Sciots in Los Angeles Initiate Deputy Grand Master of California along with 5 other Masons!
photo credit: Guillermo Quezada
Back row: C. Giuseppe Ariola, Guillermo Quezada, Jonathan Kanarek, Ronald J Perez, Tyler Sirvoy, Gallen Hernandez, Charles Fisher, Michael Selix, Frank Barbano, Seb Badoyan, Michael D.T. Smith, Fred Bon, Charles D’Atri, Dan Dugo, Daniel Clem, Duane Neade, Jaxodus Volumes, Rasool Sadriyeh, Steven Klein, Manny Jimenez
Front row: Jonas Olguin, Sean Metroka, Dick Wayne Sauer, Vatche Kiwanian, Steve Herman, Harry Rostamian, Chuck Schubert, Hanna Barbano, R.J. Hodges.
Getting Initiated a SCIOT
Last month, the Los Angeles Sciots, Pyramid 59 (LA59) had the honor of initiating Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of California, Right Worshipful Sean Metroka along with 5 other newly minted Sciots; Jonas Olguin, Dick Sauer, Vatche Kiwanian, Steve Herman and yours truly, R.J. Hodges.
Metroka is the presumed incoming Grand Master of California. He made the decision to join the world’s newest Sciot Pyramid, Los Angeles Pyramid 59 of the Ancient Egyptian Order of Sciots (LA59), due to the positive buzz circulating within Masonic circles. Rite Worshipful Sean Metroka stated after his initiation,
“I had an incredible time. This exemplifies what Masonry is all about and I am glad I chose Los Angeles Pyramid 59 to be initiated in.”
Above, Elysian Lodge supporters Daniel Clem and Manny Jimenez, Rite Worshipful Sean Metroka, Petitioners Jaxodus and Rossool.
Rite Worshipful Sean Metroka and Worshipful Frank Barbano, Past Toparch 2022.
LA59 received its charter last year in 2022. It marks the first new Sciots Pyramid in California in almost four decades.
LA59 recently had the privilege of hosting the World-Wide Semi-Annual Communication for all of Sciotry at their Pyramid, which resides within Elysian Lodge in Los Angeles. The event was followed by the Sciots Great Gatsby Gala, a remarkable 1920s-themed affair partially funded by the Long Beach Sciots (LB43) under the direction of their Toparch Bob Edis and the remaining or bulk of the funding was provided by the Master of Elysian Lodge and LA59 Sciots’ first Toparch Frank Barbano. Many Sciots volunteered their time and efforts to make the event happen including current Toparch, Mike Smith, Scribe Harry Rostamian, incoming presumed Toparch Seb Badoyan, Ron Perez, Haik Hairapetian, Deputy Pharaoh Ron Alcorn, Past Pharaoh Mike Selix, Guillermo Quezada, Gallen Hernandez, Giuseppe Ariola, Charlie Fisher, Steve Klein, Ralf Lopez and William Lopez (no relation). The night was filled with excitement as guests enjoyed casino games such as roulette, craps, and poker, a lavish menu, live 1920’s music, and everyone dressed up in striking costumes reminiscent of the era.
While the Sciots originally were created in 1905 as an appendant body to Masonry, focusing more on the social and charitable aspects, the Pyramids maintain a similar structure to a typical Blue Lodge such as Elysian 418 but with a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Conversations about upcoming and past events are often accompanied by playful interruptions like whoopie cushions and silly string targeted at our members.
Steve Klein, a founding member of LA59, reflecting on the Great Gatsby Gala during the last Sciots Stated Meeting, expressed, “This was one of the best events I’ve ever attended, Masonic or otherwise.” Pharaoh Mike Selix, PP 2022 praised, “You all exceeded every expectation; it’s truly remarkable what this brand-new pyramid has achieved.”
Following such accolades for the event and the generous funding already donated by the event organizer as mentioned above, O’Scribe Harry Rostamian proposed that the receipts he submitted be torn up, and the expenses he had already paid for the party be considered a donation as well. I saw a few tears in the audience at his reflection and gesture. Wor. Harry Rostamian is truly a Mason’s Mason.
Worshipful Harry Rostamian, current Scribe (Secretary)
Freemasonry is renowned for its amazing members and charitable works, and the LA59 Sciots have exemplified their generosity not only through their own actions but also by supporting the charities of other appendant bodies which is an uncommon practice in any organization. Last year, the LA59 Sciots raised funds and donated $5,000 to the Pasadena Scottish Rite’s Right’s in-house charity, the Rite Care Center, recognized for their commendable work with children’s language disorders.
The regular Sciots meetings take place on the third Saturday of every month at 9 am, and we extend a warm welcome to all Master Masons in good standing who wish to join. Coinciding with our meetings, Elysian Lodge hosts its open house, where you can bring friends and family to enjoy coffee, bagels and donuts and hang with the Sciots after their short meeting. Additionally, our talented members will provide musical entertainment during our meeting.
After our last meeting, Sciot Wor. Ralph Lopez and Sciot Giuseppe Ariola invited us to a Shriners event at Griffith Park, where we delighted in a miniature train ride and a fantastic BBQ. So, you never know what exciting adventures might pop up next.
Respectfully submitted by R.J. Hodges, LA59 Sciot and Elysian Member.
