The cornerstone laying ceremony for the new Mid America Transportation & Aviation Museum was held this past Saturday. The wonderful day started with a "picnic" lunch of brats and burgers provided by the local masonic bodies. Then Grand Lodge was opened in a very tiny room. What followed next broke new ground in Iowa Masonic History. The Grand Master was taken up in a helicopter and circled around the new museum. When the helicopter landed the procession was lined up and began to march. We marched by the helicopter allowing the Grand Master to fill his position at the end of the line. This was to the knowledge of most masonic scholars present the first time a Grand Master arrived for the cornerstone ceremony by helicopter. It was very fitting considering the cornerstone was for the Aviation museum.
The Grand Commandery formed the front of the lines. 27 Sir Knights in full uniform crossed swords for our Grand Master. What a sight. I was overwhelmed to say the least. Sir Knights thank you for making a great showing.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
St. Simon of Cyrene Commadery No. 9
Wednesday evening dad and I drove to Davenport for their York Rite monthly meeting. The past year there has been some controversy and hurt feelings about their consolidation with Clinton, and the "anti consolidation" now in effect. I went to try to help them get through this and make sure they follow the Statutes of the Grand Encampment and Grand Commandery of Iowa.
After a dinner of grilled brats, all moved into the asylum to conduct their business. I am not going to write about their business, but say that it was conducted, and after discussions progress made. There were 24 men in attendance, not all Sir Knights. Seven candidates who had progress through the council degrees where there and they were re obligated in the chapter and council degrees. Then the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross and The Order of Malta were conferred in short form. After discussion the Sir Knights agreed to have an inspection and hold the Order of the Temple in their asylum. I was happy to offer any assistance they needed. The Order is scheduled for Oct. 28. I left Davenport feeling pretty good, that maybe the worst is behind them and they are making progress.
Tonight I am going to Iowa City to watch the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross. It has been awhile since I've seen the long form. If you know of degrees or orders or activities in your area, please let me know. I just might show up...
After a dinner of grilled brats, all moved into the asylum to conduct their business. I am not going to write about their business, but say that it was conducted, and after discussions progress made. There were 24 men in attendance, not all Sir Knights. Seven candidates who had progress through the council degrees where there and they were re obligated in the chapter and council degrees. Then the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross and The Order of Malta were conferred in short form. After discussion the Sir Knights agreed to have an inspection and hold the Order of the Temple in their asylum. I was happy to offer any assistance they needed. The Order is scheduled for Oct. 28. I left Davenport feeling pretty good, that maybe the worst is behind them and they are making progress.
Tonight I am going to Iowa City to watch the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross. It has been awhile since I've seen the long form. If you know of degrees or orders or activities in your area, please let me know. I just might show up...
Monday, August 24, 2009
A good day for Iowa Masonry
Sunday August 23rd was a good day for Iowa Masonry and the Communities of the Clear Creek Amana Schools. That is the afternoon the high school band played the Star Spangle Banner and the Clear Creek Amana school song. The American Legion posted the Colors of our great country, and the Boy Scouts carried an American flag to. Teachers, administrators, students, and members of the community gathered in the new high school gym, to watch the Grand Lodge of Iowa lay the cornerstone for their new high school.
It was a beautiful day, outside and in. Fifteen Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery lead the way, including 12 Grand Officers, and formed the arch of steel for our Grand Master of Masons in Iowa. It was an exciting time hearing kids running up and down the new bleachers, and seeing the pride of the parents and teachers for their new high school. After the ceremony we had punch and cookies and socialized with the locals. This was a great day for the citizens of the Clear Creek Amana School District and the Masons of Iowa.
It was a beautiful day, outside and in. Fifteen Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery lead the way, including 12 Grand Officers, and formed the arch of steel for our Grand Master of Masons in Iowa. It was an exciting time hearing kids running up and down the new bleachers, and seeing the pride of the parents and teachers for their new high school. After the ceremony we had punch and cookies and socialized with the locals. This was a great day for the citizens of the Clear Creek Amana School District and the Masons of Iowa.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Grand Encampment in Roanoke VA
This past week has zoomed by. Last Saturday morning Nat, mom and dad, and I flew out of Des Moines for Roanoke Virginia. We arrived there at noon after a chilly flight, Nat's feet got very cold. The event was the 64th Triennial of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar of the United States. It was a bit of a sad occasion as this would have been Sir Knight Richard Baldwin's Triennial. He passed away approx 1 year into service.
Saturday we just rested and look around the old city of Roanoke. The hotel we stayed in was built in the 1880s by the railroad. It has seem many upgrades and improvements since then. There are several good restaurants which we tried. The jumbo shrimp was excellent. Sunday was more sight seeing then a Reception/Social hour that evening..
Monday brought the opening ceremonies and it was my honor to represent Iowa and be escorted in, presented under an arch of steel and greeted by the Grand Master, SK Koon. This was true for all distinguished guests and sitting Grand Commanders. The Grand Master kept the business moving right along, we were always on or ahead of schedule. After lunch those present witnessed history in the making.
The Grand Encampment Knights Templar of the United States of American is now world wide. A very large delegation of Sir Knights from Romania were in attendance. There was also a large delegation from Togo. Italy, France, and Canada were also represented. But is was Romania and Togo that made History. As they now have Charted Commanderies by the Grand Encampment of the USA. The same for Togo. On Tuesday Romania's Commanderys petitioned and were granted permission to form the Grand Commandery of Romania. There is growth and interest in Masonry and the York Rite abroad.
Monday evening the Iowa delegation went to a nice restaurant for dinner then returned to our hotels for hospitality rooms. Several states and the candidates running for office had nice hospitality rooms, the food was good and fellowship great. I always like going to these rooms and meeting people from other states, from the east to west coast. The friendships and acquaintances you make at these meetings far outweigh the meetings themselves.
Tuesday was election day. While there were several rumors running rampant about the election, everything work smoothly. The previous elected officers were elected to the same offices for the 65th Triennial. A good Sir Knight from Texas didn't get elected, and he would have done a good job also, but those elected are good Sir Knights and the Grand Encampment has a great team moving forward. That evening was the Grand Master Banquet, nothing special.
Wed was the installation of the new officers. S.K. Dave of Iowa is the new North Central Department Commander. Congrats Dave. Most of the Iowa delegation stayed to wish him well.
Then we left around 2 for the airport and got into Des Moines at 9. The past days have been recovery for me.
All in all it was a good time.....
Saturday we just rested and look around the old city of Roanoke. The hotel we stayed in was built in the 1880s by the railroad. It has seem many upgrades and improvements since then. There are several good restaurants which we tried. The jumbo shrimp was excellent. Sunday was more sight seeing then a Reception/Social hour that evening..
Monday brought the opening ceremonies and it was my honor to represent Iowa and be escorted in, presented under an arch of steel and greeted by the Grand Master, SK Koon. This was true for all distinguished guests and sitting Grand Commanders. The Grand Master kept the business moving right along, we were always on or ahead of schedule. After lunch those present witnessed history in the making.
The Grand Encampment Knights Templar of the United States of American is now world wide. A very large delegation of Sir Knights from Romania were in attendance. There was also a large delegation from Togo. Italy, France, and Canada were also represented. But is was Romania and Togo that made History. As they now have Charted Commanderies by the Grand Encampment of the USA. The same for Togo. On Tuesday Romania's Commanderys petitioned and were granted permission to form the Grand Commandery of Romania. There is growth and interest in Masonry and the York Rite abroad.
Monday evening the Iowa delegation went to a nice restaurant for dinner then returned to our hotels for hospitality rooms. Several states and the candidates running for office had nice hospitality rooms, the food was good and fellowship great. I always like going to these rooms and meeting people from other states, from the east to west coast. The friendships and acquaintances you make at these meetings far outweigh the meetings themselves.
Tuesday was election day. While there were several rumors running rampant about the election, everything work smoothly. The previous elected officers were elected to the same offices for the 65th Triennial. A good Sir Knight from Texas didn't get elected, and he would have done a good job also, but those elected are good Sir Knights and the Grand Encampment has a great team moving forward. That evening was the Grand Master Banquet, nothing special.
Wed was the installation of the new officers. S.K. Dave of Iowa is the new North Central Department Commander. Congrats Dave. Most of the Iowa delegation stayed to wish him well.
Then we left around 2 for the airport and got into Des Moines at 9. The past days have been recovery for me.
All in all it was a good time.....
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Cornerstone at Eldora
Saturday the Grand Lodge of Iowa layed a Cornerstone for the new Can Redemption Center in Eldora Iowa. I was unable to attend as I was in Bettendorf representing the Grand Commandery at the Grand Chapter session.
Sir Knight Kevin Christians was in charge and reported to me that 11 Sir Knights formed the lines. And though the space was somewhat limited it was a good day.
Thank You to all who showed up and helped the Grand Lodge and the Grand Commandery.
Sir Knight Kevin Christians was in charge and reported to me that 11 Sir Knights formed the lines. And though the space was somewhat limited it was a good day.
Thank You to all who showed up and helped the Grand Lodge and the Grand Commandery.
Grand Chapter and Grand Council of Iowa
This past Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Nat and I were in Bettendorf for the annual meetings of the Grand Chapter and Grand Council. I have been going to these for years, really can't remember the first, think it was in Sioux City when Jerry Marsengill was Grand High Priest and Maxie Yates was Most Illustrious Grand Master. I remember the large portraits of each made on bed sheets hanging behind the head table at the banquet. Those old (now past on) past presiding officers seemed like giants to me, a young boy not even allowed in the meetings. I remember companions Tom Corothers, Jim Irish, Dick Campbell, Maxie Yates, Marion Charlton, Pappy Heur, Jerry Marsengill and many others.
They made sure things were always done right. They were not afraid to speak up, to speak their minds. They weren't always right, but usually they were. I miss those men. While this years session was okay, it and several of the past years have seemed to just be missing something. I think it is the lack of leaders speaking up, the kind of leaders who when they stood up to talk everyone listened and respected. There are still those around and even serving today that have that ability, but it seems to be in less fashion to speak your mind. I do not mean any harm or am I referring specifically to anyone.
Our organizations seem to lack organization. This is as true for the commandery as much as the other masonic bodies. Have we forgot formality? Have we forgot proper procedures? Have we forgot that as head of an organization we are to lead it, be a professional. To take our responsibilities seriously.
This past weekend made me think on these important questions. Not that anything was done "wrong" or "disrespectful" cause it wasn't. Only things have changed alot. And I miss the older ways. Yes I encourage FUN, but Fun is not our sole purpose.
I would like to hear others comments on this......are we lacking leadership? education? How to we improve?
They made sure things were always done right. They were not afraid to speak up, to speak their minds. They weren't always right, but usually they were. I miss those men. While this years session was okay, it and several of the past years have seemed to just be missing something. I think it is the lack of leaders speaking up, the kind of leaders who when they stood up to talk everyone listened and respected. There are still those around and even serving today that have that ability, but it seems to be in less fashion to speak your mind. I do not mean any harm or am I referring specifically to anyone.
Our organizations seem to lack organization. This is as true for the commandery as much as the other masonic bodies. Have we forgot formality? Have we forgot proper procedures? Have we forgot that as head of an organization we are to lead it, be a professional. To take our responsibilities seriously.
This past weekend made me think on these important questions. Not that anything was done "wrong" or "disrespectful" cause it wasn't. Only things have changed alot. And I miss the older ways. Yes I encourage FUN, but Fun is not our sole purpose.
I would like to hear others comments on this......are we lacking leadership? education? How to we improve?
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