Guest blog by George T. Taylor, IV, 32°, Associate Director of Membership
WOW! Who knew how much our members could do in 30 days? The month of November saw a tremendous amount of activity on all levels throughout the jurisdiction. When the proclamation that the NMJ would focus its efforts for a whole month on our values, our members, and our communities, no one had an idea of what that might look like. Here is just a snippet of what 15 states, 102 Valleys, dozens of events, hundreds of members, and thousands of positive member experiences looks like.
Multi-Valley Events
There was a state-wide degree exemplification for the first time in Indiana which brought together all six Valleys and consecrated more than 150 new 32˚ Freemasons. There were multi-Valley degree performances in Eastern New York, and the Valley of Pittsburgh hosted the Steel City Invitational which included degrees from Northern, Southern, and Prince Hall Scottish Rite. Many Valleys hosted candidate nights, member appreciation/celebration events, and veterans’ recognition ceremonies.
Community and Masonic Relations
Also during the month were some unique community and Masonic relations events such as the FEZtival of Trees hosted by the Valley of Eau Claire together with the local Shrine and blue lodges. The Valley of Detroit facilitated the adoption and donation of a therapy dog, Shelby, to the residents of the Michigan Masonic Home. The New Jersey State Legislature declared November Scottish Rite Month in the state and several counties and municipalities followed suit.
Scotty the Mascot
The two jurisdictional initiatives of “Scotty” the Scottish Rite Month mascot*, and the Giving Tuesday Telethon to benefit our charities, were also huge hits with our members. You can read more about the success of Giving Tuesday in another article featured in this issue.
Looking Forward to 2019
The culmination of the efforts through our Valleys to hold these events is just the latest example of our focus on the member experience. The result will be more member engagement, more Masonic awareness, and more Scottish Rite Freemasons. Scottish Rite Month 2019 is fast approaching. What is your Valley going to do to top 2018? Let us know in the comments!
The Valley of Detroit with Shelby the therapy dog, at the Michigan Masonic Home
Veterans Day at Overseas Lodge No. 40, Pawtucket, RI. Providence Valley Secretary, Ill. Thomas Yeaw, 33° and Grand Master, M.W. Glenn Carlson, take part in the wreath laying ceremony
Alf Butler and his 20 month old son Campbell enjoying Scotty the Eagle