The Phoenix York Rite Mason Trestleboard Phoenix York Rite Bodies (602) 248-5466 Fall 2008 Aug - Sept 2008 The Eminent Commander's Message Sir Knight Zach Zachary, EC www.arizonamasonry.org/pyr/pyr.htm Sir Knights, May I first say "Welcome" to all of our New York Rite Members! You have joined into the Phoenix York Rite at just the right time. We are going into year two of a major rebuilding of the Phoenix York Rite. In the Commandery last year under Joe Zito s able leadership we made huge strides in regaining our commitment to excellence. We did our "slow" classes in all three bodies, performed at the Pioneer Cemetery on Memorial Day, had our Christmas Observance in full form, and made our visits to Central United Methodist Church for Easter and Ascension Days. We are striding to make our Lodge more than just degree work. If you have ideas about fund raising or just some type of event we can do for our families, be sure to bring it up. We may not be able to do everything, but we can sure make the effort. To my fellow officers, I say "Welcome" also -- I hope to make this a great year for each of us to enjoy as Knights Templar. If you get the chance make a visit to a different Lodge, Chapter, Council, or Commandery, please do so. Let them know we are here to help if needed; let them know about the York Rite Bodies; and most of all, welcome them to join us. Albert Pike made the statement: Above all things let us never forget that mankind constitutes one great brotherhood; all born to encounter suffering and sorrow, and therefore bound to sympathize with each other. I ask all in our brotherhood to listen and help, but also to uplift and motivate our brothers. In this the Electronic Age we need to create an environment so that both new members and old want to attend Lodges... not just stay home and watch television, play games, or search on the internet. Remember, the moment we break our brotherhood, the dark will engulf us and the light we searched for goes out. ~ All members need to work to strengthen our brotherhood at every chance. Memorial Day 2008 at Pioneer Cemetery was a great success again! We had over 14 Knights Templar from all over the valley plus several Masons from Arizona Number #2 with their sitting Master, Worshipful Chris Hagenian. Special thanks to Eric Hannah for his work as Captain General. Our own Chuck Shoup again did a great job on who we are and how the Masons were involved at Pioneer Cemetery. Our Deputy Grand Commander for Arizona, Joe Cortez, was not only there but also actively demonstrated his leadership. Again, a special thanks, Sir Knight Joe! Numerous other present and past Grand Commanders and Commanders were with us also -- way too many to thank each one individually, but I will say a special thanks to all! A closing quote by an unknown author: I, too, own a television set, but that does not keep me at home on lodge night. I have never yet had one of the characters on television come off the screen and shake my hand. They have never offered me the warm friendship that my lodge brothers do. They have never handed me a cup of coffee or a doughnut. No! Never! Courteously, Zach Zachary Commander Phoenix Commandery #3 Contents The Eminent Commander's Message 1 The High Priest Speaks 2 PYR Reminders 2 The Illustrious Master's Words 3 PYR Financial Condition 4 York Rite Officers 5 Important York Rite Dates 6
Page 2 The High Priest Speaks Companion Ken Fitschen, HP Companions, I wish to thank each of you for electing me High Priest for the ensuing Capitular Year. I promise to do my best to live up to the trust you have placed in me. I would like to draw upon the excellent example provided by our Past high Priest, Paul Dore, and state that Arizona Chapter #1 will take our Royal Arch candidates to this year s Four Corners Festival. This year's Four Corners Festival, which combines York Rite Masons from Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico, will be held in Moab, Utah on October 3 and 4, 2008. The Grand Chapter, RAM of Utah is planning a gala weekend. On Friday evening there will be Canyonlands by Night boat trip. Dinner will be served about 7:00 at the Canyonlands by Night building just across the river bridge from the hotel. After dark we will go up the river in a large boat and then drift back down while spotlights light the cliffs along the riverbanks accompanied by soft music beautiful. The degree work will be performed on Saturday. Arizona s Grand Chapter is responsible for the Most Excellent Master degree. During the degree work, there will be a ladies program that will be sure to entice the ladies who come. To culminate the day s festivities, an informal banquet hosted by the four Grand High Priests will be served in the tent. For a registration form, see Paul Dore. I challenge the members of Arizona Chapter #1 to recruit at least three candidates for this important event. Respectfully, Ken Fitschen High Priest, Arizona Chapter #1 Royal Arch Masons PYR Reminders Support the Temple! The Phoenix Masonic Temple Board is selling laser engraved memorial Masonic Bricks to continue the refurbishment and maintenance of our historic Masonic Temple. Please see Paul Doré for additional information. Furnish the Dining Room We need new tables and chairs for the dining room. Please see John Ruth for additional information. Support your York Rite Charities RARA CRMFF Eye Foundation Holy Land Pilgrimage Support your York Rite Attend and participate in Meetings Attend and participate in the Degrees Learn the work Every Mason Should be a York Rite Mason!
Page 3 The Illustrious Master's Words Companion Joe Zito, IM My Companions All: I want to thank the members of Phoenix Council No. 4 for the trust they have placed in me by electing me Illustrious Master for the ensuing year. I promise to each of you that I will endeavor to do the best possible job to maintain the respect and dignity that Phoenix Council No. 4 has earned over the past many years in the Valley. Together we will move forward, enriching the lives of our fellow Masons with the tenants and beliefs of Cryptic Masonry. In addition, please welcome your new line of officers for the new cryptic year. Over the past several years, we have made inroads in re-defining the direction of the Phoenix York Rite Bodies. To those whom made it happen, my heartfelt thanks. When I was Commander and High Priest, I asked each of you to help me implement several objectives in Commandery and Chapter. To come full circle, I am asking you to help me implement them this year in Council. Although I am proposing them, again I ask you to embrace them as your own. Please consider these objectives carefully; they will help us solidify the direction where we should be going. To paraphrase an excerpt from Alice in Wonderland, If you don t know where you are going any road will get you there. Objective #1: Membership Growth and Retention Excellence in the Ritual (we need to practice opening and closing, and the degree work without books!) Care and Benevolence. Remember from our first lesson in Masonry, Behold how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity. Mentor system Masonic Education and Leadership Training Family Involvement; Be socially active (Family and Community) Community Awareness; Public involvement in activities Objective #2: Planning for the future (make it happen) Slow Classes and Festivals (We may do both) Meetings Objective #3: A commitment to strong, informed leadership Objective #4: Soundly based decision-making Objective #5: Sound Resource Management Objective #6: Responsible Financial Management Objective #7: A commitment to doing the right things as opposed to doing things right The 2008 Grand York Rite Sessions will be held in August 2008. Chapter meets on Thursday, the 21 st ; Council meets on Friday, the 22 nd ; and Commandery meets Saturday the 23 rd. Please support your Dias Officers by dropping by to give a hand. A helping hand is always welcome, and you become exposed to the controlled chaos that is the Grand York Rite sessions. In parting, I would like to present a new look at a familiar formula. Dr. Albert Einstein initially published this formula as his Theory of Relativity. But we as free and Accepted Masons will come to look at it for a more noble and glorious purpose: E=MC 2 Existence = More (Candidates and Cash) On Tuesday, 16 September 2008 at 1830, we are conferring the Royal Master and Select Master Degrees on several worthy candidates. I ask the members of this Council to please attend. Sideliners are as important as the actors. Zealously, Joe Zito Illustrious Master Phoenix Council #4
Page 4 The Phoenix York Rite Bodies are in dire straits. Companions and Sir Knights, with dues at the current level of $95 per year, we are losing nearly $3300 per year overall, which includes deductions for Senior and Perpetual Members and includes no expenditures for Paraphernalia, Aprons, Jewels or costs incurred for the York Rite Grand Sessions. If we keep running in the red like this, we will become insolvent in approximately 10-12 years, and the Phoenix York Rite Bodies will cease to exist. Some type of measures must be taken in the very near future to relieve this situation. Many things have been discussed (raising annual dues is one thing that can solve this immediately and perpetually), but there must be other things we can do. Raising money through means other than dues increases needs to be discussed. One proposal that was floated was to have a Phoenix York Rite Yard Sale. In order for this to be meaningful, two things need to happen. This would require all the Sir Knights to donate items to sell, so that we can sell them and put the proceeds in the Phoenix York Rite accounts to offset the inevitable expenditures that occur throughout the year. That means that all of our Membership must participate, if it is to be a success. Second, it needs to happen year after year, so it must be organized and executed annually. This requires that a standing committee be created to perform this function. This has been voted and approved and Sir Knight Sam Leabo has graciously volunteered to head up this committee, with the help of any other Sir Knights that can provide assistance. This committee is to investigate the possibilities for this to be successful, and when a plan is complete, a wider participation will be required to execute the plan. If anyone has any other suggestions, please send them to our Recorder, John Ruth, at the Phoenix Masonic Temple address, or at Secretary@AZLodge2.org. If the dues increase becomes necessary, the $95 annual dues would increase by $30 to $125 annually. This includes the assessment to the Grand York Rite for each body. For the Chapter the total is $30 plus $12 assessment to the Grand Chapter (total is $42). For the Council the total is $24 plus $10.50 assessment to the Grand Council (total rounded up to $35). For the Commandery the total is $28 plus $20 assessment to the Grand Commandery (total is $48). This all adds up to the $125 dues. Sir Knight Paul Dore has worked up the numbers and this $30 dues increase would cause the Phoenix York Rite Bodies to have a net gain annually of $105.50, rather than the loss of $3300 at the $95 dues rate. We would like to avoid raising the dues, but to avoid this, all Sir Knights, the Membership, need to become active participants in OUR Phoenix York Rite Bodies. The proposal for the modification of the By-Laws follows. This will be discussed in the September Stated Meeting and voted on in the Stated Meeting in Unified Session in October 2008. Please participate in our Future. Proposed By-Laws Modification: CHAPTER Section 2: There shall be no dues payable by a new Companion for the calendar year in which the Companion becomes a member of this Chapter, either by affiliation or by taking the degrees. Thereafter the dues of each member of this Chapter shall be thirty dollars ($30.00) per annum, which shall include one dollar ($1.00) donation to the R.A.R.A. fund, plus said members portion of any dues, fees or assessments payable by Arizona Chapter No. 1 to the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of Arizona, that are based on membership, the total amount to be increased to the next highest full dollar amount. Dues are payable in advance without notice. COUNCIL Section 2: There shall be no dues payable by a new Companion for the calendar year in which the Companion becomes a member of this Council, either by affiliation or by taking the degrees. Thereafter the dues of each member of this Council shall be twenty-four dollars ($24.00) per annum, which shall include one dollar ($1.00) donation to the C.M.M.R.F. fund, plus said members portion of any dues, fees or assessments payable by Phoenix Council No. 4 to the Grand Council, Cryptic Masons of Arizona, that are based on membership, the total amount to be increased to the next highest full dollar amount. Dues are payable in advance without notice. COMMANDERY Section 2: There shall be no dues payable by a new Sir Knight for the calendar year in which he becomes a member of this Commandery, either by affiliation or by taking the degrees and orders. Thereafter the dues of each member of this Commandery shall be twenty-eight dollars ($28.00) per annum, plus said members portion of any dues, fees or assessments payable by Phoenix Commandery No.3 to the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Arizona, that are based on membership, the total amount to be increased to the next highest full dollar amount, except that those members not holding a life membership in the Knight Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., charged one dollar ($1.00) for the Eye Foundation Assessment Dues are payable in advance without notice.
Page 5 Arizona Chapter #1 Phoenix York Rite Officers 2008-2009 Position Name Address City, State, Zip Phone Spouse Email Address HP Ken Fitschen 646 E. Calavar Phoenix, AZ 85022 602-863-6805 a032309@allstate.com King Tom Thompson 3530 S. Kachina Dr. Tempe, AZ 85282 602-316-7313 Laurie tom.thompson@azlodge2.org Scribe Zach Zachary 9902 W. Bright Angel Cr. Sun City, AZ 85351 623-977-6576 Mary z_zachary@yahoo.com Treasurer Bill Garrard 436 W. Glen Eagles Ln. Phoenix, AZ 85023 602-466-8204 April bgarrard1@cox.net Secretary John Ruth 7807 W. Turney St. Phoenix, AZ 85033-2428 602-647-9359 Terry john.ruth@azlodge2.org Capt. Host Eric Hannah 26144 W. Burnett Road Buckeye, AZ 85396 602-885-1922 Rachel erichannah@hotmail.com Prin. Soj. RAC M 3 rd Veil M 2 nd Veil M 1 st Veil Chaplain Joe Zito PO Box 128 Meridianville, AL 35739 480-357-5992 Angie jzito35759@aol.com Sentinel Phoenix Council #4 Position Name Address City, State, Zip Phone Spouse Email Address IM Joe Zito PO Box 128 Meridianville, AL 35739 480-357-5992 Angie jzito35759@aol.com DM Zach Zachary 9902 W. Bright Angel Cr. Sun City, AZ 85351 623-977-6576 Mary z_zachary@yahoo.com PCW Eric Hannah 26144 W. Burnett Road Buckeye, AZ 85396 602-885-1922 Rachel erichannah@hotmail.com Treasurer Bill Garrard 436 W. Glen Eagles Ln. Phoenix, AZ 85023 602-466-8204 April bgarrard1@cox.net Recorder John Ruth 7807 W. Turney St. Phoenix, AZ 85033-2428 602-647-9359 Terry john.ruth@azlodge2.org Capt. Of G. Tom Thompson 3530 S. Kachina Dr. Tempe, AZ 85282 602-316-7313 Laurie tom.thompson@azlodge2.org Conductor Sam Leabo 314 E Belmont Phoenix, AZ 85020 602-943-6902 Stew ard Gerry Massey 725 S Pow er Rd #215 Mesa, AZ 85206 623-229-0545 Chaplain Sentinel Phoenix Commandery #3 Position Name Address City, State, Zip Phone Spouse Email Address EC Zach Zachary 9902 W. Bright Angel Cr. Sun City, AZ 85351 623-977-6576 Mary z_zachary@yahoo.com Generalissimo Eric Hannah 26144 W. Burnett Road Buckeye, AZ 85396 602-885-1922 Rachel erichannah@hotmail.com Capt. Gen. Tom Thompson 3530 S. Kachina Dr. Tempe, AZ 85282 602-316-7313 Laurie tom.thompson@azlodge2.org Sr. Warden Ken Fitschen 646 E. Calavar Phoenix, AZ 85022 602-863-6805 a032309@allstate.com Jr. Warden Gerry Massey 725 S Pow er Rd #215 Mesa, AZ 85206 623-229-0545 Treasurer Bill Garrard 436 W. Glen Eagles Ln. Phoenix, AZ 85023 602-466-8204 April bgarrard1@cox.net Recorder John Ruth 7807 W. Turney St. Phoenix, AZ 85033-2428 602-258-5466 w Terry john.ruth@azlodge2.org 623-873-2245 h 602-647-9359 c Std. Bearer Joe Zito PO Box 128 Meridianville, AL 35739 480-357-5992 Angie jzito35759@aol.com Sw. Bearer Rick Thomas 2343 W. Hayw ard Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021 (602) 864-0972 Janet rt3mn@yahoo.com Prelate Sam Leabo 314 E Belmont Phoenix, AZ 85020 602-943-6902 Warder Sentinel
Phoenix Masonic Temple 345 W. Monroe Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85003 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Phoenix, Arizona Permit No. 398 Phoenix York Rite Bodies Recorder: John P. Ruth (602) 258-5466 «F3» «F2» «F5» «F6», «F7» «F8» What's coming up through Fall 2008 Aug. 20-24, 2008 York Rite Grand Sessions (Scottsdale Chaparral Suites) Sept. 8, 2008 PYR Stated Meeting Commandery Opening (summer uniforms) (1830 eat; 1930 meeting) Sept. 16, 2008 Royal and Select Master Degrees (1800 light meal, 1900 conferral) Sept. 27, 2008 PYR Commandery Festival (0700 donuts/coffee, Noon light lunch, to 1700 conferral) Oct. 4-5, 2008 Four Corners Festival, RAM, Moab, Utah Oct. 13, 2008 York Rite Stated Meeting Chapter Opening (1830 eat; 1930 meeting) Oct. 18, 2008 Regius York Rite College Annual Meeting, Phoenix Masonic Temple (1000) Oct. 19-21, 2008 Colorado River Fall Festival, Laughlin, NV Oct. 29, 2008 Arizona Research Lodge #1, Phoenix Masonic Temple (1830 eat; 1930 meeting) Nov. 1-3, 2008 SW Department Conference, Grand Encampment, Henderson, NV Nov. 10, 2008 York Rite Stated Meeting Council Opening (1830 eat; 1930 meeting) Nov. 22, 2008 Royal and Select Master Degrees (0900 conferral, Noon light meal, 1300 conferral) Dec. 6, 2008 Happy Nikolastag! Dec. 6, 2008 PYR Christmas Observance, Phoenix Masonic Temple (1500) Dec. 8, 2008 PYR Stated Meeting Commandery Opening (Dress uniform) (1830 eat; 1930 meeting) Dec. 25, 2008 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!