Welcome to “Scimitar” I’m proud to be asked to start this Blog in support of the Bruce Shrine Club. My name is Kevin MacKay, Past President, MOCHA News contributor and Appointed Ambassador for the Bruce Shrine Club. Check in often and share anything you find interesting with others. Let’s Go!
Comments and questions to Noble Kevin can be sent to “kkmackay@bmts.com“
The scimitar stands for the backbone of the fraternity, its members. The two claws are for the Shriners fraternity and its philanthropy. The sphinx stands for the governing body of the Shriners. The five-pointed star represents the thousands of children helped by the philanthropy each year.
Blog#17 / July 2025
Ready to Rock and Roll
I have not written in “SIMITAR” since October of 2023. My spark went out. I lost the skip in my step….my mojo just wasn’t working. But…I think I’m back in the saddle. I think my head is on straight and I’m ready to rock and roll again!
So, most of you probably didn’t miss my Blog entries, cause no one ever asked me about them. You see I know this because I also write articles for the Power Workers Union Retiree’s Bulletin, and I get feed back from folks who have read my articles. In any case I hope you read this one and I hope it give you pause to think about our “Great Philanthropy”.
The Bruce Shrine Club is celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary this year. For 50 years our Brother Nobles and their Families have gotten together for fun and Fellowship and raised almost $500,000.00 to our Shrine Hospitals. Along with that we still manage to run the business of the Bruce Shrine Club within our many shoreline communities and give support to local Hospitals and Hospices that service our local families.
As a Shrine Club we have been able to navigate some difficult times, but I think we have weathered the storm and are continuing on an upward path.
Many of our members that pay their dues are not seen and have not been seen out at any of our events for some time. I would encourage everyone who pays dues to our club to please make an effort to come out to something this year, especially, with it being our 50th Anniversary. Our Parade Chairmen keep us well informed on up coming events. Our Can Chairmen are actively looking for help with their project and you also note that you will be welcomed at all Bruce Shrine Club happenings wherever they may be taking place.
Your thoughts are always welcome weather in person or through your area Directors, who I know you have correspondence from regularly if not a direct phone call.
There is a ceremonial committee working hard to support next years (2026) MOCHA Spring Ceremonial right here in Saugeen Shores, Chaired by our beloved Clown Chips, AKA Nobel Steve McFadden. Please feel free to reach out to Noble Steve and give him your support. Noble Secretary Bill Blackwell will be happy to supply you with any information you may require, and I know you all know Noble Bill because he has a 100% paid dues record that you all help him obtain each year (Thank You).
Please note that there are plans to have a 50th Anniversary Dinner, to be held at the Tara Legion on August the 24th that it would be great to see everyone at.
We have such a great group of hard-working people in our club who just want to have fun and help kids in every way possible and it takes all of us working together to accomplish these milestones that we celebrate today.
Please Nobles, grab the opportunity to join us at any given time and take part in the many events and activities that the Bruce Shrine Club has to offer.
From my Family to yours I wish you good health and good fortune and We hope to be together to share some fun real soon.
Yours in the Faith
Noble Ambassadors Emeritus
Kevin MacKay