Ill. Ralph C. Shelton II, 33°
It’s a good time to be a member of our Valley. On July 27, we will host our first Setting Maul Dinner – something new to the Valley. We have invited the Masters and new Master Masons of the Blue Lodges in Orange County, along with their spouses, to congratulate them all and to encourage our new brothers and their spouses as they embark on their Masonic journey. I am excited to see how this turns out.
Our Valley is truly the crossroads of Orange County Masonry, and in the coming months you’ll see the implementation of a new initiative for our brothers who are physically unable to join us at our monthly meetings or to enjoy the programs that are presented – the hybrid remote meetings. Now, this isn’t an excuse to not make the drive, but a means for brothers who really can’t otherwise be present to engage with the Valley.
Recently we have been pleased to have several visitors from other Valleys who have become regular attendees. They have expressed how much they enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of brotherhood here at Orange County Valley, and several are affiliating. Now, if you haven’t been to a meeting in a while, consider coming on by. Scottish Rite Masons from other Valleys have found us to be an active, vibrant Valley, and if it appeals to them, you may be surprised by what you find here as well.
We are currently evaluating the responses we have received to our recent survey, and I’m hoping to see some more responses before we conclude this effort. The more voices we hear from, the more responsive our programming can be, so add your input to this effort. You’ll find the link elsewhere in this newsletter.
I am most pleased to see your Heads of Bodies truly taking on the leadership of the Valley. The job of the Personal Representative should be less like “Master of the Valley” and more like its inspector. Your leaders have proven that they can and want to really run the show, and I am proud of what they’re doing. I’m here to provide guidance and support, and to keep things on track. As we progress through the year, I think you’ll be impressed with what good leaders with clear expectations and consistent support can accomplish.
