Pictures and a news article on the Scottish Rite Reunion that was held in Pierre, South Dakota.

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The Philip L. Norman 33° Memorial Reunion was held on a beautiful but busy fall day in the Pierre, SD Masonic Center on Saturday, September 10, 2011.  An enthusiastic class of 15 candidates enjoyed the work by ritualists of Yankton Scottish Rite who traveled to Pierre to exemplify the 4th, 14th, 18th, 21st, 30th and 32nd degrees. 

The reunion was planned and coordinated by a local committee chaired by Gary Johnson 32° KCCH, and included MWB Richard Decker 33°, Curt Mortenson 33°, Ray Neuhauser 33°, Kevin Neuhauser 32° KCCH, Gerald Johnson Steve Likness 32° KCCH, Dave McGruder 32° KCCH, Mitch Norman 32°, Matt Schatz 32°, Don Sandal 32°, and Charlie Walker KCCH-elect. 

Class members were Andy Johnson of Pierre, President, Jeffrey P. Rheborg, Pierre, Vice President, Ty B. Norman, Hayes, Secretary, and Will D. Mortenson, Pierre, Orator.  Other class members included Steven R. Baker, Pierre, Darren L. Fischer. Midland, Gerad A. Johnson, Ft. Pierre, David J. Neuharth, Ft. Pierre, Levi J. Neuharth Ft. Pierre, Blake M. Norman, Ft. Pierre, Tanner R. Norman, Hayes, Shad T. Riggle, Hayes, Brian D. Schult, Blunt, Richard A. Siedschlaw, Ft. Pierre, and Daniel L. Walker, Pierre.  Gary Johnson 32° KCCH served as Class Director for the day.

The Class Motto created by the class is “Take pride in how far you’ve come.  Have faith in how far you’ll go in the enlightenment of brotherhood”

The day started at 6:30 with breakfast prepared by Hiram Lodge #123 and class registration and photos by Ill. Skip VanDerhule 33°.  The introduction for the day started at 8:00, followed by the 4th degree at 8:30.  Lunch was prepared by brothers of Hiram Lodge #123 with service assistance by the local DeMolay chapter.

A substantial number of Ill. Brother Phil Norman’s immediate and extended family members attended the evening banquet.  Master of Ceremonies MWB Virgil Andersen 33°, SGIG’s Valley and Orient Representative congratulated the class and thanked the local committee, degree workers Pierre Lodge and all those who provided meals and other support throughout the day for their exceptional efforts that made the reunion possible.  Ill. Clarence Mortenson 33° and Ill. Curt Mortenson 33° spoke of the influence of Scottish Rite on WB Phil’s life, his Masonic career and his influence on his family and community.  WB Mitch Norman 32° responded on behalf of the family, and introduced the family members in attendance, six of which were members of the class.  President Gary Johnson introduced the class members and class Orator Will Mortenson, who spoke of the class impressions of the day.  SGIG Kaufman provided his remarks, congratulating the class on their achievement.

The members of Yankton Valley welcome our new brothers to the Scottish Rite, and thank them for seeking further light in Masonry by becoming Masters of the Royal Secret.