The Soapbox - February 2009 Issue
Message from the Grand First Principal
M.Ex.Comp. Roland A. Paddle
Companions,
The importance of Chapters being properly
returned to secure voting privileges or holding of any Grand Chapter office can
never be overemphasized. The annual election of the fourteen (14) District Grand
Superintendents and the biannual election in District 15 is a Grand Chapter
function as conducted in each respective District. Attend your district annual
meeting and exercise your right by voting for your choice of representative of
the Grand First Principal which is subject to approval and confirmation. The
scheduled meeting of instruction chaired by the Grand Lecturer must be attended then the installation will complete the
ceremony on Saturday morning.
The most important tool for the Principals
and Scribes to perform their duty and guidance for companions is the Grand
Chapter Constitution (2008). Similarly the manual of the Protocol and Etiquette
(2002) and The Work (1999) are all available at a reasonable cost. Recently, the
sixth edition of the Officers Manual, an aid to understand instruction in The
Work and Protocol, has been printed for distribution. Take the tradesman
example, "Never report to work without proper tools of the trade" and
read the instructions.
It was discouraging this year to find
that, more frequently, NOMINATIONS are being rejected due to the failure to
conform to the regulations in the 2008 Constitution. Sometimes articles hold
restrictive guidelines and only careful amendments will improve flexibility.
Meanwhile review the regulations, know the rules of current approved
constitution, and clear any misunderstanding by asking and do it right the first
time. Last minute careless decisions usually breed errors.
Installation and Investiture for over
forty Chapters creates a busy January. The completed form for the Installed and
Invested Officers is required by Grand Chapter to accurately list the new
delegates. As soon as possible submit an up-to-date annual report of Officers
and Living Past Principals to reflect the current officers for the incoming year
in order that the attendance of delegates at the Annual Convocation are
accurate. You may download forms from www.royalarchmasons.on.ca/Forms and click
on the form desired.
Chapters are preparing to set up for
E-mail summons as requested by companions. Grand Council and companions that
wish or must receive surface mail delivery must be on time.
The 151st Annual Grand
Convocation is now on the web site and we look forward to the meet and greet in
St. Catharines the evening of April 2nd. The Grand Chapter sessions
opening at 9:00 a.m. on April 3rd. This is your Grand Chapter, show your
support.
Finally, teamwork in sharing the work load
is the key to success and subsequent growth for a prosperous future. Offer to
take part in the work and avoid the title of "Too few doing Too much".
Power struggles and personal grudges will only fog common sense and suppress the
practice of basic Masonic principals. Encourage happiness, and live in peace
with your Brother.
Message from the Grand Second Principal
R.Ex.Comp. Roland Mandeville
To all Companions of the Grand Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons of Canada in the Province of Ontario, I wish you a happy and
prosperous New Year. The beginning of the calendar year reminds us that we are
still in winter mode with nearly three more months of cold temperatures.
It makes us more cognizant of the
approaching Royal Arch Annual Convocation during the first week of April. It
also reminds us of the information required to make Grand Chapter function. The
official visits of the Grand Superintendents should have been completed. The
annual Chapter returns have to be completed and submitted to Grand Chapter on
time (January 31). District meetings and election of the Grand Superintendents
are being addressed. The preparations of the hotel and the administration of the
151st Convocation is a
priority.
The Grand Executive Committee meets on
March 28th, 2009, when the reports of all the committees are
submitted. The reports are then published in the Proceedings. To the Chairmen of
the Grand Executive Committees, the Council thanks you for your diligence and
the hard work performed during the past year.
Feedback from Chapters shows a small
influx of Masons joining the Holy Royal Arch. The summonses indicated that many
Chapters had at least one candidate to initiate over the past six months.
Unfortunately there are some Chapters who are experiencing difficulties. Lack of
new members and lack of a quorum at meetings are two of these symptoms. A weak
Chapter does not attract new members, as there is little or no enthusiasm. It
lacks the ingredients necessary for a successful Chapter. Declining membership
appears to be a problem in all masonic bodies and we continue to experience this
symptom.
Summonses are sent to each companion every
month, so become involved in the Chapter by reading the information and
commenting on its content. Make an effort to submit relevant tid-bits of
information to the Scribe Ezra, to make the summons more attractive. Ask
yourself these questions: 1) Is the summons attractive? 2) Does it have relevant
information? 3) Is it delivered on time?
An important highlight for each district
is the distribution of Bursaries to deserving candidates. Please do not forget
your chapter charities. I thank you for your participation in Grand Chapter's
efforts to improve the state of masonry in Ontario.
R.Ex.Comp.
Roland P. Mandeville
Grand Second
Principal
Message from the Grand Third Principal
R.Ex.Comp. Michael Jon Bowman
Most Excellent Companion Roland A. Paddle,
Grand First Principal of Royal Arch Masons of Canada in the Province of Ontario,
I wish you and Royal Arch Masonry all the best for a healthy and prosperous
2009.
Well winter is still here!
The groundhog did or didn’t see his shadow.
Six more weeks of winter or six weeks till spring?
These are the questions of the day. Either
way it is still winter and it is still cold!
Even though things seem to be a bit cool and bleak outside it is
encouraging to see that a good number of Chapters are warmly receiving new
members into Royal Arch Masonry. While
this is good to see, we must remember that as we receive, acknowledge and exalt
these candidates, we must take this opportunity to make a good impression on
these new members. January is
usually the month for Chapter Installations and if you have candidates and
degree work pending this is a good opportunity for your new officers to exercise
their abilities and learn the responsibilities of their new roles and offices.
In order to help aide chapter officers and new members to better
understand their work, responsibilities and roles, Grand Chapter has put
together the latest version of the “Chapter Officers Manual”.
This manual describes the duties and responsibilities of each chapter
office. This little book is a great
officer tool and when combined with the ‘Book of the Work’ and ‘Protocol
& Etiquette Manual’ should answer almost any question you might have
outside of the Constitution. Keep in
mind that we get only one opportunity to leave these new candidates with a good
impression of our order. They will
be the officers of tomorrow so let us lead by example and show them how to do
the work and perform the duties right today..
Unfortunately there are still some
Chapters that are struggling to open with quorums and attract candidates, and as
you have heard from The Grand Second Principal, '''a weak chapter does not
attract new members". If this sounds like your Chapter and if you are
having trouble with member turnout at meetings, especially when there is no
degree work or special event, keep in mind no one likes to attend meetings if
all you have to do is business. In these cases I would recommend that you walk
through a degree, read aloud each portion of the work or lecture as well as the
mechanics or italics portions of the ritual as you get to it and most of all
encourage questions to, be asked. Doing this will create an interesting meeting
and generate discussion while, at the same time, enabling members and officers
to brush up and keep fresh in your minds the floor, memory work and mechanics of
each degree. You can also review the Chapter Officer Manual, Protocol &
Etiquette Manual as a Masonic Education Night. This will help to ensure that all
your members and Officers are familiar with their duties and responsibilities. I
believe you will find these books important tools necessary to help re build
your Chapter's strength,...use them....review them....and read them.
Another proven way to attract new members
and promote interest is to hold a Master Mason Night. This will allow you to
introduce your fellow Brethren to the advantages of Royal Arch Masonry and what
it has to offer. For information on Master Masons Nights contact the Public
Relations Committee.
By using these tools and ideas to
strengthen your Chapter and as you become successful in gaining new members
don't forget to continue these types of educational meetings. Educational
meetings will allow new member(s) to learn and understand the Officers roles and
the ritual work in a relaxed, informative and dignified manner while encouraging
them to follow your lead.
Remember there is no better way to teach
than to lead by example.
R.Ex.Comp. Mike Bowman
Grand Third Principal
