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Freemasonry Emerges in the Russian Far East
After over 75 years of darkness, Freemasonry has returned
to Far East Russia. The Alaska Russian Relations Committee,
established in 1993 by MWB John H. Grainger, 33°,
Valley of Juneau, Alaska, started plans for two new
Masonic Lodges in Eastern Russia.
In 1995 the Grand Loge Nationale Francaise constituted
the Grand Lodge of Russia. The Russian Relations Committee
now works as a courtesy for the Russian Grand Lodge.
Because of the distances involved, Alaska is in a unique
position to revive Freemasonry in Russia east of the
Ural Mountains. Pacific Rim Lodge #12 in Vladivostok
is located 5,200 miles from Moscow. This is twice the
distance from Seattle to New York. Anchorage, Alaska,
is approximately eight hours flying time to Vladivostok
via South Korea.
We Arrived as Strangers - Departed as Friends
In 1993 an exploratory trip was made to Magadan in
Eastern Russia to study the possibility of returning
Freemasonry
in Russia. Later a trip was made to Vladivostok, Khabarovsk,
Blagoveschensk, and Novosibirsk.
The Russian Relations Committee members formed Pacific
Rim Lodge #12, Under Dispensation. Their first meeting,
arranged by MWB Charles E. Corbin, KCCH, Valley of Anchorage,
Co-Chairman of the Russian Relations Committee, was held
in Palmer, Alaska, on September 11, 1999, where Nickoli
Luzganov from Vladivostok was initiated a Master Mason.
A month later, eight Master Masons from Alaska followed
on this historic event by flying to Vladivostok and conferring
all three Degrees on eight new Candidates. The new Lodge
attended by approximately 30 Masons, including the Grand
Master of Russia, was constituted, October 14, 2000,
in Vladivostok.
In August 1996, Dr. Sergei Bogolepov from Novosibirsk
asked the Grand Master of Alaska for some guidance regarding
how to become a Mason since his grandfather was a Mason.
On April 4, 2002, with assistance from the Grand Lodge
of Alaska and the Grand Lodge of Russia and the Grand
Lodge of Missouri, Dr. Sergei Bogolepov received the
Sublime Degree of a Master Mason in North Kansas City,
Missouri.
In 2001, Dr. Bogolepov with the assistance of the Russian
Relations Committee started a new Lodge in Novosibirsk
a population of over 1,500,000 residents. Dr. Bogolepov
was subsequently elected Worshipful Master of Alpha & Omega
Lodge #23 in Novosibirsk.
WM Bogolepov has inquiries from individuals to start
Freemasonry in Tomsk, a large University town about 300
miles from Novosibirsk, and Kazakstan, an independent
Republic. Plans are to initiate the new Candidates in
Novosibirsk and then assist the new Masons in starting
their own Lodge.
If Freemasonry is to succeed in the Far East, it must
be through the labor of new Masons in Russia. We can,
however, continue to start and assist new Lodges to become
proficient in their work and to initiate new Candidates.
Non-Russian Masons can assist in the efforts of establishing
Freemasonry in Eastern Russia by becoming Honorary Lifetime
Members of a Far East Russian Lodge. Due to financial
restraints, the Grand Lodge of Alaska is unable to assist
committees financially.
A one-time membership fee of $200 supports the work
of introducing Freemasonry in the Far East. Honorary
Lifetime
Members of Pacific Rim Lodge #23, Vladivostok and/or
Alpha & Omega Lodge #23, Novosibirsk, receive a colorful
membership certificate, Lodge pin, and a Lifetime Membership
card. A copy of a current dues card serves as a petition.
Masons interested in becoming an Honorary Lifetime
Member of a Far East Russian lodge should contact MW
John H.
Grainger, 33°, Chairman of the Russian Relations
Committee, PO Box 5326, Ketchikan, AK 99901. E-mail jhg@kpunet.net.
Checks should be made out to GL of AK, R.R. Committee.
The
Russian Far East offers a unique opportunity to establish
our Fraternity in an area where Masonic precepts and
tenets are virtually unknown. With the traditions of
Brotherhood and caring, our gentle Craft can become
a positive influence in Russia.
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Getting
to Know the Children
On April 13, 2004, several leaders of the Valley of
Little Rock, Arkansas, visited the Little Rock Beth Eaton
RiteCare Center sponsored by the Brethren of the Valley
of Little Rock, Arkansas, at the Audiology & Speech
Pathology Speech-Language-hearing Clinic at the University
of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Pictured above left to right, they are Ill. Bros. Harold
L. Gwatney, Grand Cross, Personal Representative, Orient
of Arkansas; Herman M. Ray, Personal Representative,
Valley of Little Rock; Robert L. Spangler, Executive
Secretary, Valley of Little Rock; Dr. Joel E. Anderson,
Chancellor University of Arkansas at Little Rock; Dwane
F. Treat, SGIG in Arkansas and Grand Herald of the Supreme
Council; William H. “Bill” Bowen, member,
Valley of Little Rock; and Ms. Beth B. Eaton, Director
of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences/University
of Arkansas at Little Rock Beth Eaton RiteCare Center.
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Scottish Rite JROTC Award in Virginia
On April 24, 2004, Cadet Master Sergeant Jordan Rice,
Air Force JROTC, Randolph-Mason Academy, Front Royal,
Virginia, was presented with the Supreme Council’s
JROTC Education and Americanism Award. Presenters were
Bro. Wayne E. Price, 32°, Valley of Alexandria, Virginia,
and President of the Shenandoah Valley Club, 2004-05
(left in photo above), and Major General Kenneth M. Habgood,
President of Randolph-Macon Academy. The Supreme Council
is now offering this very popular award (consisting of
a certificate, medal, and ribbon) to outstanding students
in college and university JROTC programs. Cadets must
be recommended for the award by their JROTC instructor.
For more information, please contact your Valley Secretary
in the Southern Jurisdiction. Interested parties in the
Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite may
contact the Grand Executive Director’s Office,
202-232-3579.
POSTSCRIPT:
When Brother Price was notified of the above item being
on the “Internet News” section of the Supreme
Council's Internet site, he wrote to comment on the presentation.
Here is what he
had to say.
I was very surprised to see this news item on the Supreme
Council’s Web site. The presentation of the JROTC
Award was on a very hot day Saturday, and to be dressed
in a dark suit was something I was not looking forward
to. But when I got to the Academy, I was thanked by the
Sergeant in charge for taking time to do this. He told
me that there were to be eight awards and that three
representatives from the presenting organizations would
be there. The Sergeant said it was rewarding to the Cadets
and to the school to have someone from the organization
to present the honors. I felt a little better after hearing
this as I was one of the three presenters.
As I watched the Cadets drill on the field, I didn’t
feel so bad since I realized how much hotter than I they
must feel dressed in their formal uniforms. But the most
rewarding part of the day was when I presented Cadet
Jordan Rice with the Scottish Rite Education and Americanism
Award. He stepped back, clicked his heels, and saluted
me smartly saying, “Thank you, sir!”
As I looked into this young man’s eyes and realized
how much he appreciated this award, it made my day very
meaningful. I thought to myself, “Thank you, Lord,
for my being able to see the look on this young man’s
face.”
Also, I want to thank the Supreme Council for giving
me the chance to do this.
Cordially and fraternally,
Wayne E. Price, 32°
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Summer at the Richmond RiteCare Center
The children pictured
above participated in the summer
2004 “Listening for Language” program
at the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center at
Richmond,
Inc.
Summer is an exciting time for children.
The lazy, hazy days of summer often mean more freedom
and less
structured
routines. For children with communication disorders,
this break in routine, particularly if it includes less
frequent speech/language therapy, can hinder progress
on communication goals. To combat this, the Scottish
Rite Childhood Language Center at Richmond, Virginia,
developed two summer programs, the “Friendship
Club” and “Listening for Language,” that
provide intensive therapeutic experiences for children.
Many children with communication disorders
have difficulty initiating, maintaining, and closing
conversations. Therefore,
they find social interactions extremely challenging.
Because of this, it is not uncommon for them to have
difficulty establishing friendships. “Friendship
Club” was developed for pre-adolescent and adolescent
girls who have been diagnosed with language disorders.
This intensive camp focused on the pragmatic or social
aspects of language. Participation in the club provided
a safe and fun atmosphere to practice these much-needed
skills.
Our “Listening for Language” group
was developed for children 9 to 13 years of age who have
been diagnosed
with language and auditory processing difficulties. Fun
group activities and games focused on strengthening expressive
language, listening skills, sequencing, following directions,
and conversational skills. For some children, this was
their first opportunity to meet others with difficulties
similar to their own. Based on feedback from parents
and children, it was an enriching and enjoyable experience
for all.
These programs offered a unique way to
address communication disorders in children while maintaining
the camaraderie,
fun, and relaxed atmosphere of a summer camp experience.
The
above article by Robin K. Olivier, Executive Director
of the Scottish
Rite
Childhood Language
Center at Richmond,
Inc., is republished with permission from the clinic’s
summer 2004 newsletter (Volume 12, Number 2).
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Update
on Bicycling across America
Pictured in front
of the Richmond, Virginia, Scottish Rite clinic
are (l. to
r.): Bro. John C. Emory,
Jr., 32°, President, Macoy Publishing and Masonic
Supply Co., Inc., Richmond, Virginia; Judge James B.
Wilkinson, 33°, Orient Personal Representative
and President of the Richmond clinic’s Board
of Directors; Robin K. Olivier, Executive Director
of the clinic and author of the following article;
and Bro. Emory’s wife, Lea, who accompanied
him on a cross-country bicycle trip as a fund-raiser
for
the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center at Richmond,
Inc., which is a RiteCare Childhood Language Program
facility.
In May 2004, John and Lea Emory embarked
on their cross-country bicycling adventure to raise funds
for the Richmond RiteCare
Center. Brother John is a 32° Mason in the Valley
of Richmond, Virginia, and the President of Macoy Publishing
and Masonic Supply Company, Inc., of Richmond. The ambitious
goal of the Emorys was to travel 4,500 miles, departing
from Yorktown, Virginia, in May and arriving in Astoria,
Oregon, in August.
With excitement and anticipation, the
Emory’s started
their trek. The Emory’s had conditioned long and
hard for the challenges of the mountains of western Virginia
and eastern Kentucky, and they would need it. Their BOB
trailer and gear weighed nearly 60 pounds. On Saturday,
May 15, 2004, they left with a warm send-off by several
neighbors. They were on the road and ready to go.
The bicycles they were riding were recumbents.
These were not their usual bikes, however. They were
specifically
designed for lengthy trips. Unfortunately, they began
having problems with them almost immediately. Around
Charlottesville, Virginia, they had to take them to be
repaired and leave them overnight. This was a minor glitch
for the Emory’s, yet it did not squelch their enthusiasm.
Once receiving their repaired vehicles, they started
back on the journey.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, particularly from
Afton to Lexington, was a difficult ride, but John and
Lea persevered. They
discovered that their recumbents did not handle well
in the mountains, and it was very slow going. It was
unusually hot for this time of year, mostly in the 90’s.
There were many thunderstorms which seemed to occur on
a daily basis. Many times they were forced to pull over
and take cover under a plastic tarp due to the heavy
downpours. Soggy, but enthusiastic, the couple trekked
on.
In Kentucky the weather continued to be
uncooperative. The bicycles were not proving very good
for long uphill
climbs. John and Lea considered sending their recumbents
home and having their regular bicycles shipped in. Instead,
they decided to send a box of gear back to Richmond,
having not used much of it in the previous two weeks.
They figured this would help lighten their load and might
improve the performance of the bikes.
Into the third week, they were across
the state of Kentucky. Plagued by bad weather for almost
the entire journey,
they began to feel discouraged. After every bad day,
however, there seemed to be a “trail angel” to
meet them along the route, lifting their spirits. John
wrote of the first group of “trail angels” they
encountered in his notes. In these, he wrote that one
day they decided to go off route to visit the Abbey of
Our Lady of Gethsemane. Tired and hungry, they were pleased
to have a momentary break from the ride. Much to their
surprise, they were invited to a hot lunch by the monks
who lived at the Trappist Monastery. They were treated
so well they felt rejuvenated. Their entire outlook was
changed by this one kind gesture, and they moved on with
renewed vigor.
As the days rolled on, however, excessive
heat started to take its toll. John became dehydrated
and was beginning
to have difficulty continuing on the route. Out of necessity,
they decided to take a break at a convenience store.
A gentleman pulled up in a pickup truck and, after conversing
with them for a while, offered to load up their bikes
and take them to their evening stopping point. This turned
out to be another blessing, as that night there were
three tornado alerts with winds approaching 50 to 70
miles per hour. Taking cover, they sought shelter in
a local Volunteer Fire Station with other townsfolk.
Thank goodness for “trail angels,” for an
evening in the tent could have had tragic consequences.
Safe and dry, they set out once again the next day.
Crossing the Ohio River, the Emory’s were introduced
to the tailwinds they had heard about. For a few days,
the weather was mild. Riding with a tailwind was much
easier than fighting mountains, they discovered. Illinois
was by far the easiest state they had ridden in and would
turn out to be one of the best. The Mayor of Carbondale,
Illinois, was a fellow Mason. He treated John and Lea
to a night’s stay at a local hotel, compliments
of Carbondale. A night off the road was a real treat
for the two. For the first time since the trip began,
the Emorys were able to enjoy riding their bicycles without
interference from Mother Nature.
The Emorys finished up Illinois going
through Chester, the home of Popeye, and crossing the
Mississippi River
into Missouri. The Ozark Mountains lay ahead, and after
a couple of days of riding in the hills, the decision
was made to have their regular bicycles shipped to Pueblo,
Colorado, and the recumbents shipped home. The Ozarks
of Missouri were very scenic but also very challenging
on bicycles. The ride was difficult across the entire
state, but their spirits began to build as they approached
Kansas and what they hoped would be some easier riding.
Unfortunately, this feeling would be short lived.
The winds of Kansas proved to be devastating
for the couple, and it was here that their journey came
to an
end. On the second day in the state, there were very
strong cross winds. The Emorys found themselves struggling
just to keep in their lane and out of traffic. They were
headed to Eureka, Kansas, on Highway 54 when several
big gusts blew them precariously close to the edge of
the pavement. One time they were almost blown over an
embankment. Determined to continue, the pair pressed
on. However, the winds were relentless, and one gust
proved too forceful to overpower. In an instant, Lea’s
bicycle was blown completely off the road, sending her
tumbling. The result was a painful leg injury for Lea.
The Emorys stopped for the night to recuperate. The next
morning, Lea could barely get out of her tent. The pain
increased as the day went on. Disappointed and disheartened,
they knew they could not continue. Lea would not be able
to ride without doing more damage to her leg. Saddened,
the Emorys decided to make plans for home. Injured, alone,
and in desolate surroundings, this was not an easy endeavor.
Thanks
to the kindness of strangers once again, they were rescued.
Brethren from Fidelity Lodge #106 of Eureka,
Kansas, came to their aid. They were given transportation,
got their bicycles and gear to a shipping location, and
were put on an airplane bound for home. Their adventure
had come to an end after months of planning and weeks
of hard peddling on the road.
John and Lea Emory ended up traveling
1,400 miles in 28 days to raise funds for the Richmond
Center. Even
though their ambitious and awe-inspiring journey was
plagued with bad weather and equipment failures from
the start, they remained focused and determined. The
couple raised $1,090.00 to date, and is hopeful more
will be forthcoming in the days and weeks ahead. Lea
is now healing at home, and should be going back to work
soon, having thankfully suffered no permanent damage
to her leg.
They are now discussing picking up the
route in Pueblo, Colorado next summer and finishing the
ride. Throughout
their journey, John kept the Center informed of their
location and progress by sending us email from the road.
We enjoyed getting updates from the two and hearing of
their exciting adventures. Their journey encouraged several
of us to break out our own dusty bicycles and take them
for a spin. More importantly, their journey helped us
realize that we all can make a difference in the lives
of others. We all have talents and resources that can
benefit individuals and our community. What a wonderful
world we would live in if we all supported the causes
that are important to us. Thanks for the reminder, John
and Lea, and to the financial assistance your trip has
provided thus far.
Note: If you wish
to contribute to this fine cause, please make checks
payable to:
Scottish Rite
Childhood Language
Center, Inc, 4202 Hermitage Road, Richmond, VA 23227-3755.
Please earmark the check “ATTN: Bicycling Across
America.” Thank you very much!
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Ill. Alexander G. Spanos, 33°, Grand
Cross, Valley of Stockton, California, was asked by President
George W. Bush to represent the United States at the
Olympic
Games being held in Athens, Greece. The American delegation includes First
Lady Barbara Bush and Jenna Bush, former tennis star
Chris Evert, and the U.S. Ambassador
to Greece, Thomas Miller.