Oriental Consistory S.P.R.S.

2021-2022 Annual Report

 Illustrious Active, Illustrious Deputy, Illustrious Deputy Representative, my fellow Presiding Officers, and Brethren

Two years goes by so fast. As Commander-in-Chief for the Valley of Chicago, I want to thank everyone in our Valley for making this a Valley of Excellence. I would like to start by stating what a pleasure it was to work with my fellow Executive Officers; Reuben Owens, David Truax, and Guide Sobecki. We each brought our strengths to educate, strengthen the brotherhood, and lead the membership. It is without words that the staff at the Valley are the center of our success; David Koss, Debbie Pasiewicz, and the other staff members. Their dedication and hard work are the backbones of not only our organization but all our events.

My first year started with the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a very trying time. We wanted to make sure that all members of the Valley knew that we wanted to do everything we could to lift our members. We had to go outside the box to plan a new “outreach” program. We organized to-go meals, virtual meetings and speakers, and brother-to-brother support. The next year normalcy came back. I could see that members were ready to start again where they had left off and meet with each other again. It was truly a great thing to see!

With all the events of the pandemic, we were proud to make it our mission to honor first responders at our Fall Reunion. It was indeed a special experience with a presentation by Chief Richard Picciotto, who had survived the collapse of the World Trade Centers on 9/11. A true American hero. Next came our Spring Reunion 2022 with a celebration of the Columbian Exposition. The Valley has so many artifacts from this spectacular Fair and did an amazing display for the members to view. Our members loved the history and, of course, had fun at the kick-off party where they dressed up in the clothing of that era and enjoyed foods and festivities. I can’t wait to see what the future brings to our Valley.

It was an honor to serve with the officers of the Oriental Consistory. You are an inspiration to me. Everyone pushed their limits doing new things and growing stronger by doing them. I couldn’t ask for a better group of talented leaders.

As I get ready to pass the baton to the next Commander-in-Chief of the Valley, I look back at what started my journey to the Scottish Rite. I think about my grandfather Louis Mack, MSA and my father John Nygard, 32°. I know that they would have not only been proud of me, but what our VOC has accomplished and continues to do.

Lastly, I would like to thank Anthony R. Cracco, 33°, Active, and Charles A. August, 33° Deputy’s Representative, for all they do and for the guidance I needed to navigate as the Commander-in-Chief. To all my brothers who lifted me up when my father passed… I can’t thank you enough.

Respectfully,

Karl J. Nygard
Commander-in-Chief