Companions:
By the time you read this issue of The Soapbox, Winter will be pretty well behind us and Spring is just around the corner.
How fast the time has gone. In a couple of weeks the first year of this administration will have been completed and the second term started. The year has been busy with Amalgamations, Special Events, and various day-to-day administration duties.
On all occasions I attempted to find favourable results for inquiries and problems which were brought to my attention. For the most part and with the assistance of the Grand Second Principal, Grand Third Principal and members of the Grand Executive I feel we were able to find satisfactory solutions to most problems. There were a few problems which may not have been favourable to those hoping for a different outcome, but in all circumstances they were dealt with according to the Constitution and they were ruled on accordingly.
Please remember the coming year is our 150th Anniversary Celebrations. Should you be planning any Special Events for the coming year please keep the One Hundred and Fiftieth Committee Chairman Terry McLean apprised of your intentions. Any photos which you may have concerning this event, whether local or district, can and should be posted on our Web Site.
Please plan to attend your Grand Convocation on April 26th
- 28th, 2007, at the Quality Hotel Parkway Convention Centre in
Spring is just around the corner and with
it comes the Grand Chapter Convocation in
Some important outstanding issues have
been closed and now let’s focus on opportunities to improve the image of Royal
Arch Masonry. Some of the recent pleasant duties your Grand Second Principal
took part in was the completion of two more Amalgamations in
On March 21st there will be
repeat presentation of long service awards in Ottawa by invitation to Carleton
Chapter No. 16 for a 50 Year Royal Arch Jewel to a Companion residing in Ottawa
from Keystone Chapter No. 2 on behalf of the Grand Chapter of Manitoba.
R.Ex.Comp. Jenkins, the Grand Representative of
Several Master Mason nights are being
planned and it is recommended to make use of the Public Relations Committee.
Several displays and literature is available to make these nights informative to
any Master Mason with interest to explore further light. September 18th
– 22nd is the International Plowing Match at
Finally, take a moment to reflect our thoughts and respect to those troops striving to secure peace and a quality of life in an almost impossible environment.
R.Ex.Comp. Roland A. Paddle
Grand Second Principal
Companions, I bring you greetings from
Most Excellent Companion George H. Gifford, Grand First Principal, of the Grand
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Canada in the
The winter has suddenly turned very cold and windy with high wind chill values. Check with the weatherman frequently so that you will not be caught in a blizzard or snow squalls off the lakes. Be careful when visiting and climbing the hail stairs, some are very icy. Let us look forward to a pleasant year with an increased effort to advance Companions and keep them interested.
Thanks to the Grand Superintendents for
their 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 Capitular Masonry in
I have noticed in recent years that one of the important social events in the Chapter the banquet or social period has changed. At many meetings there is no social event or fellowship before the meeting begins or after the Chapter meeting has concluded. Sometimes there are only short toasts given in the Chapter Room. This social period served to teach and show new Companions the delicate art of a specific type of communication practiced in masonry for a long time. A Companion may be asked to give a toast or respond to a toast at the banquet table. The young Companion on visiting the banquet hour sees how it is done, and when he is called upon to perform, will do an excellent job. He will also notice the seating at the formal head table, and will have no trouble in arranging the seating of the Distinguished Companions when he becomes First Principal. The banquet time also give the Companions the opportunity to meet and greet old friends and acquaintances and be updated on what is happening around the jurisdiction. It also gives the newer members a chance to socialize with the more experienced Companions to gain more knowledge and understanding of the craft. The banquet is a social experience that the young Companions should be exposed to as often as possible.
Current feedback from Chapters and the Summonses continue to show a strong influx of masons joining the Holy Royal Arch. Most Chapters had at least one candidate to advance over the past six months. However, there were a number of Chapters who advanced multiple candidates. This is very good news and has led to a large number of degrees being performed.
I look forward to meeting and greeting with you during my travels.
R.Ex.Comp. Roland P. Mandeville
Grand Third Principal