Report of the Nominating Committee

Across the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction the 16^th Degree has been conferred during a lunch or dinner with good participation by the class and members of the Valley. In some cases there were some rough edges but for the most part members and candidates were pleased with the experience.

Valleys are sharing degree cast members to ensure that the best Brother is doing the part and the candidates receive the best possible degree presentation.  Good degree presentations, fewer degrees per reunion, and the conferring of outdoor degrees have all provided inspiring experiences for members and candidates alike.

The New Jersey statewide Francis Scott Key III Class featuring a patriotic theme and excellent conferrals of the 20^th and 26^th Degrees was very inspirational.  The presentation of a split media/live action version of the 23^rd Degree using a video of the historic story of the Four Chaplains combined with live actors was an outstanding production.

The Valley of Dayton’s Worshipful Masters Recognition night is designed to honor Masters of Symbolic Lodges from the Dayton area with a dinner, ladies are included.  Program concludes with an inspiring message from the Grand Master.  Approximately 375 to 400 members, guests and ladies were in attendance.

New Jersey has established two new awards this year, “The Family of Freemasonry Award” and “The Lifetime Achievement Award”.  The New Jersey Council of Deliberation is restoring the John James Joseph Gourgas grave site.

An open policy between Valleys in the State of Connecticut, approved by the Deputy, for courtesy degree conferrals.  This allows candidates to take Scottish Rite Degrees in the time frame that best fits their schedule. Valleys within the state confer degrees on various nights which allow candidates flexibility.  Degrees are conferred on both weeknights and Saturdays.

Taking degrees to outlying areas.

New Hampshire Valleys are planning degree nights according to a schedule that promotes visiting among Valleys and provides candidates opportunities to witness a broader range of degrees on their journey to the 32^nd Degree. Valleys are scheduling rehearsals and degree conferrals with convenience in mind.

Valley of Columbus, Ohio took their usual reunion to multiple degree locations and days throughout the area.  Members no longer need to travel great distances and the schedule at each venue is no longer than one half day including lunch or dinner.  A ladies program is held during the Degree conferrals.  Introductions are reduced to a minimum.  Local members are encouraged to cast and present one of the degrees.

The Valley of Canton hosted a five Valley Degree Day with each Valley conferring one or more of the Degrees.  All Valleys in the state were represented.  Over 500 were in  attendance.

The Valley of Indianapolis conferred one or more degrees at Lodges in cities remote from Valley buildings.  This attracted candidates they believe would not have petitioned for membership in a regular reunion.  Most of these candidates returned to the Valley to finish their degrees.

The recently Chartered Lodge of Perfection in the Valley of Lower Delaware allows Brothers in the area to take part in Delaware Scottish Rite with convenience and limited travel distances.

A newly organized Lodge of Perfection, under dispensation, in Presque Isle, Maine, under the Valley of Aroostook, provides a convenient location for the Scottish Rite experience.  Members will no longer be required to travel 3 to 6 hours to participate in some Scottish Rite activities.

In Wisconsin one Valley has taken degrees on the road. 

Across the Jurisdiction there are Valleys that are slowly changing to shortened reunions and keeping introductions to a minimum. 

Supreme Council will soon be released the Fourth Degree on DVD for the convenience of presentation and conferral.

Throughout the Jurisdiction, Valleys have been urged to shorten meetings by eliminating unnecessary business.  More emphasis is to be placed on the fraternal side rather than the business side. Serve a meal prior to degree conferrals, dinner, mystery theater, corned beef and cabbage dinners, fish fries, etc.  A dinner and degree at stated meetings.  Social period following the work.  “After-glow” following degrees.  These have all brought added enjoyment to Valley activities.

The Valley of Lowell, MA has often provided a program for the ladies while the Brethren enjoy the Scottish Rite Degrees.  This begins with a dinner and after the work the Brethren and ladies enjoy refreshments.

In Maine the Scottish Rite sponsored a “Ladies Weekend Out” at a resort in Rockport.  Valleys also have many programs that involve the ladies.

The Valley of Grand Rapids had an Oktoberfest celebration following the Fall Reunion.  People enjoyed it so much some had to be asked to leave at 6:00 pm.

In New Hampshire every Valley has invited ladies to their events.  They have shared dinner with the Brothers and during the meeting or degrees, programs are presented for the ladies enjoyment.

The Valley of Southern New Jersey’s monthly meeting features great food, open bar and good entertainment. Attendance is close to 300 per meeting. Northern NJ meetings are relaxed and the members have a good time with “lots of laughs”.  All three New Jersey Valleys are working together as a team.

In Pennsylvania Valleys are initiating more programs that include families, especially the wives.  Some are inviting ladies to all meetings.  There is a dinner before the meeting, ladies program while the meeting is conducted and entertainment for all after the meeting. Valleys that have implemented the ladies programs and shortened meetings have witnessed a “surge” in attendance and interest.

The Vermont Council of Deliberation annual meeting has been restructured.  The annual meeting minimized business and focused on enjoyment.  The 2009 business meeting was followed by a public installation of Officers of the Council of Deliberation and an excellent presentation of the Scottish Rite play “The Last Full Measure”.  The evening concluded with a dinner and the presentation of Abbott Scholarships to four, (three were present), college students.