GREETINGS TO ONE AND ALL:
I hope this issue of the Rite News finds everyone well and their new year off to a great start. We finished 2025 spectacularly.
First, I would like to extend my best wishes and congratulations to our newest Scottish Rite Masons from the Honorable J. Frederick Hobine, 33° Fall Class. There are over 160 men who come together to make a successful reunion and present twelve degrees. If I have not personally said thank you to each one of you, please know that you are very much appreciated by all.
The Christmas Chocolate Soirée was another big hit with everyone. The visit by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus was enjoyed by the young and old alike. The Frederick Knights of Saint Andrew Ladies Auxiliary deserves a huge thank you for the many hours they put into making the chocolate and the arrangements for the Christmas program.
The new year has started with many new ideas and activities. A one-day class will be offered in March to those who have difficulty attending every Wednesday night for six or eight weeks in a row. Although I am not a big fan of a one-day class, I do realize there are many who work evenings or swing shifts (for example, our policemen, firemen, doctors, and nurses) and cannot attend a long reunion schedule. If you or a friend fits this situation, now is your opportunity to become a 32° Scottish Rite member. You will find more information elsewhere in this magazine.
As we move deeper into 2026, let us all remember that this is the 250th anniversary of this great nation. Just think, 250 years of American independence all began with a sheet of parchment and 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Our Grand Commander, James D. Cole, has asked every valley in every Orient to get involved in this historic celebration.
This presents a golden opportunity for our Scottish Rite to reemphasize the important role that freemasonry has played in our country’s history. It is my wish that every valley in the Orient of Maryland will get involved with their community and play an active role in celebrating this important milestone in the history of this great nation. I encourage every Scottish Rite Mason to join in this most historic celebration with a new, renewed love of country that will raise our nation and our gentle fraternity to new heights for years to come.
In closing, I wish everyone the Blessings of good health and much happiness till we meet again.
