The Virginia Orient - Virginia Council of Deliberation
Transcription
The Virginia Orient - Virginia Council of Deliberation
15 Issue #2 15 Nov 2012 The Virginia Orient Dz dz The Official Publication of the Virginia Council of Deliberation A.A.S.R of Freemasonry, P.H.A Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A Illustrious Fraters: The Orient of Virginia made an impressive showing at the 126th Annual and 42nd Triennial Session of the United Supreme Council, held in Washington, DC. President of the Virginia Commanders of the Rite 33°, Thomas L. Mullins, Sr., and Gary L. Baker, President of the Commanders of the Rite, 33°, Valley of Alexandria, are to be commended on setting up a splendid fellowship room as a convenience to the Fraters. Attendees at the Triennial who also availed themselves to the fellowship room were MWGM Shelton Riddick, RWDGM Roger C. Brown, RWSGD Donald Wilson, RWJGD Beverly W. "Butch" Morgan, Jr., Ill Chester Yates, Ill. Carroll %UD[WRQ,OO+HQU\6WHZDUWDQGPDQ\RWKHU*,*¶VQRWVSHFLILFDOO\QDPHGLQWKLV report. Front Page: Message from the Deputy Inside this Issue: We are elated at the coronation of Dr. Earl H. Gray, Richmond Consistory #22A, as a Sovereign Grand Inspector General Active " E meritus. " We also wish to congratulate GIG George L. Bey III, Rev. Everett R. Gray and Bernard Sumler from Richmond Consistory #22A; GIG Terry S. Hearn and John R. McDonald from John W. Kirby #40; GIG Jimmie C. James, Thomas J. Jennings, Jr., Arthur E. Robinson and Keith Williams from Shadrack Jackson #156 and GIG Henry D. Davis, Sr., Romer R. Ferguson and James J. Manning from Fredericksburg Consistory #346 who were elevated in the Aubrey E. Ballard Class of 2012. Fraternally, Michael A. Parris, 33° Sovereign Grand Inspector General Page 2: Portrait of a Scottish Rite Mason Page 3: VCOD/ VSCOA 2013 Session Information Page 4: The Orient in Pictures Page 5: COR in the spotlight Page 6: VCOD Information Page 8: Editorial Information T he cause of human progress is our cause, the enfranchisement of human thought our supreme wish, the freedom of human conscience our mission, and the guarantee of equal rights to all peoples everywhere, the end of our contention. Portrait of a Scottish Rite M ason SG I G G I L B E R T S. R E D D I N GS, 33° G rand T reasurer-General " Emeritus " Fall 2012 SGIG Gilbert S. "Gil" Reddings, is a member of John W. Kirby Consistory #40, Hampton, Virginia, whose Masonic journey extends from Entered Apprentice in 1967 to Grand Treasurer-‐General "Emeritus" of the United Supreme Council, in 2012. A long-‐time member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Hampton, Virginia, where he served as Deacon, Trustee and Church Security, Illustrious Reddings' life has been one of service to God, his country, Prince Hall Masonry and his family. Gilbert was born in Brunswick, Georgia. He is married to Eunice Reddings and has two adult sons, L. Keith and Stanley. He has a B.A. in Human Resources Administration, an A.A.S. in Management and is a graduate of Auditor's Intern School, San Bernardino, California. Equipped with this training, as well as other professional development courses, Gilbert aspired to challenging assignments in fiscal management that culminated in service as Imperial Treasurer, A.E.A.O.N.M.S., and as Grand Treasurer-‐General, Holy Empire. Beginning his Masonic pilgrimage at the age of 22, Gilbert was made a Master Mason in Jerusalem Lodge #100, Tampa, Florida. During the ensuing 45 years, he held membership in Lodges in Florida, California, Colorado, New York, Virginia and Oklahoma. In addition to chairing or working on numerous committees on auditing, budgeting, finance and investments, he also held key leadership positions as Worshipful Master, Worthy Patron, Illustrious Potentate and Director of several Prince Hall Shrine Departments. At present, he is a member of the M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Louisiana, F&A.M., where he serves as Deputy-‐at-‐Large for all Masonic Districts. Illustrious Reddings is also an Honorary Past Grand Master of the M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oklahoma, the M.W.P.H.G.L. of North Carolina and the M.W.P.H.G.L. of South Carolina. He served as Imperial Treasurer of the A.E.A.O.N.M.S. from 1991 to 2010 and holds honorary membership in several Prince Hall Shrine organizations, including Dulkaada Temple #226 in Italy. As a Scottish Rite Mason, Illustrious Reddings served as First Lieutenant Commander of Cosmopolitan Consistory #291 in California. He was elevated to Grand Inspector General, 33° in 1985, coroneted as Sovereign Grand Inspector General "Emeritus" in 1996 and then as Sovereign Grand Inspector General "Active" in October 2000. In 2006, he was elected as Grand Treasurer-‐General, H.E., where he served until October 2012. Illustrious Reddings is recipient of the Gold Medal, the highest award for his service in the Supreme Council and he was bestowed the distinctive title of Grand Treasurer-‐General "Emeritus." In life's ministries, Illustrious Reddings performed community service in the Jaycees, the United Negro College Fund, Social Advocates of Youth, National Association of Parliamentarians, Virginia Association of Parliamentarians, Public Housing and Equal Opportunity Committee, Virginia Association of Real Estate Brokers, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Peninsula and the Fish Bowl Shrine Classics, Inc. Additionally, he held membership and performed service in the American Society of Military Comptrollers, Toastmasters International, the Institute of Internal Auditors, Electronic Data Processing Auditors Association, Accountants for the Public Interest and Financial Counselor with the Air Force Financial Program. During 24 years active duty in the U.S. Air Force, Illustrious Reddings distinguished himself with exemplary performance in the Comptroller career field. He was cited for saving the U.S. Air Force over 1 million dollars while serving as a Senior Auditor with the Air Force Audit Agency. He was also selected, as the Top Enlisted Auditor of the Year in 1978 and in 1979 was one of twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year in a competition of more than 480,000 contemporaries. In 1987, Illustrious Reddings retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant E-‐9. His military decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon with onebronze service star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal and several other awards and citations. Displaying admirable standards of ethics, Illustrious Reddings attributes his success to principles of honesty, integrity, loyalty and faith. One of the philosophical clichés by which his actions are tempered is the following quotation from an unknown author: "He who loses money, loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he who loses courage, loses all." Such is the life of SGIG Gilbert S. Reddings, 33°, and the standards by which he earned the title of Grand Treasurer-‐General "Emeritus", H.E. HISTORY OF THE COMMANDERS OF THE RITE 33° A.A.S.R. OF FREEMASONRY, P.H.A. 2 2 88th Annual Session of the Virginia Council of Deliberation Fall 2012 43rd Annual Session of the Virginia State Council of Assemblies, OGC M E E T I N G P L A C E: Fredericksburg Hospitality House & Conference Center, 2801 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Scottish Rite Masonic dress is required. GIG robes must have black velvet facing. Ladies of the Golden Circle are to be dressed appropriate to the OrderHISTORY OF THE COMMANDERS OF THE RITE 33° of the Golden Circle. Opening sessions will begin 12:00 Noon on March 15, 2013. A.A.S.R. OF FREEMASONRY, P.H.A. H O T E L R ESE R V A T I O NS: Rooms are $99.00 per night, plus tax. The deadline for this rate is March 1, 2013. Call 800-682-1049 for reservations and ask for the Council of Deliberation rate. R E G IST R A T I O N: Advance registration is $100.00 and includes one (1) lunch ticket and one (1) banquet ticket. Additional lunch tickets are $25.00 each and banquet tickets are $50.00 each. Advance registrations must be postmarked NLT February 28, 2013. L ate registration is $125.00. No lunch or banquet ticket is included with late registration. Mail registrations to GIG James Manning, 31 Sapphire Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22405; his telephone number is 850625-6153. Registrations may also be mailed to PLLR Carol Smith, 1810 Pimmit Drive, Falls Church, VA 22043; her telephone number is 703-893-2731. Make checks or money orders payable to "Virginia Council of Deliberation Host &RPPLWWHHRU³9&2'+RVW&RPPLWWHH´ SO U V E N I R B O O K SUBSC R IP T I O NS: Full page ad is $80.00, half page $50.00, quarter page $40.00, business card $25.00 and the inside back cover is $125.00. Patrons are $3.00 for a single name and $5.00 for Mr. & Mrs. $GVZLWKGLJLWDOSKRWRVDUHVWURQJO\HQFRXUDJHG0DLOVXEVFULSWLRQVDQGSDWURQV¶OLVWVWR*,*/H$QGUH Bennett, Sr., 3 Schooler Court, Fredericksburg, VA 22407. His telephone number is 540-898-3512. Subscriptions may also be mailed to: PLLR Charity Baker, 13714 Long Branch Road, Woodford, VA 22580. Her telephone number is 804-633-7516. The deadline for subscriptions is February 8, 2013. Make checks or money orders payable to "Virginia Council of 'HOLEHUDWLRQ+RVW&RPPLWWHHRU³9&2'+RVW&RPPLWWHH´ A C T I V I T I ES: Will include a workshop for Sublime Princes on Friday, March 15, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. The Virginia Commanders of the Rite will also meet Friday, March 15, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. The Virginia State Council of Assemblies, OGC, will host an Entertainment Program Friday, March 15, 2013; at 7:00 p.m. visiting delegations to the Council of Deliberation will be received Saturday, March 16, at 10:00 a.m. The Annual Awards Banquet will be held Saturday, March 16, 2013, at 6:00 p.m., and Divine Worship Service on Sunday, March 17, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. For additional information, contact your K eeper of the Seals and A rchives. ³7+(*/25<2)7+(6&277,6+5,7(´ The Scottish Rite as an experience has a capacity to make its members lives more rich and meaningful. The consistent theme of the degrees is that the individual has within himself the spiritual capacity to overcome adversity and achieve great success. It describes the basic problem of humanity as that of being held back from such success by the confusion and disorientation of materialism. The Scottish Rite is not, therefore, just a good organization which does good works;; it is a great brotherhood of initiates dedicated to the higher spiritual values of civilization. In its capacity to transform human lives, the Scottish Rite is the handmaiden of religion: not a religion itself. ,WKDVGLVWLOOHGPDQ\RIWKHHVVHQWLDOHOHPHQWVRIWKHZRUOG¶VJUHDWOLYLQJIDLWKVLQWRDFDUHIXO teaching system and sincere fraternal fellowship. This system and fellowship hinge upon the basic pervasiYHV\PERORIWKHSUHVHQFHRI³JORU\´RI*RG&RPSUHKHQGLQJ*RG¶V³JORU\´LVDFUXFLDOSDUWRI EHQHILWLQJIURPWKH6FRWWLVK5LWHH[SHULHQFHWRWKHDQFLHQW+HEUHZVWKH³JORU\´RI*RGUHSRVHGLQWKH Ark of the Covenant, around which was built the tabernacle DQGODWHU6RORPRQ¶V7HPSOH7KH6FRWWLVK 5LWHGHJUHHVGHVFULEHWKHUHDOHIIRUWWKHSHRSOHRI,VUDHOSXWIRUZDUGWRUHFRYHUWKHSUHVHQFHRI*RG¶V ³JORU\´DIWHUWKHWUDJLFGHDWKRIWKHDUFKLWHFWRIWKHWHPSOH$VDOO0DVRQVNQRZLWLVDIXUWKHU description of the search for the lost word. %XWLQWKHLQHIIDEOHDQGRWKHUGHJUHHVRIWKH6FRWWLVK5LWHWKLVVHDUFKEHFRPHVDPRGHOIRUHDFKPDQ¶V search for the holiness within himself. The degrees are a lesson book for the achievement of victory over the baVHUWKUHDWVDQGUHDOLWLHVRIOLIH7KH\GHSLFWWKHVHDUFKWR³+RXVH´SURSHUO\*RG¶V³JORU\´ ZKHQWKH³WHPSOH´LVWKHLQGLYLGXDO¶VSHUVRQDOERG\PLQGDQGVSLULW7KHSURIRXQGDQGODVWLQJ 3 understanding of Scottish Rite Experience is the power of each individual, within the context of his own 3 UHOLJLRXVIDLWKWRUHFRYHU*RG¶V³JORU\´ZLWKLQKLPVHOI,WLVWKLVOHVVRQZKLFKLVDWWKHFHQWHURI Masonic living. The Orient of Virginia in Pictures Fall 2012 Parris and Past First Lt. Cdr. J.C. Taylor, VCOD, congratulated SGIG GIG Lewis Peery and GIG Frank O. Johnson on being honored at the banquet of the 137th Annual Session, MWPH Grand Lodge of Virginia, HISTORY OF THE COMMANDERS OF THE RITE 33° F&AM, Inc. Being 90 years old and the mid-80s, respectively, Ill. Peery A.A.S.R. OF FREEMASONRY, P.H.A. and Ill. Johnson were recognized by MW Grand Master Herman Eggleston, Jr., as among the oldest members of the Grand Lodge. Taylor, VCOD Scholarship Award Peery and Johnson are members of Acorn Consistory #103. ³&RQJUDWXODWLRQV´ ********* JEREMIAH MORSE Winner (Left to right) GIG J.C. Taylor, Mrs. Eula Peery, GIG Lewis W. Peery, Mrs. Delitha Johnson, GIG Frank O. Johnson, Sr., and SGIG Michael Parris The 3rd Annual Worship Service was held at Providence Park Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia on June 14, 2012. Over 75 Illustrious Sirs and Loyal Ladies of the Golden Circle were present. The Ladies of the Golden Circle showed up in large numbers. This was a great day. Refreshments where served after the service. This great Tradition is growing. Looking forward to another fabulous service in 2013. 4 4 Meet Jeremiah Morse, a VCOD Scholarship Award Winner and graduate from Richmond University. Jeremiah is employed in communications at Reingold, Inc., and encourages graduating High School Seniors to apply for a VCOD scholarship as he did. Applications must be turned in to the Scholarship Award Committee by March 1, of the year for which an award is being requested. HISTORY OF THE COMMANDERS OF THE RITE 33° Fall 2012 A.A.S.R. OF FREEMASONRY, P.H.A. co HISTORY OF THE COMMANDERS OF THE RITE 33° A.A.S.R. OF FREEMASONRY, P.H.A. V I R G I N I A C O M M A N D E RS O F T H E R I T E , 33° (Seated l to r) GIG Kensey M. Lewis-Treasurer, SGIG Michael A. Parris- Deputy for the Orient, GIG Thomas L. Mullins, Sr.-President and GIG Benjamin F. Harrison, Jr.-Secretary. (Standing 3rd from left) GIG Clarence E. Williams- Chaplain The Virginia Commanders of the Rite 33rd Degree was organized June 15, 1969. It was conceived in June 1968, by a group of Thirty-‐Third Degree Masons who were attending the Annual Session of the Virginia Council of Deliberation at Holiday Inn Scope, Norfolk, Virginia; and was organized at Virginia State College during the annual session in 1969. Petersburg Consistory #144 hosted that annual session with Sublime Prince Willie F. Little as Commander-‐In-‐Chief. During this annual convocation, Petersburg Assembly #144, Order of the Golden Circle was also organized, adding to the significance of this monumental session. Loyal Lady Ruth Brown was elected to serve as its first Loyal Lady Ruler, under the stewardship of SGIG David L. Muckle as Deputy of the Orient. History informs us that during this meeting at Virginia State College, which is now known as Virginia State University, Ettrick, Virginia, there appeared seventeen (17) Grand Inspectors General who expressed a burning desire to organize this fraternal group of peers, styled COMMANDERS OF THE RITE of VIRGINIA. In his capacity as Deputy of the Orient, SGIG David L. Muckle #9 called the meeting to order while GIG Milton Keeling recorded the proceedings. The charter members of June 1969 are as follows: GIG William W. Pierce, 33º, #22; GIG John Powell, 33º, #9; GIG Thomas Bradley, 33º, #9; GIG Andrew J. Smith, 33º, #40; SGIG David L. Muckle, 33º, #9; GIG Charles H. Harris, 33º, #103; GIG Roswell A. Taylor, 33º, #156; GIG Richard L. Jones, 33º, #144; GIG Milton Keeling, 33º, #120; GIG Wendell Cobbs, 33º, #40; GIG R.A. Markham, 33º, #22; GIG William C. Johnson, 33º, #9; GIG Henry M. Whittle, 33º, #144; GIG M.C. Martin, 33º, #105; GIG John Davis, 33º, #144; GIG Pitman C. Rock, 33º, #22; GIG Grant H. Tolbert, 33º, #40. Officers were elected as follows: GIG John Henry Evans, 33º -‐ President GIG Milton Keeling, 33° -‐ Secretary GIG R.A. Markham, 33° -‐ Treasurer GIG Grant H. Tolbert, 33° -‐ Chaplain The purpose of this club was to promote fraternity among the Peers and to pay respects to their loved ones during the last weekend in October each year. These public celebrations are held in a social setting and, by virtue of the wide appeal they generate, they have been expanded to include the loved ones of all Scottish Rite Masons. Continued on page 7 5 5 TAKE DUE NOTICE & GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY Fall 2012 HISTORY OF THE COMMANDERS OF THE RITE 33° Constitution and General Regulations: The newly revised Constitution and General Regulations of the United Supreme Council is now available for distribution. Consistories with back-orders of this publication A.A.S.R. OF FREEMASONRY, P.H.A. may have them filled from the office of the Secretary-*HQHUDO+(*,*¶s requiring copies of the publication may order them from the office of the Secretary-General, H.E, with the assistance of their Keeper of the Seals and Archives. Scottish Rite D ress: Scottish Rite dress consists of black or dark suit, black shoes, black socks, black tie (bow tie preferred), white shirt, white gloves, crown and regalia. Robes: Are required to be worn by Sovereign and Grand Inspectors General for ceremonial purposes, such as opening sessions of the United Supreme Council, the Virginia Council of Deliberation and memorial service for deceased Knights of Kadosh. Please check your dues card. If it is out of date remit payment to your Keeper of the Seals & Archives. Please update your Phone number and Address with your Secretary, Keeper of the Seal and Archives. C A L A N D E R O F ST A T E-W I D E SC O T T ISH R I T E A C T I V I T I ES (December 2012 - December 2013) DATE ACTIVITY LOCATION Dec 29 Jan 12 Mar 15-17 VA Commanders of the Rite Meeting SGLLR Banquet 88th Annual Session of VCOD and 43rd Annual Session of VSCOA, OGC Maundy Thursday VSCOA Officers' Meeting Easter Sunrise Service Joint VCOD-VSCOA Planning Meeting VSCOA Planning Meeting Scottish Rite School of Instruction VA Commanders of the Rite Meeting 4th Annual Scottish Rite Worship Service VA Commanders of the Rite Meeting United Supreme Council 127th Annual Session Ladies Night Banquet Joint VCOD-VSCOA Planning Meeting Fort Belvoir, VA Norfolk, VA Fredericksburg, VA Mar 28 Mar 30 Mar 31 May 4 Jun 1 Jun 8 Jun 29 Jul 14 Aug 31 Oct 11-15 Oct 26 Nov 16 Save the date to your phone or Computer 6 6 Every Consistory TBD Every Consistory TBD TBD TBD Roanoke, VA Richmond, VA Catlett, VA Greensboro, NC Danville. VA TBD HISTORY OF THE COMMANDERS OF THE RITE 33° A.A.S.R. OF FREEMASONRY, P.H.A. Fall 2012 Continued from page 5: Commanders of the Rite initiallyHISTORY OF THE COMMANDERS OF THE RITE 33° held regular meetings on the 5th Sunday of the calendar month and, under the stewardship of SGIG Richard L. Jones, sought to develop a set of By-Laws. Whereupon, GIG Robert D. Lucas #156, serving A.A.S.R. Oappointed F FREEMASONRY, P.H.A. as President, a committee to review the records for policies that were adopted over the years and compile a set of ByLaws for adoption.. This committee consisted of GIG Michael A. Parris, #156; GIG Alphonso A. Anderson, #22; GIG Benjamin W. Fletcher, #346, GIG Lawrence E. Hodge, #346 and GIG Robert L. Shropshire, #9. Among the articles that were adopted was a name change and the establishment of charitable objectives. The organization is now known as the VIRGINIA COMMANDERS OF THE RITE, 33°. It should be noted that in 1994, regular meetings were changed to the 5th Saturday to avoid interference with religious worship on Sundays. The Over the years, this organization has contributed to numerous charitable requests that have made a tremendous impact on others. We are also proud to report that our membership increased to approximately 165 members at the beginning of the New Millennium (2000 A.D.). Additionally, each Consistory has hosted our Annual Ladies Night in the month of October and Scottish Rite Masons have traveled to the following cities where these celebrations have been held: Alpha & Omega Consistory #9, Norfolk; Richmond Consistory #22, Richmond; John W. Kirby Consistory #40, Hampton; Acorn Consistory #103, Roanoke Constantine Consistory #105, Lynchburg; Petersburg Consistory #144, Petersburg; Shadrack Jackson Consistory #156, Alexandria; Warrenton Consistory #315, Warrenton; Fredericksburg Consistory #346, Fredericksburg The following individuals have served as President of the Commanders of the Rite: GIG John Henry Evans, Jr. #144 ** GIG Charles H. Harris #103 ** GIG Thomas E. Minor #22 ** GIG Pittman C. Rock #22 ** GIG James J. Lockhart #4 ** GIG Leonard (Joe) Cox #144 ** GIG Robert D. Lucas #156 - 1990 ± 1992 ** GIG Michael A. Parris #156 - 1992 ± 1994 ** GIG George M. Ellis, Jr. #144 - 1994 ± 1996 ** GIG Frederick Jones #346 - 1996 ± 1998 ** GIG Wallace Greenlee #22 - 1998 ± 2000 ** GIG Julius Green, Jr. #40 - 2000 ± 2004 ** GIG Benjamin W. Fletcher #346 2004 ± 2005 ** GIG Willie H. Thompson, Sr. #144 - 2005 ± 2007 ** GIG Nathaniel Hill #40 - 2007 ± 2010 ** GIG Ernest Hardy #9 - 2010 ± 2012 ** GIG Thomas L. Mullins, Sr., #156 - 2012 - Present History also tells us that GIG Willie H. Thompson was obliged to fill the unexpired term of GIG Benjamin Fletcher, #346, who was removed from office by Deputy George M. Ellis, Jr., in June 2005. GIG Thompson was then elected as President of the Rite in 2006 and, for personal reasons, resigned from office in April 2007. His unexpired term was served by Vice President GIG Nathaniel Hill, #40, who was then elected as President in 2008 and served until 2010. The current roster of officers for the Virginia Commanders of the Rite is as follows: GIG Thomas L. Mullins, Sr., #156 - President GIG David L. Wilson, Sr., #10 - Vice President GIG Benjamin F. Harrison, Jr., 156 - Secretary GIG Kensey M. Lewis, #346 - Treasurer GIG Clarence E. Williams, #144 - Chaplain THE COMMANDERS OF THE RITE AASR OF FREEMASONRY Southern Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliated ORIENT OF VIRGINIA 7 7 Fall 2012 Message from the Editor: Illustrious Sirs, I am pleased to bring to you the second issue of The Virginia Orient for the benefit of all Consistories within the Orient of Virginia. Again the purpose of this newsletter is to inform the membership of current and future official events as determined by our leadership. I am still soliciting members to this committee; the intent is to have someone from the northern, southern, western and eastern parts of the Orient to capture events held by our consistories, our members who receive Masonic, civic and community awards. Anyone desiring to volunteer their services to this committee can contact me at any time. Thank you for your interest and support to this important undertaking. As a reminder upon completion of each publication in May and August of each year, it is my hope that each and every member gets a copy to ensure that they have the latest and greatest information and has a piece of Masonic historical data in hand. Dz dz. Fraternally yours, Ray T. Fisher GIG Ray T. Fisher, 33° Chairman, Publicity Committee VA Prince Hall Grand Lodge The Virginia Orient Publication Committee http://www.mwphgl-‐va.org/ AASR Southern Jurisdiction http://www.aasrphasj.org/ Masonic World All correspondence can be sent to: http://www.masonicworld.com/ph/ Publication Committee 2504 Belmont Stakes Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23456 Prince Hall http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Hall (757) 636-‐9384 [email protected] Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret -‐ 32° Did you know that in this degree the crowning point is obtained by those who have studied and thought. The Royal Secret, like the occult science of the ancients, is concealed even here Ȃ ǡDz Ǥdz ǡ ǡ absolute science of nature and its laws, hence the Star of Hope shines for us as truly as it did for the Wise Men of the East two thousand years ago. Today, as in the first days of the creation, the universal equilibrium still retains its predominant position in the eternal plan of the Omnipotent. Good and evil, right and wrong, justice and mercy, attraction and repulsion balance each other to teach us to remember ourselves as immortal souls, retaining for each other respect and charity and remembering always that each is slowly ǡǤdzgn over yourself, be neither intoxicated by success nor depressed by defeat. You must not usurp in order to be enabled to punish usurpation nor must you Ǥdz