Texas PGM Reese Harrison Passes Away

by Christopher Hodapp

UPDATED: Texas Past Grand Master Reese L. Harrison has passed to the Celestial Lodge Above. A post on the Grand Lodge of Texas Facebook page from Grand Master Reader this afternoon says he actually passed on August 29th, and was laid to rest at a private ceremony today, September 4th.

It would be nearly impossible to accurately recount the vast Masonic resumé of PGM Harrison. His longstanding devotion to the fraternity and its many appendant bodies over the decades is unmatched.

It can often be thought that Freemasonry is the be-all and end-all for someone whose private and professional life is somehow empty or unfulfilling. Reese Harrison was not one of those men. His obituary appeared today after the private service, and I reprint it here. What we see as Masons is but a tiny portion of a man's life, and many may not have known Reese's complete background. (Details and other information may be seen on his obituary page HERE.)

Reese Lenwood Harrison, Jr. quietly passed away at his home on August 29, 2025, at the age of 87 following a short illness. Reese was born on January 5, 1938, in San Antonio, Texas, to Ruth Fischer Harrison and Reese L. Harrison, Sr.

Reese graduated from San Antonio’s Breckridge High School in 1956. He attended Baylor University and graduated in three years with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1959 and later with a Master of Science degree in Economics in 1965. He attended law school at Southern Methodist University where he received a Juris Doctorate degree in 1962.

Reese married Judith Karen Scott on October 9, 1964. They made their home in San Antonio where their two daughters, Judith Karen Scott Harrison, Jr. and Tiffany Farrah Lynn Harrison, were born. While being an attorney, Reese, with his sister Janice, operated the Bar H Ranches Partnership, Ltd., a cattle ranch in Bexar, Wilson, and Caldwell Counties, Texas. Active in the community, Reese was selected Outstanding Young Man in San Antonio for 1973, receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the San Antonio Junior Chamber of Commerce of which he was not a member. He was a Life Director of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition and Rodeo, a former Vice-President of the San Antonio Charity Horse Show, and a Director of the Miss Rodeo Texas Pageant among many other civic activities too numerous to mention. Over the years, Reese held a number of leadership positions in the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the Alamo Area Council of Governments. He was active in the Democratic Party at the County, State and National levels.

Reese was admitted to the practice of law in September 1962 and would spend his career practicing law. Reese was appointed an Assistant US Attorney in the Western District of Texas and served from 1964 through 1972. He entered private practice in 1972 as a partner in the firm of Oppenheimer, Blend, Harrison, and Tate. Reese continued to practice law as senior counsel when the firm merged with Clark Hill and its predecessor firms in 2011 until his passing.

Initially admitted to the bar in Texas, Reese was also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the four US District Courts of Texas, several US Courts of Appeals, and other US Courts including Armed Forces, Federal Claims, International Trade, and Tax Court. He was an active member of numerous professional organizations including the San Antonio Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, American Bar Association, International Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, and Judge Advocates Association. He was an Adjunct Professor of Law at St. Mary’s University School of Law and was a frequent lecturer in continuing legal education courses and seminars on topics related to litigation matters. Over the years, Reese has been recognized by various legal organizations in recognition of his valuable and meritorious service to the community, state, and nation.

Reese enlisted into the Texas Air National Guard in June 1963 and received his basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base. He would serve as what was then known as an “Air Policeman” with what is now the 149th Fighter Wing in San Antonio, Texas. In 1966, he was granted a direct commission into the US Air Force and received an appointment as a Second Lieutenant in the Texas Air National Guard where he became the commander of his Air Police unit. As a licensed attorney in 1968, then Second Lieutenant Harrison, was appointed as a Captain in the Texas Air National Guard and began twenty-five years of service as the Staff Judge Advocate for the 149th Fighter Wing. He was promoted to Colonel in 1994 and served as the Staff Judge

Advocate for Headquarters Texas Air National Guard and was assigned to the Judge Advocate General’s Department Reserve with the US Air Force until his retirement on January 3, 1998. The governor of Texas promoted Colonel Harrison to Brigadier General (Brevet) in 2005.

Reese served on active duty during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and was assigned as the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate for the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas. He received the Major General Paul D. Straw Trophy in 1991 as the Airman who best exemplified overall unit excellence and outstanding civic participation and in recognition of superior contribution to the community and to the nation. Reese’s distinguished military career is embellished by numerous awards including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, Texas Outstanding Service Medal, Texas Medal of Merit, the Adjutant General's Individual Award, and the Texas Faithful Service Medal.

At the age of 16, Reese joined San Antonio’s Albert Pike DeMolay Chapter in January 1954, where he served as an officer. His service to DeMolay continued as an adult on the local, state, and national level. Active in Freemasonry, Reese petitioned Albert Pike Masonic Lodge No. 1169 at the age of 21 where he received the degrees of Freemasonry and served as Worshipful Master in 1969-1970. He affiliated with several other Masonic Lodges where he served as an officer. He served on several committees of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas. He was elected to serve as the Grand Master of Masons in Texas during 2004.

Reese was active in the appendant Masonic Bodies on the local, state, and national levels including the Scottish Rite, York Rite, and Shrine and the invitational or honorary bodies of each. He has served as the presiding officer of most of his local Masonic bodies plus the presiding officer of at least four major state and eleven national organizations. In the York Rite, he was a Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas and a Past Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Texas. In the Scottish Rite, Reese was coroneted a 33rd Degree Inspector General Honorary in 1979 and was invested with the Grand Cross of the Court of Honour in 2013.

Reese was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Janice Lee Harrison Tipton. He is survived by his wife, Judith Karen Scott Harrison, and his two daughters Judith Karen Scott Harrison Brown (Scottie) and husband Dr. Jared Brown of Aurora, Colorado, and Tiffany Farrah Lynn Harrison of Houston. He is also survived by his grandson Hadyn Brown, granddaughter Poppy Brown, and nephew Neal Tipton.

In accordance with his wishes, Reese was laid to rest in a private graveside service at Mission Burial Park South in San Antonio on September 4, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Grand Lodge Library and Museum of Texas, P.O. Box 2366, Waco, TX 76703.

His column is broken and his Brethren mourn. RIP

MW Thomas Watson, Grand Master of South Carolina, Passes Away

by Christopher Hodapp

Most Worshipful Brother Thomas 'Tommy' E. Watson, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge AFM of South Carolina, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday. A message was forwarded to members yesterday by Deputy Grand Master A.C. "Acey" Flora, IV. 

Brethren are asked to keep his family in their prayers.

Grand Master Watson was elected in 2025. Presumably, DGM Flora will now assume the duties of the office until the next annual meeting of the Grand Lodge. 

(NOTE: This story has been corrected. It previously stated GM Watson was elected to a two-year term of office. South Carolina's tradition is that a GM is elected for one year, and generally re-elected to a second consecutive term. I regret my misunderstanding.)

From GM Watson's biography on the Grand Lodge website:

Thomas Evans Watson was born November 17, 1952, in Greer, S.C. to the late Rev. Choice and Grace Watson of Duncan, S.C. He has one sister, Peggy, and two brothers, Billy and Bradley.He has four children, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He was educated in the public schools in New Orleans, La. and in Spartanburg County District Five. He graduated from James F. Byrnes High school in 1971. He attended the Baptist College of Charleston (Charleston Southern).

He served in the United States Air Force from 1972 to 1976 during the Viet Nam era where he was an electronics technician on the B-52 Stratofortress. He was promoted to the rank of Sgt in 1974.He was named Base Airman of the Month at Lowery AFB in January 1973. He was stationed at Robbins AFB in Ga. and Anderson AFB in Guam.

He entered law enforcement in 1977 with the Duncan Police. In 1981 he was appointed Chief of Police for the Town of Lyman. In 1983 he became Director of Public Safety for the town of Lyman. In 1990 he was hired as the Chief of Police for the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, where he served during the 9-11 crisis. He retired from Law Enforcement in 2011. He served as the President of the South Carolina Police Chiefs’ Association in 2002.

He was trained as a grief counselor with the National Organization of Victims assistance in early 2001 and was deployed to Ground Zero in September 2001 to assist the NY-NJ Ports Authority Police.

He was elected Mayor for the City of Wellford in 2011 where he served one term.

He was initiated, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in 1978 at Irving Southworth Lodge #350 in Lyman South Carolina. He served his Lodge as Master in 1984 and 2016. He Was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the 21st Masonic District by Most Worshipful Grand Master Ron Mitchum in 2006 and was re-appointed by Most Worshipful Grand Master Gerald Carver in 2007. He served as Masonic Education Committeeman for the 19th 20th and 21st Masonic Districts from 2012-2017 and Grand Marshal from 2017 to 2019.He was elected Junior Grand Warden in April 2019, Senior Grand April 2021, Deputy Grand Master 2023, and was Elected Most Worshipful Grand Master in 2025.
In 2017 he was presented with the second highest award in masonry in SC, the Fredrick Dalco certificate of Merit, by Most Worshipful Brother Michael D. Smith Sr. In 2019 he received the Albert Gallatin Mackey Medal, the highest masonic award in South Carolina.

He received his degrees in the York Rite of Free Masonry and was knighted as a Knights Templar on September 10. 2007. He is a member of Chicora Chapter # 33 where he served as Excellent High Priest in 2013, Blake council # 19 where he served as Illustrious Master in 2014 and Spartanburg Commandry #3 where he served as Eminent Commander in 2015. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Commander for the 4th District in 2016.

He is a member of the Spartan Council #153 AMD where he served as Sovereign Master. He is a member of the Sam Womack chapter # 20 of the Knight Masons, Piedmont York Right College #84, and Super Excellent Master of Aiken Council # 23. He was inducted into the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine in 2017.

Tommy is a member of the Lyman Chapter of the Order of the Eastern star where he served as Worthy Patron.
He received the Royal Order of Scotland in 2016.

He received his degrees in the Palmetto Forest No. 206 Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America in 2017.

Tommy is a Noble of the Hejaz Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He served as President of Mid-City Shrine Club in 1986.

He received the Masonic Order of Althalstan on June 22, 2019.

He received his degrees in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in 1985. He was honored with the Rank and Decoration of a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 2009 and was crowned as a 33rd Degree Inspector General honorary in 2015. He served Spartanburg Valley in many capacities, but his favorite was being the Americanism Chairman, where he ensures that the ROTC and JROTC awards are given with Pride and dignity.
​
He was inducted into the South Carolina South Carolina College Societas Rosicruciana In Civitatibus on October 29, 2022.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

His column is broken, and his brethren mourn.

Requiescat in Pace

Dick Fletcher, Longtime Head of MSA, Passes

by Christopher Hodapp

Richard 'Dick' Fletcher, long-time Executive Secretary of the Masonic Service Association, has passed away.

The following message was sent out on Thursday by James Cole, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction:

It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of Richard “Dick” Fletcher, beloved husband of Judy Fletcher and a cherished member of our House of the Temple family.

Dick’s contributions to the Scottish Rite were immeasurable. For many years, he served as a dedicated volunteer in both the Membership Services Department and the Library, lending his time, talents, and unwavering support to the work of the Scottish Rite. His kindness, quiet strength, and generous spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Beyond his volunteer work, Dick was the Past Grand Master of Masons in Vermont and served as the Executive Secretary of the Masonic Service Association of North America (MSA) from 1987 until his retirement in 2011, totaling about 24 years of dedicated leadership.

He was widely respected across the Masonic world for his efforts to promote Masonic education, disaster relief, and interjurisdictional cooperation. Whether welcoming House of the Temple visitors, assisting staff, or quietly ensuring the success of countless projects, he exemplified the best of our values through selfless service.

Condolences may be sent to Judy Fletcher at : --------------. I will keep you informed of arrangements.

Fraternally,
James D. Cole, 33°
Sovereign Grand Commander
Supreme Council, 33° | Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, SJ, USA

(Photo: From left: Judy Fletcher, Nicolas Cage, Darlene Alban, 

and Richard E. Fletcher, at the premier of 

National Treasure: Book of Secrets in New York City in December 2007)

Dick was an extremely kind and thoughtful Mason, and he was widely known all over the Masonic world. He was a tireless advocate for the fraternity and he will be sorely missed. 

Dick Fletcher was a Past Grand Master of Vermont and a 33° Scottish Rite Mason, and he came to the Masonic Service Association after a long career in banking. Under almost a quarter century of his leadership, the MSA established the Masonic Information Center, "Operation Phone Home" providing prepaid calling cards to overseas military personnel, and created the Twain Award, to reward excellence in Masonic awareness among individual lodges in North America. His travel schedule would have been daunting for men half his age, and he attended dozens of grand lodge sessions each year, often with his lovely wife Judy. Before his retirement in 2010, I seemed to see them everywhere I went. His departure truly marked the end of an era for MSA.

The MSA was created in 1919 to provide services to its member Grand Lodges that they would find difficult to provide for themselves. It remains the one organization that provides a national voice for mainstream Freemasonry in North America, and is a commission of the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America.

This post will be updated as soon as I can find funeral details for him.

Requiescat in pace.

R.I.P. Neil Neddermeyer, 'Cinosam' Author and PGM of Minnesota

by Christopher Hodapp

UPDATED 6:50PM November 7, 2024: The Minneapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite has posted a tribute to Illustrious Brother Neddermeyer 33°. It is posted below.


UPDATED 11:05PM November 4, 2024: RW Brother Neil's obituary appeared in the November 3rd, 2024 issue of the Minnesota Star Tribune. It is posted below.

*   *   *

I'm afraid the world is just a little bit darker now.

Word has come from Minnesota that RWB Neil Neddermeyer, PGM 2003-04, passed to the Celestial Lodge on Saturday, October 26th. 

You would be hard pressed to find a man anywhere who embodied all the principles and features of a Freemason as much as Neil Neddermeyer. He was alternately brilliant, funny, compassionate, empathetic, a wise sage when it was called for, or just a deeply involved listener when that was needed more. He could teach a complex lesson with a simple anecdote or parable perhaps better than anyone I've ever known. And the quite literally thousands of lives he's touched over the years stand as living examples of his influence.

Back in the Stone Age of the Interwebs when dinosaurs ruled the Earth, one of the first regular purveyors of Masonic online content was Minnesota's Neil Neddermeyer. Starting in the late 1990s, his emails — entitled Cinosam (spell it backwards) — appeared in e-mail in-boxes every week with tips, leadership ideas, trivia, quotes, prayers, jokes, and inspirations, long before there were Masonic podcasts, blogs, forums, or much of anything else online. Thanks to the Wayback Machine, you can see the archives of his mailings HERE. He created almost 300 of them.

He served as Grand Master of Minnesota in 2003-04, and we first met when I was invited to talk at their annual session in 2006. It was the first grand lodge I ever spoke to about my book Freemasons For Dummies. Neil was one of the earliest and loudest supporters and promoters of the book for new members, and I found out he was instrumental in inviting me to their session. He was always an outspoken proponent of grand lodges concentrating on Masonic education, and he served for a time as president of the Masonic Renewal Committee of the Conference of Grand Masters of North America. 

As one good friend put it, "Neil was a patron of Masonic Education back when many saw educators as the boring nerds who will kill our club." They weren't; they didn't; and Neil was right all along.

Back in 2010 we both gave presentations at the Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference, along with Art DeHoyos and Rex Hutchens. Neil gave a great talk about how we present Masonry to our members, with entertainingly practical applications to real-life situations. Instead of debunking our legends, Neil stressed the importance of using them for teaching Masons, because "the Truth is in the parable." In an allegory about the fraternity, he told the story of Heinz ketchup and how they wrestled for decades with the problem of getting their slow-moving sauce out of its troublesome bottle. Company advisors wanted to water down the product, compromising the quality. But it wasn't a problem with the product; it was just a bad delivery system. The real answer was to think differently about the bottle itself, not change the ketchup. Likewise, there is no problem with Freemasonry itself; it's the way Masons sometimes present it, or treat it like a repetitive habit, or fall into ruts with our meetings or our administrative style. 

Don't water down Freemasonry; fix its delivery system. 

Before Freemasonry became so engrossing to him, Neil spent 20 years as a police detective, which is perhaps what gave him such a firm grip on the handlebars of life and on the best way to navigate the obstacles. About 10 years ago, he even started an online support group for alcoholic or drug-dependant Freemasons called Masonic and Tonic.

According to his wife Julie Ottis, a Celebration of Neil's Life will be held this coming Saturday, November 9th at Masonic Heritage Lodge, 11501 Masonic Heritage Drive, in the the Minnesota Masonic Home & Heritage Center. Visitation at 9, Masonic service at 10, and funeral service at 11, followed by lunch.

I haven't seen an obituary yet, but I will post it as soon as I spot it.

UPDATE: RW Brother Neil's obituary appeared in the November 3rd, 2024 issue of the Minnesota Star Tribune:

Neil Ernest Neddermeyer, age 78, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2024. Neil was born May 28, 1946, to Francis ("Bud") and Marguerite (fka Sawyer) Neddermeyer in Minneapolis, MN. He grew up in Long Lake and graduated from Orono High School. Neil displayed his musical aptitude playing drums in Orono Junior High School and was recruited in seventh grade to play in the Orono High School marching band which he continued until graduation. Neil recalled that he and another percussionist entered the Minnesota All-State High School music contest as high school juniors; they placed second with their snare drum duet. He earned his college tuition by playing in various dance bands on weekends.

Neil was a member of the Evergreen Club of the Twin Cities, an organization comprised of active members in the music community with over 20 years of experience. He was also a member of the professional musicians' union. Neil joined the Hennepin County Sheriff's Marching Band and, along with his father, played drums for many years in summer parades. He was a member of the Zuhrah Shrine Fraternal Organization and participated in their Drum and Bugle Corp Marching Band first as a drummer and later as the drum major. He was the last original member of the Zuhrah Shrine Merrymakers, a vaudeville-style troupe providing entertainment for children of all ages.

Neil was active in the Masonic fraternal organization throughout his life and began his 57-year Masonic journey in 1967, following his father's and grandfather's footsteps into the fraternity. He served as Past Master of Wayzata Masonic Lodge #205 several times and was active in Masonic education. In 2003 he was honored to be elected as the Grand Master of Masons of Minnesota. Neil was also a 33rd Degree Mason.

He proudly served as a Hennepin County Deputy Sheriff for 30 years in homicide and crimes against children. Neil was also known as a poet with several published works, including "The Old Master's Wages".

Neil was a sincere and kind man and always quick with a quip or a limerick or a song lyric. His humor and his personality lit up any room. He was a charismatic leader. Neil lived and died on his own terms. He will be missed. He was a character with character.

Neil is survived by his wife Julie Ottis; his daughter Nicoletta (Greg) Thompson, and his grandchildren, Ike and Marlowe; as well as his nephews and their children, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gene, and his sister Karen Rath.

In lieu of memorials, please send donations to the Invisible Wounds Project; the Help, Aid and Assist Fund of donor's local lodge; or the charity of donor's choice.

The Celebration of Neil's life will be held Saturday November 9, 2024, at the Masonic Home located at 11501 Masonic Home Drive, Bloomington, MN 55437. Please enter by the Dan Patch Hall entrance. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. followed at 10:00 a.m. by a Masonic service, and a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow. Everyone is welcome to attend. www.davidleefuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family of Neil Ernest Neddermeyer, please visit Tribute Store.

UPDATE Thursday, November 7, 2024: The Minneapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite has also posted its own notice:

 Ill. Neil Neddermeyer 33°, Inspector General Honorary, passed to the Celestial Lodge on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

Illustrious Neil was born in Minneapolis on May 28, 1946, and following his father and grandfather into our Fraternity was raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master in Wayzata Lodge 205 in November 1967. He joined our Minneapolis Valley in 1975, becoming a Master of the Royal Secret in April of that year.

Ill. Neil was invested with the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour by our Supreme Council in October 1989 and Coroneted 33° Inspector General Honorary in November 1993.


Most Worshipful Brother Neil’s service to humanity, to our community and to Masonry is the stuff of legends. Perhaps appropriately acknowledged as a Renaissance Mason, Neil was a gifted performing artist, author and a leader.

A 57 year Mason and a Life Member of his Lodge, MWB Neil served Wayzata Lodge as Master in 1980 and again in 1993. In 2003, he was elected and installed Grand Master of Masons in Minnesota. During and after his service to our Grand Lodge, MWB Neil continued his commitment to our gentle craft as Chaplain and Lodge Education Officer at Wayzata and a Board Member of Minnesota Masonic Charities.

Ill. Neil was a Life Member of our Minneapolis Valley and served as the Commander of Kadosh from 1990 to 1992. He was active in many Zuhrah Shrine units.

The hallways and corridors of our Masonic Buildings and the pathways of life will be forever illuminated by the Light MWB Neil carried in our gentle craft.

Neil's life will be celebrated on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Masonic Home in Bloomington. Visitors are asked to enter by the Dan Patch Hall entrance. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed at 10:00 a.m. with a Masonic service and a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow the services.

The official obit mentioned Neil's poetry. He wrote two poignant Masonic poems that became widely reprinted over the years – dare I call, them modern Masonic classics — and I'll end this post with both of them:

Perhaps He's Dead by Neil Neddermeyer

I was playing with the Shriner's band,
In a small town, hot parade.
We had stopped to drink a thank you,
For the tunes that we had played.

A hand was placed upon my back
By a women with a crutch.
As I turned I saw a pretty face,
And a smile came with that touch.

She told about a tear that came
When she saw the Shriner's band
and how she remembered one Shriner
Who had helped her once to stand.

I was in the Shriner's Hospital,
I was frightened - I was low
When an old man in a silly red hat
Showed that he loved me so.

He visited me every Sunday,
For possibly two years.
He shared my pain and laughter,
My joys, my thoughts, my tears.

He must be in his nineties now...
Well no, perhaps he's dead.
But he came to my wedding to watch me stand
The day that I was wed.

I meant to keep in contact
With him for all my life
But I'm too busy being a mother,
And too busy being a wife.

I just wanted to stop and thank you,

For the things that he had done

To make my life more meaningful,

To give my life some fun.

I watched her hobble off
As I stepped from the band.
I saw her husband and her kids,
And the crutch in her right hand.

I felt guilty for taking credit
For the Shriner who was strong but mild.
He knew no man stands straighter
Than when he stoops to help a child.

I thought, some forty years from now,
When a Shriner takes a bow,
Will he be thanked for something
That I am doing now?

Will they say that I was noble,
That my silly hat was red?
Will they say 'He's in his nineties now,
Well no, perhaps he's dead.

 

THE OLD MASTERS WAGES by Neil Neddermeyer

I met a dear old man today
Who wore a Masonic pin.
It was old and faded like the man,
It's edges worn and thin.

I approached the park bench where he sat,
To give the old brother his due.
I said "I see you've traveled East",
He said, "I have, have you?"

I said, I have, and in my day,
Before the all-seeing sun,
I played in the rubble
With Jubala, Jubelo, and Jubalum.

He said, don't laugh at the work my son
It's good and sweet and true...
And if you've traveled as you said
You should give these things their due.

The word, the sign, the token,
The sweet Masonic prayer.
The vow that you have taken.
You have climbed the inner stair.

The wages of a Mason
Are never paid in gold,
But the gain comes from contentment
When you're weak and growing old.

You see, I've carried my obligations
For almost 50 years.
It has helped me through the hardships
And the failures full of tears...

Now I'm losing my mind and body
Death is near, but I don't despair.
I've lived my life upon the level,
And I'm dying on the square.

Sometimes the greatest lessons
Are those that are learned anew,
And the old man in the park today
Has changed my point of view.

To all my Masonic brothers,
The only secret is to care.
May you live upon the level,
And part upon the square.

His column is broken, and his Brethren mourn. Rest in peace, my dear, dear friend.

RIP: Bill Hosler

by Christopher Hodapp

UPDATE Monday, June 13th, 10:30AM: This story has been updated with Bill's official obituary, and funeral and memorial services’ information for both Arkansas and Indiana.

The world suddenly became a sadder and far less pleasurable place to inhabit this weekend. Word came that my friend and Masonic Brother William C. Hosler, PM, passed to the Celestial Lodge on Thursday, June 6th. He was 58.

If you're a Masonic podcast fan, you may be familiar with Bill from the 'Meet, Act and Part' program, with co-hosts Greg Knott, Darin Lahners, and occasionally, 'The Midnight Freemasons' author Todd Creason. 

Bill Hosler entered the fraternity three years after I did. Back in the early 2000s, he joined Fort Wayne's Three Rivers Lodge 733, and almost immediately became a regular contributor to early Internet Masonic message boards like Jeff Naylor's Indiana-based MasoniclLight.net (which started in November 1999). 

Bill and I became buddies right from the start, sharing our love for 1960s British comedy. He had lived for a time in England, and I seemed to be the only one who caught on to his references to the hilarious old 'Carry On' movies.

MasonicLight.net came into being in the nascent days of the movement to create observant-style lodges in the U.S. (which went by various names over the years, like European Concept, Traditional Observance, Best Practices, and others I've lost track of). A core clot of us on the website began tossing around ideas which quickly led to the establishment of Indiana's Lodge Vitruvian 767, with our fearless leader Jeff Naylor as its founding Worshipful Master. And a lot of those ideas made their way into Laudable Pursuit, which we published on online anonymously under our group's nom de l'internet, The Knights of the North.

Bill Hosler was one of those intrepid knights of the keyboard.

At that time, Bill was a truck driver based in Fort Wayne, in northeastern Indiana. In the coming years, he served as Worshipful Master at Three Rivers Lodge, and became a plural member in Calvin Prather Lodge 717 in Indianapolis. Bill was a member of the Fort Wayne Valley of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite (NMJ); he served as the High Priest of Fort Wayne's Royal Arch Chapter 19; and he was Commander of Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4 of the Knights Templar. He was also member of Mizpah Shrine in Fort Wayne, where he served as the webmaster and editor of their magazine. In 2007, he became a member of the Grand Lodge of Indiana's Technology Committee.

Bill relocated to Texas for a while, and he attended lodge whenever and wherever he could. He joined Lebanon Lodge 837 in Frisco, Texas, Roff Lodge 169 in Roff, Oklahoma, and Ardmore Lodge 31, where he became a life member. He and his wonderful lady, Tammi Harmoning, most recently settled in Three Rivers, Arkansas.

Meanwhile, he continued to write about the fraternity, contributing regularly to Todd Creason's 'The Midnight Freemasons' blog. Over time, he contributed a series of thoughtful short stories that featured dialogues between a young Mason named Pudge, and the Wise Old 50-year Mason, in a vein similar to Carl Claudy's famed Old Tyler Talks and The Old Past Master tales.

The 'Meet, Act and Part' podcast hit the air in 2020, and Bill was a regular presence there, too. But it was really Facebook where Bill's natural tendency to find a hilarious punchline in all things really came alive. I could always count on him to make me laugh at thoroughly inappropriate moments.

Services for Bill have not yet been announced, but this post will be updated as soon as I find the details (see below). My deepest condolences and sympathies go out to Tammi. Please keep her and the rest of their families in your thoughts and devotions.

I'm sorely going to miss you, my friend.

His column is broken, and his Brethren mourn. 

Requiescat in pace.

UPDATED June 13, 2024, 10:30AM:

Bill's obituary in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette:

William "Bill" Hosler, PM, age 58, of Cave Springs passed away on June 6, 2024, in his home. He was born February 1, 1966, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to William Carl Hosler and Margaret Ann Coil Hosler. Bill was the eldest of three children and was raised in Huntertown, Ind. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved dog, Happy, who was the age of 13. Survivors include his soulmate, Tammi Harmoning of Cave Springs, Ark.; and his two siblings, Holly Hosler of Ohio, and Bob Hosler of Missouri. 

Local services for Bill will be Thursday, June 13, 2024, 1 p.m., at Hunt Chapel of Pinnacle Memorial Gardens in Rogers, Ark. Visitation will be held at Epting Funeral Home, Bentonville, Wednesday, June 12th, from 4-6 p.m. Bill will be laid to rest at Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Ind. Fort Wayne, Ind., services will be held at Lindenwood Cemetery on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 2 p.m., with entombment to follow. 

Bill had several careers through his life, including a decade driving a truck. While it was not without stress, he found joy being on the road because he was able to visit all 48 United States and two provinces of Canada. He also worked as a Security and Emergency services officer at a General Motors, where he met so many long-lasting friends. For several years, Bill was the building manager for the Fort Wayne, Ind., Masonic Temple, and shared so many stories of his time there. Many of the inspirations for his fictional published writings came from his time as caretaker to the old Masonic edifice in Fort Wayne. 

Since his earliest days, he had a vivid imagination and a flair for writing. His writings have been published in the Working Tools magazine and he was a Regular Contributor for The Midnight Freemasons. He was also so happy when he was able to accomplish being a published author of Meditations of a Flawed Ashlar. He also found joy and laughter being a Co-Host of the Meet, Act and Part podcast with wonderful brothers he cared deeply for. He spent the last 14 years with his lady, Tammi, and their yellow Labrador named Happy, living across Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. They enjoyed traveling with their precious dog to many parts of the lower 48. Within the last few years, they found joy in seeing the world, cruising the Caribbean and Atlantic Islands and had already begun planning several trips in the near future. 

WB Hosler was made a Master Mason in 2002, in Three Rivers Lodge No. 733 in Indiana. He served as Worshipful Master in 2007, and in 2006, became a member of the internet committee for Indiana's Grand Lodge. Bill was a member of Calvin Prather Lodge No. 717 in Indianapolis. He also held Masonic memberships outside his mother jurisdiction, amongst which was a perpetual membership of Ardmore No. 31 in Ardmore, Okla., and a lifetime member of Lebanon Lodge No. 837 in Frisco, Texas. Bill was a member of the Valley of Guthrie Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Oklahoma and the Valley of Indianapolis, Ind. He had also served as the High Priest Fort Wayne Chapter of the York Rite No. 19, and was Commander of Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4 of the Knight Templar. Bill is a founding member of the Masonic Society, he also held membership in the Dwight L Smith Lodge of Research in Indiana, Oklahoma Lodge of Research, Texas Lodge of Research, and The Missouri Lodge of Research and the Scottish Rite Valley of Fayetteville, Ark. 

Arrangements: Epting Funeral Home of Bentonville Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.com

R.I.P. Edward Sebring

by Christopher Hodapp

          Then spake King Arthur to Sir Bedivere:

"The sequel of to-day unsolders all

The goodliest fellowship of famous knights

Whereof this world holds record. Such a sleep

They sleep—the men I loved. I think that we

Shall never more, at any future time,

Delight our souls with talk of knightly deeds,

Walking about the gardens and the halls

Of Camelot, as in the days that were." *

So very sad today. I just received word that my longtime friend and Brother Ed Sebring passed away Thursday morning, after suffering from Mantle Cell Lymphoma for many months. Many Indiana Knights Templar probably remember Ed best as the editor of the Indiana supplement of the KT Magazine for many, many years, but he was so much more than just a name on a masthead.

I met Ed for the first time 22 summers and a thousand years ago, and since then, we've spoken more to each other in texts and emails than in person. But he was always upbeat, jovial, supportive, and so much more. 

Ed was incredibly enthusiastic about Indiana's DeMolay kids and and our York Rite bodies. When we first started Levant Preceptory as the state's first Medieval period recreation Order of the Temple team, he was our first and most vocal cheerleader.

As a longtime editor, he frequently sent me his take on this or that article or blog post I'd put up. He'd often send me a story idea or a news item to pursue. But we shared other common interests like railroads, history, the old film and video production days, France, and more. 

Health problems dogged Ed over the last decade or so, and he was being treated for cancer for many months. So, we commiserated on that topic as well, sharing stories of the horrors of being trapped in infusion room Barcaloungers, watching helplessly as endless morning chat shows and "Flip This House" reruns droned on the TV set, with no possible hope of wresting the remote control from the hands of fellow patients. 

Years ago, Jeff Naylor said, “When you're young all you ever want to be is older. No one ever explains that the price you pay for that is in the numbers of people you lose who were important in your life.” Dear God, I wish that wasn't so, because knowing it doesn't make it less painful when it happens. But as the years pass and mortality looms larger in the rear-view mirror, it takes on definable features. Ed Sebrings don't pass our way very often, and I sorely regret not having spent more time in his company. I'll miss our phone calls and messages back and forth. The loss of his wisdom, experience and good counsel will leave a void in my life not easily filled.

My heart goes out to dear Cindy Rider, who wrote this morning. She's hoping to have a Masonic service for Ed at Vincennes Lodge No. 1 soon. I'll post more when I know.

His column is broken, and his Brethren mourn.

       Then loudly cried the bold Sir Bedivere:

"Ah! my Lord Arthur, whither shall I go?

Where shall I hide my forehead and my eyes?

For now I see the true old times are dead,

When every morning brought a noble chance,

And every chance brought out a noble knight.

Such times have been not since the light that led

The holy Elders with the gift of myrrh.

But now the whole ROUND TABLE is dissolved

Which was an image of the mighty world;

And I, the last, go forth companionless,

And the days darken round me, and the years,

Among new men, strange faces, other minds."

       And slowly answer'd Arthur from the barge:

"The old order changeth, yielding place to new,

And God fulfills Himself in many ways,

Lest one good custom should corrupt the world.

Comfort thyself: what comfort is in me?

I have lived my life, and that which I have done

May He within Himself make pure! but thou,

If thou shouldst never see my face again,

Pray for my soul. More things are wrought by prayer

Than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice

Rise like a fountain for me night and day.

For what are men better than sheep or goats

That nourish a blind life within the brain,

If, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer

Both for themselves and those who call them friend?

For so the whole round earth is every way

Bound by gold chains about the feet of God.

But now farewell. I am going a long way

With these thou seëst—if indeed I go—

(For all my mind is clouded with a doubt)

To the island-valley of Avilion;

Where falls not hail, or rain, or any snow,

Nor ever wind blows loudly; but it lies

Deep-meadow'd, happy, fair with orchard-lawns

And bowery hollows crown'd with summer sea,

Where I will heal me of my grievous wound."

So said he, and the barge with oar and sail

Moved from the brink, like some full-breasted swan

That, fluting a wild carol ere her death,

Ruffles her pure cold plume, and takes the flood

With swarthy webs. Long stood Sir Bedivere

Revolving many memories, till the hull

Look'd one black dot against the verge of dawn,

And on the mere the wailing died away.*

Requiescat in pace.

* From Le Morte d'Arthur by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Blue Friars 79th Consistory WILL Take Place Today 2/10/23

Our late Friars Rex Hutchens (left) and Alain Bernheim (center) seen here 

with Grand Abbott Arturo De Hoyos (right) several years ago.

by Christopher Hodapp

Attention Masonic Week 2023 attendees!

Despite what you may have read in the last week, there WILL be a Consistory held today (Friday February 10th).

Previously, Arturo de Hoyos, the Grand Abbot of The Society of Blue Friars, announced that this year's Consistory and induction of a new Friar has been cancelled. 

The Society was founded in 1932 for the express purpose of recognizing outstanding Masonic authors throughout the world. Traditionally, the Society convenes each year during Masonic Week in the Washington, D.C. vicinity to induct a new Friar, and its gatherings are open to all Master Masons. Each year's Consistory is a highlight of Masonic Week 

Authors like Arthur E. Waite, Harold V.B. Voorhis, Dwight L. Smith, Brent Morris, Allen Roberts, Thomas Jackson, Yasha Beresiner, Alain Bernheim, Robert G. Davis, Alton Roundtree, Michael R. Poll, Robert D. B. Cooper, Josef Wäges and Piers Vaughan are just a few prior Blue Friar honorees. In a rare moment of weakness, they even let a Dummy in.

 Last year's new friar was Adam Kendall, author and editor of the Plumbline, the quarterly publication of the Scottish Rite Research Society. He was named as the 111th Friar of the Society.

In his announcement, the Grand Abbot explained that he wasn't "sufficiently impressed with any Masonic authors over the past year" to name a new Friar for 2023. He also explained that there was an unfortunate convergence this year of conflicting events that prevented him from being in Alexandria this week. 

However, our immediate past Grand Prior, Friar S. Brent Morris, will be opening the Consistory this afternoon at 4:30 p.m., following the meeting of the Grand College of Rites of the USA. In lieu of the traditional presentation of a new Friar's original allocution, I will be presenting a talk on the origins of the Scottish Rite within the intellectual climate of the Age of Enlightenment, originally written in 1995 by our late Friar Rex R. Hutchens, who passed to the Celestial Lodge  in mid-December. (See UPDATED 1/6/2023: Illus. Dr. Rex R. Hutchens Passes Away; Celebration of Life Announced.)

Tragically, our Society lost two esteemed Friars in December.  In addition to Friar Hutchens, Friar Alain Bernheim passed away the day after Christmas in Montreaux, Switzerland at the age of 91.

Alain’s Masonic research spans more than 40 years, and his works have been published in English, French and German, in nearly every major Masonic research publication in the world. But while many Freemasons know of his detailed works, many aren’t aware that he was also a renowned, award-winning classical pianist who performed more than 2,000 concerts all over the world between the early 1950s and 1980, when he retired.

Born in Paris in 1931, Alain was arrested by the Gestapo during the Nazi occupation at the age of twelve and was interned at Drancy concentration camp in the north of the city. When the war ended, he entered the Paris Conservatory of Music and was the first French student to receive a Fulbright Scholarship to study music at Boston’s New England Conservatory of Music.

Please join us this afternoon.

Arizona PGM Jeff Carlton Killed in Traffic Accident

by Christopher Hodapp

Arizona's Masonic family has received more tragic news this weekend. Grand Master Jim H. Baker has reported that Past Grand Master Jeffrey Carlton, 33° and his wife Moira were involved in a serious vehicle collision on Friday. MWB Carlton was killed in the accident and Moira is currently in critical condition in the ICU.

The Grand Master requests everyone to keep the Carlton family in their prayers.

MWB Jeff Carlton (photo) served the Grand Lodge F&AM of Arizona in 2012-13, and Moira Carlton is the Immediate Past Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star in Arizona. 

In 2003, he was elected Master of Kingman Lodge 22.*

And in 2008, Jeff served as the Master of the newly formed Rex R. Hutchens Research Lodge No. 5 (U.D) located at the Kingman Masonic Temple. 

I have been told that the family has asked that people please refrain from contacting them at this time, as they are devastated and overwhelmed by this terrible tragedy.

This story will be updated as more information is made available.

*An earlier version of this story mistakenly stated he had been Master of Kingman Lodge in 2013.

UPDATED: Celebration of Life For Illus. Rex Hutchens 33° January 22, 2023

by Christopher Hodapp

The Grand Master of Arizona has officially announced that a Celebration of Life for Rex Hutchens will be held January 22nd, 2023 in the Red Room of the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral, 160 S. Scott Avenue, Tucson, Arizona, beginning at 1:00PM.

CLICK IMAGE ABOVE TO ENLARGE.

---

UPDATED SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2023, 3:45PM

Rex Hutchens' obituary has been posted on the Arizona Daily Star website HERE.

It reads, in part:

Rex Richard Hutchens passed away on December 17, 2022, at the age of 80 years. Rex is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Cheryl; his children, Jonathan, Kimberley; grandson, Michael; his brother, Dwaine (Rose) Goodwin of Missouri and his sister, Moria Zimbicki of California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Rex lived an extraordinary life. Born in November 1942 in Glendale, Oregon, Rex later lived in California, Oklahoma, Pakistan, Afghanistan, New York City, Pittsburgh and, for the last 53 years, in Tucson. Upon graduating from Mendocino High School in California in 1961, Rex entered the military where he taught at the Army Information School in Oklahoma and began his academic career with night classes.

 

After discharge, Rex continued teaching at The American Schools in Karachi, Pakistan and Kabul, Afghanistan. Rex graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Pittsburgh. His Master's and Doctorate Degrees were completed at the University of Arizona.

 

For 50 years, Rex and his wife Cheryl owned and managed numerous real estate investments in the Tucson and Phoenix areas to which Rex brought his business acumen. When not engaged in Masonic activities, writing, teaching and business ventures, Rex was a motorcycle and sports car enthusiast with an affinity for Corvettes.
 

Rex never limited his quest for knowledge nor his willingness to share his knowledge. He was in his element when assisting others in increasing their knowledge and honing their communication skills. Rex was a voracious reader; his curiosity was near boundless. Having travelled to dozens of countries and having amassed a personal library of more than 25,000 non-fiction titles, Rex was, indeed, a Renaissance Man!

 In 1982, Rex was drawn to Freemasonry. In the ensuing forty years, he became a world-renowned Masonic leader, scholar, teacher, and author. Rex became a 33rd Degree Mason in 1989 and in 1995 received the Grand Cross, the highest honor which the Southern Jurisdiction reserved for the most exceptional and extraordinary services. Most recently, Rex was appointed Deputy of the Supreme Council for Arizona. He truly experienced one of the most amazing Masonic journeys in the history of Freemasonry.

 Rex forever enjoyed engaging with his many friends. He always welcomed a game of chess with friend Tim Allen. His adventures included trips to Panama and Peru with friend Randy Stern and a trip to Prague with friend, Peter Reardon. Since 2019 Rex's passion was designing and creating a unique library at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Tucson with fellow Mason, co-designer and good friend, Bob Kille. Bob will lead the effort to move Rex's vision for the library to fruition.

 A celebration of Rex's life will be held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral,160 S. Scott Avenue, Tucson on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Rex's family extends an invitation to all whose lives Rex has touched, whether within Freemasonry or the community. Donations in Rex's memory may be made to the Tucson Scottish Rite Cathedral Foundation toward completion of his beloved library. 

Arrangements by DESERT SUNSET FUNERAL HOME.