Companions:
As of November 1, 2006, there were only three letters marked for Nominations. The deadline for Nominations is November 30th, 2006. I hope this is not a trend but an oversight by those who have and want to serve our Grand Chapter.
Without volunteers and those willing to step up to the plate no organization can survive. We need those who are leaders and dare to dream of an organization where we not only talk the talk but also walk the walk.
I must add to my previous Soapbox statement that: We must all work diligently in order to keep each of our respective Chapters and Grand Chapter prosperous and healthy.
This is not a mistake, I left this in for those who may not have read this article in the previous Soapbox.
The notices of the year end assessments will be mailed out shortly. Remember that the assessment and year end (December 31st) reports are required to be sent to the Grand Chapter Office not later than January 31st, 2007. The December deadline as per the Constitution 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 chapters membership numbers will be adjusted. These are the numbers used in the next year’s proceedings which are used to calculate your chapters assessment.
I have been approached on occasion regarding the districts and the possibility of moving chapters from one district to another. At this time there are no plans with regards to district changes and the districts will remain as currently aligned.
Once again the 150th Anniversary Committee are working very diligently to produce an event that will leave a lasting impression on each and every one of us. As items of interest become finalized all chapters will be notified.
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, in care of the Grand Chapter Office. Please take lots of pictures of your special events and make sure to forward them to R.E.Comp. Robert McMaster, also in care of the Grand Chapter Office.
Companions and Brethren,
This fall has been a busy time for your Grand Council, Grand Superintendents and individual chapters. Receptions, special awards, anniversaries, Installations, Divine Service and Official Visits were all possible by untiring efforts of individuals whom we owe a sincere appreciation and congratulations in making these events happen.
The highlight this fall was the privilege to attend St. Francis Chapter No. 133 on October 19th when the M.Ex. Grand First Principal George H. Gifford presented Comp. Jack Robinson with the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his contribution to the community and masonry in general. Family members and friends shared the event. The special presentation of Long Service Awards in Ottawa at Carleton Chapter No. 16 was well attended and some ladies expressed their pleasure in seeing the chapter room in form for the first time. Lets hope this practice continues to promote masonry within the family and awards are presented on a more frequent basis.
The Plowing Match was attended by the Masonic Leaders on September 21st. A steady stream of visitors attended the displays. The meet and greet following the closing of the Tent City was an excellent social family event to conclude a beautiful day. To the committee, a job well done in promoting Royal Arch Masonry. Next year the Plowing Match will be located at Crosby on 15 Highway.
The 100th Anniversary of Ancaster Chapter No. 155 held in Hamilton at the Hamilton Masonic Center was attended by the Grand Council. From the entertainment we were surprised how little we knew about popular music when no one could guess the songs until the chorus was played. A short rendition of Halloween music on the organ in the Scottish Rite Cathedral was an added treat.
There has been some concern that the issue of the Soapbox Communication is not being made available for the companions of the chapter or even what the Soapbox is. More copies for distribution can be requested through the Grand Chapter Office. A copy posted on your bulletin board along with a personal copy sent to companions unable to attend chapter is recommended. Credit goes to St. Lawrence Square & Compass’s News Letter for recognizing Comp. John Bowen receiving the Distinguished Service Award.
The Fall Grand Executive Committee meeting was held October 28th in Oshawa. Following the group work shop sessions the respective chairmen presented activity reports and with thanks to the Giffords a delicious lunch was served following the adjournment. Thanks to Pentalpha Chapter No. 28 for hosting this meeting. The Spring meeting will be at Dunnville Masonic Temple on March 24th, 2007.
Quinte Friendship Moira Chapter No. 7 in Belleville has invited the Grand Executive Committee to the Belleville Masonic Center on October 27th, 2007.
Amalgamations at Richmond Hill on November 7th, and London on November 30th, keeps November busy.
One last reminder to ALL Chapters “December 31st is the closing of the year and a busy time for the Scribes in preparing their Annual Report of Officers and Living Past Principals along with the Annual Returns”. Don’t wait until the last minute; start preparing NOW.
R.Ex.Comp. Roland A. Paddle
Grand Second Principal
My Companions,
Thank you for the recent Interim Reports on the state of Capitular Masonry in this jurisdiction and the reports on the Official Visits to the chapters in your respective districts. I also thank you for your participation in Grand Chapter’s efforts to improve the state of masonry in Ontario.
Interim Reports
The Interim Reports from the Grand Superintendents were well done and reflected the state of Royal Arch Masonry in each district in Ontario. Many topics were mentioned in the discussions and I will try to address the points in those submissions.
Official Visit
A number of reports on the Official Visits were received (50 out of 106). There were however, a few housekeeping chores to complete. Proper protocol was observed for all receptions. The quality of the work was generally excellent, however there were some chapters where officers read from the ritual book. There are new forms available from your Scribe E, and companions should be using these forms in correspondence. On the Official Visit of the Grand Superintendents, forms TGC 19 and TGC 08 must be completed and sent to Grand Chapter with a copy of the latest financial report for that chapter. The official visits are continuing with another 36 visits in November.
Course of Instruction
Courses of Instruction (according to Section 29k of the Constitution) were completed in each district. Attendance was generally good. The Grand Superintendents are to be congratulated on developing and delivering interesting courses with varying agendas and handouts.
Candidates
Current feedback from chapters and the summonses show a strong influx of masons joining the Holy Royal Arch. The summonses indicated that most chapters had at least one candidate to initiate over the past six months. Further, there were a number of chapters who advanced multiple candidates, with some chapter advancing more than 5 candidates. This influx of candidates augers well for the future of Royal Arch Masonry. Let us hope that we can keep the new companions busy and interested.
Membership
Declining membership appear to be a problem in all masonic bodies and RAM is no exception. This problem can lead to financial and leadership difficulties arising from time to time particularly in weaker chapters. A struggling chapter does not attract new members, because there is little motivation, no enthusiasm and generally weak leadership, the three ingredients necessary for a successful chapter. Many of the companions recognize this, but need time to work on solutions. Other chapters are addressing this concern. Let us hope that in the future the condition of RAM will improve due to the recent influx of new members and a strong core of Past and Present Grand Chapter Officers. We also need to maintain and support the older members in the role of mentors, advisors and prevent them from fading away.
Communications
Summonses are the main media through which we can become involved in the chapter. Each companion is entitled to get a summons to learn what is occurring in his district and Grand Chapter. The summons should therefore be attractive, have relevant information and delivered on time. It is difficult to find out what is happening in the chapter if the summonses is not structured and has little content. As of November 1st, there are eight chapters who have not submitted their summonses to Grand Chapter. An important highlight for each district is the distribution of Bursaries to deserving candidates and I thank the Grand Superintendents for performing this task.
Projects
Some districts are developing their own projects to coincide with the 150th celebrations. I am happy to note that some rewards are being made to the Grand Chapter charities. I would like to thank the companions for their continued support and diligence in recording and reporting the conditions of capitular masonry in this jurisdiction.
I look forward to meeting and greeting with you during my travels.
R.Ex.Comp. Roland P. Mandeville
Grand Third Principal