The Herald
M\ E\ Charles A. O’Wril, Jr. February 2003
Dear Companions:
Did you ever awake in the morning feeling tired or not feeling very well? In my 41 years of service at AT&T and Lucent Technologies I had many, many days when I felt that way. Fortunately for Lucent and me I convinced myself that I was healthy and everything would be fine! Guess what! In a few minutes I was feeling great! Our Past Grand High Priest, M\E\John M. MacNeill, has a philosophy that one has a decision to make every day - whether one will be happy or not happy. Ian Mackenzie, a Brother from Old Colony Lodge, noticed that if one gives a numerical weight to each letter of the word ATTITUDE, where a =1 and b=2 and so forth, the word attitude totals 100. Yes, Companions attitude is a large part of our personality.
Did you ever notice who is on a District Deputy Grand High Priest=s Suite? I have! They are usually the same dedicated Capitular Masons. I believe dedication and sense of duty is a habit, one that can be learned and nurtured. I know that in these days when 40, 90 or more channels are available on local television, and so many activities are available every evening, a lot of men make a decision to be comfortable, and stay at home. We need you to be active in your Chapters and your Districts! Please make an effort to support your High Priests in their Chapter plans. Please make an effort to attend your Chapter meetings and be active in your Chapter=s various Committees. Please junior officers, make the effort to be on the suites in your Districts. I will guarantee one thing, if you do make an effort, your Chapter, your Districts, and you will be happier and healthier. It is your decision!!
I have an update on the health of our Past Grand High Priest, John M. McNeill. He is stronger, and now suffering with a bad case of cabin fever. Please keep the notes and telephone messages going to him!
Our Past Grand High Priest Emmett Baker=s wife Marjorie is in the critical care unit of Jordan Hospital in Plymouth, MA. I am sure prayers and cards would be appreciated. Send your cards to Mr. & Mrs. Emmett B. Baker, P. O. Box 21, Kingston, Ma. 02364.
For those who have access to a computer and have access to the internet, connect to www.gracma.org. This is the web site for the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts. A great deal of information is available on the site. We want to thank our Web Master Jeff Gardiner for a professional appearance and functional site.
On February 17 the Grand Captain of the Host, James F. Johnson, will accompany me on a fraternal visitation to Monument Royal Arch Chapter in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. All Grand Officers are welcomed to be on my suite, as well as any permanent members of Grand Royal Arch Chapter.
Saturday, February 22, 2003, I will be attending the reception of the Senior Grand Warden of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts R.W. Robert C. Corr. I have known R.W. Corr for over 20 years. He is a very distinguished and dedicated mason, and a very active York Rite Mason. It is my personal honor and privilege to know him.
March 6, 7, and 8, 2003, I will represent the Grand Royal Arch Chapter at the annual meeting of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New York.
On March 15, 2003 there will be a Reception for your Grand High Priest at the Lowell Masonic Center. Reception of the Grand High Priest will be at 4:00 P.M. and a Dinner at 6:00 P.M.. All Chapter Secretaries have details and forms for reservations.
The month of April will be busy, as one day festivals will be held as follows:
April 5, 2003 - one day class for The Royal Arch Chapter in Fitchburg.
Do not forget companions! If any chapters wish to have candidates for these classes they must be read and elected in each chapter, before those dates. Further information will be forth coming from Grand Chapter.
April 12, 2003 - one day class for the Grand Council of the Royal and Select Master Masons of
Massachusetts.
On the evening of Saturday, April 12, 2003, our annual Charity Dinner will be held at the Indian Ranch in Webster, Massachusetts. A social hour with appetizers will be served from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A sit down family style turkey and ham dinner will be served at 7:00 P.M. At 8:00 P.M. brother Mel Simons will entertain us. Your District Deputy Grand High Priests have the details and tickets for this event.
April 26, 2003 - one day class for Orders of the Commandery will be hosted by Milford Commandery in Milford Massachusetts
Until next month I remain,
Yours fraternally,
MˆEˆ Charles A. O=Wril, Jr.
Grand High Priest
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