An Unexpected Holiday Gift
A local physician, a radio station, and many of its listeners gave Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, Texas, an unexpected holiday gift last year. It all started when a Dallas family practitioner, Walter Gaman, M.D., bought a “Tickle Me Elmo” doll for his daughter, Kaitlyn, a patient at the hospital. After a shortage of the Elmo dolls was announced, they became the hottest-selling holiday gift of the season. The craze to buy the dolls led people to advertise in the classified ads, and desperate parents and grandparents bought them, no matter what the price.

When Dr. Gaman realized the inherent value of the doll, he decided to use the one he had purchased before the rush to help the hospital. He contacted the hospital, wanting not just to donate the toy to a child, but in hopes that the doll might have a greater benefit for the hospital.

That day, Jody Dean, a news anchor at KRLD, a Dallas/Fort Worth news radio station, heard about the donated Elmo doll at the hospital’s inpatient Christmas party. This set the wheels in motion for an unexpected holiday gift.

Dean called the hospital with a terrific idea. Disk jockey Rick Roberts wanted to invite Dr. Gaman and Kaitlyn to the station for his morning show to broadcast a live auction of the “Tickle Me Elmo” doll for the benefit of the hospital on December 19 and 20.

Once on the air, Dr. Gaman shared his daughter’s experience at the hospital, and the treatment that was given to his daughter free of charge. He then stated his intent to auction off the Elmo doll to benefit Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Once calls started coming in, other patient families shared their experiences at the hospital.

Some callers expressed their desire to donate money instead of bidding on the doll, with one caller donating $1,001 and challenging others to meet his donation. By the end of the first day, more than $3,000 had been raised.

Friday continued with the same gusto, and Roberts opened up his private line to take hospital donations until Christmas Eve. Several listeners called in to donate other valuable items, including a Holiday Barbie doll and a Nintendo 64 for the auction. The final bid came in Friday afternoon. Gary Lambert, owner of Lambert and Associates, Inc., a landscaping firm based in Roanoke, Texas, bid $7,500. Once the bidding ceased, Lambert announced that he would donate the Elmo doll and the other toys to a children’s home in Roanoke.

With Lambert’s final bid and the additional financial contributions, the hospital received more than $18,000 to help make children’s lives brighter in the coming year. What a wonderful holiday gift!

Melinda Matthews, TSRHC

Ho, Ho, Ho
On December 6th of last year, the Scottish Rite Foundation of Wyoming held its annual Christmas party for the students at the Cheyenne Language Clinic. The Wyoming Consistory Honor men and their ladies furnished refreshments, and gifts were brought by all who attended as well as many who did not. Clinic students were presented with Certificates of Participation by their clinicians and Ill. Jack E. Nixson, 33, S.G.I.G. in Wyoming. The Korein Shrine Clowns and Indians entertained the youngsters until Santa Claus arrived. It was a great party, and a good time was had by all!

Centennial In Wheeling
In Wheeling, West Virginia, on September 13, 1997, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33, joined over 700 Brethren and guests to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first West Virginia Orient-wide Reunion held by Wheeling Consistory No. 1 in 1897. Among the distinguished Brethren participating in the celebration were West Virginia Governor Cecil Underwood, 32, K.C.C.H., a member of the Charleston, West Virginia, Scottish Rite Bodies; M.W. Richard N. Swisher, Grand Master of Masons in West Virginia and 32 Scottish Rite Mason in the Wheeling Bodies; Illustrious C. B. Hall, 33, S.G.I.G. in West Virginia; Illustrious Bernard E. Rothman, 33, S.G.I.G. in Maryland; and Illustrious Harold Hayes Jr., 33, Personal Representative in Wheeling and Chairman of the Centennial Anniversary Committee.

The Scottish Rite Temple was extensively refurbished for the occasion, meriting a large feature in Wheeling’s The Intelligencer on August 25, 1997, and a lavish 43-page illustrated history of the Scottish Rite Orient of West Virginia was compiled for the event by a special committee chaired by Bro. Charles B. Davis Jr., 32, K.C.C.H.

The evening’s festive agenda was expertly handled by Inspector Hall acting as Master of Ceremonies, and Sovereign Grand Commander Kleinknecht spoke eloquently of how the Brethren of the “Mountain State” have stood tall for Scottish Rite principles since 1897. He said: “My Brethren, whether you are a longtime member of the Rite or have just joined our ranks at this Reunion, you are part of a noble Masonic tradition that continues to serve America and humanity today as it did a 100 years ago. Your clearness of vision and dedication to purpose will determine how well you carry the ideals of our American and Scottish Rite heritage into the next century. Here in West Virginia, you have a big advantage. You stand on the shoulders of giants, the men who met in Reunion at Wheeling ten decades ago. They are, I feel, with us this evening. May you never drop the bright torch they have passed to us. May we always be worthy of being members of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and of the greatest nation on earth!”

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital Celebrates 75th Anniversary
A friend of the hospital donated a billboard to help Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children celebrate its 75th birthday last year. The billboard, located on a busy interstate highway, pictured a young patient and the following caption: “Funny, we don’t feel 75 years old.” When the Promotions Director at WBAP News/Talk 820 AM, drove past the billboard, he noticed it. Realizing it was WBAP’s 75th birthday, too, the radio station management thought it was a good idea to celebrate together. On June 13, 1997, WBAP held its diamond anniversary celebration as a benefit for the hospital. There were more than 500 guests, including TSRHC hospital patients (pictured above with Ill. Sam E. Hilburn) Jonathan Wicker, age 4, of Garland, Texas, and Haylie Duncan, age 8, of Fort Worth, Texas, who blew out the candles on the cake.

Grant Teaff, Executive Director of the American Football Coaches Association, was the keynote speaker, along with radio personality Rush Limbaugh and Sam E. Hilburn, Chairman of the hospital’s Board of Trustees. The entire program was featured on the radio station’s live broadcast that evening. The festivities raised more than $21,000 for the hospital.

Holiday Is Extra Special In San Diego
The Holiday Season at the San Diego Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders is always a lot of fun, and last year it was marked by a new event and one old favorite.

On December 18, 1996, the clinic held a Donor Appreciation Luncheon to honor Club 365 Members, Distinguished Donors, Century Club, and Million Dollar Club Donors. Fifty members and their spouses, clinic children and parents, and members of the clinic’s Board of Directors were joined by Ill. Robert E. Winterton Sr., 33, Personal Representative in San Diego; J. C. LaSuer, 32, K.C.C.H., Clinic Chairman; and Nancy Lucker-Lazerson, Clinic Coordinator. Before lunch, a group of children from the clinic serenaded the audience with a very enthusiastic rendition of “Jingle Bells” complete with sound effects. A delicious holiday meal was then served by San Diego Valley’s in-house caterer, Ranch Catering, and a special plaque was presented to Robert and Jason Peltier, owners of Ranch Catering, for their contributions to the clinic.

Then on December 21, 1996, San Diego Lodge No. 35 held its annual Christmas party for the clinic children. Most of the children currently enrolled in the clinic and many Lodge No. 35 families attended the event which is always a holiday favorite for all. Entertainment was provided by a wonderful magician and by the arrival, laden with gifts (provided by the Scottish Rite Almoner’s Fund), of the Jolly Old Elf himself. Representative of the general response to the event, one of the clinic’s families wrote to say, “Your generosity and compassion for our children really shined through this holiday season and clearly illustrated what Christmas is all about. We join with the other parents who have children at the San Diego Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders in thanking you with all our hearts for making our holiday extra special and for giving our children the opportunity to better themselves all year round.”

Secretary Honored In Pensacola, Florida
Illustrious James H. Kirkland, 33, General Secretary of the Valley of Pensacola, Florida, recently received a Certificate of Honor from the Sovereign Grand Commander, Illustrious C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33. The Certificate was presented on behalf of the Grand Commander by Illustrious Robert L. Goldsmith, 33, S.G.I.G. in Florida and Grand Orator of The Supreme Council, on the occasion of the Florida Orient’s annual Council of 400 meeting held in Haines City on August 9, 1997.

Illustrious Kirkland has been a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Pensacola since November 1946. He was invested with the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander Court of Honour in 1961 and coroneted an Inspector General Honorary in 1977. After serving contin- uously as the General Secretary of his Valley since October 15, 1981, he is retiring from that position at the end of this year.

For the past 16 years, Illustrious Kirkland has, in addition to his secretarial duties, rendered outstanding service to the Valley of Pensacola as a Project Manager, Building Superintendent, Grounds Keeper, Editor-in-Chief, Interior Decorator, Design Engineer, Recruiting Officer, Master Planner and, above all, a Patriot.

Over the years, his consistent display of superior initiative and innovation, coupled with his individual high energy performance, enabled the Scottish Rite Bodies of Pensacola to maintain a leading position among the other Valleys in the Orient of Florida.

As he presented the award, Inspector Goldsmith summed up Illustrious Kirkland’s secretarial career very accurately by saying “Oh faithful servant, you have served the Scottish Rite Fraternity well.”

Mason Honored By Congress
On June 24, 1997, in the U.S. Capitol Building, the Congress of the United States conferred its highest award for young Americans on only 23 recipients, including Bro. David A. Freed, member of Oak Forest Lodge, No. 832, Oak Forest, Illinois. Bro. Freed is the son of Bro. Melvyn N. Freed, 32, K.C.C.H., a long-time member active in the Valley of West Memphis, Arkansas, and the author of In Search of a Beginning: The Eastern Arkansas Scottish Rite Bodies. Bro. Freed and his wife accompanied their son to Washington, D.C., to witness the conferral of the Gold Congressional Award presented on behalf of Congress by Senators Trent Lott, 33, G.C., and Tom Daschle, respectively the majority and minority leaders of the U. S. Senate. Also participating in the presentation were members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Rita Braver, CBS Chief White House Correspondent.

In the presence of an audience of nearly 500 persons in the Capitol’s impressive Statuary Hall, Bro. David A. Freed and the other recipients were cited as symbolizing the best of America because of their volunteer services to others and personal achievements. Previous to this recognition, Bro. David received the Bronze and Silver Congressional Awards. In all, he devoted 1,700 hours over nine years to volunteer services. Also, to demonstrate self-reliance, he backpacked by himself through England, visiting and speaking at Harmony Lodge No. 600 while there, and nine other countries in Europe. A graduate of Purdue University with a degree in chemical engineering, Bro. David is now beginning his professional career as a process design engineer at AMOCO and plans to become a Scottish Rite Freemason.

Northern Jurisdiction Meets
To an enthusiastic show of support, Ill. Robert O. Ralston, 33, Sovereign Grand Commander, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (NMJ), announced a major expansion of that Jurisdiction’s network of Children’s Learning Centers to 110 Centers over a five-year period. They will be divided between 55 school-year programs and 55 summer programs.

During the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction’s Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 20--21, 1997, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33, (l.) presented Ill. Robert O. Ralston, 33, Grand Commander, NMJ, with a personally inscribed copy of two new books sponsored by our Supreme Council and printed by the University of Arkansas Press: A Life of Albert Pike by Dr. Walter Lee Brown, 33, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Arkansas, and Lodge of the Double-Headed Eagle: Two Centuries of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in America’s Southern Jurisdiction by Dr. William L. Fox, 33, Grand Historian and Grand Archivist, The Supreme Council, 33, Southern Jurisdiction.

Locations are based on Scottish Rite membership and will be located in the following states: Maine (2), New Hampshire (1), Vermont (1), Massachusetts (2), Rhode Island (1), Connecticut (1), New York (2), New Jersey (3), Pennsylvania (13), Delaware (1), Ohio (10), Michigan (3), Indiana (5), Illinois (7), Wisconsin (2), Supreme Council Headquarters in Lexington, Massachusetts (1). Funding will be centralized so that by September 1998 the annual operating costs for all Centers will become the responsibility of the Supreme Council.

Grand Commander Kleinknecht, 33, addressed the Annual Meeting and congratulated the NMJ Brethren saying, in part: “Together, we have co-sponsored the publication of a fine new book, Masonic Philanthropies, A Tradition of Caring, second edition. [See page 61.] Together, we are serving America’s children in an expanding nationwide program of Masonic Children’s Learning Centers. You are now planning for 110 Centers in 15 states. What a marvelous vision of service to our nation’s children!

Among other NMJ news items from the Annual Meeting held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 20-21, include the downsizing of the NMJ schizophrenia research program as the Learning Centers expand, the granting of official recognition to the new Supreme Council of Russia, and the retirement, after 47 years of service, of Ill. Sidney R. Baxter, 33, as Grand Commander Ralston’s administrative assistant.

Royal Order Of Scotland
On Wednesday, October 8, 1997, in Washington, D.C., at the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of The Royal Order of Scotland for the United States of America, Ill. Edward H. Fowler Jr., 33, was installed as the 10th Provincial Grand Master since 1878. Ill. Fowler replaces Ill. Marvin E. Fowler, 33, G.C., (no relation) who has served continuously since 1953, 44 years. Ill. Fowler was installed by the worldwide head of the Order, The Right Honorable, The Earl of Elgin and Kincardin whose headquarters is located in Edinburgh, Scotland. Lord Elgin is a member of the former Royal Family in Scotland and a direct descendent of Robert Bruce who became King of Scotland in 1306 preceding the defeat of the English at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The Degrees were originally established as the Highest Form of Civil Knighthood; however, in later years they became an Appendant Organization of the Masonic Fraternity.

Ill. Fowler is a Past Master of Avalon Lodge No. 657, Bellvue, Pennsylvania, and he is a R.W. Past Grand Master of Pennsylvania, 1992 and 1993. One of the many accomplishments during his term as Grand Master was the completion of successful negotiations with the United States Department of Parks for placement of the Friend to Friend Memorial Monument located on the Battlefield in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Cake, Clowns, Claus
These words accurately describe the 1996 annual holiday festivities of the Charleston, West Virginia, Scottish Rite Bodies in hosting their Annual Client Christmas Party for the parents and children of the Childhood Language Disorders Center, Inc., in Charleston. The beautifully decorated Scottish Rite Temple lobby was filled with nearly 100 children, parents, Masons, and Language Center and Scottish Rite Temple employees who enjoyed the antics of the Shrine Clowns present to entertain everyone prior to the arrival of the event’s anxiously awaited “special guest.”

Brother Steven L. Burgess, 32, K.C.C.H., gathered the children around the Christmas tree for a delightful reading of Samuel Clement Moore’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. As he finished the story, he excitedly drew the attention of everyone to the sound of carols streaming from the auditorium. Then the children rushed with their parents to the auditorium to visit with Santa.

The families of the clients who attend speech and language therapy at the Childhood Language Center, Inc., expressed gratitude, as well as holiday greetings, to the Language Center and its staff and to the Scottish Rite Masons for the joy and caring they give everyday to communication disordered children.

This item was written by Jami Green, Clinic Therapist, and is reprinted with permission from the Language Center News, Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Center, Inc., Charleston, West Virginia, February 1997.

A Train Ride Into Christmas
Through the courtesy of the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad and arrangements made by Bros. Lawrence Dale, 32 (right top), and Tom Nelson, 32, K.C.C.H., of the San Bernardino, California, Scottish Rite Bodies, 25 children from the San Bernardino Scottish Rite Children’s Learning Center enjoyed a ride into Christmas last November 23rd. Santa and his Lady were present to lead a holiday sing-along and to assist several elf-capped helpers distribute cookies, punch, and holiday gifts.

Covington Clinic Benefit
On September 19, 1997, the 14th Degree Line Officers of the Covington, Kentucky, Scottish Rite Bodies hosted the annual Feast of Tishri as a benefit for the Covington Speech and Language Disorders Clinic that operates in the Northern Kentucky Easter Seal Center in Covington. Illustrious John E. Moyers, 33, S.G.I.G. in Kentucky, and M.W. Wayne E. Rogers, 32, K.C.C.H., Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, attended the festive occasion along with about 325 Brethren and guests. Over $16,000 was raised to benefit the clinic, approximately $6,000 contributed by the Delta Airlines Foundation.

An Army color guard presented the U.S. flag before Brother James E. Tharp, 32, K.C.C.H., Master of Ceremonies and Chairman of the event, briefly explained the origin of the Feast of Tishri and described the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Program. Musical selections were provided by the Indian Hill High School String Orchestra, and each table was set with school supplies as souvenirs of the occasion, among them a pencil holder needle pointed with the inscription “1997 Feast of Tishri” by Mrs. Cora Tharp, wife of Bro. Walter Tharp, 32. A delicious dinner of prime rib and shrimp scampi was prepared by Chef Butch C. Reed, 32, K.C.C.H., and served by the Order of DeMolay Northern Kentucky Chapter, Job’s Daughters Bethel No. 2, Dayton; Bethel No. 6, Erlanger; Bethel No. 19, Florence, and Dora Chapter No. 2, Order of the Eastern Star. The evening was an example of Brethren, individuals, businesses, and foundations all working together to benefit America’s children. Congratulations to all!

Spaghetti Or Sub?
For a number of years, John and Elie Khairallah have collected food from customers of their Zio Johno’s Spaghetti House chain during the holiday season to help those less fortunate. This year, they felt the good was just as important for those in need after the holidays.

“We knew the need didn’t go away with the holidays,” said Elie. “If we waited until later, the food would still go to people who need it.” The Khairallah brothers offered customers at their four locations in Cedar Rapids and Marion, Iowa, a plate of spaghetti or an 8-inch submarine sandwich if they donated a can of food. The response was overwhelming, according to John. “People were standing in line to donate food and get that stuff,” he said. “We were surprised.” Elie received some help from fellow members of Masonic Lodge No. 6 in Marion when it came time to move the food from the stores to the Salvation Army Community Center for distribution. “We filled one minivan with food from three of the stores and had to make another trip to the fourth store,” said John. “We collected well in excess of 2,200 cans of food,” said Elie.

The Khairallahs plan to repeat their offer again next winter.

Article by George C. Ford, Financial Editor, Cedar Rapids Gazette, March 1, 1997.

DeMolay Elects Grand Master
Bro. Tony R. Krall, 32, Valley of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was installed as Grand Master of DeMolay International at the 77th Annual Session in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 14, 1997.

DeMolay International, with its positive atmosphere, builds young men into better citizens and leaders while providing them the opportunities for participation in community service, sports activities, and the development of management, leadership, and organizational skills.

Bro. Krall entered the Order of DeMolay in 1972 when he joined the Joseph Miller Chapter located in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. He moved through the ranks and was Master Councilor of his Chapter in 1976. In addition, he has served in numerous state offices, appointed and elected, including State Junior Councilor of Wisconsin DeMolay. While an active DeMolay, he was honored with the Degree of Chevalier.

Grand Master Krall continued his service to DeMolay once he moved to Minnesota by working with the Minnesota State DeMolay Association where he served in various capacities, including State Dad and Director of Conclave for ten years each. During that time he was Chapter Dad for the Hiawatha Chapter in Minneapolis. He became a member of the International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay and has served on DeMolay International’s Board of Directors and as Chairman of the Insurance Risk Management Committee. Bro. Krall is a member of Minnehaha Lodge No. 165 and Zuhrah Shrine Temple, both in Minneapolis. He is also a member of the Royal Order of Jesters.

Bro. Krall is a partner in the firm of Hanson, Lulic and Krall, and he has had substantial trial experience in both state and federal courts.

Gilded Scottish Rite Eagles
The Valley of Wilmington, North Carolina, is pleased to announce the availability of a brightly gilded Scottish Rite double-headed eagle for use in Reunions, in Degree work, or as a decorative Temple ornament. Crafted by a member-artisan, the beautiful symbol of our Order has a wingspan of 24"; is 23" tall, and weighs 16 pounds. Made of non-absorbent polyester resin, it is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and it has a wood insert designed for ease of hanging or installation. Net proceeds from sales of this item will be directed to the Scottish Rite Foundations of the Orient of North Carolina and The Supreme Council, 33. For more information, please contact: Secretary, Valley of Wilmington, PO Box 7253, Wil-mington, NC 28406-7253, Tel 910-762-6452, Fax 910-762-9637. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

Editor’s Note: While on the subject of Scottish Rite eagles and in the theme that it is never too late to correct a wrong, it should be noted that the article “One of a Kind--Brother and Eagle” (Sept. 1992) did not include, as it should have, a photo of Bro. Roy L. Murphy, 32 (at right), creator of the impressive Scottish Rite eagle sculpture in the Temple lobby of the Valley of Newport News, Virginia. Our apologies to Bro. Murphy for this oversight. Again, our thanks and congratulations for the contribution by him of this excellent art work to Scottish Rite Freemasonry.

1998 Rose Parade Masonic Float
Plans for the 1998 Pasadena Rose Parade Masonic Float, the seventh consecutive year of Masonic participation in the world-famous event, are complete. Reflecting the theme, “Hav’n Fun,” of the 1998 Parade, the Masonic entry will feature an update of the classic nursery rhyme, “The Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe,” but this modern shoe will be fitted with roller blade wheels. Television commentary for the float, titled “Fantasy on Wheels,” will accent the care provided to America’s children by the Family of Freemasonry through the Shrine Hospitals and Burns Institutes, the Scottish Rite’s Childhood Language Disorders Program, the York Rite Eye Foundation, and the Masonic Model Student Assistance Programs. The 1998 float will be seen by a half-billion persons in person and through television. It will cost approximately $95,000. Donations to support this cause may be sent to: Robert C. Coe, Treasurer, PO Box 661567, Arcadia, CA 91066-1567.

Masonic Peace Prize
From July 10-12, 1997, the second annual Masonic Peace Prize Awards were presented in Buenos Aires, Argentina, by the Supreme Council, Republic of Argentina. Ill. Arthur J. Kerr, 33, Deputy in the Panama Canal, represented Ill. Joe A. Diele, 33, Deputy in Japan and Korea, in accepting a Masonic Peace Prize for the Tokyo Masonic Association (Zaidan Hojin). The Association was cited for its outstanding performance in fulfilling its mission “to promote, encourage and practice the true teachings of charity and benevolence.”

Deputy Kerr conveyed the warm fraternal greetings of Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33, to the assemblage and, in his formal remarks, noted that since 1950 the Tokyo Masonic Association “has been able not only to grow as a Masonic organization but also to contribute over eight million dollars to a wide variety of needy individuals and worthy organizations.” Then, quoting from a letter written by Deputy Diele to Ill. Gabriel Jesus Marin, 33, Sov. Gr. Cmdr., the Supreme Council, Republic of Argentina, Deputy Kerr said: “The special feature of this association is that it is not an organization covering merely a specific race or nation, a specific religion or ideology, a specific class or profession. Rather it has as its purpose the promotion of universal brotherly love and benevolence among persons believing in a Supreme Deity which, we believe, is the most effective program for the development of mankind and the spread of world peace.”

In a show of Masonic unity, many representatives of Freemasonry in Argentina and South America were present for the Peace Prize ceremonies. Among them were M.W. Eduardo A. Vaccaro, 33, Grand Master of Argentina, and the Sovereign Grand Commanders and Grand Masters of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Israel and the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite, USA, were also represented. Deputy Kerr wishes to express his great appreciation to the Brethren of Argentina for their warm hospitality and personal attention throughout his entire visit.

Las Cruces Party
On December 18, 1996, the Children’s Learning Center, Valley of Las Cruces, New Mexico, held its first holiday party. K-Mart donated a Christmas tree, everyone brought decorations, and many donated funds to buy refreshments and gifts for the children. The presents, appropriate to the age of each child, were obtained and wrapped by the Las Cruces Junior League. Left to right below, Bro. Gary W. Beverage, 32, played Santa Claus, and Ill. Edwin W. Ferguson, 33, Chairman, Children’s Learning Center, invited his friend “Bear” Barnett to bring his guitar and lead a sing-along. A festive time was had by all!

All In The Family
Congratulations to Bro. Daniel C. Lay who, at age 21, was raised a Master Mason in November 1994 in Mt. Diablo Lodge No. 448, Concord, California, and became a Scottish Rite Mason at the 1995 Spring Reunion, Valley of San Francisco. He is pictured with his father, Ill. Kermit Lay, (r.) and his grandfather, Ill. Kermit R. Lay, 33, a 50-Year Mason.

A Holiday Season Prayer
Heavenly Father, we pray that abundant strength and courage be given to all who work for a world of reason and understanding. We believe that good lies in the heart of every person, that day by day this good can be evidenced, and that all persons will come someday to see more clearly not what divides us but what unites us. Thus every hour will bring us closer to a final victory, not of nation over nation, but of persons over their own frailties. Then the true spirit of this holiday season--its joy, beauty, hope and, above all, abiding faith--will live among us and bring us to a life of harmony with and compassionate sympathy for others. May we, in this spirit, plan for the coming new year uplifted by divine guidance and imbued with confidence in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man.

Bro. Howard B. Kittleson, 32
St. Paul, Minn., Scottish Rite Bodies