Well, like the Frank Sinatra song declares “And now, the end is near. And I must face the final curtain.”
My Companions, my time in the “East of the Sanctuary” has come to its conclusion and I must say, it was my honor to serve our Chapter and I truly enjoyed the experience. I am enriched by the many memories we created and grateful for the opportunity serve you!
There is an old axiom in leadership: to leave an organization in better shape than how you found it. In looking back, I must say our Chapter has all the tools and experience necessary to succeed, it just needed a gentle jump-start to get us back in motion.
We have accomplished so much over the last few years, from foundational elements such as updating and approving our bylaws, and due’s structure, creating a budget, and cleaning up our roster, implementing the mandated Grand Chapter data base and establishing good business relations with the Grand Chapter Officers and management. We have updated the General Grand Chapter magazine list, and EVERYONE should be receiving the quarterly publication.
We now have 42 Companions on our rolls and have received recognition from Grand Chapter for such an increase in membership. In addition, we recognized the Covid-19 challenges by implemented a monthly newsletter which was “chock-full” of educational materials to enrich the Companions minds during this sequestered period of isolation.
Additionally, we have successfully conferred the Mark Master, the Past Master, and the Holy Royal Arch Degrees which were competently and impressively portrayed.
We enjoyed great moments of fellowship such as our Wild Shirt Cigar Steak Bake, Table Chapter, Meritorious Companion Presentation, Grand Presentation, Raymond’s Ponds sojourn and wine tasting weekend. We visited a few Chapters and Grand Lecturers Conventions.
In short, we have given our Companions a reason to attend our Convocations and to enjoy the benefits of being a Royal Arch Mason. I am especially excited to see the response to RE Keith Dash’s recruitment of new line officers which portends the magnificent upturn in our membership. When new leadership takes over there is an automatic increase in energy and excitement, and I am already charged up for a new and sensational 2022.
In summary, I am very proud of Holy Ark our Chapter No. 304, and I hope you are as well! I thank you for your continued support as we all assume new and different rolls in our Chapter. The final linchpin to real success is to pass these leadership roles down to the next generation, and I look with great satisfaction to seeing this unfold before my very eyes! I remain, with fervency and zeal, your loyal Companion!
ME Jeffrey Williamson,
High Priest