Hiram Words. ON PAGE 3 Most Excellent Grand High Priest s Message. ON PAGE 6 History in the Making. ON PAGE 16 Royal Arch Masons Charitable Foundation

Transcription

1 The Offical Publication of the Grand Chapter of Illinois Volume XIV, Issue 2 Hiram Words ON PAGE 3 Most Excellent Grand High Priest s Message ON PAGE 6 History in the Making ON PAGE 16 Royal Arch Masons Charitable Foundation

2 Grand Officers Most Excellent Grand High Priest Alan M. Hubble Right Excellent Deputy Grand High Priest William J. Bill Hussey Right Excellent Grand King Sean P. McBride Right Excellent Grand Scribe Patrick B. Pat Jones Right Excellent Grand Treasurer Mark Donnell Right Excellent Grand Secretary Richard E. Dick Yena, MEPGHP Excellent Assistant Grand Secretary Dale L. Corrice Excellent Grand Captain of the Host James M. Jim Tome Excellent Grand Principal Sojourner Jerald H. Starks Excellent Grand Royal Arch Captain Dean Clark, Sr. Excellent Grand Webmaster & Hiram Words Editor Timothy J. Tim Ward Contact If you have any questions about one of our publications, please us at In this issue 3 Most Excellent Grand High Priest s Message by Companion Alan M. Hubble, MEGHP 4 Keystone Quest Chapters advance to Keystone Quest 2014 Round #2 by Companion Paul Scheeler, PHP 5 Evanston Commandery Christmas Libations by Companion John Brandenburg 6 Degree Work Royal Arch Degree at Logan Chapter #196 by Companion Sean McBride, REGK 7 Membership by Companion Bill Hussey, REDGHP 8 History in the Making by Companion Sean McBride, REGK 10 Joint Missouri-Illinois Chapter Day by Companion Alan M. Hubble, MEGHP. Photos by Companion Steve Walker 12 Grand Chapter Pillar 3 Letter by Grand Chapter Pillar 3 Team 13 Grand Chapter Pillar 3 Letter - cont 14 Can I Attend? A question of protocols when multiple bodies open by Companion Randy Vawter, DDGHP 4E 15 Can I Attend - cont 16 Royal Arch Masons Charitable Foundation by Companion Mark Donnell, REGT 17 Royal Arch Masons Charitable Foundation - cont 18 Historic Chapter artifact now flying with Capitular Pilot by Companion Paul Scheeler, PHP 19 From the Editor by Companion Tim Ward, EGW, Editor Hiram Words 19 Pigpen Decryption Contest 2

3 Most Excellent Grand High Priest s Message by Companion Alan M. Hubble, MEGHP Go Big Red! No...I haven t lost my marbles. We have some Chapters pulsating with activity, while some Chapters are a tad quiet. Spring is just around the corner, a great time of year for planning for growth. Let s refocus our efforts on gaining somme potentially lost momentum by increasing the level of our activities. The Pillar 3 Team has sent out monthly newsletters with ideas for improving the quality of your Chapter meetings. Some time in the month of March, I would like all our Chapters to ask your members to review all past newsletters which are archived on on our Grand Chapter website. Then, at your April meeting, make a list of the activities you plan to do between now and Grand Sessions. Activities could include: Visiting another Chapter Inviting another Chapter to visit you Having a Table Chapter Ask someone to prepare a piece of Masonic/Royal Arch eduction Invite a special speaker from outside your Chapter; if not a RAM, go to Refreshment Hold a fundraising event Plan a special dinner for a coming Chapter meeting What about a family picnic...invite your local Blue Lodge members to attend Get tickets for a local sporting event or local event Hold a Masonic Pride month where you wear Masonic logo items in public As a Chapter, offer to help out at a local charitable activity (wear your logo clothing). How about a sports trivia contest...one side of the room vs. the other; you can get questions on-line; wear regalia from your favorite sports team to Chapter (you don t need a dispensation) Situation: How many Chapters in Illinois open in conjunction with one or both other York Rite bodies? Secondly, how many of those joint meetings still only last an hour? I can t help but think that if we are making progress, we should have enough to do, discuss and plan (in additioni ding minutes/communications like this note, paying bills) that should take at least an hour per month for each YR body (3 total hours per month). If the above sounds familiar, then let this be a wake-up call. Have a dinner before a meeting, or at least good snacks after the meeting. Then, get some activities on your tressel board. Masonry is an active sport, Time to get back in the game!! Fratnerally, Alan M. Hubble, MEGHP 3

4 Keystone Quest Chapters advance to Keystone Quest 2014 Round #2 by Companion Paul Scheeler, PHP Many Chapters posted excellent scores and times in the first round of the Keystone Quest, with all those advancing to the second round listed in the accompanying table. Average score was 85 and average time was 7:43. The fastest time was 3:08 posted by Warren Chapter No. 30, last year s state champion. Capitular Champion certificates have been mailed to the top 27 Chapters with second round packets, to the secretary s mailing address on file with the Grand Secretary. Completed materials must be postmarked no later than April 30 to be eligible for advancement to the third round at Grand Convocation as one of three Omnific Champions. Questions are taken from the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry and Its Kindred Sciences by Albert G. Mackey, M.D., 33, MEPGHP, on hand in many temples and online at The second round features entries under the letter U. Chapters participating in the first round qualify for one requirement in the Arch of Excellence program. Any Companions present including visitors may participate at the discretion of the High Priest, and a quorum is not required. For more information, visit the Keystone Quest page of the Grand Chapter website, or contact Paul Scheeler, Keystone Quest Chairman; keystonequest@msn.com. 4 Keystone Quest 2014 Round #1 Results No. District Score Time Days 2 1S 100 6: W 100 5: W 50 5: W 100 5: W 90 3: E 100 6: N 90 3: E 90 11: E 80 6: N : E 65 14: W 70 4: W 50 7: E 80 9: S 75 7: N 90 5: S 80 6: N 50 12: S 90 9: S 100 8: S 75 17: N 100 5: E 80 7: S 75 7: E 65 4: W 100 7:30 n/a 253 1S 85 11:00 1

5 Evanston Commandery Christmas Libations by Companion John Brandenburg Evanston Commandery No. 58 Knights Templar had its Annual Christmas Libations on December 14th 2013 at the Evanston Masonic Temple. Most Excellent Grand High Priest Alan M. Hubble was in attendance with fourteen members and guests. A nice lunch followed the event and all went away happy. Pictured: Left to Right Most Excellent Grand High Priest Allan M.. Hubble Supreme Worthy Shepherdess Jane Hanson Right Excellent Grand Commander Kenneth Smith Excellent Commander Frank H. Welter, Sr. of Evanston Commandery No. K.T. Excellent High Priest William Wojtas of Evanston Chapter No. 144 R.A.M. 5

6 Degree Work Royal Arch Degree at Logan Chapter #196 by Companion Sean McBride, REGK Below is a picture taken after the conclusion of the Royal Arch Degree at Logan Chapter #196 in Oak Lawn on February 28. A total of 13 candidates from Logan Chapter #196, Fox River Chapter #14 and Aurora Chapter #22 were Exalted to the august degree of the Holy Royal Arch. 6

7 Membership by Companion Bill Hussey, REDGHP Membership should be one of our greatest concerns. Not only getting new members but keeping them. Are you replacing yourself? Is your Chapter or York Rite doing enough during the year to entice new members? Are you just reading the Minutes? Are you doing educational programs? We all face membership problems, but are we trying? As our membership continues to get older we MUST change our outlook on our future. Your Grand Chapter has been working on several different things to help with membership, but we need your help also. There are several Chapters that can t do their own work. Fine, that s how my Chapter was. A few years ago some of our veteran members decided to hold a York Rite Day in Olney. There were 15 new members helped on their journey that day. Not all were Olney members, but it helped out other York Rite bodies also. Those new members brought in other new members who brought in others. If your Chapter can t do the work, have you called any Grand Officers for help? We are all willing to travel to help with York Rite Days!!! The Grand Chapter has had several multi-state Chapter Days. On April 19th we will be doing a Chapter Day in a Rock Quarry near Danville, Illinois. Bring a candidate!! Another problem we have been working on this past year is communication to our Chapters. I know monthly letters have been sent out, and or s to all the secretaries in the state. We are providing information like never before. Are your secretaries passing the information on to the membership? We also have our web site and Facebook page that will benefit our members and Chapters. We need to promote ourselves to the public. Just about every town has a parade, a fall festival or a community project during the year. Get out be seen and talk Masonry. I know several of the top Chapters/York Rite Bodies do these things because I see the pictures. The younger guys want education and to be active. Be a mentor to them. Our older, positive members can be a great asset in this. Sharing your stories of how you felt, getting through the rocky road and across the river to receive the word. We have had family picnics. The young and old members bringing their families together and enjoying the day. To me those are always fun. At least be proud enough of your membership in our fraternity to try something anything. The closing of a Chapter, because there were only 5 living members left, is a sad event to have. Be part of the solution and Topline a PETITION. 7

8 History in the Making by Companion Sean McBride, REGK On Saturday April 19, 2014, history will be made! For the first time ever in the State of Illinois, all four Capitular Degrees will be presented in an actual Rock Quarry, as the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Illinois presents the first ever Grand Chapter Quarry Day. The event will be held at Sand Valley, Sand & Gravel located at Lewis Road near Danville. The Quarry is a short drive from Interstate 74. The gates will open at 8:00am with coffee and donuts available. All candidates may register at that time. The Mark Master Degree will begin promptly at 9:00am, followed by presentations of the Past Master and Most Excellent Master Degrees by local Chapter s. A delicious lunch consisting of beef brisket, pulled pork and sides will be served at Noon for the price of $10.00 per person. Following lunch, the Grand Chapter will present the Holy Royal Arch Degree. Handi-cap accessible portable restrooms will be on-hand and shuttle cars will be available for any Companions that need to utilize them. A good deal of parking will be available, but since we are expecting a large turn-out for this event, please make an effort to car pool with other Companions to help conserve available parking spaces. Since we are in a Quarry, blue jeans and boots will be considered appropriate attire, but please consider wearing a polo or button up shirt to go with them. Some seating will be available, however you are strongly encouraged to bring a lawn chair. We are hoping for nice weather, but just in case Mother Nature is not friendly to us that day, the Danville Masonic Center located at 109 W. North Street is slated as an alternate location. Several candidates are already registered for the event. I encourage you to bring as many candidates as possible, as this will be a great opportunity for them to become a Royal Arch Mason in such a unique setting. From my personal experiences, this event has proved to be a great recruiting tool. If your Chapter has candidates for this event, please contact the candidate coordinator, 5th District East DDGHP, Companion John D. Jones via at jjones@ram-il.org via phone at (217)

9 It is important to make lunch reservations so the caterer can be sure to prepare enough food for your enjoyment. Make your lunch reservations by April 9 by contacting me via at McBrideSeanP@RAM-IL.org or via phone at (217) This is sure to be an exciting, fun filled, day that will not soon be forgotten! Join together with your Companions as we make history at The Grand Royal Arch Quarry Day. 9

10 Joint Missouri-Illinois Chapter Day by Companion Alan M. Hubble, MEGHP. Photos by Companion Steve Walker On March 22, 2014, the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Illinois was host to the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Missouri for our first ever Joint Missouri Illinois Chapter Day that was held at Granite City Chapter No We exalted 6 new Royal Arch Masons from Illinois and 1 new Royal Arch Mason from Missouri. This day was the culmination of 1 year of planning between the two Grand Chapters with help from Ted Harrison, General Grand High Priest and Jim Hodge, General Grand Scribe from the General Grand Chapter International. In attendance from the General Grand Chapter was Jim Hodge. As sick as he was, he didn t want to miss this historic occasion in which he and Ted played a part in bringing together. 10

11 Pictured left is Illinois Class Honoree, Charlie Watkins. Charlie has served the Royal Arch Chapter and every other Masonic group in the area for many years. We were most pleased to name this historic class in his honor. Representing the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Missouri were, MEC Roy Gilkey, GHP of Missouri (in black suit); REC Loren Lloyd, GS; VEC Dr. John Siscel, GCOH; VEC David Leirer, GM3V; VEC Jerry Miles, GRAC; and VEC Don Vandergriffe, GSen, seen here with MEC Alan Hubble, GHP of Illinois. In the picture to the right, VEC Jerry Miles, GRAC agreed to participate in the 7th Degree as M3V.he did a wonderful job in the role given he was unfamiliar with the ritual. Pictured left are officers of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Illinois. (L to R) EC Stuart Eberle, GM1V; EC Jerry Starks, GPS; EC Sean McBride, GK; EC Steve Hermansen, DDGHP; and EC Wayne Clark, DDGHP. In the larger group picture on the previous page were MEC Charles Hileman, MEPGHP; EC Randy Vawter, DDGHP. Thank you to the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Missouri. We hope this is the first of many exchanges across the Mississippi River between our two Grand Chapters. And finally, a million thanks to Stuart Eberle who worked tirelessly to organize, host a pre-event social, and manage the activities of the day, and to the Companions of Granite City and surrounding Chapters who were exemplary ambassadors of Illinois RAM to our distinguished guests. 11

12 Grand Chapter Pillar 3 Letter by Grand Chapter Pillar 3 Team This month, your Pillar 3 Team would like to address what makes a Master Mason want to become a member your Chapter? After all, it is said that men are Prompted to solicit the privileges of Masonry, by a favorable opinion conceived of the institution Can we also assume that Master Masons are prompted to solicit the privileges of Royal Arch Masonry, by a favorable opinion conceived of our Chapter s and individual Royal Arch Masons? How do we, as Royal Arch Masons inspire that favorable opinion of Capitular Masonry in our Brother Master Masons, who have yet to join the Royal Arch? We as Royal Arch Masons have the opportunity to demonstrate to our Brethren in Lodge that we are doing good are doing good things talk about our work with autism, the rich history and the important lessons of our degrees that build and expand upon the lessons we learned in the Symbolic Lodge, and the fun and fulfillment we get from participating in Royal Arch Masonry and expanding our network of friends, Brothers and Companions! But once a man becomes a Royal Arch Mason and begins attending his Chapter, what will he find? Royal Arch Masons in Illinois are doing a lot of great things right now, just a few of which include, our Royal Arch Masons Charitable Foundation, that is dedicated to providing needed financial assistance for autism research and treatment in children, and are providing many unique opportunities for our members to experience and enjoy, including the many interstate Chapter Days and the upcoming Quarry Degrees in April

13 Grand Chapter Pillar 3 Letter - cont Just as is the cases with our Lodges, new members, as well as most of our existing members are not interested in just coming to a meeting solely for the purpose of paying the bills, reading the communications, having a cup of coffee and a stale donut and calling it a night. They want more for the investment of their time and other resource s, whether it is further knowledge in Masonry, to participate in our rituals and ceremonies or to simply enjoy the fellowship of his Companions. Does your Chapter participate in any of the programs offered by your Grand Chapter? The Arch of Excellence and the Keystone Quest promote a wide variety of activities that will not only engage the members but provide feelings of purpose and achievement when utilized. What about some activities just for the purpose of promoting fellowship? Invite the members and their ladies to meet for dinner on a special evening to get acquainted with each other, or perhaps reacquainted. Plan to attend a sporting event or a theatrical production as a group. Plan some activities for charitable and benevolent causes. Consider the members of your Chapter volunteering to ring bells for the Salvation Army or help the Habitat for Humanity with a building project. Plan a visit to one of the Shriner s Hospitals for Children or send Christmas cards to residents of local nursing homes. If you can make your members enjoy being a member of your Chapter and actually look forward to attending meetings and participating in your activities, they will undoubtedly share those feelings with other Master Masons interested in becoming a member of your Chapter, and will hopefully bring back some of the members who have not attended for some time. And remember, what interests one individual may not necessarily appeal to the interests of all it is important to be open to new ideas, to new activities, to change! 13

14 Can I Attend? A question of protocols when multiple bodies open by Companion Randy Vawter, DDGHP 4E One of the most fun things we can do as Royal Arch Masons is to attend other Chapter events. I encourage all of you to do this. But recently a question was asked of me and I can not find an answer. I have asked many of you to give me your feed back and I have not received a response. So... I m going to try again. Here are a couple of scenario s. 1. A newly exalted Royal Arch Mason is invited to attend another chapter with the members of his chapter. When the chapter opens there is a short mention of other bodies also opening. This newly exalted Royal Arch Mason is not a member of the other body. He also has no intention of joining other York Rite bodies. He notices that all the members present and visitors present are wearing Royal Arch aprons. But he feels uncomfortable knowing that he is not a member of that other body which had opened as well. He enjoys the fellowship while attending the other chapter but has deep reservations about coming back or visiting any other chapter for fear of doing something wrong. Is he? 2. A newly exalted Royal Arch Mason is invited to attend another chapter. When he arrives at this other chapter he notices that the members are preparing to open under another body. He also notices that the members of this chapter are wearing Council aprons. What is he suppose to do? He is NOT a Council member. This chapter is short forming the Royal Arch body and announcing that the Chapter is also open. Should he leave? What should the membership of the Council do? Is this wrong? These are real live events that have occurred in the 4DE. In Scenario 2 the chapter that opened was suppose to open as a Royal Arch body. Or at least that s what the stated meeting time is that is posted in their by laws and on the web site. I bring this up for all of you to consider. A newly exalted Royal Arch Mason may very well be innocent of his actions. It is up to the High Priest or the TIM to handle this issue. Of course, I have my own thoughts. But I want to hear yours. 14

15 Can I Attend - cont I have reviewed our Grand Chapter bylaws. I do not see anyplace where we accept a short opening as a way of opening our Chapters. Nor is it in our ritual book. I am looking forward to your chapters response. There may be valid reasons why we feel obligated to open in these manners. However, no chapter that I am aware of is sanctioned to open like this. How do we fix this problem? Practically every chapter in this district opens jointly with other York Rite bodies. Are we excluding Royal Arch Masons from attending degree work, or other functions? There are a series of problems that I think you can understand. We all want to do the right thing. It brings up this whole issue of opening jointly in one evening. As I said earlier, there may be good reasons why we do this. Or, are there other reasons why opening like this is damaging? I have presented this issue to our MEGHP. I would love to hear discussion from around the state as well. Thank You. Randy L. Vawter DIstrict Deputy 4DE 15

16 Royal Arch Masons Charitable Foundation by Companion Mark Donnell, REGT Your Royal Arch Masons Charitable Foundation supports children and families with autism. Every year in the United States, one in 88 children, and one in 54 boys is diagnosed with autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), autism and asperger syndrome are terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Autism can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with autism excel in visual skills, music, math and art. Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. There is no cure for autism but early intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for these children and families. The cost of treatment is significant, in the tens of thousands of dollars a year. Several of your fellow companions of the Royal Arch of Illinois have children with autism. Under the direction of MEGHP Alan Hubble, the charity fund raising committee has designed five programs to support fund raising for the Royal Arch Masons Charitable Foundation. 1) Communication EG Captain of the Host Jim Tome designed our campaign theme: Autism, Part of the puzzle is missing. You. With the u in Autism outlined as though it is missing. A facebook page ( com/ramcharitablefoundation) and webpage ( have been set up. 2) Raffle We have distributed tickets for a 50/50 raffle to grand officers including district deputies and chapter secretaries to sell The funds raised will support the charity fund. The drawing will be at grand conclave. If you would like a ticket, please see a grand officer or your chapter secretary. Buy a ticket..ypu wil raise money in support of our families and have a chance at winning. Thank you and good luck! 16

17 Royal Arch Masons Charitable Foundation - cont 3) Red Envelope Campaign In conjunction with autism awareness month in April, all companions in Illinois will receive a letter discussing autism requesting a donation to the charity fund. This is our greatest opportunity to raise funds to support families with autistic children and I ask you personally to support the red envelope campaign generously. Thank you 4) Adopt a Patient Illinois Masonic Hospital in Chicago the leading autism treatment program in Illinois. At least one Royal Arch family has a child treated for autism at Illinois Masonic. The actual cost of treatment can be $65,000 a year and rarely covered by insurance. We will be distributing materials about specific patients at Illinois Masonic asking chapters or companions to adopt a patient at a cost of one dollar a day to help these families. 5) Walkathon Autism Speaks, the major national autism charity is hosting to fund raising walkathons at Soldier field in Chicago and New Trier West High School in Northfield in May. Royal Arch companions will assist at these walkathons providing station labor and distributing water. If you cannot help out financially, this is an opportunity to help with our campaign. If you would like to volunteer, please contact me. The need is great; the resources are few for families and children with autism. The time to act is now. We are asking for your help to help these children and families. Your fund raising committee thanks you for your generous support. RE Grand Treasurer Mark Donnell - mdonnell@comcast.net 17

18 Historic Chapter artifact now flying with Capitular Pilot by Companion Paul Scheeler, PHP A unique presentation was made at Euclid Chapter No. 13 in Naperville on March 11, 2014: an antique sterling silver Jewish half-shekel style key fob was presented to Companion Neville B. Diamond, Past High Priest and a pilot for Southwest Airlines, and currently Excellent Grand Master of the Second Veil for the Grand Chapter. As Captain Diamond flies out of Chicago Midway International Airport, it was only fitting that Companion Diamond be presented with a keepsake from an aeronautical Royal Arch Chapter that once was home to pilots flying out of that same airport, said Paul Scheeler, PHP of La Fayette Chapter No. 2 in Chicago. Neville is indeed a Masonic traveler hailing from South Africa and piloting aircraft all over the world so we hope this token of esteem will bring him good luck wherever he goes. Midway Chapter No. 256 was chartered October 27, 1921, on Chicago s southwest side, in the vicinity of what became Chicago Midway International Airport, originally named Chicago Air Park and later renamed for the famed 1942 Battle of Midway. The Chapter merged in 1946 into Chicago Chapter No. 127, which consolidated in 1958 with Auburn Park Chapter No. 201, and in 1967 with Normal Park Chapter No. 210, moving to Evergreen Park where it was renamed United Chapter No. 127, finally merging in 1988 into Logan Chapter No. 196 at Oak Lawn. Read more about Companion Diamond s Masonic and aviation background here: 18

19 From the Editor by Companion Tim Ward, EGW, Editor Hiram Words Well Companions, this issue of Hiram Words has seen a few changes. First we have the new layout. Hopefully you will find it easy to read and navigate. In addition to the new format, we have added the ability to read the magazine directly on the website without having to download it first (of course you are still welcome to download it if you wish). We have also altered the publication date to the first week of each quarter so issues will come out in January, April, July, and October. 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 Pigpen Decryption Contest Congratulations go out to Companion Robert Johnson who responded first with the correct answer to last issues decryption contest The correct answer was: Henry Griswold The companion who sends the first correct decryption of the following encryption to NewsletterSubscriptions@RAM-IL.org will be recognized in the July issue. 19

20 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 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