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| Niagara Falls, Summer 2010 |
Friday, January 28, 2011
A Birthday
Oriental Chapter No.128 Inspection
Yesterday REC Young and I went to West Salem for the inspection of Oriental Chapter No. 128. West Salem is about 25 miles south of Medina in Wayne County's Amish Community. My daughter Audra lives just outside of West Salem so Julia went along to visit with the grandkids while I went to the inspection
Now this is a small country lodge that has an old church for a building. It still has the stained glass windows and is a nice building. Lodge, Chapter and O.E.S. all meet here and I have attended many meetings of all three bodies. I am an honorary member of Oriental Chapter No.128 due to number of times I've attended their meetings and worked in degrees.
Now when you first enter the anteroom you aren't sure you are in the correct fraternal organization because of the critter staring down at you from near the ceiling.
But you are really in a masonic lodge as the next set of pictures show. The stained glass windows in the east and west make beautiful backdrops for these stations. There is a small window in the north but I could not get a picture of it because of the veils.
One unique feature of the lodge room is that the south wall is made up of roll-up doors. I have seen these doors open to give more seating room at a Symbolic Lodge inspection. As you can see last night the front row was made up of O.E.S. chairs.
The Chapter was opened full form in a fine manner by EC Virgil Kline. There were two candidates for the degree. A third candidate was supposed to be there but we had some bad weather and he apparently could not make it. The candidates, Bill Irwin and Alex Prochazka, were introduced, other introductions made and at 8:10 PM the degree began.
EC Tom Crosky was Jeshua. Normally I don't point out cast members but I need to make an exception here. EC Crosky is a 50 year plus mason including 50 years in Priory. He is a PM of Harrisville Lodge, one of my lodges, serving the first time in 1959. He is 86 years old and about as active in the fraternity as anyone in the district. He is also a Deputy in the Oddfellows, and belongs to Rebeccas. I don't know how many times he and his wife Fern have been in the east in O.E.S. but it is plenty. They were Julia and my co-workers in 1993.
The degree was done quite well and we now have two more Royal Arch Masons in the 10th Capitular District. The picture includes the candidates, Chapter officers, DDGHP and me. EC Crosky is just to my right.
Now a less happy note. REC Porter informed us that MEC Robert Crabbs is not in the best of health at this time. He has blood clots in both legs. One is 18 inches long and the other is 21 inches long. Both are about the diameter of a pencil. These are giving MEC Crabbs a great deal of pain. I would asked that the Chapters and Companions send him cards. His address is Robert D. Crabbs, 1871 Rock Road Route 3, Mansfield, OH 44903.
I would like to say dry road, good ritual work and great Companionship, however the roads are partly snow covered. But two out of three isn't so bad!
'til the next time.
Now this is a small country lodge that has an old church for a building. It still has the stained glass windows and is a nice building. Lodge, Chapter and O.E.S. all meet here and I have attended many meetings of all three bodies. I am an honorary member of Oriental Chapter No.128 due to number of times I've attended their meetings and worked in degrees.
But you are really in a masonic lodge as the next set of pictures show. The stained glass windows in the east and west make beautiful backdrops for these stations. There is a small window in the north but I could not get a picture of it because of the veils.
The Chapter was opened full form in a fine manner by EC Virgil Kline. There were two candidates for the degree. A third candidate was supposed to be there but we had some bad weather and he apparently could not make it. The candidates, Bill Irwin and Alex Prochazka, were introduced, other introductions made and at 8:10 PM the degree began.
EC Tom Crosky was Jeshua. Normally I don't point out cast members but I need to make an exception here. EC Crosky is a 50 year plus mason including 50 years in Priory. He is a PM of Harrisville Lodge, one of my lodges, serving the first time in 1959. He is 86 years old and about as active in the fraternity as anyone in the district. He is also a Deputy in the Oddfellows, and belongs to Rebeccas. I don't know how many times he and his wife Fern have been in the east in O.E.S. but it is plenty. They were Julia and my co-workers in 1993.
Now a less happy note. REC Porter informed us that MEC Robert Crabbs is not in the best of health at this time. He has blood clots in both legs. One is 18 inches long and the other is 21 inches long. Both are about the diameter of a pencil. These are giving MEC Crabbs a great deal of pain. I would asked that the Chapters and Companions send him cards. His address is Robert D. Crabbs, 1871 Rock Road Route 3, Mansfield, OH 44903.
I would like to say dry road, good ritual work and great Companionship, however the roads are partly snow covered. But two out of three isn't so bad!
'til the next time.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Haley Chapter No. 136, Inspection
Tuesday evening REC Nockengost and I headed for Napoleon and the inspection of Haley Chapter No. 136. We also had EC John Miller, PHP of Medina County Chapter #243, with us. This is a drive of about 2 1/2 hrs or 160 miles west of Medina. The Lodge is one of those that you can not find. It is a small lodge and is situated in a residential area. Without my GPS we might still have been roaming the streets of Napoleon.
Originally the lodge was a manufacturing facility. The Brothers purchased the building in 1961 and converted it to the present Lodge. It is a relatively small building but suits the needs of the groups that meet in the building.
One of the first things you notice are the alter lights. They are unique. Rather than being around the alter, they are in a single stand on the south side.
The furniture in the east is nice in the old lodge style with velvet seats and high backs.
What is really neat is the west wall. It has three displays of Royal Arch marks. One of the members explained that when they bought the building they were looking for ways to raise money. These tiles were one of the ways. Mark Masters could purchase a tile with their mark and have it placed on display. He did not remember the cost. I must say it is one on the neatest mark books that I have seen.
Most of the marks are simple marks using the Brothers initials. Some are rather intricate.
Haley Chapter No. 136 is the smallest Chapter in Ohio with 32 members. Last night they had 11 of their own members in attendance. How may of you can say 33% of the members come to meetings?
This was a change from when REC Young and I were there two years ago. We waited until a Companion finished milking and could get to the meeting so we could open.
The Chapter had not conferred the RA degree at an inspection for around 15 years. This made for a nervous nelly in the east. EC Charles E. Bowers opened the Chapter on time, did a nice job in the opening and also did the part of Jeshua in the degree. I would like to point out that this is after spending extended time in the hospital because of cardiac problems. There were two actual candidates with REC Ken Crouch being the third. The degree was portrayed well. Was it perfect? No. What was obvious was the desire of the Chapter to do a good job. There had no doubt been a good deal of practice.
Some times we get too wrapped up in ritual perfection and forget the lesson we are trying to portray. Yes, I say ritual is the heart and soul of our fraternity and we must always do the best we can. Last night I saw a Chapter use its limited resources to the best of its abi lity and with help from other Chapters portray a nice, if not perfect, Royal Arch degree. Because of the effort HaleyChapter put into giving the best they could give to the candidates I am as proud of them as any Chapter I seen at an inspection this year.
Now the good new! They have a petition and will begin doing the work on their own candidate. Dates are set and practices are scheduled. Congratulations Haley Chapter #136!
Now the good new! They have a petition and will begin doing the work on their own candidate. Dates are set and practices are scheduled. Congratulations Haley Chapter #136!
The picture is the candidates, Grand Officers and Haley Chapter members.
After the degree we retired to the dining room for pie and beverage.
Another good night of dry roads, good work and fine Companionship.
'til the next time.
After the degree we retired to the dining room for pie and beverage.
Another good night of dry roads, good work and fine Companionship.
'til the next time.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Friendship Chapter No. 245 Inspection
Last night REC Nockengost and I travelled to West Carrollton, south of Dayton, for the inspection of Friendship Chapter No. 245. It was not a good night to travel. The first 30 miles or so we drove in snow. The rest of the trip down and back seemed to be a continuous washing of the windshield because of road spray. The amount of "blue juice" that I have used this past week is going to cost as much as gasoline. Well maybe not quite.
We got to the Chapter about 15 minutes before opening and got to say hello to a few friends before the meeting began.
The Lodge is a "store front" lodge located on Central Avenue. Parking is in the back and when you enter you are in the dinning room. The lodge room is on the second floor. The lodge is not very big but more than adequate for the membership. As you can see from the picture is a not a fancy room but you would be hard pressed to find one better maintained.
When I went upstairs these are the first Companions I meet. RWM Thomas Russell, PIGM Bobby Campbell and PGHP Steve Duncan.
The meeting opened promptly at 7:30 PM in the Mark Master degree. There were two candidates, Gary R. Hardy and Jimmy Wilcox. Brother Wilcox is the son of REC Don Wilcox, a PDDGHP from the 3rd District.
RWM Russell did an outstanding job in the Mark Master. The candidates received a good degree from the beginning to the end. When asked to speak I presented RWM Russell one of MEC Oliver's little red cross pins for the outstanding job he did. The Companions then were "treated" to my dementia funding speech. I did shortened it just a little bit.
Even with two candidates the lodge was closed around 9:30 PM.
We retired to the dinning room for refreshments and fellowship. Problem!! When we got ready to leave REC Nockengost's apron case was missing. It naturally had both his apron and jewel in it. Somebody had apparently gotten the wrong case. We knew that when everybody left there would be one case still in the dinning room. That case would belong to whoever had George's case. This morning I got a call from the owner of that case. REC Nockengost's case is now in the hands of U.P.S. and on its way to my house. No harm done.
Except for the driving conditions, it was another good night.
'til the next time.
We got to the Chapter about 15 minutes before opening and got to say hello to a few friends before the meeting began.
The meeting opened promptly at 7:30 PM in the Mark Master degree. There were two candidates, Gary R. Hardy and Jimmy Wilcox. Brother Wilcox is the son of REC Don Wilcox, a PDDGHP from the 3rd District.
Even with two candidates the lodge was closed around 9:30 PM.
We retired to the dinning room for refreshments and fellowship. Problem!! When we got ready to leave REC Nockengost's apron case was missing. It naturally had both his apron and jewel in it. Somebody had apparently gotten the wrong case. We knew that when everybody left there would be one case still in the dinning room. That case would belong to whoever had George's case. This morning I got a call from the owner of that case. REC Nockengost's case is now in the hands of U.P.S. and on its way to my house. No harm done.
Except for the driving conditions, it was another good night.
'til the next time.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Ensawocsa Chapter No. 89 Inspection.
At 7:00 AM REC Nockengost and I left for Defiance to see Ensawocsa Chapter #89 inspected in the Past Master Degree. Defiance is about 165 miles, 2 1/2 hours, west of Medina. The temple is located downtown and was constructed in 1865 (I believe that is correct). The Lodge room is on the second floor and is in the Egyptian motif. During the last several months I had several Brothers ask me if i had ever been to Defiance Lodge and if I had not I was in for a treat. It turns out to be true. The Lodge room is very, very nice. Click on the pictures to enlarge them and you can see some of the details.
We joined a few of the Companions in the dinning room for coffee and cookies before going up to the Lodge room.
A lodge of Past Masters was opened in full form by RWB Kaufman and the degree of Past Master was conferred on one cnadidate. Here my string of not seeing a Protem candidate ended. Brother Eric Holzer was used as a protem. The Chapter had a candidate that was supposed to receive the degree but could not attend. REC King, inspecting officer, actually had his name on the inspection report. So even though a protem had to be used today, the Chapter does have a new member in waiting. I should point out the Brother Holzer is the son of Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander Holzer who is still under the weather with the same flu he gave me last Saturday at the York Rite Co-operation meeting. At least I'm blaming him for it.We saw a very nice degree with minimal lost time. The alter lecture was done well and REC King gave the Chapter a very satisfactory grade.
After the degree work REC King asked that I present some of MEC Steve Oliver's pins to 7 Companions of the District. These were the Bible pins. I also presented REC Ken Crouch and EC Kauffman one of MEC Oliver's red crosses.
'til the next time.
Mount Olive No. 189 Inspection
I decided the flu was behind me, no pun intended, and headed to Euclid for Mt. Olive's inspection in the Mark Master. Euclid is on the east side of Cleveland and only about a 50 minute drive. We have been having some snow but except for about 10 miles I-71 was just wet. I-90 was almost dry so the ride up was uneventful.
There were 3 candidates for the inspection. Now as many of you know the Mark Master does not lend itself to multiple candidates unless you have five and use an exemplar. The Chapter did a decent job of running all three candidates but it still meant that those in attendance saw most of the degree three time last night.
EC Bob Hager did a nice job in the east and well as doing fine job with the lecture. As can be seen in the picture the Grand Officers, both past and present, are still traveling.
After the degree refreshments were served in the dinning room. Still not too sure my stomach was willing to hold anything I passed and headed home.
There were 3 candidates for the inspection. Now as many of you know the Mark Master does not lend itself to multiple candidates unless you have five and use an exemplar. The Chapter did a decent job of running all three candidates but it still meant that those in attendance saw most of the degree three time last night.
EC Bob Hager did a nice job in the east and well as doing fine job with the lecture. As can be seen in the picture the Grand Officers, both past and present, are still traveling.
After the degree refreshments were served in the dinning room. Still not too sure my stomach was willing to hold anything I passed and headed home.The trip home was a little nasty. I took I-271 instead of I-90. Bad decision! The first ten miles were fairly ice covered and slippery. It took me about 10 minutes longer than it should have but no problems.
An uneventful trip, a good degree and good Companionship made for another good night.
'til the next time.
Don't Get The Flu!!!
After the memorial service for Jane, Julia and I went to our daughters for dinner. While we were there I got feeling kind of poorly. We we got home, I went to bed a little earlier than normal. 12:35 AM: I awoke and ran for the bathroom for the first of 16 hours of projectile vomiting. During this period I vomited more than I had in my entire previous 69 years. This presented a major problem as I was also cleaning my colon as if I was going to have a colonoscopy. I thought I was going to die so I went to the doctor who, after two hours of waiting, told me I was the 14th patient in 3 day to have intestinal flu. We got home and Julia decided I needed chicken noodle soup and began boiling chicken. I didn't think anything could may me vomit more but the aroma of boiling chicken sure did. I think it was punishment for me telling her about the noodle soup at Circleville's inspection. Tuesday I felt worse and knew I would have to get better to die! Wednesday moring I actually felt somewhat better, but now Julia had what I had. Mostly she is staying in bed or on the couch telling me it is my fault she has the fllu.
Brothers, whatever you do don't get the flu.
Brothers, whatever you do don't get the flu.
Jane Meredith Memorial
On Sunday, 1.16, Julia and I went to Lynhurst Masonic Temple for Jane Meredith's memorial. The Lodge was fairly packed as one would expect. I am not going to say any thing except that it was a fitting memorial to a fine Lady that will be missed. Pictures of the service may be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/29621494@N02/ which is Paula Lively's flickr site.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
York Rite Co-operation Meeting
Twice a year Grand Lodge officers and the other three York Rite body officers meet in what is called a York Rite Co-operation Committee meeting. The first meeting is usually the second Saturday of January and the second meeting the 1st Sunday in August in conjunction with the York Rite Tea at the Springfield Masonic Home. This year's January meeting had to be rescheduled to the 2nd Saturday.
Today we met at 10:00 A.M. in the Delaware Masonic Temple with Grand Council being the Host. Grand Lodge was represented by RWB Steven Cokonougher, Grand Orator. Grand Chapter had myself and 5 others. Grand Council had MI Grand Master Lively and 15 others. Grand Commandery had REGC Clime and 5 others. This is about normal attendance.
Funds for the group come from the sale of York Rite literature purchased from the Grand Chapter office. Since sales have been quite low, we have about $35.00 in our account. A motion was passed asking each Grand body to contribute $100.00 to the committee.
REGC Cllime presented a new Uniform Audit form for review along with a Bank Information Request Form. This was the only actual business transacted.
RWB Cokonougher spoke about a several items. First, the Grand Lodge is now self-insured. It would be a good idea for lodges to ask their DDGM what this means to a subordinate lodge. It does affect replacement of paraphernalia in the event of something such as a fire. Next, the topic of electronic banking was discussed. Since no signature is required it is easier to get money from an account. A quarterly audit is being considered for lodges using electronic banking. Last he spoke about ritual and leadership. We are in need of good leadership more than we are in need of good ritualists.
The program of the day was the new Council Education Officer program. Dwight Damschroder presented the same program that had been given to the C.E.O.s. The program was rather comprehensive. After the program there was a short question and answer period.
MEC Dale Ray announced the next meeting will be on August 7th at the Springfield Masonic home. Time 10:00 A.M. prior to the York Rite tea.
This meeting was adjourned with a prayer at 11:30 A.M.
'til the next time.
Today we met at 10:00 A.M. in the Delaware Masonic Temple with Grand Council being the Host. Grand Lodge was represented by RWB Steven Cokonougher, Grand Orator. Grand Chapter had myself and 5 others. Grand Council had MI Grand Master Lively and 15 others. Grand Commandery had REGC Clime and 5 others. This is about normal attendance.
Funds for the group come from the sale of York Rite literature purchased from the Grand Chapter office. Since sales have been quite low, we have about $35.00 in our account. A motion was passed asking each Grand body to contribute $100.00 to the committee.
REGC Cllime presented a new Uniform Audit form for review along with a Bank Information Request Form. This was the only actual business transacted.
RWB Cokonougher spoke about a several items. First, the Grand Lodge is now self-insured. It would be a good idea for lodges to ask their DDGM what this means to a subordinate lodge. It does affect replacement of paraphernalia in the event of something such as a fire. Next, the topic of electronic banking was discussed. Since no signature is required it is easier to get money from an account. A quarterly audit is being considered for lodges using electronic banking. Last he spoke about ritual and leadership. We are in need of good leadership more than we are in need of good ritualists.
The program of the day was the new Council Education Officer program. Dwight Damschroder presented the same program that had been given to the C.E.O.s. The program was rather comprehensive. After the program there was a short question and answer period.
MEC Dale Ray announced the next meeting will be on August 7th at the Springfield Masonic home. Time 10:00 A.M. prior to the York Rite tea.
This meeting was adjourned with a prayer at 11:30 A.M.
'til the next time.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Willoughby No. 231 Inspection
Tonight REC Young and I were off to Willoughby to see Willoughby #231's inspection in the Mark Master. It is about an hour drive to the east side of Cleveland. Once again my Garmin GPS took me there one way and brought me home another.
Willoughby Lodge is located on the second floor of a building just out of the center of town. This is one of the hardest Lodges to find that I have ever been to. It has a sign right out front but I'll drive by it every time I visit this Lodge and this was my 3rd visit. Parking is in the rear by the library and space is at a premium. Now if you go in the back door you go directly into the dinning room. From here you have a small maze of hallways to navigate to reach the stairs to the Lodge room. Once having found the stairs you go up to a very nice Lodge room.
The room is not ornate but fairly large with a unique ceiling. If you click on and enlarge the picture of the beams you will see black squares painted along the edge. It looks nice but I have no idea what they are supposed to represent. The ends of the cross beams have a design painted on them as the other picture shows. It looks nice but I don't know if it has any significance.
Since it was the Chapter's stated meeting it was opened in the full form Royal Arch degree. EC George Tegner did a very nice job. As soon as introductions were made and all necessary business conducted a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was closed.
REC Robert Thomas assumed the east and a Lodge of Mark Masters was opened in full and proper form. There was one candidate, Brother Theodore Banaszer, who received a very fine degree. REC Thomas did an excellent job as did all the other officers in the degree. REC Jeff Addis was the guest inspecting officer and gave the shortest review I have every heard an inspecting officer give. It was great. He gave them a good report in all aspects.
There were about 30 in attendance. PGHP Robert Draye was the only past grand there but the following Grand Officers were in attendance. All RECs: Abraham Kay, Grand Parliamentarian; William Young, Grand Guard; Jeff Addis, GM3V; Robert Thomas, Capt.of the Host.
After the degree we retired to the dinning room for a choice of 4 or 5 types of cold cuts, cheese, chips, cookies and soda. Very nice refreshments.
Tonight Bill and I had dry roads, saw a new Mark Master, made a few new friends and had good refreshments. What more could you ask for.
'til the next time.
Willoughby Lodge is located on the second floor of a building just out of the center of town. This is one of the hardest Lodges to find that I have ever been to. It has a sign right out front but I'll drive by it every time I visit this Lodge and this was my 3rd visit. Parking is in the rear by the library and space is at a premium. Now if you go in the back door you go directly into the dinning room. From here you have a small maze of hallways to navigate to reach the stairs to the Lodge room. Once having found the stairs you go up to a very nice Lodge room.
The room is not ornate but fairly large with a unique ceiling. If you click on and enlarge the picture of the beams you will see black squares painted along the edge. It looks nice but I have no idea what they are supposed to represent. The ends of the cross beams have a design painted on them as the other picture shows. It looks nice but I don't know if it has any significance.
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| Beam design |
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| Ceiling, click on to see the design on the cross beams |
Since it was the Chapter's stated meeting it was opened in the full form Royal Arch degree. EC George Tegner did a very nice job. As soon as introductions were made and all necessary business conducted a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was closed.REC Robert Thomas assumed the east and a Lodge of Mark Masters was opened in full and proper form. There was one candidate, Brother Theodore Banaszer, who received a very fine degree. REC Thomas did an excellent job as did all the other officers in the degree. REC Jeff Addis was the guest inspecting officer and gave the shortest review I have every heard an inspecting officer give. It was great. He gave them a good report in all aspects.
There were about 30 in attendance. PGHP Robert Draye was the only past grand there but the following Grand Officers were in attendance. All RECs: Abraham Kay, Grand Parliamentarian; William Young, Grand Guard; Jeff Addis, GM3V; Robert Thomas, Capt.of the Host. After the degree we retired to the dinning room for a choice of 4 or 5 types of cold cuts, cheese, chips, cookies and soda. Very nice refreshments.
Tonight Bill and I had dry roads, saw a new Mark Master, made a few new friends and had good refreshments. What more could you ask for.
'til the next time.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
It is snowing again!
Well Companions I've had a few nights off from traveling.
First Monday was my Commandery's stated meeting. We have a covered dish dinner with our Ladies prior to the meeting. The Ladies take turns hosting the dinner and this was my wife's turn. She and I made what she calls "mock Swiss steak" and mashed potatoes. "Mock Swiss steak" is 1/3 pound hamburger patties cooked like Swiss steak. We had 20 for the dinner which is about normal. After the dinner the Sir Knights retired to the asylum and did a full form opening practice. We made things just a little short so that some of us could get home to watch Auburn win the BCS bowl.
Tuesday I had planned to go to Newcomerstown and see Nugen Chapter's inspection. Then they began predicting 4 - 6 inches of snow and we had 2 inches on the ground by 4:00 PM. It is about 85 miles, 1 hr & 35 min, to Newcomerstown from Medina. I decided to stick close to the house and did not go anywhere. As it turned out we got about 6 inches of new snow by 6:00 A.M. and another 2 inches today by noon. I've used the snow blower twice today and the way it is snowing will probably do it again this evening. The weather person on Fox just said we could possibly get another 4 to 6 inches in the secondary snow belt and up to a foot in the primary snow belt. For those who don't know, Medina is in the secondary snow belt.
Tomorrow I go to Willoughby Chapter which is in the primary snow belt. It is supposed to taper off and possibly even be sunny tomorrow so the trip should be fairly easy. It is only about an hour drive. Friday is Symbolic Lodge and Saturday is York Rite Co-operation meeting in Delaware.
Lastly, remember that there is a memorial service for Jane Meridith at the Lynhurst Masonic Temple at 2:00 PM Sunday.
'until the next time.
First Monday was my Commandery's stated meeting. We have a covered dish dinner with our Ladies prior to the meeting. The Ladies take turns hosting the dinner and this was my wife's turn. She and I made what she calls "mock Swiss steak" and mashed potatoes. "Mock Swiss steak" is 1/3 pound hamburger patties cooked like Swiss steak. We had 20 for the dinner which is about normal. After the dinner the Sir Knights retired to the asylum and did a full form opening practice. We made things just a little short so that some of us could get home to watch Auburn win the BCS bowl.
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| My House |
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| One of my bird feeders with a squirrel shield |
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| My back yard looking at the lake |
Tomorrow I go to Willoughby Chapter which is in the primary snow belt. It is supposed to taper off and possibly even be sunny tomorrow so the trip should be fairly easy. It is only about an hour drive. Friday is Symbolic Lodge and Saturday is York Rite Co-operation meeting in Delaware.
Lastly, remember that there is a memorial service for Jane Meridith at the Lynhurst Masonic Temple at 2:00 PM Sunday.
'until the next time.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Wilmington Chapter #63 Inspection
Well tonight it was off to Wilmington Chapter #63 to see its inspection in the Royal Arch degree. It was a easy drive down I-71 except for the snow showers. Every now and then I run into almost white out conditions. They never lasted more than a few miles but it sure slowed things down.
Then came the degree and once again I saw exceptional work. EC Maynard did a great job in the opening and as Jeshua. He also gave the Prologue and Crown lectures. EC Tim Ross, Principal Sojourner, did an outstanding Journey. He spoke slowly and clearly so that all Candidates, 3 exemplars and 9 in the class, understood what was be conveyed. The 12 candidates received an exceptional Royal Arch degree.
Once again your Grand Family is traveling. PGHPs in attendance were MECs Steve Duncan, Jerry Crawfore and Garis Pugh. The Grand King, REC George Shell and the Grand Principal Sojourner, REC Keith O'Dell were also in attendance.
I found Wilmington Lodge with no difficulty. It is one of the old fashioned upstairs lodges in the center of town. You, however, have a surprise in store for you when you get to the Lodge room. I expected a small room but it is definitely not a small room. The ceiling must be 30 feet up and is painted blue. There are gold painted arches between the ceiling and the side walls that are quite nice.
I did take a picture of both the ceiling and the arches but the room was just a little too dark for them to turn out. Sorry! In the west there is a small balcony from which the RA slides are shown. There are two rows of theater type chairs on each side of the room. All in all it is a very nice Lodge and very well maintained.
I did take a picture of both the ceiling and the arches but the room was just a little too dark for them to turn out. Sorry! In the west there is a small balcony from which the RA slides are shown. There are two rows of theater type chairs on each side of the room. All in all it is a very nice Lodge and very well maintained.Now came the second surprise. Before Chapter opened I was talking to the High Priest, EC Harless Maynard, and was informed that they had 12 candidates!!!! Wilmington Chapter had 5: Donnie Rockhold, Terry Poe, Rod List, Steve Johnson and Brian Johnson. Xenia Chapter had 4: Charlie Roberts, Tom Lowe, Tod Lucas and Kevin Basinger. Middletown Chapter had 1: Thomas Taylor. Victory Chapter had 1: Brad Gamblin. And Franklin Chapter has 1; Tim Ray. I thought I was at a York Rite festival. I have never seen this many candidates receive any degree in York Rite except at a festival. It was truly a wonderful experience.
Then came the degree and once again I saw exceptional work. EC Maynard did a great job in the opening and as Jeshua. He also gave the Prologue and Crown lectures. EC Tim Ross, Principal Sojourner, did an outstanding Journey. He spoke slowly and clearly so that all Candidates, 3 exemplars and 9 in the class, understood what was be conveyed. The 12 candidates received an exceptional Royal Arch degree. 
Once again your Grand Family is traveling. PGHPs in attendance were MECs Steve Duncan, Jerry Crawfore and Garis Pugh. The Grand King, REC George Shell and the Grand Principal Sojourner, REC Keith O'Dell were also in attendance.Tonight I probably could have given out 4 or 5 of MEC Oliver's Red Cross pins, the degree was that well presented. I did give out two. EC Maynard, High Priest, and EC Ross, Principal Sojourner, did their parts exceptionally well and were presented the pins.
Because of the length of my drive home and the weather, I did not stay for refreshments. As it turned out the road was dry except for a short distance around Mansfield.
As I like to say, good trip, great degree and warm Companionship. What more could you ask for on a cold winter's night.
"til the next time.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Painsville #46 Inspection
Well Companions I managed to make another mistake. I forgot to take my camera with me last night so there are no pictures of a very fine lodge building and room. The building is fairly new and was designed by MWB Steven J. Krekus, Past Grand Master of Ohio. I took a couple of pictures with my Iphone camera just to see how they would come out but they are just too dark to post. My apologies.
Any how last night RECs Nockengost, Young and Porter joined me and we went to Painsville #46's inspection in the Royal Arch Degree. The Chapter opened promptly at 7:30 PM and did a fine job in the full form opening. The High Priest, EC Clifford Wilson was a just a tad nervous which he said was due to all the gold setting on the north side of the Chpater room. Once again the Grand Officers were out in force for an inspection. Myself, PGHP Donald Losasso, PGHP Bob Draye, REC Bob Thomas, REC Ralph Curtis, REC Bill Young, REC Ron Nockengost and REC Darell Porter (10th DDGHP) were all setting together on the north side. I believe the only Grand or Past Grand that EC Wilson knew was coming was REC Thomas.
The degree started about 8:15 PM. This was the third time I have seen work done in Painsville Chapter and I saw exactly what I thought I would. A very fine Royal Arch Degree was portrayed for the 3 candidates, all new Royal Arch Masons. This Chapter does something that I have never seen in any other Chapter. When the cast comes out to assume their stations in the degree there amounts to a prologue that tells who is portraying the character and gives a insight into what his purpose is in the degree. It is done very well and adds nicely to the degree. It may add 6 or 7 minutes to the degree.
Another thing unusual was the splitting of the Principal Sojourner's part before and during the Journey. Two Companions did this part and did it quite well.
The Chapter was closed at approximately 9:50 PM and all retired to the dinning room. Painesville has a Brother that makes soup. He told me he makes potato, split pea or vegetable soup for events like the inspection. Now the last time I had soup for refreshment I make the mistake of telling my wife it was better chicken noodle soup than what she makes. This time I told her it was almost as good has her vegetable soup.
Another good night, easy trip and good food.
'til the next time.
Any how last night RECs Nockengost, Young and Porter joined me and we went to Painsville #46's inspection in the Royal Arch Degree. The Chapter opened promptly at 7:30 PM and did a fine job in the full form opening. The High Priest, EC Clifford Wilson was a just a tad nervous which he said was due to all the gold setting on the north side of the Chpater room. Once again the Grand Officers were out in force for an inspection. Myself, PGHP Donald Losasso, PGHP Bob Draye, REC Bob Thomas, REC Ralph Curtis, REC Bill Young, REC Ron Nockengost and REC Darell Porter (10th DDGHP) were all setting together on the north side. I believe the only Grand or Past Grand that EC Wilson knew was coming was REC Thomas.
The degree started about 8:15 PM. This was the third time I have seen work done in Painsville Chapter and I saw exactly what I thought I would. A very fine Royal Arch Degree was portrayed for the 3 candidates, all new Royal Arch Masons. This Chapter does something that I have never seen in any other Chapter. When the cast comes out to assume their stations in the degree there amounts to a prologue that tells who is portraying the character and gives a insight into what his purpose is in the degree. It is done very well and adds nicely to the degree. It may add 6 or 7 minutes to the degree.
Another thing unusual was the splitting of the Principal Sojourner's part before and during the Journey. Two Companions did this part and did it quite well.
The Chapter was closed at approximately 9:50 PM and all retired to the dinning room. Painesville has a Brother that makes soup. He told me he makes potato, split pea or vegetable soup for events like the inspection. Now the last time I had soup for refreshment I make the mistake of telling my wife it was better chicken noodle soup than what she makes. This time I told her it was almost as good has her vegetable soup.
Another good night, easy trip and good food.
'til the next time.
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