Scottish Rite Officers - August 2025

From the Venerable Master (August 2025)

Greetings Brethren,

I hope everyone is enjoying our summer weather and that you are in good health. The July 8th Grand Master’s reception was a great success.

We had a good turnout of our members, their ladies and visitors. Ill Ken Nagel presented to the Grand Master a beautiful Gavel, which was carved out by Matt Spencer, Past Master of Liberty Lodge No. 299. He then presented a check of $5000 from the San Jose Scottish Rite to the California Masonic Foundation.

Vergil Quina from the Monterey Scottish Rite Club Presented the Grand Master with a gift and gave a wonderful speech.

The Grand Master then gave a walk about speech on Masonry and the progress it is making in California.

In all, if you were not there, you missed a great event.

I would like to quote an article on the meaning of the Lesser Lights. It is from a book called Masonry Defined. “ In the lecture of the first degree we are told a Lodge has three symbolic lesser lights; one of these is in the East, one in the West, and one in the South. There is no light in the North, because King Solomon’s Temple, of whichever Lodge is a representation, was placed so far north of the ecliptic that the sun and moon, at their meridian height, could dart no rays into the northern part thereof. The north we therefore Masonically call a place of darkness."

This symbolic use of the three lesser lights is very old, being founded in the earliest lectures of the last century.

The three lights, like the principal officers and the three principal supports, refer, undoubtedly, to the three stations of the sun, its rising in the east, its meridian in the south, and its setting in the west: and thus the symbolism of the Lodge, as typical of the world, continues to be preserved.

San Jose Lodge of Perfection Richard Rosenberg, 32° KCCH 2024 Venerable Master

From the Wise Master (August 2025)

Dear members of the San Jose Scottish Rite,

I am really Enjoying this year. We have had several wins this year. We had one of the most enjoyable and well presented reunions that I have ever attended. It was truly an enjoyable event and everyone helped to make it a success. I am looking forward to the next one and hope we can have as many come out and support it. Even if you’re not participating in one of the degrees, it is still a very impressive event, and I’m sure your support will be greatly appreciated. A lot of effort goes into these reunions, and it is the work of many that made the last one a success. So, please join us at the Fall Scottish Rite Reunion.

As has been my custom this year, I have tried to provide our membership with some Scottish Rite education. I have provided a short article below that outlines some of Scottish Rite of Freemasonry’s contributions to American history.

The Scottish Rite in American History

The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry has played a notable role in the tapestry of American history, not only as a fraternal organization but as a cultural and intellectual influence that helped shape the values and leadership of the nation. Formally established in the United States in the early 19th century, the Scottish Rite expanded on the foundational degrees of Freemasonry, offering members a system of moral philosophy and civic duty expressed through elaborate rituals and symbolic teachings.

The Rite took root in America around 1801, when the first Supreme Council was formed in Charleston, South Carolina—making the U.S. the birthplace of the modern Scottish Rite. This organization quickly attracted men of influence, including politicians, military leaders, judges, and educators, who found in its degrees a structured approach to ethics, justice, and enlightenment ideals.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Scottish Rite emphasized education, charity, and civic engagement.

It established institutions like the Scottish Rite hospitals for children and supported public schooling and literacy initiatives. The Rite also preserved and propagated Enlightenment values such as religious freedom, constitutional democracy, and individual rights—principles central to the American experiment.

Figures such as Albert Pike, one of the most prominent Scottish Rite leaders, contributed significantly to its philosophical development. Pike's work, Morals and Dogma, became a key text in the Rite and reflected a uniquely American blend of mysticism, philosophy, and patriotism.

While the Scottish Rite is just one branch of Freemasonry, its contributions to American civic life, education, and leadership culture remain significant. Through its rituals, charitable endeavors, and emphasis on personal betterment, the Scottish Rite has left an enduring mark on

American fraternal and historical landscapes.

Please enjoy the rest of our year in Scottish Rite, and please join us at our next event. I look forward to seeing you!

San Jose Chapter of Rose Croix Chris Boyes, 32° KCCH 2024 Wise Master

From the Commander of Kadosh (August 2025)

Dear Brethren of The San Jose Scottish Rite,

It is my pleasure to say that our Grand Masters Reception was a great hit! I hope that you, as well, my brethren, also enjoyed it. We had great attendance, and it looked like everyone had a great time, including our Grand Master. I also hope the Grand Master appreciated the turnout.

The dinner was superb, and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did.

Please make sure and acknowledge the fine work that Angela and her team have done to keep us well fed with very delicious meals. I hope all my brothers are doing well, and I hope to see you at our next Scottish Rite Meeting.

Kudos to the Knights of Saint Andrew for performing an exemplary arch of steel and flag escort. These ceremonies are always very impressive. I would like to congratulate, Chief Knight Chris Boyes and the Knights for performing these ceremonies.

With that, good day and be safe!

San Jose Council of Kadosh Max Mora, 32° 2024 Commander of Kadosh

From the Master of Kadosh (August 2025)

I would like to thank everyone who attended our Grand Master reception. It was filled with brotherly love, good fellowship, and delicious food.

Summer is here, and many of us are eager to travel. I'd like to share a piece titled "Traveling Man In Masonry":

In the ancient world of Operative Masonry, masons often had to move from job to job, much like in our modern times. It was further explained that ancient master masons, just as First-Class Masons today, were more likely to travel great distances than those of lesser ranks (Fellowcraft & Entered Apprentice). Due to their experience, they could move freely from job to job. Those who did so were typically members of a Masonic guild, whose members would vouch for the qualifications of another 'traveling' mason, if known.

In Speculative Masonry, as Master Masons, we may freely move from Lodge to Lodge (either visiting or transferring membership) and, upon proper avouchment or by testing, be found worthy to attend another Master Mason's Lodge. This mirrors the practice of moving from one job to another or from one ancient Masonic guild to another.

Additionally, a Master Mason is symbolically a traveler from west to east, as the east is where the sun rises – the source of light. This is why the Master sits in the East, as it represents the source of light. Thus, being a traveling man represents our journey from darkness to Masonic light. We symbolically "traveled" when we were raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Remember the words, "It will be necessary for you to travel" and the condition of the road we would have to travel? In Masonry, we are instructed to seek light. Light in Masonry represents knowledge, and from that knowledge comes wisdom and understanding. (by Bro. Jeff Godwin)

San Jose Consistory Eddie Hermano, 32° 2025 Venerable Master of Kadosh

From the Chief Knight

(August 2025)

Once again, I am truly honored to be Chief Knight of the SJSR Knights of Saint Andrew. We have had some great recent events, including a barbecue, accolades, and the Grand Master's annual Reception and Agape Dinner. At the dinner, many of the Knights welcomed the Most Worshipful Arthur Salazar with an Arch of Steel and escorted the flag to its proper place. I want to thank all who helped make this a very impressive ceremony. We had full lines on both sides of the procession, and I could not be more proud.

The next event is quickly approaching. Please see the details below and join us that weekend. It promises to be an awesome event:

159th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games in Pleasanton this Labor Day Weekend (August 30–31, 2025):

️ Tickets & Pricing

• 1-Day Pass (Aug 30 or 31):

  • Adults: $35

  • Seniors (65+): $20

  • Youth (12–17): $20

  • Children (6–11): $5

  • Children 5 & under: FREE (ticket required)

  • Active Military: FREE (ticket required)
    

• 2-Day Pass:

  • Adults: $60

  • Seniors: $30

  • Youth (12–17): $30

  • Children (6–11): $10

  • Children 5 & under & Active Military: FREE
    

• Purchase online (scanning QR code at gates or in advance), no on-site box office
  

️ Parking & Entry

• Parking: $15/day (card only: credit, debit, Apple Pay, Google Pay)

• Gates: Open 8 AM; close 6 PM; final entry at 4:30 PM; re-entry allowed until ~5:30 PM with hand stamp

• Enter via Gate 8 or 12 off Valley Avenue—follow fairgrounds signs
  

Whisky Tasting

• Separate wristband/event ticket:

  • General Tasting (7 samples): $35

  • VIP (12 samples): $45

• Open Saturday & Sunday, 12:30–4:30 PM
  

What to Bring Recommendations from past attendees:

• "Definitely bring a chair. Some shade… Pack like you’re going to an air show."

• Bring portable seating, sunscreen, water, and layer-friendly attire
  

AccommodationsIf you are attending both days, here are some hotels near the event:

Hotel	Rate (per night)	Notes
San Ramon Marriott	from $149	~10 min drive, Saturday concert held here
DoubleTree by Hilton Pleasanton	from $154.75	On-site, near fairgrounds
AC Pleasanton Hotel	from $139	Modern option
Pleasanton Marriott	from $159	Preferred fairgrounds partner
SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites	~$149	Suites near Stoneridge Mall

RV Camping at Fairgrounds: Availability via reservation; no tent camping

Extras & Travel Tips

• Trackside Terrace: Premium seating & dining in reserved tables—info on fairgrounds site

• Getting There:

  • By BART: Pleasanton station, short Uber/Lyft ride

  • BY CAR: Easily accessed via I-580/680

• Explore Pleasanton’s Main Street restaurants, shopping, and parks

Next Steps

• Tickets & tasting wristbands: Buy early to lock in prices and availability Scottish Games Tickets

• Parking: Pre-book daily passes

• Seating: Bring chairs or reserve Trackside Terrace

• Lodging: Choose among listed hotels or book RV spot early

• Plan your visit: Map out events like Heavy Athletics, Dancing, Piping, Kilted Mile, Grandstand Shows & Whisky Tasting
  

San Jose Knights of St. Andrew Chris Boyes, 32°

2025 Chief Knight, KSA

The Knights of Saint Andrew 2025 Officers

Chief Knight	Bro. Chris Boyes 32º
First Knight	Bro. Alan Porjesz 32º
Knight of the Watch	Bro. Mike Lammer 32º, PCK
Secretary	Bro. Tim Lynch 32º
Monk Knight	Bro. Angelo Encarnacion 32º
Sentinel	Bro. John Absalon 32º