Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite13360 S. West Bay Shores Rd. Traverse City, MIRichard Graham, Executive Secretary execsec@tc.aasr-mi.org VOICE:(231) 882-5118

Greetings Brothers:

The high color of October is a memory as the deep earthly hues of November carry us on toward the winter. October was a brilliant month of color, and it was also brilliant because of the Valley of Traverse City's Fall Scottish Rite Reunion honored Norman Gidgumb. The day started as old friends joined new acquantances from all over the state to come together in a day of fellowship, great food, and Masonic education..

The fellowship started with an 8 AM refistration that included coffee, rolls, and lots of conversation. Scottish Rite Masons came from as far away as Kalamzoo to share this special day.

The Degree work began at 9 AM with the Eighth Degree, The Indendant of the Building, directed by James Larson. This Degree teaches that every new honor is a step toward perfection and that each honor demands attention to duty. At ten o'clock, the Fourteenth Degree, Grand Elect Mason, was performed by the Officers of the Lodge of Perfection and teaches reverence for the name of God. The next degree was presented at 11:30 AM. It was the SIxteenth Degree, The Prince of Jerusalem, and was directed by Roger Hubbell. This degree teaches about loyalty to truth and fidelity to duty.

A break for lunch followed the performance of these degrees and allowed everyone to exchange ideas and enjoy the fabulous food prepared by Betty Swanson and the Benzie Co. OES.

After lunch, a large cast from Grand Rapids, directed by Fred W. Deady, presented the Ninth Degree, The Master of the Temple. This degree teaches that a mutual belief in a Supreme Power should bind all men together.

At a quarter past 3 PM, the Eighteenth Degree, Knight of the Rose Croix of Heredom, directed by Grant Sowa, rounded out the day of presentations, reminding all who attended that man must have a new temple in his heart where God is worshipped in spirit and in truth. This degree affirms the board principles of universality and tolerance.

It was a great day of Masonic work, and to see the huge cast from Grand Rapids perform in Traverse City was a thrill that will not soon be forgotten.

The Reunion banquet followed. Betty surpassed her culinary desire with her signature Chicken Ketaura, named for her daughter. She also served baked potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, and apple pie alamode. After ameal such as that, everyone was very receptive to James Kiefer, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Jim introduced Richard Hopkins, who gave an emotional and heartfelt introduction of Norm Gidcumb, for whom this fall class was named. After taking the podium, Norm introduced his family and thanked the Valley for honoring him.

Next on the program, Gerald Schwartz introduced two of this year's scholarship recipients. The evening ended with remarks from Erwin W. O'Dell, who finished with a message about the Scottish Rite's Children's Learning Centers and how they continue to help children overcome dyslexia.

Every Reunion has its own special quality that lives in everyone's memory. This is one that I personally will always remember and especially that the Grand Rapids cast came to Traverse City to share the day. I will also remember and treasure the manner in which Richard Hopkins gave his special introduction of Norm Gidcumb following dinner. Richard and Norm are two very special men and we are very fortunate to have them working in our Valley.

Remember to treat others as you would like to be treated.

Respectfully submitted,

Ken Cooper