Hiram Words
Volume XIV, Issue 2
History in the Making by Companion Sean McBride, REGK On Saturday April 19, 2014, history will be made! For the first time ever in the State of Illinois, all four Capitular Degrees will be presented in an actual Rock Quarry, as the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Illinois presents the first ever “Grand Chapter Quarry Day”. The event will be held at Sand Valley, Sand & Gravel located at 16395 Lewis Road near Danville. The Quarry is a short drive from Interstate 74. The gates will open at 8:00am with coffee and donuts available. All candidates may register at that time. The Mark Master Degree will begin promptly at 9:00am, followed by presentations of the Past Master and Most Excellent Master Degrees by local Chapter’s. A delicious lunch consisting of beef brisket, pulled pork and sides will be served at Noon for the price of $10.00 per person. Following lunch, the Grand Chapter will present the Holy Royal Arch Degree. Handi-cap accessible portable restrooms will be on-hand and shuttle cars will be available for any Companions that need to utilize them. A good deal of parking will be available, but since we are expecting a large turn-out for this event, please make an effort to car pool with other Companions to help conserve available parking spaces. Since we are in a Quarry, blue jeans and boots will be considered appropriate attire, but please consider wearing a polo or button up shirt to go with them. Some seating will be available, however you are strongly encouraged to bring a lawn chair. We are hoping for nice weather, but just in case Mother Nature is not friendly to us that day, the Danville Masonic Center located at 109 W. North Street is slated as an alternate location. Several candidates are already registered for the event. I encourage you to bring as many candidates as possible, as this will be a great opportunity for them to become a Royal Arch Mason in such a unique setting. From my personal experiences, this event has proved to be a great recruiting tool. If your Chapter has candidates for this event, please contact the candidate coordinator, 5th District East DDGHP, Companion John D. Jones via e-mail at jjones@RAM-IL.org via phone at (217) 832-5441
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