Fort Scott men receive fraternity's highest honors

Submitted photo Three members of the Fort Scott Scottish Rite were received honors in a ceremony at the Scottish Rite Temple in Wichita. They were: front row, first from left, William "Buck" Fischer, second row, third from left, Larry D. Swaim, and back row, third from left, Wayne W. Thorpe.

WICHITA -- Three Fort Scott, men were recently extended two of the highest honors in Scottish Rite Masonry.

William "Buck" Fischer, of Fort Scott, front row first from left, obtained the highest honor that can be given by the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction, the rank of 33rd Degree.

Larry D. Swaim, second row third from left, and Wayne W. Thorpe, back row 3rd from left, also of Fort Scott, received the rank of Knights Commander Court of Honor (K.C.C.H.).

Fischer received the 33rd Degree during a special Coronation ceremony, along with two others from the Valley of Ft. Scott at the Scottish Rite Temple in Wichita. Also becoming 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Masons were William E. "Billy" Mansfield, of Coffeyville, and Donald N. Lapanne of Galena.

Swaim and Thorpe were honored along with four others from the Valley of Fort Scott in an Investiture ceremony at the Wichita Temple. Also awarded K.C.C.H. honors were: Arthur A. Hartshorn, Jr. of Pittsburg, Glen A. Novotny of Thayer, Thomas E. "Tommy" Tuggle of Mound City, and E. Wayne Gaut, of Coffeyville.

Less than one percent of Scottish Rite members nationwide ever attain 33rd degree status, while only about two percent are awarded the K.C.C.H.

To be even considered for the K.C.C.H., the member must have been a Scottish Rite Master Mason for at least four years. The 33rd degree requires the member to have served the Scottish Rite for at least eight years and there is no guarantee that any Scottish Rite Master Mason will ever receive either honor.

The names of those chosen for nomination are submitted first to The Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the State of Kansas. After his acceptance, the names are submitted to the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction in Washington, D.C. They must be approved and voted on to receive the honors.

These honors can not be asked for, or applied for by the members. Rather, they must be recommended by their peers to be considered.

Scottish Rite Masons from four other Valleys in the State of Kansas received the honors along with these nine from the Valley of Fort Scott.