On October 8, 2016, the Fort Worth Scottish Rite Valley presented the 4th and 14th Degrees at Gainesville Masonic Lodge.

The Gainesville Degree Presentation provided an opportunity for the Fort Worth Valley to again present degrees across the Valley and also begin the Scottish Rite education of several new candidates. Seven Candidates received these Scottish Rite Degrees and included Mark Williams, Jason Chamberlin, Marvin Hillis, Joshua Johnson, Ray Johnson, Bob Rogers and Allen Chick. William Crow, 32°, served as Class Director and guided the candidates through the degree work. The remarks of Brother Crow were a highlight of the event.

The day started at 8 am with a great breakfast hosted by the Gainesville Masonic Lodge, served by the Gainesville Masonic Lodge and the Elm Fork Scottish Rite Club.

The event opened with introductions and salutations to the Gainesville Lodge Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren. Special note was made of the Lodge’s long history of strong support of Scottish Rite Masonry.

At 9 am, the 4th Degree was presented followed by the 14th Degree. The 4th Degree was represented by Degree Master W. O. (Wil) Pimentel, 33º, Robert E. Franklin, 32º KCCH, Charles L. Cowser, 32º KCCH, Walie B. Franks, 32º, Raymond M. Moyer, 32º KCCH , Brandon T. Redenbaugh, 32º, Russell Roberson, 32° and Robert Y. Rodriguez, 32º KCCH. The 14th Degree was represented by Degree Master James A. Rogerson, 32º, Robert Collier, 33º and Zachary C. Haston, 32º,

Jim Mendenhall, 32° KCCH, Prior, represented the Consistory and Michael Haverland, 32° KCCH, Wise Master, represented the Chapter of Rose Croix. Also present were John Huffman, 33°, of the Stage Crew, Production Director Joe Sherwin, 33°, John Merk, 33°, of Wardrobe, Jeff Baldwin, 32°, of the Prompting Crew and Don Riney, 32° of the Photography Committee. There were a total of 28 Scottish Rite Masons present.

Special thanks are extended to Robert Holt, 32°, Bill Riley, 32°, Tom Eastman, 32°, and Joseph Munn, 32° all of Gainesville who greatly assisted the event.

The overriding purpose for the Degree Presentations was to support those candidates who reside a significant distance from Fort Worth and to share our Valley support for the Gainesville Masonic Lodges and the Elm Fork Scottish Rite Club.

In times when fraternal organizations are having some difficulty with stagnate and or dwindling membership it is vital and most important, to provide and host, appropriate opportunities and programs that take our Scottish Rite message to where the Master Mason Candidates live, work and raise their families.

The Fort Worth Valley strongly believes that it is incumbent upon our Scottish Rite Valley to reach out into outlying, distant communities, to identify and encourage Master Masons to consider the benefits and opportunities in Scottish Rite membership and fellowship.

We believe waiting for candidates to ask for information or individually offer a petition for membership is contributing to a less than a robust membership and fellowship in Scottish Rite Masonry.

In that regard, we sincerely thank our all of our Masonic Blue Lodge Worshipful Masters, Officers and brethren that support and encourage their Master Masons to join and participate in Scottish Rite Scottish Rite Masonry.

The Fort Worth Scottish Rite Valley is a direct supporter of all legally constituted Masonic Blue Lodges and the Valley offers significant educational support and study to enhance a Master Masons’ understanding of “Blue Lodge Masonry Symbology and Masonic Esoteric History”, through Scottish Rite “Master Craftsman” study programs and Fort Worth Valley seminars held in local Masonic Lodges.

We look forward to supporting these candidates as they attend and complete the remaining Degrees during the Fort Worth Scottish Rite Valley Reunion; October 22nd, October 29th and November 5th, 2016.

The Gainesville Degree Presentation was a great success because of our Valley Volunteers, the Candidates, and all of the others who planned, directed and supported the effort. A special “Thank you” to the Gainesville Masonic Lodge for its support. And, “Thank You” to all… we will see you at the Fall Reunion in Fort Worth, Texas.