Rite News

A Publication of the Valley of Bellingham

January 2004 – The Editorial Page

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The Secretary's photo is loading......The Editorial Page

I’m Steve Cronkhite, the editor of this newsletter and the General Secretary of the Valley of Bellingham.

 

This newsletter is published by the Valley of Bellingham, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry,  Southern Jurisdiction,

 

Valley of Bellingham

1101 State Street Suite 100

Bellingham, WA 98225-5066

 

Voice Message 360-733-6491

FAX: 360-733-6813

e-mail:  steve@scottish-rite.com

 

A New Year

An opportunity

I never thought I would live to the year 1998 yet alone 2004 when I was growing up.  When you are 12 years old, next year is a long way from now even at Thanksgiving.

 

As I get older time seems to accelerate and now the years are flying by.  Being a terminal cancer patient I am forced to look at the future in a different light then when I was twelve.

 

I have an opportunity to do something good in the year 2004.  God has seen fit to allow me a chance to make a mark, help someone else enjoy life more, make someone else’s life more pleasant, or just for me to enjoy the many blessings God has given me.

 

Even though I have been given a “Heads UP” from God, the fact is that none of us knows when our “Time is UP” and we should all be wondering what our epitaph will say each day.

 

Hug your spouse, kiss your children and Grand-children and put a smile on your face every day for it may be your last.  And even more importantly remember that Masonry teaches us to tell others of their mistakes and faults kindly, privately, and softly.

 

 

 

Editorial

What is the Role of the Scottish Rite in Masonry?  The longer I am a member the more I feel that the purpose of the Rite is only to make you a 32° member as fast as possible.  Fast classes (called Reunions in the Rite) accomplish that goal and we have been doing Reunions for longer than I have been a Scottish Rite Mason.

 

If that is the goal we have accomplished our goal.  I question that our goal should be to make 32° Masons quickly.  Then the question is how long should it take.

 

The Valley of Bellingham is searching for the answer to that question and would like to have your input.

 

I saw a 6° conferred with parts memorized for the first time when I visited the Valley of Everett.  It is a short degree with only two speaking parts and I found myself involved in the degree.  How can I be a 32° Mason and never heard the message that the 6° delivers?

 

We need your help with giving degrees.  Please get involved in the degree program by calling Jim Moen at 360-675-5878 and saying, “How can I help?”

 

 

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© Copyright 2004 Scottish Rite Valley of Bellingham, all rights reserved

Steve Cronkhite steve@scottish-rite.com  editor

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