The Scottish Rite - News & Blog

New Members Welcomed at Rose of Sharon Sovereign Chapter

December 4, 2024
by Jonathan Evans

On Wednesday, 27th November, the Williamstown Masonic Centre hosted a momentous occasion as three dedicated Companions completed the esteemed 18th Degree, marking a significant milestone in their Masonic journey.

The Rose of Sharon Sovereign Chapter proudly welcomed Ex. & Perf. Companions Jed Soto, Ernest Soto, and Vito Di Battista as its newest members. The ceremony was both well-attended and beautifully executed, showcasing the commitment and excellence synonymous with the Chapter’s traditions.

The evening was not only a ceremonial triumph but also a social success, with attendees enjoying an atmosphere of camaraderie and fellowship. Moments like these highlight the enduring strength and unity of the Masonic community, reminding us of the values and traditions we cherish.

Congratulations to our new members, and may their journey in the 18th Degree be filled with enlightenment and growth.

Pictured L to R are Ex. & Perf. Comps. Jed Soto, Ernest Soto, and Vito Di Battista

Blog

Celebrating New Members and Service Milestones at Bendigo Sovereign…

September 18, 2024September 18, 2024
by Jonathan Evans

At the recent September Meeting of the Bendigo Sovereign Chapter No.32, the chapter experienced a moment of celebration and recognition. V∴Ill∴Bro. Neil Nyholm 33°, serving as Deputy, had the honour of presenting diplomas to three new members, welcoming them into the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite family.

This special occasion also included the presentation of a 25-Year Service Certificate to Ill. Bro. David Beagley 31°, the Chapter’s dedicated Secretary. His quarter-century of service reflects both his unwavering commitment to Freemasonry and the vital role he has played within the Bendigo Sovereign Chapter.

A Memorable Gathering

Pictured during the event are Ex. & Perf. Comps. Geoffrey Drummond and Ian Dean, V∴Ill∴Bro. Neil Nyholm 33°, The Most Wise Sovereign Ill. Bro. Dennis Parry, Ex. & Perf. Comp. Andre Clayton, and Ill. Bro. David Beagley 31°. The gathering was not only a recognition of long-standing service but also a welcoming of new members who are set to contribute to the chapter’s ongoing legacy.

Looking to the Future

With the addition of new members and the recognition of established leaders, the Bendigo Sovereign Chapter continues to grow in strength and unity. The chapter’s commitment to fostering brotherhood and promoting the values of the Scottish Rite is evident in the dedication of its members.

Congratulations to Ill. Bro. David Beagley on his 25 years of service, and a warm welcome to the new members of Bendigo Sovereign Chapter No.32. The future looks bright as we continue to build on the strong foundation of tradition and fraternity.

Pictured L to R are Ex. & Perf. Comps. Geoffrey Drummond and Ian Dean, V∴Ill∴Bro. Neil Nyholm 33°, The Most Wise Sovereign, Ill. Bro. Dennis Parry, Ex. & Perf. Comp. Andre Clayton and Ill. Bro. David Beagley 31°.

Blog

Celebrating 50 Years of Dedication to the Ancient and…

September 18, 2024September 18, 2024
by Jonathan Evans

On the 17th of September 2024, a significant milestone was celebrated within the Scottish Rite as V∴Ill∴Bro. David Paroissien OAM 33° marked his 50th anniversary of service to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (Scottish Constitution). This momentous occasion, held at the Melbourne Sovereign Chapter, recognised Bro. David’s outstanding commitment to Freemasonry and the Victorian community.

V∴Ill∴Bro. Neil Nyholm 33° had the honour of presenting Bro. David with his 50-Year Service Certificate, a tribute to five decades of remarkable contribution since his Perfection at the former Kew Masonic Temple in 1974.

A Legacy of Leadership and Community Service
Throughout his Masonic journey, V∴Ill∴Bro. David has exemplified leadership and dedication. From 2008 to 2013, he served as Deputy for the Province of Victoria, where he played a pivotal role in guiding the Scottish Rite forward. His influence, however, extends far beyond the confines of the lodge. Bro. David’s work in the Aged Care Sector has had a profound impact, earning him the prestigious Order of Australia Medal (OAM).

His story is a testament to the enduring values of Freemasonry—service, integrity, and brotherhood. The Scottish Rite is proud to celebrate his life’s work and his lasting contributions.

Honouring 50 Years of Service
As we look back on V∴Ill∴Bro. David’s incredible journey, we express our deepest gratitude for his unwavering commitment to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. His legacy inspires us to continue building a strong, united Masonic community for future generations.

Thank you, V∴Ill∴Bro. David, for your exceptional service and dedication.

NSW

Memorable Masonic Promotion Ceremony at Concord West Masonic Centre

July 13, 2024July 21, 2024
by Jonathan Evans

On Saturday, 29th June 2024, the Concord West Masonic Centre hosted a significant promotion ceremony, marking a momentous occasion in the Masonic calendar. Three distinguished ceremonies were held, each recognising and honouring the dedication and achievements of several esteemed brethren.

Grand Consistory Promotion

In the Grand Consistory, John Burton Anderson was promoted to the 32°, a remarkable milestone that highlights his commitment and service to the Masonic fraternity.

Sovereign Tribunal Promotions

The Sovereign Tribunal saw the elevation of Illustrious Brothers Crescendio Fabro Reyes, Raffi Kriko Nadjarian, and Simon Julian Nieminski to the 31°. This promotion is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and contributions to the brotherhood.

Promotion to 33° and Induction as Administrator

A significant highlight of the day was the promotion of Very Illustrious Brother Samir Anka to the 33°. Brother Anka was also inducted as the Administrator for the Central District, a role of great responsibility and honour. His leadership and commitment to the Masonic principles were duly recognised and celebrated.

Special Recognition

In a special moment of appreciation, a certificate was presented to Very Illustrious Brother George McCulloch Jamieson. This certificate acknowledged his outstanding contribution as the Administrator of the Central District from 2019 to 2024. Brother Jamieson’s dedication and service have left a lasting impact on the Province, and his efforts were rightfully honoured.
A certificate was presented to V∴Ill∴Bro. George McCulloch Jamieson in appreciation or the contribution he has made to the Province as Administrator of Central District from 2019 to 2024

The ceremony was a memorable event, filled with moments of pride, recognition, and camaraderie, reflecting the true spirit of the Masonic fraternity.

Queensland

A Pivotal Day in Scottish Rite Masonry: Transitions and…

September 21, 2023September 21, 2023
by Jonathan Evans

A big day for Scottish Rite Masonry in the Rose City of Warwick. Despite a number of last minute changes due to absences, Leslie Sovereign Chapter welcomed Ex. & Perf. Comp. Kelvin Hutchinson to their ranks. Kelvin had the privilege to be perfected in the presence of six current and former Deputies of Supreme Council for Scotland plus the Administrator for the Province of South Queensland Darling Downs, V. Ill. Bro. Noel Mapes 33°, and despite the last minute changes, received an excellent ceremony.

Following the closing of the Leslie meeting, a special Provincial Meeting was convened for the purpose of inducting V. Ill. Bro. Noel Richard Mapes 33° as Deputy for the Province of South Queensland Darling Downs. The induction was conducted by V. Ill. Bro. Percy Vesta Cutmore 33° Past Deputy for the Province of South Queensland Darling Downs, assisted by V. Ill. Bro. Edward Ruska 33° Deputy for the Province of South Queensland North Coast and Central and members of the 31st and 32nd Degrees of the Rite in South Queensland Darling Downs.

It was also the end of an era in South Queensland Darling Downs, with V. Ill. Bro. Ron Bryant 33° standing down as Provincial Grand Secretary after a combined tenure of 24 years, a period broken only by his time as the Deputy for the Province. We are looking forward to the next chapter in our history which will start with our next Rose Croix meeting in November with another new member to be perfected.

(l-r) Ex&Perf. Comp. Tim Johnson, V. Ill. Bro. Noel Mapes 33° Administrator for the Province of South Queensland Darling Downs, Ill. Bro Richard Coventry 30° Most Wise Sovereign, Ex&Perf. Comp. Kelvin Hutchinson, Ex&Perf. Comp. Stephen Bullow, Ex&Perf. Comp. Kurtis Bullow.

(l-r) V. Ill. Bro. Cliff Isted 33° Deputy for the Province of South Queensland Metropolitan, V. Ill. Bro. Noel Mapes 33° Deputy for the Province of South Queensland Darling Downs, V. Ill. Bro. Edward Ruska 33° Deputy for the Province of South Queensland North Coast and Central.

(l-r) V. Ill. Bro. Keith McElligott 33° Past Deputy for the Province of South Queensland Metropolitan, V. Ill. Bro. Cliff Isted 33° Deputy for the Province of South Queensland Metropolitan, V. Ill. Bro. Paul Kennedy 33° Past Deputy for the Province of South Queensland Darling Downs, V. Ill. Bro. Noel Mapes 33° Deputy for the Province of South Queensland Darling Downs, V. Ill. Bro. Percy Cutmore 33° Past Deputy for the Province of South Queensland Darling Downs, V. Ill. Bro. Ronald Bryant 33° Past Deputy for the Province of South Queensland Darling Downs, V. Ill. Bro. Edward Ruska 33° Deputy for the Province of South Queensland North Coast and Central.

Victoria

Distinguished Service Diploma for Graeme Turpie.

September 21, 2023September 21, 2023
by Jonathan Evans

The Deputy, V∴Ill∴Bro. Neil Nyholm 33° presented Ill. Bro. Graeme Turpie 32° with a Distinguished Service Diploma at a meeting in Bendigo recently to mark the significant contribution he has made to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (Scottish Constitution) over many years. Ill. Bro. Graeme has been Secretary of both the 32° and Bendigo Sovereign Council No.16 more than 20 years. A member of the Golden and Corinthian Lodge, Graeme is an active member in the Bendigo Community, a Presenter on one of the Local Radio Stations and a Warden at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Kangaroo Flat.

Victoria

Illustrious Brethren receive 30° Diplomas

September 1, 2023September 21, 2023
by Jonathan Evans

An exceptional night at Victoria Sovereign Council No.14 saw five Illustrious Brethren receive their 30° Diplomas from V∴Ill∴Bro. Terry Mason, the Administrator for the District No.2.
Pictured (L-R) Ill. Bros. Ken McRae, John McElvogue, Allan Paull, Henk van den Waarsenburg, the Grand Commander, Robert Jones and John Seager.
Their Diplomas are issued by the Supreme Council for Scotland and marks their promotion to the 30° as a Grand Elect Knight Kadosh.

Congratulations Illustrious Brethren!

Victoria

Promotion to the 30°

September 1, 2023September 21, 2023
by Jonathan Evans

Congratulations to Ill. Bro. Ian Brown, who was promoted to the 30° in the Victoria Sovereign Council No.14 of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (Scottish Constitution).
Pictured with the Grand Commander, Ill. Bro. Henk van den Waarsenburg 31° (Right) and the Acting Grand Orator, Ill. Bro. Nathan Phan 31° (Left).
Ill. Bro. Ian is a member of the Victoria Sovereign Chapter No.34 which meets at Cranbourne where he joined in 2018.

Victoria

Perfection Ceremony of Ex. & Perf. Comp. Paul Almond

May 25, 2023September 21, 2023
by Jonathan Evans

Congratulations to our recently Perfected Ex. & Perf. Comp. Paul Almond, a young Freemason with a bright future ahead of him. Paul’s dedication and hard work have earned him the title of Rose Croix Knight in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (Scottish Constitution) at Melbourne Sovereign Chapter No.68 on May 16, 2023.

In addition to his Masonic achievements, Paul is also an Army Reservist and a Paramedic with Ambulance Victoria. His commitment to serving his country and community is truly inspiring.

Moreover, Paul is an accomplished Scottish Piper, who has won several accolades for his performances. His passion for music and culture is evident in his soulful renditions.

We are proud of Paul’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing him achieve even greater heights in the future.

Queensland

Province of Carpentaria – Sovereign Council Installation

October 15, 2022September 21, 2023
by Jonathan Evans

On Thursday, September 15^th, Ill.Bro. Terry Webster 31° was fortunate to be able to attend the Carpentaria Sovereign Council No. 17 at the Freshwater Masonic Centre, just outside Cairns QLD. The Deputy for the Province of Carpentaria, V∴Ill∴Bro. Joseph Lynd 33° graciously offered to pick him up from his Hotel and return him there once the evening was ended.

Ill.Bro. Richard Fapani was Installed as Grand Commander; his Officers were invested and the meeting then closed. They adjourned to the refectory for a typical tropical North Queensland supper, toasts, and fun. The members of the Council were all extremely welcoming, and a great evening was had by all.

The team of Officers pictured above (L-R) are:

V∴Ill∴Bro’s. Joseph Lynd, Bruce Penny, Chris McClelland, Ill.Bro’s. Richard Fapani, Lex Livingston 31°, Rick Schmidt 32°, Clyde Dorries 32°, V∴Ill∴Bro. George Harris and Ill.Bro. Ivor Player 31°