Grand Almoner's Fund Update: The Aftermath of Hurricane Ida
Many states within the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction have been impacted by Hurricane Ida. How can we as Scottish Rite Masons get them the help and support they need?
The Active Membership of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (NMJ) proudly announces naming Ill. Peter J. Samiec, 33°, as Sovereign Grand Commander on August 30, 2021 at the Annual Session in Cleveland.
The change in leadership comes as Ill. David A. Glattly, 33°, announces his retirement from the position.
Commander Samiec has served as Grand Lieutenant Commander under both Commander John William McNaughton and Commander Glattly. He has served as the Grand Almoner since 2015. He was Deputy for New York from 2008-13. Ill. Brother Samiec accepts the honor and responsibility to lead the Scottish Rite at an exciting time of reinvigoration and growth for the fraternity. He extends his sincere thanks to Past Sovereign Grand Commander Glattly for his leadership and dedication to the Scottish Rite during his term.
Said Commander Samiec, “Serving the past number of years as Grand Lieutenant Commander and as the Grand Almoner has been an honor for me. As I take on the role of overall leadership of the organization, I want to assure our members that we will continue our trajectory of growth and revitalization. First and foremost, we will continue to listen to our members and respond to their needs. We will be there for our Brothers in distress.
“We are living through one of the most invigorating and innovative times in the history of Scottish Rite. My passion for our fraternity, coupled with the energy and vision of our staff, will not settle for status quo. We will continue to aspire and build. We will continue to both lead and serve.
“I also sincerely thank former Commander Glattly for helping set a successful leadership transition,” concludes Samiec. “I wish him and wife Monica all the best in the next chapter of their lives.”
Commander Samiec was raised as Master Mason at St. Patrick’s Lodge #0004 in Johnstown, New York in 1982, and served as the Master of the Lodge in 1988. He served on a number of boards for the Grand Lodge of New York including the Benevolence Committee, the Grand Lodge Educational Assistance, and as a director of the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory.
He has been a Scottish Rite Mason for 38 years. He became an honorary member of the Supreme Council and Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, in 1998. He is member of the Valley of Schenectady and the Valley of the Hudson.
"We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members."
My Brothers,
In the aftermath of the destruction caused by Hurricane Ida, several of our Northern Masonic Jurisdiction states along the Atlantic coast have experienced significant flooding, property damage, and a growing number of fatalities. Our Grand Almoner's Fund has the available resources to help our members that are in desperate need of assistance during these difficult times.
If you know of Blue Lodge or Scottish Rite members that have been affected in your state, please contact your valley or COD secretary and they will coordinate these requests with the state Deputy. Immediate emergencies will be expedited to quickly get this much needed assistance into the hands of our members.
Our continued prayers go out to all those affected by Hurricane Ida.
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Peter J. Samiec, 33° Sovereign Grand Commander Northern Masonic Jurisdiction