
                         Current Interest 
                            July 1992


Los Angeles Riots Damage Temple 


   The Los Angeles Scottish Rite Temple at 4357 Wilshire 
Boulevard was both victim and victor during the riots that 
engulfed "The City of Angels" starting on May 4, 1992. 

   As victim, the Temple experienced a fire hot enough to 
severely damage the building's beautiful marble and its first-
floor offices. Luckily, the blaze was confined to the Temple's 
lower level and is covered by insurance. 

   As victor, the Temple was host to 400 National Guardsmen from 
the 3rd Battalion of the 185th Armor. When these troops had to 
leave their initial housing, a public school, the Scottish Rite 
Temple opened its fourth floor as a temporary barracks for the 
young men. The soldiers enjoyed Masonic hospitality for four days 
as Brothers and neighbors pitched in by bringing food and 
offering moral support. 

   Also, daily entertainment was provided for the riot-weary 
Guardsmen by local performers, including Ill Royal Dano, 33, 
who were supported by the stage crew of the Scottish Rite Temple 
in their presentation of several shows. As one soldier remarked, 
"You can always count on the Masons for every kind of support!" 

   To help the young men understand the organization hosting 
them, 300 Grand Lodge information packets were distributed. The 
result? Thirty-six Guardsmen requested petitions, and more, 
undoubtedly, are on the way! 

   Thanks to the Los Angles Brethren for this fine work during a 
time of crisis. You have, again, made Masonic service a living 
reality! 



Northern Son Becomes Southern Brother 

   On April 8, 1992, Lafayette Lodge No. 91, Lafayette, Colorado, 
had the honor of greeting the Sovereign Grand Commander of the 
Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Ill Francis G. Paul, 33, who was 
present at the Lodge to witness the conferral of the Master Mason 
Degree on his son, James Paul. Many national Masonic leaders were 
present, and most of the Degree work was done by officers of the 
Grand Lodge of Colorado and Past Grand Masters of Colorado. For 
instance, MW John Wager, 33, PGM of Colorado, who also 
served as Brother James Paul's coach for the catechism, was 
Worshipful Master for the first section and of the Third Degree. 

   Father and son, North and South-Masonic unity at its best! 



Dillard Portrait Presented 

   On May 12, 1992, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33, 
hosted several prominent Texas Masons and other distinguished 
Brethren at the House of the Temple in Washington, DC. The 
occasion was the formal presentation of the original oil portrait 
of Ill Robert L. Dillard, Jr., 33, for the Temple Architects 
Hall of Honor. Those attending the ceremony were: Ill Fred E. 
Allen, 33, Past Grand Master of Masons in Texas, and his wife, 
Mildred; Ill Dillard, 33, and his wife, Dundee; Ill Sam E. 
Hilburn, 33, SGIG in Texas and Grand Treasurer General of 
The Supreme Council, 33; and Ill Plez Transou, 33, Secretary, 
Dallas Scottish Rite Bodies, and his wife, Diane. Also 
participating were Admiral W. Gene Sizemore, 33, GC, Grand 
Executive Director of The Supreme Council, 33; Dr. S. Brent 
Morris, 33, Editor, Scottish Rite Research Society, and Dr. John 
W. Boettjer, 33, Managing Editor of The Scottish Rite Journal. 
After the midmorning ceremony and a tour of the House of the 
Temple, the party adjourned to the historic Metropolitan Club for 
a delicious luncheon honoring Ill Dillard, Personal 
Representative in Dallas and Chairman of the Executive Committee 
in the Valley of Dallas, for his lifetime of outstanding service 
to America and Scottish Rite. The Hall of Honor portrait, donated 
by the Brethren of Dallas to the House of the Temple Historic 
Preservation Foundation, Inc., is only one of several recent 
recognitions of Ill Dillard upon the celebration in 1992 of his 
50 years of service to Scottish Rite Freemasonry. The Spring 
Reunion in Dallas, for instance, was named in honor of Brother 
Dillard. The Reunion program contained four pages of his 
accomplishments and included this appropirate accolade: "No Mason 
in recent memory is more deserving of this unique and distinct 
honor." 



Borgnine Visits Denver 

  Ill Bro Ernest Borgnine, movie and television star, 33rd 
Degree Mason and Grand Cross recipient, visited with Lindsey, a 
five-year-old patient at The Children's Hospital, Department of 
Audiology, Speech Pathology, and Learning Services. Ill Borgnine 
was in Denver to speak at the 50th Anniversary of the bombing of 
Pearl Harbor. 

  A strong supporter of Scottish Rite Foundation programs, he was 
escorted through the facilities of the Childhood Language 
Disorders Program at The Children's Hospital where Ill Borgnine 
met Lindsey and her mother. 

  Lindsey receives speech therapy for a language delay and should 
soon be able to catch up with the language skills of her peers so 
that when she enters kindergarten this fall, she will be able to 
communicate normally. Lindsey's therapy program is possible 
through the generosity of the Colorado Scottish Rite Foundation. 

  In 1991, the Foundation helped more than 460 children and their 
families achieve better communication via Scottish Rite-funded 
programs in Denver, Grand Junction, and Pueblo. 



Borgnine Hosts Richmond Education Night 

   On April 30, 1992, nearly 600 Brethren, their wives, and 
invited guests came to the Richmond, Virginia, Scottish Rite 
Temple to share in a festive "Education Night." The celebrity 
guest for the evening was Ill Ernest Borgnine, 33, GC, who 
flew in from California especially for the occasion. Ill 
Borgnine was accompanied by Ill H. Douglas Lemons, 33, SGIG 
in California and Grand Master of Ceremonies of Ceremonies of The 
Supreme Council, 33, with his wife, Maxine. 

   Other outstanding dignitaries present were: Ill C. Fred 
Kleinknecht, 33, Sov Gr Cmdr, and his wife, Gene; Ill David 
Kruger, 33, SGIG in Virginia and Grand Secretary General of 
The Supreme Council, 33; MW John Robert Dean, 32, KCCH, 
Grand Master of Masons in Virginia and his wife, Kathy; and seven 
Past Grand Masters of Virginia. 

   The festive evening began with a delicious filet mignon dinner 
with all the trimmings and continued with a well-organized 
program conducted by RW William Y. Roper, III, 32, KCCH, 
Venerable Master, acting as Master of Ceremonies in the Richmond 
Temple's banquet hall and beautiful auditorium. Other Brethren 
who should receive recognition for this great evening are Ill 
James B. Wilkinson, 33, Orient Personal Representative and 
Secretary, Childhood Language Center at Richmond, Inc.; Ill L. 
Aubrey Stratton, 33, Personal Representative, Valley of 
Richmond, and Ill Thomas P. Tignor, 33, Secretary, Richmond 
Scottish Rite Bodies. 

   Many humorous and emotional moments occurred as Ill Borgnine 
joined with Ill Oakley T. Hayden, 33, Member of the Richmond 
Scottish Rite Education Committee, to present award certificates 
and checks for $1,000 each from the Library and Scholarship Fund 
of the Richmond Scottish Rite to 8 of the areas most outstanding 
students as selected by educators in their respective school 
systems. Incorporated only 8 years ago, the Fund has since then 
used interest from its corporate endowment to award more than 
$46,000 to over 48 students for use in advancing their college 
education. 

   In addition, Ill Charles O. Franck, Jr., 33, Chairman of the 
Education Committee, assisted Ill Borgnine in honoring 6 
"Teachers of the Year" as selected by their peers from 6 local 
public school systems. Each was awarded a check for $500, the 
funds to be used by the school for educational purposes as each 
teacher deems appropriate. 

   All of the students and teachers were given either 
boutonnieres or corsages. In addition, each student's parents and 
each teacher's school principal or other official were invited to 
the dinner and awards ceremony where several made remarks. In 
every case, the honoree and his or her parent or principal spoke 
very briefly to express appreciation of the honor and the 
significance of the award. 

   The climax of the evening came when Ill Borgnine emotionally 
described his being made a Master Mason in Abingdon Lodge No. 48, 
Abingdon, Virginia, and his early acting experiences in the 
Barter Theater of Abingdon. Ill Borgnine was particularly moved 
by the presence of a contingent of old friends from the Barter 
Theater and of Brothers from Abingdon Lodge No. 48 who, with 
their wives, had charted a bus for the six-hour ride from 
Abingdon to Richmond in order to welcome Ill Borgnine back to 
his fraternal and theatrical roots in the "Old Dominion State." 

   At the close of the awards ceremony, many Brethren and guests 
visited the new Ill Earl H. Wicker, 33, Childhood Language 
Disorders Center which adjoins the Richmond Temple. Ill Borgnine 
also adjourned to tour the facility where he cordially 
autographed the elegant "Education Night" program for many 
Brethren as a permanent remembrance of this very special 
occasion. 

   Clearly, this festive and significant evening fulfilled the 
Richmond Scottish Education Committee's "purpose of assisting 
students with their education in the firm belief that they will 
best preserve our tradition of American Liberty."  
Congratulations, Brethren, on this memorable evening and your 
great service to Freemasonry and America!  



Alabama Promotes Education and Americanism 

   Fourteen hundred copies of Let's Meet Great Americans were 
presented to Dr. Wayne Teague, State Superintendent of Education, 
March 3, 1992. A formal presentation was conducted in 
Superintendent Teague's office by Illustrious William F. Dendy, 
33, Alabama Chairman of Education and Americanism and President 
Emeritus of the Scottish Rite Foundation of Alabama, Inc. Also 
present were Honorable Jerome Richardson, 32, KCCH, Trustee 
of the Foundation, and Illustrious Michael Addams, 33, 
Huntsville Scottish Rite Bodies. 

   Dr. Teague requested this publication for the school libraries 
thereby making it available to all students in Alabama. The 
copies were obtained by Illustrious James R. Rogers, 33, Grand 
Minister of State and Sovereign Grand Inspector General in 
Alabama, as a courtesy of The Supreme Council. The Foundation is 
very grateful for this generous support from our Sovereign Grand 
Commander, Illustrious D. Fred Kleinknecht, 33, and The Supreme 
Council. 

   The Alabama Foundation has enjoyed a close working 
relationship with many administrations in Alabama schools, 
colleges and universities for an extensive time period. Through 
this relationship the Foundation has placed many thousands of 
copies of Scottish Rite publications in Alabama schools and 
public libraries including Dynamic Freedoms,  Let's Celebrate 
America, Masons Who Helped Shape Our Nation, and special issues 
of The Scottish Rite Journal, formerly The New Age. 



Samet Double Grand Master 

   MW Jerold J. Samet, 32, has the unusual distinction of 
being a double Grand Master in 1992. On December 28, 1991,he was 
installed as Grand Master of Masons of the District of Columbia, 
and on April 27, 1992, he was installed as Grand Master of the 
International Supreme Council, Order of DeMolay. 

   Initiated in Cornerstone Chapter of the Order of DeMolay in 
Maryland in 1962 and raised a Master Mason in Osiris Lodge No. 26 
in the District of Columbia (now Osiris-Pentalpha Lodge No. 23) 
in 1966, Bro Samet, who is a member of the Scottish Rite Valley 
of Washington, DC, has long been very active in Fudda Nabi 
Grotto, Almas Shrine Temple, Adoniram Council No. 2 Royal and 
Select Masters, Capitol Forest of Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and the 
High Twelve Club No. 576, District of Columbia. 

   Congratulations, Brother Samet, and best wishes for a truly 
outstanding year! 



Bike Tour Benefits London Temple 

   In a unique fundraiser to benefit the Scottish Rite Temple in 
London, Ill Rev. Dr. M. Morgan, Grand Prior, and Ill J. W. 
Daniel, Grand Secretary General of the Supreme Council, 33, for 
England and Wales, participated in a bike excursion covering 850 
miles in 12 days, from May 4 to May 15, 1992. 

   Enroute visits were paid to the Supreme Council's in Edinburgh 
and Dublin. Most of their waystops and overnights were spent as 
the guests of the Brethren of various Masonic Halls along the 
bike route. Between the longer stops, Brethren and their wives 
prepared refreshments for and made pledges for the cause of the 
two Scottish Rite bikers. 

   Aside from health benefits to the participants, this unique 
event demonstrates the commitment of our British Brethren to the 
preservation of Freemasonry's architectural heritage. Our British 
Brothers have, in fact, contributed to our own House of the 
Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, SJ, and The Supreme 
Council, 33, of the Southern Jurisdiction has, similarly, given 
financial support to preserving the Scottish Rite Temple in 
London. 



New Stockton Center 

   On April 25, 1992, the new Stockton, California, Scottish Rite 
Childhood Language Disorders Center opened. Among those 
participating in the festive occasion and its ribbon-cutting 
ceremony were: Ill H. Douglas Lemons, 33, SGIG in 
California and Grand Master of Ceremonies of The Supreme Council, 
33; Florence Allen and Bro Lindley H. Lehmann, 32, niece and 
nephew of Ill Harry Jay McIsaac, 33, and Anita B. Lehmann 
McIsaac, whose generous bequest made the new center possible; and 
Dr. Lawrence K. Low, 33. Opening the new facility was the last 
official act of Ill Brother Low who is retiring after 17 years 
as the Personal Representative of the SGIG for the Valley of 
Stockton. 



Congressman is Reunion Candidate 

   Charles B. Leffler, 32 and Joseph L. Boster, II, 32, 
KCCH, Senior Grand Steward, Grand Lodge of Wyoming, present 
the Honorable Craig L. Thomas, Congressman-At-Large, Wyoming, 
with his 32 cap courtesy of the Casper Consistory Club. 
Congressman Thomas was a candidate in the 90th Reunion of 
Sheridan, Wyoming, Consistory on April 25, 1992, and he is now a 
member of Wyoming Consistory No. 1, Cheyenne, Wyoming. 



MAPPED for the 90s--Phase II 

   The "MAPPED for the 90s" program was so successful in the 
Valley of Louisville, Kentucky, in 1991 that it has been renewed 
and revamped for 1992. 

   Under the title of "MAPPED for the 90s--Phase II," the 
innovative program will sustain its beneficial focus on Masonic 
education, especially the Blue Lodge Degrees, while expanding 
emphasis on personal leadership and improved public speaking 
skills. 

   The name of the program is an acronym in which MAPPED stands 
for Masonic Philosophy and Personal Enhancement Development. It 
involves a number of short presentations by experienced Brethren 
along with practical application by the individual participants 
of the lessons learned. For instance, each Brother must 
demonstrate his public speaking skills by delivering a three-
minute speech. Representative subjects are "Great Masons in 
American History" and "How Masonry Has Affected My Daily Life." 

   Participants receive certificates for successful completion, 
but the real rewards of the MAPPED program, in addition to a 
better grasp of Masonic knowledge, are improved abilities in 
communication and leadership, skills that promote success in 
every area of life, including Freemasonry. 

   Congratulations and thanks to Dr. Jack J. Early, 33. Chaplain 
of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Louisville, and Ill Roland T. 
Stayton, 33, Personal Representative, Valley of Louisville, for 
developing so fine a program as MAPPED for the 90s--Phase II! 



Aussie Invite 

   On April 6, 1992, Ill Frank Gamblen, 33, Sov Gr Cmdr of 
the Supreme Council of Australia, visited with Grand Commander C. 
Fred Kleinknecht, 33, at the House of the Temple in Washington, 
DC, and expressed a warm invitation for Grand Commander 
Kleinknecht to visit the Brethren in Australia. Aside from 
exchanging views on several matters of mutual interest, the Ill 
Gamblen and Kleinknecht discussed the upcoming meetings of the 
37th Conference of European Sovereign Grand Commanders in 
Istanbul, Turkey, May 17-21, and the 8th Conference of English 
Speaking Supreme Councils in London, England, May 31-June 2, 
1992. 




Phoenix Spring Reunion Builds on Cooperation   

   The April 23-25 Spring Reunion of the Phoenix, Arizona, 
Scottish Rite Bodies garnered 170 candidates in large part 
because of a joint effort between the Phoenix Scottish Rite 
Bodies, the Phoenix York Rite, and El Zaribah Shrine Temple. Each 
group had a $100.00 initiation fee, and all worked together to 
achieve the largest class in many years. 



Washington State is Spreading the Word 

   Although the state of Washington is divided physically by the 
rugged and picturesque Cascade Mountains, Scottish Rite 
philosophy draws the members together for a unified program and 
cause - the diagnosis and treatment of Childhood Language 
Disorders. 

   In addition to the Temple-based programs located in Seattle 
and Spokane, The Washington Brethren have highly effective 
established Sponsorship Programs. These programs bring help to 
children in the more rural parts of the "Evergreen State" and are 
administered by local Masons who accept families into the program 
and pay for children's therapy at existing local clinics using 
the Orient's Childhood Language Disorders funds. These 
Sponsorship Programs are available in Yakima, Wenatchee, and 
Kennewick, Washington. 

   The Yakima program, established in 1986 under the direction of 
Ill Mel Koliha, 33, is especially successful. Over 50 Yakima 
children have now received needed speech therapy. A wing of the 
Yakima Valley Speech and Hearing Center has been officially 
dedicated to Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. 



Carlson Grand Cross 

   Ill Curtis L. Carlson, 33, GC, was unable to attend the 
1991 Biennial Session, so Sov Gr Cmdr C. Fred Kleinknecht 
arranged a special conferral of the Grand Cross honor on Bro 
Carlson on April 29, 1992. Held in the Grand Commander's office, 
the event was attended by Ill Carlson's wife, Arleen, and 
daughter, Barbara Gage, as well as Grand Commander Kleinknecht's 
wife, Gene, and daughter, Joan. 

   Other distinguished guests at a luncheon before the conferral 
were: Ill W. Gene Sizemore, 33, GC, and his wife, Hellen; Dr. 
John W. Boettjer, Managing Editor, The Scottish Rite Journal; 
Ill Daniel F. Levenduski, 33, SGIG in Minnesota, and his 
wife, Mary, who travelled from Duluth to be with Ill Carlson and 
his family on this very special day. 




Orlando Temple Dedicated 

   "Welcome to our new home, a Temple dedicated to the service of 
God, the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, all facets of 
Freemasonry, and to our Country." 

   With these words, the Brethren of Orlando, Florida, on May 2, 
1992, opened the doors of their beautiful new Scottish Rite 
Temple! 

   The well-attended afternoon ceremony marked another high point 
of Scottish Rite in the "Sunshine State" under the leadership of 
Ill Robert L. Goldsmith, 33, SGIG in Florida. Within the 
last year alone, the Florida Brethren held, in Lakeland, Florida, 
the largest statewide Reunion ever and then opened, in Palm 
Beach, Florida's fifth Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders 
Center. 

   Among the distinguished Freemasons present for the formal 
dedication ceremony were: Ill W. Gene Sizemore, 33, GC; M W 
Donald Hayward Stuckey, 32, KCCH Grand Master of Masons in 
Florida; Bro Joseph C. Fowler, 32, KCCH, Senior Grand 
Warden; Bro Wallace L. Dawson, 32, KCCH, Junior Grand 
Warden; Ill Richard J. Carr, 33, Master of Ceremonies; and Ill 
Jack L. Quesinberry, 33, Personal Representative, Valley of 
Orlando. 

   Ill C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33, as the capstone speaker of the 
dedication, commented on the event saying, "I cannot remember 
ever being invited to so heartening and significant an occasion 
as this! Imagine, a brand-new Scottish Rite Temple and one as 
magnificent as this - entirely debt free! It is truly amazing and 
deeply encouraging to see such a massive step forward for 
Freemasonry!" 



Iowa Masons on TV 

   Iowa Masons manned the phone bank to receive pledges for 
FRIENDS of Iowa Public Television in March. As Public TV conducts 
its annual funds solicitation throughout the country, civic 
minded groups volunteer to receive the phone pledges and the 
Masons of Iowa have participated for several years. 

   The special programming which accompanies the annual drive is 
designed to attract more than the usual viewing audience. This, 
coupled with the fact that Iowa Masons worked on a Sunday when 
more viewers are available made for a find public relations 
opportunity for Masonry. 

