Two weeks ago after 6 canceled flights I arrived in Alexandria Va for my first trip to "Masonic Week". I was a day and half late getting there because of the winter storms. Wow what a group of fine, dedicated, and knowledgeable masons. I really enjoyed see many friends and made many new ones.
One of many highlights was being installed as Chief of Great Chief's Council No. 0, Knight Masons. This came as a complete surprise.
The two most enjoyable events was the Order of the Scarlet Cord and the Operatives.
Many brothers from the U.K. came to confer these degrees and orders. I was very impressed with their ritual and the content of the message portrayed. The Scarlet Cord told much of the genealogy of King Solomon. Impressive.
The operatives are dedicated to preserving the art of the operative masons. They have three Grand Master Masons. The work was extensive and very complex with many many working tools and props. They consecrated three new Assemblages, making four in the United States.
It was a fun and educational week, although the weather was bad, masonic brotherhood prevailed and warmed my heart.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Educationall Foundation of the Grand Commandery of Iowa
Saturday I drove to Cedar Falls to meet with the Iowa Grand Commander's Educational Foundation. This foundation is in cooperation with the Grand Encampment. In the past their primary cause was student loans. Over the years they have made many loans to deserving Iowa Students. Last year three loans were made with one more being processed.
The ability to collect on some of the loans has been troublesome. The Foundation is considering giving scholarships also. I recommended that they start a scholarship program. They approved the idea and are going to start writing the details and structure for a scholarship program. The idea is that it will be a locally generated recipient. And the local Commnadery will receive credit for the scholarship and be responsible for selecting a recipient and making the presentation. Of course, not every Commandery will receive approval for their recipient. We are considering starting with just six scholarships, with one to be given to a Commandery in each district to award. I would welcome any comments on this new undertaking. I am proud the Grand Commandery is utilizing some of the funds of this foundation to help Iowa's students. Let me know what you think and if the Foundation is going in the right direction.
The ability to collect on some of the loans has been troublesome. The Foundation is considering giving scholarships also. I recommended that they start a scholarship program. They approved the idea and are going to start writing the details and structure for a scholarship program. The idea is that it will be a locally generated recipient. And the local Commnadery will receive credit for the scholarship and be responsible for selecting a recipient and making the presentation. Of course, not every Commandery will receive approval for their recipient. We are considering starting with just six scholarships, with one to be given to a Commandery in each district to award. I would welcome any comments on this new undertaking. I am proud the Grand Commandery is utilizing some of the funds of this foundation to help Iowa's students. Let me know what you think and if the Foundation is going in the right direction.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
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,
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.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Christmas 2009
Christmas 2009Christmas 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.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Jerry Marsengill Masonic Christmas Day Dinner
The 25th Annual Jerry Marsengill Masonic Christmas Day Dinner will be tomorrow from 11 am til 2 pm. All are Welcome.
I remember Jerry Marsenfill and Al Hadley, who started this dinner 25 years ago. Those first few years we fed approximately 1,000 people each year. It was the idea of S.K. Al Hadley who was building manager at the Masonic Temple at 10th and Locust. At that time no other groups, churches or restaurants were serving Christmas Day Dinner. It was decided that would be a project for the Mason's of central Iowa. Al and Jerry got donations from the local Masonic lodges and bodies, and other donations. Dahl's grocery stores have always donated the hams. And Stew Hansen Dodge and Bill Jensen Crescent Chevy (now closed) donate vans to pick people up and make deliveries. In reviewing the past 25 years I would estimate that we have feed 13,000 people.
This years dinner is being headed up by myself and Brother Darrell Fremont and his wife Ann. Bud Erickson and his wife Kris took over after Jerry Marsengill's death in 1991 and I have assisted them since then. Bud and Kris always did a great job, but are now enjoying their retirement. I am so happy to have help with this. We usually have 80 or so volunteers. They range in age from 5 to 95 and help cook, set tables, drive vans, man the phone, clean up, serve people dinner, etc. It is wonderful to see those who are willing to take time out of their busy lives at Christmas time and share with others.
The main reason for the dinner is to bring some Christmas cheer in to people's life. To give them a traditional meal of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. But more than that to let them be served by others, to be treated like a guest in someone's home. Volunteers socialize with them, talk with them, and maybe even Santa will come by and wish them a Merry Christmas.
I remember Jerry Marsenfill and Al Hadley, who started this dinner 25 years ago. Those first few years we fed approximately 1,000 people each year. It was the idea of S.K. Al Hadley who was building manager at the Masonic Temple at 10th and Locust. At that time no other groups, churches or restaurants were serving Christmas Day Dinner. It was decided that would be a project for the Mason's of central Iowa. Al and Jerry got donations from the local Masonic lodges and bodies, and other donations. Dahl's grocery stores have always donated the hams. And Stew Hansen Dodge and Bill Jensen Crescent Chevy (now closed) donate vans to pick people up and make deliveries. In reviewing the past 25 years I would estimate that we have feed 13,000 people.
This years dinner is being headed up by myself and Brother Darrell Fremont and his wife Ann. Bud Erickson and his wife Kris took over after Jerry Marsengill's death in 1991 and I have assisted them since then. Bud and Kris always did a great job, but are now enjoying their retirement. I am so happy to have help with this. We usually have 80 or so volunteers. They range in age from 5 to 95 and help cook, set tables, drive vans, man the phone, clean up, serve people dinner, etc. It is wonderful to see those who are willing to take time out of their busy lives at Christmas time and share with others.
The main reason for the dinner is to bring some Christmas cheer in to people's life. To give them a traditional meal of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. But more than that to let them be served by others, to be treated like a guest in someone's home. Volunteers socialize with them, talk with them, and maybe even Santa will come by and wish them a Merry Christmas.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Sir Knight Glenn N. Marshall, PGC
Last Wednesday Sir Knight Glenn N. Marshall, Right Eminent Past Grand Commander of Iowa (1993) laid down his working tools of life. Glenn was a tireless worker for Masonry in Iowa. He was a fun man to be around and to listen to, and he did like to talk. He served as the Knights Templar Eye Foundation for Iowa for over 16 years. When Illinois was in our Department, he would work hard to raise more donations than the "big" guys, and most years he did. He served as Grand Chaplain for the Grand Lodge of Iowa in 2007-2008.
The Sir Knights of Apollo Commandery No. 26 in Cedar Rapids and Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery of Iowa honored him by standing guard at the foot and head of his casket Thursday evening, while the Masonic and Templar services were conducted. The overflowing room that night proved the esteem his brethren held for him. Rest in Peace good and faithful servant of our Lord.
The Sir Knights of Apollo Commandery No. 26 in Cedar Rapids and Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery of Iowa honored him by standing guard at the foot and head of his casket Thursday evening, while the Masonic and Templar services were conducted. The overflowing room that night proved the esteem his brethren held for him. Rest in Peace good and faithful servant of our Lord.
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