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CEREMONIES
On Thursday, June 23, 2005, the Knights of Saint Andrew, Memphis Chapter, was ceremonially recognized as part of the Scottish Rite Bodies of the Memphis Valley, Orient of Tennessee, Southern Jurisdiction for these United States of America, with an Initiation, Chartering and Installation of Chapter Officers.These Ceremonies were scripted by the Cast, based on drafts provided by the Officers of the Memphis Chapter, which were in turn based on ceremonies sent to us from the Wichita Chapter. The actual Charter was issued by the Wichita Chapter, KSA, which makes them our "mother" Chapter. Marvelous Scottish music was provided by Brother James Connelly, 32nd, who played the bagpipe in full Scottish kit during the ceremonies and upon request at dinner afterwards.
The Initiation took place within a closed and tiled Lodge of Perfection in the Auditorium of the Memphis Scottish Rite building, where the usual Scottish Rite degree conferrals take place.
After the Initiation, the incoming Chief Knight of the Memphis Chapter adjourned to the dining room on the first floor and summoned the ladies and non-Masons present to accompany him to the Auditorium for the Chartering of the Chapter and Installation of Officers. These additional ceremonies were as impressive as the Initiation and will long be remembered by those present, especially those who were installed as Officers and their families.
Upon the conclusion of the Installation, the Cast seated the Officers in their respective stations and retired. The Chief Knight gave a short talk, expressing his joy at the Chapter's arrival at this milestone and stating that this was just the end of the beginning of the work that the Chapter will do.
As his first Official Act, the new Chief Knight presented Brother Knight H. Thurl Ray with his Sword of Recognition for recruiting nine (9!!!) Scottish Rite Masons to join the Chapter during the membership drive. Brother HT Ray spoke of his love for the fraternity and for the values it espouses and encouraged all present to help in the great and good works to come.
We then returned to the dining room, where an excellent feast was enjoyed by all.
The photos on the accompanying THUMBNAILS page were taken in the dining room after several Brother Knights had already departed. These shall have to suffice to remember the evening by.
This page was created on Wednesday, July 13, 2005.
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Knights of Saint Andrew, Memphis Chapter