April – JUNE 2015
Volume CI
Number 3
DATED MATERIAL
JAN 26
III. Russell E. Charvonia, 33°, Grand Master
MAR 27
III. S. Brent Morris, 33°, Grand Cross
APR 17
III. Arturo de Hoyos, 33°, Grand Cross
APR 27
Maru Vezquez, UCLA Associate Professor
MAY 15
III. Robert G. Davis, 33°, Grand Cross
MAY 22
R.W. Bruce R. Galloway, JGW
JUN 12
III. Sean Graystone, 33°, Grand Cross
JUN 22
Zhenya Gershman, Getty Museum Historian
JUL 10
III. Rex R. Hutchens, 33°, Grand Cross, PGM
Los Angeles, CA 90048-5426
AUG 28
6310 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 402
PERIODICAL
April – JUNE 2015
2015 SPEAKER SERIES
F E AT U R I N G T H E S E
NOTEABLE SCHOLARS
R.W. John Heisner, SGW
SEP 25
Ill. John L. Cooper, III, 33°, PGM
OCT 17
Panel: Rex R. Hutchens, Arturo de Hoyos
And Sean Graystone
Event Information & Speaker Biographies Inside
LOS ANGELES
EDITOR'S NOTE
SCOTTISH RITE
SK WESLEY PITTS, 32° KCCH
BULLETIN
OUR LOS ANGELES CHILDHOOD
Language Center and the service
it provides is something of which
we can all be very proud. Recently,
our Board of Directors met with
Ill. Ray Godeke, 33°, Executive
Vice President & Secretary of the
California Scottish Rite Foundation,
which oversees all Scottish Rite
Language Centers in California,
to evaluate our Center's current
operations, and to discuss ways
that our Center could better serve
the greater Los Angeles community.
One topic under consideration
is the current location of our
Language Center. It is a nice facility
and has served us well for many
years, but there are perhaps better
locations, particularly nearer to less
affluent neighborhoods where there
is greater need for our services.
Locations closer to freeways and
subway stations might also be
advantageous. We are evaluating
these possibilities, along with lease
rates, to determine if moving our
Center would benefit our Center
financially while also enhancing the
ability to execute its mission.
There are other issues that we
need to address for our Center's
future, including ways to increase
contributions — not only from our
members, but from the Los Angeles
community as well. If you have
ideas for improving our Center, the
Board would like to hear from you!
As Board Chairman, I welcome you
to email me at [email protected] with
your questions or suggestions.
◬
(USPS 319-680)
Los Angeles Scottish Rite
6310 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 402
Los Angeles, California, 90048-5426
Official publication of the Los Angeles Bodies of the
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
Periodical Class Postage Paid at
LOS ANGELES, California
and at additional mailing offices.
No subscription price
Published bi-monthly
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Please notify the Secretary's Office of your correct
mailing address, including ZIP Code, when moving.
POSTMASTER
Send address changes to: Los Angeles Scottish Rite
6310 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 402
Los Angeles, California, 90048-5426
◬
Ill. RONALD A. SEALE, 33°
Sovereign Grand Commander
Ill. FRANK LOUI, 33°
Sovereign Grand Inspector General in California
Ill. MICHAEL M. MARSELLOS, 33° G.C.
Personal Representative
BERNARD A. WOODS, 32°
General Secretary
S.K. WESLEY G. PITTS, 32° KCCH
Editor, L.A.S.R. Bulletin & Website
◬
ALLEGIANCE
The bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
of Freemasonry, sitting in the Valley of Los Angeles,
Orient of California, acknowledge the authority and
yield allegiance to the Supreme Council (Mother
Council of the World) of the Inspectors General,
Knights Commander of the House of the Temple
of Solomon, of the Thirty-third and last Degree of the
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry,
for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States
of America, whose See is at the Grand Orient
of Charleston, in the State of South Carolina, now
sitting at Washington, D.C., of which Illustrious
RONALD A. SEALE, 33°, is Sovereign Grand Commander.
Page 2
Los Angeles Scottish Rite Bulletin
LASR HOSTS SO. CAL. MEMBERSHIP SEMINAR
On February 28th, the Los Angeles Scottish Rite hosted the first Southern
California Membership Seminar, prepared and presented by Bro. Ralph
Laserna, Chairman of the Orient of California Membership Committee. Present were Scottish Rite Valley representatives, including brothers from
the Pasadena, Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Springs, San
Bernardino and Oxnard Valleys. This was my first assignment as Vice
Chairman for Southern Region of California, and I would like to thank Ill.
Frank Loui, 33°, S.G.I.G. in California, Ill. Michael Marsellos, 33° GC, Personal
Representative, and Brother Ralph Laserna, Chairman of the Orient of
California Membership Committee, for helping to make this a successful
event. Bro. Laserna is presently working with the California Central Valley
Membership Committee Chairman for its seminar scheduled for June.
– Bro. Alberto Casanova, 32°
CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE CENTER CONTRIBUTORS
On behalf of the Board of Directors and Clinicians of our
Childhood Language Center, we express our heartfelt thanks to
those who help keep our center operating.
Dominador De La Cruz, Jr.
Laurence Friedman
Edward M. Parrott
ALMONER DONATIONS
William J. Dankers, III
Laurence Friedman
Edward M. Parrott
IN MEMORIAM
Gayle E. England, 33˚
Robert W. Thompson, 32˚
Frank R. Miller, 32˚
Clarence E. Welsh, 32˚
Roland L. Ridgway, 32˚
SOFT AND SAFE TO THEE, MY BROTHER, BE THY RESTING PLACE
BRIGHT AND GLORIOUS BE THY RISING FROM IT
www.la-sr.org
Page 11
GUEST SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
FROM THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
ILL. MICHAEL M. MARSELLOS, 33° GRAND CROSS
SEAN GRAYSTONE, 33°, Grand
Cross, is the Superintendant of the
House of the Temple of the Supreme
Council, 33°, Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the
Southern Jurisdiction of the U.S.A.
Ill. Graystone is a Past Master of
Cerrillos Lodge #19, Santa Fe, New
Mexico. He received the Grand
Cross, Court of Honor, in 2001.
Ill. Graystone is also a Knight
York Cross of Honor in the York
Right; Honorary Legion of Honor,
Demolay International, and has
been a member of the National
Board of Directors of the Scottish
Rite Research Society since 1999.
From 2010 to 2013, Ill. Graystone
served as Third Acolyte in the Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus
Foederatis. He is also a member of Les Chevaliers Bienfaisants de la Cité
Sainte; the Red Cross of Constantine; the Royal Order of Scotland; the Grand
College of Rites; the Allied Masonic Degrees; National Sojourners, Kit Carson
Chapter #447; the Quatuor Coronati Correspondence Circle; and the Order
of St. Thomas of Acon.
In the Scottish Rite, he is a Past Personal Representative of the Deputy,
AASR, Valley of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Past Chairman of the New Mexico
Scottish Rite Foundation; and Past Chairman of the Historic Temple
Preservation Foundation, Santa Fe. He has served the Valley of Santa Fe as
Venerable Master, Wise Master, Commander, and Master of Kadosh.
In the York Rite, he is Past ME High Priest of Santa Fe Chapter #1, Royal
Arch Masons; Past Eminent Commander of Santa Fe Commandery #1,
Knights Templar; and Past Illustrious Master, Santa Fe Council #5, Royal
and Select Masters. He was also the Charter Secretary of the New Mexico
◬
College, MSRICF.
ILL. GRAYSTONE TO SPEAK
FRIDAY, JUNE 12 at 7:00 PM
See Centerfold For Speaker Series Details
Page 10
Los Angeles Scottish Rite Bulletin
My brothers, your number one
request from our Survey last year
was to bring more knowledgeable
speakers. In the beginning of this
year, we presented you a list of
well-known speakers, whom we
intended to engage in our program.
As you can see on the cover
of this Bulletin, we succeeded
to line up several of the most
renown Masonic scholars, who are
presenting different topics each
month, followed by Q&A.
All our events are open to any
one and without any charge, and
are well attended, but we would
like to see more of our Valley's
members benefit from these
educational events.
My brothers, what we created
this year for you, at your request, is
very unique. It was not done before,
and probably will not be done again,
to bring Masonic speakers from
all over the Southern Jurisdiction
at your request. These are ideal
occasions to bring candidates!
At the last event we signed a few
petitions. I signed two. Please
do let us know you are coming,
as we offer some free appetizers
before the event, it is necessary for
everyone to call the office, at least
the day before , for us to be able to
provide for everyone.
My brothers, you had a great
Idea, as we implemented it—why
don't you take advantage of It
and come and collect the fruits
of your own idea? These are
wonderful evenings, which make
everyone leave with a sense of
enrichment, true civility and
◬
sincere brotherly love.
4th & 14th Degree
CONFERRALS
REMEMBRANCE &
RENEWAL
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
FRIDAY, MAY 22
6:30 ... Registration & Dinner
There is still time to
bring candidates!
STATED MEETING
–
PAST WISE MASTERS NIGHT
–
GUEST SPEAKER
Contact the office for
information.
R.W. BRUCE R. GALLOWAY
JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN
7:00 ... Degree Conferrals
www.la-sr.org
Page 3
GUEST SPEAKER ILL. S. BRENT MORRIS, 33° GC
On Friday, March 27th, we were honored to welcome Ill. S. Brent Morris, 33°
GC, as a special guest speaker (pictured above, front row center). Morris,
who is Managing Editor of the Scottish Rite Journal, the largest circulation
Masonic magazine in the world, is also a life member and Mackey Scholar
of the Scottish Rite Research Society, a Fellow of the Philalethes Society,
recipient of the Philalethes Society Certificate of Literature, and an honorary
Fellow of the Phylaxis Society. He is also the founding Editor of Heredom,
the transactions of the Scottish Rite Research Society, and author of many
articles on Freemasonry and numerous books, including Complete Idiot’s
Guide to Freemasonry and Cornerstones of Freedom. Morris is a member
of the Shrine, York Rite, the Red Cross of Constantine, the Royal Order
of Scotland, and the Allied Masonic Degrees. Ill. Morris gave a talk on the
◬
timeline of high-degree Masonry.
MASTER CRAFTSMAN PROGRAM
On Friday, March 20th, the Los Angles Scottish Rite Valley held this
year’s first Master Craftsman class. Personal Representative Ill. Michael M.
Marsellos, 33° GC, presented study materials to all interested members
with the stipulation they complete the program. The attendance and
enthusiasm of the men was excellent. The Master Craftsman Program
is only an indication of what lies in the future as the Valley works to
complete the VMAP requirements. The Los Angeles Scottish Rite Valley is
in a regrowth period, and I am honored to serve as the chairperson of the
Master Craftsman program.
– Bro. Alberto Casanova, 32°
Page 4
Los Angeles Scottish Rite Bulletin
GUEST SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
Robert G. Davis, 33° Grand Cross, is Executive Secretary of the
Guthrie Scottish Rite Bodies in Oklahoma. He is a Past Master of three
Masonic lodges, and served as the charter Master of Guildhall Lodge #553,
a traditional practices lodge in Oklahoma. He is a KYCH, a 33° Mason, and
recipient of the Grand Cross, and has been employed by the Scottish Rite
in Oklahoma for 28 years. He is a Past Grand Commander of the Grand
Commandery of Knights Templar of Oklahoma, and is currently serving
as the Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. He
serves as the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Masonic
Charity Foundation. Nationally, he is serving as the Sovereign Grand Master of
the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees in the United States; serves on the
Education Committee of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America, the
Masonic Education and Research Committee and Rituals and Ritualistic Matters
Committee of the United Grand Imperial Council of the Red Cross of Constantine,
and on the Board of Directors of the
Scottish Rite Research Society. He is
a Founding Fellow of The Masonic
Society, Past President and Fellow
of the International Philalethes
Society, and editor of the High
Council publications of Masonic
Rosicrucians. He is currently
Sovereign Master of the Nine Muses
Council No. 13 in Washington, D.C.
Davis has just completed a book
on the lineage of American Masonic
ritual entitled The Mason’s Words:
the History and Evolution of the
American Masonic Ritual, and is the
author of Understanding Manhood
in America: Freemasonry’s enduring
Quest for the Mature Masculine,
focusing on the fraternal quest for
◬
the ideal in masculinity.
ILL. DAVIS TO SPEAK
FRIDAY, MAY 15 at 7:00 PM
See Centerfold For Speaker Series Details
www.la-sr.org
Page 9
GUEST SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
CALENDAR
APRIL
Arturo de Hoyos, 33°, Grand
Cross, is the Grand Archivist and
Grand Historian of the Supreme
Council, 33°, SJ, and Director of
the Department of Education and
Heritage (overseeing the archives,
library and museum) at the House of
the Temple in Washington, D.C. He is
also Grand Archivist and Chairman of
publications of the Grand College of
Rites (GCR), a Masonic organization
dedicated to the preservation and
study of disused Masonic and quasiMasonic rituals, and has edited
Collectanea, the GCR's annual
transaction since 1994.
He manages a collection of
over one million documents and
photographs, which is one of
global
Freemasonry's
largest
private resources. The collection includes original holographs by George
Washington, Paul Revere, Lafayette, and other notable Freemasons, as well
as a substantial collection of manuscript proceedings, rituals and other rare
items. He also assists Masonic organizations by helping provide an archivalquality environment in which valuable records are stored. He also directs and
supervises all employees and operations of the Library, Museum, Archives,
Educational programs, and Scottish Rite Research Society within the House
of the Temple. In 2000 he was one of three people invited to Vatican by the
Roman Catholic Church to discuss Masonry.
As author, co-author, editor and translator, he has published over
50 Masonic books, whereof the best known are Albert Pike’s Esoterika:
Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of Freemasonry (2005), The Scottish Rite
Ritual Monitor and Guide (2007), and Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma:
◬
Annotated Edition (2011).
ILL. DE HOYOS TO SPEAK
FRIDAY, APRIL 17 at 7:00 PM
See Centerfold For Speaker Series Details
Page 8
Los Angeles Scottish Rite Bulletin
◬
MAY
APRIL
◬
JUNE
MAY
(CONT'D)
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
6:30 PM
FRIDAY, MAY 22
6:30 PM
OFFICERS MEETING
AMBASSADORS
MASTER CRAFTSMAN CLASS
4TH & 14TH DEGREE REHEARSAL
Light Dinner Will Be Served
stated meeting
PAST WISE MASTERS NIGHT
REMEMBRANCE & RENEWAL
—
R.W. Bruce R. Galloway
JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN
GUEST SPEAKer
Followed by Dinner & Program
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
7:00 PM
SPECIAL GUESt SPEAKER
ILL. ARTURO DE HOYOS, 33° GC
see Page 8
JUNE
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
7:00 PM
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
6:30 PM
SPECIAL GUESt SPEAKER
ILL. SEAN GRAYSTONE, 33° GC
see Page 10
CONFERRAL OF THE
4TH & 14TH DEGREES
Light Dinner Will Be Served
FRIDAY, JUNE 19
6:30 PM
MONDAY, APRIL 27
6:30 PM
OFFICERS MEETING
MASTER CRAFTSMAN CLASS
REUNION REHEARSAL
Light Dinner Will Be Served
stated meeting & SPEAKER
Maru Vezquez, UCLA
Associate Professor
Followed by Dinner & Program
MONDAY, JUNE 22
6:30 PM
MAY
stated meeting & SPEAKER
Zhenya Gershman, ART
HISTORIAN AT
THE Getty Museum
AND MASONIC SCHOLAR
Followed by Dinner & Program
FRIDAY, MAY 8
6:30 PM
OFFICERS MEETING
Light Dinner Will Be Served
FRIDAY, MAY 15
7:00 PM
FOR INFO &
R E S E R VAT I O N S
SPECIAL GUESt SPEAKER
ILL. ROBERT G. DAVIS, 33° GC
see Page 9
www.la-sr.org
CALL (323) 937-2566
Page 5