National 'Brethren In Unity 9/11 Memorial' in Indianapolis Friday

by Christopher Hodapp

On Friday, September 11th, the Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral will be the site of an extraordinary 9/11 Memorial service. All four of the Supreme Commanders of the Scottish Rite Supreme Councils of the United States will join together on the same stage with our city's first responders, veterans, and Freemasons to present a special donation to the Tunnel To Towers Foundation as part of the Scottish Rite Brethren in Unity 2026 Campaign.

To donate to this campaign, visit the website HERE: https://dogood.t2t.org/campaign/scottish-rite-freemasonry-brethren-in-unity-2026/c782074

DONATIONS WILL CONTINUE TO BE ACCEPTED THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH

Doors to the Cathedral will open at 8:00AM Friday and the program will begin at 8:45AM:

• Doors Open - Guests Arrive 
• Tunnel to Towers Video 
• Processional of Sovereign Grand Commanders 
• Welcome by Dr. Eugene Anderson 
• Pledge of Allegiance by Rear Admiral William G. Sizemore II, USN (Ret.) 
• National Anthem by Randolph Seipel 

• Fireman's Bell Ringing - Troy Clements 
• Invocation by Dr. Kenneth Allen 
• Remarks on Scottish Rite Unity and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation Remarks — Brigadier General Jon M. Taylor, Alabama Air National Guard 
• III. Walter F. Wheeler, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, USA 
• III. Melvin J. Bazemore, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, United Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliation, USA 
• III. Corey D. Hawkins, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, United Supreme Council, Southern Masonic Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliation, USA 
• Ill. James D. Cole, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, Supreme Council, Southern Masonic Jurisdiction, USA 
• Presentation of Check to Troy Clements and Team 
• Closing Remarks -Lt. Phil Burton, Court Operations & Security-Judicial Enforcement Division, Marion County Sheriff's Office 
• Closing Benediction - Chaplain (MAJ Kelly Mathis, FTS Chaplain 219th EN BDE-Traditional 
• Recessional of the Sovereign Grand Commanders

If you are intending to attend in person, veterans, active service persons and responders are asked to dress in uniform, if possible, and Masons are requested to dress in suits and ties. There is free parking at the Cathedral.

Masonic Assistance for June's Washington State Fires

Photo: The Sunday Guardian website 6/18/2026

by Christopher Hodapp

Back in June, wildfires in the Spokane area devastated areas in Eastern Washington state. 

To my knowledge, the Grand Lodge of Washington has not requested a Masonic Service Association Disaster Appeal. Instead, they are directly requesting donations via their own Washington Masonic Services website. 

On August 2nd, the Grand Lodge of Washington posted the following appeal for donations to help Masons who lost everything in those fires:

As we are sure you have heard, here in Eastern Washington we are experiencing significant tragedy from wildfires as they devastate the lives of countless residents in the area just Spokane Complex Fires. Businesses, citizens, and members of our Masonic Family have lost everything.

During these challenging times, let us come together as a united and resilient Masonic community. We stand in solidarity with our Brothersand their loved ones who may be grappling with loss, displacement, or uncertainty. In the true spirit of Freemasonry, let us extend our hands and hearts to offer support wherever it is needed. While material possessions can be rebuilt, the emotional wounds caused by such events can linger. Together, we can be beacons of light for each other, providing comfort, compassion, and assistance as we are able.

We must continue to live by our Masonic values, supporting one another with unwavering strength and compassion. In unity, we will overcome this trial and emerge even stronger, for that is the essence of our Brotherhood. “These generous principles extend further, for every human being has a claim upon your kind offices.” As the dedicated charitable arm of our Grand Lodge, Washington Masonic Services (WAMS) has a disaster relief fund to support those impacted by the Spokane Complex Fires:

(https://masonscare.givecloud.co/product/779AB1C/spokane-complex-fires).

Or For more information contact Edward Woods at edward@masonscare.org or (253) 267 8210

Our WAMS case managers are also seeking to contact Masons in the area to offer their assistance.

Remember the promise you made as an Entered Apprentice Mason, and please contribute as much as necessity requires, and your ability permits.