The York Rite Herald of the 

Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts Grand Council of Royal and Select Master Masons of 

Massachusetts and 

Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Winter 2011 Edition

Grand York Rite Office 186 Tremont St., Ste. 405, Boston, MA 02111 Office: 617‐426‐1973 · Fax: 617‐426‐1506 

yorkriteboston@gmail.com · www.gracma.org 

© Copyright 2011 Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts - All rights reserved

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Thoughts of the Grand High Priest

Dear Companions: A "Pre-owned" or "Used" car often needs service to keep it in condition. A Grand Old Car, like the Grand Old Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts, also needs to be revitalized or restored to maintain its usefulness and practical availability to perform the function for which it was intended. The Chapter was formed in 1789, prior to those first vehicles produce by Olds, Ford, Chevrolet, Stanley (Steamer) Brothers and others in the early 1900s. It takes 30 years to qualify as an antique and all the above cover that minimum age and more.

Some want their motor treasures to operate practically like a top: quick start in the cold, rapid acceleration, smooth ride and plenty of carrying capacity. Others see the restoration, attention to historical detail and original alloys retained in the parts (no plastics need apply here), as the prime goal. Passengers may enjoy a safe trip while others may glow at being seen in a luxurious carriage as they parade pass members of their species in lesser wheels or on foot. What a glorious vehicle is Chapter Masonry! Listen to the purr of her engine and see her carmine red coat shine. Bask in the mirror of her chrome. Kick her spotless white walled tires; bounce her springs and see how firm they are. Slam her doors to see how well they fit. Take a ride. There is an absence of extraneous noise and muffle exhaust smoke. How well she handles! ... no slippage here... and how well she absorbs the bumps in the road. The maintenance and attention to the condition of our Grand Chapter is a constant project and involves us all. It is not good enough just to spot check and repair blemishes. It must be greased and oiled, waxed, detailed and be kept full of gas. Then it can be ready at any time for any use. We must not in Grand Chapter, or even in our individual Chapters, just budget our expenses off the deposits of our previous Companions. We must strengthen ourselves not only in our numbers, but also in our funds. Then these Grand old antiques that we call Masonic Bodies can continue to serve, and serve well, after our time has passed.

Fraternally,

Lincoln K. Richards Lincoln K. Richards, Grand High Priest of Massachusetts

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From the York Rite Office Spring is a very busy time in the York Rite Office! We are preparing for a round of 3 One Day Classes, the Semi-Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter, the Annual Assembly of Massachusetts Council of Thrice Illustrious Masters and the now just completed Semi-Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery in Rhode Island (which, by the way, went VERY well)! We are up to the challenge and will still do everything we can to keep you running and prospering. I have received many questions about who we are here in the office, since many of you have only spoken with us over the telephone, and have not met us or just don’t know where we came from or what our experience is, so I have decided that this issue will give you a glimpse into your grand Secretary/Grand Recorder and the office support staff.

Stephen Wesley Lindsey

Wesley comes to us from Forrest City, Arkansas and Ohio University. He has lived in Medford for 6 years now and his previous experience was in the banking industry and as a professional Executive Assistant.

Wesley first stopped by the Grand Lodge Building for a tour as he had a long time interest in Masonry. He took his symbolic Lodge Degrees in Joseph Webb Lodge in Boston and is currently the Junior Deacon. He also serves St. Paul’s Chapter as King, Boston Council as Captain of the Guard, Orient Council as Recorder and is a Division guard in Boston Commandery #2. He is a very dedicated York Rite Mason! Wes is also a member of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter Exemplification Degree Team, now for the second year.

While anyone in the office can help you with anything you may need, Wesley specializes in Chapter and Council records and deals most directly with the Secretaries and Recorders of those bodies.

Michael Klaus Worrell

Michael (NOT Mike), is a native of Richmond, Virginia and came to Boston to receive his degree from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. He decided to stay and has really taken to the area, both personally and professionally. Mi-chael has been involved in several business concerns in the Bos-ton area and is very knowledgeable in matters of Masonic his-tory and philosophy.

Michael received his degrees in St. John’s Lodge in Boston and is currently the Senior Deacon. He is Principal Sojourner of St. Andrew’s Chapter and Secretary of St. Paul’s Chapter. He is a member of Boston Council and Warder of Boston Commandery # 2. He is also a member of the Valley of Boston, A.A.S.R.

Michael manages the Grand Encampment database for our office and will be the one who will coordinate the updates be-tween that system and our MORI system once we are online with that. He also updates our three websites so let him know if you have anything that needs correcting or if there is something else you would like to see there!

We are here Monday—Friday from 9:00 to 5:00!

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Donors to the Database Fund as of April 1, 2011

ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS

Triad Chapter - Newtonville Eureka Chapter—Worcester

Mt. Lebanon Chapter—Milford Pentalpha Chapter—East Weymouth

Rabboni Chapter—North Attleborough St. Andrew’s Chapter—Boston

Cambridge Chapter—Cambridge Mystic-Woburn Chapter—Woburn

Isle of the Sea Chapter—Nantucket Neponset Valley Chapter—Norwood

Satucket-Pilgrim Chapter—Brockton Houghton-Walden Chapter—Concord

St. Paul’s Chapter—Boston Leominster Chapter—Leominster

Fall River Chapter—Fall River Massachusetts Chapter of Research

Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts

Councils of Royal and Select Master Masons

Cryptic Council—Newtonville Hiram Council—Worcester

Milford Council—Milford (x2!!) Temple Council—East Weymouth

Orient Council—Malden The Grand Council of Massachusetts

Commanderies of Knights Templar

Gethsemane-DeMolay Commandery #7 (x2!!) - Newtonville

Worcester County Commandery #5—Worcester Milford Commandery #11– Milford

South Shore Commandery #15—East Weymouth Haverhill Commandery #14—Haverhill

Boston Commandery #2—Boston

Other Organizations and Individuals

Most Excellent and Mrs. and Mrs. Lincoln K. Richards Comp. Richard Berube R.E. Dana A. Jackson—DDGHP #1 R.E. Richard S. MacInnis—DDGHP #2 R.E. William R. Currier—Deputy Grand High Priest R.E. Andrew C. Maninos—Grand King R.E. Michael R. Petrosino—Grand Scribe Ex. & Mrs. Ernest A. Bean Union Lodge, F. & A.M.—Nantucket Mayflower York Rite College #105 Massachusetts Convention of High Priests Massachusetts Priory #52, K.Y.C.H. Bay State Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine Comp. & Mrs. Dennis L. Pacheco

Ex. Robert A. Jeffrey—In memory of the Past High Priests of Mount Vernon Chapter

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Grand Royal Arch Chapter Of Massachusetts

Semi - Annual Convocation Saturday, April 9, 2011

Grand Lodge Building – Ionic Hall 186 Tremont Street - Boston

9:00 A.M. Conferring of Mark Master, Past Master And Most Excellent Master Degrees 10:00 A.M. Ladies’ program in Room 601 12:15 P.M. Men’s and ladies’ Luncheon 1:15 P.M. Conferral of Royal Arch Degree 3:30 P.M. Semi-Annual Meeting Proposal to be read in Grand Chapter on Saturday, April 9, 2011 and will be voted on at

the Annual Grand Chapter Convocation Friday, October 14, 2011

That the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts re-affiliate with the General

Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons International.

Motion proposed by M.E. Lincoln K. Richards.

5:00 P.M. Collation in Room 601

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Members Forum

(The opinions expressed this article are a presentation by a Chapter Companion and do not necessarily reflect any opinion of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts)

The Massachusetts Chapter of Research Presented November 6, 2010

Biblical References in the York Rite of Freemasonry R.E. Markeith E. Host Past Grand Scribe (1991)

Hiram Abiff II Chronicles 2: 3 & 7 & 13 II Chronicles 4: 11 & 16 I Kings 7: 13 - 14

Lodge

1st Degree Psalm 133: 1 - 3 Lesson Psalm 133: 1-3 Not heard the sound of Ax or any metal tool 1 Kings 6: 7 Ja’chin – Bo’-az II Chronicles 3: 17 Convey by sea in floats to Joppa II Chronicles 2: 16 Pluck off thy shoe Ruth 4: 7 House not made with hands II Corinthians 5: 1 Knock and it shall be opened onto you St. Matthew 7: 7 Temple Location Genesis 22: 2 As the “Dew of Hermon” Psalms 133: 1 – 3 Cable Tow Hosea 11: 4 1 Kings 20: 31-32 That House not made with hands 2 Corinthians 5: 1 – 4 Jacob’s Ladder Genesis 28: 10 – 22 St. John the Baptist Matthew 4: 1 - 10 St. John the Evangelist Revelations 1: 9 – 20 2nd Degree Amos 7: 7 - 8 Lesson I Corinthians 13: 1- 7 & 13 Two Pillars II Chronicles 3: 15-17 & 4: 12-13 Casting of Two Pillars 1 Kings 7: 15 - 20 Middle Chamber with winding stairs 1 Kings 6: 8 - 10 Cast on the plains of Jordan II Chronicles 4: 1 - 22 Shibboleth Judges 12: 6 Corn – Wine – and Oil 2 Chronicles 2: 1 – 18 Psalms 104-15 Lily work 1 Kings 7: 22

3rd Degree Ecclesiastes 12: 1 - 7 Lesson Ecclesiastes 12: 1 - 7 Hiram King of Tyre II Samuel 5: 11 Tu’-bal-cain Genesis 4: 22 Hands stained with blood 1 Kings 5: 3-5 Widow’s Son 1 Kings 7: 13 - 14

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He fleeth as a shadow Job 14: 2 All Seeing Eye 2 Chronicles 16: 9 Proverbs 15: 3 Anchor and Ark Hebrews 6: 19 Hebrews 11: 7

Acacia Exodus 25: 10

Man that is born of a woman Psalms 139: 2 Job 14: 1 -2, 5, 7, 10-12 (Lines 2&9 not in Bible)

Masonic Funeral Service

Why art thou down cast, Oh my soul? Psalms 45: 5

He will not suffer thee foot to be moved Psalms 121: 1 – 8

Well done good and faithful servant St. Matthew 25: 21

Chapter Mark Master

Lesson Ezekiel 44: 1 – 3 & 5

Mark Well Ezekiel 44: 5

The stone which the builder refused * Psalms 118: 22 – 24 St. Mark 12:10

The stone which the builder rejected ** St. Matthew 21: 42

The stone which the builder rejected *** St. Mark 12: 10

What is this, then, that is written *** * St. Luke 20:17

To him that overcometh will I give to eat Revelations 11: 17

White stone Revelation 2: 17

Daily Wage (Shalt give him his hire) Deuteronomy 24: 14-15

New Name written in a White Stone Revelation 2: 17

He who has an ear to hear Revelation 3: 13

Right ear smote off St. Matthew 26:51 St John 18: 10 St. Luke 22:50

Right hand chopped off St. Matthew 5: 30

Parable (Every man a penny) St. Matthew 20: 1 – 16

Past Master

Giblem (Stone Squarer) 1 Kings 5: 18

Penalty Ezekiel 3: 26 Psalms 137: 6

Most Excellent Master

Lesson Psalms 23: 1 – 6

King Solomon” Prayer I Kings 8: 12 – 30

Fire came down from Heaven II Chronicles 7: 1-3

White linen II Chronicles 5: 12

Rabboni (Face of the Mark) St John 20: 11 – 16

Materials for the Tabernacle Exodus 25: 3 Exodus 35: 5 – 10

Alter of Burnt-Offering Exodus 27: 1 – 8 Exodus 38: 1 – 7

Throngs of judgment Psalms 122: 1 - 9

Royal Arch

High Priest Genesis 14: 1-24 Psalm 110: 4 Hebrews 6: 20

High Priest’s Holy Garments Exodus 28: 2 – 4

High Priest Breast Plate & Mitre Exodus 28: 15 – 29 & 36 - 38

Lion – Ox – Man – Eagle Revelation 4: 7

Ark of the Covenant Exodus 25: 10 Exodus 37: 1 - 10

Temple Destruction and Reign of Zed-e-ki’-ah II Chronicles 36: 11-20

Royal Proclamation II Chronicles 36: 22 – 23 Ezra 1: 1-3

I Am That I Am Exodus 3: 13 – 15

Babylonish Captivity 2 Kings 24: 10 – 16

Cyrus – King of Persia Ezra 1: 1 - 11

8

Signet Haggai 2: 23

Joshua, son of Jozadek Ezra 3: 2

Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel Ezra 3: 2

Haggai Genesis 46: 16

High Priest’s Scroll Haggai 2: 1 – 9 & 23

King’s Scroll Zechariah 4: 7 - 10

Scribe’s Scroll Amos 9: 11

God hath given me all the Kingdoms of the earth Ezra 1: 2 - 3

Veil signs Exodus 4: 1 – 9

Symbol of the burning bush Exodus 3: 1 – 6

Shem – Ham – Japheth (Adoniram) Exodus 5: 32 (1 Kings 5: 13 – 14)

Order of High Priesthood

Abram Book of Genesis

Aner – Eschol – Mamre Genesis 14: 12 -24

Chedorlaomer Genesis 14: 1 – 16

Korah – Dathan – Abirum Numbers 16: 1 – 33

Lot Genesis 12: 1-5 * 13: 5-12 * 14: 14-16

Melchizedek Genesis 14 * Psalms 110:4 * Hebrews 5, 6. 7

Battle of the Kings Genesis 14: 1 – 12

Thread to Shoe Latchet Genesis 14: 23

Slaughter of the Kings Hebrews 7: 1 – 5

High Priest Forever Hebrews 7: 17 and 20-21

Council

Royal Master

Clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan 1 Kings 7: 46

All the vessels pertaining upon the House 1 Kings 7: 48 - 50

Table were the Shewbread was II Chronicles 4: 19 Exodus 35: 23- 30 & 37: 1-16

Tongs, snuffers, spoons, censers of pure gold II Chronicles 4: 20-22

Two Cherubims 1 Kings 6: 23-28

Candlestick of pure gold Exodus 25: 31 – 39 Exodus 30: 1 – 10

Alpha and Omega Revelations 1: 8

Making of Ark/Mercy Seat/

Cherubims/Vessels & Table of gold Exodus 37: 1 – 29

And behold I come quickly….. Revelations 22: 12 -14

Select Master

Bring Aaron’s rod… Numbers 17: 10

Zabud – The King’s Friend 1 Kings 4: 5

Ahishar – In charge of “household” or palace 1 Kings 4: 6

Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations Exodus 16: 32 – 34

Take this Book of the law… Deuteronomy 31: 26

Super Excellent Master

Reign of Je-hoi’-kim and Je-hoi’-chin II Chronicles 36: 4 – 10

Not bow down to other gods Exodus 23: 24

Saul – First King of Israel 1 Samuel 10: 17 – 24 1 Samuel 11: 1 – 15

Zedekiah – Last King of Judah 2 Kings 25: 1 – 7

Penalty 2 Kings 25: 7

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Order of Silver Trowel

Lesson Ecclesiastes – 23rd Psalm – 18th Psalm

Opening Prayer 122nd Psalm

Closing Prayer 15th Psalm

History 1 Kings 1:1 1 Kings 1: 5-34

King David’s Address 1 Kings 2: 2-4 Psalm 18: 20-27 Psalms 18: 30-32

Psalm 50 Psalm 121: 4 Numbers 6 &24

Commandery Order of Red Cross

Historical Account Ezra 3 & 4

Penalty (House torn down) Ezra 6: 11

Decree of Darius Ezra 6: 3 – 8

Sound of the Last Trump 1 Corinthians 15: 52

Order of Malta

First Lesson (Sign) Acts 28: 1 – 6

Second Lesson (Pass-word) Acts 27: 22 – 25

Third Lesson St. Matthew 5: 3 – 11

Forth Lesson (Print of nail/Hand in side) St. John 20: 24 – 29

Fifth Lesson (Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum) St. John 19: 19

King of Kings & Lord of Lords Revelations 19: 16

Order of the Temple St. Matthew 5: 13 – 16 (Within Chamber)

1st Hermit’s Lesson John 6: 27 (Revised Standard Version)

2nd

Hermit’s Lesson Hebrews 13: 1, 2, 5 (Revised Standard Version

3rd Hermit’s Lesson 1 Peter 4: 8 St. James 2: 15-16 Revelations 2:10 (KJV)

1st Lesson (Judas Iscariot) St. Matthew 26: 14 – 25

2nd Lesson (Kiss) St. Matthew 26: 36 – 49

3rd Lesson (Crucifixion) St. Matthew 27: 24 – 37

Golgotha – a place of a skull St. Matthew 27: 33 St. Mark 15: 22

Simon of Cyrene St. Matthew 27: 32

Ma-Her-Shal-Al-Hash-Baz Isaiah 8: 1 - 3

Mary Magdalene St. Matthew 28: 1 – 6

Appointed on to men once to die Hebrews 9: 27 – 28

Be not afraid – Go tell my brethren St. Matthew 28: 7 – 10

Ascension St. John 11: 25 – 26 St. Luke 24: 50 – 51

York Rite College

Chancellor Proverbs 8: 1-6 & 10-11

Vanity of Vanities Ecclesiastes 12: 8

Unto thee, Oh Lord, do I lift up my soul Psalms 25: 1 – 5

What profit hath a man of all his labors Ecclesiastes 1: 3

Doth not wisdom cry? And understanding… Proverbs 8: 1 – 7

Receive my instruction and not silver…. Proverbs 8: 10 – 11

He that is greatest among you… St. Luke 22: 26

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K.Y.C.H

Garden of the Kings (G-----) Luke: 5: 1

Gennesaret St. Matthew 14: 34 St. Mark 6: 53

Knight Masons

Lights at Opening Ezra 1: 8

Knights of the Sword

Lesson Ezra 1: 1 – 3

Temple destruction& Captivity foretold Jeremiah 25: 11 – 12

Knights of the East

Decree of Cyrus to rebuild… Ezra 4: 1 – 5

Decree of Darius (Penalty) Ezra 6: 6 – 8 & 11 – 13

*Strength of Wine *Strength of the King *Strength of Women (Truth)

1 Esdras III 18-24 1 Esdras IV 2-4, 8-9, 12 1 Esdras IV 14-17, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38

(*Ancient Greek version of the Book of Ezra not in the KJV –often between Old & New Testaments)

Knights of the East & West

Trowel and Sword in hand Nehemiah 4: 17 – 18

Two main tribes (of 12)… Ezra 1: 5

Babylonish Captivity was a “nominal” captivity Books of Ezra – Nehemiah – Haggai

Shesh-baz’zar Ezra 1: 11 Ezra 5: 16

News! Good News!

The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts on December 23, 2011 Provided a Beneficent Masonic Angel Fund (MAF) Grant of $2000.

Utilizing this Grand were:

December 16, 2010 Mt. Carmel-Damascus MAF, Lynn, MA $200 December 16. 2010 Winslow Lewis-Adams Lodge MAF, S. Wellfleet, MA $200 December 17, 2010 Phoenix MAF, Hanover, MA $175 December 17, 2010 Golden Fleece MAF, Lynn, MA $100 December 17, 2010 Marine Lodge MAF, Falmouth, MA $100 December 17, 2010 Level MAF, Shrewsbury, MA $200 December 19, 2011 Artisan MAF, Winchendon, MA $200 December 20, 2010 Olive Branch Lodge MAF, Millbury, MA $200 December 21, 2010 North Quabbin MAF, Athol, MA $200 December 22, 2010 Pythagorean Lodge MAF, Marion, MA $200 December 23, 2010 Wellesley MAF, Needham, MA $200 December 23, 2010 Charlton MAF, Charlton, MA $ 25

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Royal Arch Handbook Excerpts

(As taken from the Royal Arch Handbook, page 19 & 30)

M. ORDER OF BUSINESS (a guide for the High Priest or Secretary) 1. Open the Chapter 2. Recognition of (in this order) Grand Chapter Officers Right Excellent Companions Past High Priests of the Chapter Visiting High Priests Visiting Past High Priests Your own Companions Visiting Companions 3. Reading of the Minutes of the previous convocations (Both special and regular) - High Priest may dispense with this. 4. Unfinished Business (Either here or just before "new business') 5. Sickness and distress 6. Read Petitions for membership (if any) make sure that you have investigating committee assignments ready and approved by the High Priest. 7. Reports of Investigating Committees. 8. Balloting on Petitions. (inform the Senior Deacon/Principal Sojourner before the meeting that you will have balloting and ask him to procure the ballot box for use

during the meeting.) 9. Communications and bills. Read notice of Grand Chapter convocations if received. Read correspondence if applicable. 10. Reports of committees (special and standing) 11. New business (including announcements of future events) Note all actions taken. If a motion is made, try to get exact wording of motion and who made the motion. No need to list "who said what" - only decisions. If a discussion gets "too hot" don't include it in the minutes. 12. Allow Companions and visitors to make any announcements. 13. Special program or presentations (if any) 14. Closing of the Chapter.

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Hints and Protocols

DISPENSATIONS

2-28 DISPENSATIONS (Royal Arch Handbook, page 47)

Dispensations are granted only by the Grand High Priest. They are usually issued to Chapters granting them permission to do something contrary to their By-laws in instances where he considers the dispensation to be in the best interest of Capitular Masonry.

Requests for dispensations should come from the Chapter Secretary (for the High Priest)

stating the nature of the deviation and the reason for it. It should bear the signature of the Secretary (or the High Priest) and the seal of the Chapter and should be sent to the Grand Secretary.

Common requests for dispensations are: 1. To change the meeting date for a particular stated convocation. 2. To change the convocation at which the election of officers or the Annual Convocation is

held. 3. To elect and or install an officer (or officers) at a later date during the year. 4. To hold a convocation, either separately or jointly with another Chapter, outside of the city

or town in which the Chapter is chartered to meet. 5. To conduct any business whatever, other than to confer degree work, at a Special

Convocation. 6. To confer degrees upon a candidate in a time frame contrary to Article XVII, Section 4, of the

Grand Constitution and Digest. 7. Dispensations must also be issued permitting a Companion to hold two elective offices in the

same Chapter or to hold an elective office in more than one Chapter. 8. Dispensation s are NOT granted automatically upon request. Each request is considered, and

if it is deemed to be in the best interest of Royal Arch Masonry, it is granted.

PROXIES

"ARTICLE XI - Representation in Grand Chapter SECTION 1. Every Chapter in this jurisdiction shall be represented by its High Priest, King and Scribe, or either of them, in person or by their respective proxies, at every Regular Convocation of this Grand Chapter."

Obtaining a Proxy and having it present at a Grand Chapter Convocation is simple to do. The Proxy form may be downloaded off the Grand Chapter Website (www.gracma.org). Fill it out; have the Secretary put the Chapter seal on it; and just see that your representative puts a in the Grand Secretary's hands for the Grand Convocation.

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Proceedings Excerpts

From the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts: 1973, 1974 & 1975, pages 9 to 11.

Boston, Massachusetts

March 13th A. I 2503, A.D. 1973

At eleven o'clock in the forenoon on the above date ME Lane E. Wheaton, Grand High Priest, accompanied by several Companions, journeyed to the Phipps Street Burial Ground, Charlestown, Massachusetts, for the purpose of placing a wreath on the grave of MEBenjamin Hurd, Jr., the first Grand Master of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts and the second General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter. This was in conjunction with the 175th Anniversary Observance of Grand Chapter.

Members Present

ME Lane E. Wheaton ································································ Grand High Priest RE Richard A. Wong. ···················································· Deputy Grand High Priest RERobert A. Meffen ··········································································· Grand King RESydney F. Towle ········································································· Grand Scribe REHenry F. Smith ···························································· Past Grand High Priest REEugene P. Carver, Jr., ··················································· Past Grand High Priest REStanley F. Maxwell ······················································ Past Grand High Priest REJames C. Sirios ······································································ Past Grand King RELester M. Clark···································· Past District Deputy Grand High Priest

Having arrived at the cemetery, the Grand High Priest addressed the Companions as follows: My Companions: Today we gather here at the grave of the first Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts, Most Excellent Benjamin Hurd, Jr., and as a memorial to this former worker in the vineyards, we place this wreath at the head of his grave. We are indebted to Right Excellent Lester M. Clark for the discovery of his grave, the location of which hitherto had not been known to our Grand Chapter. This marble memorial stone, while showing the effects of perhaps 130 years of weathering this New England climate, still bears the inscription:

In Memory of

Mr. Benjamin Hurd, Junr whose filial respect fraternal attention

integrity and philanthropy were duly appreciated and are

gratefully remembered He died Sept. 16 MDCCCXIII

Aged 36 years (There were no markings on the reverse side of the stone)

ME Henry F. Smith will lead us in prayer.

(Proceedings prayer not included here)

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While the sands of time endeavor to wash away this memorial, we are reminded that the good works of great servants live on through the ages in the archives of history, to be uncovered by those continually seeking further light. While most dedicated Masons are forgotten as generations unfold, and expire, this Craftsman has been memorialized by the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts, by establishing a MERITORIUS AWARD, authorized on September 19, 1953, and presenting the first award on December 7, 1954, in the form of a medal bearing the inscription:

"MERITORIOUS SERVICE"

BENJAMIN HURD, JR. 1798 - 1800

The back of the medal is inscribed: "THE GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF MASSACHUSETTS" This award is designated for, and presented only to those companions who have, through several years of unselfish service to their chapter or to Grand Chapter, proven a worthy keystone in the building and preservation of Capitular Masonry. Nearly six hundred of these awards have been presented, each recipient highly regarding it as a prize possession, and very proudly displaying it on all suitable occasions.

From the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts: 1973, 1974 & 1975, pages 9 to 11.

The back of the medal is inscribed: "THE GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF MASSACHUSETTS" This award is designated for, and presented only to those companions who have, through several years of unselfish service to their chapter or to Grand Chapter, proven a worthy keystone in the building and preservation of Capitular Masonry. Nearly six hundred of these awards have been presented, each recipient highly regarding it as a prize possession, and very proudly displaying it on all suitable occasions. Most Excellent Companion Hurd has proven a light and an ornament to the Craft, one worthy of recognition, and his Grand Chapter proudly preserves his achievements in this manner, admonishing those who would seek this honor, to be a stalwart builder, ever enthusiastic in the cause of Royal Arch Masonry, spreading light and knowledge to the uninitiated and ever working for the brotherhood of man. May this wreath symbolize our love and affection to all who have preceded us, hoping that when our mortal days have been ended by the "Great I Am," perhaps we will have contributed something worthwhile for the advancement of our beloved Craft, and which will prove of value to future generations. With bowed heads, in benediction, may we walk in the light of His Countenance, and rest in His continued care, so that these words might be echoed. WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. Amen! Most Excellent Lane E. Wheaton Grand High Priest

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Whatnots for Sale

Grand Chapter Sterling Silver Commemorative Coins

for $30.00 (plus shipping) on a first come first served while the supply lasts.

Grand Royal Arch Chapter Hats and Gloves with Triple Tau

Hats for $ 12.00 Gloves for $ 12.00

Challenge Coins to support the York Rite Database Fund

for $10.00 - available from your District Deputy Grand High Priest

or the York Rite Boston Office (plus any shipping charge)

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The Grand Council of

Royal and Select Master Masons

of Massachusetts

Musings of the

Most Illustrious Grand Master Spring 2011

One of the things about the position of Most Illustrious Grand Master is that I really shouldn’t attend a Council (except my own) without receiving an invitation. After the Installation, I checked my mailboxes (electronic and snail) eagerly awaiting invitations, but to my surprise extremely few were there. At first I was afraid that I had done something to offend you. But after time I came to realize that what with the price of gas going up, you were helping me to keep my expenses down by not running up bills for gas. I still hope to receive invitations, but in the meantime there are a few items which I want to pass along to you.

MAY IS ARMED FORCES MONTH

In May we observe Memorial Day at which time we remember those who gave their lives for this Country. In May we also observe Armed Forces Day at which time we remember those who served and who were, or are fortunate enough to still be with us. So, for your Assemblies in May you have DISPENSATION to allow the Officers and members of your Council – IF THE ILLUSTRI-OUS MASTER SO DESIRES – to wear the Class A or Dress Uniforms of the Service in which they served and at the time during which they served. No khakis, no fatigues. Class A or Dress Uni-forms only, and , again, only if the Illustrious Master so orders. Further, if you are conferring the Select Master Degree in May and if the Illustrious Master allows the wearing of uniforms, the Cap-tain of the Guard and the Conductor of the Council may use military sabers (but for God’s sake, use them carefully).

MORI

When the offices of Grand Chapter, Grand Council and Grand Commandery were combined, we

expected some glitches would arise, but the database has been a real bugger. Each Grand body

used a different system and despite heroic efforts, they didn’t work together. After studying the

situation, it was determined that the MORI system similar to the one used by Grand Lodge would

be the best way to go, and we are going that way. The system will cost about $50,000. To our sur-

prise the Commonwealth of Massachusetts weighed in with certain fees which added another

$4,000 (more or less). We would also like to establish a fund which will be invested with the earn-

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Companions, I cannot over-emphasize how important this is to our three Grand Bodies. A good database allows us to serve you better. One of the services provided will be a backup for your local database should your computer crash or be stolen, or should something unfortunate happen to your Recorder and your re-cords become inaccessible. It will also allow us to better cross reference members. For example, if a mem-ber informs Boston of a change of address, that information gets passed to Council and Commandery even if the member forgot to notify one or both himself. Recorders will be able to access data themselves. It will even be able to print mailing labels and dues bills. Monthly reports will be greatly simplified. Councils will be able to see what Chapter members are sitting out there as potential candidates. As a Lodge Secretary I have to admit, however reluctantly, that Grand Lodge might finally have actually gotten one right. Most Excellent Companion Richards wanted to get going on this right away so he asked for donations from Companions, Sir Knights, Chapters, Councils and Commanderies. Otherwise we would have had to wait until our recent dues increases kicked in which would have put everything back a year. The initial response was gratifying, but we still have a third of the money left to raise. Please, please, please. If your Council or your Companions can afford any amount, it will be most welcome. Checks should be made out to the Grand Royal Arch Chapter as that is where the money is being held, and “database fund” should be written in the lower left corner. Thank you in advance for supporting this most important effort.

DATA

Once MORI is in place and the beta testing is over, the Recorders will be working with the Grand Recorder

to get our records in agreement with yours. In most cases, the assumption will be that yours are correct.

There will be exceptions, of course, such as when information from the three local bodies conflicts regarding

a single member, but we will work through that. Your constructive suggestions will be welcome.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

No Masonic body has the number of members that it used to, which means that all members are being

spread thinner. In addition, despite our best efforts, the world around us has changed. Wives are working

now, and they expect their husbands to help with the kids. If your Council wants to get involved in your

Community (which is a great idea), I suggest that you do it by helping a Lodge in its community outreach

program. That way the Companions are doing double duty. Just have a sign posted that says that it is also

supported by your Council.

MEMBERSHIP

Whether or not you think that Grand Lodge’s effort to increase membership through advertising et al is a

good thing it doesn’t really matter to your Council. It’s their decision and that’s that. What we have to rec-

ognize is that there seems to be a lot of new Masons out there. I urge you to peruse your Lodges for poten-

tial members for your Chapter. Be choosey. Having gotten them into Chapter, take another look. Invite the

best of the best into your Council.

During all this we must remember that the happiness of the Companions is our paramount purpose. Noth-

ing we do or want to do will be possible if our Companions do not regard their Council as a good investment

of the time they have to devote to Freemasonry. Your Council should be dignified without being stuffy. Your

Council should reflect that which is relevant to your Companions. While we all work within our Council’s by

-laws, the Constitution and General Regulations of the Grand Council, the Ritual and the Floor work, each

Council should have its own distinctive ‘feeling.’ Haverhill should feel different from Holyoke. New Bedford

should feel different from Boston. We are the smallest of the York Rite Bodies, but that is an advantage. We

are closer to our members and therefore more responsive to them. New ideas can be tried out quickly. Take

occasional chances. Have some fun.

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Here’s something you might want to consider – if you have a Chapter, Council and Commandery is your com-munity, how about the three bodies getting the dispensations necessary to accept a lower total initiation fee if he signs up for all three at once than would be the case if he signed up for all three separately? Your call. I’m just throwing it out there.

BLAKE-BAYLEY MEDAL Every Council has at least one Companion who is worthy of being recognized for service ‘above and be-yond.’ The problem is that we have forgotten the process. The Blake-Bayley Medal was created to recognize exceptional contributions by a Companion to his Council. It all starts when the Illustrious Master writes a letter about the potential honoree stating what it is he has done that makes him worthy. Don’t hold back. Build him up. Then send the letter to your Visiting Officer. He will then add his comments and recommen-dations and send it to Boston for my review and approval. Each Council may nominate one of its Compan-ions per Cryptic Year. Presentation will be made by either the Arch Officer or, if I am invited, by me. If the Illustrious Master wishes, an upcoming presentation may be publicized so that the honoree can have his friends there and his family if this is to be a semi-public event.

We have been lax in honoring deserving Companions. I hope and expect to be receiving and reviewing

nominations from every Council in this jurisdiction – one per year per Council for the three years I serve as

Grand Master.

WRAP UP (PHEW!!)

In everything above you might have noticed that everything depends on YOU doing what YOU think is best for YOUR COUNCIL. As much as we hate to admit it, Grand Council can support you, pray for you, sweat bul-lets for you, etc. However, you have to do what you think is best for your Council. YOU are the Captains of your ship. YOU are the masters of your fate. Yes, mistakes will be made. Learn from them and move on. Offer constructive help to those who are doing their best. As an example, consider Howard Johnson’s res-taurants. They used to blanket the country, but they didn’t change and now they are gone. Companions, change in Freemasonry will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but it must be allowed to happen. Get out there and evolve!

Fraternally, Charles R. Austin

Grand Master

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Grand Commander’s Message, April, 2011 It’s April and finally spring is on its way. After a long hard winter, I’m sure we are all anxious for some nicer weather. Along with April comes Easter and I hope that you will be joining us for the trip down to Washington and the Grand Encampment Easter Service. If you can’t join us, please make every effort to celebrate the day in your own house of worship. Any Commandery that cares to run its own Easter Observance is encouraged to do so. The month of May includes both Memorial Day,

honoring our fallen service men and women, and Armed Forces Day, honoring those currently serving our country. In recognition of the brave men and women who defend our freedoms, I am issuing a jurisdiction wide dispensation to allow veterans to substitute their regular Commandery uniform with their class A Military Uniform (presuming it still fits). Please note that it must be a class A uniform and fatigues are not an acceptable substitute. Finally, our annual Knights Templar Eye Foundation drive is coming to a close, but there is still time to contribute. A few months ago, our Grand Generalissimo distributed a mailing for a bake-less bake sale. The response has been good, but there is still time to make it better. If you haven’t contributed please consider it and mail your contribution to our Grand Generalissimo. With your help we can make this year’s campaign the best yet.

Courteously and fraternally yours, Ted Bitomski

YORK RITE ONE DAY CLASSES

Chapter Degrees, Saturday April 9, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. Council Degrees, Saturday April 16, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.

Commandery Orders, Saturday May 7, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. All One Day Classes at the Boston Masonic Building !

Details on the websites!!

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The Knights Templar of Massachusetts & Rhode Island

Easter Sunrise Service Trip April 21-24, 2011

ALL MASONS AND THEIR FAMILIES WELCOME! Our Right Eminent Grand Commander, S.K. Theodore W. Bitomski and Lady Linda invite you to join them on our annual trip to Washington, DC, and to Alexandria, VA, for the 81st Easter Sunrise Service, sponsored by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America. Open to all Sir Knights, families and guests. GROUP TRAVEL – Deluxe Motor Coach with lavatory, leaving Milford, MA, at 11:00 PM THURSDAY APRIL 21st and arriving in Virginia mid morning Friday. THE HILTON ALEXANDRIA MARK CENTER, GRAND EN-CAMPMENT HEADQUARTERS, (this is the same hotel that we have been at for the past several years) will be our home for Friday and Saturday nights. 40 persons minimum, more will reduce price. FRIDAY AFTERNOON – Sightseeing on your own. Take the shuttle from the hotel or the METRO FRIDAY EVENING – Lazy Susan Dinner Theater. SATURDAY MORNING – Breakfast at Hotel (on your own) and then sightseeing for the day on our own bus with a professional tour guide SATURDAY NOON – Lunch at a place to be decided SATURDAY AFTERNOON – Tour continues. This is still in the planning stages. SATURDAY DINNER – Grand Encampment Banquet at the hotel SUNDAY MORNING – 6:00 AM buffet breakfast at the hotel. Bus to Sunrise Service at 6:45 AM. Bus leaves as soon as possible after 10:00 AM. Arrive Milford around 8:00 PM. Price The Cost will be: $700.00 per couple, INCLUDING: motor coach, hotel for two nights, Friday evening dinner theatre, all sightseeing on Saturday, Saturday banquet, Sunday breakfast, and tips. For additional informa-tion, see your RECORDER or call Sir Knight Ted Bitomski at 978-346-8424 or e-mail tbitomski@comcast.net.

Milford Commandery No. 11 Continues Uniform Sales

Milford Commandery No. 11 will honor the memory of Sir Knight Robert P. Winterhalter, by continuing the sale of summer uniforms and other Templar items. You may make inquiry of S.K. Walter E. Brasier, Jr. at 508-376-8672 or waltbrasier@prodigy.net

Berkshire Commandery #22, Annual Pig Roast, 2011

One of the most popular of our annual events is the Pig Roast, hosted by Berkshire Commandery #22. This year the Roast will take place on Saturday, July 9th at a new location! It will be at Evening Star Lodge in Lee, Massachusetts, which is about 3 miles from Exit 2 off the Mass. Turnpike. We will have directions and full particulars on our website soon! Stay tuned!!

Knight Templar Eye Foundation Voluntary Campaign Update

Sir Knights, as of February 22, we have raised just under $22,000, over half of which came from just one Commandery with 16 Commanderies as yet unheard from. This is my last opportunity, in this publication, to encourage your participation before the campaign ends. Our Grand Commandery has always ranked in the top ten of Grand Encampment. Let’s see if we can make the top five this year.

Courteously yours, Vin Faraci

Grand Generalissimo — Campaign Chairman