Scottish Rite Masons induct new knights

The two new members of the Knights Commander of the Court of Honor, Stephen Crane, Topeka and William Brooks, Fort Scott, stand behind the seated dignitaries present for their investiture. From left William R. "Buck" Fischer, K.C.C.H personal representative of the Deputy in Kansas to the Valley of Fort Scott; Illustrious Hugh W. Gill, 33û Deputy of the Suipreme Council in Kansas; Keith Jeffers, K.C.C.H., Executive Secretary of the Valley of Fort Scott.

By Steve Moyer

Nevada Daily Mail

When an experienced Scottish Rite Mason has performed exceptionally well he may be granted an honor that stands him out from the crowd, he is invited to join the Knights Commander of the Court of Honor. Usually such investitures are held in the facilities of the Orient (the statewide body of Scottish Rite Masonry is called the Orient, the regional or city bodies are called Valleys) in which the honorees live.

Sunday the Fort Scott Valley of the Orient of Kansas hosted an investiture for two individuals who were invested with the honor, Stephen Crane, Valley of Topeka; and William Brooks, Valley of Fort Scott; a third was scheduled but ill health prevented him from attending. The Illustrious Hugh W. Gill III, 33 degrees, Wichita, Kan., deputy of the Supreme Council in Kansas, attended the ceremony.

The K.C.C.H. is not a degree, it is a recognition of service to the Scottish Rite. Honorees must be 32 degree Masons for 46 months and can be elected by the Supreme Council whenever, in its judgment, the interest of the Rite will be promoted.

Before the ceremony a dinner featuring steak or Chicken Cordon Bleu was held to honor the candidates, with members of the Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Middle School bands serving.

The Scottish Rite Temple in Fort Scott is more than 100 years old. It was founded in 1889 and originally took up the entire building at the corner of First and Main streets. The valley has a group of historic stage sets that serve as a backdrop to the various programs the valley puts on that are the pride of the stage crew led by John W. Bartelsmeyer, 33 degree. The sets are also available to be used at weddings and other public events.

The Fort Scott Valley is also host to the Scottish Knights of Saint Andrew, a relatively new organization of 32 degree Masons dedicated to helping widows and orphans and assisting the organization however needed.

During the 2005 blaze that decimated the historic buildings in Fort Scott, Scottish Rite members provided food and other assistance to firefighters and other emergency workers at the temple at 110 S. Main which, fortunately wasn't affected by the fire.