From the Crypt | Nov 2011

As you all know by now George Lucero was transferred to New Mexico earlier this year. It was his original intention to serve as Thrice Illustrious Master for a period of two years to give us, hopefully, a smooth transition into the future for the Council. 

Corey Curtis has volunteered to step forward and assume the reigns in upcoming year, if you the Companions of Ann Arbor are in agreement. It will be necessary for him to have some assistance if the Council is to continue to flourish. Hope you are able and willing to step forward and assist him in his planned goals.

Contact him to let him know that you will be there for him. This makes the job of planning and preparing so much easier. 

They have a nice core of Companions in attendance at the meetings, but, they do need assistance. Especially since we know that they have some degrees that need to be performed on new candidates, with the assistance and support of Ypsilanti’s Union Council.

High Priest’s Address | Sep 2011

Report of the Grand Convocation

August 17th, 2011

Lexington Hotel

Lansing Michigan

Congratulations to Michael Whiting who was elected and installed as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. Most Excellent Companion Mike has been in Masonry since 1979 in Pontiac Lodge and has served admirably and with distinction in all of his Masonic Bodies.

M. E. Comp. Mike served as Grand Master of the Cryptic Masons in Michigan in 2004-05. Has served as Royal Patron of the Order of Amaranth for 4 terms. He is one of the most well-traveled Brothers in the state for all of the Masonic Bodies. He will do an excellent job for the Royal Arch in Michigan, however, as he has noted he cannot do for you. He can give guidance and support. You must do the work in the trenches.

The Junior Past Grand High Priest, Most Excellent Companion Robert E. Cooper of Cedar Springs won the election as Grand Secretary, Paul Howell stepping down after 12 ½ years in that position, having taken over from our own Ralph Raiford. M.E.C. Cooper will operate the Grand Chapter out of the Grand Rapids Masonic Temple. 233 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids 49503.

Elected to the position of Grand Master of the 1st Veil was Michael Roberts of River Raisin Chapter No. 22 in Monroe, MI. Elected to replace Fred Schneider as the Right Excellent Grand Sentinel was Eldin Miller, Secretary of Mt. Vernon Chapter No. 37 in Samaria. 

Most Excellent Companion Paul Howell was voted to receive the distinguished title of Right Excellent

Grand Secretary Emeritus of the Grand Chapter and Excellent Companion Fred Schneider was voted the permanent title of Right Excellent Grand Sentinel of the Grand Chapter.

At the Thursday night Banquet they were each presented with the appropriate Aprons for the new rank.

3 Ladies were awarded the honor, title and rank of General Grand Chapter Sweetheart Award: Sharon Cooper, Nancy Helm & Janet Schneider.

Special recognition goes out to Joseph Medved of Lapeer Chapter No. 91 and Jerry Ritzert for St. Ignace Chapter No. 134 for being awarded the rank and title of District Deputy Instructor Emeritus of the Grand Chapter for their long and distinguished service to the Companions by serving as a District Deputy Instructor for over 7 years with distinction.

Ex. Comp. Frank James Huey was awarded the General Grand Chapter Bronze Award. The Region 3, Michigan Meritorious Service Award was awarded to our own Companion Arthur W. Davidge. Congratulations Art.

There was one Amendment to the Red Book of Capitular Law that was proposed this year. It was to reduce the number of required meetings for a Chapter from 10 to 8 per year. That motion passed but it was made known that that was the minimum number and that each Chapter could and should have one each month along with a Special for the purpose of rehearsal, Degree conferral or special Dinners and functions.

The 2012 Grand Convocation will be held at the:

Doubletree Hotel

Bay City, Michigan

August 22nd, 2012

From the Crypt | Sep 2011

George, Amanda and the kids are all now well settled in in Albuquerque, New Mexico at his new job.

Paul & Beth will be in their new home in Maricopa, AZ by the middle of September.

Please note the header of the Council. This means that we are going to need to get Ann Arbor Council off and going on a new start very soon. 

Art Davidge has agreed to take over as the Recorder of the Commandery. 

We have some new young Companions in the Council and several new candidates for the degrees. Some have agreed to step forth and assist in this transformation and regrowth of the Council. We are still needing others to do so. Don’t be a stranger to the Cryptic Craft.

The election will be in December so come out for the next couple of months. Check out the work and the Companions in attendance. I know that by doing so you will come away with the feeling of wanting to be a more active part of this organization.

Congratulations to Stephen Striggow on his fine year as the Grand Master of Royal and Select Masons for this past year. 

We send our congratulations and best wishes for an even more successful year, if that is possible, to Dwight A. Humm, Most Illustrious Grand Master for 2011-2012, and his core of Officers for the coming year.

Commander's Comments | Sep 2011

Sir Knights and Friends:

Ann Arbor Commandery in conjunction with Ypsilanti Commandery were holding their Joint Inspection on Sat. August 27th at the Ypsilanti Masonic Temple. They have been working hard, as a group to prepare for this event.

Joseph Thompson for Ypsilanti Commandery was to be the Inspection Candidate for this event.

Ann Arbor Commandery still has two candidates in waiting for the Order of the Temple and there are also others in waiting to begin their journey into the Orders. Ann Arbor Commandery has work which needs to be accomplished this fall.

The Grand Commandery Grand Conclave was conducted in a smooth and efficient manner by the Right Eminent Grand Commander Loren A. Winn and his officer core. 

Roy A. Ickes of Mt. Clemens Commandery was elected to serve this coming year as our Right Eminent Grand Commander.

Our good friend and frequent visitor Donald Trumbull of Howell Commandery was elected to begin his travels in the Grand Commandery Line by being elected to serve as Junior Grand Warden.

Joseph Medved of Lexington Commandery received the Grand Encampment Knight Templar Cross of Honor.

2011 Michigan Grand Chapter Region 3 Meritorious Service Award Winner, Art Davidge

Greetings Friends & Companions,

Michigan’s Mason of the Year for 2011 is honored by receiving the Michigan Grand Chapter Region 3 Meritorious Service Award. Art was acknowledged at the Grand York Rite Banquet at Lansing, Michigan on Thursday evening August 18th. 

He will be formally presented with his award at a dinner in his honor which is to be held during this upcoming Capitular Year. Arrangements are to be made in the very near future and word will be passed out.

High Priest's Address | Jul 2011

Washtenaw Chapter has been very busy, so far, this year. We had a lot of fun and a great experience for our members by doing the work in Belleville on Myrtle Lodge of Belleville Brothers. in February, March and April. It was great to be doing the work for ourselves and we do really appreciate all of the help and assistance that we have received from the surrounding Chapters. 

We exalted 3 new Companions and all have had nothing but good things to say about the degrees, work and lessons taught (learned). 

In expanding our out reach program we have made arrangements with Monroe Chapter in Detroit for them to put on the Degrees for us with the next class of Brothers going through. This group is currently all, three, members of Ann Arbor-Fraternity Lodge. We can, and would be pleased, to increase this number of candidates to receive these beautiful and impressive degrees. 

The times will all be with the degrees beginning at 7 pm. Dates and locations:

Mark Master Mason Degree – Wed., July 13th in Detroit.

Past & Most Excellent Master Degree – in Ann Arbor at Calvary Methodist Chuch on Miller Ave., Mon., July 18th. (For the Ann Arbor candidates) 

Past & Most Excellent Master Degree – in Detroit at Detroit Masonic Temple, Wed. July 20th. (For the Detroit candidates) 

Royal Arch Degree – Wed., July 27th in Detroit.

There will be a light meal prior to the Degree on all dates.

The Southeastern Michigan York Rite Association will be having their final meeting prior to the Grand Convocation on August 17th in Lansing. The Meeting will be preceded by a Pot Luck Picnic at the Tecumseh Masonic Temple at 700 Bishop Reed Dr., in Tecumseh.

July will be my final meeting with the York Rite in Ann Arbor. On Mon., Aug.16th at our August Business Meeting I will be performing the final phases of getting all of the materials ready for the Grand Chapter Convocation.

On Monday, August 29th we, Washtenaw Chapter will be in host and in charge of the Southeastern Michigan York Rite Association. We will be hosting it in Milan. Dinner will be served at 6:15 and the Meeting will take place at 7:00 pm. I will not be at the Aug. 29th meeting as I will be visiting with Al & Deb Christ and attending the General Grand Council and the General Grand Chapter. 

Wishing each of you a very happy, safe and enjoyable 4th of July, Independence Day celebration. Enjoy the fireworks. Remember all those who have assured us of our Liberties, and continue to thank all of those who are currently serving to insure the continuation of those liberties and our Independence.

Paul Howell, PHP

From the Crypt | Jul 2011

Greetings Companions and Friends,

George has asked me to say hello for him this month, and at the same time to wish all his very best and to say goodbye, for now. His move for the military will take place on the 10th of July. He will be leaving us for Albuquerque, New Mexico where he will begin his 2nd 24 years of service to our Country.

Since June was his last meeting with us, this year, we made a presentation to him of his Past Thrice Illustrious Masters Apron. Sure it’s a little early, but he deserves it. It actually looks very good on him.

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Adam Smith was greeted into the Council on June 4th in Auburn Hills at Pontiac’s all Council Degree Day. 

We have 2 candidates in waiting to be greeted and all indications are that the 3 Brothers coming into the Chapter are also desirous of joining the Council. The plans for the Council Degrees will be set shortly after the 1st of September. Watch the calendar for the dates and locations.

Grand Council will be conducted this year at the Lexington Hotel in Lansing. Thursday, August 18th. The Grand Banquet will be that evening. Hope you can enjoy the evening with us.

Southeastern Michigan York Rite Association is going to be at the Tecumseh Masonic Lodge on Wednesday, July 27th. It will be a Family Pot Luck Picnic beginning at 6 pm. The meeting will begin at about 7 pm. We will be voting whether we can and should make a donation to the 3 Grand York Rite Charities. Also, it will be the Annual Meeting for the Association.

A few of you still owe your dues for this year. Please send ASAP.

Hope that this finds each of you in the best of health and happiness. Enjoy your July 4th celebration with family and friends.

Paul Howell, PTIM

Commander's Comments | Jul 2011

Sir Knights and Friends:

It was a great time that we had on Thursday, June 9th when we were able to put on the Red Cross Degree and the Short Form Order of Malta and Mediterranean Pass. These were both Companions of Ypsilanti York Rite. 

On Wednesday, June 15th we again put on the Red Cross Degree and the Short Form Order of Malta and Mediterranean Pass. Both of these Companions were from the Ann Arbor York Rite. 

One of the candidates will receive his Order of the Temple just prior to the Inspection of Saturday morning August 27th. Probably August 25th. One will be at the Inspection and the other two will probably be conferred in the month of September.

It will be great to see so much work being performed by both of the Commandery’s. For all Christian Masons the Order of the Temple is a must see and a must participate in. It is a participatory Order and one of the most beautiful, impressive and memorable in Masonry.

Plan on attending the Inspection on Saturday, August 27th at 9 am. The luncheon will follow at approximately 12 noon. 

What are you doing on Mon. July 4th? How about joining the Northville Masonic Family for a Breakfast, 6 – 10 am. Bring your family and friends. At 10 am you could join them by either observing or marching in the Parade. The uniform for the KT’s for the parade is Black Slacks, White Shirt, Black shoes and socks, with sword. 

May you find peace and happiness in all of your endeavors.

Happy and safe 4th of July in the celebration of our Independence and Freedom.

Paul Howell, PC, KTCH, KCT

Commander's Comments | Jun 2011

Sir Knights and Friends:

How great it is to be able to write and tell you of the many upcoming activities of your Commandery. On May 26th it was our intent to be in Ypsilanti to assist them in putting on the Orders of Red Cross and Malta. This will be of great value and assistance to us as it is a pleasure to be able to have to put on those Orders for petitioners that we currently have for Ann Arbor.

Northville will be having a parade on July 4th. Stepping off at 10 am. Wouldn’t you enjoy marching with the Commandery portion of the parade? Summer uniform, if you have it. If not then black slacks, white shirt, chapeau and sword. Go early and enjoy a breakfast at the Temple which begins at 8 am. The Grand Conclave will be on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 19th & 20th. The pass in review will be on the afternoon of the 20th. Our Annual Inspection will be a joint Inspection with Ypsilanti Commandery, again this year, as it was last year. We will begin at 9 am, therefore, everyone participating should be there not later than 8:30. A luncheon will follow the formal Inspection. Ladies and guests are encouraged to be in attendance for the Luncheon. We will be holding joint rehearsals in preparing for this very Special event. Please watch for more details and then be in attendance, even if you do not have a major part we need people to march and otherwise be of assistance We need YOU! 

Congratulations to our Recorder, SK Arthur W. Davidge on his well-deserved honor of being named 2011 Michigan Mason of the Year.

God Bless each of you.

Paul Howell, KYCH, PC

From the Crypt | Mar 2011

Greetings Companions and Friends,

Royal Master

This is the first of the Council degrees. It is conferred in a place known as the council chamber, which represents the private apartment of King Solomon’s Temple, where he and his two associates met for consultation and deliberation during the construction of the Temple, and the drama portrayed in it sheds additional light on both the Master Mason and Royal Arch degrees. It and the following degree are essential to a clear understanding of the events of one section of the Royal Arch.

Select Master

In the Select Master’s degree which is the second of the Council, the place of meeting represents a “Secret Vault” or crypt beneath the Temple. The historical object of the degree is to commemorate the deposits of an important secretor treasure which, after the preliminary preparations, is said to have been made by our three Grand Masters.

Super Excellent Master

This degree was not originally a part of the Cryptic system, and is not in all jurisdictions as yet. It has one of the best written rituals in Masonry. It deals with incidents in the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar when Zedekiah, the last King of Judah, was conquered and carried captive to Babylon. It enlarges upon the section of the Royal Arch having to do with the capture of Jerusalem by the Babylonian King, and teaches in most dramatic fashion the lesson of fidelity.

Commander's Comments | Mar 2011

Order of the Red Cross

As the first step in a Commandery of Knights Templar, The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross continues the story of the Royal Arch and deals with a period in Jewish history at the time of the reurn of the Jews from capitivity and the efforts to rebuild the Temple of their God in Jerusalem. The Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, peculiar to America, teaches the lessons of the triumph of TRUTH.

Order of Knight of Malta

The second Order in the Commandery is the Knight of Malta with its pass degree of Knight of St. Paul or the Mediterranean Pass. This Order is the first Christian Order encountered by the candidate. The ritual is based historically upon one of the old Order of the Crusades. In this order you are taught to be zealous and vigilant for the Order of Knighthood.

Order of the Temple

This is the third and most impressive Order of the Commandery and is wholly Christian. The Templar tradition derives from the Society of the same name which played so important a part in the Crusades of the Middle Ages. Beautiful lessons of the death and ascension of our Saviour are inculcated and the candidate is received into full fellowship, in the most solemn manner. This order will strengthen you in your quest for your growth in the Christian Religion and in your work and support for furthering the tenets of Brotherly Love and Friendship.

K.Y.C.H.

The K.Y.C.H., Knight York Cross of Honour is an honor that can be bestowed upon a York Rite Mason for service in and to the Fraternity. He must have served as the leader of his Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery and been nominated by his peers and elected to receive this distinction.

From the Crypt | Feb 2011

Greetings Companions and Friends,

Hope that the weather is doing better for you, your health and your families health than it is doing for those at the home of the Lucero family. Our Stated Assembly in January was rather poorly attended. Not only was George unable to be in attendance due to ill health, but also so were Rod Deyo, Walter Howarth, and Art Stoll. Corey Curtiss had to be out of town on business with the Scouts and several others were missing for various reasons, some to be just in warmer climates for a few months, some for going out of business sales and others because they had been too busy at work.

George sent out the following poem which is meant for all.

I said a prayer for you today

And know that God must have heard,

I felt the answer in my heart

Although He spoke not a word.

I didn’t ask for wealth or fame

(I knew you wouldn’t mind)

I asked Him to send treasures

Of a far more lasting kind.

I prayed that He’d be near you

At the start of each new day,

To grant you health and blessings

And friends to share your way.

I asked for happiness for you

In all things great and small

But it was for his loving care

I prayed the most of all.

The leaders of Ann Arbor’s three York Rite Masonic Groups are working and planning for the upcoming several months, actually for the next year and a half.

Each of them has agreed to serve their respective bodies for a two year term so that they can get programs planned and implemented. It now requires that each of us step forward and offer our assistance to them for serving us.

Paul C. Howell, PTIM

From the Crypt | Jan 2011

Greetings Companions and Friends,

Wishing all a very Happy New Year. The very best of everything in the coming year of 2011. It is easy for each of you to insure that your year will be even better than you had thought or hoped for.

Step forward … Ask for a petition and join the York Rite. It will be a step that you will never regret.

The Council is waiting for those Chapter members whom have not yet expanded their horizons. Although you could go to an All Degree Day for the Council and receive the 3 Degrees of the Cryptic Rite, we would prefer to do them locally. That’s one of the great things about the York Rite, besides the fact that you will be taking an active part in the degrees being put on by your Companions from your own Lodge and the surrounding Lodges.

 It’s a great experience and the lessons will only strengthen you and all of your future endeavors.

I am writing this letter for Thrice Illustrious Master George Lucero as his lovely lady Amanda’s Grandmother passed away and he has been spending time out of town.

This is a very difficult time for anyone to lose a member of their family and we are sad to report that Fred & Janet Schneider of Ypsilanti just lost their daughter Karen after a 3 year valiant battle with cancer.

Asking that you keep these families and any others that you may know of in distress in your continued thoughts and prayers. It is a difficult enough without it being at this supposed holiday and festive time of the year.

May all of the new officers of the Lodges have very prosperous, rewarding and enjoyable years. May your hard work pay off for the benefit of your Lodge, the Community and Masonry.

God Bless and keep each of you in the palm of his hand.

Keep a smile on your face, a chuckle in your voice and love in your heart.

Paul C. Howell, PTIM

Commander's Comments | Jan 2011

Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.

The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. is a charitable foundation dedicated to helping those who face loss of sight due top the need for surgical treatment and to provide funds for research in during diseases of the eye. (Just this past spring the foundation gave a research grant of $35,000 to a doctor at the Kellogg Eye Center.)

Since its founding in 1956, the Foundation has handled over 82,000 cases, representing more than $102 million. Research grants totaling over $9.6 million have been made to researchers working in the field of pediatric ophthalmology or development biology.

Who We Help!

The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. provides assistance to U.S. citizens who face loss of sight due to the need for surgical treatment without regard to race, color, creed, age, sex or national origin provided they are unable to pay or receive adequate assistance from current government agencies or similar sources. This includes the correction of strabismus (cross-eyes) in children up to the age of 16 years.

How We Help!

Qualified persons are provided with the cost of treatment, surgery, and hospitalization in a place of their own choosing and by physicians of their own< choice.

The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. is also a co-sponsor of the EyeCare American Seniors EyeCare Program, a public service of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.

1000 East State Parkway, Suite 1

Schaumburg, IL 60173

www.knightstemplar.org/ktef

Contributions are tax deductible under Section 501© 3 of the Internal Revenue Code.