Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts

The Herald

 

                                                                                 Date September 2005

Dear Companion:

 

Welcome back to Labor! I hope that each of you had a very restful and refreshing summer, and are ready to give our Masonic Bodies the help and support they need.

 

 

"Square and Compasses Day" In Massachusetts
September 24^th

On September 24, 2005 every lodge building in Massachusetts will host an open house and welcome the public to come in and learn more about Masonry. In the weeks leading up to this date the Grand Lodge will be promoting "Square & Compasses Day" by advertising on television, radio, and in newspapers across the state. And every building will be supplied with a banner to display. For this event to be successful we must ensure our buildings are full of men and activity. The new version of "What It Means to be A Mason" will be available to show, but the most effective tool for bringing new members into the Craft is one Brother answering the questions of an interested man and explaining the meaningful benefits and value Masonry has had in his life.

I am asking Chapter officers and members assist their local Blue Lodges in this Square and Compasses Day by providing as much assistance and presence as possible. Our new Chapter members come from our Blue Lodges, and any effort in the Lodges will pay many benefits.

At our Semi-annual Meeting in June we bestowed three Educational grants to deserving students: Nathaniel H. Potter, Salem MA, Craig Pedersen, Concord MA, and Ashley Walther, North Egremont, MA. Nathaniel Potter was able to be at our Communication, and the other two grants were personally delivered to Craig and Ashley.

 

I thank our Grant Committee who spend many hours a year deciding who are the best qualified recipients. The Committee recommends that applicants follow all the requirements stated on the application form, because many applications were rejected for incompleteness. The Grand Royal Arch Chapter also thanks R\E\ Bruce H. Stanford, who, every year, introduces the recipients, and very effectively relates their qualifications.

 

Have you seen the new Universal Application which a candidate may use to apply for membership in a Blue Lodge? In addition, after being raised as a Master Mason, his application will be routed to the various Masonic Bodies that he may wish to belong to? M.W. Jeffrey B. Hodgdon also has set up a committee to facilitate easy routing to the various Bodies. This application is available in the summer issue of the Trowel, as well as at your local Lodge.

August 15, 16 - Your Grand High Priest was in attendance at the Annual Meeting of the Grand Chapter of Michigan. We made several new friends and were treated very cordially.

 

Sept. 9, 10 - Your Grand High Priest will be in attendance at the Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Colorado.

 

Sept. 14 - Your Grand High Priest will be in attendance at the Quarterly Convocation of the Grand Lodge.

 

Sept. 15 - Your Grand High Priest will be making a fraternal visitation at Orient Chapter, Centerville, MA.

 

Sept. 20 - Your Grand High Priest will be making a fraternal visitation to Union Chapter, Athol, MA.

 

Set. 24 – Your Grand High Priest will be supporting the Square and Compasses Day.

 

 

Until next month I remain,

 

Yours fraternally,

 

 

 

M\E\ Charles A. O’Wril, Jr.

Grand High Priest