This WEBSITE is published monthly as an official publication of the
Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.
RICHARD BURDITT BALDWIN, Grand Master 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: letucker@sbcglobal.net
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

AUGUST CONTENTS: JUST SCAN DOWN or "click" on the LINKS BELOW to view articles

Grand Master's August Messagewhich sums up some activities to look forward to for the second year of the triennium and encourages all to attend the Department Conferences.
Knights Templar Eye Foundation "Mission Statement"; listings of the new KTEF club memberships; and a wonderful example of the work of the KTEF, and we're certain you will appreciate the enthusiasm of the Sir Knight author and the delightful art of the artist recipient!
THE HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE FOR 2008 ALSO NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
RECIPIENTS OF THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT MEMBERSHIP JEWEL
Project Freedom, A Success Story for Detroit Commandery No.1 in Michigan!
The Self Made Man, General Lewis Hershey
Brother Vincent Lopez, Anatomy of a Band Leader, Part I
"On the Masonic Newsfront"

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Grand Master's Message - AUGUST 2007

August has come around again, and we are about to start the second year of the 64th Triennium.
What a great year we have had since the 63rd Triennial Conclave in Houston! We have experienced an outstanding year of Department Conferences, had many wonderful visits across this country, held an inspiring Easter Sunrise Service in Alexandria, had a banner year for the Voluntary Campaign of the Eye Foundation, and visited many of the other National Masonic bodies at their annual meetings.
As we gear up for fall and the resumption of our busy Masonic schedules, I would encourage each of you to plan on attending your Department Conference. These are well planned sessions to assist you in moving our fraternity forward. I promise you that you will not go home without learning something about membership, operational management, finances, or long-range planning that you can use to help all of your local Masonic organizations, as well as Templary. These are also great opportunities to build that fraternal spirit with your fellow' Sir Knights from Sister Jurisdictions.
Please remember that the 40thAnnual Voluntary Campaign of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation will begin on October 1. Let's start planning events and programs to make this another banner year!
Later this month the officers of the Grand Encampment will accompany me as we attend the historic joint meeting of the Supreme Councils of the Northern and Southern jurisdictions of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Washington, DC. We wish our Scottish Rite Brothers a most enjoyable and prosperous session.
The officers of the Grand Encampment will be making their visits to each Grand Commandery Annual Conclave this coming year. Please come out and meet us as we visit your state.
Be safe and enjoy the rest of the summer!

Yours in Templary

Sir Knight Richard Burditt Baldwin
Most Eminent Grand Master
2006 - 2009TOP

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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

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Mission Statement of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc....
To provide assistance to those who face loss of sight due to the need for surgical treatment without regard to race, color, creed, age, sex or national origin provided they are unable to pay or receive adequate assistance from current government agencies or similar sources and to provide funds for research in curing diseases of the eye. (A recipient must be a U.S. citizen.)

NEW CONTRIBUTORS TO KTEF CLUBS

Grand Master's Club

No. 5,O96-Paul H. Broyhill (NC)
No. 5,O97-Winford W Hays (WV)
No. 5,O98-Edward R. Thrasher (WV)
No. 5,O99-Homer B. Addams, Jr. (WV)
No. 5,lOO-Daniel WBurge, Jr. (WV)
No. 5,lOl-Oliver Blake Weiford, Jr. (WV)
No. 5,lO2-Gregory Edward Hart (OK)
No. 5,lO3-Douglas Edward Hunter (TN)
No. 5,lO4-Robert Warren Fritz (TN)
No. 5,lO5-Milton Ray Hager (TN)
No. 5,lO6-Edward Lee Davis (TN)
No. 5,lO7-Luther A. Hill, Sr. (TN)
No. 5,lO8-Arthur Melvin Smith (TN)
No. 5,109-Robert Thornton Nash (TN)
No. 5,110-Johnny Lee Byrd (TN)
No. 5,111-James Hoy Stephenson (TN)
No. 5,112-Peter Michael Stephenson (TN)
No. 5,113-Luther Alvin Hill, Jr. (TN)
No. 5,114-William E. Morrison (M!)
No. 5,115-Alfred M. Lyth (NY)
No. 5,116-James and Alma Heap (IN)
No. 5,117-0. Earl Hawkins (OH)
No. 5,118-0. Earl Hawkins (OR)
No. 5,119-Alan M. Hubble (IL)
No. 5,120-William G. Rech (PA)
No. 5,121-Benjamin K. Rollins (GA)

Grand Commander's Club

No. lO2,616-Dennis W. Greer (TN)
No. lO2,617-Steven Douglas Foster (GA)
No. lO2,618-James H. Larson (WA)
No. lO2,619-Robert P. Hendrix, Sr. (AI\)
No. lO2,620-Gregory Edward Hart (OK)
No. lO2,621-James C. and Alina Heap (IN)
No. lO2,622-William G. Rech (PA)
No. lO2,623-Peter Gregerson, Jr. (AL)
No. lO2,624-Glenn A. Siron (WA) in memory of Ethel B. Siron
No. lO2,625-Fred H. Whitty (NC)

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,):; Schaumburg; IL 60173-2460. The phone number is: (847) 490-3838. The fax number is: (847) 490-3777.

Contributors to the 33º Club
Marvin Edward Fritz, 33º (AZ) Zeno Max Starkey, 33º (IN)
Dennis Wayne Leekbee, 33º (TX) in honor of Charles M. Leekbee, 33º

Contributors to the OPC Club
J. Robert Stoekner (IL) in memory of David Ben Slayton
Edward T. Saunders, Jr. (VA)

Saving Sight - Saving Vision
by Sir Knight T.J. Henwood, P.E.C.
Editor, Arkansas Suppkement

"An artist who cannot see is an empty shell." These poignant words sum up the feelings of Jeanne Cooper of Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Ms. Cooper, who suffers from narrow angle glaucoma, is a recent recipient of surgery, sponsored by .the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. Over time, the glaucoma had caused cataracts, and according to Ms. Cooper, the situation had become critical. Unfortunately, having no regular employment and no health insurance, she was unable to pay for the needed surgery and was facing not only a life of disability from blindness but the loss of her artistic gift, as well. She was referred to the Blind Institute in Fayetteville and from there to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation and to Sir Knight James T. Bell, Past Grand Commander in Arkansas.
In her letters to Sir Knight Bell and Sir Knight Kenneth B. Fischer, M.E.P.G.M. of the Grand Encampment and President of the KTEF, she refers to the Knights Templar as her "Knights in Shining Armor."
Sir Knights, stop a moment, and gaze into the eyes of the husky puppies in this pencil sketch by Jeanne Cooper. You are looking into the eyes of hope. These are the eyes of an artist, whose vision you have helped to preserve. Press on, Sir Knights, undaunted! Give generously to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation!

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THE HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE FOR 2008 ALSO NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
The following letter from a Pilgrim: Minister as written to Sir Knight Jack K Cadden, Chairman of the Holy Land Pilgrimage Committee of the Grand Commandery of Virginia.
"This letter is meant to express my utmost appreciation to the Knights Templar and the outstanding leaders of this trip. You effected preparation and attention to every detail to make this experience most distinguished, very safe, and a very happy memory. This magnificent benevolence bequeathed to me a pilgrimage of prayer, sabbatical, spiritual renewal, great fellowship, and memories for a life time.
      1 am happy to extend my appreciation for the Knights Templar as I share this trip with church groups and my present Bible class. When I pray, reflect on Sacred Scripture, prepare sermons, or provide pastoral care; the experience of being in the Holy Land continues to bless and enrich my every day. I shall ever be grateful to each of you.
"Kindly convey my gratitude to the Knights Templar. I will continue to thank you as I serve our Lord through His people wherever He calls me in ministry. While I can never thank you sufficiently, I enclose a small token of my gratitude to further the work of the program."

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RECIPIENTS OF THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT MEMBERSHIP JEWEL
CORRECTION:
587.
Willis Winston John Couch, Jr., Jacques de Molay Commandery No.2, New Orleans, LA. 4-8-2007.
NEW:
596.
G. Leon Weber, Crawfordsville Commandery No. 25, Crawfordsville, IN. 4-20-2007. (2 bronze clusters)
597.
Kevin E. Weaver, Ascalon Commandery No. 16, St. Louis, MO. 4-27-2007. (2nd bronze cluster)
598.
Dwight E. Lanman, Jr., Angola Commandery No. 45,Angola, IN. 4-30-2007.
599.
Spyridon G. Treklas, Monumental Commandery No.3, Cockeysville, MD. 6-1-2007.
600. & 601.
Stephen J. Ponzillo III, Monumental Commandery No.3, Cockeysville, MD. 6-5-2007. (original and 2 bronze clusters)
602. & 603.
William Howard Brown, Mizpah Commandery No. 53, Oak Lawn, IL. 6-18-2007. (original and 1 bronze cluster)
604. & 605.
John Thomas Reidas, Sr., Mizpah Commandery No. 53, Oak Lawn,IL. 6-18-2007. (original and 1 bronze cluster)
606.
Charles B. Fowler, Jr., Washington Commandery No.1, East Hartford, CT. 6-18-2007. (bronze cluster)

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Project Freedom:
A Success Story for Detroit Commandery No.1, Michigan

Meeting the real needs of the disabled in southeast Michigan is a top priority of the Hospitaler's Committee of Detroit Commandery No.1, stationed in Detroit, Michigan. In March 2001 they launched Project Freedom, a nonprofit organization that lends free home health lifts to those who meet the program's qualifications of needing a lift and not having the means to secure one through insurance, public assistance, or the purchasing of one with their own assets. During its six years of service, Project Freedom has assisted more than 150 patients and hundreds of caregivers, family members, and loved ones. The lifts are loaned to individuals, and when the lifts are no longer needed, they are refurbished and installed in new recipients' homes. Getting the returned lifts back into homes quickly has helped manage the waiting list for this very popular program.
"Project Freedom has surpassed all of our expectations," said Gilbert A. Rice, P.G.C. and president of Project Freedom. "As the program has expanded statewide, our referral pace has more than matched our supply of available lifts. Thank God for the more than 20 lifts we have had donated to us to meet the needs of these deserving families."
Lifting devices are critical to families and caregivers in allowing patients to live independently. This lift uses only 8 square inches of floor space for each leg, operates overhead, and mechanically lifts the patient to and from his or her bed, wheelchair, commode, chair, etc. The lift operates on a rechargeable 12volt battery, making it safe to use in bathrooms and whirlpools.
Project Freedom received permission from the lift manufacturer, Lift Aid Transport LLC, to contact individuals who had purchased lifts directly to ask them to consider donating the lifts when they no longer needed them. Through this effort, more than 20 lifts have been donated, and the donors have made tax-deductible gifts that will benefit many families for years to come.
One of those persons being helped is Sir Knight Russell Livermore, Past Department Commander, East Central Department of the Grand Encampment. He has suffered a series of cerebral vascular occurrences that have left him bedridden and unable to assist with much of his care. His family takes care of him in their Grosse Pointe Woods home, but lifting and maneuvering Russell can be a difficult chore, and one that is potentially dangerous to him and his caregivers. That is where Project Freedom's lift comes in.
"I couldn't be without my lift," says Russell. His wife,' Mary Louise, concurs: "If it wasn't for the lift, we wouldn't go anyplace. We use the lift for a lot of things: bathing Russell, changing his bed, getting him into his wheelchair, taking him to the doctor and other appointments. It' is a Godsend."
When asked if Russell would still be living at home without the Lift Aid 2000, Mary Louise replies emphatically, "Absolutely not. It takes four people to lift him out of bed, and then it strains their backs. He is not heavy; he just can't help at all with the lifting."
Project Freedom installed a Lift Aid unit for the Hospitaler's Committee of Detroit No.1 in the hospitality room during the June 2002 and 2003 Michigan State Conclaves to allow Sir Knights from around Michigan to see the unit demonstrated and to learn more about how their local Commanderies can join in this program that meets the real needs of the disabled and elderly in Michigan. The large number of visitors to the hospitality room were impressed with the equipment as well as the program and the media coverage it has garnered for itself and other Masonic philanthropies.
Detroit Commandery No.1 is interested in talking with other Commanderies about nominating recipients and purchasing lifts to be installed in their local communities. The cost of each lift is approximately $5,300 including the installation charge. To this point the Hospitaler's Committee has been providing the funds for the program from its own sources, but the demand far outstrips the funding they have available. To meet the demand for this program, they are beginning to look at outside funding sources, such as partnerships with other Commanderies and organizations, direct fund-raising, and pursuing grants from public and private foundations.
"Now that we have a six-year track record with these lifts, we know how durable they are," said Sir Knight Rice. "We have had very few maintenance issues other than wear items such as slings and an occasional battery going dead. These lifts are amazingly durable and inexpensive to operate and maintain."
Commanderies interested in joining with Project Freedom should contact Sir Knjght George Loesch at (313) 831-6982 or (586) 757-3693. Additional information about Project Freedom is also available on the web site, www.projectfreedommi.org.

Above: Sir Knight Russell P. Livermore, Past Department Commander of the Grand Encampment, is transferred from his bed into his wheelchair by his wife, Mary Louise, in his home in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan.

Above: Sir Knights, left to right, are James C. Eubank, P.C.; Russell P. Livermore, P.D.C.; and Gilbert A. Rice, P.G.C., president of Project Freedom.

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Part I-The Self-made Man: Lewis B. Hershey
by Sir Knight John D. Meyers, Jr., KYCH

Lewis B. Hershey was born on September 12, 1893, in his parents' home on their farm near Angola, Indiana, that is located in Steuben County, which is nestled in the extreme northeastern part of the Hoosier state. It is bound on the north by Michigan and on the east by Ohio. The General declared humorously, "If Michigan had taken four miles off of Indiana like they did from Ohio. I would have been born in Michigan."
The second and younger son of Latta Freleigh and Rosetta (Richardson) Hershey and grandson of George R. and Joanna Latta (Freleigh) Hershey and Lewis and Frances (Hutchins) Richardson, his Swiss ancestors migrated to the United States in 1709, settling near Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
"In our day, the 'horse-poor farmer eked out a meager, but substantial living on an austerity type budget. Laboring in a 12-15 hour working day, which started before dawn and lasted until long after dusk, seven days a week. This was the kind of work schedule the farmer and his family endured in our day."
In addition to the farmhouse, barn and smokehouse, the Hershey homestead comprised some 140 acres of land of which less than 100 were actually farmed. Forty acres contained marshland, timber and two lakes. Another six acres located on steep slopes made this ground untenable.
Before the age of ten, young Lewis had already learned the expressions "gee" and "haw" (horse language for right and left). He was plowing, mowing, raking, harrowing, and cultivating the fields, and he was driving the horse team with the dexterity of an adult.
The General declared that two distinctive characteristics typified the people of Steuben County around the turn of the century. "First," he said, "we all believed in work-hard work and long working hours. Second, we learned early in life how important it is to rely on a person's word. We would never take a man's note if you couldn't trust his word. We took oufrneighbor's word at face value, because we knew his background and we believed there was validity to his word."
General Hershey married his childhood sweetheart, Ellen Dygert of Angola, on Thanksgiving Day, November 29, 1917, in Jackson, Mississippi, while he was stationed at Camp Shelby.
The reason their marriage was not announced publicly was that she was nursing at the Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. The release of this information would have put her status in jeopardy, since their marriage was forbidden during this phase of her training.
The daughter of George and Emily Dygert, Mrs. Hershey was born on September 7, 1982. She attended Angola High School and Tri-State College.
In response to inquiry about the general's choice of following a military career, Mrs. Hershey said: "I'd been in the Philippines where my uncle was Vice Governor General, and I'd met the Army out there. I was enchanted with the Army life... and I wanted my husband to stay in the service. So that's what Lewis did and we've never regretted it."
Mrs. Hershey lived in the Philippines with her uncle the Honorable Newton W. Gilbert, from September 1913 until July 1914. While there, she taught first grade pupils in the Bishop Charles Henry Episcopal School for Girls.
Reentering Tri-State College in September 1911, General Hershey became a member of the "LITS""
(Literary) baseball team intramural squad and continued as an active player until 1914. He also played varsity basketball at Tri-State during the 1911-1912 and 1913-1914 seasons.
While attending college, the enterprising student "doubled" as Deputy Sheriff from January 1, 1913, through December 31, 1916, serving under his father who was Sheriff of Steuben County at that time.
Frequently called from the classroom to assist his father at the courthouse or jail with law-enforcement matters, the young college student used his good office to settle family squabbles whenever possible, without resorting to his duly authorized power to arrest.
On the subject of some of the different types of infractions the peaceful citizens of Steuben County became involved with the law, the General replied modestly: "such things as stealing chickens, breaking seals on freight cars to retrieve the beer inside, public intoxication, fights, brawls, insane people going berserk, and general nuisances and disturbances. There were no murders," he attested.
The Hoosier educator was graduated from Tri-State College with the Degree of Bachelor of Science on August 28, 1912, and continued his studies at this institution until August 26, 1914, at which time he was awarded the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Pedagogy degrees.
A trustee of Tri- State College since January 1, 1950, General Hershey was honored earlier by his alma mater with the receipt of an honorary degree Doctor of Laws-on June 12, 1942. This same honorary degree has also been conferred upon him by Ohio State University, Oglethorpe University, Albright College, Lafayette College, Columbia University, Norwich University, and Indiana University.
In September 1914, the youthful teacher assumed his first administrative post, having been appointed Principal of Flint High School in Steuben County. He remained in this administrative position for' two years during the 1914-1915 and 1915-1916 school terms.
When he was principal at Flint High School he received a salary of $75 a month the General disclosed. He taught as well as he administered, and in those days he really did more teaching than administering.
General Hershey's memorabilia and historical documents are housed permanently in this beautiful edifice as a fitting tribute to" Tri-State's famous and loyal alumnus and in recognition of the Hoosier's long and dedicated life of public service.
Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal of Indiana on May 2, 1961, General Hershey continued to hold strong ties with his native state as he maintained his voting residence in Angola. Additionally, he was a member of North Eastern Lodge No. 210, F. & A.M. (Fremont) since April 12, 1916; honorary life member of the Angola Rotary Club since July 20, 1940; life member of the Lee Cassel Post No. 257 of the American Legion (Fremont) since November 1, 1940; and life member of the Angola Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7205 since April 24, 1961.
Ordered to active duty as a First Lieutenant, Infantry, with Company "B", 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry, Indiana National Guard, on June 19, 1916, his unit had been called the day before and was federalized for service along the United States-Mexican border.
Released from federal service in late December 1916, he entered the University of Indiana at Bloomington on February 1, 1917, to continue his graduate studies. Once again his education was interrupted when he returned to his military unit as Adjutant of the 1st Battalion on April 6, 1917, to assist in its preparation for impending call to active duty.
In his youth, then, General Hershey was successfully, and often simultaneously, engaged in such diversified occupations or avocations as farmhand, college student, country school teacher, high school principal, deputy sheriff, private and later an officer in the Indiana National Guard, and an officer in the World War I American Expeditionary Forces.
Although he thoroughly enjoyed his early training and experiences as a schoolteacher and administrator, it appears that destiny held something even more challenging for the versatile Hoosier, completely different from the rewarding career of a professional educator.
If one were to peruse the military "201 file" records of Lieutenant General Lewis Blaine Hershey Army Serial Number 0-6530, Social Security Number 579-52-4352, Blood Type "A"-he would find also that the seventy-six-year-old General had a ruddy complexion, gray hair (with military crew cut), weighed 215 pounds, and stood six feet tall.
The military records do not tell the complete story, however, of the sparkling life and distinguished career of Indiana's native son, who enjoyed the distinction of being the oldest and ranking Lieutenant General on active duty in the Armed Forces.
The Hoosier farm boy began his military career by enlisting as a private in the Indiana National Guard on February 16, 1911, before he was eighteen because he wanted to go to Indianapolis "where the Guard trained every summer."
Assigned to Company "B", 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, he was promoted to Corporal on June 10, 1912; earned the rank of Sergeant on May 28, 1913; and was elected Second Lieutenant of Company "B" on June 17, 1913.
The story is told that the young Lewis, who arrived at the armory one evening for a scheduled Guard drill, was soaked and wet from a severe thunderstorm, his shoes covered with mud from wading through the pools of water on the rain-drenched dirt road leading into Angola, Indiana, from the Hershey's country farm. .,.
'His commanding officer asked the youthful guardsman why he hadn't ridden his horse into town instead of walking through the rain. Showing he had already developed a sense of humor, the future general is reported to have answered, "Do you think I'd take my horse out in this kind of weather?"
Extremely conscientious about attending Guard drills and never late, the twenty-two-year-old citizen-soldier received his promotion to First Lieutenant on February 9, 1916. On June 19 of the same year, he was ordered to active duty with his unit Company "B" of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry, Indiana National Guard-the unit having been called the day before and federalized for service along the United States-Mexican border to halt the tantalizing raids of Pancho Villa into this country. Serving with Company "B" at Camp Llano Grande, Mercedes, Texas, until this unit was mustered out of federal service at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, on December 29, 1916, he served as a member of the Indiana National Guard until August 4, 1917.
Transferred subsequently to Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 3rd infantry, he was appointed Acting Adjutant of this National Guard unit on January 2, 1917. Although he had entered the University of Indiana at Bloomington to continue his graduate studies on February 1, 1917, he was summoned once again to his military station on April 6, 1917, to assist in preparing the 1st Battalion for call to active duty as a result of the United States' entry into World War 1.
Appointed Adjutant of the 1st Battalion on August 24, 1917, he was recalled to active duty and federalized with this unit at Ft. Benjamin Harrison. On October 1, 1917, the entire regiment, the 3rd Infantry, was reorganized and redesignated as the 137th Field Artillery, 38th Division, National Guard of the United States, reporting to Camp Shelby, Mississippi. .
Assigned as First Lieutenant, FA, NGUS, to Battery "C", he reported to the U.S. Army's School of Fire at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, on March 15, 1918, for a ten weeks' tour of duty and graduated from this special course of instruction on May 29. While attending the Fire School at Ft. Sill, he was promoted to Captain, FA, and appointed Personnel Adjutant of the 137th Field Artillery stationed at Camp Shelby. On June 1, 1918, he became Regimental Adjutant of this same unit.
With an advance detachment of the 38th Division, Captain Lewis B. Hershey embarked on the SSAquitania from New York for overseas duty with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe on October 2, 1918. Disembarking at Southampton, England, on October 9, he sailed the next day to Le Havre, France, arriving there October 11, 1918.
Ordered to attend the French Artillery School at Mauron, Morbihan, France, his artillery training at this school was short-lived by the signing of the Armistice on November 11, ending the First World War.
Relieved from his assignment as Regimental Adjutant of the 137th Field Artillery on December 18, 1918, Captain Hershey was reassigned and appointed Transportation Officer in the Office of AEF Headquarters at Brest, France. Assisting in arranging return transportation of American troops to the United States, he was relieved from this assignment on September 21, 1919, returning to New York via the SS Von Steuben on September 29.
Reporting the following day to Camp Dix, New Jersey, he was ordered to Camp Pike, Arkansas, where on October 17, 1919, he was assigned Commanding Officer of Battery "C", 10th Field Artillery, 3rd Division, Army of the United States. This assignment was terminated on November 16 with his appointment as Commanding Officer of the Service Battery and Supply Office, 10th Field Artillery, where - he played on that unit's polo team.
On September 2, 1920, Captain Lewis B. Hershey, FA,NGUS, became Captain Lewis B. Hershey, FA, USA, RA (Serial Number 0-6530), having passed the examination and accepting a commission as an officer in the United States Army, which appointment became effective July 1, 1920, when he was twenty-seven years of age.
   Appointed Commanding Officer of the Supply Office and Service Battery, 10th Field Artillery, 3rd Division, on October 17, 1921, his unit was now stationed at Camp Lewis, Washington, where he immediately renewed his activity as a member of the polo team during the years 1921-1922.
September 7, 1922, found Captain Hershey at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, where he was enrolled in a special instruction course at the Field Artillery School, from which he was graduated on June 23, 1923.
Appointed Assistant Professor of Military Science and Tactics (APMST) at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, on July 1, 1923, he served in this capacity until June 15, 1927.
Commander of the Reserve Officers Training Corps Battery at Camp Knox, Kentucky, during the months of June and July 1924-1926, he reported for duty with the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, at Ft. Bliss, Texas, on July 1, 1927, and was appointed Commanding Officer of Battery "A".
An accomplished rider on the 82nd Field Artillery's polo team, Captain Hershey was seriously injured through a glancing, misguided blow from a mallet during a match played on November 11, 1927. So severe was this injury that it led to a total loss of sight in his right eye and its subsequent removal for a plastic one.
Captain Hershey reported to the U.S. Army's Command and General Staff School at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, on August 27, 1931. Upon completion of this course on June 4, 1933, he was immediately assigned as Quartermaster, Arkadelphia Sub-district, Citizens Conservation Corps (CCC) at Arkadelphia, Arkansas, until August of the same year.
Graduated from the Army War College in Washington, D.C., on June 20, 1934, he reported to the Hawaiian Islands for duty in the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Supply (G-4), Army Headquarters, Hawaiian Department, Fort Shafter, on August 14, 1934, and was promoted to the rank of Major, FA, USA, RA, on July 1, 1935.
Enrolled at the University of Hawaii as a special student in September 1935, he continued his studies there until the following June at which time Hershey and his wife decided to take a trip around the world with their children.
Leaving Honolulu by ship, the Hershey family traveled to Japan, Korea, Manchuria, China (Peking, Shanghai and Hong Kong), Philippines, Singapore, India, Red Sea, Suez, and the Mediterranean; as well as to many European countries.
Sailing from Southampton, England, to New York in September 1936, the General reported for his assignment with the Personnel Branch (G-1), War Department, General, Staff, Washington; D.C., having also been appointed Secretary of the Joint Army and Navy Selective Service Committee.

The story of General Lewis Hershey will continue in September 2007

Northeastern Lodge No. 210, Fremont, Indiana , is planning its 150th anniversary to be held in 2007. Part of the program is the issuance of a commemorative coin with the likeness of General Hershey on one side. It is available for $10.00 each, plus $1.00 shipping. (Special coins, gold or silver plated, $50.0O each) Send your order to: John Myers, 20 S. John Ct., Angola IN 46703 (John Myers KYCH-OPC)

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Part I-Brother Vincent Lopez: Anatomy of a Band Leader
by Sir Knight Joseph E. Bennett, KYCH, 33º, FPS

    A few men are born with exceptional talent, but that is not sufficient to guarantee financial success and public acclaim. Those must be earned by adding great dedication, business acumen, and vision to plan for marketing talent. Only a mere handful are equipped to accomplish that successfully. One such rare individual was orchestra leader, Vincent Lopez. Unfortunately, he was cursed with a self-destructive tendency to thwart financial success, by fueling an extravagant lifestyle with a lack of personal discipline in the management of his affairs. He compensated for those deficiencies with a remarkable resiliency which enabled him to rise from the ashes of failure to achieve even greater goals than before. He was a brilliant survivor and a lifelong Freemason worthy of note.
    Within the context of popular music, Lopez was a cutting-edge pioneer. His sterling musical performances, coupled with a blend of tasteful arrangement and big band instrumentation, marks him as one of a select handful of innovators who created the road map for the Big Band Era. Musical history has virtually forgotten that genre. However, Lopez and his peers crafted a musical renaissance in America's fine hotels which blunted the agony of the Great Depression, if only for an. evening.
    The purveyors of those magical musical interludes were the hotel-style and society orchestras who formed the vanguard of the Big Band Era. The vehicle for their pioneering efforts was an orchestra of ten or more well-groomed musicians who performed in a pleasing dance tempo. The music was an integral part of any social gathering which offered food and entertainment. The orchestra was obligated to satisfy the standards set forth by the hotel or club management who hired the musicians, and it existed only at the pleasure of the patrons. If not, the band had a brief life expectancy.
    Probably, the most historically-important orchestras to make their debut during the time, frame of World War I, or immediately thereafter, were Paul Whiteman, Art Hickman, Meyer Davis, Paul Specht, and Vincent Lopez. A common thread ran through His histories of those bands, by virtue of the pioneering efforts of their leaders. With some variations, those leaders created the parameters for modern dance music, which established the rules for syncopation, rhythm, arrangement, musical styling, and instrumentation. One indispensable element of their music was discipline, both in performance and personal deportment. This narrative focuses on the career of Vincent Lopez, the Portugese American maestro who became a household name in the decade of the 1920s by virtue of two words-"Lopez speaking."
Lopez became an example of the quintessential orchestra leader by the mid1920s, eclipsed only slightly by the reputation of the immortal Paul Whiteman, the "King of Jazz." Like Whiteman, Lopez' emergence as a musical icon required many years of preparation and experience, which began in early childhood.
     Vincent's father was Antonio Lopez, a native of Portugal, with a reputation as a distinguished musician and mentor. Antonio immigrated to New York City as a young adult and became established in Brooklyn as a successful piano teacher. He met the Baroness Gonsalvo, a native of Lisbon, at a dinner hosted by the Portuguese ambassador in New York City. The result was a courtship and eventual marriage between the 47year-old musical mentor and the titled lady, known to her family as Virginia.
     The first child born to Antonio and Virginia was christened Vincent. His date of birth has been disputed on occa- c
sion. In some records the birth date was reported to be December 20, 1895, and three years later in others. The 1898 date may have been the result of a publicity release intended to shave three years from Vincent's age, a practice widely employed in the entertainment industry. The youngster grew up in a household dominated by a dictatorial father and religious zealot. Antonio nurtured a consuming ambition that young Vincent must become a Roman Catholic priest.
      When Vincent displayed an aptitude for music at a tender age, his father introduced him to the mandolin and guitar. The youngster soon exhibited a preference for the piano, and Antonio transferred his son's training to that instrument. By the time the boy was six years of age, he was compelled to devote at least six hours daily to instrumental practice and mastering the skills of harmony, composition, and arrangement. Antonio's cold, dictatorial personality tolerated no respite from piano practice, unless it was to attend the altar-boy duties to which Vincent was assigned at the parish church. Living in a world limited to music and the church, Vincent fully expected to enter the Catholic clergy. His younger sister Marie was exempt from the rigorous discipline required of her older brother. As a girl, she was expected to become a wife and mother.
      Antonio never realized that Vincent was playing ragtime tunes on the piano by the time he was eleven years old. He was frequently away from home on business, and a portion of that time was spent badgering the local bishop to waive the age limit for enrollment in a monastery and to admit Vincent. Antonio's persistence finally paid off. Vincent was only 12 years of age when he became a confrater at St. Mary's Monastery in Dunkirk, New York, four years below the normal age for enrollment. His youth excluded the boy from many of the leisure activities of the older student body. Thus, to occupy himself, Vincent played ragtime piano. Almost immediately, he became, the entertainment star of the monastery. He soon concluded that he was not destined for the priesthood but rather. for the world of musical entertainment. He abandoned the monastery after three years, with the blessings of the officials at St. Mary's. Antonio never forgave his son for thwarting his parental goal.
     Determined that Vincent would become established in some respectable vocation, he enrolled the 16-year-old youngster in a local business school to learn bookkeeping and stenographic skills. Vincent graduated in a year and began working for a Brooklyn milk company in a job arranged by his father. The salary was $8 a week. Unknown to the elder Lopez, Vincent was playing the piano in the predominately Irish honkytonks abounding in Brooklyn. The gigs paid $2 a night.
     Before he reached his eighteenth birthday, he quit the milk company for a fulltime job at Clayton's, a singing-waiter saloon and restaurant. His duties included playing piano and conducting patron sing-alongs. Clayton paid him $28 a week, plus 25 per cent of the waiters' tips. Lopez moved out of his father's house and never returned. He had taken the first step on a musical career which would lead to over whelming success. Before he could enjoy the fruits of national fame and fortune, he was obliged to serve an apprenticeship in the rough-and-tumble world of saloon life in Brooklyn's teeming melting pot. Clayton's was the first in a succession of piano-playing saloon jobs, before Vincent was sufficiently established to begin working in Broadway's more refined watering holes.
     During the years of 1915-1916, Vincent became acquainted with many aspiring young musicians and theatrical personalities who frequented the saloons where he played. That long list included Jimmy Durante, W. C. Fields, Mae West, Sophie Tucker, and Fanny Brice. Most of them knew him as the "Piano Kid," a sobriquet he carried to Broadway. During those same years, Lopez devoted a great deal of attention to his romantic life. He settled on a young Irish girl named Phyllis O'Connor, and proposed marriage. Unfortunately, she died suddenly from pneumonia before they could assume the marital vows.
     Lopez found a new romantic interest in Mae Kenney, another Irish girl he soon married. She bore him a daughter they christened Kay, but the marriage quickly deteriorated. Mae, an ardent Roman Catholic, disapproved of Lopez's musical activity and the fact that he was away from home so much. However, they lived together until Vincent landed his first Broadway musical employment at the Pekin, an upscale saloon-restaurant. He was hired as pianist for Ed Frischelli, leader of the house orchestra at the Pekin.
     The new pianist was an instant success. His deft piano style was both pleasing and impeccable, and his technical musical skills were obvious immediately. Lopez's instrumental mastery was supplemented by an impressive ability to manage administrative details related to a musical organization. His early business education and experience had equipped Lopez to be an able administrator when he chose to devote attention to that role. His father had trained him well, and experience in the outside world provided the poise and personality to be a successful public performer. The only impediment to great financial success rested in his personality quirks. Within a few months, he was leading the band.
     When the United States entered World War I in 1917, Lopez was well established. as the house orchestra leader at the Pekin. His job performance had improved the quality of the music there, and his reputation on Broadway was well established. Nevertheless, he rushed to volunteer for military duty. Short and stocky, the young Portuguese American had a tendency toward obesity. His physical examination disqualified him from service. The doctor diagnosed his problem as lithemia (gout), a chronic disorder. Vincent had a voracious appetite and habitually consumed enormous meals. The absence of a responsible diet regimen seriously compounded his health problems.
     Back on Broadway, Lopez continued to advance his musical career. He and Mae had separated permanently but would never divorce because of her religious convictions. Nevertheless, Lopez pursued an active and lavish social life, which created continuous financial problems. He was enamored with chorus girls and the theatrical personalities who frequented the Broadway night spots. Among the eclectic clientele at Bustanoby's, where Vincent worked frequently, were George Raft and Rudolph Valentino. The attraction for the two struggling "dance instructors" was the free bar lunch.
     Lopez struggled to keep the chairs of the Pekin house orchestra manned with competent musicians, as thousands of young men were taken into military service in 1917. He was compelled to hire female musicians to fill the vacancies. Lopez also devoted time to demonstrating musical compositions for Broadway music publishers, to augment his own income during the war. One of his brief stints was to demonstrate show tunes for Earl Carroll's investment prospects. The song-demonstration activity was secondary to his primary job, leading the house orchestra at the Pekin.
     Musical entertainment for America was dramatically uprooted by the adoption of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Prohibition became the law of the land on January 16, 1920. The sale of alcohol was prohibited, and the law spelled the end of every establishment dependent upon such business-the Pekin included. The day of the bootlegger had arrived in America.
     As 1920 dawned, Vincent Lopez was out of a job. Immediately, he formed a Dixieland combo and went to work for Perry's at Coney Island, while he prospected for something more lucrative. Constant personal indebtedness, and financial obligation to his estranged wife and daughter, made it imperative he generate adequate, income. Fortunately, Lopez's reputation as a fine pianist and leader earned a break in a new theatrical production.
     When playwright Edgar Allen Wolfe began casting his new stage show, "Rings of Smoke," he required a musical group. Lopez landed the job. He called his small ensemble "The Kings of Harmony." They traveled the entire eastern seaboard with the production company, following a very successful run on Broadway. Lopez and his band were,
featured stars of the "Rings of Smoke" company, and their popularity generated musical offers from virtually every eastern city. By the end of 1920, Vincent Lopez was a highly successful band leader in New York and was destined for even greater accomplishments.
    The publicity Lopez enjoyed from "Rings of Smoke" provided an offer to supply the music for the Sigmund Romberg-Max Wilner stage production, "Lovebirds," during the winter of 1920-1921. By spring, Lopez enlarged his band and accepted a summer engagement at the plush Ross Fenton Farms resort at Asbury Park, New Jersey, a popular vacation area. The engagement proved to be another musical success for the personable little pianist. One highlight of the stay was meeting and making friends with Vincent Youmans, a budding music composer destined for international fame. However, a friendship with Raymond Schindler, which began during his stint with "Lovebirds," provided the break Lopez needed to put him over the top.
      Schindler's recommendation was sufficient to earn Vincent Lopez and his "Kings of Harmony" a long engagement at the Hotel Statler's Pennsylvania Grill. In the fall of 1921, a salary of $850 a week was a handsome stipend for a seven-piece band. The sound was an instant hit. Realizing that his fortunes depended on improving his small band to fit the public image of the opulent Hotel Statler, Vincent hired arranger J. B. Lampe to create a new arrangement book for a larger orchestra. The band was expanded to include a full reed and brass section, playing in a refined and reserved style which showcased the facile Lopez piano beautifully. The age of the formal arrangement, with instrumental sections orchestrated to perform in perfect harmony, had arrived. Impeccable rhythm, tempo, dynamics, and strict musical discipline, were demanded now to become a successful society-hotel orchestra.
      By the end of the year, Vincent called his band, "The Hotel Pennsylvania Orchestra." The popularity of the Pennsylvania Grill in society circles increased the reputation of the Hotel Statler substantially. The credit went to Vincent Lopez, arid it earned a powerful personal friend with deep pockets in E. M. Statler. On 'November 27, 1921, Vincent reached another milestone in his burgeoning career when he made a pioneer radio broadcast.
     In Newark at WJZ, one of the earliest radio stations, they had a last-minute cancellation of a scheduled program. An immediate solution was to broadcast the music of a popular orchestra. Vincent Lopez was selected, and he accepted with enthusiasm. Surprised when instructed to greet his radio audience to begin the program, the maestro opened with those memorable words, "Lopez speaking." It became his permanent radio greeting and America's most enduring musical introduction. Inasmuch as there was no rigid schedule, the Pennsylvania Hotel Orchestra continued to broadcast music for an hour and thirty minutes. Lopez's radio debut was so successful that the station installed a permanent broadcast wire into the Pennsylvania Grill. Before long, Lopez virtually equaled the great Paul Whiteman in popularity.
       Vincent was besieged with theater and ballroom offers. He was approached by the Edison Phonograph Company and was delighted to sign his first recording contract. One of his most precious mementos became the letter of congratulations he received from Thomas A. Edison, the famous inventor who employed him.
      The band's recording contract was soon transferred to the Okeh Recording Company, when it presented a superior marketing opportunity for Lopez records. Within a couple of years, their popularity was sufficient to see Vincent Lopez music distributed by several other new and successful recording companies. Among those featuring Lopez records over the next two decades were Brunswick, Regal, Perfect, Conqueror, Melotone, Oriole, Pathe, Domino, and Bluebird. The sale of records became a major factor in advancing the fame and public adulation of Lopez music.
Thanks to the lenient contractual arrangement with E. M. Statler, Vincent was enabled to take advantage of many new business opportunities. He became bold and impulsive in his business decisions. One of his new and expensive gambles was to underwrite the purchase of stage costumes, portable scenery, and to hire the performers to produce a stage show centered about the famous steamboat race between the Natchez and the Robert E. Lee. When everything was ready for debut, Lopez persuaded Eddie Darling of the Keith Circuit to book the production into New York's famous Palace Theater. They opened on August 7, 1922.
       The steamboat race reenactment was a dramatic success for Vincent Lopez. The "barnburner" musical climax was the band's rendition of the famous song, "The Natchez and the Robert E. Lee." The show was widely acclaimed, and Lopez enjoyed an eleven-week run at the Palace. The company went on a vaudeville tour for the rest of the summer, extending the success for many months. By that point in his career, Lopez was so overwhelmed with engagement offers that he had begun to sign other orchestras to perform under his management, advertised as "Lopez Presents."
       At the peak of his popularity in the early 1920's, Vincent had 51 bands working under his banner. One of the those Vincent tried to recruit as a satellite band was the Guy Lombardo Orchestra. He heard them perform while the Lopez band was on tour in Cleveland, Ohio. Although struggling to become established, Lombardo declined to become part of the Lopez organization. As time passed, the Royal Canadians did pretty well on their own.
       By the end of 1922, the competition between Paul Whiteman and Vincent Lopez reached a climax. They both had large satellite organizations, which collectively numbered about 100 bands. Both were firmly entrenched in the finest venues in New York City. The competition was keen, and for Lopez very personal. As time passed, both became determined to reap the benefit of a highly-publicized jazz concert at some prominent New York auditorium. Whiteman won that race. On November 4, 1924, Whiteman assembled an enormous orchestra for a concert he termed "An Experiment In Modern Music," introducing George Gershwin's composition, "Rhapsody In Blue." Whiteman performed In New York's venerable Aeolian Hall to a packed house. It was a tremendous musical triumph.
       Chagrined but undaunted, Lopez countered with his own concert at the Metropolitan Opera House on November 24, 1924. His 56-piece orchestra featured a W. C. Handy composition titleu "The 'Evolution of the Blues," as his musica1 centerpiece. That occasion also marked the debut of the brilliant harmonica star, Borah Minnevich. Vincent found him working at a sales job for the Wurlitzer Company. The concert was a great musical triumph for Lopez, one which elevated his reputation to international status.

Don't Miss Part II in the September 2007 issue!
Sir Knight Joseph E. Bennett, KYCH, 33º, FPS, and P.D.D.G.M. of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, is a member of Holy Grail Commandery No. 70, Lakewood, Ohio. He resides at: 1001 South Diamond Street, Nampa, ID 83686.

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Connecticut's Newest Recipient of the Knights Templar Cross of Honor: Sir Knight George J. Cronk, Past Commander of Stamford-Clinton No.3

Upon the endorsement of Sir Knight William L. Miller, then RE.G.C., and the recommendation of the Sir Knights of Stamford-Clinton Commandery No.3, Sir Knight George James Cronk was awarded the coveted Knights Templar Cross of Honor for the Templar year 2006-2007. The award came as a complete surprise and shock to both Sir Knight George and his Lady Anastasia. Sir Knight John M. Lewis, RE. Northeastern Department Commander, and Sir Knight William H. Thornley, Jr., M.E. Past Grand Master of the Grand Encampment, made the official presentation at the 180th Annual Conclave Banquet in recognition of George's service to Templary above and beyond the call of duty, an honor specifically limited to those hard at work in the trenches.
Sir Knight George has been and continues to be a dedicated Mason and supporter of the York Rite in the southwestern region of Connecticut. From the time he was first Knighted right through to present day, Sir Knight George has given unselfishly of himself to promote Templary and has been an instrumental leader in the revitalization of his own Cominandery, as well as sister Commandery Crusader No. 10 and the Chapters and Councils which support them. He is personally responsible for adding a number of new and inspired Sir Knights to our fold. His efforts have been especially vital during a time and in a region of our state where the York Rite and Templary have been struggling for viability and a guiding motivation since the removal of Stamford Clinton Commandery No.3 from probation.
The last such Sir Knight to have earned this prestigious honor from that area was Sir Knight Warren Dennison from the former Stamford Commandery No. 12, whose belief in the spirit of his Commandery rivaled that of Sir Knight George. Sir Knight George joins a long list of Connecticut holders of the KTCH. Well done, good and faithful servant!

In the picture, Sir Knight John M. Lewis, RE. Northeastern Department Commander of the Grand Encampment, congratulates Sir Knight Cronk on his KTCH, held by Lady Anastasia and guarded by then RE.G.C., William Miller. (submitted by Sir Knight Robert D. Sherrick, Knight Templar supplement editor)

Damascus Commandery No.1, Minnesota, Celebrates 150 Years

Damascus Commandery No.1 of Saint Paul, Minnesota, celebrated its 150th Anniversary on Sunday, September 10, 2006, at the Cherokee Sirloin Room in St. Paul. Over 75 Knights and guests came from all parts of the state to help celebrate the oldest

Commandery in Minnesota. The event was two-fold: Damascus' own, Sir Knight Allan F. Kauppi, was recently installed as Right Eminent Grand Commander, so they also received and acknowledged Sir Knight Al.
After a delicious meal, Sir Knight Ray Hayward, master of ceremonies, introduced the many distinguished guests including many Past Grand Commanders and the Grand Master of Masons for Minnesota, M. W. Steven R. Johnson. They were then treated to the first public showing of a forty-minute documentary on the history of Damascus Commandery No. 1. Later, Sir Knight Allan F. Kauppi, Grand Commander, was presented with a medieval sword replica, compliments of his brother Knights.
 In the picture at left, ,R.E.G.C. Allan F. Kauppi holds the sword. Sir Knight Raymond W. Hayward, EC. of Damascus No.1, is at right. Sir Knight. Harland Thomesen, Commander of Damascus No.1, was then introduced and offered a warm welcome to all and spoke about 'Damascus Commandery and its history. The Grand Commander spoke next giving a brief address, expressing his gratitude to his family, to the Commandery, and to all the many friends he has in the various Masonic bodies for all the,ir help and support.
Brother Steven Johnson, M.W. Grand Master then congratulated the Commandery on its 150 years and noted the vitality' and initiative shown by the members of this Commandery. The evening ended with a toast, followed by a prayer given by Sir Knight Barnes Sharritt, Grand Prelate,
During the evening, participants were treated to live music provided by the Grand Organist, William Hubbard. Copies of the documentary and the commemorative jewel struck to celebrate the anniversary and Grand Commander Kauppi were on sale. Both are still available for sale. See mnyorkritel.org.

Kingsport Commandery No. 33, Tennessee, Honors Leroy Doty

Kingsport Commandery No, 33 honored Leroy Doty (Past Commander of No. 33 and Past Grand Commander of Tennessee) with a plaque from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation recognizing his many years of service to the Eye Treatment committee for Kingsport Commandery. Sir Knight Leroy sponsored the first eye treatment case for Kingsport Commandery: Mrs. Lon Simpson, the wife of a woodcutter in Hawkins County, Tennessee. Sir Knight Doty served as chairman of the committee from 1981 to 2007. In that time he served 188 patients. He traveled among the hills of East Tennessee to visit in the home of each patient and to check his or her doctor's report. He reluctantly retired as chairman this year at the age of 93. The Commander thanked him for his many years of service, and the Commandery also acknowledged his long, faithful service to the order.

Pictured, left to right, are: Johnny Smith, Commander; Leroy Doty; Chuck Thames, Junior Past Commander; and Von Lewis, Right Eminent Grand Commander of Tennessee.

Northeast Tennessee York Rite College No. 153 and
Kingsport Commandery No. 33 Provide Memorial Day Honor Guard

Northeast Tennessee York Rite College No. 153 and Kingsport Commandery No. 33 provided a Knights Templar Honor Guard for the color guard' at the Memorial Day (May 28, 2007) program at the Veterans' Memorial in Rogersville, Tennessee. Also, Howard Ensor (in Scottish regalia) of the College played the bagpipes for the program. The public event had approximately 200 attend. The Knights received a warm welcome and many thanks from the crowd.
Pictured, left to right, are members of the honor guard: Glenn Beck, (Past Commander No. 22, dual No. 33 and Eminent Grand Captain General); Von Lewis, Past Governor, (Past Commander St. Omar No. 19, dual No. 33, and Right Eminent Grand Commander); -Tommy Kenner, Chancellor, (Past Commander No. 33); Howard Ensor, Deputy Governor, (Past Commander Carter No. 37); Richard Burow, Secretary, Past Grand Governor TN, (Recorder No. 33); Gary Coates (Past Commander No. 33); Chuck Thames, Past Governor (Past Commander No. 33).
The above articles and pictures concerning Tennessee events were provided by Sir Knight Richard W. Burow, Recorder of Kingsport Commandery No. 33.

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<BGSOUND SRC="http://www.knightstemplar.org/music/knowingmeknowingyou.mid">
"Knowing Me, Knowing You"