Venerable Master Kyle Beckner, 32° welcomed Knights of St. Andrew and their ladies to the annual Membership Appreciation Dinner on Friday, January 9, 2021.

After an excellent dinner of beef tenderloin and baked potatoes, served by the Culinary Masters, Kyle Beckner served as master of ceremonies for the evening. He acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic had been a difficult year, but acknowledged several members who had volunteered for numerous gigs, including bartending, greeting, serving ice cream, and helping at events.

In presenting the Dennis P. Samuelson Service Award, Kyle recognized Daniel Alati, 32°, who joined in November, 2019. Not content to just sit on the sidelines, Dan jumped in wholeheartedly. He received his ritual proficiency coins from Bellevue Lodge #325, he is active in the National Sojourners, and he has been actively engaged in the Knights of St. Andrew as a volunteer at gigs and events. Dan joins the KSA as Sentinel for the 2021 officer line.

Venerable Master-elect Carl F. Simmons, 32° presented Kyle with a silver quaich, the traditional drinking cup of Scotland, engraved with his name and year as Venerable Master.

That morning at the KSA meeting, Kyle introduced a new tradition, presenting Carl Simmons with the white hackle of the Venerable Master for his glengarry. Kyle presented an officers’ hackle to Dan Alati, bringing him to the Sentinel’s chair.

He personally escorted each officer to their new chair of office for 2021. At the Master’s station, Carl then presented Kyle with the blue and white hackle of a Past Venerable Master.