Voices of the Valley - January 2026

From the Venerable Master (January 2026)

Greetings Brethren,

I hope everyone is in good health, and I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year.

I thank the members for allowing me the privilege to serve as Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection. It has been a meaningful experience that I will never forget. I look forward to seeing the San Jose Scottish Rite continue to thrive as a strong and viable organization in the valley.

I am pleased to share an excerpt on the meaning of the “Silver Cord.” It is taken from a book titled Masonry Defined.

In the beautiful and affecting description of the body of man suffering under the infirmities of old age, found in the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes, we encounter the passage: “Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern: then shall the dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”

Dr. Clarke explains these beautiful metaphors as follows: “The silver cord is the spinal marrow, and its loosening represents the cessation of all nervous sensibility. The golden bowl is the brain, which becomes unfit to perform its functions as death approaches. The pitcher represents the great vein that carries blood to the right ventricle of the heart, here referred to as the fountain. The wheel represents the great artery that receives blood from the left ventricle of the heart, here designated as the cistern.”

This collection of metaphors forms part of the Scripture reading in the Third Degree and serves as an appropriate introduction to those sublime ceremonies whose purpose is to symbolically teach the resurrection and life eternal.

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

From the Wise Master (January 2026)

Hello my Brethren,

2025 has been a very busy and rewarding year for me in the Scottish Rite. After serving in the East as Wise Master for the Chapter of Rose Croix and as Chief Knight for the Knights of Saint Andrew, I can truly say it has been an honor to serve. I want to thank the members of the San Jose Scottish Rite for placing their confidence in me, and I look forward to assisting those who have followed me on this worthy path. Although I have chosen to step back, I have not chosen to step away. I value knowing each and every one of you, so this is not goodbye, but rather, see you later.

Reflecting on my journey with all of you, I would like to share a brief piece of light reading.

Defining Your Higher Purpose in Scottish Rite

In the Scottish Rite, the search for a higher purpose is not merely philosophical. It is a lived journey. The Rite calls every Brother to look beyond ordinary ambition and to develop a deeper understanding of why he serves, what he strives to build, and how he wishes to shape the world around him. Defining one’s higher purpose within Scottish Rite Masonry begins with the recognition that our actions must reflect the timeless principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, elevated through the Scottish Rite’s teachings of moral growth, intellectual light, and service to humanity.

The higher purpose of a Scottish Rite Mason is grounded in personal transformation. Each degree offers not only symbolic lessons, but opportunities to examine our character, confront our shortcomings, and discover the virtues that define our best selves. This reflective process encourages us to ask how our strengths can enhance the Brotherhood, how our experiences can help others, and how we can exemplify the ideals we have promised to uphold. In this way, purpose becomes an alignment of values, knowledge, and action.

The Scottish Rite also teaches that purpose extends beyond the individual. A Mason’s growth carries meaning only when it contributes to the betterment of others. Whether through leadership, mentorship, charitable efforts, or simply being a source of encouragement and stability for fellow Brothers, the Rite guides us toward service as an expression of purpose. True fulfillment is found not in recognition, but in uplifting the Craft, supporting our communities, and ensuring that the lessons of the Rite illuminate future generations.

Defining a higher purpose in Scottish Rite Masonry is not a single moment of revelation, but a continual journey. It is a conscious choice to live with intention, dignity, and moral courage. As we advance in the Scottish Rite, our purpose evolves, shaped by the bonds we form, the wisdom we receive, and the opportunities we embrace to serve. Ultimately, a Scottish Rite Mason’s higher purpose is realized when his life reflects the enduring values of the Craft, to seek knowledge, to act with integrity, and to contribute meaningfully to the world.

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

From the Commander of Kadosh (January 2026)

Reflection on My Year as Commander of the Council of Kadosh of the San Jose Scottish Rite

My Brethren,

As I bring my year as Commander of Kadosh to a close, I find myself filled with gratitude, humility, and renewed appreciation for the timeless principles that define the Scottish Rite.

This year has been more than a term of service. It has been a journey of personal growth, fraternity, and shared purpose. Serving the San Jose Scottish Rite in this role has reinforced for me that the true strength of our Order lies not in titles or ceremonies, but in the character, dedication, and brotherhood of its members.

The Commander of Kadosh traditionally bears the responsibility of exemplifying the values of duty, honor, integrity, and spiritual reflection. Yet no one walks this path alone.

Seeing brethren step forward to take on new roles, learn new parts, or offer their time and talents reminded me that the legacy of the Scottish Rite is constantly being built, one brother at a time. The future of our Valley is bright because our members remain committed to the ideals that first inspired them to seek more light.

As my term concludes, I offer sincere thanks to each of you for your confidence, your cooperation, and your brotherly kindness. Your support allowed me to serve with both joy and purpose. I also extend my best wishes to the incoming leadership, who will carry our work forward with fresh vision and dedication. May they find the same fulfillment and inspiration that this role has given me.

While I pass the responsibilities of Commander of Kadosh to my successor, I do not step away from the work. Instead, I continue alongside you, still learning, still striving, and still committed to the Craft we all cherish. May our labors remain guided by wisdom, our actions marked by virtue, and our brotherhood strengthened by every challenge we meet together.

Thank you, my Brothers, for an unforgettable year. It has been one of the greatest honors of my Masonic journey.

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

From the Master of Kadosh (January 2026)

My Dear Brethren,

As my term as Master of Kadosh concludes, I extend my deepest gratitude for the steadfast support and fellowship you have shown me during the past year. Serving in this esteemed position has been a true honor, and I am profoundly grateful for your dedication to the principles of our Fraternity. The strength of our brotherhood made the journey both successful and memorable.

For our January education, we will reflect on the Four Cardinal Virtues: Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice. These virtues are the foundation of moral conduct in both our lodges and our daily lives.

While we often focus on the Masonic Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, the cardinal virtues provide the ethical framework for navigating our interactions with the world and with each other.

1. Temperance (Self-Restraint)

Temperance is the virtue of moderation and self-control. It teaches us to manage our passions, appetites, and desires healthily and responsibly. It is not about deprivation but about balance, avoiding excess in all things, whether in eating, drinking, or even our pursuit of knowledge. It helps us maintain clear minds and sound judgment.

2. Fortitude (Moral Courage)

Often mistaken only for physical bravery, Masonic fortitude is fundamentally about moral courage. It is the strength of mind to endure adversity, confront fear, and stand firm in our principles even when facing difficulty or popular opposition. Fortitude gives us the resilience to pursue our duties and protect the integrity of our Craft.

3. Prudence (Wisdom and Discretion)

Prudence is the ability to govern and discipline oneself using reason. It is practical wisdom, discerning the right course of action in any given situation and executing it effectively. In the lodge, prudence is about discretion, maintaining the sanctity of our secrets, and speaking thoughtfully, always considering the consequences of our actions and words.

4. Justice (Righteousness and Fairness)

Justice is the virtue by which we give every person what is rightly due to them. It is the cornerstone of all human interaction, dictating fairness, equity, and righteousness. Freemasonry emphasizes that justice should be administered to all without partiality, ensuring that we treat every brother, and every person we encounter, with impartiality and respect.

As we begin a new year and a new term of leadership, let us renew our commitment to these virtues. By practicing temperance, exhibiting fortitude, exercising prudence, and championing justice, we continue the work of building a better self and a stronger, more harmonious fraternity.

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

From the Chief Knight

(January 2026)

Brethren,

As my year as Chief Knight of the San Jose Knights of Saint Andrew comes to an end, I just want to say thank you. Serving in this role has truly been an honor, and I am grateful for the trust and support you have shown me throughout the year.

This past year reminded me why the Knights of Saint Andrew are such a special group. Whether it was showing up early to help with dinners, standing arches of steel for installations and Hiram Awards, or simply being there when support was needed, you all stepped up without hesitation. So much of what we do happens quietly, but it makes a real difference, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.

I want to thank the officers and senior Knights for their guidance and encouragement. Your experience and willingness to help made my job easier and helped keep things moving in the right direction. Leadership in this group is never about one person, it is about brothers working together, and I was lucky to be part of that.

To every Knight who gave their time this year, whether often or occasionally, thank you. Your commitment and brotherhood are what keep this body strong. I have learned a lot during my time as Chief Knight, and I will carry those lessons with me going forward.

As I step out of this role, I do so with pride in our Knights and confidence in the future of the San Jose Knights of Saint Andrew. I look forward to continuing to support this group in any way I can.

Thank you again, Brothers, for a great year and for the privilege of serving alongside you. San Jose Knights of St. Andrew Chris Boyes, 32°

2025 Chief Knight, KSA