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.