GREETINGS TO ONE AND ALL:
I hope this issue of our Scottish Rite magazine finds you well and the winter has not been too bad for anyone.
A few days ago, I happened to run across an issue of The Rite News from Spring 2011, and right in the center of the cover was our temple with a beautiful green lawn and the trees in full bloom. The heading for the magazine was “Building the Scottish Rite.” Today, I suppose it could be building any one of our collateral bodies, yet especially our Scottish Rite. New membership, much like that green grass and beautiful flowering trees, must be given much attention before it comes to fruition.
Membership growth is down everywhere, and everyone is seeking new young blood to help grow the beauty of a fruitful lodge, chapter, or meeting space. The question is…. How do we do that? I suppose if I had the answer, we would all be rich in new members.
As I thumbed through the magazine, I saw many familiar faces holding many different offices and stations. All were writing about the growth of membership in different ways. I never tell anyone else what my article is about (because I don’t even know when I sit down) nor do I ever suggest what other’s articles should be about, yet we all seem to notice the same problems and write about very similar items. There were articles about the Grand Lodge advertising for new members and articles about getting members involved in the Shrine and the Blue Lodges. There were articles about the Scottish Rite being referred to as the “University of Freemasonry.” I like that one. Yet 14 years later, we all continue looking for the “magic bullet.” Now, 14 years later, I continue to believe that our Scottish Rite has much to offer a Master Mason who has a quest for further knowledge. We offer 29 degrees which have a deep, rich meaning that continue to encourage and support the tenants and obligations that have taken in the Blue Lodge. We continue to support and encourage educational programs such as the Master Craftsman programs, where there are self-study or group sessions.
There are many opportunities in the Scottish Rite for anyone to get involved. Yet, much like the beautiful Scottish Rite temple in Washington and our beautiful temple on Charles St., without members who care and get involved, it will all fall. Our Grand Lodge will go broke and close its doors, our Lodges will cease to exist and our collateral bodies may become nothing more than clubs. It has been said by men much wiser than me that “One does not need to see the entire staircase… All you need to do is take the first step.” It is up to us to take that first step and bring in that new member!
In closing, I saved the best for last. It is my pleasure to introduce the new Personal Representative for the Valley of Baltimore. Illustrious John W. Brodbeck, Jr., 33°, who was appointed on February 5, 2025. Please see the photographs elsewhere in this magazine. John joined the Scottish Rite in 2009 and immediately began working around the temple. In a short time, he began working in the Property Room. He has been there ever since, learning the degrees and setting up props both on the stage and on the floor. Since the retirement of Illustrious Brother E. Ray Leppo, Jr., 33°, GC, Brother John has helped in all areas and will play a critical part in guiding the Valley of Baltimore’s strategy, financial matters, and ensuring that his Valley remains true to the mission and values of our Scottish Rite. His background makes him the perfect fit for this job. John began a career with the United States Post Office in 1982 as a rural mail carrier. He accepted many different assignments and was soon promoted to many different positions of greater responsibility. His last promotion led him to operations manager for the United States Post Office DC area. This placed him in charge of security, problem-solving, delivery operations, and all post offices in the Washington, DC area. This included Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. As you can see, his last promotion gave him a great opportunity for problem solving. John says he has always enjoyed the Scottish Rite and looks forward to this new position. He feels that it is a part of working with all our members. Please offer your sincerest congratulations to your personal representative, John W. Brodbeck, Jr.
