2023 

 ***This list is based off of the order of which the notification of passing was received into our membership system. We have also included the actual date of death. 

2022 

2021 

Thomas Rhea Hamilton, 65, of Elkhart, unexpectedly passed away Saturday, April 24, at his home of natural causes.

Tom was born December 17, 1955 in Muncie to Bill and Jackie (Rhea) Hamilton. He was raised in Randolph County on the family farm and graduated from Monroe Central High School in 1974.

Tom pursued his love of law and litigation at Wabash College, Crawfordsville, and Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso.

After obtaining his degrees, Tom worked in Muncie for Don Dunnick. He eventually moved to South Bend and continued practicing law for Daniels, Sanders & Pianowski; Kalamaros & Associates; and Hunt, Suedhoff & Kalamaros Law Offices.

In June of 2014 he opened his own practice continuing his love of helping others through the legal process. He could never refuse anyone.

Tom is survived by his wife, Edie (Palmer) Hamilton; four children, Matt, Tammy, Courtney and Mark Hamilton; step-children, Bryan (Paige) Palmer and Justin Palmer; former wife, Edith (Thompson) Hamilton; five grandchildren, Sadie, Kaydence, Tyler, Landon and Lilly.

Other survivors include his sister, Billi Keister and companion, John Guy; a brother, Todd Hamilton and wife, Mary; and a multitude of family and friends who forever will cherish Tom’s memory.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a beloved granddaughter, Emmy.

Visitation will be Friday, April 30, 2021 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. There will also be visitation Saturday, May 1, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Crossroads Community Church, 57415 Alpha Dr., Goshen, where a 1 p.m. funeral service will be conducted. Pastors Marc Royer and Tim Fisher will officiate.

A graveside Masonic service will follow at Sugar Grove Cemetery, Goshen.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be directed to Haitian Bible Works, P.O. Box 964, Goshen, Indiana46527 https://hbwministries.org/ or Riley Children’s Hospital, 30 S. Meridian St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 https://www.rileykids.org/ .

The main symbol featured on this beautiful gold jewel of course is the mother Pelican pecking her breast to feed her babies. The pelican feeding her young with her blood is a prominent symbol of the Eighteenth or Rose Croix Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and was adopted as such from the fact that the pelican, in ancient Christian art, was considered as the emblem of the Savior.

Now this symbolism of the pelican, as a representative of the Savior, is almost universally supposed to be derived from the common belief that the pelican feeds her young with her blood, as the Savior shed his blood for mankind; and hence the bird is always represented as sitting on her nest, and surrounded by her brood of young ones, who are dipping their bills into a wound in their mother's breast. But this is not the exact idea of the symbolism, which really refers to the resurrection, and is, in this point of view, more applicable to Christ, as well as to the Masonic Degree of which the resurrection is a doctrine.

In an ancient Bestiarium, or Natural History, in the Royal Library at Brussels, cited by Larwood and Hotten in a recent work on the History of Signboards, this statement is made: "The pelican is very fond of his young ones, and when they are born and begin to grow, they rebel in their nest against their parent, and strike him with their wings flying about him, and beat him so much till they wound him in his eyes. Then the father strikes and kills them. And the mother is of such a nature that she comes back to the nest on the third day, and sits down upon her dead young ones, and opens her side with her bill and pours her blood over them, and so resuscitates them from death; for the young ones, by their instinct, receive the blood as soon as it comes out of the mother, and drink it." Dr. Mackey believed the true theory of the pelican is, that by restoring her young ones to life by her blood, she symbolizes the resurrection. The old symbologists said, that the male pelican, who destroyed his young, represents the serpent, or evil principle, which brought death unto the world; while the mother, who resuscitates them, is the representative of the Son of Man of whom it is declared, "except ye drink of His blood, ye have no life in you."

Hence the pelican is very appropriately a symbol of Freemasonry, whose great object it is to teach by symbolism the doctrine of the resurrection, and especially in that sublime Degree of the Scottish Rite wherein, the old Temple being destroyed and the old Word being Lost, a new temple and a new word spring forth -- all of which is but the great allegory of the destruction by death and the resurrection to eternal life.

Look at those old Scottish Rite Reunion photos on the wall, when 100, 150, or even 190 men filled the auditorium to receive the Degrees of the Scottish Rite. Perhaps you were in one of those classes.

But think about the men you aren’t seeing in those reunion class photos – the 200 Brothers it took just to do the Degree work, and the men behind the scenes on the stage, in the costume room, or setting up the stage and drops Degrees. Back then, Northwestern Bell had a Degree team, National Bank had a Degree team, Union Pacific Railroad had a Degree team, the Lodges had Degree teams – and it was a point of pride that the 23rd Degree belonged to this Lodge or the 19th Degree belonged to that company.

It was truly a REUNION – whether Brethren were active Scottish Rite Masons or only came back once or twice a year for those degrees, they came back, caught up with old friends, met new ones, and much like today, sat around behind the scenes to solve the problems of the world, eat donuts and drink coffee, and share a laugh while welcoming the new Brethren.

Afterward, the Brethren stayed around for a banquet and a speaker, and it was commonplace to serve upwards of 800 Brothers in the Lodge room (we can only assume the Fire Marshal was not a Scottish Rite Mason). They would fill the dining room and spill downstairs into the first floor dining room for overflow seating!

We are working to bring back the tradition of the REUNION. This year’s Fall Reunion is on Friday and Saturday, November 20th and November 21st. All Scottish Rite Masons are invited to come down to see the Degrees, have a coffee, donuts, breakfast and lunch, and meet our new Princes of the Royal Secret. True Masonic Brotherhood happens as often when Brethren break bread together, share a laugh and meet on the level as it happens in the Lodge room.

You are part of this 150+ year old tradition. Come down for some of the degrees if you can or stay for all of the Reunion. Make new friends and catch up with old ones.

BE PART OF THE SCOTTISH RITE REUNION THIS SPRING!

by Micah I. Evans, 33°

REGISTER FOR THE SPRING REUNION 2021

In Freemasonry, corn or grain, wine, and oil symbolize prosperity, health, and peace. They are considered a Freemason’s “wages” or “wages of nourishment” and are featured in Masonic degrees. Masons often use corn, wine, and oil in building consecration ceremonies. The grain, wine, and oil pictured here are housed in a wooden box. The box was made in Jerusalem. It is accompanied by a card of authentication from the U.S. Consulate. The printed card, dated January 19, 1887, is signed by U.S. Consul Henry Gillman (1833-1915) and reads “I certify that the wine and oil forwarded to John Worthington Esq. U.S. Consul at Malta were made in Jerusalem, that the wheat was raised here, and that the leather bottles are such as used here and were made in this country. The wine is known as Jerusalem wine and is seven years old.”

In the late 1800s, souvenirs from the Holy Land--an area important to many faiths that encompasses the region between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea--enjoyed great popularity. Affluent Americans, taking advantage of steamship travel and few restrictions on foreign travel, embarked on pilgrimages to the Holy Land. These tourists went in search of adventure and to claim both spiritual and physical pieces of the Holy Land for themselves.

The construction of Solomon’s Temple is central to Masonic ritual. Some Freemasons who traveled to the Holy Land collected stones or other objects from sacred sites and boxed them up for their own personal collections or as gifts for their home lodges. One such Mason, Jerome Van Crowninshield Smith (1800-1879) of Boston, broke off a piece of white limestone from Mount Moriah on an 1851 trip to Jerusalem and later presented it to Hammatt Lodge in Boston, of which he was a founding member. According to an inscription engraved on the box’s lid, Smith believed the stone to be part of the “foundation stones on which stood the renowned Temple of Solomon.”

In February of 2020 I took my family on a Disney Cruise that would take us to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island.

As we were about to dock in Nassau, my son shouted in excitement, “Dad! Look over there! I see your Mason symbol!” I looked out the window, and there it was, like a beacon shining a Masonic light over the entire port area, welcoming travels such as myself, letting us know that we have brothers in the Bahamas to help, aid, and assist should we need it. I decided that I needed to visit this Lodge while our ship was docked.

I exited the ship and made my way towards the Lodge. My excitement building with every street I crossed. When I finally reached the Lodge, to my dismay, it was closed. Locked up tight by two large metal gates bearing the square and compass of my amazing fraternity. I then realized that I had a limited amount of time to find a way into this Lodge before my ship left the port.

As I was looking through the gates to see if there may be any contact information that might help me begin my search for a way into the Lodge, I heard a voice from behind me ask, “are you one of them?” I turned to see who it was asking me this question. The man then looked at me and saw the square and compass on my shirt and hat. He then replied, “you’re are one of them.” I asked who he was referring to, and he pointed at the Lodge gates. I told him I was, and asked if he knew how I could gain entrance into the Lodge. He told me that he did not know, and quickly left. I found this interesting that he referred to me as, “one of them.”

I then walked over to a small shop to the right of the gates to ask if the shop owner rented the retail space from the Lodge. When I walked in, the sales associate looked right at me, approached me and asked, “are you one of them?” I assumed at that moment that she noticed the square and compass on my shirt and hat. I told her that I was, and proceeded to ask my question. She said that the shop did rent the space, but she was not able to help with a contact from the Lodge. I thanked her, and left feeling somewhat defeated.

I took no more than five steps out of the shop when I heard, “Hey! I like that hat you’re wearing!” I looked over in the direction where I heard the voice coming from. There stood a man with a big smile on his face. I waited a second to see if he was going to ask if I was “one of them.” But he did not. He said again, “I like that hat. Can I have it?” I thanked him for the complement, and with a smile on my face, politely told him no. I then asked if he knew anything about the Lodge. He smiled and said, “I do my brother. Would you like to see it?” He then reached out his hand to identify himself as my brother. I could not believe it! What were the chances? I found a brother on the streets of the Bahamas who could help me get into the Lodge! He told me that he did not have the keys to the gates, but knew of a brother not too far from where we were standing who would be able to help. He pointed down the street from where we were standing and said, “go down this road two blocks, and turn right. Walk down until you see the sign for an eye doctor. Walk in, and tell the attendant that you would like to speak with brother Hall.” The man then smiled, shook my hand, and left.

What a cryptic way to get my attention, and point me in the right direction. I felt like I was in a movie, following clues to reach my destination.

I did as my brother instructed me. When I arrived at the eye doctor’s office, I said to the attendant, “I am here to see brother Hall.” The attendant instructed me to wait in the sitting area, and told me she would return. I waited for about twenty minutes, then a man emerged from the back room of the office, and walked straight towards me. He noticed my shirt and hat, smiled and said with a hand shake, “I am brother Randall Hall. How can I help you my brother?” I introduced myself to brother Randall, told him I was visiting from the United States, and asked if it would be possible to see the Lodge. I also made it a point to let him know that I was short on time because my ship would be leaving the dock area soon. He looked over at the office attendant and said, “I will be back.” We then walked out the door and headed toward the Lodge. Along the way, he told me about his Masonic journey, and the history of the Lodge.

When we arrived, he opened the gates, and we began the Lodge tour. It was amazing. The Lodge had three levels. It was built to be able to hold three Masonic degrees simultaneously. It also had a large banquet area where another event could be held while the degrees where being performed. Brother Hall also informed me that the Scottish Rite and York Rite both met at this same location as well. While we were in the Blue Lodge, brother Hall asked if I would like a picture sitting in the East. How could I say no to that?

Unfortunately, after the picture I realized that my time was running out. I thanked brother Hall for taking the time to show me the Lodge, and asked if he could take me to the street so that I could make my way back to the ship. We exited the building, and he thanked me for taking the time to find him. We shook hands and parted ways.

As I was crossing the street, I heard a familiar voice say, “I see you found your way to brother Hall.” I looked over, and there was the brother who did not identify himself the first time we met. I told him that I did, and thanked him for his help. He then proceeded to tell me that he was hungry a looking to get something to eat. I smiled, handed him some cash and said, “It is my pleasure to help a worth brother in distress.” He smiled back with gratitude, thanked me, and then went on his way.

I made it back to the ship just in time. I was excited to tell my family all about my adventure. The one thing that I was not able to do while I was out on my journey was call my wife to tell her I was ok, and that I was safe with one of my brothers. This was because my phone did not work in the Bahamas. I located my wife and kids on the ship with excitement in my voice, and ready to tell my tale. Unfortunately, my wife was not too happy with me being gone in another country so long without any word of my wellbeing. I apologized and said, “But, I have a great story to tell you!” To which she replied, “I have some words for you as well!” But that’s a conversation not fit for this publication.

Izzy De Jesus, PM
Glen Park Lodge #732
Valparaiso, IN

History of the Knights of St. Andrew

In early 1993 the late, Ill. Weldon Good, 33rd of the Tulsa Valley in Oklahoma saw a need for assistance during reunions. He also noticed that Masons were joining the Scottish Rite but not returning to help and participate in subsequent reunions. To rectify this he developed the organization now known as the KNIGHTS OF ST. ANDREW as a service group for the valley.
The by-laws stated that the Knights of St. Andrew are a “Black Cap” group. A member who receives the honor of KCCH – Knights Commander of the Court of Honor – can not hold an office or vote but they can continue to work and assist. The main duties of the Knights of St. Andrew were and are, to assist, as needed, during a reunion and to be available to the Valley’s General Secretary for any assigned duties.
Finding that the Knights of St. Andrew worked so well in the Tulsa Valley, Brother Good offered, with the approval of the SGIG, to Charter KSA Chapters in the Valleys of Guthrie and McAlester. That was done in October 1993 and early 1994 respectively.
On that day in October 1993, there were over sixty Guthrie Scottish Rite members ready to join the Knights. When they were told that they would have to work and that only Black Caps could join, half of them left the room and the Tulsa Chapter initiated 32 Charter members of the Guthrie Knights of St. Andrew.
In Guthrie, the Knights of St. Andrew Chapter has flourished and celebrated their twentieth anniversary in 2013. Over the years they have had many assignments during reunions, some of which have become permanent; hanging Degree Banners in the atrium; arranging registration tables; and setting up for the two banquets with tables and chairs -plus clearing the tables and trash at the conclusion.
The Guthrie Knights assist with the Grand Opening of each reunion. Attired in kilts and Glenn Gharries, accompanied by pipers, they carry and post the banners of each Lodge, the Scottish Rite Banner and the ceremonial swords. Following this, they escort the Masters of each Lodge, the Valley’s General Secretary, Grand Master of Oklahoma Masons, the SGIG of Oklahoma and any visiting SGIGs. At the conclusion of the 32nd Degree, Knights assist in the closing by retiring the swords and leading the Degree Team from the auditorium.
They set-up the reception awards for the 50 year membership cap presentation and escort the honorees and their family members to the ballroom as they arrive.
The night before the start of the Reunion, the Guthrie Knights of St. Andrew set-up the registration area, hang banners and flags in the Atrium, and arrange signs and displays. Knights also assist in the greeting of candidates, act as runners for the office staff, and drive golf carts to assist attendees from the parking area to the building.
At different intervals during the breaks between the degrees, Guthrie Knights of St. Andrew have conducted tours of the building and the “working areas” of the Center for the candidates.
Membership in other service organizations is common. Knights of St. Andrew members also work on a regular basis in the Costume Room, Make Up, Supernumerary, Backstage, Props and Electrical, Credentials/Registration, Service Knights, Kitchen and the Inn. The largest number of Knights work with the Chain Gang- the organization that operates the Valley Snack Bar and Gift Shop.
During the Fall Reunions in 2004 & 2005 the Guthrie Knights of St. Andrew meet their greatest challenge. With all the above functions, they also sponsored the Guthrie Scottish Rite Medieval Festival. KSA Members coordinated 35 Artist / Crafts vendors and 9 Food Booths. The Society for Creative Anachronism provided human combat exhibitions and The Arthurian Order of Avalon demonstrated jousting with knights on horseback. The Knights of St Andrew, prior to the festival, marked out the grounds, ran flag lines, erected tents, registered vendors and sold Festival T-Shirts, assisted with parking, addressed any Festival related problems, picked up trash and then cleaned up the grounds at closing.
During each reunion, on Friday evening, The Guthrie Knights initiate new members. A candlelight procession consisting of Bagpipers, the initiation team in kilts, candidates and members marches through the halls of the Scottish Rite Center. The only light comes from the candles held by the initiates. They all walk the length of the building, across the Atrium and into the Egyptian Room- the smaller auditorium where the initiation ritual is performed. The wives and other family members are invited to view the ceremonies.
There is no “official” headquarters or central authority of the Knights of St. Andrew… no uniform… no required procedures or prescribed ritual. The attire and regalia varies from one Chapter to another. Most Chapters have adopted the insignia developed by the Guthrie Chapter for their recognition lapel pin and badge.
As one Chapter becomes established, the idea spreads and they charter additional Chapters. Each Chapter is as unique as the needs of their individual Valley. This was clearly seen as Knights from across the country converged on Guthrie in April, 2012 for the 1st National Gathering of the Knights of St. Andrew. Each Knight brought a unique perspective to share with the others.
From the small beginnings of three Chapters in Oklahoma twenty years ago where have the Knights of St. Andrew grown? …Across both, the Southern Jurisdiction & Northern Jurisdiction, and from coast to coast.
Some Chapters have elected to use the names, Order of the Thistle, or Scots Guards, but all Chapters have the same basic structure and purpose – an organization of and for Black Cap Scottish Rite Masons designed to assist with and give service to their Valley.
Currently, in the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction there are 152 Valleys with Knights of St. Andrew Chapters. In the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, there are 28 Chapters. (12 / 05 / 2020 )

Brethren,

There are moments in your travels through the Craft that help to enhance your lessons taught in the Craft degrees of Blue Lodge. As Craftsmen, you work in that inner Temple to perfect the rough ashlar that resides in all Masons.

As you travel and gain more knowledge in this Gentle Craft, we in the Valley of South Bend hope you look favorably towards our degrees to enhance your progress. By offering a theatrical approach to degree delivery, the hope is that even though the message is conveyed to several of your brethren at the same time, the experience you take away from the lessons taught is truly singular.

We offer a wide variety of events, both fraternal and family oriented which makes the Scottish Rite a unique caveat to the Masonic community. I ask that you review our calendar of events and see for yourself the vast range of activities that are shared amongst Scottish Rite Masons, and hope that you agree that the money set aside for entry into the Valley is truly an investment worth making.

Even though we are located in South Bend our events and degrees cover the vast territory that makes up our Valley. Our travels bring with it top notch degree work, and Masonic education sure to awaken the senses of those both new and aged in the Craft.

You have completed your first step toward advancement by reviewing this site. The next step is to contact a brother in your lodge who is also in the Scottish Rite, he can offer you any assistance you may need. You can also contact the Scottish Rite directly or contact a Scottish Rite officer and they will offer the proper guidance to help you on your way to reaching your full potential in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.

We look forward to meeting you as we travel through and hope that you join us in our endeavors.

Fraternally,

Tony R. Risner
Membership Chairman

Download the Petition here

Membership Information

Although there is no higher degree than that of a Master Mason, the 29 degrees of the Scottish Rite serve to enrich the philosophy of the Symbolic Lodge. A Mason who chooses to further his Masonic experience by becoming a 32° Scottish Rite Mason will be expanding upon the fundamental principles of Freemasonry.

In the Scottish Rite, you will indeed find an untold wealth of knowledge. It will teach you more about Masonry. It will answer some of the questions raised in the Blue Lodge degrees. It is a sort of “graduate course” in Masonic teachings. In fact, it aids, supplements and reinforces the Blue Lodge in every way. As organizations, these Bodies are mutually dependent because they strengthen each other.

By becoming Scottish Rite, you have an opportunity to expand upon your knowledge of Freemasonry, to widen your circle of friends, and to serve humanity in unique ways.

For more information about the Scottish Rite and Freemasons, contact the Scottish Rite Valley nearest you. If you are ready to begin your Scottish Rite journey, please complete and print the petition at the link below. Contact your local Valley for information on initiation fees, degree dates and any questions you may have.

Brethren,

The Research Guild is looking to build on the success of our first two events by reaching out to the Valley’s membership. We are looking for paper submissions and presentations that can be shared in study session formats or in larger events if applicable.

The submissions may be either traditional or esoteric in nature but must have substance pertaining to Freemasonry. Remember that we are all students of the Craft, so any and all submissions will be considered and those who apply will be notified of the Guilds findings.

We hope that with this new avenue, we can enhance your Masonic experience as well as continue to provide an enriching service to the Valley of South Bend and those brethren who partake in our endeavors.

Fraternally in the bonds of our Order,

The South Bend Research Guild Committee