Dear Sirs and Companions,

As previously stated the main concern of the Public Relations Committee is to raise the profile of Capitular Masonry and it is the opinion of the committee that progress has been made. The DVD “Fervency and Zeal” has been produced and distributed, also the brochures, and lapel pins. In addition the Public Relations web site is up and running. The committee is currently revamping the original Royal Arch web site. The hits on the web site have increased dramatically which I think is a sign that masons are still interested in Capitular Masonry. We need to capitalize on this.

In order to simplify the distribution of these materials, a system of distribution has been put in place where every committee member has one or two Districts to look after. They are in direct communication with the Grand Superintendants who should have a District Public Relations Chairman and a committee comprising of active companions, especially active in Craft Lodges. The Grand Superintendant’s support is essential, and if it does not materialize then the system will fail to function.

The Committee feels that every mason displaying an interest in Royal Arch Masonry deserves a new unopened DVD, along with fresh unread brochures, and should be given a lapel pin after the completion of the three degrees. First impressions are important, and that is why every companion should have them in his craft lodge apron case.

The display was used at Grand Chapter, Grand Lodge, Kitchener the International Plowing Match, and in Stratford. The Kitchener and Stratford events were community events. The display will also be at the Family Freemason Day which will be hosted by Rameses Shriners at Keele Street Toronto, November the 20th. The display was well received at all events generating interest and complements from masons and non mason’s. The TV monitor was especially well received. We now have one that can use DVD’s and various other types of hookup, such as USB. Next year we expect to retire the current display, and replace it with a roll up display.

This should make it easier to move around the Province, and hopefully reach more open houses than has happened in the past.

Looking forward, the committee is exploring exciting new options. One of these options is a recognition program. It would be recognition of Masters in a Craft Lodge who are also R. A. Masons. One idea is to have a dinner at the Grand Chapter Convocation.

The other option being studied is the creation of a program similar to the Grand Lodge Cornerstone program. The program could be called the Keystone Certificate of Merit. This certificate would be valid for two years, and the chapter would have the privilege of putting the title “Keystone Certificate of Merit 2010-2012” on their letterhead.

In order to achieve this certificate, certain standards would have to be met. These standards might include ritual without open books, a structured banquet hour, Master Mason Nights, visitation, District involvement, including church services. These few ideas are only the beginning, but many more will be developed as the concept matures.

At the next Convocation, all newly elected Grand Superintendants will be given a package containing brochures, DVD’s, lapel pins, and suggestions for a Master Mason Night. This package will be passed to the District Public Relations Chairman, who will be responsible for the distribution of the materials.

Companions, the importance of reaching the mason, especially the master mason cannot be emphasized enough. There are many new masons hungry for information and advancement, and if we fail in our duty they will look elsewhere or worse, disappear

Yours Fraternally,
R. Ex. Comp. Alan Donovan
Chairman, Public Relations Committee

From left to right the picture shows R. Ex. Comp. Alan Donovan, R. Ex. Comp. Raymond J. Beverly, R. Ex. Comp. Donald Clarke, R. Ex. Comp. Paul Hooper, Ex. Comp. Prince Selvaraj, R. Ex. Comp. Ken Campbell