Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of California Richard D. Baskin, GHP

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1 THE WORKMAN Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of California Richard D. Baskin, GHP June 2016 Vol. VIII No. 1 GHP MESSAGE 1 RITUAL STAFF DEVELOPMENTS 3 CHAPTER RITUAL RESOLUTIONS 3 GRAND CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIPS 4 THE MAGIC FLUTE 4 RECEPTIONS, FESTIVALS & DEGREES 4 COMPTCHE 5 COLORADO RIVER FALL FESTIVAL 5 Grand High Priest s Message THE CLOTHES LINE 5 THE ENCOMPASSER 5 GRAND CHAPTER RESULTS 5 GRAND HIGH PRIEST S CALENDAR 5 CONTACT INFORMATION 6 MAKE YOUR MARK! 7 GRAND CHAPTER RESULTS 8-9 RECEPTION & FESTIVAL FLYERS Companions, as I begin my journey as the 162 nd Grand High Priest, I thank you for your trust and confidence in electing me to serve you as your Grand High Priest. Barb and I are very much looking forward to meeting and visiting with you. When I joined the Grand Line, my main concern was not what I was getting into, but what did I bring to the table that could benefit Capitular Masonry. Since that time I have had the privilege of working with some truly great Masons and I have learned from each of them. What I have observed was that each one brought a passion and a drive to work for the betterment of the fraternity. Not for personal gain, but to give selflessly to his Companions. Alongside these men were their wives. Although not Masons, they worked tirelessly to support their husband s efforts. For many of us, we would not be able to participate in our great Fraternity to the extent we do if it wasn t for the support of our wives. This simple fact will be a reoccurring theme throughout my year, to recognize the significant contribution our wives have made to our Fraternity. My Lapel pin for this year depicts the message I want to bring to you this year. In the center is the Keystone, situated below the words LIVE YOUR MASONRY, and framed by the words Family, Tradition and Values. The words LIVE YOUR MASONRY are to remind us that as we go through our daily lives, we are constantly identified by our rings and emblems as Masons. Page 1 of 18

2 Our actions show the world what it means to be a Mason and live by the tenants of our great fraternity. As you know, the Keystone is the wedge-shaped stone at the apex of a masonry arch. It is the final piece placed during construction and locks all the stones into position, allowing the arch to bear weight. Its relevance, aside from the its physical purpose, is to remind us that it can only be made by use of the chisel and mallet, the square and compass. We have all experienced the importance of stones in Freemasonry. There are explanations concerning the rough and perfect ashlars, the keystone and the cornerstone. Although cryptic, they represent profoundly important concepts concerning the qualities of stones in their rude and natural state and how they can be transformed for the builder s use by the working tools of our Craft. Appling these same principles to ourselves we too can be transformed. As the builder places his mark upon the stone, we too place our mark on our work, not physically, but figuratively. Our mark is our character, that outward projection to the world that demonstrates that we too have been shaped by the tools of the Fraternity. The words Family, Tradition and Values framing the Keystone remind us that this is how we live our Masonry. The family is the foundation of our society, where values are taught and traditions passed down. Our families provide a setting for much of the growth we experience in life. In our families we love, serve, teach, and learn from each other. We share our joys and our sorrows. Family ties may bring us difficult challenges, but they also give us strength and some of our greatest happiness. As Royal Arch Masons, we not only have our traditional family, but also our Masonic family, in which we are also able to learn and grow. Both are important to our spiritual well being and form the building blocks of our character. Values define our core beliefs, a set of guidelines that cause us to act in a particular manner. They are not situational or convenient; they are the boundaries of our actions. Although many may think this to be a bit out dated, I find it to hold me in good stead in a world increasingly more and more divided by political and religious differences, and what appears to be a lack of direction. I believe it is important to have a set of values that will help you maintain a steady course. Masonry, both Blue Lodge and Royal Arch, is rich in tradition and we will work to ensure our Companions have the opportunity to discover this rich history. It is important that we understand and pass this on. The new Companion coming into the Chapter for the first time is much more educated about Masonry than many of us were when we started, but will be seeking answers from us. By being able to explain our ritual and traditions, they will find that the Royal Arch Masonry is as relevant today as it was a century ago. The Past Grand High Priests that have gone before me have given us a solid foundation to build on and we will continue in that vein as we improve the Royal Arch experience, build our arch and set our own keystone. Richard D. Baskin, KYGCH 162 nd Grand High Priest Page 2 of 18

3 RITUAL STAFF DEVELOPMENTS By Phil Hardiman, Grand Lecturer Emeritus We are instituting a new structure for Ritual Staff this year, by compressing the seven Departments into three Regions: the South, Central and North, each Region being directed by a Deputy Grand Lecturer. Each DGL will have an Inspector-at-Large (IAL) assigned to him, for purposes described below. The remaining Districts and Inspectors will remain in place, for the most part, with only a few changes for the Capitular Year, necessitated by moves, reassignments and/or resignations. A separate IAL under the direction of the Grand Lecturer will be responsible in part for maintaining the Ritual Book, developing new methods for making ritual material available to Ritual Teams and their members, and enhancing the Audit Guide particularly by adding to it a function for performing a Desk Audit. The new Ritual Staff is composed as follows: Name Chapters Title Steven R. Goad All GL Tom Krummell IAL Tom McClellan DGL Scott Husmann IAL Mark Rose 22, 45, 102, 117 INSP D. Rene Bassett 30, 35, 43 INSP George Durfee 52 INSP Dave Sokol 9, 40 INSP Oliver Martinez 13, 42 INSP Harvey Holcomb 6, 11, 27 INSP Rich Wilson 3, 46 INSP Ken Edwards DGL Joseph Dongo IAL Martin Maxey 14, 59 INSP Michael Patterson 31, 36, 66 INSP Rod Creason 1, 93, 95 INSP Bill Ellison 163 INSP Dan Sissel 2, 28, 49 INSP Bob Ludy 74, 75, 153, 162 INSP Ray Broomfield DGL Robert Bettencourt IAL Christian Marano 50, 51, 62, 86 INSP Bruce Hudson 57, 97, 135 INSP Duane Nead 33, 73, 84 INSP Gary Iverson 91, 100, 157 INSP Casey Latham 56, 127 INSP Lee Whelan 67, 76, 77 INSP David Rathgeber 130, 155, 61 INSP Each IAL will serve as an understudy for the DGL, subbing in for him when needed. His principal duties will be, under the direction of the DGL, to coordinate with Inspectors and Chapters for purposes of certain administrative, audit, and ritual purposes. These duties will be clarified at the three separate SOIs, planned for later this year. In brief, the administrative duties will encompass providing training, with and through the Inspectors, to Chapter Officers, especially Secretaries, for purposes of improving the timeliness of payments to Grand Chapter, reporting of Elections, non-election, and monthly membership reports. Inspectors will still retain their powers and duties as described in the Constitution (ARTICLE XVII Inspectors - Powers - Duties 61and 62), to be assisted by the DGL and/or IAL as determined appropriate by the Grand Lecturer or the DGL. Page 3 of 18 CHAPTER RITUAL RESOLUTIONS By Phil Hardiman, Grand Lecturer Emeritus As you probably know by now, of the five Ritual Resolutions considered last week, only the new Grand Lecturer s medal passed. See the initial group of awardees in the Grand Chapter Results below. Perhaps the members of Grand Chapter are not ready for changes to Degree content. This is understandable, of course, and may the majority, or significant minority in some cases, prevail. But it is indeed unfortunate as there is no natural nor reasonable argument that Degrees never be changed. After all, we are proud to claim that our Work extends back through TIME IMMEMORIAL. It is certainly true that we do not work to transform individuals in the same

4 way or use the same verbiage as the ancient mysteries did, from which we claim our heritage. Nor do we work in the same fashion with the same verbiage that our forefathers of a few hundred years ago did. So there have been changes that is to say, improvements, over the decades. The changes proposed would bring us closer in some cases to General Grand Chapter ritual which means only that they are not far-fetched. Of critical importance, of course, is the question: Will changes that are contemplated actually improve the IMPACT the degrees have on the candidates? Do they improve MEANING? If the recent Resolutions did, in fact, improve meaning and impact, then why were they rejected? Was it due to the additional 3 minutes of time required to complete all four Degrees? Or the additional effort on the part of team members? Time and effort are certainly reasonable considerations, and changes are always a balancing act. The Grand Lecturer usually allows a period of adjustment for changes of this sort. Nonetheless, without going into great detail, allow me to suggest that the following changes would have made important additions to the meaning, impact and understanding for our candidates: 1) Adding SW and JW charges to the PM degree, emphasizing the importance of selfgovernment; 2) Changing the Psalm used in the MEM degree to Psalm 122, emphasizing the scriptural basis for our use of the word Companion; and 3) Adding a description of the RAM working tools only helps with the effect of the Degree, and understanding of the symbolism. Please consider these matters carefully, for future purposes. GRAND CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIPS For info about Scholarships, go to the following website: rch/rara.html If you have the resources, please consider making a significant donation on behalf of our Masonic Youth. Send any excess cash (!) to the Grand Chapter Scholarship Program at E. Artesia Blvd, #13, Artesia, CA Remember that all donations to the Scholarship Program are Tax Deductible, so keep this in mind as you plan your annual giving and when you pay your dues. THE MAGIC FLUTE Mozart s Masonic Opera, and arguably the greatest opera of all time, is the feature program on Saturday Night at the Opera, broadcast on FM 88.9 out of Sacramento State University. The host is Sean Bianco, and he always provides lively and interesting commentary on each Act. If you can make the technology work, try live streaming the performance (audio only) at at 8:00 pm. If you have never heard this Opera, you will be enchanted by the music from start to finish! INFORMATION ON RECEPTIONS, FESTIVALS & DEGREES At the very end of this Newsletter you will find copies of flyers for some of the remaining activities throughout the year some, but not all, Receptions as well as Degree conferrals, whether individual or part of a Festival. For other events not included here, refer to the Grand High Priest Calendar summarized below, or with full details, at the Grand York Rite website. Page 4 of 18

5 COMPTCHE OUTDOOR DEGREES Please see the 2-page flyer appended to this newsletter for this outdoor festival on June 25 th. Time is short to let Guy Chalmers know about your meal needs and the candidates you are bringing. COLORADO RIVER FALL FESTIVAL The 2016 dates for this major event are Oct 16 through the 18 th. There is a Ladies Program, arranged by our own Sandra Coe. See the flyer at the end of this newsletter. Go to to register. The deadline is Oct 1 st. THE CLOTHES LINE A line of Jackets for our York Rite bodies continues to be available at MP. ENTERPRISES. The price for red and blue is great -- $75.00 plus tax and shipping, for sizes 34 to 49 in short, regular and tall; and $87.00 plus tax and shipping for sizes 50 to 60, also in short, regular, and tall. Purple Jackets are little more expensive at $95.00 for the smaller and $ for the larger. Also available are Men s and ladies vests, tuxedos and shirts, pins, patches, and flags, and OES T-Shirts. Contact Max Luy at (510) ; or at his website: or directly to his at maxluy@hotmail.com. ENCOMPASSER The April 2016 edition of the Encompasser has been mailed and is now on the website. Go to and click on The Encompasser on the left hand toolbar. You can help us control cost by letting us know you are willing to take the Encompasser by only. GRAND CHAPTER RESULTS The first two pages appended below show the result of the Grand Chapter Convocation on May 23 rd. GRAND HIGH PRIEST S CALENDAR MAY 2016 DEC 2016 Date Event Location June 1 Scottish Rite San Diego June 2 Red Cross San Diego June 4 Scottish Rite -- San Diego Philippines Independence Celebration June 5 AMD Ikopah San Diego June 7 Stated Mtg # 626 Chula Vista June 9 3-Way Reception Bellflower June 11 KYCH San Diego June 12- Grand Sessions Nevada 14 June 18 3-Way Reception Ventura June 22 Grand Bethel Visalia 24 July 2 Ice Cream Social San Luis Obispo July 3 4-Way Reception Van Nuys July 4 Parade and BBQ Newhall July 6 Scottish Rite San Diego July 7 Red Cross San Diego July 8 Red Cross Albuquerque, 10 July 15 Regional Sessions Al Bahr Shrine honors the Scottish Rite New Mexico San Diego July 23 GHP OV Kernville July 24 3-Way Reception Salinas July York Rite Sovereign College Vancouver, Canada Page 5 of 18

6 Grand Assembly Aug 3 Scottish Rite San Diego Aug 4 Red Cross San Diego Aug 5 3-Way Reception Fairfield Aug 6 3-Way Reception Alameda Aug 7 3-Way Reception South San Francisco Aug 10 Grand Sessions Arizona 12 Aug 13 Personal Day San Diego 15 Aug 19 3-Way Reception Eureka Aug 20 3-Way Reception Yuba City Aug 25 Chapter Meeting San Diego Sep 1 Red Cross San Diego Sep 6 Stated Mtg # 626 Chula Vista Sep 7 Scottish Rite San Diego Sep 10 Grand Master s San Diego Reception, Scottish Rite Sep 11 AMD Ikopah San Diego Sep 17 RAM Festival Escondido Sep 22 Chapter Meeting San Diego Oct 4 Stated Mtg # 626 Chula Vista Oct 5 Scottish Rite San Diego Oct 6 Red Cross San Diego Oct 9 3-Way Reception Santa Monica Oct 16 Colorado River Laughlin, NV 18 Fall Festival Oct 21- Scottish Rite Fall San Diego 22 Reunion Oct 27 CA Grand Lodge San Francisco 30 Oct Southwest Regional Conf Las Vegas, Nevada Nov 2 Scottish Rite San Diego Nov 3 Red Cross San Diego Nov 7 3-Way Reception Petaluma Nov 12 SRICF California San Diego College Nov 19 3-Way Reception Victorville Nov 24 THANKSGIVING U. S. A. Dec 1 Red Cross San Diego Dec 4 AMD Ikopah San Diego Dec 6 Stated Mtg # 626 Chula Vista Dec 7 Scottish Rite San Diego Dec 25 CHRISTMAS Everywhere Dec 31 NEW YEAR S EVE U. S. A. GRAND CHAPTER CONTACT INFORMATION Grand High Priest: Richard D. Baskin, KYGCH (619) (C) rbkasin@cox.net Grand Secretary: Ken Hope E. Artesia Blvd, #13 Artesia, CA (562) (W) (562) (C) sec-rec@californiayorkrite.org Editor: Website: Phil Hardiman, KYGCH 2713 Hoffman Woods Lane Carmichael, CA (916) (C) philipandnancy@aol.com GOLDEN STATE CHAPTER OF RESEARCH Website: GRAND SESSIONS, FORMS & SCHEDULES Website: Page 6 of 18

7 Attention Royal Arch Masons in California! HELP YOUR BROTHER MAKE HIS MARK!!! To introduce Master Masons to the Degrees of the Chapter, our Grand Chapter has authorized the conferral of the Mark Master Degree to interested Brethren without fee. A petition to the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons is still required, to take advantage of this opportunity. Keystone Classes are being planned for this program now, for group conferrals of the Mark Master Degree throughout the state in the Fall of This is where YOU come in. Please talk with that Brother you would like to recommend to your Chapter, and tell him of this opportunity to sample the further degrees of the York Rite. To help you explain this opportunity to your Lodge Brethren, the following new materials are available to you: A new Petition for this introductory Mark Master Degree. A brochure inviting a Brother to explore the Chapter Degrees. You can print these new materials from the Grand Chapter website, at Or you can ask any Chapter Secretary, District Inspector, or Grand Chapter Officer for copies of these new materials. Be sure to explain the advantages of this opportunity to your Lodge Brothers: The Mark Master Degree expands and extends the Craft Degrees, shedding further Light on what it means to be a Mason. Further Degrees in the Chapter are entirely optional. This is an opportunity to share Masonic fellowship with members of other Lodges in the local community. No proof of proficiency is required to advance in Degrees. -- Companions, please talk with your Blue Lodge Brethren today!! -- Page 7 of 18

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