Ottumwa York Rite Festival

Yesterday, Saturday Jan. 23, the York Rite Bodies of Ottumwa held a York Rite Festival. It had been many, probably at least 10 years since their York Rite has had much activity. The York Rite College in cooperation with the Grand York Rite Bodies put together the degrees and orders for them.

My day started off around 5:30 when I picked dad up to go met Dave at the Wal Mart in Altoona. Dave and dad were going together to help with the festival. I would join them latter in the day. By seven I was at the Scottish Rite Temple helping get ready for the annual blue lodge officers free breakfast. The breakfast is free to all area masons, but more especially the local lodge officers. We fed approximately 100 masons. After breakfast there were some committee meetings. Then Rusty and Greg rode with me to Ottumwa. We got there just in time for lunch.

I was impressed with the crowd, and how everyone was working together. I didn't hear any arguments about how to do things as sometimes happens at a festival. Because of weather concerns a few cast members did not make the trip, but the parts were filled.

The Grand Commandery was responsible for the Commandery Degrees. The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross and The Order of Malta were conferred in short form to save some time. Two of the Grand Officers and I conducted the short forms. The Order of the Temple cast was filled with Grand Commandery Officers, Past Grand Commanders, and one past Grand Commandery Officer. Our Grand Generalissimo presided as Commander, while I was prelate. I thank all the participants who helped contribute to the success of the festival. Special thanks to our Grand Recorder, who hauled props and equipment from Burlington to Ottumwa and made sure everything for the Commandery was set up and working, thanks Willard. The ritual was very good. At the end of the long day 14 new Sir Knights and Companions were created. 12 of the new Sir Knights were for Malta Commandery No. 31 in Ottumwa. It was a productive day for Iowa York Rite Masonry.

I am very proud of the members of the Ottumwa York Rite. They took the initiative and assumed the leadership to see that their York Rite would not fade away. The "Grand" bodies didn't take over or make them do this. They wanted to. Because of that local commitment and leadership I look for the York Rite in Ottumwa to grow and become more active (as it was many years ago) in the future. I wish them success, and stand ready to assist them in any way possible.

Tis the Season

Tis the Season in Iowa. The weather is cold cold, the snow is pilled high, and installations are going on all around. Yes, tis the season to install the new officers and leaders of our local masonic orders and bodies.

I have attended only five of the sixteen or so lodge installations around Des Moines. I used to make more when serving as an officer. I had the great privilege of being Installing Master for Capital Lodge No. 110 and Gnemeth Lodge No. 577, and will be installing Lodgic Lodge No. 636. The public installation ceremony, while a bit dry, does explain to the officers and those in attendance the responsibilities of office. I enjoy several of the "admonitions" given. Like,

"The very conscientiousness of the possession of great authority will ever make a

generous man cautious and prudent in its exercise. To rule well has been the

fortune of few, and may well be the object of an honorable ambition. It is not

by the strong arm or iron will, that obedience and order, the chief objects of

good government are secured, but by holding the key to the hearts of men."

Last night my chauffeur John, did a wonderful job driving to and from Dubuque. John is a good friend and likes to drive and I really appreciate his willingness to escape from his home duties to drive the Grand Commander around the state. It was the installation of officers for Siloam Commandery No. 3 of Dubuque. As Grand Commander I was honored to conduct the installation. They served a wonderful meal and while it was zero outside, inside the warmth of masonic fellowship burned. Next week I will be installing the Commandery in Iowa City, and the week after that my home Commandery in Des Moines.

Tis the Season, for the change of the guard in our Commanderies. As Sir Knights across Iowa assume new offices, new responsibilities, may our Blessed Lord keep watch over them and protect them now and forevermore.

I extend to all new Eminent Commmanders, their officers, and members all the best for the coming year.

Christmas 2009

Christmas 2009

Christmas Day I spent at the Jerry Marsengill Masonic Christmas Day Dinner. We had a snow storm on Christmas Eve, but the main roads were clear and people were moving about. As in years past I loaded up the van drivers and went out to Stew Hansen's Dodge to pick up the four vans they donated to haul people and dinners. We have radios donated to communicate with the office and the vans. Before the doors opened at 11 am we already had over 50 deliveries ordered. We thought it would be a very busy day. After that first rush the delivery orders slowed down, but several people came in for dinner. The cooks did an outstanding job, the turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie were delicious. Our number of volunteers was down (must have been the weather) but we still had plenty of help....no volunteers are turned away...and no person is turned away for a meal. Around noon the tables were full of volunteers and non volunteers (our guests, whether they be the homeless, lonely, or anyone else). The total number of meals served was down, but the spirit of Christmas was alive and well. Around 3 pm I helped take the vans back, full of fuel, and finished clean up. Brother Darrell Fremont and his wife Ann are taking over the dinner from Bud Erickson, Kris Erickson, and myself. They did a great job and I know they will improve the dinner next year.

The day after Christmas mom and dad came to our house.

They are pictured below with our two dogs, Lucy and Jenny.

We had our family Christmas and gift exchange.

I hope all our friends and loved ones had a blessed and merry Christmas.