332 East 1st Street
Wichita, Kansas 67203
(316) 263 - 4218
A Brief History of The Wichita Bodies
It was at the peak of the "boom" period that saw the birth of the Wichita Scottish Rite. In May 1887, the Elmo Lodge of Perfection No. 9 was established. In November 1887, the Wichita Chapter Rose Croix No. 5 and the Wichita Council of Knights Kadosh No. 5 were organized with the Wichita Consistory following shortly after at the beginning of 1888. The chief members were men of the thriving business community at this all important "boom" period.Originally, the Bodies of the Wichita Scottish Rite rented rooms on the third floor of the Hacker & Jackson building on East Douglas. During this time, the bodies labored diligently to increase membership without costumes and other theatrical necessities. In January 1891, the Bodies of the Rite purchased the Baptist Church and property located at the corner of Market and First Streets. This marked a period of important growth for the Bodies. From 1891 to 1896 the membership grew from 119 to over 340.
In 1898, it was determined that the quarters of the old church were too small. At this time, real estate prices were at the lowest point in decades. The YMCA building, built only ten years prior, was purchased by the bodies. Expansions and renovations, to this building, occurred in 1907, 1954, 1965 and 1996 to give us the magnificent architectural masterpiece that we now enjoy. Since 1972, the Wichita Scottish Rite building has been on the registry of National Historic Sites.
From the initial formation, membership continued to increase and encompassed the best men of Wichita. With post World War I and World War II surges in membership and the increasing desire for men "of the community" to become members of our Fraternity, the roles of members swelled to over 13,500 in 1977.
Though decline in membership and involvement in fraternal and civic organizations has caused membership to dip, the best and brightest men of this community continue to diligently serve the Wichita Valley into its second century. Our heritage from the past will be directly linked to the legacy we leave for the future.
Stated Meetings
Stated or business meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month. Although these are the formal business meetings of the Scottish Rite, we encourage you to come often and bring your wives, as there are activities and programs for them as well. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm with the meeting starting at 7:00 pm and last approximately 45 minutes. Please call ahead to reserve a spot for dinner.Sovereign Grand Inspector General of Kansas Ill. Thomas C. Raum Jr., 33o
This is the title of an Active Member of The Supreme Council. There is only one Active Member for any one Orient (state, territory, or country). He is the highest-ranking officer of the Rite within his jurisdiction, and, in relation to the Rite, his powers are similar to those of a Grand Master of the Symbolic Craft subject, however, to The Supreme Council and the Sovereign Grand Commander. The cap of an Active Member is purple and features the symbol of his office, a slanting Patriarchal Cross with crosslets.Personal Representative Of The S.�.G.�.I.�.G.�. for the Wichita Valley Larry L. Christie, 32o K.C.C.H.
Each Orient or jurisdiction is further divided into one or more Valleys. Each Valley is represented by an individual Scottish Rite Center/Temple that serves its members. The S.�.G.�.I.�.G.�. may appoint a Personal Representative that is responsible that is responsible for the operations of that Valley. The Personal Representative sets the direction and tone of all the happenings of the Valley and reports to the S.�.G.�.I.�.G.�.Assistant Personal Representative Of The S.�.G.�.I.�.G.�. for the Wichita Valley Jim Davenport, 33o
The Assistant Personal Representative aids in the overall functioning of the Valley and assists the Personal Representative. In the Wichita Valley, the experience and expertise of our Assistant Personal Representative, in the financial side of the business is put to good use.Secretary / Treasurer Ill. John M. Myers, 33o
The day-to-day operations and most office activity fall under the direction of the Secretary of the Valley. Responsibilities include all office functions, maintaining records and archives, promoting all activities and seeing that everything is "tuned and humming" in the Valley.Assistant Secretary / Treasurer
The Assistant Secretary is involved in a wide variety of areas including: special projects, producing the Double Eagle Newsletter, assisting the many committees and groups of the Valley, researching calls from members and seeing to day-to-day operations of the Valley.In addition there are several individuals and groups of people, which make running this Valley possible:
· Trustees:
Bill Brown, 33o; Van McLemore, 33o; Curtis Irby, K.C.C.H.
·
Directors Staff & Director of the Work: Scott Kailer, 33o
·
Stage Crew & Director of Ritual: Fred Smith, 33o
·
Class Directors: Jim Davenport, 33o; Roger Snellen, 33o
and John Schultz, 33o
·
Numerous Committees
·
Office and building staff
·
and many, many volunteers.
Lists of officers who govern these bodies, in the Wichita Scottish Rite, are available from the office.
Groups and Activities
Our membership is the lifeblood of our fraternity. There are numerous opportunities for involvement. Listed below are a few of the main activities and areas of involvement.Wichita Scottish Rite Stage Crew
One of the most complete stages in the Midwest, our stage crew integrates light, sound and scenery beautifully enhanced by 104 hand painted drops. Coordinating all these elements is very fulfilling.
Wardrobe Crew
The care and coordination of scores of incredible costumes, which match the biblical and other historical settings, will fulfill the history buff!
Make-Up Crew
As in any "theater" setting, our cosmeticians create the facial effects to match the mood of each degree. Our fully stocked makeup room includes the greasepaint, highlights and wigs to make it happen.
Scottish Rite Choir
We are now in the process of rebuilding our Scottish Rite singers. We are in need of vocalists, rehearsal pianist and a director to step forward and assume these responsibilities.
Pipes & Drums
Our Scottish Rite Pipes and Drums are traditionally Scottish - and most impressive both in the Degree work, and playing on special occasions. If you have the desire to learn, we will teach you.
Kitchen Committee
Scottish Rite Freemasons are like all other Masons - we love to "meet and eat!" If you take pleasure in preparing or serving food, this committee is for you.
Prompters
With the vast amount of parts that are memorized for Degree Work, in the unlikely event an actor forgets, the prompters are there to give him a word or two.
Degree Workers
"Degree Workers" is the term we use for Actors. In Degrees, we have both speaking and non-speaking roles. Which best suits you?
Class Directors Staff
The Class Directors Staff takes charge of our Candidates between Degrees, helping them to get to know one another and generally in assisting in helping forge a pleasant experience.
Class Musicians
If you play a musical instrument, we're always looking for ways to enhance the music of our Degrees. In the past we've added flute, violin and trumpet to our musical fare. How can you help us?
Calling Committee
Communication is very important. That's why we need a dedicated group of Brothers to occasionally get on the phone and pass on important news to our membership. This is something you can do at home, too!
Membership Committee
Renewing ourselves as Masons is essential to our continued success. This is a job for everybody, but central to the Membership Committee, who assures that our Scottish Rite continues to grow.
Knights of Saint Andrew
One of two "special service" groups, from the 29o "Scottish Knight of Saint Andrew" is the order of Knights of Saint Andrew. 32o members only are eligible to join. A great way to get involved in your Wichita Scottish Rite.
Order of the Symbolic Chain
Our other "special service" group, the "Chain Gang", as it is called, operates our "jewelry store" and raises money for scholarships.
Tilers
Masonically, the Tilers "guard the door from intruders" but equally important is having a friendly disposition and an ability to greet one and all. It's a great job and much needed.
Director of Work Staff
In order to insure that actors, Stage, Wardrobe, etc., are all coordinated and ready to go, the Director of Work Staff helps bring it all together! If you're an organizer, this one's for you!