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.