Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts
The Herald
M\E\ Charles A. O’Wril, Jr., Grand High Priest Date: July 2003
Dear Companion:
I hope you have enjoyed the Fourth of July, a true National holiday, and started your relaxing Masonic summer respite. This is the time to plan this fall’s events. Set up your committees and plan your upcoming capitular year. Too many leaders put off until late August the planning of their year. Some never plan their year. Always remember, if you fail to plan, you actually plan to fail. I would also suggest to some of the younger officers (also some of you old-timers like me) to enroll in one of the Grand Lodge’s Masonic Learning Institutes. They usually start in August and end the following July. I did graduate from the Stanley Fielding Maxwell Class, and I am extremely proud of that. You might ask why you should attend those classes. I did the same and when I became aware of who formally attended I realized even an old timer like myself must be able to learn new ways of conducting business, planning meetings, correct protocol, learning to speak in public, and other business and Masonic tools. The team I belonged to was the Cornerstones. One member of the team was a Vice president of a Bank, one a Lawyer, one an engineer, and the last the Junior Grand Warder of the Grand Lodge of Prince Hall. We all have become friends, and meet socially on occasion.
Our Grand Chapter’s Degree Team attended the Annual Strawberry Festival of Maine Chapter # 73 in Kittery, Maine, and conferred the Royal Arch Degree (Massachusetts Ritual) on one candidate from Massachusetts and four candidates from Maine. This Grand High Priest was extremely proud of the work our National renowned Degree Team performed that evening, Many favorable comments were received from the Grand High Priests of Maine and New Hampshire. The Grand High Priest from Maine M\E\ Donald A. Coates extended many hospitalities and courtesies upon the present and past Grand Officers of Massachusetts, who accompanied me, and the Grand Royal Arch Chapter Degree team. Those who were able to accompany me were R\E\ Francis P. Mitrano (Deputy Grand High Priest), R\E\ Mowry E. Tennant (Grand King), R\E\ Markeith E. Host (Grand Secretary), R\E\ Manuel Ferreia III (D.D.G.H.P.3rd District), R\E\ Herbert B. Jackson (D.D.G.H.P.6th District),M\E\ John M. MacNeil (Past Grand High Priest), M\E\ Carmen D. Borgia (Past Grand High Priest), R\E\ Richard A. Monroe (Past Deputy Grand High Priest ) R\E\ Bruce H. Standford(Past Grand King), R\E\ Peter A. Ham(Past Grand Scribe), R\E\ Charles R. Heaphy(Past Grand Scribe), E\ Walter D. Catton, Jr.(Grand Royal Arch Captain), E\ David W. Catten, Jr.(Grand Master of the First Veil), E\ George A. Wiseman(Grand Organist), R\E\ Jeffery L. Gardiner(P.D.D.G.H.P. 1st District)R\E\ James F. Johnston (Grand Captain of the Host).
In June, R\E\ Markeith E. Host our Grand Secretary lost his father who died after a long illness.
Until next month I remain,
Yours fraternally,
M\E\ Charles A. O’Wril, Jr.
Grand High Priest