Oct 23, 2020 | Uncategorized
RE Bert Larson, designated “Dean of Past High Priests”, RE Fred Velott Jr, awarded “Secretary Emeritus” and RE Ron Baumler awarded GRand Representative New South Wales.
Mar 10, 2020 | Uncategorized
Holy Ark Chapter No. 304 is pleased to host the visitation of Right Excellent Jamie Kiam, Jr. to the Sixteenth Capitular District on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. The Grand Visitor program is designed in such a manner that a progressing Grand Chapter Officer will have visited the entire jurisdiction prior to being elected Grand High Priest. It is an opportunity for the Companions to learn about our future leaders, and a time for the Grand Chapter Officers to share their ideas and concerns with the members. It is expected that the other Chapters in the District and surrounding area will also attend this important meeting.
That evening, Holy Ark Chapter No. 304 is recognizing and honoring our beloved Companion RE J. Frederick Velott, Jr. as “Secretary Emeritus” of the Chapter. Companion Fred has labored in the quarries for many years and has gained the esteem of Companions all around the Western New York area. There will be several presentations and proclamations in his honor and we hope you will join us on this joyful tribute and celebration.
A dinner is schedule preceding the convocation. We are offering a tasty oven baked breaded one inch thick pork loin entrée (similar to pork chop) with baby salt potatoes, spring vegetables, salad, rolls and butter, together with coffee and tea with dessert.
The cost for the dinner is ($12.00) twelve dollars.
Dinner is scheduled for six o’clock PM and reservations are a “must” to Companion Scribe Dennis Lyons telephone: 716-912-3809 or e-mail: Trapperpd@verizon.net In order to properly buy-up the job; the deadline is seven days from the event May 13, 2020.
Let’s give our Grand Visitor and Secretary Emeritus a big Western New York welcome! We appreciate your support and look forward to greeting you in our Chapter Room that evening!
With Fervency and Zeal,
MW Jeffrey M. Williamson, High Priest
Mar 10, 2020 | Uncategorized
Dear Companions of Holy Ark Chapter,
It was a real pleasure to be the official representative from Holy Ark Chapter No. 304. I love the annual migration to Albany! It reminds me of the march of the penguins! Nothing stops us! We had a great turnout. The fellowship is always outstanding, and the best part of the weekend is renewing old friendships and making new ones as well! Also attending from our Chapter was RE Paul Barrera Jr. and his Lady Donna and RE John Haslam, Sr. and Ex. Peter Stein.
There were several highpoints this year:
- Companion John Haslam received a commission from the Grand Chapter of Virginia directly from their Grand High Priest! Congratulations Right Excellent John!
- I had the privilege of installing ME David H. Raymond and the Grand Chapter Officers together with ME Bruce Renner as ME Installing Grand Captain of the Host.
- ME RJ Kessler and the team from Tonawanda Keystone No. 71 did an outstanding job conferring the Order of High Priesthood on the incoming High Priests!
- Ex Peter Stein received the Keystone Award for bringing in at least five new candidates!
- RE Brian Singer advanced to the Grand King’s position as well as receiving the prestigious Ezra Ames Medal for his work with the youth groups. Congratulations!
- R E G. Franklin Gaskill was installed DDGHP of our District! Congratulations Frank! He will be making his official visitation in October.
- The Order of Old Saratoga had 29 new members which raised over two thousand dollars for the Grand Chapter charities! Everyone had a great time! If you ever decide to visit Grand Chapter, make it a POINT to receive the Order of Old Saratoga!
- The Ladies theme baskets raised over thousand dollars! Congratulations on a job well done.
- The Royal Arch Charities had the second highest amount collected in recent times.
- The Zerrubabel Society (those Companions who pledge $100.00 per year for ten years) has over 360 members with many receiving double, triple diamonds or more! If anyone is interested in becoming a member and receiving a Zerrubabel Jewel and lapel pin, please contact the Chapter or District Deputy and we will get you enrolled.
- The Royal Arch Masonic Medical Research Foundation completed its 3 year pledge and presented a check in the amount of $175,000.00 for the Microscopy Room located in the MMRI.
- In addition, The Royal Arch Masonic Medical Research Foundation combined with an estate donation (with thanks to ME Huck) and presented a check in the amount of $60,000.00 for the Histology Suite. The unveiling ceremony will be held in the summer months.
ME David Raymond’s theme is “I CARE” and each letter represent various action items and projects he wants us to focus on. His pins are very attractive and high quality and are on sale for $5.00 each. I’m sure that RE Gaskill or RE Singer will have them for sale.
Feb 17, 2020 | Photo Galleries
Prior to our Convocation, Companion Scribe Dennis Lyons set up a very nice Wegman’s Submarine luncheon complete with chips, cookies and drinks for the enjoyment of those present.
Approximately twelve noon, the Special Communication commenced. The Chapter Officers opened the Chapter in full form thereby demonstrating their proficiency before the Grand Scribe. Congratulations to the Officers for a job well done!
After opening the Chapter, the Canadian Visitors were admitted into the Chapter room. Recognizing the large amount of work on the Chapter Trestle board, ME Williamson offered a general and cordial welcomed to everyone in attendance.
Our Canadian Visitors included RE John Newton, Ex. Comp. Tim Whitfield, V. Ex. Comp. John H. Perham – who is recovering from a triple bypass and valve replacement, Ex. Comp. William (Bill) Hodwitz, Ex. Comp. Terry Kirk, R. Ex. Comp. Richard Shave, Ex. Comp. Gerry Candelino, Charles Lemmex, Terry Kirk, Roland Barnes and Kyle MacDonald.
There were several delegations and notable individuals in attendance from local Chapters such as East Aurora, Arcade, Tonawanda-Keystone, Le Roy and Arcade Chapters. Many Grand Line dignitaries were present including RE Steven R. Shearer, GRAC, RE Brian Singer, Grand Scribe, RE David Raymond, Grand King, and ME Paul Huck, GHP GC Royal Arch Masons, State of NY.
The Chapter was pleased to welcome RE John Newton and Ex. Companion RE Tim Whitfield who affiliated as new members. Congratulations and welcome to the team!
The Mark Master and Past Master Degrees were conferred on a large class of members. The Chapter also welcomes the following NEW members (all Brothers): James M. Lovullo, Western Star Lodge 1185, David J. Peters, Western Star Lodge 1185, Jeffery E. Thomas, Living Stone 255, William W. Dawson, III Living Stone 255, Alex Casucci, Living Stone 255 and William Adam, West Seneca Lodge 1111.
Seven or eight companions from East Aurora Chapter were present with a constitutional number of members needed to vote on several new members at this metering. This is a very exciting turn of events for the Chapter…Congratulations!
At the end of the meeting ME Paul Huck, GHP GC Royal Arch Masons, State of NY addressed the candidates. He expressed his congratulations and stressed the need for each candidate to further their Masonic education and learn about the degrees. ME Williamson and ME Huck next presented authentic Jewish Shekels to the candidate as a token of the event.
There being no further business, the Grand High Priest waived the reading of the minutes and directed the Secretary to e-mail the minutes to the Companions. He then closed the Chapter in ample form. The assembly retired downstairs to the collation room to enjoy drinks, punch and cake. Special thanks to RE Keith Poppendeck handling the post-Chapter meeting refreshments.
Our next Regular Convocation will be April 15, 2020- Official Visit of the DDGHP and Special Honors Presentation to RE J. Frederick Velott Jr., Secretary Emeritus. 6:00 PM Dinner, 7:30 PM Stated Convocation, Dress: Sport Coat & Tie.
Dec 21, 2019 | News & Events
Companions
We opened the December 18, 2019 Convocation of Holy Ark Chapter at 5:00 PM in order to get ahead of the busy evening ahead of us. After opening the Chapter High Priest Gary Fazio and Companion Dennis Lyons prepared a “Make your Own” submarine sandwich dinner. Many thanks to them!
At 7:30 PM we conferred the Past Master degree upon four of our Canadian visitors. At the conclusion of the degree they were given a Chapter Penny and a special card signifying that they received the NY Past Master Degree. Our thanks to RE Jim MacConnell for conferring the degree together with RE Fred Velott Jr as Marshal, RE Paul Czubaj as Sr Deacon who also did Q&A’s with RE Keith Poppendeck. Participating in the degree was Ex Selom Adjogah, RE Pepper Weinheimer III and several others.
RE Jim Kintzel conducted the elections and ME RJ Kessler and Ex John Haslam Sr. officiated in the Installation together with RE Gaskill, RE Singer and Ex Dinatale and MW Sullivan. Thanks to everyone for their fine efforts!
Special distinction was conferred upon RE Velott Jr. who was elected Secretary Emeritus… congratulations Fred! A special program will be held in April to honor this distinguished Companion. Ex Gary Fazio was presented with a special Royal Arch and Cryptic Apron and the Imediate PHP jewel.
After the meeting the Companions retired to the Collation Hall to enjoy a special cake and punch which was furnished by RE Poppendeck. A great time was had by all! Merry Christmas!
