VISITORS Since
January 8, 2007
UPDATED
October 29, 2007
Dan Pushee, PC,KCT
Webmaster
kych52va@aol.com
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This WEBSITE is published monthly as an official publication of the
Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.
Sid Cornelius Dorris III, Right Eminent Grand Generalissimo and Publisher,
Lawrence E. Tucker, Grand Recorder and Editor
5909 West Loop South, Suite 495, Bellaire, TX 77401-2402
(713) 349-8700 (telephone), (713) 349-8710 (facsimile)
E-mail: gr@knightstemplar.org
Joan B. Morton Assistant Editor
Mail materials and correspondence, to:
Editor, Grand Encampment of Knights Templar
Post Office Box 478448, Chicago, IL 60647-8448
phone and fax: (773) 489-0689
Material for the Grand Commanderies' two-page supplements is to be directed to the respective Supplement editors.
Supplement Editors are encouraged to create their own sites or submit "NEWS" to kych52va@aol.com
Address corrections from members are to be sent to the local Recorders LISTED HERE
NOVEMBER: JUST SCAN DOWN or "click" on the LINKS BELOW to view articles
We all welcome Grand Master Koon, with his first message and whose biography starts here. We salute the Grand Commanders of Grand Commanderies with their pictures HERE [.pdf] and their addresses HERE [.pdf]. If you don't know much about Masonic Week, you'll want to read about it HERE. News from this early stage of the Annual Voluntary Campaign for the KTEF starts HERE with your General Chairman, Sir Knight T. Jeffery Conquest, speaking of the OPC Club, one great way Sir Knights, other Masons, and friends can support the KTEF. The State Chairmen for the 40th Voluntary Campaign can be found HERE [.pdf]. There's much more including the story of Sir Knight Robert S. Wilson, starting HERE
Membership Jewel, October Recipients
IN MEMORIAM
40th Voluntary Campaign Knight Templar Eye Foundation
Small Project Grows into Large Rewards
"On the Masonic Newsfront"
The Last Mounted Cavalryman by Doby
  
Dear Fellow Sir Knights,
As I put pen to paper for this first message as Grand Master, it is with sadness and humility that I address this note to you.
Sadness, because issues of health have prevented Sir Knight Richard Burditt Baldwin, GCT, from the completion of his term as Grand Master. Dick had a strong "Vision" for Templary, and I shall do my best to see his plans through to completion. He has been a good friend and tireless worker for Templary, and his contributions to our Order are worthy of emulation. He is in my prayers daily, as I hope he will be in yours.
Though my installation as Grand Master had occurred in a most unfortunate manner, it has been a very humbling experience. I look forward to visiting with the leadership of our Grand Commanderies and Subordinate Commanderies soon, that together, we may lay plans to realize our best destiny.
During this time of Thanksgiving, we as Templars, have much for which to be Thankful. The events of the recent past illustrate that our Templar forefathers in writing our Constitution had a vision for dealing with such matters. We are thankful for their foresight in laying a plan of succession. Sir Knight Richard Baldwin, as Grand Master, built a consensus of purpose with those of us who were his officers, that his "Vision" might be completed even in his absence. We are thankful for his foresight. As Grand Master, I am thankful for the Officers and Committee Members of the Grand Encampment. They are fine people, who will 'assure our success. I'm grateful to Sir Knight Baldwin for their appointments.
I wish for you a most enjoyable Thanksgiving with your friends and families. Let us remember to say a prayer of appreciation for our Troops, who won't be with their families during this special Holiday.
Yours in Templary,
Sir Knight William H. Koon II, GCT
Grand Master
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Sir Knight William Howard Koon II
Installed as Most Eminent Grand Master
of the Grand Encampment of the U.S.A.
Sir Knight William H. Koon II was installed the Most Eminent Grand Master (2007-2009) of the Grand Encampment on August 28, 2007 upon Sir Knight Richard B. Baldwin's resignation from that office for reasons of health. Sir Knight Bill is a Past Grand Commander of Ohio, 1996, and Right Eminent Past Department Commander of the East Central Department of the Grand Encampment, 1997-2000. He was elected Right Eminent Deputy Grand Master at the 63rd Triennial Conclave in Houston, Texas, in August 2006. He was elected Right Eminent Grand Generalissimo at the 62nd Triennial Conclave August 2003 in St. Louis, Missouri, and was elected to the Grand Line of the Grand Encampment as Right Eminent Grand Captain General at the 61st Triennial Conclave in August of 2000 in Nashville,Tennessee.
HIS COMPLETE BIOGRAPHY may be found HERE [.pdf]
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What is Masonic Week, or DC Masonic Week
or AMD Masonic Week?
by Sir Knights Thurman C. Pace Jr., M.E.H.P.G.M.
and Dan Pushee P.C., KCT
Perhaps in can be defined as an "In-Gathering" of Masons of National Appendant Bodies for the purpose of conducting Annual Meetings. It provides an excellent opportunity to meet and "converse on the level" with many well known Freemasons, especially of the York Rite. It is also a time to enjoy excellent banquets and even "fun degrees".
In the beginning:
"The Sovereign College of Allied Masonic and Christian Degrees was established in Richmond, on January 15, 1892, by the Reverend Hartley Carmichael, who had immigrated to the United States via Canada from Dublin, Ireland. He presided over the College as Sovereign Grand Master until January 18, 1901. After Carmichael's death, the Sovereign College moved to Norway, Maine, where it met until 1933.
In 1932, the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America formed in Salisbury, North Carolina. In 1933, said Council entered into articles of Union with Sovereign College of the Allied Masonic and Christian Degrees which was ratified by both parties. The Grand Council met in North Carolina through March 29, 1937, except for two years when meetings were held in Alexandria, VA.
Effective February 21, 1938, the Grand Council moved to Washington, D.C., where it has met continuously through February, 2007, with the exception of 1945 when no annual meeting was held due to WWII. The first four meetings in D.C. were held at the Hamilton Hotel, the next two at the Washington Hotel, then nine at the Releigh Hotel, followed by five at the Statler Hotel. The first meeting at the Hotel Washington was on February 21, 1959, where the Grand Council has met through the February, 2007, meeting for a total of 49 continuous Annual Meetings.
In 2008 we will return to Alexandria, VA, where we last met in 1934." (1)
Through the years additional organizations have joined in participating in what is now an "expanded week" of activities.
Last year the participating organizations were:
Grand Preceptors Council of the Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon
in the Province of the United States of America;
The High Council Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis;
Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor;
Grand Council Knight Masons, USA;
Society of Blue Friars;
Grand College of America HRAKTP;
Chevaliers Bienfaisants De La Cite Sainte;
Royal Society of Knights Occidental;
The Philalethes Society;
Masonic Order of the Bath;
Grand College of Rites of the USA;
Nine Muses Council No. 13;
Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees;
Ye Antiente Order of Corks
Convent General - KYCH
THIS COMING YEAR: DC MASONIC WEEK is February 6-9, 2008We will meet in the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel, Alexandria Virginia. YOU CAN ACTUALLY MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS ON-LINE - GROUP CODE=AMD It has 480 Rooms and has Shuttle Service to Reagan. Parking is less than 1/3 what it was at the Hotel Washington. The $135 rate for 2008 is the same as we paid this year. Meals have been negotiated at the same level as we paid this year, and will escalate only at the rate that food rises. The Hotel is located on I-395 at Exit 4 and is about 3 miles from the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. Free shuttle service to the Metro Station at the foot of Shooters' Hill for those who want to take the Subway into the District. Hotel Rates will be $135, and are available by calling 1-800-HILTONS, identifying the Hotel as the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center and the Group Name is "AMD". Suites are available at a reduced price for Groups needing them.
Make your Hotel Reservations EARLY!! Program information will appear on line at www.yorkrite.org
Reference: (1) Information provided by Thurman Pace Thurman Pace MEHPGM
For the Committee: Dan Pushee, PC, KCT, Webmaster
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RECIPIENTS OF THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT MEMBERSHIP JEWEL
620. James M. Sunseri, Orange County Commandery No.36, Anaheim
CA. 8-20-2007.
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IN MEMORIAM
David Stephen Tanner
Wyoming
Grand Commander-1990
Born: December 7, 1923
Died: September 14, 2006
Richard William Anderson
Minnesota
Grand Commander-2005
Born: November 17, 1935
Died: August 12, 2007
Paul V. Hersh
Wisconsin
Grand Commander-1999
Born: January 9, 1927
Died: August 28, 2007
James A. Grace
Connecticut
Grand Commander-1978
Born: March 11, 1916
Died: September 1, 2007
Thomas C. Yantis
Texas
Grand Commander-1985
Born: November 3, 1923
Died: September 27, 2007
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Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.
1000 East State Parkway, Suite I
Schaumburg, IL 60173-2460
Phone: (847) 490-3838
Fax: (847) 490-3777
www.knightstemplar.org/ktef
A Message from Sir Knight T. Jeffery Conquest, KCT
General Chairman of the 40th Annual Campaign for the KTEF,
40th Annual Campaign STATE CHAIRMEN [.pdf]
Trustee of the Board of the KTEF, and P.G.C. of Indiana
Greetings, Sir Knights:
Recently as I have begun making presentations on behalf of your Knights Templar Eye Foundation at Department Conferences, I've become aware that not everyone has know ledge of a few of the KTEF award programs.
One in particular is the OPC Club. The Order of the Purple Cross is an honor of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America, and the OPC Club affords the opportunity for OPC holders to become members of the OPC Club with a minimum donation of $33.00. Friends and relatives may also honor an OPC holder with a like donation in his honor.
Unfortunately, in fiscal year 2007 the Foundation only received $2,638 in contributions to the OPC Club. While the OPC is a York Rite commendation, it was the lowest source of funds for our Foundation. It was eclipsed by the 33° Club by almost twice the amount. Hopefully, we can reverse this in 2008 by honoring our OPC members and making this club one of the largest sources of funds for your Knights Templar Eye Foundation for the treatment, prevention, and research of eye disease.
As we prepare for and immerse ourselves in another Annual Voluntary Campaign for the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, I want to thank all of the Sir Knights who have unselfishly participated in our common passion: "That Others May See." Hopefully, this year's Campaign will eclipse last year's impressive results and provide us the opportunity to increase our assistance to those who face the loss of sight.
T. Jeffery Conquest, P.G.C.
General Chairman of the Campaign
Trustee of the Board of KTEF
Sir Knight Conquest resides at 1903 Somersworth Drive, San Jose, CA 95124.Knights Templar Eye Foundation Presents Award
to Dr. Kareena Menezes of Baylor University
Dr. Kareena Menezes of Baylor University in Texas was awarded a KTEF grant for the continuation of her exciting work in the laboratory of Richard Hurwitz. In the picture, Sir Knight Kenneth B. Fischer, M.E. Past Grand Master (second from right) presents the award to Dr. Menezes, on his right. This brings to 34 the number of awards made to Baylor since 1985, totaling more than $800,000 for which they are very proud.
NEW CONTRIBUTORS TO KTEF CLUBS
Contributors to the 33rd Degree Club
John C. Metcalf, 33, (WI) in honor of Ralph L. Behlke, 33
Alfred W. Paschke, 33 (WI) in honor of William E. Wenzel, 33
Contributors to the OPC Club
Gerald F. Thorp (MI)
Ronald L. Snider (MI>
How to join the Grand Commander's or Grand Master's clubs: Any individual may send a check in the amount of $100 or more specified for the purpose of beginning a Grand Commander's Club membership and made payable to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. This initial contribution will begin your Grand Commander's Club membership. In addition, members of the Grand Commander's Club pledge to make annual contributions of $100 or more. Once contributions total $1,000, the individual is enrolled in the' Grand Master's Club. Membership is open to individuals only, and there is Commandery credit given for participation. Information is available from: Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc; 1000 East State Parkway, Suite I; Schaumburg; IL 60173-2460. The phone number is: (847) 490-3838. The fax number is: (847) 490-3777.
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A Small Project Grows into Large Rewards
What started as a small project for Carol Alexander, the wife of Sir Knight Lynn B. Alexander of Miami Commandery No. 22 in Lebanon, Ohio, has taken off in directions no one ever expected, least of all Carol.
Many Ohio members have grown accustomed to finding Christmas cards on their tables at the Commandery banquets and at receptions for several years now. All the Masonic bodies joined with the Commandery in writing Christmas messages to the troops over the past four years, never knowing what was taking place during the year.
Carol had started writing to many of the troops during the year and filling their special requests for such items as: DVD players with movies and popcorn, games, special food items such as high protein foods, an electric skillet, blankets, sheets, towels, Christmas trees with decorations, MP3 player, pots, pans, dishes, flatware, and 65 pairs of sneakers, along with underwear and Dockers for a hospital in Qatar. All were packed alongside phone cards and letters of encouragement for the wounded soldiers. Her signature jtem fast became popsicles in the summer to those she knew had access to a freezer. There was even a requesf early on for a microwave, which was sent. Probably the most unusual requests were for a microscope and golf clubs; these were supplied by some of the volunteers who had now learned what she was doing and joined in to help.
In June of 2007, the project that had come to be known a "Operation: Thank You" had grown so much it had to incorporate. It became an IRS approved, non-profit organization serving presently 65 units in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Qatar. This year OTY will ship about 1,000 care packages, 900 pounds of jelly bean with a message attached to each, and 3,000 Valentines made by local school children, and the goal for 2007 Christmas cards is 16,000.
Most of the troops who benefit from the organization have Ohio ties; many are Masons or family of Masons. The membership of Operation Thank You has now grown to over 300 volunteers, and it has spread to three other states. Many are also Masons or Eastern Star members.
There is no one more surprised about all of this than Carol and Lynn. She says to be careful when you say to God, "I'm only one person, what can I do?" He might just show you.
Carol warns those who ask to join Operation: Thank You that the troops are addictive. There are many people who want to do something but don't know how to go about it or what to do. OTY shows them how to do it. This is a very rewarding project. Carol says, "I never know from one day to the next who I will meet or what I will be shopping for. It makes life interesting. I have never gotten used to the troops writing to thank us for what we do. The whole idea is to thank THEM! They are the ones out there putting their lives on the line for US."
The slogan for operation: Thank You, Inc. has developed into: One Person Joining with Many to Serve Our Troops While They Serve Us.
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, make your check to Operation: Thank You, and mail it to P.O. Box 59, Morrow, OH 45152. For more information, you may contact Carol at carolalex1@embarqmail.com or 2467 Ford Road, Morrow, OH 45152. Check the web site at www.ohiooperationthankyou.org
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New York Drill Team Marches in Fisher Price Toy Fest Parade
The Empire State Commandery No. 83 Drill Team marched in the Fisher Price Toy Fest Parade in East Aurora, New York, on August 25, 2007.
They were in full Templar uniforms (shown above marching), making a big impression on onlookers! The Sir Knights participating were Anthony Olivieri, Anthony Jacobik, David Thomason, Bert Larson, James MacConnell, David Shire, Norman Austin, Carl Fisher, Albioni Parson, and Lee Garrison.
Sir Knights Olivieri and Jacobik carried the Knights Templar of New York banner in the lead, followed by the Class D. Drill team, under the direction of Sir Knight Larson as Captain General. The team performed several drill maneuvers and formed the Egyptian and Passion crosses while marching. They were very impressive and received many good comments on their very professional performance!
Tri-State Royal Arch Festival
August of each year brings the Royal Arch festival to a different place for the performing of the Royal Arch degrees. The rotation is between Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
This year Michigan was the host state, and the degrees were performed at the hall of Kingford/Iron Mountain Lodge No. 388; next year, 2008, it will be in Wausau, Wisconsin, and in 2009 it will be in Duluth, Minnesota.
Each year the host state performs the Royal Arch degree, and the other states conduct the Past Master, Mark Master and Most Excellent Master degrees. This year was the 50th anniversary of this festival.
The Royal Arch degree team is pictured above, left to right: front row: R.E. William Fairchild, Grand King of Michigan Grand Chapter; Paul Williams, M.E. Grand High Priest; E. Companion Eugene Smith; Harry Walbridge, P.M.E.G.H.P.; E. Companion Loren Marlowe; 2nd row: Paul Howell, P.M.E.G.H.P.; William Siebert, P.M.I.G.M.; Jim White, P.M.I.G.M. of New Mexico and a member of Delta Chapter No. 118; E. Companion Robert E. Cooper; and E. Companion George Maule.
This year the festival inducted 11 new members with P.M.E.G.H.P. Paul Howell as Principal Sojourner (center front), pictured at right above. A fine supper was served by the local O.E.S.. Chapter. (photo by Sir Knight Jim Turner; article by Sir Knight Jim White)
Nevada York Rite Summer Festival in Las Vegas-June 23 and 30
 
On Saturday, June 30, 2007, Zelzah Shrine of Las Vegas, Nevada, hosted the York Rite dinner in honor of the new Knights Templar, who were Knighted at this festival. Above left are Lodge Brothers at Zelzah Shrine, and above right is Sir Knight and Shriner, Jim Denny.
York Rite Ladies of Colorado Raise Many Dollars
Sir Knight Leon "Les" Sonksen, editor of the Colorado Supplement, writes: "For years the wives, widows, and friends of Colorado York Rite members have maintained a hospitality room during the 3-day York Rite grand sessions. Along with all the goodies to eat during break times and a place for the ladies to gather for conversation, the room is loaded with crafts, books, pictures, flowers, etc., available for sale. This September baskets were prepared for fund-raising containing items based on many themes: home, sports, beauty supplies, etc. There were silent auctions and selling of tickets for various items, and the ladies raised $2,463 to be divided between the 3 York Rite philanthropies. We thank the ladies for their interest and hard work in raising funds, while they have fun doing it!"
Connecticut Commanders Receive Recognition at Annual Conclave
The Connecticut Commanders above received plaques in recognition for their Commanderies' efforts in the 2006-2007 Commandery Competition: from left to right: Jack Stevens, New Haven No.2, earned third place and Commandery had the largest contribution to the Eye Foundation; Clyde Kayser, St. Elmo No.9, second place, aided by the largest boost in membership; Sivert Jacobsen, Washington No.1, first place, with a sizeable contribution to the Eye Foundation and highest activity in religious and patriotic deeds; and Charles O'Neill, Stamford Clinton No. 3, Most Improved Commandery, fifth place, after the Commandery being dormant for 13 years earned by its actions the right to come off probation.
Welcome Home Weekend for Then S.W.P., S.O.O.B., Mrs. Alcon
Group returning from a Tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield
A Welcome Home Weekend, honoring then Supreme Worthy President of the Social Order of the Beauceant, Mrs. David E. Alcon, was given by Westminster Assembly No. 245, Maryland, and Elizabethtown Assembly No. 265, Pennsylvania, and took place in Westminster.
 Above is the introduction of dignitaries at the banquet: left to right: Mrs. Carl J. Wisner and Mrs. Joseph F. Chalker, co-chairpersons of the weekend; Mrs. David E. Alcon, S.w.P.; Mrs. Jack L. Edwards, S.M.W. Oracle; Mrs. Jeanette Rife, S.W. 1st Vice President; Mrs. John A. Kleinfelder, S.W. 2nd Vice President; and Mrs. Duncan C. Watson, S.W. Preceptress.
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 | The Last Mounted Cavalryman
by Doby |  |
I go to the door as Warder to inform the Sentinel that Burning Taper Commandery No. 15, Knights Templar, is open and the Commander wishes him to guard accordingly. I hear the reply "will do" in a deep bass voice. I close the door and receive the appropriate number of knocks. Sir Knight Robert Samuel (Bob) Wilson is left to the calm of the outer courts for the next several minutes. 1have observed this ceremony for the past 12 years, because when Bob needed support of his wheeled walker at 80, he requested the job of Sentinel and continues every year to the present.<br>
"Many are called, but few are chosen." Bob has completed the positions of Excellent High Priest, Illustrious Master, and Eminent Commander, and once was an appointed Grand officer. His devotion to York Rite Masonry, and especially to the Commandery, has been continuous and faithful since 1950.
We read of the famous in Masonry's many volumes of monthly, quarterly, and bimonthly magazines and newsletters, but I wish to praise the labor in the quarries of men like Bob Wilson who are dependable and serve a lifetime by "suiting up and showing up."
Bob has been Sierra Vista, Arizona's York Rite regalia committee chairman for the past 20 years. It is not unusual to see Bob with a robe or mantle spread across his lap, needle and thread in hand making a repair.
He has made a costume record book second to none, recording and photographing every piece of costume for all York Rite degrees. One simply goes to "Bob's Book" to find the proper dress and its accompanying number in the closet of hanging garments. Every piece of equipment is carefully shelved by identification number for easy access to use in any opening or degree. He spends hours realigning the equipment we return to the wrong place. He monitors the checkout sheet and keeps track of loaned equipment.
Bob is a 15-year Temple Board member, who demands respect of both internal and external facility. One might see Bob's car parked in front of the Lodge at any time of day as he works unselfishly to keep things repaired and in order.
It is my reward to be a friend, Brother, Companion, and fellow Sir Knight of such a man. To see Bob come into the Lodge pushing his "fliver" (wheeled walker) gives me such gladness. Seeing the good man who devotes' his life to Brotherhood reminds me to be of service.
Robert Samuel Wilson was born December 28, 1914, in Superior, Wisconsin, the son of Samuel S. Wilson and Josephine Babcock Wilson. Bob's father was a Mason working as an engineer for Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company following "his U.S. Army service in the Spanish American War. Bob's father resigned his Captaincy to work in the yellow fever wards at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington D.C. Bob's mother remained a housewife and devoted mother. Samuel S. Wilson took up residency in Janesville, Wisconsin, early in the 20th Century.
Bob attended grade school in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and high school at White Water City High School graduating in 1936. Bob's mother died following years of bedridden care by him and his father about the time of his graduation. Bob had enlisted in the U.S. Army Mounted Cavalry Reserves in 1934 and continued his high school education part time and spent two years at White Water State Teachers College while a full-time U.S. Army reservist.
THE 105TH MOUNTED CAVALRY
His enlistment sent him to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he trained as a mounted cavalry soldier. Training consisted of learning to shoot from a horse. The course through which the horse maneuvered was designed to have the mounted soldier shoot at targets right, left, behind, and in front while at full trot. Bob, astride his gelding mount named "White Socks," learned to shoot when the horse was on his down trot for best accuracy. He also carried a machine gun
with his cavalry platoon, and they would set up firing positions after dismounting near a front line. Bob was trained and then became a trainer, soon advancing to corporal.
White Socks became his own assigned horse, requiring his daily attention to shoeing, grooming, feeding, medical, stabling, and constant loving care. No officer of any rank was allowed to borrow White Socks, as he was Bob's assigned charge. Bob received his discharge in 1940 and returned to Janesville, Wisconsin, to work with his father at Wisconsin Bell as an apprentice lineman.
Following Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, Bob was recalled in January 1942 to the mechanized -cavalry, becoming a member of the "Greatest Generation." Sent to camp Bowie, Texas, for training, he again became a trainer until early in 1944 when he was transferred to the 3454 MM Ordinance Division and sent to the European theater with the 7th Army in Marseilles, France. Bob's division made the drive to Munich, Germany, "ending the war in Europe, and his second discharge came on December 7, 1945. He had reached the rank of Buck Sergeant of his platoon.
CIVILIAN LIFE
Bob returned to Janesville, Wisconsin, where his wife awaited. Robert S. Wilson and Virginia E. Weber, his longtime school sweetheart, had married while Bob was on furlough on August 21, 1944. He continued to work as a master splicer and lineman for Wisconsin Bell. A son, John Robert Wilson, was born to Bob and Virginia in 1946. Bob worked. for Wisconsin Bell from 1940 to 1977 with the only interruption being WWII.
MASONIC STORY
Bob's father, Samuel Wilson, being a Mason, the Craft became Bob's next goal. He was initiated 9/25/50, passed 1/8/51, and was raised ,3/26/51 in Janesville Lodge No.5, Janesville, Wisconsin. Bob received his 50-year pin in 2001. He petitioned Janesville York Rite Bodies in 1951 and received his Chapter, Council degrees and Commandery Orders in 1952. Bob and Virginia joined Janesville Chapter No. 69, O.E.S., and Bob was Worthy Patron in 1952. He received his 50-year pin in 2001. He later joined Zor Shrine in Madison, Wisconsin. He became a Past High Priest of Janesville Chapter No.5 in 1954. Following this Bob's main Masonic interest changed to DeMolay. He became advisor to Janesville DeMolay and remained their adult leader from 1950 to the early 1970s, receiving the Cross of Honor. Bob continued to work with youth and especially with his son, John Robert, who became a Master Counselor of Janesville DeMolay. During these years of working with youth, he formed the Janesville Water Ski Club, which developed troubled youth into the most famous water ski show group in the land. They have done shows allover the world.
Sadly, Bob's wife Virginia died suddenly and unexpectedly April 23, 1968, at age 48. He says she was his barometer of life, "kept me mellow," and their love was very deep. Bob worked for Wisconsin Bell another 9 years until arthritis caused his retirement. He moved to Arizona for relief in 1978.
Bob renewed his Masonic life with the Sierra Vista, Arizona Lodges. Through the '80s he worked on the Temple Board Maintenance. By the 1990s his leadership was again needed and he served as Eminent Commander of Burning Taper Commandery No. 15 in Sierra Vista in 1990. He served again as Excellent High Priest in 1992 and Illustrious Master in 1993. Bob was elected to the Past Commanders' Association in 1990 while he was Grand Guard, of the Grand Commandery of Arizona. He received the Order of the Silver Trowel TIM in 1993, Deputy Grand Lecturer, 1995. He is a member of Tucson Valley Scottish Rite, White Rose College No. 117, Tucson, and Tucson Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. He was named Mason of the Year by Huachuca Lodge No. 53, F. & A.M., Sierra Vista, in 1994. He is a KTEF Life Sponsor and received the Bronze Medal Distinguished Service Award from Grand Chapter, RAM., of Arizona in 2005. He holds dual membership with Janesville, Wisconsin Lodge No. 5, F. & A.M., and Huachuca No. 53, F. & A.M., Sierra Vista, Arizona.
Bob calls me "Shite Poke." I call him "Ole Badger." I have always respected and admired his generation. I have tried to emulate their conservative ways. They were the high school boys that went to war when I was in grade school. Most who returned became honorable citizens, and I apprenticed under them.
Appropriately, the Templars were mounted soldiers for Jesus Christ, and my dear friend, Robert S. Wilson, epitomizes chivalric Masonry.
Sir Knight Bob Wilson at 92
BOB WILSON'S FAVORITE MASONIC POEM
Let me relate an experience of mine
in manner so valiant and sublime;
a single honor was conferred on me,
Knighthood in the order of Templary.
Now I'm dressed in Templar black,
with striped belt around the back,
Chapeau and crest, with plume of white,
armed with sword so shining bright.
Wear1ng my Chapeau with honor and pride,
A symbol of purity never denied,
uncovered in moments of devotion and prayer,
kneels before God with head bowed there.
Carries the sword witl1 a steady hand,
obeys the order of one in command,
always remembers that every true Knight,
only draws his sword in defense of right.
Thus does Templary around the world,
march for Christ with banner unfurled,
noted for deeds of kindness and love,
follows examples of our Commander above.
And all Knights should, with ready ear,
hear commands of our Savior clear;
"Be true! Be vigilant! No matter the loss,
there is no Crown without the Cross!"
Rev. Earnest G. Rice, P.C.
Joe Edwards writes under the pseudonym "Doby." He is Right Illustrious Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council, Cryptic Masons of Arizona; Past Master of San Pedro Lodge No. 55, F. & A.M., Benson, Arizona; KYCH, Sierra Vista York Rite Bodies; Past Sovereign, Tuscon Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; Past Governor of White Rose College No. 117, Tucson; KCCH, Tucson Valley, Scottish Rite; Secretary and Past Master of Southern Arizona Research Lodge No.2; and author of The Last Full Measure of Devotion, the biography of a Civil War Union Captain and Mason. He resides at 1100 Edwards Lane, Benson, AZ 85602.TOP
  
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"Awesome in the Place"
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