The Herald
M\ E\ Charles A. O’Wril, Jr. March 2003
Dear Companions:
You have heard the expression "Let us get back to our roots", which means different things to different people. As Masons we should interpret that phrase to mean let us return to our Blue Lodges. I know many of our officers and members in the individual Chapters are still involved with their Blue Lodges, but many, once they join York Rite, Scottish Rite or the Shrine, they only attend those bodies. Now is an appropriate time to attend to our Blue Lodge obligations. Please become active in your Blue Lodge by attending, becoming members of committees, but more importantly to sponsor new candidates. York Rite’s life line is in the Blue Lodges. All our candidates come from the membership of Blue Lodges. Our Grand Master announced at the March quarterly Grand Lodge Meeting that a young man who reaches the age of eighteen is now eligible to petition to become a Mason.
The Grand Lodge will have a one day class Saturday, November 1, 2003. The Grand Master is looking forward to a large class. We as York Rite Masons should be on the search for prospective new members. I, as Grand High Priest can not decree that each Companion must find a replacement for themselves in our respective Blue Lodges, but would it not be the thing to do. It would strengthen our Lodges and our York Rite. More details about the Grand Master’s One Day class will follow in future monthly news letters.
Talking about news letters, I want to congratulate R\E\A. Theodore Fuller and his awareness officer John C. Dorr for the First District newsletter call the Keystone. It is a first class communication.
I wish to thank Mt. Horeb Royal Arch Chapter for the first class reception held in my honor on March 15, 2003. The committee, headed by R\E\Max Ludwig, Jr., did an exceptional job. Thank you to all who attended.
For those who have access to computers, please check our web site www.gracma.org. This site contains much information and District activities.
I have to bring sad news. Our Past Grand High Priest Emmett Baker’s wife Marjorie passed away. Emmett would appreciate your thoughts and send cards to Mr. Emmett Baker, P.O. Box 21, Kingston, MA. 02364.
Our Past Grand High Priest John M. McNeill is very well along on his recovery. He traveled to the Annual Meeting of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New York, and walks so fast I can not keep up.
March 28-29, 2003 - The Grand High Priest will be in attendance at The Annual Meeting of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Master Masons.
April 4-5, 2003 - The Grand High Priest will be in attendance at the Annual Meeting of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Rhode Island.
April 5, 2003 – one day class for the Grand Royal Arch Chapter in Fitchburg. Registration from 8:00 to 8:45 A.M. Degree work will start promptly at 9:00 A.M.
April 12, 2003- One day class for the Grand Council of Royal and Select Master Masons of Massachusetts at Milford, MA
April 12, 2003 – Annual Charity Dinner at the Indian Ranch in Webster, MA. Your District Deputy Grand High Priests have tickets and details.
April 26, 2003 – One Day Class for the Orders of the Commandery will be hosted by Milford Commandery in Milford Massachusetts.
April 24, 2001 – The Grand High Priest will be in attendance at the opening session of the Order of the Amaranth.
April 25-27, 2003 - The Grand High Priest will be in attendance for the Annual Meeting of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Maine.
May 2-3 2003 - The Grand High Priest will be in attendance for the Annual Meeting of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Jersey.
May 8-9 2003 - The Grand High Priest will be in attendance for the Annual Meeting of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Quebec.
May 10, 2003 – The Grand High Priest will attend the Installation of Officers for the Valley of Boston, Scottish Rite.
May 12-13, 2003 – The Grand High Priest will attend the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Maryland.
May 15, 2003 - The Grand High Priest will be in attendance for the Opening Session of the Grand Chapter of The Order of Eastern Star.
May 22-25, 2003 - The Grand High Priest will be in attendance for the Annual Meeting of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Newfoundland.
May 31, 2003 - The Grand High Priest will be in attendance for the Annual Meeting of the Order of High Priesthood and the Semi-annual meeting of the Chapter of Research.
June 7, 2003 – The Semi-annual Meeting of Massachusetts Grand Royal Arch Chapter will be held in Lowell Masonic Center, more details to follow.
Until next month I remain,
Yours fraternally,
M\ E\ Charles A. O’Wril, Jr.
Grand High Priest
Back