Greetings from the

Commander-in-Chief

Ill:. Raymond T. George, 33°

2007-09

Dear Sublime Princes, Friends and Visitors:

Welcome back from what I hope was a very pleasant and enjoyable summer for you and your family, to our Fall 2008 season.

We are just a few short weeks off of Supreme Council in Providence, Rhode Island. What an experience. Sessions have been shortened, but were not abbreviated. A new concept called the Hedgehog Concept was rolled out by our Sovereign Grand Commander, Ill. John Wm. McNaughton, 33º. In the book "Good to Great," author Jim Collins, describes the Hedgehog Concept as an understanding of what you can be best at. The Hedgehog Concept is used to drive clarity about how to produce the best long-term results at what we can be best at, and then exercising the relentless discipline with deep passion to say no to opportunities that don't align with our Hedgehog Concept.

So you might ask what does this have to do with Scottish Rite Masonry. It is pretty simple. It's up to us to determine what we are best at and then having a clear understanding of what that is, focus our energies, our thoughts and ideas, our activities on being the best for the convenience, inspiration, and enjoyment of our Members. There is no simple or comprehensive answer. Each Valley will be somewhat unique. However, we should all be working toward: EACH VALLEY MUST EMPHASIZE, CONVENIENCE, INSPIRATION, AND ENJOYMENT IN ALL ITS PROGRAMS AND DEGREES. Brethren, that is the Hedgehog Concept for the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Wow, was this concept evident during sessions. Through the use state-of-the-art technology and audio/visual techniques, careful planning and creative choreography, we were able to conduct our normal business in just one session. More importantly, the information presented using entertaining , focused, and impressive methods designed to inspire Members in an enjoyable and convenient manner.

I am interested in your thoughts on the Hedgehog Concept and how we can emphasize convenience, inspiration and enjoyment in all our unique approach to programs and Degrees here in the Valley of Philadelphia. I look forward to our time together as we embark on our Fall 2008 season.

Speas Mea In Deo Est