York Rite Bulletin Online Edition

Transcription

1 York Rite Bulletin Online Edition Volume 3 Issue 1 January 2016 From the Desk of the National Grand Master This Issue To All My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in whom all things are possible if you only believe. First, let me wish all of you and your love ones a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Secondly, let me extend to you an invitation to join us in St. Louis Missouri on July 28, 2016 thru August 4, 2016 for our 155 th National Grand Lodge, Grand Masters Council and National Department Heads Workshop. I am looking forward to your attendance and participation! As always, I am looking forward to working with all National Department Heads and Grand Masters to make this great organization of ours the best it can be through educating and training of our members and through charities we provide in our community. National Grand Master Address pg 1 Memo from the National YRB Editor pg 2 State of VA in the Community pg 3 Chick fil A Spirit Night pg 4 Christmas Caroling pg 5 Can A Thon pg 6 Solider Letter/Care Package pg 7 Chick Fil A Spirit Night pg 8 Law Enforcement Symposium pg 9 State of Virginia Community Service pg 10 Ronald McDonald House pg 11 National Amaranth Blast pg 12 Halloween Candy Distribution pg 13 Mississippi at Work pg 14 Crusaders Visiting pg 15 VA Giving at Thanksgiving pg 16 Race for a Cure pg 17 How I got Over pg 18 Who was Queen Esther pg 19 National G.L. Scholarship Recipients pg Year Grand Communication pg 21 Looking forward to your presence in St. Louis, Missouri. I am Fraternally Yours, Hon. Lee E. Singleton Hon. Lee E. Singleton Most Worshipful National Grand Master

2 From the Desk of the National York Rite Bulletin Editor 2 Greetings Brothers and Sisters and Happy New Year! I pray that 2016 is full of Peace, Blessings, and Prosperity for you and for this great Compact! Thank you for your support and your contributions towards the York Rite Bulletin in 2015! You are doing a GREAT work in the communities, please keep it up and keep the articles rolling in! Please note that the distributions of the YRB will be disseminated in 2016 on a regular basis. The distribution schedule is listed below. Also please adhere to the deadline for article submission and the criteria for submitting an article. Please be in compliance with the submission criteria/guidelines to ensure accuracy and publication of your article. YRB Criteria/Guidelines Please send all submissions via ! PLEASE NOTE THE NEW ADDRESS to send ALL Masonic correspondence for distribution and YRB article submissions (This new is effective ): nationalyorkriteeditor@gmail.com Please put the following in the subject line for YRB article submissions (see example below) o YRB Submission, State, Editor Name o EXAMPLE: YRB SUBMISSION, AL, Vonderia Yeldell If you wish to have flyers, announcements, sick notices, etc. distributed via , please label your as shown below o YRB Distribution, Date to distribute, State, Sender o EXAMPLE: YRB DISTRIBUTION, , AL, Vonderia Please be sure that all articles are at least one paragraph (3 complete sentences) and that the article is in the body of the or in a Microsoft Word Document or Adobe PDF File. Please be sure that all attached pictures have a unique name Bulletin Distribution Dates 2016 Article Submission Deadlines Issue 1 January 31, 2016 For Issue 1 December 31, 2015 Issue 2 March 31, 2016 For Issue 2 February 29, 2015 Issue 3 June 30, 2016 For Issue 3 May 31, 2016 Issue 4 September 30, 2016 For Issue 4 August 31, 2016 Issue 5 December 31, 2016 For Issue 5 November 30, 2016 Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation in this matter Vonderia L. Yeldell Vonderia L. Yeldell National YRD Editor National Technology Chair

3 3 STATE OF VIRGINIA IN THE COMMUNITY Submitted by: Sister Sylvia Hawkins-Scott VA State Editor Mount Arratt Lodge #20 and Morning Star OES Chapter #55 of Esmont, VA (Sister Diane Key is the Worthy Matron) distributed food baskets for Thanksgiving to families in the Esmont, VA area. They also donated gifts to the B.F Yancey School Holiday Heart program and gave gifts to five kids at the school. Each child received a coat, pair shoes, an outfit and 2 toys. These Brothers and Sisters are doing their part! QUEEN MARTHA#1 HOPEWELL GIVES SCHOLARSHIP AND COMMUNITY SERVICE Queen Martha (Worthy Matron Sister Sheila Collins)provided a $500 scholarship to Ms. Kaylee Nicole Tucker of Hopewell, Virginia. Miss Tucker is a recent 2014 graduate of Hopewell High School and she currently attends John Tyler Community College enrolled in the Nursing Program. Ms. Tucker's entry packet was selected over 8 other applicants based on her community involvement, community service, GPA, letters of recommendation and the required essay "What steps should be taken to improve the quality of education in our public schools? Queen Martha and St Michaels Lodge #1of Hopewell also prepared and fed Thanksgiving dinner to over75 homeless and less fortunate citizens of Petersburg, Virginia.

4 Naomi Martha #103 Sis. Leola Hatcher, WM Sis. Shemika Grant, Assoc. Matron Chick fil A Spirit Night December 18, Naomi Martha #103 continues to do well in the community. The Chapter closed out 2014 with their last Spirit Night for the year. Several members came out to show support. Members listed include; Sis. Hatcher, Sis. Grant, Sis. Johnson, Sis. Trammell, Sis. McGhee, and not pictured Bro. Alonza Hill.

5 5 Order of Eastern Star Naomi/Martha #103 Atlanta District #1 Sis. Leola Hatcher, WM 2014 Christmas Caroling Every year Naomi/Martha #103 participates in a Christmas Caroling event in December to share our time and holiday cheer with others. Previously, we have been to nursing homes, senior living facilities, and things of that nature; this year we decided to pay a visit to some of our Sick and Shut-In Sisters. Sis. Leola Hatcher (WM), Sis. Shemika Grant (AM), Sis. Carolyn Trammell (PGWM), Sis. Lucinda Strozier, Sis. Khaleah Warner, and Sis. Kimberly McGhee of Naomi/Martha #103 made a heartfelt visit to Sis. Emma Foster, Sis. Kimberly Kemp, and Sis. Naomi Singleton on Sunday, December 21 st, At each visit, we let our sister know that she may be going through but she is not through. Carols were sung and fellowshipping was done. This initiative exemplifies what our organization is all about.

6 6 Order of Eastern Star Naomi/Martha #103 Atlanta District #1 Sis. Leola Hatcher, WM 2014 Atlanta District #1 Can-A-Thon Sis. Leola Hatcher, WM of Naomi/Martha #103 and members of Naomi/Martha #103 spearheaded a charity project to donate, collect, sort, and pack canned goods to be donated to Atlanta 11 Alive (WXIA) and the Salvation Can-A-Thon. This was a district wide initiative and the goal was to collect 1100 cans. The goal was exceeded initially with the first collection of cans being 1,283. Upon arrival at the stadium, more cans were donated and we ended up with a total of 1600 canned goods. Way to go Atlanta District #1 we made it happen! This shows that when we come together as a unit, anything is possible. The sisters of Naomi/Martha #103 and brothers from Royal Ark #574 met at Turner Field early morning on Dec 5 th, 2014 to donate the cans. Channel 11 News and V-103 s Ryan Cameron and Wanda Smith were there to cover the event. Thanks are given to all who supported this district wide initiative: Silver Crescent Angel #139 Apex #67 Atlanta District # 1 Youth Department Sis. Ruby Parks Sis. Millie Terrell Lilly of the Valley #118 Nightingale #612 Royal Ark #574 North Atlanta Lodge No. 611 King of the South #475 Joy Chapter #137 of Lithonia District #15 Job #108 Deborah Chapter # 13 Samuel Chapter #92 Friendly Star #18 Ruth Chapter #7 Golden Rule Court #210 St. Mary #9 Rose of Sharon #98 House of Faith Queen of Sheba #89 Rosalind Stephenson Westside #420 Arabia Court #1 Sis. Annie Thomas (District Matron) Bro Marco Jones (District Deputy) Bro. Christopher Thorne (He transported all canned goods to Turner Field) Other member of SAGL, family, and friends

7 Order of Eastern Star Naomi/Martha #103 Atlanta District #1 Sis. Leola Hatcher, WM 2014 Soldier Letters and Care Packages The sisters of Naomi/Martha #103 gathered to write letters to soldiers and prepare care packages for them. There are 80 soldiers in the particular unit that these letters and packages are being prepared for and this was of importance because there are some soldiers that never receive any correspondence or packages from family or friends. They need to know that their services and duty to our country is appreciated. Special thanks to our Charity Chair, Sis. Morticia Wilson for coordinating this aid for our soldiers and making sure that everyone did their part so the packages could be prepared.

8 8 Order of Eastern Stars Naomi/Martha #103 Atlanta District #1 Sis. Leola Hatcher, WM Sis. Shemika Grant, AM Naomi/Martha #103 Spirit Night November 20, 2014 Chick-Fil-A The Members of Naomi/Martha #103 hosted Spirit Night at Chick-Fil-A (Wesley Chapel Rd). Chick-Fil-A donated a portion of their sales to Naomi/Martha #103 Charity Projects such as the American Cancer Society. The event was a huge success! In addition to hosting the event, the members prepared letters for soldiers who are deployed. The letters will be included in Care Packages for the soldiers.

9 9 Law Enforcement Symposium Submitted by: Brother John Todd - Alabama On September 26, 2015 Agape Missionary Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL, held its first ever Law Enforcement Symposium. The title of the program: How to deal with law enforcement and stay out of harm s way. The participation for the event was spectacular including over 75 participants (including members of Friendly Sisters #27, Geneva #59, and McCeaser #92 of Birmingham, AL). Speakers for the event included: Circuit Court Judge, David Hobdy (10 th Judicial Circuit), Captain Rod Wilkins (University of Alabama at Birmingham, PD), McCeaser #92 s own Past Master, John W. Todd (City of Tarrant Police Department), and other esteemed members of the judicial and law enforcement community. There were three lectures, fifteen minutes in length each, were presented by the law enforcement officers, as well as a skit performed where a civilian (McCeaser #92 s own Brother Eric Worthey- Worshipful Master) played the role of officer and had to deal with a combative offender in a traffic stop (played by law enforcement officers Capt. Wilkins and Sgt. Ricky McClure (Jefferson County Sherrif s Office). This event concluded with food and fellowship for all. As one participant noted, it felt really good to have our own people take time to talk to us about problems in our community.

10 10 STATE OF VIRGINIA COMMUNITY SERVICE Submitted by: Sister Sylvia Hawkins-Scott York Rite Lodge#154 and Rock of Ages OES Chapter#2 of Portsmouth VA along with Sons of Solomon Lodge#222 of Suffolk, VA participated in the 24th Annual Echoes of Joy in Portsmouth on January 31st at the Neighborhood Recreational Center in Portsmouth. Food, entertainment, health screening, clothes closet items were distributed to the Homeless and less fortunate. This event was sponsored by the city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services. It provides a host of free services with volunteer labor. The yearly event is held to benefit the area's homeless and disadvantaged persons.

11 11 Ronald McDonald Community Service Event Submitted by: Sister Phoneshia Robinson State of Alabama On Saturday December 12, 2015, Butler Pride #93 in conjunction with Mary Council #11 was blessed with multiple opportunities to share this season s spirit of giving with patrons of the Ronald McDonald House. We provided a very filling menu of lasagna; fried chicken; green beans; sweet corn; and cupcakes, which was shared with among seven families and the RMH staff. A few of these families were kind enough to share their testimonies with us. After the food and fellowship, along with the help of a group of eager young men, we unloaded boxes and bags of girls and boys clothing and toys. A fair amount of the clothing and toys covered infants and children five and under. By the end of the evening, Butler Pride had donated over $5,000 of baby booties and more than $8,000 in clothes and toys to the Ronald McDonald House organization. We are looking forward to serving again next year!

12 12 National Amaranth Blast Submitted by: Sister Vonderia Yeldell State of Alabama On January 30, 2015, under the leadership of the National Royal Matron, Honor Lady Jacqueline Wright, the National Court of Amaranth held its first Annual Amaranth Blast. The event was held at the at the Hyatt Place hotel in the city of Atlanta, GA. The blast was an event where Honor Ladies had the opportunity to exchange information and experiences, revel in the sisterhood, and to gain a deeper understanding of being an Honor Lady. The workshops were fun and informative and the Honor Ladies were tickled red to have the support and participation from the Sublime Princes along with the full support of the National Commander in Chief, Tommy Taylor, 33!

13 13 Halloween Candy Distribution Submitted by: Brother John Todd On October 31, 2015 the Brothers of McCeaser Lodge #92 participated in a community trick or truck event in the Eastlake, AL community.

14 14 Mississippi at Work Electa Chapter #2 recognized their own for Breast cancer awareness. Marquita Melvin presented Rhonda Williams with a bag of breast cancer items. Electa Chapter #2 and County Line Lodge #2 participated in the 3 rd annual Drew Day Festival Electa Chapter #2 & County Line Lodge sponsored Blood Scooter's Place on October 23,2015 Electa Chapter #2 & County Line Lodge #2 of Mound Bayou, MS presented Christmas gifts to Ms. Contessa Sellars Parks Elementary in Cleveland, MS. Electa Chapter #2 & County Line Lodge #2 of Mound Bayou presented Christmas gifts to Mrs. Marquita Williams Margaret Green in Cleveland, MS.

15 15 St Teresa Grand Council of Crusaders visiting and Community Service Submitted by: Sister Sylvia Hawkins-Scott Saint Teresa Grand Council of Crusaders State of Virginia made a trip to Friendship Manor during the Crusaders and Amaranth Workshop on Oct. 24 th to visit with our sister Cornelia Fountain. The Princesses also sung and talked to the other residents and they too thoroughly enjoyed us. It was a warm and productive visit.

16 16 Submitted by: Sister Sylvia Hawkins-Scott VA State Editor The Rock of Ages OES Chapter#2 and York Rite Lodge#154 of Portsmouth VA fed families for the Thanksgiving holidays. W.F.Cromartie Lodge#1 - Richmond, VA donated Thanksgiving baskets to two families in the Richmond Area. Mt. Arrat Lodge #20 and Morning Star#55-Esmont VA prepared boxes of food and turkeys for families for Thanksgiving

17 17 Article from The Queen s Corner - Volume 3, Issue1 Submitted by: Sister Angela Howard - State of Indiana

18 18 Article from The Queen s Corner - Volume 3, Issue1 Submitted by: Sister Angela Howard - State of Indiana

19 19 Article from The Queen s Corner - Volume 3, Issue1 Submitted by: Sister Angela Howard - State of Indiana

20 20 National Grand Lodge Scholarship Recipients for 2015 Submitted by: PNGM Clyde Shepard, 33 The Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge awarded five scholarships through the Jefferson D. Tufts Scholarship Fund at its 154 th Grand Master s Council and National Department Heads Workshop in Birmingham, AL. The National Grand Lodge recognizes the importance of a college education and the opportunities it presents. With the job market and the global economy becoming increasingly more competitive, and in order to give these students the best chance for a well-paying job, we understand the need and importance of financial assistance. We are very pleased the Jefferson D. Tufts Scholarship Fund has made a difference in the tune of over $37,000 in the past several years between the cost of college and what the students and families can provide. However, it s through donations from fundraising projects and individual donations that make it possible for us to continue having a significant impact on meeting these student s needs. The awards are based on a written composition of a stated theme, academic development achievement, community activities, and financial need. The recipients were Devin Rooks will be attending Florida Atlantic University, In Boca Raton, FL, Dariyan N. Hampton, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, Naaman Lukie, Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood, SC, Chole Johnson, USC Aiken, Aiken, SC and Keri Gates, Winthrop College, Rock Hill, SC, Dariyah Hampton Devin Rooks Keri Gates Chloe Johnson

21 21 State of Pennsylvania Sister B. Grace Boone, Pennsylvania Editor The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania 200 th Year Grand Communication The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons of the State of Pennsylvania celebrated their 200 th Grand Communication this year, were Honorable Anthony Chambers is the Grand Master and Sister Evelyn Jones is Grand Worthy Matron. The State of Pennsylvania was established in This was a historic event for all Masons in this jurisdiction. Pennsylvania is the only State in this jurisdiction that has been in existence for 200 years and we hope we can continue being in existence for many years to come. The State of Pennsylvania celebrated this historic event by hosting a banquet, which was held on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the Reformation Lutheran Church, 1215 East Vernon Road, Philadelphia, PA. The speaker of the hour was Minister Carl Phinney of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Reflections were done by some of Pennsylvania members. They also had a souvenir journal publish for a life time keepsake. Sister Grace Boone would like to thank everyone who put an Ad In this journal, and by doing so you became a part of this great historic event. You can look back years from now and say, I help make the State of Pennsylvania 200 th Grand Communication a success. Some of our out of town guest, that attended the banquet were: Bro. Herbert McClam, RW National Grand Junior Warden, Grand Master Herbert Williams, for the State of New Jersey and his lovely wife, Sister Mary Williams, Grand

22 22 Associate Matron for the State of New Jersey and Sister Cathy Thomas, Grand Matron for the State of Delaware and some of her members. The Grand Master, Brother Anthony Chambers, thanked everyone for attending the banquet. The Chairperson and Master of Ceremony, Brother William Jones, thanked his committee members for all their hard work. Everyone enjoyed the banquet and we hope that everyone who received the Pennsylvania 200 th Year Souvenir Journal was pleased with it. IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US

23 23

24 24

25 25