The Sword and Trowel is a monthly Newsletter published by Grand York Rite, Grand Council Cryptic Masons of California and provides information to all Brother’s and their friends.
1860
Sword & Trowel
2021
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 2 of 36
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 3 of 36
What’s Inside Sword and Trowel WHAT’S INSIDE SWORD AND TROWEL ....................................................................................................................... 4 VISION STATEMENT .......................................................................................................................................................... 5 GENERAL ORDER 2021-01 .................................................................................................................................................. 6 GENERAL ORDER NO 2021-02........................................................................................................................................... 8 GREAT SEAL ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9 CHANGING OF THE GUARDD ....................................................................................................................................... 14 CRYPTIC MASONS MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION ........................................................................................ 16 CMMRF ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 CMMRF SIX MONTH REPORT .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 CMMRF DISCUSSION ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 RECORDER ESSENTIALS.................................................................................................................................................. 21 SCHOLARSHIPS ................................................................................................................................................................. 22 EDITORS GRUMBLINGS ................................................................................................................................................... 22 CONTACTS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 24 ILLUSTRIOUS GRAND MASTER CRYPTIC MASONS: ......................................................................................................................................................... 24 GRAND SECRETARY/RECORDER: ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 ASSISTANT SECRETARY/RECORDER & GRAND TREASURER GRAND COUNCIL CRYPTIC MASONS: ....................................................................... 24 WEBSITE: .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 24 OFFICERS: GRAND COUNCIL CRYPTIC MASONS CALIFORNIA ............................................................................ 25 HAPPENINGS IN OUR STATE & IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR, AWAY .......................................................................... 26 GRAND YORK RITE GRAND SESSIONS IN VISALIA 2022................................................................................................................................................ 26 COMMENTS: ....................................................................................................................................................................... 27 GENERAL GRAND COUNCIL ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 30
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 4 of 36
Vision Statement
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 5 of 36
General Order 2021-01
Most Illustrious Grand Council Cryptic Masons of California Most Illustrious Peter G. Champion, KYGCH 161st Grand Master GENERAL ORDER 2021-01 RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) PANDEMIC Whereas, on March 5, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newson declared a state emergency in California due to COVID-19, Whereas, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic, Whereas, on March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency nationwide due to COVID-19, Whereas, on October 23, 2020, Most Worshipful Grand Master Arthur Weiss issued a directive prohibiting Masonic gatherings of any kind in California due to COVID-19 until further direction is received from the Grand Master, Whereas, on October 23, 2020, Most Worshipful Grand Master Arthur Weiss issued a directive allowing continued use of Zoom or other online platform to conduct virtual stated meetings, Whereas, on April 14, 2021, Most Worshipful Grand Master Arthur Weiss issued a reopening directive which allowed Masonic lodges to resume holding in-person meetings and events, as long as those meetings and events met the requirements imposed by the state and local health departments, and the Grand Lodge of California, Whereas, on June 2, 2021, Most Worshipful Grand Master Arthur Weiss issued Reopening Directive II addressing removal of state-imposed restrictions on meetings and events effective June 15, 2021 which will allow Masonic lodges, Masonic organizations, and youth orders to conduct in-person meetings and events in compliance with county and city restrictions, if any, but will also allow lodges to continue, at their discretion to hold virtual stated meetings, Whereas, use of electronic meeting software has allowed Companions to attend and participate in Council meetings despite the concerns with distance, transportation, or health status, Whereas, many Companions of the Council are unable to attend once in-person meetings resume due to distance, transportation concerns, advanced age, health status, or other valid reasons, Whereas, our Constitution in Section 10-1 defines the Grand Master’s duties as, “The Grand Master, during the interval between Annual Assemblies, has all the executive power of Grand Council, except the granting of Charters…”, I therefore issue this General Order in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic: 1. VIRTUAL STATED ASSEMBLY. At the time called for the Stated Assembly of any Council for the purpose of conducting business, the Council may be opened in Ample Form as a tiled Assembly, using electronic meeting software, subject to the following restrictions: a. The software program must have a secure method of admittance, e.g., a password or private access emailed to members (and verified brothers from other Councils with approval of the Illustrious Master) by the Recorder b. The Ample Form opening and closing will be conducted by: i. The Inspector or ADR who has demonstrated proficiency in the same by his Department Grand Officer and certified by the Grand Director of Ritual, OR ii. A Grand Officer of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of California who is permitted to open in Ample Form pursuant to Section 18-3 of the Constitution c. The ADR or Inspector or authorized Grand Officer is online for the entire Stated Assembly and conducts both the opening and closing of the Stated Assembly d. The proper quorum and necessary officers are present e. The Order of Business is: Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 6 of 36
i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. xi. xii. xiii. f.
Opening in Ample Form Pledge of Allegiance Recognition and Moment of Silence for Departed brother(s) Reading of Minutes of prior Assembly or Assemblies Reading and acceptance of Petitions Communications Bills Reports of Committees Unfinished Business New Business Elections Recorder’s Announcements of coming events Closing in Ample Form
Balloting on Petitions is prohibited
g. Conferral of Degrees is prohibited h. Voting (other than Elections) may be done by voice vote or raising of hands or electronically, at the discretion of the Illustrious Master. 2. BLENDED STATED ASSEMBLY. At the time called for the Stated Assembly of any Council for the purpose of conducting business, the Council may conduct a tiled and blended in-person/virtual Assembly subject to the following restrictions: a. Opening and Closing Ritual i. A proper quorum of Companions and necessary officers meeting in person shall open the Assembly in Full Form prior to using an electronic meeting software and must end use of the electronic meeting software before closing the Assembly in Full Form OR ii. An ADR, Inspector, or authorized Grand Officer may open and close the Assembly in Ample Form, in accordance to restrictions noted above, either in-person or using an electronic meeting software b. Use of the software program must conform to the same security criteria noted above c. Due guards or signs should be given by Companion’s meeting in person only and out of camera view when electronic meeting software is in use d. Only Companions present in person may ballot on Petitions e. Conferral of Degrees is prohibited when using electronic meeting software Until further directions from me, this order is to remain in effect until my term as Grand Master ends.
Peter G. Champion Most Illustrious Grand Master, 2021-2022 (Original copy signed June 8, 2021)
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 7 of 36
General Order No 2021-02
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 8 of 36
Great Seal Cryptic Companions,
A special note to Illustrious Masters elected or recently installed Illustrious Masters: If you have not received my 2021-2022 Grand Master necktie, lapel pin, and ladies’ gift, please email me at peterchampion5@gmail.com. Do include your name, Council name and number, lady’s name, and shipping address. Over dinner in my nursing home, I explained Cryptic Masonry. One resident joined in, saying that we Cryptic Masons must be the people responsible for the Satanic symbols on our Great Seal and on the dollar bill. It had to be true because she had seen it propounded on cable TV. In Dan Brown’s novel, The Lost Symbol, we learn the founding fathers concealed the anagram of “M.A.S.O.N” in the Great Seal on the reverse of the dollar bill as revealed by the Seal of Solomon (a hexagram). The problem with Brown’s plot device is that a true hexagram doesn’t align with the letters as he says and doesn’t come anywhere close to doing so on the original 1782 design of the pyramid.
Skewed hexagram
Perhaps the program that our friendly resident encountered emphasized the Masons who designed the seal. That creates a whole new problem. There is no clear-cut answer to the question of who designed our seal. The first committee tasked with designing a seal was appointed on July 4, 1776, and consisted of four men, of whom, only Ben Franklin was a Mason; the others were John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Eugene Pierre Du Semetiere. The men disagreed as to the theme. The committee submitted their designs on August 20, 1776. Whereupon Congress tabled the matter for three and a half years. Franklin wanted a design featuring Moses parting the Red Sea with the motto, “Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God.” Adams wanted Hercules on a rugged path choosing either virtue on the left or a flowering path of sloth to the right. Jefferson’s was the only two-sided design. His designs depicted the Israelites fleeing slavery from Egypt on the obverse, and Saxon warriors Hengist and Horsa on the reverse. Du Simitiere used the thirteen-letter motto “E Pluribus Unum,” a “radient” triangle, shields, and 1776 in Roman numerals.
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 9 of 36
The second committee of March 1780 also ended in failure and was likewise non-Masonic. It consisted of nonMasons James Lovell, John Scott, Francis Hopkinson, and William Churchill Houston. There has been debate if Lovell was a Mason. In 1777 he had twenty quakers imprisoned in the Philadelphia Lodge and discussion followed if his trial could be held in the lodge. No records exist of his having been made a Mason. Hopkinson is the most interesting of the four men. No records exist of his having been made a Mason, but he did attend a number of Masonic public functions. Hopkinson signed the Declaration on Independence and designed numerous seals, logos, and our first flag in 1777. In 1780 he demanded payment for his labours of “a quarter flask of public wine.” His design include the motto “bello vel pace paratus” (prepared in peace or in war).
The third committee of May 1782 consisted of John Rutledge, Arthur Middleton, Elias Boudinot, and Philadelphia lawyer William Barton (often confused with Col. William Barton, a Mason from Rhodes Island). Their submission was a maiden and warrior on a shield representing the Phoenix rising. With the two mottos, In Vindiciam Libertatis and Virtus Sola Invicta. Their proposal for a reverse was an unfinished pyramid crowned by an untriangled eye of provenance inspired by a piece of congressional currency.
After six years of rejected designs, the task of designing a seal was given to the Secretary of Congress. Charles Thomson was not an artist and got into several fights on the floor of Congress over his alleged misquotes in the record. Nevertheless, his design was adopted the day it was submitted in 1782. No sketch was attached to his description of a seal. He retired shortly thereafter to teach Latin, raise bees, and translate the Bible “correctly.” Thomson’s design had the eagle holding the arrows in its left talon. European diplomats were fearful when the 1801 silver dollar changed the arrows to the right talon. Pre 1928 large notes often depicted allegorical figures (such as Fame trumpeting the glory of bare-breasted Electricity) whereas in 1928, the Treasury changed the size and design parameters of currency.
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 10 of 36
FDR’s Secretary of Agriculture, Henry Wallace, convinced FDR that the motto Novus Ordo Seclorum should be included on the 1935 bill as proof that the founding father supported FDR’s “New Deal for the ages.” Conspiracists have corrupted this as a “new world order” and a Masonic intent to govern the world. Confusing the motto from the fourth eclogue of Virgil with the Latin phrase, “novus orbis terrarium ordinis.” FDR, unlike Dan Brown’s assertion, showed the design to numerous colleagues and took enough personal interest to recommend changes in the design (switching the eagle and the pyramid).
The eye of providence began in the 13th century as a Christian art piece in churches, literature, and religious artwork as seen in this painting of Christ in 1535 by Jacopo Pontormo. The eye existed as a Christian symbol long before its first Masonic use by Webb in 1797 without an enclosing triangle, a symbol closely associated in Britain with the Order of the Odd Fellows since 1731.
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 11 of 36
Many presidents have used Queen Victoria’s 1880 gift of the resolute desk even though many aspects of the seal are wrong.
In 1885 Congress purchased a die for the reverse of the seal, viz the pyramid design of the 1882 centennial medal, but the die has never been cut (note that the letter M.A.S.O.N. do not form a hexagram
In 1825 a special large die was cut with an Elegant Eagle and the sole motto of E Pluribus Unum.
Of the 2,000 -3,000 documents embossed with the seal each year, most use the 1825 seal for treaties and ambassadorships, none have the reverse designed of 1782 by Thomson, nor the 1935-dollar bill, nor the modern color version.
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 12 of 36
We Cryptic Masons are proud of what our preceding companions have accomplished. Hiding a secret Cryptic message in our nation’s seal is not one of them.
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 13 of 36
Changing of the Guardd
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 14 of 36
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 15 of 36
Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation
Donating to CMMRF is as Easy as Shopping My purchases are small on Amazon but currently I have generated $287.31 As of August 2020, the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation (CMMRF) has received only $1,451.68 from AmazonSmile, out of the $216 Million the AmazonSmile Foundation has donated to other charities. Why so little? Because our companions haven’t designated CMMRF as their charity with AmazonSmile. With no additional out-of-pocket cost, you can increase your donation to (CMMRF). If you intend to make online purchases from Amazon for the coming holidays or if you have groceries delivered due to the pandemic, Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase price to CMMRF, AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU. AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support our favorite charity every time you shop at Amazon. AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for Android and iOS phones. When you shop at AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same prices and selection as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of your purchase price (minus any rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, or taxes) to the charitable organization of your choice. You use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same. Here's how to sign up for AmazonSmile 1. Visit smile.amazon.com. 2. Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials. 3. Type in a Search box, Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation. 4. Select the charity. Your price is identical with or without the donation, so sign up for the automatic donations to CMMRF and sign up your lady as well. Once you have chosen the charity, it will show up at the top of the page whenever you sign into Smile.Amazon.com.
Dear Richard Thornton, This is the quarterly notification to inform you that the charity you've selected, Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation, recently received a donation of $287.31 from AmazonSmile -- at no cost to you or other customers. Thanks to customers shopping at smile.amazon.com, or with AmazonSmile ON in the Amazon Shopping app, everyday purchases have generated over $321,230,298.08 million in donations to charities worldwide so far. AmazonSmile's impact: • $2,466.10 to Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation* • $285,795,312.80 to all charities in the US To track donations or change your charity, simply visit Your AmazonSmile Impact page. Go to smile.amazon.com
CMMRF
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 16 of 36
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 17 of 36
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 18 of 36
CMMRF Six Month Report The six-month report on CMMRF donations is in. California is in 7th place. The General Grand Council officers have donated over $27,000. Our traditional sparring partner Florida is in second place with nearly $15,000 and we have only donated about $7,200 this year. Our thanks is extended to the following members, Councils and organizations for their continued efforts to promote and sponsor the break through research of the CMMRF. • George Masson, • Raul Anon, • Andy Pippin, • John Gowan, • Eric Fuller, • Mark Flint, • Larry Geschwint, • Calvin Patton, • Charles Pierce, • Harwood Wright, • Brett Mac Donald, and • Bob Morrison. • Councils: • Sacramento, • Marysville, • Ventura, • Shekinah, • Visalia, and • Adoniram Whittier. • Other organizations: • Hattie Givens Trust, and • BMJ Productions. I have several awards which I will be mailing out shortly. Some are from last year and I had hoped we would be able to present them during our annual sessions but holding them until an uncertain 2022 date is not practical. Please accept them with our deepest thanks. I have included the new tri-fold CMMRF brochure and their hand out on their awards. Fraternally Brett Mac Donald CMMRF Chairman
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 19 of 36
CMMRF discussion What is CMMRF? CMMRF, or Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation is the charity of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, although it is not limited to the Councils. Our donations go towards the research and development of treatments for various disease processes under the direction of the Indiana University and Dr Michael Murphy. What does Cryptic Masonry do with CMMRF? We provide donations that supply various lab equipment that is currently being used to treat Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Stroke, Peripheral Artery Disease, Burns, Heart Failure, Diabetes, and a wide range of other diseases by pioneering new treatments and utilizing research from other labs across the globe. How are the contributions used and distributed? Instead of simply dumping money into the program and hoping that it gets put to good use, we invest the donations and dispense them as needed. We want to ensure that funds are available when the equipment is needed. It doesn't take long to spend a lot of money in the medical field. We are like the grandparent that buys the gifts as they are needed. What is the main focus of the research? CMMRF and Indiana University's Vascular and Biologic Medicine lab are dealing primarily in the use of stem cells. Stem cells are the building blocks of life. Unlike the information from decades ago where the cord blood was needed from the baby, science has evolved and our very own stem cells can be taken from various parts of our own body and instructed on how to act. We are training our very body to heal itself. It is turning science fiction into science fact. This advancement in medicine is not sorcery. Science never stops improving. Alexander Fleming discovered the healing property of penicillin and Jonas Salk created a vaccine for polio. Christiaan Barnard performed the first heart transplant. These were all made possible by the Great Creator. What seemed as sorcery then has now become the mainstream treatment. Stem cells therapy is just another path on our improvement of life. Penicillin saves countless lives. The Polio vaccine has prevented death and crippling deformities for decades. And heart transplants? That is like rebuilding your engine while the car is still running. Even though the stigma and controversy of stem cell therapy is still lingering in the minds of some skeptics, it is no different than telling a fungus to kill bacteria in the body, or introducing a virus to the human body so that it will be able to fight it off if it ever encounters it, or even replacing a diseased and damaged heart with one that is still strong and full of life. The Great Creator is the author of these treatments and has opened the door for us to use them and learn from them. What are some of the advances made by our contributions? We help to fund the lab of Dr Michael Murphy. If we were to focus on just one of the pieces of equipment purchased, we could talk about the encapulator. This machine takes the stem cells, after they have been activated and instructed on what to do, and places a small protective coating around them. Once inside the body, the cells that attack foreign cells cannot see them as foreign. The new encapsulated cells can then perform the tasks required, whether it is to repair tissue, balance the cells that are out of balance as in AAA, or even do the job of other cells such as the ones that produce insulin. What is AAA and how have our contributions aided in its research? AAA is the 13th leading cause of death and is suspected to be higher than 13th because it can be present and not diagnosed. This is a disease of the largest artery in the body. Once it begins to weaken, it does not repair itself. The surgery required to repair this damage is very risky with approximately 50% of the patients not surviving the operation. Late symptoms can include a tearing sensation and pulsation in the center of your abdomen. It is literally a ticking time bomb for those that have been diagnosed with one. We have funded research that has led Dr Murphy to discover an imbalance in two types of cells. When these cells are out of balance, AAA can occur. With outpatient stem cell therapy, using the patient's own stem cells, AAA has been stopped. This doesn't necessarily mean that the body will heal itself; what this means is that the body can prevent it from ever happening! We have a vaccine for AAA. This same imbalance has also been linked to such disease processes like Multiple Sclerosis. Imagine going to the doctor for your annual checkup and getting vaccines for a variety of disease processes that are treatable but not curable. CMMRF is changing that. Is this the biggest advancement by CMMRF so far? That is hard to answer. All of these advancements are making room for new treatments of all kinds of disease processes. Imaging taking stem cells from your own muscle and teaching them to become skin, then spraying them on like paint. Imagine waking up from a stroke and being unable to determine how long the symptoms were there. By the time you receive medical care, you may be outside the window of treatment for reversing the symptoms. CMMRF is funding research that is actively treating patients suffering from stroke, but at 8 times longer than the accepted timeframe! Imagine having a machine that can spray stem cells onto a beating heart and train them to rebuild damaged heart tissue. We have that too! How did we find the patients for the study? Indiana University is using patients from the VA hospital for the trials of the vaccine for AAA. The majority of patients with AAA are Caucasian, smokers, and over 60 years of age. Many of them have multiple health issues as well. You can also apply to be part of a study by going to CMMRF.ORG and clicking on the big purple tab at the top. So, can this breakthrough be used elsewhere? These breakthroughs are happening all over the world. Imagine curing AAA. Imagine reversing strokes. Imagine repairing damaged hearts. Imagine treating burn victims like never before. Imagine curing diabetes. Now accept the idea that it is happening right now. It may happen in your lifetime. It may even be used to save your life. What is next for CMMRF?
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 20 of 36
Recorder Essentials
Forms & Documents: located at Grand York Rite website: Grand York Rite of California. Click on "Special Documents.” Click on Grand Council Documents (In white). You will be presented with a screen (links):
• • • • • •
Grand Council COVID-19 Response Council Budget Council "pdf" Forms (fillable) Please use these pdf forms and if you find any errors, please notify web master as to error. Council Proceedings Council Questionnaires for Dias Officers Council Resolutions
•
Close Full Form Cryptic Masons Illustrious Master of the Year - Report Card Thrice Illustrious Masters Petition Elected Representative Proxy Credentials Elected Representatives Credential 2019 Grand Sessions Results
•
2020 Ample Form Usage by ADR & Inspectors 2020 Election Procedures
1. Dues Collection: You should send out dues’ notices no later than October, with payments from members due by December 31st. MMS Database is used by Grand Recorder for per-capita billing to each Council of Cryptic Masons, with data updated by December 31. 2. Membership control: MMS Database is used to compute amount of per capita Council needs to pay. Billing is accomplished by Grand Recorder & payment is due by Jan 15th each year. Important changes to your membership include new members, demits, remits & deaths. Maintain e-mail addresses for members & you can easily then forward monthly newsletter, Workman (Royal Arch Masons) & Sword & Trowel (Cryptic Masons) to them. 3. Do not cavalierly suspend members for non-payment of dues. There is a Constitutional process that should be followed rigorously in order that members, who may have moved & not received your dues notice, are treated fairly. See following sections of relevant Constitution in order to learn about this process: Section 30-10. SUSPENSION FOR NON-PAYMENT OF DUES. 1. Any member whose dues & assessments are unpaid for a period of 12 months may be considered for suspension. 2. Prior to such suspension, Recorder, at first Stated Assembly following first day of August of each year, shall furnish to Illustrious Master a list of members who have not paid current dues & assessments. Such members, if possible, shall be personally contacted with reference thereto by Illustrious Master, Deputy Master, Principal Conductor of Work or member appointed for this purpose, who shall report thereupon at next Stated Assembly. 3. Members who have not paid current year's dues & assessments by last day of October, & for whom remission of dues has not been recommended by Illustrious Master, shall be notified by Recorder under seal of Council by first class mail to his last known address that either his dues for current year be paid or cause shown for such failure or he may be subjected to suspension by Council at last Stated Assembly of year. Council may, by vote, suspend such members effective 31st day of December, provided their dues have not been received & no action has been taken to remit dues for that cause. 4. Per Capita: Per-capita is billed to each Council by Grand Recorder. Per Capita payment, due each Jan 15th, does not require action by Council to be paid. 5. Insurance: You will be billed for Insurance payment by Grand Secretary-Recorder. Insurance payment, due each July 15th, does not require action by Chapter, Council or Commandery to be paid. 6. Minutes: Take good minutes, but don’t over-do it by trying to capture everything that is said. Focus on having a clear representation of motions made & vote count by which they passed or failed. In addition to keeping petitions in a separate file, it is good practice to replicate basic petitioner information in minutes. It is also a good practice to keep names of attendees at each meeting in minutes. If conferring a degree, keep a copy of cast members & candidate(s). 7. Grand Sessions: Before April meeting, remind Dais officers they are responsible to attend, & arrange a stipend if your Chapter, Council or Commandery can afford it. Remind members who expect to attend to be sure to take their dues cards. If Dais Officers cannot attend, they may issue a proxy, or they may elect a representative. This is true also for Commanderies, whose members cannot issue proxies. Appropriate forms can be obtained on Grand York Rite website: Scroll to "Elected Representative & Proxy Credentials." 8. Grand Council of Thrice Illustrious Masters of California: Be sure current Illustrious Master & Illustrious Past Masters know they are eligible to receive this Order. Share petition with them & send to Grand Recorder. Petitions for all three bodies are available at website. Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 21 of 36
ScholarShips Companions, Your children, grandchildren, & for some, great-grandchildren may receive financial help for attending school. After opening up Scholarship Center website, have them go to bottom of page & find the Scholarship Manual in (PDF format – 450KB) to download. There they will find instructions for filling out the forms. This is the link which will take you to the public Grand Lodge web page on scholarships. All the
information you need should be right there. This is a complete manual that you can download that talk about all of the scholarships available from the California Masonic Foundation as well as the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Eastern Star, High Twelve, DeMolay, Job’s Daughters, & Rainbow for Girls.
Editors Grumblings As editor, I do wish a Happy Birthday to all Companions & their loved ones whose birthday is in December. I love York Rite, the History, even the Ritual, may God help me. I have been the editor & publisher of the Sword and Trowel for approximately Nine Years and have enjoyed every minute and as far as I can see into the future will have more enjoyable years of publications. I will reprint Grand High Priest Message here, because it has a major point, the one raise by many York Rite Masons. Companions, Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, found me driving to the Northern DeMolay Convention being held in Burlingame on Friday. It’s about a seven-hour drive with a meal stop and a leg-stretch. Chris and I talk on long drives like husband and wives do with that enforced quiet time. The topics range from doctor appointment, a hot topic at our age, projects around the house, the shopping that needs to be done when we get home, and of course, Masonry. I’m sure you can imagine where my interest lay. I’ll give you a clue, it wasn’t the honey-does. But I digress. Chris is a good listener and asks those kinds of questions that make one think about the “Why” something is done. One of the quickest ways to discover an error in thinking is trying to explain the “Why” of a contemplated action. This drive was no different. I would share a Masonic challenge I was wrestling with, and my thoughts on a possible solution. Chris’s “Why” would frame the issue in a different light and give me something to ponder as the endless miles stretched before us. One of those Masonic topics was a recent Zoom Meeting I had with the High Priests of our chapters. It was a most encouraging video conference, and I was very pleased to hear that Chapters were meeting in person, having guest speakers, some having enough in attendance to do a regular 9-man opening. So, when I mentioned to Chris that York Rite needed to do more at our meetings than read the minutes and pay the bills to have a successful meeting, Chris asked “Why aren’t you?” How do you answer a question that goes so directly to the heart of an issue? Well, you think, and you think, and you think some more. About a hundred miles worth of thinking. When we pulled up to the Hyatt Regency in Burlingame I still hadn’t come up with a satisfying answer. If you have ever been to one of the conventions of DeMolay, Job’s Daughters or Rainbow for Girls, you can’t help being swept up in their enthusiasm. I watched how they interacted with each other and listened to some impressive speakers such as Miss Jessica Anderson, Miss California Job Daughters; or Brother Cade Lowrence, International Master Councilor who was from Tennessee. These are the future leaders of Masonry. This ethos of our Masonic youths is not reserved just for conventions, it is part and parcel of their meetings, of who they are. They have answered the question, “Why aren’t you?” I would like to suggest we need to consider several things our youth groups get right and are worthy of emulation. They are friendly to everyone, young and old. They have esprit de corps, as evidenced several times with cheering for an individual receiving an award, and for their youth group. They spoke of how important ritual was to their development as individuals. Several mentioned giving support back to their communities. And they had fun, lots of fun. The challenge for York Rite is building on these qualities, especially for DeMolay as they are a rich source for membership in York Rite. Today’s world is much different than the one most York Rite members grew up with, but enthusiasm for Masonic ideals is still strong. A DeMolay transitioning to Blue Lodge and the Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 22 of 36
York Rite has a yard stick to measure our activities against his experience in DeMolay. If we are found wanting then that fire of Masonic enthusiasm is diminished, to the profound detriment of York Rite. York Rite Masonry is more than just the past and the present. It must embrace the future represented by our Masonic youth groups. We should not be afraid of change for it is an inevitable part of life. The Masonry of today retains its traditions and ritual but continues to evolve in ways not contemplated even twenty years ago. The experiences of our Masonic youths in their organizations can help York Rite remain relevant in society. So, look at the way we can incorporate friendliness in our meetings, encourage comradeship and brotherly love, remember that the quality of our ritual makes a lasting impression on a new member, and above all, make your meetings enjoyable. Perhaps that is the answer to Chris’s question on the need to reevaluate our meetings. “Why aren’t you?” Fraternally, Raymond A. Broomfield, KYGCH 167th Grand High Priest, Royal Arch Masons of California
GRAND SESSIONS 2021 & 2022 The 2021 Souvenir Program is now available as a color PDF on the website as follows: https://www.yorkriteofcalifornia.org/Newsletters/2021_Grand_Session_Book.pdf Grand Sessions in 2022 has two sets of dates: March 5th for the Officers’ Conference; • • • • • •
May 14-19 as follows: May 15, Sunday – May 16, Monday – May 17, Tuesday – May18, Wednesday -May 19, Thursday --
Sword & Trowel
Grand Banquet Grand Chapter Grand Council Grand Commandery Corporation
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 23 of 36
Contacts Illustrious Grand Master Cryptic Masons: Most Illustrious Companion, Peter G. Champion, KYGCH & Lady Janice Grand Master Grand Council Cryptic Masons of California San Luis Obispo Council No. 38
Grand Secretary/Recorder: Philip Hardiman, OSV, KYGCH, PGHP Grand Secretary Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons California, Grand Recorder, Grand Council Cryptic Masons California, & Grand Recorder, Grand Commandery Knights Templar California 1123 J Street Sacramento, CA 95814
Assistant Secretary/Recorder & Grand Treasurer Grand Council Cryptic Masons: Thomas Krummell, KYCH 1123 J Street Sacramento, CA 95814
Website: Richard E. Thornton, KYCH
Grand York Rite of California Note: Hyperlinks or links to other pages or web sites are prevalent throughout the document.
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 24 of 36
Officers: Grand Council Cryptic Masons California We, Grand Officers of your Grand Cryptic Council, have pledged to serve you, our beloved Companions of the Cryptic Arch, to achieve the excellence and satisfaction of your wellearned labor. We aim for your best and most imaginative efforts as we emerge from this lifechanging pandemic to reconstruct our world in a better way
Most Illustrious Companion Peter G. Champion, KYGCH & Lady Janice Grand Master Grand Council Cryptic Masons of California San Luis Obispo Council No. 38 Right Illustrious Companion Guy M. Chalmers, KYCH & Lady Jeanne Deputy Grand Master Grand Council Cryptic Masons Redwood Empire Council No. 46
Right Illustrious Companion Michael T. Sherman, KYCH Grand Principal Conductor of the Work Grand Council Cryptic Masons Helix Council No. 58
Right Illustrious Companion Thomas A. Krummell, KYCH & Lady Marcia Grand Treasurer Grand Council Cryptic Masons Sierra Nevada Council No. 13
Right Illustrious Companion Philip Hardiman, KYGCH, PGHP, & Lady Nancy Grand Recorder Grand Council Cryptic Masons Sacramento Council No. 1
Right Illustrious Companion K. Mark Harris, KYCH Grand Director of Ritual Grand Council Cryptic Masons Oakland Council No. 12 Right Illustrious Companion Michael J. Ramos Grand Chaplin (North) Grand Council Cryptic Masons Sword and Trowel Council No.65 Right Illustrious Companion Jeffrey A. White, KYCH & Lady Lisa Grand Captain of the Guard Grand Council Cryptic Masons Pacific Council No. 37
Right Illustrious Companion Thomas A. Krummell, KYCH & Lady Marcia Assistant Grand Recorder Grand Council Cryptic Masons Sierra Nevada Council No. 13 Right Illustrious Companion Christopher N. Radcliffe & Lady Deyanira Grand Chaplin (South) Grand Council Cryptic Masons Helix Council No. 58 Right Illustrious Companion Andrew B. Pippin, KYCH, & Lady Juli Grand Conductor of the Council Grand Council Cryptic Masons Ventura Council No. 15
Right Illustrious Companion Christian G. Marano, KYCH & Lady Mara Cristina Grand Stewart Grand Council Cryptic Masons San Luis Obispo Council No. 38
Right Illustrious Companion Jonathan H. Prestage & Lady Hanna Grand Orator Grand Council Cryptic Masons Sword and Trowel Council No. 65
Right Illustrious Companion Christopher Robert Trueblood Grand Marshal (North) Grand Council Cryptic Masons Sword and Trowel Council No. 65
Right Illustrious Companion Matthew J. McColm & Lady Chelsey Grand Marshal (South) Grand Council Cryptic Masons Helix Council No. 58
Right Illustrious Companion Dean A. Clark and Lady Chris Grand Sentinel Grand Council Cryptic Masons San Luis Obispo Council No. 38 Right Illustrious Companion Peter Lynn Cunningham Grand Bible Bearer Grand Council Cryptic Masons Visalia Council No. 43
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Right Illustrious Companion Floyd Griffin Grand Soloist Grand Council Cryptic Masons Ventura Council No. 15 Right Illustrious Companion Mark Alexander Nielsen & Lady Nicole Grand Standard Bearer Grand Council Cryptic Masons Helix Council No. 58
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 25 of 36
Happenings in our State & in a Galaxy far, far, Away Grand York Rite Grand Sessions in Visalia 2022 Companions and Sir Knights We are very excited that we are all going to be together again at our Grand Sessions in 2022. Once again, we will be in Visalia, and the session dates are May 14-18. The Committee is already hard at work, preparing for the sessions, to create the best experience possible for all our Companions, Sir Knights, ladies, and guests. You will find a registration form for the sessions on the Grand York Rite website. Please complete this form and get your registration in as soon as possible. Coming back from two years of virtual sessions, it is easy to get complacent, so please get your reservation in soon. You will note on the registration form, there are spaces to indicate your attendance at the installations for Grand Chapter, Grand Council, and Grand Commandery. Signing up here helps each incoming Grand Presiding Officer to plan for his reception. If you will be there, please make sure to indicate as much on the form. Paying for your meals and other items is easier than ever, as this year you may pay for your registration online via credit card on our Square page. You will find a link on the registration form. In order to make your hotel reservation, you will, for the time being, need to call the hotel at the number on the registration form. Soon, we will have a link posted on our website, to allow you to make your reservation online. Currently there is a glitch with the hotel coding program, so for now you will need to call. Also on our website, you will find a form for Souvenir Program ads. It is vital that we do well with the Souvenir Program, as the income from the program is integral in supporting Grand Sessions. Please get your program ads in as soon as you can. Your Grand Sessions Committee is looking for a number of volunteers to help us out at the sessions. Specifically, we need help with set-up, registration, meal check-in, and hospitality suite. Assistance with set-up would be on an as-needed basis throughout the sessions, and will involve helping to move chairs, set up sound equipment, move paraphernalia, etc. This year, as an incentive for volunteers, we will be having prize drawings. For each five hours worked during the sessions, volunteers will receive one ticket for a drawing for gift cards. Work ten hours and get two tickets, and so on. There is a volunteer form on our website. Please consider signing up to help us out. It makes our job that much easier, and helps to provide everyone a better Grand Session. You will also find on the website a form to register for Vendor space. In the past we have had a dozen or more vendors at the sessions. If you have a business that would be appropriate for this event, you may and would like space, please use this form to register. Each vendor space is only $25.00 and the fee may be paid on our Square page. If you know of a vendor who may wish to exhibit at our sessions, please refer then to our page. There is a detail page on our website, which includes a full schedule of all Grand Sessions events, as well as full meal details and hospitality room hours. This schedule is preliminary, and will be finalized as we get closer to the sessions. All of us involved in planning and executing the Grand Sessions are very much looking forward to coming together again after two long years apart. We hope you are excited as well. If you have questions, feel free to contact me. You may email me at: executivedirector@cagyrs.org, or you may call me on my cell: (408) 674-8341. We look forward to seeing all of you at the Grand Sessions in Visalia in 2022. Randy Downey Executive Director Grand York Rite Sessions
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 26 of 36
2022 Grand York Rite Sessions
May 15th to May 18th, 2022 – Visalia, CA
Each person attending must fill out a registration form Please print your names and titles as you would like it printed on your badge
Do you prefer your confirmation by:
email (default) none phone call (latest time to call _______) Lady / Name: ______________________________________ Guest: ______________________________________ Title(s): ______________________________________________________________________________________ Lady / Guest Title(s): ____________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ Zip: __________
City: _______________________ State: ____
e-mail: _______________________________________________
Phone: ______________
Arrival Departure Date / Time: ________________________ Date / Time: ______________________ I am a member of: Please list the CM # ___________________ KT # ___________________ number(s) that you are a member of RAM # ___________________ *R.O. is Reservation Only. There is no charge for the event. However, if you plan to attend, please mark it on your reservation form Time Day/Date Please enter the number of Meals/Events you are requesting Price Total Sun - 15th
8:00 AM
GYR CA Corporation Annual Meeting
*R.O.*
10:30 AM Allied Masonic Degrees Statewide Meeting
$31.00
1:00 PM
Drill Team Participant
*R.O.*
4:00 PM
Vespers Service (Memorial Service for all 3 Bodies)
*R.O.*
6:30 PM
Grand York Rite Banquet Steak Au Poivre Pacific Salmon Vegetarian Option
$57.00 $47.00 $30.00
7:00 AM
Order of the Golden Poppy Degree Candidate
12:15 PM Grand Chapter Luncheon Ribeye 2:00 PM
Order of High Priesthood Degree
5:00 PM
Grand Chapter Installation attendee
7:00 AM
Grand Council Breakfast: (Open to all Registrants)
$25.00 $23.00 $30.00 $39.00
Must include the OHP Petition
$50.00 *R.O.*
Wyndham Buffet
Special Dietary
12:15 PM Grand Council Luncheon: Barbeque Buffet
Wed –
Special Dietary
Special Dietary
12:00 PM CM Ladies Luncheon: Ladies Tea
18th
(Open to all Masons)
Grand Chapter Breakfast: (Open to all Registrants) Wyndham Buffet
12:00 PM RAM Ladies Luncheon: Chicken Teriyaki
Tue – 17th
*R.O.*
11:00 AM Battalion & Belles Brunch Southwestern Buffet
½ hour after the Banquet ends
Mon – 16th
Your AMD Council Number
$23.00 $32.00
Special Dietary
Must include the TIM Petition
$47.00
2:00 PM
Thrice Illustrious Master Degree
3:00 PM
Golden State Research Chapter
*R.O.*
5:00 PM
Grand Council Installation attendee
*R.O.*
7:00 AM
Grand Commandery Breakfast (Open to all Registrants) Wyndham Buffet
$23.00
12:00 PM KT Ladies Luncheon Shrimp Avocado Salad
Special Dietary
12:15 PM Grand Commandery Luncheon Chicken Carbonara 1:30 PM
Past Commander’s Association
5:00 PM
Grand Commandery Installation attendee
Check#
Special Dietary
Must include the PCA Application
enclosed payable to Grand York Rite of CA or
$40.00
$33.00 $35.00 $30.00 *R.O.*
credit card payment at ca-gyrs.square.site
Special Dietary notation: We will try to accommodate those with special dietary needs and work with the hotel chefs. Please note your dietary concern: Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free and mark the count in each meal line above. If we are unable to accommodate for that meal, you will be contacted ahead of time and refund issued based on your decision. There is a full meal description on the www.ca-gyrs.org website. Comments:
S:W U: 12/1/21
Sword & Trowel
More information on the other (or back) page.
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 27 of 36
Events are subject to change based on reservation responses or other factors. More forms (including the Order of High Priesthood, Thrice Illustrious Master, Past Commanders Association & Dignitary Introduction), menus and schedule are available from www.ca-gyrs.org. For your convenience, we are allowing you to register and pay for t Order of High Priesthood, Thrice Illustrious Master and Past Commanders Association with your other meals and events. You must also include those respective forms with this one. We will forward the information and funds to the appropriate degree coordinators.
2022 Grand York Rite Sessions
May 15th to May 18th, 2022 – Visalia, CA
Please send page 1 of this form and payment to: CA-GYRS 1123 J Street Sacramento, CA 95814-2883
Meal reservations are locked & will not be accepted after 05/04/22 (don’t even ask) Onsite registration is available to the Companions and Sir Knights attending sessions without ordering meals. Please be aware that Name Tags will not be printed for late registrants, so please register before the deadline. No refunds after May 9th, 2022 – unless approved by the Grand York Rite Sessions Executive Committee
Contact the Wyndham Hotel 9000 W Airport Dr Visalia, California 93277 +1-559-651-5000 Tell the agent that you are in the Grand York Rite Group or register online via www.ca-gyrs.org Room rate: $99.00 +taxes. Hotel reservation deadline is 04/05/22 Pending room block availability – best to register early Questions, contact the following below: • •
Executive Officer: Randy Downey, executiveofficer@ca-gyrs.org or call +1 408 674 8341 Meal/Event reservations: Dave Glass reservations@ca-gyrs.org or call +1 916 616 3283
A few words about Reservation Only (*R.O.*) events: Although there is no charge for these events, please enter in a numerical value for the events you want to attend. This provides a headcount for the preparation of the event. Also, if the event is cancelled or changed you can be notified. Grand York Rite California (GYR CA) Corporation Annual Meeting, Event starts at 8:00 am to completion of business. All members of the GYR CA Corporation are cordially invited to attend. Agenda for this annual business meeting will be published separately. Allied Masonic Degrees Statewide Meeting. Representatives from each A.M.D. Council are requested to attend. This meeting will be to discuss A.M.D. at the statewide level and future degree presentations by the respective A.M.D. Councils. Vesper services. Vespers is our gathering to honor our departed Companions and Sir Knights. All are encouraged to attend. The Grand Installations. We kindly request that you mark down the number of attendees for each of the Installations. This is to properly prepare the caterers for the reception following the installations. The Order of the Golden Poppy. A fun degree open to all Masons. Candidates will receive their patent of membership and a special jewel for this degree. This will be conferred shortly after the banquet. The candidate fee is only $25 with all net proceeds from the Golden Poppy degree will go to the Grand Chapter Scholarship fund Golden State Royal Arch Research Chapter. All Royal Arch Masons are invited to attend. For a small fee of $20, you can submit your petition at the meeting to become a lifetime member of the Golden State Research Chapter. MMS (Masonic Membership Solutions) Training. This is directed to our Secretaries / Recorders and Assistant Sec/Recs on using the MMS System and for others like the Dais Officers to understand the application. Phil and Tom are available for orientation and consultation upon request. Simply email mms@cagyrs.org prior to May 1st 2022 with a day and time convenient for you and they will make an attempt to fit time for you into the overall schedule.
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 28 of 36
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 29 of 36
General Grand Council
General Grand Council Presents Jeff Bennett November 14, 2021, at 12pm MDT (GMT-6) The General Grand Council will be presenting an educational presentation on November 14, 2021, at 12pm MDT (GMT-6). In this presentation by Companion Jeff Bennett titled “ Zabud: Friend of the King – A deeper look into the Select Masters Degree”, we will explore the back story, biblical history, and cultural undertones running below the level of the dramatic events occurring in the Cryptic Degree of Select Master. With its central character Zabud, the Select Master Degree has unique lesson in both extremes: Justice and Mercy. Join the presentation and discussion about the significant role Zabud as historical, biblical figure portrays in his own curious manner as he penetrates the Secret Vault and discovers veiled treasures that are more than what they appear to be on the surface. REGISTER HERE Author of Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas Short Talk Education Series in 2007 and Grand Council of Royal Select Masters of Texas Short Talk Education Series in 2008. Past Contributing Author to Knights Templar Magazine. He is a proud 20-year member and Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Arlington Council #314 in Arlington TX. Past Sovereign Master of Robert Bruce Brannon AMD Council #270. Charter member of Frank G McDonald Knight Masons Council #97 and St. Timothy Conclave No. 65 Order of the Red Cross of Constantine. He was recently honored in 2020-2021 with an appointment by MEC Dan Smith from Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Ohio as District Education Officer. Companion Bennett has a zeal for Masonic Symbolism and its interpretation. His focus on creating excitement for all things esoteric and York Rite manifests in his fervor to provide education and engaging discussions about the symbols, degrees, and lessons that begin in the quarries of Ancient Craft Freemasonry and transcend the entire system of rites.
Companion Jeff Bennett
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 30 of 36
The Decryption - News from Cryptic Masons International November 13, 2021 Vol 6, Issue 15
CMMRF Giving Update
CMMRF: Giving Day 2021 Read More...
Albert G. Mackey on Numbers Read More...
Just a LATTE a Month
$5 per Month Works Miracles! Our Goal: 1000 Participants
Freemasonry During the Civil War: Acts of Treason? Part Seven Read More...
Give up a coffee a month or more to help medical research through the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation.
You can make a step to support our Masonic Charity by setting up recurring giving here:
https://www.crypticmasons.org/cmmrf/donat e-now
AWARDS The following individuals have been recognized with Cryptic Awards recently. Articles regarding the presentation are linked to each name. No new recognition reports this week, send your reports through this form (This form requires a Google Login). If you don not have one, you can contact us here
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 31 of 36
•
No new submissions
All Recognition News Articles
CALENDARS We have remodeled and are updating our calendaring system. Check it out!
NATIONAL CALENDAR Rather see a listing by category (and including local events that are reported to us):
CMMRF EVENTS CONFERENCE EVENTS GRAND YORK RITE EVENTS GRAND LODGE EVENTS FESTIVAL EVENTS Don't see your event here? Please let us know! (You must have an account on the website. All events will be reviewed and verified before publishing.)
SUBMIT EVENTS
The Decryption - News from Cryptic Masons International November 18, 2021Vol 6, Issue 16
CMMRF Giving Update
CMMRF: What is Giving Tuesday? Read More...
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 32 of 36
General Grand Master's Fire-Side Chat: Sunday, November 28, 2021, at 3pm MDT (GMT-6) Read More...
Passing of MIC Robert K. A. Yaasi, 1940-2021 Read More...
Just a LATTE a Month
$5 per Month Works Miracles! Our Goal: 1000 Participants Give up a coffee a month or more to help medical research through the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation.
You can make a step to support our Masonic Charity by setting up recurring giving here:
Freemasonry During the Civil War: Acts of Treason? Part Eight Read More...
https://www.crypticmasons.org/cmmrf/donat e-now
AWARDS The following individuals have been recognized with Cryptic Awards recently. Articles regarding the presentation are linked to each name. No new recognition reports this week, send your reports through this form (This form requires a Google Login). If you don not have one, you can contact us here
•
No new submissions
All Recognition News Articles
CALENDARS We have remodeled and are updating our calendaring system. Check it out!
NATIONAL CALENDAR Rather see a listing by category (and including local events that are reported to us):
CMMRF EVENTS
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 33 of 36
CONFERENCE EVENTS GRAND YORK RITE EVENTS GRAND LODGE EVENTS FESTIVAL EVENTS Don't see your event here? Please let us know! (You must have an account on the website. All events will be reviewed and verified before publishing.)
SUBMIT EVENTS
Giving Tuesday is One Week Away November 30, 2021
The first Tuesday after Thanksgiving is designated a Day of Giving to Charity. The Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation is a charity participating in the Day of Giving. This year the Day of Giving will be November 30. Donations can be made here Any individual/Body who donates $100 to CMMRF during the Day of Giving will receive a special commissioned gift courtesy of the CMMRF Board of Trustees. Please indicate on your check that your gift is for the “CMMRF Day of Giving”. We are looking to raise $5,000 in Day of Giving donations. For questions, contact G. Thomas Taylor, Vice President of the CMMRF Board of Trustees at: Contact Us Info - Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation (cmmrf.org) Please participate. Celebrated annually on every Tuesday after Thanksgiving, The National Day of Giving is dedicated to encouraging giving among people and organizations to their communities to make the world a better place. Started in 2012, also known as Giving Tuesday, has inspired hundreds of millions of people to celebrate giving. Giving Tuesday was started in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation as a response to commercialization and consumerism in the post – Thanksgiving season. As the largest single day for donations, Giving Tuesday is a huge boost for charitable organizations. In 2019, non – profits raised $511 million on this one day! The Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation is the charity of Cryptic Masons. CMMRF funds stem cell research at the Indiana University Center for Vascular Medicine. This includes research in heart disease, diabetes, aortic aneurysm and wound healing. In the area of wound healing, by injecting stem cells, in clinical trials, they have been 96% successful in preventing amputations. As one of the most expensive medical procedures, this research is gaining national attention. Donations by CMMRF provide “seed” money to fund preliminary research. This research facilitates the application for grants and additional funding from government and private Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 34 of 36
agencies totaling 7 – 10 times the amount of the CMMRF grant. In other words, for every $100 donation by CMMRF results in $700 - $1,000 for research. This Thanksgiving, as you gather with family, and friends, and count your blessings. Please consider a donation to the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation. The benefits are exponential.
CMMRF Logo
The Decryption - News from Cryptic Masons International November 26, 2021 Vol 6, Issue 17 Giving Tuesday: November 30, 2021 Donate to CMMRF
CMMRF Giving Update
General Grand Master's Fire-Side Chat: Sunday, November 28, 2021, at 3pm MDT (GMT-6) Read More...
Historical Summary of the Royal Master Degree Read More...
Just a LATTE a Month
$5 per Month Works Miracles!
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 35 of 36
Our Goal: 1000 Participants Give up a coffee a month or more to help medical research through the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation.
You can make a step to support our Masonic Charity by setting up recurring giving here:
Freemasonry During the Civil War: Acts of Treason? Part Nine Read More...
https://www.crypticmasons.org/cmmrf/donat e-now
AWARDS The following individuals have been recognized with Cryptic Awards recently. Articles regarding the presentation are linked to each name. No new recognition reports this week, send your reports through this form (This form requires a Google Login). If you don not have one, you can contact us here
•
No new submissions
All Recognition News Articles
CALENDARS We have remodeled and are updating our calendaring system. Check it out!
NATIONAL CALENDAR Rather see a listing by category (and including local events that are reported to us):
CMMRF EVENTS CONFERENCE EVENTS GRAND YORK RITE EVENTS GRAND LODGE EVENTS FESTIVAL EVENTS Don't see your event here? Please let us know! (You must have an account on the website. All events will be reviewed and verified before publishing.)
SUBMIT EVENTS
Sword & Trowel
December 2021
Book 9 Issue No. 07
Page 36 of 36
