
The following report was sent from Amsterdam by Earl K. Dille, 33,
S\G\I\G\ in Missouri, and a member of the American delegation from the
Southern Jurisdiction, USA, to the 38th Conference of European Sovereign
Grand Commanders, May 12-15, meeting in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Also
see "Universality, the Essence of the Scottish Rite," page 16, by Sov\ Gr\
Cmdr\ Kees J.P. van Boven, 33, host of the Conference.

        As a first-time observer of the Conference, I was impressed by the
graciousness of our Dutch hosts, and by the serious and businesslike
attitude of the delegates attending.

       There were some 50 Brethren from 18 different Scottish Rite
Jurisdictions present. A selection of papers covered various challenges to
the Fraternity. The first of these was presented by Ill\ C. Fred
Kleinknecht, 33. His paper stressed the importance of retaining the
monuments of our Masonic tradition.

        To this observer, it seems that in worldwide Scottish Rite
Freemasonry there are two principal approaches or ideals. One ideal favors
a basis of limited membership. This is perhaps elitist, with a more lengthy
and demanding progression through the Degrees. This ideal expects more of
the candidate, both in time and treasure. It might require 20 years or more
to attain the Thirty-second Degree!

        The other ideal tends toward a larger membership and a more
democratic (or even populist) approach. This usually means much less time
is necessary to reach the Thirty-second Degree, and at less expense. The
two Scottish Rite Jurisdictions in the United States favor the latter
ideal. Perhaps this is an example of our American impatience to "get things
done." There are good arguments on both sides, and they were heard in
detail at this 38th Conference.

        On May 13, Grand Commander Kleinknecht announced recognition by the
Southern Jurisdiction of the Supreme Council of South Africa, of which Ill\
Benjamin Klopper, 33, is Sovereign Grand Commander.

        Representing the Southern Jurisdiction at the Conference and
assisting Grand Commander Kleinknecht, 33, were H. Douglas Lemons, 33,
S\G\I\G\ in California; Sam E. Hilburn, 33, S\G\I\G\ in Texas; Paul T.
Million, Jr., 33, S\G\I\G\ in Oklahoma; and Earl K. Dille, 33, S\G\I\G\
in Missouri.

Pictured at the 38th Conference of European Sovereign Grand Commanders held
in Amsterdam, May 13-15, 1993, are (l. to r.): Ill\ H. Douglas Lemons,
S\G\I\G\ in California; Ill\ Sam E. Hilburn, S\G\I\G\ in Texas; Ill\  Kess
J.P. van Boven, Sov\ Gr\ Cmdr\ of the Netherlands; Ill\ C. Fred
Kleinknecht, Sov\ Gr\ Cmdr\, S\J\, USA; Ill\ Paul T. Million, Jr., 33,
S\G\I\G\ in Oklahoma; Ill\ Earl K. Dille, 33, S\G\I\G\ in Missouri.

Center Directors Pioneer Joint Meeting

        Directors of Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Centers
attending the 1992 American Speech/Language/Hearing Associations annual
meeting in San Antonio, Texas, joined in a special meeting to explore
establishing a networking system for the professional exchange of ideas and
information about the S.R.C.L.D. Clinic programs.

        This first effort among Scottish Rite clinic directors was
organized by Ms. Carol Sazama Director of the program in Duluth, Minnesota.
Its primary thrust was the sharing of information  among the directors.
Topics were: the set-up and focus of each site, an up-dated listing of
directors throughout the Southern Jurisdiction, fundraising methods,
dissemination of organizational progress to all directors, and positive
ways of sharing information via telecommunications, newsletters, and
phoning trees.

        Attending the meeting were directors of Scottish Rite Centers in
Boone, North Carolina; Dallas, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Cheyenne,
Wyoming; Great Falls, Montana; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Harrisonburg, Virginia;
Duluth, Minnesota, and Long Beach, California. Interest in the concept of
networking for the sharing of information was also indicated by many who,
although unable to attend the convention, responded to the initial
invitation.

        A consensus of the directors at this first inaugural session
indicated that an agenda at future meetings of shared information would
provide valuable support to the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders
Program throughout the Southern Jurisdiction.

In a pioneer meeting of its kind, nine Directors of S. R. Childhood
Language Disorders Centers met in San Antonio, Texas, during the 1992 ASHA
conference to discuss establishing a networking system for the professional
exchange of ideas and information about the Scottish Rite's Childhood
Language Disorders Program.

Brother Cuts Red Tape

        Bro\ Scott W. Draughon, 32, Tulsa Scottish Rite Bodies, symbolizes
what it means to be a Mason. He uses his Master's Degree in social work to
counsel the elderly in non-profit organizations, churches, and academic
settings. 

        His current law practice includes an increasing number of people
who have special needs and are confused by complicated health care
programs. Bro\ Draughon hopes he and others like him can use the Americans
with Disabilities Act to make America's promise of success accessible to
all.

Masonic Postal Chess Club

        Do you play chess? All Master Masons are eligible to join the
Masonic Postal Chess Club. Members play chess by mail with Brother Masons
in all states. Membership includes both beginners and experienced players
and are matched accordingly. Members play as often and with as many
opponents as desired.             You send your move to your opponent on a
postcard. He puts your move on his board, decides what his move will be,
then sends you his move. Some members prefer to play with only one opponent
while some play several games simultaneously.

        There are many Scottish Rite Masons who enjoy membership in MPCC,
but a larger representation is desired. Yearly dues are $15. For more
information, write to the club secretary: Billy S. Fuller, P.O. Box 98,
Jal, NM  88252-0098.

1994 Roses Parade Masonic Float 

Roses Parade Masonic Float 1994

        California Masons have again entered a float in the 1994 Tournament
of Roses Parade. Titled "Family of FreemasonryBuilders of Democracy," the
float is 55 feet long and 16 feet high. It is entirely covered with roses,
orchids, gladiolus, iris, gerberas, and carnations as well as natural
barks, seeds, strawflowers, and eucalyptus.

        Among the many Masonic symbols featured prominently are a square
and compasses, trowel, plumb, rule, and candle representing knowledge. In
the center of the float, a large globe depicts the universality of the
family of Freemasonry while an open book at the front honors the 75th
anniversary of DeMolay. 

        Contributions made out to Rose Parade Masonic Float may be sent to:
Robert Coe, P.O. Box 3377, Arcadia, CA  91066-3377.

Affirmative Community Service


        Pensacola Scottish Rite Masons went to work for the benefit of the
Public Broadcasting System during the December holiday season when WSRE-23,
the local PBS station, conducted a pledge drive. Eight members of the
Pensacola Bodies manned the telephone bank for a four-hour period on
December 13, 1992. During this time period they received repeated exposure
while the program announcer extolled the stations appreciation for
Freemasonrys participation in this community effort.

        Those participating were: Brothers Floyd Horton, 32; John
Montgomery, 32; Marvin Garrett, 32; Robert Dessell, 32; Herb Bryant,
32; Carlton Hancock, 32; John Palmer, 32; and Hon. Jack Dasinger, 32,
K\C\C\H\

        The Valley of Pensacola has adopted this fine Masonic public
relations project on a permanent basis.


Pensacola, Florida, Brothers participate in a PBS fundraiser.

Still Going Strong At 100

        On April 21, 1993, the Acting Master stood in the East of Richmond
Lodge No. 10 in Richmond, Virginia, and stated, "I am a little hard of
hearing, I have dentures, I cant stand for a long time, and I cannot walk
1ery far, but I am going to do the best that I can." The speaker was Right
Worshipful James G. Cogle, 32, who reached his 100th birthday on March 25,
1993!

        On this evening, he obligated and raised a candidate to the sublime
Degree of Master Mason and gave the Master's lecture. All this, plus he
closed the Lodge with dispatch, proficiency, and dignity. That this was a
landmark, even historic, occasion was underlined by the presence of two
Past Grand MastersJohn Power Stokes, 33, and George William Farley, 32,
K\C\C\H\along with the present Grand Master, Werner Herman Morlock, 32,
and the Grand Senior Warden, Judge James Bernard Wilkinson, 33. 

        Brother Cogle's combination of vitality and longevity is also
gaining him fame outside Masonic circles. Not long ago, the Richmond Times-
Dispatch of  Richmond featured an article about Bro\ Cogle. Developed by
staff writer Gary Robertson, it was entitled "He's Still Driving Hard At
99" and is reprinted here with permission of the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

        "A year or so ago, at approximately 4 A.M., James G. Cogle pulled
his car out of the garage at the Imperial Plaza retirement home in Richmond
and headed west. Twenty-three and a half hours later, he drove solo into
Houston, Texas. He was 98 years old.

        And yesterday, just to show that he is still raring to go, Cogle
successfully renewed his Virginia driver's license at the age of 99. The
renewal is good for five years.

        "I guess I'll make it," said Cogle, who will turn 100 Thursday. As
long as he feels good, he said he will keep driving. Well into his early
90s, he routinely drove to San Mateo, California, to visit his daughter,
Sara, before she and her husband moved to Houston.

        Sara's husband, Lewis Gammon, suggested his father-in-law's
seemingly inexhaustible pace defied the laws of old age and, maybe, reason.



        "I love to drive," said Cogle, in one of life's classic
understatements. "I don't know why, but I never get tired when I'm driving.
I can stay right behind that wheel."

        Cogle came to Richmond in 1912 from a Prince George County farm and
became a part of the automobile industry when it was in its infancy. His
first job was as a mechanic with the Jones Motor Car Co. He went on to
other jobshis last one was maintenance supervisor for what was then the
Crippled Children's Hospital here, but he never forgot the importance of
taking good care of his car.

        "Don't let things go," he said. "Get it fixed."

        Cogle has been married four times, the last time marrying an older
woman. She is now 102.

        "I had a good mother and four fine wives. I think that's helped me
a lot," he said.

        Even today, Cogle looks remarkably fit. He is just under 6 feet
tall, weighs 200 pounds and still has a full head of hair. He has no tips
for living a long active life, except that he gave up smoking after trying
it for six months and believes that a little spirits in moderation never
hurts. 

        "But not when you're driving."

Convention Honors Kimmel


        In honor of his outstanding 44-year chiropractic career, the
Directors of the Florida Chiropractic Association dedicated the
Association's 1993 Spring Convention, held in Jacksonville, Florida, May
21-23, to Bro\  Edwin H. Kimmel, 32.

        Presently a member of Morning Star Lodge, No. 94, Conner, Florida,
and the Scottish Rite Bodies of Ocala, Florida, Dr. Kimmel has been active
in various Lodges and Scottish Rite Bodies in both the Southern and
Northern Masonic Jurisdictions since he was raised a Master Mason in 1965
in Citizens Lodge No. 628 of New York City. A Shriner since 1966, he is now
a member of Mahi Temple, Miami, Florida and served as President of the Ft.
Lauderdale, Florida, Shrine Clown Unit in 1990.

        The dedication of the 1993 Florida Chiropractic Convention to Bro\
Kimmel recognizes his many community services as well as his distinguished
professional career as a chiropractic practitioner, researcher, speaker,
and writer.

Bro\ Edwin H. Kimmel, 32

Willard Scott Greets DeMolays

        Willard Scott, well-known television personality and Senior
DeMolay, welcomed an informal delegation of DeMolays and the Grand Master
of DeMolay, M\ W\ Jerold J. Samet, 32, to the NBC studios in Washington,
DC, on May 17, 1993.

        International Master Councilor Tom Denslow, 32, presented DeMolay
Brother Willard Herman Scott, Jr., with a certificate making him an
Honorary International Master Councilor. Willard Scott has been a lifetime
supporter of DeMolay International, and two of his fondest DeMolay memories
are of when he was initiated on December 5, 1929, into the William Mason
Saunders Chapter, Alexandria, Virginia, and when he was the Fourth
Preceptor in the dedication of the magnificent statue of George Washington
in the main hall of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial on
February 22, 1950. 

Willard Scott (center) greets M\W\ Jerold J. Samet, 32, Grand Master of
DeMolay (right of Scott), and three DeMolays during a visit to NBC's
studios in Washington, DC: (l. to r.) Philip Williams, Deputy
Jurisdictional Master Councilor, Nation's Capital DeMolay; Tom Denslow,
International Master Councilor; and far right Michael Fiedler,
Jurisdictional Master Councilor. 

A Record?

        On April 17, 1993, as part of the Spring Reunion of the
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Scottish Rite Bodies, Ill\ H. Lloyd
Wilkerson, 33, S\G\I\G\ in North Carolina and Grand Prior, presented their
Scottish Rite rings to two very special candidates, the Reverend Augustus
Calvin Peeler, age 100, and Bro\ Terrence Wayne Brown, age 21.

        Bro\  Peeler was born on October 11, 1892, and was raised a Master
Mason on October 10, 1921, in Augusta Lodge No. 111, Greenville, Virginia.
He is a retired minister of the United Church of Christ and is now a member
of Pioneer Lodge No. 685 of Winston-Salem.

        Brother Brown was born on September 27, 1971, and was raised a
Master Mason on March 2, 1993, in Mocksville Lodge No. 134, Mocks- ville,
NC. He was also one of the most loyal and active members of the
Winston-Salem Chapter, International Order of DeMolay.

        Congratulations, Brothers Peeler and Brown! 

Ill\ H. Lloyd Wilkerson, 33, S\G\ I\G\ in North Carolina, congratulates
the most senior and junior members of the recent Spring Reunion, Valley of
Winston-Salem: Rev. Augustus C. Peeler, age 100, and Bro\ Terrence W.
Brown, age 21.

Masonic Donor Day Helps Community


        Thursday, December 17, 1992, was the day set aside when Kansas
Masons donated blood at the American Red Cross in Wichita. This event was
sponsored by Wichita Scottish Rite, but supported by members of all Masonic
organizations.

        The holidays are always a time when blood is urgently needed and
often scarce to find in an emergency. To help prevent such shortages,
Kansas Masons banded together to give the Gift of Life.

        It is important to note that Clara Barton, the granddaughter of a
Freemason and the founder of the American Red Cross, was proud of her
father being a Freemason and was herself a member of the Order of the
Eastern Star. She had a deep appreciation for other Masonic organizations,
too.

        During this Masonic Donor Day, there were several people who
donated blood for the first time, including one gentleman who said that he
was very grateful to the American Red Cross for helping him in a crisis
several years ago. He said,


The American Red Cross at Wichita in general, and the kindness of Ms.
Sharon Keehn Baughman in particular, helped me survive. The Red Cross as a
whole enabled me to recover, and Ms. Baughman gave me hope and inspiration
to go forward. Both elements were vital to my survival. I couldn't have
made it without them.

        The American Red Cross is more than an organization: it is people
helping people. The dedicated per- sonnel at the Red Cross and the services
they provide are truly invaluable. Clara Barton would be pleased to see the
Masonic-related organizations she had connections with helping the
organization she founded. All of our communities are blessed when such
teamwork occurs.

POWs Recall World War II

        On October 4, 1992, Ill\ Kermit Lay, 33, Captain, US Army (Ret.),
and his wife, Paula, were in Washington, DC, to attend the eighth reunion
of Bro\ Lay's fellow ex-POWs who were interned in Zentsuji Prison Camp,
Shikoku Island, Japan, during World War II. III\ Bro\ Lay and his wife were
selected to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington
National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Captured on Bataan, Captain  Lay
made the infamous Bataan Death March and spent 3 years in a Japanese
prison camp. He is Editor/Publisher of the Zentsujian, a quarterly
newsletter that is distributed to surviving members and widows of
Zentsujians in the United States and foreign countries. Zentsuji was an
Allied Prison Camp, and the majority of its prisoners were commissioned
officers, including men from Australia, Canada, England, the Netherlands,
and New Zealand.

        Brother Lay is a life member of the San Francisco, California,
Scottish Rite Bodies, and a Past Commander of both the Consistory and
Council of Kadosh. He also served as Chairman, Americanism/Patriotism
Committee, for 15 years and secured more new members for the Bodies during
that period of time than any previous commander.

Ill\ Kermit Lay, 33, and his wife Paula are escorted to lay a wreath at
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington,
Virginia, in honor of Ill\ Lay'y fellow POWs in Japan during War World II.

