Oriental Consistory S.P.R.S.

2025-2026 Annual Report

As I conclude my term as Commander-in-Chief for the Valley of Chicago, I am eternally grateful to our past and present membership, leadership and staff. I would not be here today if I was not raised twenty years ago by my (brother) Brother, and past Commander-in-Chief, Illustrious Andrew A. Keppy, 33o. I would also like to thank Illustrious Brother J. Kenneth Ludwig, 33o for appointing me as an officer in the Rite during his term as Sovereign Prince. Most importantly, I would like to thank the membership for putting their trust in me to lead the Valley.

The Executive Committee was well-synced this year, working harmoniously to create many events and making many decisions to promote positive fellowship amongst the members. It’s been an honor to serve the past two years with Brother Eric R. Scanlan, Most Wise Master, and the past year with Illustrious Brother Edward C. Steffy, MSA, 33o, Thrice Potent Master and our Sovereign Prince and Chairman, Illustrious Brother Scott D. Neville, 33o. The success of the events planned would not have been possible without the wonderful support of the Office staff, including Eric, Debbie, and Michael.

The past year’s Board of Directors were as equally productive and cooperative in their leadership roles, and I am thankful that they will continue on the next year with the same great core of gentlemen and Brothers.

The Consistory Officers have served myself and the Valley tremendously, whether partaking in degrees, committees, events, or other volunteer and supporting roles. I know that the Valley will be in good hands in the future with their leadership.

In the previous year, the Valley encountered another significant change in leadership, with Most Worshipful and Illustrious Brother Anthony R. Cracco, 33o becoming the Valley Active Emeritus, and we were blessed to have had him in his role. The Valley could not be more fortunate with Brother Cracco’s successor and new Active, Illustrious Brother William E. Tienken, 33o.

There were plenty of events throughout the year. The Valley was proud to have hosted the Sovereign Grand Commander in his listening tour held on October 4, 2025. This event allowed many Brothers of the Valley to connect at the Supreme Council level, and many walked away with new ideas and thoughts of what to do at our own Valley.

Each Body of the Valley participated in a stated meeting, and the Consistory elected to have their stated meeting watching the Valley of Chicago present a filmed 6th degree broadcast live across the Supreme Council’s regular Thursday Night at the Rite program, which was a great event to start 2026 to highlight the theatrical talents we have at our Valley.

As it had been some time since our Valley has had a sports themed Reunion, the Executive Committee thought it would be great to honor the Super Bowl XX Champions on their 40th anniversary, paying host to NFL Hall of Famer Dan Hampton as part of the Reunion festivities. The Valley welcomed 30 new members as part of the Reunion class and the Consistory presented the 29th, 30th, and 32nd degrees.

The Valley moved on from a tailgate party, to a New Orleans Mardi Gras theme Spring Reunion, and let the good times roll. The Valley was pleased to welcome 27 new members as part of the class, putting on what many had called one of their favorite Reunions in many years. The Consistory presented the 21st and 32nd degrees as part of the Reunion. Both Reunions could not have been so successful without the great efforts by our director of work, Terry Hartl, and all associated Committees to present our Valley’s degrees.

In addition to our internal work, our Valley continues to be a beacon in our community with events such as the MS Bikeathon, Dyslexia Center Walk, picnic, car show, and fall festival, emulating tenets as Freemasons of brotherly love and charity. Participation in these events are essential to not just Valley leaders, but all members.

To the new members and those members not as active, I truly hope you feel welcomed, and can find a role in the Valley, whether it is a role in a degree, assisting with a committee, or volunteering for an event. Getting involved matters, and the principle of “you get out what you put in” is true.

As the Consistory changes hands at the Valley of Chicago, I am confident our Valley will continue to be a shining light in Freemasonry. I appreciate the honor you have given me as Commander-in-Chief, and hope that our Valley will continue to satisfy, inspire, and grow our membership through the work we do as a Valley, ever responsive to the needs of humanity and the call of the world. Spes mea in Deo est.
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Respectfully Submitted,

Douglas H. Keppy

Commander-in-Chief