VALLEY OF LOWER DELAWARE

History of the Delaware Knights of Saint Andrew

The “Original Seven” Charter Members.

   A delegation of seven members from the Valley of Wilmington and the Valley of Lower Delaware, while visiting the Fall 2012 Reunion of the Valley of Uniontown, (PA) met Brother Knight Daniel Drummond from the Valley of Louisville (KY). He was attired in his Glengarry Bonnet and told us of the good works of the Knights of Saint Andrew (KSA). Being duly impressed, they sought and received the approval of Illustrious James T. Elliot, Jr., 33° the Deputy for Delaware. We investigate the possibility of forming our own organization of the Knights of Saint Andrew for the state of Delaware. He not only gave us permission; he encouraged us to continue. The “Original Seven” (listed alphabetically and by Valley) were Michael H. Downey, 32° and Craig A. Skotnicki, 32°, from the Valley of Wilmington; James E. Blake, 32°, Sam Katz, 32°, Earl Sennett 32°, Philip R. Webb, 32°, and Charles Workman, 32°, PJGW, from the Valley of Lower Delaware.

   The idea of restarting a KSA for the Valley of Lower Delaware was given to Delaware’s Deputy Ill Herbert Atkinson 33ᵒ and David Walters MSA by Greg Vernicek and John (Jack) McDuff at the Year ending Gala Reunion April 23, 2022. Ill. Herbert Atkinson 33ᵒ took it on as an action item, to bring the KSA to VOLD, and announced it at this Gala Reunion. By Christmas of 2022 we had seven members to support or assist as needed during Reunions, taking parts/logistic support and to be available for any request from VOLD or VOLW. The new members consist of (listed alphabetically) Herman Roland Cohee Jr.32°, Herman Roland Cohee Sr. 32°, John McDuff 32° MSA, Joshua McDuff 32°, Greg Vernicek 32°, and the original Charter Members Sam Katz 32° MSA, Earl Sennett 32° and Arther H. Sutton III MSA (who was not part of the “Original Seven” at Uniontown but was a Charter Member for VOLD first year) for the VOLD.

   In 1993 the Valley of Tulsa in Oklahoma’s Ill Weldon Good 33° saw a need for assistance during Reunions. He also noticed that new candidates joining the Scottish Rite in Oklahoma were not participating in Reunions or helping with Reunions. Brother Good developed the organization now known as the Knights of St. Andrews as a service group for their Valley which became a Charter KSA Chapter. Their by-laws stated that the Knights of St. Andrew are a “Black Cap” group and a member who received an honor such as MSA or 33°, cannot hold an office or vote but they can continue to help and assist the Valley’s KSA. The reason for being a “Black Cap” organization is to keep the new 32° members involved, give them an opportunity to be an officer in KSA (which can help as they move into the Valley’s line), understand the history of Scottish Rite and make them a BETER MAN.

   June 3, 2023, the Council of Deliberations had their annual meeting at Maturity Center in Dover, Delaware. The Valley of Lower Delaware received its Charter for the Knights of Saint Andrews.

VOLD KSA First Officers

Chief    Greg M. Vernicek, 32°

Chieftain Herman Roland Cohee, Jr. 32°

Headsman   Herman Roland Cohee, Sr. 32°

Secretary Jack McDuff, 32° MSA

Treasurer   Arthur Sutton, 32° MSA

Chaplain   Joshua McDuff, 32°

Sentinel  Earl Sennett, 32°.