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On Monday, December 14th, Central City Lodge of Perfection presented a Radio Play version of the 7th Degree, Provost and Judge, on Zoom for our members. Originally adapted as a Radio Play by Ill. Richard J Powell four years earlier, it was well suited for the Zoom meeting format. The Degree was very well received and the members enjoyed socializing online as well.  PLEASE NOTE: These articles were submitted prior to the restrictions on meetings set forth by the Grand Master of New York later in November. Please contact the Office for updated information.
Calendar December Dec 7 Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m. Dec 14 Regular 4 Bodies Meeting 7:30 PM Dec 28 Christmas lunch @ Twin Trees III (TO BE CONFIRMED) 11:45 a.m. January 2021 Jan 4 Trustees “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m. Note: Dates and times for January 2021 Events to be Determined and announced. Note: Specific Event invitation notices will be sent from the office for all future events as we are allowed to meet. Dates and times for all events are subject to change as we continue to work around the COCID-19 Pandemic Meeting restrictions We are taking direction from the Grand Master, Sovereign Grand Commander, and the Memorial Masonic Temple Corporation Trustees directing the scheduling of meetings and events in the Masonic Memorial Center. Consistory Seasons Greetings to all my Masonic Brothers, Sisters and their families, As you know our Word articles are submitted for publication before the 12th of each month. We hope that our scheduled events will go according to plan without any hiccups. As I am writing this month’s article there has been an increase in new Coronavirus cases in Onondaga County. I encourage everyone to stay diligent during this pandemic and take all the proper precautions as set forth by our local and state health departments so we can once again meet freely without restrictions as soon as possible. I want to congratulate our Grand Lodge and the Supreme Council for their efforts to keep Freemasonry moving with programs that have helped keep our members engaged by offering live streamed events and wonderful video degrees. Technology can be a fantastic tool when used properly. A phrase that has been used often during this time is “ Masonry Never Stops” and I am so thankful that our Leadership has done so much to keep us connected when we are forced to stay somewhat limited in our social gatherings with one another. If all goes according to plan, we will confer the 32 nd degree on the Ill. Richard J. Powell 2019-2020 class on December 16 th, 2020. The criteria for this event had to meet the approval of the Deputy for the State of New York and will involve only the candidates and Officers needed to open the Consistory and perform the Knighting Ceremony. I want to thank the office staff for all the work they do to keep our Valley running during these trying times. Jim and Sharon Swan and Sharon Fox, we would be lost without your dedication to the Valley of Syracuse. Linda Martin and your staff, thank you for all you do at the Children’s Dyslexia Center as well. My wife Linda and I wish all of you a safe Holiday Season with you families whether you are home or on the road. Stay safe... Fraternally, D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA Commander in Chief lwegnaczyk@verizon.net / (H) Ph. # 315-637-4143 / (C) Ph. # 315-632-1043 Chapter Previously, a story history of the Chapter of Rose Croix was presented. I would like to go into the allegories, duties and meaning behind each of the degrees and what, as Scottish Rite Brothers, we should take into our own lives and the world around us. As we achieved our Master Mason degree, we learned that the Temple of Solomon is gone from sight but that the true Temple (the Kingdom of Heaven) is within man himself. We each must build our own Temple to the Creator by developing first the “quarry” (Apprentice Degree) within us, soul of humanity, so as to be the square fabric of the Temple designed by the Great Creator. The Fellow Craft degree is meant to help develop and control the intellectual nature; the investigation of the “hidden paths of nature” and science of “self-knowledge.” In the Master Mason degree, we learn that we must develop our minds to a high state and so established it will be unaffected by seductions or perceptions that we may meet in the world outside. “Upon this rock will I build my church and the gates of the underworld shall not prevail against it.” Having achieved these steps within ourselves we seek more enlightenment in our inner being and thus journey into the 4 th degree to 32nd degrees (Scottish Rite) of the internal Temple building. At the 17 th degree, Knights of the East and West, we see King Herod II, having achieved high rank, has allowed his pride, sin and folly to prevent himself from achieving the spiritual peace of his inner Temple. Further, we learn that to gain the wisdom, understanding and knowledge we seek is not an easy path to follow. You learn that evil works bear evil fruit and those who are true to their Creator persevere. Gary W. Hamburg, 32° Most Wise Master Council Greetings Sovereign Princes. As I write this it is 72 degrees out and sunny in November in Syracuse? Hope you are all taking advantage of this nice weather while it lasts. The holidays will be here soon enough and before I forget I would like to wish all of you and families a joyous holiday season. Please be careful in your gathering if you have any as we all have to be vigilant in regards to COVID. The Valley is preparing to present the 32nd degree on December 14th. Due to restrictions on gathering sizes we have to limit the presentation to about 40 people total. Your Valley officers are always here to assist in any way possible. Stay safe everybody. God bless you all, Freemasons, our military and this great country. James McNeal, 32º DSA Sovereign Prince Lodge Greetings Princes. Here we are in December, maybe you thought it would never get here. Anyway, as the temperature continues to drop and the white stuff starts to fly, please take extra precaution to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy thru the Holiday Season. Good Riddance 2020!! What a difficult and trying year it has been for us all. Having said that we should all rejoice during the holidays that we have made it through the tough times and are ready to face the challenge of the new year with new hopes for better times and more of the Scottish Rite Masonry we love. The Valley Staff and Executive Committee is very excited about hosting a slightly modified conferral of the 32nd Degree, on December 14th. Our Current Candidates have waited so very patiently during all of the COVID restrictions and are finally able to receive the honorable distinction. It is indeed in our hopes and prayers it will be a successful and meaningful experience allowing them to bring in the new year as fully vested 32nd Degree Masons. The Christmas Season is a time of new Hope and reflection on the Joys and birth of the Christ Child. Within the scriptures of the Volume of the Sacred Law are laid down the principles upon which to build a righteous life living in harmony with our fellow man. Regardless of your religious beliefs, as Freemasons, we all strive to live up to those same principles in our lives and actions. The Lodge of Perfection is designed to investigate and that spirituality and amplify the lessons from the Biblical Era. Among those lessons we can find the Core Values of: Reverence to God, Integrity, Justice & Service outlined in the 4th thru 14th Degrees of the Lodge of Perfection. Let us as Scottish Rite Masons use this new hope and new year to renew our commitment to the Reverence of the Great Architect of the Universe and solidify the Core Values of all the Degrees in our lives. My Lovely Wife and I, along with all of the Officers of the Lodge of Perfection, send each and everyone in the human family, warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! God Bless Terry A. Byard, 32° DSA Thrice Potent Master Hospitaler Greetings Brethren, I hope everyone made it through Thanksgiving safely, and as we prepare for the rest of the Holiday Season continue to use good judgment when out and about. It is warm and sunny as I am writing this article, but not for much longer….. Some helpful hints as the days grow shorter are fill up the windshield washer fluid in your vehicles, and get out the snowblower. Many of us “Senior Brothers” believe in our heads that we are still 35 when it comes to shoveling the sidewalk…..but when the deep snow comes don’t be be foolish… Listen to your wife and get some help lined up now ! If you are in need of some confidential assistance please contact us…We may be able to provide some type of help. Enjoy your Holiday safely and remember to wear that mask! Merry Christmas, Dick Freeman – 315-837-4962 freeman1574@frontier.com Welcome to My World Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY We have been truly blessed with great support from all of you as we continue the adventure. Things continue to move as smoothly as possible with our face to face (behind clear face masks and on opposite sides of a clear divider) tutoring. The majority of the children seem happy with the one-on-one tutoring. (I should qualify that with “as happy as 8 th graders can be”, as most of our children are in 8th grade this year.) School is a challenge for many of our children as some are doing home schooling, some are “attending school” virtually and many are doing a mix of virtual and in school learning. The latter can vary from 3 days in school and 2 virtual or vice versa; 4 days in school 8 days virtual, and any mix in between. We applaud our families for getting their children to us, especially if they have several children of varying ages and mixed school formats. How they keep it all straight is beyond me. Our tutors are stepping up to the challenge as well. We have had to shorten our lesson times by about 5 minutes to allow us to stagger the entry and exit of the children. Parents are not allowed in (unless meeting with a tutor or myself) and the entry area is cleaned after each child goes through. We have a flip phone used only for contact with families when the children arrive or are ready to leave. The tutors disinfect their rooms after each child and the Center is “deep cleaned” before we begin another week. It is still a busy place. Sadly, we have found that the two-three months of virtual tutoring (or lack of any tutoring for those children unable to get on line, or for whom we did not have a tutor available) has made for a great deal of “loss” in the retention of phonemes and concepts taught prior to March 2020. We are doing our best to get the returning children ‘back on track’ and get the new children ‘on the right track’. Your constant prayers and support help make all of this possible. Our virtual fundraisers were very encouraging and we are in the process of planning a wonderful GALA for next March. We have hopes of an in-person event but, if need be, an alternate ‘virtual’ event is also in the works. We will be sending out more information soon so ‘stay tuned’. With Our Thanks and Blessings for the Holidays Linda L. Martin, Director Email- lmartin@cdcinc.org Phone- (315) 736-0574 Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY PO Box 638 Oriskany, NY 13424 Virtual Burns Supper in 2021 With COVID-19 continuing to be a major problem and our usual room too small to accommodate our usual attendees in a safe & socially distant manner, I feel that I must cancel our Burns Supper for 2021. That being said, I see no reason why we can't hold a virtual Burns Supper using Zoom for those who would still like to gather. We can still have poems & toasts and the "Address to the Haggis". The date will be Saturday, January 30th, 2021 with the exact time to be determined, likely 6 or 7 PM. If you would like to "attend" our 2021 Virtual Burns Supper and, more importantly, participate with a poem or some other piece of entertainment, please email me at rjpowell@syr-aasr.org Once I have received an email from you, I will email you with updates and the Zoom link once it is established. I wish everyone a "Happy Holiday" and look forward to seeing you on January 30th. Rick Powell 2021 – 2022 Scholarship Applications Available Applications to apply for 2021 – 2022 Academic Year Supreme Council, AASR Leon M. Abbott Scholarships and New York State Council of Deliberation Scholarship Aid are scheduled to be available by December 1, 2020. Go to the Valley of Syracuse Web site www.syr-aasr.org for the links to obtain the information online. Application titled “2021-2022 Application for Scottish Rite Scholarship Aid Leon M. Abbott and/or NYS Council of Deliberation” To all applicants: The deadline date to submit your completed applications to the Valley of Syracuse is Thursday April 1, 2021. That means in the office by close of business Thursday April 1, 2020. Applications received in the Valley of Syracuse office after 4:00 p.m. Thursday April 1, 2021 will not be considered. New Applications must be used. There is one combined Application for 2021- 2022. The Combined Application must be used. Graduating High School Seniors may apply again this year. The members of our Youth Groups; Triangle, Rainbow, and DeMolay; are eligible to apply for financial assistance. Students who complete the program at the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in New York State may also apply. Ten applicants from the Valley of Syracuse received financial assistance from this program for the 2020 - 2021 scholastic year. Congratulations and best wishes to them. It is very important that all information requested in the instructions for application preparation be included with your application when it is originally submitted. Please contact the Valley Office at (315) 452-7976 if you have any questions or require assistance and information. Meritorious Service Award Recipients for 2020-2021 Congratulations to Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite members Stephen G. Maddox, 32° and Terry A. Byard, 32° elected Saturday October 10, 2020 to receive the New York State Meritorious Service Award at the 2021 New York A.A.S.R. Council of Deliberation Executive Session in Syracuse, NY September 25, 2021 in recognition of your dedicated service to the Valley of Syracuse and to Scottish Rite Freemasonry. Your Brothers and peers in the Valley of Syracuse are very happy to receive notification of your election at the 2020 COD Executive Session. Effective with your election you are now Distinguished Brothers in the Valley of Syracuse and will receive your symbolic Red MSA Cap in the near future. Regarding Degrees To the Sublime Princes in the Valley of Syracuse; Scottish Riters all- The Valley of Syracuse last presented a degree program March 9, 2020. Then the COVID-19 Pandemic entered our lives. Our officers and members truly miss the camaraderie and Masonic fellowship of preparing and presenting quality degree work. We anxiously await the time when our degrees can be conferred using live casts. As the months pass the Valley of Syracuse continues to abide by the guidelines for Valley operations issued to us by the Deputy for New York, the Grand Master of Masons in New York, and our Sovereign Grand Commander. Your Valley Executive Committee and Officers continue to work diligently to establish the Guidelines and Details that must be followed to complete the 2020- 2021 Class of New Member’s journey to be Knighted 32° Scottish Rite Masons. At the present time the only option available to the Valley is to confer the 32° on a Monday evening. During these times we cannot confer this degree with a full live cast. Any 32° conferred must be a combination of a recorded narrative and live presentations. Hopefully, we will be able to accomplish this objective during the month of December. We must always remember that our task objective is to present the Scottish Rite message to our members in the best manner possible. We will make certain to publish our plans to the membership when the date and time are confirmed. If questions remain regarding this policy please contact the Valley office. Blue Envelope Appeal Remember to mail your contribution to the “Blue Envelope Appeal”. Contributions to this fund support students seeking financial assistance thru the Supreme Council Abbott Scholarship program. The goal in 2020-2021 is to increase the percentage of Scottish Rite Masons supporting the “Blue Envelope Appeal” fund. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! The festive Holiday Season is upon us once again. The traditional greetings of “Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!” have given way to the now socially acceptable greeting “Happy Holidays!”. Whatever your preference, the Officers of Central City Bodies, and the staff at the Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite Office extends their sincere Holiday Greetings to all who take the time to scan and read our Scottish Rite page each issue. To the leaders in the four Bodies of Scottish Rite in the Valley of Syracuse this year thank you for the support and assistance provided to your office staff. To all of our fellow Scottish Riters wherever you may be this Holiday Season; our prayers and thoughts are with you. May your travels all be safe. Please make certain to remember our Valley Members on Active Duty in the Military in your thoughts and prayers. On behalf of D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32º MSA Commander-In-Chief, Central City Consistory, S.P.R.S. Gary W. Hamburg, 32º, Most Wise Master, Central City Chapter Rose Croix, James McNeal, 32º DSA, Sovereign Prince, Central City Council Princes of Jerusalem, D.B. Terry A. Byard, 32º MSA, Thrice Potent Master, Central City Lodge of Perfection and your office staff; Mrs. Sharon Fox, Mrs. Sharon Swan, and Ill.·. James D. Swan, Jr., 33º, Valley of Syracuse Secretary, Happy Holidays; Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Teddy Bear Pendants Available Supports Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York The Valley of Syracuse office has Swarovski Crystal Teddy Bear Pendants for sale with all proceeds from the sale going to support Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York. Priced at $ 40.00 each; this is a joint Valleys of Rochester and Syracuse Project. Looking for a surprise gift or a “Stocking Stuffer” for your wife or significant other; surprise her with a Limited Edition Swarovski Teddy Bear pendant. Contact the Valley of Syracuse office 315-452-7976 or ny017@twcny.rr.com to purchase a sparkling Teddy Bear pendant. The children at our Center wish everyone Happy Holidays! and thank you for the continued support. As result of the ordered by the Grand Master cancellation of Masonic meetings and events for the near future. The Monday, December 14, 2020 Central City Consistory, AASR meeting scheduled to confer the 32° on our current class of candidates will be rescheduled to another date and time when we are allowed to meet. The Valley office will let everyone know the dates when our meetings and events can be rescheduled. Fraternally,
November 11, 2020
By order of the Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York all Masonic meetings scheduled in the Onondaga Masonic District are cancelled! This notice is effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday November 12, 2020 and continues until further notice is received from the Grand Master of Masons in New York State. SCOTTISH RITE MEETING NOVEMBER 16, 2020 IS CANCELLED!
If you would like to "attend" our 2021 Virtual Burns Supper and, more importantly, participate with a poem or some other piece of entertainment, please email me at rjpowell@syr-aasr.org Once I have received an email from you, I will email you with updates and the Zoom link once it is established. ~Your Host, Rick Powell
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