Hiram's Words - July 2015 by Grand Chapter of Illinois

The Offical Publication of the Grand Chapter of Illinois

Volume XV, Issue 2

Hiram’s Words

ON PAGE 3 Most Excellent Grand High Priest’s Message

ON PAGE 7 The Masonic Royal Arch Companions’ Jewel

ON PAGE 24 Chapter Officer Selection

Hiram’s Words

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

Volume XV, Issue 2

In this issue 3

Most Excellent Grand High Priest’s Message

by Companion William J. Hussey, MEGHP

Right Excellent Grand King’s Message

by Companion James M. Tome, REGK

Excellent Grand Principal Sojourner’s Message

by Companion Randy Vawter EGPS

The Masonic Royal Arch Companions Jewel and the

Sean P. McBride

Right Excellent Grand King

Platonic Solids

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 Assistant Grand Chaplain Patrick J. Robin Excellent Grand Captain of the Host Byford O. “Bo” Cook Excellent Grand Principal Sojourner Randy Vawter Excellent Grand Royal Arch Captain Darrell “Skip” Hamilton Excellent 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

Take your member prospecting to a new level

by Companion James Tome, Secretary DeKalb Chapter No. 52

Keystone Quest

Keystone Quest State Championship set for Friday, July 17th by Companion Paul Scheeler, PHP

Upcoming Chapter Days

The Red Dynasty: The Reemergence of Royal Arch

in Freemasonry Written by Excellent Companion Rev. John L. Hairston, Grand Historian-MEPHGC-HRAM-WA

Chapter Officer Selection

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

From the Editor

by Companion Tim Ward; EGW, Editor Hiram Words

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Most Excellent Grand High Priest’s Message by Companion William J. Hussey, MEGHP Companions, I hope this newsletter finds you in good health and spirit. This will be my last message as Grand High Priest, how fast the year has passed. I hope your Chapter is ready for a few changes. The Grand Chapter line has worked hard to fix problems and prepare for the future. Big questions need to be asked in our Chapters: Are we where we need to be and where are we going to be in 5 or 10 years. We must move away from patting ourselves on the back and roll up our sleeves. We have tried to work with struggling Chapters and give them a Game Plan for the future. We have seen failures and success. Most of our Officers have been visiting Chapters around the State. We have even paid surprise visits to see how things really are, were we ever surprised. We have some real problems in the York Rite that have been ignored for too long. I have talked to Russ Schlosser and Larry Raglan on issues we have found. It is my hope in the very near future all 3 Grand Bodies can work together as I know Sean McBride has been working on it. We must make our Grand Chapter Officers accountable to our members and our Chapters need to be held accountable to their bylaws. What would you do if your LODGE wasn’t meeting in the Lodge room or waving a hand to open? We must not do this in our Chapters either. Grand Sessions is just around the corner and we want all of you to attend. There are changes that need to be voted upon. We want you involved in your Grand Chapter. I want to thank Tim Ward for his hard work on this newsletter and or web site. Lastly I want you to know this is a great fraternity and I have enjoyed visiting with you at events around the State. Myrna and I wish to thank you and hope you come by the Hospitality room for a visit at Grand Sessions. Fraternally, Bill

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Right Excellent Grand King’s Message by Companion James M. Tome, REGK Well, summer is in full swing and I sit here on my front porch, reveling in the completion of a hard day’s work in my garden and enjoying the light breeze and a refreshing beverage. Our Grand Sessions is just barely two weeks away and then a new season of Masonic visitations, schools of instructions, degree days and other responsibilities looms ahead.

So what am I looking forward to? Well, putting together my travel and visitation schedule was a monumen-

tal task. I’m trying to get to at least 40 (of our 65) Chapters this year in addition to Grand Sessions in our neighboring states. This year, I’ll be helping our Chapters to perform a most important task – getting out to their Blue Lodges and talking about Capitular Freemasonry. See, that’s where our real opportunity is, in teaching our Brethren that the Royal Arch complements their Masonic journey, started in their Lodge.

Think about it: Where else do you learn about the importance of being responsible and doing your best in

this world (the Mark Master Degree)? How else are we to learn to lead with fairness and humility (the Past Master Degree)? In what other way can a Master Mason discover how to be a part of a team and earn his just rewards (the Most Excellent Master Degree)? And, finally, where else does the long lost Master’s Word await its rediscovery (the Holy Royal Arch Degree)? It seems, my Companions, that we all have traveled far and now our responsibility is to help those who aren’t Companions to make the next leg of their journey as well.

And herein lies the key, Companion. The future of your Chapter depends on one thing – getting out to Lodges

and talking about the York Rite. So call up a local Lodge’s Worshipful Master and ask him if you can pay a visit. Get a bunch of Companions together and arrive early, dressed in your red jackets (if you have them), otherwise some token item of red clothing that identifies you. Have dinner with your Brothers. Talk about why you joined the York Rite. Tell them why it’s the natural complement to the Lodge, not something that competes with it. Sit in Lodge and be helpful when you can. Show them the spirit of the York Rite.

Most importantly, Travel well, Companions. 4

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Excellent Grand Principal Sojourner’s Message by Companion Randy Vawter EGPS I received a note from our Grand Web Master the other day. He explained he needed a submission or article to place in this issue of Hiram’s Words. Since this is going to be the last publication before our Grand Sessions meeting he advised us to make this article a “good” article. The pressure is on. You might have had the chance to meet me this year and you might come to realize I have something to say. So, here it goes.

All year long your Grand Chapter officers have been making efforts to visit Chapters in the state. Some of these visits were announced. Some were unannounced. In every case it’s great to see many familiar faces. You all made me feel welcomed. Thank you for allowing me to share with the fellowship.

In the beginning of the year I reported some concerning things about our Chapters. I noticed there were not enough members to open chapter meetings, yet it was recorded in the Chapter minutes the Chapter had opened “in form”. I also noted many chapters were not meeting under basic requirements. The biggest of these concerns are that many chapters are not meeting in Lodge rooms without using the required ritual; they are not recognizing our country by reciting our pledge; they are not recognizing the Supreme High Priest of Heaven and Earth; they do not have any recognizable business plan.

I had a companion tell me it was common that Chapters falsely pen in names in rooster books to give the appearance Chapters are being well attended. He convinced himself that “all” chapters and lodges are doing this therefore it is OK for his Chapter and Lodge to follow the same practice. Companions, is this what we have come to? Falsely amending our records to give the impression we are following the rules and regulations of our Grand Chapter bylaws? “Fixing” records so faithful attendees do not risk losing their charters? Does this sound familiar to you? I’m afraid it happens often and I think many of you are aware this happens frequently.

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This is not who we are. This is not what we do. This is not where you will find a successful chapter. This is not the organization where interested candidates want to be part of and join. There are Chapters who have lost their identity. These Chapters exist because they have a charter hanging on a wall and that’s the extinct of Chapter involvement in that community.

These Chapters exist because they have a charter hanging on a wall and that’s the extent of Chapter involvement in that community.

Then there are our “Commandery Chapters”. These are Chapters who never open on Capitular Degrees but will violate their own set of Chapter bylaws to practice work in preparation for the Commandery inspections. I have regularly attended a scheduled Chapter meeting where the lodge room is set up for Commandery work. Members arrive for the evening dressed in Commandery Uniforms. They have every intention of meeting as a Commandery and not as a Chapter. I am confident this is not what our Grand Commandery leadership wants. I suspect they want your Commandery to be good at what they do but not at the cost of your Chapter. I can assure you some will consider my message as being offensive or negative. When are we going to face the truth? The Grand Chapter is composed of all of our Chapters in the state. We are in decay.

There is good news. There is hope. There are successful plans being implemented throughout the state. We are “REBUILDING THE TEMPLE”. There are hints from several Chapters showing promise of a well-grounded future. They are the Chapters that are “AT WORK”. They are the Chapters that are “GIVEN PROPER INSTRUCTION”. They are the Chapters that have a plan.

Does your Chapter need help? Contact one of your Grand Officers or your District Deputy Grand High Priest. Don’t let the past get in your way. Let’s not hide the wrong things. Let’s move forward. Let’s do the right thing. Let us help you help your Chapter. Thank You,

Randy Vawter Excellent Grand Principal Sojourner

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The Masonic Royal Arch Companions Jewel and the Platonic Solids

High Priest—Companion Captain of the Host, are you a Royal Arch Mason? Captain—I am, that I am. High Priest—How shall I know you to be a Royal Arch Mason? Captain—By Three Times Three. The Triple Tau is regarded as one of the defining symbols of Royal Arch Freemasonry.

‘The Triple Tau is also referred to within Royal Arch Masonry as”The Key.”

The Tau (T) being the 19th letter of the Greek alphabet. In the ancient world it was regarded as symbolising life itself, as conversely,the Theta,the 8th letter of the Greek alphabet, was held to symbolise death. It has been suggested by certain commentators,that these two symbols gave rise to the modern plus and minus symbols. The Tau is often regarded as being a very early form of the cross, and is associated with St. Anthony within Christian symbology.

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The cross with the crosspiece at the top of the upright is known as the Cross of St. Anthony or as the Crux Commissa. This cross is also known as the Tau Cross, because it looks like the Greek letter tau which is the same as the T in our alphabet. In this form, the cross symbolizes the triumph of Man’s spiritual nature over his physical nature.

The Triple Tau, is a Trinity symbol. Christians interpreted the symbol as “Holiness supporting Trinity”. it is also said to mean Clavis ad Thesaurum – “A key to the treasure” – and Theca ubi res pretiosa – “A place where the precious thing is concealed.” The Triple Tau is a significant symbol, or logo, of the Royal Arch Mason. It is the jewel signifying the Mason who has reached either the seventh degree of the York Rite or 13th degree of the Scottish Rite.

The origins of the letter Tav The Hebrew form of the word Tau, pronounced tav, suggests a marking or an etching. In the ancient world, a warrior who had returned from battle with honour was permitted to attach a T to his name.

In an old Masonic Royal Arch lecture it is explained that persons acquitted of a crime, or returning unhurt from battle could use the T as a sign. In the 26th degree of the Scottish Rite, a Tau is put on the candidate’s forehead after the candidate has been purified with water on the head, to ritually mark him.

The earliest symbol for Tav meant ‘A wound’.The triple Tau therefore can be held to represent 3 wounds; as reflected in the case of the murdered (And raised) Master Mason; Hiram Abiff-illustrated within the 3rd degree legend and of course, in the case of the three wounds inflicted by the nails used in the crucifixion of Jesus.

Triple Tau – Three Taus or T and H?:

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It has been said that three Taus come together to form the Triple Tau,. Others say the Triple Tau is originally the coming together of a T and a H, forming , meaning Templum Hierosolyma, or the Temple of Jerusalem. Royal Arch records dating from 1767 show this symbol. In addition to meaning Templum Hierosolyma (The Temple of Jerusalem), it is also said to mean Clavis ad Thesaurum – “A key to the treasure” – and Theca ubi res pretiosa – “A place where the precious thing is concealed.” The jewel incorporates the double triangle, also known as the “Seal of Solomon” and contains upon it the following inscriptions: “Nil nisi clavis deest” – Nothing is wanting but the key “Si talia jungere possis sit tibi scire satis” – If thou canst comprehend these things, thou knowest enough “Invenimus cultor dei civis mundi” – We have found the worship of God, O citizen of the world “Deo, regi, et fratribus, honor fidelitas, benevolentia” – For God, king, and brethren; honour, fidelity, and benevolence

The Platonic Solids and the Jewel: As we have touched upon the 5 Platonic solids in some depth previously in our article on the 24 reduced Fibonacci numbers and the Platonic solids, we had noted that Plato observed that the study of the universe involved the analysis of different volumes, as all that is in this world, from the smallest atoms to the largest items, consist of volume. When he studied each shape (triangle, square etc) he concluded that only 5 shapes remain completely equal regardless of the angle they are viewed from. These shapes we know as “The Five Platonic Solids” and are described in detail in his ‘Timaeus.’ The five solids represented the four base elements of this world (fire, air, water, earth) plus the fifth, being heaven, served to represent the universe as a whole.

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Mathematicians have long understood that these five polyhedra are the only geometric constructs that are able to equally divide three-dimensional space, and this understanding represented the essence of ancient geometric and esoteric knowledge (a sphere also may equally divide space, but as it has no faces, edges, corners or degrees, it was not considered to be a solid).

The Seal of Solomon and the five elements: On a cursory examination, we would not notice the five Platonic shapes present within the Seal of Solomon, but when we count the number of right-angles, their presence becomes apparent. We note that the number of right-angles in the Triple Tau (The key), and a multiple of it, are equal to combinations of the triangles in the Seal of Solomon. Hence the Triple Tau, or key, “unlocks” the Seal of Solomon to reveal the five Platonic shapes, just as our 24 reduced Fibonacci numbers placed in a circle also generate the five solids by way of their interaction.

Clearly this Masonic Royal Arch key serves to unlock exactly the same secret we have discovered within the 24 reduced Fibonacci numbers.

The Triple Tau and the 90 degree Right-Angles. Examining the form of the triple Tau,we can note that it is comprised of 8 x 90 degree angles, which is in turn equal to a value of 720 degrees. Therefore, the number of degrees in a Triple Tau is equivalent to 8 x 90 degrees = 720 degrees.

”It contains eight right angles, and is used as a measure or mnemonic whereby the Platonic Solids can be calculated. Taken alone, it is commensurate with the Tetrahedron, the sides of which, being four equilateral triangles, are together equal to eight right angles, because the interior angles of any triangle are together equal to two right angles. It is said that this solid was used by the Platonists as a symbol of the element Fire.

Two of these Keys are equivalent to the Octahedron, which contains sixteen right angles, and was considered to represent Air. Three Keys are commensurate with the Cube, the sides of which contain twenty-four right angles; this figure was supposed to typify Earth, because it is of all these figures the firmest and most immovable upon its basis.

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Five of these Keys give us forty right angles, which are equal in amount to those contained in the twenty equilateral sides of the Icosahedron. This solid was taken to express the element Water.

The remaining Platonic Solid, called the Dodecahedron, has for its sides twelve regular pentagons. It is a rule in geometry that the interior angles of any rectilinear figure are equal to twice as many right angles as the figure has sides less 4 right angles; thus the interior angles of a pentagon are 10 – 4 = 6 right angles; therefore the dodecahedron is contained by seventy-two right angles, and consequently is represented by nine Keys. So it will be seen that this Key is the greatest common measure of all these Platonic Solids, and that is why on the scroll round it in the Jewel of the Holy Royal Arch Degree we find the Latin phrase: Nil nisi clavis deest, “Nothing is wanting but the key”, teaching us on the one hand that without the inner knowledge all these symbols are but lifeless, and on the other that, great as is the teaching given, there is yet more to be found as we move along on the path of Masonic progress There is a method by which, by sub-dividing the triangles and the Seal of Solomon into smaller triangles and adding up the total number of degrees formed by all their angles, we can yet again work out the number of right angles equivalent to those of the Platonic solids.

This process is complicated, and is of little practical value, so I do not give it here; although it is true that the Platonic Solids have a profound meaning in connection with that process of Divine Creation, upon which the Degree of the Holy Royal Arch contains such priceless teaching.” C.W.Leadbeater.

Threfore;

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Three Times Three;

H.Meij; in his ‘The Tau and the Triple Tau’ informs us that;

We might also note that the Seal of Solomon, as shown in the Royal Arch Companion’s jewel, is actually made up of three triangles, which we can mark as follows:

A-B-C, D-E-F, and G-H-I.

With the Royal Arch ritual the following is explained: “The equilateral or perfect Triangle is an emblem of the three essential attributes of Deity, namely, Omnipresence, Omniscience, and Omnipotence; and as the three equal sides or equal angles form but one triangle, so these three equal attributes constitute but one God”

From this we can deduce that one triangle shown in the jewel, is actually comprised of three triangles (triangles a, b, and c), which also form a fourth triangle in the center (triangle d):

Such a triangle, when approached from a geometrical value of its angles, is equal to 60 x 12 = 720 (because there are 4 triangles, each triangle being equilateral, has three 60 degree angles each)

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Combine the Triple Tau and the Key of Solomon: Now we have all the prerequisites to proceed to reveal the five Platonic shapes embedded in the Companion’s jewel with the help of the “Key”, or Triple Tau. You will notice that: Triangle GHI = 1 x triple Tau.

(We have already noted that it consists of 8 right angles of 90 degrees each. )

Hence = 8 x 90 = 720 degrees. Triangle GHI shows 4 equilateral triangles, which we showed above is also equal a geometrical value of 720, which in turn equals the total degrees of a Tetrahedron, symbol of Fire. Triangles ABC DEF = 2 x Triple Tau= 1440 degrees = the degrees in an Octahedron, which is the emblem of Air. Triangles ABC DEF GHI = 3 x Triple Tau= 2160 degrees = the degrees in a cube (Hexahedron), which is the emblem of Earth. Triangles DEF is can also be divided into 4 smaller triangles by GHI, add ABC. These 5 triangles = 5 x Triple Tau = 3600 degrees = the degrees in an Icosahedron, which is the emblem of Water.

We have now found the four elements. What remains is the last, “Heaven.” We find that the intersection of triangles ABC and DEF, form six smaller triangles around the circumference of the jewel, whose base rests on the central triangle of GHI. As one triangle is 180 degrees, and there are four equal triangles in one (see above), means that one triangle on the circumference is 180 x 4 = 720.

There are six triangles on the circumference, so 6 x 720 = 4320. Add to this the revolving central triangle GHI (720) and you obtain 4320 + 720 = 5040, which is equal to the degrees of a Dodecahedron, which is the emblem of Heaven,the quintessence.

By way of illustration; Each of the following geometrical forms are two dimensional representations of three dimensional forms, i.e.three dimensions folded out into two dimensions.

Using the previously mentioned model of;

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We find the following;

As each equilateral triangle is comprised of three angles of sixty degrees, in total one hundred and eighty degrees,which is equal to two ninety degree angles. Looking at the above diagram each of the four triangles is equivalent to two right angles.

Tetrahedron (fire) 1 times 8 right angles = 8 right angles

Octahedron 1 (air) 8 right angles.

Cube 1 (earth)

Cube 2

1 times 8 right angles

Cube 3 1 times 8 right angles 8 + 8 + 8 right angles. There are 24 right angles in the cube.

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Icosahedron 1 (water) 1 times 8 right angles

Icosahedron 2 1 times 8 right angles

Icosahedron 4

Icosahedron 5 1 times 8 right angles 8+8+8+8+8 40 right angles in the Icosahedron.

1 times 8 right angles

Icosahedron 3 1 times 8 right angles

Dodecahedron 1 7 times 8 right angles = 56

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Dodecahedron 2 (exterior angles of the triangles) Equivalent to 16 right angles 72 right angles comprise the dodecahedron. The exterior angle of every triangle formed by one of its sides is equal to the sum of two interior and opposite angles. Every angle in a equilateral triangle is equal to one third of two right angles.

By: Paul Bevan and Roz Polden.

With thanks to; C.W.Leadbeater; ‘The Hidden Life In Freemasonry’. H.Meij; ‘The Tau and the Triple Tau’. Malcolm C. Duncan; ‘Duncan’s Masonic Ritual and Monitor’

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Take your member prospecting to a new level by Companion James Tome, Secretary DeKalb Chapter No. 52 Even some of the most successful Chapters still face the same challenges others do: falling membership, less participation and financial difficulties. Right now, DeKalb Chapter No. 52 is in the same position as many of our Chapters with all of these problems.

For the first time in many years, we didn’t exalt one new member last year. This year, we weren’t able to fill all of our appointed officer positions. And our Chapter’s treasury is at an all-time low. As Secretary of our Chapter, I am working with our new High Priest and his officers to address these issues directly – and quickly.

See, we have our annual Chapter Day coming in early October and we currently have no candidates. So, we’re scrambling a bit and making finding new members – who will be active and help our Chapter start growing again – a priority. How you may ask? Well, we have a great strategy that maybe you can use in your Chapter too.

First, we’ve identified the Lodges nearby that could provide new members. We’re planning on making regular (as in, more than one) visits to these Lodges, introducing the York Rite to their members and teaching them how the Chapter (and Council) degrees mesh so closely and importantly into the Lodge degrees. The York Rite is the “rest of the story” – it’s what Master Masons want, even though they rarely are aware of what is awaiting them.

The other part of the strategy, however, is pretty exciting. Our Grand Lodge’s Grand Secretary will provide – just for the asking – data on recently raised Master Masons. We contacted their office and asked for a list of recent (within the last three years) Master Masons who live within 25 miles of DeKalb Chapter’s zip code. What we got back was nearly 100 Lodge members and, after we filtered out current Chapter members and those who might better like to join a Chapter closer to them, 69 potential members and their contact information.

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So what are we doing next? We’ve created three unique letters we’re sending out to these 69 prospects. They introduce the York Rite and what our degrees and aspect of Freemasonry is like. We tie in the Chapter and Council degrees to the Lodge’s. We talk about our Chapter’s culture and who the members are. We mention our monthly meetings and what types of activities, fundraisers, community participation and programs we feature. Finally, we invite them to dinner and the chance to meet the Companions, find out more about the York Rite and ask questions.

Hopefully, we’ll have the Grand Chapter’s new Invitation to Petition all ready to go by our August meeting. Using the Grand Lodge’s 10% conversion rate with their similar program, we’re hoping for 7 new members (or more!) come October and our Chapter Day.

Want to find out more? Give me a call or an email and I’d be happy to forward the letters we’re sending out and answer any questions you may have. My telephone number is 815-508-3878 and my email is dekalb.mason@gmail.com.

Good luck, Companions!

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Keystone Quest Keystone Quest State Championship set for Friday, July 17th by Companion Paul Scheeler, PHP Competition was intense during the second round of the 2015 Keystone Quest which featured questions from the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry and Its Kindred Sciences by Albert G. Mackey. Questions were taken from entries under the letter W (first round) and Y (second round). Of the Capitular Champions returning materials postmarked by the April 30th deadline, median score was 70 and average time was 7:20. First round participants qualify for one of the requirements in the Arch of Excellence program. The three Omnific Champions, all of whom posted perfect 100-point scores, are eligible to compete in the third round held at Grand Convocation at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott on Friday morning, July 17, 2015. They are: Henry Godeke No. 38 (competes first; second round time 4:20), LaHarpe No. 111 (competes second; second round time 3:31), and Warren

Keystone Quest 2015 Round 2 Results

No. 30 (competes third; second round time 2:55).

(based on materials returned postmarked by 4/30/15 and received as of 5/13/15)

Third round questions will be taken at random from entries under the letter Z and fully read aloud by a proctor, to foster competitiveness and test actual knowledge rather than memorization. Any Companions present including honorary members may compete on behalf of a particular Chapter. The third round is a “lightning round” with nine questions per Chapter within a maximum time of three minutes. The State Champion receives the Rabboni Traveling Trophy to display in their Chapter for the ensuing year. Complete rules and results are posted on the Keystone Quest page of the Grand Chapter website. For information, contact Paul Scheeler at: keystonequest@msn.com.

No. 2 13 14 18 26 30 32 38 41 50 52 59 96 98 106 111 144 164 182 196 206 207 233 237 242 253 Keystone UD

District 1S 2W 2W 3N 4E 4N 5E 7E 1N 5E 2W 5W 1N 4E 6S 4N 1S 7S 6S 2E 1N 2E 2E 7E 2W 1S ?

Score 85 no entry no entry 65 70 100 90 100 100 65 55 no entry 55 no entry 45 100 no entry no entry no entry 45 60 55 55 45 65 no entry 50

Time 5:08

Days 0

8:50 6:56 2:55 14:00 4:20 10:36 8:40 6:38

3 1 2 3 1 1 1 2

5:00

8:05 3:31

1 6

? 7:40 n/a 9:00 10:30 6:58

1 1 n/a n/a 1 17

6:00

3 19

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Upcoming Chapter Days

Please plan to attend and support the

Joint Illinois/Missouri Chapter Day Saturday, October 17th, 2015

Hosted by Freedom Masonic Temple 4557 Lemay Ferry Road - St. Louis, Missouri Agenda     

7:30-8:30am...Registration/Coffee & Donuts 8:30am...Chapter opening and remarks 9:00am...Mark Master Degree (Illinois), followed by Past Master Degree (Illinois) and Most Excellent Master Degree (Missouri) Noon...Lunch 1:00pm...Royal Arch Degree (Missouri)

Lunch reservations are required by Wednesday October 14 and should be made by contacting VEC Dennis Fetter at (314) 422-4329 or Dfetter@sbcglobal.net Lunch cost is $12 per person and consists of sandwich, soup, salad and desert and will be served by the Daughters of the Nile. There is no cost for candidates lunch Missouri candidates for the class should be registered with the GYR office at gyr@moyorkrite.org, and addressed to Kevin B. Sample, Grand Secretary. Contact the Grand Secretary for required information. Illinois candidates should be registered with Travis Stewart, (616) 614-4292, alcatrav@hotmail.com

There will also be a Joint Chapter Day with Indiana on October 24, 2015 in LaPorte Indiana. Please check the website for further details when they become available. 20

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The Red Dynasty: The Reemergence of Royal Arch in Freemasonry Written by Excellent Companion Rev. John L. Hairston, Grand Historian-MEPHGC-HRAM-WA

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. And thou shalt put therein the ark of testimony and cover the ark with a veil.” Exodus 40:1 (KJV)

The Excellent High Priest looks to his Captain of the Host and asks:

“Where were you made a Royal Arch Mason?”

The Companion returns his answer and provides a prophetic jewel in the midst of this exchange. He informs the Convocation that they were assembled in a place REPRESENTING the TABERNACLE built by the ancient brethren. But more importantly, he informs them of the location of this NEW TABERNACLE; he states that they built on territory NEAR THE RUINS OF KING SOLOMON’S TEMPLE. 21

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Behind the Veil The word “REPRESENTING” implies that there is symbolism involved, that we should be looking beyond what is presently stated, and travelling into the dimension of implementation. The symbolism serves a veil that awaits the drawing away by those who recognize the light illuminating from behind the curtain.

The Tabernacle The Tabernacle was a mobile Temple. It was built specifically with MOVEMENT in mind. The Children of Israel were in route to Canaan, through the wilderness, and they were instructed to build an edifice where the Most High God could come and abide among the people. They were instructed to build this movable Temple, this TENT of CONGREGATION (Assembly) and as we see in Exodus 40:34, “...a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle.”

The most important thing to grasp, is that this Tabernacle was the place to meet and interact with the glory of God, and it was built for MOVEMENT.

King Solomon’s Temple In Freemasonry, King Solomon’s Temple is a representation of the Blue Lodge: The ground floor, middle chamber and the UNFINISHED Holy of Holies. All of the assemblies of the Blue Lodge were here. The Temple of Solomon was magnificent, it was luxurious and steeped in opulence. It was the center of the Jewish Nation and the object of envy of other nations with Temples, but nothing like Solomon’s Temple.

But, because of disobedience, rebellion and deviation from the Law and Landmarks, that Temple found itself in RUINS. The Babylonians came and ransacked the Temple and raided it of its opulence and wealth, and left it abandoned, desolate and impoverished. It remained in this condition until Nehemiah approached Cyrus with the proposal to rebuild the Temple.

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The New Tabernacle Acknowledge how the ritual now deviates from the narrative in the Scriptures; rather than calling the new edifice a Temple, the ritual calls it a TABERNACLE, giving indication that there was a return to the ORIGINAL PATTERN. A return to the MOBILE and MOVING Temple. This New tabernacle wasn’t built OVER the ruins of the OLD RUINED PATTERN, but NEAR it, so as to CONTRAST the conditions of them both. We can see the message being voiced through the ruins of KST, “Here I am desolate because I deviated from what the creator intended, let me become a lesson that you preserve this NEW TABERNACLE with.”

The Red Dynasty I am a ROYAL ARCH Mason to my heart. I believe that it was divine timing that placed it rightfully in the fold of ancient craft masonry in 1813. I believe that Royal Arch masonry is building and emerging near the decline in Craft Masonry. I believe that Royal Arch masons are the vanguard of the Sacred Word (Manifest glory). I believe that Royal Arch Masonry is the resurrection of ancient Craft Masonry in the respective Jurisdictions. If Craft Masonry is making good men better, then it is those better men that compose a Chapter of Holy Royal Arch masons.

Royal Arch Masonry preserves the ancient landmarks (Tabernacle) that many of the members of the Lodges are seeking to be returned to the Craft. They are seeking Movement. The Movement is embedded in the very nature of Royal Arch Freemasonry. The Word isn’t dormant or immobile, it is vibrant, creative and moving. The Word seeks and demands manifestation, it moves to become LIFE, REAL, TANGIBLE...

“The value of Royal Arch Masonry will be justly appreciated by all who are Exalted to that Most Sublime Degree, particularly by those who are seeking ·to complete their Masonic education. It reveals the full light of Ancient Craft masonry, presents it as a complete system in accordance with the original plan and confers at last the rights and light of a Master Mason in fact as well as in name.”

Hiram’s Words

Volume XV, Issue 2

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

The selection of competent and industrious local chapter officers is of high priority for the future successful growth of any chapter. Unfortunately, due to many variable factors or reasons, many local chapter officers are not necessarily selected for their abilities, but rather because they are an available body. In some cases, temporarily, the local chapter may not have any other choice. Nevertheless, it’s no wonder that many chapters fail to produce the highest quality of local officer leadership for their chapters, and that many members lose interest in their chapters due to that reasoning. The same is true for any current officer who may be reproached by someone within the chapter who may be insensitive to the advancement circumstances of an unqualified officer. Diplomacy is not necessarily practiced by everyone.

Local chapters need to establish an on going plan of officer development that will eventually lead to the appointment and election of dedicated, talented, and successful chapter leaders. It’s a process of re-investing in one’s self, just as one would do in any business. Poor leadership in business leads to going out of business, and there’s no difference within our chapters. Thus, current progressive local chapter officers should always be looking for other members who show talent and have the available time. Then they need to constantly cultivate and assess future officer candidates for consideration to become appointed to special committees, and to leadership roles that would eventually lead them to become part of the officer corps of a chapter. However, this process of leadership development needs to be part of a larger chapter development plan to achieve strategic chapter growth that instills pride and value to the membership of a chapter. Members cannot and should not be taken for granted. The process will definitely establish a high priority group of potential chapter officers and make it easier for officer selections just as it does in advancing the managers or executives of any business.

Here are a few, not all, chapter achiever patterns that can help develop a sound local chapter officer leadership selection and analysis process:

Hiram’s Words

Volume XV, Issue 2

1-Stability Instead Of High Turnover: Rather than just appointing chapter officers who are not really qualified to move up the line and are just bodies filling a place in chapter, a process that verifies talented and dedicated future officers can quickly identify those members who demonstrated influence and responsibility. I.E., it demonstrates continued leadership impact from a potential chapter officer pool. Also, it’s important to remember that everyone is not a ritualist but might be a cop contributor in other chapter areas. Therefore, a future chapter officer’s other strengths should not be overlooked just because he may not be a top ritualist.

2-Impact Ratio Versus Years Of Experience: This officer selection process refers more to the “quality” of years of experience but not necessarily to the number of years of experience either within or outside of the chapter with other organizations, but it does concern key successful leadership activities.

3-Volunteered Or Assigned To Important Projects: Enquire about projects that the potential chapter officers either volunteered for or were assigned to do for the chapter or in their careers. The process can then become clear that the best potential chapter officers were assigned to the most important and challenging issues or projects that stretched their abilities. If they were successful, there is no doubt that they got additional assignments to even larger projects. This is a simple step by step process of leadership development for a corps of chapter officers.

4-Credibility Confirmation: By analysing the evidence of achiever patterns whether or not they occurred in chapter or other organisations, is a significant confirmation of achievement. Consistently achieving projects is a positive indicator of future chapter officers, especially when constantly achieved in a variety of organisations.

The aforementioned data selection processes are a simple form of predictive analytics (analysis) that are used in business but can be effectively accomplished within any local chapter. However, it’s up to the current local chapter officer corps as to whether or not it wants to use good modern business practices in local chapter improvements and/ or the training of qualified chapter officers.

Hiram’s Words

Volume XV, Issue 2

From the Editor by Companion Tim Ward; EGW, Editor Hiram Words

Well companions, we have made it through another Captular year. This has been a busy one for me as it was also my term as EHP of Fox River Chapter No. 14. For those that have served you will understand when I say it was a hectic and sometimes frustrating year but it was also the most fufilling and rewarding one as well. I am humbled that I was chosen to lead, grateful that I was supported, and glad that I am able to pass along a thriving Chapter to my successor.

Between a very busy Masonic year and a rather rough personal year, I have not always gotten this publication out on time. Sometimes that was my fault, sometimes it was to allow extra time for contributions to be finished and submitted. At this time we are planning on staying on a quarterly publication schedule but there are discussion in progress to consider a more frequent publication schedule in the future. I will endeavor to keep the publications coming within the first week of each publication quarter.

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. We will also have a kiosk available at the Grand Session for Companions to sign up quickly and easily.

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

Hiram’s Words

Volume XV, Issue 2

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