GRAND CHAPTER
ROYAL ARCH MASONS
of the
STATE OF VERMONT
CONSTITUTED DECEMBER 20, 1804
Proceedings of the
ONE HUNDRED NINETY NINTH ANNUAL CONVOCATION
Held in Killington, Vermont
Monday, June 13, 2016, A.I. 2546*
JONATHAN P. PARK, M.E. Grand High Priest
BRUCE R. HOWARD, M.E.P.G.H.P, R.E. Grand Secretary
• Royal Arch Masons date from the year of the Second Temple commenced by Zerubbabel, Anno Inventionis (A.I.) “In the year of Discovery” Add 530 to the common time, (2016 + 530 = 2546)
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Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Vermont
Companion William “Sandy” Karstens, IV
M.E. Grand High Priest
2016-2017
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Companion William “Sandy” Karstens, IV
Most Excellent Grand High Priest 2016-2017
Companion William “Sandy” Karstens was born on February 5, 1960 in Norwalk, CT. He resided for several years in New York City before moving to Montreal, where his father played for the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and his mother danced for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. Before finishing high school he moved back to the US in Franklin, VT where he subsequently graduated from Missisquoi Valley Union High School. He then attended the University of Vermont graduating in 1981 with a B.S. degree in physics. Following this he received his Masters degree in 1983 from Brandeis University and Ph.D. from the University of Vermont in 1990. He joined the faculty at Saint Michael's College in 1993, has served two terms as Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics and is a full professor in the Department of Physics.
Sandy married Karla Nagle on July 18, 1987 in Rogers, MN. They have two children, daughter Bethany, who lives in Florida and son Will, who is a junior at Merrimack College.
Sandy has been involved in Scouting since 2004 when his son first joined Cub Scouts. He has been a Den Leader and Assistant Scoutmaster as well as serving as the Advancement Coordinator for Troop 692 in Williston. He is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, Ajapeu Lodge 351, and is presently the Chapter 3 adult advisor. He has been President and Secretary of the Vermont Chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society and has served as President and Secretary of the Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Saint Michael's College.
On February 18, 2004, he was raised a Master Mason in Washington Lodge #3 in Williston and served as Master from 2008-2011. He served as Grand Tyler, Grand Junior Steward and District Deputy Grand Master, District #5, for the Grand Lodge of Vermont. Sandy joined York Rite in Burlington Chapter (No. 3), Council (No. 5) and Commandery (No. 2) and was knighted on December 22, 2004. He served as Eminent Commander from 2007-2009, High Priest from 2009- 2010 and Thrice Illustrious Master from 2010-2011, and served as Grand Commander of Vermont from 2011-2012. Sandy joined the Scottish Rite, Valley of Burlington and received his 32nd degree in April of 2004. He has served as Sovereign Prince in the Council of Princes of Jerusalem and Commander-in-Chief for Vermont Consistory. He was coroneted with the 33rd degree on August 28th, 2010 in Philadelphia, PA, and presently serves as a Deputy’s Representative.
Sandy is Puissant Sovereign of Bethlehem Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, Deputy Governor in the Green Mountain York Rite College #139 and Warder for the Knights of the York Cross of Honor, Priory #45. He is the recipient of the 2013 Cryptic Mason of the Year award.
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OFFICERS OF THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER ROYAL ARCH MASONS INTERNATIONAL Officers 2014 - 2017
Louis E. Bartrand General Grand High Priest 509 East Neptune Drive, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 [email protected]
James H. Hodge General Grand King [email protected] 201 S. 22nd St., Richmond, IN 47374
Steven Tiner General Grand Scribe [email protected] 16 Cliffwood Circle, N. Little Rock, Arkansas 72118
Jerrold A. Wohlfarth General Grand Treasurer [email protected] 759 Lazy Circle Dr., Vista, CA 92081
Larry E. Gray General Grand Secretary P.O. Box 128, Greenfield, IN 46140 [email protected]
E. Jeffrey Craig General Grand Chaplain 1420 N. Gilman Blvd, # 228, Issaquah, WA 98027 [email protected]
Stephen A. Rubinstein Associate General Grand Chaplain 770 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale, NY 11553 [email protected]
Donald J. Beck General Grand Captain of the Host 15928 155th Place W., Edmonds, WA 98026-4747 [email protected]
Leland L. Burlison General Grand Principal Sojourner 2745 Havenwood Dr., Unit # F, Oshkosh, WI 54904-5721 [email protected]
Larry A. Inscho General Grand Royal Arch Captain P.O. Box 143, Fostoria, MI 48435 [email protected]
Gene Fricks General Grand Master of the Third Veil 22 Murray Way, Blackwood, NJ 08012-4419 Email: [email protected]
Ted P. Bendure General Grand Master of the Second Veil P.O. Box 672, Lovelock, NV 89419-0672 [email protected]
John F. Wermann General Grand Master of the First Veil 5371 Kent Rd., Venice, FL 34293 [email protected]
C. David Williams, III General Grand Sentinel 702 N. Bluff Rd., Anthony, KS 67003-2916 [email protected]
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OFFICERS OF THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER ROYAL ARCH MASONS INTERNATIONAL Officers 2014 - 2017
Steven C. Monrotus General Grand Organist 230 Kingsway Dr., Farnubgtibm MO 63640 [email protected]
Gary W. Spriggs General Grand Custodian of the Work 207 Catherine Ln., Grass Valley, CA 95945-5801 [email protected]
C. Danny Wofford General Grand Librarian 1690 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309-0802 [email protected]
GENERAL GRAND TRUSTEES
B. O. Bryngelson P.O. Box 756, Marshalltown, IA 50158 [email protected]
Roderick W. Anderson 2133 White Oak Dr., Eau Clair, WI [email protected]
Bobby J. Kitchen 83 Crown Point Rd., Gybertm NC 28539 [email protected]
DIRECTOR, ROYAL ARCH RESEARCH ASSISTANCE, INC.
James B. Wall, P.O. Box 58070, Louisville, KY 40268
PAST GENERAL GRAND HIGH PRIESTS
R. Glen Capps (1993-1996 Murray E. Cooke (1996-1999) J. Benny Allen (2002-2005) Larry E. Gray (2005-2008) Emory J. Ferguson (2008-2011) Edmund D. Harrison (2011-2014)
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OFFICERS of the GRAND CHAPTER OF VERMONT for the Year 2016-2017
M.E. GRAND HIGH PRIEST William Karstens, IV (802) 878-7322 3 52 Bingham Lane cell (802) 338-2591 Williston, VT 05495-2038 [email protected]
R.E. GRAND KING Eric C. Steele (802) 863-0032 3 6 Gazo Avenue [email protected] Burlington, VT 05401-1034
R.E. GRAND SCRIBE David Schuler (802) 899-4877 3 3 Valley's Edge [email protected] Jericho, VT 05465-2001
R.E. GRAND TREASURER Roger M. Pike (802) 775-2756 17 P.O. Box 864 [email protected] Rutland, VT 05702-0864
E. ASST. GR. TREASURER E. Lawrence Douglass, Jr. (802) 773-3966 17 48 Deborah Drive [email protected] Rutland, VT 05701
R.E. GRAND SECRETARY Bruce R. Howard (802) 223-0411 cell 17 17 Tuttle Meadow Drive (802) 775-5247 Rutland, VT 05701-2544 [email protected]
E. ASST. GR. SECRETARY Cedric L. Smith (802) 249-8985 13 P.O. Box 586 [email protected] S. Barre, VT 05670-0864
E. GR. CAPT. OF THE HOST Roland Woodard 802-525-8885 16 PO Box 156 [email protected] Glover, VT 05839-0156
E. GRAND PRIN. SOJOURNER Michael J. Ladd (802) 525-3175 16 PO Box 146 [email protected] Glover, VT 05839-0146
E. GR. ROYAL ARCH CAPTAIN Joshua Retchless 22 38 Highland Avenue [email protected] Randolph, VT 05060
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OFFICERS of the GRAND CHAPTER OF VERMONT for the Year 2016-2017 E. GRAND CHAPLAIN Donald C. Murray (802) 476-4925 22 PO Box 24 [email protected] Graniteville, VT 05654 Lady: Lynn
E. GRAND MASTER 3RD VEIL John Haight 8 34 Truman Way [email protected] Cohoes, NY 12047-4837
E. GRAND MASTER 2ND VEIL Alex Lehning (802) 399-6037 3 21 Guyette Circle [email protected] St Albans, VT 05478
E. GRAND MASTER 1ST VEIL Joseph Sampson 13 1445 Lower Plain [email protected] Bradford, VT 05033-8921
E. GRAND ORGANIST T.B.D.
E. GRAND SENIOR STEWARD Glenn Dow 13/26 P.O. Box 128 [email protected] East Topsham, VT 05076-0138
E. GRAND JUNIOR STEWARD Richard K. Button (802) 685-4483 26 132 Bobbin Shop Road [email protected] Chelsea, VT 05038
E. GRAND SENTINEL David Selleck 22 85 Seminary Street Extention haunted ][email protected] Middlebury, VT
E. GRAND HISTORIAN Jonathan P. Park (802) 649-8871 13/26 768 Pattrell Road [email protected] Norwich, VT 05055 Lady: Linda
E. GRAND TYLER John Hosford [email protected] 22 592 VT Route 12 Middlesex, VT 05602-9346
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Committee Assignments of the GRAND CHAPTER OF VERMONT for the year 2016-2017
CREDENTIALS David Schuler, Jon Hosford, Leo A. Laflamme
FINANCE Russell J. Slora, Willis J. Morse, Donald C. Murray
JURISPRUDENCE Roger M. Pike, Palmer E. Martin, Russell J. Slora
DOINGS OF GRAND OFFICERS Belford A. Belles, Russell J. Slora, Kirk C. White
GRIEVANCES Kirk C. White, Douglas K. Boardman, Bruce R. Howard
DISPENSATIONS & CHARTERS Eric C. Steele, Willis J. Morse, Donald C. Murray
NECROLOGY Donald C.Muray, Cedric C. Smith, Bruce R. Howard
FRATERNAL RELATIONS Bruce R. Howard, William Karstens, IV
PLACE & TIME Eric C. Steele, Michael Ladd, David Schuler
MEMBERSHIP Joshua Retchless, Willis J Morse, William Karstens, IV, Jonathan P. Park
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
APRON AND JEWELS Donald C. Murray, Douglas K. Boardman
GREEN MOUNTAIN FREEMASON Bruce R. Howard, Cedric L. Smith CORRESPONDENT
R.A.M. MAGAZINE Bruce R. Howard, Willaim Karstens, IV CORRESPONDENT
R.A.R.A. PROGRAM David W. Schuler, Roland Woodard
YORK RITE COLLEGE LIASIONS William Karstens, IV, Jonathan P. Park, Bruce Howard, Roland Woodard
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GRAND CHAPTER OF VERMONT HIGH PRIESTS AND SECRETARIES OF SUBORDINATE CHAPTERS FOR THE YEAR 2016-2017
CHAPTER HIGH PRIEST SECRETARY
3 BURLINGTON Alex Lehning David Schuler Green Mtn. Center 21 Guyette Circle 3 Valley's Edge 87 Bishop Ave St Albans, VT 05478 Jericho, VT 05465-2061 Williston, VT (802) 899-4877 [email protected] [email protected]
5 WHITNEY Eric Richardson Bernard "Dusty" Mills Perley Farm Road 2258 Dartt Hill Road 291 Menard Cross Road S. Royalton, VT Bethel, VT 05032 Williamstown, VT 05670-9181 (802) 234-9565 (802) 433-1179 [email protected]
8 TEMPLE Paul Fisher Alan Watson, Sr. 504 Main Street 331 Tunic Rd 866 VT Route 7A, Box D Bennington, VT Shaftsbury VT 05262 Shaftsbury, VT 05262
[email protected] [email protected]
13 MT. LEBANON Robert Donnelly, Jr. Cedric L. Smith 1958 Waits River Rd 132 Rollie Day Road P.O. Box 586 Bradford, VT Corinth, VT 05039 S. Barre, VT 05670 (802) 249-8985 [email protected] [email protected]
15 TUCKER Robert Lencke Everett Dickinson 65 Portland St. PO Box 72 1133 North Hyde Park Road Morrisville, VT Lake Elmore, VT 05651 Hyde Park, VT [email protected] 802-888-7031. [email protected]
16 KEYSTONE Matthew J. Ladd Michael J. Ladd 52A Church St. 3235 Glover Street P.O. Box 146 Barton, VT Glover, VT 05839 Glover, VT 05839 (802) 525-3175 [email protected] [email protected]
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GRAND CHAPTER OF VERMONT HIGH PRIESTS AND SECRETARIES OF SUBORDINATE CHAPTERS FOR THE YEAR 2016-2017
CHAPTER HIGH PRIEST SECRETARY
17 DAVENPORT Bruce R. Howard Bruce R. Howard 51 Washington St 17 Tuttle Meadow Drive 17 Tuttle Meadow Drive Rutland, VT Rutland, VT 05701-2544 Rutland, VT 05701-2544 (802) 775-5247 (802) 775-5247 [email protected] [email protected]
20 CLEVELAND Alton Willard Roland Woodard 41 Masonic Lane 223 Sloan Street PO Box 156 Newport, VT Newport, VT 05855 Glover, VT 05839 [email protected]
21 OTTAUQUECHEE Joseph Lucot Charles J. Lucot 30 Pleasant St, Route 4 PO Box 327 PO Box 327 Woodstock, VT Woodstock, VT 05091 Woodstock, VT 05091 [email protected]
22 POTTER William Grant, Jr. James E. Selleck 25 Schoolhouse Road 2766 Pearson road 11 Moosalamoo Club Road Salisbury, VT New Haven, VT 05472-1062 Salisbury, VT 05769-9803
24 WATERBURY Randy A. Ricker Willis J. Morse 10 Stowe Street 72 Twin Peaks Road 3267 Crossett Hill Road Waterbury, VT Waterbury Ctr., VT 05677-7049 Duxbury, VT 05676 (802) 244-8504 [email protected] [email protected]
25 SKITCHEWAG John E. Caron Leo A. LaFlamme 71 Main Street 16 Royce Street 17 Cooldige Road Springfield, VT Springfield, VT 05156 Springfield, VT 05156 (802) 885-5252 [email protected]
26 GRANITE Vincent Robinson Donald C. Murray 2 Academy Street PO Box 201 P.O. Box 24 Barre, VT S. Strafford, VT 05070-0201 Graniteville, VT 05654 (802) 272-7923 [email protected] [email protected]
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ONE HUNDRED NINETY NINTH CONVOCATION of the
GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF VERMONT
-2016-
The One Hundred Ninety Ninth Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Vermont convened at the Killington Mountain Lodge in the Town of Killington on the 13th day of June 2016, A.D. A.I. 2546 at 3:04 PM. The Annual Convocation was opened in full form by Companion Jonathan P. Park, Most Excellent Grand High Priest. The E. Grand Chaplain, Companion Donald C. Murray led the assembled Companions in prayer.
The R.E. Grand Secretary called the Roll of Grand Officers with the following Officers in Their chairs or accounted for:
M.E. Grand High Priest – Jonathan P. Park R.E. Grand King – William Karstens, IV R.E. Grand Scribe – Eric C. Steele R.E. Grand Treasurer - Roger M. Pike E. Assistant Grand Treasurer – E. Lawrence Douglass, Jr. R.E. Grand Secretary – Bruce R. Howard E. Grand Captain of the Host – David Schuler E. Grand Principal Sojourner – Roland Woodard E. Royal Arch Captain – Michael J. Ladd E. Grand Chaplain – Donald C. Murray E. Grand Master 1st Veil – Russell J. Slora E. Grand Master 2nd Veil – John Haight E. Grand Master 3rd Veil – Joshua Retchless E. Grand Organist- Paul Fischer E. Grand Ser. Steward – Glenn Dow E. Grand Jr. Steward – Richard K. Button
Absent
E. Grand Sentinel– Charles Lucot – excused; E. Grand Tyler – Joseph Sampson
The following Companions were appointed as follows:
Companion Palmer E. Martin, was appointed as E. Grand Tyler
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RECEPTION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT PAST GRAND HIGH PRIESTS
The following Most Excellent Past Grand High Priests for the State of Vermont were presented at their stations, introduced by Companion William “Sandy” Karstens, IV, Right Excellent Grand King
James E. Selleck 1979 Russell J. Slora 2009 Willis J. Morse 1989 Bruce R. Howard 2010 Palmer E. Martin 1990 Kirk C. White 2011 Belford A. Belles 2000 Pierre-Denis Leger 2012 Daniel Ebbighausen 2001 Alexis J. Parent 2013 Donald C. Murray 2003 Douglas K. Boardman 2014 E. Lawrence Douglass, Jr. 2007
M.E.G.H.P. Park thanked the M.E. Past Grand High Priests for their assistance and presence at his annual Convocation. The M.E.P.G.H.P. were then accorded a round of applause and seated by Companion Park.
APPROVAL OF 2015 PROCEEDINGS
After ascertaining that there were no objections, M.E.G.H.P. Park declared the 2015 proceedings approved as printed.
PRELIMINARY REPORT – CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE (see page 26)
M.E.G.H.P. Park called for a preliminary report from the Committee on Credentials. Companion Leo Laflamme gave the report which is printed in its entirety in the report section of these proceedings as the final report of the Credentials Committee. This report was accepted and ordered printed in the proceedings.
RECEPTION OF DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
NEW YORK by Belford A. Belles, M.E.P.G.H.P.
Comp. Raymond Roche, Most Excellent Grand High Priest Comp. Ronald Kamp, Grand Representative of VT near the Grand Chapter of NY
RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATION by Willis “Bill” Morse, M.E.P.G.H.P.
Comp. Russell J. Lorenson, Most Excellent Grand High Priest
MASSACHUSETTS by Daniel Ebbighausen, M.E.P.G.H.P.
Comp. John C. Cox , Right Excellent Grand King
CONNECTICUT by James E. Selleck, M.E.P.G.H.P.
Comp. Martin Ede, Most Excellent Grand High Priest Comp. Charles A. McCollum, M.E.P.G.H.P. and R.E. Grand Treasurer Comp. Clyde W. Kayser, E. Grand Master of the 2nd Veil
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NEW HAMPSHIRE by Russell J. Slora, M.E.P.G.H.P.
Comp. Scott Ayen, Most Excellent Grand High Priest Comp. H. Stephen Wood, Most Excellent Past Grand High Priest Comp. Andy Lord, Right Excellent Grand King Comp. David Walters, R.E. Assistant Grand Treasurer
ILLINOIS by Daniel Ebbighausen, M.E.P.G.H.P
Comp. James Tome., Right Excellent Deputy Grand High Priest
NEW JERSEY by Palmer E. Martin, M.E.P.G.H.P.
Comp. John D. Barnes, Most Excellent Past Grand High Priest & Right Excellent Treas. And Right worshipful Master Haggai Lodge of Mark Master Masons
GRAND CHAPTER OF QUEBEC by Pierre-Denis Leger, M.E.P.G.H.P.
Puissant .E. Comp. Francois LaBrie, Most Excellent Grand First Principal R.E. Comp. Ed;uino DeSousa, Grand Director of Ceremonies
Upon being greeted in the East by Companion Park, M.E. Companion LaBrie presented to Companion Park the Traveling Gavel which has been passed between the Grand Chapters of Vermont and Quebec for a number of years. Companion Park accepted the gavel and passed it on to his successor. Companion Park assured our guests that the gavel would return to Quebec at their annual Convocation in the Spring of 2017.
GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER, ROYAL ARCH MASONS. INTERNATIONAL, Presented by Willis J. Morse, Ambassador to Vermont,
R.E. Comp. Steven Tiner, General Grand Chapter Grand Scribe representing Most Excellent Companion Louis E. Bartrand, the Most Excellent General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International.
Also: Comp. Palmer E. Martin, Past R.E. General Grand Chapter Treasurer Comp. Brad Buckley, Ambassador to Rhode Island Companion Willis J. “Bill” Morse, Ambassador to Vermont
After all visiting dignitaries and General Grand Chapter representatives were greeted in the East, M.E. Grand High Priest Park lead the Companions in the giving of grand honors to our guests.
FLAG CEREMONY
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by the singing of one verse of the National Anthem and O’Canada.
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RECOGNITION OF GRAND REPRESENTATIVES
M.E.G.H.P. Park asked all Grand Representatives of other jurisdictions, near VT to rise. Companion Park thanked the Grand Representatives for their diligent work keeping the lines of communication open with our sister jurisdictions.
CALL FOR MOTIONS, RESOLUTIONS OR PROPOSALS- (see page 42-44)
M.E.G.H.P Park called for any resolutions or proposals. Three proposals to amend the Statues and Regulations were received on time and are on the Recorders desk. They were also printed in the Book of Reports and forwarded to every Chapter Secretary for review and discussion. The same have been forwarded to the Jurisprudence Committee for review. Copies of the motions are printed in the report section (see page 24)
GRAND HIGH PRIEST’S ADDRESS
Companion Park turned the gavel over the Companion Karstens, R.E. Grand King and gave the following address:
June 13, 2016
To the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Vermont now assembled:
Companions,
I am most grateful, and sincerely humbled, by the honor of serving you this past year as Most Excellent Grand High Priest. Through this office, I have been able to represent our Grand Chapter at many sister jurisdictions outside of our state, and at all Vermont Chapters where I have been received, and in several where I have had the pleasure to see and participate in degree work.
In order to foster the continued growth in local degree work, I have worked with many of you to compile a list of Companions who, with adequate notice, could travel to fill in key spots in casts so that barriers to performing degrees as complex as The Most Excellent Master and Holy Royal Arch would be ameliorated. In so doing, I have been able to fill nearly 50 of the more demanding cast slots represented in York Rite Degrees with nearly 30 different Companions. Certainly, there are some roles for which we need much more depth, but our talent pool is growing, as is the corresponding example to our newer Companions to step out of their comfort zones and to step up to the challenges of mastering these roles. There is no greater legacy that any of us can give to the craft than to work to ensure the depth and wealth of our ritualist pool for future generations.
Necrology
The report of the Committee on Necrology, appears elsewhere in these proceedings.
During the past year, we were deeply saddened by the loss of 21 Companions.
May the Lord receive those Companions who passed away this past Captular year, and may their families know that we too will deeply miss those bonds of friendship and brotherly love.
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York Rite Planning Meeting
A York Rite Planning meeting was held on Saturday, June 20, 2015 in Barre. At that meeting, dates were set for Chapter and Council District Meeting(s), as well as for Commandery Inspections. This past year, as previously, it was voted to combine the Chapter and Council District meeting in Barre to be presided over, this year, by the heads of bodies (in the absence of District Deputies). Grand lines also reviewed duties and expectations for the ensuing year.
Northeast York Rite Conference
The Northeast York Rite Conference returned to a joint meeting, September 11, 2015, with Grand Chapter, Council, and Grand Commandery in Mt. Laurel, N.J.; I was pleased to be able to attend all sessions.
Northeast York Rite College Conference
This past year (September 19, 2015) I had the opportunity to represent the Green Mountain York Rite College for the NE regional assembly in Waterville, ME. where I had the honor of serving as Athelstan for their Order of York conferral.
District Meeting
A combined North/South Chapter and Council District meeting, attended by 34 Companions and presided by Heads of Bodies, was held in Barre, Vermont on October 3, 2015.
Multi State Festival
There was no Multi State Festival this year.
Dispensations
This year, I granted Three (3) dispensation, all for the good of the Order. They are on file in the Grand Recorder’s Office for review. These dispensations were forwarded to the Jurisprudence Committee for review and comment in their report.
Charters
November 23, 2015 I travelled with our YR Grand recorder to Hardwick VT to hear their leadership discuss the logistics for (re)forming a more local Chapter. To date, no formal petition nor additional activities have come before Grand Chapter in this respect.
Visitations
During this past year, I have attended Grand Convocations in seven of our sister jurisdictions including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Quebec; at three of these Grand Convocations, I was the only visiting Head of Chapter. I was pleased to attend additional out-of-state sessions including the N.E. Department York Rite Conference and the N.E. Assembly of York Rite Colleges.
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Within Vermont, I have been received at virtually every constituent Chapter holding regular meetings and having issued the appropriate notice/invitation, and I have had the pleasure to attend 5 Chapters during the conferral of Capitular degrees, at which Convocations, I was honored to be a cast member in 6 degree teams.
Also within Vermont, I have had the honor of representing Grand Chapter at such varied Masonic gatherings as the DeMolay Legion of Honor, among others. I also participated in the cast of the York Rite (RAM) promotional skit “Fervency and Zeal”, in our presentation as the educational program for the Grand Lodge District No. 10 meeting. This represents an unprecedented and hopeful collaboration involving Vermont York Rite and Vermont Grand lodge; the program was well received and considered informative.
I have also worked closely with The MEGHP of NH to reestablish cooperative interactions with their Representative Near VT, and have already met and dined with that Companion where we began to identify potential synergies for our two states which share so many of the same challenges and opportunities going forward.
My itinerary for the year is listed below for your review.
Condition of the Order
Membership
I have vigorously encouraged more Blue Lodge talks & presentations to inform Master Masons about York Rite as they are our future members. In fact, I am pleased that the “Fervency & Zeal” presentation was done for the educational portion of one of the Grand Lodge District (10) meetings this past year, and was very well received including by Grand Lodge attendees. I am also pleased to have seen several progressive line Grand Lodge officers complete their York Rite journey this past year.
Despite discouraging reports of declines in overall York Rite membership, I am pleased to announce that there are currently ~20 Brothers throughout the state at various stages of their Capitular journey. We have been working assiduously to coordinate and support these efforts in every corner of the state (NE, East, Central, West, and SW)
Recommendations
1. Chapter and Council (and YR College?) to coordinate yearly Silver Trowel and Anointed High Priest a. Assemble cast as needed b. Advertise dates c. Determine candidates d. Determine locations and times i. coordinate with Grand and/or district Sessions 2. Continue to hold one combined North/South District meeting until such time as our membership justifies a separate meeting in the North and the South. 3. Better coordination with Chapter Ambassador, Grand Recorder, EHP. 4. Better coordination with YRC and RCofC as appropriate. 5. Better oversight of charitable activities across York Rite in Vermont.
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Jonathan P. Park Most Excellent Grand High Priest
Most Excellent Grand High Priest Itinerary June 2015- June 2016
June 8, 2015 VT Grand Commandery Meeting Williston, VT June 8, 2015 VT Grand Chapter Meeting Williston, VT June 8, 2015 VT Grand Council Meeting Williston, VT June 9, 2015 VT Grand Master's Banquet Williston, VT June 10, 2015 VT Grand Lodge Session Williston, VT June 18, 2015 Granite Chapter No. 26 Barre, VT June 18, 2015 Barre Council No. 22 Barre, VT June 18, 2015 St. Aldemar Commandery No. 11 Barre, VT June 20, 2015 York Rite Planning Session Barre, VT July 12, 2015 York Rite College Williamstown, VT July 14, 2015 Temple Lodge 1st Degree Strafford, VT July 20, 2015 Mt. Lebanon Chapter Bradford, VT Help with Granite Lodge and York Rite Bingo July 25, 2015 Barre, VT Concessions July 28, 2015 Temple Lodge No. 54 Strafford, VT August 17, 2015 Mt. Lebanon Chapter - Mark Master Degree Bradford, VT August 22, 2015 St. Andrews Highland Games Volunteer Staff Quechee, VT August 25, 2015 Temple Lodge 2nd Degree Strafford, VT N.E. Department York Rite Conference - September 11, 2015 Mt. Laurel, NJ Chapter N.E. Department York Rite Conference - September 11, 2015 Mt. Laurel, NJ Council N.E. Department York Rite Conference - September 12, 2015 Mt. Laurel, NJ Commandery September 17, 2015 Granite Chapter No. 26 Barre, VT September 17, 2015 Barre Council No. 22 Barre, VT September 17, 2015 St. Aldemar Commandery No. 11 Barre, VT September 19, 2015 N.E. York Rite College - Athelstan Waterville, ME September 21, 2015 Mt. Lebanon Chapter Bradford, VT September 22, 2015 Temple Lodge No. 54 Strafford, VT October 3, 2015 Grand Chapter District Meeting Barre, VT October 3, 2015 Grand Council District Meeting Barre, VT October 5, 2015 Mystic-Star-Phoenix Lodge No. 97 Brookfield, VT October 9, 2015 District No. 9 Meeting Brookfield, VT October 11, 2015 York Rite College - Athelstan Barre, VT October 15, 2015 Granite Chapter No. 26 Barre, VT October 15, 2015 Barre Council No. 22 Barre, VT October 15, 2015 St. Aldemar Commandery No. 11 Barre, VT October 21, 2015 District 10 Fervency and Zeal Presentation Newport, VT October 23, 2015 Mass. Grand Chapter Hyannis, MA October 23, 2015 Mass. Grand Council Hyannis, MA October 24, 2015 Mass. Grand Comandery Hyannis, MA October 25, 2015 St. Aldemar Commandery Rehearsal Barre, VT October 26, 2015 Mt. Lebanon Chapter P.M. Degree Barre, VT October 26, 2015 Mt. Lebanon Chapter M.E.M. Degree Barre, VT October 27, 2015 Temple Lodge No. 54 Strafford, VT October 30, 2015 Past Masters - District No. 9 Strafford, VT
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Help with Granite Lodge and York Rite Bingo October 31, 2015 Barre, VT Concessions November 1, 2015 St. Aldemar Commandery Rehearsal Barre, VT November 8, 2015 St. Aldemar Commandery Rehearsal Barre, VT Mt. Lebanon Chapter R.A.M. Degree - King November 11, 2015 Barre, VT Solomon November 13, 2015 Prepare for Strafford Lodge Fund Raiser Strafford, VT November 14, 2015 Temple Lodge Hunter Dinner - Work Strafford, VT November 15, 2015 St. Aldemar Commandery Rehearsal Barre, VT November 16, 2015 Mt. Lebanon Chapter Bradford, VT November 19, 2015 Granite Chapter No. 26 Barre, VT November 19, 2015 Barre Council No. 22 Barre, VT November 19, 2015 St. Aldemar Commandery No. 11 Barre, VT November 22, 2015 St. Aldemar Commandery Rehearsal Barre, VT November 23, 2015 Chapter Charter discusssions Hardwick, VT November 24, 2015 Temple Lodge No. 54 Strafford, VT November 29, 2015 St. Aldemar Commandery Rehearsal Barre, VT Barre Council Royal and Select Masters November 30, 2015 Barre, VT Degrees - Abif December 3, 2015 PA Grand Chapter Philadelphia, PA December 3, 2015 PA R.A.M. degree Philadelphia, PA December 6, 2015 St. Aldemar Commandery Rehearsal Barre, VT December 8, 2015 St. Aldemar Orders of Red Cross and Malta Barre, VT December 12, 2015 Mt. Zion and Malta Commandery Inspection Morristown, VT December 13, 2015 St. Aldemar Commandery Rehearsal Barre, VT Davenport Chapter R.A.M. Degree - King December 15, 2015 Rutland, VT Solomon December 17, 2015 Ottauquechee Chapter Woodstock, VT December 17, 2015 Whitney Chapter Woodstock, VT December 18, 2015 St. Aldemar No. 11 Inspection Barre, VT December 20, 2015 St. Aldemar Christmas Observance Barre, VT December 21, 2015 Mt. Lebanon Chapter Bradford, VT January 19, 2016 Temple Lodge No. 54 Strafford, VT January 21, 2016 Granite Chapter No. 26 Barre, VT January 21, 2016 Barre Council No. 22 Barre, VT January 21, 2016 St. Aldemar Commandery No. 11 Barre, VT Red Cross of Constantine - St. Helena January 24, 2016 Barre, VT Conclave Burlington Chapter No. 3 MM, PM, MEM January 30, 2016 Williston, VT degrees Help with Granite Lodge and York Rite Bingo January 30, 2016 Barre, VT Concessions January 31, 2016 Temple Lodge No. 54 3rd Degree Strafford, VT Keystone chapter No. 16 & Cleveland Chapter February 1, 2016 Barton, VT No 20 MM degree (6) Candidates February 6, 2016 Waterbury Chapter No. 24 MM Degree Waterbury, VT February 18, 2016 Granite Chapter No. 26 Barre, VT February 18, 2016 Barre Council No. 22 Barre, VT February 18, 2016 St. Aldemar Commandery No. 11 Barre, VT February 23, 2016 Temple Lodge No. 54 Strafford, VT Grand Chapter of New York - High Priest's March 3, 2016 Albany, NY Reception Grand Chapter of New York - Grand Chapter March 4, 2016 Albany, NY Convocation
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Grand Chapter of New York - Order of High March 4, 2016 Albany, NY Priesthood March 11, 2016 Granite Chapter No. 26 M.M. Degree Barre, VT March 13, 2016 Temple Lodge No. 54 Lease discussions Strafford, VT March 15, 2016 Mt Calvary Inspection Rutland, VT March 17, 2016 Granite Chapter No. 26 Barre, VT March 17, 2016 Barre Council No. 22 Barre, VT March 17, 2016 St. Aldemar Commandery No. 11 Barre, VT March 18, 2016 Dinner with N.H. Chapter Rep. to VT Norwich, VT March 19, 2016 Demolay Legion of Honor Williston, VT March 21, 2016 Mt. Lebanon Chapter Bradford, VT March 22, 2016 Temple Lodge No. 54 Strafford, VT Planning for YR Grand Lines and Committees March 24, 2016 Norwich, VT with incoming GHM, MIGM Planning for YR Grand Lines and Committees March 25, 2016 Norwich, VT with incoming GHP, MIGM Planning for YR College Grand Lines and April 7, 2016 Norwich, VT Committees with incoming Governor Barre Council No. 22 Annual Meeting and April 8, 2016 Barre, VT installation Planning for YR Grand Lines2016 Sessions April 10, 2016 Barre, VT and Committees with incoming GHP, MIGM April 10, 2016 York Rite Cellege Barre, VT Grand Chapter of Quebec - Grand Chapter April 16, 2016 Montreal, QE. Convocation April 18, 2016 Mt. Lebanon Chapter Bradford, VT April 19, 2016 Temple Lodge No. 54 Strafford, VT Grand Chapter of Maine - Grand Chapter April 23, 2016 Portland, ME Convocation April 28, 2016 Granite Chapter No. 26 Annual Barre, VT April 28, 2016 St. Aldemar Commandery No. 11 Annual Barre, VT Help with Granite Lodge and York Rite Bingo April 30, 2016 Barre, VT Concessions Red Cross of Constantine - St. Helena May 1, 2016 Barre, VT Conclave May 7, 2016 Chapter Degree Cast PM & MEM Barre, VT Grand Chapter of N.H. - Grand Chapter May 14, 2016 Portsmouth, NH Convocation May 16, 2016 Mt. Lebanon Chapter Bradford, VT May 19, 2016 Granite Chapter No. 26 Barre, VT May 19, 2016 Grand Chapter Rehearsal for Grand Session Barre, VT May 19, 2016 Barre Council No. 22 Barre, VT May 19, 2016 St. Aldemar Commandery No. 11 Barre, VT Grand Chapter of Conn. - Grand Chapter June 4, 2016 Meriden, CT Convocation
REPORT OF THE GRAND TREASURER (see page 27-28)
The report of the Grand Treasure printed in the Book of Reports was given by Grand Treasurer with suggested changes to the budget. M.E.G.H.P. Park referred this report to the Finance Committee
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REPORT OF THE GRAND SECRETARY (see page 29-31)
The report of the Grand Secretary printed in the Book of Reports. A few brief comments and points of clarification were made by the Excellent Grand Secretary. M.E.G.H.P. Park referred this report to the Finance Committee
PRESENTATION OF BRONZE MEDAL
Companion Park informed the assembled Companions that last evening at the banquet, in a very public way, an award was given to a remarkably hard working and deserving York Rite Mason. The most prestigious Chapter award went to Grand Recorder Bruce R. Howard. It is also the prerogative of the Grand High Priest on an annual basis to recommend a single Companion for recognition for work and support of the York Rite. Companion Park requested that his selection for the Bronze Medal be presented in the East. Companion Michael J. Ladd from Keystone Chapter, Barton, was escorted to the East by the Right Eminent Grand Scribe. Companion Steven Tiner and Companion Park presented the award to Companion Ladd.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF DOINGS OF GRAND OFFICERS (see page 32)
A motion was made and seconded to accept the report printed and distributed in the Book of Reports. The motion was voted in the affirmative and ordered to be printed in the proceedings.
Companion Park then ordered the following reports, printed in the Book of Reports, as received and ordered them printed in the Proceedings:
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NECROLOGY (see page 33-34) REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GRIEVANCES (see page 35). REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON DISPENSATION & CHARTERS (see page 36) REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON APRONS & JEWELS (see page 36) COMMITTEE ON R.A.R.A. (report not received)
COMMITTEE ON PLACE AND TIME
An oral report was given at the Convocation. The Committee recommended that the Grand Chapter of Vermont meet on the 12th of June, 2015 immediately following The Grand Council Annual Assembly (approximately 3:00 PM) at the Killington Mountain Lodge on the Killington Access Road, Killington Vermont. A motion was made to accept the oral report submitted by the committee. The motion was seconded and voted in the affirmative.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON JURISPRUDENCE (see pages 40-41)
Report No. 1
Motion made, seconded and voted in the affirmative to accept the report and adopt recommendation.
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Report No. 2
Motion made, seconded and voted in the affirmative to accept the report and adopt recommendation
Report No. 3
Motion made, seconded and voted in the affirmative to accept the report and adopt recommendation.
Report No. 4
Motion made, seconded and voted in the affirmative to accept the report and adopt recommendation
REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE AND BUDGET (see page 37-39)
Report No. 1. Motion made and seconded to accept this report and voted in the affirmative.
Report No. 2. A motion was made to add an additional line in the budget to cover the cost of awards issued by General Grand Chapter in the amount of $200.000. The amendment was seconded and the Companions voted in the affirmative. The adjusted budget proposed in Report #2 was motioned, and seconded and voted in the affirmative.
Report No. 3. Motion made, seconded and voted to accept this report and the recommendations therein contained after much discussion.
Report No. 4.
Motion made and seconded and voted in the affirmative to adopt this report.
ADDRESS BY VISITING GRAND HIGH PRIESTS
Companion Park called upon Companion Scott Ayen, the Grand High Priest from New Hampshire who gave the following address:
“Thank you Most Excellent. They’ll be brief. I embarrass myself a little bit when I was in Connecticut, stuck my foot all the way down my throat, so I won’t do that today, but it’s been fun being here. It’s been a privilege to travel with you and to be at several events with you over the years and working with your Brother (Jonathan’s birth brother) as well in my home lodge of which I am a Past Master of. It’s been a great image to see the Brothers in action so to speak. So I thank you on behalf of all the Most Excellent Grand High Priests and First Principals and we hope that you have a successful year coming up to your Grand King who is going to ascend to higher places. With that we thank you for your hospitality and it’s been great. And I thank you. ”
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M.E.P.G.H.P. Howard made a motion which was seconded and voted in the affirmative to make all visiting Grand High Priests from sister jurisdictions Honorary Members of the Grand Chapter of Vermont. M.E.G.H.P. Park then presented a membership certificate to all visiting Grand High Priests and Grand First Principals in attendance.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Most Excellent Grand High Priest Park called for the election of officers. The name of Companion William “Sandy” Karstens, IV was put forth for office of Most Excellent Grand High Priest for the ensuing year. No further nominations being made, the nominations were closed, the nomination of Companion Karstens seconded and voted in the affirmative.
Nominations for the following Companions for the ensuing year for the respective offices were made as follows:
R.E.. Grand King Eric C. Steele R.E. Grand Scribe David Schuler E. Grand Treasurer Roger M. Pike E. Grand Secretary Bruce R. Howard
Nominations were closed, the proposed slate of officers seconded and voted in the affirmative.
Companion Karstens, newly elected Grand High Priest, made the following appointments for the ensuing year:
E. G. Capt the Host Roland E. Woodard G. Prin. Sojourner Michael J. Ladd G. Royal Arch Capt Joshua Retchless Chaplain Donald C. Murray Assistant Grand Chaplain Edward A. Gee Master 3rd Veil John Haight Master 2nd Veil Alex Lehning Master 1st Veil Joseph Sampson Sr. Steward Glenn Dow Jr. Steward Richard Button Sentinel David Selleck Historian Jonathan P. Park. Tyler Jon Horsford
ADDRESS BY THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVE COMPANION STEVEN TINER, GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER GENERAL GRAND SCRIBE
“Well again it’s good to be with you in the Green Mountain State. This is my first time in Vermont. I drove up from Albany Airport and what a beautiful, scenic route that was to into the State of Vermont. And so I’m glad to be here, appreciate your hospitality, enjoyed the banquet last night and certainly visiting with you as I’ve had opportunity. I bring you greetings from our Most Excellent Grand High Priest Louis Bartrand. These are exciting days in General Grand
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Chapter and in York Rite in general. We see a renewed interest in the Royal Craft. It’s a good time to be a York Rite Mason and to be a Royal Arch Mason in particular. I hope that you are already familiar with the Royal Arch Mason Magazine, but if you’re not I hope that you will consider a subscription to that. The Royal Arch Mason Magazine is available for a ten dollar ($10.00) annual subscription. It is a quarterly magazine. In fact I often say the only thing wrong with the magazine is that’s quarterly rather than monthly. It’s a great publication. Jim Hodge who is our General Grand King is also the editor of the magazine and over the last few years, he has significantly improved that publication. I would say it is one of the top Masonic magazines in the world today. We also have some real deals for you. If you would like in your local Chapter for every member to be subscribed, every Companion, then you can subscribe for only two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per year per Companion. So you can’t beat a deal like that. And in fact in each state that chooses to subscribe for the entire state, not only does each Companion receive the magazine for two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) but also there is an eight (8) page insert in the middle of the magazine which would be customized just for Vermont. Just what’s taking place here. You would have your own editor who would submit those things for that magazine.
We also have in this triennial session an electronic newsletter that is a monthly publication that you will receive by e-mail, no charge for that subscription. All you have to do is hand me your e- mail address. I’d be happy to add you to the list. We monthly send this out as a way of communicating to you what’s happening in General Grand Chapter but also what’s happening in other Grand Chapters all over the world. So not only should you avail yourself of the subscription but also to submit things that are happening here and what’s working in Vermont and what’s working in your Chapter, to share with others because we learn from each other.
If you’re not already familiar with the website,www.yorkrite.org I hope you’ll get familiar with that. It’s a place where all things York Rite. And at yorkrite.org you can connect to General Grand Chapters website and keep up with what’s happening in Royal Arch Masonry. Of course, right away you have the Northeast Regional Conference coming up this fall in Foxboro, Massachusetts, and it’s through the website that you can find the registration information and connect to be a part of that and I hope you make that a part of your fall.
The educational effort this triennial is the capitular development course. Now I want to recommend that to you to consider taking personally, but also what we’re finding is that in many Chapters around the country they are having study groups who are going through capitular development course together. It was written by Piers Vaughn, who is Past Grand High Priest in the State of New York, excellently written. In fact I would say it’s one of the most exciting things that’s come out for Royal Arch Chapters in the last forty (40) or fifty (50) years. Probably the last voluminous work upon Royal Arch that was really seen in this way was when Charles Albert Snodgrass in the State of Tennessee produced “A Light from the Sanctuary of the Holy Royal Arch”. It is no longer in publication, so the Capitular development course is wonderful to learn about. The history as well as symbolism and meaning of what’s taken place in Capitular Degrees. There is also information there about reviving your Chapter. Keeping things going and of course always in your educational efforts in your Chapter it would be helpful. You can purchase that course through LULU.com. Get a hard cover version of that for eighteen seventy five ($18.75) or a kindle version for eleven seventy five ($11.75) These are also some pretty exciting days for Royal Arch Research Assistance. And we’re excited about what’s happening in the research world. Our charity is a significant and important charity as Royal Arch Masons. Royal Arch Research Assistance is supporting research in the area of
[- 21 -] central auditory processing disorder. Now usually when we say that or say C.A.P.D. people have a question mark over this, what is C.A.P.D.? That’s all the more reason that’s it important, because it is an area of research that is not highly funded. And yet it is not a small problem. As many as five percent (5%) present are suffering some form of C.A.P.D... What dyslexia is to the eye C.A.P.D. is to the ear. It is not a hearing problem; you don’t solve it by giving someone a hearing aid or increasing the volume. Someone who is struggling with C.A.P.D. in the room right now might be hearing the buzzing of the lights louder than they’re hearing the sound of my voice. And it’s not hearing, it is perception, it is a problem deep within the brain. Primarily R.A.R.A. supports Dr. Frank Muziek who is the premier researcher of C.A.P.D. in the world. He is today at the University of Arizona in Tucson. It was wonderful to sit down with him to go through his lab and to hear him say if were not for Royal Arch Masons, we would close up shop and go home. Because two thirds (2/3) of what we are doing in the area of research is coming from funding by Royal Arch Masons. We are making a difference. Not only are we funding Dr, Frank Muziek’s research, but also Hearing and Health Foundation in their area that is concerned with C.A.P.D. and also Autism Speaks, because today scientists are discovering an interesting connection between someone who is autistic and those who have C.A.P.D. And what we are discovering that a vast majority of those who have Autism also struggle with C.A.P.D. It is important, after all, the Bible which lies on the Holy Altar today says faith comes by hearing.
The General Grand Chapter also produces a history of Royal Arch Masonry. A four volume set, hard cover. If you enjoy history, and most Masons do, I’d encourage you to avail yourself of that. I purchased the volume about a year ago and have just really enjoyed consuming that. Because not only does it talk about Royal Arch Masonry history in general, but each Grand Jurisdiction, your history is printed there, in the State of Vermont. And now General Grand Chapter is beginning to prepare the fifth volume of history. This will be the history of each Grand Jurisdiction from 1996 forward. So if you haven’t already, I would encourage you to appoint a historian to write the history of Vermont from 96 forward and to submit that for that fifth volume. There are many awards that are available through General Grand Chapter. The ritual award is a very prestigious award. May I ask, is there anyone in the room who has the ritual award? May you stand, two (2) in the room, alright, let’s congratulate them. The ritual jewel is received by a points system. Again if you go to yorkrite.org and connect to the General Grand Chapters website, there’s a link there for the ritual jewel. And after a Companion has accumulated twelve (12) points, is eligible to receive the jewel. I’d love to come back and to present that to you. It works like this, perhaps you preside in the East as High Priest for the Mark Master’s Degree, well that is a three (3) point earning. If you serve as any one of the Masters of the Veils, that earns one (1) point, if you present the lecture of the Mark Master’s Degree, that is two (2) points, a number of different ways that you can achieve the twelve (12) points to receive the ritual jewel, so take a look at that, and we’d love to present that to you. Of course there are other various medals, as we have presented the bronze medal today. There’s also the Silver Medal, which is presented only once in Triennium in a region. To recommend someone to receive the silver award, you should write a letter to your Deputy General Grand High Priest and make that recommendation. Is there by chance a recipient of the silver award in the room? (no response) It’s a testimony to just how rare they are. And then of course there is the Gold Award, even much more rare, that is presented once in a Treinniel Session by the General Grand High Priest. Is someone who has achieved in the area of arts and sciences or business or public relations. Any Gold Recipients? I had that happen once before so I always ask. There is the Ephraim Kirby Award that has been presented here in your session is also the newest award that General Grand Chapter presents. I know that some history of that was given last night, that’s a great name for a first General Grand High Priest isn’t it? Ephraim. That fits pretty good for Royal Arch. Named after him, it’s someone who has
[- 22 -] served as a Grand Officer and continues to work in the quarries. Let me also tell you about the sweetheart award. We often thank our ladies for the good work that they do, for supporting us at home and they also support us many times in our Chapters or perhaps help with fundraising for charity. They do a number of things for us and we want to make much of thanking our ladies for all that they do, the great way to do that is to present them with the sweetheart award. Now that will tickle your lady. We bring those ladies forward and present them the Sweetheart Award, they will wear it at every Masonic function, they’re proud of it, they’re thankful for it. It’s something you can avail yourself of through General Grand Chapter.
I just want to thank you for your participation in and membership with General Grand Chapter thorough these many, many years and tell you that you make a difference. When your per capita goes to General Grand Chapter it doesn’t just disappear in the Netherlands, it is working for Royal Arch Masonry around the world. Now when I was serving as High Priest of my local Chapter, the truth of the matter was I knew very little about General Grand Chapter. And I’m a bit embarrassed to tell you but even as a Grand Chapter officer in the State of Arkansas, I knew very little about General Grand Chapter. And it wasn’t until about the time that I was serving as Grand Scribe that I began to educate myself about what General Grand Chapter was doing. And realizing just valuable it is to Royal Arch. I didn’t realize at the time that regional conferences happen, because of General Grand Chapter. That’s who puts it together. Because of General Grand Chapters two hundred year history the overwhelming majority of Grand Chapters around the world were chartered by General Grand Chapter. The General Grand Chapter publishes the ritual in languages wherever it is needed and wherever Chapters are planted. We publish it in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Romanian, Croatian, Portuguese, and where there’s a need we translate and begin to publish to provide it. And I’d taken my wife to the Royal Arch Widow’s degree, and we had fun and laughed that night, and didn’t realize it was General Grand Chapter who publishes that and provides and the pin for our ladies. It is General Grand Chapter that goes into a jurisdiction and negotiates for the Grand Lodge to begin to plant Grand Chapters and local subordinate Chapters. Last fall I was in Portugal, it’s an exciting area, because Masonry is not old in Portugal, it’s very new in the Country of Portugal. In fact, Clandestine Masonry is what has history in Portugal, regular Masonry is very young. The first regular Masonic Lodges in Portugal were planted there in the 1980’s. And so they are very excited and while I was there I attended and was presented as their Grand Master constituted four (4) new lodges in the Country of Portugal. It is burning like fire. Well seeing that and seeing that Regular Masonry had arrived, General Grand Chapter came on the scene and negotiated with their Grand Lodge and began to plant Royal Arch Chapters in the Country of Portugal. Who else would have done that except for General Grand Chapter. So you are making a difference in spreading Royal Arch Masonry around the world. Of course the Royal Arch Mason Magazine is there, the medals are there all of that because of General Grand Chapter.
If you have visited the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Washington. D.C. and appreciated the presentation there of the Royal Arch room, and now the Royal Arch display, that happens because of General Grand Chapter.
Let me tell you something that you might think about. Your Grand Chapter here pays per capita for each Companion to General Grand Chapter. But you can relieve them of that personally. If you would like to become a life member of General Grand Chapter you can do so for a one time purchase of twenty five dollars ($25.00). You become a lifetime member of General Grand Chapter and the Grand Chapter of Vermont will never again pay per capita for you to General Grand Chapter, you are a lifetime member. So in Arkansas I didn’t want the Grand Chapter to pay
[- 23 -] per capita for me, so I paid the twenty five dollars ($25.00) and became a life member. Any you can do that. And as you promote that I will give some relief there.
You know, we have something very wonderful. We have a treasure in the Royal Arch degree. I know and I appreciate every appendant body of Freemasonry, I’m a member of most all of them, and I love all of them. But the truth of the matter is there is no degree anywhere in all of Freemasonry that has greater and deeper symbolism than the Royal Arch Degree. We can talk about the college of the fraternity all that we want to but the reality is when a Companion is exalted to the degree of the Royal Arch, he goes home that night with practical truths that he can apply to his life the very next day. But he has also been introduced to an area of symbolism that he can study for the rest of his life. That newly made Capitular Mason comes to the shores of the Royal Arch he can wade in it without a fear of drowning, but he can also explore its great depths and never reach the bottom. So great is that gold mine of truth and symbolism. And it is ours, we hold it, we are custodians of the Royal Arch.
Do you have a bucket list, I do. And one of the places that I want to go that I have not yet had the opportunity is out on the west coast to the redwood forest or the sequoia forest and see those magnificent trees. I’ve read about them, some of them more than three hundred (300) feet in height. You would think would you that a tree that grows to a height of three hundred (300) feet surely must have a tap root that is incredibly deep. After all a palm tree for every foot in height that it grows has a tap root of a foot in depth. If you have a thirty (30) foot palm tree you have thirty (30) feet of tap root below. But that is not at all true with the sequoias or redwoods, in fact just the opposite is true, the roots are not deep they are very shallow. For every foot in height of a sequoia or redwood the roots grow out from the tree three (3) feet. So if you have a three hundred (300) foot tall tree you have nine hundred (900) feet of root growing out from it. The question then arises, how is it possible for a tree of such tremendous height but of such shallow root to stand when the winds come and the storms blow, what keeps it from toppling over? The answer is that sequoias and redwoods don’t grow alone, they grow in forests. And so all of those roots tangle together and intertwine and when the storms and the winds come they hold each other up. And that is exactly what General Grand Chapter is to Royal Arch Masonry, it is the great forest of Royal Arch Masonry of subordinate Chapters and Grand Chapters all over the world standing tall for Royal Arch Masonry. We have an incredible treasure. May we work for it, labor for it, promote it be its publishers until the day the Grand Architect of the Universe regenerates this world to himself. Thank you for what you do and thank you for letting me be with you. God Bless You.
INSTALLATION
The newly elected Most Excellent Grand High Priest named the following Installing Suite:
Installing Grand High Priest: Kirk C. White, M.E.P.G.H.P. Installing Grand C.O.H. Russell J. Slora, M.E.P.G.H.P. Installing Grand Chaplain: Willis J. “Bill” Morse, M.E.P.G.H.P. The elected Officers in attendance were installed in due form.
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NEW GRAND HIGH PRIEST ADDRESS
After the installation of officers our new Most Excellent Grand High Priest, William Karstens, IV addressed the assembled Companions:
“Boy, I want to be done for the day. I will make a quick statement and then we will close. As you have already heard, our now Past Most Excellent Grand High Priest has set a very high bar, but that’s a good thing. We must constantly strive to improve each year, and we do this by nudging each other to higher and higher standards. I’m up to the challenge and I look forward to it. But as you see we find ourselves less than an ideal situation at the top level of leadership because there are so few leaders. Our present grand line are filled with the same individuals all buzzing around our three (3) lines. In addition, many of these same individuals are involved as leaders in Scottish Rite as well as the Grand Lodge. This dearth of leaders is partly due to the demographic changeover from the world war II surge. We now find ourselves with far fewer members than before but at the same time we are seeing some new and younger members starting up our ranks. However it will take time to nurture the leaders in them. Even then it is not enough. We must keep the membership stream going. Where we get them we said this before, from the Blue Lodges. Therefore, any successful membership program must start there. At the same time we have to ensure their experience in York Rite is a positive one. Therefore we must help the constituent bodies by connecting with them in any way, shape or form to improve their meetings, degree work and educational programs. This is where our future leaders will come from and this is where our task lies. The newest Past Grand High Priest has put forth some recommendations in his closing comments that will fit right into this program, and I will see to it that these things are promoted. My team and I look forward to carrying this work a little further to improve our beautiful rite. With that, Companions, I have bottle of scotch with my name on it somewhere, and I would like to finish.”
PRESENTATION OF MOST EXCELLENT PAST GRAND HIGH PRIEST JEWEL
Companion Palmer E. Martin, Past Most Excellent Past Grand Master presented our newest Most Excellent Past Grand Master, Companion Park with his jewel which also bears the name of Companions Waldron Biggs and Palmer E. Martin, both of whom came from Barre Granite Chapter with the admonition to wear it with pride..
NEW BUSINESS
There being none the newly elected Grand High Priest then called for adjournment.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before this 199th Annual Convocation, the Convocation was closed in appropriate form by M.E.G.H.P. Karstens at 5:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted, Bruce R. Howard, M.E.P.G.H.P. Right Excellent Grand Secretary
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REPORTS
GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER of VERMONT
CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
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Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Vermont
Report of the Grand Treasurer May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016
General Fund:
Cash on Hand April 30, 2015 $7,014.40
Receipts: Received from Grand Secretary – Per Capita FY-15 2,134.00 Received from Grand Secretary – Per Capita FY-16 9,073.00 11,207.00
Received from Investment Accounts: Howard Bank AIA interest 6.04 BlackRock High Yield Bond Class A dividends 1,140.77 1,146.81
TOTAL RECEIPTS $19,368.21
Transferals: General Fund to Investment Accounts: BlackRock High Yld Bond Cl. A dividends (1,140.77) Howard AIA interest (6.04) (1,146.81) Investment Accounts to General Fund Howard AIA -0-
Disbursements from General Fund (8,673.45)
Cash on Hand April 30, 2015 $9,547.95
DISBURSEMENTS:
Acct # Item Budget Spent Var. 1 Expenses Secretary $2,000.00 $2,000.00 Ass’t Secy. -0- -0- Treasurer 150.00 150.00 2 Printing Proceedings 250.00 216.63 33.37 3 Gr. Sec. Office Expense 800.00 926.09 (126.09) 4 Office Rent 600.00 600.00 5 Jewel & Apron 900.00 581.01 318.99 6 Entertaining Visitors 1,800.00 1,246.08 553.92 7 VT York Rite Planning -0- -0- 8 Gr. Lecturers Travel Exp -0- -0- 9 General Grand Chapter Dues 500.00 487.00 13.00 11 York Rite Conference 300.00 -0- 300.00 12 Gr. High Priest Travel Expense 1,600.00 1600.00 13 Triennial Fund -0- -0- 14 Insurance 800.00 716.64 83.36 15 Promotion & Festivals -0- -0- 16 Miscellaneous -0- -0- 17 Youth - DeMolay 75.00 75.00 Rainbow 75.00 75.00 18 Office Automation -0- -0-
$9,850.00 8,673.45 876.55
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TRIENNIAL FUND:
Balance on Hand April 30, 2015 $600.00 Received from General Fund -0- Disbursed to Attendees (-0.00)
Balance on Hand April 30, 2016 $600.00
STATEMENT OF ASSETS, APRIL 30, 2016
Cash on Hand:
General Fund $8,947.95 Triennial Fund 600.00 $9,547.95 Investment Accounts:
BlackRock High Yield Bond Cl A (mkt value 4/30/16 $21,812.91) 38,908.86 Howard Bank AIA 13,008.28 $51,917.14
TOTAL ASSETS APRIL 30, 2016 $61,465.09
TOTAL ASSETS APRIL 30, 2015 57,784.73
GAIN (LOSS) OF ASSETS $3,680.36
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (as of April 30, 2015)
2016-17 Per Capita Temple #8 approx 300.00
TOTAL RECEIVABLES approximately $300.00
Respectfully submitted
Roger M. Pike, Grand Treasurer
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REPORTS OF THE GRAND SECRETARY
June 13, 2016
To the Grand Chapter of Vermont now in Session:
It has been indeed an honor and privilege to once again serve all the Companions of the Grand Chapter of Vermont as your Grand Secretary.
This office for the first time in many years did not issue any dispensations on behalf of our Most Excellent Grand High Priest Jonathan P. Park.
Attached you will find a grid of membership gains and losses for the 2015-2016 Capitular year. Our aging membership combined with demits and unfortunately, suspensions for nonpayment of dues continue to put pressure our order. A separate sheet outlining gains and losses for the year is attached to this report.
Respectfully submitted,
Bruce Howard, E. Grand Secretary M.E.P.G.H.P.
Details are as follows:
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Grand Chapter of Vermont, R.A.M. Office of the Grand Secretary June 13, 2016
To the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Vermont now in session:
Your Grand Secretary submits the following report on the condition of the Grand Chapter of Vermont as of March 31, 2016:
Membership:
Number of Chapters………..……………… 13 Number of Chapters reporting…………….. 13 Number of Chapters showing work……….. 8
Membership as of March 31, 2015………… 511
Gains: Exalted…………… 7 Affiliated…………… 1 Errors Corrected…….. 1 Reinstated ………….. 0
Total Gains………………………………. 9
Losses: Demits…..…………… 15 Suspensions………… 15 Deaths ……………… 21 Errors Corrected……. 0
Total Losses ……………………………… 51
Membership March 31, 2016 ……………….469 Net gain (loss)…………………………… (42)
Returns this year were more timely, however not every Chapter filed in accordance with our Statutes and Regulations. Our Statutes and Regulations state the returns are due to the Grand Secretary by April 10 and the list of officers by the 10th of May each year. This office needs returns to forward to the Finance Committee, Necrology Committee and Doings of Grand Officer Committees. This office will assist with the filing of returns and will travel to your Chapter to assist those who seek help.
Respectfully submitted, Bruce R. Howard, Excellent Grand Secretary M.E.P.G.H.P.
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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE DOINGS OF GRAND OFFICERS
June 13, 2016
To the Grand Royal Arch Chapter now in session:
Once again this committee has been honored to serve this Grand Chapter.
We would be in contempt if we did not congratulate our Most Excellent High Priest and his Grand Officers for their outstanding efforts and accomplishments of this past capitular year.
Their continued support, leadership and encouragement for some very capable Companions in our constituent chapters have begun to show impressive dividends. This has been cemented by a solid, ongoing effort on the part of our membership committee. We all know very well, as the Royal Arch Chapters grow, so grows the Council, Commandery and the Invitational bodies of the York Rite. We have been thrilled to see our elected and appointed grand officers involved in many visitations to our constituent chapters.
As our Grand Chapter Officers move forward into another capitular year, we as a committee would again challenge them to continue to work ever harder, remembering clearly what can so easily happen to those chapters who lose sight of their goals, grow old, and become essentially a non-functioning body.
Lastly, and very specifically, we graciously thank our Grand High Priest, Jonathan P. Park for his outstanding representation of our jurisdiction throughout the northeast region, a proud accomplishment by any standard, and very well done.
As a committee, we would trust that this high level of commitment will continue in the coming years as our Grand Chapter moves forward well into the twenty first century.
Respectfully submitted,
Belford A. Belles, PGHP Donald C. Murray PGHP Russell J. Slora PGHP
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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NECROLOGY June 13, 2016 To the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Vermont, now in session: It is the sad duty of this Committee to report that since our last Annual Convocation twenty one (21) Companions are no longer numbered in our membership. While they are no longer on our rolls, they will not be forgotten, and will be remembered by what they have been and what they have done. The great principles taught in our beautiful degrees have served them well while they worked among us and we trust served them well as a passport to that undiscovered country from whose borne no traveler returns. Fear no more the heat o' the sun; Nor the furious winter's rages, Thou thy worldly task hast done, Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages; Golden lads and girls all must, As chimney sweepers come to dust.
Fear no more the frown of the great, Thou art past the tyrant's stroke: Care no more to clothe and eat; To thee the reed is as the oak: The sceptre, learning, physic, must All follow this, and come to dust.
Fear no more the lightning-flash, Nor the all-dread thunder-stone; Fear not slander, censure rash; Thou hast finished joy and moan; All lovers young, all lovers must Consign to thee, and come to dust.
William Shakesphere Fraternally submitted: Bruce R. Howard Donald C. Murray Gerald Marong
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LIST OF DECEASED MEMBERS GRAND CHAPTER OF VERMONT ROYAL ARCH MASONS 2015-2016
BURLINGTON #3
Companion Ernest N. Elliott Companion Hector Messier
WHITNEY #5
Companion Norman Whitcomb Companion Jon E. Babcock
TEMPLE #8
Companion Floyd Eastman Companion John Page Companion Peter Boll Companion Charles Owens Companion Ernest Gratz
KEYSTONE #16
Companion Everett W. “Nick” Burdick Companion Ormand B. Garland Companion Ellis E. Hinton Companion Terrance R. Provencher, Sr.
DAVENPORT #17
Companion Richard T. Timmerman Companion Robert M. Aronson
POTTER #22
Companion Winston B. Rose
WATERBURY #24
Companion Raymond N. Alvarez Companion James P. Boyce Companion Richard S. Ward
SKITCHEWAG #25
Companion Wendell T. Barrows Companion Lawrence Chase
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REPORT OF THE GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE To: The Grand Chapter of Vermont now in session.
Date: June 13, 2016
Your Committee on Grievances is pleased to report that no matters of controversy arising between Chapters or individuals were reported to this committee or the Grand Secretary’s office this year. Fraternally Submitted,
William Karstens IV, Chair David Schuler Gerald Morong
REPORT OF THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
To: The Grand Chapter, Grand Council, and Grand Commandery of Vermont now in session.
From: Membership Committee
Charge: Active recruitment, candidate mentoring, development of membership material.
Goals: To provide the tools and the assistance to improve membership in each subordinate body and to help maintain vibrant Chapters, Councils and Commanderies.
Although we haven’t had any specific requests, the Membership Committee stands ready to provide assistance in matters of membership. In particular, we would like to remind our members that we have material available to use in promoting York Rite, including several presentation “plays” that can be used in Blue Lodge. On this note, we vigorously encourage more Blue Lodge talks & presentations to inform Master Masons about York Rite as they are our future members. In fact, we happily point out that the “Fervency & Zeal” presentation was done for the educational portion of one of the Grand Lodge District meetings this past year. The Committee is also pleased to have seen several progressive line Grand Lodge officers complete their York Rite journey this year. We feel this is an important step in bringing Masonry in Vermont together. We also have proficiency booklets for the Chapter degrees that can be used as part of your mentoring. In addition, we can provide a set of prologues to be presented at the beginning of each of the Chapter degrees. These are available directly from us, but were obtained from the New York Grand Chapter website which has a host of other educational material that we highly recommend.
Fraternally Submitted,
William Karstens IV, Chair Jonathan P. Park Willis J. Morse
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Report of the Committee on Aprons and Jewels 2015-2016
To the Grand Chapter of Vermont now in session:
The Committee has received no requests for action this year. The regular apron and jewel purchases for the ME.G.H.P. were made by the Grand Recorder and expenditures were approved by the finance committee. We presently have six jewels available after presentation to the Grand High Priest this year.
Respectfully,
Donald C. Murray Bruce R. Howard
COMMITTEE ON CORRESPONDENCE
June 13, 2016
To the Grand Chapter of Vermont now in session:
Your Committee on Correspondence is pleased to report that all applications for recognition received from all Grand Chapters have been acknowledged. Grand Representatives from the following sister jurisdictions were accepted and a patent bearing the signature of our Most Excellent Grand High Priest prepared for presentation.
Grand Chapter of New Zealand Grand Chapter of New Hampshire Grand Chapter of Connecticut Grand Chapter of West Virginia Grand Chapter of Philippines
Requests for research were received and the requested data forwarded to the Grand Chapter of Queensland.
All invitations to sister jurisdiction annual Convocations received by this office were forwarded to the current officers and all past presiding officers.
All appointments received from sister jurisdictions as well as copies of the patents forwarded for presentation are on file in the Grand Office. All correspondence received and sent is also filed in the Grand Office and is available for inspection upon request.
Respectfully submitted,
Bruce R. Howard on behalf of the Committee
DISPENSATIONS AND CHARTERS
Nothing was presented before the committee this year, therefore no report is necessary.
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REPORTS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
June 13, 2016
To the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Vermont now in session:
Report Number 1
Your Finance Committee has examined the accounts of your Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer and is pleased to report that we found them to be in proper order, well kept, with proper entries made for all receipts and vouchers on file for all disbursements. The details are shown in the center column of Attachment A. Your Committee recommends the approval of the records of the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer.
The Committee moves the acceptance of this report.
Fraternally submitted,
Willis J. Morse, PGHP Donald C. Murray, PGHP Russell J. Slora, PGHP, Chairman
Report Number 2
Your Finance Committee recommends that the right column in Attachment A be adopted as a Budget of Expenses for the year ending April 30, 2017. Items to be pointed out in the budget:
The Committee moves the acceptance of this report and the recommendations therein contained.
Fraternally submitted,
Willis J. Morse, PGHP Donald C. Murray, PGHP Russell J. Slora, PGHP, Chairman
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ATTACHMENT A
GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF VERMONT - GENERAL FUND 2016-2017
DISBURSEMENTS 2015-2016 2015-2016 2016-2017 BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET 1 - Expenses Secretary $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 Asst. Sec $ - $ - $ - Treasurer $ 150.00 $ 150.00 $ 150.00 2 - Print Proceedings $ 250.00 $ 216.63 $ 250.00 3 - Office Expense $ 800.00 $ 926.09 $ 800.00 4 - Rent $ 600.00 $ 600.00 $ 600.00 5 - GHP Apron and Jewel $ 900.00 $ 581.01 $ 600.00 6 - Convocation Expense $ 1,800.00 $ 1,245.67 $ 1,500.00 7 - VT York Rite Planning Meeting $ - $ - $ - 8 - Grand Lecturer $ - $ - $ - 9 - General Grand Chapter Dues $ 500.00 $ 487.00 $ 500.00 10 - Northeast York Rite Conference $ 300.00 $ - 11 - Grand High Priest Travel Expenses $ 1,600.00 $ 1,600.00 $ 1,600.00 12 - Triennial Fund $ - $ - $ - 13 - Insurance $ 800.00 $ 716.64 $ 800.00 14 - Promotion & Festivals $ - $ - $ - 15 - Miscellaneous $ - $ - $ - 16 - Youth DeMolay $ 75.00 $ 75.00 $ 75.00 Rainbow $ 75.00 $ 75.00 $ 75.00 17 - Office Automation $ - $ - $ -
TOTALS $ 9,850.00 $ 8,673.04 $ 8,950.00
MEMBERSHIP AS OF APRIL 30, 2016 WAS 441
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Report Number 3
Your Committee further recommends that:
The Grand Treasurer be authorized to transfer unexpended balances in any of the budget items for which enough money was not appropriated.
Any contemplated item of expense not covered by the budget be approved by the Finance Committee before the money is expended.
Because the budgeted expenses exceed the per capita income, the Grand Treasurer be authorized to use moneys from our interest accounts to make up any differences.
The summary of the assets of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Vermont are shown in the Treasurer’s Report.
The Committee moves the acceptance of this report and the recommendations therein contained.
Fraternally submitted,
Willis J. Morse, PGHP Donald C. Murray, PGHP Russell J. Slora, PGHP, Chairman
Report Number 4
The Finance Committee recommends holding the per capita at $21.00 for the year 2016-2017. The Committee moves the acceptance of this report and the recommendations therein contained.
Fraternally submitted,
Willis J. Morse, PGHP Donald C. Murray, PGHP Russell J. Slora, PGHP, Chairman
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REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE ON JURISPRUDENCE
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Motions, Proposals to Change Bylaws
January 28, 2016
To the Grand Chapter of Vermont, Now in Session:
It is recommended that the by-laws be changed to allow the Grand High Priest the option of appointing the offices of District Deputy Grand High Priest and Grand Lecturer. Due to the shrinking number of Chapters and our membership, it is becoming more difficult to field qualified candidates for these offices. The interaction between the current Chapters as well as visitation by Grand Line officers allow the vacancy in these offices and keep the constituent Chapters in contact with the Grand Chapter of Vermont.
Changes to the following Articles are proposed (italicized):
Art. 8. Grand Officers. The following Grand Officers shall be elected at the Annual Convocation or an adjournment thereof, by ballot, except as hereinafter provided, for a term of one year or until their successors are elected and installed:
Grand High Priest Grand Treasurer Grand King Grand Secretary Grand Scribe Grand Captain of the Host
In the discretion of the presiding officer, nominations by name only may be received and election may be by show of hands if only one nomination is made. Otherwise election shall be by ballot.
The following Grand Officers shall except as otherwise noted, be appointed at the Annual Convocation by the Grand High Priest, Grand King and Grand Scribe, for a period of one year, or until their successors are appointed and installed.
A District Deputy Grand High Priest for each District, appointed by the Grand High Priest (A District Deputy must be a member of a chapter within the district, and may not serve both districts at the same time.)
Assistant Grand Treasurer, appointed by the Grand Treasurer with the approval of the Grand High Priest.
Assistant Grand Secretary, appointed by the Grand Secretary with the approval of the Grand High Priest.
The Grand High Priest may appoint a Grand Lecturer, whose duties are enumerated in Article 19. The appointee may be any member, including past and present grand officers, and should be proficient and/or knowledgeable in the work of the order, and capable of instructing and getting ideas across.
Grand Principal Sojourner Grand Lecturer Grand Royal Arch Captain Two Grand Stewards Three Grand Masters of the Veils Grand Sentinel
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Grand Chaplain Grand Historian Assistant Grand Chaplain Grand Tyler (1980, page 21) (2016, page xx)
Art. 9. Qualification for Office. No man shall be elected to office in this Grand Chapter except he then be a High Priest or a Past High Priest of a Vermont Chapter and a member of a subordinate Chapter in Vermont. The same qualifications shall be applied to anyone appointed to the office of District Deputy Grand High Priest, Grand Principal Sojourner, Grand Royal Arch Captain, and Grand Master of the First, Second or Third Veil, or Grand Lecturer. Any Royal Arch Mason who is a member of a Vermont Chapter may be appointed to serve as Assistant Grand Secretary, Grand Chaplain, Assistant Grand Chaplain, Grand Lecturer, Grand Steward, Grand Sentinel, Grand Historian or Grand Tyler. Any Royal Arch Mason, member of a Vermont Chapter, shall be eligible for appointment as a member of committee. (2001, page 32) (2016, page xx)
GRAND LECTURER
Art. 19. Duties. The Grand Lecturer shall be or become proficient in the ritual, lectures and floor work of the Capitular degrees. He shall, with the approval of the Grand High Priest, call a meeting of District Deputies at such time and place as he may deem advisable for instruction. He shall be present, when able, at each District Convocation called by the respective District Deputies on a schedule approved by him, and shall then instruct the Companions in Capitular matters. He shall visit any requesting Chapter for purposes of instruction, provided, however, that such Chapter pays his expenses. He shall report his activities to the Grand High Priest each year not later than May 15, and shall at the same time, furnish a copy of such report to the Grand Secretary. ( 2016 page XX)
Art. 65. Miscellaneous Operational Procedures.
Section 1 – Annual Reports: The Annual Reports of the officers and committees listed herein or as amended from time to time shall be prepared and forwarded to the Grand Secretary so as to be in his office on the second Monday in May each year:
Grand High Priest District Deputy Grand High Priests Grand Lecturer(if appointed) Doings of Grand Officers Grand Treasurer Finance Committee Grand Secretary Jurisprudence Committee (2003)
M.E. Grand High Priest, if there are no questions or comments, I move the acceptance of this report and its recommendations adopted.
Fraternally Submitted, Bruce R. Howard, MEPGHP
June 13, 2015
To the Grand Chaptel of Vermont, Now in Session:
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The Finance Committee recommends that the by-laws be changed to read as follows. This will allow the future relocation of the office space now rented from Grand Lodge in order to reduce expenses.
The Principal Administrative Office of this Grand Council shall be situate in a place mutually agreeable by vote of the Companions present at the Annual Convocation (in the Town of Berlin, County of Washington), within the State of Vermont, wherein shall be kept all records of the Grand Council.
M.E. Grand High Priest, if there are no questions or comments, I move the acceptance of this report and its recommendations adopted.
Fraternally Submitted,
Donald C. Murray, Willis J. Morse, Russell J. Slora
The following proposed changes were received by the Grand Secretary in one document. The Grand Chapter of Vermont Royal Arch Masons and Grand Council of Vermont Royal and Select Masters are two (2) separate and distinct bodies. Changes for Chapter only are to be considered and Council changes have been crossed out by the Grand Secretary 2016 Proposed changes to Grand Chapter & Council of Vermont Regulations:
1. Article 20, Committees (pg. 5, as it pertains to the appointment of Special Committees): Elevate the Membership Committee in Grand Chapter from a Special Committee to a Statutory Committee. Wording to be the same as it is for Grand Council. a. Rationale: It is noted that the Membership Committee is listed as a Statutory Committee in Grand Council but not in Grand Chapter. This brings consistency to the two Grand Bodies. The choice was either to move the committee so that both Grand Bodies had it listed under Special or Statutory – after consultation with members of the 2015-16 committee, it was decided to place it under Statutory. 2. Article 20, Committees (pg.5): Rename the Correspondence Committee in Grand Chapter to Fraternal Relations Committee. a. Rationale: Again, this is just to align the committee names between the two Grand Bodies for consistency. Grand Council calls the committee Fraternal Relations while Grand Chapter calls it Correspondence. It is felt that the name Fraternal Relations better describes the purpose of the committee. 3. Section 24, Committees (pg.6): Remove Publications Committee from Grand Council. a. Rationale: The Grand Secretary/Recorder already causes the proceeding to be published. Also there is no such committee assigned to Grand Chapter or Grand Commandery even though the proceedings cover all three Grand Bodies. In the event that the Grand Secretary/Recorder requires assistance, an ad hoc committee can always be appointed.
William “Sandy” Karstens
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GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER DISTINGUISED SERVICE AWARD VERMONT COMPANIONS HONORED
In 1951 the General Grand Chapter International of the United States inaugurated the custom of presenting each year its DISTINGUISED SERVICE AWARD to a Companion in each Grand Chapter whose Capitular Labor has been outstanding. Such a Companion is designated by our Grand High Priest with approval of the Grand King and the Grand Scribe.
The Vermont Companions who have received this honor are:
1952 * Clarence E. Akerstrom Poultney Chapter #10 1953 * Edwin H. Williams III, Ottaquechee Chapter #21 1954 * Alexander A. McLeod Mt. Lebanon Chapter #13 1955 * Ralph T. Brown Davenport Chapter #17 1956 * Arthur L. Graves Haswell Chapter #11 1957 * David O. Smith Burlington Chapter #3 1958 * Parker B. Blake Abenaqui Chapter #19 1959 * C. Chris Bridges Farmers Chapter #9 1960 * Harold W. Davis King Solomon Chapter #7 1961 * Walter H. Whitman Temple Chapter #8 1962 * Henry L.G. Burnett Granite Chapter #26 1963 * Welland S. Horn Farmers Chapter #9 1964 * C. Douglas Curtis Whitney Chapter #5 1965 * Kenneth A. Leach Davenport Chapter #17 1966 * Ralph E. Noble King Solomon Chapter #7 1967 * Raymond F. Sutton Davenport Chapter #17 1968 * Walter E. Currier Abenaqui Chapter #19 1969 * Roland J. Bishop Skitchewaug Chapter #25 1970 * Frank E. Sorenson Keystone Chapter #16 1971 * Richard J. Nicholls Granite Chapter #26 1972 Cedric L. Smith Mt. Lebanon Chapter #13 1973 James E. Selleck Potter Chapter #22 1974 Chester W. Watters Farmers Chapter #9 1975 * Alfred E. Burrows Haswell Chapter #11 1976 David E. Cumming Granite Chapter #26 1977 * Roger C. Chapman Ft. Dummer Chapter #12 1978 * Basil G. Goodridge Waterbury Chapter #24 1979 * Brent N. Martin King Solomon Chapter #7 1980 * Robert W. Crowe Lafayette Chapter #4 1981 * Carl S. Kelley Mt. Lebanon Chapter #13 1982 Norman S. Case, Jr. Whitney Chapter #5 1983 Willis J. Morse Waterbury Chapter #24 1985 Aurele Gagne Lafayette Chapter #4 1986 Omlah R. Smith Haswell Chapter #11 1987 * Bruce I. Morse Keystone Chapter #16 1988 * George H. Thomas Farmers Chapter #9 1989 * Austin R. Rumney Adoniram Chapter #18
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GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER DISTINGUISED SERVICE AWARD VERMONT COMPANIONS HONORED
1990 + Kent L. Silk Tucker Chapter #15 1991 * Willard B. Farnham Burlington Chapter #3 1992 * Gordon T. Heath Granite Chapter #26 1993 * Elmer M. Barlow Skitchewaug Chapter #25 1994 * Joseph E. Ryan Granite Chapter #26 1995 * Herbert H. Harford Windsor Chapter #6 1996 ^ Alden F. Atwood Farmers Chapter #9 1998 * James O. Fendley Chaplain Chapter #1 1999 * George H. Churchill Farmers Chapter #9 2000 * Clair Lovell Cascadnac Chapter #27 2001 Thomas E. Grace Windsor Chapter #6 2002 * Gordon R. DeGowin Granite Chapter #26 2003 * William Carroll Temple Chapter #8 2004 Bruce C. Humphrey Waterbury Chapter #24 2005 ^ Eric Ginette Granite Chapter #26 2006 Pierre Denis Leger Champlain #1, Burlington #3 2007 # Geoff Mallett Mt. Lebanon Chapter #13 2008 Steven Leach Tucker Chapter #15 2009 Jonathan P. Park Mt. Leb. #13 & Granite #26 2010 Charles Lucot Ottaquechee Chapter #21 2011 Leo LaFlamme Skitchewaug Chapter #25 2012 Jon Babcock Whitney Chapter #5 2013 Alan Watson, Sr. Temple Chapter #8 2014 Roland Woodard Keystone Chapter #16 2015 Joshua Retchless Granite Chapter #26 2016 Michael J. Ladd Keystone Chapter #16
* Deceased + Dropped from Blue Lodge ^ Demitted # Suspended
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Grand Chapter of Vermont Sweetheart Awards
Nadine Matin 2009 Susan Slora 2010 Gail Cumming 2011 Jennie Brown 2011 Lynn Murray 2011 Diane Gagne 2013
General Grand Chapter Ritual Award
Jonathan P. Park 2015
Ephraim Kirby Award
Palmer E. Martin 2015 Russell J. Slora 2015 Bruce R. Howard 2016
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PAST GRAND HIGH PRIESTS
1804 * Jonathan Wells Rutland 1917 * George N. Tilden Barre 1805-08 * Caphan Smith, Jr Rutland 1918 * Wm. Brewster Middlebury 1809 * Isaac Tichenor Bennington 1919 * George Whitney Bellows Falls 1810-12 * Ozias Fuller Rutland 1920 * Charles A. Lang Montpelier 1813-15 * John Chipman Middlebury 1921 * Chrstie Crowell Brattleboro 1816-17 * Charles Williams Rutland 1922 * George F. Root Newport 1818-21 * John H. Cotton Windsor 1923 * Allen D. Ball Ludlow 1822-24 * Lemeul Whitney Brattleboro 1924 * Archie Harrington Middlebury 1825-26 * John H. Cotton Windsor 1925 * Roger S. Pike Rutland 1827-29 * Joel Clapp Shelburne 1926 * Edwin B. Clift Fair Haven 1830 * Silas Bowen Clarendon 1927 * Raymond Pearl St. Johnsbury 1831-51 * Nathan Haswell Burlington 1928 * Arthur D. Young Barre 1852-57 * Philip C. Tucker Vergennes 1929 * H. Perley Clark Woodstock 1858 * John S. Webster Burlington 1930 * Cady L. Earle St. Albans 859 * Thomas A Campbell Albans 1931 * Aaron H. Grout Burlington 1860-62 * Brazillai Davenport Brandon 1932 * Richard T. Bunker Poultney 1863-64 * Gamaliel Washburn Montpelier 1933 * Edward W. Curtis Rutland 1865 * Leverett Englesby Burlington 1934 * Max S. Ayers Waterbury 1866 * Edward S. Dana New Haven 1935 * Henry H. Ballou Chester 1667-69 * Charles A. Miles Brattleboro 1936 * Truman J. Allen Brandon 1870-72 * Edward S. Jewell Burlington 1937 * Arthur Anderson .Barre 1873-74 * John A. Clark Montpelier 1938 * Alfred Bishop Newport 1875-78 * Edward S. Dana New Haven 1939 * J. Alfred Stacey Windsor 1879-90 * Alfred A. Hall St. Albans 1940 * Floyd T. Sumner Ludlow 1881-82 * Homer M. Phelps Burlington 1941 ** Charles A. Haight Vergennes 1883-86 * Kittridge Haskins Brattleboro 1942 * Walter F. Chapman Rutland 1887-88 * Marsh O. Perkins Windsor 1943 * Dana S. Brownell Springfield 1889-90 * Edwin O. Hibbard Randolph 1944 * Alton G. Wheeler Proctor 1891-92 * George W. Wing Montpelier 1945 * Alexander Rae Barre 1893-94 * Myron J. Horton Poultney 1946 * Charles Von Bruns Burlington 1895 * Robert J. Wright Newport 1947 * Henry Springstead Bradford 1896 * Daniel Nicholson Burlington 1948 * Edward S. Pike Rutland 1897 * Eugene S. Weston New Haven 1949 * Clarence O. Baker Brandon 1898 * Orland W. Sherwan Woodstock 1950 * Clayton S. Rice White River Jct. 1899 * Charles Calderwood St. Johnsbury 1951 * Arthur D. Bishop Montpelier 1900 * Charles Williams Bellows Falls 1952 * Lawrence Williams Arizona 1901 * Daniel Danforth St. Albans 1953 * Harry L. Cummings Bradford 1902 * William L. Boyce Woodstock 1954 * Harold P.Blake Rutland 1903 * William S. Terrill Rutland 1955 * Frank M. Brownell Arlington 1904 * Daniel Payson Windsor 1956 * J.Wesley Murdock, Sr. Middlebury 1905 * Delos M. Bascom St. Johnsbury 1957 * Lionel Burdick Ludlow 1906 * David A Elliott Island Pond 1958 * Arthur E. Dietrich Wisc. 1907 * Collins Blakely Montpelier 1959 * Ernest Davenport Barton 1908 * Olin Daley White River Jct. 1960 * Ernest F. Miles Bennington 1909 * Edwin H. Martin Middlebury 1961 * Charles P. Mason Rutland 1910 * Henry S. Root Newport 1962 * Hermand Hertzberg Brattleboro 1911 * Samuel T. Braley Rutland 1963 * Joseph T. Maclay S. Strafford 1912 * Henry D. Bryant Morrisville 1964 * Bernard Bryant Alburg 1913 * Silas Danforth St. Albans 1965 * Huntress B. Clark Windsor 1914 * Don A. Stone Burlington 1966 * Reginal Barnard Brandon 1915 * Harry J. Stannard Barton 1967 * Ralph E. Berry St. Albans 1916 * Jas. A. Roberts Burlington 1968 * Thomas D. Kendall Newport
* Deceased ** Deceased in Office
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PAST GRAND HIGH PRIESTS
1969 Morris G. Tucker Rutland 1970 * Harold A. Davis Montpelier 1971 * Waldon C. Biggs Randolph 1972 * Roland J. Bishop Springfield 1973 * George R. Cummings Windsor 1974 * George H. Stone Orleans 1975 * Raymond F. Sutton Rutland 1976 * Clyde H. Putnam Arlington 1977 * Welland S. Horn Brandon 1978 * Theodore Boisvert St. Albans 1979 James E. Selleck Middlebury 1980 Cedric L. Smith Barre 1981 + Stephen J. Marshall White River Jct. 1982 * Percy W. Birchard Montpelier 1983 * Rodney A. Akers White River Jct. 1984 * Warren W. Pond Brattleboro 1985 * Gleason W. Ayers Waterbury 1986 David E. Cumming Barre 1987 * Donald C. Brown Williamstown 1988 * Brent N. Martin Brookfield 1989 Willis J. Morse Waterbury 1990 Palmer E. Martin Williamstown 1991 Clyde T. Reynolds Bethel 1992 * Arthur W. Clough Chester 1993 Arnold G. Preston Chelsea 1994 ++ Aurele Gagne Highgate Ctr. 1995 Russell A. Goslant Middlesex 1996 William W. Smith Newport 1997 * Donald W. Gerrish Burlington 1998 James B. Winner, III Middlebury 1999 * Hebert H. Harford Windsor 2000 Belford A. Belles Thetford 2001 Daniel Ebbighausen Windsor 2002 ++ Stephen E. Holcomb Hardwick 2003 Donald C. Murray Graniteville 2004-05 ˆ Guy W. Oldenburgh Westford 2006 Eugene C. Corliss Waterbury Center 2007 E. Lawrence Douglass, Jr Rutland 2008 David H. Bartlett Williamstown 2009 Russell J. Slora Barre 2010 Bruce R. Howard Rutland 2011 Kirk C. White Bethel 2012 Pierre-Denis Leger Frelighsburg, QE 2013 Alexis J. Parent, Jr. Richmond 2014 Douglas K. Boardman Chelsea 2015 Jonathan P. Park Norwich 2016 William Karstens, IV Williston
* Deceased ** Deceased in Office ++ Demitted + Dropped from Blue Lodge ^ Howard Hatt elected but not installed
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LIVING PAST GRAND HIGH PRIESTS NAME YEAR NAME YEAR
Morris G. Tucker 1969 Donald C. Murray 2003 5 General Wing Road #136 P.O. Box 24 Rutland, VT 05701 Graniteville, VT 05654
James E. Selleck 1979 Guy W. Oldenburgh 2004-2005 11 Moosalamoo Club Road 230 Antler Drive Salisbury, VT 05769-9803 Statesville, NC 28625
Cedric L. Smith 1980 Eugene C. Corliss 2006 P.O. Box 586 P.O. Box 124 S. Barre, VT 05670-0864 Waterbury Ctr., VT 05677
David E. Cumming 1986 E. Lawrence Douglass, Jr. 2007 30 Birchwood Park Drive 48 Deborah Drive Barre, VT 05641 Rutland, VT 05701
Willis J. Morse 1989 David H. Bartlett 2008 3267 Crosset Hill Road 2907 Kathleen Drive Waterbury, VT 05676 Forest Hill, MD 21050
Palmer E. Martin 1990 Russell J. Slora 2009 84 Washington Street 316 Farwell Street Barre, VT 05641-4239 Barre, VT 05641
Clyde T. Reynolds 1991 Bruce R. Howard 2010 205 Sand Hill Road 17 Tuttle Meadow Drive Bethel, VT 05032 Rutland, VT 05701
Arnold G. Preston 1993 Kirk C. White 2011 P.O. Box 86 307 Christian Hill Road Chelsea, VT 05038-0086 Bethel, VT 05032
^Aurele Gagne 1994 Pierre-Denis Leger 2012 645 Holly Street 20 Selby Road Bullhead City, AZ 86442 Frelighsburg, QE J0J 1C0
Russell A. Goslant 1995 Alexis J. Parent, Jr. 2013 423 Center Road 1506 Jericho Road Middlesex, VT 05075 Richmond, VT 05477
William W. Smith 1996 Douglas K. Boardman 2014 606 Pleasant Street 27 Upper Village Road Newport, VT 05855-9742 Chelsea, VT 05038
James R. Winner, III 1998 Jonathan P. Park 2015 P.O. Box 161 768 Pattrell Road Middlebury, VT 05753-0161 Norwich, VT 05055
Belford A. Belles 2000 William Karstens, IV 2016 464 Grove Hill Road 52 Bingham Lane Thetford Ctr., VT 05075 Williston, VT 05495-2038
Daniel Ebbighausen 2001 P.O. Box 558 Windsor, VT 0089-0558
^ demitted
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2016 ANNUAL CONVENTION OF ANOINTED HIGH PRIESTS OF THE STATE OF VERMONT
The Annual Convention of Anointed High Priests for the State of Vermont was held at the Masonic Temple in Barre, Vermont on May 15, 2016 with the following officers in the chairs:
M.E. President…. Douglas K. Boardman E. Vice President Willis “Bill” Morse, pro-tem E. Chaplain Donald C. Murray E. Secretary/Treasurer William Karstens IV E. Master of Ceremonies Russell J. Slora E. Conductor Bruce R. Howard E. Herald Roland Woodard E. Steward Eric C. Steele, pro-tem E. Sentinel David Schuler, pro-tem
The Most Excellent President opened the Convention at 1:00 P.M. after filling the vacant chairs. There were 11 members present. Since no candidates were available this year the Order of High Priesthood was not conferred. We therefore went right into the business of the Convention. Minutes from last year’s Annual meeting were as printed in the 2015 Proceedings and accepted.
The Treasurer outlined the difficulties in establishing a new account; essentially the State requires organizations to be listed on their site, which we are not, and this will take a lot of time and effort. In the meantime, we need to cash the check from the old Lake Sunapee Bank account. Two resolutions were presented: one was to establish signatories for all account transactions and this was done on a “corporate resolution” statement. This was voted on and accepted unanimously. The other was giving permission to have a check redrawn from the original account made out to two of the signatories. The resolution reads: “We direct the bank (Lake Sunapee) to issue a check for the amount remaining in the account, made out to the Treasurer, William Karstens and one other appointee, Donald C. Murray, so that the account may be appropriately closed.” This was voted on and accepted unanimously. It was then decided to address how to deal with the monies at a later date when we have more time to discuss our options.
It was unanimously decided and voted on to keep all officers in their present positions for the ensuing year:
M.E. President…. Douglas K. Boardman E. Vice President Pierre-Denis Leger E. Chaplain Donald C. Murray E. Secretary/Treasurer William Karstens IV E. Master of Ceremonies Russell J. Slora E. Conductor Bruce R. Howard E. Herald Roland Woodard E. Steward Michael J. Ladd E. Sentinel Jonathan P. Park
It was announced the next meeting would be held on May 14th, 2017 at 1:00 PM, in Barre.
Convention closed in form at 2:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted, William “Sandy” Karstens
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Living Anointed High Priests in Vermont
Champlain #1 Haswell #11 Cleveland #20
Oldenburgh, Guy w. Goss, Phillip D. Brock, Colin Patriquin, Roger L. Smith, William W. Fort Drummer #12 Burlington #3 Ottaquechee #21 Graham, Donald B. Jr. Chaffee, Wendell H. Mann, Dr. John R. Degener, III, F. Charles Hill, Clifford L. Lucot, Charles Jackson, Frederick E. Mt. Lebanon #13 Morgan, Jerome Jacobs, Joseph Karstens, IV, William Donnelly, Robert J. Potter #22 Leger, Pierre- D. Nutting, Robert W. Nawotka, Jr., Edward E. O'Donnell, Lawrence Grant, Jr. William H. Parent, Jr., Alexis J. Park, Jonathan Lee, Stuart Schuler, David E. Smith, Cedric L. Ross, James Steele, Eric Swenson, Richard P. Selleck, David Selleck, James Lafayette #4 Tucker #15 Winner, III, James R.
Waterbury #24 Leach, Steven Whitney #5 Lenche, Robert Flanders, P. Howard Green, Ronald Hyde, Donald P. Humphrey, Bruce C. White, Kirk C. Keystone #16 Morse, Willis J. Maclay, Roderick J. Corliss, Eugene. Reynolds, Clyde T. Harper, Winston W.. Richardson, Eric J. Ladd, Michael Skitchewaug #25
Windsor #6 Davenport #17
Ebbighausen, Daniel Bryant, Robert Pomeroy, Bruce E. Douglass. Jr., Lawrence R. Howard, Bruce King Solomon #7 Landon, Robert Pike, Roger Goslant, Russell A. Tucker, Morris G.
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Living Anointed High Priests in Vermont
Granite #26
Bartlett, David H. Belles, Belford A. Boardman, Douglas K. Button, Richard K. Cumming, David E. Daniels, Leslie Dow, Glenn Linley, Arthur H. Martin, Palmer E. Murray, Donald C. Preston, Arnold G. Retchless, Joshua Rogers, Alan C. Slora, Russell J.
Hiram #29
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Grand Chapter of Vermont Grand Representatives Jurisdiction Near Vermont Near other Jurisdiction Grand Secretary
Alabama ***** Jimmy D. O'Dell Hiram O. Williams, Jr. ***** 818 Thrash Lane P.O. Box 100333 Vermont Anniston, AL 36207 Birmingham AL 35210-0333
Alaska ***** ***** Dale S. Cain ***** ***** 518 E. 14th Suite 1 Vermont Alaska Ancorage, AK 99501
Arizona Richard P. Swenson Daniel R. Hake George Weil P.O. Box 65 12416N 65th Street PO Box 999 Newbury, VT 05051 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Chino Valley, AZ 86323
Arkansas ***** Silas M. Wilson Robert L. Jackson ***** 220 E. Mockingbird Lane 5617 Applewood Vermont Sheridan, AR 72150 N. Little rock, AR 72118-3661
California John Ekrote ***** Kenneth G. Hope 683 Hale Road ***** 801 Elm Avenue Plymouth, VT 05056-4425 California Long Beach, CA 90813
Colorado Edward A. Gee Jon Wilkinson Bob Gregory 190 S. Pleasant St 1604 Edors Road 1614 Welton Street #503 Middlebury, VT 05753 Fort Collins 80525 Denver, CO 80202
Connecticut James E. Selleck, CharlesC.Maxson Charles B. Fowler, Jr. 11 Moosalamoo Club Road 41 Island View Ave 525 Stillwater Salisbury, VT 05679-9031 Mystic 06355 Windsor, CT 06095-3842
Delaware **** Donald D. Thomas Mark E. Irwin **** Newark 6420 Shutt Road **** Wilmington, DE 19808 Spring Grove, PA 17362-8096
District of Charles Lucot Jerold J. Samet Teko A. Foly Columbia PO Box 327 ***** 8500 Caswell Place Woodstock. VT 05091 Washington, DC Carrollton, MD 20784
Florida Russell A. Goslant James L. Moore, 111 L. Edward Villaume, III 423 Center Rd 31428 Arlington Ave PO Box 13496 Middlesex, VT 05602 Sorrento Fl 32776 Tampa, FL 33681-3496
Georgia Jerome Morgan ***** Wade C. Smith PO Box 760 ***** 811 Mulberry St. Woodstock. VT 05091 Georgia Macon, GA 31298
Hawaii ***** ***** Gerhart Walch ***** ***** 1227 Makiki Street ***** Hawaii Honolulu, HI 96814-1332
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Grand Chapter of Vermont Grand Representatives Jurisdiction Near Vermont Near other Jurisdiction Grand Secretary
Idaho ***** ***** David A. Grindle ***** ***** 2642 N. Sweetwood Avenue ***** Idaho Meridian, Idaho 83646-8840
Illinois Stuart E. Lee Jesse L. Johns Dale L. Corrice P.O. Box 656 618 N. Jackson 724A Fieldcrest Drive E. Middlebury, VT 05753 Clinton, IL 61727 South Elgin, IL 60177
Indiana Russell J. Slora Ronald W. Adkins Richard A. Lochner 316 Farwell St Indianapolis 1635 N. US Hwy 35 Barre, VT 05641 Indiana Knox, IN 46534-9409
Iowa **** Cecil B. Lowe Rusty l. Hill **** Burlington 1937 Deer Avenue **** Iowa Perry, IA 50220-5267
Kansas Morris G. Tucker W. Ronald McKenzie, Sr. Wayne H. Rollf 5 General Wing Road #136 240 W. Chestnut P.O. Box 1217 Rutland, VT 05701- Junction City, KS 66041 Topeka, KS 66601-1217
Kentucky ***** Larry Beeman Jim H. King, Jr. ***** 667 Whitaker Street 400 North 4th Street ***** Morehead, KY 40351 Danville, KY 40422-1430
Louisiana Robert E. Treat Archie A. Cline, Jr. Ed L. Horton 48 Treat Hill Rd 1924 Joan St 5767 Bayou Drive Manchester Ctr, VT 05255 Westlake 70669 Bossier City, LA 71112
Maine Daniel Ebbighausen Dwight C. Whitney Harold E. Birt, Jr. P.O. Box 558 Jonesboro 47 Beech Street Windsor, VT 05089 Maine E. Millinocket, ME 04430
Maryland Belford A. Belles Vernon H. Huebschman Vernon H. Huebschman 464 Gove Hill Rd 125 Allgate Road 8010 Cookberry Lane, Apt 405 Thetford Ctr., VT 05075 Owings Mills 21117 Pasadena, MD 21222
Mass. Russell J. Slora Robert C. Corr Robert C. Corr 316 Farwell St 102 Oliver Street, Apt. 1 186 Tremont Street Barre, VT 05641 Malden, MA 02148-4618 Boston, MA 02111-1096
Michigan Ed E. Nawotka, Jr ***** Lois C. McCray 16 Country Club Dr ***** PO Box 483 Jericho, VT 05465 Michigan Hale, MI 48739
Minnesota Keith W. Blake Charles R. Marston Gary A. Odegard P.O. Box 66 P.O. Box 66 11501 Masonic Home Drive So. Pomfret, VT 05067 Jordan 55352 Bloomington, MN 55437
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Grand Chapter of Vermont Grand Representatives Jurisdiction Near Vermont Near other Jurisdiction Grand Secretary
Mississippi ***** Nathan Andrew Applegate Micky P. McMahan ***** 1391 Whitetail Drive P.O. Box 1030 ***** Hernando, MS 38632 Meridian, MS 39302-1030
Missouri F. Charles Degener, III Roy A. Welshon, Sr. Kevin B. Sample 1255 Barnard Road 12645 Hyfield Rd 107 S. Williams Street Woodstock. VT 05091 DeSoto 63020-3163 Fayette, MO 65248-1017
Montana Clyde T. Reynolds Bradford Huffman Roger E. Cathel 205 Sand Hill Rd Red Lodge 821 Central Avenue Bethel, VT 05032 Montana Great Falls, MT 59401
Nebraska ***** Daniel Scarborough Bruce T. Anderson ***** 317 South 10th St P.O. Box 22988 ***** Geneva, NE 68361 Lincoln, NE 68542-2988
Nevada ***** ***** James E. Denny ***** ***** 4036 Spring Leaf Drive Vermont Nevada Las Vegas, NV 89147
New Jonathan P. Park Andy Lord Dennis A. Sheridan Hampshire 768 Pattrell Road PO Box 383 55 Barys Drive, P.O. Box 621 Norwich, VT 05055 Sunapee, NH 03782 Littleton, NH 03561
New Jersey ***** William J. Mulligan, Jr. C.K. Leverett ***** Barrington 18 Buttonwood Avenue Vermont New Jersey Eatontown, NJ 07724-1302
New Mexico William W. Graham Allen L. Bruner Dennis R. Detrow 110 Sias Ave Los Alamos 9812 Lorelei Lane NE Newport, VT 05855 New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87120
New York Donald C. Murray Ronald P. Camp Michael T. Dunn P.O. Box 24 2150 Bleecker St 2150Bleeker Street Graniteville, VT 05654 Utica, NY 13501-1787 Utica, NY 13501
N. Carolina Guy W. Oldenburgh John M. Walston D. Allen Surratt 230 Antler Drive 130 Trent Shores Drive 6328 Surratt Ctry Road Statesville, NC 28625 New Bern, NC 28562 Denton, NC 27239-9080
N. Dakota Alan C. Rogers Quentin Christman Chris A. Christianson 6 Kinney Pl Rugby 2614 S. Bay Drive S. Barre, VT 05641 North Dakota Fargo, ND 58103-5062
Ohio Phillip D. Goss Robert J. Draye Robert W. Thomas P.O. Box 222 Mayfield Heights 8228 Mayfield Road, Suite 4B St Johnsbury, VT 05819 Ohio Chesterland, OH 44026
Oklahoma Wendell Chaffee Aix B. Harrison Gary A. Davis 53 Sunset Dr 2135 W. University PO Box 1223 Burlington, VT 05401 Stillwater, OK 74074 Drumright, OK 74030-1223
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Grand Chapter of Vermont Grand Representatives Jurisdiction Near Vermont Near other Jurisdiction Grand Secretary
Oregon Roger Patriquin J. Robert Nelson Dalvin L. Hollaway 886 Bullock Rd Portland PO Box 767 Milton, VT 05468 Oregon Canyonville, OR 97417-0767
Penna. Eric J. Richardson William Joseph Marsik George R. Haynes 2258 Dart Hill Road 85 DeRose Street Masonic Temple 1 North Broad Street Bethel, VT 05032 Walnutport, PA 18088 Philadelphia, PA 19107
Rhode Island Willis J. Morse Jerry I. Duhamel, Sr John A. lawson, III & Providence 3267 Crossett Hl Rd 5402 Post Road PO Box 670 Plantation Waterbury, VT 05676 Charlestown 02813 N. Scituate, RI 02857-0670
S. Carolina Bruce R. Howard Grady L. Fincher Johnnie T. Morris 17 Tuttle Meadow Drive 4280 E. Brewington Road PO Box 7463, 1518 Hampton Rutland, VT 05701-2544 Sumter, SC 29153 Columbia, SC 29202-7463
S. Dakota ***** Eugene Leao George E. Bauder ***** Estelline PO Box 9134 Vermont South Dakota Rapid City, SD 57709-9134
Tennessee Leo A. Laflamme John Calvin Spencer Rick Hoover 17 Coolidge Rd 2383 South Allen Road 100 Seventh Avenue, North, Suite 3 Springfield, VT 05156 Baxter, TN 38544 Nashville, TN 37203-
Texas William "Sandy" Karstens IV B.J. Richmond Orville L. O'Neill 52 Bingham Lane 314 N. Blanche P.O. Box 296 Williston, VT 05495 Granbury, TX 76048 Waco, TX 76703-0296
Utah Roger M. Pike Harry B. Cohn Charles E. Warren P.O. Box 864 416 East 940 North #19 3787 E. 1200 SO Rutland, VT 05702 Ogden, UT 84404 Heber City, UT 84032-3558
Virginia Palmer E. Martin Joel David Ratliff, Jr. Gordon H. Sprigg, Jr. 84 Washington St 757 Point Road 11010 Cross Club Court Barre, VT 05641 Bentonville, VA 22610 Providence Forge, VA 23140
Washington ***** Dean C. Shannon Robert W. Benish ***** ***** 804 NE 195th Pl Vermont Washington Lake Forest Park, WA 98155-2636
West Randy A. Ricker Hubert E. Roberts Larry T. Bates Virginia 72 Twin Peaks Rd RR1 Box 393 427 West Pike Street Waterbuy Ctr., VT 05677 New Martinsville Clarksburg, WV 26301
Wisconsin Jas. R. Winner III Milton F. Gregory Brian J. Hudy P.O. Box 161 36275 Sunset Drive 36275 Sunset Drive Middlebury, VT 05753 Wauwatosa Dousman, WI 53118
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Grand Chapter of Vermont Grand Representatives Jurisdiction Near Vermont Near other Jurisdiction Grand Secretary
Wyoming ***** Robert O. Finley Kenneth M. Badget ***** P.O. Box 1171 PO Box 653 Vermont Dubois 82513 Crowley, WY 82420-653
Argentia ***** Dr. J.R. Fernandez Michael Bogado ***** Buenos Aries Presidente Peron 1242 Vermont Argentina 138 Capital Federal, Argentina
Australia-South ***** ***** Max Atkinson ***** ***** PO Boxc 19 Rundle Mall Vermont Australia Adelaide South Australia 5000
Australia- David Bartlett ***** Basil J. Green Western 2907 Kathleen Drive ***** PO Box 3107 Adelaide Terrace Forest Hill, MD 21050 Australia Perth 6832, Western Australia
Queensl’d Bruce R. Howard Barry F. Doyle John F. Frank, Grand Scribe Ezra 17 Tuttle Meadow Drive 47 Tarandi Street P.O. Box 10272 Rutland, VT 05701-2544 Bray Park, QLD 4500 Brisbane, Queensland 4000
Austria Clyde T. Reynolds Erich Lessing Gunter G. Steurer
205 Sand Hill Rd Rauhensteingasse 3 010 Wein Rauhensteingasse 3, A-100 Bethel, VT 05032 Vienna, Austria Vienna, Austria
Can-Alberta ***** ***** Marvyn Rogers ***** ***** PO Box 1124 Athabaca, Alberta Canada Vermont Alberta Canada T9S2A9
BC &Yukon Lloyd G. Phelps H.G Ted Kuiperi Ed Wilson P.O. Box 106 Winfield 35188 Spencer Street Wolcott, VT 05680 British Columbia Abbotsford, B.C. V3G 2E3
Manitoba Arnold Preston Rod W. A. March James J. Barrett P.O. Box 86 Brandon 113-2145 Pembina Highway Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 5S9 Chelsea, VT 05038 Manitoba, Canada Canada
Newfndlnd Daniel Ebbighausen Gordon G. Abbott Gordon J. Abbott P.O. Box 558 27 Beach St. P.O. Box 290, RR #1, Burin Windsor, VT 05089 Stephenville Burin, NF A0E 1E0 Newfoundland & Labrador
Can-N.B. Pierre-Denis Leger Richard Golding Mike Crofts 20 Shelby Road ***** 217 Carrington Lane Freightsburgh, Quebec New Brunswick, Canada Fredericton, NB E3A 5R6
Nova Scotia ***** Lawrin C. Armstrong Lawrin C. Armstrong ***** Middle - R. R. #4 RR #4 Shubenacadie Musquodobait Shubenacadie, Vermont NS B0N 2H0 Nova Scotia B0N 2H0
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Grand Chapter of Vermont Grand Representatives Jurisdiction Near Vermont Near other Jurisdiction Grand Secretary
Ontario ***** Jeffrey Baker Richard James Jackson ***** 11 Chatsworth Crescent 361 King Street W. Vermont Waterdown, ON L0R 2H5 Hamilton Ontario L8P 1B4
Quebec Clifford Hill, Jr. John W. Collette Charles Andre Braun P.O. Box 65 0 404B-2295 St Mark Street Underhill, VT 05489 0 Montreal, Quebec H3H 2G9
Saskatchawan ***** Eldon Price Lorne Kingston ***** Indian Head 159 Weaver Cresc. Swift Current, Saskatchewan Vermont Swift Current, SASK S9H 4B8 S9H 4B8
Finland Guy W. Oldenburgh Matti Hokkanen Pentti Moisio 230 Antler Drive Lieksa Kasarmikatu Kasarmikatu 16D Statesville, NC 28625 Finland FI-00130 Helsinki, Finland
France Jonathan P. Park ***** Jean-Pierre Pilorge 768 Pattrell Road ***** 12 Rue Christine de Piasn Norwich, VT 05055 France 75017 Paris, France
Germany Wm. W. Smith ***** Gunther Detlof 606 Pleasant Street ***** PO Box 2802 Newport, VT 05855 Germany D-65018 Wiesbaden, Germany
Greece Bruce C. Humphrey Ioananis Kerabas Constantios Korontzis 121 Huntington Dr ***** Freemasons Hall 19 1 0438 19 Acharnon Street, Waterbury Ctr., VT 05677 Greece Athens, Greece Athens, 10438 Greece
India ***** ***** S. Krishnan Freemasons'Hall Janpath, PO ***** ***** Box 681 Vermont India New Delhi 110-001 INDIA
Ireland P. Howard Flanders Francis Brown D. Barry Lyons Freemason's hall 17 Molesworth 21 Elm St ***** Street Waterbury, VT 05676 Ireland Dublin 2, Ireland 6761337
Israel Joseph Jacobs Joseph Daniel Eitan Ayalon 6 Hiawathe Ave ***** P.O. Box 33698 Essex Jct., VT 05452 Israel Tel Aviv, Israel 61336
Italy ***** Marion Manara Severino Briccarello ***** ***** V. OZANAM Vermont Italy 113 Roma 100152, Italy
Mexico Eugene C. Corliss Alejandro Rodriquez US Eduardo Velasco Briceno
Francisco Villa 236 Condominio Acero Monterrery P.O. Box 124 Condonminio Acero Monterrey Desp. 916 28000 Colima COLIMA Av Waterbury Ctr., VT 05677 Zaragova sur 1000 Av. Zaragoza Sur 1000 64000 Monterrey, N.L. Mexico
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Grand Chapter of Vermont Grand Representatives Jurisdiction Near Vermont Near other Jurisdiction Grand Secretary
New Zealand ***** Maxwell Kenneth Joseph Currie Robert s. jaray ***** 169 Taylor Pass Rd, Wither Hills PO Box 254 Vermont BLENHEIM 7021 NZ QAIKANAE 5250, NZ
Philippines Robert J Donnelly Jomel Dennis L. Maranan Danilo C. Datu, Sr., P.G.H.P. 132 Rollie Day Rd 83 P. Montoya Street Plaridel Masonic Temple Corinth, VT 05039 Silang, Cavite, Philippines 1440 San Marcellino Street Ermita Manilla, Phillippines
Portugal James Dolan ***** Rui Palo Figueiredo 131 Stefansson Road ***** Bethel, VT 05032 Portugal Lisboa, Portugal
Scotland Roderick MacClay ***** Grahame J. Smith PO Box 28 ***** 23 St. John Steet South Strafford, VT Scotland Edinburgh EH8 8DG, SCOTLAND
Brazil Paulo Roberto Curi Rau Sao Vicente, 127-Tijuca 20.260-140 Rio de Janerio - RJ
England Does not reciprocate Does not reciprocate James Daniel 60 Great Queen Street London, WC2B 5AZ, ENGLAND
Netherlands Peter G. Kok Ordesecretariaat HGK Postbus 11525 2502 AM Deg Haag, Netherlands
New South John S. Williams Wales Box 134 Petersham 2049 New South Wales, Austrailia
Victoria ***** Robert J. Redman Ray King, Grand Scribe Ezra 15 Suffern Ave PO Box 553 Vermont Bayswater, Victoria Australia E. Melborne, Vic 3002 Australia
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INDEX
ADDRESS M. E. Grand High Priest 12-17 Annual Grand Convocation Notice 8 Annual Grand Convocation Proceedings 9
Committee Reports:
Aprons & Jewels 36 Awards 47 Correspondence 36 Credentials 26 Dispensations & Charters 36 Doing of Grand Officers 32 Finance 37 - 39 Jurisprudence 40 - 41 Grievances 35 Historian not received Membership 35 Motions and/or, Proposals 42-44 Necrology 33-34 R.A.R.A not received Place and Time 18 Distinguished Guests 10 - 11 Distinguished Service Award 18 & 45-46 Election of Officers 20 Anointed High Priesthood – Annual meeting minutes 51-53
Remarks by Guests:
Rep. of General Grand Chapter 20 - 24 Rep. of Visiting G.H.P.’s 19 - 20 M.W. Grand Master of Vermont excused
Reports of:
Grand Secretary 29 - 31 Grand Treasurer 27 - 28 Representatives, Inter-jurisdictional 54 - 60
Rosters:
General Grand Chapter International 1 - 2 Grand Officers & Committees, 2010-11 3 – 5 Grand Officers Present at Convocation 9 - 10 Past Grand High Priests 48 - 49 Living Past Grand High Priests 50
Subordinate Chapter:
High Priests & Secretaries 6 - 7 Statistics 31
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