Van Rensselaer Lodge of Perfection

2025-2026 Annual Report

Thank you for allowing me to serve as Thrice Potent Master in the premier valley in Scottish Rite Masonry.

Our year was filled with a variety of events, some tried and true and others relatively new.

We were honored to be chosen for an episode of TNR by the Supreme Council. On October 3rd, Alan Betker, VA KCCH and his cast performed the 6th degree for a film crew which was broadcast in January. We had a viewing party in which all agreed on the fine performance and felt pride in this accomplishment.

On October 4th we hosted the last stop in the Sovereign Grand Commander Walt Wheelers listening tour. It was an insightful meeting which caused me to understand why I think we are the premier Masonic organization and the Valley of Choice. I look forward to hearing your thoughts at a stated meeting in the future.

Our fall reunion had an ‘85 Bears theme. Our guest speaker, Dan Hampton, related his stories to team building correlating it to masonry. Our spring reunion had a Mardi Gras theme enjoyed by all who attended. We brought in 57 new members between both reunions.

We continued to follow each reunion with a stated meeting/degree night. This allowed us to stage the 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, and 9th (Courtesy of Gourgas Chapter of Rose Croix, thank you) since the last annual meeting.

I would like to thank Eric Smith and the office staff (Michael, Debbie, Lydia) for all that they do to make our valley so successful. Their hard work is what makes this valley run like the well oiled machine it is.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also thank Terry Hartl and his theater crew for all the time and hard work that they put in to make our reunions and degrees successful. Their dedication to the craft is undeniable.

I would also like to thank the officers of the Van Rensselaer Lodge of Perfection for their support, hard work, and most of all, friendship. When I stumble, they catch me before I fall.

In closing, I am humbly and profoundly moved by our officers and membership, brothers all, for their trust in me to carry on the work of the greatest valley in Scottish Rite Masonry.

Respectively Submitted,

Edward C. Steffy, MSA, 33o

Thrice Potent Master