My Companions:
The 150th Anniversary Celebrations are just around the corner.
Friday, April 4th, 2008, will be a day that will leave a lasting impression on all in attendance. The entertainment for the evening will be none other than the renowned tenor singer John McDermott and Friends, Keith Hunter and a special guest whose ancestry dates back 150 years to 1857 the year our Grand Chapter was formed.
There are 500 tickets printed for this very special occasion and it is hoped that it will be a sold out event. The tickets to the banquet and entertainment are only a mere $50.00 per person and are available, not only to the companions and their ladies but also your family and friends. This is one of the greatest opportunities that we have to include our families and friends in an evening that will be unforgettable. Purchase a table and who knows we might even gain a new member because of it.
The Ladies Program on Friday, April 4, 2008, will also have a very special entertainment package. This will give the ladies in attendance a sample of what to expect at the Banquet.
Please
don't be disappointed - book your rooms and get your tickets early
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.
Should there be special District or Chapter celebrations with regards to our 150th Anniversary please notify the General Chairman of the 150th Committee - Companion Terry McLean, in care of the Grand Chapter office. Please take lots of pictures of your special event and make sure to forward them to R.Ex.Comp. Robert McMaster, also in care of the Grand Chapter office.
A special "thank you" to all those chapters and companions who have already celebrated or assisted in the celebration ceremonies leading up to our 150th Anniversary.
Your contributions and efforts toward this milestone in our history are greatly appreciated.
My Companions:
This marks the conclusion of the year 2007 and by the time you receive this message the Scribe Ezra and First Principal of the majority of Chapters will have completed the task of compiling the annual returns and properly forwarding them to the Grand Chapter office. We all owe a sincere appreciation for their work. Guaranteed registered delivery and meeting the deadline date is most important.
To the chairmen
and members of the Grand Executive Committee and ad hoc committees, we thank you
for your hard work over the year in meeting specific challenges. We look forward
to your final reports on March 29th in
The 2007
Plowing Match project in
The 150th Anniversary granite plaque, unveiled and on display at Grand Chapter last April and as advertised by photos on the web site, is in need of more contributions to fund this project. This plaque will be placed in a prominent location and any chapters assisting by contributions of $50.00 will have their name entered as a supporter. Send your contributions to Grand Chapter office under "commemorative plaque".
Finally, on a
personal note Marjorie and I are proud to announce that we were blessed with an
early Christmas gift, a new grandson, born December 21st, 2007, in
R.Ex.Comp. Roland A. Paddle
Grand Second Principal
Companions:
During the first two months of the year the companions will be very busy as they return to the quarries. There are a large number of installations in January and February, and I hope companions support the chapters in their districts by attending these events. I congratulate the newly elected officers and wish them a successful year in office.
The yearly returns from each chapter are expected to be compiled and filed at Grand Chapter by the deadline, which is the end of January 2008. This information plays an important role in casting your vote at the Grand Convocation. Also at this time the Grand Superintendents will be completing their timetable of duties and preparing the final report on their districts. Each district should have already set a date for elections. As you contemplate choosing a new Grand Superintendent, think also about choosing a dynamic companion to be appointed as a district Public Relations Chairman.
Current feedback from chapters and the summonses continue to show a small increase in masons joining the Royal Arch. This is good news and has led to more degrees being performed. Let us hope that the degree teams perform their work with dignity so that the candidate is impressed with the ceremony.
It is important to reactivate those companions who have not attended chapter for a long period of time. Remind them that a celebration of the order is in progress and encourage them to check on what is currently happening in their district and participate. I look forward to meeting and greeting you during my travels.
R.Ex.Comp. Roland P. Mandeville
Grand Third Principal