Providence, RI, will be the site of this year's annual meeting of the Scottish Rite Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. More than 2,000 Thirty-third Degree Masons and their ladies from 15 northeastern states are expected at the meeting on Aug. 23-27.

The 2008 Session will be highlighted by the conferral of the Thirty-third Degree upon 104 Scottish Rite Masons who were elected for this high honor at last year's meeting in Washington, DC. The Thirty-third Degree is awarded for outstanding achievement within the fraternity or for significant contributions to others, reflecting credit on Freemasonry. The impressive ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Introductory luncheons honoring the Thirty-third Degree candidates and their ladies will be on the schedule for Sunday noon. The Rhode Island Convention Center will be the scene of the traditional Supreme Council Vesper Service during the afternoon.

Earlier business conferences attended by the officers of the Supreme Council will be held on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 22-23.

Sovereign Grand Commander John Wm. McNaughton will preside over a General Session of the Supreme Council on Monday, Aug. 25. In the course of this session, prominent leaders from other Masonic organizations in the United States and throughout the world are expected to be in attendance.

A number of other events have been scheduled, including a Monday luncheon in the Rhode Island Convention Center for all ladies attending the Providence meeting. Mrs. Judy McNaughton, wife of the Grand Commander, will preside over the luncheon and program. Another luncheon will be served for all Supreme Council members, distinguished guests, and members of the class.

That evening, a concert at the Rhode Island Convention Center will feature the Ocean State Summer Pops Orchestra who will entertain members and their ladies. During the week, special sightseeing tours will be available for those attending the meeting.

In addition to the major events sponsored by the Supreme Council, a Masonic Marketplace will allow vendors to display Masonic-related items.

The 2008 meeting will end with the announcement of the names of those elected to receive the Thirty-third Degree at Boston in August 2009.

The Valley of Concord will be doing a "Feast of Pascal Lamb" this spring at the Masonic Temple in Concord. The establishment of the Feast of the Pascal Lamb dates back to the Old Testament narrative which reads; “And this day shall be unto you a memorial and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations, ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever”.

We celebrate the bread and the wine in the fellowship, usurping none of the church’s authority in the traditional sense, but rather reflecting upon the significance of the rite as true speculative Masons. It is a moving experience done with dignity and emotion.

The Feast of the Pascal Lamb is also a time to give thanks for the many Blessings we have received and to reaffirm our faith in the covenant of God with his people besides remembering our departed loved ones who were our Brothers in this great fraternity.

On this very auspicious occasion, all are welcome, members, their families, friends and their families, widows of our departed Brothers and guests. Brothers, resolve to bring a non-Masonic Family with you to explain to them the importance of our Masonic Labors. Let all come and see how lights of Brotherly Love and Charity burn within the Masonic Family.

A Public Observance of the Feast of the Paschal Lamb and relighting the lights Sunday, March 16, 2008 3:00 PM by the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Concord, Concord Masonic Temple, 53 Ironworks Road, Concord New Hampshire, Gary E Roy Most Wise Master.