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Consistory Day, April 18, 2009

The Spring 2009 Scottish Rite season for the Valley of Hartford wrapped up on a gorgeous spring Saturday in April. Candidates, brethren and invited guests alike basked in the wonderful, sunny, warm spring day. The Valley did some good work, knighted some new Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, and some presiding officers breathed a sigh of relief as "their year" drew to a close.

Degree Work

Consistory Day encompasses the degrees to be presented by Nathan Hale Consistory, and the morning began with a stellar presentation of the 29°, Knight of St. Andrew. Directed by Ill. Anthony Keegan, 33°, the degree tells the story of Christian knights captured in Bulgaria in the 1300's by Muslim forces. It relates how the enemies discovered that they had more in common than they thought. Many brothers commented on how timely the degree was, considering things that are going on in the world today.

Following a short break the Ceremonial Section of the 32° Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, was portrayed by the officers of the Nathan Hale Consistory. Portrayed in old form, the Ceremonial Section lays the ground work for the Allegory of the 32° which was to be portrayed after lunch.

Reception of Dignitaries

One of the highlights of Consistory Day is the introduction of the specially invited dignitaries. This begins with invited guests from other Masonic bodies. Following their reception and introduction, the Deputy for Connecticut, Ill. James R. Spencer, Jr. 33° was received.

Ill. James Spencer, Jr. 33°, Deputy for Connectict, shares a laugh with Commander-in-Chief Bohman while he is received, with Ill. David L. Sharkis, Active for Connecticut, looking on.

Following the reception of the Deputy, he took the gavel to receive the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in the State of Connecticut, Arthur H. Carlstrom. Most Worshipful Brother Carlstrom is also an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, 33°.

Most Worshipful Grand Master Arthur H. Carlstrom is recieved by Ill. Brother Spencer.

Allegeory of the 32nd Degree

After the reception of digntaries, the Valley portrayed the Allegory of the 32nd Degree. This rousing production is the final degree that candidates see on their way to becoming a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret. the Valley portrayed the degree wonderfully, and at the end of the afternoon, seven new candidates had become 32° Masons.

After the curtain had closed, the Commander-in-Chief, Ill. William E. Bohman, 33°, presented the Valley's newest Sublime Princes with their dues card and a 32° pin.

Commander-in-Chief Bohman presents dues cards and pins to the Valley's newest Sublime Princes.

All in all, it was a wonderful season, as these newest brothers in the Valley of Hartford show by their smiles...

Newest Sublime Princes gather for a photo in the warm afternoon sunshine.