Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of California Steven R. Goad, GHP

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1 THE WORKMAN Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of California Steven R. Goad, GHP November 2015 Vol. VII No. 6 GHP MESSAGE: 1 MARK MASTER AT GRAND LODGE 3 DAVID SHULL, RIP 4 LEADERSHIP TRAINING 5 GRAND CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIPS 5 OPERATIONS & TRAINING MANUAL 5 RECEPTIONS, FESTIVALS & DEGREES 6 THE CLOTHES LINE 6 THE ENCOMPASSER 6 GRAND HIGH PRIEST S CALENDAR 6 CONTACT INFORMATION 7 NOR CAL YR ASSOC CONFERRALS 8 SEBASTOPOL 3-WAY RECEPTION 9 MAKE YOUR MARK! 10 LEADERSHIP SEMINERS 11 STAR AND COMPASS TRAVEL 12 Grand High Priest s Message Dear Companions: This month, as promised, I want to continue the discussion of the symbolism behind the GHP pin: Page 1 of 12

2 One of the most ancient documents in Free Masonry states: Masonry is a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols In this manner we can discuss those ineffable subjects that otherwise could not be addressed in words. The Point within a Circle (i.e. the Circumpunct) refers to the relation in which the creature, i.e. us, stands to his Creator, i.e. God. As all parts of the circumference of the circle are equally near to its center, so are we as the point in the center equally near to God. The golden circle of light represents the circle of perfection in ancient craft Masonry which touches the deity (represented by the equilateral triangle) at the three essential attributes that manifest God as known to us, i.e. Omniscience, Omnipotence and Omnipresence, which are each represented here as the triple Tau s oriented towards the East, West and South with our own embodiment as the point in the center of the triangle and the Tau s (deity) and the circle (the perfection of light in Masonry). With the North as our guide star to life, we observe the motto of Royal Arch Masonry running from east to west as we move from the terrestrial world we know as the east, west and south stations of the Lodge below, to the eternal peace and rest from our labors in the north (i.e. the entrance to the place of wages, refreshment and rest). I want to thank all of the Royal Arch Masons who attended gatherings with us in October at Grand Lodge in San Francisco on the 9 th where we re-established the Grand High Priest Chapter Under Dispensation and conferred the Mark Master Mason Degree on 37 candidates! Many thanks to the cast and to EC Ray Broomfield who sorted through all the applications and kept it all straight as Secretary Pro Tem! I wonder if the candidates were aware that the Grand King and Scribe of CA were their conductors (I certainly was!)? Also many well deserved thanks to EC Lee Routt and all those Companions and SKs that manned the booth during Grand Lodge! There was an outstanding reception in Sacramento on the 11 th (thanks for a great dinner and venue) and a truly memorable 25 th Anniversary of the Colorado River Fall Festival in Laughlin NV. We had a terrific RA Table Chapter Dinner in Van Nuys with Signet 57 on the evening of the 23 rd under the leadership of EHP Eric Bertolli which raised $ for the DeBarrows-Wohlfarth scholarship fund (many thanks for a fun evening)! Finally, we attended the SW York Rite Conference in Las Vegas at the end of the month which enabled us to renew our connection with our friends in the neighboring jurisdictions of Western CA (aka HI), Eastern CA (aka AZ), Far Eastern CA (aka NM), Northeastern CA (aka NV) and Far Northeastern CA (aka UT). We are truly One, eh?! November will be another memorable month for the Royal Arch Masons of California! We will be celebrating the centennial of Sebastopol Chapter 117 on the 12 th at a reception as well as a reception in Santa Monica on the 15 th and in Orange County on the 23 rd! We will be attending the 14 th World Conference of Grand Masters (to watch and learn) in San Francisco from as well. Finally, it is truly a time to give thanks this month for all the blessings that we enjoy as Masons in CA! Please keep our Grand Marshal of the North, Excellent Companion Jerry Miller, in your thoughts and prayers as he continues to recover from his illness. His address is: jm42@sonic.net. Go Jerry! OBTW, the challenge coins are all but gone and with all of the contributions going directly to the Scholarship fund (i.e. the DeBarrows-Wohlfarth Scholarship fund) to fund this year's scholarship recipients we won t have to touch the corpus this year! Remember, like all true challenge coins; don't get caught in a CA Royal Arch Masonic venue without one or the first round is on you! A pre-emptive $20 contribution to the scholarship fund on your part will prevent any embarrassment! Until next time - Go Big Red! STEVEN R. GOAD 161 st Grand High Priest Page 2 of 12

3 MARK MASTER AT GRAND LODGE The Russ Charvonia Mark Master Class of 37 candidates received the Mark Master Degree on Friday, October 9 th, of the latest Annual Communication of Grand Lodge. Many thanks to Most Worshipful Russ for allowing the Grand Chapter to use the stage, furniture and paraphernalia of Grand Lodge to accomplish this historic event. In addition to M. W. Russ, our Thanks go out to Jennifer Banta, Dick Gentshcel and William Boschin for their assistance! And to many others especially Companions Tom Chavez and Jim Toy for making the Mark paraphernalia from California Chapter #1 available for our use. Rt. Wor. Master EC Bob Morrison Sr. Warden REC Phil Hardiman Jr. Warden EC Tony Yuson Sr. Deacon MW Ken Nagel Jr. Deacon EC Michael Patterson Master Overseer MEC Steve Goad Sr. Overseer EC Joseph Dongo Jr. Overseer EC Richard Wilson Chaplain EC David Sokol Marshall EC Peter Eiserloh Secretary EC Ray Broomfield Treasurer EC David Sokol Preview EC Scott Husmann Charge EC David Rathgeber Prompter EC David Sokol Class Captain REC Rick Baskin Class Captain REC Dennis Dyer Your Grand Officers and Ritual Staff comported themselves well! Already at least one member of this distinctive class has petitioned Sacramento Chapter #3 for the remaining Chapter Degrees! The conferral was superb, with not one prompt needed E. C. Bob Morrison was flawless in the East as Right Worshipful Master; our own GHP, M. E. C. Steve Goad, showed how the Overseer role is perfectly performed; and M. W. Ken Nagel made the taxing role of Senior Deacon look easy! Here is complete cast, all working from memory with absolutely no prompting needed! This Class of 37 will be an important segment of our growth in the coming years which emphasizes the importance that every Chapter be able to field a Mark Master team. Therein lies the reason that the new Dais Officers in each Chapter in 2016 will be asked to commit to put a team together, hold practices, as needed, and schedule a conferral. They must also visit Blue Lodges and market the Mark Master Degree. The growth curve of the York Rite depends upon it! Page 3 of 12

4 DAVID SHULL, RIP Years and 5 Months and 6 Days. MIPGM Bob Whitfield offers the following remembrance: On November 14th, we will say goodbye to our friend and Brother at a memorial service to be conducted at Orinda Lodge, 9 Altarinda Rd, Orinda, CA 94563, at 6:00 pm. Reception to follow. Please R.S.V.P. to Marion Rogers at marion.rogers@comcast.net or Still working in the vineyards at a penny a day, over 97 years of age, when lesser mortals have retired at 25 years his junior! Re-appointed in 2009 as Chairman of the Credentials Committee at Grand Sessions, in which post he had served years before and years hence. Born on April 1, 1918 (no kidding!), he received the Hiram Award from Acalanes Fellowship Lodge No. 480 in 1990, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grand York Rite in He sports that medallion in the picture above. In the picture below, taken in 2009, he appears between a future GHP and the then presiding GHP, apparently smaller than either. In the last few years I would often pick up David at his home. He was in his 90 s and most of us knew he should not be driving, even if he still held his driving license. As we would travel to some event, he would laugh and remind me that he was an April Fools Baby referring to his birth date. Like many, the time I spent with David was memorable. He was a fascinating person through his character and deeds. His principles were like granite. His body may have been failing but his mind was sharp as a tack. He was constantly at his computer and refused to give in to Father Time. At around 95, he finally started to express I think it s time for me to give up some of my positions and let someone younger take over. That was his exact statement. Still he would not quit until the right person was found, and only then after he turned everything over and trained him. His presence could always be counted upon all the way to the very end. He would just show up in the most distant places even when it might be totally unexpected. If you didn t pick him up, he would get in his car and drive there. He stopped driving at 96. In the early years, he accepted the leadership roles of many Masonic Bodies. In later years, he was most recognized as the longtime Treasurer or Secretary/Recorder of everything. His dedication was remarkable. He served in many capacities simply because he was needed at some point, and then remained completely committed over But then appearances are deceiving, are they succeeding years. Some of us might remember not!?! We have truly lost a giant amongst our him for his years of service as an Assistant Tiler numbers just last month, September 7th, 97 of Grand Lodge at the stairway during Annual Page 4 of 12

5 Communication. He also volunteered to become the Recorder of San Francisco Priory early on, foregoing an opportunity in the Line, and then held the position for over 3 decades. He knew everyone and vice versa. David unquestionably donated his time but, when needed, he also lent his financial support. Toward the end, he would unexpectedly drop off checks to his Chapter and his Lodge. He would tell me I want to see what they do with my money before I die. David was generous. He simply gave because he wanted to. Masonry was a deep part of his life. All of the above is the very tip of who Brother David Shull was. I will not even go into the immense love he held for his late wife and 3 daughters. His daughters will be at the service in November. They want to hear the stories. You need to come and let them know about the footprint this man left behind. Now that you have heard a very small part of his life, you might appreciate why Award #1 - The Grand York Rite Lifetime Masonic Achievement Award was presented to this amazing role model. It will be on display. It is hoped you will attend. LEADERSHIP SEMINARS 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. OPERATIONS & TRAINING MANUAL For decades, we have all clamored for a single document that gives us what we need to effectively run our organizations. General Grand Chapter has now produced the Manual which meets this need for Chapters and each Chapter should acquire at least one copy for use by its Dais Officers. Councils and Commanderies can benefit from this production as well. Although it is oriented to the Chapter needs, and contains some info specific to the capitular ritual, it does contain the following chapters, which will be found to be useful by all bodies: Two more seminars are currently available for this York Rite Year one in Van Nuys on Jan 230 th, and another in San Jose on February 20 th. See flyer at the end of this newsletter for more details. RSVP to Bud Ramsey at or to budsusanr@att.net, is a must! GRAND CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIPS For info about Scholarships, go to the following website: rara.html Page 5 of 12 A. The Art and Science of Leadership B. Officer Selection & Development C. Protocols and Governance D. Membership Management E. Presentation and Education F. Dues, Fees and Budgets G. Communications and Public Relations H. Strategic Planning and Development This new Manual is well worth the cost of $ It can be ordered from the General Grand Chapter as follows: By writing to General Grand Chapter RAM, PO Box 128, Greenfield, IN 46140; or via at: ramintl@sbcglobal.net

6 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. 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 October 2015 edition of the Encompasser has been mailed and is now on the website. Go to and click on The Encompasser on the left hand Page 6 of 12 toolbar. You can help us control cost by letting us know you are willing to take the Encompasser by only. GRAND HIGH PRIEST S CALENDAR NOV 2015 MAY 2016 Date Event Location Nov 7 Commandery Ventura Orders Nov 12 3-Way Reception Sebastopol Nov 15 3-Way Reception Santa Monica Nov 19 - World Conference, San Francisco 22 Grand Masters Nov Thanksgiving Holiday Dec 5 AVAILABLE FOR RECEPTION Dec 12 LA9 Masonic Pasadena Symosium Dec 19 Christmas Holiday 30 Dec 31 New Years Holiday Jan 3 Jan 9 3-Way Installation Ventura Jan 16 2-Way Installation Van Nuys Jan 23 GGYRC Reception Rosemead Jan 30 York Rite Van Nuys Leadership Conference Feb 6 Potentate s Ball Al LAX Hilton Malikah Feb 13 2-Way Reception Whittier Feb 20-3-Way Reception Long Beach 22 Feb 27 PM Association Pasadena Dinner Mar 12 Officers Bakersfield 13 Conference Mar 19 RAM Festival Van Nuys Mar 26 3-Way Reception Stockton Apr Grand Sessions New Mexico May Grand Sessions Bakersfield

7 GRAND CHAPTER CONTACT INFORMATION Grand High Priest: Steven R. Goad, KYGCH 2300 Diamond Head Way Oxnard, CA (760) (C) (760) (W) Weds-Fri (805) (W) Mon-Tues Grand Secretary: Ken Hope E. Artesia Blvd, #13 Artesia, CA (562) (W) (562) (C) Editor: Website: Phil Hardiman, KYGCH 2713 Hoffman Woods Lane Carmichael, CA (916) (C) GOLDEN STATE CHAPTER OF RESEARCH Website: GRAND SESSIONS, FORMS & SCHEDULES Website: Page 7 of 12

8 Northern California York Rite Association 2015 York Rite Festival Red Bluff Masonic Temple 822 Main St Red Bluff CA CHAPTER DEGREES Friday August 14 th :00 PM Mark Master and Past Master Degrees Saturday August 15 th :00 AM Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch Degrees Lunch 12:00 PM Saturday: Cost $10.00 Menu; Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Beverage COUNCIL DEGREES Saturday August 15 th :00 PM Royal Master and Select Master Degrees Candidate Fee $15.00 (Includes both Chapter and Council Degrees) Commandery Orders Saturday, November 7, :00 AM Red Cross, Full Form Malta, Order of the Temple Candidate Fee $10.00 Lunch served between Malta and The Order of the Temple: Cost $10.00 Menu: Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Beans, Beverage Information Contact Person: David Sokol (530) Reservations: Robert Morrison (530) Please make checks payable to: Red Bluff Chapter #40 RAM Page 8 of 12

9 5 th Royal Arch District, Department 1A Petaluma Chapter #22 / Santa Rosa Chapter #45 / Marin Chapter #102 / Sebastopol Chapter #117 Redwood Empire Council #46 Cryptic Masons, Santa Rosa Commandery #14 Knights Templar Invite you to attend a Grand York Rite Reception and 100-Year Anniversary for #117 Steven R. Goad. Most Excellent Grand High Priest Brett A. MacDonald. Most Illustrious Grand Master Fenton R. Mereness. Right Eminent Grand Commander Thursday, November 12, 2015 Sebastopol Masonic Lodge 373 N. Main St., Sebastopol, California Social Hour at 6:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM Program to follow Please make your reservation with Bob Mengelberg, bobwrm@aol.com Cost for dinner is $ 15 Checks Payable to Sebastopol Chapter #117 RAM RSVP NO LATER THAN November 5, 2015 Page 9 of 12

10 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 10 of 12

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