Hiram's Words - January 2016

The Offical Publication of the Grand Chapter of Illinois

Volume XV,I Issue 1

Hiram’s Words ram-il.org

ON PAGE 5 Give Them Propoer Instruction

ON PAGE 9 A New Year, A New Chapter

ON PAGE 16 Royal Arch Masons Charitable Foundation

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

GRAND OFFICERS Most Excellent Grand High Priest

Excellent Grand Principal Sojourner

Sean P. McBride

Timothy J. Vice

Right Excellent Deputy Grand High Priest

Excellent Grand Master of the Third Veil

James M. Tome

William Wojtas

Right Excellent Grand King

Excellent Grand Master of the Second Veil

Jerald H. Starks

Charles R. Robertson

Right Excellent Grand Scribe

Excellent Grand Master of the First Veil

Byford “Bo” Cook

D. Scott Dayton

Right Excellent Grand Treasurer

Excellent Grand Steward

Alan M. Hubble

Edward “Ed” Steffy

Right Excellent Grand Secretary

Excellent Grand Steward

Dale L. Corrice

Travis L. Stewart

Excellent Grand Chaplain

Excellent Grand Organist

Vincent Riti

John B. “Jack” Hall

Excellent Grand Captain of the Host

Excellent Grand Webmaster

Randy Vawter

Timothy J. “Tim” Ward

Mission Statement: It shall be the goal of the Grand Chapter of Illinois, working through its subordinate chapters, to consistently and responsively enhance those lessons taught in the Symbolic Lodge; by developing and promoting programs: • That build character in our membership • That foster growth in prospects for fellowship • That provide opportunities for increasing leadership skills • That allow our lodges and chapters to make a difference in our communities

Our Vision: It is our vision to be the concordant body of choice for the brethren of the Symbolic Lodge by fulfilling our mission better than any person or fraternal organization.

Contact: Hiram’s Words is a publication of the Grand Chapter of Illinois. If you have any questions about one of our publications, please contact us at grandwebmaster@ram-il.org 2

Hiram’s Words

In this issue 4

Volume XVI, Issue 1

6

Admiration Chapter Formed

Grand High Priest’s Message

by Sean P. McBride, MEGHP

5

Give Them Proper Instruction

by Sean P. McBride, MEGHP

6

Equality Chapter Degrees

7

Admiration Chapter Formed

by Greg Knott, Secretary Admiration Chapter U.D

9

A New Year, a New Chapter

by James Tome, REDGHP

10 Companions at Labor in the Vineyards

by Sean P. McBride, MEGHP

On The Cover

11 Talking to your Brethren

by James Tome, REDGHP

12 Staying in Touch with Lodges

by Randy Vawter, EGCoH

14 What does the General Grand Chapter offer you?

by James Tome, REDGHP

16 Royal Arch Masons Charitable Foundation

by Patrick J. Robin – Chairman RAMCF Fundraising Committee

20 Upcoming Events 24 From the Editor

Conferral of Mark Master and Past Master Degrees at Joliet Chapter #27 on December 17, 2015.

6 new candidates including Sante Desario, State Master Councilor of DeMolay for Illinois

by Companion Tim Ward; EGW, Editor Hiram Words

Feb 6 - School of Instruction - Belleville Feb 27 - School of Instruction - Paxton Mar 19 - School of Instruction - Canton Mar 19 - Pekin Chapter 160th Rededication April 16 - 3rd Annual Quarry Day

Apr 23 - School of Instruction - Freeport April 30 - Joint Chapter/Council/Shrine Day May 14 - 7th Annual Illinois/Wisconsin Chapter Day

The thoughts and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the individual unless stated otherwise and do not necessarily reflect those of the Grand Chapter of Illinois 3

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

Grand High Priest’s Message

by Sean P. McBride, MEGHP As we begin a New Year, let us take a moment to reflect back on the year that has past and the accomplishments that were made that contributed to “Rebuilding the Temple of Illinois Royal Arch Masonry”, as well as the Temple of our individual selves.

The process of Rebuilding is a long and sometimes tedious one, which requires many attributes, such as patience, dedication, and most importantly, PRIDE! Taking pride does not always mean being the best there is, but being the best you can be! As Royal Arch Masons, can we honestly say that we always invest the effort and take pride in being the best we can be?

Do we all take pride in helping to ensure our Chapters are the best they can be, by creating an environment which our fellow Companions feel welcome and look forward to coming back to? Do we take pride in learning the ritual work of our opening and closing ceremonies or our Capitular Degrees? Do we take pride in reaching out to other Masons and making them aware of what the Royal Arch has to offer in the development of their Masonic knowledge?

Perhaps most importantly, do we take pride in the improvement of

Let us then, my Companions take pride in knowing that each of strives to make our best efforts to live our lives in such a manner, that will reflect light upon our great organization!

ourselves thru the practice of the lessons and ideals taught in our degrees iin the conduct of our daily lives and actions?

The world knows Masonry only thru the lives and actions of individual Masons, and Masons know Royal Arch Masonry only thru the lives and actions of individual Royal Arch Masons. Let us then, my Companions take pride in knowing that each of strives to make our best efforts to live our lives in such a manner, that will reflect light upon our great organization!

Let each us of take pride in knowing we have made our best efforts to treat our fellow Companions with the utmost respect and dignity, and make them feel truly welcomed among their Companions when they invest their precious time to attend our Chapters Convocations and activities!

Let each of us take pride in knowing we have made our best effort to exemplify the most impressive degree work possible for our candidates and demonstrate that we take what we do seriously and hold a great respect for efforts of those that labored to pave the way for us!

Let each of us, my Companions take PRIDE in “Rebuilding the Temple of Illinois Royal Arch Freemasonry”!

4

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

Give Them Proper Instruction

by Sean P. McBride, MEGHP As part of the Grand Chapter’s initiative to “Rebuild the Temple of Illinois Royal Arch Masonry”, multiple Grand Chapter School’s of Instruction have been scheduled during the current Capitular year.

The most recent was held on Saturday January 9th at the Oak Lawn Masonic Temple and was hosted by Logan Chapter #196.

Companions from Logan, Joliet and Lincoln Park Chapters came out and received quality instruction from one of the members of the Grand Chapter’s Board of Grand Examiners, Jerald H. Starks, REGK. Companions participated in instruction on the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Mark Master and Past Master Degrees. I am confident that all those in attendance enjoyed the day and learned something new!

Following the instruction, the Companions enjoyed a great meal provided by Logan Chapter, after which Right Excellent Companion Starks presented the Grand Chapter’s newly developed “Rusty Arch Degree”, followed by EGM3V, Bill Wojtas and our “Chapter Revitalization Program”.

The evening before the School, I had the pleasure of attending the Stated Convocation of Logan Chapter #196 and enjoyed fellowship with the Companions. A very good discussion on what makes a man want to keep attending his Royal Arch Chapter, as well as what we can do to make Royal Arch Masonry relevant into the future was had, with input from seasoned Companions, as well as Companions Exalted only within the last few months. Near the conclusion of the evening,

5

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

I was presented with a donation in the amount of $100 for our Royal Arch Masons Charitable Foundation, a very worthwhile and generous contribution to our charity from the Companions! Keep up the good work!

Please make plans to get a car load of Companions together and attend one of our upcoming Schools of Instruction. I know you will be glad you did!

Equality Chapter Degrees Equality Chapter #6 put on the Mark Master and Past Master degrees on January 9th for candidates from Equality, Andrew D. Webb, and Centralia Chapters

6

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

Admiration Chapter Formed

by Greg Knott, Secretary Admiration Chapter U.D In July 2015, MEGHP Sean P. McBride issued a dispensation for the creation of Admiration Chapter U.D. to meet in the Homer Masonic Temple in Homer, Illinois.

This new chapter was formed by a group of Royal Arch Masons from the east central Illinois area. A small group of these members had met several times in early 2015 to begin discussing and planning for a new Chapter. We simply didn’t want another organization whose meetings consisted of reading the minutes and paying the bills.

We laid out some principles on what we would expect from a Chapter: •

Brotherly love, relief and truth

•

Quality over Quantity

•

Excellence in our relations with each other

•

Excellence in the exemplification of our degrees

•

Excellence in our service to Freemasonry

•

Education and fellowship

•

Civility – courtesy, consideration and respect

Next we developed a Vision, Mission Statement and Goals:

Vision Admiration Chapter will be a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons that practices, exemplifies and shares our Masonic tenets and values in everything we do thereby improving, not ourselves, but the culture of Freemasonry and our communities.

Mission Statement Admiration Chapter intends to positively impact its members, candidates and visitors and through them their lodges, chapters, families, and communities by emphasizing the notion that the highest exaltation of man is to love and serve God and to love and serve his fellow man.

7

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

Goals •

To develop events, activities, and programs that will educate and enlighten regarding Masonic values and principles,

among the most important of which we feel is the need to recognize the divine presence living within all mankind and to treat one another with the respect and civility that recognition requires.

•

To focus on quality over quantity in our meetings, so that our meetings are occasions of good fellowship and learning.

•

To provide opportunities for each of our companions to share in educational experiences as both student and teacher.

•

To develop the expectation that each of our companions will share in educational experiences as both student

and teacher.

•

In our work, to impressively convey the lessons of the degrees that those experiencing them may crave further education

and enlightenment.

At our October 22, 2015 meeting, Admiration Chapter U.D. put on the 4th and 5th degrees with 6 candidates who joined Admiration Chapter. Companion Charles Fritz, later attended the York Rite Day at Champaign in December and became the first fully exalted member of Admiration Chapter.

Our next meeting will be January 22, 2016 in which we will conduct the 6th degree. Dinner is at 6:30, short business meeting at 7pm and degree immediately following.

We invite you to visit us as we embark on this new journey. Our Chapter meets in the historic Homer Masonic Temple, 122 E. Wabash, Homer Illinois on the fifth Thursday as they fall on the calendar.

8

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

A New Year, a New Chapter

by James Tome, REDGHP As 2015 comes to a close, we see many changes happening in the Chapters around the State. In some places, new and especially renewed interest is fostering the rebirth of some Chapters and creating entirely new ones where none were before.

It seems we have an abundance of work going on as degrees are being conferred by many, many Chapters. I’ve seen Chapters that were once ritual powerhouses fall on hard times, but start to pick up the banners of fellowship and pride and talk about practice sessions and even schools of instruction.

Many Companions are hopeful for the future, asking more and different questions than I’ve ever experienced in my visits in years past. In fact, so many of them center around membership, fundraising, fellowship and Masonic education that I’ve come to think that all of the communication we’ve had with our Chapters in the recent years really seems to be sinking in. It seems a most wonderful time for Capitular Freemasonry in Illinois!

I had a meeting recently with our new Grand Master, Companion and Most Worshipful Brother, Tony Cracco, about how our Chapters can work together with our Lodges. Many ideas were exchanged, including some that have never been implemented in our state. Companion Cracco is committed to bringing the York Rite into our Lodges, as are all of your Grand Chapter Officers. In the planning stages are some programs we’ll be implementing in the coming years that will make the tie between the Lodge and Chapter even closer.

I’m encouraged by what I am seeing, hearing and experiencing, Companions and you should be too! Not only have we entered a new year, we are entering a new Chapter in Freemasonry.

Travel well, Companions Jim Tome, Right Excellent Deputy Grand High Priest

9

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

Companions at Labor in the Vineyards

by Sean P. McBride, MEGHP On the evening of January 6, 2016, the Companions of Henry Godeke Chapter #38, located in Bridgeport, Illinois assembled to labor at Robinson Lodge #250 in Robinson, Illinois as the Mark Master and Past Master Degrees were exemplified. The Chapter welcomed 7 new candidates from the Robinson and Crawford County area into Royal Arch Freemasonry.

Henry Godeke Chapter began the tradition of traveling to spread Capitular and York Rite Freemasonry in area Lodges several years ago, and continue to realize great success as a result of their efforts.

Newly promoted candidates will then travel to the Chapters home in Bridgeport to complete their Royal Arch work on the evening of February 3, 2016.

This concept should be considered by other Chapters here in Illinois! Consider the excitement that could be generated in Lodges that could have the opportunity to host an area Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in their own Lodge room and have their members introduced to all that Royal Arch Masonry has to offer!

Many of our Chapters that had not performed Degree work in many years have recently learned the ritual of the Mark and Past Master Degrees and have began conferring the work in the Chapters. Many other are currently working towards learning the ritual and becoming proficient.

Every Chapter in the State of Illinois should discuss this concept and make plans to travel out in to the vineyards of their area Lodges by trying this, as well as other ideas that are outside the box, as we continue to “Rebuild the Temple of Illinois Royal Arch Freemasonry”.

10

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

Talking to your Brethren

by James Tome, REDGHP

Talking to your Brethren: How Chapters can help complete the story

Over and over again, I visit Chapters who talk about the need for new members. We all know the story – no matter how many members a Chapter (Lodge, Council, Shrine Club, etc.) has, it’s that same eight to ten members who show up over and over again, being active members. So, what’s to be done?

The answer, it seems, lies within our Lodges. According to the General Grand Chapter, most Grand Chapters have about 11 to 13% of the total number of Master Masons in a state as Chapter Companions. For Illinois, 12% would be about 7,320 members. As of the date of this issue, Illinois’ Grand Chapter membership stands at 4,771 or just 7.8% of all Master Masons.

The Chapter has a unique relationship with the Lodge (something the Council shares as well). Capitular Freemasonry shares the same mythology, the Hiramic Legend, with the Lodge. Even the conversations, ritual and interactions in the Lodge seem to unveil questions that only the Chapter can answer: • “Work and travel in foreign lands” • “Pay the craft their wages” • The replacement for the True Master’s Word

So many questions, in fact, that it makes you wonder why every Master Mason isn’t asking, “Hey, there seems to be a lot missing here.” It’s that exact question that you and your Chapter can bring into the Lodge. Help our Brethren understand that their journey has just begun and that the Chapter is the next logical step that every Brother should take.

Wonder how you can bring the Chapter into the Lodge? Ask any Grand Chapter officer to pay a visit to your Chapter and show you how. We have a special presentation that gently introduces our non-York Rite Masons to the Royal Arch. It can be used to spark interest and further strengthen the bond between the Chapter and the Lodge.

11

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

Staying in Touch with Lodges

by Randy Vawter, EGCoH Members of Warren Chapter No. 30 have taken upon themselves to visit other lodges in their area. (50 mile radius from Monmouth, IL) This is a portion of the state that does not have many Chapters available. Tuesdayevening, January 5th Excellent Companion Tim Vice and myself attended Macomb Lodge No 17 in an attempt to spur interest into Royal Arch Masonry.

This was an announced visit. Tim and I wore our Grand Chapter aprons and red jackets. That brought about a lot of discussion with Macomb Lodge members. They asked if they could receive us and I quickly explained we were NOT Grand Lodge officers and we would not be received. We were representatives of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and specifically Warren Chapter No. 30 in Monmouth, IL.

We also discovered this was a busy night for this lodge. They had special dispensation from the Grand Master to conduct elections for several officer positions. They then held a full installation ceremony for all officers. Because of the amount of business I explained we would be back another time to explain what one can expect by becoming a member of the Royal Arch. However, I was amazed at the lodge room and how these members were unaware of the furniture in the lodge room. This is a Royal Arch Lodge and members are unaware of symbols. I have attached a photo of the lodge room and the total oblivion of these symbols 12

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

by members and the place they meet. Notice the permanent arch and keystone. Several members thought it had something to do with the Eastern Star. I explained it did not and was something they can learn about in the Royal Arch degrees. Further explaining this Arch and Keystone is significant in the completion of their lodge journey.

I had several private conversations with members after the installation ceremony and there is interest in Royal Arch Masonry.

Obviously, this lodge housed a chapter at one time (merged with Bushnell Chapter in 1939). Its going to take some time but I believe there will be enough interest to rekindle a chapter here in Macomb.

Macomb is the home town of the Leathernecks. Western Illinois University resides here. This is a young lodge and I sense a lot of enthusiasm in Masonry. It’s going to be a matter of finding the right members to grasp forming a new chapter. Maybe it will never materialize but I think its worth the effort to help these members.

Warren Chapter members plan to visit Roseville Lodge next month. I’ll keep you posted of developing events.

Henry Godeke Chapter Degrees

Henry Godeke Chapter #38 put on the 4th a& 5th degrees on January 6th for 7 candidates

13

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

What does the General Grand Chapter offer you?

by James Tome, REDGHP As Illinois’ ambassador to the General Grand Chapter, I am often asked why we are members of this organization and what it has to offer us. There are many misperceptions about the General Grand Chapter and why our Grand Chapter continues to maintain its membership. Well, here are some things you may not be aware of:

Champion and spread American Capitular Freemasonry The General Grand Chapter is the only Body capable of chartering Grand Chapters that adhere and follow American Capitular Freemasonry. It gives us something in common with hundreds of thousands of other Freemasons.

Annual educational conference and leadership seminar While your Grand Chapter directs attendees to this annual event, it is open to any of our members seeking a professionallydesigned and ran program that provides top-notch leadership training. For your Grand Chapter officers who attend, they get exposure to great ideas, conversations and relationships that we bring back to our Grand Chapter and local Chapters.

Committees and tasks The General Grand Chapter is devoted to supporting member Grand Chapters. In addition to many others, they have a committee focusing on the needs of younger Royal Arch Masons. They are also forming a committee which will look at the problem of member retention – a problem all of our Chapters are facing. They are actively addressing some of the problems all of our Chapters are facing.

Rituals and ceremonies Did you know that there was a ceremony to recognize Royal Arch Masons who had fifty years of service and membership? How about a fun, educational program for our wives and female partners? The General Grand Chapter has these available to its member Chapters.

14

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

Educational resources From books on leadership to programs to revitalize Chapters, the General Grand Chapter has untold resources available to members at reasonable costs. There’s also a lot of great resources available for free online at ramint.org/downloads. We’ve all been asking for ideas, programs and guidance on improving our skills and running our Chapters. Here they are.

Awards None of us want a reward or recognition just for the sake of it. But the General Grand Chapter provides many opportunities for your Grand Chapter to draw attention to Companions that have gone above and beyond and are examples who can inspire leadership and service.

Royal Arch Research Assistance The General Grand Chapter has committed $10 million dollars in charitable assistance over 10 years. They champion research on central auditory processing disorders. Without our help, they cannot continue this support for a little known – but extremely important – disorder affecting countless children nationwide.

Quarterly magazine and monthly e-newsletter For a low subscription price ($10 per year), you can receive the General Grand Chapter’s excellent mini magazine via US Mail, packed with great articles and information. The e-newsletter, containing short articles and links to many other state’s Grand Chapter’s online newsletters packed with ideas for programs, educational presentations and much more is free of charge. Visit RAMINT.org for more information.

Yes, we have to pay a per capita to the General Grand Chapter each year (for those who are not Perpetual Life Members in the General Grand Chapter) or life or 50-year members in our own Grand Chapter. But, the small amount we pay – currently $2/person – seems small in comparison to the benefits offered. You can help, though, by purchasing a Perpetual Life Membership in the General Grand Chapter for $25. The application is at the end of this issue of Hiram’s Words or available at our web site at RAM-IL. org.

15

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

Royal Arch Masons Charitable Foundation

by Patrick J. Robin – Chairman RAMCF Fundraising Committee It’s in the mail! Our first fundraising campaign of the year has kicked off. We have decided to do a Life Membership Raffle. Only 1000 tickets have been printed and they have been mailed out to all of the Chapters as well as the DDEGHPs. Your Grand Chapter officers also have some on them for sale as well. The first place winner will get their choice of any Masonic Body they would like the life membership in. They can choose any Masonic Body with a maximum amount of $1,500.00 for the life membership. If that doesn’t cover it the winner can use it towards the membership and make up the difference. 5 additional tickets will be drawn and those winners will receive on year’s dues in any Masonic Body they choose with a maximum amount of $100.00. The drawing will be held at this year’s Grand Sessions and you do not need to be present to win. With only 1000 tickets being sold your chances to win are very good. So ask your Secretary, DDEGHP, or a Grand Officer for a ticket or 3!

This year all the proceeds that we raise will be given to Marcfirst once again. If you are not familiar with Marcfirst I invite you to please check them out at www. Marcfirst.org. I believe they speak for themselves much better than I ever could. It would be great if we could give them even more money this year. In order to do that we will need your help!

Plans are moving forward and the tickets are at the printers for our state wide 50/50 raffle. The raffle keeps growing year after year. Last year we were able to give away 7 prizes. Just like in previous years we will be giving out pots of $500.00. The more tickets sold the more pots there will be to give away. Remember this raffle is open to anyone and everyone! So tell your friends and family about it. The drawing will be held at this year’s Grand Session and you do not need to be present to win! Watch your mailboxes the tickets will be arriving soon!

Have you ever wanted to be a member of the Society of Zerubbabel? What is that you ask? How can I join? What do they do?

How can I identify the members of the Society? Those are all great questions and will be answered in the upcoming months.

Have you ever wanted to eat a steak cooked to your specifications by the Most Excellent Grand High Priest assisted by his officers and Past Most Excellent Grand High Priests with all the proceeds of the meal going to YOUR Charity? Well now you have that opportunity. On January 30th from 1:00pm until 4:00pm that is exactly what will be taking place at the Little Nugget Steakhouse and Saloon located at 6 South Henning Road, Danville, Illinois 61832. The menu will consist of an 8oz ribeye steak, choice of 16

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

potato and unlimited salad bar for $16.99 per person. If you do not want to cook the steak yourself all you have to do is make a free-will donation to the RAMCF, and a Grand Chapter Officer will cook your steak! This event is just as much about Fellowship as it is Fundraising! The event is open to everyone so bring your family and friends. A Great Meal and a Great Time for a Great Cause! I look forward to seeing you there!

Not only will the Fundraising Committee be holding events throughout the State but local Chapters have started doing that as well. Please like us on Face Book or visit our website www.RAMCF.org to learn more about our upcoming events!

If your Chapter will be holding an event where 100% of the proceeds will be going to the RAMCF we will be more than happy with helping you promote it. If you have any questions I can be reached at Patrick@randrcorp.com. I look forward to hearing from all of you!

There is a tradition which tells how the conquerors, as an insult to the Israelites and in derision of their God and the potence of their religion, bound the prisoners in triangular chains. History indicates that instead of suffering all manners of humiliation at the hands of the Chaldeans, the Israelites had many opportunities for advancement and enlightenment. A great many of their wonderful symbols and fascinating legends are the result of their contact with the learning and the culture of Babylon. Many of the captives attained High Rank and great influence in the Chaldean government. They were allowed to own and hold property and some acquired considerable wealth. When Cyrus liberated the Israelites, after seventy years of captivity, many preferred to remain with their possessions in Babylon.

Large numbers however returned to Jerusalem and began the rebuilding of the Temple. The conditions and prospects were most discouraging. Zerubbabel the Prince of Royal Blood, Jeshua the High Priest and Haggai the Prophet, directed and encouraged the people as they labored when occasion permitted and fought when necessity required. As the work progressed, many of the Israelites, who had been unwilling to make the ]ong trip from Babylon, repented and struggled into Jerusalem in small parties.

On account of the enemies’ efforts to get in and ruin the work, it was necessary that these journey stained sojourners be most care-fully examined, in order that none but the true descendants of Israel be admitted.

While this work was going on and the rubbish and the ruins of the First Temple were being cleared away, many interesting and valuable discoveries were made.

One not trained to think according to the principles of geometry might thoughtlessly pass over the fascinating details of thiS wonderful story. But to those interested in discovering the great principles and truths of every day experiences, these details are full of meaning and are of intense interest.

- Source: The Builder - August 1916 17

Hiram’s Words

18

Volume XVI, Issue 1

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

19

Hiram’s Words

Upcoming Events

20

Volume XVI, Issue 1

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

Gather your Working Tools “What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?” (Luke 20:17)

Companions, it is time to resume our labors in the quarry at the

3rd Annual Grand Royal Arch Quarry Day and Scottish Rite Degree Presentation

In the event of rain, the event will be held at the Danville Masonic Temple, located at 109 W. North Street, Danville, Illinois 61832

Saturday, April 16th, 2015 at Sand Valley 16395 Lewis Road Danville, IL 61834

Agenda     

8:00am...Royal Arch Registration Opens/Coffee & Donuts 8:50am...Chapter Opening 9:00am...Most Excellent Master Degree 10:00am...Holy Royal Arch Degree 11:30am...Remarks/Chapter Closing

      

11:30am...Scottish Rite Registration Opens 11:45am...Lunch 12:30pm...Declaration of Principles/Scottish Rite Opening 12:40pm...4th Degree DVD Showing 1:15pm...7th Degree, Provost and Judge 2:15pm...13th Degree, Master of the Ninth Arch 3:00pm...Remarks/Scottish Rite Closing

The Quarry is located off of Perrysville Road, just east of Atherton Cemetery.

It is about a one minute drive off of Interstate 74.

Candidates for the Most Excellent Master Degree must have received the Mark Master and Past Master Degrees previous to that day.

New candidate fees for those joining the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite are $290.00, which includes dues and per-capita thru June 30, 2017.

"Courtesy work is available for candidates from other Valley's, with prior approval"

Lunch will consist of Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork BBQ and sides.

Meal reservations are required and should be sent to the Candidate Coordinator below.

The deadline for meal reservations is April 11 Candidate Coordinator: Ryan Irby (217) 918-0247, rwirby13@gmail.com

21

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

Please join us on Saturday, April 30th for a very special day of fellowship and degrees at Medinah Shrine Center, 550 N. Shriners Drive, Addison, Illinois 60101 7:30am...Registration w/ Coffee & Donuts

Noon...Lunch

8:30am...Most Excellent Master Degree

1:00pm...Select Master Degree

9:30am...Holy Royal Arch Degree

2:30pm...Medinah Shriners Initiation & Welcome

11:00am...Royal Master Degree

3:30pm...Closing Comments

Chapters and Council's should pre-register their candidates with Companion Ryan Irby at rwirby13@gmail.com or (217) 918-0247.

All candidates for Chapter must have received the Mark Master and Past Master Degrees prior to the event.

Candidates for the Medinah Shriners must complete a Petition for Membership and submit a minimum amount of $150.00 initiation fee with the petition and an additional $85 in pro-rated dues, per-capita & Hospital assessments before initiation. Interested candidates should contact the Medinah Shriners Office at (630) 889-1400.

All Chapter, Council and Shrine members and candidates must pre-register for lunch by Monday April 25 at 5:00pm. Lunch cost is $5.00 for members and free to all candidates.

Lunch reservations should be made by contacting the Medinah Shriners Office at (630) 889-1400 A very special thank you to Medinah Shriners for hosting this event.

22

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

23

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, Issue 1

From the Editor

by Companion Tim Ward; EGW, Editor Hiram Words First, I hope that you all had a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year.

I know this is not a Masonic topic, but I found myself wondering at the celebration of New Year and how did we decide that that January 1st would be the beginning?

The early Roman calendar consisted of 10 months and 304 days, with each new year beginning at the vernal equinox; according to tradition, it was created by Romulus, the founder of Rome, in the eighth century B.C. A later king, Numa Pompilius, is credited with adding the months of Januarius and Februarius. Over the centuries, the calendar fell out of sync with the sun, and in 46 B.C. the emperor Julius Caesar decided to solve the problem by consulting with the most prominent astronomers and mathematicians of his time. He introduced the Julian calendar, which closely resembles the more modern Gregorian calendar that most countries around the world use today.

As part of his reform, Caesar instituted January 1 as the first day of the year, partly to honor the month’s namesake: Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, whose two faces allowed him to look back into the past and forward into the future. Romans celebrated by offering sacrifices to Janus, exchanging gifts with one another, decorating their homes with laurel branches and attending raucous parties. In medieval Europe, Christian leaders temporarily replaced January 1 as the first of the year with days carrying more religious significance, such as December 25 (the anniversary of Jesus’ birth) and March 25 (the Feast of the Annunciation); Pope Gregory XIII reestablished January 1 as New Year’s Day in 1582.

Okay, I will end my trip through history and get back on-topic. You may have heard that we are looking to expand this publication in the near future by adding hopefully regular contributions by Masonic authors in the State, the possibility of a printed version, and many other improvements. But we still need your feedback and contributions.

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

24

Hiram’s Words

Volume XVI, 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$25.00 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

25