The Florida
York Rite Mason Vol. 2 Issue 2
Official Quarterly Publication of the Grand York Rite Bodies of Florida
In this issue: 2008 Grand Chapter Annual Convocation Solomon’ s Temple Part York King Rite Masons of1 the Year Rules
King Solomon’s Temple Part 1 Bridging the Generation Gap Florida York Rite News and Events
The Florida York Rite Mason Magazine
Content
Volume 2 Issue 2 June 2008
page 3
Message from The Grand York Rite Communication Committee
page4
Words from the Grand Royal Arch - M. Exc. James P. Rudman, Grand High Priest
page 6
Words from the Ninth Grand Arch - M. I. Dencel Smith, Most Illustrious Grand Master
page 8
Words from the Grand Asylum - S. K. Charles Perez, Right Eminent Grand Commander
page 10
Photos from the 2008 Grand Convocation
page 11
Installation of 2008 - 2009 Grand Chapter Officers
page 13
2008 Grand Lodge Annual Communication / York Rite Masons of the Year
page 14
News and Events From Around Our Jurisdiction
page 21
Southeastern York Rite Conference
page 23
Florida DeMolay News
page 24
King Solomon’s Temple Part 1 - M. Ill. Ron Blaisdell
page 30
Bridging the Generation Gap - S. K. David Aponte
page 32
Florida York Rite Events Official E-Publication of the Florida Grand York Rite Bodies Published Quarterly by The Grand York Rite Communication Committee Members: S. K. David A. Aponte, Chairman, S. K. Charles “Chic” Cicero and M. I. Ron Blaisdell Correspondents: Exc. Elliott Corbin and S. K. Bill Horacio, Jr.
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Message form The Grand York Rite Communications Committee The Grand York Rite Communication Committee hopes that all our Companions, Sir Knights, and Brethren are enjoying the summer season. The photos on the front and back covers evokes this season in Florida. We celebrate two important holidays during this season: Flag Day and Independence Day. As we celebrate these holidays, let us meditate on the significance and their impact in our lives as citizens and Freemasons of this great nation of ours. To all a Happy 4th of July. On behalf of the Grand York Rite Communication Committee, we want to congratulate and wish success during the ensuing year to our four new York Rite leaders in Freemasonry: M. W. Joseph Fleites, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida; M. Exc. James P. Rudman, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Florida; M. Ill. Dencel Smith, Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of Florida; and S. K. Charles Perez, Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Florida. The intention of this issue was to present you with photos from the 2008 Grand York Rite Convention for all three Grand Bodies. Unfortunately, we only received the Grand Chapter’s Annual Grand Convocation photos. We thank the M. Exc. James Rudman for providing the magazine with copies of the photos. We hope by our next issue, we will be able to show you photos from the 2008 Grand Assembly and Grand Conclave. We do apologize to our readers for this. The Grand York Rite Committee is promoting the York Rite Masons of the Year program. We want to honor those Companions and Sir Knights from our local York Rite Bodies that have made a difference. We ask the local York Rite Bodies to carefully read the rules for this program. The deadline to submit the Companion / Sir Knight’s name and photo is February 15, 2009. Our present issue brings messages from our three principal Grand York Rite leaders. We have placed a list of the Grand Line Officers for each Grand York Rite Body and an official Calendar for the Ill. Grand Master and Grand Commander. We have two very interesting educational articles. The first article, Kin Solomon’s Temple (Part 1), is a very interesting research into this temple presented by M. I. Ron Blaisdell. The second article, Bridging the Generation Gap, is on York Rite Leadership and a point of view on the styles of younger and older Masons and what can be done to bring a balance within a Lodge. We hope you enjoy reading these articles. We would like to hear your comments and / or opinions on the articles covered in this issue. Please e-mail us at oyrb@tampabay.rr.com. Finally, we want to welcome two new Companions/Sir Knights that are now our official correspondents: Corbin Elliott from District 7 and Bill Horacio, Jr. from District 2. Companion Horacio, Jr. is also a photographer for our magazine. We request the local York Rite Bodies from those Districts, our Companions, Sir Knights, and our Blue Lodge brethren to extend to these Companions all the courtesies in their labors for this magazine. Again welcome Companions Corbin and Horacio, Jr. The deadline for our next issue is September 12th. Please submit your articles, pictures, and events timely. Fraternally
S. K. David A. Aponte, Chairman 3
The Grand Lodge of Florida has all ready provided a proven program on this subject, i.e., Masonic Renewal, and can be easily adopted for any Chapter such as Companion Bring a Friend Night. There are over 100,000 sojourning Masons in the state of Florida. This resource needs to be tapped.
Words From the Grand Royal Arch By Most Excellent James P. Rudman Grand High Priest 2008-2009
Grand High Priest’s Program STAYING ON THE LINE IN 08 AND 09 Companions, I want to thank you all
for your trust and confidence by electing me to be your Grand High Priest for the ensuing year. Our Grand Chapter have come a long way since our Past Grand High Priest, M.E. Michael Padron Jr. Our main focus is to enrich and enhance Capitular Masonry for the betterment of our Companions and local Chapters. My theme is “Staying on the line in ‘08 and ‘09. The following is part of my program. I hope you will embrace and make it part of your local Chapter’s plans. MEMBERSHIP Changes that are necessary to increase our membership are not really changes in themselves but rather a return to basics and a change in our attitude. We as Royal Arch Masons have a very desirable product to sell and we should approach membership with a business sense. Having an outstanding product, we need outstanding sales-
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men. Every Chapter must have representatives “ambassadors” assigned to every Blue Lodge in their district or zone, and this ambassador should be appointed because of his enthusiasm and knowledge of Royal Arch Masonry and he should be looked up to by members of the Blue Lodge as a respected and knowledgeable Mason. This ambassador must have an excellent working relationship with the elected and appointed officers of the Lodge. The Chapter needs to monitor their ambassadors and give them recognition that is due them, i.e., letters of appreciation, a dinner in their honor, etc. In the same vein if no petitions are coming forth from a Lodge, the Chapter should seriously consider changing ambassadors. It is not out of the question to expect one candidate from each Lodge in the district or zone per year. Every member of a Chapter is an ambassador unto himself and should always have a petition on hand and be willing and able to talk about Royal Arch Masonry.
Losses due to NPD should and must be reversed. This is the only area in membership where we exercise any control. We have to make every Companion feel welcome and at home in his Chapter and he should at all times have the feeling that he is really needed. I plan on issuing an executive order for every Chapter secretary to contact their NPD’s for the last five years and offer them reinstatement by just paying the current year’s dues. FRATERNAL As 100% of our membership is derived from the Blue Lodge, we must continually endeavor to improve our relationship with the Grand Lodge of Florida by attending as many of the Grand Master’s district meetings as possible and other Grand Lodge functions as representatives of Royal Arch Masonry. We should constantly inquire of the Worshipful Masters of every Lodge “What can we do to assist you?” And ensure that an invitation is extended to the Blue Lodges for any functions that they may attend. One of the best ways to show the Lodges our support is to serve as color/honor guards at the Blue Lodge installations. ADMINISTRATIVE It is necessary to upgrade our computer programs at the Grand Chapter office. I have therefore proposed $1,000 in our 08-09 budget for this purpose and the Grand Council and Grand Com-
mandery have agreed to do the same. To create a dues card that will be consistent for all Chapters to be issued by the Grand Chapter office. At the present time each Chapter is responsible for creating it own dues card. This should not and cannot continue. In consultation with the Grand Council and Grand Commandery, we are all three in agreement there should be one official dues card and one only issued out of the Grand York Rite office. The Grand Secretary is endeavoring to set this in motion. It has long been realized that the Grand High Priest can never get accomplished what he wants to in one year, therefore, it is necessary that a five year plan be established by your Grand Chapter Officers. So as to start planning for their year, I have appointed a five year planning committee consisting of the Grand King, the Grand Scribe, the Grand Captain of the Host and the Grand Principle Sojourner with a charge to bring to you next year a five year program. FINANCIAL I will endeavor to ensure that the Grand Chapter is meeting its fiduciary responsibility to the Craft by maintaining a careful watch on our investments and those who are charged to oversee them. Last year it was verbally agreed among the officers that all of our operating funds would come under the category of “The Administrative Endowment Fund” and that this fund would be frozen for five years so as to build it up. After five years, that only 25% of the interest and capital gains could be used from this fund. It is my intention to get this in law agreeable to the Craft. PUBLIC RELATIONS AND CIVIC DUTIES
“...Loses due to NPD should and must be reversed. This is the only area in membership where we exercise any control...”
Every Royal Arch Mason should let it be known to the public who he is and what he stands for ever remembering that each of us is a recruiter for Freemasonry. It is our duty to become involved in our local civic activities. We should support those political figures in our communities who expound the principals and precepts of our fraternity. Yes, and even run for public office. We should watch our school boards’ very closely bearing in mind that one woman was responsible for removing prayer from our public school system. We as Royal Arch Masons should ever support the return for nonsectarian prayer in our schools. Whereby giving our children a sense that there is a higher being to assist them in any of their troubles. One only has to look at the terrible tragedies that have occurred in our schools since prayer was removed.
2008 - 2009 Grand Chapter Officers M. Exc. James P. Rudman
Grand High Priest
R. Exc. Darryl A. D’Angina
Grand King
R. Exc. Anthony J. Marotta Jr.
Grand Scribe
R. Exc. Richard Foreman
Grand Treasurer
R. Exc. Steve Q. Steele
Grand Secretary
Exc. C. Alan Walls
Grand Chaplain
Exc. Robert Kirkpatrick
Grand Captain of the Host
Exc. Calvin Bonet Exc. John Allen
Grand Principal Sojourner
Grand Royal Arch Captain
Exc. John Wermann
Grand Master of the 3rd Veil
Exc. William Jacobs
Grand Master of the 2nd Veil
Exc. Richard Wolf
Grand Master of the 1st Veil
Exc Frederick Piasecki
Exc. Glen Chandler
Grand Historian
Exc. David Meade
Grand Sentinel Grand Organist 5
Words from the Grand Ninth Arch By Most Illustrious Dencel Smith, Most Illustrious Grand Master 2008-2009
No problem is too big to be solved Well, here we are a month into the new Cryptic Year already. Time sure goes by fast when you are having fun. Seriously, my Companions, I truly thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you the Grand Council as you Grand Master for this year. I am thankful that each of you saw something in me that encouraged you to elect me. As I look over the names of Past Grand Masters both alive and those that passed on to their eternal rewards, I am humbled that you have place me in the company of some of the most distinguished companions, brothers and men of this great fraternity of ours. Due the price of gasoline and the cost of traveling right now, I would encourage each of you to be aware of the District Meetings in your area and to come out, participate and meet your Grand Council Officers. I am a little biased, but I think we have assembled a superb line of officers and I look forward to the coming years in the life of the Grand Council. I have asked 6
the Grand Line Officers to make official visits this year representing your Grand Master in their respective districts. I would ask that you come out and support them and listen to what they have to say. I am sorry to say that I will not be able to visit all of the councils this year, but I will be coming to visit some of you and maybe all of you in the next couple of years. The first few months of the year are going to be very busy as in May we had the Grand Lodge of Florida Session. There will be two district meetings in June, July, August, September and October. In June, we will have the SE Regional York Rite Meeting in Orlando. In July, the York Rite Masons of NC will have their Summer Assembly in Maggie Valley, NC, a great event for fun and fellowship. The Triennial Assembly of the General Grand Council will meet in August. Right Eminent Grand Commander Charles Perez will have his Homecoming in August. Most Excellent Companion James Rudman will have his Homecoming in September plus there is a Caribbean Cruise planned for October.
We are working on a couple of things which I feel will help the Grand Council, but more importantly you at the constituent council level. One of them is a Mentor’s Manual for the Councils. Look for this to come to your Recorder in hard copy and then be posted on the Grand York Rite Web Site. I have appointed a committee to visit our Constitution, ByLaws and Regulations and come up with an up to date copy which we hope can be adopted at the Grand Assembly in April 2009. A third item is an effort to determine the voting status of delegates to the Grand Assembly and a method of voting without all the confusion we have sometimes had in the past. I would ask that you continue to support the CMMRF the charity for our Grand Council. Many of us have benefited greatly from the research and work of this great philanthropy. One of the great happening in a Grand Council is the constituting of a new council. Companions, at the Grand Assembly this year, we voted to give Notuma Council U. D. their charter, so on August 2, 2008 (tentative), we will constitute Notuma Council No. 45 in Naples. Congratulations to all the companions who have worked so hard for this to come about. I look forward to the honor and opportunity to come and be with the companions on this auspicious occasion. I have told the companions serving in the Grand Family this year that no problem is too big to be solved if we know about it in ample time to plan and react. To this end, my companions, my phone and e-mail are open to each of you to communicate with me. Please check the web site for the phone number and address. Thanks again, I remain humbly your Most Illustrious Grand Master
2008 - 2009 Grand Council Officers
Illustrious Grand Master’s Calendar
M. I. Dencel Smith Most Illustrious Grand Master
July 1
Havana Lodge Stated Communication
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Scottish Rite Tallahassee
11-15 Maggie Valley Summer Assembly 18
District 4 Meeting Olin S. Wright Lodge 79 Plant City
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District 3 Meeting York Rite Building Tampa
25-27 York Rite University Lake Mary August 1
Travel to Naples, FL
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Notuma Council No. 45 - Charter
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Return to Tallahassee
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Havana Lodge Stated Communication
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Official Visit to Lake City Council No. 35
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Florida Chapter No. 1 Stated Convocation
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District 6 Meeting Vero Beach Lodge No. 250 Vero Beach
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District 5 Meeting Ormond Beach Lodge #326 Ormond Beach
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W. C. Harter Council AMD
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Grand Commander’s Home Coming York Rite Center Pensacola
26 - 31 General Grand Council Triennial September 2
Havana Lodge Stated Communication
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Fall Festival Pensacola York Rite Center Pensacola
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Seminole Council No. 30 Stated Assembly
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Official Visit Crestview Council No. 33
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Official Visit Adonairam Council No. 10
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District 7 Meeting Ashlar Lodge No 98 St. Augustine
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District 8 Meeting Floral City Lodge #133 Floral City
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Grand High Priest Home Coming Inverness
24 - 25 Supreme Assembly S.O.O.B. - Tampa
York Rite The Continuation Of Blue Lodge
R. I. Carl E. Gilmore Deputy Grand Master R. I. Howard Gardner Grand Principal Conductor of Work R. I. Richard Foreman Grand Treasurer R. I. Steve Q. Steele Grand Recorder Ill. L. Richard Kasten Grand Chaplain Ill. Daniel Fullwood Grand Captain of the Guard Ill. Larry R. Gillespie Grand Conductor of the Council Ill. Dean Harwood Grand Marshall Ill. Dayle Schrock Grand Steward Ill. Richard J. Filippi Grand Sentinel Ill. David Meade Grand Organist
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should be reminded of the benevolent and fraternal work we do and the need for funds to support these endeavors. We need those card carrying members as much as we need the participating ones. It is a fact of life that not everyone has the time to be an active worker but they can help with financial support.
Words from the Grand Asylum By Sir Knight Charles Perez, Right Eminent Grand Commander 2008 -2009
I challenge every Eminent Commander to work diligently to have meetings and programs that are interesting and entertaining and when possible to make them a family affair
The Longest Journey Let’s Increase Membership Greetings my fellow Sir Knights. I wish to thank all of you for electing me to serve as the Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Florida for the year 2008-2009. This is a great honor and I will try my utmost to live up to the occasion As with any organization, success can only be achieved if all Sir Knights band together for the good of the Brotherhood. I can only steer the Ship, it is up to the Craft to provide the propelling force. I am therefore asking for your support to accomplish our goals.
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Our Goal this year is to increase the membership by 10 per cent. This is actually a very modest. Just think what would happen if every
member turned in one petition. The rolls would double overnight. While this is an unrealistic dream, it does give food for thought. While our Festivals have been very encouraging recently, they are being negated by ever present flow of suspensions for non-payment of dues and deaths. We cannot do anything about death, but we can and we should certainly strive to reduce the number of NPD’s. I have heard some Recorders say “ I’m not going to beg anyone to pay his dues” My Brothers persuading a waivering Sir Knight to pay his dues is not begging. Does the phrase – whisper wise council in the ear of a brother- ring a bell? Many times you hear a Frater say “ I don’t have time to participate so I’ll just drop out “ This sir Knight
While some consider it a cliché, it is actually a truism. “ The Longest Journey Starts With The First Step” So my friends do not be afraid to try something new and if they work out, let the rest of us know so we can try it In Hoc Signo Vinces
Every Christian Master Mason should be a Knight Templar
Grand Commander’s Calendar
2008 -2009 Grand Commandery Officers S.K. Charles Perez Right Eminent Grand Commander S.K. Ideal Baldoni II
July 2 3 9 13-15 18 19 25-27 28
Zelica Grotto Pensacola Scottish Rite Picnic Pensacola Crestview Commandery No 25 Official Visit Maggie Valley Summer Assembly District 4 Meeting Olin S. Wright Lodge 79 Plant City District 3 Meeting York Rite Building Tampa York Rite University Lake Mary St. Augustine Commandery No 10 St. Augustine Official Visit
Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander S.K. Charles “Chic” Cicero Eminent Grand Generalissimo S.K. David A. Aponte Eminent Grand Captain General S.K. S.K. Richard Foreman Eminent Grand Treasurer S.K. Steve Q. Steele Eminent Grand Recorder
August 4 6 7 8 11 15 16 20 23
S.K. Rev. Daniel Williams Ferry Pass Lodge No 348 Pensacola Zelica Grotto Pensacola Scottish Rite meeting Pensacola RARA Fund Raiser Pensacola York Rite Center Mount Horeb Chapter No. 6 Pensacola District 6 Meeting Vero Beach Lodge No. 250 Vero Beach District 5 Meeting Ormond Beach Lodge #326 Ormond Beach St. Elmo Commandery No. 42 Fort Walton Beach Official Visit Grand Commander’s Home Coming York Rite Center Pensacola
Eminent Grand Prelate S.K. A. J. Larose Eminent Grand Senior Warden S.K. Henry Adams Eminent Grand Junior Warden S.K.Robert G. Stearns Eminent Grand Standard Bearer S.K. Charles R. Cooper Eminent Grand Sword Bearer
September 1 2 4 8 13 19 20 20 22 23 24 25
Ferry Pass 348 Pensacola Zelica Grotto Scottish Rite Pensacola Union Council Meeting Pensacola York Rite Center Fall Festival Pensacola York Rite Center District 7 Meeting Ashlar Lodge No 98 St. Augustine District 8 Meeting Inverness Lodge #118, Inverness, FL Grand High Priest Home Coming Inverness Golf & Country Club Plant City Commandery No 6 Official Visit Lakeland-Winter Haven Commandery No. 21 Official Visit Beauceant Banquet Tampa Olivet Commandery No. 4 Orlando Official Visit
S.K. James T. Mason Eminent Grand Warder S.K. Robert St. John Eminent Grand Sentinel S.K. John Allen Eminent Grand Organist S.K. Phillip S. Ware Inspector General S.K. Ronald Bertie, REPGC Drill Master General S.K. Richard Agster Judge Advocate General S.K. Stephen Henwood Chief of Staff
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2008 Grand Chapter Convocation
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Photos (from left to right, top to bottom) : First Row: Awards given to M. Exc. Dan Dale, Grand High Priest, (first two photos). 2008 Gold Key Recipients (picture far left and the one below). Second row: Recipient of the 2008 Bronze Medal Award. Jacksonville Chapter # 12, winner of the Grand High Priest Chalice Award. Third Row: Report given by M. Exc. Dan Dale. Award given to M.Exc. Harvey Ward Sr., P.G.H.P., by M. Exc. Larry Gray, General Grand High Priest. Recognition of the work done by M. Exc. Dan Dale by a representative of one of the Canadian Grand Chapters. 10
2008 Grand Chapter Installation
Photos above (from left to right) - 1) Grand Installing Team (M.E. Larry Gary, General Grand High Priest, Grand Installing Officer; M.E. Harvey Ward Sr., Grand Installing Chaplain; and M.E. Michael A. Padron Jr., Grand Installing Marshall). 2) S.O.O.B. Ladies forming the reception lines for the Grand Officers. 3) The Grand Installing Marshall conducting the 2008 - 2009 Grand Chapter Officers to the Altar. 4) The Grand Officers taking their obligation. Photos below (from left to right): 5) Mrs. Rudman placing the Grand High Priest’ s jewel on M.E. James Rudman. 6) Mrs. Darryl D’Angina placing the Grand King’s collar on R.E. Darryl D’Angina. 7) Mrs. Margie Wolf, President of the Ocala Assembly of S.O.O.B., placing the Grand Scribe’s jewel on R. E. Anthony Marotta Jr. 8) Installation of the District Deputies of District 1, 2 & 3. 9) The newly-installed Grand High Priest thanks M.E. Larry Gary and his Installing team for a job well done. 10) M.E. James Rudman with his family.
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Grand Chapter 2008 - 2009 Officers
Photos above - Grand Chapter 2008 - 2009 Line Officer (From left to right, top to bottom row): M.E. James P. Rudman, Grand High Priest; R.E. Darryl D’Angina, Grand King; R. E. Anthony Marotta Jr., Grand Scribe; M.E. Steve Stelle, Grand Secretary; R.E. Richard Foreman, Grand Treasurer; Exc. Robert Kirkpatrick, Grand Captain of the Host; Exc. Cal Bonet, Grand Principal Sojourner; Exc. John Allen, Royal Arch Captain; Exc. C. Alan Walls, Grand Chaplain; M. E. Glen Chandler, Grand Historian; Exc. John Wermann, Grand Master of the 3rd Veil; Exc. William Jacobs, Grand Master of the 2nd Veil; Exc. Richard Wolfe, Grand Master of the 1st Veil; Exc. Frederick Piasecki, Grand Sentinel and Exc. David Meade, Grand Organist. Photo Below - 2008 - 2009 Grand Chapter Officers with the District Deputies (2nd row in red coats) and District Instructors (3rd row in red coats).
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2008 Grand Lodge Annual Communication T
he last week of May witnessed the traditional Masonic transfer of Grand Lodge leadership from M. W. Robert P. Harry, Jr., Past Grand Master (2007-2008) to M.W. Joseph Fleites, Grand Master (2008-2009). From May 26th to the 28th, Freemasons from all over the state met at the Rosen Plaza in Orlando for the 179th Grand Lodge Annual Communication. The brethren elected the following distinguished Freemasons to the 2008 -2009 Grand Lodge Line: - M. W. Joseph Fleites - Grand Master - R. W. Dale Goehrig - Deputy Grand Master - R. W. J. Dick Martinez - Grand Senior Warden - R. W. Jim J. Harris - Grand Junior Warden - M. W. Elmer Coffman, P.G.M. - Grand Treasurer -M. W. Richard E. Lynn, P.G.M. - Grand Secretary
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M. W. Robert P. Harry, Jr. Grand Master 2007-2008
he Florida York Rite Mason wants to congratulate M. W. Robert Harry, Jr. for a successful year as our Grand Master. We also want to congratulate M. W. Jospeh Fleites for his election as Grand Master for the ensuing year. We wish him a very successful and joyous year as such.
M. W. Joseph Fleites Grand Master 2008-2009
York Rite Masons of the Year The Grand York Rite Committee would like to honor in their April issue those York Rite Masons from each local York Rite Bodies that have distinguish themselves in making a difference for their local Bodies. We will be soon sending out a nomination form to each local York Rite Bodies. The rules are very simple: 1. Consider those Companions and Sir Knights that have made a difference in your local Bodies by their work and commitment.
2. Only one Companion/Sir Knight can be nominated by each local Bodies.
3. Submit the name of the Companion/ Sir Knight with a photo that can be scanned.
The deadline to submit this by e-mail or snail mail is February 15th 2009. For more details, e-mail the Chairman at oyrb@tampabay.rr.com or give him a call at (352) 503-3030 during the evening from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM. 13
News from Across the State Preceptor, now Primate; J. B. Hunt, OPC, now Marshal and Treasurer; Darryl A. D’Angina, PG, OPC, KYCH, VEPDGG, R. E. Grand King, Grand Chapter RAM of Florida; Quinnie Williams, KYCH, David C. Wilkinson, KYGCH, MEPGHP, then Seneschal, now Preceptor; William E. Darden, Jr., OPC, Very Eminently Distinguished Deputy Grand Governor for Florida, of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America; Robert Gagnon, KYCH; and Virgil P. Brown, Jr., OPC, KYGCH, MIPGM.
N. E. FLORIDA COLLEGE NO. 114 ELEVATES FOUR COMPANION KNIGHTS
Participating in the Order, but not pictured here, were Albert B. Russ, Jr., PG, OPC, KYCH; and Corbin P. Elliott, PG, OPC, KYCH.
By Companion Corbin P. Elliot Florida York Rite Mason Reporter
Northeast Florida York Rite College No. 114 held its Annual Assembly on Saturday, May 17, 2008 and conferred the Order Knight of York on four new Companion Knights. The College also held its annual election and installation of officers for the new York Rite College year. The newly elevated Companion Knights are: Edward L. Clifford, David Dillard, H. Wiley Hart, and Dennis E. Haskins. The accompanying photo shows the four new Companion Knights with the N. E. Florida Y. R. College No. 114 officers and Order Knight of York cast.
N. E. FLORIDA COLLEGE NO. 114 INSTALLS NEW OFFICERS
Pictured, left to right, in the first row were: Walter L. By Companion Corbin P. Elliot Florida York Rite Mason Reporter Hammond, PG, OPC; Burt F. Maguire, then Governor, now Northeast Florida York Rite College No. PG; H. Wiley Hart, new Companion Knight; David Dillard, new Companion Knight; Dennis E. Haskins, new Companion 114 elected and installed its new officers on May 17, 2008 at the York Rite Temple in Jacksonville, Knight; and Edward L. Clifford, new Companion Knight. Florida. Frederick L. Piasecki, R. E. Past Grand ComShown, left to right, in the second row were: Glenn mander of the Grand Commandery K. T. of Florida, E. Chandler, OPC, MEPGHP, then Marshal, now Seneschal; was elected and installed as Preeminent Governor. Lanny N. Mathis, Jr., then Chancellor, now Deputy Governor; The Installing Officer was Walter M. Hammond, PG, Frederick L. Piasecki, REPGC, then DG, now Governor of OPC. N. E. Florida York Rite College No. 114; Clarence N. GruPictured here were the new College officers, ber, OPC, KYCH, then Primate, now Chancellor; Harvey L. with the Installing Team following the installation. Ward, Sr., KYGCH, MEPGHP; and Richard L. Ames. Shown, left to right in the first row, were: J. B. Hunt, OPC, Treasurer and Marshal; Glenn E. Chandler, Seen, left to right in the back rows, were: Samuel D. OPC, MEPGHP, Seneschal; C. Robert Cooper, PDReasor, DDGM, Grand Council R&SM of Florida; C. Rob- DGC, DDGHP, Primate; Walter M. Hammond, PG, ert Cooper, PDDGC, DDGHP, Grand Chapter RAM, then OPC, Installing Officer; and Harvey L. Ward, Sr., OPC, 14
News from Across the State KYGCH, MEPGHP, Installing Marshal. Shown, left to right, in the second row, were: David C. Wilkinson, KYGCH, MEPGHP, Preceptor; Darryl A. D’Angina, PG, OPC, KYCH, PDGG, R. E. Grand King, Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Florida, Installing Secretary; and William E. Darden, Jr., OPC, V.E.D. Deputy Grand Governor for Florida of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America., Installing Chaplain.
Priest of Jacksonville Chapter No. 12, and D.D.G.H.P., District No. 7 of the Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Florida, in 2007. Shown seated to the left of R. E. Companion Bob Cooper was R. E. Companion Darryl A. D’Angina, then R. E. Grand Scribe, now R. E. Grand King of the Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Florida.
Seen in the back row, left to right, were: N. Lanny Mathis, Jr., Deputy Governor; Frederick L. Piasecki, REPGC, Preeminent Governor of Northeast Florida York Rite College No. 114; Clarence N. Gruber, OPC, KYCH, Chancellor; and Burt F. Maguire, PG, Secretary for the new College year. Not pictured, Wayne Thigpen, KYCH, Sentinel.
DAVID A. APONTE NAMED CRYPTIC MASON OF THE YEAR By Companion Corbin P. Elliot Florida York Rite Mason Reporter
Jacksonville Chapter #12 Wins Grand High Priest’s Crystal Chalice By Companion Corbin P. Elliot Florida York Rite Mason Reporter
The Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Florida at the Grand York Rite Annual Convention in Lake Mary on April 28, 2008 presented the Crystal Chalice Award to Jacksonville Chapter No. 12, R.A.M. in recognition of their being named the top Royal Arch Mason Chapter in Florida for the previous Capitular Year. Pictured here were Most Excellent Companion Daniel E. Dale, then M. E. Grand High Priest, now MEPGHP of the Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Florida, presenting the Crystal Chalice Award to Right Excellent Companion C. Robert Cooper, PHP, G.Sw.B., Grand Commandery K. T. of Florida; who was High
At the Grand York Rite Annual Convention in Lake Mary, Florida on April 28, 2008, David A. Aponte was named the Cryptic Mason of the Year by the Grand Council Royal & Select Masters of Florida. Companion David Aponte is the Secretary/Recorder of the Ocala York Rite Bodies; a member of the Grand York Rite Communication Committee; served as the E. Grand Junior Warden in the past year; and is currently the Eminent Grand Captain General of the Grand Commandery, K. T. of Florida. The award was presented on the first day of the Grand York Rite Convention. The award was presented jointly by George C. Sellars, Right Puissant General Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, International, and George Malone, Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council, Royal & Select Masters of Florida. Pictured here, at the presentation were, left to right: David A. Aponte, then G.J.W., now G.C.G. of the Grand Commandery K. T. of Florida, Cryptic Mason of the Year; George Malone, Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council R.&S.M. of Florida; and George C. Sellars, R. P. General G.P.C.W., General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, International. 15
News From Across The State
WAYNE THIGPEN RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD By Companion Corbin P. Elliot Florida York Rite Mason Reporter
On April 28, 2008, at the Grand York Rite Annual Convention in Lake Mary, Florida the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Florida awarded Excellent Companion Wayne Thigpen, KYCH, the Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Florida Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional service to the Craft. This is a very prestigious honor. Only one such award may be given out by the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons per year in the entire state. Excellent Companion Wayne is from Gainesville, Florida.
: St. Augustine Chapter No. 17 did the Mark Master; Jacksonville Chapter No. 12 did the Past Master degree; Duval Chapter No.48 did the Most Excellent Master; and Jacksonville Chapter No. 12 culminated the Capitular degrees with the Royal Arch. An All-Florida York Rite Team did the Royal and Select Masters degrees. The chivalric orders were done in the afternoon. Damacus Commandery No. 2 did the Order of the Red Cross and the Order of the Temple. A cast selected from the East Coast and Central Florida conferred the Order of Malta. By 7:00 P.M., the Companions/Sir Knights completed the ritual work. Following introductions and photos, the new Companions and Sir Knights were on their way home. M. W. Robert P. Harry attended the morning degrees and even presented the charges for some of the degrees. M. Ill. George Malone. M. Ill. Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of Florida, participated in the Cryptic degrees. Missing from the photos, S. K. Ron Taylor, R. E. P. G. C. who helped in many of the degrees and orders.
GATEWAY COUNCIL NO. 51, KNIGHT MASONS INDUCTS FOUR By Companion Corbin P. Elliot Florida York Rite Mason Reporter
Gateway Council No. 51, Knight Masons, U.S.A. on April 19, 2008, initiated four new Knights into York Rite One Day the Council in Jacksonville, Florida. The new Grand Master’s Class Knights were R. Carl Thornwort, Nelson W. Bruce, By Companion Corbin P. Elliot and Patricio Fernandez of Duval Chapter No. 48 Florida York Rite Mason Reporter RAM; and Corbin P. Elliott of Jacksonville Chapter A York Rite One-Day Class honoring M. W. Robert P. Harry, No. 12 RAM. Grand Master of Free & Accepted Masons of Florida, was held on Saturday, April 12, 2008 in Jacksonville, Florida. Through the cooperation of a number of local York Rite Bodies, the Capitular degrees, Cryptic degrees and Chivalric orders were conferred in a single day. Thirty Companions were exalted, greeted and knighted during the day.
On the same date, Gateway Council No. 51, Knight Masons welcomed Cousin and Knight Ronald J. Bertie into the Council as a dual member. Sir Knight Ronald Bertie is a Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, K. T. of New York, and At 6:00 A.M., registration began and the brethren were giv- the Drill Master General of the Grand Commanden a hearty breakfast. The following chapters participated ery, K. T. of Florida. 16
News From Across The State
SIR KNIGHTS ATTEND EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE AT JACKSONVILLE BEACH
GRAND COMMANDER VISITS CRUSADER COMMANDERY U.D.
By Companion Corbin P. Elliot Florida York Rite Mason Reporter
Right Eminent Past Grand Commander Leroy E. Fackler visited Crusader Commandery U.D. of Fernandina Beach, Florida on April 7, 2008 to witness the conferral of the Order of the Temple. Sir Knight George Malone, the Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council Royal & Select Masons of Florida, accompanied him on his visitation. Several other visitors to the Commandery joined in and supported the efforts of Crusader Commandery U.D. for the evening.
On Easter Sunday morning, March 23rd at about 6:00 A.M. several Sir Knights from Damascus Commandery No. 2, K. T. in Jacksonville, Florida met at Jacksonville Beach for their 58th Annual Easter Sunrise Service. The Service is held through cooperation of the Ponte Vedra United Methodist Church, St. Andrews Lutheran By the Sea, St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, the Sunrise Worship Center, and the Community Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville Beach.
By Companion Corbin P. Elliot Florida York Rite Mason Reporter
Shown in the above first picture were several of the visitors with Sir Knights Leroy Fackler, REPGC; George Malone, MIGM; and Charles Middleton, Commander of Crusader Commandery, U.D. Pictured, left to right, were: Robert Cooper, PC, DI: Billy Collier. PC, then Grand Sentinel; Leroy E. Fackler, then Grand Commander, now Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery K. T. of Florida; George E. Malone, then Grand Master, now M.I. Past Grand Master of the Grand Council R. & S. M. of Florida; Charles E. Middleton, DDGC, Commander of Crusader Commandery U.D.; and Darryl A. D’Angina, KYCH, Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter RAM of Florida.
Pastors from the several churches spoke, and music was provided by a group from the Community Presbyterian Church. Masons and their ladies from Ribault Lodge No. 272, of Jacksonville Beach, and J. Wendell Fargis Lodge No. 356, of NepNew Correspondents tune Beach, with assistance of their youth groups, By Sir Knight David A. Aponte served complimentary coffee and donuts to the The Florida York Rite Mason Magazine family wants to welcome early morning worshippers. A full breakfast was their two new Correspondents: Companions / Sir Knights Corbin provided at Ribault Lodge after the service. P. Elliot (left photo) Grand York Rite District 7 and Bill Horacio, The Sir Knights assisted church ushers in collecting the offering from a large and appreciative Easter Sunrise audience. Pictured as the sun rose after the service, were from the left, Sir Knights: William H. McClean, PC; C. Robert Cooper, PC, PDDGC, DI; Billy Collier, PC, PDDGC, E. Grand Sentinel of the Grand Commandery, K.T. of Florida; Jimmy A. Dorsey, SwB; Leland E. Stanford, III, PC; Lewis E. Duffey, CG; and Corbin P. Elliott, KYCH, KCT.
Jr. (right photo) Grand York Rite District 2. We hope this will encourage other Companions / Sir Knights from the other Grand York Rite Districts to volunteer and become a Correspondent or Photographer. Again, we welcome the Companions to the family of The Florida York Rite Magazine.
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News From Across The State Grand York Rite District Two Meeting By S.K. David A. Aponte Photos taken by S.K. Bill Horacio, Jr.
The Grand York Rite District Two Companions and Sir Knights meet at Tropical Lodge in Ft. Myers on Friday, June 20th. The meeting distinguished itself for the fellowship, the dialogues and the prime rib dinner. The chefs that did the Prime Rib dinner are in the second picture of the right column. The Grand High Priest, Ill. Grand Master and Right Eminent Grand Commander talked about their respective programs. The Companions were attentive to our Grand York Rite leaders’ message. District Deputies present from the three Grand York Rite Bodies were presented their DD pins. S. K. Leroy Fackler presented the Meritorious Service Awards to Sir Knight David A. Aponte who received a star to be placed on his ribbon. The ladies were presented an entertaining program that evening. Thanks goes out to the District No. 2 District Deputies for a job well done.
The photos taken by S. K. Bill Horacio, Jr. gives a pictorial story of District 2’s meeting. Thank you S.K. Bill for being the photographer that night.
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News From Across The State Grand York Rite District One Meeting by S.K. David A. Aponte
The Grand York Rite District Two Companions and Sir Knights meet at Coral Gables Lodge in Coral Gable on Saturday, June 21st. The meeting distinguished itself for the fellowship, the dialogues and the tropical lunch everyone had. Those congratulated and thanked the Companions / Sir Knights from District 1 for a magnificent lunch and its tropical theme. The Grand High Priest, Ill. Grand Master and Right Eminent Grand Commander talked about their respective programs. The Companions were attentive to our Grand York Rite leaders’ message. Sir Knight George Chipouras, Right Eminent Past Grand Commander and presently, Department Commander of the Grand encampment was recognized at the District Meeting. Thank you goes out to the District Deputies of District 1 for a meeting well planned.
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News From Across The State Grand High Priest Issues 1st Executive Order The Grand High Priest, M. E. James P. Rudman has issued his first Executive Order regarding NPD Companions. This order has been already read in the local Florida Chapters. The order is as follows:
Grand Chapter EXECUTIVE ORDER NO 2008-01 WHEREAS: In accordance with the Constitution, of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Florida, Appendix A, Uniform Code of Bylaws,
Article XIII, many companions are suspended for nonpayment of dues each year, and WHEREAS: It is beneficial to the Particular Chapters and the Grand Chapter of Florida that these Companions be encouraged to again become an active member of Royal Arch Masonry, and
NEW COMMANDERY CHARTERED Crusader Commandery No. 44
WHEREAS: Membership is one of our important goals. NOW, THEREFORE, I, James P. Rudman, M.E. Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Florida, do hereby order and declare: 1. That during the period from April 28, 2008 until April 8, 2009, a period of amnesty is declared for all Royal Arch Masons suspended from their respective Chapter or Chapters for non-payment of dues. Any particular Chapter in our Grand Jurisdiction that desires to reinstate a suspended Companion without payment of past dues, may do so by adopting the attached Resolution, which adopted Resolution must be returned to the Grand Secretary’s office over the Seal of the Chapter, in order to be effective. And, if adopted, I hereby waive the provisions of Article XIII concerning the payment of past Per Capita Tax. Provided that each such Companion shall make application for reinstatement to the Chapter which suspended him and, at the time of such application, shall pay the dues (not prorated) in that Chapter for the current year. He may likewise renew his membership in any other Chapter or Chapters to which he belonged at the time of his suspension, by notifying such other Chapter or Chapters of his reinstatement under the provisions of this Executive Order and by paying his dues in such Chapter or Chapters for the current year. If he chooses to be reinstated only in the Chapter which suspended him, he may do so, and shall notify the other Chapter or Chapters from which he was likewise suspended of his reinstatement and decision not to renew his membership in such other Chapter or Chapters. 2. That an application for reinstatement to the Chapter which suspended him shall be presented at a Stated Convocation, and follow its usual course. The Secretary shall report the action of the Chapter in the Chapter’s monthly report and to all other Chapters in the District. 3. That each High Priest will see that a list of all members of his Chapter, suspended for non-payment of dues during the past five (5) years, is sent to the Grand Secretary’s Office. The Grand Secretary will then send a blank application for reinstatement, together with a copy of this Executive Order, to each affected member. 4. That every Chapter shall use its best efforts to contact all Companions entitled to reinstatement under the terms of this Executive Order and to impress upon them the advantages of this opportunity to return to good standing. 5. That insofar as any provision of the Constitution is inconsistent with the terms of this Executive Order, the same is hereby set aside for the duration of the period of amnesty as aforesaid. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND and the Seal of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons in Florida, this 28th day of April, A.I. 2538, A.D. 2008 JAMES P. RUDMAN Grand High Priest
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By S. K. Charles “Chic” Cicero, E. Grand Generalissimo Knight Templar Magazine - Florida Supplement Editor
On Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008, the Grand Commandery of K. T. of Florida celebrated the chartering of a new Commandery. Crusader Commandery No. 44 received its charter from S. K. Charles Perez, Right Eminent Grand Commander of K.T. of Florida. The Right Eminent Grand Commander presented the charter to S. K. Danny Fullwood, Eminent Commander of Crusader Commandery #44 (see picture above). S. K. Charles Perez had the honor of presenting this charter. He reminded everyone that S. K. Leroy Fackler, R.E.P.G.C., began this process and regretted not being present to witness the event. A new Commandery was born to be another beacon of Masonic and Christian light in the Northeast region of Florida. He complimented the Sir Knights of Crusader Commandery for their hard work in achieving this milestone and wished them success and prosperity in the ensuing years. Other Grand Commandery officers present were: S. K. Ideal Baldoni II, V. E. Deputy Grand Commander, S. K. Charles “Chic” Cicero, E. Grand Generalissimo, S. K. Henry Adams, E. Grand Jr. Warden, and S. K. Charles R. Cooper, E. Grand Sword Bearer, S. K. Francisco F Camacho, D. D. G. C. The officers were installed by S. K. Charles R. Cooper, E.G. Sword Bearer, who did an excellent job. Our congratulations to the Sir Knights of Crusader Commandery No. 44.
Southeastern Conference By S.K. David A. Aponte
The Companions and Sir Knights having fellowship prior to the General Meeting in the morning.
The Grand High Priest, M. E. Larry E. Gray (center) with the M. E. Darryl D’Angina, Grand King (FL), and S. K. Bob Cooper, Eminent Sword Bearer (FL).
The Southeastern York Rite Conference was held at the Rosen Plaza on Saturday, June 14th, 2008. Fellowship began early in the morning when the Companions and Sir Knights of the Grand York Rite Bodies from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee., meet outside the main auditorium. The Master of Ceremonies for this event was our own, S. K. Robert Burleson, R.E.P.G.C. and S. E. Department Commander. The meeting began promptly with a prayer and an introduction of and words from the General Grand High Priest, M. Exc. Larry E. Gray, the General Grand Master, M. Puissant Maurice C. Himes, and the Most Eminent Grand Master, S. K. William H. Koon II. We were shown a short motivational DVD on leadership. After which, everyone went to their respective General Grand Body’s meeting. After lunch, we gather together for another motivational DVD on leadership. At the end of the afternoon, the General Grand High Priest, Most Puissant Grand Master, and the Most Eminent Grand Master gave their respective summaries on the outcome of their group meetings and what lied ahead for each of the York Rite Bodies. all.
The event culminated with a dinner to the enjoyment of
Master of Ceremonies, From left to right, S.K. John Palmer, Editor of the Knights Templar Magazine, and S.K. Charles “Chic” Cicero, Grand Generalissimo (FL) and Editor of the Florida Supplement From left to right, S. K. Leroy Fackler, R.E.P.G.C. (2007-2008) (FL), R. Exc. Walter Hammond (FL), and M. Ill. George Malone, Most Ill. Past Grand Master (2007-2008)(FL).
Master of Ceremonies, S.K. Robert Burleson, R.E.P.G.C., S. E. Department Commander
From left to right, Sidney Harold Gregory, S. E. Regional Deputy General Grand Master, Most Puissant Maurice Himes, and S.K. William Koon II, Most Eminent Grand Master.
The M. Ill. Dencel Smith (FL) having a conversation with his Line Officers
The Companions and Sir Knights were very attentive to the opening remakes and presentation of the motivational DVD. 21
Southeastern Conference
At the General Grand Chapter’s Meeting, the General Grand High Priest, M. Exc. Larry E. Gray, the General Grand King, M. Exc. Emory J. Ferguson, the Deputy General Grand High Priest, M. Exc. Steve Steele, and several Grand High Priests, including our own, M. Exc. James P. Rudman, talked to the Companions present on the conditions and future of Royal Arch in their respective jurisdictions.
M. Exc. Ferguson with our Grand High Priest, M. Exc. James P. Rudman.
Our 2009-2010 Florida leaders in conversation at the dinner table. From left to right, Lady Judith Baldoni, II, S. K. Ideal Baldoni, II, Deputy Grand Commander (FL), and R. Exc. Darryl D’Angina, Grand King (FL).
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M. Exc. Larry E. Gray checking to see when the dinner will be served.
S. K. William Koon, II, checking his notes on who it was the Grand Encampment Officers were supposed to greet.
The dinner was enjoyed by all the Companions, Sir Knights and their ladies present.
Ahhhhhaaaaa!!!! It was S. K. Frederick Piasecki, R.E.P.G.C. (FL). As he is now the Grand Sentinel of the Grand Chapter of FL, his red coat was taken away by the Grand Encampment. In the photo, S. K. Koon II, S. K. Duane Vaught (sitting), R. E. Grand Captain General, S. K. David Dixon, R. E. Deputy Grand Master, and S. K. Piasecki.
DEMOLAY NEWS The 2008 Florida DeMolay State Conclave will be held at: Comfort Inn Conference Center 820 East Busch Blvd. Tampa, FL 33612
813-933-4011 (web site)
Conclave will start on Saturday, July 19th, and ends Wednesday morning, July 23rd.
Awards for Florida DeMolay Florida DeMolay brought home “the birds” from the just completed International Supreme Council in Anaheim. All total, three Eagle Awards were presented to the jurisdiction: • Grand Master’s Award for Excellence in Communications - for the Florida DeMolay eCordon, web site, text messaging, and other new and innovative communication programs. • Grand Master’s Development Award - for all the growth, new chapters, and programs that have made Florida DeMolay a recognized leader by DeMolay International. • Grand Master’s Visionary Award - to Dad Richard Lynn for all his work in establishing the jurisdictional structure. In addition, Florida DeMolay also received:
Outstanding Communications Award for the Florida DeMolay eCordon.
The Gorman McBride Membership Award for initiating more new members in 2007 then 2006.
The Frank S. Land Membership Growth Award for have positive membership growth in 2007.
Events Saturday, August 2nd - Dad Neto Muraoka is organizing a Paintball Tournament at BigShot Indoor Paintball for Saturday, August 2nd.Registration will begin at 1:00 p.m., with team safety briefings at 1:30 p.m. and the first match starting at 2:00 p.m. Each team will be comprised of 5 member teams, and all equipment, protective clothing, and ammo will be provided by BigShot. For a great price of $40/per player (if registered by July 31st - $50/per player at the door), it will be a fun tournament on an air conditioned field! More details are available on the Florida DeMolay web site Sunday, August 17th - Mark Sunday, August 17th on your calendar for a very special Combined Honors Investiture in the Board Room at the Masonic Home in St. Petersburg at 2:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to witness the investiture of the Cross of Honor, Chevalier, Legion of Honor, and new Supreme Council members. We hope you will join us!
August
July 1-31 - My Government Day Observance Period 19-23 - Florida DeMolay Conclave Comfort Inn, 820 E. Busch Blvd Tampa 33612
Coming Events
2 - Paintball Tournament, Miami 17 - Combined Honors Investiture, Florida Masonic Home, St Petersburg 28-30 - Triennial Meetings General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International, and General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International, Indianapolis, IN
September 5-8 - Florida DeMolay LTC, Florida FFA Training Center, Haines City 23
York Rite Education KING SOLOMON’S TEMPLE
(Part 1)
By Most Ill. Ron Blaisdell, M.I.P.G.M. Of Michigan There can be no subject of greater interest to Freemasons than the Temple of Solomon, King of Israel, Supreme Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Jerusalem. The Temple is intimately bound up with the ritual and traditions of Craft and Royal Arch Masonry, as well as the Degrees of Mark Masonry, Royal and Select Masters, and part of the Allied Masonic Degrees. It is described in the Bible, in the Talmud, and by historians such as Josephus; but in no case is the description sufficiently complete to enable one to make even a mental reconstruction. So many important details are wanting that no two authors who have written on the subject seem to be able to agree upon all points. Much however is known about the temple, and enough to fill us with wonder and admiration, for its partial description proves that it must have been what its builder intended it to be, “exceedingly magnificent” (1 Chron. 22:5). It is impossible to give an exhaustive description even from the available material; I shall, therefore, confine myself to general statements, pointing out some of the more salient features, and leaving it to those of you who are interested in History, archaeology, and Architecture to full in details from the writings of authorities on the subject. Since the Temple of Solomon was built on the model of the Tabernacle, I shall first refer to that structure. The Tabernacle, or Tent of Meeting, was the place where the Holy One met the congregation of Israel, and it was the centre and seat of the Hebrew Theocracy. There the people had audience of the Most High, and thence He issued His commands in a manner recognizable by the senses for their guidance. The Tabernacle was erected in the wilderness by Moses, Aholiab, and Bezaleel, by the special command of the G.A.O.T.U., according to instructions given by Himself to Moses on Mount Sinai. The form, situation, ornaments, and furniture were minutely described, and as minutely and faithfully carried out by those loyal three, as will be found recorded in that book of the Bible, Exodus, in chapters 25, 26 and 27. The term “Tabernacle” was applied to the whole structure set apart for the worship of the Most High, and consisted of two parts, the Tabernacle proper which included the shrine of Jehovah, and the surrounding court where the religious services were held. Entering the court by the only gate, which was in the East, and proceeding westwards, one came first upon the Altar of Burnt Offering. Passing this, one next came to the Laver where the priests performed their ablutions before entering the Tabernacle itself. Having passed the laver, the entrance to the Tabernacle proper was reached. This erection, which also had its only entrance in the East, was constructed of an acacia-wood framework covered on the roof and walls by variously colored textile materials and rams’ skins dyed red. The roof over the structure was a pitched one of 90 degrees, the coverings descending from a horizontal ridge-pole. The Tent was divided into two unequal parts separated from each other by a hanging wall. The larger Eastern portion was called the Holy Place, 20 cubits long, 10 high, and 10 wide, into which the Priests alone were permitted to enter; and a smaller Western portion, a cube of 10 cubits. This latter portion was the Shrine itself, called the Holy of Holies, which none might enter excepting the High Priest alone, 24
York Rite Education and then only once a year and under certain conditions. The Holy Place contained the Altar of Incense, the Table of Shewbread, and a Golden Candlestick. The Holy of Holies contained only one object, the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the two Stone Tables of the Law, a golden pot of Manna, and Aaron’s Rod “that budded”. The top of the Ark was called the Mercy Seat, on which were two figures called Cherubim, and from between these the G.A.O.T.U. spoke to the High Priest. Over the Holy of Holies, in the open air, hovered the Pillar of Cloud, the visible indication of the presence of Jehovah, dark as smoke by day, and luminous as flame seven lights. The congregation assembled for worship in the open air in the Court around the Altar of Burnt Offering, for no layman might set foot within the Tabernacle Tent. The Tabernacle was in existence for nearly 500 years, as the centre of religious life and worship, having accompanied the Israelites in all their wanderings, and it did not cease to be such until King Solomon brought the Ark and the holy vessels from it and deposited them in the Temple which he had erected on Mount Moriah at Jerusalem. The Tabernacle itself was also brought to Jerusalem and probably preserved, as a sacred relic, in one of the chambers of the Temple, but its later history is unknown. While a movable Tent was necessary for a nomadic nation, the incongruity of a settled people having only a Tent for the dwelling of God first occurred to the mind of King David. It appeared unseemly to him that the Ark of God should still dwell “between curtains” while he himself abode in a “house of cedar”. He therefore proposed to build a Temple of stone as a more becoming dwelling-place for the Most High. On account, however, of his having shed so much human blood in his many wars, he was not permitted to carry his project into execution, and it was reserved for the peaceful reign of his son and successor, King Solomon. In preparation for the great undertaking, King David appropriated much of the immense treasure he had collected (1 Chron. 29:1-7). He provided all, or nearly all, the materials before his death, secured the services of skilful mechanics and artificers for every branch of the work, and furnished the design, plans, and site of the proposed building, so that more of the credit of this part of the work seems due to King David than to King Solomon. As the term “Tabernacle” included both the Tabernacle Tent and the surrounding Court, so that general term “Temple” includes the Temple proper, and the surrounding courts and other buildings. Interesting though it would be to refer to these courts and the numerous objects they contained, such as the splendid Altar of Burnt Offering, the wonderful Brazen Sea, the Lavers, etc., and the magnificent Palace of the King, time would utterly fail me; while any allusion to the other Temples of the Jews built in later years by Zerubbabel and Herod, would be foreign to my subject. I therefore propose to confine my thesis to that sacred edifice erected by King Solomon which stood by itself, apart from all other building, and known as the Temple, which is so intimately bound up with our traditions and ritual. The dimensions of the Temple are all given in cubits, and a cubit is generally considered to be a measure of length estimated at 1½ of our modern lineal foot. Caldecott, however, points out on good authority that three different measures of length are called by the same term of cubit -1. The cubit used in plotting the Temple courts, 1-1/2 feet or 18 inches. 2. The cubit used in the erection of the Temple buildings, 1-1/5 feet, or 14.4 inches. 3. The cubit used in the construction of the figures of cherubim, gold and silver vessels, and Veil of the 25
York Rite Education Temple, 9/10 of a foot, or 10.8 inches. The standard of measurement, therefore, chiefly referred to as a cubit in the following account is the building cubit of 14.4 inches. The Temple, which took seven years to complete, was built on the model of the Tabernacle, being a veritable Tabernacle in wood and stone. The appearance of a Tent was to be preserved. To this master idea all others were subordinated and made to conform. It governed both the inception of the new building and all its accessories, down to the last particular. From that tent-like construction the Jewish Temple never departed during the thousand years of its existence. It was the dominating idea which flowed from Mosaic through David and Maccabeus, to the days of Herod. In Solomon’s Temple there were, as in the Tabernacle, a Holy of Holies, and a Holy Place, separated by a partition; and, in addition, a lofty Porch-tower. In the Temple, however, the proportions were double those of the Tabernacle, except as regards the depth of the Porch, which was the same in each case. The Holy of Holies was a cube of twenty cubits, or 24 feet, and the Holy Place was 40 cubits, or 48 feet long, by 20 cubits, or 24 feet, wide, and the same in height. Theses are internal measurements. The Porch was 120 cubits, or 144 feet, high; 20 cubits, or 24 feet, from side to side; and 10 cubits, or 12 feet deep. Built round the Western end and North and South sides, were three stories of small chambers: the lower or nethermost, the middle, and the third. Each story of chambers was 5 cubits, or 6 feet, high. The lower were 5 cubits, or 6 feet, wide; while the middle were 6 cubits, or 7-1/5 feet, and the third 7-1/5 cubits, or 8-2/5 feet in width. The reason why there tiers of chambers differed in width was that no breach might be made in the walls of the Temple structure, and therefore ledges, or abutments, had to be built against them on which to rest the inner ends of the beams which supported the floors of the middle and third, and the roof of the third stories. Thus it is evident that the chambers formed no part of the Temple itself, but were built against its outer walls. They were designed for the use of the Priests (a kind of monastery), and for storing the Temple furniture (1Kings 6:6). The entrance to the middle story was on the “right side of the house” by winding stairs (1 Kings 6:8). The uppermost chambers were entered from the middle and the lowest from the ground, presumably by the doorway which gave access to the winding stair leading to the middle story. All the chambers communicated with each other. Before proceeding farther it will be well to indicate how the Temple stood with regard to the points of 26
York Rite Education the compass. There was only one entrance, and that was through the Porch which faced the East, or rising sun, as all Eastern temples did, and do. The oracle, or Shrine, or Sanctum Sanctorum, was at the Western end. As regards North and South and Right and Left, the Bible tells us in 1 Kings 7:39, “and he set the Sea on the Right side of the house Eastward against the South,” and again, in 2 Chron. 4:10, “and he set the Sea on the Right side of the East end over against the South.” Josephus says, “And he set five of the Lavers on the Left side of the Temple, which was on that side towards the North wind, and as many on the right side towards the South.” He then adds the following explanation, “by the Right hand is meant what is against our Left, when we suppose ourselves going up from the East gates of the Courts, towards the Temple, whence it follows that the Pillar Jachin, on the Right hand of the Temple, was on the South against our Left hand; and Boaz on the North, against our Right hand. Thus we see that the Right of the Temple means its own proper Right facing the sun, and therefore the South; while its Left is the North, exactly the reverse of a person going towards the front of the building. The Temple was built of dressed stones already prepared and fitted in the quarries, and all the beams and other woodwork were also prepared away from the site of the permanent erection, “so that there was neither hammer nor axe, nor any tool of iron heard in the house while it was in building” (1 Kings 6:7). We must assume that all the materials were so accurately made and adjusted at a distance, that they were capable of being placed in position by being simply laid in their proper order, and it would appear that the stones, beams, etc., were kept in position by dove-tailing and tenons. It is supposed that the stonework was fixed without mortar, which was rendered unnecessary by the perfect apposition of the true surfaces and by the great weight of the stones, which are stated to have been of enormous proportions. The pegs for fixing the woodwork must have fitted so accurately that they could be silently forced into position. The walls inside were lined with cedar, as well as the ceiling and floor, but the last was covered with planks of fir in addition. Thus no stonework was apparent from the inside. The form of the roof of the Temple is uncertain. As is well known, all eastern houses and buildings have flat roofs, but the Temple was probably an exception. It is stated in 1 Kings 6:9, “so Solomon built the house and finished it, and he covered the house with beams and planks of cedar.” Here it is affirmed that the roof was composed wholly of cedar wood, which is in itself presumptive evidence of a pitched roof, since flat roofs required the use of stone or cement to form their floor. The marginal reading of “planks” is “rows”. These rows were probably shingles, or wooden slates, which require to be so placed as to secure the regular overlapping of one another, to render them rain-proof. These shingles rested upon beams, or rafters of cedar, thus justifying the statement that the House “was covered with cedar.” The Temple is thus to be conceived of as having a gable roof, this being the only way in which the analogy of the Tabernacle Tent could be followed car of course being taken that the angle of the roofridge should be the same as that of the Tent, one of 90 degrees. The smaller and loftier covering of the Temple Porch came under the same law. This form of roof involved the existence of a loft, or attic, below it. The floor of this loft, which was the roof of the Holy Place and Holy of Holies, being 20 cubits, or 24 feet wide; the height at the apex, inside according to geometric rule, would be 10 cubits, or 12 feet; thus making up the height of 30 cubits, or 36 feet, mention in 1 Kings 101:2. The Porch way was approached by a flight of 12 steps. On the tenth step, which was continuous with the floor of the Porch, and probably within the lines of the front wall of the Porch, stood the two brass columns, Jachin and Boaz. The eleventh and twelfth steps were in the thickness of the partition between 27
York Rite Education the Porch and the Holy Place. Each step was half a cubit, or 7.2 inches, high. THE PILLARS The Pillars consisted of a circular shaft 18 cubits in length, and 4 cubits in diameter, cast hollow, the casting being 4 inches thick. Each shaft was surmounted by a square capital, or chapiter, 5 cubits high, on the summit of which was placed a supra-capital, 4 cubits in height. The Pillars were set on bases or plinths, 3 cubits high, which rested upon the tenth of the steps leading up to the Porch, and thus stood 35 cubits, or 42 feet, high above the surface of the court. Two Biblical writers, the Author of Kings, and Jeremiah (1 Kings 6:15, Jer. 3:21), affirm that their height was 18 cubits, while a third, the Author of Chronicles (2 Chron. 3:15), gives the height as 35 cubits. The first height evidently refers to the shafts of the Pillars alone, and the latter to the shafts together with the higher and lower capitals, and bases, and the ten steps each half a cubit high, making 35 cubits as already stated. These Pillars, which were formerly entirely of brass, were the chief external artistic glory of King Solomon’s Temple. The artist who designed them was the eminent artificer, Hiram Abif. Hiram, having been by training a Phoenician, determined to make the most of his opportunity for elaboration and followed the custom of his country as before every Phoenician temple stood two columns, generally monoliths. They were constructed and erected after the tragic death of Hiram Abif, by his son, Hiram the Second, “the Widow’s son” (1 Kings 7:4). As before mentioned the shafts of the Pillars were surmounted by square capitals of brass, 5 cubits, or 6 feet high. Jeremiah saw them at the burning of the Temple, and was present when they were pulled down with ropes and broken up by the soldiers of Nebuzaradan. It is from the description which he gives (Jer. 3:21-23) that we know that the capitals were square adorned with 24 pomegranates on each of the four sides, and that the number of 96 was made up to 100 by the addition of 4 blooms, placed presumably at the four corners of each capital. The ground work pattern upon the casting of the capitals was of basket, or net, work. It was probably at the intersection of the diagonal lines of the pattern that the pomegranate blossoms were placed. Besides this network adorned by pomegranate flowers, there were cast with them wreaths of chain work, or festoons of flowers. Above these square and heavy capitals was a singular creation, which is peculiarly Hebrew in its applied conception. This was a supra-capital of four cubits in height, separately cast in the form of a lotus-flower, or tulip. This is the “lily-work” of 1 Kings 7:19. These are called “bowls” in 1 Kings 7:41, and “pommels” in 2 Chron. 4:12. There can be little doubt that this form of decoration was derived from the sacred flower of Egypt. It is certain that the casting was hollow, open at the top. To preserve these 28
York Rite Education supra-capitals from possible defilement by the settling of birds upon them there was placed before each of them a separate screen, or network, of wreathed work like that of bent cane work, made of brass (1 Kings 7:41). As a veil does the human face, so these brazen nets concealed the two sacred bowls, which surmounted the capitals, and into whose hollow, in all probability, was poured at coronations and consecrations, a portion of the sacred oil used for anointing, such application being characteristic of Hebrew symbolic action. The Pillar on the Left hand or North side, was named Boaz, meaning, “In it is strength,” which name it has been suggested was engraved on the face of the Pillar. There can be little doubt but that the choice of this name was determined by considerations of gratitude and hope, for this was the Royal Pillar, and the name placed upon it was a continuous proclamation that the throne depended, for its stability, upon the favor of Jehovah. Boaz was the name of the great grandfather of David. It had been Jehovah’s repeated promise to David that He would “establish” his kingdom or throne for ever. The raising and naming of this Pillar was, therefore, a kind of national votive offering, by which the reigning successors of David were reminded of their dynastic indebtedness to Jehovah, and their constant reliance upon Him. Every new sovereign, at his coronation, stood beside this Pillar, and took upon himself afresh the obligations implied. Thus it was arranged that Joash (2 Kings 11:14) should stand by this Pillar, “as the manner was,” i.e. as the coronation precedent required. The situation of the Pillar is referred to in 2 Chron. 23:12-13, “the King stood at this Pillar at the entering in” “into the House of the Lord.” Here he stood while they crowned and anointed him. In the same way Josiah stood by the Pillar, and “made a covenant before the Lord” (2 Kings 23:3). On the right, or South side, stood the Pillar called Jachin. By this Pillar of Jachin every High Priest stood at the moment of his consecration. Jachin, meaning “He shall establish,” was a perpetual reminder to him as he passed and re-passed it that his “strength” lay in the favor of Jehovah and in the keeping of His law. Thus were the highest dignitaries of Church and State, with many befitting accessories, set apart for the service of Jehovah.
(Continues in the next issue)
A Blue Lodge Brother is waiting...
For you to invite him to belong to York Rite so he can continue his Masonic journey. Remember York Rite is the Continuation of Blue Lodge. 29
York Rite Leadership Education Bridging the Gap Between Younger and Older Masonic Members By S.K. David A. Aponte, E. Grand Captain General
We live in a unique historical time where our Lodges, Chapters, Councils and Commanderies have members which span four different generations: •
World War II cohort (born 1928 to 1945)
•
Baby Boomers (born 1946 to 1964)
•
Generation X (born 1965 to 1976/1979)
•
Generation Y (born 1977/1980 to 1998/2001)
While the precise definitions of these generation vary, sociologists (starting with researchers Howard Schuman and Jacqueline Scott) generally define them as follows: — World War II cohort (born 1928 to 1945): Often tending to be conformist and uncomfortable with change, the WWIIs are usually team players. — Baby Boomers (born 1946 to 1964): Usually more individual, boomers often work toward improving society for others. They can be workaholics, but can also be reluctant users of technology. — Generation X (born 1965 to 1976/1979): Generally accepting diversity and rejecting rules, Gen X-ers are adequate users of technology, and are often entrepreneurial. — Generation Y (born 1977/1980 to 1998/2001, also called Millennials): Gen Y-ers often rewrite the rules, they’re passionate about technology, and many have environmental concerns. Generation X, or Gen X and Generation Y, or Gen Y have values and work styles that are completely different from baby boomers and the World War II generation. If our Masonic leaders don’t take into consideration these differences, this generational gap causes miscommunication and misunderstanding in our Masonic bodies. Finding ways to bridge the gaps within this new multigenerational population takes great skill and it all starts with understanding the values, attitudes, how the different generations think, and what’s important to them. Picture this scenario: A newly-raised Master Mason, age 28, begins to suggest programs to attract new and young adults. His recommendations are rejected or tabled and is told by some Past Masters the Lodge at this time can not venture in those programs as that is not the way the Lodge has done it in the past.. The new generation of Masters Masons often have a completely different way of viewing and doing things than their older generation counterparts. Boomers and the WWIIs have traditionally felt that you have to "pay your dues" – and if you hate the way life is treating you, that's just part of life. Generations X and Y typically don't accept this; they want rewarding, intellectually stimulating work. These new groups are independent, creative, and forward thinking. They celebrate cultural diversity, technology, and feedback, and they prefer more of a "lattice" or individualized approach to leadership. The new generations also tend to like teamwork. Studies have shown that colleague relationships rank very high on Gen X and Y's list of priorities. 30
York Rite Leadership Education People are complex, and are affected by a range of different factors; that life stage is, of course, important in the way that people think and behave; but that there are differences in attitude between different generations, and these can lead to sometimes-profound misunderstandings between people of different generations. The new Masonic generation values teamwork and open communication. They'll encourage collaboration, and they won't give direction and expect to be followed just because they're in charge. They want to understand their peers and other people's perspectives. They'll spend more time building relationships with their brethren than their predecessors did. Because they value their family time, they'll also give a lot of importance to this. They value action, so they'll work more efficiently and productively. They'll expect their lodge members to work hard too, but they'll also know when it's time to stop and have some fun. They'll also follow a leader who has heart. So if you have a new generation Master Masons in your Lodge, then you'll probably have to prove your worth before they'll fully support you. But once you show them that worth, they'll follow you all the way. Here are some things you can do in your Lodge to ensure that your new generation of Master Masons want to stay and participate fully. •
Always remember we have a common ground (Freemasonry) that we meet on.
•
Communicate, communicate, communicate
• Offer ongoing Masonic education, especially if it teaches skills like leadership, and esoteric teachings. People in Gen X and Y usually love to learn new things, so opportunities to grow are high on their list of priorities. • Remember the younger generation of Master Masons have lives outside of Freemasonry, and spending time with family and having fun are very important to them. Having Family-oriented activities will increase their participation, attendance, and attract other younger members. • Their goal is to complete tasks in the most efficient way possible, while still doing them well. Get their input in solutions they may have on Lodge issues or problems. Give them the opportunity to express their thoughts and work in the Lodge without discouraging them. Let them develop their leadership and visions. • Earn their loyalty and respect. Gen X and Y may not automatically be loyal to leaders, just because those leaders are in charge. Younger members want open and frank communication and leaders who are supportive and worthy of being followed. • Balance values and work styles from the past generations with those from the present generation. Know which ones will work best for your Lodge without being bias. The words to remember here are:
R E S P E C T, T O L E R A N C E , and C O M M O N S E N S E .
There's no doubt that the new generations of Master Masons have priorities that are often quite different from past generations. We must acknowledge and take into consideration in our Masonic bodies their values, priorities, and ways of thinking. Remember we have a common thread that unites us as Brother’s .
31
York Rite Events
Aloha
All Knights Templar and Ladies Are Invited to the Homecoming of Sir Knight Charles Perez & Lady Ida Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Florida Saturday August 23, 2008 Pensacola York Rite Masonic Complex 189 West Airport Blvd. Pensacola, Florida
Polynesian Dress Preferred (Aloha Shirts & Muumuu’s) Other Casual Attire Optional - No Swords, No Chapeau’s, No Ties Enjoy a Relaxing Evening with our Grand Commander as we welcome him and Lady Ida home. A Polynesian Feast will be served at 6 P.M. $20.00 each RSVP an absolute must by August 15th – Richard A Gilman (850) 474 3885 - ragilman@aol.com 4168 Aqua Vista Dr Pensacola FL 32504 32
Exit 10A from I-10 to US 29 South to Airport Blvd. right turn
Gainesville Chapter No. 2 Royal Arch Masons Presents
Antient Craft Table Chapter Convocation Tuesday, August 19, 2008 Gainesville Shrine Club 8100 S.W. Archer Road (S.R. 24) (I-75 exit 384) Gainesville, FL 32608
Registration starting at 6:00PM Dinner at 7:00PM Meeting at 8:00PM The meal is $18.00 per person and covers food, beverages and facilities. You can pay at the dinner or send a check to the address below payable to “Gainesville York Rite” Gainesville Chapter No. 2, RAM PO Box 972 Gainesville, FL 32602 To ensure enough food will be prepared, PLEASE RSVP as soon as possible to the Secretary, Companion Kevin Hanson at: e-mail kshanson@phhp.ufl.edu or by phone at 352-331-1677. Our guest speaker will be M. Ex James P. Rudman, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Florida Please come and enjoy the friendship and fellowship that are the hallmarks of the Table Chapter. Fraternally, Kevin Hanson Secretary Gainesville Chapter No. 2 RAM
York Rite University July 25, 26 & 27
Lake Mary Marriott Hotel Lake Mary, FL
SCHEDULE OF 2008 - 2009 YORK RITE DISTRICT MEETINGS Companions and Sir Knights, the Grand York Rite Leaders request your attendance at your District Meeting. This is your opportunity to meet your Grand York Rite Leaders and ask them questions on the future and path they will take York Rite Freemasonry. The Dais Officers are requested to attend in representation of their bodies. The appointed officers are urged to attend and members are invited to attend. The following schedule is subject to change in regards to
Friday, July 18, 2008 DISTRICT No. 4 Plant City - Olin S. Wright Lodge 304 Acacia Street Saturday, July 19, 2008 DISTRICT No. 3 Tampa - Tampa York Rite 4210 W. Oklahoma Ave. Friday, August 15, 2008 DISTRICT No. 6 Vero Beach - Vero Beach Lodge Saturday, August 16, 2008 DISTRICT No. 5 Ormond Beach - Ormond Beach Lodge No. 326, 270 Kenilworth Ave. Friday, Sept. 19, 2008 DISTRICT No. 7 St. Augustine - Ashlar Lodge #98 Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008 DISTRICT No. 8 Inverness - Citrus Lodge No. 118 Friday October 17, 2008 DISTRICT No. 10 Pensacola - Pensacola Naval Lodge #24 Saturday, October 18, 2008 DISTRICT No. 9 Tallahassee - Jackson Lodge #1
SUPER EXCELLENT MASTER DEGREE October 18, 2008 Tuscan Lodge
7:30 PM
320 So. Florida Ave. Bartow, FL
Registration 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Candidates bring your current dues card
Contact: Sir Knight Walter Hammond
Dinner - 6:00 PM by Bartow O.E.S.
Phoen: (904) 866-8634
Donation requested
E-mail: jaxyorkrite@yahoo.com
For more information contact:
Mail: 1237 S. McDuff Ave.
Richard S. Agster, KYGCH, Director of Work
Jacksonville, FL 32205-8050
Phone: (813) 832-3939 E-Mail: lawrsa@aol.com 33
Come Join the Grand High Priest on a fun cruise to raise funds for the “Flagship Charity of the Grand Lodge of Florida The Masonic Medical Lab” Sail from Ft. Lauderdale on the beautiful Carnival Miracle 8 Nights Western Caribbean Adventure The Adventure begins October 28, 2008 Ports of Call Colon - Panama Limón - Costa Rica Cabin Rates Belize City - Belize Inside Cabin $725 per person Outside Cabin $845 per person Price include Port Charges & Taxes, RT Bus Transportation, Balcony Cabin $995 per person Private Onboard Party and Widow Degree Space is limited!!!!! $250.00 deposit per person Passports are required The Travel Authority
5390 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446 Phones: 352-628-0668 or 800-334-8838 Fax: 352-628-6052 Email: buzzgwen@yahoo.com Legal Name ____________________________________________________________________________ DOB ________________________ Legal Name ____________________________________________________________________________ DOB ________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number ______________________________ Name of Credit Card (Visa, Master Card, etc.) ___________________________________ Credit Card Number _________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date _______________________ Amount $_____________________ Signature of Authorization _____________________________________________________________ Dining: Early or Late 34
Will you be taking the bus transportation? Yes or No
Grand High Priest’s Homecoming When: Where:
Time:
Saturday, September 20, 2008 Inverness Golf & Country Club 3150 S. Country Club Dr. Inverness, FL 352-726-2583 6:00 - 7:00 PM Registration 6:00 - 7:00 PM Attitude Adjustment 7:00 PM Dinner Dancing after dinner
Dress: Chapter Officers: Black Tux with red accoutrements Others: Coat & Tie Cost:
$30.00 per person
Come join us & celebrate in fellowship & joy. Reservations a must. R.S.V.P. on or before Friday, September 12, 2008. Contact David A. Aponte: Phone (352) 503-3030 or by e-mail: oyrb@tampabay.rr.com Make Checks payable to Ocala York Rite Bodies and send to : Ocala York Rite Bodies P.O. Box 292 Lecanto, FL 34460-0292 Dinner consists of:
Stuffed Shrimp and London Broil Vegetable Medley Twice Baked Potato Spring Salad with Raspberry Dressing Chocolate Mousse in Chocolate Cup Refreshments: Coffee, Tea (Hot or Cold) & Sodas
Cheese & Fruit Platter with Cash Bar between 6:00 - 7:00 PM Accommodations:
Central Motel 721 S. US Hwy 41 Inverness, FL
Call 352-726-4515 & ask for The Grand Chapter rate of $55.00 35
The Florida York Rite Mason Grand York Rite Bodies P. O. Box 2740 Lake Placid, FL 33862-2740
Article(s), Event(s), News, Announcements , etc, to be published in our next issue, need to be forwarded to the following Companions, on or before the next deadline: David A. Aponte - daponte1@tampabay.rr.com ; Charles “Chic� Cicero - Ciceros@tampabay.rr.com or Ron Blaisdell - ron@Blaisdell.com
Deadline for Next Issue September 15th, 2008