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The Valley of Syracuse welcomes new Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret! Of the 25 members of the combined Ill. Richard J Powell, 33° & D.B. Douglas H. Storey, 32° MSA Classes, nine traveled from near and far to be Knighted on Saturday, April17th. Congratulations!!!  Calendar
April 2021 April 5 Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m. Apr 17 32° Conferral- final arrangements and scheduling to be confirmed. Attendance will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions May 2021 May 3 Trustees Meeting/Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m. May TBA Annual Meeting with election and installation of Valley Officers. Details TBA Note: We will continue to send Specific Event invitation notices from the office for all personal and virtual 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 COVID-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 North Syracuse Masonic Memorial Center. Consistory Greetings, As Covid infections in our area have been on a decline and vaccinations have become more available I am excited to finally begin a renewed journey. The Officers of the Central City Bodies have been patiently waiting for the day when we could resume the in-person events that we were used to for many years. By the time you read this article we will have presented our Radio version of the 23rd Degree “Knight of Valor” on March 15, 2021.My thanks to the following Brothers who brought this together; Ill:. James D. Swan, Jr., 33° for hosting the Zoom meeting, Ill:. Gary S. Hartman, 33° for Adapting the original script, Ill:. Richard J. Powell 33° for adding the background scenes and sound effects and D.B. William H. Toth II, 32° MSA for assembling the cast for this degree. I thank you and all the cast members and our audience that attended this special event. I especially want to thank Ill:. David P. Spencer 33°, Deputy for New York for granting us permission to present this adaptation of this moving degree. We were also able to present the Feast of the Paschal Lamb on March 27, 2021 which we were able to stream live to our web site with the help of Brother Joseph Stabb, 32° and Ill:. Gary S. Hartman 33°. Thanks also to S.P.R.S. Gary W. Hamburg, M.W.M.,for assembling the cast for this presentation. April 17, 2021 is a date we have been awaiting for over a year when we will finally have our Reunion and 32nd Degree Knighting of our last two classes of candidates as S.P.R.S. due to the size of the classes we may be required to do this ceremony in a split session due to restrictions that could still be in place at the time of this event. Special thanks to all who attended and supported the 7th annual Gala for the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Central New York as a Virtual event isn’t technology wonderful ? 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 The Lost Word, one recalls, is the representation of several things: the loss of reason, intellect and the moral sense and the loss of a true conception of Deity. In the drama of the 18th degree, we are asked to labor both day and night for the Lost Word and while searching, three pillars appear: Faith, Hope and Charity, to aid our search out of the wilderness of doubt, dismay and despair. We must continue our search for the True Word while also pursuing the explanation of how to reconcile the existence of sin, wrong, pain and suffering in the world, the prosperity of the wicked and powerful, the untold wrongs and injustices, and the emptiness of some religious creeds. During our search we learn the Masonic meaning of the initials I. N. R. I. inscribed upon the cross of Christ in John 19:19. The True Word having been discovered in John’s gospel and having been placed upon the cross: Iesvs, Nazarenvs, Rex, Ivdeorvm means “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” Others have interpreted the initials to: Igne, Natura, Renovatur, Integra meaning “All Nature is Renovated by Fire.” All the degrees prior to and including this degree have led us to a better understanding of our Faith in a Creator, a Hope for a life hereafter and Charity to all that may need our help. Thus, we have been given a platform on which the Muslim, the Hebrew, the Hindu, the Buddhist and the Christian may stand side by side and hand to hand as true Brethren, each respecting the private beliefs of the other and doing him no harm. So, as a Mason and also a Knight of the Rose Croix, do your attitude and actionsreflect Faith, Hope and Charity? Gary W. Hamburg, 32° Most Wise Master Council Greetings Sovereign Princes. The Valley officers are in the midst of planning the 32nd, how that will happen is in the works but it will be good to start doing degrees again. One of the new things is that The Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Library is starting a new program where you can sign up to borrow digital copies of books from the library. What an easy, fun way to gain even more insight and education on Scottish Rite. Look for an email for the easy sign up process. We would like to see more Brothers participate in the degrees both virtual and in person so if you are interested in taking part please let the office know. With Easter coming up, all of the officers of Council Princes of Jerusalem wish you all a joyous and safe Easter. Stay safe everybody. God bless you all, Freemasons, our military and this great country. James McNeal, 32º DSA Sovereign Prince Lodge Greetings Brethren: Ahhhh! April is here with warmer weather, longer days and hopes for a bright and happy summer. With COVID restrictions lessening the Officers of the Lodge of Perfection want to wish you and your Families the very best the spring\summer season has to Offer!! With our lives opening back up and Lodges beginning to meet again I would like to make a special plea to all who are reading this article in the Word!! As I have said many times before throughout this pandemic and everything before the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite NMJ and the Valley of Syracuse is by far the finest Masonic experience here in the North Country. Some of the highlights are: Well rehearsed degree work portrayed in full costume; Organized and meaningful meetings; Providing “Virtual Degree work and other meaningful content throughout COVID restrictions; State of the Art AASR NMJ Website With Leadership Resource Center; fun side groups such as the Knights of St Andrew; Well recognized Award system that's fairly distributed; Military Recognition nites, and truly Family oriented content such as family dinners with musical entertainment, Sporting event outings and Family BBQ events. We even, currently, have the ability to make any Master Mason a Scottish Rite Mason in His own Lodge or from the comfort of His own home (Virtually). Again I PLEA to all who are reading this to consider becoming part of the Valley of Syracuse Family or if already a member help spread the word about all we do and entice one or two of your friends and Brothers to Join!!! Happy Easter from the Lodge Of Perfection and may God Bless each and every one of you Terry A. Byard, 32° DSA Thrice Potent Master Hospitaler Greetings Brothers, The good news is that Spring is finally here, and more and more people are getting vaccinated, however illness and injuries are currently high in our Valley. Under Sickness, our thoughts are with Fred Dambach, David Freeman, Robert Valenson, George Caswell, and his wife Diane, James Mooney, and Tim DiMare from the Valley of Utica. Under distress for the loss of loved ones are Daniel Lort, John Seel, William C. Brunet, Bruce Dauer, Bruce Naumann, and the family of Leon Milner. We keep all of these people in our thoughts & prayers. Informed sources report that Sandy Samson has been causing problems down in Cortlandville. Rumor has it that he suffered a broken arm while brushing snow from his car! Hope this gives you a chuckle Sandy, Please get better soon …We miss you at the Valley. The Hospitalers Fund is always in need. If you are able to help, please send a check made out to Central City Bodies, and directed for the Hospitalers Fund. If you are in need of some confidential assistance please contact us…We may be able to provide some type of help. Keep wearing that mask… Dick Freeman – 315-837-4962 freeman1574@frontier.com Welcome to My World Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY Who would ever believe that we have been dealing with the COVOD 19 pandemic for over a year! After the mandated closure last spring and our 6 week stint of tutoring via ZOOM, I am happy to report that the Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York has managed to stay open and meet with the children in a one-on-one situation without incident since the beginning of October 2020. Due to monumental efforts by the Board, tutors, families, Gineal and myself, we have, hopefully, weathered the worst of it and will soon begin to return to some sense of normalcy. We had some wonderful news recently. Colton’s mother called to Thank us for all the help Colton received at the Center. (He completed his second year last spring when I had the privilege of working with him on ZOOM) She was thrilled to let us know that Colton made Honor Roll this last semester, something she was sure would not have happened without his time at the Center. As always, I want to remind you that this only happens because of your continued support of our program. Every child who comes to the Center is impacted in a positive manner because of what you do for us! For that, I Thank You. Other news- We have yet to finalize plans for the annual Recognition Ceremony. We want to do something to honor this year’s children and tutors as well as those who we were not able to honor last spring. ‘Stay tuned’ and we will bring you updates as we know more. Blessings to you all and wishes for a Warm and Beautiful Spring. Linda L. Martin, Director Email- lmartin@cdcinc.org Phone- (315) 736-0574 Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY PO Box 638 Oriskany, NY 13424 SPECIAL INVITATION TO ALL AREA MASONIC LODGES AND MASTER MASONS Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R., Valley of Syracuse Invites YOU to a Masonic Lodge Outreach and Scottish Rite “Rite on the Road” Degrees Conferral Program What: A Scottish Rite degree conferral program to confer the 4° “Builder”; the first Scottish Rite degree starting a Master Mason’s journey to become a 32° Scottish Rite Mason in a Master Mason’s Home Lodge and Community. Where: At a Masonic Lodge building in your Community When: On a scheduled date at a convenient time selected by your Masonic Lodge. A Membership Team representative from Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R., Valley of Syracuse will make contact with your Masonic Lodge or you may contact the Valley of Syracuse Office for more information - Phone: (315) 452-7976 / E-mail: ny017@twcny.rr.com 2021 – 2022 Scholarship Applicants Applicants receiving a scholarship for 2021- 2022 will be notified in August 2021. Latest communications from the Scholarship Committees confirm that the checks will be mailed to the recipients after the announcements are made. We anticipate that the distribution of Financial Assistance checks will occur during the month of August this year. We will keep everyone informed if announcements are received changing this latest Scholarship Committee announcement. SPECIAL NOTE!! If your studies were interrupted during 2020-2021 academic year due to the pandemic and you plan to return to school full time Fall 2021 please complete your application and submit it!! Here are the instructions for purchasing the basket raffle that will be drawn at 10am on Thursday March 11, 2021, and announced at the end of the entertainment the night of the Gala. Please make sure your check or cash (if stopping by the Center) is at the Center by Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Any check or money received after Wednesday will be returned to the sender.
If you have any questions please call the Center (315-736-0576) and we will explain everything. Calendar
March 2021 Mar 1 Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m. Mar 27 Feast of the Paschal Lamb 2:30 p.m. Exact event details to be sent from the Valley office due to COVID-19 meeting requirements April 2021 April 5 Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m. Apr 26 Trustees/Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m. Note: Specific Event invitation notices will be sent from the office for all personal and virtual 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 North Syracuse Masonic Memorial Center. Consistory Greetings! Great news on the horizon, it looks like the restrictions placed by our M.W. William M. Sardone, Grand Master of Masons in N.Y.S., are starting to relax. We are planning a date for the 32° to be conferred in a hybrid form which has been approved last Fall by the Ill. David P. Spenser, 33°, Deputy for N.Y.S... We have a nice sized class that has been in waiting since last spring to be Knighted a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret. In that time the class size has grown thanks to the Virtual Reunion program presented by the Supreme Council of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. This program has been a godsend for Scottish Rite during this pandemic and has brought in over 1,000 new members in the Fall of 2020 according to the February 2021 article in “The Northern Light” Scottish Rite magazine. Congratulations to Brennan J. Parken, 32° for leading this program. Mark your Calendars for Monday, March 15, 2021 when we plan to present the 23° as a “Radio Degree” via Zoom. The size of the cast and members of the class would make it difficult to present live. This degree was scheduled for March 21,2020 but we all know what happened due to Covid-19 paying the U.S.A. a visit. If you want to view this presentation please contact the Valley Secretary, Ill. James D. Swan, Jr. and look for the link in his e-mail. We are also hopeful that we can present the Feast of The Paschal Lamb live on March 27, 2021 keep a lookout for the time to be determined. Many thanks to the Knights of St. Andrew and Ill. Rick Powell 33° and Lady Marian for their Virtual Robert Burns Celebration on Jan. 30th, 2021 it was a huge success. Warmer days are ahead, 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 The Book of Life is sealed and Wisdom, now unequal to its task yields to Folly. Strength, undermined by Evil, surrenders to Weakness; Beauty is overshadowed by Sin. We are reminded that mankind has often made the same mistakes over and over again as the Book of Life reveals. The people seem to ignore the past and fail to learn from its pages. Man, therefore seeks a new Temple to the Creator but it is no longer built of stone or wood but within our hearts. In addition, new laws to govern our spiritual being are also in need. The eighteenth degree plays off the prior degree searching for a way to open the sealed Book of Life. It teaches that our hearts will be the new Temple where the Creator is worshipped in Spirit and in Truth. The new law will be that of Love which mankind may understand and practice. The Word is found and the Sealed Book is opened. To get to the True Word and Light that will yield an understanding of love and hate, charity and selfishness, tolerance and acceptance, a reconciliation of opposites, must take place; a kind of balancing of beliefs in a Creator greater than one’s self and fellow brothers. The Brothers will learn that Mason’s accept all good men of whatever creed or faith, and understand that Freemasonry may teach great Truths that do not exclusively belong to any one particular religion. Understanding this is necessary to be able to live according to the New Law of Love. From the book written by Arturo DeHoyes Scottish Rite Rituals: Monitor and Guide: “The Knights of Rose Croix practice Charity in all its aspects and they derive strength to labor in the cause of Humanity from Faith and Hope. …when the True Word is recovered, the Cubical Stone is changed into the Mystic Rose; the Blazing Star reappears in its entire splendor, the columns of the Temple are reestablished, and the working tools of Masonry are restored. The True Light will dispel the Darkness, and the New Law will rule upon the Earth.” Gary W. Hamburg, 32° Most Wise Master Council Greetings Sovereign Princes. Well if it’s March, I guess that means spring can’t be too far behind right? As the days get longer and (hopefully) warmer it is time to think about our next AASR year. This past year has been quite unusual for the Valley and it’s officers. We didn’t get a chance to get much done but hope does spring eternal. Now is a good time to think about our next year and with that, we would like to see some new blood in the officer lines so if you are interested let the office know. We will be looking to fill one position in CPJ. Something I have been thinking about is how The Valley of Syracuse doesn’t get mentioned in The Northern Light that much – I want to see that change. We are an excellent Valley and do some wonderful things (when we can) so why not let the entire NMJ know about us? Submitting an article is easy and if you don’t know how to it, I will gladly do it for you. Stay safe everybody. God bless you all, Freemasons, our military and this great country. James McNeal, 32º DSA Sovereign Prince Lodge Greetings Princes: March brings in hopes of a return to normalcy and thoughts of the pending spring with warmer weather and longer days. Since the Grand Master has opened up some of the restrictions on meeting it is our deepest hope we can start meeting again in person. During the February executive meeting we were discussing going forward with the modified 32 Degree that many of our candidates have been waiting for way too long. As well as the possibility of hosting the Feast of the Paschal Lamb at the Memorial Center on March 27th. Let us all hope we will be able to go forward with these and other on person events. In this writing I wanted to give special thanks to Ill. Richard Powell and his lovely wife Marian for hosting a truly outstanding virtual Burns commemoration. Among the many Knights of St. Andrew from the valley we also had Knights from NYC, Rochester, and Binghamton in attendance. Inspirational and funny videos were presented, Several Robert Burns poems read, Scottish Songs, and many toasts were had along with the famous Ode’ to the Haggis presented by Steve Maddox, DSA. Although we longed for the next in person Burns Dinner at Colemans everyone in attendance had a truly wonderful time. Ill. Powell and his lady showed how with a little creativity mixed in with a little effort a virtual event can be created with interesting and engaging content that captures the essence of excellence in Scottish Rite Masonry. In closing this months article, and reflecting on the craziness of the political and social climate in the United States these days, I would like to present a little March trivia: On March 3rd 1753, George Washington received his Fellowcraft degree in Fredericksburg Lodge in Virginia and on March 6th 1775, several black men, including one named Prince Hall, were initiated into Freemasonry in Boston. This marked the beginning of what became a huge movement or organization in the United States known as Prince Hall Masonry, composed mainly of African Americans. These Masonic Milestones helped shape the philosophy and unity that made America the great melting pot of prosperity and home of the free . in these difficult times with segregated thought may we NEVER forget our masonic philosophy, and history, and continue to spread our beneficent influence on all mankind! Terry A. Byard, 32° DSA Thrice Potent Master Hospitaler Greetings Brothers and Sisters, I hope everyone is still healthy as we get ready to head into March. Dianne and I received our 2nd shot of the Moderna vaccine mid February, but we are not letting our guard down, as the variant strains are still a concern out there. It looks like we will be wearing masks, social distancing, and having Zoom meetings for a while longer. The Hospitalers Fund is always in need. If you are able to help, please send a check made out to Central City Bodies, and directed for the Hospitalers Fund. If you are in need of some confidential assistance please contact us…We may be able to provide some type of help. I know I sound like a broken record, but please keep using hand sanitizer and wear that mask! Dick Freeman – 315-837-4962 freeman1574@frontier.com Welcome to My World Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY By the time you read this we are likely to have already enjoyed a “virtual” evening with Illusionist Leon Etienne. A great deal of effort and hard work by the special Board Committee and Gineal went into making the evening a great success. Gineal and I are usually very happy with our parent, tutor and Board member committee putting the GALA together but a virtual event of this magnitude took some special talents and we are very grateful that the Board Members stepped up to the task. Meanwhile, back at the Center, we continue to work with our children and train our two scholar/trainees. We continue to be extremely diligent with the COVOD 19 protocols put in place to keep everyone coming to the Center safe. Perfect attendance (seldom achieved at any time) is out this year but we are thankful the tutors and families have been cautious and stayed home until assured they have been assured that they are COVID free. Gineal and I are very well versed in taking temperatures and along with all the tutors, we are quite accomplished at disinfecting all surfaces at the Center. We continue to get a deep clean every week and we have access to a disinfectant “fogger” should we ever have need of it. (We pray that does not come to be.) Our families continue to thank us for our diligent efforts and for giving their children the opportunity to be tutored in person (for some of our children their visits here are the only “outings” they get). As a whole, the children are doing well and making good progress which is all that we can ask in these times. Some of the children struggle with the virtual (home) and mixed school (home and school) situations as learning new things is often a struggle at best for them but we are attempting to continue to give them a better base to work from. This can only happen because of your support and for that we are, as always, eternally grateful. We are in hopes of an on-site Recognition Ceremony this June but, like the GALA, we are trying to be flexible and may have to call on our Special Committee to make something happen in the virtual world. Stay tuned as we wend our way through this “bold new world”. Linda L. Martin, Director Email- lmartin@cdcinc.org Phone- (315) 736-0574 Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY PO Box 638 Oriskany, NY 13424 Call for New Members Are you curious about Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry? If you are a Master Mason in Good standing you are eligible to complete an Application for Degrees. Our application fee is currently $110 and must be accompanied by a copy of your Blue Lodge Dues Card. Annual dues are currently only $83 per year. The application can be obtained at the Masonic Memorial Center 648 Centerville Place, North Syracuse, NY. The office is currently open Monday-Wednesday 9am- 4:30pm. Call 315-452-2366 before arriving. You must have your temperature taken upon entering the building and be in good health. You can go online to www.srnmj.org to fill out an electronic petition or contact the Valley Secretary, Ill:. James D. Swan, Jr. at ny017@twcny.rr.com to request a petition. I, as Commander in Chief, am the Chairman of the Valley Membership Action Team consisting of the following Brothers: Earl L. Tuttle, William H. Toth II, Terry A. Byard and Kenneth D. Sterling. Ken heads up the Lodge Ambassador Program designed to reach out to Masters of Lodges who may be interested in having a Scottish Rite Program presented to their members for their Trestleboard. Terry heads up the Rite on the Road Program designed to bring Scottish Rite Degrees to a Lodge for any Blue Lodge Members who are interested in becoming a Scottish Rite Member. Earl is Chairman of Membership and New Members Recruiting Committee. Bill heads up the Members Mentoring Committee. Due to very few Lodges being able to confer Degrees there are very few new Master Masons being raised during the pandemic. Rest assured that the Valley of Syracuse is here for you when you are ready and able to become a Scottish Rite Brother. I can be reached via e-mail at lwegnaczyk@ verizon.net for any questions you may have. D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA Commander in Chief 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. SPECIAL NOTE!! If your studies were interrupted during 2020-2021 academic year due to the pandemic and you plan to return to school fulltime Fall 2021 please complete your application and submit it!! Special Invitation to Area Masonic Lodges & Master Masons Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R., Valley of Syracuse Invites YOU to a Masonic Lodge Outreach and Scottish Rite “Rite on the Road” Degrees Conferral Program What: A Scottish Rite degree conferral program to confer the 4° “Builder”; the first Scottish Rite degree starting a Master Mason’s journey to become a 32° Scottish Rite Mason in a Master Mason’s Home Lodge and Community. Where: At a Masonic Lodge building in your Community When: On a scheduled date at a convenient time selected by your Masonic Lodge. A Membership Team representative from Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R., Valley of Syracuse will make contact with your Masonic Lodge or you may contact the Valley of Syracuse Office for more information Phone: (315) 452-7976 E-mail: ny017@twcny.rr.com 7th Annual Learning Center Virtual GALA Hello Scottish Rite members in the Valley of Syracuse. I am writing this memo February 8, 2021. The 7th Annual Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York GALA Virtual “Reading Can be an Illusion” FundRaising Event supporting Children’s Dyslexia Center, Central New York is Saturday evening March 13, 2021. On behalf of the Children and the Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York Board of Governors and the Trustees of the 32° Masonic Center Corporation; THANK YOU! to all who can virtually attend and support the 2021 GALA! If anyone desires to learn more about the Dyslexia Center please contact Mrs. Linda Martin, Center Director, at the Center 315-736-0574 or call the contact phone number for the Valley of Syracuse Office: 315-452-7976 E-Mail: Children’s Dyslexia Center, CNY: CentralNY@cdcinc.org Linda Martin: LMartin@cdcinc.org Jim Swan: ny017@twcny.rr.com Sharon Fox: adminny@twcny.rr.com Please contact us whenever assistance or information is needed. The Children's Dyslexia Center Central New York holds an Annual Gala Fundraiser each March to benefit the Center. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the 2021 Gala which will be the 7th, will be Virtual. It will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Below, you will find information on the event which includes a live performance by Illusionist Leon Etienne. He is known throughout the world for his Magic Rocks Show. In order to participate complete the information on the sheet. Once registered, an email link will be sent with login information for the Zoom event.     Calendar
February 2021 Feb 1 Trustees “ZOOM” Virtual Meeting 7:00 p.m. Executive committee following the Trustees meeting Feb 15 Sweetheart Program “Virtual Event’ 7:00 p.m. Hosted by Consistory Program by Jim Nelson March 2021 Mar 1 Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m. Note: Specific Event invitation notices will be sent from the office for all personal and virtual 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 North Syracuse Masonic Memorial Center. Consistory My Brothers and Sisters, I hope you are staying healthy and safe as we are still dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic. The 7th degree radio version presented on December 14th ,2020 via Zoom was a success and received many positive comments from our members. That has led to the decision to present the 23rd degree in a similar fashion. Keep your ears and eyes open for the announcement of the date and the time for this event and the office will send out the link for those members who want to view this program. There is also discussion for a Virtual presentation of The Feast of the Paschal Lamb March 27,2021. More information will be forthcoming. I will close for now to leave room for my message regarding Membership. We will try our best to keep in touch with our membership of any events that might be planned this spring. Everything we attempt is affected by the mandates set by the NYS Governor, County Executive and The Grand Master of Masons for NYS, William Sardone. 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 Within the Seventeenth degree, we have what is called a “Tracing Board.” In this design is a heptagon embracing a circle. At the points outside of the heptagon are the letters: B. D. W. P. H. G. F. and at the points inside the heptagon are the letters: F. U. R. D. F. P. T. Also, there are seven golden candlesticks over which are the letters: E. S. P. T. S. P. L. These letters represent the seven churches at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. The letters outside the heptagon represent: Beauty, to adorn our works Divinity, to study which is one of our principal aims Wisdom, to invent and work Power, to punish and confront wicked brethren and the profane Honor, as an indispensable quality of Freemasons Glory that the true Freemason is an equal to the prince and potentate Font which is necessary to support and maintain us (as in baptismal/holy water) The inside initials of the heptagon stand for the seven qualities which all brethren must possess to earn this degree: Friendship, Union, Resignation, Discretion, Fidelity, Prudence and Temperance. This degree is the first of the series of Modern or Accepted degrees as opposed to those of the Ancient degrees (4 th to 16 th ). Within the drama we discover that the Book of Life is sealed. The Word (for the Creator) needed to unlock it is lost and the Temple within man is built and dedicated to the God of Truth. The eighteenth degree will further expand on the lost Word, the sealed Book of Life and the God of Truth. We discover in McClenachan’s The Book of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, that the surviving Knights and Princes of the Crusades returned to their respective countries resolved to do in theory (spend the last drop of their blood to establish a true religion) what they could not do in the Crusades. “They took the names of Princes of Jerusalem and Knights of the East and West. In memory of the places where this Order was first instituted, and because their doctrines came from the East and West they have, ever since their first establishment, adhered to their customs and forms of reception. In the year 1118, the first Knights of the Order, to number of eleven, took their vows between the hands of Armelfo Guavi Mundos, who hailed from the province of Amiens in France and Prince Patriarch of Jerusalem.” Gary W. Hamburg, 32° Most Wise Master Council Greetings Sovereign Princes. Well not much to report on the activity front because COVID is still keeping gatherings to a bare minimum. That should not stop us from practicing the principles of Freemasonry and Scottish Rite in everything we do, especially when it comes to charity. Please give what you can to the charity of your choice. Think of those you know that could use some help during these tough times, it might be running a quick errand for them or something as simple as a phone call to check on them. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and in the case of not having in person meetings and live degrees that is certainly true. Speaking of degrees, make sure and check out Thursday Night at The Rite, they have started back up. Your Valley is always well represented in the attendance of these. One new thing that we are working on is a DSA group and I have the pleasure of getting this off the ground. Suggestions are always welcome. DSAs will be hearing more on this very shortly. Stay safe everybody. God bless you all, Freemasons, our military and this great country. James McNeal, 32º DSA Sovereign Prince Lodge Greetings Brethren: February is the month of paying tribute to the ones we love. Although as Men and Masons we should show our love and appreciation every day, Valentines Day provides an opportunity to give special recognition to reflect on how much they care, support and really do for us and our great fraternity. First and foremost they put up with our many nights out with the fraternity and often are asked to help provide refreshments (on short notice), help us with memory work, and or attend Masonic social events (Which may be our priority but not theirs). They give their love and support in too many ways to count. They are truly critical to us as individuals and to the fraternity we love. So Brethren, let us all give special attention this month to our Spouses, Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, and other Caregivers in our Lives! Brethren, I am happy to say that the Supreme Council has brought back Thursday Night at the Rite for Season 2, and the Valley of Syracuse Executive Committee continues to work for you to provide interesting content and Degree work despite continued restrictions in the county and state. I truly hope to see you all person to person soon!! I would like to close February’s article with some inspiring words from our Sovereign Grand Commander, from his 2020 in review Address: “If this year has taught me anything (Speaking of 2020), it's that the world needs more men like us. Men who carry the principles of Freemasonry deep in their hearts, upholding and sharing our values to create a better world… Let us enter the new Year standing tall and proud of what we have accomplished. In 2021, let us lead with our Masonic principles, inspiring others to find in their Heart the peace that comes with a life dedicated to uplifting others and working towards your best self. The world needs you now more than ever.” Terry A. Byard, 32° DSA Thrice Potent Master Hospitaler Greetings Brethren, I hope everyone is still healthy as we get ready to head into February. Dianne and I are in the 1-B category, (75 and older) and are next on schedule to receive the vaccine. On a happier note, the days are getting longer, and lets hope that on Groundhog Day, Puntsutawney Phil does a good job! Every day in the mail we get requests for much needed donations for all kinds of charities….The Hospitalers Fund is no different, if you are able to help, please send a check made out to Central City Bodies for the Hospitalers Fund. If you are in need of some confidential assistance please contact us…We may be able to provide some type of help. I know I sound like a broken record, but please keep using hand sanitizer and wear that mask! Dick Freeman – 315-837-4962 freeman1574@frontier.com Welcome to My World Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY 2021 – A Whole New Year We are so excited that our Celebration GALA is right around the corner. Mark March 13th , 7:00 PM on your Calendar. We will be presenting a live show by Leon Etienne, an accomplished Magical Arts Performer and local resident who was a finalist on America’s Got Talent a few years ago. We want you to be prepared for the best jaw dropping grand illusions exploding on stage from his critically acclaimed 60 minute hit show, Magic Rocks!. Due to the unknown COVID-19 situation, the Board of Governors has voted to present this in virtual form and invitations will be going into the mail shortly for those who have joined us at other events. If you are interested in this event and do not receive an invitation, contact the Center via phone or mail (see info below). This is a new format for many of us, but we have great people from Board Member, Tony Bartolotti’s firm, The Marketing Place, who are working to make things as easy as possible for all. As always, we are Thankful for you and pray for better things for all in this New Year! Linda L. Martin, Director Email- lmartin@cdcinc.org Phone- (315) 736-0574 Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY PO Box 638 Oriskany, NY 13424 Call for New Members Are you curious about Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry? If you are a Master Mason in Good standing you are eligible to complete an Application for Degrees. Our application fee is currently $110 and must be accompanied by a copy of your Blue Lodge Dues Card. Annual dues are currently only $83 per year. The application can be obtained at the Masonic Memorial Center 648 Centerville Place, North Syracuse, NY. The office is currently open Monday-Wednesday 9am- 4:30pm. Call 315-452-2366 before arriving. You must have your temperature taken upon entering the building and be in good health. You can go online to www.srnmj.org to fill out an electronic petition or contact the Valley Secretary, Ill:. James D. Swan, Jr. at ny017@twcny.rr.com to request a petition. I, as Commander in Chief, am the Chairman of the Valley Membership Action Team consisting of the following Brothers: Earl L. Tuttle, William H. Toth II, Terry A. Byard and Kenneth D. Sterling. Ken heads up the Lodge Ambassador Program designed to reach out to Masters of Lodges who may be interested in having a Scottish Rite Program presented to their members for their Trestleboard. Terry heads up the Rite on the Road Program designed to bring Scottish Rite Degrees to a Lodge for any Blue Lodge Members who are interested in becoming a Scottish Rite Member. Earl is Chairman of Membership and New Members Recruiting Committee. Bill heads up the Members Mentoring Committee. Due to very few Lodges being able to confer Degrees there are very few new Master Masons being raised during the pandemic. Rest assured that the Valley of Syracuse is here for you when you are ready and able to become a Scottish Rite Brother. I can be reached via e-mail at lwegnaczyk@ verizon.net for any questions you may have. D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA Commander in Chief Happy Birthday S.P.R.S. Burton W. “Burt” Jones, 32° “Burt” Jones celebrates his 100th birthday February 1, 2021. Linda Egnaczyk, wife of our Central City Consistory Commander-In-Chief D.B. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° MSA is his very proud niece. Burt is a member of the Valley of Utica, A.A.S.R. Congratulations to you “Burt” from the Scottish Riters in the Valley of Syracuse A longtime resident of the Remsen-Whitesboro area “Burt” Served his country in the Asian Theatre during WW II in the U.S. Army Air Corp with service in Enewetak, Tinian, Saipan, and Iwo Jima. He was honorably discharged in 1954 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He is currently a resident of the Masonic Care Community in Utica. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions a personal birthday celebration is not possible. Cards and message of well wishes can be sent to him at: Burton W. Jones Masonic Care Community Queen’s Household 2150 Bleecker Street Utica, NY 13501 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. 2021 Annual Membership Dues A reminder! The Supreme Council 2020 Standardized Member’s Dues collection program launched in mid-year 2020 states that your dues for the current year (2021) are due to be paid on or before February 1, 2021. If your 2021 Member’s Dues are paid; Thank you! Any member owing 2021 and prior year’s Member’s Dues on November 1, 2020 received a second reminder notice direct from Supreme Council that your Member’s Dues were due to be paid. Anyone who did not pay 2021 and prior year’s Member’s Dues on or prior to February 1, 2021 is now in arrears. Any member owing Member’s Dues for 2019, 2020, and 2021 on June 1, 2021 is subject to be suspended for non-payment of dues prior to June 15, 2021. If the current financial situation being experienced by many is causing difficulty in your ability to pay your Dues; please contact the office to discuss possible alternatives for you to take advantage of. Your membership in the Scottish Rite is important. The Valley of Syracuse does not desire to suspend any member’s membership. The suspension of a member is the worst part of a Valley Secretary’s duties. I am bound by my duty as your secretary to take this action when required. Ill∴ James D. Swan, Jr., 33° Valley Secretary 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 office is pleased to announce the Blue Envelope Appeal contribution results for period ending December 30, 2020. 11.6 % of the Valley of Syracuse’s members contributed $ 3,697.00 according to the Supreme Council Charities Report. Thank you to all who participated for your generous support. Jim Swan Valley Secretary Due to COVID, we were not able to host our KSA Burns Supper at Coleman's Irish Pub so we went virtual! We had nearly 50 registrants with multiple people nline with each, we nearly 70 online with us last evening from all over New York State - Syracuse (of course), Binghamton, Albany, New York City & Rochester ANDa Piper from Illinois (Thanks Steve Scaife)! Thank you to all who attended and participated! It was a great time! Can't wait to do it again in person in 2022!  |
