past few years and is a man well positioned by experience, competence, dedication, and clear vision to provide
the leadership and guidance needed to ensure the Valley’s
continued success in the future.
The Lewis E. Beaver, MSA Class
Thursday, Oct., 20, 2011
6:00 PM – Candidates meet with Tom White, 33o
Friday, Oct., 21, 2011
6:00 PM – Candidates Report
6:00 PM – Dinner – Public Introduction to 32o Freemasonry
8:00 PM - Public Introduction to 32o
The Valley of Canton is also fortunate to have Ill.
Bros. Thomas J. White and Larry L. Smerglia now serving as, respectively, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the
Board of Trustees. These two brethren have been part of
a team that has brought sound judgement and innovative
ideas to efforts to strengthen the Valley of Canton and,
no doubt will continue to demonstrate those qualities as
the Valley confronts future challenges. And with a Board
of Trustees strengthened by the addition of Ill. Thomas
W. Miller,33°, the future looks bright for the Valley.
Saturday, Oct., 22, 2011
8:00 AM – Candidates Report
8:00 AM – Coffee & Donuts
8:30 AM – 4o
9:00 AM - 5o
10:00 AM – 15o
11:00 AM – 16o
12:00 Noon – Lunch & Class Picture
Speaking of the future, at the Stated Meeting on October 13,2011, the brethren will be asked to vote on a set
of Proposed Amendments to the Valley’s by-laws first
presented at the Stated Meeting in September. These
Amendments appear elsewhere in the Chronicle and
are designed to enhance administrative efficiency and
financial stability in the Valley and facilitate continued
efforts to promote inspirational and enjoyable events for
the membership. Please make every attempt to attend the
Stated Meeting on October 13.
1:30 PM – 29o
2:15 PM – 31o
3:30 PM – 32o
Your presence at as many sessions as possible is earnestly
requested and will greatly assist in making this an outstanding
reunion.
Membership Incentive Program
The membership committee is constantly looking at ways
to reward you for continuing your membership in the Greatest
Fraternity in the world. Of course, we also need to constantly
work on replacing those who have been called to the Grand
Architect of the Universe. Here is a program that addresses
both of these areas.
The Fall Reunion on October 21 and 22 honoring
Lewis E. Beaver, MSA promises to be a multimedia
event you will not want to miss. On Friday evening,
October 21, we will have a delicious dinner open to the
public at 6:00PM followed at 8:00PM by the Public
Introduction to 32° Freemasonry. These events are free
of charge but RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST! Coupons appear on page 3 of this issue of the Chronicle. The
Reunion concludes on Saturday, October 22 with a lunch
and outstanding ritual work all day long. Remember
brethren, for success we need candidates and attendance
by the members.
This years incentive program will end with the Fall Reunion. If you are the top line signer on FOUR petitions for
this year, you will be awarded one year of paid up dues. If
you sign up SEVEN candidates this year, you will be awarded
two year’s of paid up dues. If you are the top line signer on
TEN petitions for this year, you will receive a life membership in the Valley of Canton.
The candidate totals are for one calendar year only. The
candidate must attend and complete the full reunion schedule
for the top line signer to be eligible for the appropriate award.
(Continued on page 5)
I know we are all proud of our membership in this fraternity. Sometimes we need a little extra incentive to encourage
a brother mason to join the Scottish Rite. This program could
be just what you have been looking for; a reminder to ask
someone to join and an opportunity to get something in return.
All you have to do is ask.
Have you ever had an encounter with a celiberty? How did you react?
4
Regional Business Network is Launched
North Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Department of Development, Small Business Development Centers
of Kent State University Stark and Tuscarawas Counties, Stark
Development Board, Inc., Stark State College, Sugarcreek
Small Business Association, Tuscarawas County Chamber
of Commerce, Tuscarawas County Office of Community and
Economic Development, Tuscarawas County Port Authority,
Twin City Chamber of Commerce, University of Mount Union
and Walsh University.
By Monica Rose Gwin
The Employment Source
The Regional Business Network (RBN), a new initiative
that will expand and enhance the retention and expansion efforts in Stark and Tuscarawas counties, is up and running. The
RBN is a partnership of area organizations committed to local
business development which includes chambers of commerce,
post-secondary education institutions, economic development,
workforce development or government organizations, business
associations and other related organizations.
For further information call the RBN at 855-NOW 4 RBN
(855-669-4726) or log on to their website at www.RegionalBusinessNetwork.org.
Created by a $250,000 state grant awarded to the Workforce
Investment Board of Stark and Tuscarawas counties, the RBN
is a concerted effort focused on retention and expansion efforts that assist in maintaining the workforce in both counties.
It gives employers, network partners, the community and the
region the ability to access a comprehensive set of services,
programs and organizations through one entry point.
(Continued from page 4)
As there have been changes in leadership in the Valley
of Canton, there will be changes in leadership in the Grand
Lodge of F. & A.M. when a new Grand Master is installed in
Cleveland on October 15. Let’s all pledge ourselves to supporting all of our Grand Lodge and Scottish Rite leaders as
they strive to promote this great fraternity in the future.
“We welcome all businesses to use our partners’ aggregated
resources, such as specialized services, staffing options and
connection to funding opportunities in order to do business
better,” explained Alice Stephens, Executive Director, Workforce Investment Board/The Employment Source.
I look forward to seeing you at as many events as possible.
Fraternally,
James G. Fidler, 33°
Executive Secretary
“As a consultative network, the RBN works closely with
local businesses to find key areas for improvement and opportunities for growth. We match businesses to the resource
that will help them best. The knowledge and expertise possessed by the partner organizations makes the RBN uniquely
equipped to act as a central hub,” Stephens added.
DINNER TO HONOR
Ill. JAMES R. FILLIEZ,33°
ACTIVE EMERITUS FOR SUPREME COUNCIL
In August,2011, after almost 40 years of faithful and
dedicated service to Scottish Rite Masonry, including service
as Deputy’s Representative for the Valley of Canton and as
Active for Supreme Council, Ill. James R. Filliez,33°assumed
Active Emeritus status.
Here’s how it works. Businesses can contact the RBN at
855-NOW 4 RBN (855-669-4726 and schedule an initial
consultation. RBN representatives will assess the company’s
needs and priorities during a face-to-face meeting. The RBN
will then connect the company with the resources that best
meet their needs.
To thank Jim for his all of his efforts on behalf of the Valley
of Canton and to recognize his many accomplishments, there
will be a dinner in his honor at the Canton Masonic Temple
beginning at 6:00PM on Saturday, November 12,2011. Please
join with your brethren and families that evening in celebrating Jim Filliez’s career and noting the many ways his service
has strengthened the Valley of Canton and helped all to better
understand why Scottish Rite is the “Fraternity of Choice.”
The following chambers of commerce, businesses, economic development, workforce, education and community organizations are partnering in administering the RBN:
Alliance Area Development Foundation, Alliance Area
Chamber of Commerce, Alliance Career Centre, American
Electric Power Ohio, Buckeye Career Center, Canton City
Schools, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, City of
Canton-Community Improvement Corporation, City of Alliance, City of Canton, City of Dover, City of Massillon, City of
New Philadelphia, City of North Canton, Community Improvement Corporation of Tuscarawas County, Dominion East
Ohio, The Employment Source/WIA, FirstEnergy, Frontier
Communications, Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce,
Kent State University Stark and Tuscarawas, Massillon Area
Chamber of Commerce, Massillon Development Foundation,
Malone University, Newcomerstown Chamber of Commerce,
Tickets cost $15 per person and RESERVATIONS ARE
REQUIRED. PAYMENT AND RESERVATIONS must be
received NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 4, 2011. Please
use the coupon on page 7 for reservations. We look forward to your helping us celebrate with Jim.
What’s the best way to see America?
5
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
Section 4 : The amount of the Supreme Council dues shall be
billed as a separate item to a dues paying member, shall have
the same status as dues payable to any Body of the Valley, and
failure on the part of the member to pay the Supreme Council
dues, unless they are remitted by the Valley, shall subject such
member to the same penalties as are provided by these Bylaws for nonpayment of dues to any Body of the Valley.
TO REGULATIONS
OF VALLEY OF CANTON, AASR
ARTICLE V: Board of Trustees
Section 15: The Executive Committee of the Board of
Trustees shall consist of the following:
1
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
2
Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees
(312)(702)
Explanation: Amendment makes clear dues are payable to the
Valley, not any Coordinate Body.
3
Three (3) additional members of the Board of Trustees
selected by the Chairman, at least one of whom must be a
currently serving Presiding officer.
Section 8: Any member of a Coordinate Body the Valley
whose dues have been paid for thirty-five (35) years or more
and who is sixty-five (65) years of age or over, may upon request in writing be exempted by the Trustees from the payment
of dues in whole or in part thereafter, including dues imposed
by Supreme Council or the Ohio Council of Deliberation.(315)
4 At least one of the five members of the Executive
Committee must be a currently serving Presiding officer.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees shall serve as Chairman of the Executive Committee. The Active Member of the
Supreme Council or the Deputy’s Representative to the Valley
shall serve ex officio as a non-voting advisory member of the
Executive Committee.
Explanation: Amendment makes clear dues are payable to
the Valley, not any Coordinate Body
Section 9: Any Life or Senior Member of any body of the
Valley as of July 31,2008 shall not be required to pay Supreme
Council Dues or Ohio Council of Deliberation Dues. Any member of any body of the Valley who acquires Senior Membership
status after July 31, 2008, or who purchases a Life Membership
after July 31,2008, shall be required to pay Supreme Council
and/or Ohio Council of Deliberation Dues, and failure on the
part of the member to pay the Supreme Council and/or Ohio
Council of Deliberation Dues, unless they are remitted by the
Valley, shall subject the Life or Senior member to the same penalties provided by these By-laws for non-payment by an annual
dues paying Member of Dues owed to Supreme Council, Ohio
Council of Deliberation, or to any body of the Valley.
Explanation: Deleting the second clause in section 3 eliminates the requirement that the Chairman include a currently
serving Presiding officer among his 3 appointments to the
Executive Committee.
The newly created section 4 prescribes that at least one of
the five members of the Executive Committee be a currently
serving Presiding officer.
Taken as a whole, the amending language preserves the requirement that at least one member of the Executive Committee be a currently serving Presiding officer, while recognizing
the possibility that a currently serving Presiding officer might
already be serving as the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the
Board of Trustees, thus eliminating the need for the requirement that at least one of the Chairman’s three appointees to the
Executive Committee be a currently serving Presiding officer.
Explanation: Amendment makes clear dues are payable to
the Valley, not any Coordinate Body.
ARTICLE IX: Annuity Dues
Section 2: All payments made pursuant to Section 1 of this
Article shall be placed in a separate fund designated the “Annuity Membership Fund Endowment. A living member’s
dues, while his membership continues, may be withdrawn annually, in a sum equal to the annual dues of such member at the
time of such payment.
ARTICLE VIII: FEES, DUES
Section 3: Annual membership dues for each of the Coordinate Bodies The Valley shall be fixed and determined by
vote of the members at a stated or special meeting held at least
twenty-eight (28) days after the presentation of such proposed
dues. This action should be taken at a stated meeting of the
members and at least ten (10) days after due notice of such
meeting and the dues proposed shall have been given to the
members as provided in section 7 of Article VII. This amount
will be added to the Council of Deliberation per capita and
Supreme Council per capita, and the members will be invoiced
for the total.(312)(702)
Explanation: Amendment acknowledges change in name of
fund .
Section 4: Any member of these bodies who has paid his
annual dues for thirty-five (35) years or more and who is
sixty-five(65) years of age or over may request in writing
to be exempted from the payment of dues( but not assessments). Upon approval of such request by the Board of
Trustees, the Secretary shall issue to the member an appropriate certificate of exemption. (315)
Explanation: Amending language makes it clear dues are
payable to the Valley rather than any of the Coordinate Bodies.
6
Explanation: Entire section being deleted because it has nothing to do with the subject matter of Article IX and because it is
redundant in view of Article VIII, Section 8.
ARTICLE X: Line Officers
Section 3: The Secretary, Treasurer, Tyler and Hospitaler may,
by vote of the membership of all four coordinate bodies, hold the
same respective position in all four coordinate bodies.
compiling financial records and preparing tax returns.
ARTICLE XIX: Effective Date
These regulations shall become effective September 1, 2008
November 1,2011 provided that prior to that date they have
been approved by the Deputy for Ohio , the Supreme Council
Committee on Constitutions, Laws and Jurisprudence and
adopted by vote of the members of this Association.
Explanation: The amending language notes the effective
Explanation: The amending language adds the Tyler to the list
date
of these regulations, provided they are approved.
of individuals who may hold the same respective position in all
four bodies.
ARTICLE XX: Repealing Clause
ARTICLE XI: Secretary
Upon approval of these regulations by the Deputy for Ohio,
the Supreme Council Committee on Constitutions, Laws and
Jurisprudence, and their adoption by the membership of the
Association, the rules and regulations of the Valley enacted
November, 1972, as amended May 12, 1986, November 17,
2001 , and
August 14,2008 are repealed; provided, however, that such repeal shall not affect a repeal of the
Explanation: Second sentence is deleted as redundant in view
standing rules of the Valley affecting fees and dues.
of Article X, Section 3.
Explanation: The amending language in this article calls
ARTICLE XII: Treasurer
for repeal of regulations amended as of August 14,2008.
Section 2: The Treasurer of each of the coordinate bodies shall
Respectfully submitted by The Committee For Revision of
be elected at the Annual Meeting of such body and shall serve a
Regulations,
term of one year. By vote of the membership the Treasurer of
Frank L. Sekeres, 33°, Chairman
Emeth Lodge of Perfection shall serve as Treasurer of all of
the coordinate bodies.
Section 5: The Secretary of each of the coordinate bodies shall
be elected at the Annual Meeting of such body and shall serve a
term of one year. By vote of the membership the Secretary of
Emeth Lodge of Perfection shall serve as Secretary of all of the
coordinate bodies.
Explanation: Second sentence is deleted as redundant in view
of Article X, Section 3.
ARTICLE XIV: Financial Affairs
Section 1: All funds and moneys received by the Association
shall be deposited daily within a reasonable period of time but
under no circumstances later than 10 business days from date
of receipt in such accounts with such banks and other financial
institutions as the Trustees shall from time to time designate.
Explanation: The amending language affords some discretion in
the timing of deposits rather than mandating daily deposits.
Section 9: All moneys received by the Valley designated by the
donor to be credited to the Valley of Canton 32° Masonic Learning Center for Children Children’s Dyslexia Center shall be
forwarded to the Treasurer of the 32° Masonic Learning Center
Children’s Dyslexia Center Board.
Dinner Reservation
Honoring Ill. James R. Filliez,33°
Saturday, November 12, 2011-6:00PM
Please send me ____ dinner tickets
($15 per ticket).
NAME _________________________________
To register by mail, send your reservation to:
A.A.S.R. Valley of Canton
836 Market ave. North
Explanation: The amending language notes the new name of
the Valley’s center for the tutoring of children with dyslexia.
Canton, Ohio 44702
ARTICLE XVI: Fiscal Year
Attach a self addressed stamped envelope
Section 1: A fiscal year beginning August 1 January 1 and
ending July 31 December 31 of each succeeding year
for forwarding of tickets.
Explanation: The amending language makes the Valley’s fiscal
year coincide with the calendar year to facilitate auditing and accounting procedures and reduce expense incurred in
7
Reservation Deadline is November 4, 2011
Changes in the Valley
The Important Phone Call
At the Supreme Council
Session in Chicago, Illinois
on August 30, 2011, Ill. James
Filliez,33o assumed the status
of Active Emeritus which
has led to the appointment of
Ill. Frank L. Sekeres,33°, as
Deputy’s Representative for
the Valley of Canton.
Ill. Bro. Sekeres was
installed by Ill. Bro.Filliez in
an impressive ceremony at the
September Stated Meeting.
As Chairman of the Board of
Trustees, Ill. Bro. Sekeres has
Ill. Frank Sekeres, 33o
been an integral part of the
advances made by the Valley
in the past few years and is a man well positioned by experience, competence, dedication and clear vision to provide the
leadership and guidance needed to ensure the Valley’s continued
success in the future.
Ill. Bro. Filliez is on the phone surrounded by other delegates from the Valley of Canton. They are congratulating three
brethren who have been elected to receive the 33° next August
at the Supreme Council Session in Cleveland, Ohio : Bro.
Gust Goutras, Bro. Kenneth R. Morris and Bro. R. Edward
Trego. All of these brethren have worked tirelessly on behalf
of the fraternity and continue to serve in many different ways.
THE TUSCARAWAS COUNTY
SOTTISH RITE CLUB
Other changes within the Valley have Ill. Bros. Thomas J.
White and Larry L. Smerglia serving as Chairman and Vice
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, respectively. Also RWB R.
Wesley Webber and WB Dave Newkirk will be assuming the
position of Co-Chairmen of the Membership Committee . We
ask that you give your support to these Brothern on the their
new positons in the Valley.
Invite all Masons and their families to participate in our an-
nual Pre-Fall Reunion activity.
JOIN US FOR AN OLD FASHION FAMILY PICNIC
WHEN : SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
TIME:1:00pm
WHERE: The home of IlL Bro. Kenneth O. Cline
9631 Towpath Road (C.R. 111) Bolivar, OH 44612
(Located 1.5 mi. off of Strasburg / Bolivar Rd. and 2.0 mi.
off of Dover/Zoar Rd.)
Enjoy an afternoon of good food and fellowship. There will
be a hayride, horseshoes and cornhole.
For those who like to hike, there is a historical towpath near
by to enjoy.
PLEASE BRING A COVERED DISH AND SOME
FOLDING CHAIRS (Hot Dogs, Hamburgs, Beverages, Napkins and Silverware will be Provided)
So we can have an idea on how many to prepare for, Contact:
Ill. Bro. Sekeres, Ill. Bro. White and Ill. Bro. Fidler enjoying
some fellowship at the Supreme Council Session in Chicago
If you could posess any outstanding sports ability, what would it be?
8
Kenneth O. Cline (330) 204-1598
Jed Miller
(330) 243-2257
On Friday afternoon,
September 9, 2011, a Masonic memorial service was
presented by members of
William McKinley Lodge
431 at the steps of McKinley National Memorial.
Also participating in the
service was Niles McKinley
Lodge 794.
Gust Goutras, Worshipful
Master of Lodge 431, and
Douglas Nutter, Worshipful Master of Lodge 794,
offered the welcome, after
colors were posted by the
Canton Commandery No.
38 Knights Templar under
the command of Robert
Habony. William E. Noggle
led the pledge of allegiance
. Robert Hahn offered the
McKinley monument Masonic service
opening prayer
Then came a number of brief historical accounts of the life of President McKinley. Nutter offered words about McKinley’s
early years. Wesley Webber spoke on McKinley as a soldier and Freemason. Jeff Diss discussed McKinley’s life after serving
in the Civil War. Robert Smith gave a talk on the Front Porch Campaign. And James Fidler spoke of the red carnation that was
McKinley’s symbol and grew to be Ohio’s state flower.
The Masonic funeral service was opened by William E. Peters. The reading of the scroll was offered by William Merriman
III. Tyler, Daniel Thomas recited the 23rd Psalm. The first prayer was offered by Terry Rundquist and the second prayer by
Clyde T. Vickers. The funeral service was performed by Edward King and the apron was presented by Clyde H.Vickers. Friends
were addressed by Louis E. Beaver. At the conclusion of the service, Goutras and Nutter dedicated the wreath.
The Civil War Honor Guard
“According to new polls, 66% of Americans
believe the country is headed in the wrong direction. But the good news is, gas is so expensive
and traffic is so bad that we won’t get there for a
long time.”
Jay Leno
The photo posted here,
WM Gus Goutras of Mckinley Lodge 431 courtesy of Wm. McKinWM Douglas Nutter of Niles McKinley ley Presidential Library &
Museum, shows McKinley
Lodge 431 leading the service.
as a private after enlisting
for Civil War service.)
Who finished third in the popular vote in the 1980 U.S. presidential elec-
tion?
Who was the most decorated U.S. soldier of World War II?
9
COULD WE LOOSE THE MASONIC TEMPLE?
My name is Mike Emery. I am the Senior Warden at Canton
60, and I have been elected project manager of the Save the
Temple Committee. At first, I did not want the job. I just
wanted to make members and our leaders aware that we could
lose the building.
I have more fundraising experience than most, and having managed more than 100 men at one time, I know how to
manage a project. I have had experience merging groups for
one common goal and succeeded in everyone being better as a
whole and as separate organizations. I decide, ‘Well what the
hay, why not try it?’
The first duty of a project manager is to see if the project
can succeed. I had no idea what a large building the Temple
is, and I had no idea it took so much money to keep it open.
Could we really lose it? I wanted to make sure, after all, some
said “yes,” some said “no.”Where do you start?
First, I looked at the expenses, Taxes, wow who knew? Gas
bill, I knew at home it sometimes cost $500. Can you imagine
what a building of this size costs to operate? Electric, way too
much. How can employees cost this much? Let’s see, three
people paid minimum wage is --- oh no, does it cost thousands
of dollars? Boiler service and repair. Licenses. Who knew
insurance could cost that much? You would think we had thousands of people through here, wait, we do. Before I knew it,
the cost was over $150,000 a year to stay open.
I was distraught. It seemed there was no way to raise that
kind of money. Then, I looked at income. Now I have been
around enough to know every organization I belong to as a
mason, there is no extra money. And every project we have,
we raise hundreds, not thousands, so if we are talking thousands, forget it and lose the Temple.
Wait, it may not be that big of a problem. I have made a
career of showing people how to cut building overhead. Let
me make a list; they’re gone to love my suggestions. So I
made suggestions to the board about easy things that others have done. They thanked me and showed me how many
of these suggestions were completed over the years to keep
the expenses and the Temple open. What I found is they had
become proficient in locating savings to keep the losses down.
That being said, there are other ways, but it takes capital to
save capital.
Well, maybe no one wants the Temple to stay open; maybe
it does not matter, would anyone really care? I decided I
would ask around and even ask different leaders if I could
speak to their organizations. What I found is we like the
Temple, but don’t ask us for money because we don’t have it
or we won’t give it, let us know if we need to look for allocation. So, the answer to the big question is we will probably
lose our Temple. After all, it’s costing tens of thousands of
dollars more to keep it open than we have. So it would be very
easy to close it. We don’t have to do anything more than
we have and are doing. Next question, how long do we
have? If we do what we are doing now, I think we could get it
closed in year and a half.
Well, I am the project manager, so let me find if there are
other solutions than closing the Temple. I know, I will go
to Akron and Cleveland, I have seen their Temples from the
outside and they are grand-looking. Surely, they have had the
same problems and found asolution.
This month, I will visit the Akron and Cleveland Temples
and I will report back to you. However, if I am doing all this
work for you, it is only fair you do a little work for me. I
would like each of you to send me a note or email, my address
is Mike Emery, 6173 Isley Rd. NW Canton OH 44718, or
a1ais@sssnet.com. Of the ones I hear from, I will make on a
chart how many want to keep the Temple open and how many
say close it. Those who decide to do nothing, I will naturally
assume you want us to do nothing, and close the Temple in 18
months; I will mark you as you prefer to close the Temple.
If you feel strongly enough to want to keep the Temple and
have suggestions that will help raise capital, send them to me
and I will investigate their possibility and give you a call. If
you feel you have an experience you can share that will inspire
others, please send it along, I will make sure it appears here
with your name if you allow it.
Those in the know have watched the expenses of the Temple
increase every year. As the expenses increased, our membership decreased. Each lodge pays a small amount for each
member, which goes to rent. There is a 10-member board, of
which I am a member, that oversees the spending of this money to make sure it is spent wisely to pay the utilities, taxes,
employee paychecks, maintenance and upkeep of the Temple.
It depends on you. Please decide and let me know what you
decide. I can say this: if there is a will, there is a way.
Thank you
Mike Emery
Canton Commandry No. 38, Knights Templar
10
11
In Memoriam
Don’t be afraid, for I have assured you, I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not burn up,
For I am the Lord your God...don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
The Grand Architect of the Universe has received the following into His Presence:
With sympathy and sorrow, we share in the loss of our brothers,
Donald E. Perry, 33o
Lester J. Riegler, Jr.
Gerald M. Rowe William W. Steiner Wendell W. Wilber
The following have been reported as ill or distressed
Robert W Alexander
Jim Duitch,33o
Fred L. Hocking
Wilbur McWilliams
Verl M. Shearer, 33o
Charles Allen
Homer Draber
Clark C. Hoehn
Richard Manos
Owen Schmucker
Wayne R. Arbogast
James Fugatt
Robert A. Hole
Donald L. Miller
Glen Snyder
Ed Baines
Carl F. Garnes
Ray Hull
Dale F. Moss
William H. Sollie
Alfred M. Biller
Neil Garver
Don Hurless
Glen Motts
Patrick Supples
Earl R. Blazer, 33o
Wendell Graening
Daniel F. Iceman, 33o
Don C. Nixon
Loren Taylor
David Brown
Robert P. Greenwood
Donald Johnson, Jr
Robert Rainey
Paul Triplet
Millard Brush
Paul E. Griffin
Donald Jones, 33
Nick Resanovich
Rev. Raymond Tucker
Ivan W. Hall, Jr.
Robert L. Jordan
Ernest Riddle
Clyde H. Vickers, 33o
William Caswell
Wade Hartzel
Paul A. Kliner
James Rose
William G. Weimer
Jack Corns
Willis Haughton
Chris Krabill
Kenneth O. Samsel
Earl Woodhull
Beecher Cogar
Thomas A. Heakin
Louis Lautzenheiser
James Selig
James D. Wrana
James F. Doane
Richard Hiles
John McCalman
William J. Severn
James D. Young
o
Richard D. Watkins, 33o