Mar 26, 2025 | News & Events
Companions,
March is here already, and the Chapter is in full swing!
My Companions, we are in the midst of tremendous change at Holy Ark, trying new things and stretching our wings! I promised you that you would see your fair share of “falling short” and the dreaded “failure” and I stand by that. If you are not failing at something, you’re not growing enough! One area where we cannot fail, however, is the 52-club drawing. This fundraiser is the linchpin for next year and for our endeavors to support our own RE Dash! Please sell or buy your remaining tickets this week- we will be looking to collect all unsold ones and the money this weekend!
One rousing success is our new opening! I cannot explain the feeling of walking to the East with the King and Scribe while inspirational music is playing! It is incredible and incredible to see! If you have not been to Chapter in 2025, come back – we miss you and you are missing out!
Please read my report on the Grand Chapter and put next year in your plans. Companion Mike Dash, our Scribe, has agreed to let me work on a bus for next year. I cannot stress enough the importance of going as a group from now on. Don’t forget to include your Ladies in these plans – Anne had a blast!
Speaking of Ladies, on May 21st (just around the corner!) we will have our annual Ladies’; Social. The officers and I are still planning things, but we are guaranteeing a wonderful time that will make you excited to bring her to more Holy Ark and Royal Arch events! We are also planning our re-invigorated Steak Bake! This year will include Bourbon, Mezcal, and (outside) fine cigars! We will also have a gift basket action (a few years ago I won some high-end shaving supplies!) Please mark your calendars and start considering a basket you think a Companion will remember winning years from now!
My Companions, as I part this message, a message written with peace and love – I’d like to touch on UNITY. We live in a time where polarization is winning and “the other” is vilified. I’ve seen friends even Brothers torn by the events of the day. Companions, let us be an example for the world. We unite in friendship, empathy, understanding, and Brotherly love; we unite to grow the Chapter, we unite to lift each other and Raise the Royal Arch!
With Fervency and Zeal,
Edward Draves
Dec 24, 2022 | Uncategorized
Greetings Companions,
I am so pleased to be installed as High Priest of the Holy Ark Chapter. I served this Chapter as High Priest in 2007 and I am honored that you have given me an opportunity to serve again.
We need to build upon the progress that we have made in the Chapter. We have a full trestle board. Our degree cycle starts in February and we will also confer the Past Master Degree at Raymond’s Ponds later this summer. On October 18, 2023, will again host the district Charity Table Chapter.
This is an exciting time and this will be an awesome year! We welcome your full participation!
With Fervency and Zeal,
RE James R. KIntzel High Priest
Dec 24, 2022 | News & Events
C\Edward R. Grecke Jr. is bestowed the rank of Meritorious Companion
During November 16, 2022, ceremonies at the Social and Ladies/Awards Night dinner, Companion Ed Gerecke Jr. was selected by the Chapter to be elevated to the rank and dignity of Meritorious Companion.
Our dear Companion is a member of Holy Ark Chapter for 43 years and has served our Chapter in a myriad of officer stations as needed. He is also a proud 47-year member of Western Star Lodge No. 1185.
In the world outside of Masonry, Ed resides in Angola, New York. Professionally, he worked at the New York State Department of Transportation as a Civil Engineer, (PE).
He is also a member of the First Congregational Church, UCC in Angola, and in his spare time helps out at the local Meals on Wheels.
When asked what he most liked about Royal Arch he stated “Companionship.”
A Certificate of Merit was established by the Grand Chapter in 1936. This award is restricted to a Companion who has never served as a HP, but has a record of unusual loyalty, perseverance, courage and dependability.
The Companion is entitled to the initials M.C. after his name in all Chapter correspondence.
Dec 24, 2022 | Uncategorized
Excerpt of address by RE Keith E. Dash:
My Companions, I am pleased to report that the initiative of “Restore, Rebrand and Retain” was highly successful.
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the 25th Anniversary of Holy Ark Chapter No. 304 could not be properly celebrated until the restriction could be lifted. This year, we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the consolidation of Hamburg Chapter No. 313 and Angola Chapter No. 304, by naming a class of seven candidates in honor of the founding High Priests who came together with the merger, namely RE George Dash, (304) and RE Ronald Baumler (313). The Chapter conferred all the degrees upon these candidates over a six-month period which represented a gain of over 18% in membership.
The Chapter was engaged in many activities this year, including raising over $3,000.00 for operations and charity efforts, Presenting a 60-year DeMolay Award to RW Carl Swan during a special DeMolay Night in which Brother Marc Bohn, Past Grand Master DeMolay International was present.
He further reported that we have four Holy Ark Companions who have joined the Zerubbabel Society this year namely Keith Dash, Ed Gerecke and Gary Fazio, and John Petelin and thanked them for their devotion to Royal Arch Charities. In addition, ME Williamson was awarded the General Grand Chapter Ritualist Award in March, and “Holy Ark’s Companion of the Year” award last month. He further expounded that RE John Haslam, RE Velott Jr, RE Dash, and RE Peter Stein, all members of Holy Ark Chapter No. 304, received the coveted DeMolay Legion of Honor.
We traveled to Fairport for a Chapter Room Dedication, Raymond’s Ponds for the Degrees, hosted the Grand Lecturers Convention, donated monies to the district Charity Table Chapter held at Ames No. 88, enjoyed a Steak Bake fundraiser, as well as a catered Ladies Night/wine tasting with Awards in which Companion Ed Gerecke was bestowed a Meritorious Companion Apron.
The High Priest continued, “We my Companions have accomplished much; more needs to be done. We must keep that fire in which we have kindled burning both within ourselves and showing our Lodge brethren, here is where you receive Master’s Wages, receive the real word and the Light we all seek”.
In closing he humbly thanked everyone for this honor to serve, and pledged his support to the newly elected and appointed officers in all of their endeavors. He concluded with: “May the New Year bring you peace and prosperity, good health, and happiness. Holiness to the Lord.”
Dec 15, 2021 | Uncategorized
My Companions,
I am truly humbled that you have placed your trust in me to build on the successes of Holy Ark Chapter for 2022. I wished to express my gratitude to R. E. Jim Kintzel and his installing team for a superb job and wish to thank M.E. Jeffrey Williamson for his counsel and guidance. It has been 30 years since I have served as High Priest but be assured, the time between these terms of office have not altered my enthusiasm or dedication.
We are the stewards of the True Word, and as such have a tradition or rather obligation to share light with all who seek!
Royal Arch Masonry is the keystone of Masonry in general but to our symbolic Lodge in particular. For that reason, our mantra needs to be “Compliment not Compete” with our Lodges.
Capitular Masonry is not a separate entity! It is a continuation of the virtues, allegory and tenets discovered in the three degrees of Freemasonry. It is a completion of the historical tradition upon which our Craft was founded. We, my companions must rededicate ourselves to assist in whatever tasks our Lodges desire. So that when our work is complete and the Lodge task answered, our Lodge brethren will recognize us as upright men and Royal Arch Masons.
Our chapter has just completed its 25th year of service to our craft. This year the officers and companions have planned many events to commemorate this milestone. This year will feature many of our established traditions, with new approaches and new events designed for enlightenment and enjoyment. I urge all companions to refer to our chapter’s Trestle Board as well as your regular attendance to our Chapter Convocations.
The Covid Pandemic continues as we usher in a new Capitular Year and with it, we will no doubt be faced with further challenges. We must however stay the course and pick up the Crow which will enable us to lift things of great weight and bulk that encumbers our progress toward virtue. Very similar to our ancient brethren when faced with erecting the House of the Lord, we to may be faced with difficulty. Just as they, we will prevail!
May the Great Architect of the Universe bless each of you and your families with health and happiness in the New Year.
Yours in Companionship!
RE Keith E. Dash
High Priest
Companions,
