Companions:
I hope that you and your families have had a safe and enjoyable summer. By the time that you read this message, most of us will be back in our respective Chapters.
I have visited the Grand Chapters of Quebec, Connecticut and Michigan. These visits have been very interesting and profitable with regards to the state of Royal Arch Masonry in our respective jurisdictions. We all seem to be experiencing the same trends with regards to membership. Our particular jurisdiction, according to the summonses I have received, seems to show an increase in new candidates. We must all work diligently in order to keep each of our respective chapters prosperous and healthy.
The Grand Executive Meeting will be held in Oshawa at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, October 28th, 2006. All chairmen required to attend will be notified of this meeting. As a member of this Grand Chapter, you are most welcome to attend and observe the proceedings. Who knows, it may encourage you to be an active and contributing member of future proceedings of this part of Grand Chapter.
We had a new Installation Manual printed and the notices of the year-end assessments will be mailed out shortly. Remember that the assessment and year-end reports are required to be sent to the Grand Chapter Office not later than January 31st, 2007. This cut off seems to create some confusion. This is a snapshot of the various Chapters in our jurisdiction for the year-end and may be sent in at any time prior to the deadline. As an example, should your respective Chapter meet in November send in the assessment and necessary forms then. Should a companion become deceased or demitted up to and including December 31st, 2006, notify the Grand Chapter Office and your Chapter’s Membership numbers will be adjusted. These are the numbers used in the next year’s Proceedings which are used to calculate your Chapter’s assessment.
The 150th Anniversary Committee are working very diligently to produce an event that will leave a lasting impression on each and everyone of us. Currently there is a desire to have a commemorative memorial produced representing all the Chapters in the Province and displayed in an appropriate area of Grand Chapter. Due to budgetary constraints, and in order to produce, said memorial, a voluntary contribution of $50.00 from each Chapter in the Province would be required. If your Chapter is interested in contributing to this project please make your cheques payable to the “Commemorative Memorial Fund” and send them to the Grand Chapter Office. Any funds over and above the cost of the Memorial will be donated to the Medical Research Fund.
Should there be special District or Chapter celebrations with regards to our 150th Anniversary please notify the General Chairman of the 150th Committee - Comp. Terry McLean, care of the Grand Chapter Office. Please take lots of pictures of your special events and make sure to forward them to R.Ex.Comp. Robert McMaster, also care of the Grand Chapter Office.
Companions and Brethren,
We have enjoyed an excellent summer with adequate moisture to keep our gardens and fields green and productive. We should be thankful when we find that other parts of Canada are either suffering from floods, or drought on the other extreme. The political turmoil in the Mid East has taken a toll on our military families with tragic news of those that have paid the supreme sacrifice. Remember those families in your prayers and hope for the end of terror to be replaced by world peace and harmony.
The annual Steak BBQ and Corn Roast on August 10th, sponsored by Kichikewana Chapter at David Walker’s was well done again and well attended. Mount Sinai Chapter No. 44, Napanee, held a picnic July 12th, and despite the rain it was a great afternoon of fellowship thanks to the determination and guarantee of the host Chapter to maintain dry ground. It was a pleasure, while attending Grand Lodge in Toronto, July 19th, to note the number of visitors and chatter at the Royal Arch Display. The Ancient Frontenac and Cataraqui Chapter dinner/theater night at the 1000 Islands Play House in Gananoque was well attended on August 25th.
September strikes off to be busy with regular duties. The plowing match September 19th to 23rd in Keene promises pleasant duties for hosts at the Masonic Displays. The Grand Second Principal looks forward to the September 20th invitation to visit Carleton Chapter No. 16 in Ottawa, with the honour of assisting in the presentation of a number of long Service Awards and delivering the Ceremony of Obligation of the Grand Representative of New Zealand on R.Ex.Comp. William Woods.
The 150th Anniversary Committee has been active over the summer with project plans for the Gala Celebration lasting April 2007 to April 2008.
What is your Chapter doing locally to mark this as a memorable occasion? This is your Grand Chapter and we must remember that prior to its formation Royal Arch Masonry faced difficult times for unity and communication. We owe a deep gratitude to our forefathers for progress over the years. Ambassadors are assigned throughout Ontario to aid in communicating the activities to all Companions. Several Chapters have reported lists of multiple candidates waiting for degrees. This is a healthy situation for Royal Arch Masonry but we still need to be proactive, in spreading the word. Your Public Relations Committee is looking to assist both within the Chapter and in the public. Ask for the programs and guidelines through the Grand Chapter Office. The Grand Executive Committee meets October 28th, in Oshawa for the fall session.
Welcome back after a deserved rest and vacation with family and friends. For those experiencing sickness or injury may you have a speedy recovery and a future of health and happiness. Keep up the good work.
R.Ex.Comp. Roland A. Paddle
Grand Second Principal
My Companions,
I hope that all Companions have enjoyed the good weather and the warm Summer. As the temperature begins to fall and the Fall season approaches, I am led to hope that preparations are well underway to acquire greater masonic knowledge, with much more participation and contributions to masonry and masonic events. It is already six months since the last convocation and as Companions return from recess, Chapter events will be on the increase.
During the summer each Chapter in the District should have been updated by the Grand Superintendent’s Course of Instruction, where the Constitution and the latest rulings from Grand Chapter Convocation are presented. The 2006 Constitution will soon be available to aid in this venture. If need be, other Courses of Instructions or seminars pertaining to the work and administration of the Chapter can be arranged through the Grand Superintendent or his representative.
It is part of the Grand Third Principal’s portfolio to report on the state of Capitular Masonry in this jurisdiction. Official visit reports and information from the Grand Superintendents of each district are generally used in the preparation of this document. Therefore, while visiting various Chapters, companions may notice events or procedures relating to Royal Arch Masonry on which they may want to comment. Think on these items and a method of improving them. Talk to the First Principals, give them your ideas on chapter business and obtain as much feedback as possible. Some of the areas for Chapter improvement were highlighted at the Grand Convocation in April 2006, in St. Catharines, and may be found in the Proceedings when it becomes available. Convey your feedback or comments to the First Principal or the Grand Superintendent.
It is important to ensure that the officers of a Chapter know that summonses are the main communication link with the Companions. It should therefore be current, carefully prepared, reviewed and the First Principal’s message should indicate the relevant status and highlights of the Chapter.
Grand Chapter should always be fully informed of special events in your Chapter and District. Chapters are reminded that if they desire to invite a member of the Grand Council at Installations, meetings or events, a letter with that request should be forwarded to the Grand Scribe E. Congratulations to the Brethren who were elected and appointed at the Grand Lodge Communication in July, I hope you have a successful and fulfilling year.
The Fall Grand Executive Meeting has been scheduled for October 28th in Oshawa. Members of the Grand Executive and all Grand Superintendents should make an effort to be present.
I look forward to working with each of you for the betterment of Royal Arch Masonry and I hope to visit you soon.
R.Ex.Comp. Roland P. Mandeville
Grand Third Principal