Calendar
September 2024
Sep 09 Annual Fall Kick-off Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program
Sep 23 All Bodies Officer’s Meeting 7:30 p.m.
Install remaining 2024 Officers / Officer’s Training & Information Meeting
Sep 30 Confer 4° & 11° 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to follow
October 2024
Oct 7 Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Oct 21 Awards and Recognition Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program
Oct 28 Confer 15° & 16° 7:30 p.m.
Consistory
Sublime Princes, I would be remiss if I did not begin this article with a sincere “Thank you” to all the Sublime Princes and Brothers who have been so supportive to me during Diana’s final illness and and in the weeks following her funeral service. The cards, texts, phone calls and emails have been overwhelming at times, but I am slowly getting my thank you cards out and personally expressing my appreciation for the expressions of sympathy and support that have been extended to myself and family. In my opinion it is at times like this that our fraternity truly shines. I have quite literally heard from all corners of the state…Albany to Buffalo and NYC to
Black River. I am truly humbled by the level of support and encouragement.
I also feel compelled to apologize for being distracted over the last few months. Caring for Diana monopolized my time and the situation did not materially improve while I was arranging her funeral and attending to all the financial details which all seemed to require immediate attention. I am slowly establishing a new “normal” and will do my best to give our Valley the attention it deserves. Thank you for your patience as I make this adjustment.
As I write this article we have had three Valley events over the summer months with the Valley Picnic still about 1 ½ weeks away. Our Motorcycle Ride to the Dyslexia Center was well attended. We had a number of riders from the Cicero American Legion Post who participated and who were very impressed by the work of the Dyslexia Center. Next up was Scottish Rite Night at the Syracuse Mets...also well attended. Everyone I spoke to had a great time.
Unfortunately our 19° Adaptation could not be done as planned. We did meet on July 29th and substituted video presentations of the 8° and 28° before adjourning to the dining room for hot dogs and sauerkraut.
Looking ahead to September, our Fall Kickoff and Brother Bring a Brother is happening on September 9th . Social Time at 6:00 PM with Dinner at 6:30 PM. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce one (or more) of your Lodge Brothers to Scottish Rite Freemasonry. We will be having a special presentation that evening by RW Randolph L. Seipel Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. More information on the program is contained in the Secretary’s column elsewhere on this page. Many thanks to Dr. Timothy Page for arranging for RW Seipel to be with us for this special program.
Monday, September 23rd will be Officer’s Training for all 4 Bodies. We will also install any Officers who were unavailable to be installed in May. The meeting and training will begin at 7:30 PM and we will have light refreshments afterwards.
Our 2024 – 2025 class will begin their Scottish Rite journey on September 30th when we confer the 4° and 11° by video. Lodge of Perfection will open at 7:30 PM and light refreshments will be available in the dining room following the Degree presentations. Our Class Sponsor for the 2024 – 2025 Class is GM Jeffrey M. Williamson. Get your petitions in to have your candidates be part of this class.
As we start our fall schedule, it is not too early to start thinking of the Valley of Excellence Award and what we need to do to earn it. We have confirmation that our new member goal is once again 14 new 4° Scottish Riters, so let's talk up Scottish Rite at our Craft Lodges and generate some petitions. Once again, we will do a video 4° on any scheduled degree night if we have a new petition. This will allow our petitioners to start their journey shortly after submitting their petition, and no matter when they start they will be able to complete their required Scottish Rite degrees at our festival in March 2025. We also need to be on the lookout for opportunities to do 4 Rite on the Road Events.
Fraternally,
Ill. William H. Toth II, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
At the Chapter of Rose Croix, we are looking forward to an exciting year at the Valley of Syracuse. We will be having a live presentation of the 18th Degree and the Feast of the Paschal Lamb.
There are many virtues that are important in Scottish Rite Masonry, and in the Chapter of Rose Croix, the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity are held in particular esteem.
For the Chapter, Faith is not merely a religious or doctrinal concept but a profound trust in higher principles and the inherent goodness of the universe. It symbolizes a deep, unwavering belief in the ultimate truth and the moral compass that guides human behavior. Faith, as presented in the Rose Croix degree, is about more than just belief in a higher power; it is a commitment to living by principles of justice, compassion, and integrity.
The Rose Croix degree explores the trials and tribulations of historical and symbolic figures, showing how faith can guide one through adversity. This faith is seen as a source of strength, enabling individuals to overcome personal and societal challenges. It encourages Masons to maintain their convictions even when faced with doubt or difficulty, fostering resilience and perseverance.
Moreover, the virtue of faith in the Rose Croix degree reinforces the idea that spiritual growth and personal transformation are possible through dedication and trust in higher principles. By nurturing faith, Masons are encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world, promoting harmony and ethical conduct in their lives and communities.
Joseph W. Flanagan, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
Greetings Princes, On behalf of Linda and I, we trust that all is well with you and that the summer so far has been a time of rejuvenation mentally, physically and spiritually!
We have spent the past month traveling through Canada, the 1000 Island Region, the ADK region, NH and finally the Leatherstocking region. Our journey has been an outstanding one. With all of that, I am looking forward to once again returning to our work in continuing our Masonic education. I anticipate working closely with the other body heads to help each of you achieve your personal goals within the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
"Situated at the center of the 32 degree Scottish Rite Freemasonry is the Council of Princes of Jerusalem, the second subordinate body. The degrees in this body are known as the historical degrees, the lessons of which are translated through settings based on the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish people and the building of the second Temple...The degrees of the Council of Princes of Jerusalem examine a historical period from 538-516 BC...The events depicted through the story of this body may be thousands of years old, the lessons remain as pertinent today as ever. The beauty, wisdom, and mystery of Masonic teachings are that they are truly timeless." (www.scottishritenmj.org)
Again, my best to all!
S & F,
Michael A. Miller, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Greetings Brothers!! It is very hard to believe as I write this that summer is almost over and I am writing an article for September already !!! I do hope that you all have enjoyed the summer activities and had some much needed time to enjoy time with your families, friends, and hobbies. Hopefully you were able to get that trip in, or stay at home and get some things accomplished!
I do want to restate how excited and humbled I am to be taking on the role of Thrice Potent Master with the Scottish Rite. We have some exciting things coming up this year, but to start we will be having a Brother Bring a Brother night on September 9th! This is an amazing opportunity to bring someone who may be searching for even more light in Masonry. Please do consider coming to this wonderful kickoff dinner, I do hope to see you and many potential class members there!!
Also, we have on September 30th, the 4th and 11th degree being shown! With this, we start early in the Masonic year with new Brothers, as well as an opportunity to re-experience two amazing degrees in the Scottish Rite.
Looking forward to seeing you soon Brothers!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32°
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Well, welcome back from a hot summer and I hope you all enjoyed your summer.
A Few members did not have such a great summer. Ill. Gary Kall passed away in the Eastern Star Home where he had resided for several years, a Masonic, Eastern Stair and 33° services were held for him. James Mooney passed away and had a Masonic Service and Salvador Gandia also passed away. Diana Toth, wife of our Commander and Chief, passed away also. Please keep these brothers and sister families in your prayers.
Distress are Heather Scarson with Cancer, Jackie Gates fractured her wrist, Dolly Byard had Gallbladder surgery, Ill Garrett Wikoff - Surgery, Ill Richard Powell - carpal tunnel surgery, Ill Gary Hartman – surgery, Ernie Parker – heart surgery, David Robling – High Blood Pressure, Karl Parker – Surgery, Duane Crapser – Surgery and John Pierce – Surgery. We pray for healing for these brothers and sisters.
Please keep the valley informed of anyone in distress so we know. The office staff is great at getting out cards.
I hope you all have a great Masonic Year.
Ill. Garry Visconti, 33° MSA
[email protected]
(315) 529-1936
Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
Summer came and went with a flash and with September here we are busy at the center filling bins for tutors and students with supplies for their lessons, preparing binders, managing the September assessment schedule for new students, finalizing the tutoring schedule and preparing for our mandatory parent information night.
This year there will be eight second year students and ten first year students at the center. We have three new Practitioner 1 trainees, two Practitioner 2 trainees, and two trainees working on Instructor of Practitioner 1and Supervisor/Mentor training. Instructor of Practitioner 1 training is a two-year process. We also have five new staff members.
We are looking forward to our annual Walk-A-Thon in October and wish to thank all those who participated in our summer events, the Ride, The Teddy Bear Classic and the Brooks Barbeque.
Our center is successful and we are able to provide the tutoring for the students and training for the adults because of the time and effort so many caring individuals put into each and every one of these events.
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
2024 FALL KICKOFF EVENT
The Summer recess is over! It is time to return to the labors of the Fall. This is a Stag event for the men! Members have received the meeting notice.
Monday September 09, 2024 is the date for the first event of the Valley of Syracuse Fall 2024 meeting season. It is the traditional Fall Kickoff Steak Bake. Menu is Steak with salt potatoes, sweet corn, and all of the good stuff that goes with it. Cost is $ 20.00 per member.
Prepaid Reservations for the dinner are required with deadline of Tuesday September 3, 2024 to make your reservation. Contact the Valley office to make your reservation (315) 452-7976 or [email protected].
This year’s event will feature a presentation by R∴ W∴ Randolph L. Seiple, 33° MSA, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Indiana. His program; “Psalms 133 Unity of Brotherly Love” will be informative and entertaining.
Bring a Masonic friend who is not a member of Scottish Rite with you and he will be a guest of the Valley for dinner. Door prizes will be given out to those attending and a lucky attender will receive two tickets to a Fall 2024 Syracuse University Football game
Recruit a new member and be a first line signer on his petition and receive two guest tickets to attend the Valley Reunion Banquet Monday April 14. 2025 at the North Syracuse Masonic Center.
Initiation fees for new members is $160.00 and includes several benefits for the new member. Petitions for new members will be available from the Office, at the event, or from Valley Officers.
Member’s Annual Dues Notices
By the time you receive the September WORD you will have received your 2025 Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Member’s Annual Dues Notice mailed to you from Supreme Council. There is a nominal dues amount increase for 2025 as result of the four years annual Member’s Dues increase plan approved in 2023. Please pay your 2025 Member’s Dues prior to December 31, 2024. Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions (315) 452-7976 about your Invoice.
Degree Cast Invitation
The Central City Bodies are organizing the degrees casts for the planned live degrees and “Feast of the Paschal Lamb” to be presented during the 2024 – 2025 Scottish Rite year.
Degrees and ceremony planned and the date they are scheduled to be presented live are:
Monday October 28, 2024 Council Princes of Jerusalem confers the 15° “Knight of the East”
Monday February 24, 2025 Chapter of Rose Croix confers the 18° “Knight of Rose Croix H.R.D.M.”
Saturday March 22, 2025 Lodge of Perfection confers the 14° Grand Elect Mason”.
Saturday March 22, 2025 Consistory confers the 32° “Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret”
Saturday April 12, 2025 Chapter of Rose Croix presents “Feast of the Paschal Lamb”
We are seeking members to be a part of the degree teams for these degrees and
ceremony. Speaking and non-speaking participants are required for all of these
degrees.
What is required: 1. Learn speaking parts of the ritual; 2. Attend one or two rehearsals to make certain the floor work is coordinated; 3. Attend the degree presentation on the specified date.
Contact the Valley office if you wish to participate. (315) 452-7976.
2025 Burns Supper
Mark your calendars! The Burns Supper will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Details will be coming soon.
September 2024
Sep 09 Annual Fall Kick-off Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program
Sep 23 All Bodies Officer’s Meeting 7:30 p.m.
Install remaining 2024 Officers / Officer’s Training & Information Meeting
Sep 30 Confer 4° & 11° 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to follow
October 2024
Oct 7 Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Oct 21 Awards and Recognition Event
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program
Oct 28 Confer 15° & 16° 7:30 p.m.
Consistory
Sublime Princes, I would be remiss if I did not begin this article with a sincere “Thank you” to all the Sublime Princes and Brothers who have been so supportive to me during Diana’s final illness and and in the weeks following her funeral service. The cards, texts, phone calls and emails have been overwhelming at times, but I am slowly getting my thank you cards out and personally expressing my appreciation for the expressions of sympathy and support that have been extended to myself and family. In my opinion it is at times like this that our fraternity truly shines. I have quite literally heard from all corners of the state…Albany to Buffalo and NYC to
Black River. I am truly humbled by the level of support and encouragement.
I also feel compelled to apologize for being distracted over the last few months. Caring for Diana monopolized my time and the situation did not materially improve while I was arranging her funeral and attending to all the financial details which all seemed to require immediate attention. I am slowly establishing a new “normal” and will do my best to give our Valley the attention it deserves. Thank you for your patience as I make this adjustment.
As I write this article we have had three Valley events over the summer months with the Valley Picnic still about 1 ½ weeks away. Our Motorcycle Ride to the Dyslexia Center was well attended. We had a number of riders from the Cicero American Legion Post who participated and who were very impressed by the work of the Dyslexia Center. Next up was Scottish Rite Night at the Syracuse Mets...also well attended. Everyone I spoke to had a great time.
Unfortunately our 19° Adaptation could not be done as planned. We did meet on July 29th and substituted video presentations of the 8° and 28° before adjourning to the dining room for hot dogs and sauerkraut.
Looking ahead to September, our Fall Kickoff and Brother Bring a Brother is happening on September 9th . Social Time at 6:00 PM with Dinner at 6:30 PM. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce one (or more) of your Lodge Brothers to Scottish Rite Freemasonry. We will be having a special presentation that evening by RW Randolph L. Seipel Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. More information on the program is contained in the Secretary’s column elsewhere on this page. Many thanks to Dr. Timothy Page for arranging for RW Seipel to be with us for this special program.
Monday, September 23rd will be Officer’s Training for all 4 Bodies. We will also install any Officers who were unavailable to be installed in May. The meeting and training will begin at 7:30 PM and we will have light refreshments afterwards.
Our 2024 – 2025 class will begin their Scottish Rite journey on September 30th when we confer the 4° and 11° by video. Lodge of Perfection will open at 7:30 PM and light refreshments will be available in the dining room following the Degree presentations. Our Class Sponsor for the 2024 – 2025 Class is GM Jeffrey M. Williamson. Get your petitions in to have your candidates be part of this class.
As we start our fall schedule, it is not too early to start thinking of the Valley of Excellence Award and what we need to do to earn it. We have confirmation that our new member goal is once again 14 new 4° Scottish Riters, so let's talk up Scottish Rite at our Craft Lodges and generate some petitions. Once again, we will do a video 4° on any scheduled degree night if we have a new petition. This will allow our petitioners to start their journey shortly after submitting their petition, and no matter when they start they will be able to complete their required Scottish Rite degrees at our festival in March 2025. We also need to be on the lookout for opportunities to do 4 Rite on the Road Events.
Fraternally,
Ill. William H. Toth II, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
At the Chapter of Rose Croix, we are looking forward to an exciting year at the Valley of Syracuse. We will be having a live presentation of the 18th Degree and the Feast of the Paschal Lamb.
There are many virtues that are important in Scottish Rite Masonry, and in the Chapter of Rose Croix, the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity are held in particular esteem.
For the Chapter, Faith is not merely a religious or doctrinal concept but a profound trust in higher principles and the inherent goodness of the universe. It symbolizes a deep, unwavering belief in the ultimate truth and the moral compass that guides human behavior. Faith, as presented in the Rose Croix degree, is about more than just belief in a higher power; it is a commitment to living by principles of justice, compassion, and integrity.
The Rose Croix degree explores the trials and tribulations of historical and symbolic figures, showing how faith can guide one through adversity. This faith is seen as a source of strength, enabling individuals to overcome personal and societal challenges. It encourages Masons to maintain their convictions even when faced with doubt or difficulty, fostering resilience and perseverance.
Moreover, the virtue of faith in the Rose Croix degree reinforces the idea that spiritual growth and personal transformation are possible through dedication and trust in higher principles. By nurturing faith, Masons are encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world, promoting harmony and ethical conduct in their lives and communities.
Joseph W. Flanagan, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
Greetings Princes, On behalf of Linda and I, we trust that all is well with you and that the summer so far has been a time of rejuvenation mentally, physically and spiritually!
We have spent the past month traveling through Canada, the 1000 Island Region, the ADK region, NH and finally the Leatherstocking region. Our journey has been an outstanding one. With all of that, I am looking forward to once again returning to our work in continuing our Masonic education. I anticipate working closely with the other body heads to help each of you achieve your personal goals within the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
"Situated at the center of the 32 degree Scottish Rite Freemasonry is the Council of Princes of Jerusalem, the second subordinate body. The degrees in this body are known as the historical degrees, the lessons of which are translated through settings based on the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish people and the building of the second Temple...The degrees of the Council of Princes of Jerusalem examine a historical period from 538-516 BC...The events depicted through the story of this body may be thousands of years old, the lessons remain as pertinent today as ever. The beauty, wisdom, and mystery of Masonic teachings are that they are truly timeless." (www.scottishritenmj.org)
Again, my best to all!
S & F,
Michael A. Miller, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Greetings Brothers!! It is very hard to believe as I write this that summer is almost over and I am writing an article for September already !!! I do hope that you all have enjoyed the summer activities and had some much needed time to enjoy time with your families, friends, and hobbies. Hopefully you were able to get that trip in, or stay at home and get some things accomplished!
I do want to restate how excited and humbled I am to be taking on the role of Thrice Potent Master with the Scottish Rite. We have some exciting things coming up this year, but to start we will be having a Brother Bring a Brother night on September 9th! This is an amazing opportunity to bring someone who may be searching for even more light in Masonry. Please do consider coming to this wonderful kickoff dinner, I do hope to see you and many potential class members there!!
Also, we have on September 30th, the 4th and 11th degree being shown! With this, we start early in the Masonic year with new Brothers, as well as an opportunity to re-experience two amazing degrees in the Scottish Rite.
Looking forward to seeing you soon Brothers!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Eric Driscoll, 32°
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Well, welcome back from a hot summer and I hope you all enjoyed your summer.
A Few members did not have such a great summer. Ill. Gary Kall passed away in the Eastern Star Home where he had resided for several years, a Masonic, Eastern Stair and 33° services were held for him. James Mooney passed away and had a Masonic Service and Salvador Gandia also passed away. Diana Toth, wife of our Commander and Chief, passed away also. Please keep these brothers and sister families in your prayers.
Distress are Heather Scarson with Cancer, Jackie Gates fractured her wrist, Dolly Byard had Gallbladder surgery, Ill Garrett Wikoff - Surgery, Ill Richard Powell - carpal tunnel surgery, Ill Gary Hartman – surgery, Ernie Parker – heart surgery, David Robling – High Blood Pressure, Karl Parker – Surgery, Duane Crapser – Surgery and John Pierce – Surgery. We pray for healing for these brothers and sisters.
Please keep the valley informed of anyone in distress so we know. The office staff is great at getting out cards.
I hope you all have a great Masonic Year.
Ill. Garry Visconti, 33° MSA
[email protected]
(315) 529-1936
Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
Summer came and went with a flash and with September here we are busy at the center filling bins for tutors and students with supplies for their lessons, preparing binders, managing the September assessment schedule for new students, finalizing the tutoring schedule and preparing for our mandatory parent information night.
This year there will be eight second year students and ten first year students at the center. We have three new Practitioner 1 trainees, two Practitioner 2 trainees, and two trainees working on Instructor of Practitioner 1and Supervisor/Mentor training. Instructor of Practitioner 1 training is a two-year process. We also have five new staff members.
We are looking forward to our annual Walk-A-Thon in October and wish to thank all those who participated in our summer events, the Ride, The Teddy Bear Classic and the Brooks Barbeque.
Our center is successful and we are able to provide the tutoring for the students and training for the adults because of the time and effort so many caring individuals put into each and every one of these events.
Marianne Jones, Director
Email: [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
2024 FALL KICKOFF EVENT
The Summer recess is over! It is time to return to the labors of the Fall. This is a Stag event for the men! Members have received the meeting notice.
Monday September 09, 2024 is the date for the first event of the Valley of Syracuse Fall 2024 meeting season. It is the traditional Fall Kickoff Steak Bake. Menu is Steak with salt potatoes, sweet corn, and all of the good stuff that goes with it. Cost is $ 20.00 per member.
Prepaid Reservations for the dinner are required with deadline of Tuesday September 3, 2024 to make your reservation. Contact the Valley office to make your reservation (315) 452-7976 or [email protected].
This year’s event will feature a presentation by R∴ W∴ Randolph L. Seiple, 33° MSA, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Indiana. His program; “Psalms 133 Unity of Brotherly Love” will be informative and entertaining.
Bring a Masonic friend who is not a member of Scottish Rite with you and he will be a guest of the Valley for dinner. Door prizes will be given out to those attending and a lucky attender will receive two tickets to a Fall 2024 Syracuse University Football game
Recruit a new member and be a first line signer on his petition and receive two guest tickets to attend the Valley Reunion Banquet Monday April 14. 2025 at the North Syracuse Masonic Center.
Initiation fees for new members is $160.00 and includes several benefits for the new member. Petitions for new members will be available from the Office, at the event, or from Valley Officers.
Member’s Annual Dues Notices
By the time you receive the September WORD you will have received your 2025 Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Member’s Annual Dues Notice mailed to you from Supreme Council. There is a nominal dues amount increase for 2025 as result of the four years annual Member’s Dues increase plan approved in 2023. Please pay your 2025 Member’s Dues prior to December 31, 2024. Please contact the Valley office if you have any questions (315) 452-7976 about your Invoice.
Degree Cast Invitation
The Central City Bodies are organizing the degrees casts for the planned live degrees and “Feast of the Paschal Lamb” to be presented during the 2024 – 2025 Scottish Rite year.
Degrees and ceremony planned and the date they are scheduled to be presented live are:
Monday October 28, 2024 Council Princes of Jerusalem confers the 15° “Knight of the East”
Monday February 24, 2025 Chapter of Rose Croix confers the 18° “Knight of Rose Croix H.R.D.M.”
Saturday March 22, 2025 Lodge of Perfection confers the 14° Grand Elect Mason”.
Saturday March 22, 2025 Consistory confers the 32° “Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret”
Saturday April 12, 2025 Chapter of Rose Croix presents “Feast of the Paschal Lamb”
We are seeking members to be a part of the degree teams for these degrees and
ceremony. Speaking and non-speaking participants are required for all of these
degrees.
What is required: 1. Learn speaking parts of the ritual; 2. Attend one or two rehearsals to make certain the floor work is coordinated; 3. Attend the degree presentation on the specified date.
Contact the Valley office if you wish to participate. (315) 452-7976.
2025 Burns Supper
Mark your calendars! The Burns Supper will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Details will be coming soon.
