Oklahoma Degree Teams
INEFFABLE DEGREES
4° - SECRET MASTER
“ Light and Truth are
within the reach of every man who lives, would he but open his eyes and
see."
The Fourth Degree or Secret
Master, is the first step into the inner sanctuary of the Spiritual Temple,
where he who seeks, finds Truth. In this Degree, we learn the importance of
keeping secrets - not because Masonry is a secret Order or because we have
teachings and philosophies we are not willing to share with the world, but
because a man must learn to keep secret the things entrusted to him. We'll
count ourselves lucky to have a friend to whom we can tell things and know
he will preserve our confidence. A Mason should always strive to be such a
friend.
ALTAR PROP TEAM
Donnie Higginbotham, KCCH -
Director
Ron Chandler - Assistant Director
E.
Glenn Love, Jr.
E. Glenn Love, 33°
Clyde Willard
LONE GROVE TEAM
Lester Stewart - Director
Danny Barnett, KCCH - Assistant Director
D.Larry Roberts, KCCH
Robert J. Williams
Gene Wade
5° - PERFECT MASTER
“Masonry honors the
memory of the perfect and good."
The Fifth Degree, or Perfect Master, especially emphasizes two virtues -
Industry and Honesty. The Master Hiram had both these virtues. "To sleep
little, study much, say little, think and hear much; to learn to do
earnestly and vigorously whatever is required of duty," should be the
constant goal of the Mason. We are also taught that honesty involves more
than not telling a lie, it involves fulfilling commitments; doing what we
have said we will do.
McALESTER-EUFAULA TEAM
Monte Hendrix, KCCH - Director
P. O. Box 3335
McAlester, OK 74502
(918) 423-6249
William Pierce, KCCH - Assistant Director
Don Hackler, 33 °
Marvin L. Chamberlin
Bill Erkin, 33°
Paul A. Silva, KCCH
Howard Thompson
Clint Sharp
6°-INTIMATE SECRETARY
"Let the memory of the dead friend cement more firmly
the amity of the living."
The Sixth Degree, or Confidential Secretary, teaches us to be zealous,
faithful, and benevolent. A Mason must not be worldly, covetous or sensual.
The mind finds its own reality, and our world exists according to our
thoughts. The Degree also warns against making rapid judgments on
appearances without taking the time to discover the reality behind the
appearance.
ARDMORE II TEAM
Gene Harper, 33° - Director
706 D Street SE
Ardmore, OK 73401
(580) 226-0805
D. Larry Roberts, KCCH - Assistant Director
Lonnie Stewart, 33°
Neil Still
"Candidate"
7°-PROVOST AND JUDGE
"Justice, Equality and Impartiality."
The Seventh Degree, or Provost and Judge, begins the exploration of the
great principles of Justice. Justice is one of the most important of all
considerations. Not only do we believe it to be an attribute of God, but the
unjust man is an object of contempt. It is important however, that contempt
be reserved for the man who refuses to act justly, not for the person who
has fallen. The Scottish Rite reminds us again and again that we cannot make
a decision about the actions of another without knowing ALL the facts. And
even then, we must act only with charity and compassion. It is very human to
enjoy a game of "ain't it awful," to condemn those whose weaknesses do not
happen to be the same as our own. Remember, as you look at someone who has
fallen, that you might very well fall yourself if subjected to the same
temptation, and that YOU WILL FALL if the temptation is adequate.
(7° Team in process)
8°- INTENDANT OF THE
BUILDING
"Ever remember he is your brother."
The Eighth Degree, or Intendent of the Building, impresses upon the
candidate that it is impossible to advance in Masonry unless one learns at
each step. We have high duties to perform and a high destiny to fulfill on
this earth. As seekers after Light, we should consider this earthly life the
beginning of heaven and a part of immortality. Further, as we advance we
must never forget the basic lessons of justice and charity.
GARVIN COUNTY TEAM
John Sprowls - Director
Rt 1 Box 289
Pauls Valley, OK 73075
(405) 238-2886
Lamon Stanley - Assistant Director
Fred Price, KCCH
Elzie Dale Crow
Dub Kimberlin
David Cathey
Darrel Haley
Hal Blevins
Glavin VanBrocklyn
James Dulin
Bob Blackwood
E. Doyle McElwain
9°-ELU OF THE NINE
"Rectitude of life and sobriety of habits are the only sure guarantee for the continuance of political freedom."
10°-ELU OF THE FIFTEEN
"To the cause of toleration against fanaticism!"
11°-ELU OF THE TWELVE
"Be true to all men."
The 9 , 10 and 11 complete the story of the capture and punishment of the
ruffians. These Degrees teach the importance of moral as well as physical
bravery. Protect the oppressed against the oppressor; devote yourself to the
honor and interests of your country; remember that political and religious
toleration are essential if a people is to be free and that intolerance and
tyranny are enemies to be opposed, even when such opposition is unpopular or
dangerous.
CARTER COUNTY TEAM
Gene Harper, 33° - Director
706 D Street, SE
Ardmore, OK 73401
(580) 226-0805
Lonnie P. Stewart, 33° - Assistant Director
David Young, KCCH
Robert J. Williams
Danny Barnett, KCCH
Gene Scrugham
David Larry Roberts, KCCH
"Chuck" Watterson, 33°
Clyde Willard
John Williams, 33°
Neil Stitt
Jimmy Whitfield, KCCH
Johnny Crutchfield, KCCH
Robert Williams
Garry Haggard
Gene Wade
B. Vance Porter
12°-MASTER ARCHITECT
"Wisdom is the true light of Masonry"
The human soul ever travels toward the Light of God. It never wholly loses
the sense of its own powers. There are many faculties within us of which we
are dimly conscious. To arouse that slumbering soul consciousness to the
realization of Truth is the most divine object of human helpfulness. Masonry
strives to develop these half-forgotten, God-given traits and to accept them
as their guide. Life is what we make it. Our own perceptions shape the world
for us, and we respond on the basis of those perceptions. The man who looks
for good will find it. The man who seeks dishonesty and distrust will also
find what he seeks. It is for that reason, if no other, that we must
carefully monitor our own thoughts, dreams, and desires.
LAWTON TEAM
Johnny Brigham, KCCH - Director
124 Eldridge Lane
Wichita Falls, TX 76306
(940) 631-1880
Hal Hulett, Jr., 33° - Assistant Director
Tyrrell Helms,
KCCH
Scott Corbett, KCCH
Gerald R. "Jerry" Power
Harold Thacker, 33°
Ben Honea, 33°
Donald W. Speigel, KCCH
V. Bud Brigance, KCCH
Amil Stercho, KCCH
Russell Cannon
13°-ROYAL ARCH OF
SOLOMON
"Build not the desolate throne of ambition in thy heart"
This Degree, and the Degree which follows form the climax of the Lodge of
Perfection. The Clouds which have surrounded the ancient Mysteries begin to
part. Knowledge is revealed. But, as in all Masonry, that revelation is
gradual and progressive, and deeply hidden in symbol and allegory. We begin
to understand that most of life is a search, not for answers, but for the
right questions. It is in the seeking that Truth is to be found.
BRYAN COUNTY TEAM
W. Lee Ballard, KCCH - Director
3042 Kande Lane
Durant, OK 74701-7334
(580) 920-1431
Mark McMurry, KCCH
Daniel Earley
Billy Sprouse
Joe Barrett
Bill Tolbert
Ralph Terrell
Mike Echols
14°- PERFECT ELU
“Soldier of Justice, Right and Truth.”
This Degree is the last of the Lodge of Perfection and we have reached the
point where each individual Mason must discover the secret of Masonry for
himself. This can be done only upon reflection of its symbols, and a wise
consideration and analysis of what is said and done in the work. Perfect
Truth is unattainable, yet we must ever press on, more nearly approaching
it. We receive as much of the Divine Light as we are capable of
understanding. God has arranged His great purpose so that each man has work
to do, a duty to perform to help the progress of the great plan for
enlightenment and growth. The Mason believes that the sorrows and trials of
this life are a part of the plan of God designed to purify and strengthen
our soul. Surely a wise and merciful God would not send these things upon
His children without some ultimate good resulting. On this life depends our
future well-being, and we should so live that death will have no terror for
us but be only a release from the earth to spiritual realms above.
OKLAHOMA COUNTY TEAM
Tom Galbreath, 33° - Director
Jerry Wade, KCCH - Assistant Director
Grover Phillips, KCCH - Assistant Director
Terry Gardner, KCCH
Brian Hensley
Daniel Cromwell
William Vann
James Harlow, III
Bill McCormack, KCCH
DeWayne Tolson
Calvin Jenkins
Monte Hendrix, KCCH
SAPULPA TEAM
Harrison Bartlett - Director
PO Box 1166
Sapulpa OK 74067-1166
(918-227-1313)
Don McMasters, 33° - Assistant Director
Bruce Binion, KCCH
Clyde McMasters
Junior R. Holdridge
Historical and Religious Degrees
15°-KNIGHT OF THE EAST
"
"The
hand of our God is upon all them for good who shall seek Him."
Fifteenth Degree, Knight of the East, is the first Degree of the Rose Croix.
It teaches fidelity to obligations and constancy under pressure. It explores
Principles Ethics. The tendency to do wrong things for right reasons is
strong in the human nature. It becomes easy to justify doing something we
know is wrong, and we usually can count on help from friends in doing it.
Most of us would agree that it is wrong to take something that doesn't
belong to us. But, if we are given too much change a the supermarket, many
people find it easy to say: "It's too much trouble to take it back. With all
the money they take in, they'll never miss it. I need it more than they do.
Their prices are too high anyway. I'd only be making the person at the
checkout counter look bad. With all the money I've paid them over the years,
it's only fair I get a little back."
NO DEGREE TEAM AT THIS TIME!
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN STARTING A DEGREE TEAM
PLEASE CONTACT JAMES CAPERS, 33°, DIRECTOR OF WORK
16°-PRINCE OF
JERUSALEM
"The bonds and pledges of the Brother hood of the Faithful are in no wise
weakened by the
collisions of States and Empires."
The story of the rebuilding of the Temple at Jerusalem is of particular
interest to Masons. Its story conveys to us the thought that the world and
every noble heart is God's Temple, and we should labor to establish the
reign of peace and love, thus building a lasting temple to God. It is
important to remember that this task is never easy. We are surrounded by
special interests, by groups who would rather see everything destroyed than
to lose some small part of what they think of as theirs, by men who cannot
or will not put the good of all above their own small interests. To do good
in the world is an active, not a passive process. It is seldom popular. But
it is the duty of a man.
ARDMORE TEAM
D. Larry Roberts, KCCH - Director
909 Elm NW
Ardmore, OK 73401
580-223-7357
Gene Scrugham, Jr. - Assistant Director
Jimmy Whitfield, KCCH
J. Crutchfield, KCCH
David Young, KCCH
Lonnie P. Stewart, 33°
Danny Barnett, KCCH
Robert Williams
Gene Harper, 33°
Garry Gaggard
John Williams, 33°
Robert Williams,
"Chuck" Watterson, 33°
B. Vance Porter
Gene Wade
17°-KNIGHT OF THE
EAST AND WEST
"To him who overcometh will I give to eat of the
hidden manna."
This is the first of the philosophical Degrees which penetrates the
inner mysteries of Masonry. Remember that in all times Truth has been
concealed by symbols. At the time of John the Baptist, all the ancient
philosophies and religions were becoming intermingled, due to the conquests
which had taken place, and due especially to the fact that many of the
sages, the most profound initiates into the Mysteries were traveling,
sharing their knowledge with initiates of other Mysteries and bringing back
what they had learned. John was an initiate into the Mysteries of the
Essenes, a sect whose teachings were similar to what would later be
Christianity, and a group that Jesus of Nazareth cited to illustrate the
ideal life. The Essenes believed that Truth was scattered throughout the
world among different sects, and that it was the duty of man to gather these
fragments of divine revelation into a harmonious whole to be used in
spreading right thinking and right living among mankind. Thus they drew upon
the thought of both the Orient and the Occidents - a fact from which the
title of this Degree derives. Among its other lessons, this Degree teaches
that knowledge won without suffering and sacrifice is little valued and
often discarded. Knowledge (as opposed to "information") always creates a
change in the individual. We cannot acquire knowledge and remain the same
person we were. Thus, part of the price of Knowledge is the willingness to
change, to be transformed in some way.
McALESTER TEAM
Monte Hendrix, KCCH, Director
P. O. Box 3335
McAlester, OK 74502
(918) 423-6249
Paul A. Silva, KCCH
Brian Engleman
Brian Lott
Walter K. Berry, KCCH
Doug Auld, KCCH
Don Hackler, 33°
Mark Halyard, KCCH
Mike Sexton
Glen Kessler
Hollis Tinker
Alvie Carney
Bob Rambin
Greg Steidley
Bill Pierce
18°-KNIGHT OF ROSE
CROIX
"A new Commandment I give unto you, that ye love one
another."
The ceremonies of this
degree are interpreted by each individual according to his own faith for in
no other way can Masonry retain its universal character. To all antiquity,
Light was the type of Good while Darkness was Evil. Evil was a principle
represented in demons and fallen angels, who first having fallen themselves,
tempted others to do so, thus bringing sin into the world. The future life
was to be obtained by purification and suffering, through the Redeemer who
would overcome Evil. The belief was general that He was to be born of a
virgin and suffer death. The cross has been a sacred symbol of earliest
antiquity among many nations, with various meanings. In this degree its
interpretation was taken from the Egyptian hieroglyphic for life emanating
from Deity, the eternal life for which we all hope. The Rose is the symbol
of dawn of the resurrection of life. Together the rose and cross represent
the dawn of eternal life. In all religions there is a basis of Truth; in all
there is pure Morality. All who teach the cardinal tenets of Masonry we
respect; all teachers and reformers of mankind we admire and revere. Masonry
also has her mission to her symbols dating further back than even the
monumental history of Egypt extends, she invites all men of her religions to
enlist under her banners and to war against evil, ignorance, and wrong.
SHAWNEE TEAM
Lewis Hullum, 33°, Director
10 Dennis Blvd
Shawnee, OK 74804
405-273-6947
Donald Jones, 33°
Brandon Wansick
W. Bill Bowie, KCCH
Mark Halyard, KCCH
Will Watkins
Philosophical & Chivalric Degrees
19°-GRAND PONTIFF
"Peace shall be the universal law for all children of a common father."
This is the first Degree of the Council of Kadosh. In this Degree we explore
the effect and influence of the past on the present and the future. We still
feel the influence of the deeds of heroism done in the past. Our thinking is
formed and influenced by the great art, literature, and music of past ages.
As Americans, every act we perform is profoundly influenced by those men and
women who, 200 years ago, dated to create this nation. Many of our laws are
the direct result of the senators and judges of ancient Rome. It is the dead
who govern - the living only obey. The true Masonlabors for the
enlightenment of future ages, plants the tree whose shade the grandchildren
of others will enjoy. All good men hope to live on in their influence after
death, by the good they have done during their lives. That which shall live
on after us is the act worth doing, the only thought worth speaking. Then
let us so live that our acts may endure to uplift a brother as yet unborn.
PITTSBURG COUNTY TEAM
John Wayne Clagg, KCCH - Director
Rt. 1, Box 15
McAlester, OK 74501
(918) 423-6159
Roger Shirley - Assistant Director
Mark Halyard, KCCH
Howard Thompson
W. Greg McNall
Bill Rodebush
Jerry Donathan, KCCH
Van Davenport
Glen Kessler
Kendall Young
20°-MASTER OF THE
SYMBOLIC LODGE
“Let the great light of Truth shine in our lodge."
As Master of all Lodges, one must first learn in order to be able to teach.
There is nothing as sublime as
leading the initiate into the great Truths of Masonry. But the title of the
Degree can cause some confusion. Obviously, the possession of the Degree
does not allow you to walk into any Symbolic Lodge and assume the East. The
title comes from the old English Masonic tradition that the Master of the
Lodge comes from the old English Masonic tradition that the Master of the
Lodge was to be the one agreed by the Brethren to be most learned in Masonry
and Philosophy, and thus best able to instruct his Brethren. The lesson of
the Degree is that each Mason should strive to be deeply knowledgeable in
Masonic morality and philosophy (in addition to the knowledge he may have of
the Ritual). The Degree also teaches the importance of Liberty, Equality,
and Fraternity - those ideals first taught in Masonic Lodges which have so
transformed the world. Further, the Degree reminds us that there is no such
thing as an unimportant act. Every action we take, every word we speak, has
consequences for good or ill. There can be no such thing for the Mason as
acting or speaking without thinking.
CHICKASAW NATION TEAM
Jimmy Whitfield, KCCH - Director
P. O. Box 1662
Ardmore, OK 73402-1662
(580) 226-6949
Lloyd David, KCCH
Donald G. Jones, 33°
Lonnie P. Stewart, 33°
"Chuck" Watterson, 33°
Gene Wade
Don Turley, 33°
D. Larry Roberts, KCCH
21°-NOACHITE OR
PRUSSIAN KNIGHT
"Count
it always certain that Truth will win and Right prevail in the end."
The Degree of Noachite or Prussian Knight derives from a system of Masonic
Degrees in Europe in which Noah, rather than Hiram, was the key figure. This
Degree teaches the importance of watching over our own thoughts, making sure
we see things as they are and not through the eyes which see only what they
expect to see. The mental discipline of Masonry is difficult and
uncompromising. Although we do not realize it, all of us have great power
over those around us. Our words and actions influence the happiness of those
we meet. We encourage or discourage, we give or crush hope, we bless or
curse with a casual word, a gesture, a smile or frown. If we are to live as
positive forces in the world, we must be mindful of the unintended
consequences of our acts. Even more, we must walk with humility, realizing
that as we advance further and truly understand the goals before us, we
realize how far we are from the perfection we seek.
STIGLER TEAM
William C. Cox, 33° - Director
P.O. Box 130
Stigler, OK 74462-0130
(918) 967-2225
James D. Love - Assistant Director
Charles Huggins - Assistant Director
Gary M. Geralds, KCCH
Sam Box
Chuck Crase
John Anderson
Jimmy Wright
David Clay
22° -KNIGHT OF THE
ROYAL AXE or PRINCE OF LIBANUS
"Knight of the Royal Axe"
Respect for Labor and honor of the laboring class was one of the most
revolutionary teachings of a Fraternity which has been responsible for many
social revolutions. At a time when the fact that one had to work was
sufficient to make one contemptible in the eyes of society (as far back as
the Middle Ages) Masonry was teaching that work was honorable - only
idleness was contemptible. Further, Masonry teaches the concept (still
revolutionary!) that all work is honorable. The inventor or writer who
labors with his mind is neither more nor less respectable than the
day-laborer who works with hand and back. It has been said that a society
which honors its philosophers while sneering at its plumbers will soon
discover that neither its pipes nor its Ideas will hold water. Work should
not be regarded as a curse but a blessing. To be able to work, to create
something, whether it is a poem, a piston, or a pot roast is a priceless
privilege in which God allows us to participate in His creative nature.
SCOTTISH RITE SOCIETY TEAM
William D. Bowie, KCCH - Director
37607 Hwy 9
Tecumseh, OK 74873
(405) 598-3394
David A. Ray, 33° - Assistant Director
R. J. “Butch” Lutomski, KCCH - Assistant Director
Steven Peters
Lewis Hullum, 33°
Donnie Higginbotham, KCCH
Bart Sigmon
Bobby J. Peters
Bobby L. Carter, KCCH
Michael B. Flwler
Donald L. Lester, KCCH
23°-CHIEF OF THE
TABERNACLE
"The sacrifice of our personal feelings upon the Altar of Duty."
We have made mention before of the ancient Mysteries - the private rites of
the ancient religions to which only initiates were admitted. Only after
years of study and living of a strictly virtuous life could the initiate
hope to attain the greater Mysteries. These ceremonies were often held at
night in some secret place, and consisted of sacred dramas concerning a
sacred legend which was not to be taken literally but as an allegory
containing a profound but hidden truth. The evidence is that Moses received
the Mysteries in Egypt, and passed them along to the Hebrew priesthood,
emphasizing the doctrine of the one God, supreme and unapproachable.
Sometime we little value that which we receive too easily. In your own
religious life, do you truly value your religion as much as if you had to go
through years of probation and physical trial to receive it? Have you made
as much progress in the study of the history, teachings, doctrine and
philosophy of your own faith as would have been required of the ancients?
CARTER COUNTY WORKERS TEAM
Chuck Watterson, 33° -
Director
331 "C" St., S.W.
Ardmore, OK 73401
(405) 223-1536
John F. Williams, 33° - Assistant Director
Don L. Turley, 33°
Gene Harper, 33°
Lonnie P. Stewart, 33°
Jimmy Whitfield, KCCH
D. Larry Roberts, KCCH
24° -PRINCE OF THE
TABERNACLE
"No man hath power over the spirit, neither power in the day of death."
Symbols were the universal language of ancient theology and philosophy. One
reason was that such symbols protected the knowledge if it should fall into
the wrong hands. Masonry, as a part of that tradition, has always concealed
more than it has revealed - leaving it to each individual to work out the
meanings. All knowledge was proprietary and not to be dispensed without
knowing fully the character of the person who was to receive it. Thus
symbols served as a sort of code. Without the key, the knowledge was
useless. Anti-Masons have access to the rituals, etc. But, lacking a key,
misunderstand and misinterpret the lessons of Masonry. But more than that,
symbols were used because of a belief that a person did not really know and
understand something unless he had discovered it for himself. In the process
of working out the symbols the student truly "made the knowledge his own."
One of the great secrets of the Mysteries was that of man's divine origin
coupled with the great cycle of Birth, Life, Death, and New Life out of
Death. We are still fascinated with the same cycle today.
SHAWNEE TEAM
David Ray, 33° - Director
1302 Cambridge Drive
Shawnee, OK 74801
(405) 454-3906
Stephen Peters - Assistant Director
Bobby J. Peters
Kish L. Thomas, 33°
Robert C. Felts
Bobby Carter, KCCH
"Bill" Bowie, Jr., KCCH
25°-KNIGHT OF THE
BRAZEN SERPENT
"It's image, lifted on high, heals and restores life."
The Brazen Serpent referred to in the title is the one Moses was commanded
by God to make, during the wandering of Israel. The serpent was regarded in
olden days with reverence and awe. Other Mysteries as well as those of the
Hebrews and Gnostics consecrated it, and a knowledge of its history as a
symbol is important to those who seek to understand the thinking of the past
ages. The Degree especially warns against the human tendency to turn symbols
into reality. Symbols, by definition, stand for other things. Initiates into
the Mysteries have always known that. But others have frequently focused on
the symbol and not the thing symbolized. Such errors have resulted in
attacks on many organizations, religious and non-religious, over the
centuries.
LEFLORE COUNTY TEAM
Don Whitman - Director
PO Box 178
Wister, OK 74966
(918) 655-3121
Danny Blair, KCCH - Assistant Director
26°-PRINCE OF MERCY
"Thy will, not mine be done."
As the preceding Degrees have studied other faiths, the 26 studies one of
the early branches of Christianity. One great mystery that the student
learns is that almost all ancient religions of which we have knowledge have
regarded God as being Three in One. That concept is so old that we do not
know when it first developed. The Degree also teaches the important lesson
that Faith and Knowledge are allies, not enemies. No man should ever be
proud of ignorance-yet people have actually been known to say with pride in
speaking of the religion, "I don't think about it, I just believe." Faith
only truly strengthens in the presence of knowledge. We build, not tear
down, our faith when we ask questions concerning it and find answers. But we
should not confuse the role of religion. Science deals with matters of this
world, religion deals with matters of the invisible and next world, although
it tells us how we should live in this one.
McALESTER TEAM
Dr. Doug Auld, KCCH - Director
215 North 6th Street
McAlester, OK 74501
(918) 423-8453
Buck Conner, 33°
Dr. Dave Donathan, KCCH
Charles Hold
Thomas M. Bartheld, 33°
Richard Lerblance
Monte Hendrix, KCCH
Don Hackler, 33°
Jack Inman, KCCH
27°-KNIGHT OF THE SUN
OR PRINCE ADEPT
"The
Kings of Science are the Priest of Truth"
This Degree is the most complex
in the entire Scottish Rite, and sets forth for us some of the most
difficult challenges.
It represents the following ideas: All men could be free, but
Ignorance and Superstition forge chains. When men put on those chains, they
create their own bondage. The man who is the slave of his passions or of his
weaknesses, or of the prejudices of the world cannot become a true Initiate
unless he first renounces those things and becomes free. He who is in love
with his own ideas and dreads to lose them, or who fears new Truths, can
never truly become a Mason. Faith has in all ages been the lever whereby to
move the world - it is Faith which makes Leaders and Heroes. The Degree also
teaches that man carries within him a spark of the Divine. God exists, in
part, in us as He exists in all things. We cannot hide. If, for example, a
joke is wrong to tell in Church it is wrong to tell anywhere-for the same
God whose spark is in us while in the church is in us wherever we are.
GARVIN COUNTY TEAM
Lamon Stanley - Director
PO Box 102
Pauls Valley OK 73075
(405)238-6980
John Sprowls - Assistant Director
W.G. Kimberlin, KCCH
Leon Lamon Stanley
John Nabors
Marion Jack Loyd
Fred Price, KCCH
Doyle McElwain
Elzie Dale Crow
Bob Blackwood
John Sprowls
28°-KNIGHT COMMANDER
OF THE TEMPLE
"The
evils to be warred against, but take another shape purity and innocence need
protectors."
The 28th reminds us of
the great truth that philosophy must take the form of action in the world.
Masonry has always insisted on good works-not as a means of "earning our
way" into heaven, but as a way of fulfilling our responsibilities as men to
make the world a better place. This Degree also explores the question of
Situational Ethics, not as that term is usually misunderstood, to mean that
a person is justified in doing anything to get what he wants, but in its
true sense of asking "Are there not times when the right thing to do is
determined by the situation in which you find yourself?" These are not easy
questions.
DUNCAN TEAM
Harry D. Cooper, KCCH - Director
1006 Harville Rd.
Duncan, OK 73533
(405) 255-7070
Bill D. Pittman, 33°
- Assistant Director
Richard Heelan, KCCH
James T. Kirk
James T. Allen, 33°
Rauall Luna
Guy T. Baird
Joe W. Johnson, Jr., 33°
Charles Coker, 33°
Maurice Faulk, KCCH
Harold E. Thacker, 33°
Phillip Johnson, KCCH
Ben Honea, 33°
Gary Scarber, KCCH
Jim McNair, KCCH
29°-SCOTTISH KNIGHT OF ST. ANDREW
"Virtue's garment is a sanctuary so sacred that even princes dare not
strike the man who is thus robed."
This Degree especially teaches nine great virtues. Humility, Patience,
Self-denial, Charity, Clemency,
Generosity, Virtue, Truth, and Honor. It reminds us that the primary weapons
of the enemy are lies, fear, and distortion. These weapons are used
skillfully, and the Knight must always be on guard to avoid being trapped by
them. It is important to realize that Truth is never lost. It may appear in
different form, and may even seem to vanish -but Truth, and not Error, is
immortal.
MUSKOGEE TEAM
Lynn D. Nolen, KCCH - Director
P.O. Box 1011
Muskogee, OK 74402
(918) 682-8888 / 682-9012
Jeff Payton
Randy Smithling
Billy Ray Williamson, KCCH
Bill McBee, KCCH
Clifford Blevins
Steven Saunders, KCCH
Mike Chapman
Sam Jarvis
George Fletcher
Michael A. Ebert
Richard Radloff
Eugene Dye, 33°
Charles Downing, KCCH
Frank Catron
30°-KNIGHT KADOSH
“We break together the Bread of Fraternity and drink from the same Cup of
Human Equality."
Masonry does not exist just within "the tiled recesses of the Lodge." It is
a plan of ethics and morality for daily living. Sometimes that demands
action in the world. This Degree reminds us of one of the most important of
these activities. Masonry is opposed, at all times, in all places, and under
whatever disguise, to any arbitrary power which seeks to keep people in
ignorance, to tell them what to think or believe, or to limit the knowledge
available to them. If man is to be free, then he must be FREE, not
semi-free, nor sort-of-free, nor free with exceptions. The only limits which
are legitimate are those which keep him from harming others. Thus
censorship, used for centuries to keep people in ignorance of basic facts,
is wrong and must be opposed. Laws, whether civil or ecclesiastical, which
place limits on man's exercise of religion or his relationship to God, are
wrong and must be opposed. It is never true that a state has a legitimate
interest in keeping a people ignorant. States arise because men, independent
and free, have chosen to create them. But the power, and rights of
individuals belong to these individuals as free and indepen dent thinkers
and children of God. They do not come from the state, or social or religious
organization.
POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY TEAM
David Ray, 33° - Director
1302 Cambridge Drive
Shawnee, OK 74801
(405) 273-1533
Stephen J. Peters - Assistant Director
Bill Bowie, Jr., KCCH
Robert C. Felts, KCCH
Mike Christy
Eugene Smith, 33°
Bobby J. Peters, KCCH
Bobby Carter, KCCH
Lewis A. Hullum, 33°
Ceremonial and Official Degrees
31°-INSPECTOR
INQUISITOR
"Let us inspect our inner self and inquire into our own acts
and motives."
The Mason must always be aware of his own actions, thoughts, and motives. That isn't easy. Being human, we are masters of self-deception. It is easy for us to clothe our own act in worthy motives, even when we know the real motive was less noble. We have an obligation to act positively in the world, not remain neutral. It is not enough to avoid evil. Living is a positive, not a negative process. Some examples:
NEGATIVE: I have not injured my Brother.
POSITIVE: I have helped my Brother.
NEGATIVE: I have not added to the burden of the poor.
POSITIVE: I have helped to relieve the poor.
NEGATIVE: I have not passed on rumor and slander.
POSITIVE: I have tried to stop rumor and slander.
It may be well to emphasize again that Masonry does not teach that a man
should live a positive and moral life as a way of earning entrance into
Heaven. To do so would be to enter the province of the Church. But whatever
one's faith may be, it is clear that the man who conducts himself with
compassion and concern for others and who tries to do what is right will
have somewhat less for which to apologize.
TECUMSEH TEAM
Bobby L. Carter, KCCH - Director
38502 Waco Road
Shawnee, OK 74801
(405) 275-7943
W. D. Bill Bowie, KCCH - Assistant Director
Will Walker
Donald Lester, KCCH
Richard Northcott
Rickey A. Gowin
Michael Christie
Willie Hood
Shaun Callahan, KCCH
Mike Fowler, KCCH
Preston Grubbs
Herb Yones
Clayton Grubbs
Dean Monroe
Donald Jones, 33°
32°-MASTER OF THE
ROYAL SECRET
"Be one who loveth wisdom and covet the knowledge,
that you may hereafter be a benefactor of men."
Here, many of the important symbols and concepts of the Scottish Rite are
reviewed and summed up. As is typical of the other Degrees, reference is
often made only in passing of some of the most important matters. Mention is
made of equilibrium, symbolized in many of the preceding Degrees by the
balance scale. This is one of the most important symbols of the Rite, and a
symbol of deep and rich meaning. The balance symbolizes forces in
equilibrium, the great harmony of the physical and spiritual universe. Again
we are reminded that opposites only appear to be in contradiction. In truth
they are extremes of a continuum, the two arms of the scales, both of which
must exist if balance and harmony are to be present. This same symbolism is
picked up by the Word, symbol of the Triad, Intelligence, Power, and
Creation represent one expression of the principle. Life, Death, Rebirth
represent another. That balance or harmony exists as a fact of the Created
Universe. It also exists in each human life. It represents also the path by
which humanity, both the individual and the species, find growth and
advancement.
32° OKLAHOMA CITY TEAM
Neal "Wade" Massey, KCCH - Director
1016 Weiss Ave.
Princeton, TX 75407
(214)-695-7023
Donald G. Jones, 33°
Billy S. McCormack, KCCH
Mark Halyard, KCCH
Terry Gardner, KCCH
James Harlow
Donnie Higginbotham, KCCH
Charles W. Griffith, KCCH
Bryan Hensley
