Early last Thursday morning, the sun was just coming up, Dad and I left Des Moines International Airport for Cincinnati Ohio and the meeting of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America. The flight took just over an hour and Dave was on the same flight as us. To our surprise the York Rite College Hosts of Ohio furnished transportation to downtown Cincinnati and our hotel. We stayed in the Netherlands Hilton. An old fabulous art-deco of the 30's hotel. It was magnificent with old world charm. As with most masonic meetings, we found the registration table and got our tickets and name badges.
Iowa had a small delegation, though larger than most years. Two Iowa members were receiving their order of the purple cross. Dad and I received our OPC last year in Reston VA. It is a nice honor, and a good order. The business is boring as usual. There was some excitement Thursday night after the Associate Regents Banquet. Some of the "leaders" had written a new degree and it was given that evening for the first (and last) time. Members from Indiana had learned the new degree and did a good job presenting it. The degree was boring, dry, repetitious, and just taking parts of other masonic ritual and regurgitating it out. Well now you know my opinion. Seems I wasn't the only one that thought that way. After the degree there was much discussion if the "new" degree should be made part of the York Rite College. I would say a vast majority was against it. The next morning it was announced that there would be no vote to make it part of the College and it had been dropped. Seems the leadership does listen sometimes.
Iowa should be proud. Both Iowa colleges, Iowa #37 and Lewis and Clark #199 received certificates as 2009 Honor Colleges. Our Grand Governor was mighty proud as he should be. It was my pleasure to receive the award for Iowa College #37 from Governor General Ed Fowler, Jr. an old acquaintance, it was nice that he remember me and his kind words were much appreciated.
This trip was not only business. I found time to visit the Cincinnati Reds baseball stadium and have a tour. They don't get many tourist, cause the tour guide was so happy to actually have something to do that day other than her nails. I also visited a couple local restaurants and had some very good food. Friday night I made reservations for the Iowa delegation at the Brazilian Steakhouse next door to the hotel. It was a fun change of pace as they serve 15 meat entrees on skewers as you want them and all you can eat. Dave and Greg were smiling with full stomachs.
Saturday brought more boring introductions, followed by the main event, the Order of the Purple Cross. Approximately 120 Knights Companions from North America received this order.
The day closed with an excellent banquet (the food was good) that evening, but a couple of our Iowa group need to get White Dinner Jackets so they would fit in with the crowd. LOL!! The next morning the Ohio host shuttled us to the airport and I was back in Iowa by 3 PM.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Corydon Cornerstone
Saturday July 18th the Grand Lodge of Iowa performed a cornerstone ceremony for the new Wayne County Jail. A pleasant enough facility, I was a bit worried I might not get to come home though. The Grand Commandery had 9 Sir Knights to form the Arch of Steel for the Grand Master and form the lines for the procession. Amazingly it was only 70 degrees in the middle of July in Iowa. What nice weather, almost didn't need our summer uniforms. Our Grand Master personally thanked each Sir Knight for attending.
On another note, to promote more of the Family and Unity of Freemasonry, I just had to go play golf in the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star outing. I have played many times in this fun "tournament" and had a great time. They had 108 golfers and another 80 volunteers. Seems like every other hole some past grand Chapter OES officer was giving out candy or had some fun game for us to play. I lost the bean toss, putting contest, and all the other prize events, but went home with a sleeve of balls and a full tummy. My golf game wasn't too bad, our 4 man best ball team shot a 67, with a 57 winning the event. I better get more practice in, even Natalie is beating me on the Wii......and she is happy to tell anyone....
Leave Thurs for Cincinnati for the York Rite Sovereign College to see two of my friends receive the Order of the Purple Cross. Last year Dad and I received this award together in Reston Virginia.
Hope everyone is have a fun Summer
On another note, to promote more of the Family and Unity of Freemasonry, I just had to go play golf in the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star outing. I have played many times in this fun "tournament" and had a great time. They had 108 golfers and another 80 volunteers. Seems like every other hole some past grand Chapter OES officer was giving out candy or had some fun game for us to play. I lost the bean toss, putting contest, and all the other prize events, but went home with a sleeve of balls and a full tummy. My golf game wasn't too bad, our 4 man best ball team shot a 67, with a 57 winning the event. I better get more practice in, even Natalie is beating me on the Wii......and she is happy to tell anyone....
Leave Thurs for Cincinnati for the York Rite Sovereign College to see two of my friends receive the Order of the Purple Cross. Last year Dad and I received this award together in Reston Virginia.
Hope everyone is have a fun Summer
Thursday, July 16, 2009
HELP
I need HELP. When I was installed Grand Commander I knew there where some commanderies just hanging on by a thread, probably 4 or 5. What I didn't know was that the "Grand Bodies" of the York Rite in Iowa had been keeping them on the books without reports or maybe even collecting per capita or dues. I am not going to argue about why or who, that is history, what I need help with is where do we go from here.
Should an inactive Commandery or Chapter, Council, or Lodge for that matter have it's charter revoked? What determines inactivity? I always took the approach to leave them alone, and let them "die on the vine". But the past couple of years we have seen one or two individuals make the decisions for all and issue demits to all members, approve a consolidation, or turn there charter in. I maintain that you must pay dues to be in good standing, but attendance is not required.
The Grand Commandery of Iowa has created a statewide holding commandery, St. George Commandery No.72. It exists solely under the authority of the Grand Commander and Grand Dais Officers and Grand Recorder. Its purpose is to allow each member to: 1. maintain their membership if the charter is revoked or surrendered 2. to give the Grand Commander the authority to correspond with each member discussing their options as to consolidation, demitting, or affiliation. The Grand Chapter and Grand Council are considering creating such statewide holding Chapters and Councils. I hope they find merit in them because the Grand Commandery and local Commandery is dependant on the local Chapter and Council. We need to work together to strengthen our Rite and maintain our members.
I want opinions. Are these good ideas? Suggestions?
Should an inactive Commandery or Chapter, Council, or Lodge for that matter have it's charter revoked? What determines inactivity? I always took the approach to leave them alone, and let them "die on the vine". But the past couple of years we have seen one or two individuals make the decisions for all and issue demits to all members, approve a consolidation, or turn there charter in. I maintain that you must pay dues to be in good standing, but attendance is not required.
The Grand Commandery of Iowa has created a statewide holding commandery, St. George Commandery No.72. It exists solely under the authority of the Grand Commander and Grand Dais Officers and Grand Recorder. Its purpose is to allow each member to: 1. maintain their membership if the charter is revoked or surrendered 2. to give the Grand Commander the authority to correspond with each member discussing their options as to consolidation, demitting, or affiliation. The Grand Chapter and Grand Council are considering creating such statewide holding Chapters and Councils. I hope they find merit in them because the Grand Commandery and local Commandery is dependant on the local Chapter and Council. We need to work together to strengthen our Rite and maintain our members.
I want opinions. Are these good ideas? Suggestions?
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Ottumwa York Rite
Tuesday July 7th, the Ottumwa York Rite hosted a friendship night. I must say it was a dismal day, filled with heavy rains and winds, but inside their temple all was well. Approximately 40 men and ladies enjoyed a good meal, then the program started. I was introduced and after the usual (but shorter than normal) introduction, the DVD from the Grand Commandery of Indiana was shown. This DVD is the same one the Membership Committee sent to over 500 prospective new York Rite Members. Its is good! The Sir Knight David talked about why one should seek further light in Masonry in the York Rite.
When the evening was done I was informed that they had 5 or 6, with more to follow petitions.
It has been several years since the degrees have been performed in Ottumwa, but I think that is about to change.
When the evening was done I was informed that they had 5 or 6, with more to follow petitions.
It has been several years since the degrees have been performed in Ottumwa, but I think that is about to change.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Willmar Minnesota
Willmar Minnesota, ever been there? Well there is not much there to see or do, but this past weekend was a lot of fun in Willmar. The Grand Commandery of Minnesota held its Grand Conclave there and they do have fun up north.
I played my role as the chauffeur for the Grand Captain of the Host of the Grand Chapter RAM of Iowa and my mother. We arrived Thursday late afternoon after I had got off from work. 6 hour drive, with road construction. We met up with some other Iowans and had a good dinner in the hotel, before going to the hospitality room. It seems all Grand Conclaves have great hospitality rooms and Minn is no exception. Just what I need more food. Hope my uniform fits after this year LOL!! That night I had mixed emotions, seems my reputation as an expert cribbage player was being challenged! And I wasn't living up to the challenge. Ended up only down a couple games, but that was playing against two Minnesotans.
The next day was their Grand Commandery. SK Bruce, GC, did a good job and their business session went well. That night was the Grand Banquet for all three York Rite Grands. Having all three in one banquet is just to much, they keep introductions and presentations to a minimum, but still my eyes wanted to shut and my rear was hurting from sitting so long. A surprise was when of my good friends from there received the Knight Templar Cross of Honor. I had received this award over ten years ago, and count it as one of if not the most meaningful to me, as it cannot be bought or applied for, only earned. This same Sir Knight was elected to the bottom of their Grand Line , the start at Grand Junior Warden, where here in Iowa we start at Grand Captain General. This man is just a little older than me and we share many same interests including putting around a golf course.
While in Minnesota I met a new Sir Knight, Justin, he was knighted Wed night before the beginning of Conclave. He and his wife had never been to a Grand Commandery Conclave and were really having a great time. He hadn't played cribbage in a long time, but by the third night he had no trouble counting his 12 or 16 hands by himself. I learned from him and his wife what it was to experience Conclave for the first time. I have been going to these things since birth, so their perception is important. They would have brought their two kids had they known other kids would be there (there were lots of kids and grand kids there) and that the hotel let them buy their meals as kids from the restaurant. Maybe us higher ups have forgot what is like to be a new young Sir Knight with a family? Do we want our families involved? Maybe we should make sure and accommodate some of their needs.
It was a good time, great friends some old, some new, and some new insights.
I played my role as the chauffeur for the Grand Captain of the Host of the Grand Chapter RAM of Iowa and my mother. We arrived Thursday late afternoon after I had got off from work. 6 hour drive, with road construction. We met up with some other Iowans and had a good dinner in the hotel, before going to the hospitality room. It seems all Grand Conclaves have great hospitality rooms and Minn is no exception. Just what I need more food. Hope my uniform fits after this year LOL!! That night I had mixed emotions, seems my reputation as an expert cribbage player was being challenged! And I wasn't living up to the challenge. Ended up only down a couple games, but that was playing against two Minnesotans.
The next day was their Grand Commandery. SK Bruce, GC, did a good job and their business session went well. That night was the Grand Banquet for all three York Rite Grands. Having all three in one banquet is just to much, they keep introductions and presentations to a minimum, but still my eyes wanted to shut and my rear was hurting from sitting so long. A surprise was when of my good friends from there received the Knight Templar Cross of Honor. I had received this award over ten years ago, and count it as one of if not the most meaningful to me, as it cannot be bought or applied for, only earned. This same Sir Knight was elected to the bottom of their Grand Line , the start at Grand Junior Warden, where here in Iowa we start at Grand Captain General. This man is just a little older than me and we share many same interests including putting around a golf course.
While in Minnesota I met a new Sir Knight, Justin, he was knighted Wed night before the beginning of Conclave. He and his wife had never been to a Grand Commandery Conclave and were really having a great time. He hadn't played cribbage in a long time, but by the third night he had no trouble counting his 12 or 16 hands by himself. I learned from him and his wife what it was to experience Conclave for the first time. I have been going to these things since birth, so their perception is important. They would have brought their two kids had they known other kids would be there (there were lots of kids and grand kids there) and that the hotel let them buy their meals as kids from the restaurant. Maybe us higher ups have forgot what is like to be a new young Sir Knight with a family? Do we want our families involved? Maybe we should make sure and accommodate some of their needs.
It was a good time, great friends some old, some new, and some new insights.
Red Oak and Ames Cornerstones
Friday June 19th 11 Sir Knights formed the lines for the Grand Lodge of Iowa laying a Cornerstone for the new Willson Performing Arts Center in Red Oak Iowa. Sir Knight Gene Hatfield, District Commander and Grand Warder, took charge and did an outstanding job.
Saturday June 27th The Grand Lodge of Iowa layed a Cornerstone for the new Social Securtiy Office in Ames Iowa. Sir Knight Kevin Christians, District Commander and Grand 2nd Guard was in command of the 12 Sir Knights who formed the lines.
I am so pleased with the great turn out from the Sir Knights and Grand Officers if Iowa at these Cornerstone events. These are our best public events, to show off our swords, uniforms, and feather hats. It is interesting the comments and questions the general public make about who we are. I was at a cornerstone for a school in Keosaqua a few years back. There was an elderly woman there who remembered those men in the feather hats from her childhood when they came to lay the cornerstone for her school, many many years ago. We don't always know what someone notices or remembers. Let each of us continue to make a good impression for Templarly and Masonry.
Thanks to all who attend these and future cornerstones. I was unable to be at Red Oak or Ames as I was attending out of state Grand Commandery Conclaves. I commend those appointed to take charge, job well done Sir Knights!
Saturday June 27th The Grand Lodge of Iowa layed a Cornerstone for the new Social Securtiy Office in Ames Iowa. Sir Knight Kevin Christians, District Commander and Grand 2nd Guard was in command of the 12 Sir Knights who formed the lines.
I am so pleased with the great turn out from the Sir Knights and Grand Officers if Iowa at these Cornerstone events. These are our best public events, to show off our swords, uniforms, and feather hats. It is interesting the comments and questions the general public make about who we are. I was at a cornerstone for a school in Keosaqua a few years back. There was an elderly woman there who remembered those men in the feather hats from her childhood when they came to lay the cornerstone for her school, many many years ago. We don't always know what someone notices or remembers. Let each of us continue to make a good impression for Templarly and Masonry.
Thanks to all who attend these and future cornerstones. I was unable to be at Red Oak or Ames as I was attending out of state Grand Commandery Conclaves. I commend those appointed to take charge, job well done Sir Knights!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wisconsin Grand york Rite Session
Here we are, in Greenbay Wisconsin. After a long 8 hour drive through rain and construction I arrived in Greenbay at 11 pm last night, got checked into the hotel and slept in this morning.
I have heard many different opinions about attending out of state sessions for the Grand York Rite Bodies. Personally I enjoy them as a mini vacation, but do wonder why I take off work, drive many many miles, pay $30 for banquets, just to be introduced. Yes, my priority is first and foremost the state of our Grand Commandery and local Commanderies in Iowa, so why attend other states? Yes, it is an ego trip, people like to be recognized, honored, etc. But there is more to it than that. Part of it is the mutual recognition between the states, the friendships that you form with people you may only see once or twice a year. Most important is the information you gain from hearing about their jurisdictions accomplishments and challenges. New ideas don't have to be formed in-house, we can copy what works for others or learn what didn't work for them. To me, other than the ego thing, this is what I like to get out of out of state visits. A sharing of ideas.
I am proud to tell them of Iowa's accomplishments. To represent the Sir Knights and Masons of Iowa in a positive and professional manner is an enjoyable part of being your Grand Commander, and for that I thank each and every Sir Knight of Iowa and pray that I fulfill the responsibilities before me.
I have heard many different opinions about attending out of state sessions for the Grand York Rite Bodies. Personally I enjoy them as a mini vacation, but do wonder why I take off work, drive many many miles, pay $30 for banquets, just to be introduced. Yes, my priority is first and foremost the state of our Grand Commandery and local Commanderies in Iowa, so why attend other states? Yes, it is an ego trip, people like to be recognized, honored, etc. But there is more to it than that. Part of it is the mutual recognition between the states, the friendships that you form with people you may only see once or twice a year. Most important is the information you gain from hearing about their jurisdictions accomplishments and challenges. New ideas don't have to be formed in-house, we can copy what works for others or learn what didn't work for them. To me, other than the ego thing, this is what I like to get out of out of state visits. A sharing of ideas.
I am proud to tell them of Iowa's accomplishments. To represent the Sir Knights and Masons of Iowa in a positive and professional manner is an enjoyable part of being your Grand Commander, and for that I thank each and every Sir Knight of Iowa and pray that I fulfill the responsibilities before me.
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