The Scottish Rite Fall Reunion this past weekend was another for the record books. Eight candidates received the degrees of the Scottish Rite, culminating in the 32° Prince of the Royal Secret on November 17, 18, and 19th.
"Every day is a circus day!" Jack V. Schram, 32° KCCH
To revive the tradition of recognizing Scottish Rite Masons who have made an impact on our fraternity, John Maxell, 33° named this class the Jack V. Schram 32° KCCH Memorial Reunion, in honor of Jack Schram, who passed away last May. Jack had been a member of Shiloh Lodge #327, a 33 year Scottish Rite Mason, and was well known as the Chairman of the Tangier Shrine Circus committee and his love of vintage cars. His good humor and generosity will be dearly missed in the Scottish Rite.
The Reunion began on Thursday evening with pizza and orientation, followed by the 4°, 7°, and 8°. The Reunion resumed on Friday with the 13° and 14°. Unfortunately, the 9°-10° was cancelled due to illness from one of the cast members. On Saturday, the day began with the Knights of St. Andrew breakfast. The day continued with the 15°, 18°, 21°, 25°, 29°, 30°, 31°, and 32°, which concluded around 5:00.
Afterward, our new Brethren had a chance to buy hats, rings, and class pictures before cocktails in the lounge. Sam and Louie's catered an excellent buffet dinner of pot roast, mashed potatoes, broccoli, salad, rolls, and pie. Gary Unger, 32°, Eminent Commander of Kadosh for the Omaha Consistory served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
Judy Schram and daughters presenting a check to the Omaha Foundation for RiteCare at the Reunion Banquet Saturday evening.
The evening began with a surprise presentation by Judy Schram and her daughters of a check for $82,606.87 for RiteCare from Jack Schram's estate. TJ Brumfield, one of our new Brethren, was chosen as Class Orator and was choked up over the gift, since his daughter will begin therapy with the RiteCare Clinic for Apraxia, and it is the generosity of members that will allow her to get all the therapy she needs at no cost to families.
Gary presented a life membership to M.W. Dennis Rix, Grand Master of Masons in Nebraska, as well as to Mike Precella and Bill Kimme. After recognizing officers, new Brethren, and several individuals who made the Reunion possible, Gary introduced our evening entertainment, Joshua Ortman, a "one of a kind musical entertainer," performing a mix of upbeat, spanning the decades and cover a variety of musical styles.
It takes 200 or more men to host a Reunion, whether we have one candidate or 100, and members are always needed to help cook, work in the costume room, stage crew, sound and light crew, or join in degree work. The Spring Reunion will be April 27, 28, and 29th. To petition or get involved, contact General Secretary John Maxell, 33° at maxelljt@scottishriteomaha.org.