Thurman C. Pace

I'm saddened to learn of the death of Brother Thurman C. Pace, Jr. of New Jersey. He was 99 years old (next week he would have turned 100). While I had only met him a few times, I learned how dedicated he was to Freemasonry.

Thurman was a World War II Veteran who was present when the Dachau Death Camp was liberated. After the end of the war, he returned to the States and earned a Bachelors degree from Auburn University. He retired in 1987 as Financial Executive of the corporation and President of the United States Mutual Liability Insurance Company. In 1950 he married his wife Betty and they had three children: Donna, Arthur, and Susan. They were married for 74 years.

As another Mason said, "Sir Knight Thurman's Masonic record is an enviable one. He's presided over more than 30 Masonic organizations during his life. Again, space does not permit their listing. It would be far easier to list what Thurman hasn't done!"

Thurman was a 33° and former Deputy of New Jersey for the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the USA; Past Commander of the Legion of Honor Preceptory for New Jersey DeMolay; a Most Illustrious Past Grand Chancellor and Knight Grand Cross in the Grand College of Rites; Past Grand Commander and Past Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of New Jersey, Past Department Commander of the Northeastern Department (1982-1985), recipient of the Knight Commander of the Temple, and an Honorary Most Eminent Past Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar USA; a Most Excellent Past Great Chief of the Grand Council of Knight Masons USA; an Honorary Most Venerable Past Sovereign Grand Master of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the USA; a Most Illustrious Past Grand Sovereign of the United Grand Imperial Council of the Red Cross of Constantine; the founder and first Grand Preceptor of the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor (he served for over 25-years as Grand Preceptor); and a Most Worthy Past Supreme Magus and a Knight Grand Cross of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis where, in 2002, he also chaired the proclamation ceremony for the formation of the Societas Rosicruciana in Lusitania (Portugal) and the investiture of the Supreme Magus for the newly formed High Council.

I'm sure I missed an accomplishment of this truly amazing Mason and his death will be felt around the world of Freemasonry. Requiesce in pace.

Anti-Mason Disinformation: Alta Vendita

Freemasonry has been under assault since its inception and accused of many conspiracies. While anti-Masonry is an equal opportunity employer, religious anti-Masonry often takes the form of Christian fanaticism and the opposition is general across the board, but some are unique to certain Christian denominations and churches. The relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and Freemasonry has been characterized by a complex and often contentious history. The Catholic Church's stance against Freemasonry can be traced back to the late 18th century when it formally condemned the secretive fraternal organization. The Church's opposition was rooted in a perceived conflict of principles and values, as well as suspicions regarding the Masonic rituals and secrecy.

In 1738, Pope Clement XII issued the papal bull "In Eminenti Apostolatus Specula," which marked the beginning of the Church's formal opposition to Freemasonry. The bull declared that Catholics who joined Masonic lodges faced excommunication, and subsequent popes reiterated and reinforced this stance. In 1859, during the reign of Pope Pius IX, the Vatican “exposed” and published Permanent Instruction of the Alta Vendita which the Vatican claims was written by a Jewish Freemason under the pseudonym of “Piccolo Tigre” (“Little Tiger”).

Through this document, the Vatican alleges the existence of a secret society within the Catholic Church known as the Alta Vendita, which purportedly seeks to infiltrate and manipulate the Church for its own agenda. This publication is a blueprint for the slow subversion of the Church. However, there is considerable skepticism about the authenticity of the document, and many scholars argue that the conspiracy theory is unfounded and lacks credible evidence.

According to “Architects of Deception” by Juri Lina, the Carbonari (Italian for "charcoal makers") was established in Naples in 1806 and was a guild that was supposedly infiltrated by the mafia, Freemasons, and the Illuminati. The governing body of the Carbonari was called “Alta Vendita.” This group was accused of participating in Italian insurrections in the 1830s and was supposedly presided over by Giuseppe Garibaldi and Giuseppe Mazzini (both of whom were influential in establishing an independent and unified Italian state), but that doesn’t hold that much muster as the group was suppressed by 1831. The Vatican makes claims that this group is a neo-Illuminati group and slanders them for their pro-republican stances (a common theme from that church). The Carbonari were divided into two degrees: Apprentice and Master. Supposedly, Masons could enter the Carbonari immediately as Masters. The Carbonari spread across Europe through the 1800s. It is claimed that the Carbonari worked behind the scenes to topple monarchies (particularly the Bourbon dynasty for some reason) and commit acts of terrorism. After failed uprisings, the Carbonari ceased to exist after government crackdowns, and many of their leaders were either put to death, imprisoned, or exiled, but conspiracy theorists claim that members just joined a new movement called Giovane Italia ("Young Italy") that was governed by Giuseppe Mazzini (who is also included in the World War conspiracy theory.

I’ve read several different works and no one can say how the Vatican got a hold of this document. They just say it fell into the hands of Pope Gregory XVI (1831-1846), but they declare it is authentic because Pope Pus IX (1846-1878) said it was authentic. However, nothing in any of the published works concerning the Alta Vendita prove any link or affiliation with Freemasonry and whoever wrote it was unfamiliar with legitimate Freemasonry.

The Roman Catholics who reference the Alta Vendita as proof of the evil of Freemasonry are often “sedevacantists”. Sedevacantism is a traditionalist Catholic movement that believes that since the death of Pius XII in 1958 anyone sitting as Pope is illegitimate. Sedevacantism comes from the Latin phrase “sede vacante” which means “empty chair” meaning the Throne of St. Peter is empty. The movement originated after the Second Vatican Council which made some changes that they did not like. It is ironic that those who claim to uphold Catholicism which includes the doctrine of Papal infallibility, but then reject the Papacy of their own church. They however use it as they see it as the cause for all of the changes in the church in the post-Vatican II era. These sedevacantists even say that recent Popes have been Freemasons including the current one, Pope Francis, even though he has recently condemned Freemasonry and upheld the doctrine that prohibits Catholics from joining Freemasonry.

References

1. Carbonari. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonari 

2. Doesn't the Alta Vendita prove that Freemasonry is anti-Catholic? (n.d.). Retrieved from Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon: https://freemasonry.bcy.ca/anti-masonry/anti-masonry01.html#alta 

3. Lina, J. (2004). Architects of Deception. Stockholm: Referent Publishing). 

4. Vennari, J. (n.d.). The Permanent Instruction of the Alta Vendita. Retrieved from Catholic Family News: http://www.brizek.com/endtimes/altavend.htm

Farewell 2023

Another year has come and gone. 2022 had been a fantastic year and I was looking forward to what 2023 had to bring. The year started with work trips to Iowa and South Dakota (you know...the good times to visit the Midwest). In Iowa, I had a chance to visit with my Masonic Brothers.

February brought Masonic Week and it was a busy one. I received the rank of Past Grand Herald from the outgoing Grand Master. I was also elected as Commander-General of the Masonic Order of the Bath for the USA after we initiated 85 candidates into the order. I also received the Knight Commander of Zerubbabel in the Knight Masons.

In April, the annual sessions of the Grand York Rite of Idaho were held. I was elected and installed as Honorable Grand Commander of the Left Wing for Syringa Order No.121 of the Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill, the Master of Templars for Idaho Chapter of the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor, and the Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Idaho.

After attending the Grand York Rite of Montana at the beginning of June, I spent the rest of the month on the road for work. 

In July, I attended the Rocky Mountain SRICF Conference in Las Vegas. Fratres from Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and New Jersey were present. We conferred the four Grades of the First Order to four candidates from Nevada. I then flew from there straight to another work trip.

I attended the 72nd Triennial Convocation of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International and the 48th Triennial Assembly of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International in August. It was my final duty as a Deputy General Grand High Priest to attend and turn over my collar and apron to my successor.

At the beginning of September, I attended the 88th Annual Conclave of the Convent General of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor where I watched a good friend installed as the Deputy Grand Master-General. A few weeks later I attended the 156th Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Idaho (first time since 2019). September was busy in general because I also attended two meetings for my Lodge, one meeting of my Commandery, and one meeting for the Masonic Order of Athelstan.

In October, I had more work trips, but then attended the first Joint Southwest-Northwest York Rite Conference in Salt Lake City which also included a meeting for the Northwest Province of the Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon. October ended with me attending the conferral of the Knight Commander of the Court of Honor.

November was a busy month. I went to Massachusetts for work, but was also able to get in a lot of sightseeing. I then attended the annual meeting of the High Council of the SRICF. I spent Thanksgiving in Hawaii with several members of my family.

In December, I attended the meetings of Tri-Valley College of the York Rite Sovereign College, St. Michael Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, Redemption Tabernacle of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, and Salish Court of the Masonic Order of Athelstan. I spent Christmas with my family and I couldn't have asked for a better day. 

2024 is going to be a big year for me and I look forward to it all.

Christmas Observance

Tonight I attended the Christmas Observance for Idaho Commandery No.1, Knights Templar of Idaho, and served as the Prelate. We had a great attendance with several Sir Knights, family, friends, Job's Daughters, and some DeMolay present. The Jobies read passages from the Bible about the Birth of Jesus and we sang some Christmas carols. Afterward, we had refreshments, but I couldn't stay long.

The College, the Tabernacle, and the Conclave

Well, this weekend was one for the books. Saturday morning, Tri-Valley College No.178 of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America met and we had the Most Eminently Distinguished Governor General in attendance. This is the first time our College has been graced by the Governor General of our order. We also had the Grand Governors of both Idaho and Washington as well as the General Grand Scribe of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International in attendance.

After lunch, Redemption Tabernacle No.XL of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests held an Ingathering and initiated a new member. The Governor General also serves as the Most Eminent Grand Preceptor of the Grand College of America for the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests. We also held elections and I was appointed as the VI Pillar for the Tabernacle.

Following the Tabernacle, St. Michael Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine met where I presided. We had Knights Companion from three other Conclaves in attendance to include the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Idaho. My successor was elected and installed by the Intendant General of the Division of Idaho. Afterward, we adjourned to a restaurant where great food and fellowship was had by all. I thank to the Knights Companion for electing me and I wish my successor all of the best in his tenure.

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am thankful for my life and for my family some of whom I am spending the day with in Hawaii. I am thankful for the servicemen and women who keep the peace and country safe. I am thankful for all of my Masonic Brothers dispersed around the world. God bless.

2023 High Council

Another High Council has come and gone. It was a pleasure to see old friends and make new ones. As is customary, a few of us flew in a day earlier so we could tour a distillery. This year we visited Angel's Envy in downtown Louisville. Thursday evening a group of us had an excellent dinner at the Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse (one of the best places I've ever eaten at).

Friday morning I attended some training in the morning and then it was time for the Opening Processional. I got upstairs and placed myself near the door when I was informed that I was to be introduced as the Commander-General of the Bath. I hadn't registered as a dignitary so this caught me by surprise and I thank the Most Worthy Supreme Magus for honoring me. The various Masonic organizations were well represented including the Grand Master of Hawaii and Prince Hall Grand Master of Hawaii. It was also great to see representation from our sister Societies in England, Scotland, and Portugal present at the meeting. At the business session, the members of the High Council approved the chartering of a College in Manitoba and the formation of a new officer called the Director of Studies. That afternoon we had presentations by the Supreme Magus of Scotland, then by a Past Junior Deputy Supreme Magus (and our new Director of Studies), and a Texas Frater. Friday night, I again had the greatest honor of conferring with two good friends the VIII° of the Society upon several worthy Fratres. After some were elevated to the IX°, I spent most of the night in the hospitality suite hosted by Kentucky and Alabama Colleges.

Saturday morning, the Supreme Magus installed new Chief Adepts to include the new one for Idaho. That role is being filled by my best friend and constant traveling companion Jeremy. The rest of the day was filled with more educational presentations on various esoteric and occult topics. They were excellent, to say the least.

After a fun night in the hospitality suite with friends and Fratres, I am now at the airport awaiting my flight home. Including my trip to Massachusetts, I have not been home in 10 days and I am ready to relax for a few days.

Veteran's Day

To all of my Brothers and Sisters of the Armed Forces, past and present, I wish you all a Happy Veteran's Day. God bless all of you and God bless the United States.

The Cradle of Liberty

This last weekend I had the pleasure of traveling to the Boston area for work. Thursday night I flew in and, after checking in to my hotel, I went into downtown Boston where I took part in the Ghost and Gravestone Tour. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and got into her role.

After finishing work on Friday, I traveled to Lexington to visit the Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Museum. I then took a tour of Buckman Tavern where the Colonials were staying before fighting the British on April 19, 1775. I walked the Minuteman Trail to Concord before driving up to Salem where I bought a ticket for the Boos and Brews Tour. 

I recovered Saturday night after work and got some needed rest. When I finished with work on Sunday I drove around Harvard, MIT, and Northeastern Universities before I walked around Boston and had dinner at Ye Old Union Oyster House then had a beer at the Bell in Hand Tavern and the Green Dragon Tavern.

On Monday I toured the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and then walked the Freedom Trail. I started at the State House then went to the Granary Burying Grounds, Kings Chapel and Burying Grounds, Ben Franklin Statue, Old South Meeting House, Old Statehouse, Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Copps Hill Burying Ground, USS Constitution, and Bunker Hill.

Now I'm off to Kentucky for the annual meeting of the High Council of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis.

Masonic Week 2024

The preliminary schedule of the 2024 Masonic Week has been released. It will be held from February 8-11, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City near the Reagan National Airport.

     

Thursday, February 8, 2024

8:00 AM - Trinity Chapel No.2, Ye Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon

10:00 AM - Grand Master's Council, Ye Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon

Terry Plemons - Grand Master

John Elkinton - Grand Prior

Jeremy Vaughn - Grand Secretary

12:00 PM - St. Thomas of Acon Festive Board

1:15 PM - Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor 

D. Allen Surratt - Grand Preceptor

Larry Tucker - Grand Recorder

1:30 PM - Order of Holy Wisdom, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests

3:00 PM - Potomac Court No.107, Masonic Order of Athelstan

4:30 PM - Provincial Grand Court, Masonic Order of Athelstan

Bryce Hildreth - Provincial Grand Master

David Cashion - Provincial Grand Secretary

7:00 PM - Athelstan Banquet

9:00 PM Masonic Order of the Bath

Barry Newell - Commander-General

Bill Snyder - Keeper of the Bath Records

9:00 PM - Masonic Order of Pilgrim Preceptors

Jonathan Roberts - Grand Master

George Haynes - Regional Governor 

Alan Beidel - Regional Secretary 

   

  

Friday, February 9, 2024

7:00 AM - York Rite Sovereign College Breakfast

8:00 AM - Allied Masonic Degrees: Installed Sovereign Master

8:45 AM - Royal Order of the Red Branch of Eri: Knight Commander

9:00 AM - Ladies Breakfast 

9:00 AM - Grand Council of Knights Masons of the United States of America

James Winzenreid - Great Chief

David Cashion - Grand Scribe

12:00 PM - Knights Masons Luncheon

1:00 PM - Grand College of America, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests

Bill Riggs - Grand Preceptor

Larry Tucker - Grand Registrar

3:00 PM - Grand College of Rites

Russell Bridges - Grand Chancellor

Chris Gamblin - Grand Registrar

4:30 PM Society of Blue Friars

Arturo de Hoyos - Grand Abbot

Mark Tabbert - Deputy Grand Abbot

Richard Fletcher - Secretary-General

5:30 PM - Allied Masonic Degrees: Worshipful Commander Noah 

6:00 PM - Allied Masonic Degrees: Installed Supreme Ruler 

7:00 PM - The Masonic Society Dinner

7:00 PM - CBCS Dinner

9:00 PM - Ye Antiente Order of Corks

Marion Humphreys - Grand Bung of the Americas

  

Saturday, February 10, 2024

7:00 AM - All Masonic Breakfast

8:00 AM - Royal Order of the Masonic Knights of the Scarlet Cord: First, Second, and Third Grades

9:45 AM - Royal Order of the Masonic Knights of the Scarlet Cord: Fourth Grade

10:30 AM - Philalethes Society

12:00 PM - Philalethes Society Luncheon

1:15 PM - Council of the Nine Muses No. 13, AMD

2:30 PM - Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees

W. Berry Rigdon - Sovereign Grand Master

Seth Anthony - Grand Secretary

2:00 PM - Ladies Tea 

6:00 PM - All Masonic Social Hour 

7:00 PM - All Masonic Banquet 

Sunday, February 11

8:30 AM - Washington Monument Assemblage

9:00 AM - Lodge of Menatzchim, V 

10:30 AM - Lodge of Harodim, VI 

12:30 PM - The Operatives Brunch