Holy Ark Chapter No. 304

Royal Arch Masons, State of New York

“Paying the Best in Masonic Wages”

 

From The East of the Sanctuary

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

Edward R. Grecke Jr., Meritorious Companion

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.

Report for the December 2019 Convocation of Holy Ark Chapter

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!