Holy Ark Chapter No. 304

Royal Arch Masons, State of New York

“Paying the Best in Masonic Wages”

 

Report for the Grand Chapter Convocation March 2020

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.