The Soapbox - September 2007 Issue

Message from the Grand First Principal
M.Ex.Comp. George H. Gifford

Companions:

Once again it is time to produce another issue of The Soapbox.

I hope that each of you and your families have had a safe and enjoyable summer recess.

Over the last couple of months there has been a number of Chapters celebrating our 150^th year in existence. These celebrations were very well attended and were well worth the time I spent with these companions. If your Chapter or District is planning a celebration to mark our 150^th Anniversary please let the Grand Chapter office know in order that the Council can plan to attend. Take lots of photos and forward them to the Grand Chapter office or our web master in order that we may be able to preserve and share the experience.

We have distributed 100 specially minted 150^th Anniversary Coins to each District Superintendent. The cost of these coins will be $3.00 each or two for $5.00. They won't last long so please get one now and don't be disappointed. Dominion Regalia will be sending out a pamphlet with the special items that have been produced for this special occasion to each Chapter.

The 150^th Celebration Committee Chairman, Companion Terry McLean and his Committee, are working very hard to make this April's Grand Convocation one to remember. If you were at the last Grand Convocation and recall the Pipers and Drummers, you had a taste of what to expect for the 150^th Anniversary. If your intention is to be with us for the 150^th Anniversary Celebrations, I would suggest that you make your reservations as soon as possible, for I am sure that this will be a sold out event.

The Public Relations Committee produced a new Mini Display for each of the Districts. They were delivered to the Grand Superintendents in July. If your Chapter is planning any special Open Houses or Master Mason's Nights please use these displays. If you require the use of the larger one please contact the Chairman or the Grand Chapter office and we will see that you have it for your special event.

From the desk of the Grand Second Principal 

My Companions:

No one should complain about the weather this past summer for frolicking in the sun. Now for us gardeners the story is slightly different since there has been continuous pressure on the wells and municipal supply to preserve our labours. Relief appears to be just around the corner.

This summer was full of social activities with Districts repeating or initiating activities such as picnics, BBQ's, golf events, salmon bakes and ladies nights in the name of celebrating the 150^th Anniversary of Grand Chapter. The BBQ in Little Current, Manitoulin Island , took us on a first time visit to a little corner of Lake Huron not on the main route but one full of traditional interests. Likewise, the Ladies Night at Tuscan Chapter, the home of the big nickel, in Sudbury served a scrumptious pot luck dinner to conclude the evening. There are many more events scheduled throughout the year. Keep up the good work and thanks for the invitations to join in your festivities. Submit your event to the web site for exposure and send in pictures to build on our historical heritage.

Royal Arch Masonry was well represented at the Grand Lodge Communication in July if anyone took notice of the presence of the Royal Arch jewels worn at the sessions. The display had frequent visitors and the sale of the 150^th Commemorative Coin was brisk. Favourable popularity is present throughout the craft and even the public has made notable comment when the coin has been spilled onto the counter with loose change when paying for that morning coffee. Not a bad error to create awareness. Get your coin from your District Grand Superintendent.

Don't forget the Plowing Match September 18^th to 22^nd, and the Meet and Greet on September 21^st. A visit to the Masonic Display is a must and bring along a friend to appreciate the works of the Masonic Family.

Grand Chapter Officers are scheduled to visit King Darius Chapter No. 134 in Sutton to dedicate the Chapter Room on September 19^th .

The Grand Executive Committee meets in Belleville Masonic Center on October 27^th .  Any companion is entitled to attend this meeting. Why not witness your Grand Chapter Officers at work and appreciate the efforts towards continuous improvement.

Sesquicentennial Year Motto: "Remember Yesterday, Enjoy Today, Embrace Tomorrow"

R.Ex.Comp. Roland A. Paddle
Grand Second Principal 

From the desk of the Grand Third 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 Province of Ontario . Congratulations to all companions who received Grand Chapter honours, I look forward to working with you during the coming year.

After a warm and dry Summer, the weather usually changes quickly into Fall. The only persons complaining are the farmers who would like a good 24 hours of rainfall for their crops.

During the summer many social events (BBQ's, Strawberry Nights, etc.) were scheduled and were usually well attended. First Principals and Scribe E should ensure that the newer companions are aware of the social activities and receive an invitation to them. Let us therefore look forward to a pleasant Fall with an increased effort to receive applicants and advance companions.

There are three topics of which I need to remind the companions. Firstly, Royal Arch Masonry is in the process of celebrating the 150^th year of Royal Arch in Ontario . The appointed committee has been working diligently to set up events and social occasions. The kick-off in April at Grand Chapter was well done and well liked by the companions. Information on events can be obtained from the Committee Chairman, Companion Terry McLean and the Public Relations Committee. Information can also be found on the RAM web site or from any current Grand Chapter officer. Kindly ensure that all companions know of these events and are encouraged to attend. 150^th Commemorative gifts and merchandise are available and each Scribe E will soon receive a brochure on what is available from Dominion Regalia. The web master requests pictures of Anniversary events to display on the web site.

Secondly, we need to process new applicants and keep these new companions interested in the craft, so that they will continue to support the chapters.

Thirdly, it is important to reactivate those companions who have not attended chapter for a long period of time. Remind them that there is a celebration of the order in progress and encourage them to check on what is currently happening in their District.

Thanks to all companions for their current participation in Grand Chapter activities and their efforts to improve the state of capitular masonry in Ontario . Current feedback from chapters and the summonses continues to show a small increase in masons joining the Royal Arch. This is very good news and has led to an increased number of degrees being performed. Hopefully, this trend will continue during the remainder of the year.

I look forward to meeting and greeting with you during my travels.

R.Ex.Comp. Roland P. Mandeville
Grand Third Principal