In Upstate New York Next Week

I will be speaking at two events in upstate new York next week.

On Wednesday April 7th I'll be at the beautiful Albany, New York Temple to speak to the brethren of Masters Lodge #5, Wadsworth #417, and the Albany and Rensselaer/Schenectady Masonic districts. Festivities begin at 7:30pm. This is a free event. For more information, contact brother Joe Evans at 518-542-9422, or at joeevans9(@)gmail.com

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New York's College of Freemasonry will be held on Saturday April 10th. The College of Freemasonry is sponsored by the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Rochester with support from the York Rite Bodies, Damascus Shriners, Lalla Rookh Grotto and local Lodges. The Masonic educational event was first held in the spring of 2006. The program brings together a panel of scholars and Masonic thinkers to discuss a particular theme and engage brethren in a discussion for the purpose of promoting Masonic education. The Saturday event is open to Masons and non Masons.

In addition to my keynote speech, R.W. Tom Savini, Director of New York's Livingston Library and Trustee R.W. Bill Thomas will make a presentation on the library’s recent acquisition of the Vatican's reprint of Processus Contra Templarious, the Trials Against the Knights Templar.

R.W. Tom Jackson, Past Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Book Review editor for the Northern Light magazine, will be present the Valley’s Thomas Jackson Award. The Award recognizes individuals who have taken the message of Freemasonry and transformed it into an educational inspiration at a state, regional or national level.

And R. W. Manfred Liehs will speak on the importance of preserving Masonic artifacts and our heritage. R.W. Manfred Liehs is a master appraiser of fine art antiques and jewelry and is offering a very unique opportunity for brothers and lodges. They can bring in any precious artifacts or items to the event and he will appraise the items. This is an amazing opportunity that you will want to take advantage of, as knowledgeable appraisal services are very rare and can be costly.

The cost to attend the event on Saturday is $20.00 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Check in will begin at 8:00 AM and the program starts at 9:00 AM. The theme for this year’s program is “Freemasonry: the Ancient Landmarks, the Symbolism and the Vision of our Craft.” It takes place at the Shrine Center, 979 Bay Road, Webster, NY 14580

The night before, on Friday April 9th, AASR members and their ladies are invited to a steak dinner and an evening of Jazz. The social hour will begin around 6:00 PM with dinner served around 7:00 PM. The evening will feature local jazz artist, Madeline Forster and her quartet. You can hear a sample of her music at www.madelineforster.com. Cost for the evening is $30 per person and $50 per couple.

Call the Scottish Rite Valley Secretary at 585-264-1160 or 800-858-2320. RESERVATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY APRIL 5th.