ventura county york rite bulletin · the resolution to add the red cross jewel and to set the limit...
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Ventura County
York Rite Bulletin
July—August 2018
Ventura Chapter #50, Royal Arch Masons
Oxnard Chapter #86, Royal Arch Masons
Ventura Council #15, Cryptic Masons
Ventura Commandery #18, Knights Templar
Channel Islands York Rite Association
GRAND YORK RITE RECEPTION
M.E.C. Anthony Yuson
and his Lady Malou
E.C. John Argue and
M.I.C. Tiny Potter,
P.G.I.M.
S.K. Gregg Hall, Grand Commander;
M.I.C. William Dann, Grand Illustrious
Master; M.E.C. Anthony Yuson,
Grand High Priest presenting their
cakes.
Music provided by Comp. Jedidiah Smith
E.C. Lynn Walingford, Oxnard Chapter 86,; E.C. Jon Jorgenson,
Corinthian Chapter 51; M.E.C. Anthony Yuson, Grand High Priest;
E.C. Charles Rodey, Ventura Chapter 50
R.I.C. Eduardo Estrada, Deputy Grand Master; M.I.C. William Dann,
Presentation of the Grand Officers
E.C. Fred Ervast presenting pictures,
painted by his granddaughter, to Ann
Dann (wife of M.I.C. William Dann) and
Malou (M.E.C. Anthony Yuson’s Lady).
RESULTS OF THE CALIFORNIA GRAND YORK RITE SESSIONS
MAY 20-23, 2018
The following is a recapitulation of the results of the California Grand York Rite
Sessions which took place on the above dates in Visalia, California. This was the
first time that the sessions took place in that city, and it is the editor’s opinion that
the location and facility which the sessions were held in were very adequate.
Overall, the sessions were most harmonious, and each Grand Body held to their
schedules rigorously. All Chapters, Councils, and Commanderies in California
were represented.
Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons results:
The resolution for Grand Chapter of R.A.M. of California to withdraw from
General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International failed.
The resolution defining “good standing” to mean that the Companion must
be current in his dues passed. The impact is that a Companion cannot
submit a resolution, ballot, or vote on a motion at a Stated Convocation if he
is not current in his dues.
The resolution modifying qualifications of the Captain of the Host and
changes to the Installation passed.
E.C. Lynn Wallingford is the new Inspector of the 18th Royal Arch District,
AND he received the award of “High Priest of the Year” by Grand Chapter.
E.C. Raymond Broomfield is now the Grand Captain of the Host of the
Grand Chapter of California.
Grand Council of Cryptic Masons results:
The resolution defining “Good Standing” as one current in his dues passed.
The resolution for Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of California to withdraw
from the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International failed.
Ventura Council No. 15 received another plaque for its donation to the Cryp-
tic Masons Medical Research Foundation ($1,500). M.I.C. Fred Potter will
continue to be the State Chairman.
The resolution to change title of Director of Ritual to Grand Inspector Gen-
RESULTS OF THE CALIFORNIA GRAND YORK RITE SESSIONS
MAY 20-23, 2018 be appointed on an annual basis.)
From the Grand Director of Ritual: Councils are not to close in ample form in Degree festi-
vals.
The Grand Bible Bearer was I.C. Andy Pippin.
Grand Commandery of Knights Templar results:
The resolution to change title of Director of Ritual to Grand Inspector General, and the title
of Inspector to Adjutant passed.
The resolution eliminating the requirement for Commanderies to have a separate Uniform &
Paraphernalia account passed.
The resolution to add the Red Cross Jewel and to set the limit on how many jewels may be
worn (5), passed.
The resolution to limit the withdrawal of the Grand Commandery investment account to 4%
passed. The Grand Commandery plans to withdraw funds from the Holy Land Pilgramage
Fund to the Grand Commandery budget was approved.
CALENDAR
JULY 2018
Wednesday, July 4 Independence Day
Monday, July 16 Ventura Council No. 15, C.M.
Stated Assembly – 7:00 p.m.
Dinner – 6:00 p.m.
Ventura Masonic Center
AUGUST 2018 Monday, August 6 Oxnard Chapter No. 86, R.A.M.
Stated Convocation – 7:00 p.m.
Oxnard Masonic Center
Monday, August 20 Ventura Commandery No. 18, K.T.
Stated Conclave – 7:00 p.m.
Ventura Masonic Center
VENTURA COUNTY YORK RITE BODIES
VENTURA CHAPTER NO. 50, R.A.M.
High Priest Charles A. Rodey 805-933-2703
Secretary Daniel C. Kaffka, Jr. 805-482-1589
Inspector Lynn Wallingford 805-492-8375
OXNARD CHAPTER NO. 86, R.A.M.
High Priest Lynn Wallingford 805-492-8375
Secretary Robert V. Wright, Jr. 805-524-1271
Inspector Lynn Wallingford 805-492-8375
VENTURA COUNCIL NO. 15, C.M.
Illustrious Master Frederick W. Ervast 805-389-0787
Recorder Andrew B. Pippin 805-886-5916
Inspector Raymond A. Broomfield 805-482-6756
VENTURA COMMANDERY NO. 18, K.T.
Commander Andrew B. Pippin 805-886-5916
Recorder Timothy Eggebrecht (818) 489-3342
Inspector (vacant)
Adjutant Raymond A. Broomfield (see above)
VENTURA CHAPTER NO. 50, ROYAL ARCH MASONS
Companions:
A timely reminder – per its by-laws, Ventura Chapter No. 50 will be “dark” in the months of
July and August 2018. The next Stated Convocation is scheduled for Monday evening, Sep-
tember 10th (Labor Day is Monday, September 3rd).
Have a wonderful and fruitful summer!
Fraternally submitted,
Fred Ervast
Bulletin Editor
OXNARD CHAPTER NO. 86, ROYAL ARCH MASONS
Companions:
It is somewhat disappointing that the Royal Arch and Council Degrees, originally scheduled for
June 2018, had to be cancelled. Many factors come into play when determining degree sched-
ules. Not the least of which are timing, ritual cast proficiency and availability and, of course,
candidates.
We must do all we can to overcome these difficulties. The impressions left on our candidates
will be more meaningful and lasting if they receive one or more of their degrees in the Chapters
to which they belong. The San Fernando Valley York Rite bodies and the Colorado River Fall
Festival are excellent venues at which to receive the York Rite Degrees and Orders, but they
should be viewed as fallback options rather than the primary choice for our candidates.
My hope for the long term is that every Royal Arch Chapter in District 18 will take on the re-
sponsibility of organizing one of our beautiful degrees. That is not to say that they must supply
all of the cast members, but, given help from the surrounding Chapters, each will be able to
take the lead on assigning cast members, scheduling practices and delivering the highest quality
ritual that I know we are capable of.
In the York Rite, the acquisition of candidates falls squarely on the shoulders of the Royal Arch
Chapters. As the “feeder body” of the York Rite, it is up to us to seek out those Master Masons
that we feel would be a good fit for our Chapters, our Councils and Commanderies. I urge all
High Priests to make full use of their membership committees. Give them specific goals and
activities to accomplish. Visit your local Lodges. Talk about the value and importance of be-
longing to the York Rite. Organize York Rite information nights for Master Masons. In other
words, GET THE WORD OUT!
Our recent Grand York Rite Reception was a big success. I want to thank all of the members
of the Channel Islands York Rite Association (CIYRA) that helped out with the planning, pro-
motion, and execution of the event. I also want to thank all of the members of the CIYRA bod-
ies that turned out to show their support. I believe the presiding grand officers were suitably
impressed. Each of them was appreciative of the honorary life memberships they were granted
as well as the beautiful paintings provided to their ladies by EC Fred Ervast’s granddaughter. I
believe that this event is an important tradition that CIYRA should continue to sponsor.
Our next Stated Convocation is scheduled for Monday, August 6, 2018, starting at 7:00 p.m.
We are half way through the year. It is time to start thinking about offices for next year. Re-
freshments will be served after the meeting. Please show your support of our Chapter by attend-
ing as many meetings as possible.
HOLINESS TO THE LORD!
Lynn Wallingford
High Priest
VENTURA COUNCIL NO. 15, CRYPTIC MASONS
Companions:
First, allow me to state my regrets that the conferral of the Cryptic Degrees, originally sched-
uled for June 23rd, then July 16th, had to be cancelled. “The stars were not aligning,” as it was
that there were to be three candidates. One had not completed his petition yet, and the others
were either out of town or out of state on the announced dates. To those who were in process of
learning (or re-learning) their parts as part of the cast in the Royal and Select Master Degrees,
please do not give up hope. As the Illustrious Master, I am “bound and determined” to try to
schedule the conferral of both degrees in 2018. I am looking into a Saturday morning in Octo-
ber 2018 to confer them at the Ventura Masonic Center. Suitable notice will be provided as to
the date.
Now, there will be a Stated Assembly during the Summer: Monday, July 16th. Much will be
covered: balloting on a candidate, making important financial decisions (trust me – it will be
exciting), and new members signing the by-laws. But most importantly, the Council will con-
duct a “mini-school-of-instruction” on the Royal Master Degree, emphasizing the floor work. It
will also be an opportunity to conduct Masonic education, dwelling into the philosophical as-
pects of the Degree. To you Companions who have not attended a Stated Assembly in a long
time – here is a wonderful opportunity to relearn what was revealed to you in the Cryptic De-
grees.
Prior to the Stated Assembly, the Council will serve a most delicious dinner in the dining
hall. We are keeping the menu a secret, but trust me, you will enjoy it. Dessert will be served
after the Stated Assembly.
Come and enjoy the fraternal friendship that Ventura Council No. 15 can offer.
Fraternally,
Fred Ervast KYCH
VENTURA COMMANDERY NO. 18, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
To all of the Valiant Knights and Ladies of Ventura Commandery –
Greetings and Salutations! I want to thank the newly arrived Sir Knights (Tim, Ron,
Jedidiah) for helping us make a quorum at the June Stated Conclave. I also want to thank the
rest of the members for plugging up any gaps we had in the positions. Sometimes getting ready
for opening can feel like herding epileptic hamsters. There are two important things I would
like to discuss in this article – Commandery ritual and Rainbow for Girls.
Now that we will have members sitting in the same chair for more than an hour at a time – I
would like to perform a full nine-man opening in the August Stated Conclave. Personally, I
know I’ve been so overwhelmed with “stuff” that I’ve been slacking off (thanks, Rees, for the
timely prompting!). We have several new Sir Knights that would benefit greatly from some
instruction, and some current Commanders (read: me) that would also greatly benefit. It’s been
years and years since we have had a School of Instruction, so I will be having a conversation
with our Department Adjutant (S.K. Ray Broomfield) about scheduling one. Keep your eyes
and ears open for information.
Ventura Commandery is the sponsoring body for San Buenaventura Assembly No. 107, Inter-
national Order of Rainbow for Girls. The organization is “hurting” for adult leadership.
Simple things such as being able to take checks to the bank (the Mother Advisor is not able to
make it to a branch during the week). I believe that providing visible examples of Masonic atti-
tudes is an enormous benefit to the girls. Their meetings are the first three Wednesdays of the
month (the 1st and 3rd with the girls, the 2nd with the Advisory Committee). It is a Masonic re-
quirement for any and every person that comes in contact with a Masonic Youth Group to satis-
factorily pass a background check. There is a small fee that will gladly be reimbursed by the
Commandery.
I would like to specifically thank Sir Knights Lynn Wallingford, Fred Ervast, and Gary Atkin-
son again for making the Grand York Rite Reception a success. I received numerous compli-
ments on how smooth and professional it went, and I want to make sure that everybody knows
that I was able to just step up to the East and preside over the ceremony. All of the preparation
was done by Lynn, Fred, Gary, and many others in the background that don’t expect any thanks
or recognition.
It is Masons like these that keep us strong.
May peace be within thy walls.
IN HOC SIGNO VINCES
Andy Pippin Commander