Calendar
March 2024
Mar 04 Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Mar 11 Confer 25° “Master of Achievement” (L) 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to Follow
Mar 23 (Saturday) Feast of the Paschal Lamb 2:30 p.m.
Light Buffet @ 4:00 p.m. at Masonic Memorial Center
Mar 25 “Knights of the Double Eagle” Awards Presentations 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to follow
April 2024
Apr 1 Executive Committee (in person) 7:00 p. m.
Apr 13 (Saturday) 5 Degrees Festival 4°(V), 11° (L), 14° (L), 19° (V), 32° (L)
8:00 a.m. Coffee & Donuts
8:30 a.m. Candidates Registration
9:00 a.m. Meeting Opens
9:30 a.m. 4° Conferral
12 Noon Luncheon
1:30 p.m. Consistory Opens
Apr 22 162nd Annual Reunion Banquet @ Masonic Memorial Center
Ladies & Guests welcome
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Apr 29 Trustees Meeting Live 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee Meeting Live 7:00 p.m.
March 2024
Mar 04 Executive Committee “ZOOM” Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Mar 11 Confer 25° “Master of Achievement” (L) 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to Follow
Mar 23 (Saturday) Feast of the Paschal Lamb 2:30 p.m.
Light Buffet @ 4:00 p.m. at Masonic Memorial Center
Mar 25 “Knights of the Double Eagle” Awards Presentations 7:30 p.m.
Refreshments to follow
April 2024
Apr 1 Executive Committee (in person) 7:00 p. m.
Apr 13 (Saturday) 5 Degrees Festival 4°(V), 11° (L), 14° (L), 19° (V), 32° (L)
8:00 a.m. Coffee & Donuts
8:30 a.m. Candidates Registration
9:00 a.m. Meeting Opens
9:30 a.m. 4° Conferral
12 Noon Luncheon
1:30 p.m. Consistory Opens
Apr 22 162nd Annual Reunion Banquet @ Masonic Memorial Center
Ladies & Guests welcome
Social 6:00 p.m. / Dinner 6:30 p.m. / Program 7:30 p.m.
Apr 29 Trustees Meeting Live 6:15 p.m. / Executive Committee Meeting Live 7:00 p.m.
Consistory
Greetings Brethren! The Mantra for this year is Membership! If we hope to achieve another year as a Valley of Excellence we absolutely must meet our membership goal of 14 new Scottish Rite Masons. There are 30 points awarded for this achievement, so it is virtually impossible to become a VOE without meeting this goal. With a big push we can attain this milestone. There are two opportunities to start candidates on their Scottish Rite journey...there are degrees scheduled on March 11th and April 13th. Get those petitions in and we are ready to welcome our new Scottish Rite Brothers at either degree presentation and then meet even more of their Scottish Rite Brothers at our Reunion on April 22nd. Alternatively, we can start them on their Scottish Rite journey by presenting a Rite on the Road event at their Lodge. Contact any Consistory Officer if you are aware of an opportunity to present a Rite on the Road event.
The program for March 11th is the presentation of the 25th Degree, Master of Achievement. This degree was last presented by our Valley in 2017 and highlights certain events in the life of Benjamin Franklin, a dedicated accomplished Mason who became famous. It highlights the Scottish Rite Core Values of Devotion to Country and Service to Humanity. I hope you can be present with us as we recall the tremendous roll Br. Franklin played in the establishment of our Country and adoption of our Constitution.
March 23rd is the day we have set aside for our annual memorial service to remember and recall members of our Valley who have laid down their working tools and answered the final roll call over the last year. The very moving Feast of the Paschal Lamb will take place at 2:30 PM with a light buffet to follow at 4:00 PM. This program is presented by the Chapter of Rose Croix. In this ceremony we honor the memory of our departed Brothers and reaffirm our belief that the soul is immortal.
Our last event in March was originally scheduled to be a program on the Haute Grad Academy. At the Executive Committee meeting in February we made the decision to change the evening’s program to focus on the Knights of the Double Eagle. We have quite a few Brothers who, through participation in various Scottish Rite Events, have achieved milestones in the KDE program that warrant recognition. The success of our Valley rests upon the efforts of those who participate in programs, degrees, and events. Points are awarded based on the level of participation in any event or program with more points awarded to those who take on leadership roles or invest time in learning ritual for our various degrees. Every member of the Valley who attends or participates in any function is earning points in this program. Points accumulate over your Scottish Rite career and awards are presented upon the attainment of specific milestones.
I started this article talking about membership and I want to closely reflect on this topic as well. The purpose of a Craft Lodge is to make Masons. This is manifest in the Lodge’s Charter where the only authority granted is to “Confer the Three Degrees of Masonry.” Likewise in Scottish Rite our purpose is to make Scottish Rite Masons. Our candidates have already been brought to true Masonic Light. Our mission is to build on the lessons taught in the Craft degrees, expound on them, present them in a more complete, dramatic and compelling fashion. Our 29 degrees allow us to focus on the most minute aspects of the tenets and principles of Masonry. We are often referred to as the College of Freemasonry because of the deep dive our degrees take into the philosophy, principles and tenets of Masonry. If you have enjoyed your experience in Scottish Rite, I urge you to pass it on by inviting a non-Scottish Rite Brother to petition our Valley. We will extend to them the same warm welcome we extended to you. I assure you that your experience in Scottish Rite will not be diluted by the addition of new members, but instead will be enhanced through the comradery and fellowship of presenting our degrees and programs to a wider audience.
Lastly, please save the dates of April 13th and April 22nd . April 13th is the date of our five degree festival which will culminate in the Knighting our our newest 32nd Degree members, and April 22nd is our Annual Reunion Banquet. Please make an effort to attend these events and support your Valley.
Fraternally,
Ill. William H. Toth II, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Greetings Brethren! The Mantra for this year is Membership! If we hope to achieve another year as a Valley of Excellence we absolutely must meet our membership goal of 14 new Scottish Rite Masons. There are 30 points awarded for this achievement, so it is virtually impossible to become a VOE without meeting this goal. With a big push we can attain this milestone. There are two opportunities to start candidates on their Scottish Rite journey...there are degrees scheduled on March 11th and April 13th. Get those petitions in and we are ready to welcome our new Scottish Rite Brothers at either degree presentation and then meet even more of their Scottish Rite Brothers at our Reunion on April 22nd. Alternatively, we can start them on their Scottish Rite journey by presenting a Rite on the Road event at their Lodge. Contact any Consistory Officer if you are aware of an opportunity to present a Rite on the Road event.
The program for March 11th is the presentation of the 25th Degree, Master of Achievement. This degree was last presented by our Valley in 2017 and highlights certain events in the life of Benjamin Franklin, a dedicated accomplished Mason who became famous. It highlights the Scottish Rite Core Values of Devotion to Country and Service to Humanity. I hope you can be present with us as we recall the tremendous roll Br. Franklin played in the establishment of our Country and adoption of our Constitution.
March 23rd is the day we have set aside for our annual memorial service to remember and recall members of our Valley who have laid down their working tools and answered the final roll call over the last year. The very moving Feast of the Paschal Lamb will take place at 2:30 PM with a light buffet to follow at 4:00 PM. This program is presented by the Chapter of Rose Croix. In this ceremony we honor the memory of our departed Brothers and reaffirm our belief that the soul is immortal.
Our last event in March was originally scheduled to be a program on the Haute Grad Academy. At the Executive Committee meeting in February we made the decision to change the evening’s program to focus on the Knights of the Double Eagle. We have quite a few Brothers who, through participation in various Scottish Rite Events, have achieved milestones in the KDE program that warrant recognition. The success of our Valley rests upon the efforts of those who participate in programs, degrees, and events. Points are awarded based on the level of participation in any event or program with more points awarded to those who take on leadership roles or invest time in learning ritual for our various degrees. Every member of the Valley who attends or participates in any function is earning points in this program. Points accumulate over your Scottish Rite career and awards are presented upon the attainment of specific milestones.
I started this article talking about membership and I want to closely reflect on this topic as well. The purpose of a Craft Lodge is to make Masons. This is manifest in the Lodge’s Charter where the only authority granted is to “Confer the Three Degrees of Masonry.” Likewise in Scottish Rite our purpose is to make Scottish Rite Masons. Our candidates have already been brought to true Masonic Light. Our mission is to build on the lessons taught in the Craft degrees, expound on them, present them in a more complete, dramatic and compelling fashion. Our 29 degrees allow us to focus on the most minute aspects of the tenets and principles of Masonry. We are often referred to as the College of Freemasonry because of the deep dive our degrees take into the philosophy, principles and tenets of Masonry. If you have enjoyed your experience in Scottish Rite, I urge you to pass it on by inviting a non-Scottish Rite Brother to petition our Valley. We will extend to them the same warm welcome we extended to you. I assure you that your experience in Scottish Rite will not be diluted by the addition of new members, but instead will be enhanced through the comradery and fellowship of presenting our degrees and programs to a wider audience.
Lastly, please save the dates of April 13th and April 22nd . April 13th is the date of our five degree festival which will culminate in the Knighting our our newest 32nd Degree members, and April 22nd is our Annual Reunion Banquet. Please make an effort to attend these events and support your Valley.
Fraternally,
Ill. William H. Toth II, 33° MSA
Commander in Chief
Chapter
Greeting, Knights: By the time you read this article, our Rose Croix Chapter will have presented the 17°, via video, and the 18° live, and will have hosted the Caregiver Award Dinner, with its subsequent entertainment organized by Bro. Jim Nelson.
Then, on Saturday, March 23rd , 2:30 to 6 PM, our Chapter will host the Feast of the Paschal Lamb, where we remember those brethren that have laid down their working tools during the year. As you can read, this is the busy season for our Rose Croix Chapter. And we are always looking for Brothers to participate in the production of these events.
The lesson from the 18° is of cardinal importance for a Scottish Rite mason: to love one another. We can take it lightly, or we can truly absorb it. For, this is not an easy lesson to apply, either in life or within the lodge. It is easy to love those whom we like; but it is sometimes difficult to love those whom we don’t. But there is where the merit lies . For Love is more than just affection; it also includes courtesy, kindness, solidarity, etc.
The Feast of the Paschal Lamb rememorizes the event of the Christian Last Supper, and we read the names of those Brethren that have departed during the year. A powerful lesson from this passage is Humility. For, during the Last Supper, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples.
Sometimes the Scottish Rite is characterized as “the college of Freemasonry”, because of the many excellent lessons, such as these, that its Degrees and ceremonies present.
Please, keep our military and our country in our prayers, and keep peace in the world.
Be safe. Fraternally,
Jorge L. Romeu, 32°
Most Wise Master
Greeting, Knights: By the time you read this article, our Rose Croix Chapter will have presented the 17°, via video, and the 18° live, and will have hosted the Caregiver Award Dinner, with its subsequent entertainment organized by Bro. Jim Nelson.
Then, on Saturday, March 23rd , 2:30 to 6 PM, our Chapter will host the Feast of the Paschal Lamb, where we remember those brethren that have laid down their working tools during the year. As you can read, this is the busy season for our Rose Croix Chapter. And we are always looking for Brothers to participate in the production of these events.
The lesson from the 18° is of cardinal importance for a Scottish Rite mason: to love one another. We can take it lightly, or we can truly absorb it. For, this is not an easy lesson to apply, either in life or within the lodge. It is easy to love those whom we like; but it is sometimes difficult to love those whom we don’t. But there is where the merit lies . For Love is more than just affection; it also includes courtesy, kindness, solidarity, etc.
The Feast of the Paschal Lamb rememorizes the event of the Christian Last Supper, and we read the names of those Brethren that have departed during the year. A powerful lesson from this passage is Humility. For, during the Last Supper, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples.
Sometimes the Scottish Rite is characterized as “the college of Freemasonry”, because of the many excellent lessons, such as these, that its Degrees and ceremonies present.
Please, keep our military and our country in our prayers, and keep peace in the world.
Be safe. Fraternally,
Jorge L. Romeu, 32°
Most Wise Master
Council
Late Winter is upon us, and the Valley of Syracuse continues to roll with an active schedule in March and April, including the Feast of the Paschal Lamb and degree presentations. Please contact the office at +1 (315) 452-7976 with further questions.
This past January, the NEW YORK TIMES wrote about how youth aged 12-18 are struggling with stress and anxiety over the state of their lives and the wider community. The surveyed youth were more pessimistic about their lives than earlier generations. Several factors include the immediate stresses of having "the world" in your pocket and mud-raking journalism promoting anger and stress to ensure internet clicks. As a clinical social worker, I hear this among the veterans and military personnel I work with daily. The best ways that Scottish Rite Masons can support younger folks is to (a) tell their stories, both good and bad, in ways that emphasize resiliency even when things have been difficult; (b) accept younger people's struggle as struggle and allow them to live their lives instead of shielding pain and suffering from them. An obvious exception is when a young person may make a choice that will result in irreparable damage. (c) expose younger people to new opportunities, including new places, spaces, and work that will build up rather than teach avoidance. I still remember living in a working-class family and having the Boy Scouts offer me places and challenges that I would never have or be able to afford. One challenge in the reader's comments to today's youth is their ability to fail now rather than succeed. I remember cooking a bad meal on a Scouting campout and not eating that meal. It teaches the importance of following a recipe. It is never too late to make a difference in our younger generation. They may have "purple hair," but they have the same hopes, dreams, and aspirations that we all had while we were younger.
See you in the Valley!
Jeffrey M. Cox, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Late Winter is upon us, and the Valley of Syracuse continues to roll with an active schedule in March and April, including the Feast of the Paschal Lamb and degree presentations. Please contact the office at +1 (315) 452-7976 with further questions.
This past January, the NEW YORK TIMES wrote about how youth aged 12-18 are struggling with stress and anxiety over the state of their lives and the wider community. The surveyed youth were more pessimistic about their lives than earlier generations. Several factors include the immediate stresses of having "the world" in your pocket and mud-raking journalism promoting anger and stress to ensure internet clicks. As a clinical social worker, I hear this among the veterans and military personnel I work with daily. The best ways that Scottish Rite Masons can support younger folks is to (a) tell their stories, both good and bad, in ways that emphasize resiliency even when things have been difficult; (b) accept younger people's struggle as struggle and allow them to live their lives instead of shielding pain and suffering from them. An obvious exception is when a young person may make a choice that will result in irreparable damage. (c) expose younger people to new opportunities, including new places, spaces, and work that will build up rather than teach avoidance. I still remember living in a working-class family and having the Boy Scouts offer me places and challenges that I would never have or be able to afford. One challenge in the reader's comments to today's youth is their ability to fail now rather than succeed. I remember cooking a bad meal on a Scouting campout and not eating that meal. It teaches the importance of following a recipe. It is never too late to make a difference in our younger generation. They may have "purple hair," but they have the same hopes, dreams, and aspirations that we all had while we were younger.
See you in the Valley!
Jeffrey M. Cox, 32°
Sovereign Prince
Lodge
Even though March will be a little slower for the LOP in the Valley of Syracuse, we will still be responsible for the conferral of the 4° for any Master Masons seeking to continue their Masonic Journey through the Scottish Rite.
We are still looking for any Lodges interested in our “Rite on the Road” program. This needs to be presented on a night or day other than their regular meeting night. A team from the Valley of Syracuse will come to your Lodge and present the 4° along with some others from our video collection to get you on your way to becoming a 32° Scottish Rite Mason. If your Lodge is interested please contact the Valley Secretary by phone 315-452-7976 or email at [email protected] for information.
The 4° must precede any other degrees you are interested in. This can be done in person or through the Thursday Night at the Rite degree schedule, but you must preregister prior to the event. You need to be a Master Mason in good standing and pay your $160 initiation fee to log on to the site.
The Lodge of Perfection is excited to present the 4° video, 11° live and 14° live at our 5 Degree Festival on Saturday, April 13, 2024. I hope to see you all there for that great day!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Ill. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 33° MSA
Thrice Potent Master
Even though March will be a little slower for the LOP in the Valley of Syracuse, we will still be responsible for the conferral of the 4° for any Master Masons seeking to continue their Masonic Journey through the Scottish Rite.
We are still looking for any Lodges interested in our “Rite on the Road” program. This needs to be presented on a night or day other than their regular meeting night. A team from the Valley of Syracuse will come to your Lodge and present the 4° along with some others from our video collection to get you on your way to becoming a 32° Scottish Rite Mason. If your Lodge is interested please contact the Valley Secretary by phone 315-452-7976 or email at [email protected] for information.
The 4° must precede any other degrees you are interested in. This can be done in person or through the Thursday Night at the Rite degree schedule, but you must preregister prior to the event. You need to be a Master Mason in good standing and pay your $160 initiation fee to log on to the site.
The Lodge of Perfection is excited to present the 4° video, 11° live and 14° live at our 5 Degree Festival on Saturday, April 13, 2024. I hope to see you all there for that great day!
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Ill. Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 33° MSA
Thrice Potent Master
Hospitaler
There are a few people we need to keep in our prayers during this time. Brother Carlton Jackson is still suffering with injuries from a motorcycle accident, Diana Toth is home recovering, George Caswell wife Diana passed away January 9th. Fred Green, Sandy Samson, Gary Kall, Gary Hartman, Gerry Hogg, Joel Scarson have been ill and need our prayers. Russ Beckwith and Steve Maddox had surgery and are healing. 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
There are a few people we need to keep in our prayers during this time. Brother Carlton Jackson is still suffering with injuries from a motorcycle accident, Diana Toth is home recovering, George Caswell wife Diana passed away January 9th. Fred Green, Sandy Samson, Gary Kall, Gary Hartman, Gerry Hogg, Joel Scarson have been ill and need our prayers. Russ Beckwith and Steve Maddox had surgery and are healing. 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
Welcome to My World
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
I thought I would share a story here at the Center that really demonstrates what our kids go through, as well as a highlight from another student.
Many of our students come in with a mask of what society, teachers, family members and others have told them they are. They most often are beaten down and deflated. Sadly, they have turned inward to protect themselves from further hurt and failure. The truth is they all want to be seen for who they are and be loved imperfections and all. I want to tell you about one student who created a strategy to forge ahead even with her immense obstacles. As I explain, please recognize the labor of time in doing this that others just acquire with little to no effort.
This is one of our older students, who like many described above was very guarded and drawn in when she first arrived. Many things happened to her. First, she was aligned with the perfect tutor for her, another dyslexic, who fully understood her, and has five children of her own, multiple of which are also dyslexic. The connection was amazing. This young lady arrived with many strengths, but also gaping holes that were preventing her from flourishing. She could spell a multisyllabic word but did not know basic vowel sounds. Her strategy to succeed was to research words and memorize them in a unique and creative method. New vocabulary was acquired by intense writing of the word repetitiously to create an artwork. She created layers upon layers of one word written so many times that you would not really recognize it as layered words until someone told you and you looked closely at the artwork. This artwork reminds me of the perseverance of an athlete trying to perfect themselves to become the best version even when odds are stacked against them. Her drive and tenacity are commendable. However, take two minutes to reflect on the effort that is needed by this young lady to achieve what others do not even think about. They may need 4-10 repetitions to acquire that information. The extra time she focuses on this repetition means that some other location in her life must be cut short because she cannot give all parts of her life the same effort.
She is now learning and understanding the foundational skills, filling in her gaps and understanding how our language is built. She is learning upper-level morphology for a deeper understanding with less effort needed.
Each of these components, her tutor being a great match, her drive and ambition prior to her arrival, her knowledge and tools gained by going through this program, have all been instrumental in her opening up.
It is so wonderful to watch these kids not only advance on what is most challenging for them, reading and writing, but blossom in their confidence and skills. It is a privilege to view this growth firsthand and we are so grateful for the support that allows us to view these children and their accomplishments.
Alyssa Mittiga
Marianne Jones & Alyssa Mittiga- Co-Directors
Email: [email protected] & [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
Notes from the Children’s Dyslexia Center CNY
I thought I would share a story here at the Center that really demonstrates what our kids go through, as well as a highlight from another student.
Many of our students come in with a mask of what society, teachers, family members and others have told them they are. They most often are beaten down and deflated. Sadly, they have turned inward to protect themselves from further hurt and failure. The truth is they all want to be seen for who they are and be loved imperfections and all. I want to tell you about one student who created a strategy to forge ahead even with her immense obstacles. As I explain, please recognize the labor of time in doing this that others just acquire with little to no effort.
This is one of our older students, who like many described above was very guarded and drawn in when she first arrived. Many things happened to her. First, she was aligned with the perfect tutor for her, another dyslexic, who fully understood her, and has five children of her own, multiple of which are also dyslexic. The connection was amazing. This young lady arrived with many strengths, but also gaping holes that were preventing her from flourishing. She could spell a multisyllabic word but did not know basic vowel sounds. Her strategy to succeed was to research words and memorize them in a unique and creative method. New vocabulary was acquired by intense writing of the word repetitiously to create an artwork. She created layers upon layers of one word written so many times that you would not really recognize it as layered words until someone told you and you looked closely at the artwork. This artwork reminds me of the perseverance of an athlete trying to perfect themselves to become the best version even when odds are stacked against them. Her drive and tenacity are commendable. However, take two minutes to reflect on the effort that is needed by this young lady to achieve what others do not even think about. They may need 4-10 repetitions to acquire that information. The extra time she focuses on this repetition means that some other location in her life must be cut short because she cannot give all parts of her life the same effort.
She is now learning and understanding the foundational skills, filling in her gaps and understanding how our language is built. She is learning upper-level morphology for a deeper understanding with less effort needed.
Each of these components, her tutor being a great match, her drive and ambition prior to her arrival, her knowledge and tools gained by going through this program, have all been instrumental in her opening up.
It is so wonderful to watch these kids not only advance on what is most challenging for them, reading and writing, but blossom in their confidence and skills. It is a privilege to view this growth firsthand and we are so grateful for the support that allows us to view these children and their accomplishments.
Alyssa Mittiga
Marianne Jones & Alyssa Mittiga- Co-Directors
Email: [email protected] & [email protected]
Mail- Children’s Dyslexia Center- CNY
PO Box 638
Oriskany, NY 13424
Events Schedule Change - March 25, 2024
The Valley Executive Committee approved changing the Monday March 25, 2024 Central City Bodies, AASR meeting from a Supreme Council Haute Garde Academy (H-G-A) program information meeting to a public meeting to recognize the 2023-2024 “Knights of the Double Eagle” Awards recipients.
Valley officers and members earning “Knights of the Double Eagle Awards” this year will receive their awards this evening. Wives and others are invited to attend. This open to the Families and Fiends event will convene at the Masonic Memorial Center in North Syracuse, NY at 7:30 p.m. Special refreshments will be served following the Honors presentations. All are urged to attend as we honor these very active Scottish Rite Members that evening.
New Member Event
Are You a Master Mason sitting at home with a thirst to gain more Masonic Knowledge? Do you have lingering questions about Freemasonry that were never answered?
Take the positive step and action to answer your questions.
Complete a Petition and become a 32° Scottish Rite Mason by joining the Central City Bodies, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Syracuse, NY Saturday April 13, 2024. All required degrees will be conferred that day.
Come to the Masonic Memorial Center, 648 Centerville Pl., North Syracuse, NY; phone the Valley Office (315) 452-7976, go on line to www.syr-aasr.org, or speak with Ill∴ Terry A. Byard, 33°, Central City Bodies, Valley of Syracuse New Member Committee Chairman on or prior to April 13, 2024 and become a new Scottish Rite Mason by taking Scottish Rite degrees that day.
You must be a Master Mason (3°) and member of a Masonic Lodge chartered by or recognized by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the State of New York. The new member petition fee is $ 160.00. You need to bring your current Masonic Lodge membership card with you when you submit your petition for membership.
We urge you to become a 32° Sottish Rite Mason. Gain more Masonic Knowledge; meet new friends, and enjoy Masonic fellowship with your Masonic Brothers.
Fraternally,
Ill∴ James D. Swan, Jr. 33°
Valley Secretary
2024 – 2025 Scholarship Applications
Applications are 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: PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DUE DATE! The deadline date to submit your completed applications to the Valley of Syracuse business office is April 7th, 2024. Applications received after April 7, 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.
2024 Annual Membership Dues
Thank you to those who have paid their 2024 Member’s Dues. A reminder to those who have not paid their 2024 Member’s Dues. Please remember to pay your 2024 member’s dues.
Supreme Council will be sending you a reminder notice in the next few weeks if your 2024 Member’s dues are not paid. 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.”
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 reminder! 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
The Valley Executive Committee approved changing the Monday March 25, 2024 Central City Bodies, AASR meeting from a Supreme Council Haute Garde Academy (H-G-A) program information meeting to a public meeting to recognize the 2023-2024 “Knights of the Double Eagle” Awards recipients.
Valley officers and members earning “Knights of the Double Eagle Awards” this year will receive their awards this evening. Wives and others are invited to attend. This open to the Families and Fiends event will convene at the Masonic Memorial Center in North Syracuse, NY at 7:30 p.m. Special refreshments will be served following the Honors presentations. All are urged to attend as we honor these very active Scottish Rite Members that evening.
New Member Event
Are You a Master Mason sitting at home with a thirst to gain more Masonic Knowledge? Do you have lingering questions about Freemasonry that were never answered?
Take the positive step and action to answer your questions.
Complete a Petition and become a 32° Scottish Rite Mason by joining the Central City Bodies, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Syracuse, NY Saturday April 13, 2024. All required degrees will be conferred that day.
Come to the Masonic Memorial Center, 648 Centerville Pl., North Syracuse, NY; phone the Valley Office (315) 452-7976, go on line to www.syr-aasr.org, or speak with Ill∴ Terry A. Byard, 33°, Central City Bodies, Valley of Syracuse New Member Committee Chairman on or prior to April 13, 2024 and become a new Scottish Rite Mason by taking Scottish Rite degrees that day.
You must be a Master Mason (3°) and member of a Masonic Lodge chartered by or recognized by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the State of New York. The new member petition fee is $ 160.00. You need to bring your current Masonic Lodge membership card with you when you submit your petition for membership.
We urge you to become a 32° Sottish Rite Mason. Gain more Masonic Knowledge; meet new friends, and enjoy Masonic fellowship with your Masonic Brothers.
Fraternally,
Ill∴ James D. Swan, Jr. 33°
Valley Secretary
2024 – 2025 Scholarship Applications
Applications are 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: PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DUE DATE! The deadline date to submit your completed applications to the Valley of Syracuse business office is April 7th, 2024. Applications received after April 7, 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.
2024 Annual Membership Dues
Thank you to those who have paid their 2024 Member’s Dues. A reminder to those who have not paid their 2024 Member’s Dues. Please remember to pay your 2024 member’s dues.
Supreme Council will be sending you a reminder notice in the next few weeks if your 2024 Member’s dues are not paid. 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.”
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 reminder! 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