133rd Grand Commandery Grand Conclave of Knights Templar of Washington
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Pre-Printed Packet
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Report of the Right Eminent Grand Commander and Review
REPORT OF THE RIGHT EMINENT GRAND COMMANDER
11 May 2019 – 4 July 2020 Rendered by Sir Knight W. Gary Norton Right Eminent Grand Commander One Hundred Thirty-Third Annual Conclave Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington 4 July 2020
Sir Knights—
Greetings, in the name of our most gracious and precious Risen Lord Jesus Christ!
It has been an honor and privilege to have been able to serve as your Grand Commander for this past year. Thank you for that privilege and honor.
Throughout this past year, I have conducted many Official Visits to Constituent Commanderies within the jurisdiction of the State of Washington. As well, I had the pleasure of presiding over some of the Commandery Installation of Officers. It is a comfort to confirm with you that in every instance I was greeted with warm hospitality, cordial fellowship and immeasurable camaraderie. This has been an inspiration to me, as it should be to you, of the sincere amity and harmony prevailing within the sanctum of the asylums of our Commanderies.
Necrology:
During this past Templar year, the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington suffered the loss of 32 Sir Knights. An inspired and heartening hope leads us to the comforting belief that these Sir Knights met the trying hour with fortitude undaunted, and waking in the dawn of a new day, receiving justice, tempered with mercy unrestrained, which is the glorious attribute of the Son of GOD, and entering through the gates into the City, they have been admitted to the companionship of just men, made perfect in the realms of Light and Life Eternal. Among those who passed away this past Templar year, were two Right Eminent Past Grand Commanders, Sir Knight Norman F. Campo, REPGC, KCT, IKT, (1988-1989) and Sir Knight Lloyd R. Linn, REPGC, IKT, (2000-2001) and our Eminent Grand Standard Bearer, Sir Knight James H. Larson. May we reflect upon the words in Saint John 5, 21-24: “For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
During this Templar year, your Grand Commandery has pursued the following endeavors. Although the pandemic of the “China Virus” (aka: Coronavirus, COVID-19) has interrupted the smooth flow of plans and events, the Sir Knights, Constituent Commanderies, and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington overall, have confronted this challenge head-on, not to be deterred in the mission to protect and defend the Christian Faith. The Grand Commandery has continued to pursue and achieve its goals during this Templar year. The following actions/activities, not all inclusive, highlight some of the actions pursued this Templar year.
1. Promote the Grand Encampment Membership is “Priority One” program. The membership program is to not only focus on new membership growth, but also to revive active membership among its current members. Constituent Commanderies were to develop a membership growth plan applicable to their Commandery, identifying actions and goals to be attained during the period 11 May 2019 to 9 May 2020. As well, there should be a parallel long-range plan (3-5 years) to promote, sustain, and renew membership growth within the respective Commandery. Constituent Commanderies were required to submit the name of their Membership Committee Chairman (with contact information) and the names of the members of the Membership Committee to the Grand Commander with information copies being provided to the Grand Commandery Membership Committee Chairman and the Eminent Grand Recorder.
2. Encouraged Commanders and Recorders to utilize the Masonic Membership Solutions (MMS) system. Recorders were to ensure the records were updated on a regular basis and to manage the records with care and efficiency. Assistance with MMS was offered and available through the Office of the Eminent Grand Recorder, as well as from the Assistant to the Eminent Grand Recorder, Sir Knight David A. Aponte, REPGC (FL), and Sir Knight Michael D. Holland.
3. To promote the image of the Knights Templar and increase its visibility among Freemasons and the general public, participation in parades was encouraged. Additionally, such participation strengthened the esprit de corps among the active Sir Knights. Such parade participation contributed to the promotion of membership in the Knights Templar. The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington participated in the “Unity March” in DuPont, WA on 4 August 2019. In coordination with Afifi Shrine, the Grand Commandery participated in the Hoquiam Loggers’ Day Parade on 7 September 2019.
4. To support the continuing education of the Sir Knights in areas of Templary, Masonic education, and the general categories of scholarly advancement, two Grand Commandery Workshops (one East and one West) were scheduled. The Grand Commandery Workshop (East) was conducted in Richland, WA on 29 September 2019. The Grand Commandery Workshop (West) was scheduled to be conducted in Tacoma, WA on 4 April 2020, however, was cancelled due to the imposed restrictions created by the “China Virus” (aka: COVID-19).
5. Beginning on 10 May 2019, the Grand Encampment had informed the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington that seventeen (17) copies of the Annual Proceedings for its past Grand Conclaves were not present in the library of the Grand Encampment. A major initiative was undertaken by the Eminent Grand Recorder, Sir Knight Michael A. Smitson to locate or complete these Annual Proceedings. As of the date of this report, thirteen (13) Annual Proceedings have been located or were completed (written) by the Grand Recorder. The years remaining to be located or completed are 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. There were no Annual Proceedings for 2011, as no Grand Conclave was conducted in that year. This has been a major project for the Grand Recorder, as it has consumed much of his time and focus during the Templar year, making it a challenge to balance his other duties in conjunction with this project. In spite of this, he arose to the challenge and performed both with excellence. Work remains to be done to complete this initiative, however, the Grand Recorder, Sir Knight Michael A. Smitson, has achieved much and I congratulate him on a job well done.
6. To assist in easily identifying those Sir Knights who are Deputy Instructors, I authorized the wearing of red aiguillettes on the left shoulder by the appointed Deputy Instructors. The color red was selected to correlate with the Grand Commander’s red cord. The authorization of the red aiguillette was to easily identify a Sir Knight who was a Deputy Instructor and to provide a distinctive badge emblematic of self-esteem and achievement for the Sir Knight.
7. When the occasion arises, it may be necessary and prudent for a Grand Commander to seek counsel and guidance from a select few whose judgement and opinion he regards with confidence and trust, and the content of such counsel and guidance is assured of remaining confidential and inviolate. Therefore, two Aides-de- Camp were appointed to fulfill this important and critical burden. These appointments are administrative and not categorized as Officers of the Grand Commandery. To identify these Sir Knights as Aides-de-Camp, authorization was issued for them to wear a gold aiguillette on the right shoulder. Sir Knight Karl Reith, REPGC, and Sir Knight David A. Aponte, REPGC (FL), were selected for the position as an Aide-de-Camp. Both performed with excellence and I thank them both for their counsel and guidance throughout this Templar year. Both displayed unwavering Christian conduct and continually exemplified the teachings, virtues, and principles, as communicated to us from our Risen Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, through the Holy Scripture.
8. To maintain a close communication among the Elected Grand Commandery Officers, officer meetings were scheduled throughout the Templar year. Elected Officer meetings were conducted on 21 September 2019, 28 December 2019, and 7 March 2020. The meetings were conducted in a casual atmosphere, attire was business casual. The meetings were beneficial for the exchange of information, to discuss plans and actions as the Templar year progressed. The meetings were open to all Sir Knights, however, the agenda of subjects discussed were focused on beneficial information for the Elected Officers.
9. The encouragement of Commanders to plan and conduct “Christmas Observances” within their respective Commanderies was continued. “Easter Observances” were also encouraged to be conducted. Unfortunately, the “Easter Observances” had to be cancelled due to the imposed restrictions attributed to the “China Virus” (aka: COVID- 19).
10. To energize the esprit de corps and esteem of the Sir Knights, a “Grand Commander’s New Year’s Reception” was held on 18 January 2020. No charge or fee was attached to the reception, it was free to the Sir Knights and their spouses. Refreshments, both food and beverages, were provided, the tables were decorated, background music was provided, and gifts (a book, a coffee cup, and some novelty items) were given to those in attendance. The event was open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
11. To promote relations between the Grand Commandery and DeMolay, the Grand Commandery purchased a broad sword provided from the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America. Such a sword was created by the Grand Encampment for the purpose of recognizing a DeMolay Chapter for achieving excellence in a specific category selected by its State Board of Directors for DeMolay. Unfortunately, the DeMolay State Convention for Washington, scheduled for 23-26 April 2020, had to be cancelled due to the “China Virus” (aka: Coronavirus, COVID-19). The sword was not able to be presented due to the cancellation. It is planned for the sword to be presented when the DeMolay State Convention for Washington is next scheduled.
12. The Asylum Ritual and Tactics Committee has made significant progress with the development and production of a Tactics Manual for the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington. It was hoped that the manual would be ready for review at the 2020 Grand Conclave, however, there are a few refinement revisions to be made before it can be presented to the membership of the Grand Commandery for approval or disapproval. I compliment the efforts of Sir Knight Michael D. Holland and Sir Knight I. Merle Iverson, REPGC, for their dedication to achieving excellence in the quality of Tactics Manual.
Printed Annual Proceedings for the Grand Encampment Library
Reference a letter, dated 10 May 2019, received from the Northwest Department Commander, Sir Knight Benjamin Williams, requesting printed copies of the Annual Proceedings from the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington for the following years: 1983, 1984, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. These specific copies are lacking in the Grand Encampment library. The request was for printed Proceedings only, no electronic versions were required. During the search for these Proceedings, the Eminent Grand Recorder discovered that many of them were missing or were never produced after the conclusion of the respective Grand Conclave. What should have been a rather simple task to complete and comply with the request of the Grand Encampment, became a burdensome endeavor for the Grand Recorder. Much time was expended to conduct searches for the missing Proceedings. Proceedings not located were determined to have never been completed following the associated Grand Conclave. Therefore, the Grand Recorder had to gather information pertaining to each missing Proceedings to create the needed Annual Proceedings document for the respective Grand Conclave. Such an endeavor took much time and work on the part of the Grand Recorder. To date, the Grand Recorder has been able to locate or create thirteen (13) of the missing Annual Proceedings and provide them to the Grand Encampment. There was no Grand Conclave conducted for the year 2011, therefore, no Annual Proceedings were recorded. Annual Proceedings remaining to be completed are for the years 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. I applaud the effort and dedication displayed by the Eminent Grand Recorder, Sir Knight Michael A. Smitson, to complete this endeavor. Although, four (4) years remain to be completed, I am confident that the Grand Recorder will continue with aggressive tenacity to finish this task and bring the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington to a state of being current with the written recordings of its Annual Proceedings.
Sovereign Great Priory of Knights Templar of Canada Complaint
The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington was informed on 24 October 2019 that the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America received a complaint from the Sovereign Great Priory of Knights Templar of Canada concerning seven (7) members listed on the rolls of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington who are believed to be residents of Canada and were residents of Canada at the time of their Knighting. The names of the members in question are as follow:
William Allen Isabelle, Malta Commandery No.18 Michael Maier, Seattle Commandery No. 2 Joseph R. Marshall, Hesperus Commandery No. 8 Marvin Benedict Zara, Hesperus Commandery No. 8 Colin Chew, Palestine Commandery No. 11 Anthony Gonzales, Hesperus Commandery No. 8 Ziv Kowarsky, Hesperus Commandery No. 8
The basis for the complaint is that a Constituent Commandery may neither receive nor act upon a petition from a candidate who does not satisfy the residency requirements of the Grand Encampment, as more fully set forth in Section 177 of the Constitution, Statutes Disciplinary Rules, Standing Resolutions, Ceremonies, Forms and Approved Decisions of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America (the “Constitution”). Furthermore, no Constituent Commandery may entertain a petition from a candidate residing outside the jurisdiction of its Grand Commandery without previously obtaining a waiver of jurisdiction from the Grand Commandery in whose jurisdiction such petitioner resides. Promptly, the Grand Recorder contacted the Recorders of the respective Commanderies to obtain copies of the petitions for receiving the Orders, waivers of jurisdiction, and any other pertinent documents applicable to the individuals concerned. Such copies of the documents were reviewed and forwarded to the Northwest Department Commander for further review and action. On 8 February 2020, I met with Sir Knight Jeffrey N. Nelson, Most Eminent Grand Master; Sir Knight David J. Kussman, Right Eminent Grand Generalissimo; and Sir Knight Benjamin Williams, Right Eminent Department Commander; to discuss the actions regarding this complaint. Upon the review of the documents submitted or the absence thereof, it was jointly determined by the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington and the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America that at the time their petition was submitted and Knighting, five of the seven persons had residency in Canada; one person’s residency is questionable; and one person had legitimate residency in the jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery of Washington. Letters were mailed (registered mail) to the applicable persons informing them that their Knighting in Washington was in violation of §177(d) of the Constitution and was unlawful and its defects never “healed” by obtaining the necessary waiver of jurisdiction, therefore, technically he was never made a Knight Templar, and membership is therefore void, ab initio. The letters were mailed on 6 May 2020 to the following individuals:
Joseph R. Marshall, Surrey, B.C., Canada Marvin B. Zara, Surrey, B.C., Canada Anthony Gonzales, Surrey, B.C., Canada Ziv A. Kowarsky, Vancouver, B.C., Canada Colin Chew, Surrey, B.C., Canada William Isabelle, Penzance, SK, Canada (Residency is questionable. The letter requested the individual to provide copies of documents that may substantiate his compliance with §177(d) of the Constitution and to show cause as to why he should not be removed from the rolls and his membership declared void ab initio. Suspense is 30 June 2020.) Michael Maier (No action and no letter sent. Documents submitted reflected that the individual was in compliance with §177(d) of the Constitution)
Action regarding this complaint is considered to be completed and closed.
Actions, Dispensations, & Rulings
15 May 2019: Issued General Order No. 1 which summarized the 132nd Grand Commandery Conclave and announced the Officers and Committees for the 2019- 2020 Templar year.
16 May 2019: Granted permission to the Grand Commander of Idaho to permit Lewiston Commandery No. 2, Lewiston, Idaho, to meet at the Clarkston Masonic Temple, 935 6th Street, Clarkston, Washington, as long as approval of the Clarkston Masonic Temple was gained for the rental. This permission was also granted with the understanding that it would only remain in effect until 9 May 2020, when it would need to be renewed with the new Grand Commander of Washington, and that should the number of Washington Sir Knights participating with Lewiston Commandery No. 2 grows to the point where we can establish a Washington Commandery in Clarkston, that Lewiston Commandery No. 2 will assist in that endeavor.
4 June 2019: Issued General Order No. 2 appointing the signatories on all financial accounts of this Commandery for the 2019-2020 Templar year.
5 June 2019: Issued guidelines for conducting Official Visits as the Representative of the Grand Commander, Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington, for the Templar year 2019-2020.
5 June 2019: Issued Commission to conduct an Official Visit as the Representative of the Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington, to Sir Knight Alan T. Spreen.
5 June 2019: Issued Commission to conduct an Official Visit as the Representative of the Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington, to Sir Knight Richard M. Kovak, VEDGC.
24 June 2019: Issued Commission to conduct an Official Visit as the Representative of the Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington, to Sir Knight Robert Monroe.
11 July 2019: The draft By-laws for Malta Commandery No. 18 were received and reviewed by the Grand Commandery By-Laws Committee with the result being that the By-Laws were not recommended for approval. The draft By-Laws were not approved and Malta Commandery No. 18 was encouraged to correct the By-Laws and resubmit them for review and approval.
29 July 2019: Appointed Sir Knight Richard M. Kovak, VEDGC, to represent me in the jurisdiction while I was out of state attending the York Rite Sovereign College of North America Annual Conference in Salt Lake City, UT.
14 August 2019: Appointed Sir Knight Richard M. Kovak, VEDGC, to represent me in the jurisdiction while I was out of state attending the Samuel G. Wilkeson Quarry Assemblage (“Operatives”) meeting in Salt Lake City, UT.
1 November 2019: Issued a letter explaining and updating the Elected Grand Commandery Officers and the Chairman of the Committee on Templar Jurisprudence regarding the Complaint from the Sovereign Great Priory of Knights Templar of Canada.
2 January 2020: Special Dispensation requested by Commander, Palestine Commandery No. 11 to hold elections and installation of Officers “out of time”. Upon investigative research and consultation with the Chairman of the Committee on Templar Jurisprudence, there is no existing requirement for which a dispensation needs to be issued to permit an exception. Therefore, no Special Dispensation was issued.
5 February 2020: Appointed Sir Knight Richard M. Kovak, VEDGC, to represent me in the jurisdiction while I was out of state attending the Allied Masonic Degrees (AMD) Masonic Week in Crystal City, VA (vic Alexandria, VA).
5 March 2020: Appointed Sir Knight Robert Monroe, Eminent Grand Generalissimo, to represent me at the Alaska 2020 York Rite Grand Sessions.
8 March 2020: Issued Commission to conduct an Official Visit as the Representative of the Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington, to Sir Knight Richard Roblee, Deputy Instructor, District No. 8.
9 March 2020: Issued decision, based upon the “China Virus” (aka: Coronavirus, COVID -19), giving my approval for Eminent Commanders to postpone/cancel their conclave meetings and to abide by their respective governmental jurisdiction regarding closures.
25 March 2020: Issued a Joint York Rite Notice announcing the change in dates for the 2020 Washington York Rite Grand Sessions due to the imposed restrictions from health, State, Federal, and Masonic authorities, caused by the “China Virus” (aka: Coronavirus, COVID-19). Dates were changed from 7-9 May 2020 to 2-4 July 2020.
15 April 2020: Issued a Joint York Rite Notice announcing actions to restart the York Rite Life Membership Memorial Foundation, to re-energize its Board of Directors and enable disbursements to recommence. 6 May 2020: Issued letters to those persons identified in the Sovereign Great Priory of Knights Templar of Canada Complaint informing them that their Templar membership in the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington was void, ab initio; and one letter to a person directing him to show cause as to why he should not be removed from the rolls and his membership declared void, ab initio.
16 May 2020: Issued a Joint York Rite Notice announcing that the 2020 Washington York Rite Grand Sessions will be held electronically on 4 July 2020, and not as an “in- person” Grand Session. This notice was based upon the ever changing rules governing the imposed restrictions from the health, State, Federal, and Masonic authorities due to the “China Virus” (aka: Coronavirus, COVID-19) and General Order No. 12 from the Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.
23 May 2020: Issued Appointment Letter for the position of Eminent Grand Standard Bearer for the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington. Sir Knight Lawrence M. Byrd appointed to this position.
23 May 2020: Issued Appointment Letter for the position of Eminent Commander for Hesperus Commandery No. 8. Sir Knight James R. Gaskill (current Generalissimo) appointed as Eminent Commander for Hesperus Commandery No. 8.
26 May 2020: Approved and signed By-Laws change request submitted from DeMolai Commandery No. 6.
An Official Visit was made by myself as the Grand Commander or by my appointed/commissioned Representative to every Constituent Commandery in the jurisdiction of Washington, with the exception of Washington Commandery No. 1. This exception was due to the request from Washington Commandery No. 1 to change the original date scheduled to a different date. My schedule could not accommodate the new date (11 March 2020), so the Deputy Instructor for District No. 8 was appointed/commissioned to be my Representative for the Official Visit. However, when the date arrived, the Deputy Instructor became ill and could not perform the visit, and with the imposed meeting restrictions due to the “China Virus” (aka: Coronavirus, COVID-19), a rescheduled date for the visit could not be determined.
Recommendations
1. Consideration be given to creating and establishing “Color Guard” and/or “Honor Guard” units within the Constituent Commanderies. This can build esprit de corps within the Commandery and emphasize the public image of the Knights Templar. A “Color Guard” is a detachment or unit of Sir Knights assigned to the protection of the flag of the United States of America and any other associated flags/banners. The “Honor Guard” is a unit of Sir Knights appointed to receive or guard a head of state or other dignitary. The unit could be used in ceremonials (Masonic or public), funerals, weddings, etc. The “Honor Guard” could also form an “Arch of Steel” (an arch of swords or sabers) as part of the ceremony. Such units could highlight the image of the Knights Templar in Masonic ceremonies (officer installations, receiving the Grand Master, etc.) and public ceremonies in the civilian or profane community.
2. That the electronic format (“Zoom” meetings) being used in lieu of the “in-person” format due to the “China Virus” (aka: Coronavirus, COVID-10), not be a primary format for meetings. It should be accepted for what it is, an alternative format to be used in emergency situations or when an “in-person” format is not permitted or practical. The “in-person” format offers a much easier exchange of communication between the attendees and promotes a stronger atmosphere of camaraderie among the members.
3. Continue the emphasis to recognize Sir Knights through the awards system of the Grand Commandery and the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America. That the cost for an award not be conveyed to the individual receiving it. Effort should be made to establish a method or mechanism for payment for the award to be made by the Constituent Commandery, Grand Commandery, or Grand Encampment.
4. Reference Section 176, “Constitution, Statutes, Disciplinary Rules, Standing Resolutions, Ceremonies, Forms, and Approved Decisions”. “A Commandery that fails to hold a Conclave for twelve consecutive months, or to Knight a single candidate within such period, shall be placed on probation for the period of one year, and if thereafter it fails to hold a Conclave for the next twelve consecutive months or to Knight a single candidate within such period, its Charter may be arrested. (1967, p. 84-86)” Based upon the 2019 Annual Report information extracted from the Masonic Membership Solutions (MMS) system, the following Constituent Commanderies did not Knight one single candidate during the period, 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. It is recommended that the following Commanderies be closely monitored during 2020 to determine if any of them should be placed on probation. a. Temple Commandery No. 5 b. DeMolai Commandery No. 6 c. Palestine Commandery No. 11 d. Cowlitz Commandery No. 29
Miscellaneous
• No rulings were made during this Templar year.
• Installed the Officers for: Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4 DeMolai Commandery No. 6 Cowlitz Commandery No. 29
• Expense warrants were provided from the Grand Recorder to myself for review and approval. Upon approval, I provided the warrants to the Grand Treasurer for payment. A copy of the completed warrant was provided to the Grand Recorder from the Grand Treasurer.
• Deputy Instructors who conducted their required Official Visits and provided the respective reports during this Templar year or provided a synopsis of their communications with their respective Commanderies in their District are: Sir Knight Harold B. Hobbs Sir Knight Steven L. Dazey Sir Knight Richard Roblee Sir Knight Michael D. Holland Sir Knight Robert A. Morrison Sir Knight Daniel J. Southerland Sir Knight James D. Houston If Deputy Instructors encountered difficulty in performing their Official Visits due to the imposed restrictions caused by the “China Virus” (aka: Coronavirus, COVID-19) and explained this in their reports, synopsis, or memorandum, such circumstances were considered in the favor of the Deputy Instructor to receive the appropriate certificate and receive the Past Deputy Instructor uniform ribbon. The above Sir Knights are approved to receive the appropriate certificate and receive the Past Deputy Instructor uniform ribbon and authorized to wear such ribbon.
• Constituent Commanderies that provided the names of the Chairman and Members of their Membership Committee as required by General Order No. 5: Seattle Commandery No. 2 Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4 DeMolai Commandery No. 6
• Efforts are still being pursued to recover the Right Eminent Past Grand Commander Jewels from the families of Sir Knight Norman F. Campo, REPGC (deceased) and Sir Knight Lloyd R. Linn, REPGC (deceased). These particular jewels were issued from the Grand Commandery and are property of the Grand Commandery. Upon the death of the Sir Knight, the jewels are to be returned to the Grand Commandery.
• No business was presented to the Board of Control for action during this Templar year, therefore no report is rendered, except that there was no action required by the Board of Control.
Conclusion
We shall ever be confronted with challenges as to our ancient teachings, our ritual, our traditions, the being of our Order, and our belief in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost Those who preceded us were also confronted with challenges, but they were strong adherents to the Christian Faith and fortified its walls, their swords were sharp and true, they ensured the mortar was tempered to cement and bind the union of the Sir Knights to preserve our Holy Order. We also must remain vigilant in our duty and steadfast in our obligation to preserve the Christian Faith for the betterment of mankind. The Grand Commandery must be ever ready to offer and provide assistance to its Constituent Commanderies when needed or requested. As well, Constituent Commanderies, upon recognizing any problems they may be having difficulty in resolving, need to seek counsel and request assistance from the Grand Commandery. Together as a unified body shall we overcome our shortcomings and preserve the Order of Knights Templar. Deputy Instructors are an extension of the Right Eminent Grand Commander and need to be accessible to the Constituent Commanderies for aid and advice. Deputy Instructors need to be involved with their respective Commanderies to help the Commandery leadership to identify any areas that may need improvement and to help resolve those identified issues before they become overwhelming problems.
It has been an especially wonderful and fulfilling experience to have served as your Right Eminent Grand Commander for 2019-2020. I wish to thank the Officers of the Constituent Commanderies, the Deputy Instructors, the Grand Commandery Officers, and the Sir Knights overall for their unyielding support, their confidence, and their unending dedication to GOD, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. To all—thank you and may the Blessing of GOD, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost be upon you all.
“May GOD, whose watchful care is over all those who put their trust in Him, ever keep and preserve this Grand Commandery of Knights Templar to His own Glory. Amen”
Courteously, Yours in Christ
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Respectfully and fraternally submitted, W. Gary Norton Sir Knight W. Gary Norton Right Eminent Grand Commander Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America
Encls: 1. Officers and Deputy Instructors for 2019-2020 2. Standing Committees & Regular Committees for 2019-2020 3. Grand Commander’s Calendar Summary 2019-2020 4. Official Visits for 2019-2020 5. Biographical and Masonic Profile
This concludes the Annual Report of the Grand Commander for submission to the 2020 Grand Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington
OFFICERS 2019-2020
Right Eminent Grand Commander SK W. Gary Norton [email protected] Very Eminent Deputy Grand SK Richard M. Kovak [email protected] Commander Eminent Grand Generalissimo SK Robert Monroe [email protected] Eminent Grand Captain General SK Alan T, Spreen [email protected] Eminent Grand Treasurer SK I. Merle Iverson [email protected] Eminent Grand Recorder SK Michael A. Smitson [email protected] Eminent Assistant Grand Recorder SK David A. Aponte [email protected] Eminent Grand Senior Warden SK Marvin Colburn [email protected] Eminent Grand Junior Warden SK Douglas E. Stamper [email protected] Eminent Grand Prelate SK Ian C. Hyde [email protected] Eminent Grand Standard Bearer SK Lawrence M. Byrd [email protected] Eminent Grand Sword Bearer SK Rabi K. Peifer [email protected] Eminent Grand Warder SK John Hannaman [email protected] Eminent Grand Sentinel SK Scot P. Sageser [email protected] Eminent Grand Historian SK Patrick G. Stanton [email protected] Eminent Grand Musician SK Charles C. Wetmore [email protected]
EMINENT DEPUTY INSTRUCTORS 1. Eminent Deputy Instructor (District 1) SK Robert A. Morrison [email protected] (Cowlitz Commandery No. 29) [one (1) year] 2. Eminent Deputy Instructor (District 2) SK Harold B. Hobbs [email protected] (Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4 & DeMolai Commandery No. 6) [two (2) years] 3. Eminent Deputy Instructor (District 3) SK Daniel J.Southerland [email protected] (Seattle Commandery No. 2 & Rainier Commandery No. 28) [one (1) year] 4. Eminent Deputy Instructor (District 4) SK James D. Houston [email protected] (Juan de Fuca Commandery No. 17 & Malta Commandery No. 18) [one (1) year] 5. Eminent Deputy Instructor (District 5) SK Steven L. Dazey [email protected] (Hesperus Commandery No. 8 & Palestine Commandery No. 11) [one (1) year] 6. Eminent Deputy Instructor (District 6) SK Michael D. Holland [email protected] (Temple Commandery No. 5) [two (2) years] 7. Eminent Deputy Instructor (District 7) SK Michael D. Holland [email protected] (Cataract Commandery No. 3) [two (2) years] 8. Eminent Deputy Instructor (District 8) SK Richard Roblee [email protected] (Washington Commandery No. 1 & Pasco Commandery No. 21) [two (2) years]
Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington Listing of the Committees For the Period 11 May 2019 to 9 May 2020 (revised 13 May 2019)
STANDING COMMITTEES (per Section 3.15 of Section II, By-Laws, Constitution of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington (dated 2012))
Committee on Annual Conclave and Festival (1) SK W. Gary Norton, REGC
Templar Jurisprudence (3) SK Joseph W. MacIntyre, REPGC (AK), Chairman SK Donald J. Beck, REPGC SK David A. Aponte, REPGC (FL)
Finance and Investments (4) SK Ted E. Shanks, REPGC, Chairman SK David C. Flood SK Marion A. Windell, HREPGC SK Scot P. Sageser SK I. Merle Iverson, REPGC, Eminent Grand Treasurer
Credentials (4) SK John Hannaman, Chairman SK Harold Hobbs SK Joey Romero SK Agusto Yutuc SK Alexander J. Jordan SK Joseph L. McAlister
Membership (5 plus Constituent Commandery representatives) SK John H. Vivian, Chairman SK Richard M. Kovak, Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander SK Robert Monroe, Eminent Grand Generalissimo SK Alan T. Spreen, Eminent Grand Captain General SK I. Merle Iverson, REPGC, Eminent Grand Treasurer SK Michael A. Smitson, Eminent Grand Recorder
Grand Officers’ Reports (3) SK Richard M. Kovak, Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander, Chairman SK Robert Monroe, Eminent Grand Generalissimo SK Michael A. Smitson, Eminent Grand Recorder
Patriotic & Civil Affairs (3) SK Marion A. Windell, HREPGC, Chairman SK Ted E. Shanks, REPGC SK Michael R. Pursey, REPGC
Public Relations (5) SK Michael Holland, Chairman SK Michael A. Smitson SK Alexander J. Jordan SK Joseph L. McAlister SK Richard Roblee
Religious Activities (3) SK ++E. Jeffrey Craig, REPGC, Chairman SK +Paul K. Reckamp, REPGC SK Fred B. Noyes SK Ian C. Hyde, Eminent Grand Prelate, Ex-Officio
Necrology & Memorial (1) SK Ian C. Hyde, Eminent Grand Prelate, Chairman
Knights Templar Education, Grant & Scholarship Foundation (5) SK Joseph W. MacIntyre, REPGC (AK), Chairman (2020) SK Alexander J. Jordan, Co-Chairman (2024) SK ++E. Jeffrey Craig, REPGC (2020) SK Rabi K. Peifer (2021) SK Robert Monroe (2022) SK Scot P. Sageser (2023) (**Members serve 5-year terms. One member is replaced each year. Year in parentheses designates year of term expiration)
Holy Land Pilgrimmage (3) SK ++E. Jeffrey Craig, REPGC, Chairman SK Ian C. Hyde, Eminent Grand Prelate SK +Paul K. Reckamp, REPGC SK Fred B. Noyes
York Rite Membership Memorial Fund (3) SK Robert Monroe, Eminent Grand Generalissimo, Chairman SK Steven L. Dazey SK Douglas E. Stamper
Knights Templar Eye Foundation (5) SK Alan T. Spreen, Eminent Grand Captain General, Chairman SK I. Merle Iverson, REPGC SK Joseph L. McAlister SK Kyle P. Evanstad SK Alexander J. Jordan
Grievance and Appeals (3) SK Ted E. Shanks, REPGC, Chairman SK Karl S. Reith, REPGC SK +Paul K. Reckamp, REPGC
Asylum Ritual & Tactics (3) SK Michael D. Holland, Chairman SK I. Merle Iverson, REPGC SK James T. Stephens. REPGC
Audit (3) SK Anthony C. Schwab, REPGC, Chairman SK Patrick Stanton SK Steven L. Dazey
Code & Regulations Review (3) SK I. Merle Iverson, REPGC, Chairman SK Michael R. Pursey, REPGC SK Michael D. Holland
Constitution/By-Laws/Statutes (3) SK I. Merle Iverson, REPGC, Chairman SK Michael R. Pursey, REPGC SK Karl Reith, REPGC SK Michael D. Holland
REGULAR COMMITTEES (Per the direction of the Right Eminent Grand Commander)
Aides-de-camp to the Grand Commander SK Karl S. Reith, REPGC SK David A. Aponte, REPGC (FL)
Distinguished Visitors SK Jerry E. Whitney, Chairman SK Donald J. Beck, REPGC SK Rabi K. Peifer
Time and Place SK Richard M. Kovak, Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander SK Robert Monroe, Eminent Grand Generalissimo SK Alan T. Spreen, Eminent Grand Captain General
Election Tellers Five (5) Deputy Instructors to be appointed by the Right Eminent Grand Commander during the Annual Conclave prior to the conduct of elections. (Section 25, Section V (Code of Duties & Conduct of Committees and Regulations for Eleemosynary Activity for the Grand Commandery of Washington), Constitution of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington (2012).
Music SK Charles S. Wetmore, Eminent Grand Musician, Chairman SK Michael D. Holland
Technology Committee SK Michael D. Holland, Chairman SK Michael A. Smitson
Knights Templar Magazine (Editor) SK Bryan D. Bechler
Board of Control The six (6) elected Grand Commandery Officers. Serves as a supervisory control to oversee the management of any charitable function created by the Grand Commandery and approved by the Grand Encampment. (Section 3f., Constitution, Statutes, Disciplinary Rules, Standing Resolutions, Ceremonies, Forms and Approved Decisions of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America (2016 Edition))
Grand Commander’s Calendar Summary (11 May 2019 through 4 July 2020)
May 2019 Saturday, 11 May Installation as Right Eminent Grand Commander, Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington, Little Creek Resort & Casino, Shelton, WA 17-19 May Samuel G. Wilkeson Quarry Assemblage (“Operatives”), Salt Lake City, UT Monday, 20 May Tacoma Council No. 1, R&SM, South Tacoma, WA Wednesday, 22 May Valley of Olympia Scottish Rite, Tumwater, WA Friday, 31 May Salish Court No. 96, The Masonic Order of Athelstan, Issaquah, WA
June 2019 Saturday, 1 June Saint Alban Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, Tukwila, WA Monday, 3 June Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4 (Official Visit), Tacoma, WA Thursday, 13 June Tacobat Grotto, Parkland, WA Saturday, 15 June Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Washington Annual Grand Session, Bremerton, WA Tuesday, 18 June Puyallup Teocalli No. 211, Order of Quetzalcoatl, Yelm, WA Wednesday, 19 June DeMolai Commandery No. 6 (Official Visit), Centralia, WA Thursday, 27 June Temple Commandery No. 5 (Official Visit), Ellensburg, WA
July 2019 Saturday, 13 July Pacific Council No. 30, Allied Masonic Degrees U.S.A. Annual Picnic & Meeting, Hawks Prairie, WA Monday, 15 July Tacoma Council No. 1, R&SM, South Tacoma, WA Wednesday, 17 July Medical Appointment, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA Saturday, 20 July Annual York Rite Picnic, Royal Arch Park, Maple Valley, WA 25-26 July Cataract Commandery No. 3 (Official Visit), Spokane, WA Saturday, 27 July “Magic” Meeting, DuPont, WA; and Tahoma York Rite College Officer Meeting, DuPont, WA
August 2019 31 July -4 August York Rite Sovereign College of North America Annual Grand Session, Salt Lake City, UT Sunday, 4 August “Unity March”, DuPont, WA Monday, 5 August Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, South Tacoma, WA Saturday, 10 August Washington College, Societas Rosicruciana In Civitatibus Foederatis (SRICF), Issaquah, WA 16-18 August Samuel G. Wilkeson Quarry Assemblage (“Operatives”), Salt Lake City, UT Monday, 19 August Tacoma Royal Arch Chapter No. 4, South Tacoma, WA Friday, 30 August Salish Court No. 96, The Masonic Order of Athelstan, Issaquah, WA
September 2019 Monday, 2 September Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, South Tacoma, WA Saturday, 7 September Hoquiam “Loggers Play Day” Parade, Hoquiam, WA Wednesday, 11 Sep Cowlitz Commandery No. 29 (Official Visit), Woodland, WA Thursday, 12 September Tacobat Grotto, Parkland, WA Monday, 16 September Tacoma Council No. 1, R&SM, South Tacoma, WA Friday, 20 September Performed Magic Show for the Valley of Tacoma Scottish Rite “Cigar Night”, Tacoma, WA Saturday, 21 September Grand Commandery Elected Officers Meeting, DuPont, WA Wednesday, 25 Sep Valley of Olympia Scottish Rite, Tumwater, WA Saturday, 28 September Orient of Washington Scottish Rite Honors Ceremonies, Kennewick, WA Sunday, 29 September Grand Commandery Workshop (East) and Pasco Commandery No. 21 (Official Visit), Richland, WA
October 2019 Monday, 7 October Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, South Tacoma, WA Wednesday, 9 October Valley of Olympia Scottish Rite, Tumwater, WA Thursday, 10 October Tacobat Grotto, Parkland, WA Saturday, 12 October Clontarf Council No. 69, (Knight Masons), Immaculate Tabernacle No. XXXIX, (Holy Royal Arch Knights Templar Priests), and Evergreen State Priory No. 41 (Knights of the York Cross of Honour) Sunday, 13 October Pacific Council No. 30, AMD USA, Federal Way, WA 17-19 October Northwest York Rite Regional Conference, Boise, ID Monday, 21 October Tacoma Royal Arch Chapter No. 4, South Tacoma, WA Wednesday, 23 October Valley of Olympia Scottish Rite, Tumwater, WA Thursday, 24 October LaQuinta Inn & Suites-Tacoma (LLC meeting with hotel management to discuss 2020 York Rite Grand Sessions) Saturday, 26 October Tahoma York Rite College No. 197, Centralia, WA
November 2019 Monday, 4 November Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, presided over Installation of Officers, South Tacoma, WA Wednesday, 13 Nov Valley of Olympia Scottish Rite, Tumwater, WA Thursday, 14 November Tacobat Grotto, Parkland, WA 15-17 November Samuel G. Wilkeson Quarry Assemblage (“Operatives”), Salt Lake City, UT Monday, 18 November Tacoma Council No. 1 R&SM, presided over Installation of Officers, South Tacoma, WA Wednesday, 20 Nov DeMolai Commandery No. 6, presided over Installation of Officers, Centralia, WA 20-28 November Incapacitated due to the “flu”
December 2019 Sunday, 1 December Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, attended Christmas Observance, South Tacoma, WA Monday, 2 December Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, South Tacoma, WA Wednesday, 11 Dec Valley of Olympia Scottish Rite, Tumwater, WA Thursday, 12 December Tacobat Grotto, presided over Installation of Officers, Parkland, WA Saturday, 14 December York Rite WA LLC meeting, Tacoma Scottish Rite building, Tacoma, WA Sunday, 15 December Rehearsal for the Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre (Saint Alban Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine), Tacoma Scottish Rite building, Tacoma, WA Saturday, 21 December Cowlitz Commandery No. 29, presided over the Installation of Officers and Vancouver Council No. 10, R&SM, presided over the Installation of Officers, Woodland, WA Monday, 23 December LaQuinta Inn & Suites-Tacoma, LLC, meeting with hotel management to discuss 2020 York Rite Grand Sessions, Tacoma, WA Saturday, 28 December Grand Commandery Elected Officer meeting, DuPont, WA
January 2020 Monday, 6 January Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, South Tacoma, WA Wednesday, 8 January Valley of Olympia Scottish Rite, Tumwater, WA Thursday, 9 January Tacobat Grotto, Parkland, WA Saturday, 11 January Afifi Shrine, presided over the Installation of Officers; and Saint Alban Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, Annual Meeting and Installation of Officers; Tacoma Scottish Rite building, Tacoma, WA Sunday, 12 January Pacific Council No. 30, AMD USA, Installation of Officers, Pyramid Masonic Center, Federal Way, WA Saturday, 18 January Grand Commander’s New Year’s Reception; and Tahoma Chapel No. 3, Commemorative Order of Saint Thomas of Acon; Tacoma Scottish Rite building, Tacoma, WA Sunday, 19 January Memorial Service for Sir Knight Norman F. Campo, REPGC, Bremerton, WA Monday, 20 January Tacoma Council No. 1, R&SM, South Tacoma, WA Wednesday, 22 January Valley of Olympia Scottish Rite, Installation of Officers, Tumwater, WA
February 2019 Monday, 3 February Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, South Tacoma, WA 7-11 February Allied Masonic Degrees Masonic Week, Crystal City, VA (Washington, D.C.) Wednesday, 12 February Valley of Olympia Scottish Rite, Tumwater, WA Thursday, 13 February Tacobat Grotto, Parkland, WA Friday, 21 February Medical appointment (Performance Medical), Olympia, WA Saturday, 22 February Tahoma York Rite College No. 197, Federal Way, WA
Wednesday, 26 February Valley of Olympia Scottish Rite, Tumwater, WA Thursday, 27 February Meeting with the caterers for the 2020 Northwest Grotto Association Convention, Valley of Olympia Scottish Rite Office, Tumwater, WA Saturday, 29 February Washington College, SRICF, Issaquah, WA
March 2019 Monday, 2 March Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, South Tacoma, WA Tuesday, 3 March Delivered a presentation, as the Grand Commander, (in Class “A” uniform) on the “York Rite” to the members of Harmony Masonic Lodge No. 18, Tumwater, WA Saturday, 7 March Grand Commandery Elected Officers meeting, Tacoma Scottish Rite building, Tacoma, WA Wednesday, 11 March Valley of Olympia Scottish Rite, Tumwater, WA
**No Masonic meetings conducted after 11 March 2020 due to the imposed restrictions from health, State, Federal, and Masonic authorities, based upon the “China Virus” (aka: Coronavirus, COVID-19).
9 March 2020: As Grand Commander, I issued a decision directed to the Eminent Commanders of the Constituent Commanderies stating, “Eminent Commanders, based upon good judgement and common sense, you have my approval, to postpone/cancel your conclave or conclaves for the safety of your Sir Knights. Should your governmental jurisdiction dictate closures, please respond accordingly. Our first concern is to keep our Sir Knights and their families safe. If you do cancel a conclave or conclaves, please advise our Eminent Grand Recorder, Sir Knight Michael A. Smitson, of the cancellation.”
10 March 2020: General Order No. 11, “Postponement of the Stated Conclave of a Grand, Subordinate, or Constituent Commandery”, Sir Knight Jeffrey N. Nelson, Most Eminent Grand Master, Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.
12 March 2020: Letter, dated 2 March 2020, subject: Cancellation of All Masonic Events, Charles E. Wood, Grand Master, Free & Accepted Masons of Washington. (Directive extended to 12 June 2020).
4 May 2020: General Order No. 12, “Prohibition of In-Person Conclaves of Grand, Subordinate, and Constituent Commanderies”, Sir Knight Jeffrey N. Nelson, Most Eminent Grand Master, Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.
No “in-person” Masonic meetings have been held/conducted since 12 March 2020, therefore, no additional meetings or events are listed after 11 March 2020.
Official Visits of the Grand Commander 2019-2020 Templar Year (901-902 A.O.) Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington (revised 13 May 2019)
GRAND COMMANDER/ DATE COMMANDERY VISITED PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
3 June 2019 Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4 Grand Commander (Tacoma)
7 October 2019 Hesperus Commandery No. 8 Deputy Grand Commander (Bellingham)
7 June 2019 Palestine Commandery No.11 Deputy Grand Commander (Arlington)
10 June 2019 Malta Commandery No. 18 Grand Generalissimo (Bremerton)
19 June 2019 DeMolai Commandery No. 6 Grand Commander (Centralia)
11 March 2020 Washington Commandery No. 1 Grand Commander (Walla Walla)
27 June 2019 Temple Commandery No. 5 Grand Commander (Ellensburg)
27 June 2019 Rainier Commandery No. 28 Grand Captain General (Renton)
15 July 2019 Juan de Fuca Commandery No. 17 Grand Generalissimo (Port Angeles)
25 July 2019 Cataract Commandery No. 3 Grand Commander (Spokane)
11 Sep 2019 Cowlitz Commandery No. 29 Grand Commander (Woodland)
18 Sep 2019 Seattle Commandery No. 2 Grand Captain General (Shoreline) 29 Sep 2019 Pasco Commandery No. 21 Grand Commander (Richland)
(Reference: Paragraph 2.4.6, section 2.4, section 2.0 Grand Commander, Section IV, Grand Officer’s Code of Conduct and Duties of the Grand Commandery of Washington, Constitution & By-Laws of the Grand Commandery of Washington)
Biographical and Masonic Profile
3 January 2020 (Revised)
Reference: LTC(R) William Gary Norton
Spouse: Deceased
Religious/Church Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Ethnic Heritage: Ireland and Czech Republic (3rd generation)
Current Residence: 3129 Madora Drive SE Olympia, WA 98503
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8632 Lacey, WA 98509-8632
Telephone: (360) 412-1738 (residence) (360) 339-2968 (cellular)
Profession: United States Army Officer (Signal Corps) (Retired), and Practitioner of Magic and the Mystic Arts.
Born 3 September 1950 on the Indian Reservation of the Seneca Nation, Iroquois Confederacy, in Salamanca, New York. Parents are William Joel Norton and Shirley Ann (Near) Norton. Both are deceased. Father was a Master Mason and Past Master of his Masonic Lodge. Two younger brothers, Bradley Charles Norton (Master Mason) (b: 15 October 1954), and Michael Brandon Norton (EA) (b: 28 March 1972). Resided in Bradford, PA from 1950 to 1961 and then relocated to Phoenix, AZ. In 1964 relocated to Horseheads, NY (vicinity of Elmira, NY). Completed high school graduating in 1968 from Thomas A. Edison High School. Member of the National Honor Society, selected as "Boy of the Year" by the Optimist Club in 1968, American Legion Oratorical Contest winner, participated in football (earned letter) and tennis, Junior Class President, Student Council President in Senior year, and received New York State Regents Full Scholarship. Attended and graduated in 1972 from Clarkson College of Technology (now Clarkson University) in Potsdam, NY. Received Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Distribution, an interdisciplinary curriculum of business and engineering courses. Received an U.S. Army ROTC Full Scholarship while at Clarkson College. Upon graduation was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Signal Corps. Attended and graduated in 1985 from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS and received the special designate as a Strategist for worldwide multi-faceted military operations. Received Master of Science degree in 1985. Thesis based on "Psychokinesis and its Impact on the Study of Warfare Strategy". Thesis was published and available on Amazon.com. Completed the Defense Strategy course in 1989 from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA. Retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army in 1992 after completing over 20 years of service. Received a number of awards and medals, the highest being the Legion of Merit medal and the Bronze Mercury Medallion from the U.S. Army Signal Corps. After retiring from the U.S. Army, relocated to Rio Rancho, NM (vicinity of Albuquerque, NM). Attended the University of New Mexico and received Paralegal Certificate in 1994 (earned highest grade in history of the course). In 1998, relocated to Salt Lake City, UT and in 1999 relocated to Olympia, WA. Civilian occupations have been primarily involved with the housing industry. Earned and received a real estate license in 2000. Earned and received insurance license in 2011. Magical Arts entertainment.
Masonic Information:
Initiated Entered Apprentice: 10 January 1980 Passed to Fellowcraft: 21 February 1980 Raised to Master Mason: 22 March 1980 Masonic Lodge: Fidelitas No. 830, AF & AM, American-Canadian Grand Lodge (ACGL), Karlsruhe, West Germany (now merged with Alt Heidelberg Lodge No. 821 located in Heidelberg, Germany. Alt Heidelberg-Fidelitas Lodge No. 821).
Masonic Lodge Membership: Fidelitas Lodge No. 830, AF & AM, American-Canadian Grand Lodge (ACGL), Germany and Olympia Lodge No. 1, F & AM, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Washington, Tumwater, WA (Worshipful Master (2006)).
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite: Initiated on 27 April 1980 in NATO Valley, Orient of California. Member of Valley of Olympia, Orient of Washington. Venerable Master (Charter) for the Olympia Chapter of the Knights of Saint Andrew (22 June 2005), Venerable Master for the Lodge of Perfection (2007). Wise Master for Olympia Chapter of the Rose Croix (2009). Received the Knight Commander Court of Honor (KCCH) on 29 October 2005. Membership Chairman (2011-2012). Appointed General Secretary for Olympia Scottish Rite Valley, 23 January 2012 (2012-2019). Received the Thirty-third Degree (33) Inspector General Honorary on 28 September 2013.
York Rite: Initiated into Heidelberg Chapter No. 4 on 2 August 1980. Initiated into Heidelberg Council No. 2 on 5 September 1980. Constituted and created as a Knight Templar in Heidelberg Commandery No. 2 in October 1980. High Priest of Palatinate Chapter No. 7 (1991, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Germany). Illustrious Master of Tyre Council No. 4 (1991-1992, West Germany). Grand Royal Arch Captain, (1992) Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Germany. Previous member in Rio Grande Chapter No. 4, Hiram Council No. 1, and Pilgrim Commandery No. 3 located in Albuquerque, NM. Affiliated with York Rite Bodies in Washington (February 2010), Tacoma Chapter No. 4, Royal Arch Masons (Excellent High Priest, 2012), Tacoma Council No. 1, Royal & Select Masters (Illustrious Master, 2012), Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar (Commander, 2013 & 2014) Grand Master of Ceremonies (2013-2014), Grand Principal Conductor of the Work (2014-2015), Deputy Grand Master (2015-2016), and Most Illustrious Grand Master (2016-2017) for the Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Cryptic Freemasons of Washington State. Right Eminent Grand Commander, Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Washington, 2019-2020. Selected as “Ritualist of the Year, 2014-2015” by the York Rite Sovereign Colleges of Washington State (15 June 2015).
Shrine: Initiated into Aahmes Shrine Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in Heidelberg, West Germany on 18 October 1980. Life member of Afifi Shrine Temple (Tacoma, WA) and member of Al Malaikah Shrine Temple (Los Angeles, CA). Past affiliation with Ballut Abyad Shrine Temple (Albuquerque, NM) (1994-1999). Participated in the Clown Unit, Al Malaikah Temple; Dispatcher (Secretary) for the Loco (Locomotive) Patrol, Ballut Abyad Temple; President of Grenze Shrine Oasis (Dec 1989-Dec 1990); Life Member of the European Shrine Club; Past President for Thurston-Mason Shrine Club (2004); Imperial Aide (2004); Imperial Outer Guard Aide (2005); Afifi Pipes and Drums Unit; and Afifi Shrine Oriental Band. Potentate for Afifi Shrine Temple in 2008. Life member of the International Cabiri (July 2008).
Royal Ark Mariner: Universal Brotherhood Lodge No. 1518, 27 June 1981. Past Commander Noah, Puget Sound Lodge No. 5, Royal Ark Mariner (Moored to Pacific Council No. 30, AMD USA), 2015.
Invisible Lodge (Masonic Magicians), Life Member, 9 July 1981 (Life Member Number 822J). State Chapter Chairman for Washington State, 31 January 2015-2019. Order of Sir Felix Korim (2015). Wizard’s Masters Award 33° (2015). Zina Bennet Award (2015).
Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Hagerstown, MD Forest No. 95, December 1982.
Order of the Eastern Star, Queen Esther Chapter No. 3, 13 April 1984. O. E. S. Chapter No. 36, Olympia, WA (Demit March 2011)
National Sojourners, Fort Leavenworth Chapter No. 14, 26 September 1984 (Life Member). Heroes of '76, Old Frontier Camp, 24 October 1984. President of Peter M. Rasmussen Chapter No. 510, National Sojourners, April 1991-April 1992. Treasurer for Peter M. Rasmussen Chapter No. 510, National Sojourners, April 1989-April 1991. Commander, William Prescott Camp, Heroes '76, April 1990-April 1992.
Past Master, Mount Moriah Lodge No. 823 (Pirmasens, Germany), September 1990- September 1991, American-Canadian Grand Lodge (ACGL) of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (AF&AM). Past Master, Olympia Lodge No. 1, (Tumwater, WA) 2006, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Washington.
Appointed as District Deputy Grand Master, District No. 1, American-Canadian Grand Lodge (ACGL), April 1992-April 1993. Appointed as Senior Grand Deacon, American- Canadian Grand Lodge (ACGL), April 1991-April 1992.
Past High Priest, Palatinate Chapter No. 7, 1991, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Germany; and Tacoma Chapter No. 4, 2012, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Washington. (York Rite)
Holy Order of High Priesthood, 11 May 1991, Grand Council of Anointed High Priests of the Federal Republic of Germany. (York Rite)
Past Illustrious Master, Tyre Council No. 4, 1991-1992, Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Germany; Tacoma Council No. 1, 2012, Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Washington. (Cryptic Freemasons-York Rite)
Past Thrice Illustrious Master, 10 April 1992, Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Germany. (York Rite)
Grand Master of Ceremonies, 2013-2014, Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Washington State. (Cryptic Freemasons)
Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, 2014-2015, Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Washington State. (Cryptic Freemasons)
Deputy Grand Master, 2015-2016, Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Washington State. (Cryptic Freemasons)
Most Illustrious Grand Master, 2016-2017, Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Washington (Cryptic Freemasons).
Past Eminent Commander, 2013 & 2014, Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington State.
Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington, Deputy Instructor for District No. 2 (2014-2015); Chairman for the Audit Committee (2012-2018).
Eminent Grand Captain General, Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington (Appointed 25 March 2017).
Eminent Grand Generalissimo, Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington (2017-2018). Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander, Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington (2018-2019).
Right Eminent Grand Commander, Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington (2019-2020).
Super Excellent Master, Heidelberg Council No. 2, 2 September 1989 (York Rite).
Order of the Silver Trowel, Tyre Council No. 4, 10 April 1992 (York Rite).
Grand Royal Arch Captain, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Germany, 1992 (York Rite)
Tahoma York Rite College No. 197, York Rite Sovereign Colleges of North America, 27 April 2013. Governor (April 2019-April 2020). Selected to receive the honor of the “Order of the Purple Cross” (18 September 2018). “Order of the Purple Cross” Ceremony: 3 August 2019.
Evergreen Priory No. 41, Knight York Cross of Honor (KYCH), 15 November 2014. KYGCH (May 2016), Warder (April 2019)
Masonic Order of Athelstan, 22 November 2013. Salish Court No. 96. Treasurer, 2015-2019.
Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, (Q.C.C.C.).
Royal Order of Scotland, 18 August 2001. Thistle Clan, Royal Order of Scotland (Life Member).
Royal Order of Jesters, Tacoma Court No. 104, March 2002. Impresario (2010 & 2011), Leading Man (2012), Director (2013).
Red Cross of Constantine, St. Alban Conclave, May 2002. Puissant Sovereign, 2018. Secretary, 2019-2020.
Knight Masons, Clontarf Council No. 69, October 2002. Excellent Chief, 2013-2014. Treasurer, 2015-2019.
Order of Quetzalcoatl, See of North America, Puyallup Teocalli No. 211, 17 June 2003. Camaxtli, 2012 & 2015. Order of Knights, Eagles and Tigers (OKET) 21 June 2016.
Knights of Saint Andrew-Olympia Chapter, Venerable Master (Charter), 22 June 2005.
Allied Masonic Degrees, Pacific Council No. 30, 8 January 2006. Secretary-Treasurer, January 2009-2014 & 2016-2019. Venerable Sovereign Master, 11 January 2015.
Puget Sound Lodge No. 5, Royal Ark Mariner, Commander/Father Noah, 11 January 2015.
Order of the Red Branch of Eri, 9 February 2008. Knight Commander of the Red Branch of Eri, 11 January 2015.
Order of the Secret Monitor, 8 October 2006. Worthy Supreme Ruler, 2015.
Order of Saint Lawrence the Martyr, Puget Sound Lodge, 21 October 2007
Knight of Constantinople, 11 October 2009.
Grand Architect, 10 October 2010.
The Royal Order Masonic Knights of the Scarlet Cord of the United States of America, Third Grade (Fellow), 10 February 2017, President (2015), Puget Sound Consistory of the Scarlet Cord (Pacific Council No. 30, AMD)
Ye Antiente Order of Corks, 10 February 2017.
Grand College of Rites, 11 February 2017.
Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor, 11 February 2017.
Masonic Order of the Bath, 11 February 2017.
Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (Grotto), 20 November 2009. Venerable Prophet, 2010; Master of Ceremonies, 2011; Monarch, 2012. District Deputy to the Grand Monarch, 2012-2020; President for the Northwest Grotto Association, 2015-2016. Grand Monarch’s Aide, 2016-2017.
Ritualist of the Year, 2014-2015, 15 June 2015. Selected by the York Rite Sovereign Colleges of Washington State. Honor was bestowed by the Grand Governor of York Rite Sovereign Colleges of Washington State, Right Eminently Distinguished Brother James T. Stephens on 15 June 2015.
Samuel G. Wilkerson Quarry, The Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Rough Masons, Wallers, Slaters, Paviors, Plaisterers and Bricklayers (“The Operatives), United States of America. 31 October 2015 (V°, February 2019). Super Intendent of the Work (August 2019).
Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest (HRAKTP), Immaculate Tabernacle No. XXXIX, 10 October 2015 (Ellensburg, WA). Second Pillar (April 2019)
General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, International, Appointed as Ambassador to Washington, 2017-2020 (28 August 2017), Triennial in Portland, OR).
Societas Rosicruciana In Civitatibus Foederatis (SRICF), Washington College, 12 August 2017 (Myrtle Masonic Lodge, Issaquah, WA), IV° (8 December 2018).
Commemorative Order of Saint Thomas of Acon, 25 March 2017, Deputy Marshal (April 2018).
President, York Rite WA, LLC, (May 2017-May 2019).
Member of the Olympia Masonic Building Association Executive Board (2003-2006). Member of the Olympia Valley Scottish Rite Children’s Language Disorder Clinic Executive Board. (2003-2007). Member of the Olympia Masonic Cemetery Executive Board (2004-2006).
Other Associations (Non-Masonic):
B.P.O. Elks, American Legion (Life Member), AMVETS (Life Member), International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) (“Order of Merlin (Shield)”), Society of American Magicians (SAM) (25-year member), The Magic Castle (The Academy for the Mystical Arts, Inc., Member Number R-4866), Loyal Order of Moose (Past Governor), Knights of Columbus (Past Grand Knight) and 4th Degree, Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity (Life Member), Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC), Traditional Martinist Order, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Roman Catholic Church. Order of Mercury (Signal Corps, U.S. Army), Rotary International (past member), Honorable Order of “Kentucky Colonels” (11 September 2007). Improved Order of Red Men (IORM) (Adoption Degree: 12 August 2015, Pilchuck Tribe No. 42 (Everett, WA) (C of R, Joel “Russ” Russell))
Personal Interests:
Magic & Mystical Arts, parapsychology, ancient theologies, esoteric philosophies and teachings, golf, racquetball, and chess.
This is the 1st report of the Committee on Jurisprudence.
The Committee on Jurisprudence has reviewed the Right Eminent Grand Commander’s report and find no conflict with the Code or by- laws of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington.
We further commend all actions of the Grand Commander in this very trying time in our Country and in this Grand Commandery dealing with a pandemic. He has gone above and beyond what is usually expected of a Grand Commander. Communication has been his forte and the officers and members of this Grand Commandery are the better for this.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the SK W. Gary Norton, Right Eminent Grand Commander for the honor having been asked to serve at your Committee on Jurisprudence for this past year.
We move the acceptance of this report. 1 June 2020 (dated)
SK Joseph W. MacIntyre, REPGC (AK), Chairman SK Donald J. Beck, REPGC SK David A. Aponte, REPGC (FL)
Resolutions for 2020
Resolution # 2020-01 (Amended by presenter of the Resolution) To the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington Purpose To have the Grand Recorder certify and report to the Sir Knights the results of the elections of the Grand Line and the resolutions presented at the Annual Conclave by June 1st. This will allow the Bylaws Committee to begin working on any amendments to the Constitution several months prior to the publication of the proceedings. In addition, if a proceeding is not published, this certification will not delay the implementation of any amendments approved by the Sir Knights. Whereas All organizations are governed by a constitution and bylaws as their rule and guide. Whereas Constitutions and Bylaws are constantly updated and amended through resolutions to meet the challenges of an organization. Whereas We as an organization, might encounter a delay in the implementation of amendments to the Constitution due to the delay of the printing or publication of the proceedings of the Annual Conclave of the absence of the same. Therefore be it here resolved that, Section IV, Grand Officer’s Code of Conduct and Duties of the Grand Commandery of Washington be amended and an additional duty be added to the duties of the Grand Recorder as subsection 7.4.15 whereby he shall certify and report to the Craft the results of the election of the Grand Commandery Officers and the resolutions presented at the Annual Conclave by June 1st .
Section IV. Grand Officer’s Code of Conduct and Duties 7.4 Grand Recorder 7.4.15 The Grand Recorder shall certify on or before June 1st the results of the elections of the Grand Commandery and the results on the resolutions presented at Annual Conclave. A copy of such certification either by written or electronic means shall be sent to the following: elected and appointed Grand Line Officers, Grand Commandery Committees, Right Eminent Past Grand Commanders and Constituent Commanderies through their respective Recorders. Fraternally submitted SK David A. Aponte, REPGC and Generalissimo of Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4
2 June 2020
This is the 1st report of the Committee on Jurisprudence.
The Committee on Jurisprudence has reviewed Resolution 2020-01 and find no conflict with the Code or by-laws of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington.
We do not offer an opinion with regards to the prudence or wisdom contained in the resolutions reviewed.
We move the acceptance of this report. 2 June 2020 (dated)
SK Joseph W. MacIntyre, REPGC (AK), Chairman SK Donald J. Beck, REPGC SK David A. Aponte, REPGC (FL)
Availability Statements for Offices of Grand Commandery
Sir Knights who have made themselves available for the Offices in Grand Commandery for 2020-2021 year:
Right Eminent Grand Commander: SK Richard M. Kovak
Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander: SK Robert Monroe SK Steven L. Dazey SK Bryan D. Bechler
Eminent Grand Generalissimo: SK Alan T. Spreen SK Bryan D. Bechler SK Floyd L. Snyder SK Steven L. Dazey
Eminent Grand Captain General: SK Alfred J. Luberts, Jr. SK Bryan D. Bechler SK Floyd L. Snyder SK Scot P. Sageser SK Steven L. Dazey
Eminent Grand Treasurer: SK Merle Iverson
Eminent Grand Recorder: SK Michael A. Smitson
MASONIC BIOGRAPHY OF RICHARD M. KOVAK 2930 S. Camano Dr., Camano Island WA 98282 [email protected]
Statement of Availability for Grand Commander
ELECTED LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Grand High Priest – 2015-2016 – Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons Potentate – 2008 – Nile Shrine Center – AAONMS Eminent Commander – 2009 – Seattle Commandery #2 Grand Commandery of Washington Worshipful Master - 1995-96 – Arcana Lodge #87 (merged into University Lodge #141) Personal Representative of SGIG – 2009-11 – Seattle Valley AASR Puissant Sovereign- 2014 - St. Albans Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine Sovereign Master – 2015 – Chinook Council #77 Allied Masonic Degrees Excellent High Priest 1998-99 – Oriental Chapter #19 Wise Master – 1999 - Rose Croix, Seattle Valley AASR Illustrious Master – 2011-12 – Adoniram Council #17 Royal and Select Masters of Washington Chair, Constitution, Bylaws & Statutes – 2012-2014 – Grand Commandery of Washington Master of Kadosh – 2001 – Consistory, Seattle Valley AASR Chief Camaxtli (President) – 2016-2018 – Pacific Northwest Q Assoc., Order of Quetzalcoatl Grand Master of Ceremonies – 2018-2019 – Grand Council of Washiongton Grand Principal Conductor of the Work – 2019-2020 - Grand Council of Washington Grand Generalissimo – 2018-2019 – Grand Commandery of Washington Deputy Grand Commander – 2019-2020 – Grand Commandery of Washington
SIGNIFICANT APPOINTMENTS
Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4 – 2019-2021 Grand Orator, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington 2012-2013 Grand Lodge Committeeman - Grievance and Appeals – 2009 to present District Deputy Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons– 2002-03 – District 7 RAM Trustee, Board of Trustees - Grand Lodge Temple Board for GL Building at University Place 2013-2017 Committeeman, Grievance and Appeals - 2008-2016 – Grand Commandery of Washington Supreme Ritual Committee – Supreme Order of Quetzalcoatl Grand Orator, Grand Chapter of Washington 2012-2013 Grand Orator, Grand Council of Washington 2015-2018
SIGNIFICANT HONORS Honorary Inspector General (33°) – 2005 - Seattle Valley AASR KYCH; Order of the Purple Cross Grand Masters Achievement Award
MEMBERSHIPS Lifetime Member – University lodge #141; Camanio #19; Walter F. Meier LOR #242 Lifetime Member - Oriental #19 RAM; Snohomish County #15 RAM; Adoniram Council #17; Seattle Valley of Scottish Rite, Everett Scottish Rite; St. Alban Conclave of RCC, and Nile Shrine Center Lifetime Member – Clontarf Council #69 Knight Masons; Cascade Chapel, Comm. Order of St. Thomas of Acon; Thistle Clan, Royal Order of Scotland; Rainier College #54, York Rite Sovereign College;
OTHER Writer and presenter of Masonic historical characters including John Quincy Adams, Albert Pike, Constantine the Great; Jacques de Molay; Hiram Abiff; Lighthorse Harry Lee/George Washington; King Robert the Bruce. Author: History of Nile, A Century of Fun, Fellowship and Philanthropy (April 2020).
Publications: The Real Value of An Education; A Brief History of Knights Templar in the U.S.; The Origin and Genesis of the Master Mason Third Degree Drama; Finding The Real Lost Word in Royal Arch Masonry.
Statement of Availability for Deputy Grand Commander, Grand Commandery of Washington
3530 NE Old Belfair Hwy#24 Belfair, WA 98528 Cell: (360) 801-2237 Email:[email protected]
Name: SK Robert Monroe Married, 2007-Present Wife: Paula P. Monroe Kids: Dominic 3 years, Lydia 11 years, Andrew 23, Alicia 25
Blue Lodge: 1. Mystic Tie Lodge #1032 Schwienfurt Germany: member EA: 2010 FC: 2011 MM: 2011 2. Hood Canal Lodge #288 Belfair, WA; a. Senior Deacon 2015-2016 b. Junior Warden 2016-2017 c. Senior Warden 2017-2018 Accomplishments: participant in bikes for books, coordinated a Easter meal for the community, “implemented a trestle board, brought a masonic learning program during meetings, had a concordant body speak at each meeting”. York Rite Washington: 1. Olympus Chapter #27 Royal Arch a. High Priest 2015-2016 b. Principle Sojourner 2016-2017 c. Secretary/Treasurer 2017-2019 Accomplishments: Prepared, Coordinated, and Conducted first table Chapter in the Chapter, enhanced the Secretary and Treasures duties. Standardized badges for the Chapter, updated the bylaws for the Chapter, created multiple trackers, lists and continuity book for the secretary/treasurer position for easier transitions, started the widow’s degree for the area. Created the Jim Stevens Ritual Award of Washington. Member of the Holy Royal order of High Priesthood. 2. Naval Council #18 Cryptic Masons a. Deputy master 2015-2016 b. Illustrious Master 2016-2017 c. Recorder/Treasurer 2017-2019
Accomplishments: Enhanced the Recorder and Treasures duties. Standardized badges for the Council, updated the bylaws for the Council, created multiple trackers, lists and continuity book for the Recorder/treasurer position for easier transitions. Supported the registration and administration of two Grand master classes that brought in over 100 new members. Member of the Thrice Illustrious Master degree. 3. Malta Commandry #18 Knights Templar a. Captain General 2015-2016 b. Commander 2016-2017 c. Secretary/Treasurer 2017-2019
Accomplishments: Started a fund-raising project. Enhanced the Secretary and Treasures duties, updated the bylaws for the Council, created multiple trackers, lists and continuity book for the scribe/treasurer position for easier transitions. Involved with implemented changed to the grand encampment ritual to add a flag retiring portion of the closing. Standardized and proposed a change to the ritual for the presentation and honors to the flag. Secretary of the Ruben W. Bear Past Commanders association. 4. Grand Chapter of Washington a. District Deputy of GHP District #5 2017-2018 b. Grand Rep for multiple Countries and States c. Grand King of Grand Chapter of Washington 2018 d. Deputy Grand High Priest of Grand Chapter of Washington 2019
5. Grand Commandery of Washington a. Grand Captain General of the Grand Commandery of Washington 2018 b. Grand Generalissimo of the Grand Commandery of Washington 2019
6. National Sojourner/Heroes of “76
Pacific Northwest Area Representative Alaska Regional Representative Sinclair Inlet Chapter #80 National Sojourners: a. 2ndt Vice President 2015-2016 b. 1st Vice President 2016-2017 c. President 2017-2018 Lewis and Clark Camp a. Chief of Staff 2015-2016 b. Commander 2016-2017
7. Elected or Appointed officer in the following bodies; York Rite College, Knight Masons, St. Thomas of Acon, HRAKTP.
8. Member of the following bodies; OES, JOBES, General Grand Chapter, General Grand Council, Emirate Shrine, Legion of Honor.
Statement of Availability of SK Steven L. Dazey To the Sir Knights of the Grand Commandry of Washington: After much consideration, the urging of my companion Sir Knights, and having completed my term as Potentate of the Nile Shrine I find that I now have the time to offer my full Masonic attention to serving the Grand Commandry of Washington and therefore offer my availability to serve in any open dais office of the Grand Commandry that may be open. That would include Grand Caption General, Grand Generalissimo, or Deputy Grand Commander. I have proven to the Sir Knights my qualifications as follows:
Masonic leadership, Master Centennial lodge #25 2 terms High Priest Snohomish Chapter #15 Illustrious Master Everett Council #8, and Zaphon Council North Vancouver Commander Palestine Commandry #11 Governor Rainier York Rite College Potentate Nile Shrine
Grand High Priest of the ME Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of WA.
Illustrious Grand Master of the MI Grand Council Royal and Select Masters of WA.
Grand Senior Warden Grand Commandry Knights Templar of Washington Deputy Instructor District #5 Grand Commandry Knights Templar of Washington
Other leadership qualifications: Production manager wholesale lumber yard 10 years Olympic Forest Products. Managed Moving and storage facility (3 years). Western WA division of Devries moving and storage.
Managed two Boy Scout properties to include budgeting, hiring, and daily operations as well as program development 17 years.
Current Hunter Education and Volunteer Coordinator for the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Region 4 with supervision and support of 250 volunteer HE instructors and over300 Master Hunter volunteers.
Respectively Submitted Steven L Dazey SK Steven Dazey Statement of Availability of SK Bryan Bechler
To the Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington:
After long thought and consideration and the encouragement of fellow Sir Knights, I am herewith submitting my statement of availability for any leadership position within the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington, including: Deputy Grand Commander, Grand Generalissimo and Grand Captain General.
In August 2018, I attended the 67th Triennial of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America in Indianapolis, IN. Although I’ve been a member of Knights Templar in Washington since 1995, being able to meet with Knight Templars from across the country afforded me the opportunity to talk about the problems Grand Commanderies face in the 21st century.
I’ve held a number of positions in the York Rite within the State of Washington as well as on a national level. In addition, I’ve held offices in the Grand Council Cryptic Rite Masons of Western Canada Royal and Select
Masters, providing me with additional skills on an international level. I believe what I’ve learned over the years from within the jurisdiction of Washington as well as information gained from jurisdictions outside of the state will enable me to lead the Grand Commandery of Washington in a positive way.
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:
Grand High Priest—2016-2017 Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons in Washington Illustrious Grand Master—2008-2009 Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Washington Puissant Sovereign—2015 St. Olav Conclave Red Cross of Constantine Sovereign Master—2019-2020 Chinook Council No. 77 Allied Masonic Degrees Governor—2010-2011 Rainier York Rite College No. 54 Eminent Prior—2009-2010 Evergreen Priory No. 41 Knights of the York Cross of Honour Excellent Chief—2009-2010 Clontarf Council No. 69 Knight Masons Celebrant—2017-2018 Washington College SRICF Worshipful Master—1997-1998 Mt. Olympus Lodge No. 298 F&AM; 2004-2005 Damascus Lodge No. 199 F&AM
APPOINTMENTS
Grand Marshal—2019-2020 Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington
Deputy General Grand Master Canada— 2018-2020 General Grand Council Cryptic Masons, International Personal Representative District 24—2014-Present Convent General Knights of the York Cross of Honour
HONORS
Knight Commander of the Temple
Knights Templar Cross of Honor
General Grand Council Cryptic Masons International Adult Leadership Award
General Grand Council Cryptic Masons International Columbian Award
General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons Bronze Service Award
Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Washington Hiram Award Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
Statement of Availability for Grand Generalissimo - 2020
Alan Tombaugh Spreen Vancouver, Washington
Royal Arch Chapter 1998 High Priest Tacoma Chapter No. 4
Grand Chapter 2006-2008 Deputy of the Grand High Priest in District No. 3 2008-2009 Grand Royal Arch Captain 2010-2012 Credentials Committee, 2011-2012 Chairman 2012-2013, 2014-2017, 2018-2019 Jurisprudence Committee 2017-2018 Grand Orator
Council of Royal and Select Masters 1994 Greeted Royal and Select Master Tacoma Council No. 1 2007 Illustrious Master Tacoma Council No. 1 2012 Illustrious Master King Solomon Council No. 27
Grand Council 2010-2011 Grand Lecturer 2011-2012 Grand Captain of the Guard 2013-2015 Master of Arch No. 4 2015-2016 Membership Committee Chairman 2016-2017 Grand Master of Ceremonies 2017-2018 Grand Principal Conductor of the Work 2018-2019 Most Illustrious Grand Master 2019-2020 Chairman, Jurisprudence Committee
Commandery 2011, 2017 Commander Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4
Grand Commandery 2014-2015 Grand Sword Bearer 2019-2020 Grand Captain General
York Rite College 2016 Order of the Purple Cross 2018 Governor Tahoma York Rite College No. 197
Knights of the York Cross of Honor Evergreen State Priory No. 41
Blue Lodge 1997 Worshipful Master Joseph Warren Lodge No. 235 2000, 2014 Worshipful Master Steilacoom Lodge No. 2 2004 Worshipful Master Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281
Grand Lodge 2001-2003 Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 14 2003-2006 Research and Education Committee, 2004-2006 Chairman 2008-2014 Credentials Committee 2019-2020 Grand Bible Bearer
Statement of Availability of SK Floyd L. Snyder
ESK Floyd L Snyder Statement of Availability for Election as GRAND GENERALISSIMO, or GRAND CAPTAIN GENERAL Was raised as a Master Mason in Lewis and Clark Lodge number 301 F&AM of Washington in 1982. Served as Worshipful Master three times, 1987, 1988 and 1993. Served as secretary 1994 through 1996. Also served Pasco 173 as secretary from 1998 through 2005 after the consolidation of Pasco and Lewis and Clark lodges. As a member of Benton Lodge 277 served as Master 2013 and as secretary in 2015. As a member of Richland Lodge 283 served as a support for degrees and pro tem offices. Masonic honors received: Hiram award, Grand Masters Achievement award. Became a Royal Arch Mason in Pasco Chapter #33 served as High Priest in 1997 and 1998, and served as Secretary, Treasure from 1999 to date. Served the Grand Chapter as Grand Master of the third Vail in 1998, as the Deputy to the Grand I Priest for District #9, and Grand Historian multiple times. Served as the Grand Representative from Nebraska to Washington. As a member of Zadok Council I served as Illustrious Master in 1990, 1997 and 1998 and served as Recorder, Treasure from 1999 to date. Served the Grand Council as Grand Sentinel, and Grand Conductor of the Council, and as the Grand Representative from Kansas to Washington. Served the Grand Council in the elected grand line and was Grand Master and 2009 – 2010. Served as Grand Recorder from 2012 to 2014. Honors received: Cryptic Mason of the Year As a member of Pasco Commandery #21 served as Commander in 1991 and as the Recorder, Treasure from 1999 to date. Served the Grand Commandery as Grand Sentinel, Chairman of Credentials for Grand Sessions, and served on the committee for the Knights Templar Eye Foundation as member and chairman multiple times. Honors received: Grand Masters Club from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. Other Masonic affiliations: KYCH Evergreen prior #41 serving as Deputy Prior Kamiakin York Rite College, served as governor, Order of the purple Cross, serving as registrar Clontarf Council Knights Masons, serving as Senior Knight St Raphael Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, Served as Sovereign Master Desert Council #46 Allied Masonic Degrees Puget Sound Council #5 Royal Ark Mariners Scottish Rite Valley of Kennewick KCCH Served as Venerable Master, Wise Master, Master of Kadosh, 1st Lieut. of the Council of Kadosh. Order of Athelstan serving as Assistant Marshal Order of High Priest Hood Order of Silver Trowel Order of Bath Order of Old Saratoga AAOMS Masada Shrine, served as High Priest and Profit Richland Order Eastern Star Past Worthy Patron Artemisia Court Order of Amaranth Past Royal Patron and Grand Commissioner of Appeals White Shrine of Jerusalem, Past Watchman of Shepherds and Past Supreme 2nd Wisemen
Fraternally yours Floyd L Snyder
SK Alfred J. “Al” Luberts, jr. 13305 94th Avenue East, #225 Puyallup, WA 98373 253- 777-6707 January 18, 2020 Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington c/o Michael A. Smitson, Grand Recorder 9826 Coral Drive SW Lakewood, WA 98498- 3306 Dear SK Mike: Please accept this letter as my official statement of availability for the Office of Grand Captain General of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington for the year 2020-2021. I believe that I can continue the good work that has been done by my predecessors in the Grand Commandery, and provide stable and intelligent leadership through the next decade. If elected, I intend to devote my years in the Grand Commandery Line to increasing proficiency and participation within State of Washington Commanderies. I humbly ask the Sir Knights to give me the opportunity of working on this effort at a level where I can make a difference. Naturally, I fully intend to perform all of the required duties of the office I seek. Following is a résumé of my qualifications: Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Washington: Commander Seattle Commandery No. 2 2006 Commander Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4 2015 Rueben Baird Past Commanders Association Past Commander Grand Senior Warden, Grand Warder, Chairman Audit Grand Council R&SM of Washington: Grand Illustrious Master 2011-2012 Master of Arch No. 3 2008-2009 Chairman Board of General Purposes 2018-19 Illustrious Master King Solomon Council 27 2009-2011 and 2019 Illustrious Master Adoniram Council No. 17 2013 Illustrious Master Walter F. Meier Council No. 22 2003 Thrice Illustrious Master 2003 Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Washington: Assistant Grand Secretary 2018-2020 Grand Captain of Host 2018-2019 Grand Historian 2008-2010 Deputy of the Grand High Priest District 16 2006-2008 High Priest Tacoma Chapter No. 4 2020 High Priest Enumclaw Chapter No. 42 2011 High Priest Overlake Chapter No. 67 2002, 2005, 2009 Order of High Priesthood 2002 Grand Lodge F&AM of Washington: Legislative Task Force 2018-2020
Masonic Research & Education Committee Co-Chair 2006-2008 Masonic Research & Education Committee Member 2004-2006 Information Technology Committee Member 1999-2004 Grand Master’s Achievement Medal 2007 Proficiency in Lodge Management 1998 Worshipful Master of Green Lake Lodge No. 149 2000, 2008 Worshipful Master of Walter F. Meier Lodge No. 281 2006 Seattle Valley Scottish Rite: 32nd Degree Knight Commander of the Court of Honor Wise Master Chapter of Rose Croix 2001 Venerable Master Lodge of Perfection 2004 Venerable Master Chapter of Knights of St. Andrew 2004 Master of Kadosh Consistory 2007 Commander of Council of Kadosh 2008 Nile Shrine: Director of Uniform Units 2001 Trustee 1999-2001 President Nile Temple Band 1997 President Lake Ballinger Shrine Club 1999 Member of Chanters, Legion of Honor, Past Masters Other: Past Prior Evergreen State Priory Knight York Cross of Honor President VADM Homer N. Wallin Chapter No 40, National Sojourners 2004-2005 Commander Capt. William F. Gordon Camp Heroes of ’76 2006-2008 Past Sovereign. Master Pacific Council No. 30 Allied Masonic Degrees Member Tahoma York Rite College Member of Thistle Clan, Royal Order of Scotland Sincerely & fraternally, Al Luberts
Statement of Availability of SK Scot P. Sageser
Scot P. Sageser 10253 Misery Pt Rd Nw Seabeck Wa 98370 360-930-1892/ [email protected]
EDUCATION: Master of Business Administration, (M.B.A.) Pacific Lutheran University Bachelor of Arts Degree- International Relations/Political Science, Western Washington University
Associates of Arts Degree- Olympic College- Full Athletic Scholarship.
Professional/Business Education Chartered Financial Engineering Institute, ChFE Designee, Chartered Financial Engineering Institute. Chartered College Funding Specialist, CCFS Designee, Association of Certified College Funding Specialists.
Educational Loan Analyst, CLA Designee, Association of Certified College Funding Specialist.
Professional/Business Managing Director- Investors Capital Corporation: 1995 - Branch Manager Full Service Broker Dealer / Advisor Division Director- R.S. Hayward Financial Services 1997- Managed Financial Services Unit – Investments and Insurance. Partner- Bratrud-Middleton Insurance Brokers 2000- Financial Services Division. Firm Partner and Branch Manager Financial Services Division- Bremerton. Director- World Equity Group, Inc. 2007 Branch Manager in charge of Investment and Asset management. Managing Partner- Defender Financial Services Group, LLC, 2015-present, Owner and Managing Partner. Current.
Community and Board Activities: Past Board President Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce- Tacoma/PLU
Executive Board Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation of Washington – Past Public Relations Chair, Current Chairman of Finance Committee.
Past Director, Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation, Representing Valley of Bremerton.
Executive Board Member Early Life Speech and Language of WA.,
Chairman Finance Committee- Early Life Speech and Language.
Managing Director of Bremerton Clinic, Early Life Speech and Language.
Past Board Member ARC of Kitsap and Jefferson
Past Board Member PSNBA- Puget Sound Naval Base Association
Member Peninsula Dance Arts Theatre,
Member Klahowya Secondary School PTA
Member Supreme Council VMAP Committee, Supreme Council, Washington D.C.
Blue Lodge
Franklin Lodge No.5 F &AM of Wa . – Member in Good Standing. Past Master.
*Initiated July 29 th 2009 *Passed November 18 th 2009 *Raised May 5 th 2010
*Past Master - November 2014 -2015
*Current Secretary
Wm. H. Upton Naval and Military Lodge No. 206 - Past Master 2016 - 2017
Member of Leadership Committee
Chair of PR Committee
Chair of Finance Committee
Port Angeles Lodge No. 69 - Member
Lodge Alba No. 315 – Member
Member: Royal Order of Scotland – Thistle Clan Member: Washington College SRICF
Member: The Worshipful Society of Free Masons: Rough Masons, Wallers, Slaters, Paviours, Plaisterers, and Bricklayers- Samuel G. Wilkeson Quarry Assemblage.
Member: The Masonic Order of Athelstan in England, Wales and its Provinces Oversea- Salish Court No. 96
Elected to receive Knight of the York Cross of Honour (KYCH) Evergreen State Priory No. 41
Past Membership Committee Chair for the Grand Council of Royal and Select
Masters of Washington. NILE Shriner’s
Current President KPSC Shrine Club
2012 President Kitsap Peninsula Shrine Club
2014 Secretary of Kitsap Peninsula Shrine Club
Member Kitsap Peninsula Shrine Club.
Statement of Availability for the Office of Grand Treasurer
REPGC I. Merle Iverson.
Statement of Availability for Grand Recorder – SK Michael A. Smitson
9826 Coral Drive SW Lakewood, WA 98498 Date of Birth:28 April 1947 Cell:(253) 370-9748 Email: [email protected]
Statement of Availability for Grand Recorder 2020-2021 Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Washington Resume’ Married, 1969 – Present Wife: Dianne Children: 3 Susan, Sarah, Jon Grand Children: 5 Great Grand Children: 2 Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Masons of Washington Member of the Technology Committee 1999 – 2016 Co-Chairman 2007 Junior Grand Steward 2019 Steilacoom Lodge #2, Steilacoom, WA & Tacoma, WA EA:1991 FC:1991 MM: 1991 Life Member Master – 1994 Treasurer 1997 – 2007 Recipient of the Hiram Award, 2004 President of South Tacoma Masonic Building Association 2012 - 2015 Member of South Tacoma Masonic Building Association 2017 -2020 Grand Mound #3 Historical Lodge, Tacoma, WA Life Member Lodge Alba #315, Seattle, WA Master – 2012-2013 Senior Warden – 2010-2012 Junior Warden – 2009 -2010 Esoterika Lodge #316, Seattle, WA Member 2008 - Present Krucible Lodge #318, Tacoma, WA Charter Member 2008 - Present Chaplain 2008 – 2010 Tyler 2013 - 2017 Recipient of the Hiram Award, 2009 Royal Arch Masons Tacoma Chapter #4, Lakewood, WA – 1997 Life Member Exalted: April 5, 1997 High Priest – 2004,2005, and 2006 Secretary – 2007- 2017 Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Washington Grand Secretary 2017 – 2018 Order of the High Priesthood – 2004 Deputy of the Grand High Priest, District #3, 2008-2010 Grand Sentinel 2013-2014 Trustee, Children’s Heart Foundation 2016 - Present Royal and Select Masters Tacoma Council #1, Lakewood, WA Life Member Greeted: April 5, 1997 Illustrious Master – 2004 Recorder – 2005-2017 King Solomon Council, UD, Auburn, WA Chapter Member King Solomon Council #27, Auburn, WA Master of Ceremony – 2011 – 2016 Deputy Master – 2017 Illustrious Master – 2018 Grand Council Royal and Select Masters of Washington Thrice Illustrious Masters – 2015 Super Excellent Master - 2006 Chairman, Technology Committee, 2008-2010 Most Illustrious Grand Master, 2014 – 2015 Chairman of Various Committees 2015 – Present Grand Recorder 2019-Present Knights Templar Ivanhoe Commandery #4, Lakewood, WA Knighted: April 5, 1997 Eminent Commander, 2004 Recorder 2005-2018 Illustrious Knight of the Triangle -2016 Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington Grand Deputy Instructor in District 4, 2016 – 2017 Grand Sword Bearer, 2016 – 2017 Grand Deputy Instructor in District 2, 2017 – 2018 Grand Recorder, 2017 – Present Knights of the York Cross of Honor Evergreen State Priory #41 Invited and Inducted: 2006 2006 - Present York Rite College Tahoma York Rite College #197, Federal Way, WA 2006 – Present Governor – 2016 - 2017 Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction Valley of Tacoma, Orient of Washington 1999, Life Member Acting Secretary – 2004 Venerable Master – Lodge of Perfection, 2005, 2006 Wise Master – Chapter of Rose Croix, 2007, 2013 Commander – Consistory, 2014 Venerable Master – Council 2018 Knight of Saint Andrew, Valley of Tacoma 2005 Charter Member Founding Venerable Master – 2005 Knight Commander, Court of Honor Recipient – 2005 Scottish Rite Research Society 2006-Present Shriners International Afifi Shrine, Tacoma, WA 1999 – Present Chaplain – 2011 Grand Chapter of Washington, Order of the Easter Star
Faith Chapter, Lakewood, WA 1993 - Present Worthy Patron, 1995 Sentinel, 1996 Knight Masons, U.S.A. Clontarf Council #69, Bremerton, WA 2009 - Present Senior Deacon, 2015 – 2016 Junior Warden, 2016 – 2017 Senior Warden, 2017 – 2018 Worthy Chief, 2018-2019 Royal Order of Scotland Inducted - Fresno, CA - 2007
Thistle Clan - 2007- Present
Other Order of the Button Makers Degree, Yelm, WA 1997 Goose and Gridiron – Nest #0, Wenatchee, WA June 2006 Royal Ark Mariner Degree, 2006 Order of the Bathe, May 2009 Order of the Cork, Feb 2010 The Worshipful Society of Free Masons Rough Masons, Wallers, Slaters, Paviours, Plaisterers, and Bricklayers The Operative Masons Bryn Athyn Quarry Assemblage Member 2010- Present Charter Member – Samuel G. Wilkeson Quarry Assemblage – 2015 – Present Treasurer – 2015-Present Clerk 2017-Present Grade: VI° DuPont Community Presbyterian Church Designated an Elder of the Tillicum Church in 1994 Transferred from Tillicum Community Presbyterian Church – 2004 Clerk of Session and Elder 2005 – Present
Madigan Army Hospital Red Cross Volunteer 2005 – 2006 40 hours per week
Grand Commandery Officers’ Reports
REPORT OF THE DEPUTY GRAND COMMANDER – GRAND SESSIONS 2020
It started out as a very productive Grand Commandery year. The RE Grand Commander assigned some of the Grand Elected Officers to represent him on Official Visits to some of the constituent commanderies. I was assigned to conduct the OVs at Palestine Commandery and Hesperus Commandery which I did on June 7 and October 4, respectively. The RE Grand Commander also instituted a periodic series of meetings of the Grand Elected and any other Sir Knight who wished to attend. These meetings were meant to identify where we were going as an organization and to make plans for future events. I was pleased to attend these informative meetings on September 21, December 28, and March 7. Two Grand Commandery workshops were scheduled. One on the Eastside which took place at Richland Masonic Center in October and the other on the West side of the State which had to be canceled due to the pandemic outbreak and the government’s isolation orders. I was able to attend the workshop at Richland and was well briefed there by RE Grand Secretary Michael Smitson on the MMS system updates and by RE Grand Treasurer Merle Iverson on the ins and outs of filing 990s and the financial protections which should be in place for all constituent commanderies. During this year, I was honored to be asked to represent the Grand Commander on a couple of occasions when some of his journeys took him out of state. Mercifully, nothing of note occurred during these brief occasions and the oversight of Grand Commandery control was promptly returned to the Grand Commander. In addition, I was able to attend several constituent commandery meetings during this year, especially my own Seattle #2 and the Joint Christmas Observance by Seattle #2 and Rainier Commandery #28 in December. The New Year’s Reception of the RE Grand Commander was a nice addition to the usual schedule of Grand Commandery events and I was disappointed in not being able to attend due to an out of state conflict. Many other planned meetings and visitations including visitations to our neighboring Grand Commandery jurisdictions of Oregon, Idaho and Montana which were planned, were abruptly cancelled from our schedules from mid-March onward due to the pandemic and the government ban on meetings which was reinforced by an edict from the Washington Grand Master as to all Masonically related events. Now that the Grand Sessions have been postponed to July 2020 and may have to occur by Zoom meeting only, I can only await the resumption of full communications with all of the Sir Knights and indeed all of my Masonic brethren as I stand ready and committed to assume whatever responsibilities come to me in the ensuing year.
Yours in Christ, SK Richard M. Kovak Deputy Grand Commander Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington
Grand Treasurers Report Grand Commandery of Washington 2019-2020
Grand Commander, Illustrious Guests and Sir Knights all. I beg leave to report the results and happenings with the Monetary Assets of the Grand Commandery of Washington. In this Commandery year we severed our contact with “big” banks. It was becoming more expensive to use the National Banks (as this is generally required when we have officers spread across the state). While Chase Bank was on of easier Banks to use, even they had in-house requirements which stressed even my patience.
We have had our Investment Account with Edward Jones for several years. We are allowed to write checks on our “Money Market” account, provided we write a minimal number. Our annual number of checks is well below their required maximum to use this service. In this manner we are able to keep an amount of cash necessary to meet our day to day obligations, while earning a small bit of interest on the amount in the Money Market account. The National Banks want a minimum in the checking to offer “no charge checking” and even that minimum amount does not earn interest.
Through the year we receive interest, dividends, and periodic Capital Gains from our “Portfolio”. The Portfolio is set up to reinvest most of these interest, dividend and Capital Gain is automatically reinvested in the underlying mutual fund. Thus the overall objective of our financial effort is achieved – enough cash to pay the bills and the remainder drawing interest.
Our fiscal year runs from May1 through April 30. On May 1, 2019 the amount in our Investment account was $168,548. Our Investment Account on April 30, 2020 $165,624. These amount are the Investment Amounts and do not include the Money Market Cash. I give you these numbers so that you can see we were properly invested when the pandemic hit and the market dropped. Our UNREALIZED loss during that period remained constant - - -in fairness the account had risen to $183,000 at December 31, 2019.
Long and short, we are properly invested and following prudent financial policy. The majority of our income is from “dues” and current year interest, dividends and Capital Gains.
The Treasure also manages the Investment account for the Education Fund and is a 501 c(3) effort thru the Grand Encampment. That fiscal year is Jan 1 thru 12-31 and that financial report is sent to Grand Encampment and included in their annual 990 file with IRS.
Should you ever have questions, do not hesitate to contact me. I will generally answer my phone after 8AM and will do so until 6PM. I do need some time for wife, sons/wives and my grandchildren.
Merle Iverson, Treasurer
2019 – 2020 Report of the Grand Recorder
It has been a great honor and privilege to have been able to serve our Right Eminent Grand Commander throughout this past year. It was a very eventful year to say the least! Thank you very much for your assistance, direction, and our long talks in our travels.
I wish to thank all the Sir Knights in our great Grand Commandery who placed their trust in me as they elected me to be their Grand Record for this year. It has been my great honor to be given this esteemed position. I have worked with the elected line and received a lot of help and assistance from SK Steve Guffy; our current Right Eminent Grand Commander, E. Jeffrey Craig; our Treasurer, SK Merle Iverson; and my Assist Grand Recorder, REPGC SK David Aponte, and others too many to mention here.
I can report that all our constituted Commanderies have filed their Annual Returns. I have to report that two of our Commanderies were late in send in their Annual Reports; Ivanhoe Commandery (22 days late $110.00 in fines) and Malta Commandery (17 days late $85 in fines) and Cowlitz Commandery was very late. The took 45 extra days to get their report in to me (This is a fine of $225.00). I wish to thank our Recorders for their hard work in completing this task. If you are the Eminent Commander of a local commandery, you depend on your Recorder to ensure the commandery runs accurately and smoothly to be able to make your tasks within the commandery easier.
During the past year, the Grand Commander issued a total of 2 General Orders which have been sent to the Committees for review. There was only one dispensation to be acted on this year. A copy of which was sent to the Committees for review.
This year was quite difficult to keep track of the list of Sir Knights that were interested in making themselves available for offices of the Grand Commandery this year. A list is in the Pre-Convocation Packet for your review. Look well to your Ballot.
One of the areas of concern is the training of our new Recorders in the use of MMS. A lot of simple reports we make each year can be taken from the database and used to make the Annual Report easier. With all the problems about meeting more than 10 people at a time, I decided to use Zoom to hold a conference call meeting with all the Recorders. This was held on May 5th, 2020.
While I was working of the Proceedings of 2018 and 2019, I found that we had a few of these some proceedings that were missing. I have been working on finding and getting Grand Encampment’s Library up to date with these missing proceedings. These missing proceedings I am working with our Grand Commanders to finalize and get our Grand Commandery working properly again. One of the hold ups in this area was being able to find as many of the old Pre-Convocation Packets as I could. I finally got back as far as 2014 in the year packets. I am now ready to proceed in putting what is proper to be written on paper or electronic paper and out to the Commanderies of Washington.
In His Service Very Respectfully Submitted
Michael Smitson Grand Recorder
Committee Reports
TO: SK W. Gary Norton 15 May 2020 Right Eminent Grand Commander Grand Commandery of Washington
From: Holy Land Pilgrimage Committee
Subject: Holy Land Pilgrimage Committee Annual Report
Right Eminent Sir,
We beg leave to report:
The Holy Land Pilgrimage Fund remains financially sound and available for sending Ministers to the Holy Land with the sponsoring Commanderies providing the transportation funding. Every effort should be made to continue to schedule a Minister or Ministers from our Grand Jurisdiction to participate in this life enriching experience when it becomes available. There were two Pilgrimages this past spring and almost 70 Ministers were blessed by being able to participate in this life changing experience.
In 2021 there will be two Pilgrimages of 25 Ministers each, and our Grand Commandery has one Minister in the process of being assigned to one of the two trips. The deadline for submission of prospective Pilgrims to this committee is 1 September 2020 and our Committee has adequate funds available if a second Minister is identified to be sent on either of the two trips. It is recommended that all Commanderies in Washington begin immediately to commence searching for and identifying qualified Ministers interested in possibly making the Pilgrimage in February 2021.
Over the past 40+ years more than 2000 Christian Ministers have been able to take advantage of this amazing and inspirational opportunity made available through Grand Encampment. The Grand Commandery of Washington has sent several Ministers in the past, has one pending for the 2021 Pilgrimage and should make every effort to send more in the future. For the Ministers who have participated it has been a life changing event for them and their congregations. For us it is an opportunity to make an investment in the leaders of our Christian community and to reward them for their dedication and commitment to us.
The Committee would also like to recommend for consideration by all Sir Knights, the “Footsteps of Jesus” Pilgrimages now being offered in two formats by the Grand Encampment. There is a “senior” (less strenuous version) still scheduled for this November which is almost full, and a standard Pilgrimage in November of 2021. This is a tremendous opportunity for any and all Sir Knights and their Ladies to experience what we make available to our Ministers firsthand. See the Grand Encampment website for details on the “Footsteps of Jesus” Pilgrimages.
Thank you for the honor of having been asked to serve on your Holy Land Pilgrimage Committee this past Templar year.
As your extended year as, Grand Commander comes to an end, may the Blessings of our Gracious Lord go with you for your dedication to our Order, the Sir Knights in His Service, His Son, and our Lord Himself.
In His Service, Grace, and Peace,
++E. Jeffrey Craig Members: SK ++Jeff Craig, Chairman SK Ian C. Hyde, Grand Prelate Holy Land Pilgrimage Committee SK +Paul Reckamp, REPGC SK +Fred B. Noyes
2019-2020 Public Relations Committee Report
A large part of the rewarding activities we as Sir Knights have always enjoyed including the involvement we have with the community. We have a very special element of curiosity about us in terms of our unique uniforms and our military protocols and universally fascinating history. A large part of the mission of the Public Relations Committee is to maintain a flow of news and information on Grand Commandery and constituent Commandery projects and events. The hope and expectation are that this information may result in repeating that which has had the most efficient and impactful effect on our fraternity. To that end, and to aid in the planning and tracking of our collective efforts, this committee is proposing the creation of a form, available on our website, that may yield aid in the brainstorming, planning, logging and evaluation of the many opportunities and events we already are doing. It is hoped that with a regular submission of such a form to this Committee, we will be able to compile the collective results, share them with all Commanders in this jurisdiction, and determine if there are particular events and trends that are considered more productive. In this way, we can strive to apply our limited resources in the best possible ways to help shape our future and to fulfill our obligations to each other and to humanity in general. We should not have to feel as if we are constantly inventing the wheel and use this information as a resource for reference and planning. This form will be a work in progress and will always include a revision date. A special thank you to the Public Relations Committeemen and the Grand Commandery leadership for their help and assistance in this effort. Please see the attached form. Please also refer to the article, Taking the Mystery out of Public Relations published by the Committee one Public Relations, Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America, January, 1992: http://www.knightstemplar.org/PublicityandPublic-Relations.pdf
SK Michel D. Holland, Chairman SK Alexander J. Jordan SK Michael A. Smitson SK Joseph L. McAlister SK Richard Roblee
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
REGC Gary,
Today, June10, 2020, the Sir Knights in leadership positions from Spokane were privileged to assist in the audit of both the General Operations and Education accounts of the Grand Commandery as maintained by the Grand Treasurer, SK Merle Iverson, of the Grand Commandery of Washington.
We, and all of us, found the books for these accounts to be in order and maintained in a careful and accurate manner with no irregularities.
SK Merle Iverson was on hand to answer several clarifying questions.
The members of the Committee are as follows: SK Michael Holland, SK Tom Hodgins, SK Jim Endslow, SK Gene Endslow and SK Fred Mark.
SK Anthony Schwab, REPGC
Chairman of Audit Committee
KT ED Division of Washington KT ED 2019 Division EIN 910855906 Division Secretary/Treasurer Merle Iverson
BALANCE SHEET -assets Cash - Checking 0 Cash - Savings 1,649.48 Investments Certificate of Deposit Land, Buildings, Equipment Cost or Other Basis Less accumulated depreciation Investments-publicaly traded securities Investments-other securities 60555.28 Investments- STUDENT LOANS TOTAL ASSETS 62,204.76
LIABILITIES KT Ed carried forward from previous year Year: 2018 268.82 KT ED See Committee Page TOTAL LIABILITES 268.82 RECONCILIATION OF NET ASSETS Total Revenue 2048.19 Total Expenses 268.82 Revenue less expenses 1779.37 Fund balance beginning of year 55556.54 Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments 4868.85 Prior Period adjustments 0 Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain on separate page)
TOTAL 62204.76
Due to Committee on the Educational Foundation of the Grand Encampment for EXPENSE December 31 Asset Balance 62204.76 Due to the Encampment Committee 1/2 of 1 percent (0.5%) 311.0238
To the Right Eminent Grand Commander, Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander, Eminent Grand Generalissimo, Eminent Grand Captain General, and Sir Knights of the Grand Commandery
We, the Committee on Religious Activities hereby submit the following report:
Numerous Commanderies conducted Christmas Observances but did not so report the same to this committee. No Sir Knights from the Grand Commandery of Washington were able to attend the Grand Encampment Easter Sunrise Services throughout the country this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in place during the Easter season. A combined Memorial Service was unable to be held at the 2020 Grand Sessions of Washington due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions that were in place at that time. We trust that our departed Sir Knights will be honored by our successors in office at the 2021 Grand Sessions combined Memorial Service.
Fraternally Submitted,
__SK ++E. Jeffrey Craig, REPGC_____ Chairman __SK +Paul K. Reckamp, REPGC______Committeeman __SK +Fred B. Noyes ______Committeeman __SK Ian C. Hyde, Eminent Grand Prelate, Ex-Officio______Committeeman
Dated __15th day in the month of __May__, in the year of A. D. 2020 A. O. 902.
York Rite Washington LLC Annual Report for 2019-2020
Masonry in Washington has undergone some "interesting" times in the past several months.
We have not been able to meet in person in several months. We have had to resort to meeting on-line thru Zoom or Skype or POTS -- plain old telephone service to stay in contact with our brothers / companions / Sir Knights. It has been a truly trying time.
The York Rite Washington LLC is charged with assisting the three York Rite grand bodies, Grand Chapter, Grand Council, and Grand Commandery, in scheduling, planning, and contracting for all the meals and meeting facilities for the annual Grand Sessions.
Unlike most Masonic lodges, chapters, councils, and commanderies, we are not a 501(c)10 tax-exempt organization. We are a Washington State-chartered limited liability company. As such we are required to file an income tax return like every one of us.
The LLC has been negotiating with the Internal Revenue Service regarding several of our recent years of tax returns. We are still awaiting their adjudication for abatement of some penalties associated with our past tax returns. We hope for a favorable outcome.
First the bad news ... we have had to cancel our (physical) grand sessions for 2020. We have had to refund all monies received by the LLC from registrants for meals reservations and cancel everyone's hotel rooms. Darn.
Now the good news. We will hold a "Zoom" on-line meeting for all three grand bodies ... Grand Chapter, Grand Council, and Grand Commandery ... this year on Independence Day, July 4th, 2020, beginning at 8:00am, and hopefully concluding the much- condensed meetings, elections, and installations, ending not later than 12:30pm. We hope to "see" you there.
More good news ... Provided that this coronavirus / COVIS-19 pandemic goes and stays away, we have contracted to hold the 2021 York Rite Washington Grand Sessions where we had planned to hold the 2020 grand sessions, at the LaQuinta Hotel and Convention Center in Tacoma, WA. We were able to negotiate to have our convention reservation deposit carry-over to 2021 and did not have to pay any additional fees for a cancelled reservation. In addition, the room rental rates will be lower in 2021; only $99 per night plus taxes. The 2021 York Rite WA grand sessions will be held May 12th thru 15th, 2021, in Tacoma. Stay tuned.
The LLC is financially solvent.
The members of the LLC strive throughout the year to assist the three grand YR bodies in any way possible. It is quite a bit of work, but well worth the effort we expend.
Stay home for now, stay healthy, and pray for a swift end to this pandemic, that we may meet again, in person.
Roger Pankey, Secretary York Rite WA LLC
Audit of the Washington York Rite LLC 2019 Financial Records Date: July 20, 2019 Location: Royal Arch Park Attendees: Two members of the York Rite Audit Committee: John M. Brett, Chairman Kenith Cowen, Member Al Luberts, was excused for other commitments Rabi Peifer, LLC Treasurer Roger Pankey, LLC Secretary Also in attendance were: Grand High Priest, Grand Master & Grand Commander The check book and the financial statements of the York Rite LLC were found in good order with no errors or omissions. A significant discussion ensued relating to the calendar year and the fiscal year of the leadership of the York Rite body’s officers. It was eventually agreed that there was no true requirement to change the date of the IRS tax filing calendar year nor changing the York Rite Grand Session and the dates of the York Rite Grand Officer’s tenure. With no other business outstanding, the audit meeting was adjourned.
Fraternally,
John M. Brett Chairman, 2019 Audit Committee
General Orders
S.K. W. Gary Norton, Right Eminent Grand Commander PO Box 8632 Lacey WA, 98509-8632 Ph: (360) 339 -2968 E-mail: [email protected]
S.K. Michael A. Smitson, Grand Recorder 9826 Coral Dr SW
Lakewood, WA 98498-3306 Ph: (253) 370 -9748
E-mail: [email protected]
GENERAL ORDER No. 1 (Corrected Copy)
S.K. I. Merle Iverson, Eminent Grand Treasurer May 15, 2019 9818 Wieber Dr., “The purpose and mission of Knights Templar are to emulate the teachings of Freemasonry by example Spokane, WA 99208 and individual actions. These teachings are not sacramental so far as they appear to enter into the Ph: 509-467domains-7255 of thought and truth in which every man is entirely free to reject and dissent so long as he shall weigh what is taught and give it fair hearing and unprejudiced judgment, keeping always in mind the E-mail: [email protected] of the Holy Testaments of Christianity in the true sense of “doctrine and teachings” and to emulate the historic moral doctrine of the knights of the of the historic crusades. Our mission is to serve our neighbors and community in every way possible.”
To all Grand Commandery Officers, Past Grand Commanders, Eminent Commanders, Generalissimo's, Captain Generals & Sir Knights of Constituent Commanderies.
Greetings Sir Knights:
This General Order # 1 is to be read at the first Stated Conclave after it's receipt. Distinguished Guests were introduced and received by SK E. Jeffrey Craig, REGC. The132nd Grand Commandery was reconvened at 8:00 A.M. May 11th, 2019 and the Grand Prelate opened with a prayer. The Pledge of Allegiance was given. There were no Commanderies absent. The Grand Commander gave his report. The roll call of Past Grand Commanders was read. The roll call of Constituent Commanderies was read. Jurisprudence gave their report on the Grand Commanders report. Several Reports were given by various committees and most were preprinted and handed out at registration.
There was three Resolutions which all three passed and SK W. Gary Norton was elected Right Eminent Grand Commander, SK Richard Kovac was elected Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander, SK Robert Monroe was elected Eminent Grand Generalissimo, SK Alan T. Spreen was elected Eminent Grand Captain General, SK I. Merle Iverson, PEGC, was elected Eminent Grand Treasurer, and SK Michael A. Smitson was elected as Eminent Grand Recorder
Elected and Appointed Officers
Grand Commander SK W. Gary Norton Deputy Grand Commander SK Richard Kovak Grand Generalissimo SK Robert Monroe Grand Captain General SK Alan T. Spreen Grand Treasurer SK I. Merle Iverson Grand Recorder SK Michael A. Smitson
Grand Senior Warden SK Marvin Colburn Grand Junior Warden SK Douglas E. Stamper Grand Prelate SK Ian C. Hyde Grand Standard Bearer SK James H. Larson Grand Sword Bearer SK Rabi K. Peifer SK Warder SK John Hannaman Grand Sentinel SK Scot P. Sageser Grand Historian SK Patrick G. Stanton Grand Musician SK Charles C. Wetmore
Eminent Deputy Instructors
District #1 SK Robert A. Morrison District #2 SK Harold B. Hobbs District #3 SK Daniel J. Southerland District #4 SK James D. Houston District#5 SK Steven L. Dazey District#6 SK Michael D. Holland District#7 SK Michael D. Holland District#8 SK Richard Roblee
Standing Committees
Committee on Annual Conclave and Festival SK W. Gary Norton
Templar Jurisprudence SK Joseph W. MacIntyre, REPGC (AK), Chairman SK Donald J. Beck, REPGC SK David A. Aponte, REPGC (FL)
Finance and Investments SK Ted E. Shanks, REPGC, Chairman SK David C. Flood SK Marion A. Windell, HREPGC SK Scot P. Sageser SK I. Merle Iverson, REPGC, Grand Treasurer
Credentials SK John Hannaman, Chairman SK Harold Hobbs SK Joey Romero SK Agusto Yutuc SK Alexander J. Jordan SK Joseph L. McAlister
Membership SK John H. Vivian, Chairman SK Richard M. Kovak, Deputy Grand Commander SK Robert Monroe, Grand Generalissimo SK Alan T. Spreen, Grand Captain General SK I. Merle Iverson, REPGC, Grand Treasurer SK Michael A. Smitson, Grand Recorder
Grand Officer Reports SK Richard M. Kovak, Deputy Grand Commander, Chairman SK Robert Monroe, Grand Generalissimo SK Michael A. Smitson, Grand Recorder
Patriotic & Civil Affairs SK Marion A. Windell, HREPGC, Chairman SK Ted E. Shanks, REPGC SK Michael R. Pursey, REPGC
Public Relations SK Michael Holland, Chairman SK Michael A. Smitson SK Alexander J. Jordan SK Joseph L. McAlister SK Richard Roblee
Religious Activities SK ++E. Jeffrey Craig, REPGC, Chairman SK +Paul K. Reckamp, REPGC SK Fred B. Noyes SK Ian C. Hyde, Grand Prelate, Ex-Officio
Necrology & Memorial SK Ian C. Hyde, Grand Prelate
KT Education Foundation SK Joseph W. MacIntyre, REPGC (AK), Chairman SK Alexander J. Jordan, Co-Chairman SK ++E. Jeffrey Craig, REPGC SK Rabi K. Peifer SK Robert Monroe SK Scot P. Sageser
Holy Land Pilgrimage SK ++E. Jeffrey Craig, REPGC, Chairman SK Ian C. Hyde, Grand Prelate SK +Paul K. Reckamp, REPGC SK Fred B. Noyes
York Rite Life Membership Memorial Fund SK Robert Monroe, Grand Generalissimo, Chairman SK Steven L. Dazey SK Douglas E. Stamper
KT Eye Foundation SK Alan T. Spreen, Grand Captain General, Chairman SK I. Merle Iverson, REPGC SK Joseph L. McAlister SK Kyle P. Evanstad SK Alexander J. Jordan
Grievance & Appeals SK Ted E. Shanks, REPGC, Chairman SK Karl S. Reith, REPGC SK +Paul K. Reckamp, REPGC
Asylum Tactics & Ritual SK Michael D. Holland, Chairman SK I. Merle Iverson, REPGC SK James T. Stephens. REPGC
Audit SK Anthony C. Schwab, REPGC, Chairman SK Patrick Stanton SK Steven L. Dazey
Code & Regulations SK I. Merle Iverson, REPGC, Chairman SK Michael R. Pursey, REPGC SK Michael D. Holland
Constitution/Bylaws SK I. Merle Iverson, REPGC, Chairman SK Michael R. Pursey, REPGC SK Karl Reith, REPGC SK Michael D. Holland
Regular Committees
Aides-de-Camp to the Grand Commander SK Karl S. Reith, REPGC SK David A. Aponte, REPGC (FL)
Distinguished Visitors SK Jerry Whitney (Chair) SK Warren Lee REPGC SK Rabi Peifer
Time & Place SK Richard M. Kovak, Deputy Grand Commander SK Robert Monroe, Grand Generalissimo SK Alan T. Spreen, Grand Captain General
Election Tellers Five (5) SKs who are members of this Grand Commandery
Music SK Charles S. Wetmore, Grand Musician (Chair) SK Michael D. Holland
Technology Committee SK Michael D. Holland (Chair) SK Michael A. Smitson
KT Magazine Editor SK Bryan D. Bechler
Board of Control Six Elected Officers
S.K. W. Gary Norton, R. E. G.C. S.K. W. Gary Norton Right Eminent Grand Commander
S.K. W. Gary Norton, Right Eminent Grand Commander PO Box 8632 Lacey WA, 98509-8632 Ph: (360) 339-2968 E-mail: [email protected]
S.K. Michael A. Smitson, Eminent Grand Recorder 9826 Coral Dr SW Lakewood, WA 98498-3306
Ph: (253) 370-9748
E-mail: [email protected]
S.K. I. Merle Iverson, Eminent Grand Treasurer 9818 Wieber Dr., Spokane, WA 99208 Ph: 509-467 -7255 E-mail: [email protected]
GENERAL ORDER No. 2
June 4, 2019
“The purpose and mission of Knights Templar are to emulate the teachings of Freemasonry by example and individual actions. These teachings are not sacramental so far as they appear to enter into the domains of thought and truth in which every man is entirely free to reject and dissent so long as he shall weigh what is taught and give it fair hearing and unprejudiced judgment, keeping always in mind the dogma of the Holy Testaments of Christianity in the true sense of “doctrine and teachings” and to emulate the historic moral doctrine of the knights of the of the historic crusades. Our mission is to serve our neighbors and community in every way possible.”
To all concerned:
Greetings:
SK W. Gary Norton was elected Right Eminent Grand Commander, SK Richard M. Kovak was elected Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander, SK Robert Monroe was elected Eminent Grand Generalissimo, SK Alan T. Spreen was elected Eminent Grand Captain General, SK I. Merle Iverson, REPGC, was elected Eminent Grand Treasurer, and SK Michael A. Smitson was elected as Eminent Grand Recorder on May 11th, 2019.
The following new officers of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Washington are hereby appointed signatories on all financial accounts of this Grand Commandery.
Grand Commander SK W. Gary Norton
Deputy Grand Commander SK Richard M. Kovak
Grand Generalissimo SK Robert Monroe
Grand Captain General SK Alan T. Spreen
Grand Treasurer SK I. Merle Iverson
Grand Recorder SK Michael A. Smitson
S.K. W. Gary Norton, R. E. G.C.
S.K. W. Gary Norton
Right Eminent Grand Commander
GRAND ENCAMPMENT OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
Jeffrey N. Nelson, Most Eminent Grand Master 3112 Tyler Parkway Bismarck, North Dakota 58503
Lawrence Eugene Tucker, Right Eminent Grand Recorder 5909 West Loop South, Suite 495 Bellaire, Texas 77401
GENERAL ORDER NO. 12
PROHIBITION OF IN-PERSON CONCLAVES OF GRAND, SUBORDINATE, AND CONSTITUENT COMMANDERIES
May 4, 2020
To all Grand Commanderies and Subordinate Commanderies within the Jurisdiction of, and holding Allegiance to, the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar. GREETINGS:
The number of persons infected with the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, continues to increase in the United States and throughout the world, and the danger to vulnerable populations is unabated, especially among the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, many of whom are our Fratres. In the face of the crisis, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged persons to “avoid all nonessential travel” and take other appropriate measures to prevent community transmission of the virus, including avoiding large public gatherings, the wearing of facemasks in public, and working from home. While rates of infection appear to be leveling or declining in places and tentative steps have been taken by some governmental authorities to relax or rescind business and school closures and stay-at-home orders, the numbers of COVID-19 infections are expected to experience a resurgence in the fall and winter months
Accordingly, I, the Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the United States of America, by the authority in me vested by Section 23 of the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Encampment, do hereby waive the requirement of Section 36 (a) of the Constitution. It is ordered that all in-person Conclaves of Grand, Constituent, or Subordinate Commanderies be prohibited until further notice. Any such Conclave currently scheduled is hereby cancelled. This prohibition has no exceptions. I authorize the Grand Commander or his designee to convene the Stated Conclave of his Grand Commandery by means of teleconference or webcast, provided that the necessary facilities are widely available to the members of the Grand Commandery and the Stated Conclave be conducted in full compliance with the requirements of Sections 37 through 39 of the Constitution.
In addition, I do hereby waive the requirement of Section 65 (a) of the Constitution, and authorize the Commander of a Constituent Commandery within each Grand Commandery to convene a Stated Conclave by means of teleconference or webcast, provided that the necessary facilities are widely available to the members of the Constituent Commandery and the Stated Conclave be conducted in full compliance with the requirements of Sections 65 and 66 of the Constitution. Commanders of Subordinate Commanderies enjoy the same discretion.
No ritual shall be performed, and no Orders be conferred during any such telephonic or webcast Conclave.
The safety and well-being of our Sir Knights and their families being paramount, the provisions of Sections 48 (d), 59, 176, and 195 of the Constitution and Statutes of the Grand Encampment shall be inoperative while this General Order is in force.
This supersedes General Order No 11 of the tenth day of March, last, in its entirety.
Given under my hand and seal of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America at Bismarck, North Dakota, this fourth day of May 2020, A.O. 902.
Courteously,
Grand Master
Attest:
Grand Recorder
Obituaries
LLOYD R. LINN, EMC, USNR (RET,)
Lloyd Raymond Linn of Oak Harbor, Wash., passed away Dec. 20, 2019. Lloyd was born July 16, 1926 in Willard, Ohio to Curtis and Lillian Linn. He was raised in Willard and graduated from Willard High School. He owned the Marathon Service Station with his only sibling, Mary, until he went into the Navy in 1944. Lloyd married Dorothy Hicks in 1947 and they had four children together. Lloyd was a Scoutmaster in Virginia during the 1960s for eight years. He served in World War Il, the Korean War, and in Vietnam as a Boatswain's Mate, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer in 1968. After retiring, he moved his family to Oak Harbor, where he was a fireman at both Navy bases. Lloyd retired from the fire department and married Laura Kirk in 1982. Lloyd enjoyed fishing, hunting, billiards, auto mechanics, and a lifelong love of motorcycles. He graduated from Skagit Valley College with an Associate Degree. He spent most of his life as a Mason, a Shriner, and then became Grand Commander. Lloyd was an active member in the different churches he attended. Surviving Lloyd are his remaining children: William Linn, Anita (Erin) Linn, Mark (Gloria) Linn; stepchildren, Jas and Jean Kirk; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Those who precede Lloyd in death are both of his parents; his sister, Mary Ellis; his wife, Laura Kirk Linn; son, Gregory Linn; and stepsons, Frank and John Kirk. The Linn family suggests memorials in Lloyd's' name be made to: Veterans of Foreign Wars Whitehead-Muzzall Post #7392 in Oak Harbor. Contact them by phone at 360- 675-4048 to inquire about donating or volunteering; the Boy Scouts of America online at https://donations.scouting.org/#/national/; or the Shriners Hospitals for Children online at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc. A Memorial service for Lloyd will be held at Wallin Funeral Home in Oak Harbor Saturday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. Chaplain David G. Lura, USNR (Ret.) will be officiating, with military honors provided under the auspices of the VFW and NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard. Lloyd will be laid to rest next to his beloved Laura at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville, Wash. Arrangements entrusted to Wallih Funeral Home, Oak Harbor. Please visit Lloyd's page in our Book of Memories online at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and leave condolences. volunteering; the Boy Scouts of America online at https://donations.scouting.org/#/national/; or the Shriners Hospitals for Children online at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc.
Sir Knight Lloyd R. Linn was Grand Commander from 1999 to 2000.
SK Norman Frank Campo 1988
Here is the short list of who SK Norman Frank Campo was Masonically. During his time on this earth, SK Campo received many awards and acknowledgements for his Masonic career. He was elevated to the position of Right Eminent Grand Commander of Knights Templar of Washington in 1988. He also served Grand Commandery as Grand Recorder from 2002 to 2009.
Raised a Master Mason in 1954 in Humanity Lodge #29, F&AM of Michigan. Served as Worshipful Master in 1961 Served as High Priest in 1963 in Homer Chapter #130, RAM of Michigan Served as High Priest of Olympus Chapter #27 in 1974 Served as Secretary for Olympus Chapter for many years Received the Bronze Distinguished Service Award Served as Illustrious Master in Naval Council #11 in 1976 Served as Master of the Arch from 1978 Elected Grand Master of Ceremonies in 1979 and moved up the line being Elected Most Illustrious Grand Master in 1982 Served as Deputy of the General Grand Illustrious Master for the NW Region from 1990 to 1993 Served as Eminent Commander of Malta Commandery #18, in 1978 Served as Deputy Instructor in 1978 Elected Grand Senior Warden in 1985 and moved up the line being Elected Right Eminent Grand Commander in 1988 Served as Grand Recorder from 2002 until 2009 Received the Knight Commander of the Temple Received the Knight Templar Membership Award Member of Rainier College #54, YRSC Served as Governor Received the Order of the Purple Cross Demitted from Rainier College and became a Charter Member of Tahoma College #197 Served as Sovereign Master of Pacific Council #30, Allied Masonic Degrees Became an Emeritus Member in 2001 Served as Eminent Prior of Evergreen Priory #41 in 1999, KYCH Served as Personal Representative of the General Grand Master from 2000-2002 Elevated to Knight York Grand Cross of Honor with two Quadrants Served as Puissant Sovereign of St. Olav Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine Served as Preceptor of Immaculate XXXIX, HRAKTP Served as Worthy Patron of Stella Chapter #140, OES Served as a member of the Bremerton Rainbow Assembly for 6 years and earned the Grand Cross of Color Member of the Royal Order of Scotland and the Thistle Clan Received the Honorary Legion of Honor from the International Supreme Council of DeMolay
Remember to pray for his family and friends as they mourn his passing.
Necrology
Washington #1
Becker, Scott H. Carlton, Donald William Miller, William Joseph Scott, James A.
Seattle #2 Hurley, Timothy F.
Cataract #3
Robert Brannon Jr. Curtis Ottmar
Ivanhoe #4 Eddy, Donald E.
Temple #5 Liebly, Neil
De Molai #6
O'Brien, Marvin, T Twidwell, Walter, J.
Hesperus #8 Linn, Lloyd R.
Palestine #11
Charlie Chapman Patrick T Churchill Gerald Earl Earl Greathouse George Haage Homer Beathe Gordon B Anderson Donald Falls Ralph Rimple Jr Joseph S Stegar
Juan De Fuca #17 Abell, Richard
Malta #18 Norman Campo
Pasco #21
Steven Kinze Bengt Berg
Rainier #28
Hurley, Timothy Feerdinand Emory, Raymond E. Eddy, Donald E
Cowlitz#29 Daggy, Joseph Omar
Honors Pages
Companion of the Temple Recipients
Lady Lana Guffy, 2004 Lady Loretta D. Rothgeb, 2011 Lady Dorothy I. Martin, 2011 Lady Rosalie M. Whitney, 2011 Lady Marti Dawson, 2013 Lady Cheryl Lee, 2013 Lady Sharon Ausman, 2013 Lady Laura Pratt, 2013 Lady Kathleen Bechler 2014 Lady Shara Holland 2016 Lady Judith Shanks 2018 Lady Natalie Craig 2019
Illustrious Knight of the Triangle, Grand Commandery of Washington, Knight Templar
Steven L. Guffy, REPGC Norman F. Campo, REPGC William R. Miller, EPC Karl S. Reith, REPGC Harry R. Houston, REPGC Robert J. Johnston, REPGC Lloyd R. Linn, REPGC Joel C. Canterbury, REPGC Paul Merighi, EPC Glenn A. Siron, RENWDC Lewis D. Peck, REPGC E. Dalton White, EPC Kenneth B. Fischer, MEGM Bill R. Wood, EPC William Volpentest, REPGC Douglas G. Edlich, REPGC James Stephens, REPGC James C. Toney, REPGC Donald Beck, REPGC Harold G. Rothgeb, REPGC David Dixon Goodwin, MEGM George W. Kuhr William Pollock, EPC Michael B. Johnson, REGCG I. Merle Iverson, REPGC Michael Smitson, EGR Bryan Bechler, EPC E. Jeffrey Craig, REGC Michael Holland, EPC W. Gary Norton, VEDGC Richard M. Kovak, REGGE Alan T. Spreen, REGGE
Knight Commander of the Temple Recipients of Washington
Steven L. Guffy, RENWDC, State Deputy Michael R. Pursey, REPGC (18) Robert R. Thomsen (1) Phillip Woodland (1) Douglas Edlich, REPGC (2) James Stephens, REPGC (2, 28) Robert T. Wilson (28, 2) Carl F. Engle (3) Harold G. Rothgeb (3) John Rank, REPGC (3) Edward Logan (4) William R. Miller (28) Karl S. Reith, REPGC (4) Donald Wertman (4) Robert J. Johnston, REPGC (5) Clifford E. Roberson (6) Joseph H. Wagner (6) Kenneth Morris (8) Charles Sipes (8) Bryan D. Bechler (11) Lewis D. Peck, REPGC (13) Bill R. Wood, PGM (14) Joel C. Canterbury (14) William R. Heckman (17) Norman F. Campo, REPGC (18) Joseph MacIntyre (18) Jerry Whitney (28) James C. Toney, REPGC (29) Robert Locke (29) Milton Sid Roberts (29) John Smiley (18) TH (Dick) Dickason (28) Peter L. Dawson, REGC (18) Marion Windell (8) Jeff Craig (28) John S. Ranck, REPGC (3) Steven Dazey (11) Michael Holland (2019) Merle Iverson (2019) Ted Shanks (2019)
Knight Templar Cross of Honor
1965 Donald A. Dresser* (19) 1983 Fred Waters* (18) 2000 James J. Simon* (12) 1966 Guy B. Sligar* (3) 1984 James R. DeVries* (5) 2001 Leslie E. Vannice (13) 1967 Eric A. Brattkus* (5) 1985 Steven C. Everage* (24) 2002 Roscoe Mitchell (2) 1968 Elmer Van Winkle* (14) 1986 Eugene C. Maillard* (21) 2003 Robert Locke (29) 1969 Milton L. Crawford* (15) 1987 Boyd G. Shaw (13) 2004 Wallace Rehberg* (15) 1970 Winceslaus F. Slexak* (23) 1988 Donald W. Beeman* (3) 2005 James Stephens (2) 1971 Louie A. Opsted* (9) 1989 John E. Kern* (4) 2006 Eugene Alexander (1) ** 1972 David Lilley* (21) 1990 Ronald N. Dingle* (4) 2007 Bill R. Wood (14) 1973 Frank W. Schnell* (2) 1991 Harold F. Lambert* (6) 2008 Edwin (Skip) Sanford (6) 1974 Hiram H. Colburn* (5) 1992 Glenn A. Siron* (1) 2009 Alfred Taylor (5) 1975 Edward A. Nelson* (11) 1993 Herbert Haas (13) 2010 Harold Rothgeb (3) 1976 Hilmer C. Benson* (28) 1994 Joseph B. Daly* (12) 2011 Albert Bledsoe (14) 1977 Lloyd A. Grandstand* (23) 1995 John C. Beck (11) 2012 J. Rex Hartsfield (8) 1979 Ernest L. Smith* (4) 1996 Robert R. Thomsen (1) 2013 Bryan Bechler (11) 1980 LeRoy H. Newcomer* (2) 1997 David F. Baer* (29) 2014 Rev. E. Jeffrey Craig (28) 1981 Aubrey L. Harms* (28) 1998 Steven L. Guffy (14) 2016 John R. Smiley (28) 1982 David G. Miller* (10) 1999 Warren O. Kidder* (5) 2019 Steven L. Dazey
*Died **Suspended
ROLL CALLS
Roll Call of Commanderies of Grand Commandery of Washington
Washington Commandery #1 Seattle Commandery #2 Cataract Commandery #3 Ivanhoe Commandery #4 Temple Commandery #5 De Molai Commandery #6 Hesperus Commandery #8 Palestine Commandery #11 Juan De Fuca Commandery #17 Malta Commandery #18 Pasco Commandery #21 Rainier Commandery #28 Cowlitz Commandery #29
Roll Call of Grand Officers of Grand Commandery of Washington
Right Eminent Grand Commander – SK W. Gary Norton Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander – SK Richard Kovak Eminent Grand Generalissimo – SK Robert Monroe Eminent Grand Captain General – SK Alan T. Spreen Eminent Grand Treasurer – SK I. Merle Iverson Eminent Grand Recorder – SK Michael A. Smitson
Appointed Grand Officers Eminent Grand Senior Warden – SK Marvin Colburn Eminent Grand Junior Warden – SK Douglas E. Stamper Eminent Grand Prelate – SK Ian C. Hyde Eminent Grand Standard Bearer – SK Larry Byrd Eminent Grand Sword Bearer – SK Rabi K. Peifer Eminent Grand Warder – SK John Hannaman Eminent Grand Sentinel – SK Scot P. Sageser Eminent Grand Historian – SK Patrick G. Stanton Eminent Grand Musician – SK Charles C. Wetmore
Roll Call of Eminent Deputy Instructors of Grand Commandery of Washington
District #1 SK Robert A. Morrison District #2 SK Harold B. Hobbs District #3 SK Daniel J. Southerland District #4 SK James D. Houston District#5 SK Steven L. Dazey District#6 SK Michael D. Holland District#7 SK Michael D. Holland District#8 SK Richard Roblee
Living Past Grand Commanders of Knights Templar of Washington – 2018
Douglas Edlich – 1975-1976 Robert J. Johnston – 1986-1987 John S. Ranck – 1987-1988 Karl S. Reith – 1996-1997 Lewis D. Peck – 1999-2000 James C. Toney, Jr. 2002-2003 Steven L. Guffy – 2003-2004 Michael R. Pursey – 2005-2006 Joel C. Canterbury – 2006-2007 James T. Stephens – 2008-2009 Warren Lee – 2010-2011 Donald J. Beck – 2011-2012 Peter L. Dawson – 2012-2013 Anthony Schwab – 2014-2015 Merle Iverson – 2015-2016 Theodore E. Shanks – 2016-2017 Paul K. Reckamp – 2017-2018 E. Jeffrey Craig – 2018-2019
List of Grand Commandery Officers from 1887 to Present Deputy Grand Grand Year Grand Commander Commander Generalissimo Grand Captain General 1887 Harrison W. Eagan * Alfred L. Palmer * Harry G. Stimmel * Elijah M. Beatty * 1888 Alfred L. Palmer * Elijah M. Beatty * Yancey C. Blalock * John M. Wilson * 1889 Elijah M. Beatty * Yancey C. Blalock * S. Harry Rush * Edward R. Hare * 1890 Yancey C. Blalock * S. Harry Rush * Edward R. Hare * Eugene T. Wilson * 1891 S. Harry Rush * Edward R. Hare * Eugene T. Wilson * George N. Alexander 1892 Edward R. Hare * Eugene T. Wilson * George N. Alexander Horace W. Tyler * 1893 Eugene T. Wilson * George N. Alexander Horace W. Tyler * George E. Dickson * 1894 George N. Alexander Horace W. Tyler * George E. Dickson * Jacob Weatherwax * 1895 Horace W. Tyler * George E. Dickson * Jacob Weatherwax * Carmi Dibble * 1896 George E. Dickson * Jacob Weatherwax * Carmi Dibble * F. W. Churchouse * 1897 Jacob Weatherwax * Carmi Dibble * F. W. Churchouse * Beverly Coiner * 1898 Carmi Dibble * F. W. Churchouse * Beverly Coiner * John Lillie * 1899 F. W. Churchouse * Beverly Coiner * John Lillie * F. P. Weymouth * 1900 Beverly Coiner * John Lillie * F. P. Weymouth * Lincoln F. Gault * 1901 John Lillie * F. P. Weymouth * Lincoln F. Gault * Edwin W. Craven * 1902 F. P. Weymouth * Lincoln F. Gault * Edwin W. Craven * Cornelius Driscoll * 1903 Lincoln F. Gault * Edwin W. Craven * Cornelius Driscoll * David B. Sheller * 1904 Edwin W. Craven * Cornelius Driscoll * David B. Sheller * William O. Nicholson * 1905 Cornelius Driscoll * David B. Sheller * William O. Nicholson * John H. Shaw * 1906 David B. Sheller * William O. Nicholson * John H. Shaw * Ira M. Schwartz * 1907 William O. Nicholson * John H. Shaw * Ira M. Schwartz * John G. Campbell * 1908 John H. Shaw * Ira M. Schwartz * John G. Campbell * Charles E. Coon * 1909 Ira M. Schwartz * John G. Campbell * Charles E. Coon * Henry L. Kennan * 1910 John G. Campbell * Charles E. Coon * Henry L. Kennan * Charles G. Smyth * 1911 Charles E. Coon * Henry L. Kennan * Charles G. Smyth * Harry A. Raser * 1912 Henry L. Kennan * Charles G. Smyth * Harry A. Raser * John G. Minton * 1913 Charles G. Smyth * Harry A. Raser * John G. Minton * William H. Acuff * 1914 Harry A. Raser * John G. Minton * William H. Acuff * Edwin H. VanPatten * 1915 John G. Minton * William H. Acuff * Edwin H. VanPatten * Lewis S. Winans * 1916 William H. Acuff * Edwin H. VanPatten * Lewis S. Winans * Henry H. Day * 1917 Edwin H. VanPatten * Lewis S. Winans * Henry H. Day * Jacob H. Miller * 1918 Lewis S. Winans * Henry H. Day * Jacob H. Miller * Henry B. Elder * 1919 Henry H. Day * Jacob H. Miller * Henry B. Elder * Wesley C. Stone * 1920 Jacob H. Miller * Henry B. Elder * Wesley C. Stone * Fred M. Pauly * 1921 Henry B. Elder * Wesley C. Stone * Fred M. Pauly * Walter E. Carter * 1922 Wesley C. Stone * Fred M. Pauly * Walter E. Carter * John Campbell * 1923 Walter E. Carter * John Campbell * James M. Schleicher * John N. Faust * 1924 John Campbell * James M. Schleicher * John N. Faust * Charles P. Kimball * 1925 James M. Schleicher * John N. Faust * Charles P. Kimball * George W. Sommer * 1926 John N. Faust * Charles P. Kimball * George W. Sommer * John G. Heinz * 1927 Charles P. Kimball * George W. Sommer * John G. Heinz * Edward B. King * 1928 George W. Sommer * John G. Heinz * Edward B. King * George Shorkley * 1929 John G. Heinz * Edward B. King * George Shorkley * William D. Freeman * 1930 Edward B. King * George Shorkley * William D. Freeman * William P. Williams * 1931 George Shorkley * William D. Freeman * William P. Williams * Marion L. Cotton * 1932 William D. Freeman * William P. Williams * Marion L. Cotton * William M. Hodgkin * 1933 William P. Williams * Marion L. Cotton * William M. Hodgkin * Theophilus C. Dodge * 1934 Marion L. Cotton * William M. Hodgkin * Theophilus C. Dodge * Fred M. Bond * 1935 William M. Hodgkin * Theophilus C. Dodge * Fred M. Bond * Horatio N. Dryer * 1936 Theophilus C. Dodge * Fred M. Bond * Horatio N. Dryer * Roderick W. Jones * 1937 Fred M. Bond * Horatio N. Dryer * Roderick W. Jones * LeRoy Smith * 1938 Horatio N. Dryer * Roderick W. Jones * LeRoy Smith * Benton M. Bangs * 1939 Roderick W. Jones * LeRoy Smith * Benton M. Bangs * William H. Searing * 1940 LeRoy Smith * Benton M. Bangs * William H. Searing * Everett A. Jones * 1941 Benton M. Bangs * William H. Searing * Everett A. Jones * J. Roy Marr * 1942 William H. Searing * Everett A. Jones * J. Roy Marr * William R. Graves * 1943 Everett A. Jones * J. Roy Marr * William R. Graves * Harry W. Stees * 1944 J. Roy Marr * William R. Graves * Harry W. Stees * Robert C. McComb * 1945 William R. Graves * Harry W. Stees * Robert C. McComb * Charles H. Palmer 1946 Harry W. Stees * Robert C. McComb * Charles H. Palmer Hugh F. McNiven * 1947 Charles H. Palmer Hugh F. McNiven * Norman McLandress * Willis Talbott * 1948 Hugh F. McNiven * Norman McLandress * Willis Talbott * Edgar L. Boone * 1949 Norman McLandress * Willis Talbott * Edgar L. Boone * William E. Beggs * 1950 Willis Talbott * Edgar L. Boone * William E. Beggs * George F. Childs * 1951 Edgar L. Boone * William E. Beggs * George F. Childs * Sam A. Wright * 1952 William E. Beggs * George F. Childs * Sam A. Wright * Ben Wood * 1953 George F. Childs * Sam A. Wright * Ben Wood * Albert Jensen * 1954 Sam A. Wright * Ben Wood * Albert Jensen * Frank M. Wilson * 1955 Ben Wood * Albert Jensen * Frank M. Wilson * Renzo Gaia * 1956 Albert Jensen * Frank M. Wilson * Renzo Gaia * Dempster H. Brownell * 1957 Frank M. Wilson * Renzo Gaia * Dempster H. Brownell * Glenn M. Bailey, Sr. * 1958 Renzo Gaia * Dempster H. Brownell * Glenn M. Bailey, Sr. * Ralph E. West * 1959 Dempster H. Brownell * Glenn M. Bailey, Sr. * Ralph E. West * Hugh B. Shaw * 1960 Glenn M. Bailey, Sr. * Ralph E. West * Hugh B. Shaw * Ralph W. McKerracher * 1961 Ralph E. West * Hugh B. Shaw * Robert P. Monroe * Ceil M. Ward * 1962 Hugh B. Shaw * Robert P. Monroe * Ceil M. Ward * Paul W. Sweet * 1963 Robert P. Monroe * Ceil M. Ward * Paul W. Sweet * W. Lloyd Lyons * 1964 Ceil M. Ward * Paul W. Sweet * W. Lloyd Lyons * Walter J. Gronley * 1965 Paul W. Sweet * W. Lloyd Lyons * Walter J. Gronley * Kenneth N. Carmody * 1966 W. Lloyd Lyons * Walter J. Gronley * Kenneth N. Carmody * Arnold L. Johnson * 1967 Walter J. Gronley * Kenneth N. Carmody * Arnold L. Johnson * David E. Johnson * 1968 Kenneth N. Carmody * Arnold L. Johnson * David E. Johnson * George L. Tracy * 1969 Arnold L. Johnson * David E. Johnson * George L. Tracy * Harold E. Good * 1970 David E. Johnson * George L. Tracy * Harold E. Good * Fred W. Gemmer * 1971 George L. Tracy * Harold E. Good * Fred W. Gemmer * Elmer Van Winkle * 1972 Harold E. Good * Fred W. Gemmer * Elmer Van Winkle * Douglas G. Edlich 1973 Fred W. Gemmer * Elmer Van Winkle * Douglas G. Edlich Frank M. Thomas * 1974 Elmer Van Winkle * Douglas G. Edlich Frank M. Thomas * Howard P. Lumbar* 1975 Douglas G. Edlich Frank M. Thomas * Howard P. Lumbar* Maurice Wohlwend * 1976 Frank M. Thomas * Howard P. Lumbar* Maurice Wohlwend * Joseph P. Harbaugh * 1977 Howard P. Lumbar* Maurice Wohlwend * Joseph P. Harbaugh * Guy B. Sligar * 1978 Maurice Wohlwend * Joseph P. Harbaugh * Guy B. Sligar * Donald A. Dapp * 1979 Joseph P. Harbaugh * Guy B. Sligar * Donald A. Dapp * Albert W. Shaw * 1980 Guy B. Sligar * Donald A. Dapp * Albert W. Shaw * Hiram H. Colburn * 1981 Donald A. Dapp * Albert W. Shaw * Hiram H. Colburn * Olaf C. Haugen * 1982 Albert W. Shaw * Hiram H. Colburn * Olaf C. Haugen * John T. Frater * 1983 Hiram H. Colburn * Olaf C. Haugen * John T. Frater * Robert J. Johnston 1984 Olaf C. Haugen * John T. Frater * Robert J. Johnston Reuben W. Baer * 1985 John T. Frater * Robert J. Johnston Reuben W. Baer * John S. Ranck 1986 Robert J. Johnston Reuben W. Baer * John S. Ranck Norman F. Campo* 1987 Reuben W. Baer * John S. Ranck Norman F. Campo* Gene Miles * 1987 John S. Ranck Norman F. Campo* Gene Miles * Eugene A. Danielson* 1988 Norman F. Campo* Gene Miles * Eugene A. Danielson* Herbert J. Miller 1989 Gene Miles * Eugene A. Danielson* Herbert J. Miller Donald R. Hollinberry * 1990 Eugene A. Danielson* Herbert J. Miller Donald R. Hollinberry * Frank R. Davidson * 1991 Herbert J. Miller Donald R. Hollinberry * Frank R. Davidson * Harry R. Houston * 1992 Donald R. Hollinberry * Frank R. Davidson * Harry R. Houston * Glenn A Siron* 1993 Frank R. Davidson * Harry R. Houston * Glenn A Siron* Robert Musgrove * 1994 Harry R. Houston * Glenn A Siron* Robert Musgrove * Karl S. Reith 1995 Glenn A Siron* Robert Musgrove * Karl S. Reith Walter S. Lawrence * 1996 Robert Musgrove * Karl S. Reith Walter S. Lawrence * Lloyd R. Linn* 1997 Karl S. Reith Walter S. Lawrence * Lloyd R. Linn* Lewis D. Peck 1998 Walter S. Lawrence * Lloyd R. Linn* Lewis D. Peck Garth E. Short * 1999 Lloyd R. Linn* Lewis D. Peck Garth E. Short * James C. Toney 2000 Lewis D. Peck Garth E. Short * James C. Toney Steven L. Guffy 2001 Garth E. Short * James C. Toney Steven L. Guffy James O. Wood* 2002 James C. Toney Steven L. Guffy James O. Wood* Michael R. Pursey 2003 Steven L. Guffy James O. Wood* Michael R. Pursey Joe C. Canterbury 2004 James O. Wood* Michael R. Pursey Joe C. Canterbury William R. Volpentest* 2005 Michael R. Pursey Joe C. Canterbury William R. Volpentest* James T. Stephens 2006 Joe C. Canterbury William R. Volpentest* James T. Stephens Wayne L. Roberts* 2007 William R. Volpentest* James T. Stephens Wayne L. Roberts* Warren A. Lee^ 2008 James T. Stephens Wayne L. Roberts* Warren A. Lee^ Donald J. Beck 2009 Wayne L. Roberts * Warren A. Lee^ Donald J. Beck Peter L. Dawson 2010 Warren A. Lee^ Donald J. Beck Peter L. Dawson Harold G. Rothgeb * 2010 Donald J. Beck^^ Vacant Peter L. Dawson Harold G. Rothgeb * 2011 Donald J. Beck^^ Peter L. Dawson^^ Harold G. Rothgeb^^ * Joel C. Canterbury, ^^REPGC 2012 Peter L. Dawson Harold G. Rothgeb * Anthony Schwab Merle Iverson 2013 Harold G. Rothgeb * Anthony Schwab Merle Iverson Theodore E. Shanks 2014 Anthony Schwab Merle Iverson Theodore E. Shanks Paul K. Reckamp 2015 Merle Iverson Theodore E. Shanks Paul K. Reckamp E. Jeffrey Craig 2016 Theodore E. Shanks Paul K. Reckamp E. Jeffrey Craig W. Gary Norton 2017 Paul K. Reckamp E. Jeffrey Craig W. Gary Norton Richard M. Kovak 2018 E. Jeffrey Craig W. Gary Norton Richard M. Kovak Robert Monroe 2019 W. Gary Norton Richard M. Kovak Robert Monroe Alan T. Spreen
Budget Items
Grand Commandery of Washington 2020-2021 Proposed Budget Explanation In the Revenues section, constitute fees are up $250 from the previous year as the Commandery in the Vancouver area is back in the fold. The Mescal figure is up by $25 as it seems there is always a bit of income which we have not characterized. Investment income recognizes the Dividends, Interest and Capital Gains received in the fiscal year. It is down on this budget as the total Investment value is down early in the year. While we not hurt as badly as some other organization the Investment value did decline about $13,000 from last year’s high (but only $5,000 from the value this time last year). Lastly, we anticipate some $2,500 in Ritual sales as the Grand Encampment published their “new” ritual. Several changes were made, and some inclusions placed in the book which had been dropped from the prior publication.
In the Expenses comment is made on each line. The Grand Commander, Grand Record and Grand Treasurer stipends are unchanged from the previous budget. The Misc. line is unchanged from the prior years and is used for valid expenses that are not foreseen. The LCC line is the amount the Grand Commandery pays the LCC on an annual basis to manage the Grand Session. The Distinguished Guess amount is an estimate of the meals and rooms for Grand Encampment guests and the Grand Master attendance. The education amount is unchanged from prior years. This is an amount to allow the Grand Commander to hold education seminars around the State when a virus does not force us to be isolated. Rent is a new entry. This amount is allocated for the Grand Commandery share (with the Grand Council) for rental space for Grand Body equipment necessary for Grand Meetings) and old essential paperwork. Due to history we are doing are best to avoid storing equipment and records in an individual’s home. The awards amount in unchanged and well as the Grand Master stipend for his charity. The WEB page amount is the amount paid to maintain the Grand Commandery WEB site and maintain the title. The bookkeeping amount is unchanged and is paid to the Treasurer in conjunction with the Grand Chapter amount when an update to Bookkeeping software is required. The insurance figure allows the Grand Commandery, in conjunction with Grand Chapter and Grand Council to have Commercial General Liability Insurance. The Grand Chapter manages the account with the Insurance agent, pays the entire bill and is reimbursed by the Council and Commandery. The Grand Encampment fee is down a bit this year as it was overstated last year and reflects the amount paid to the Grand Encampment when the annual report is filed. The Holy Land Pilgrimage account has not been budgeted in the last two years as it had accumulated $7,400. With the payment this year for a trip ($3,600), we must refurbish the amount to smooth the expense overall years, Edward Jones is the Investment advisor. As we write only a few checks each month, the checks are written on the cash fund within the Edward Jones account. This allows a slight amount of interest, not available with a commercial bank. There is no charge for this service. Questions or comments give me a call!
Grand Commandery Budget 2020-2021
REVENUES 2020-2021 2019-2020 Constituent Fees $10,750.00 $ 10,500.00 Miscellaneous $250.00 $ 225.00 Investment $8,000.00 $ 8,800.00 Ritual Sale $2,500.00 Total Income $21,500.00 $19,525.00
Expenses Grand Commander $1,500.00 $ 1,500.00 Grand Recorder $2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 Grand Treasurer $360.00 $ 360.00 Misc. $500.00 $ 500.00 LCC $300.00 $ 300.00 Grand Sessions $500.00 $ 500.00 Dist. Guest $525.00 Education $500.00 $ 500.00 Rent $1,500.00 Awards $250.00 $ 250.00 Grand Master $100.00 $ 100.00 WEB $225.00 $ 25.00 Bookkeeping $100.00 $ 100.00 Insurance CGL $825.00 $ 300.00 Grand Encampment $6,800.00 $ 7,700.00 Total $15,985.00 $14,135.00
Net Gain (Loss) $5,515.00 $ 5,390.00
1.
Synopsis of Resolutions for 2020
July 4th, 2020
Resolutions Amendments Passed Failed 2020-01 Duties of the None Grand Recorder
Right Eminent Grand Commander
Grand Deputy Grand Commander Grand Generalissimo
Grand Captain General
Grand Treasurer
Grand Recorder
Fraternally Submitted:
SK Michael A. Smitson Seal Grand Recorder Grand Commandery, KT of WA