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!

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.