Hiram's Words - January 2015

The Offical Publication of the Grand Chapter of Illinois

Volume XV, Issue 1

Hiram’s Words

ON PAGE 3 Most Excellent Grand High Priest’s Message

ON PAGE 4 Gettin’ the Band Back Together

ON PAGE 12 Gather Your Working Tools

Hiram’s Words

Grand Officers Most Excellent Grand High Priest William J. “Bill” Hussey

Volume XV, Issue 1

In this issue 3

Most Excellent Grand High Priest’s Message

by Companion William J. Hussey, MEGHP

4

Right Excellent Deputy Grand High Priest’s Message

by Companion Sean P. McBride, REDGHP

6

Right Excellent Grand King’s Message

Right Excellent Deputy Grand High Priest

by Companion James M. Tome, REGK

Sean P. McBride

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Right Excellent Grand King James M. “Jim” Tome Right Excellent Grand Scribe Jerald H. Starks Right Excellent Grand Treasurer Mark Donnell Right Excellent Grand Secretary Dale L. Corrice

Excellent Grand Royal Arch Captain’s Message

by Companion Randy Vawter EGRAC

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RAMCF Fundraising Event

by Companion Patrick J. Robin, Chairman RAMCF Fundraising Committee

9

Chapter Mobile Communications

by Companion John Loayza, PDDGHP PHP, LaFayette Chapter No. 2

10

Two Horses

by Companion James M. Tome, EHP DeKalb Chapter #52

11

Henry Godeke Degree Work

Submitted by Companion Sean P. McBride, REDGHP

12

Gather Your Working Tools

by Companion Sean P. McBride, REDGHP

Excellent Assistant Grand Chaplain

13

Patrick J. Robin

Chapters advance to Keystone Quest 2015 Round #2 by Companion Paul Scheeler, PHP

Excellent Grand Captain of the Host

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Dean Clark, Sr. Excellent Grand Principal Sojourner

Keystone Quest

Chapter Principles for Future Officers

by Companion John Loayza, PDDGHP PHP, LaFayette Chapter No. 2

16

The Lodge of Past Masters

by Companion W. B. Wojtas PHP

Byford O. “Bo” Cook

19

Capitular Crossword

Excellent Grand Royal Arch Captain

20

From the Editor

Randy Vawter Grand Webmaster & Hiram Words Editor Timothy J. “Tim” Ward Contact If you have any questions about one of our publications, please email us at grandwebmaster@ram-il.org 2

by Companion Tim Ward, EGWebmaster, Editor Hiram Words

Hiram’s Words

Volume XV, Issue 1

Most Excellent Grand High Priest’s Message

by Companion William J. Hussey, MEGHP Per Capita Every year is seems like every Grand Body asks for a per capita increase. Your Grand Officers have been making visits all over the state telling each Chapter just what is going on with your Chapter. It has been the procedure of the Grand Chapter the last few years to be transparent and honest with our members. We are in need of members and/or per capita increase.

In business this is called cash flow.

Last Grand Sessions our Grand Treasure put on the big screen our outgoing costs and incoming income. Even though we are a Fraternal Organization we still have to run it as a business also. With dwindling membership and very low interest rates we are trying to run a first rate organization out of our car. Is this what you expect?

Printing: Most of our printing is done in house and off of our Grand Secretary’s laptop and home printer. Is this what you expect?

Travel: The Grand High Priest gets a $2,000.00 budget for travel and hotel. It is a good thing that gas is around $2 a gallon.

This budget a few years ago was $5,000.00 but we made drastic cuts. I will probably spend at least $5000 out of my own pocket. The Deputy Grand High Priest budget is $1000.00. To reduce expenditures Sean and I have traveled together. If a hotel is needed it has been a Motel 6. No other Officers get a dime for travel or rooms. Did you know this?

Grand Sessions: We have a $5,000.00 budget. There are no free rides. The Grand High Priest and Grand Commander get a free room. Both are used as Hospitality rooms that shut down at midnight. All drinks the past several years have been provided by your Grand Officers. Your per capita does not supply this room! Each Grand Officer gives about $100.00 each so you can enjoy the weekend.

What we will ask for is less than what you would spend on a Big Mac meal or in the lounge for a mixed drink. It’s up to each one of you to decide what kind of Organization you will belong to. My year is almost up so this increase will not affect me or the Deputy Grand High Priest year. The Grand Line Officers are committed to running a stream lined Organization but we just need a little help from you.

If any member has any questions do not hesitate to contact any of your Grand Officers.

William J. Hussey Jr. 3

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Right Excellent Deputy Grand High Priest’s Message

by Companion Sean P. McBride, REDGHP We’re Gettin’ the Band Back Together Companions, on behalf of the future Grand Heads of Body for the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Illinois, the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of the State of Illinois and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of Illinois for the upcoming 3 years, I am pleased to announce that “We’re Gettin’ the Band Back Together”….

Beginning in 2016, the three Grand York Rite Bodies will once again be meeting on three consecutive days. During the Summer of 2014, the Companions and Sir Knights, who are expected to preside over their respective Grand Bodies for the 3 years starting in 2015, began meeting and discussing the possibility of bringing all of the Illinois Grand York Rite Bodies back together for our Grand Sessions. Several issues and concerns were discussed, and in some cases, discussed again, and concessions made and additional discussions had, before we had more discussions, after which we discussed it some more!!

While we were discussing things, our Grand Sessions Committee, Chaired by Companion and Sir Knight, Lance Welter was busy seeking bids from several candidate locations to host our 2016-2018 Grand Sessions. Bids were sought and received from facilities in Springfield, Peoria, Decatur and the Bloomington-Normal areas. After the bids had been secured and reviewed by the upcoming Grand Presiding Officers, it was decided that the facility that currently hosts the Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery Sessions, the Marriott Bloomington-Normal Hotel & Conference Center provided the best over-all quote, best met the needs of our Grand Sessions and most importantly, provided the best quality of services and facilities to our respective memberships.

We then met on Friday afternoon of the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge this past October and signed documents to formally enter into a 3-year contract with the Marriott Bloomington-Normal Hotel & Conference Center to host our Illinois Grand York Rite Sessions from 2016-2018.

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The three Grand Bodies have agreed that beginning in 2016, we will rotate meeting days starting in 2016 with Grand Chapter meeting on Thursday July 14, Grand Council on Friday July 15 and Grand Commandery on Saturday July 16. In 2017, the Grand Commandery will meet on Thursday July 13, the Grand Chapter on Friday July 14 and the Grand Council on Saturday July 15. In 2018, the Grand Council will meet on Thursday July 12, the Grand Commandery on Friday July 13 and the Grand Chapter on Saturday July 14.

I and the rest of your upcoming Grand Presiding Officers want our membership to know that we are directing our efforts to do what is best for each of our Grand Bodies and Illinois York Rite Freemasonry as a whole. Our goal is to work together to make the Grand Sessions less about introductions and pomp and circumstance, but more about quality, value and respect for our member’s time and resources. We are currently working TOGETHER to plan a productive and enjoyable Sessions experience that our members will enjoy and feel was worth their time.

Larry Raglan, Enrique Unanue and myself would like our members to know that we are working together in scheduling events and sharing calendars in an effort to not conflict with each other on any major events during the 2015-2016 year.

We are also planning, if elected, to hold a joint Reception with all three Grand Bodies in September 2015 at the Marriott Bloomington-Normal.

On behalf of each of the Companions and Sir Knights that were involved in this process, we wish to thank Lance Welter and his Grand Sessions Committee for securing the various bids that were used in the selection process and for all the hard work and dedication they put forth to make our Grand Sessions a success.

To our membership, we thank you for your support and confidence. We hope that as we move forward into the future, you find your Illinois Grand York Rite Sessions, as well as the other events, programs and services of your respective Grand Bodies to be of value and assistance to you and your local Bodies.

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Right Excellent Grand King’s Message

by Companion James M. Tome, REGK Greeting from the Land of Sunshine I hope you are doing well and keeping warm, Companions. My wife and I are down in Florida for a while starting a new business venture and enjoying the warm and sunny weather. But I always have time to attend a meeting and I’d like to take a quick moment to tell you about some Chapter degrees I recently attended.

I sort of invited myself to the nearest (we’re by Orlando) Chapter’s recent Chapter Night where they were putting on the Mark Master Degree and Past (Virtual) Degree. Apparently they don’t use the numbers for degrees (4th, 5th, etc.) down here in Florida. The Chapter had six candidates, which I understand to be above normal for them. The ritual bore many, many similarities to ours in Illinois, but there were subtle differences (some officers played more a of role, like the Marshal, others played much less – like the Sr. Deacon of all people!).

There were about 35 Companions in attendance – at a midweek degree night – which was impressive. There were two Chapters in attendance, two DDGHPs, a past Grand High Priest and even the Florida’s current Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge.

As you know, Florida is popular with you Yankees (I consider myself a Rebel now!) and what was interesting is that there was a room full of men from all over the country who came together for one thing – the conferral of two wonderful degrees for these candidates. I overhead Brothers getting caught up on news, sharing travel stories and generally being grateful that they had a chance to spend and evening together.

There was pride in the degree work. The candidates were very impressed. And, yes, even talk about how the host Chapter had at one time been close to closing. All things we experience at our own Chapters.

The next time you think about your Chapter and your fellow Companions, take a bit of time – away from the stress of the meeting or degrees – and enjoy the fellowship of our fraternity. Talk with your Companions and rejoice in their lives. We are not so unalike, no matter where were are – or where we are from.

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Excellent Grand Royal Arch Captain’s Message

by Companion Randy Vawter EGRAC I am told I am a “worrier”. Not true! I would rather think that those who think that of me have keen senses in identifying my unusual high level of concern!

The past few months have been busy for me. I have made nine (9) unofficial visits to chapters throughout the state and I plan to visit many more chapters. All of your Grand Chapter officers are making many visits this year. We share the outcome of our visits and report to our Most Excellent Grand High Priest those things we find that stand out. (Both positive and negative.) It’s always a great pleasure to attend your chapter meetings.

You might wonder what we are reporting. We are not making the same report that your District Deputies are reporting.

We understand many chapters have not had a Grand Chapter Officer visit your chapter in many years. We are not attending your chapter to tell you what you are doing wrong. We are not going to critique your opening ceremony. We want to hear from you and we want to hear your ideas to make your Grand Chapter a better, more functional Grand Chapter. As Grand Chapter Officers, we work for you and we report to our Most Excellent Grand High Priest. It is important that you tell us all those things that are on your mind. I would urge all Chapters to contact any Grand Chapter officer and invite him to one of your stated meetings.

So what am I concerned about?

•

I am concerned chapter members feel like they have to have Chapter meetings only to support other York Rite

bodies.

•

I am concerned chapter members believe “bylaws” are a good idea but not necessary to follow.

•

I am concerned chapters have not conferred degree work in years. (Literally!)

•

I am concerned chapters struggle to fill officer chairs and have not conducted an annual installation of Officers.

•

I am concerned there are not enough members present to have a quorum yet Chapters hold meetings anyway.

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BUT… Not all is doom and gloom. There is a member of my lodge in Canton, Illinois who regularly explains that he has met a thousand men who he probably would have never met unless he was a Mason. He is a Royal Arch Mason too. I agree with him. There is something special about this great fraternity. It’s the men who meet in our lodges and chapters.

I probably do not need to explain any further because I know you agree with me. Sure, we may have our problems. But the single most positive thing I see in our Chapters is the quality of men who attend our meetings. Your dedication proves that you continue to believe in the ideals of belonging to this fraternity. I hope to see all of you soon.

By the way… I was asked if I would prepare this message for this newsletter. So, I do not apologize for the following…

You are all invited to attend my grandson’s initiation into Masonry on October 18, 2032 at Morning Star Lodge in Canton.

That’s right. He will turn 18 in 18 years. He was born in October and it’s never too early to make plans. A Past Grand Master tells me things go slow in Masonic Lodges. Ok, I worry!

RAMCF Fundraising Event

by Companion Patrick J. Robin, Chairman RAMCF Fundraising Committee SAVE THE DATE!!

On April 25th the RAMCF Fundraising Committee will be hosting our MEGHP William Hussey and 250 of his friends for a great night of FUN and FUND raising at the Medinah Shrine Center in Addison Illinois. Will you be one of the 250? We hope so. Stay tuned there will be many more details to come. This event will be open to any and all so start telling your friends and family to save the date as well.

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Chapter Mobile Communications

by Companion John Loayza, PDDGHP PHP, LaFayette Chapter No. 2

As we all know, chapters are really small businesses. Therefore, business mobile marketing communications and

chapter information methods have been in various computer stages. However, most chapters haven’t even considered its importance to chapter communications, visibility or image. Yet, in the business world, executives know that they must develop more mobile apps and more mobile web experiences for their customers. This is no different to what our chapters have to do for their members, especially the younger members who have grown up with modern technology.

The proliferation and updating of smartphones and tablets is constantly changing our lives, methods of

communication with our members, and our life styles. Chapter investments need to be made on how and what to display, as well as search and message based formats delivered on all mobile devices, including tablets, and not just on a chapter website. Therefore, chapters need to develop and implement programs that will enhance member and potential member communications, and the overall image of chapters and Masonry. This means seeking more professional help, rather than just depending on a local chapter brother to jerry rig a system that is not closely monitored and constantly updated.

Up to a few years ago, mobile’s impact was basically identified by its function as a basic phone, but now it’s impossible

to envision a world without smartphones and tablets each carrying different types of messages or formats. Apparently no other media methods are evolving at such a rapid pace, with opportunities to re-imagine the user experiences with chapters and Masonry. We are seeing an increased use of both methods with massive consumption of content on mobile devices which require more mobile web experiences. Although our chapters are not currently up to those business standards, they need to be prepared to advance with technology or be left behind. There’s no middle of the road or sitting on the fence left. Like it or not, we see more and more of our companions and potential candidates with their smartphones at chapter meetings, dinners, or events, checking whatever information they are seeking. This is common place in the 21st Century.

We are seeing that our younger generation is an information seeking generation which doesn’t expect to wait for an

answer. It is a tech savvy generation which is the most advanced generation with the most modern tools that the world has produced. Thus, if we want to keep growing our chapters, we also need to use mobile communications and chapter visibility with modern methods. It’s imperative to deliver the type of positive visible image, content, and technology that is expected in the 21st Century.

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Two Horses

by Companion James M. Tome, EHP DeKalb Chapter #52 Just up the road from our home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you get a closer look you will notice something quite interesting...

One of the horses is blind.

His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made him a safe and comfortable barn to live in.

This alone is pretty amazing.

But if you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. It is coming from a smaller horse in the field.

Attached to the horse’s halter is a small, copper-colored bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends you’ll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, he will stop occasionally to look back, making sure that the blind friend isn’t too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, your Brothers do not throw you away just because you are not perfect. Or because we have problems or challenges. We watch over each other and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse, being guided by the little ringing bell of those who are placed in our lives. And at other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way.

Which will you be today?

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Henry Godeke Degree Work Submitted by Companion Sean P. McBride, REDGHP On Saturday January 11, 2015, Henry Godeke Chapter #38 of Bridgeport, Illinois conferred the Most Excellent Master and Holy Royal Arch Degrees on a total of 7 candidates from Henry Godeke Chapter #38 and Equality Chapter #6

The day began with a delicious breakfast of biscuits and gravy prepared by the Companions of Henry Godeke Chapter, followed by the Degree Work.

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Gather Your Working Tools

by Companion Sean P. McBride, REDGHP

Craftsmen, Assemble!!! The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Illinois is pleased to announce

the “2nd Annual Grand Royal Arch Quarry Day” will be held on Saturday April 18, 2015 at Sand Valley, near Danville, Illinois. Royal Arch Masons from across Illinois and Sister Jurisdictions will assemble for a great day of fellowship, fun and fraternalism in this unique and beautiful setting.

Last year’s inaugural event was attended by roughly 70 Royal Arch Masons and over 30 new candidates for

Chapters from all areas of the State. This year’s event is sure to be an even bigger success!!

Coffee and donuts will be served at 8:00am and the Craftsmen will resume their labors in the Quarry as the Mark

Master Degree kicks off at 9:00am, followed by the Past Master and Most Excellent Master Degrees. A feast of smoked beef brisket, pulled pork barbeque and sides fit for King Solomon will be served at High Twelve, after which the Grand Chapter officers will confer the Holy Royal Arch Degree.

Spread the word in your Chapters and get a car load of Companions together and join us in the Quarry as we write

the next “Chapter” in this historic period in Illinois Royal Arch Masonry!

What a great opportunity for a worthy and well qualified Master Mason to experience the rewards of becoming a

Royal Arch Mason in such a unique and impressive manner! Please register your candidates and make your required lunch reservations with Companions Ryan W. Irby, EGST at rwirby13@gmail.com or (217) 918-0247 by Monday April 13th. Lunch is $10.00 per person.

This will be a day that will not soon be forgotten! Hope to see you there!

Above is a photo of the cast and candidates from the 1st Annual Quarry Day in 2014 12

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Keystone Quest Chapters advance to Keystone Quest 2015 Round #2 by Companion Paul Scheeler, PHP Many Chapters posted excellent scores and times in the first round of the 2014-2015 Keystone Quest, with all those advancing to the second round listed in the accompanying table. Average score was 90 and average time was 4:35. First round materials were due postmarked by December 31st. Capitular Champion certificates have been mailed to the top 27 Chapters along with second round packets, and sent to the Secretary’s mailing address on file with the Grand Secretary. Completed materials must be postmarked no later than April 30 to be eligible for advancement to the third round at Grand Convocation as one of three Omnific Champions.

Questions are taken from the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry and Its Kindred Sciences by Albert G. Mackey, M.D., 33°, MEPGHP, on hand in many temples and online at http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/mackeys_encyclopedia/index.htm. The second round features entries under the letter “Y.” Chapters participating in the first round qualify for one requirement in the Arch of Excellence program. Any Companions present including visitors may participate at the discretion of the High Priest, and a quorum is not required.

For more information, visit the Keystone Quest page of the Grand Chapter website, or contact Paul Scheeler, Keystone Quest Chairman; keystonequest@msn.com.

Keystone Quest 2015 Round #1 Results

No. District Score 2 1S 100 13 2W 100 14 2W 100 18 3N 70 26 4E 100 30 4N 90 32 5E 100 38 7E 100 41 1N 100 50 5E 80 52 2W 100 59 5W 100 96 1N 100 98 4E 100 111 4N 90 144 1S 100 164 7S 100 182 6S 100 196 2E 100 206 1N 100 207 2E 100 233 2E 85 237 7E 100 242 2W 90 253 1S 10 Keystone UD ?

90

Time Days 3:55 1 4:35 1 2:23 n/a 4:55 1 4:18 1 3:04 1 10:40 4 3:34 1 4:08 9 5:15 2 3:18 5 7:01 1 3:59 1 5:48 27 2:04 0 2:52 1 5:19 22 4:34 53 7:02 4 3:28 1 5:44 0 6:31 7 4:25 1 5:15 1 2:56 n/a 2:32 1 13

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Chapter Principles for Future Officers

by Companion John Loayza, PDDGHP PHP, LaFayette Chapter No. 2 Every successful organization is changing in the 21st Century, thus, managers who are leaders in business or chapter officers are also changing in the way in which they lead. In order to understand some of these principles and behaviors that leaders will need to implement, as managers and local chapter leaders, as we progress in this century:

LEADERS - Some effective business leaders/managers and chapter officers/leaders are considered as the visionaries of their organizations while others are considered as being stuck in the past. In order to lead effectively, in this century, chapter officers “must earn” their followers respect. Thus, a chapter officer’s position is something to be earned, not just appointed to because he’s an available body.

FOLLOWING FROM THE FRONT - This a method or process about managers or chapter leaders concerned with removing obstacles/challenges/concerns/negatives that confront other officers and his chapter, in general. Chapter leaders “make others successful,” especially their entire chapter officer corps. However, this not just to serve a chapter officer’s own wants or desires. By concentrating on the removal of all the negatives, and concentrating on the positives, a chapter leader strengthens his entire officer corps, as well as his chapter through a “team effort.”

TECHNOLOGY UNDERSTANDING - Managers or chapter leaders don’t have to be experts in technology, but they need to have a basic understanding of how to utilize technology for the benefit of their chapter. WHY? It’s because technology has become crucial in how we live, work, and act in the 21st Century, and even more now than how technology changed the world in past centuries. Although we can’t completely live and act as in the past, yet, we do respect the past but must plan and work for the future. Therefore, it’s essential that our local chapter officers have a basic understanding of how certain technologies can benefit our chapters, and any new technologies that are coming down the road.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE - Many successful lodge leaders or business managers already demonstrate new behavior that supports relevant technology, embraces new relevant concepts, and motivates positive changes. Unfortunately, there are also many who don’t. Therefore, leading by example is a necessity for progress and the strengthening of our local lodges, as well as Masonry in general.

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LEADERS EMBRACE THEIR VULNERABILITY - Embracing vulnerability may seem to be a strange concept, but it actually helps local chapter officers to become innovative and more successful leaders. Managers or local chapter officers should feel fine with asking for help when needed. They should admit if they are wrong or don’t understand something, and they should not dismiss any constructive criticism even if it contradicts their own opinions. We are all human and don’t necessarily make correct decisions all the time. It’s important to remember that ideas come from many sources and are not concentrated in only one person.

SHARING & COLLECTIVE INFORMATION - Many successful managers and local chapter leaders understand that they don’t necessarily have all the answers all the time to everything. They need to rely on effectively collecting and sharing intelligence/ideas from other sources by using “team concepts.” Those successful managers/chapter officers acknowledge the benefits and value of sharing information instead of keeping it only for themselves. Collaborative technologies contribute to the sharing and collecting of information which benefits everyone.

FIRE STARTING - Quite often managers/local chapter leaders are required to put out proverbial fires but their roles should be just the opposite. They should be starting fires by motivating new ideas, challenging the old status quo business as usual concepts, and experimenting with new ideas that provide benefits and values to their local chapters.

REAL TIME RECOGNITION & FEEDBACK - Since ideas come from many sources, those ideas should be recognized, as well as the brethren proposing those ideas. Moreover, truly positive and reasonable ideas should be worked on in designated time spans and not put on a back burner and then forgotten. Thus, timely feedback is essential, otherwise, it discourages ideas.

ADAPTING TO THE FUTURE - Successful chapter officers like any business managers understand that the way we interact and work in the 21st Century is changing. Therefore, they are open minded and accept change. They will encourage and help to drive changes for improvement. Those chapter officers who remain in the past with old ways of thinking and doing things will see a decline in their chapters, instead of an increase.

Companions, the understanding and implementation of all the aforementioned principles, as well as others, by our future chapter officers are only guides but they can and will turn negatives into positives for the growth of Masonry and our local chapters. However, action must come from pro-active local chapter officers.

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The Lodge of Past Masters

by Companion W. B. Wojtas PHP

The Past Master Degree is an Honorary degree and it’s earliest reference is noted in Anderson’s Book of

constitutions, written in 1723. Originally, Royal Arch Masonry was under the governance of the Symbolic Lodge where the Royal Arch Degree was conferred. At that time, the regulations mandated that the Royal Arch Degree was only conferred upon a Brother who has sat in the Oriental Seat of his Symbolic Lodge. This was done because it was accepted that the Royal Arch Degree was too important of a degree to be conferred on a Master Mason who has yet sat in the East.

Of course, over time, this restriction became a hindrance to progress and exceptions were made on occasions, and

later, more often. Eventually, the degree became a part of the Chapter, its own entity, but the tradition remained to signify the importance of this undertaking.

Mackey writes in The Book of the Chapter, While as masons we admit the general equality of men in their relation to their common Creator and acknowledge with proper humility that we are all traveling on the level of time to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns we do not deny the advantage and propriety of distinctions in society based on a difference of talent and position and we know that while some must rule govern others must of necessity be called upon to obey is to this view of the gradations of society that the fifth degree alludes in its ceremonies and instructions

The charges of this degree impress upon the mind of the Master Mason the importance of the qualities which

a man needs to possess to lead his life in the light of Royal Arch Masonry. Even if he has yet to seat in the East, he must consider and reflect on how he interacts with the men around him.

We are reminded of the need to possess the qualities of judgment, discretion, wisdom, firmness and determination,

which are symbolic of good leadership. We must also be comfortable as one who can navigate under constituted authority employing obedience to those in charge and to promote good order and discipline.

During the degree the Master Mason is asked to signify his assent to several charges, which are similar in nature to

the charges given during the installation of an Actual Worshipful Master of a Lodge. Most of which pertain to the qualities previously mentioned, inculcating within the man, those necessary qualities of Masonic leadership.

Some ritual uses the Parable of the workers in the vineyard, Matthew 20:1-17 to impress on us the ideals of this degree. It ties in to what is taught in the Mark Master degree.

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The allegory assumes that the Land owner represents Christ. It is a very simple story, without any heavy theology

that teaches an important lesson. Since the landowner represents Christ, the vineyard represents his kingdom. The concept here is that the story represents people working in the Lord’s kingdom, doing good works. The wages being God’s gifts or rewards granted as a result, perhaps salvation. However the length of service or amount of work does not determine the wage.

In the story, the overseer paid those that came last and paid them a day’s wage for laboring just an hour or two.

The workers that had been there all day assumed that they would get more, because they labored all day. However, their assumption was wrong and it upset them. They in turn, complained to the Landowner, who reminded them of the agreement.

He reminded them that he paid them exactly what he promised, so there was no need to complain. Additionally,

since he was the land owner, he was free to pay workers whatever he saw fit. He told them to accept their wage and go.

There was no changing his mind and there was no law that would cause him to pay proportionately.

The final point made it that the last will be first and the first will be last, a concept seen elsewhere in the Gospel.

Knowing that the Landowner represents Christ, the allegory alludes to the fact that the Lord cannot be held to

restrictions or customs on how He rewards people as we would be held to. Additionally it states that His agreement with each group is fair and generous since without it that same agreement, they would have nothing. In other words, it is by grace that He rewards the workers, just as it was by grace He offered them the place. (www.bible.org)

How does this tie in to the allegory of the Mark Master Degree? In a Symbolic Lodge, The Worshipful Master is

sovereign and is has the ability to deal with the brethren in his Lodge in whatever way he deems necessary. He is free to give some people more than others in relationship to their service or contribution to the Lodge. He alone can make the decision of what wage give brethren for service, how to use them (all day or not), and how to reward their dedication to the Craft. He can pay the same wages to those that labor long in the Craft as he would to those that work a shorter time, but more efficiently to achieve the same goal. The Worshipful Master is charged and obligated to treat everyone fairly and with jurisprudence.

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The story starts out with a conventional plot, hiring day workers. But it turns at the end to what is totally unconventional, so that the people who worked the least got equal pay. How is it possible that the last shall be first? Not by agreement and not by contract--but by grace and grace alone. As 19:30 reminded us, with God all things are possible, and especially this work of grace that the last is first. If God extends grace to people at the eleventh hour, and they respond, trusting in His goodness, they will also receive what He promised others. If God calls people into service in His vineyard, and they serve Him faithfully, both the calling and the reward is by grace, especially if their work was not a full day. (https://bible.org/seriespage/ workers-vineyard-matthew-201-16)

“This is good law” we all respond after the passage is read by the Worshipful Master. When you receive the calling

to the Craft, whether it was 50 years ago or last month, the reward is the same. What is the labor of a Mason and what is his wage?

Our ritual admonishes us to be more mindful of our obligations. We are all quick to kneel at the altar and take an

obligation to perform and act in a certain way, but often forget what we swore or fail to understand what the obligation meant. We overlook that an obligation is a pact with our Creator to do or perform what was contained therein. We often behave as if that obligation was never made and this degree contains the warning. Adherence to our obligation is the labor we have agreed with the Worshipful Master to perform as a part of his Lodge in the eyes of our Creator. Our wage is the Light we receive in Masonry, the knowledge, the gift of greater morality as a just and upright Mason. If we labor long and hard or quick and more efficient, our wage remains the same and it is good.

It is the Worshipful Masters’ charge to guide his brethren to believe in and perform according to the solemn obligation by setting the example through his own conduct.

This is, in my opinion the lesson taught in the 5th degree. We as Actual or Virtual Past Masters are admonished

to live our lives and set the example to our brethren. We live our lives in the Light of the Craft and all work toward a common goal, receiving the same wages as a Master Mason. We must perform as Past Masters with a firm and steadfast resolution to our obligations, without fail, to give credibility to our position as a 5th Degree Mason, as a just, amiable, discreet and virtuous man.

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Capitular Crossword Companions, we hoped you enjoyed October’s crossword puzzle. We will attempt to find new educational but fun ideas for future editions. If you enjoyed the pigpen descryptios or the crossword, or have other ideas for educational games we can include here, please let the editor know at: grandwebmaster@ram-il.org

Across 2 - A skillful artificer of the tribe of Dan, who was appointed, together with Bezaleel, to construct the tabernacle in the wilderness and the Ark of the Covenant - Aholiab 5 - He whos job was to inspect the works - Overseer 6 - Sacred jewel representing perfection and completion - Thummim 9 - That which was wanted for the building of the Temple - Square Work 10 - The price of a Mark - Half Shekel 13 - A Most Excellent Master - Rabboni 16 - He who oversaw the rebuilding of the Temple – Zerubbabel 19 - A Tool that symbolically teaches us to loosen from our heart the hold of evil habits - Pickaxe 20 - A Mark Master’s wages - Penny 21 - The first Masonic symbol that is explained to you - Apron

Down 1 - That which binds us - Cable Tow 3 - Sacred jewel representing light and excellence - Urim 4 - A color emblematical of fervency and zeal – Crimson 7 - Where Solomon’s Temple was built - Mount Moriah 8 - The eldest son of Jacob, represented by a purple banner - Reuben 11 - Where we labor - Quarry 12 - Head covering of the High Priest - Mitznefet 14 - Those who assisted King Solomon to sit and rise - Giblemites 15 - The final piece placed when building an arch - Keystone 17 - Where the keystone was tossed, then found - Rubbish 18 - The first High Priest of Israel – Aaron 19

Hiram’s Words

Volume XV, Issue 1

From the Editor

by Companion Tim Ward, EGWebmaster, Editor Hiram Words

First,let me apologize for the lateness of the publication this quarter. Between the holidays and personal challenges for many people, we got a late start in getting the articles sorted, edited, and put into the magazine.

We are still pushing to add more articles from established Masonic authors in the State, more fun (but educational) items, as well as provide you, the reader, with a chance to have your voice heard in a “Letters to the Editor” section. We are very serious in putting this section into the magazine but we need to hear from you. There are a lot of people reading this publication with a huge variety of ages and experiences and we would love to hear from you. One of the most important things we can do as a species is to perpetuate and pass on knowledge and we get that from sharing what we know, what we have seen, and what we think. So PLEASE feel free to drop a line with questions, comments, suggestions, or complaints. If you don’t want your name on it, it WILL be anonymous.

Once again, I am asking you to spread the word to your Companions and urge them to sign up for notices when new editions of the magazine become availabe. They can sign up from the Hiram’s Words page on the Grand Chapter website at: http://ram-il.org/news-and-events/hirams-words-magazine. Please reset assured that email addresses will not be given out nor used for anything but communications from the Grand Chapter.

As always Companions, your feedback is not only appreciated, but necessary so we can continue to

improve the publication. What do you like about it, what don’t you like? What would you like to see more of?

Please send all feedback as well as contributions to: GrandWebmaster@RAM-IL.org

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Hiram’s Words

Volume XV, Issue 1

Application for Perpetual Life Membership in the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International Please print or type Name _____________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ City _______________________________________________ State ____________

ZIP _________________________

Phone _____________________________________________ E-mail _____________________________________________ I am a member in good and regular standing of ________________________________________________ Lodge No. _______________, located in the city of _____________________________________________, in the Grand Jurisdiction of ____________________________ and a member in good standing of ______________________________________________ Royal Arch Chapter No. _____________ located in the city of ________________________________________________ in the Grand Jurisdiction of _____________________________.

The sum of US$50.00 submitted this __________ day of ___________________________ , 20______.

I understand that, should I forfeit my membership in my lodge or chapter for any reason, that the fees for Perpetual Life Membership are not returnable.

Signed ____________________________________________ Mail to: General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons Intl PO Box 128 Greenfield IN 46140-0128

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