Calendar
January 2024
Jan 08 Executive Committee Zoom Meeting 7:00 p.m
Jan 20 (Saturday) KSA Burns Supper 5:00 p.m. a
Coleman’s Irish Pub
Jan 22 Spring Membership Night w/ladies-
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Jan 29 Confer 17° (V) & 18° (L) 7:30 p. m.
February 2024
Feb 05 Trustees & Executive Committee “ZOOM” Virtual Meeting 6:15 p.m.
Feb 12 Caregiver’s Event with the Ladies
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Feb 19 KOSA Event w/ Consistory 19° “Brothers of the Trail” Adapted Version 7:30 p.m.
January 2024
Jan 08 Executive Committee Zoom Meeting 7:00 p.m
Jan 20 (Saturday) KSA Burns Supper 5:00 p.m. a
Coleman’s Irish Pub
Jan 22 Spring Membership Night w/ladies-
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Jan 29 Confer 17° (V) & 18° (L) 7:30 p. m.
February 2024
Feb 05 Trustees & Executive Committee “ZOOM” Virtual Meeting 6:15 p.m.
Feb 12 Caregiver’s Event with the Ladies
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Feb 19 KOSA Event w/ Consistory 19° “Brothers of the Trail” Adapted Version 7:30 p.m.
Consistory
Greetings Brethren!
It’s hard to believe we have entered a new calendar year...it seems like we were still barbequing just a few weeks ago. With the rush of the holidays now over, it’s time to turn our thoughts to our 2024 Springtime schedule.
One of the highlights of the year, for me at least, is our Robert Burns Supper at Coleman’s. Yes, there will be Haggis...No, you don’t have to eat it. It is a great social event! There will be toasts, singing, reading of poems, stories, and of course, good Irish whiskey. You can see men in kilts and hear a dramatic reading of Ode to the Haggis. I’m told there will be a bagpiper to Pipe in the Haggis. The Burns Supper will take place on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub. Gather there at 5:00 PM to maximize your opportunities to socialize and make sure you don’t miss any of the festivities.
The Burns Supper is followed closely by our Spring Membership Night with the Ladies on Monday, January 22, 2024. Social time begins at 6:00 PM, Dinner at 6:30 PM to be followed by a program in the Lodge Room. Bring your ladies and bring your lodge Brothers for a taste of Scottish Rite Masonry. Please make your reservations with the Scottish Rite Office so we can plan appropriately for food and refreshments.
Our last event in January will be the conferral of the 17th Degree (Video) and the 18th Degree (Live) by the Chapter of Rose Croix. The 17th and 18th Degrees are being presented on the same night as they are one of two sets of paired degrees, the other being the 15th and 16th Degrees of the Council of Princes of Jerusalem. It is important to see they degrees together as they compliment each other.
All of the foregoing events will earn us points in the Valley of Excellence Program. Speaking of the VoE, we have some ground to make up as a result of the postponement of two Rite on the Road events. We have also been a little lite on candidates. Our new member goal for the year ending in May 2024 is 14 new members. We all need to keep our eyes and ears open for any opportunity to schedule a Rite on the Road or present a Scottish Rite petition to a worthy Brother. The 4th Degree will be presented on any of our scheduled degree dates whenever we have a new candidate who needs the 4 th Degree to get started on his Scottish Rite Journey.
Did you know that the largest class of candidates for the Valley of Syracuse numbered 627? It is interesting to note that this class took its degrees in 1919, shortly after the end of World War I. The war years themselves saw very substantial class sizes...139 in 1916, 248 in 1917, and 168 in 1918. The class of 1916 saw a most unusual occurrence. Among the class of 1916 were the oldest and youngest candidates who had ever received the degrees (as of the writing of the History of Central City Bodies in 1937.
On behalf of Central City Bodies, I hope that 2024 is a happy and healthy one for you and your families.
Hockey fans take note, our Hockey Night at the Crunch is February 10 th . Puck drops at 7:00 PM. Please save the date and I hope to see you there.
Fraternally,
Ill. William H. Toth II, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Greetings Brethren!
It’s hard to believe we have entered a new calendar year...it seems like we were still barbequing just a few weeks ago. With the rush of the holidays now over, it’s time to turn our thoughts to our 2024 Springtime schedule.
One of the highlights of the year, for me at least, is our Robert Burns Supper at Coleman’s. Yes, there will be Haggis...No, you don’t have to eat it. It is a great social event! There will be toasts, singing, reading of poems, stories, and of course, good Irish whiskey. You can see men in kilts and hear a dramatic reading of Ode to the Haggis. I’m told there will be a bagpiper to Pipe in the Haggis. The Burns Supper will take place on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub. Gather there at 5:00 PM to maximize your opportunities to socialize and make sure you don’t miss any of the festivities.
The Burns Supper is followed closely by our Spring Membership Night with the Ladies on Monday, January 22, 2024. Social time begins at 6:00 PM, Dinner at 6:30 PM to be followed by a program in the Lodge Room. Bring your ladies and bring your lodge Brothers for a taste of Scottish Rite Masonry. Please make your reservations with the Scottish Rite Office so we can plan appropriately for food and refreshments.
Our last event in January will be the conferral of the 17th Degree (Video) and the 18th Degree (Live) by the Chapter of Rose Croix. The 17th and 18th Degrees are being presented on the same night as they are one of two sets of paired degrees, the other being the 15th and 16th Degrees of the Council of Princes of Jerusalem. It is important to see they degrees together as they compliment each other.
All of the foregoing events will earn us points in the Valley of Excellence Program. Speaking of the VoE, we have some ground to make up as a result of the postponement of two Rite on the Road events. We have also been a little lite on candidates. Our new member goal for the year ending in May 2024 is 14 new members. We all need to keep our eyes and ears open for any opportunity to schedule a Rite on the Road or present a Scottish Rite petition to a worthy Brother. The 4th Degree will be presented on any of our scheduled degree dates whenever we have a new candidate who needs the 4 th Degree to get started on his Scottish Rite Journey.
Did you know that the largest class of candidates for the Valley of Syracuse numbered 627? It is interesting to note that this class took its degrees in 1919, shortly after the end of World War I. The war years themselves saw very substantial class sizes...139 in 1916, 248 in 1917, and 168 in 1918. The class of 1916 saw a most unusual occurrence. Among the class of 1916 were the oldest and youngest candidates who had ever received the degrees (as of the writing of the History of Central City Bodies in 1937.
On behalf of Central City Bodies, I hope that 2024 is a happy and healthy one for you and your families.
Hockey fans take note, our Hockey Night at the Crunch is February 10 th . Puck drops at 7:00 PM. Please save the date and I hope to see you there.
Fraternally,
Ill. William H. Toth II, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
Greetings, Princes: By the time you read these lines, we will be entering the new 2024. Let’s hope that the new 2024 will be kinder to all than 2023 was, with all its wars, deaths, and destruction. I want to take the opportunity to wish our Brethren and their families a happy, healthy and peaceful new year.
In December, we had our Holiday Celebration with dinner and entertainment.
On January 29th, the Rose Croix Chapter will put the 17th and 18th Degrees. The 17th, in Video, teaches us how the Book of Life, the Chronological history of all man’s accomplishments and failures was sealed because man seems to ignore the past and often makes the same mistakes over and over again. The 18th Degree, sometimes referred to as the most profound and difficult to understand of all Scottish Rite Degrees, will be presented live. It teaches us that the New Temple is in the heart of man, and that a New Law of Love is given to us that, if followed, will allow the Sealed Book to be opened again. These two lessons are very timely, indeed!
On February 12, our Rose Croix Chapter will host the Caregiver Event, with a dinner and entertainment. If you know of some Brother who has provided care to a loved one, and may be a good candidate for this award, please contact the Secretary’s office.
Degrees are interesting to watch; but they represent important lessons. If we read about them before viewing them, and we have an exchange of ideas, afterwards, we will get more out of them. And, thus, we become active participants rather than a passive audience.
Please, keep our military and our country in our prayers, and peace in the world.
Keep safe. Fraternally,
Jorge L. Romeu, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Greetings, Princes: By the time you read these lines, we will be entering the new 2024. Let’s hope that the new 2024 will be kinder to all than 2023 was, with all its wars, deaths, and destruction. I want to take the opportunity to wish our Brethren and their families a happy, healthy and peaceful new year.
In December, we had our Holiday Celebration with dinner and entertainment.
On January 29th, the Rose Croix Chapter will put the 17th and 18th Degrees. The 17th, in Video, teaches us how the Book of Life, the Chronological history of all man’s accomplishments and failures was sealed because man seems to ignore the past and often makes the same mistakes over and over again. The 18th Degree, sometimes referred to as the most profound and difficult to understand of all Scottish Rite Degrees, will be presented live. It teaches us that the New Temple is in the heart of man, and that a New Law of Love is given to us that, if followed, will allow the Sealed Book to be opened again. These two lessons are very timely, indeed!
On February 12, our Rose Croix Chapter will host the Caregiver Event, with a dinner and entertainment. If you know of some Brother who has provided care to a loved one, and may be a good candidate for this award, please contact the Secretary’s office.
Degrees are interesting to watch; but they represent important lessons. If we read about them before viewing them, and we have an exchange of ideas, afterwards, we will get more out of them. And, thus, we become active participants rather than a passive audience.
Please, keep our military and our country in our prayers, and peace in the world.
Keep safe. Fraternally,
Jorge L. Romeu, 32°
Most Wise Master.
Council
What are your 2024 New Year’s Resolutions? Lose weight? Fix your finances? Take a cruise? How about being active or joining the Scottish Rite Valley of Syracuse? How can you be active in another Masonic Body? You may have children or grandchildren to support, health issues, or need more time.
Recent studies speak about the plague of loneliness among men. Outside of supporting children, many men lose friends and companions instead of gaining as they age. You can easily change this…be active in our Fraternity, especially in the Scottish Rite. The first meeting you attend, you may feel like an outsider. You will be greeted but may struggle to know people. It takes a while to form real relationships, even in our Fraternity. Don’t give up! Commit to reach out and say “hi!” Commit to keep coming to 7 meetings. Smile. Attend the dinner. Bring your spouse or partner to the dinner. If you are not a member, consider joining us. Be bold in supporting dyslexic children’s charity and seek to be a better man. Seek out an older or younger mentor in your life. Enjoy the many dinners graciously offered by the Order of the Eastern Star. Most importantly, Commit to living your best life fully and earnestly. We are!
See you in the Valley!
Jeffrey M. Cox, 32°
Sovereign Prince
What are your 2024 New Year’s Resolutions? Lose weight? Fix your finances? Take a cruise? How about being active or joining the Scottish Rite Valley of Syracuse? How can you be active in another Masonic Body? You may have children or grandchildren to support, health issues, or need more time.
Recent studies speak about the plague of loneliness among men. Outside of supporting children, many men lose friends and companions instead of gaining as they age. You can easily change this…be active in our Fraternity, especially in the Scottish Rite. The first meeting you attend, you may feel like an outsider. You will be greeted but may struggle to know people. It takes a while to form real relationships, even in our Fraternity. Don’t give up! Commit to reach out and say “hi!” Commit to keep coming to 7 meetings. Smile. Attend the dinner. Bring your spouse or partner to the dinner. If you are not a member, consider joining us. Be bold in supporting dyslexic children’s charity and seek to be a better man. Seek out an older or younger mentor in your life. Enjoy the many dinners graciously offered by the Order of the Eastern Star. Most importantly, Commit to living your best life fully and earnestly. We are!
See you in the Valley!
Jeffrey M. Cox, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Happy New Year my Brothers, Now that 2023 is behind us, let us renew the obligations we took at the Sacred Altar of Freemasonry in the presence of the Grand Architect of the Universe. I just returned home from a 13-day trip to attend a family wedding in sunny Florida. Observing the habits of other drivers, I could only assume that they were not Freemasons. If I left a safe distance between myself and the vehicle ahead of me, two or three cars would slide into the space I left. They aren’t required to use turn signals either, I guess. Though we don’t have any Masonic Medallions on our vehicle, I do often wear my Masonic ball cap. This reminds me of how I should conduct myself in public as well as in private. Does this ring a bell? When I had Masonic Medallions on my vehicles I would try to be careful of my driving habits.
We all make mistakes occasionally, but when we are wearing the Square and Compasses we should remember how to conduct ourselves as Gentlemen, especially around the Ladies and children.
We recently saw how to take a Rough Ashlar and transform it into a Perfect Ashlar at the Valley of Syracuse in November. I like to think of the Lodge of Perfection as just that, continuing to form ourselves as a Perfect Ashlar through our Degrees, the 4° through the 14° degrees will help you continue your journey to self-improvement.
A reminder of our upcoming Spring Membership Night with Ladies on Monday, January 22, 2024. Social is at 6pm, Dinner at 6:30pm with a program in the Lodge Room at 7:30pm. Interested Brothers and their Ladies will be the guests of the Valley. This will prove to be an interesting evening.
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Ill. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 33° MSA
Thrice Potent Master
Happy New Year my Brothers, Now that 2023 is behind us, let us renew the obligations we took at the Sacred Altar of Freemasonry in the presence of the Grand Architect of the Universe. I just returned home from a 13-day trip to attend a family wedding in sunny Florida. Observing the habits of other drivers, I could only assume that they were not Freemasons. If I left a safe distance between myself and the vehicle ahead of me, two or three cars would slide into the space I left. They aren’t required to use turn signals either, I guess. Though we don’t have any Masonic Medallions on our vehicle, I do often wear my Masonic ball cap. This reminds me of how I should conduct myself in public as well as in private. Does this ring a bell? When I had Masonic Medallions on my vehicles I would try to be careful of my driving habits.
We all make mistakes occasionally, but when we are wearing the Square and Compasses we should remember how to conduct ourselves as Gentlemen, especially around the Ladies and children.
We recently saw how to take a Rough Ashlar and transform it into a Perfect Ashlar at the Valley of Syracuse in November. I like to think of the Lodge of Perfection as just that, continuing to form ourselves as a Perfect Ashlar through our Degrees, the 4° through the 14° degrees will help you continue your journey to self-improvement.
A reminder of our upcoming Spring Membership Night with Ladies on Monday, January 22, 2024. Social is at 6pm, Dinner at 6:30pm with a program in the Lodge Room at 7:30pm. Interested Brothers and their Ladies will be the guests of the Valley. This will prove to be an interesting evening.
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Ill. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 33° MSA
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
Happy New Year to all. 2023 is in the books and now we look forward to 2024 and what that will bring. There are a few people we need to keep in our prayers during this time. Ill Carl Fahrenkrug and his wife Rita’s Daughter-in-law, Suzanne Fahrenkrug, passed away and Brother Carlton Jackson is still suffering with injuries from a motorcycle accident. Please keep these Brothers in your thoughts and prayers. If you know of anyone who is in need of our assistance or prayers please let me know.
Ill. Garry Visconti, 33° MSA
[email protected]
(315) 529-1936
Happy New Year to all. 2023 is in the books and now we look forward to 2024 and what that will bring. There are a few people we need to keep in our prayers during this time. Ill Carl Fahrenkrug and his wife Rita’s Daughter-in-law, Suzanne Fahrenkrug, passed away and Brother Carlton Jackson is still suffering with injuries from a motorcycle accident. Please keep these Brothers in your thoughts and prayers. If you know of anyone who is in need of our assistance or prayers please let me know.
Ill. Garry Visconti, 33° MSA
[email protected]
(315) 529-1936
Burns Supper
It's that time again!!! The Knights of St. Andrew present 2024 BURNS SUPPER on Saturday, January 20th, 2024 at Coleman's Irish Pub,100 South Lowell Avenue, Syracuse, NY
A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, author of many Scots poems and a famous Freemason. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January, sometimes also known as Robert Burns Day or Burns Night, although they may in principle be held at any time of the year. Burns suppers are most common in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but occur wherever there are Burns Clubs, Scottish Societies, Masonic Lodges, expatriate Scots, or aficionados of Burns' poetry.
Social Time will begin at 5:00 PM. Dinner will be buffet style and cost will be $45.00 per person. Wives/significant others/guests are invited. This event is open to all but seating is limited so make your reservation now! Kilts and other Tartan clothing are encouraged!!!
Please consider joining us for a fun-filled evening! Call Rick Powell to see if there are any spots left!
It's that time again!!! The Knights of St. Andrew present 2024 BURNS SUPPER on Saturday, January 20th, 2024 at Coleman's Irish Pub,100 South Lowell Avenue, Syracuse, NY
A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, author of many Scots poems and a famous Freemason. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January, sometimes also known as Robert Burns Day or Burns Night, although they may in principle be held at any time of the year. Burns suppers are most common in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but occur wherever there are Burns Clubs, Scottish Societies, Masonic Lodges, expatriate Scots, or aficionados of Burns' poetry.
Social Time will begin at 5:00 PM. Dinner will be buffet style and cost will be $45.00 per person. Wives/significant others/guests are invited. This event is open to all but seating is limited so make your reservation now! Kilts and other Tartan clothing are encouraged!!!
Please consider joining us for a fun-filled evening! Call Rick Powell to see if there are any spots left!
2024 Annual Membership Dues
Thank you to those who have paid their 2024 Member’s Dues. If your Member’s Dues for 2023 and earlier years are not paid by January 31, 2024 your membership in the Valley of Syracuse could be suspended for non- payment of your Annual Member’s Dues by Supreme Council, 33° A.A.S.R., NMJ, USA.
Prior to August 2021 the Valley of Syracuse mailed out next year’s Member’s Dues invoices in late November each year. Your Dues year was January 1 to December 31 the following year. Many of our members traditionally paid their annual dues in the third quarter of each year.
Supreme Council changed the Member’s Dues payments dates in August 2021 to a “NEW STANDARDIZED DUES PAYMENT SCHEDULE” with invoices distributed by Supreme Council starting in August each year and with a new “required to be paid by date of January 31 the next year.”
This change in collection schedule resulted in an increase in the number Valley of Syracuse members not paying their Annual Dues timely to the new schedule. As of August 1, 2023; the “new Supreme Council Member’s Dues collection date” the members of the Valley of Syracuse owed in excess of $ 6,000.00 in unpaid 2023 and earlier years member’s dues.
When you receive your 2024 Member’s Dues invoice; If you have any questions regarding the status of the payment of your 2023 and/or earlier Member’s Dues and/or your 2024 Member’s Dues please contact the Valley office. (315) 452- 7976 or e-mail at [email protected] or [email protected] at your earliest convenience.
A new Scottish Rite Member’s Card was included with your invoice for your 2024 Member’s dues. If you have misplaced it or did not receive the new 2024 Annual Member’s card included with your 2024 Member’s Dues invoice please notify the office and a replacement card will be requested for you.
Fraternally,
Ill∴ James D. Swan, Jr. 33°
Valley Secretary
2024 – 2025 Scholarship Applications
New directions to submit your application are coming!
The applications to apply for 2024-2025 Academic financial aid were not published at the time this article was written and submitted for publication in the December Issue of the WORD. Hopefully they will be available by the date you receive the December issue of the WORD. When published the applications will be available on line at the Central City Bodies, A.A.S.R. Valley of Syracuse Scottish Rite Web Site; www.syr-aasr.org or the New York State Council of Deliberation Web site; www.nyscottishritemasons.org. Hard copy applications may be picked up at the Valley of Syracuse office.
Applications received from a Scottish Rite Mason’s relatives are to be submitted thru the member’s Valley of membership. The latest version of the Application titled; “2024 Leon M. Abbott Scholarship Application is to be used.
To all applicants submitting your application thru the Valley of Syracuse: The deadline date to submit your completed applications to the Valley of Syracuse business office is Monday March 21, 2024. That means in the office by close of business Monday March 21, 2024. Applications received after 4:00 p.m. Monday March 21, 2024 will not be considered.
Graduating High School Seniors may apply again this year. The members of our Masonic Youth Groups; Triangle, Rainbow, and DeMolay; are eligible to apply for financial assistance. A masonic relationship is not required. Students who complete the program at the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in New York State may also apply. A masonic relationship is not required to submit an application.
Six applicants from the Valley of Syracuse received financial assistance from this program for the 2023-2024 scholastic year. Congratulations and best wishes to them.
Please contact the Valley Office at (315) 452-7976 or [email protected] if you have any questions or require assistance and information.
Blue Envelope Appeal
Thank you to all who have supported the “Blue Envelope” Appeal with your donation. We are making positive progress towards meeting the annual goal for members of the Valley supporting this project.
We thank you for your support.
Jim Swan
Valley Secretary