Hon. James Olivier, 32° KCCH
Prelate, Director of The Work
Brethren,
After every reunion, I always take a little time to (fall asleep for three days) reflect on everything that went into the event. I make a mental list of what we did great and what needs work, and most importantly, I take time to consider the efforts of others who helped make it all happen. For those who attend the events, you’re familiar by now with seeing me in a whirlwind of madness like a puppet master trying to make 15-20 marionettes dance all at once. But what isn’t seen is the hard work and dedication of others. The guys like Hon. Mike Gowder, who has been a stalwart by my side from the start. Hon. Jamie Hopkins, who, while balancing his responsibilities as Secretary of the Valley, is always there in the 14th and 30th degrees. Hon. James McCallion and his masterful orchestration of the classroom lectures by which I can almost set my clocks to the minute. Bro. Cris DeDios has come into his own as a fellow fan of doing rituals. Hon. David Soliven, despite a very busy schedule, always makes time to show up and participate and puts on a wonderful presence during the degrees.
I know I’m missing people as well. But to every single Brother who showed up to help with degrees and set up the degrees, thank you.
I could get into all the aspects of what it takes to run a Valley, all important in their own ways. The reunions are of special importance because without you, our Brothers, taking that next step in your Masonic journey, the Scottish Rite is nothing but a name. We are the bees in the hive that keep everything moving and running for the benefit of our Brothers and society at large. It’s a time for us to gather together and renew our own vows to the Rite and to each other.
Our next reunion will take place on October 10th and 11th, 2024 at Orange Grove Lodge. We’re also planning on helping the Valley of Pasadena on August 10th with an additional degree as they work through the process of putting on all 29 Degrees of the Scottish Rite this year. This will be a process of partnership I intend to continue to build up as we work toward the statewide reunion in 2026. So do please consider joining one of our degree teams; we’re always on the lookout for new leadership to take roles as cast members and leaders for individual degrees. Please feel free to reach out to me for more details.
