PROCEEDINGS OF THE

GRAND CHAPTER

OF

ROYAL ARCH MASONS

STATE OF OHIO

HELD ATMason, Ohio

October 7 – 8, A.D. 2015A.I. 2545

One Hundred and Ninety - NinthAnnual Convocation

BARBERTON, OHIO

Published by order of the Grand Chapter2015

Proceedings of the Grand Chapter

R. KEITH O'DELL

Grand High Priest

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio2014-2015

BIOGRAPHY & MASONIC RECORDR. Keith O'Dell

Grand High Priest 2014 – 2015

R. Keith O'Dell was born on October 28, 1954, the son of Clifford and Hattie (Pollard) O'Dell. He is happily married to his bride Cindy. M.E.C. O'Dell graduated from Manchester High School (1973); attended Ohio State University, Morehead State University and holds a B.S. in Natural Science (Summa Cum Laude) from Shawnee State University. He is currently employed by the state of Ohio at Ross Correction Institution as Treatment Plant manager. He holds Certified Class IV Wastewater Operator and Certified Class II Water Operation licenses. Active in his community, he has served on the West Union Life Squad (1979-87) and on the West Union Fire Department. He and Cindy are members of First Baptist Church of Seaman.

MASONIC RECORD

SYMBOLIC MASONRYWest Union Lodge #43 F&AM Burton, Ohio Raised 1980 Worshipful Master 1985 & 2002 Past President of the 7th Masonic District Association

CAPITULAR MASONRYMt. Vernon Chapter #23 Royal Arch Masons, Exalted 1983 Affiliated with Hillsboro Chapter #40 in 1983; Excellent High Priest 1988 District Deputy Grand High Priest, 5th District 2004 - 2007 Past President of the 5th District Officers Association Grand Representative of Kansas

CRYPTIC MASONRYHillsboro Council #16 Royal and Select MasonsSolomon Council #79, Illustrious Master 1990 - 1991

CHIVALIRIC MASONRYHighland Commandery #31 Knights Templar Eminent Commander (4 times) Captain General ( 2005 to present)Calvary Commandery #13, Past Eminent CommanderPast President of the d3rd Division Committee for Templar Avancement

PRIORYOhio Priory #18 Knight York Grand Cross of HonorPast President of Clinton County KYCH Club

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter

OTHER MASONIC AFFILIATIONSOhio Valley York Rite College #196; currently serving as SeneschalRabboni Council #435, Allied Masonic Degrees Past Sovereign Master Recipient of the Red Branch of EriCharles A. Brown Council #81, Knight MasonsWest Union Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star Worthy Patron (17 times)Ohio Valley Rainbow Advisory CouncilDad Advisor - Zane Trace Chapter of DeMolay

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OFFICERS OF THE GRAND CHAPTER OFROYAL ARCH MASONS OF THE STATE OF OHIO 2014 – 2015

R. Keith O’Dell (wife Cindy) ……………………...…..……………… Grand High Priest 712 Boyd Avenue, West Union, OH 45693 H: (937) 544-7369 Cell: (937) 763-1802Robert D. Blankenhorn (wife Pam) …………………………………....…..… Grand King 2172 Satinwood Dr., Mansfield, OH 44903 H: (419) 589-2174 Cell: (419) 564-1592Jeffrey L. Addis ………………………………………….....................……. Grand Scribe 42 Privet Lane, Northfield, OH 44067 H: (330) 748-4932 Cell: (216) 536-1498Charles J. McCarty (wife Ann) ……………………………………….…. Grand Treasurer 36005 Sherwood Ln,, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 Home: (216) 486-9499 Dale G. Ray, Jr. (wife Jacqueline)……………………………………….. Grand Secretary 564 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Suite 401, Barberton, OH 44203 Office: 330-753-3670 1031 Wilbur Ave., Barberton, OH 44203 Home: (330) 753-5469J. Keith Green (wife Debbie) ………………….……………… Grand Captain of the Host P.O. Box 26, Graytown, OH 43432 Bus: (313) 594-0852 Cell: 419 270-0414 Ross R. Black, II (wife Linda) ................................................... Grand Principal Sojourner 603 Beaverbrook Drive, Akron, OH 44333 Home:(330) 864-3423 Bus:(330) 928-1843H. Jeffery Shaw (wife Pam) ……………………………......… Grand Royal Arch Captain 2400 Bellsburg Drive, Dayton, OH 45459 Home:(937) 436-3018 Cell:(937) 212-8226Daniel S. Smith (wife Jean) ……..…...……………….…… Grand Master of the 3rd Veil 1026 Zodiak Avenue, Gahanna, OH 43230 H: (614) 855-0114 Cell: (614) 477-4136Rodney L. Carr (wife Robin) ……………………………… Grand Master of the 2nd Veil 245 N. Mulberry Lane, Logan, OH 43138 H: (740) 385-9331 Cell: (740) 603-6910Ronald C. Hart, Sr. (Wife Deb) ............................................. Grand Master of the 1st Veil 9161 Solon Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45242 H: (513) 891-3526 Cell: (513) 253-7570

APPOINTIVEJeffery S. Humble (wife Tracy) ….............……………………...………. Grand Chaplain 7515 Canterbury Rd., Portsmouth, OH 45662 Home & Cell: (740) 352-3072

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioF. Raymond Sharritts (wife Patricia) ………….....................… Grand Chaplain, Emeritus 1655 Lexington Drive, Lancaster, OH 43130 Home: (740) 654-6650

R. Joseph Schilling (wife Bonnie) .......................................................... Grand Necrologist 649 Copeland Rd., Waverly, OH 45690 H: (740) 947-5343 C: (740) 708-3050George L. O'Neal (wife Carolyn) .………………………………………….. Grand Guard 14 Elm Street, West Portsmouth, OH 45663 H: (740) 858-2280 Ryan W. Adams (wife Cathy) …………......………………………...……. Grand Marshal 92 Oliver Dr., Chillicothe, OH 45601 H: (740) 663-4475 Cell: (740) 703-5446Norman G. Lincoln………………………………………………………. Grand Historian 204 W. Chicago Street, PO Box 454, Eaton, OH 45320 Home: (937) 456-6859Richard D. Snow (wife Marjorie) ……………………….. Grand Fraternal Correspondent 2243 McCoy Road, Columbus, OH 43220 Home: (614) 451-9691 Don R. Lutz (wife Lenore) ……….……………………………………… Grand Musician 1015 Montrose Avenue, Bexley, OH 455052 H: (614) 231-3166 Bus: (614) 224-6105Abraham F. Kay (wife Bonnie) …………………………………... Grand Parliamentarian 21075 Farnsleigh Road, Beachwood, OH 44122 Home: (216) 751-1949Steven A. Duncan (wife Toni) ................................................... Assistant Grand Secretary 6278 Overture Dr., Dayton, OH 45449 H: (937) 434-9322 C: (937) 271-358

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND CHAPTER of ROYAL ARCH MASONS of the STATE OF OHIO

at its One Hundred and Ninety-ninth Annual Convocationheld in the city of Mason, Ohio, October 7 and 8, A.D. 2015, A.I. 2545

The Officers and members of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio assembled at the Great Wolf Resort in Mason, Ohio on October 7th, 2015 where the One Hundred and Ninety-ninth Annual Convocation convened at 8:00 A.M. By Dispensation, the officers of Hillsboro Chapter No. 40, Royal Arch Masons, opened a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons with the following officers filling the stations:

Terrance H. Alexander….…....….….…...….. High PriestRichard Smith ...........................…...……...….. KingH. Ray Haynes .................…..………..………. ScribeRonald Cramblit …...........................…………. Secretary George Bauer …......……….......…………...… TreasurerDean Jones …...................……....………….… Captain of the HostWilliam Wilson ...…..........…..……….…....…. Principal SojournerScott Rinehart ..........................………....…...... Royal Arch CaptainJon Kline .......................…..…………….....… Master of the Third VeilJeff McLaughlin …....…………………......…. Master of the Second VeilRobert Ledbetter ............…….………….......... Master of the First VeilGary Brown …........................………...…....… Guard

Grand Officers Received and Introduced

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter The Grand Officers were received and introduced by Right Excellent Companion Ryan W. Adams, Grand Marshal. Most Excellent Companion O'Dell was conducted to his station where the gavel of authority was presented to him by High Priest Terrance

Alexander. He thanked the officers of Hillsboro Chapter for the opening and requested the following Grand Officers to take their respective stations:

Robert D. Blankenhorn, Jr ...…….…. Grand KingJeffrey L. Addis ……..…..................... Grand ScribeCharles J. McCarty………………..... Grand TreasurerDale G. Ray, Jr. …………………...... Grand SecretaryJ. Keith Green ……............................ Grand Captain of the HostRoss R. Black, II....………………..... Grand Principal SojournerH. Jeffery Shaw.…..………...…..…. Grand Royal Arch Captain Daniel S. Smith …..…….……..…... Grand Master of the Third VeilRodney L. Carr …………………... Grand Master of the Second VeilRonald C. Hart…………….………. Grand Master of the First Veil Jeffery S. Humble . ……………....... Grand ChaplainF. Raymond Sharritts …………...…. Grand Chaplain EmeritusR. Joseph Schilling ............................ Grand NecrologistRyan W. Adams ….....…………....... Grand MarshalGeorge O'Neal ……………......…… Grand GuardRichard Snow .......……………......... Grand Fraternal CorrespondentNorman G. Lincoln……………….... Grand HistorianDon R. Lutz …....…………………... Grand MusicianAbraham F. Kay ……………………. Grand Parliamentarian

CREDENTIALS, 1st PARTIAL REPORTThe Committee on Credentials is pleased to report that there are present and

registered a sufficient number of representatives from the several constituent chapters of this Grand Chapter to constitute a quorum under Article 5, Section 2 of the Constitution of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, which is thirty (30) or more chartered chapters, and that all Grand Officers are present. There are also present at this 199th Annual Grand Convocation of the Grand Chapter a large number of distinguished representatives from this and other jurisdictions, to all of whom is extended a most cordial and fraternal welcome.Respectfully submitted, Loren L. Bower, Jr., Chairman, Credentials Committee

GRAND CHAPTER OPENEDGrand Marshal Ryan W. Adams declared the 199th Annual Convocation of the Grand

Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio duly opened in ample form for the transaction of such business as may regularly come before it.

INVOCATION - Grand Chaplain Jeffery S. Humble

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio "Lord of Hosts; Lord of God of Heaven and earth, we thank you for this bright sunny day, not only in weather, but as well as in Masonry. We thank you for the 199th grand convocation. We ask your blessing on these proceedings. Bless our fellowship and brotherhood. This we pray in Thy holy name. Amen"

INTRODUCTIONS

Distinguished Masons and guests were then presented in groups with each group being accorded a hearty welcome and the honors due their stations.

Past Grand High Priests of Ohio were presented by Grand Marshal Ryan W. Adams:

William M. Berry 1979 - 1980Dale G. Ray, Jr. 1992 - 1993Jerry C. Crawford 1993 - 1994 Wayne S. Dill 1996 - 1997

Robert D. Crabbs 1998 - 1999Charles J. McCarty 1999 - 2000Alan D. Hart 2001 - 2002 John R. Gartrell 2002 – 2003Steven A. Duncan 2003 - 2004Jean W. Justus, Jr. 2004 - 2005 Kermit V. Zimmerman 2005 - 2006James M. McDonald 2006 - 2007Garis E. Pugh 2007 - 2008 Robert J. Draye 2008 - 2009Donald L. Losasso 2009 - 2010James W. Himmelright 2010 - 2011George M. Shell 2011 - 2012Robert W. Thomas 2013 - 2014

District Deputies Grand High Priest were presented by Most Excellent Companion Garis E. Pugh: District 1 Ernie L. Longberry District 10 Ronald G. Horne 2 J. Michael Lenhart 11 James R. Esswein

3 Joseph J. Fair 13 Scottie H. Smith3 Gregory B. Clatterbuck 14 Mark W. Bruns4 Stanley J. Anderson 16 Robert R. Nilsen5 Lloyd W. Eichenlaub 16 Kenneth Kubach6 H. William Jones 17 Frank T. Schenck7 Kenneth B. Foy 19 Zel E. Bush8 Douglas E. Towslee 20 D. Douglas Dolan9 Herbert L. Smith (excused)

District Education Officers, in attendance, were presented by Most Excellent Companion Wayne S. Dill: District 1 William G. Kerr District 11 John A. Spoff

2 Charles Wise 16 Bruce A. Knopp3 Claude F. Seibel 16 Ronald J. Bokan, Jr7 Kenneth D. Chamberlain 17 Matthew G. Sinn

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter9 H. Ray Hardwick 19 James A. Streeky10 Ronald G. Horne

The Grand Officers of the Grand Council, Royal and Select Masons of Ohio were introduced by Most Excellent Companion Steven A. Duncan:

M. Ill. Companion Richard J. Amlung Grand MasterRt. Ill. Companion Edwin G. Herrick Deputy Grand MasterRt. Ill. Companion David A. Mourer Grand Principal Conductor of the WorkM. Ill. Companion Robert R. Rettig Past Grand Master, Grand TreasurerM. Ill. Companion Bobby G. Campbell Past Grand Master, Grand RecorderM. Illustrious Companion Merlyn E. Meredith Past Gr. Master, Gr. Recorder EmeritusRt. Ill. Companion Stephen C. Hill Grand Conductor of Council Rt. Ill. Companion Michael A. Smith Grand MarshalRt. Ill. Companion David G. Weimer Grand SentinelRt. Ill. Companion James Sutherin Inspector of the 4th ArchRt. Ill. Companion R. Wesley Webber Inspector of the 8th ArchV. Ill. Companion Terry L. Regenos Grand AideV. Ill. Companion David E. Webb Grand PhotographerIll. Companion Wayne Sieber 8th Arch AdjutantM. Illustrious Companion James V. Parker, IV Past Grand MasterM. Illustrious Companion Fred A. Boggs Past Grand MasterRt. Ill. Companion Lynn B. Alexander Immediate Past Grand Master

Officers of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Ohio were introduced by Most Excellent Companion James W. Himmelright:Sir Knight Thomas H. Gault, Sr. Right Eminent Grand CommanderSir Knight Ronald Vicars Eminent Grand GeneralissimoSir Knight Martin R. Trent Eminent Grand Senior WardenSir Knight Paxton Mendelssohn Eminent Grand Junior WardenSir Knight Robert C. Hager Eminent Grand Standard BearerSir Knight James M. Frazier Eminent Grand WarderSir Knight Richard Brady Past Grand CommanderSir Knight Richard Holcomb Past Grand CommanderSir Knight David Snyder Past Grand CommanderSir Knight August C. “Jerry” Holzer Past Grand CommanderSir Knight Alfred T. Johnson Eminent Grand RecorderSir Knight Eddie M. Wilson Aide to the Grand CommanderSir Knight Charles Wise Deputy Division Commander 2nd Sir Knight Timothy Ralston Deputy Division Commander 3rdSir Knight Dale Exline Deputy Division Commander 4th Sir Knight Larry Rentz Deputy Division Commander 6th

Officers of Ohio Priory No. 18, Knights York Cross of Honor were presented by Most Excellent Companion Donald L. Losasso also serving as Priory Herald:Knight Robert McNutt Eminent PriorKnight Donald Owens Deputy PriorKnight Robert W. Thomas OratorKnight Vater D. Webb SentinelKnight R. Wesley Webber 3rd District Deputy Knight Alfred T. Johnson Registrar and Past Eminent Prior

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioKnight Merlyn E. Meredith Past Eminent PriorKnight Alan D. Hart Past Eminent Prior Knight Lynn Chadbourne Past Eminent PriorKnight William D. Stratton Past Eminent PriorKnight Dennis Wilhelm Past Eminent PriorKnight David Snyder Past Eminent Prior

Representatives of York Rite Sovereign College of Ohio were introduced by Most Excellent Companion Robert D. Crabbs:

Rt. Em. Distinguished Bro. Dennis Wilhelm Grand Governor of Ohio Em. Distinguished Bro. David A.Wiley Deputy Governor of OhioRt. Em. Distinguished Bro. Kenneth Crouch Past Grand Governor of Ohio

Representative of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite was introduced by Most Excellent Companion William M. Berry:

Companion Neil M. Smalley Most Worshipful Past Grand Master and Active Emeritus,

A.A.S.R

Representatives of sister Grand Jurisdictions were presented by Most Excellent Companion Wayne S. Dill:

IndianaM. Ex. Comp. Marty A. Evens Grand High Priest

KentuckyM. Ex. Comp. Stewart Strickland Grand High PriestRt. Ex. Comp. Robert C. Peelman Grand ScribeM. Ex. Comp. Charles T. Mason Past Grand High Priest

MichiganM. Ex. Comp. Donald L. Galway Grand High PriestRt. Ex. Comp. Richard Hitch Grand Scribe

New YorkM. Ex. Comp. Cyril A. Frances Grand High Priest

OntarioM. Ex. Comp. Brian Van Sickle Grand First Principal

Representatives of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, Prince Hall Affiliate, were introduced by Most Excellent Companion Steven A. Duncan:

M. Ex. Comp. David W. Murray Grand High PriestCompanion Joe Rawls Administrative Officer

Representative of the General Grand Chapter International was then introduced by Most Excellent Companion Kermit V. Zimmerman, Ohio's Ambassador to the General Grand Chapter:

M. Ex. Comp. Larry E. Gray Past General Grand High Priest andcurrent General Grand Secretary

Representative of the Ohio Masonic Home was introduced by Most Excellent Companion Steven A. Duncan:

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter

Companion Thomas Stofac Chief Executive Officer

Representative of the Grand Lodge of Ohio was introduced by Most Excellent Companion Garis E. Pugh:

Rt. Ex. Comp. & M. Wor. Bro. Norman J. Mick Past Grand Master

GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN OHIO PRESENTED Most Worshipful Brother Steven A. Cokonougher Grand Master of Masons in Ohio was conducted to the East by Most Excellent Companion Donald L. Losasso and there extended Grand Honors due his high office. He was presented the gavel by Grand High Priest O'Dell and asked to preside. He then gave the following comments: "Good Morning Companions. Most Excellent, you have a lot of business to conduct today and people know I like to be short so I'm going to pass on talking right now. Please call on me a little later on and I may have a few words at that time. Thank you."

Most Worshipful Brother Cokonougher was extended a standing round of applause from the assembled Companions.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, NATIONAL ANTHEM, AND O’CANADA The flag of our nation, posted in its station in the East, the assembled Companions paid tribute to our flag by giving the pledge of allegiance. Most Excellent Companion O'Dell called upon Most Excellent Companion William Berry to lead the Companions with the singing our national anthem and that of our Canadian companions of the “Star Spangled Banner” and “O’Canada”. .

GRAND CHAPTER CALLED TO REFRESHMENT Most Excellent Companion O'Dell directed the Grand Scribe to call the Grand Chapter Convocation from labor to refreshment to receive several speakers.

INTRODUCTION OF WELCOMING SPEAKERTerri Zachil General Manager, Great Wolf Lodge

"Good morning. I've never been escorted in such a wonderful manner in my whole life. You fella's have to come back again because this is a thrill for me. My name is Terri Zachil and I am the general manager here at Great Wolf Lodge and I have to tell you it is a thrill to have you here with us this week. I had so many good comments from my pack members, we are all wolves so we have a pack. We thank you for being here and hope you are here many, many more years. If there is anything we can do to make you more comfortable please feel free to call upon us. Again, thank you for being with us."

RESPONSE BY GRAND KING ROBERT D. BLANKENHORN, Jr. "Ms. Zachil, on behalf of the over thirteen thousand Royal Arch Masons in Ohio we would like to thank you for your warm and sincere welcome to the Great Wolf Lodge in

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioMason, Ohio. We appreciate the fact that this community which until yesterday, or the day before, that had a different name, was renamed in honor of us Masons. That's a joke guys. (Laughter). We learned by research that in 1997 that the first Great Wolf Lodge was opening in Wisconsin Dells and almost overnight a new trend in the hospitality industry was born and has blossomed throughout this whole country. The first accommodation that had all

recreational facilities and lodges under one roof. It was 117 rooms, 20,000 square feet and it grew to 309 rooms and 40,000 square feet in 1999. By comparison, the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason opened in 2006 and has 401 rooms, a 78,000 square foot water-park, with 13 free attractions, 7 slide complexes as well as 6 restaurants. All in all, there are 13 Great Wolf Lodges in ten states and the province of Ontario. This is not the first time that the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio has assembled here. As in the past, we can't plan to take full advantage of this great facility and all its amenities. We look forward to returning here again in the future. Thank you."

COMMENTS FROM WENDY SPOERLChief Executive Officer of Adopt America Network

Introduced by Royal Arch Foundation President Kermit V. Zimmerman, she was welcomed by Grand High Priest Keith O'Dell who called upon her for comments. "Good morning. I am so happy to be here, particularly happy because I'm dragging along about five pounds attached to my right foot. Let me just briefly say that I wish it was something glamorous; that it was skydiving , or trying the new roller skating park or something awesome like that. I'm afraid it wasn't, so I'm going to leave it at that. You can imagine that I was doing something really cool when I broke my right foot but I'm about five weeks in and have another three weeks to go to see if I can get rid of this boot.I may be able to take it off and put on an ankle brace thing to drive because my husband about went into spasms because he thought he was going to have to be driving me everywhere. Can you imagine? I know you can imagine. I'm a busy gal and his concern was for my foot, of course, and for his time. Here I am. I am so happy to be here again today. Thank you so much for inviting me back again. This is such an awesome occasion each year. This is an extremely busy week for us at Adopt America. As many of you know, Friday night is our largest fund raiser of the year and we'll share a bit more about that in a minute. This is such a great opportunity to see all of you. This is really a neat place. This is the second time I've been here and enjoy this facility very much. Let me just tell you that I am always honored to come and to talk to all of you. It's a pleasure to be in the same room with so many hard working and caring people who really get it. That when you come together, organize, and go forward together, you can accomplish so many great things. I admire and commend you for all the work you have done over the many, many years and particularly so on behalf of Adopt America. I can tell you that it was in 1983 when Richard Ransom put into motion what is now 32 years later the Adopt America Network. Mr. Ransom was an inspired entrepreneur. He was the founder of Hickory Farms and he grew that business with franchising across the

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Proceedings of the Grand Chaptercountry, probably many of you already know that. It's an Ohio based business that grew out of northwest Ohio. He started by running lettuce on his father's grocery cart in downtown Toledo and grew the Hickory Farms organization from that humble beginning. He grew it across the country, and at the same time he was doing that, he was also recognizing that there was something more for him.

He shared his story with me and with others. He just turned 97 several weeks ago and is no longer able to get out and about these days but in earlier years when I was eating with him a got to see him regularly he would share the story with me that he tells so many people that growing a business like Hickory Farms gave me a lot of work and a lot of courage. He would say that when it's time for me to walk up to those pearly gates he didn't want to bank on his success in that business and being the best damn cheese salesman in Ohio. He wanted something more. He gathered together personal friends, business associates and in his garage, as many organizations start, he started a charity that has now helped 4,301 children go home for good. (Applause from the Companions) That's a lot of kids; kids who have been in foster care for too many years who are there not because it's their fault but because they were unable to be cared for safety in the home that they were born. Those are the kids that everyday Adopt America is working to find them homes. From the first child, whom I know I've told you about. If you remember his name, it's Derek. Derek was born a perfectly healthy little boy and before long was subjected to shaken baby syndrome. He was removed from his parents home and for the next 26 years of his too short life, but a good life, with a family who loved him, cared for him, and had adopted him and made him their own. When Derek passed, there was a community surrounding him. The church, the funeral home was packed with people who knew his family, who knew him. He left this world in such an amazing situation because of that family and even though it was short, and even though there was tragedy, there was joy and immense success for what he could accomplished in that situation. They helped him; they surrounded him with love. That was the first. The most recent placement for Adopt America was last Friday we had three little ones go home with a family. These kids are from an Ohio county and now live with an Ohio family. There are two little boys and a little girl and I'm saying little - eleven, nine and six are their ages if I remember correctly. One of the boys is autistic and has some challenges that way. This family that came to Adopt America had thought, for a number of years, that they would be good parents to a new born infant. They came to hear about the work that we are doing on behalf of kids that are already here. Kids who are already in foster care and already needing families. This family who has now welcomed these three children into their home we have nothing but wonderful expectations that these kids are going to have everything they need to succeed. Success can be defined in so many ways. It's the little steps some kids make; it's the big steps that some kids can make. You all know this that have kids or been around kids. Its defined differently for each one of them and so this new family of three kids with a new mom and dad are going to have that chance to be everything they want to be.

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio Mr. Ransom started with that group of hard working, caring people just like you. Adopt America's staff and volunteers, like you, are continuing every day, each and every week, each and every year to help more and more kids grow up safely where they should be. This Friday night, as I mentioned, is our biggest event in Toledo for Adopt America all year long. We have about 300 folks who will be coming and I know a group of you will be coming. I'm going to be a little bit of a spoiler and tell you a story that you will

hear again on Friday night - those of you that are coming. Each year we have a family come and share their message about how adoption has affected their lives. This year, I think it's our thirtieth anniversary of the event and we raise over $100,000 at each of these events so we're talking about over three million dollars for this one single event over the years. It's amazing what it can do for us. So, the family coming this year, Lori and Willy Johnson are a family that has been associated with Adopt America for a long time. Laurie was a volunteer as you'll hear in just a second. What I want to share with you is the story of one of their children. They have adopted a number of kids and many have grown and moved out of the home so frequently families who have adopted adopt again. Repeat customers, as you know, are your best customers. These are folks who know how to help and raise children. What I'd like to do is share with you the story that will be shared on Friday night by the little girl who is wheelchair bound with a breathing tube and has multiple medical issues. She is going to be there Friday night. Her name is Este." 'Hi, my name is Esther Meiling Johnson, but everyone calls me Estie and this is my story. I used to be Jane Gu, the name my birth parents gave me. I was born in Texas, but my parents were from China. I was born very floppy with little muscle tone. They did all kinds of tests on me but could not come up with what was wrong. My birth parents knew I could not get the care I needed in China so they put me in a foster home. When I did not get better, they decided to place me for adoption. My mom (Lori)helped to find homes for children with special needs whose parents could not keep them. She volunteered for Adopt America Network. One day she received a call from an adoption agency in Texas. They asked if she knew anyone who would be willing to adopt a baby with special needs that possibly may not live. She blurted out " I would" so I became Esther Meiling Johnson. When I was six month old, my mom took me to a conference with her at Adopt America Network. In the motel room that morning I choked on my bottle and could not breath. I was taken by ambulance to the hospital and they had to put a tube down my throat and on a machine that helped me breath. The doctor took my mom aside and said you may need to think about at some point of taking a baby like this off the machine and let her go. My mom said," No! We need to get her home." I was flown back home to our hospital where they were able to get the breathing machine off and I went home. Eight weeks later it happened again. This time, the doctor decided I most likely always will need a machine to help me breath so mom and dad signed to have a trachostomy done on me so I would not need a tube down my throat. On the day I was supposed to get my trach, it was canceled. My mom questioned why. A meeting was planned to talk.

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter The meeting consisted of my mom and dad, many doctors, social workers and hospital people. They told my parents if they were to give me a trach and a ventilator (breathing machine), it would only extended my life and that I was incompatible with life and what kind of quality of life I would have. My parents said, "No, we will make her a quality of life." So a new doctor came to work the one who had decided I needed a trach and so began my journey and I received my trach.

I am Estie Johnson. I am almost 14 years old. I love to sing and dance. I love school, my friends. And I love my siblings - well almost all of them. My everyday saying is this is the best day ever. I hope to be a motivational speaker some day. I live with my parents and 16 of my 31 siblings - 27 are adopted. They all have their stories; this one is mine. Never give up - tomorrow could be the best day ever!' "That's Estie's story. Thank you for being a part of her story. Thank you for being a part of the Adopt America Network. Have a wonderful week."

Ms. Spoerl's comments were received with a hearty round of applause.

GRAND CHAPTER CALLED FROM RECESS TO LABOR Ms. Spoerl was excused with Grand High Priest O'Dell directing the Grand Scribe to call the Grand Convocation from recess to labor. Most Excellent Companion O'Dell then called upon Most Excellent Companion David W. Murray, Grand High Priest of the Prince Hall Grand Chapter for his comments.

COMMENTS FROM MOST EXCELLENT COMPANION DAVID W. MURRAYGrand High Priest, Prince Hall Grand Chapter of Ohio

"To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Ohio Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, good morning. I bring you greetings on behalf of the Most Excellent Prince Hall Grand Chapter of Ohio and I would first like to thank you for the many amenities and accommodations that have been afforded us. We have been made to feel more than at home. We've enjoyed fellowshipping with you last night and again this morning and for the rest of your session. I would like to wish for you a most harmonious session. We welcome and invite you all to the Prince Hall grand session we will be holding on April 22nd in Columbus, Ohio and I will make sure the information is forthcoming. Again, I don't want to belabor your morning as you have a lot of business to take care of. Thank you again. We appreciate everything. Good morning."

Most Excellent Companion Murray's comments were received with a round of applause.

APPROVAL OF ANNUAL PROCEEDINGS andMINUTES FROM THE 198th GRAND CONVOCATION

Most Excellent Companion Dale G. Ray, Jr., Grand Secretary, moved for the acceptance of proceedings, published and distributed for the year 2014 and for the

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohioapproval of the minutes from the 198th Annual Grand Convocation. The motion was seconded and approved.

HONORARY MEMBERSHIPS Most Excellent Companion Dale G. Ray, Grand Secretary announced that several visiting current Grand High Priests of other jurisdictions, being in attendance should be

accorded honorary membership in our Grand Chapter. A motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved by the Companions to present honorary memberships to: M. Ex. Comp. Martin A. Evens Grand High Priest, IndianaM. Ex. Comp. Donald L. Galway Grand High Priest, Michigan M. Ex. Comp. Cyril A. Frances Grand High Priest, New YorkM. Ex. Comp. Stewart Strickland Grand High Priest, KentuckyM. Ex. Comp. Brian Van Sickle Grand First Principal, OntarioM. Ex. Comp. David W. Murray Grand High Priest, Ohio Prince HallCompanion Bernard E.A. Woods * Most Excellent Great Chief in IrelandReturning Honorary Members in attendance:M. Ex. Comp. Charles T. Mason Past Grand High Priest, KentuckyM. Ex. Comp. Larry Gray PGHP, Indiana; Past Gen. Gr. H. P.

Grand High Priest O'Dell greeted our new honorary members west of the Altar and there, assisted by the Grand Secretary, presented each with a Certificates of Honorary Membership. * Companion Woods honorary membership to be presented at the Grand High Priest reception later in October.

EXPLANATION OF BALLOT Most Excellent Companion O'Dell called upon Most Excellent Companion William Berry to explain the voting procedure to the delegates. Grand High Priest O'Dell directed tellers to report and declared the ballot open for election of officers.

COMMENTS FROM THOMAS STOFACChief Executive Officer, Ohio Masonic Home

"Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Most Worshipful Grand Master and Companions all, good morning. Who can multi-task the best - listen and vote at the same time. I don't want to be disruptive of your vote but I have a lot of really cool stuff to tell you. Greetings to each and every one of you. It's great to be here. I have to tell you again, as I tell you every year that it's always a pleasure for me to be here. It is pleasure to be be in front of you, to speak with you, and be companion with you and tell you about the Ohio Masonic Home. First of all, let's get some of the details out of the way. October 18th is the dedication of our brand new Scottish Rite building - a 65 unit independent building. It is also the dedication and renaming of our Hillman building to be called the York Rite building and it is long past due that the Ohio Masonic Home has something named the York Rite on our campus. Our forbearers were certainly and great companions in our Chapters. So, that's October 18th. I'm going to go out on a limb. Be there at 1:30. I know there was some confusion about time. I tell you all as Masons

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapterbecause I know if I tell you 1:30, you'll be there at 1:00 and I'll be happy and everything will be fine. So I know there was some confusion and I apologize. Hopefully, it will be a beautiful day weather wise as I know it will be a beautiful day for a dedication and I really appreciate everyone being there and being involved. That is one thing that is going on at the Ohio Masonic Home that we are very excited about. If you've been to the Ohio Masonic Home at our Springfield campus you've fought your way through dust and cones and equipment, and hopefully, that is coming to

an end soon, for a little bit. We're really excited about that building with its renovation to be called the York Rite building. Secondly, what has been happening is that we are moving into southeast Ohio quite aggressively actually. This next year, by the end of the year, hopefully to close on some land and to be able to build some town homes for people to age respectfully. We're also looking at another building that is in operation now that I really can't tell you about but it is an assisted living building in southeast Ohio, and we're excited about that. So look forward to that." Most Excellent Companion O'Dell interrupted briefly to declare the ballot closed and directed the tellers to retire. Companion Stofac then continued with his message. "Now, the good stuff. We are the living expression of our Masonic obligations. We serve as the trust department to help people to age respectfully, how they want and where they want. That is our mission. That the Ohio Masonic Home mission; that all of our mission statement. The Ohio Masonic Home is more than just buildings. I want you to know that over the past year we have taken that mission, that commitment to new levels. Let me tell you about the staff. You know we say that is our mission statement and we also say we are driven by a culture of trust, winning and innovation. We also say and teach Masonic tenets. We had a great time to pull the staff together at every level - from managers down to housekeepers to executives and said here are the Masonic principles. Where do you see them in your daily lives? We're training our staff on what Masonic principles are and how we live them every day. So many of the things they said were so great. Brotherly love. About being able to sit with someone and their family when they didn't feel well. Truth. Telling them the truth them where they are and what they need and not telling them they need to move into a retirement community when they don't. Love. This is the coolest one and I'm not making this up. Never letting someone die alone. That's your staff. That's our staff that said those things. Not my words. Their words. We are the living expression of our Masonic obligation. We serve as a trusted partner to help people age respectfully, how they want, where they want. Over the past year we have made a lot great strides and many of you have called the resource center. We have aging service representatives that go out to meet with people in their homes to keep them in their own homes. Everyone of our aging service representatives are Ohio benefit councilors making sure we are maximizing the benefits that are available to our brethren and widows. When a widow calls or a brother calls and they need help, Ohio Masonic Home has options. Let me give you one quick example.A widow whose husband just died, he was a brother, came back from the doctors with some not very good news about herself. She went to the mailbox and opened a letter that

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohiotold her that her electricity was going to be turned off. She called the resource center because she didn't know what to do. We paid that lady's electric bill and sent an aging service representative out to be with her to teach her and give the resources on how to pay bills, on how to organize her finances. She is the living in her own home where she wants to be. I can tell you over and over again story after story. One of our brothers was dying. They didn't, and his son didn't have the money to fly in and spend the last few

days with his Dad in one of our facilities. We paid for his flight so he could be with his father. We are the living expression of our Masonic obligation. We do that as we have been able to expand our charity to emergency assistance like I just spoke of. To off-site assistance. Off site assistance is when people have to have longer needs in their own homes but they can't afford it. Have them call the resource center. Then, of course, we do help our brethren when they move onto our campuses through our on-site assistance. Our on-site assistance, when you run out of money, if anyone runs out of money that is in the fraternity in good standing, or passes away, we take care of them or their spouse for the rest of their lives. That's approximately $5,000,000 a year that we do that for our brethren. That's us. Everyone sitting in this room. Because I can sit here and tell you that we are your Ohio Masonic Home and we are. All of us, everyone sitting in this room are the living expression of our Masonic obligations. All of us serve to help each other to age respectfully, how we want, where we want. The Ohio Masonic Home is a conduit to make that happen. The Ohio Masonic Home is you, and me, and us as we move forward. I want to thank you for everything you do for us at the Ohio Masonic Home. The roots of the Ohio Masonic Home come from those who sat in a room right here with us, like us, many years ago. Today, we are still as committed as those men who were who laid that first foundation because we are the living expression of our Masonic obligations. We are the trusted partner to allow people to age respectfully, as many of you know, aging is not for sissies. I can attest to that! So together, let's move forward. I look forward to this next year. It will be an exciting year. There are many, many things going on at the Ohio Masonic Home. Please, please call the resource center and talk to us. Stop by. We are more than happy to share with you our successes as we take care of each other in this wonderful journey we call life. God bless you all. I thank each of you."

ROLL CALL of GRAND REPRESENTATIVES The roll of the Grand Representatives of other Jurisdictions, near the Grand Chapter of Ohio, was called. Grand Secretary Ray announced that several openings, due to death or resignation, were available and interested Companions should contact the incoming Grand High Priest for consideration. The representatives present formed lines west of the Altar and received Grand Honors and the thanks of Grand High Priest O'Dell. He asked each representative to convey his fraternal greetings and his best wishes to the jurisdictions they each represent. All

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapterrepresentatives were present with the exception of: Argentina, Arizona, Nova Scotia, Quebec, District of Columbia, England Lodge of Mark Masters, France, Italy, Israel, Mexico, Missouri, Nevada, New South Wales, Republic of the Philippines, Rhode Island, and Western Australia. Excused, due to illness, were Companions Charles Paine (Belgium), James Foreman (Ontario), Beecher Vaughn (Louisana), Perry Parker (Michigan), Randall Craven (New Jersey), Donald Starr (South Carolina), and Frederick Gallo (Portugal).

Grand Jurisdictions with representative openings to Ohio include: Alaska, Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfoundland/Labrador, Italy, Maine, Queensland, Texas, and Wyoming.

COMMENTS FROM MOST EXCELLENT COMPANION BRIAN VAN SICKLEGrand First Principal, Grand Chapter of Ontario

"Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Most Worshipful Grand Master Steve. I mean no disrespect to the Grand Master but he and I had a great conversation outside. He and I were both raised on a farm. Outside, I am Brian, he is Steve. He is the Grand Master and I am the Grand First Principal of Canada in Ontario. Fortunately, or unfortunately, one thing I have to admit to you, I humbled to have been made an honorary member of the great state of Ohio. I also thank you for the honor of presenting my flag and the well sung verse to it. Much appreciated. We'd like to see you at Blue Jays games. (Laughter) I've been traveling quite a bit lately. I was told by certain members here that half of the United States of America could fit into the Province of Ontario. That's not quite true. A third possibly. I traveled last weekend from Ottawa, Ontario which is right on the Quebec border which is about as far east as you can go, to Timmins, which is almost James Bay. It took me ten and a half hours to get there. I did a ceremony of dedication and turned around and went home. I was home for four days, picked up my lady, and drove to Sarnia, Ontario for an amalgamation. Nine hours. I stayed there for three days because I didn't want to pay the 37.25% exchange rate. I then crossed the border and drove here. So far, on my vehicle I have put, and I must put this in kilometers, I have put on 3750 kilometers in the past two weeks. Yes, Ontario is a big province! When I came in, your Grand King stood before me and put his hands out. I'm sure you saw that. He was making sure I was regaled properly. All I can tell you, my dear Companions, I am so pleased that he is here, properly regaled, with pants on. When we were in New York, he gave me a sign which I've seen in Ohio, often. I'm sure my brethren in Ontario don't use it. I've never seen it in Canada. When I commented on his lack of regalia, he went like this (biting his hand.) I must admit to you that your Grand King, and I, and your Grand High Priest, more particularly your Grand King, with his lady Pam and I with my lady Carol, have become the most best of friends. You know, there is something you must take into due consideration, and I mean this wholeheartedly, I represent the Province of Ontario but in our constitution it says the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Canada, in the Province of Ontario because were of the eldest and senior, therefore, on my apron is Canada. We share one of the longest, unprotected borders in the world. Canada and the

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioUnited States. We have been friends since time immemorial. We only have one battle. We won. (Laughter). We were there at Normandy. We were there in Iran. We were there on 9-11. We've been with you wholeheartedly - sometimes behinds the scenes, sometimes secretly in every endeavor you have undertaken, we have been there. (Applause from the delegates)I'm honored and humbled, my Companions.

I have with me, I have to do this, I have something with me that has not been out of Canada in the past fifty years. It travels with me everywhere as Grand First Principal in Ontario. It is used at dedications, Grand Convocation, or wherever I show up, even unannounced, I carry something. It is called the triangle. The pilgrimage of the traveling triangle was wide and traveled extensively between, figure this out, between 1909 and 1919. It left St. Patrick's Chapter to Keystone Chapter Number 162 in Buffalo, New York on January 29, 1909 which was the first chapter to have this distinction. It traveled from there to over 50 chapters in the United States and Canada as well as England, Ireland and Scotland, returning to St Patrick's Chapter on October 3rd, 1919 and was used by the Grand Chapter at all Grand Convocations, dedications, consecrations and amalgamations of constituent chapters. We, in Canada, on the Volume of the Sacred Law, in our chapters use the triangle. The triangle is made of solid gold and depicts on the upper face a maple leaf, a trifoliated three leafed clover in natural tints. At the apex of the triangle is the beaver crouching on a log while on the base is found the keystone within the triple tau in the center. At the apex which form the base we find the pick, crowbar, shovel and the sword and trowel. In the very center of the triangle we have the figure of Saint Patrick in conical robes and supported by two chairs while he bears in his right hand the staff of the good shepherd. On the back of the figure is the cross of Saint Andrew. The complete figure is within an oval bearing the name of St. Patrick's Chapter, his number, and the register under which he is working. Also, one sees the words 'Nil Secumbus' , meaning second to none. The date of the founding of the chapter, A.D. 1904 also appears while on the back of the triangle are found the words, 'The property of St. Patrick's Chapter Number 145, Royal Arch Masons of Canada, GRC Toronto.' This was given by that chapter on the 125th anniversary of Grand Chapter and it has traveled everywhere with the Grand First Principal ever since. It is my honor and my privilege to bring it at the beginning of your 200th anniversary. I hope it brings you great wishes and a great blessing for another 200 years. My Companions, I thank you for that standing ovation. Your Grand King said that he was using something that I gave in my address to my companions in April and he has been giving me credit for it and I thank him for that. I leave you with this: 'In happy moments, praise God; in difficult moments, pray to God; in quiet moments, seek God; in painful moments, trust God; and in every moment, thank God'. And I thank you my Companions."

Most Excellent Companion Van Sickle's comments were received with a hearty round of applause.

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter

ANNUAL ADDRESS of the MOST EXCELLENT GRAND HIGH PRIEST

October 7, 2015

My Friends and Companions, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of you here to the Great Wolf Lodge for the 199th annual convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio.

I believe that we are living in interesting times! It seems just like yesterday that I was elected and Installed as Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio in Independence, Ohio. I also would like to take this opportunity to welcome our visitors from sister jurisdictions and to thank them for the hospitality extended to us as we visited with them. We made many new friends and hope to keep these friendships going for years to come. I have wondered if I was worthy of this great honor, and with the help of “God”, I have endeavored to live up to the confidence reposed in me. It will be for the Companions of this great State to judge my stewardship of the Royal Arch Masons of Ohio. My theme this year was “I Believe” and it is a theme that seemed to resonate with the companions. As I traveled the State this year, I witnessed many Companions showing that they truly did believe in Royal Arch Masonry. In my program last year, I asked for good ritual work and ritual accuracy. This was accomplished at most all of the Chapters I attended, but we still have some work to do in some of our Chapters. Chapter education is bouncing back and will make a difference for the future. It is now time for me to give you an accounting of my stewardship and accounting of my activities of this Grand Chapter for the past year. We are saddened by the loss of so many Companions during the past year. These losses included (1994-1995) PGHP MEC John W. (Bill) Purdy and (1982-1983) PGHP MEC Charles E. Karth. These Companions will be missed greatly by those left behind, but who are we to question the plans of the Great Architect of the Universe. We extend our condolences to the families of all of these Companions. Let us now pause for the report of the Necrologist Right Excellent Companion R. Joseph Shilling and Grand Chaplain Right Excellent Companion Jeffery S. Humble.

NECROLOGY REPORTRight Excellent Companion R. Joseph Schilling

Grand Necrologist

"Most Worshipful Grand Master, Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Right Excellent Companions and Companions all. One of the hardest duties for us as Brothers, Companions and Sir Knights is to conduct the Masonic funeral service for a beloved member of the fraternity. Especially so for those who have been with us for so many years and have exhibited a high level of skill in the craft. It is with this in mind that the

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohiotwo past Grand High Priests who have come face to face with the Grand Architect of the Universe this year should be remembered and honored by their fellow past Grand High Priests and all the members of this grand session. Most Excellent Companion Charles E. Karth who served this grand body as Grand High Priest for the year 1982- 1983 will be honored by Most Excellent Companion Robert Crabbs."

Memorial Tribute for Most Excellent Companion Charles E. Karth

"It is a sad moment when you have to read the last words about a very special friend. Most Excellent Companion Charles E. Karth, we called him Karty in the 10th district, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2015. Charles Karth was born on March 18, 1924 in Ashland Ohio the son of Grover and Josephine Karth. Charles Karth served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a retired Ashland police officer and was employed by the F. E. Myers Company in Ashland. Most Excellent Companion Karth was a Past Master of Ashland Lodge #151; Past Illustrious Master of Ashland Council #128, Royal and Select Masons; Past High Priest Ashland Chapter #67, Royal Arch Masons; and a Past Commander of Wooster Commandery #48. He was a 32nd degree Mason of the Valley of Tampa, Orient of Florida and a Knight York Grand Cross of Honor. Charlie was a charter member of Mohican Council #134; a member of the Royal Order of Scotland, and a Past Worthy Patron of Ashland Chapter, Order of the Eastern Stars. Most Excellent Companion Karth is survived by his wife of 68 years Marjorie (Stahl) Karth; a daughter Reverend Karen Powell of Indianapolis, Indiana; and a son Doctor Marshal Karth of Philadelphia, Pa. He has four grandchildren, Stephanie Williams, Andrew Powell, Melinda Karth and Michelle Karth and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ralph and George Karth and sisters Clara Richey, Ruth Karth and Naomi Nollert. A memorial service was held at the Ohio Masonic Home in the Burkhart Auditorium. Most Excellent Companion Karth was a dedicated Mason. He will be missed by this Grand Chapter and the tenth Capitular District where he was a leader, a mentor, and was loved by all. Fraternally submitted,Robert D. Crabbs, Past Grand High Priest"

Right Excellent Companion Schilling continued: "And now, Most Excellent Companion John W. Purdy who served this grand body as Grand High Priest for the years 1994 - 1995."

Memorial Tribute for Most Excellent Companion John W. Purdy

"Most Excellent Companion John William (Bill) Purdy passed away on December 6, 2014 at his home following a long battle with cancer. He was born on February 28, 1936

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapterat his home in Allen County to parents John (Burdette) Purdy and Thelma (Grace) DeLong, both deceased. He was preceded in death by his older brother Ralph Eugene Purdy. He married Ann Tisor in Bradford, Ohio on June 12, 1957 who survives. His younger sister Sharon Lee Bradford also survives as well as a sister-in-law Helen Tobias of Bellbrook, Ohio, his children John William Purdy Jr. and Nancy Ann Kinkley. His grandchildren include Jason Purdy, Jordan Purdy, Jarrod Kinkley, Scott Kinkley, Erin Kinkley, David Irick, and Emma Redmon.

Bill graduated from Spencerville High School in 1954 and was employed by Excello - Kettering Fire Department as a dispatcher, and Western and Southern Life Insurance. He was a graduate of the Lewis Hotel Motel Schools Career Academy in January 1971. He retired from the Lear Fire Equipment Company in 1998. Perhaps most of all Bill and Ann enjoyed attending their grandchildren's activities and spending time with family and friends. He and Ann spent their winters over the last 12 years in Lake Wales, Florida where they formed many other friendships. Bill was a member of the Army National Guard and Army Reserve. He was active in the Spencerville Jay Cs, a member of the Spencerville United Church of Christ, and served multiple terms as board president. He was a member of the Spencerville American Legion. A large part of Bill and Ann's life was centered around their involvement in the Masonic fraternity. He began his Masonic journey in Acadia Lodge # 306 in Spencerville where he served as the Worshipful Master on more than one occasion. He was a Past High Priest of Spencerville Chapter #169, Royal Arch Masons; Past Illustrious Master of Delphos Council #72, Royal and Select Masons; and Commander of Van Wert - Ivanhoe Commandery #54 where he participated on the National Championship Drill Team. He also served as a Worthy Patron in Spencerville Order of the Eastern Star. The service in all of these lodges earned him his Knight York Cross of Honor as well as his entrance into the Ancient and Accepted Order of the Scottish Rite 33° Masons, Valley of Toledo. His greatest joy was when he served as the Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of the state of Ohio in 1994-95. He was an honorable man and an honorable Mason and we will miss him in our Masonic circles.Fraternally submitted,Robert D. Crabbs, Past Grand High Priest"

Necrology report continues with Grand Chaplain Jeffery Humble presenting the following service:

"Good morning Companions. At this point in the Grand High Priest's program he finds it necessary, and acceptable, to remember those who served our Grand Chapter, whose biographies and accomplishments have been read. I want to use two national heros from totally different eras to bring out some of the points that I picked up when I read their bio's and I hope you will pay attention to the screen because I did a wonderful thing. Like teaching an old dog new tricks, I learned how to use power point.

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio On August 4, 2014, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Great War, the war to end all wars, of course, this was WWI. Now, there was an American hero that we want to talk about. He name was Raoul Lufbery. He was an American pilot. He was involved in a war that shaped everything we know today. Everything we see around us including communism in Russia in 1917. Everything we see in war such as machine guns, grenades, gas attacks, flame throwers, tanks, and a very early curiosity - the airplane. Lufbery was traveling in Europe when war broke out and he decided to fight for France but because we were not involved, joined the French Foreign Legion and then

went into the famed Lafayette Escadrill. That little outfit with their mascots, whiskey and soda, and their lion cubs. He racked up 17 kills and they promoted him to major. When America entered the war in 1917 they wanted to give him a desk job but he refused. He wanted to teach his students on the battlefield. On May 19th, 1918, a German two-seater came over the lines to take pictures and Lufbery told his students to watch and learn. He took off in his small wooden airplane and climbed up to meet the enemy and he fought them. Then, to everyone's horror, his plane burst into flame. Now in this day when the planes were made out of wood, covered in canvas and shellac, sitting on a twenty gallon fuel tank, you can imagine what your odds were. The odds of a pilot were 11 days. When asked what he would do if his plane caught on fire Lufbery said he would ride it to the ground, that being the only chance he had. To their ultimate amazement and horror they saw Lufbery's plane go forward, flip over on its back, their hero fall to the ground. Now it's a mystery to this day whether he jumped or if he fell out. When they got to his body, it was lying, impaled on a picket fence in a little garden next to a stream. They think he was aiming for the stream, but America's hero was dead. Lufbery was quite a character. In the evening, because there were several places missing at the dinner table, to lighten things up, Lufbery would say this: 'We meet beneath the sounding rafters, the walls all around us are bare; but they echo with the peel of laughter; it seems that the dead are there. So stand by your glasses steady, for the world is a web of lies. Here's a toast to the dead already; hoorah for the next man dies.' As I looked at Most Excellent Companion Karth's biography, it says he served in the navy during WWII. This tells me that he was a patriot. He served his country and he served it well and then he served his community as a police officer. He served Masonry at the highest level as Grand High Priest. He would understand the story of Raoul Lufbery and he might say, 'So what, wars kill people and they were flying around in death traps.' And he would be right for wars are designed to kill people and yet, our Most Excellent Companion answered the call of his country in a war that was determined - WWII by WWI. by a funny little corporal, an honored soldier believe it or not, with a funny little mustache, who didn't like the way the first war ended and he started the second. And our Most Excellent Companion was directly affected. Let's advance 90 years and look at another national hero. A singular looking person standing on the 72nd hole of the 1999 United States Open golf championship with his funny breeches, sweaters and hats, with a chance to win his second U.S. Open. He was already an American hero. He had already won the U.S. Open once, but this guy was

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapterunusual. He was what they called a journeyman. A working man's golf pro. He had started out on the Asian tours, had come to the second level tours and then made it to the big show and accomplished his life's dream of winning the U.S. Open and now he stood poised. If you are a golfer, your dream is to have that putt on the last hole of the U.S. Open to win the national championship, and he had that chance. He makes the putt and I want you to notice that he does something truly remarkable. This is traditionally Father's Day Sunday and it was in 1999 and his competitor was Phil Michelson. He and his wife Amy were expecting their first child and Phil made it clear that he had a jet ready and at any time would leave the tournament, winning or not, if Amy went into labor. She did

not, but in true form, and as a champion in this heated event, you see Payne Stewart walk up to Phil Michelson and grab him by the face and say, 'You will love being a father.' This was 100% Payne Stewart but what happened to him a few weeks later is what he is remembered most for and why he has been immortalized. Payne Stewart, two pilots and three business men boarded a modern Lear jet headed for Dallas, Texas to talk about designing a golf course. Shortly after takeoff, the towers lost contact with the jet. Two air force jets were dispatched to make contact and find out what was wrong. They caught up with the jet and saw a sickening sight. There was ice on the inside of the windows. There could only be one explanation for this. The cabin had lost compression and everyone had suffocated and were indeed frozen. Then they had a bigger problem. Where would it crash? Would they bump it off course; would they blow it out of the sky; what would they have to do? It was decided to follow it down and let it run out of fuel. Now, eyewitnesses say that it dropped like a meteor from the sky from 30,000 feet. They say the grass in that field was only knee high but nothing of the plane or its illustrious passengers could be seen above that grass. America's hero was gone. At the next golf tournament that Payne was supposed to play at they held a memorial service on the 1st tee. I watched this on TV and it was very eerie because you could hear the bagpipes playing 'Amazing Grace' but you couldn't see the bagpiper. I was foggy. And then out of that fog walked the bagpiper and it brought tears to everyone's eyes because America had lost their hero. But you know in Lufbery's day the Scottish regiments played 'Amazing Grace' on bagpipes as well. It's funny to note that the Germans in WWI hated to hear the bagpipes because they knew the crazy lady in their skirts was coming to kill them. Some people call the bagpipes the song the angels sing and some people say it's more like strangling a cat. Most Excellent Companion Bill Purdy, when I read his bio and what jumped out to me when reading it were these two things. Bill Purdy was a journeyman, a workman, much like Payne Stewart in life. He started out in humble beginnings as a farmer. He was a journeyman, a workman, he loved his family. The second thing is I read that he cherished his family, and Payne did the same thing. His daughter who helped convert him to religion made it famous. He was wearing a bracelet, very much like this with WWJD that his daughter had given him. He wore it through this tournament and he wore it on the day he died. My Companions, life passes by quickly. I'm going to play a three minute version of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes and I ask you all to bow your heads in respect of these

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohiotwo Most Excellent Companions, and indeed, all of the Companions that we lost in the state of Ohio this year." A recording of Amazing Grace, played on bagpipes, was then heard. It was both moving and heartrending. Following the audio presentation, Right Excellent Companion Humble continued. "My Companions, I offer you a toast in the spirit of Raoul Lufbery, America's hero and in memory of all we lost in war and other doing of the human race. Most Excellent Companion Karth served this country in the Navy; Most Excellent Companion Purdy in the National Guard. 'We meet beneath these sounding rafters, the walls all around us are bare, but they echo with the sounds of laughter; it seems that our dead are there. So stand

by your Masonry steady, for the world is a web of lies. Here's a toast to the dead already; hoorah for the next Companion to die'. Our two Most Excellent Companions did not know the hour, the day or the year they would die. Neither do you. Neither do I. These two national heroes did not know when they would die. They both died from air accidents. One from war in a flimsy wooden plane by fire and one in an ultra modern jet in peacetime by ice. On May 11th, 2015, a rainy day in May an SUV lost rear traction coming around a corner, went left of center and hit me head on. I felt the force of the impact and then passed out. About 30 seconds later I woke up staring at the pavement with water rushing by as my truck had rolled over onto its left side. They had to cut me out but to everyone's amazement, I crawled out and walked away. The great angel of death passed me by that day. The next time, he may not. The great and mighty angel of death awaits us all. Solomon the wise called him his most constant companion and welcomed him. In lieu of my escape from death his year I want to close with a toast from my heart to yours and I ask you to rise. 'May you know love; may you give love and be loved in return. May you grow closer to your God through your religion and your Masonry. May your friends gather around you in ever increasing numbers, and my Companions, when it comes your time to die, may you die well. My Companions, to your very good health.' We all have a rendezvous with death. Alan Seeger was a poet who wrote and died in WWI and in one of his most famous poems he wrote this: 'I have a rendezvous with death and I to my pledged word am true. I shall not fail that rendezvous.' My Companions, let us pray. Lord of Hosts, Lord God of Heaven and earth, hear us O' Lord in our hour of sorrow. Bless the memories of all these Companions that were lost to us this year in the Grand Chapter of Ohio. Make us to never forget them, for in their memory lies our greatest gift that we can offer to any human being - immortality, for no one truly dies if we remember them. Be with us all we pray in Thy holy and blessed name. Amen."

IN MEMORIAM 2014 - 2015 Ohio

Grand Chapter, R. A. M. John W. Purdy, Past Grand High Priest Died December 6, 2014

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter Charles E. Karth, Past Grand High Priest Died February 2, 2015 Grand Council, R. S. M. Richard E. Harless, Past Grand Illustrious Master Died May 23, 2015 Grand Commandery, K.T. George W. Davidson, Past Grand Commander Died December 24, 2014 Paul R. Jellison, Past Grand Commander Died June 16, 2015 Arthur S. Holmes, Past Grand Commander Died August 7, 2015

Annual address of the Grand High Priest continues:

AppointmentsAccording to the Rules and Regulations of this Grand Chapter, it was my pleasure to make the following appointments during my term as Grand High Priest, and I would like to thank them for their hard work, support and loyalty to this Grand Chapter.

Grand Chaplain R.E.C. Jeffery S. HumbleGrand Necrologist R.E.C. R, Joseph Shilling

Grand Guard R.E.C. George L. O’NealGrand Marshal R.E.C. Ryan W. AdamsGrand Historian R.E.C. Norman G. LincolnGrand Fraternal Correspondent R.E.C. Richard D. SnowGrand Musician R.E.C. Don R. Lutz

Grand Parliamentarian R.E.C. Abraham F. KayAssistant Grand Treasurer M.E.C. Garis E. PughAssistant Grand Secretary M.E.C. Steven A. Duncan

Immediately following my installation as Grand High Priest and as prescribed by Section 25.01 of the Grand Chapter By-Laws, I appointed the required standing committees and other necessary committees to serve our Grand Chapter. I appointed 19 District Deputy Grand High Priests to represent me in the 19 Capitular Districts and 22 District Education Officers to serve in their respective Districts. A complete listing of the District Deputy Grand High Priests, District Education Officers and Committees was included in Bulletin No. 1 and will be included in the printed proceedings of the annual Communication of this Grand Chapter. I also appointed E.C. Richard D. Smith, George Bauer, and William Malone to serve as my Grand Aides.

Grand Representatives As we have many Sister Jurisdictions in many locations throughout the world, many representatives from Ohio are assigned to serve as liaisons with representatives of other jurisdictions. Vacancies from Ohio during the year are as follows:Robert F. Benton, Deceased MississippiJerry C. Crawford, Retired MaineJoe E. Worthington, Deceased FloridaJohn H. Donahoo, Resigned QueenslandRobert D. Blankenhorn, Change ArkansasRyan W. Adams, Change New Brunswick, CanadaDarrell R. Porter, Deceased Colorado

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioLouis S. VanSlyck, Deceased North DakotaTerry B. Meyer, Retired TennesseeWayne S. Dill, Change TexasVirgil D. Klime, Change Newfoundland & Labrador, CanadaFloyd E. Wymer Retired AlaskaJames C. Eckard, Retired ItalyCharles E. Cole, Retired WyomingJames C. Pace, Retired Alberta, Canada

This year I had the privilege of appointing Grand Representatives of the Grand Chapter of Ohio near our Sister Jurisdictions upon recommendation from their Grand High Priest as follows:

Paul L. Chello ConnecticutQuaid E. Smith Arizona

It was my pleasure to recommend the following Grand Representatives from Sister Jurisdictions from the Grand Chapter of Ohio. Some of these recommendations were approved and some are being considered. They are as follows:

Robert D. Blankenhorn, Jr. FloridaRyan W. Adams MississippiWayne S. Dill TennesseeLloyd W. Eichenlaub ArkansasWilliam D. Stratton ColoradoVirgil D. Klime North Dakota

Depositories North Akron Savings Bank was designed as the depository for the General Grand Funds and other funds for the Grand Chapter pursuant to sections 11.02 and 11.03 of the Grand Chapter By-Laws.

Surety Bonds In conforming to sections 11.01 and 13.02 of the By-Laws of this Grand Chapter, surety bonds for the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer are in force wit he Western Surety Company in the amount of $10,000 each. The elected Secretaries and Treasurers of constituent Chapters should secure their own bonding.

Safety Deposit Box On June 24, 2015, along with the Grand Secretary and the Grand King, I visited the First Merit Bank, Barberton Branch, to review the status of all items stored in the safety deposit vault of the Grand Chapter. As per Section 11.03 of the By-Laws of the Grand Chapter, the safety deposit box is not to be opened unless in the presence of two Grand Officers. Upon review, it was determined that all Certificates of Deposit as recorded by the Grand Secretary were up to date and current with the bank statements. Also reviewed were the original handwritten Ritual and the typewritten Ritual and microfilm copies of the Annual Returns. One modern Past Grand High Priest jewel (which was removed for use this year) and two old style Past Grand High Priests jewels were examined. One Past

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterGrand High Priest jewel is in the possession of the Grand King (Karth). The Grand Secretary is to be commended for his maintenance of the safety deposit box.

Dispensations A listing of the Dispensations granted to the Chapters in this jurisdiction appears in “Appendix A” of the proceedings.

By-Laws Approved The following chapters submitted changes to their By-Laws this year and were approved by the Grand High Priest. They are as follows:

Date PurposeFebruary 24, 2015 To Willis Chapter 131 amendment to By-Laws: change

location. August 1, 2015 To North Bend Mark Lodge 1 amendment to By-Laws:

Change number of meetingsSeptember 5, 2015 To Zanesville Chapter No. 9 amendment to By-Laws;

Change location.Proxies Issued

I authorized the following Companions to represent the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio in my name at various functions that I could not attend:

Grand Chapter of Ontario, Robert D. Blankenhorn, Jr.Grand Chapter of Michigan, Robert D. Blankenhorn, Jr.

Correspondence I enjoyed corresponding with the Companions and Chapters throughout the state and from other Grand Jurisdictions. Many of the items discussed did not require dispensation and are too numerous to mention but did play a vital part in conducting the day-to-day functions of this office. Many were conducted by e-mail and snail mail and are currently on file for future reference.

District Reorganization With My election as Grand High Priest, two districts were closed and I reorganized the remaining chapters into existing districts to provide better support for chapters that were struggling. Reports that I have received indicate that this is having a positive effect for the remaining districts.

Chapter Mergers and Consolidations Each Grand High Priest begins his year with the goal of having no mergers or consolidations. One of the goals this year was to have no loss of Chapters, but it seems that no matter how hard we worked, or how hard the members of the Chapters worked, this goal could not be achieved. Early on, it was our goal to have the Deputies and Regional Officers get actively involved in these types of situations. Father Time played a large part in contributing to these situations as there was lack of attendance and monetary reasons contributed to these mergers and consolidations:October 15, 2014 New Lexington Chapter No. 149 to Logan Chapter No. 75December 1, 2014 Wyoming Chapter No. 146 to Cincinnati Chapter No. 2May 1, 2015 Piqua Chapter No. 31 to Franklin Chapter No. 24

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioMay 1, 2015 Cadiz Chapter No. 171 to Union Chapter No. 15September 7, 2015 Horace W. Wright Chapter No. 226 to Horeb Chapter No. 3

Re-consecrations and Dedications During the year The Grand Chapter of Ohio had one Chapter move and two Chapters reach 150 year milestones, one chapter celebrated 175 years. I would like to thank the Grand Officers who traveled to these all-important events. It was indeed a pleasure for the Grand Officers to perform these duties. I would especially like to thank our Grand Marshal Rt. Ex. Companion Ryan W. Adams for his efforts in these events. I would also like to thank the ladies for their support. Their attendance made each event even more special. The following is a summary of these ceremonies:

October 26, 2014 Mt. Vernon Chapter No. 23 175 Years November 9, 2014 Ensawocsa Chapter No 89 150 Years February 7, 2015 Willoughby Chapter No. 231 Dedication August 9, 2015 Clyde Chapter No. 90 150 yearsBest wishes and continued success to the Chapter that has moved to

new apartments. Grand Officers Meetings

The Grand Chapter Officers met four times this Capitular year to conduct the necessary business, distribute materials and address any issues or problems that may arise. I wish to thank the Grand Officers, Past Grand High Priests and District Deputies for their attendance and input at these meetings, and I feel much was accomplished during these meetings. A listing of the meetings is as follows: November 15, 2014 Great Wolf LodgeFebruary 14, 2015 Hillsboro Masonic TempleMay 3, 2015 Delaware Masonic TempleAugust 8, 2015 Delaware Masonic Temple

Youth Organizations It was indeed a pleasure to meet with the three youth organizations this year in the State of Ohio. It is a thrill to watch them participate in their ritual presentations and also to see them mature into the leaders of tomorrow. Part of my Grand High Priest Program for this year was a monetary donation to the youth groups, but I feel that our personal support is much more important to these organizations. I did, attend Job’s Daughters, Rainbow for Girls and the Masonic Recognition session of the DeMolay conclave. I would like to thank the Grand Chapter for their support of these fine organizations.

Service Awards It was my pleasure to present many service pins this year. It was indeed an honor for me to present a 75 year plaque and several 70 year plaques to Companions around the state. I also participated in several 50, 60 and 65 year presentations. All of these Companions had great stories to tell, and it was a joy listening to them. I would like to extend a personal thank you to the Chapters and District Deputies that allowed me to participate in these pin presentations as I traveled throughout the State.

Royal Arch Charities The Ohio Masonic Homes and the Royal Arch Foundation are our charities of choice and as Grand High Priest, and as a representative of the Royal Arch Foundation, I was

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapterhonored to present the Adopt America Program a check in the amount of $15,000.00 at their annual fundraiser. All of us should endeavor to do all that we can to support these very worthwhile organizations, and I thank everyone that has contributed to these organizations. I would like to thank the Districts for the checks presented to my Lady and myself in support of these organizations.

The Ohio Masonic Homes I feel that our Homes are in very good hands, and we should be proud of the care that our senior members are receiving. Much work still needs to be done, and I urge each of you to support the Homes in their ongoing efforts to maintain their high standards of operation. Thanks to all the Chapters and Companions who have donated to these wonderful facilities. The Grand Chapter Officers had the privilege of being present for

the cornerstone laying of the Scottish Rite Building by the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge Officers.

Visitations As the year began, I planned to travel to all of the Districts and visit as many

Chapters as I could. Sometimes this prevented me from attending some of the meetings of the many Masonic bodies that I belong to, but I will attend them next year when the schedule will not be so full. I thank these bodies for their understanding. Many thousands of miles were driven, and living so far south in Ohio I had to travel many miles just to reach a freeway. I would like to thank the Grand Aides and appointed Grand Officers who were willing to travel so many hours and so many miles to make the inspections, especially the Toronto Chapter trip. My thanks to the Companions of Ohio for their kindness and friendship! I did have the opportunity to attend several Sister Jurisdictions this year, and I would like to thank them for the warm welcome that was afforded to me at every visitation. May they continue successfully into the future. I would like to extend my thanks to the Fun Five, Most Worshipful Brother Steven E. Cokonougher, Grand Master of Masons in Ohio; Most Illustrious Companion Lynn B. Alexander, Grand Master of Royal and Selects Masons of Ohio; Sir Knight Thomas A. Gault, Right Eminent Grand Commander of Knights Templar; Knight Robert F. McNutt, Eminent Prior of Ohio Priory #18, Knights of the York Cross of Honour. What a thrill it was to travel as a group to each other’s Inspections this year and to convey a short history of the bodies each of us represented.

Recommendations1. Work to stop mergers. Chapters can prosper and grow if the companions will

believe in what they do.2. Increase donations of the Grand Chapter to our youth groups.3. Form District Degree Teams. The Candidates deserve the best degree work.4. Use York Rite festivals only when necessary.5. Education needs to have a greater impact on Chapters

Appreciations No man is an island. It takes companions working together in a common cause to make a chapter, a district and a Grand Chapter. I would like to begin by thanking the Companions of Hillsboro Chapter No. 40 for their support these past eleven years for the

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohioyears I served as a District Deputy Grand High Priest, and as a Grand Officer, and as the Grand High Priest. I would also like to thank the Companions of the Fifth Capitular District for all of their hard work and also for the support they have given me. The support of the Grand Officers, District Deputies Grand High Priest, District Education Officers and all of the Companions of this State has been most gratifying. Without their support, nothing would have been accomplished. I would also like to thank all of the Past Grand High Priests for their support during my time in the Grand Line. Each time I called on one of them, they were always ready to help. Perhaps in a little while they will find me worthy to let me join their ranks.

Thanks go to EC Richard D. Smith, EC George Bauer, EC William Malone, REC George O’Neil, REC Terry Alexander and REC Lloyd Eichenlaub for the many miles they traveled with me this year. What a comfort it was for my Lady Cindy to know that someone was out there traveling with me. We sure had a great time and saw a lot of great work being done in our Chapters. To MEC Robert Thomas and REC Robert D Blankenhorn, many thanks for the great times we had together. Their support and instructions were a great help to me. To MEC Dale G. Ray, Jr., and Lady Jackie. You have been a great help and your support was greatly appreciated. I wish for both of you continued success in all of your endeavors in the future years. To my Lady Cindy, the love of my life. Words cannot begin to express my gratitude to her for her continued support for the past 35 years. Without her encouragement I would have not become a Mason. When someone would approach me about being an officer or joining another body, She was always there to support me. What a great ambassador she has been for Royal Arch Masonry these past several years. Thank you once again for your support, and now perhaps it is time to take a trip or vacation and not worry about being back for a meeting.

Conclusion Each journey has a beginning and an ending. The journey’s end for me is near and a new Grand High Priest is about to take the reins of this Great Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. This has been a very humbling journey and the responsibilities have been great. I hope that I have lived up to them but future Companions will be the final judges. “I Believe” in Capitular Masonry.” I know that as Right Excellent Companion Robert D. Blankenhorn, Jr. takes his place as Grand High Priest, we will be in very good hands. I ask that you give him the same support that you have given me this year. I will soon become a past Grand High Priest, one that will slowly fade away. While you may not remember my name, I hope you will continue to believe in Freemasonry Once again, thank you for this great honor of serving you as Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio and may God bless you and keep you in his hands.

R. Keith O'DellR. Keith O'Dell Grand High Priest 2014–15

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter

The report of the Grand High Priest was received with a standing ovation. A motion was made and seconded that the report be accepted, approved, and referred to the Committee on Topical Reference for division and reference. The motion passed by voice vote.

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APPENDIX A -DISPENSATIONS GRANTED2014-2015

Dispensations granted are listed in the Report of the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence. Refer to that Report for a list of dispensations so granted.

APPENDIX B (VISITATIONS)2014-2015

October10/9/2014 Travel from Independence to Columbus, Grand Commandery10/10/2014 Adopt America dinner, Toledo10/14/2014 70 yr. award, Farmersville, Ohio10/16/2014 Grand Lodge of Ohio, Sharonville Ohio10/19/2014 Religious Reaffirmation, 5th District, Shawnee State Park10/22/2014 70 yr. award, Marysville Ohio10/23/2014 Grand Chapter of West Virginia10/16/2014 Rededication Mt. Vernon Chapter #2310/27/2014 Warren #6 Inspection, Newark, Ohio 10/28/2014 Manchester #129, Meeting10/30/2014 Lafayette Council RCC, Athens OhioNovember11/1/2014 Ohio Priory, Gallipolis, Ohio11/4/2014 LaGrange #68, Ironton, Ohio11/5/2014 70 yr. award, Barberton, Oh x Berlin Hts.11/6/2014 70 yr. award, Brooksville, Ohio11/7/2014 Grand Commander of Indiana Reception, Anderson, In.11/8/2014 Van Wert #71, Inspection11/8/2014 Middletown, Reception meeting11/9/2014 Rededication, Ensowaca Chapter #89, Defiance Ohio11/10/2010 Mt Vernon #23, Inspection11/12/2014 Toronto Chapter #221, Inspection11/13/2014 Hillsboro Chapter #40, Meeting11/14/2014 Combined Reception Great Wolf Lodge Mason, Ohio11/20/2014 Hillsboro Council #16 Meeting11/22/2014 Rabboni Council, AMD11/22/2014 Meeting with Grand Commander11/24/2014 Portsmouth York Rite meeting11/28/2014 Highland CommanderyDecember12/2/2014 Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio12/6/2014 Grand Council Reception, East Gate12/11/2014 Linden Lodge, Grand Masters Inspection12/13/2014 Middletown Commandery #71, Grand Commander's Inspection12/15/2014 Circleville Chapter #20, Inspection, Circleville, Ohio 12/18/2014 Hillsboro Council #1612/20/2014 3rd Capitular District Inspections # 153, # 143, #11212/20/2014 American Union #1, Inspection, Marietta, Ohio 12/30/2014 Fayette Mark Lodge #4, Inspection, Jeffersonville, OhioJanuary1/2/2015 Scioto Lodge #6 Inspection, Chillicothe, Ohio1/3/2015 Lebanon lodge Inspection, Lebanon, Ohio

1/3/2015 Wilmington Chapter #63 Inspection, Wilmington Ohio1/4/2015 York Rite Cooperation Meeting, Delaware, Ohio1/7/2015 Greenville Chapter # 77 Inspection, Greenville, Ohio1/8/2015 Hillsboro Chapter #40 Inspection, Hillsboro, Ohio1/10/2015 Wauseon Chapter # 111 Inspection, Wauseon, Ohio1/12/2015 Oberlin Chapter #219 Inspection, Oberlin, Ohio1/14/2015 Nugen Chapter #124 Inspection , Newcomerstown, Ohio1/15/2015 Hillsboro Council #16, Hillsboro, Ohio1/21/2015 Fort Meigs Chapter #29 Inspection Toledo, Ohio1/22/2015 Highland Commandery #31, Hillsboro, Ohio1/24/2015 Highland Commandery #31, Hillsboro, Ohio Inspection1/27/2015 Manchester Chapter #129, West Union, Ohio1/29/2015 Senior DeMolay Mark Lodge #2, InspectionFebruary2/4/2015 Community Chapter #227 Inspection, Columbus, Ohio2/5/2015 West Union #246 OES, West Union, Ohio2/6/2015 7th Masonic District Grand Masters Reception, Chillicothe, Ohio2/7/2015 Dedication Willoughby Chapter #231 Burton, Ohio2/7/2015 20th District GHP Reception, Quail Hollow, Painesville, Ohio2/8/2015 MEC Charles Karth 65 year pin award, Springfield, Ohio2/9/2015 Mansfield Chapter # 28 Inspection, Mansfield, Ohio2/12/2015 Hillsboro Chapter #40 Meeting, Hillsboro, Ohio2/14/2015 Grand Family Meeting, Hillsboro, Ohio2/19/2015 Hillsboro Council #16 Inspection, Hillsboro, Ohio2/21/2015 Lancaster Chapter #11 Inspection, Lancaster, Ohio2/21/2015 Logan Chapter #75 Inspection Lancaster, Ohio2/23/2015 Sebring Lodge 626 Inspection, Prior2/25/2015 Dwight Warehime #3 Mark Lodge Inspection, Pleasant City 2/26/2015 Highland Commandery #31 Meeting2/28/2015 Marshal Chapter #47 Chapter Degrees2/28/2015 16th Capitular District Ball, Independence, OhioMarch3/4/2015 Grand Chapter of New York, Albany New York3/7/2015 Ohio Priory #18 Newark, Ohio3/12/2015 Hillsboro Chapter # 40 , Hillsboro, Ohio3/14/2015 14th Masonic District Grand Masters Reception, Columbus 3/16/2015 Calvary Commandery #13 OOT, Portsmouth, Ohio3/17/2015 Norwood Chapter #139 Inspection, Norwood, Ohio3/18/2015 Maysville Chapter #9, Visit Maysville, KY

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter3/19/2015 West Union Chapter #246 OES Inspection WGM3/22/2015 District DEO meeting, Delaware, Ohio3/24/2015 Manchester Chapter #129 , West Union, Ohio3/25/2015 3rd Capitular District GHP Reception, Middletown, Ohio3/26/2015 North Bend Mark Lodge #1 Inspection, North Bend, Ohio3/27/2015 West Union Lodge # 43 Inspection, West Union, Ohio3/28/2015 Calvary Commandery #13 Inspection, Portsmouth, OhioApril4/2/2015 West Union Chapter $246 OES, West Union, Ohio4/9/2015 Shelby Chapter #178 Inspection, Shelby, Ohio4/10/2015 Grand Chapter of Indiana, Fort Wayne, Indiana4/16/2015 6th Capitular District Grand King Program & GHP Reception

4/24/2015 10th Capitular District GHP Reception4/25/2015 Grand Chapter of Prince Hall Royal Arch Masons, Columbus4/25/2015 19th Capitular District, GHP Reception4/27/2015 Garfield Chapter #150 Inspection, Fostoria, OhioMay 9th Capitular District GHP Reception, Huron, Ohio5/2/2015 West Union Chapter #246 OES, West Union, Ohio5/7/2015 13th Capitular District GHP Reception, Athens, Ohio5/8/2015 4th Capitular District GHP Reception, Norwood, Ohio5/16/2015 Order of Amaranth, Mansfield, Ohio5/21/2015 11th Capitular District GHP Reception, Upper Arlington, OhioJune 2nd Capitular District GHP Reception, Lima, Ohio6/5/2015 65 Year pin award to Eugene Heard II, North Ridgeville OH.6/6/2015 17th Capitular District GHP Reception, Wasdworth, Ohio6/6/2015 Ohio Council Of Deliberation, Cincinnati, Ohio6/12/2015 Ohio Priory #18 Knights York Cross of Honour, Hillsboro, Ohio6/13/2015 Ohio Jobs Daughters Grand Session, Norwood, Ohio6/19/2015 1st & 8th Capitular Districts GHP Reception, Browning Masonic Home

July7/10/2014 Grand Assembly Ohio Rainbow for Girls, Gambier, Ohio7/11/2015 5th, 13th & 14th Capitular District Grand King program, Logan, Ohio7/19/2015 5th Capitular District Picnic, West Union, Ohio7/24/2015 Ohio DeMolay Conclave, Kent State University7/26/2015 7th Capitular District GHP Reception, Findlay, Ohio7/29/2015 York Rite Sovereign College of North America, Louisville, KYAugust8/8/2015 Grand Family, Delaware, Ohio8/9/2015 Ohio Masonic Home York Rite meeting & Picnic

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON TOPICAL REFERENCE To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: Your Committee on Topical Reference to which was referred the address of the Most Excellent Grand High Priest for division and reference respectfully recommends:

1. That the portion of the report of the Grand High Priest that refers to deceased Companions be referred to the Necrologist.

2. That those portions of the report which refer to Appointments, Safety Deposit Box , Surety Bond, State of the Rite and Visitation be approved.

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio3. That the portion of the report on the Grand Officers and Deputies be approved.4. That the portion of the report on Dedications and Re-consecrations be

approved.5. That the portion of the report on Youth Organizations be referred to the

Committee on Youth Organizations.6. That those portions of the Report on the Ohio Masonic Home, Royal Arch

Research and the Royal Arch Foundation be referred to the Committee on Charity and Benevolence.

7. That the portion of the report on Recommendations be referred to the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence.

8. That the portion of the report pertaining to Appreciation and Conclusions be approved.

9. That the portion of the report on Dispensations be referred to the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence.

10. That the portion of the report on Proxies be approved..11. That those portions of the report not covered herein be referred to the

appropriate Committees for consideration and action. Respectfully submitted, Jeffrey L. Addis, Grand Scribe, Chairman

REPORT OF ELECTION All Companions, having cast ballots, Right Excellent Companion George L. O'Neal, Grand Guard reported that the balloting has resulted in the election of the following Grand Officers. Each, in turn, accepted the station to which they had been selected:Rt. Ex. Comp. Robert D. Blankenhorn, Jr. Grand High PriestRt. Ex. Comp. Jeffrey L. Addis Grand KingRt. Ex. Comp. J. Keith Green Grand ScribeM. Ex. Comp. Charles J. McCarty Grand TreasurerM. Ex. Comp. Dale G. Ray, Jr. Grand SecretaryRt. Ex. Comp. Ross R. Black II Grand Captain of the HostRt. Ex. Comp. H. Jeffery Shaw Grand Principal SojournerRt. Ex. Comp. Daniel S. Smith Grand Royal Arch CaptainRt. Ex. Comp. Rodney L. Carr Grand Master of the Third VeilRt. Ex. Comp. Ronald C. Hart, Sr. Grand Master of the Second VeilRt. Ex. Comp. Ryan W. Adams Grand Master of the First Veil

ACCEPTANCE OF ELECTION – ROBERT D. BLANKENHORN, JR. Rt. Excellent Companion Blankenhorn accepted the election to the position of Grand High Priest with the following remarks:

“Most Excellent Grand High Priest. I want to thank the Companions for their confidence, support and for honoring me with great honor. I want to formally accept this honor by saying, as I have each year as progressing through this line, 'Yes, Most Excellent, I do accept and will serve to the best of my abilities and with the help of God.' Let the celebration begin."

COMMENTS FROM LYNN B. ALEXANDER

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterMost Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Council of Ohio

"Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Most Worshipful Grand Master, Distinguished East and Companions all. What a pleasure it is to stand here and look out on a sea of red. The lessons we have learned so far today and the speeches made are absolutely positive and that's the way this Masonic organization called the Grand Chapter should be. Go home. Take these lessons, be positive, make it work. It shows a sea of red in your community, in your churches, in your family and I thank you so much for your dedication to those three. Thank you." Most Illustrious Companion Alexander's comments were received with a round of applause.

COMMENTS FROM THOMAS H. GAULTRight Eminent Grand Commander, Grand Commandery of Ohio

" Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Most Worshipful Grand Master, Distinguished East and Companions all. It's a pleasure to bring you the greetings of the nearly eight-thousand Sir Knights of Ohio. Many of you are Sir Knights. We hope that everyone is enjoying this week here at Great Wolf Lodge. The three of us, Most Illustrious Past Grand Master Lynn Alexander, Keith and I agreed to have our sessions here at one location in one week. We hope that everything is turning out to your liking and if you're agreeable to this type of situation, please let your elected officers know that it helps the membership. That was one of our goals to do more to help our membership. We are but the leaders for a short period of time in our journey. We get some accolades sometimes in what we do but it's really to serve you - the membership. You are important to us and to see a great turnout of Chapter, of Council on Monday, we hope to see the same turnout on Friday for our Grand Commandery session. It has been a pleasure to serve with these leaders here - the Grand Lodge, the Grand Chapter, the Grand Council because I think we've accomplished a lot. We have started a movement that I think is very positive. We hope that this continues to move forward for Freemasonry in Ohio because we are leaders wherever we are. We are accepted as generals, every one of us, so it's important for us to show that our membership means so much to us. It has been a pleasure for me to serve with these men, and Keith, I wish you and Cindy all the best in the future. We extend our congratulations to the new officers of this Grand Chapter; to have a successful year. I thank you for the courtesies and hospitality extended to me and my lady Dora. Thank you very much." Grand Commander Gault's comments received a round of applause.

COMMENTS FROM MOST WORSHIPFUL BROTHER NEIL M. SMALLEYActive Emeritus, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio "Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Most Worshipful Grand Master, Distinguished East and Companions as I was making my way over here I was thinking of how I was going to thank you for calling on me to speak after the most eloquent comments made by the First Principal of the Province of Ontario. That would be a most daunting task even if you were prepared. Let me just say I am pleased to represent Companion Douglas Kaylor, Deputy for Ohio of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. It's been a most pleasant for me and I thank you and the Grand Chapter for all the courtesies and hospitality extended to Willa Jean and me. Thank you."

Most Worshipful Brother Smalley's comments received a round of applause.

COMMENTS FROM LARRY GRAYPast General Grand High Priest and current General Grand Secretary

"Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Most Worshipful Grand Master, Distinguished guests, Distinguished East and my Companion all, I bring you the greetings from the General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons International Louis E. Bartrand. Thank you for the invitation to be here at the Grand Chapter of Ohio. Probably, the reason I'm here is to talk to you a little bit about Royal Arch Research Assistance which I also serve as the executive secretary. I would say that every day or every so many times a week as I get ready to enter contributions into the database, I know I'm on the right page when I click on that for the first contribution given to Royal Arch Research Assistance was given by Edward Selby about 1974 as he served as General Grand High Priest. At that time he was the founder of Royal Arch Research Assistance and he gave the very first contribution back in those days. I'm sure many of you know he was a Past Grand High Priest from Ohio. I also want to recognize, somewhere in the room, Kermit Zimmerman who is our ambassador from the General Grand Chapter to Ohio. I also want to mention that in the last year Ohio gave a contribution of $2556.00 which we thank you for. We are supporting in Royal Arch Research Assistance at this time, research in Autism Speaks, The Hearing Help Foundation and CAPD Central Auditory Perception problems at the University of Arizona. I, again, want to thank you for these contributions. I have to tell you, as Companion Ray mentioned, I am an honorary member of the Grand Chapter of Ohio that you started in 2002 and I was here in 2003 and received that honor. I've been coming to Ohio for twenty-five or thirty years, off and on. I took over as General Grand Secretary seven years ago and it kind of curtailed my travels quite a bit although I've been here several times since assuming that position. Back in, I don't know if I'd call them the good old days, but back in the days I was here every year and I watched some of these Past Grand High Priests here on the sidelines advance through this line. One time in particular I was attending the session, and I have to think a little bit, we were in Columbus at the Shrine temple on the east side up by the airport. I hope everybody is saying, 'yes, I remember that.' I was there and hope you were too. I happen to notice that they had an election, just as we had one earlier today, and I looked

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapteralong the line, especially in the veils and some of the others, and there was John Gartrell, Steve Duncan, Jean Justus, Kermit Zimmerman and lo and behold, Jim McDonald was elected that year. I recognize real quick why he was elected. They all went to the same barber and if you notice, they are all still going to that same barber today. I just noticed that. But the next year they broke the mold and Garis Pugh was elected at that time. Of course, he set a whole new pattern for young companions and those with hair. Somehow, his hair is still pretty dark. Those were some of the good times I've enjoyed here in Ohio many times past. I've not been able to spend much time with the grand officers like I used to. Most Excellent Companion O'Dell, I thank you for inviting me here and I thank you for the courtesies you extended to the office that I hold. I hope for the very best to you and the Grand Chapter of Ohio. Thank you."

Most Excellent Companion Gray's comments were received with applause.

REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEERight Excellent Companion Norman J. Lobell, Chairman

"Most Excellent Grand High Priest , Most Worshipful Grand Master and Companions, The budget for the fiscal year ending August, 2015 was $127,813.00 and resulted in expenditures of $116,954.90 which was under budget by $10,858.10. Our dedicated District Deputies Grand High Priest continue a long tradition of being major contributors to the Grand Chapter coming in under budget by not submitting all their reimbursable expenses. We thank our Deputies for their dedication and appreciate all their contributions to our Grand Chapter. We also wish to express our appreciation to our Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, and stenographer for all they do for Capitular Masonry. The budget for the fiscal year 2015 - 2016 is $142,118.75. Most Excellent, I move for the adoption of this report. An objection was made and seconded to the line item for including a $100.00 contribution to R.A.R.A. The objection was sustained by a vote of the Grand Chapter and the amended budget of $142,088.75 was approved by the voting delegates.

BUDGET FOR 2015-2016Salary, Grand Secretary .........................................................................................6,700.00Salary, Stenographer .............................................................................................13,200.00Clerical Contract Services .........................................................................................600.00Salary, Grand Treasurer ............................................................................................300.00Grand Chaplain .........................................................................................................100.00Grand Guard ...............................................................................................................100.00Fraternal Correspondent ............................................................................................100.00Allowance, Grand High Priest ...............................................................................6,000.00Allowance, Grand Secretary ................................................................................2,100.00Allowance, Grand Treasurer .....................................................................................100.00Allowance, Grand King ............................................................................................600.00Grand Officer Meetings .........................................................................................3,500.00Deputies Meetings .................................................................................................3,500.00

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioRent ........................................................................................................................7,872.00Utilities ..........................................................................................................................0.00Postage ..................................................................................................................7,500.00Telephone ...............................................................................................................1,900.00Insurance & Taxes .................................................................................................3,900.00Audit ......................................................................................................................2,910.00Office Misc. ............................................................................................................1,000.00Printing .................................................................................................................14.000.00Proceedings ............................................................................................................5,879.00Roster .....................................................................................................................2,777.00Payroll ..................................................................................................................15,000.00Meals, Entertainment, Rent, etc. ..........................................................................10,000.00Guest Hotel ...........................................................................................................2,000.00Aprons, Jewels .......................................................................................................2,500.00

Service Pins ............................................................................................................1,000.00Education ..................................................................................................................700.00Charters & Dispensations .........................................................................................100.00Finance ......................................................................................................................300.00Public Relations ........................................................................................................100.00Jurisprudence .............................................................................................................100.00Membership Development ........................................................................................300.00History .........................................................................................................................50.00Publications & Const. Returns ..................................................................................300.00Charity & Benevolence ..............................................................................................100.00Ritual .......................................................................................................................8200.00Secretary-Recorders Association ..............................................................................200.00Inspections .............................................................................................................1,500.00Ohio Masonic Home ..............................................................................................3,276.50Ohio Masonic Home, Voluntary ............................................................................1,500.00Royal Arch Foundation ......................................................................................... 1,000.00DeMolay .................................................................................................................. 800.00Job’s Daughters .........................................................................................................400.00Rainbow ....................................................................................................................400.00Contingencies .........................................................................................................1,200.00Moving Expense Reserve ......................................................................................1,000.00Bicentennial Expense Reserve ................................................................................1,000.00Reimburse overpayment of dues made by Mark Lodges ...................................... 4,424.25TOTAL: $142,088.75

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: On a personal note, please allow me to thank MECs Donald L. Losasso, James W. Himmelright, George M. Shell, Donald W. Owens, Robert W. Thomas and R. Keith O'Dell for allowing me to serve this Grand Chapter as Chairman of this Committee, and after a year, as Grand Parliamentarian. Thanks also to the committee members for their yeoman service, and for their willingness to express their own, (usually excellent) opinions. These past six years have genuinely been a team effort.

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter This committee will be in excellent hands with its new chair, my dear friend, (and signer of my Blue Lodge petition), Excellent Companion Keevin Berman, and the committee will benefit from Keevin's fresh ideas. I look forward to continuing to serve this Grand Chapter as a member of several committees, including continuing to serve as a member of the Jurisprudence Committee. The following is the 2015 Report of the Jurisprudence Committee: The functions of the Jurisprudence Committee are to review and recommend approval for dispensation requests; to assist in reviewing proposed changes in By-Laws of subordinate Chapters; to review the Grand Chapter Code and By-Laws to ensure they are up to date, and that they take into account changes to the Grand Lodge of Ohio Code and comply with all State and Federal laws; and to serve as counsel for the Grand High Priest

and Grand Officers in matters relating to the interpretation of the Grand Chapter Constitution, Code and By-Laws. The committee has also assisted in drafting legislation, edicts, in giving informal opinions, and providing assistance on several other matters. The committee has continued to try to promote a “blanket” dispensation, first introduced by MEC George M. Shell, to allow chapters in distress to hold joint Stated Convocations. Unfortunately, we are not aware of any Chapters which have attempted to use the Chapter in Distress blanket dispensation as an alternative to merger. (We do hope that the legislative item submitted this year clarifying the definition of “quorum” may help some Chapters). Throughout the Capitular year, the committee has worked closely with the Grand High Priest, Grand Officers and Grand Chapter Committees regarding these and other matters. The committee has also assisted in drafting one proposed resolution and fourteen other items of legislation; and has reviewed one proposed amendment to the Constitution carried over from the 2014 Grand Convocation. We are submitting this report in two parts.

2014 – 2015 Dispensations and other matters. The Jurisprudence Committee repeats the suggestions from last year for the coming year:a. The Grand Chapter Dispensation Form may be downloaded from the Grand Chapter website, http://www.ohioram.org/. Dispensation requests will be rejected if not personally signed by the Chapter's High Priest and Secretary. Each request: must bear the Chapter's seal; must contain an e-mail address for the High Priest and/or Chapter Secretary; and must then be submitted to the DDGHP assigned to that Chapter. If the DDGHP approves, he will then send the original form to the Jurisprudence Committee.This procedure will be followed to help ensure that all Dispensation Requests have actually been approved by the constituent Chapter prior to submission to their DDGHP. Including the High Priest's and Secretary's e-mail address will also allow the Grand High Priest to speedily send an approval or denial to the Chapter by e-mail.b. To allow for a timely response, please submit Dispensation requests to your DDGHP at least thirty days prior to the date of the requested event. Unfortunately, some requests are denied for the reason that they were submitted too late. Keep in mind the general requirement for each dispensation that a Chapter communicate the information to its

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohiomembership in writing at least one week prior to the event. Some requests require an even longer written notice period. In some instances a Chapter may send out the required notice in anticipation of approval in order to meet the one week advance notice requirement. In the case of elections and inspections one week's written notice is required by Code Section 100.04.c. Each High Priest should be familiar with Code Chapter 100 which details the requirements for Stated and Special Convocations. d. A Chapter can only request a dispensation for itself. For example, a Chapter hosting an all degree day cannot ask for a dispensation for the other Chapters to participate in the all degree day. Each of those Chapters, if they require a dispensation, must complete their own dispensation form. Also note their participation may be under the auspices of the applicant Chapter and their presence requires not dispensation.e. Please note that Code Section 100.05 allows each High Priest at any Stated Convocation to call a Special Convocation. This may be done without dispensation and

without written notice to the membership. If the High Priest calls a Special Convocation but does so other than at a Stated Convocation, then written notice must be sent to the Companions by the Chapter Secretary. The notice must state what business will be conducted at the Special Convocation. One example is that a Special Convocation could be called for 7:00 pm, or at an earlier time, even though the Chapter’s StatedConvocation time is 7:30 pm on the same evening. A High Priest might call an “early” Special Convocation to handle introductions, balloting on petitions, or even part of a degree conferral. Then at the Stated Convocation time the business of the Chapter would be handled.f. Please note that Code Section 100.05 states that the only business that can take place at a Special Convocation is the conferral of a degree, receiving and balloting on applications for membership or petitions for degrees, or the installation of officers. g. We have seen a number of requests for Chapters to meet together to confer multiple degrees, or to have “all degree” days. Based on Code section 100.05, the “host” Chapter may participate in an all degree day without asking for any approval or dispensation if their High Priest properly calls a Special Convocation or if the all degree day is at that Chapter’s Stated Convocation. Also, the second paragraph of Code Section 100.09 allows a Chapter to meet in any place dedicated for Masonic purposes to confer the Mark Master or Past Master degree, without any dispensation, so long as the Chapter has the written approval of its DDGHP. Similarly, no dispensation is required for a Chapter which is loaning Companions to another Chapter to assist with a degree but which is not asking for credit for conferring the degree. A dispensation is required to participate in an all degree day for a Chapter that is meeting outside of its own apartments and/or that is conferring the Most Excellent Master Degree and/or the Royal Arch Degree. Please note that this year's legislation proposal number three, if adopted, will ease these rules.h. The committee has seen some dispensation requests to move the location for Stated Convocations in order for a Chapter to attend and sometimes to “give support” to another Chapter. The primary concern with such requests is that business of an important or controversial nature may be conducted at the relocated Stated Convocation and that companions will then object that the business conducted should be invalidated because of lack of notice of the move.

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterCode Section 100.03 only requires that each chapter hold at least four Stated Convocations per year and imposes the penalty of forfeiture of a chapter’s charter only where the chapter fails to hold any Stated Convocations in a year.This means that a chapter may instead of holding a Stated Convocation at its own apartments, call a Special Convocation at another chapter’s apartments without violating the Code requirement to hold at least four Stated Convocations per year. When a dispensation is granted to change the date or location of a Stated Convocation the business permitted will generally be limited to conferring a degree, conducting an education program, reading minutes and correspondence, and paying bills in a total amount under $500.00. We have received thirty dispensation and related requests, through September 18, 2015. The committee acted on the requests as follows:

Dispensations & Related Matters1. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to then REC O'Dell on

8/4/2014, Willoughby Chapter # 131's request to hold their Stated Convocations for the

2014 – 2015 Capitular year in the undedicated apartments of Village Lodge, 14535 North Cheshire St, Burton, OH 44021. The recommendation was on the conditions of at least one week's written notice to the membership of the meeting date and location change; and on the Chapter amending its By-laws by the first stated convocation in December to give their new meeting location. The Chapter also arranged a dedication ceremony, which was held on February 7, 2015.

2. Request temporarily returned to the Chapter's DDGHP, and not re-submitted. Received a request from Greenville Chapter # 77 to hold a special election to replace their Secretary and Treasurer, “who resigned”. It was determined that the officers to be replaced had been elected to their previous positions, but not installed. This is governed by Code Sections 102.05 and 102.06, which call for the Chapter to wait for 100 days after the failure of an elected officer to be installed, and to then make a request for a special election and installation at their next Stated Convocation.

3. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to then REC O'Dell on 9/9/2014, American Union Chapter # 1's request that they be permitted to hold a special election and installation on October 9th, to fill the vacant offices of Scribe and Guard, as suitable Companions to stand for these officers came forward after their regular election. Recommendation was on the conditions that the election be held at a stated convocation; and that the Chapter give at least one week's written notice, which in this case, was given in anticipation of the dispensation being signed on October 9, 2014.

4. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on 10/9/2014 Jefferson Chapter # 141's revised request to hold their Stated Convocations for the 2014 – 2015 Capitular year in the undedicated apartments of Relief Lodge, 1041 State Route 7, North Pierpont, Ohio, 44082. The recommendation was on the conditions that written notice of the proposed change in location shall have been given to the entire membership of Jefferson Chapter on or before October 1, 2014; that Jefferson Chapter shall, no later than November 15, 2014, make a request to the Grand High Priest to schedule a Dedication Ceremony for their new apartments; and that Jefferson Chapter shall also, no later than January 1, 2015, amend its By-laws to set out the Chapter's new location.

5. Request returned to the Chapter's DDGHP on 9/7/2014 as a dispensation was not needed. Received a request from Mt. Vernon Chapter # 23 for a dispensation to hold their 175th anniversary re-dedication at a special meeting on 10/26/2014. Rather then a dispensation, the Grand High Priest need only give his “consent” to scheduling a dedication or re-dedication without any involvement of the Jurisprudence Committee.

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio6. Request returned to the Chapter's High Priest. Received, on 9/14/2014, a

copy of a Resolution calling for Milford Chapter #35 to consolidate into Batavia Chapter. A letter was sent to the Chapter's High Priest, with copies to MEC Thomas and then REC O'Dell, explaining the Consolidation procedure set out in Code Section 31.01; and emphasizing that the first required step in that procedure is to obtain a written declaration signed by a majority of the Chapter's Ohio members. On 9/3/2015, with MEC O'Dell present, the Chapter re-took and passed its vote to consolidate. Prior to this vote, the Chapter stated that the required written declaration had been signed by forty nine of the fifty Companions living in Ohio.

7. Hand delivered to MEC Dale Ray on 10/9/2014, a letter concluding that the Jurisprudence Committee did not need to take any action on a request from Hicksville Chapter # 188 that they be permitted to amend their By-laws to set a new meeting date, dues, and fees for degrees. This is governed by Bylaws Section 23.02.

8. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on 10/23/2014, Wapakoneta Chapter # 183's request that they be permitted to hold their inspection on 12/11/2014 at the apartments of Lima Chapter #49. Recommendation was on the conditions that the Chapter give at least one week's written notice; and that the

business at the inspection be limited to introductions, inspection, conferring the Royal Arch Degree, and / or conducting an education program.

9. Request temporarily returned and not re-submitted. Received an e-mail request on 10/28/2014 from the Chapter's DDGHP for Springfield Chapter # 48 to hold a special election on 11/12/2014 to fill the position of Secretary, by reason of the resignation of the current elected officer. The request was returned pending a finding that the current Secretary's resignation had been accepted by the Grand High Priest as required by Code Section 102.08. The committee pointed out that if the re-submitted request is found to be approvable, there would likely be conditions of one week's written notice to the companions in advance of the meeting; and also that the Chapter would need to send in a properly signed form, bearing the Chapter seal.

10. Request temporarily returned and the re-submitted request then recommended for approval. Sent an e-mail on 11/12/2014, to Batavia Chapter's High Priest and Secretary, with a copy to MEC O'Dell, after they directly sent to jurisprudence a dispensation request to relocate their inspection on December 20, 2015. The request had not yet been approved by the Chapter's DDGHP. The re-submitted request was received from the DDGHP on 12/10/2014, and the committee's recommendation for approval to MEC O'Dell was e-mailed on 12/11/2014, on the conditions of one week's written notice, and that the business be limited to introductions, holding the inspection, conferring the Most Excellent Master Degree, and / or conducting an education program.

11. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on 11/16/2014, Western Reserve Chapter # 8's request that they be permitted to hold their stated convocation on 12/3/2014 at the apartments of Painesville Chapter #46 in order to attend Painesville Chapter's inspection. The request specifically excluded conducting any business or reading minutes. Recommendation was on the condition that the Chapter give at least one week's written notice.

12. Request temporarily returned to the Chapter's DDGHP; and then not re-submitted. The committee, on 11/28/2014, sent a note asking that Cincinnati Chapter # 2 re-submit its request for a special election; to be held at a stated Convocation in January, or thereafter. The note also mentioned that any Cincinnati Chapter officers who are going to step down in order to “make room” for former Wyoming Chapter Officers will have to first submit their written resignations to MEC O'Dell, as required by Code Section 102.08.

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter13. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on

12/1/2014, Spencerville Chapter # 169's request that they be permitted to hold their inspection on 12/10/2014 at the apartments of St. Marys Chapter #51. Recommendation was on the conditions that the Chapter give at least one week's written notice; and that the business at the inspection be limited to introductions, inspection, conferring the Royal Arch Degree, and / or conducting an education program.

14. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on 12/11/2014, Jefferson Chapter # 141's request that they be permitted to hold a joint inspection with Conneaut Chapter #76, on 1/22/2015, at the apartments of Conneaut Chapter #76. Recommendation was on the conditions that the Chapter give at least one week's written notice; and that the business at the inspection be limited to introductions, inspection, conferring the Royal Arch Degree, and / or conducting an education program.

15. Request recommended for Approval. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on 12/28/2014, (with a revised recommendation sent on 1/7/2015), Horace Wright #226's request, received on 12/24/2014, to move their location to undedicated apartments, and to change their meeting date. The committee treated this as a request for the balance of the 2014 – 2015 capitular year. Because of their progress on their intended merger, we did

not add the conditions that they arrange for a dedication of their new apartments, or that they amend their By-laws, (although their DDGHP does believe that they have amended their By-laws to reflect their new, temporary, location). However, the recommendation was on the conditions that for the first convocation, January 8, 2015, they give one week's written notice to the Companions, and that the business at the 1/8/2015 meeting belimited to minutes, paying bills in a total amount under $500, and/or conducting an education program.

16. Received on 2/22/2015, a proposed By-laws amendment from Willis Chapter # 131 that they be permitted to change their meeting location to their former apartments, still dedicated for Capitular purposes. This is governed by By-laws Section 23.02. On 2/26/2015 we sent a recommendation to MEC O'Dell recommending approval, but mentioning that since the proposed amendment conforms to the Uniform Code of By-laws, no action by the Jurisprudence Committee was required. MEC O'Dell would then keep one copy of the amendment for his own records, sign one copy and send it to the Grand Secretary, and sign the third copy and send it to the Chapter.

17. Request withdrawn. Received an e-mail request on 2/20/2015 from the Chapter's DDGHP, asking that Portage Chapter # 202 be permitted to hold a Special Election on 3/5/2015. On 2/22/2015, the committee recommended that the Chapter be permitted to hold a special election for High Priest, and for any other offices that may then become vacant, following the resignation of their High Priest. The election would be pursuant to Code Section 102.10.The DDGHP informed the committee that the resignation has been accepted in writing, in accordance with Code Section 102.08. The recommendation was on the conditions of at least one week’s written notice to the members; that the election be held at a stated convocation, and that the DDGHP receive a paper form, bearing the Chapter's seal, and required signatures, by February 27, 2015. We then received a communication from the Chapter's DDGHP on 2/24/2015, informing us that the Chapter has decided not to hold a Special Election for the reason that they are close to their Annual Convocation and Annual Elections.

18. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on 2/25/2015, Willis Chapter # 131's request to move their stated convocation location for that same date to the Apartments of E.T. Carson Lodge. These Apartments were already dedicated for capitular purposes. The request was made because their current location is in the process of being sold and the owners of the building refuse to pay for the parking

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohiolot to be cleared of snow. The recommendation was on the conditions that the Chapter deliver a signed request form to their DDGHP by 2/26/2015, and that the business at the stated convocation be limited to be limited to introductions, pre-inspection, and/or conducting an education program. The Chapter was specifically not allowed to include any motions, votes, bills or other business at the 2/25/2015 convocation.

19. Received a request on 3/5/2015 from the Secretary of Painesville Chapter asking for a committee opinion on whether the Chapter can include in its By-laws, a provision to remit the dues of its senior members. The committee replied on 3/10/2015 that a Chapter cannot remit the dues of any of its Companions through its By-laws, by a resolution, etc…, for the reason that Code Sections 110.04 and 110.05 specifically say that dues can only be remitted on a year by year basis. We also referred the Chapter to Code Section 110.02(a), governing endowed memberships.

20. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on 3/19/2015, Hiram Chapter # 18's request that Excellent Companion Brad Cioca be eligible to be elected to a fourth consecutive year as High Priest at the Chapter's regular annual elections. This issue is governed by a Grand Chapter Resolution which states that a Subordinate Chapter's High Priest may not serve more than three consecutive year in office, absent the dispensation of the Grand High Priest.

21. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on 5/8/2015, Grand River Chapter #. 104's requests that they be permitted to confer an Outdoor Mark Master Degree at a Special Convocation on 6/6/2015. The recommendation was conditioned on the business at the Special Convocation being limited to conferring the Mark Master Degree, and/or conducting an education program.

22. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on 6/11/2015, our recommendation that Milford Chapter # 35's revised request to hold its elections and installation at its stated convocation on 9/3/2015, received from the Chapter's DDGHP on 6/7/2015, be approved on the condition of at least 30 days written notice to the membership. Milford Chapter's original request was to change the date of its annual meeting from 6/4 to 6/11/2015, and also to hold elections & installation at the re-set convocation. The Chapter then withdrew that request, and held its Stated Convocation, and Annual Meeting, without a special election, on the original date of 6/4/2015. The Chapter did so after being informed that the committee was not going to recommend approval for the special elections to be held on the revised date of 6/11/2015; and that while we would recommend that the Chapter be allowed to hold its annual meeting at a special convocation on June 11, 2015, including that the Chapter be permitted to vote on its annual reports; that we would also recommend that the Chapter would then have to re-ratify its annual reports at its stated Convocation in September; or, if unable to do so, at a later stated convocation; that the business at the June 11, 2015 meeting be limited to holding its annual meeting and voting on reports; paying bills in a total amount of under $500.00; and/or conducting an education program. No other motions or votes would be allowed; and the change of meeting date be on the condition that written notice of the new date be sent to the entire membership at least one week in advance.

23. No action required by the Jurisprudence Committee. We received an e-mail request on 6/5/2015, (sent by REC Ron Hart, Jr.), from North Bend Mark Lodge Number 1, asking for approval of their By-laws amendments, going from ten to four stated meetings per year; and also having the June meeting as the Mark Lodge's annual meeting, elections & installation. By-laws changes are governed by By-laws Section 23.02.Since the proposed changes conform to the Uniform Code of By-laws, only the approval of the Grand High Priest was required. MEC O'Dell would then keep one copy of the amendment for his own records, sign one copy and send it to the Grand Secretary, and sign the third copy and send it to the Chapter.

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter24. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on

6/21/2015, York Temple Chapter # 155's request to be allowed to confer an outdoor Mark Master Degree at a Special Convocation on August 15, 2015, at the Olentangy Indian Caverns, 1779 Home Road, Delaware, Ohio. The request was first received by e-mail on 6/18/2015 from the Chapter's DDGHP. Outdoor degrees are allowed by Code Section 100.09. The recommendation was on the condition that written notice be given tothe membership 30 days in advance, and that the written notice specify that petitions may be received and acted on at the Special Convocation.

25. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on 6/30/2015, Youngstown Chapter # 93's request that they be permitted to move their Stated Convocation from 9/7/2015 to 9/21/2015, by reason of Labor Day on 9/7/2015. The Chapter already has a provision in its By-laws automatically moving the meeting date to the second Monday in the event of a national holiday, but this dispensation was needed for the reason that a conflict existed with another York Rite function on 9/14/2015. Approval was recommended on the conditions that at least one week's written notice be given to the membership; and that the business at the stated Convocation be limited to conducting an education program, reading minutes and correspondence, and paying bills in a total amount under $500.00.

26. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on 9/10/2015, Zanesville Chapter # 93's request, received on 9/8/2015, that they be permitted to move the location of their Stated Convocations on 9/14 & 10/5/2015 to the undedicated apartments located at 3867 Northpointe Drive, Zanesville, Ohio, 43701. The request was approved without conditions, but on the basis of the representations made by the Chapter that their Bylaws were amended at the June, 2015 Convocation to give their new location; that they mailed the Bylaws amendment to the Grand Secretary's Office in June, 2015; and that their new apartments are dedicated for Masonic purposes, but are not yet dedicated for Capitular purposes.

We had received an initial request on 7/6/2015 from REC Mark Bruns asking that the Chapter be permitted to move their 9/14/2015 Stated Convocation location to “Leasure Masonic Park”. I returned the request on 7/7/2015, asking that the Chapter put their correct Chapter Number and Chapter Seal on the request, that they give the full street address of the new location; that they give the reason why they are requesting to the move the 9/14/2015 stated convocation; that they add the stated convocation date of 10/5/2015, if that is their intention; and that they clarify whether their bylaws automatically move their 9/7/2015 Stated Convocation to 9/14/2015, or whether they are also requesting that the date of their Stated Convocation be changed by reason of Labor Day. If the move is to be permanent, they will need a dispensation for the 2015 – 2016 Capitular year, which would have the conditions of a bylaws change, and a request to the Grand High Priest that the new apartments be dedicated for capitular purposes.

We next received a request on 8/24/2015 from the Chapter, asking that they be allowed to move their September 14, 2015 convocation to Leasure Masonic Park, 3867 North Point Drive, Zanesville, Ohio, 43701. No reason or explanation was given, except that the Chapter had voted to move. REC Bruns, included a note that there had been $40,000 in water damage to the former location, and that the City Inspector said that the building was unsafe for use. I called REC Brun and he confirmed that the move is intended to be permanent; that the new building is dedicated for Masonic, but not Capitular purposes; that the Chapter dedication is on REC Blankenhorn's calendar for October, 2015; and that the Chapter will have a meeting the first Monday in October, prior to Grand Chapter. I asked that he have revisions e-mailed to me, including that the Chapter requests the dispensation for both 9/14 & 10/5/2015; and that the business be allowed would include a first reading of the Bylaws change on 9/14/2015, and a vote on

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohiothe Bylaws change on 10/5/2015; and also to mention the date scheduled for the dedication. We then learned that the Bylaws change had been voted on at the Chapter's June, 2015 Convocation, received by the Grand Secretary, but not acted on. The revised request, giving both dates, was received on 9/8/2015 and recommended for approval on 9/10/2015.

27. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on 7/20/2015, Silvercreek Chapter # 144's request that they be permitted to confer an outdoor Mark Master Degree at a Special Convocation on September 19, 2015, at MacClearie farm. Approval was recommended on the conditions that written notice of the date and location of the meeting date shall be sent to the entire membership of Silvercreek Chapter at least one week prior to September 19, 2015; and that the business at the September 19, 2015 Special Convocation be limited to the opening and closing ceremonies of the Mark Master degree; conferring the Mark Master degree; and/or conducting an education program.

28. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on 8/14/2015, Heights Chapter # 206's request that they be permitted to move their Stated Convocation from 9/15/2015 to 9/29/2015, by reason of a religious observance affecting a number of the Chapter's officers and companions. Only those members of the

committee who were not Companions of Heights Chapter voted on the recommendation. Approval was recommended on the conditions that written notice be sent to the membership no later than 9/8/2015; and that the business at the stated Convocation be limited to conducting an education program, reading minutes and correspondence, paying bills in a total amount under $500.00 and preparing for the October Grand Convocation.

29. Request recommended for approval. E-mailed to MEC O'Dell on 8/17/2015, Hillsboro Chapter # 40's request request to hold a Special Convocation on October 7 and 8, 2016 at the Great Wolfe Lodge, 501 Great Wolf Drive, Mason, Ohio, 45040, a location other than Hillsboro Chapter's regular apartments, for the purpose of opening the Grand Chapter Convocation. Approval was recommended on at least one week's written notice to the membership of the meeting date and location change; and also after the Chapter's DDGHP corrected the request submitted by the Chapter to reflect the correct dates of the Grand Convocation.

30. Received a request on 8/19/2015 from Cumminsville Chapter # 158's Secretary that they be permitted to amend their Bylaws to go to five stated convocations per year; and forwarded to MEC O'Dell on 8/27/2015, “with the advice, consent and approval of the Committee on Masonic Jurisprudence”. MEC O'Dell would then keep one copy of the amendment for his own records, sign one copy and send it to the Grand Secretary, and sign the third copy and send it to the Chapter.

B. 2015 Legislation:

Legislation Proposal Number One (Carried Over From 2014)Amendment to Article 4, Section 10 of the Grand Chapter

Constitution.

In accordance with Article 10, Section 2 of the Grand Chapter Constitution, the following amendment to Article 4 Section 10 of the Grand Chapter Constitution was proposed in 2014, was seconded by a vote of over one-third of the members present, and was entered upon the minutes of the Grand Chapter until the next annual convocation, at which time the Grand High Priest shall put the question, and if then concurred in by the

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Proceedings of the Grand Chaptervotes of at least two-thirds of the members present, shall thenceforth be in full force and effect.

ARTICLE 4 ELIGIBILITY OF OFFICERSSection 10. In the event of the death, resignation or removal of any of the Grand Officers during the interim between annual Grand Convocations of the Grand Chapter, the Grand High Priest shall, within thirty (30) days, call an emergency meeting of the elected Grand Officers and Past Grand High Priests of this Grand Chapter to select a Companion to fill the vacant station. He shall by declaration, advance, if they so choose, the current Grand Line Officers to fill the vacancy created. A quorum consisting of a minimum of five (5) elected Grand Officers and three (3) Past Grand High Priests being present, by written ballot and with the approval of the majority of those voting, shall select the Companion to serve as Grand Master of the First Veil. Should the Grand Master of the First Veil choose not to advance, the appointment shall then be to fill the next open station. The Grand High Priest shall install him / them into office as soon as possible thereafter. Submitted by:MEC Robert D. Crabbs MEC Kermit V. Zimmerman MEC Robert J. DrayeMEC Wayne S. Dill MEC Donald L. Losasso MEC James W. Himmelright

The Section currently reads:Section 10. In the event of the death, resignation or removal of any of the

Grand Officers during the interim between annual Grand Convocations of the Grand Chapter, the Grand High Priest shall have authority to appoint any suitable companion to fill the vacancy so caused and to install him into office.

The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October.

The committee notes that this amendment is intended to bring within the Grand Chapter Constitution the procedure normally, but not universally, followed in the filling of Grand Chapter Officer vacancies.

The committee also notes that this proposal makes two changes to the procedure currently set out in Article Four, Section 10.

The first change is that the existing Section allows the currently serving Grand High Priest to elevate the newly appointed Companion to the office vacated by death. For example, when MEC Steven Oliver passed away, and REC Curtiss was appointed as a Grand Chapter Officer, MEC Losasso could have appointed REC Curtiss to the Office of Grand King. Similarly, when REC Curtiss passed away, MEC Owens could have appointed REC Donohoo to the Office of Grand Royal Arch Captain.

The proposed amendment would allow the existing elective officers to “move up”, if they so choose; and would require that the newly appointed officer be appointed to the lowest available elective office.

The second change is that the existing Section allows the currently serving Grand High Priest to fill the vacancy with any eligible Companion.

The proposed amendment establishes a procedure where the progressive line of Grand Chapter Officers and the Past Grand High Priests would be tasked with filling the vacancy.

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioThe committee also notes that while the 2015 Grand Convocation is not bound

by the actions of the 2014 Grand Convocation; at the 2014 Grand Convocation, this proposal was seconded by a unanimous or nearly unanimous voice vote.

Legislation Proposal Number Two Amendment to Article 3, Section 2 of the Grand Chapter Constitution.In accordance with Article 10, Section 2 of the Grand Chapter Constitution, the

following amendment to Article 3 Section 2 of the Grand Chapter Constitution is proposed, so that, if seconded by a vote of one-third of the members present, this proposed amendment shall be entered upon the minutes until the next annual convocation, at which time the Grand High Priest shall put the question, and if then concurred in by the votes of at least two-thirds of the members present, shall thenceforth be in full force and effect.

Section 2. Representative must be a member of chapter or lodge of Mark Masters represented. No companion shall be entitled to serve as a representative of a chapter or lodge of Mark Masters other than that of which he is a member, nor shall he serve as a representative of both a chapter and lodge of Mark Masters at the same time.

Submitted by:REC Jeffrey Addis MEC Robert Draye REC Gustav SternREC Kenneth Kubach REC Robert Nilsen

The Section currently reads:Section 2. Representative must be a member of chapter of lodge of Mark

Masters represented. No companion shall be entitled to serve as a representative of a chapter of lodge of Mark Masters other than that of which he is a member nor shall he serve as a representative of both a chapter and lodge of Mark Masters at the same time.

The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October.

This proposal is intended to correct this section to change the phrase “of lodge” to “or lodge” in the title and text. The amendment also adds a comma between the two clauses to make the meaning a little bit clearer.

Legislation Proposal Number ThreeIn accordance with Code Section 134.01, the following amendment to the first

and second paragraphs of Code Section 100.09 is proposed, so that Code Section 100.09 would read as follows:

100.09. Name and Meeting Place. No Chapter shall be named after a living person nor may it change its meeting place from that named in its Charter, nor the building in which it meets, except by authority of the Grand Chapter, or the Grand High Priest; nor may it meet or work except in suitable rooms under its control, except as specified in the next paragraph, or by authority of the Grand Chapter or the Grand High Priest. No Chapter may suffer its meeting place to be used for any illegal or improper purpose.

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter Provided, however, that a Chapter may meet in any place dedicated to Masonic purposes to confer the Mark or Past Master Degrees; or in any place consecrated by the Grand Chapter of Ohio to hold its Inspection or to confer the Most Excellent Master or Royal Arch Degrees; or in any appropriate place to install officers; on the written approval of the District Deputy Grand High Priest after appropriate examination on his part. Such approvals shall be subject to such regulation as the Grand High Priest may provide. The Grand High Priest may in his judgment suspend the operation of this paragraph. Chapters are permitted to confer degrees in an outdoor meeting, when authorized by the Grand High Priest. The dedication of a hall or building for Masonic purposes by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio is a sufficient dedication for Capitular Masonic purposes. When a chapter abandons its Capitular Apartments it may, in its discretion, make use of such un-dedicating ceremony as it deems appropriate.Submitted by:REC Jeffrey Addis MEC Robert Draye REC Gustav SternREC Kenneth Kubach REC Robert Nilsen

The Section currently reads:100.09. Name and Meeting Place. No chapter shall be named after a living

person nor may it change its meeting place from that named in its Charter, nor the building in which it meets, except by authority of the Grand Chapter, or the Grand High Priest; nor may it meet or work except in suitable rooms under its control, except by authority of the Grand Chapter or the Grand High Priest, nor suffer its meeting place to be used for an illegal or improper purpose.

Provided, however, that a Chapter may meet in any place dedicated to Masonic purposes to confer the Mark or Past Master Degrees or in any appropriate place to install officers on the written approval of the District Deputy Grand High Priest after appropriate examination on his part. Such approvals shall be subject to such regulation as the Grand High Priest may provide. The Grand High Priest may in his judgment suspend the operation of this paragraph.

Chapters are permitted to confer degrees in an outdoor meeting, when authorized by the Grand High Priest. The dedication of a hall or building for Masonic purposes by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio is a sufficient dedication for Capitular Masonic purposes. When a chapter abandons its Capitular Apartments it may, in its discretion, make use of such un-dedicating ceremony as it deems appropriate. The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October. This proposal is intended to make it easier for a Chapter to move its Inspection, or to confer any of the Capitular Degrees, in another Chapter's apartments, by requiring only the written approval of the District Deputy Grand High Priest. This provisions leaves undisturbed the present authority of the District Deputy Grand High Priest to give his

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohiowritten approval to a Chapter conferring the Mark or Past Master Degrees in any place dedicated to Masonic purposes.

This proposed change only covers a Chapter's Inspection and the degree conferrals. It does not allow the District Deputy Grand High Priest to give his written approval to a Chapter voting on a petition, paying bills, or otherwise conducting business in a place other than its own apartments. If a Chapter needs to conduct limited business at such a relocated meeting, the Chapter may still request a dispensation.

Legislation Proposal Number FourIn accordance with Code Section 134.01, the following amendment to Code

Section 110.02 is proposed, so that Code Section 110.02 would read as follows: 110.02. Dues. No chapter shall charge annual dues in a sum less than eight dollars ($8.00). Payment of dues shall be receipted by issuance of a dues card of the kind and type prescribed by the Grand Secretary annually.Submitted by:REC Jeffrey Addis MEC Robert Draye REC Gustav SternREC Kenneth Kubach REC Robert Nilsen

The Section currently reads: 110.02. Dues. No chapter shall charge annual dues in a sum less than five dollars ($5.00). Payment of dues shall be receipted by issuance of a dues card of the kind and type prescribed by the Grand Secretary annually.

The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October.

This proposal is intended to bring Section 110.02 in conformity with Section 110.14, which was amended on October 9, 2013.

Legislation Proposal Number FiveIn accordance with Code Section 134.01, the following amendment to Code

Section 110.02 is proposed, so that Code Section 114.06 would read as follows:114.06. Certificate Submitted by Applicant for Membership. No person

having been a member of any chapter shall be admitted a member of any other chapter until he produces a certificate from the chapter of which he was last a member, or from the Grand Chapter, that he was in good and regular standing, and as such has, at his own request, been demitted. The petition and demit shall be accompanied by a copy of the mark of the applicant.Submitted by:REC Jeffrey Addis MEC Robert Draye REC Gustav SternREC Kenneth Kubach REC Robert Nilsen The Section currently reads:

114.06. Certificate Submitted by Applicant for Membership. No person having been a member of any chapter shall be admitted a member of any other chapter until he produces a certificate from the chapter of which he was last a member, or

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapterfrom the Grand Chapter, that he was in good and regular standing and as such has, at this own request, been demitted. The petition and demit shall be accompanied by a copy of the mark of the applicant

The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October.

This proposal is intended to correct “this own request” to “his own request” and adds a comma to make the meaning a little clearer.

Legislation Proposal Number SixIn accordance with Code Section 134.01, the following amendment to Code

Section 110.02 is proposed, so that Code Section 110.06 would read as follows:110.06. Suspension for Non-Payment. It shall be the imperative duty of the

High Priest to cause the Secretary to enter “suspended” against every member who is in arrears for dues for six months after the time fixed for payment. And if the dues of such delinquent members be not paid within four months after said six months period, it shall be the imperative duty of the High Priest to cause the Secretary to enter against such member “indefinitely suspended for non-payment of dues.”

Submitted byREC Jeffrey Addis MEC Robert Draye REC Gustav SternREC Kenneth Kubach REC Robert Nilsen The Section currently reads:

110.06. Suspension for Non-Payment. It shall be the imperative duty of the High Priest to cause the Secretary to enter “suspended” every member who is in arrears for dues for six months after the time fixed for payment. And if the dues of such delinquent members be not paid within four months after said six months period, it shall be the imperative duty of the High Priest to cause the Secretary to enter against such member “indefinitely suspended for non-payment of dues.”

The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October.

This proposal is intended to correct the section by adding “against” in the second line.

Legislation Proposal Number SevenIn accordance with Code Section 134.01, the following amendment to Code

Section 102.03 is proposed, so that Code Section 102.03 would read as follows: 102.03. Who Eligible. Any Royal Arch Mason is eligible to any office in the chapter of which he is a member in good standing, with the exception of the office of High Priest. No companion shall be eligible to be elected or appointed to the office of High Priest unless he has been elected and served as King or Scribe in some chartered Chapter, or has been appointed by the Grand Chapter or Grand High Priest as King or Scribe, and has served in such capacity under dispensation.Submitted by:REC Jeffrey Addis REC Gustav Stern REC Kenneth Kubach

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioMEC Robert Draye REC Robert Nilsen

The Section currently reads:102.03. Who Eligible. Any Royal Arch Mason is eligible to any office in the

chapter of which he is a member in good standing, with the exception of the office of High Priest. No companion shall be eligible to be office of High Priest unless he has been elected and served as King or Scribe in some chartered Chapter, or has been appointed by the Grand Chapter or Grand High Priest as King or Scribe, and has served in such capacity under dispensation.

The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October.

This proposal is intended to correct the section by adding the phrase “elected or appointed to the” in the third line.

Legislation Proposal Number EightIn accordance with By-Laws Section 41.01, the following addition is proposed

to Chapter Five of the Grand Chapter By-Laws:

5.07 Long Range Planning Committee. There shall be a standing committee on Long Range Planning, consisting of at least five members. The Grand Principal Sojourner shall be the Chair of the Long Range Planning Committee, and the Grand Royal Arch Captain, the Grand Master of the Third Veil, the Grand Master of the Second Veil, and the Grand Master of the First Veil, shall also serve on the Long Range Planning Committee. At each annual convocation of this Grand Chapter the incoming Grand High Priest shall appoint said officers, and may also appoint other members to this committee, whose period of service shall continue until their successors are appointed.Submitted by:MEC R. Keith O’Dell REC Robert Blankenhorn, Jr. REC Ryan AdamsREC Daniel Smith REC Rodney Carr

The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October.

This proposal is intended to make the Long Range Planning Committee a standing committee of the Grand Chapter.

Legislation Proposal Number NineIn accordance with By-Laws Section 41.01, the following addition is proposed

to Chapter Five of the Grand Chapter By-Laws:5.08 Publications Committee. There shall be a standing committee on Publications consisting of at least five members. At each annual convocation of this Grand Chapter the incoming Grand High Priest shall appoint such members to this committee, whose period of service shall continue until their successors are appointed.Submitted byMEC R. Keith O’Dell REC Robert Blankenhorn, Jr. REC Ryan Adams

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterREC Daniel Smith REC Rodney Carr

The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October.

This proposal is intended to make the Publications Committee a standing committee of the Grand Chapter.

Legislation Proposal Number TenIn accordance with By-Laws Section 41.01, the following addition is proposed

to Chapter Five of the Grand Chapter By-Laws:5.09 Youth Organizations Committee. There shall be a standing committee

on Youth Organizations consisting of at least five members. At each annual convocation of this Grand Chapter the incoming Grand High Priest shall appoint such members to this committee, whose period of service shall continue until their successors are appointed.Submitted by:MEC R. Keith O’Dell REC Robert Blankenhorn, Jr. REC Ryan AdamsREC Daniel Smith REC Rodney Carr

The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October.

This proposal is intended to make the Youth Organizations Committee a standing committee of the Grand Chapter.

Legislation Proposal Number ElevenIn accordance with By-Laws Section 41.01, the following addition is proposed

to Chapter Five of the Grand Chapter By-Laws:5.10 Membership Development Committee. There shall be a standing

committee on Membership Development consisting of at least five members. At each annual convocation of this Grand Chapter the incoming Grand High Priest shall appoint such members to this committee, whose period of service shall continue until their successors are appointed.Submitted by:MEC R. Keith O’Dell REC Robert Blankenhorn, Jr. REC Ryan AdamsREC Daniel Smith REC Rodney Carr

The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October.

This proposal is intended to make the Membership Development Committee a standing committee of the Grand Chapter.

Legislation Proposal Number TwelveIn accordance with By-Laws Section 41.01, the following addition is proposed

to Chapter Five of the Grand Chapter By-Laws:

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio5.11 Information and Technology Committee. There shall be a standing

committee on Information and Technology consisting of at least five members. At each annual convocation of this Grand Chapter the incoming Grand High Priest shall appoint such members to this committee, whose period of service shall continue until their successors are appointed.Submitted by:MEC R. Keith O’Dell REC Robert Blankenhorn, Jr. REC Ryan AdamsREC Daniel Smith REC Rodney Carr

The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October.

This proposal is intended to make the Information and Technology Committee a standing committee of the Grand Chapter.

Legislation Proposal Number ThirteenIn accordance with By-Laws Section 41.01, the following addition is proposed

to Chapter Five of the Grand Chapter By-Laws:5.12 Distinguished Guests Committee. There shall be a standing committee

on Distinguished Guests consisting of at least five members. At each annual convocation

of this Grand Chapter the incoming Grand High Priest shall appoint such members to this committee, whose period of service shall continue until their successors are appointed.Submitted byMEC R. Keith O’Dell REC Robert Blankenhorn, Jr. REC Ryan AdamsREC Daniel Smith REC Rodney Carr

The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October.

This proposal is intended to make the Distinguished Guests Committee a standing committee of the Grand Chapter.

Legislation Proposal Number FourteenResolution: Recognize Grand Chapter of Cyprus.

Be it Resolved: That recognition be granted to, and that the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio exchange Grand Representatives with, the new Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Cyprus. Submitted by (Still waiting for the names of the five signers)The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October. The committee also notes that even though this item was not submitted more than ninety days before the Grand Convocation, as a resolution, it is not subject to the ninety day rule.

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterThe committee further notes that this Grand Chapter has historically

recognized or withdrawn recognition of other Grand Chapters though the use of resolutions.

Legislation Proposal Number FifteenIn accordance with By-Laws Section 41.01, the following addition is proposed

to Chapter Thirty Seven of the Grand Chapter By-Laws:37.05 Capitular Lady Of The Year Award. The Grand Chapter of Royal

Arch Masons of Ohio shall create an award, hereafter named, “The Capitular Lady Of The Year Award of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio.”

Subject award shall be made to those ladies selected by the Awards Committee and Grand High Priest from nominations made in accordance with the prescribed form and qualifications listed thereon. The number of awards given during the Capitular Year shall not exceed four (4).Submitted by:MEC R. Keith O'Dell REC Robert D. Blankenhorn. Jr. REC Jeffrey L. AddisJ. Keith Green Daniel S. Smith The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October.

The committee notes that this item was not submitted more than ninety days before the Grand Convocation, that is, it is a “late” item. However, in accordance with By-Laws Section 41.01, this item may be considered at this Grand Convocation provided that no more than twenty-five members of the Grand Chapter object.The committee also notes that the purpose of this legislation is to make permanent the award announced by MEC O'Dell at the Grand Convocation in 2014.

Legislation Proposal Number SixteenIn accordance with Code Section 134.01, the following amendment to Code

Section 100.06 is proposed, so that Code Section 100.06 would read as follows: 100.06. Quorum. a. The number of Royal Arch Masons necessary to open a regular Chapter and

transact business is ten. Not all ten of the Royal Arch Masons comprising the quorum need be members of that Chapter. However, no vote of a Chapter shall be effective unless at least six members of that Chapter be present and vote in favor of the matter being voted on.

b. No Chapter, without the authority of the Grand High Priest, can be opened or business transacted therein unless there be present at least one of the three principal officers, or a Past High Priest.

c. An Extraordinary Session of a Royal Arch Chapter shall consist of six or more Royal Arch Masons who are members of the Chapter, duly assembled for the purpose of holding a session to act on petitions and vote on such bills as the Secretary and Treasurer are not entitled to pay. These bills would include Grand Dues, District

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioDues, Insurance, etc. An Extraordinary Session may be called at the pleasure of the High Priest on a date and time fixed for a Stated Convocation, and may be opened and closed by declaration, under a legal charter or dispensation, if necessary. Under no circumstances shall any Capitular Degrees be conferred at such an Extraordinary Session.Submitted byMEC R. Keith O'Dell REC Robert D. Blankenhorn. Jr. REC Jeffrey L. AddisREC J. Keith Green REC Daniel S. Smith

The Section currently reads;100.06. Quorum. The number of Royal Arch Masons necessary to open a

chapter and transact business is ten. But no chapter, without the authority of the Grand High Priest, can be opened or business transacted therein unless there be present at least one of the three principal officers, or a Past High Priest. However, an Extraordinary Session of a Royal Arch Chapter shall consist of six or more Royal Arch Masons, duly assembled for the purpose of holding a session to take care of petitions and such bills to which the Secretary and Treasurer are not entitled to pay. These bills would include Grand Dues, District Dues, Insurance, etc. This type of Chapter meeting may be called at the pleasure of the High Priest and may be opened and closed by declaration, under alegal charter or dispensation, if necessary. Under no circumstances shall any Capitular Degrees be conferred.

The Jurisprudence Committee is of the opinion that this proposed legislation is in proper form; and has approved this item for presentation at the Grand Convocation in October. The committee notes that this item was not submitted more than ninety days before the Grand Convocation, that is, it is a “late” item. However, in accordance with By-Laws Section 41.01, this item may be considered at this Grand Convocation provided that no more than twenty-five members of the Grand Chapter object. The committee also notes that the purpose of this legislation is to clarify the existing Code Section. Section 100.06 has generally, but not universally, been interpreted as requiring that a subordinate Chapter have ten of its own Companions present in order to open and transact business. The amended section would allow a subordinate Chapter to open so long as a total of ten Royal Arch Masons are present, and so long as one of the three principal officers or a Past High Priest is present. However, any item of business that requires a vote requires that at least six members of the subordinate Chapter be present and vote in favor of the matter being voted on. By way of example, this could allow a subordinate Chapter to open and confer a degree with only the subordinate Chapter's High Priest, and nine visiting Companions. It would allow the subordinate Chapter to open, vote on petitions, bills, etc…, with only six Companions of the subordinate Chapter present, including a principal officer or Past High Priest, provided that all six voted in favor of the matter requiring a vote, and also providing that four visiting Companions were present.Fraternally submitted, Abraham Kay, #189, Chairman

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterRoss R. Black, II, Grand Principal Sojourner, Vice-ChairmanJohn H. Whitehouse, PHP, #187 Keevin J. Berman, PHP # 206James Simpson, #225 Jeffrey Nash, #206Mitchell L. Alperin, #206

(All the above listed proposed amendments, additions, or corrections to the Constitution, By-Laws or Code of the Grand Chapter, including the Resolution to recognize the Grand Chapter of Cyprus were approved as presented.)

Right Excellent Companion Kay, in concluding his report, announced his retirement as Chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee and introduced his successor, Excellent Companion Keevin L. Berman, Past High Priest of Heights Chapter No 206. Right Excellent Companion Kay received the thanks of the Grand Chapter for his service and was given a hearty round of applause.

10th DISTRICT DELEGATION RECEIVED

A delegation of Companions from the Tenth Capitular District requested permission to approach. They gathered west of the Altar where congratulations were extended to Grand High Priest (elect) Blankenhorn. They extended their best wishes and pledged their continuing support in his Capitular journey.

Appointed Grand Officers 2015 - 2016 Right Excellent Companion Blankenhorn announced the following appointments for 2015 – 2016:

R.E.C. William D. Stratton Grand Chaplain R.E.C. Jeffery S. Humble Grand NecrologistR.E.C. F. Raymond Sharritts Grand Chaplain, EmeritusR.E.C. Charles E. Bonecutter Grand GuardComp. Kenneth E. Amos Associate Grand GuardComp. Virgil D. Kline Grand MarshalR.E.C. Norman G. Lincoln Grand HistorianR.E.C. Richard D. Snow Grand Fraternal CorrespondentR.E.C. Don R. Lutz Grand MusicianComp. Charles E. Morgan Grand AideComp. Ricky L. Hilty Grand AideM.E.C. Garis E. Pugh Assistant Grand TreasurerM.E.C. Steven A. Duncan Assistant Grand Secretary

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Most Excellent Companion (elect) Blankenhorn announced the installation of officers would take place approximately 30 minutes following the close of Grand Chapter on Thursday morning. Ladies and guests invited to attend. Installing officer will be Most Excellent Companion Garis Pugh; installing Marshal Most Excellent Companion Robert D. Crabbs; Installing Chaplain, Most Excellent Companion Kermit Zimmerman; and installing secretary, Most Excellent James Himmelright.

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio Most Excellent Companion Steven A. Duncan, Most Excellent President of Anointed High Priests of Ohio announced the Grand Council would assemble at 2:30PM. and encouraged all current and Past High Priests who are not yet members to petition and receive this most impressive Order. Kings and Scribes school, under the direction of Right Excellent Companions Jeffery Addis and J. Keith Green would be held at 2:00PM with all officers of Chapters invited to attend.

COMMENTS FROM STEVEN E. COKONOUGHERMost Worshipful Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Ohio

"Thank you. Please be seated. Sitting up here I felt like I was sitting in C deck at Ohio stadium with all the red coats out there. So, OH (response from audience) IO! I saw some gray coats as well and I think there may be a few from Michigan and seven or eight over there wearing green from Michigan State, but I'm not really sure. You know our Brother from Canada talked about Most Excellent Companion Bruce. Talked about the only battle fought between the United States and Canada. Canada won and as a result of that the penalty was that we had to keep Michigan. Sorry guys from Michigan. That's a joke! No offense.

My theme this year has been 'The time is now.' I've said a few times what I really mean from that is get off your butt and go do something! Even if it's wrong. What we've doing hasn't been as successful as we would like it to be. I'm not saying that everything we done hasn't been good, that's not true. But the few things that haven't been successful. You know, if you're in a business or you're in an organization the way to make things happen is to go do something. Just go do something. If it doesn't work scrap it and go try something else. That's how we move forward. That's how success works. Abraham Lincoln said, 'if our country falters or fails', I'm not sure the exact words, 'it will not be from the outside. If we falter or fail, it will be from within.' Brethren, if Masonry fails, it will not be outside forces that cause that failure, it will be things we have done to ourselves. The last couple of days I've talked about things like cultural change, I've talked about roadblocks to our future and I believe we are our own worst enemy. Particularly when we don't pay attention to the young guys. How many guys in here are under forty? About 6 or 7 under forty! That tells us we need to go after young men and get them in leadership roles. I really mean that. We talk about mergers and such. I've got an opinion that's not shared by a lot of people - if you can't act like a Masonic Lodge, or a Masonic Chapter or Masonic Council or Masonic Commandery; if you don't have enough people showing up to open a meeting, then you are not a Chapter, or Council or Commandery or whatever. You need to have enough people and if you don't, the key is not to just talk about throwing in the towel but call all the members. Not just send a letter. Pull them together to see if we can stay active. A Chapter is not doing itself a favor if you have four or six guys showing up for a meeting to pay the bills or read the minutes. That's not a Chapter. If you can't have fellowship; if you can't have a purposeful meeting then we're

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapternot going to be successful. I've often said it takes two. Two excited men to get a Chapter or any Masonic body rolling. If you have two guys excited and on fire they will make it go. Conversely, if you have two naysayers, you're dead if you don't move them out. Brethren, I love Royal Arch Chapter. It was the first body that I presided over. I thought it was a great learning experience. I love the work. I was going to get out and learn the Principal Sojourners part but I thought I'd mess it all up and you guys would get on me. 'I will bring the blind on a way they know not. I will lead them in paths they do not know.' Hey, there are some things I still remember! Brethren, I've enjoyed this meeting this morning. I like the way you do business and the fact that legislation moved along quickly. Now if you could bring that to Grand Lodge this year because we have thirteen pieces of legislation and hopefully, it will move equally as quick. I thank you for your time. God bless each and every one of you and God bless Freemasonry."

Most Worshipful Cokonougher's comments were received with a standing round of applause.

BENEDICATIONRight Excellent Companion Jeffery Humble, Grand Chaplain

"Lord of Hosts, we have enjoyed this session of the 199th Grand Convocation and we ask that You would go with us now; that our fellowship at lunch will be just as productive; that we might remember those who have passed and that we keep their memories alive. That we would enjoy our lunch and that you would bless the food to our service and our service to Thee. This we pray in Thy holy name. Amen"

Recess at the Close of the First Day Most Excellent Companion O'Dell called the 199 th Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter from labor to recess until 8:30A.M. on Thursday, October 8, 2015.

GRAND CHAPTER BANQUET

Approximately 270 Royal Arch Masons and their ladies attended the Annual Banquet on Wednesday evening. Among those attending were Miss Kaitlynn Turner, Grand Worthy Advisor of Rainbow in Ohio, accompanied by her father; Mrs. Janice F. Morris, Supreme Deputy of Rainbow in Ohio and her husband Paul; Miss Lauren Moshier, Miss Ohio Job's Daughter, accompanied by her father Doug; Miss Cindy Hill, Grand Bethel Honored Queen of Job's Daughters accompanied by her grandmother Cathy, and Mrs. Donna Wright, Grand Guardian of Ohio

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioJobs Daughters and by Miss Casey Bowiss, Miss Congeniality and Mr. John Young, Associate Grand Guardian of Ohio Jobs Daughters; Gregory Fyffe, State Master Councilor of Ohio DeMolay; Bobby G. Campbell, Grand Recorder of the Grand Council, R&SM of Ohio and his wife Cathy; and Alfred T. Johnson, Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar and his wife Marion.

THE EARL C. GIFFORD DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

The Earl C. Gifford Distinguished Service Award of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio was granted to: Karl W. Beaver, born March 17, 1938 in Andrews, Indiana, is retired from the Flexible Companion and Guggisberg Chesse. Karl is a Past Master of Hanover Lodge No. 115 (2 times), Past High Priest of King Cyrus Chapter No. 207 (2 times), a past Illustrious Master of Ashland Council No. 126 (2 times), Past Illustrious Master of Theban Council No. 126 (2 times), where he holds a plural membership and a Past Commander Mansfield Commandery No. 21. We was a Worthy Patron of Iris Chapter No. 20 OES (3 times) and after their merger, he demitted to Holmes Chapter No. 371, OES and served as Worthy Patron there (4 times). Karl is a member of Perrysburg United Methodist Church and serves as an usher. He is a history buff and has traveled extensively to Civil War sites. He is also keenly interested in model railroading.

Karl's nominators state that the is the ultimate Master Mason, dedicated to the craft and willing to provide assistance to anybody or person that needs assistance. He is available to fill in whenever needed. He has several Honorary Memberships as a result of this efforts. George L. O'Neal, born September 25, 1941 in Lucasville, Ohio is a retired accountant from the New Boston Coke Company. George is a Past Master of Rome Lodge No. 535 and a PDDGM of the 7th district; a Past High Priest of Mt. Vernon Chapter No. 23 and Past High Priest of Manchester Chapter No. 1129; Past Illustrious Master of Solomon Council No. 79; and Past Commander of Calvary Commandery No. 13. He is also a member of Ohio Priory No. 18. George has served as a Little League coach, and a board member for the local credit union. He is a graduate of Ohio University. George has been married to Carolyn for many years and they have three children. He is a member of Dry Run Church of Christ and is a Deacon and board member. His nominators pointed out that he continues to work tirelessly for Freemasonry and does his service without seeking any fanfare or recognition. He helped two struggling

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapterchapters get back on their feet and continues to bring in new members. Richard Allan Wentz, born September 18, 1950 in Marietta, Ohio is a retired electrician from Eramet Marietta, Inc. He is a Past Master (twice) of American Union Lodge No. 1; a Past High Priest of American Union Chapter No. 1; a Past Illustrious Master of Marietta Council No. 78; and a Past Commander (two times) of Marietta Commandery No. 50. He is also a member of Ohio Priory #18 and the Valley of Cambridge. Richard has an Associate Degree in electrical engineering from Kent State. He is a member of Sixth and Washington Streets Church of Christ and has served on the Board of Directors of the Warren Water Association for over 20 years. Richard and his wife Diann have one child. His nominators point out that he has taken an active role in all of the York Rite bodies and always takes the extra step to help others and to insure that his ritual work is performed correctly. William C. Young, born December 1, 1957 in Wadsworth, Ohio, is a self-employed furniture restorer at his own business called the Loft. He is an active member of Grace Lutheran Church serving 5 years on the church board and working on many committees in the church. William is a Past Master of Wadsworth Lodge No. 385 and was L.E.O. for 19 years and a trustee for 10 years. He is a Past High Priest (three times) of Medina County Chapter No. 243; Past D.E.O. under three deputies and served as the Grand Guard for one year. He is a member of Medina Commandery No. 84. He is also a member of the AMD and the Valley of Akron, AASR. William continues to serve Masonry in many ways. He is building manager of the Wadsworth Masonic Temple; takes many different degree parts; helps with dinners frequently as a dish washer or wherever needed. Besides being an all around "good guy" he is of Scottish descent and has visited Scotland on two occasions. For his installation as Master, he was in full Highland regalia - kilt and all.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015

The Grand Chapter was called from Recess to Labor by Grand High Priest R. Keith O'Dell at 8:30A.M. at the Great Wolf Lodge, Mason, Ohio. Following the invocation by Grand Chaplain he directed the Companions to join with him in pledging allegiance to the flag of our nation.

INVOCATIONRight Excellent Companion Jeffery S. Humble, Grand Chaplain

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio

"Lord of Hosts, Lord God of heaven and earth, we thank you for this 199th Grand Convocation. We thank you for the year that has been. We ask your blessing on the year that is about to begin. Bless us throughout the remainder of our deliberations that we may act and believe as Brothers. Father, we thank you for all things and we thank you for this day. In Thy holy name we pray. Amen."

REPORT of COMMITTEE on RITUAL

"Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Most Worshipful Grand Master and Companions. Your ritual committee has been reviewing proposals submitted and have several ready to present for consideration by the Grand Chapter. Four proposals for ritual changes have been approved by the committee, were readied for mailing to the Chapters during the summer in preparation for presentation before the Grand convocation in October. One additional proposal being less on ritual than on procedures and code that was previously brought to the attention of the grand officers. Most Excellent Companion R. Keith O'Dell created a special committee on the type-written ritual to evaluate that proposal. That special committee will move forward on that proposal. We wish to thank the Grand High Priest for allowing us the opportunity and I offer my thanks to the committee for their work and thoughtful discussions in our views this past year."Respectfully submitted,Ronald C. Hart, Sr., Chairman Ryan Adams, Grand MarshalRobert W. Thomas, PGHP Alfred T. Johnson, PDDGHP

Proposal 1: Corrects inconsistency on pg 37-38 in Mark Master degreeProposal 2: Corrects error on pg 38 in Mark Master degreeProposal 3: Corrects inconsistency on pg 42 in Mark Master degreeProposal 4: Deals with the opening prayer in the Royal Arch degree (The committee proposes a change to allow an alternate prayer to be used.)

(The above listed ritual changes were approved as presented)Right Excellent Companion Hart, after his report was approved, then continued.

"The following proposal was brought to the Grand Offices meeting in May by the ritual committee, the purpose for forming a special committee to determine how to best plan, implement, and bring back for approval and action a recommendation as it may be finalized. It reads, 'To improve our consistency in our ritual presentation within the Grand Chapter, and in following the lead of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, the ritual committee recommends that a copy of the type-written ritual will be bound and loaned to each district to be kept in the possession of the District Deputy Grand High Priest between annual grand convocations.'

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter The ritual committee requests that the Grand High Priest form a joint committee to be composed with members from ritual, publications, information & technology and others as he deems important so that the implementation can be planned and carried out. Most Excellent Companion R. Keith O'Dell created a committee on the type-written ritual to evaluate that proposal and its recommendation to improve the consistency of the ritual presentation in the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio and to increase the availability of the type-written ritual within its jurisdiction. The Grand Chapter ritual committee and the special committee on the type-written ritual request that a copy of type-written ritual be bound and provided for the custody of each elected grand line officer. The type-written ritual custodian to coordinate its use within each district requesting access and be responsible for its security. The custodian will present the type-written ritual as required between annual grand convocations for inventory of these documents. Right Excellent Companion Blankenhorn, Grand High Priest elect, has appointed an ad hoc committee for the coming year for planning the details of distribution and control for this change."Respectfully submitted,Ronald C. Hart, Sr., Chairman, Ritual Abraham Kay, JurisprudenceJeffery L. Addis, Publications Daniel S. Smith, EducationRyan C. Adams, Information and Technology

The above listed proposal on type-written ritual was approved by the voting delegates.

REPORT OF THE ROYAL ARCH FOUNDATION CHARITY AUCTION

Most Excellent Companion Wayne Dill, Secretary of the Royal Arch Foundation, reported that the Foundation, at the Grand High Priest’s banquet on Tuesday evening, had again auctioned a brick, hand painted with Masonic emblems by Pam Blankenhorn. He announced that the silent auction, held following the Grand Banquet, had generated over $5000.00 on behalf of the Foundation’s Endowment Fund. The highlight of the auction being a gold Past High Priest ring that was purchased for $1500.00 by Grand ChaplainJeffery Humble, the single largest bid ever made. (Thank you Right Excellent Companion Humble!) It was announced that Grand High Priest O'Dell, Grand King Blankenhorn, along with several members of the Foundation board (actually 10 couples) would be attending the annual Adopt America Network's annual charity auction and dinner on October 9th in

Toledo. A check for $20,000 from the Foundation would be presented that evening. Since our formation in 2001, our total contributions to Adopt America are nearly $260,000.00. On behalf of the Foundation and the children he thanked the Companions for their continuing support of the Adopt America Network. The records of donations to the Foundation, having been recently updated, Most Excellent Companion Dill requested the following Companions and representatives of Chapters and Districts to assemble. Lapel pins, donating the various giving levels were then presented as follows:

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio Donor Lapel Pin Total Contributions

New Carlisle Chapter 57 Sapphire $ 625.00 Wilmington Chapter 63 Sapphire $ 1,000.00 Sandusky City Chapter 72 Sapphire $ 845.00 Horace W. Wright Chapter 226 Sapphire $ 589.00 Ronald Hart Sapphire $ 500+ Norman Lobell Sapphire $ 500 +District 9 Purple $ 1,837.00 District 11 Amethyst $ 1,650.00 District 14 Amethyst $ 1,943.00 District 18 Amethyst $ 1,500.00 District 19 Amethyst $ 1,767.00 Ross R. Black, II Amethyst $ 1,572.00 Pomeroy Chapter 80 Amethyst $ 1,524.00Ft Miami-Calumet Chapter 191 Ruby $ 2,545.00 District 4 Ruby $ 2,665.00 District 6 Ruby $ 2,931.00 Athens Chapter 39 Diamond $ 3,850.00 York Temple Chapter 155 Diamond $ 3,995.00 Oak Harbor Chapter 162 Diamond $ 6,059.00 District 8 Diamond $ 6,097.00 District 10 Diamond $ 6,265.00 District 16 Diamond $ 26,225.00

Most Excellent Companion Dill then moved for the acceptance of the Royal Arch Foundation report.

REPORT OF THE ROYAL ARCH FOUNDATION

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: The Royal Arch Foundation is pleased to submit the following report for year 2014 – 2015:

The vision or goal of the Foundation is: To be the charity of choice for all Royal Arch Masons in Ohio; to keep our membership informed of our activities; to encourage their financial support of the Foundation; to generate funds through innovative fund raising efforts; to involve all Royal Arch Masons with the activities of our selected charity; and to create a permanent endowment fund to ensure the financial viability of the Foundation for the future.

The Foundation has selected the Adopt American Network, headquartered in Toledo, as the charity worthy of our support as Royal Arch Masons. In the United States, more than 114,000 children have been waiting in the foster care system for years. An overwhelming number of them have suffered neglect, abuse and abandonment. They long to belong to someone – to have a loving touch, a reassuring hug, the security of a permanent adoptive family.

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterEvery child deserves a home and family where they can feel safe, secure and

loved. Adopt America Network’s mission is to find forever families for the children who wait in foster care. Their national network of volunteer adoption specialists brings together those special children with families that offer love and permanence.

Each year, three trustees of the Foundation complete their appointed term of office. The newly installed Grand High Priest may choose to re-appoint them or select other qualified Companions to serve on the Foundation board. Following his installation in October, 2014, Most Excellent Companion R. Keith O’Dell appointed the following Companions to serve as trustees:

M.E.C. Jerry Crawford (Terms to expire in October, 2017M.E.C. Robert D. CrabbsM.E.C. J. Keith Green

The following Companions were previously appointed to serve as trustees. M. E. C. Jean W. Justus, Jr. (Terms to expire in October, 2016)R. E. C. Norman LoBellM. E. C. Don L. Losasso M. E. C. Robert Blankenhorn (Terms to expire in October, 2015)M. E. C. Kermit ZimmermanM. E. C. Robert J. Draye

Rt. Ex. Companion Robert D. Blankenhorn, Jr., appointed by the board of trustees, continues to serve as the Treasurer of the Foundation, with M.E.C. Wayne S. Dill appointed as Secretary of the Foundation. Elected Officers of the Board: M.E.C. Kermit V. Zimmerman PresidentM.E.C. Robert J. Draye 1st Vice-PresidentM.E.C. J. Keith Green 2nd Vice-PresidentEndowment Fund Committee:R.E.C. Ryan W. Adams, Chairman M.E.C. Robert D. Blankenhorn, Jr.R.E.C. Norman LoBell RAF Charity Auction: The Foundation’s eighth annual silent auction was held at the conclusion of the Grand Chapter banquet in 2014. A variety of items were donated by the Companions and ladies included hand crafted items, collector items, sports memorabilia, and Masonic jewelry. The money from the silent auction was forwarded to the Foundation’s Endowment Fund. The endowment fund, with monies generated at the previous auctions and with other donations, has grown to over $36,000.00. Another silent auction will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2015. The auction will open at 3:00PM to give the Companions a greater opportunity to visit (and

perhaps bid on items!) A reminder that credit cards can be used to pay for any winning item. R.E.C. Blankenhorn has procured “a square” for easier credit card use.

AAN Annual Dinner / Auction: Adopt America Network conducts their annual Charity Auction in Toledo each October. Attending in 2014 were several Foundation board members and spouses. The Foundation and the Royal Arch Masons of Ohio,

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohiopresented Adopt America a check for $15,000.00. This brings our total contributions to Adopt America to nearly $208,000.00.

Additional Support: In addition to the financial support we provide to AAN, Royal Arch Masons in the northwest Ohio area have taken an active part in the activities of Adopt America:

Awards: Individuals, Chapters and Districts are recognized by the Foundation for their contributions. Certificates are prepared for contributions at the $100 (Silver) and $250 (Gold) levels; lapel pins are presented at the $500 (Sapphire stone), $1500 (Amethyst), $2500 (Ruby) and $3500 (Diamond) levels.

______________________________________________

Royal Arch Foundation Financial ReportAugust 8, 2015

OPERATING ACCOUNTBeginning Balance 8/09/14 $15,795.73Income: Voided Check $50.00

Donations $23,131.68 Auction (2014) $2,778.69 Rent $600.00Total Income $26,560.37Expenses: Adopt America $15,000.00 Endowment Fund $2,778.69 Grand Chapter AAN Exp. $205.04 Office Expense-Print Pamphlets $2,061.00 Rent $600.00Total Expense $20,644.70Balance On Hand 8/8/15 $21,711.37

ENDOWMENT ACCOUNT

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The Companions are reminded that the Grand Chapter website: www.ohioram.org. has a link to the Royal Arch Foundation. The site includes our Mission Statement, listing of trustees, forms for the charity auction, other related Foundation information and a link to Adopt America’s website. Take the time to check it out!

Principle and Interest LPL Financial Total as of 07/31/15 $36,057.68Respectfully SubmittedRobert D. Blankenhorn Jr.Treasurer

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter We conclude this report with sincere thanks for your support, contributions and efforts on behalf of the Foundation and the Adopt America Network, especially in this ever demanding economy. Royal Arch Masons – thanks for all you do!! The Royal Arch Foundation – “Ohio Royal Arch Masons helping an Ohio based charity.” Respectfully submitted,Kermit V. Zimmerman, Past Grand High Priest President, Royal Arch Foundation

* * * * *ROYAL ARCH FOUNDATION – (a short history)

In 2001, several Royal Arch Masons felt there was need for a charity that could be supported by the Ohio Royal Arch Masons – something in Ohio that we could “put our arms around.” After several meetings, we were introduced to Edieann Didham, President of the Adopt America Network headquartered in Toledo. Her presentation on the need to place special needs children into permanent homes – those children with emotional or physical handicaps; older children and teenagers; sibling groups; minority or mixed race children – the kids that are in the foster care programs - the kids that no one wants to adopt, convinced us that we had found the charity that we were looking for. Subsequently, in 2002, the Royal Arch Foundation was formed. Chairman of the Grand Chapter’s Jurisprudence committee, George Hall, submitted Articles of Incorporation to the state of Ohio and filed for 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. We were incorporated by the state and were granted our 501(c)(3) status by the IRS in September, 2003. Nine trustees plus a Foundation secretary were selected to serve on the Foundation board. A resolution was passed that the Grand High Priest, and each of his successors, immediately following his installation into office, appoint three (3) trustees to serve on the Royal Arch Foundation board for a period of three (3) years. The original founding trustees and secretary were:Robert Crabbs, President James McDonald Robert WiseWayne Dill, Vice-President Jean Justus Robert DrayeJim J. Buckingham Kermit Zimmerman Garis Pugh

Robert D. Blankenhorn – Foundation Board SecretaryThe Foundation adopted the following Mission and Vision statements:

“The mission of the Royal Arch Foundation is to support the charitable endeavors of the Grand Chapter of Ohio through our involvement with an Ohio based charity. We will do this by providing financial support through various fund raising activities and by encouraging an active participation by our membership with our selected charity.”

“The vision or goal of the Foundation is to become the charity of choice for all Royal Arch Masons in Ohio; to keep our membership informed of our activities; to

encourage the financial support of the Foundation; to generate funds through innovative fund raising efforts; to involve all Royal Arch Masons with the activities of our selected charity; and to create a permanent endowment fund to ensure the financial viability of the Foundation for the future.”

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio To recognize those Companions, Chapters and Districts for the financial support, the Foundation established the following protocol: A Chapter donating an amount equivalent to $1.00 per member will receive a certificate for 100% participation; an individual, Chapter or District donating $100.00 will receive a silver certificate; a $250.00 contribution will be recognized with at gold certificate. $500.00 is a lapel pin with a Sapphire; $1500 an Amethyst; $2500 a Ruby; and at the $3500 level, the stone will be a diamond. The $3500 level equals the cost to AAN to place one child in a permanent home. (The four stones were selected as they correspond to the colors of the four banners of the Royal Arch degree.) Unlike some other charities where awards are based upon an annual donation, all contributions to the Foundation accumulate and the award is continually upgraded to the next level.

A small percentage of donations are held by the foundation to pay for administrative expenses – this includes postage, the cost of certificates and lapel pins, brochures, etc. No salary or expenses are paid to any of the board members. (All donations to the Foundation should be sent to PO Box 511, Shelby, OH, 44875 – not to the Grand Secretary’s office.)

In 2005, the Foundation formed an Endowment fund to ensure our long term financial viability. To help fund the endowment, the Foundation sponsors a silent auction during the annual Grand Chapter Convocation.

Ohio Royal Arch Masons are encouraged to share the message of the Royal Arch Foundation and our connection to and our support of Adopt America Network’s efforts of special needs adoption, not only within our Chapters, but as well as our communities, churches, and other civic groups.

The Royal Arch Foundation – “Ohio Royal Arch Masons helping an Ohio based charity.”

RECOGNITION OF RECIPIENTS Earl C. Gifford, Distinguished Service Award

Most Excellent Companion O'Dell announced that at the Grand Banquet the previous evening the Earl C. Gifford Distinguished Service Award had been presented to four very deserving Companions, Karl W. Beaver, George L. O'Neal, Richard Allan Wentz and William C. Young. Each was asked to rise and be recognized. He then asked all previous recipients to rise and all were greeted with a hearty round of applause.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

A motion having been made, supported and approved by the Companions, the following committee reports which, due to time constraints, had not been presented verbally by their chairmen, be accepted and approved as printed and distributed.

GRAND TREASURER'S REPORT To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio:

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter The following represents the financial transactions administered by the Grand Treasurer during the year September 1, 2014 through August 31, 2015:

GRAND TREASURER'S REPORT OMITTED

FOR DETAIL INFORMATION CONTACT THE GRAND TREASURER

LISTEDIN THE PROCEEDING

GRAND SECRETARY'S REPORT To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio:

We had another interesting, challenging and difficult year in the Grand Chapter Office. Unfortunately, the Annual Return Process continued to be a challenge this year.

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioLate submissions and/or payment continued to plague the process. Several Election Returns were also late and required a lot of time in chasing them down.

Annual Returns We again printed all Annual Returns in the office, once the information was received from the constituent chapter secretaries. This year fifteen Chapters were fined for late returns or late payment of fees. The Committee on Constituent Returns levied the fines (Refer to their report for a list of the chapters that were late). As badly as the Grand Chapter needs funds, we do not want to get it this way. It makes us very sad to collect these fines and we encourage the Secretaries to get their returns in early next year.

Dues CardsDues cards were printed by an outside firm and this has made the process more

efficient and less costly Initially this action was taken because the new computer could not communicate with the old printer but it was such an improvement in time and cost that it will be the way they will be printed going forward. However, this year some problems were encountered that have to be addressed with the printer.

Membership2014 2015

137 Chapters reporting Membership at beginning of year.................... 14,520 13,754Exalted............................................................. 307 268Admitted.......................................................... 64 54Reinstated ....................................................... 27 53Withdrawn....................................................... 157 133Died................................................................. 552 528Suspended or Expelled ................................... 455 362Membership at end of year.............................. 13,754 13,106 NET LOSS............................................... 766 648 (by percent).......................................... 5.67% 4.71%Chapters showing gain 16Chapters showing loss 107Chapters showing no change 14Chapters having no exaltations 41Chapters having no reinstatements 115Chapters having no suspensions 66Exalted most candidates: Victory #210 10

Community #227 10Marshall #47 9

Showing largest numerical gain: Mt. Vernon #23 14Marshall #47 9Victory #210 8Medina County #243 7

Showing 10.0% or more net gain: Marshall #47 18.000%Mt. Vernon #23 10.853%

Suspended 20 or more members: LaGrange #68 24

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterNorwood #193 20

Showing greatest loss: LaGrange #68 28Union #15 24Mt. Olive #189 24Horace W. Wright #226 21

Showing greatest % loss: Union #15 24.742%Tyrian #91 23.007%LaGrange #68 21.705%

District with Gain None District with greatest loss: Dist. #6 69

Dist. #13 69District with Gain %: None District with greatest % loss: Dist. #20 11.76%

Receipts, General Fund and Permanent Fund

FINANCIAL DATA OMITTED

CONTACT THE GRAND SECRETARY LISTED IN THE PROCEEDING

Ohio Masonic HomeYour Grand Chapter contributed twenty-five cents per member to the operating

funds of our Ohio Masonic Home as specified by our Code, amounting to $3,438.50. In addition, as in each of the last 35 years, your Grand Chapter donated $1,500.00 over and above its legal requirement to the operating funds of the Home. Your Grand Chapter continues to strongly endorse and support our Masonic Home, encouraging our individual members to do the same.

Royal Arch Research AssistanceContributions to Royal Arch Research Assistance in Ohio from Aug. 1, 2013

through July 31, 2014 totaled $1,823.87. Money forwarded since that time will be reported next year. Total money contributed from Ohio since the inception of the philanthropy according to our figures is $493,686.14. We are pleased to note that 4 Chapters earned 100% Certificates by contributing at least $1.00 per member during the year, and we warmly congratulate these Chapters.

Audit

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioThe report of the review of our financial records by Tenney, Bailey & Associates, Certified Public Accountants, of Marietta, Ohio is at the desk of the Grand Secretary for viewing by anyone who may wish to examine it in detail. This review includes the records of both the Grand Treasurer and the Grand Secretary for the year 2014-2015.

50, 60 and 65 Year PinsApproximately, one hundred thirty-five 50-year pins were reported presented

during the 2014-2015 year. 560 other Companions are shown by our records to now be eligible for 2014-2015. We urge our Secretaries and our District Deputies to follow up on this and try to get these awards to the Companions deserving them.

Seventy-one 60-year pins were reported presented during the year. As of Sept. 1, 300 more companions are eligible for their pins.

Twenty-seven 65-year pins were reported presented during the year. One hundred and three more companions are eligible.

This year there are nine companions eligible for the 70-year plaque. Eight were presented last year. Additionally two companions received a seventy-five year plaques this year.

The procedure for requesting presentation of any of these pins is as follows: The local Secretary must initiate the request, since he has the best chance of knowing the location and status of the Companion. Just a note or call to the Grand Secretary's office giving us the name and location of the Companion is all that is needed. If our records confirm his eligibility, and he lives in the local area of his Chapter, we send the pin promptly to the District Deputy, along with the report sheet to be completed and returned to the Grand Secretary's office. A presentation card signed by the Grand High Priest accompanies the pins.

If the Companion lives out of the state or area, and assistance is needed in arranging a presentation, we must have the Companion's address so that we can send it to him or make arrangements with Royal Arch Masons in that area. Up-to-date address is very important.

Available from Grand Secretary's OfficeThe following materials are available for the use of our constituent chapters:

1. Chapter Management Manuals, 1998 version. Every Chapter should have at least three copies. Price is $8.00 each.

2. The excellent promotional film Saga of the Holy Royal Arch. This is available at no cost other than return postage. Advance reservations are needed. The film is now also available in video, and the videos can be purchased for $15.00 each including shipping from the General Grand Secretary's office, PO Box 489, Danville, KY 40423-0489. The phone is 606-236-0757.

3. An Unheard Cry is a new video about R.A.R.A., also available from the General Grand Secretary's office for $23.00 each including shipping. They also still have The Lonely World, in both 16 mm film and video, explaining the research work of Royal Arch Research Assistance.

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter4. Musical tapes for use with the Most Excellent Master Degree, produced by Apollo

Dramatic Chapter. These can be borrowed for a $10.00 deposit (and you are permitted to make your own copy), or purchased for $10.00.

5. Manual of Suggestions for Chapter Officers, 1984 edition. Every Chapter officer should have one. Price is $2.00 each.

6. Codes. Up-to-date copies of our Grand Chapter Code are available at $10.50 each, cover included; or for $7.00 each for contents only. Postage is extra.

7. Many educational pamphlets. See the Price List your Secretary has.8. The excellent 2-volume Selby-Walker history of the first 150 years of our Grand

Chapter.9. Back issues of Proceedings of the Ohio Chapter of Research (containing Masonic

papers and articles).10. Various forms for chapter use.11. York Rite materials, including petitions for degrees (every Chapter should be using

these), promotional leaflets, The York Rite of Freemasonry by Speidel, York Rite passports.

Price lists have again been sent to all Chapter Secretaries.

Appreciation Thanks again to the secretaries of the Chapters of this state for the many hours of dedicated effort they spend in maintaining the records and operating the monetary and membership business of their chapters. For most there is little "pay" except for the knowledge that they are doing something worthwhile that needs doing. We appreciate their cooperation with our office. Thanks also to Jacqueline for her devotion to our order and the effort “above and beyond” the call of duty for the past fourteen years.. Additionally, we had a worker from the Jobs Ohio Program, Miss Rai’Charr Wray-Johnon, who provided us with clerical assistance during the summer. We thank Rai’Charr for her outstanding service. Thanks also to Most Excellent Companion Wayne S. Dill who continues to serve as Editor for our Annual Proceedings and to Doris Crawford, Toni Duncan and Ann McCarty for their assistance with Order of High Priesthood work and assistance in the office at the Conclave.

Looking to the Future The job of Grand Secretary is very rewarding in terms of the feeling of doing good for Masonry. It is also very demanding of time and skills. We will retire this years (if the companions of this great Grand Chapter can put up with us for one more year). Most Excellent Companion Steven A. Duncan was appointed to the position of Assistant Grand Secretary and has begun the task of learning the many duties incumbent upon this office. Jacqueline and I look forward to his succeeding to this office at the earliest time possible during this next year, as soon as he is satisfied with his training and can put his business affairs in order. I cannot overemphasize how many responsibilities there are with this job. Most Excellent Companion Duncan and Toni certainly have the ability to perform the necessary functions of this office. Fraternally submitted,Dale G. Ray, Jr., Grand Secretary

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioCOMMITTEE ON MASONIC EDUCATION

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio:

Your committee on Masonic Education is pleased to submit the following report for the Capitular year 2014 -2015.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS:1. November 6, 2014 - After many months of searching a newly formed Education Committee consisting of REC Abraham Kay, REC Lew Fleege, REC Kenny Kubach, REC Dr. Jeffrey Humble and REC Dan Smith, Chair had been selected. As all appointed members were new to this committee it was determined that we should all examine and evaluate the duties of this committee as defined within a number of sources available to us. These defined responsibilities were e-mailed to the committee members with the request for feedback on their suggestions for the future priorities of this committee. Once all comments were received a document was compiled and distributed back to all committee members. It was then proposed that a meeting date be set for the purpose of discussing the comments and setting a direction the committee on Masonic Education should pursue. Due to the approaching holiday season the meeting date wasn’t immediately set but would be revisited after the holiday seasons.

2. January 25, 2015 - Conference Call– Prior to the conference call the chairman sent out a second document offering suggestions for possible educational directions this committee may pursue. Productive discussions ensued resulting in an overwhelming consensus on the need for regular DEO schools of instruction. Schools of instruction are held to educate the District Education Officers on their duties; and to provide them with the tools necessary to be successful stewards of educational programs in their district. These schools should also review with the DEO’s the policies and programs of the Grand Chapter’s Education Committee. In addition to those components, we as a committee think that by establishing a bi- directional channel of communication with our DEO’s, we can better determine how to improve Capitular education programming and policy in the state.

3. March 22, 2015 -DEO Training – Delaware Ohio The Committee on Masonic Education held a 5 hour DEO training session to reactivate one of the core functions of the committee; that of properly training the DEO’s regarding their defined responsibilities and improving the quality and value of educational programs. At this session, all but two districts were represented by their DEO’s; a fair number of District Deputy GHP’s also attended. The two DEO’s that were absent did notify the Chairman of the Education Committee of their absence and were excused for valid reasons. All members of the Education Committee took an active part and provided instruction on all relevant topics for DEO’s. This meeting also incorporated roundtable discussions spanning a wide spectrum of valuable topics. Special thanks are extended to Grand High Priest R. Keith O’Dell, and REC Robert Blankenhorn not only for attending, but also for their participation and support. Grand High Priest O’Dell approved the usual mileage allocation. Response was positive and plans are being made for an additional DEO training session in the first quarter of the 2015-16 capitular year.

OFFICERS SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION:This portion of the Education Committee report dealing with Officer's Schools

of Instruction is virtually the same as in past reports. Each year the District Deputies Grand High Priest are to organize an Officers School of Instruction. Held during the

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Proceedings of the Grand Chaptermonths of June through September, they may be conducted as a district school, or as is more often the case, as a regional school. The Grand King generally attends that day to present his program for the upcoming year. This committee expects to work with the DDGHP’s and the DEO’s to implement a process that will generate greater attendance at the schools. The key focus for each school is to insure the programs bring timely and relevant value for all elected officers attending these schools. Unsettling as it may be, the perception is that only "new" officers need to attend. Because of their knowledge and skills, these schools will strongly encourage all past presiding officers returning to the elected line of their chapter to attend as a reference and role model for first time officers. There is always opportunity to gain knowledge and to become a better officer, no matter what your status in Chapter might be – first timer or seasoned veteran!

Unfortunately, not all deputies submitted their reports, for this past year. For those deputies that did submit their report in a timely manner, we thank you. As chairman of this committee, I take full responsibility for a failure to communicate the importance and value of the Officers school of instruction and in overseeing the compliance of the reporting process. This issue will become a higher priority for this chair in the upcoming capitular year.

RESOURCE COURSE:The resource course is a series of questions on Capitular Code, protocol,

bylaws, procedures, and other related capitular topics. Answers are gleaned from the Grand Chapter code, Chapter Management Manual, Officer manual and other reference books.

As the code and other sources of information may have been updated since the inception of the current resource course, a comprehensive review of all of the resource courses will be initiated in the coming year. It is suggested that an Ad Hoc Education sub-committee be constituted for the sole purpose of reviewing the current resource courses and to offer recommendations for modifications. Ultimately a revised resource course will reflect current changes to the code and other sources of information. This updated resource course should be deemed as a valuable learning resource for Chapter officers and interested companions wishing to expand their knowledge of capitular policy, procedure and knowledge.

Each year the Education Committee encourages all Chapter officers (and any interested Companion) to complete the course. The committee was very pleased to provide certificates to the following Companions for efforts in having successfully completed Series I and / or Series II:Richard Long Cumminsville158 Series I & IITom Scanlon Cincinnati 2 Series I & IIStan Anderson Norwood 19 Series I & IIRandy Adams Norwood 193 Series I & II Terry Adams Norwood 193 Series I & IIDoug Sunnenberg Norwood 193 Series I & IIThomas Muncy Price Hill 164 Series I & IIMichael Gardiner Cincinnati 2 Series I & IIKen Chamberlain Findlay 58 Series I & II

ROYAL ARCH SCHOOLS:Each Capitular year the District Education Officers (DEO) is to conduct a

series of Royal Arch Schools. The format for the schools is detailed in the Chapter Management Manual. In short, the schools may be eight sessions conducted within one year or four sessions over a two-year period. The topics to be covered for the school are established by the education committee; however, deviations to the recommended curriculum are allowed to enable qualified speakers to take part. Companions who attend

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohioall 8 required sessions are awarded a pocket card acknowledging their participation. A review of the “Summary Reports of Royal Arch Schools” from the District Education Officers is as follows:District 1: DEO-01 report not submitted – DD-03 report not submittedDistrict 2: DEO-01 report not submitted – DD-03 report not submitted District 3: DEO-01 report not submitted – DD-03 report not submitted District 4: 4 sessions Avg time :45 min Total attendance:72District 5: DEO-01 report not submitted – DD-03 report not submitted District 6: DEO-01 report not submitted – DD-03 report not submitted District 7: DEO-01 report not submitted – DD-03 report not submitted District 8: DEO-01 report not submitted – DD-03 report not submitted District 9: 2 sessions Avg time: 70min Total attendance: 40District 10: DEO-01 report not submitted – DD-03 report not submitted District 11: 2 sessions Avg time: 3 hrs Total attendance: 39District 13: 4 sessions Avg time: 90 min Total attendance:37District 14: DEO-01 report not submitted – DD-03 report not submitted District 16: 3 Sessions Avg time: 35 min Total attendance: 55District 17: DEO-01 report not submitted – DD-03 report not submitted District 19: DEO-01 report not submitted – DD-03 report not submitted District 20: 6 session Avg time: 23 min Total attendance: 168

INSPECTION REPORTS:The District Education Officers out of a possible 144 reports only submitted a

total of 66 Chapter Education Officer Reports. Breakdowns of a compliance of the submission of these reports are due in part to the non-existent DEO training over the past few years. With the reintroduction of DEO training workshops we expect compliance with form submissions will significantly increase next year. The reports submitted detailed the educational activities of the constituent Chapters that should have been completed at the annual inspection. Information gleaned from the 66reports is as follows:

1 The tracking of the “Pocket Card” program has become somewhat disorganized in the past few years. Attempts to gather past attendance records and re-implement the program this coming year.

2 Ex Comp. Dale Olson did an exceptional job in overseeing the district educational program in the fourth district and has provided complete and timely reports on all educational activities.

3 There was a financial workshop presented to the brethren of the 9 th district by Bro Robson and his team. The workshop showed how monies work and what needs to be done by the companions to control their own monies. This program was very well received.

Finally, after the challenges and redirections to the education program over the past couple of years, we are finally moving in a positive direction despite its slow pace. Now that the education committee has a firm grasp on our responsibilities we expect to accelerate the pace and quality of support offered to the DEO’s in this state. On behalf of the Education Committee we would like to commend each and every District Education Officer for his patience, hard work and dedication in conducting the Royal Arch Schools; attending inspections; and for visiting the Chapters and providing our members with additional “Light and Knowledge.” These Companions are the backbone of theeducation program in Ohio and we pledge to offer them all our continued support.Respectfully Submitted,Daniel S. Smith, GM3rdV., Chairman Abraham Kay, Grand ParliamentarianDr. Jeffrey Humble, Grand Chaplain Lew M. Fleege, Jr, PDDGHP, Dist. 10

Kenneth R. Kubach, DDGHP, District 16

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter. REPORT of COMMITTEE on CHARTERS & DISPENSATIONS

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: There were four mergers, one Dedication of Apartments, and three Re-Dedications this past Capitular year.. They are as follows:DATE ACTION DISTRICT10/26/14 Mt.Vernon #23 Re-Dedication of Apartments District #511/09/14 Ensawocsa #89 Re-Dedication of Apartments District #102/07/15 Willoughby #231 Dedication of new Apartments District #2008/09/15 Clyde #90 Re-Dedication of Apartments District #911/01/14 New Lexington #149 Merged with Logan #75 District #1302/01/15 Wyoming #146 Merged with Cincinnati #2 District #4 05/01/15 Cadiz #171 Merged with Union # 15 District # 1405/01/15 Piqua #31 Merged with Franklin #24 District # 3 The Charters and Dispensations Committee wishes a great deal of success to the above Chapters and their Companions in the coming years. There are several other Chapters contemplating mergers. This committee firmly believes that we must look to what is best in the future for each chapter in the state. Please remember that this committee should be informed prior to the first steps in a Consolidation being taken. We stand ready to help any Chapter in any way that we can. .Respectfully submitted:George M. Shell, PGHP, Chairman James W. Himmelright, PGHPRobert J. Draye, PGHP . Kermit V. Zimmerman, PGHP.Jean W. Justus, Jr., PGHP

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUENT RETURNS

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: This Committee is charged with reviewing the cooperation and response of the Chapter Officers in meeting the requirements and deadlines of submitting the Annual Report and accompanying Fees. It is noted that the preponderance of our Chapter Secretaries and other officers are able to meet these requirements without apparent difficulty. The disappointing recurring theme from a few who are recurrently late is a problem for the Grand Secretary as well as those other Grand Officers who are contacted to intercede and engender completion of the required materials. The Committee recommended fines for the Chapters that had not submitted anything by July 1 (Postmark). The Committee recommended fines for the Chapters that submitted the forms and did not send in the fees/check by July 1 (Postmark) The Committee recommended fines for the Chapters that submitted materials and checks but

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohiohad errors on their documents. The materials were returned for missing signatures and other corrections and if not returned in a timely manner, the fine would be applied. The Committee recommended no fine for instances of ill health. The fine is $50.00. That is a burden that most chapters need not experience. Fifteen (15) Chapters failed to meet their reporting and/or financial obligations (Section 106.3 of the Code) and were thus fined by the Grand Chapter:Chillicothe #4 Ft. Meigs #29 Willis #131Lebanon #5 Delaware #54 Chagrin Falls #152Ohio #12 Logan #75 Bucyrus #160Unity #16 Pomeroy #80 Cunningham #187Clinton #26 Millersburg #86 Heights #206 While it is the secretary’s duty to submit the annual return in a timely manner, and a secretary can make or break a Chapter or Mark Lodge, ultimately it is the responsibility of the High Priest, Officers and members to make sure that all paperwork and monies are submitted on time. While the vast majority have done so, it is hoped that all bodies owing allegiance to the Grand Chapter will take their obligation seriously and get their Annual Returns and payments in on time in the future.Respectfully submitted,Ross R. Black II, Grand Principal Sojourner, Chairman Dale G. Ray, Jr., PGHP, Grand Secretary H. Jeffery Shaw, GRACJoseph J. Fair, DDGHP 3rd District Herbert L. Smith., DDGHP 9th Dist.

REPORT OF THE CHARITY AND BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEE

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: The committee on Charity and Benevolence recommends that this Grand Chapter continues to support all philanthropic endeavors that have been adopted by this Grand Chapter in the past years. These include our Ohio Masonic Homes, Royal Arch Research Assistance and the Royal Arch Foundation or Adopt America. The committee wishes to thank all companions for their generosity to the several charities that this Grand Chapter supports. The committee would also like to thank those Chapters for continuing to keep their contributions at 100% for their respective Chapters. Fraternally submitted,Jean W. Justus, Jr., PGHP, Chairman Jeffery S. Humble., Grand ChaplainCharles J. McCarty, PGHP,Gr.Treasure Dale G. Ray, Jr.,Gr.Sec’y PGHP Lloyd W. Eichenlaub, DDGHP 14th Dist

REPORT OF THE AWARDS COMMITTEE

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio:. The Earl C. Gifford Distinguished Service Award is perhaps the highest honor to be given during any one capitular year. This award reflects not only the nominee’s Masonic

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter endeavors, but also his civic service, military service, church and family involvements as well. The nominee’s age is also taken into consideration in determining who will receive this prestigious award. There were several nominations for the Distinguished Service Award received by the Chairman of the Awards Committee. The information was distributed to all members of the Committee who each made their independent analysis of the information given. Their choices were then passed on to the Grand High Priest who will make the final determination of the Award Recipients who will be recognized during the Grand Chapter sessions in October. The following were chosen by the District Deputies Grand High Priest for recognition in the named categories in their respective District:District Outstanding Chapter Most Improved Chapter 1 Ensawocsa #89 None2 St.Marys #51 Wapakoneta #1833 Trinity #44 Rabboni #2324 Blanchester #153 Norwood #193 5 Manchester #129 Chillicothe #46 Shawnee #237 Marysville #997 Findlay #58 Carey #1598 Oak Harbor #162 None 9 Oberlin #219 Clyde #9010 King Cyrus #207 Galion #14211 York Temple #155 Walnut #172

13 Pomeroy #80 McArthur #10214 None None 16 Corwin-Webb #205 None 17 Kent #192 Hiram #1819 Youngstown #93 Salem #9420 Willoughby #231 Geneva #147District Outstanding High Priest Sojourner’s Award 1 Joe Kidd #188 Hanson C. Lilly #452 George Moore ##51 Ranier MMasur #1303 James Taylor #63 Trinity #444 Ted Vinegar #131 Norwood #1935 Doug Adkins #129 Richard Smith #406 Geoffrey Fisher Charles F. Fox 7 Greg Markley Chuck Insley8 H. Dale Arnold #157 None 9 Howard Park #177 Wakeman #17710 Karl Beaver #128 Karl Beaver #128 11 Timothy C. Adams # Walnut #17213 William Pursley #11 Pomeroy #80 14 None None16 Cloyd A. Reed, Sr. #205 Michael Whelchel #205

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17 Dana Frazier #192 Robert Habony #84 19 James Forney #94 Brad Lankford 20 George Tegner,III Paul D. Andrew# #8District District Workhorse 1 Chris King #1112 Todd Rozelle #1693 Richard Bielecki4 Don Davis #1645 George O’Neal #236 J. Eric Bails7 Chuck Insley 8 Charles Ottney9 David Bischoff #21910 Virgil Kline #12811 Roscoe R. Smith #1213 None14 R. Wesley Moore MkM #316 None17 Carl Palmer # 14419 Randy Davis20 Charles A. Perts #46 Submitted: Ryan W. Adams, Grand Marshal, Chairman

The following awards will be presented at Grand Chapter to various chapters and individuals for outstanding accomplishments this past year. Star Awards are given to chapters that had 3% or more net gain. The York Rite Plaque Award is given to individuals that were the top line signer on at least five petitions, during the past year, for all three York Rite Bodies. Awards of Distinction will be presented to chapters that had a net gain or net breakeven this year. The following individuals and chapters qualified for these awards this year:

STAR AWARDS (for 3% or more net gain)Chapter Gain %Marshall #47 9 18.00% Mt. Vernon #23 14 10.85%Medina County #243 7 7.29%Huron #7 2 6.25%Victory #210 8 5.13%Xenia #36 5 4.17%Wilmington #63 3 4.16%Summit-Baker #74 3 3.70%Conneaut #76 1 3.57%

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YORK RITE PLAQUE AWARDNone Presented

AWARDS OF DISTINCTIONChapter Members Gain Years District Mt. Vernon #23 143 14 2 5Marshall #47 59 9 1 9Victory #210 164 8 1 3Medina County #243 103 7 1 17Xenia #36 125 5 1 3Community #227 169 4 1 11Wilmington 63 75 3 1 3Summit-Baker #74 84 3 6 16Huron #7 34 2 1 9Fort Meigs #29 239 2 1 8Canton #84 203 2 1 17Willis #131 115 2 1 4Kent #192 78 2 1 17Mt. Moriah #230 89 2 1 3Conneaut #76 29 1 2 20Palmyra #235 66 1 2 3Ohio #12 63 0 1 11Clinton #26 86 0 1 11Ensawocsa #89 61 0 2 1New London #92 58 0 2 19Bellevue #113 44 0 3 9Oriental #128 53 0 1 10Garfield #150 54 0 1 7Blanchester #153 88 0 2 4Carey #159 40 0 1 7Price Hill #164 80 0 1 4Walnut #172 132 0 1 11Wakeman #177 67 0 1 9Loveland #211 64 0 1 4Ashlar #213 50 0 2 19

REPORT of the COMMITTEE on MASONIC COOPERATION

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio Your committee on York Rite Cooperation met twice this year. Once was in Delaware and the other in Springfield at the Ohio Masonic Home. Officers of the Grand Lodge, Grand Council, Grand Commandery, and Scottish Rite were also represented. At the January meeting it was decided and voted on to change the name of the committee to

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“The Masonic Cooperation Committee” and to include the Scottish Rite in all future meetings. Other topics discussed were the ability to recruit new masons for the benefit of all the Masonic bodies, better communications, and other such problems that still occur in Masonry. This Masonic Cooperation Committee will look for ways for all Masonic Bodies to continue to work together for the benefit of its members.Respectfully submitted,Robert D. Blankenhorn, Jr., Grand King, ChairmanJeffery L. Addis, Grand Scribe Dale G. Ray, Jr., PGHP, Grand SecretaryJ. Keith Green, Gr. Capt.of the Host Ross R. Black II, Grand Principal Sojourner

REPORT of the ROYAL ARCH MASON MAGAZINE COMMITTEE

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: The committee on the Royal Arch Mason Magazine believes that it is a useful educational tool and an informative publication for all the Companions. All Chapter Education Officers, District Education Officers and the District Deputies Grand High Priest should be subscribers and use the publication as a resource for educational programs. We believe that each Chapter should give a one-year subscription to each newly exalted Royal Arch Mason for his reading enjoyment and education. He will enjoy the articles and learn a great deal about Masonry. We thank the Companions who now subscribe to the Royal Arch Mason Magazine and encourage them to urge their fellow Companions to subscribe to this fine publication.Fraternally, SubmittedJ. Keith Green, Grand Captain of the Host, ChairmanStanley J. Anderson, DDGHP 4th District Ronald D. Horne, DDGHP 10th DistrictDouglas E. Towslee, DDGHP 8th District Robert R. Nilsen, DDGHP 16th District

REPORT of the PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: The Publications Committee has completed it gigantic effort to get the code updated and it was put on the Grand Chapter Website on September 1, 2015. A printed version will also be available after the Grand Convocation, so that we can include any changes passed at the session. The members of the committee and especially Abraham F. Kay are to be thanked for their efforts on this project.Respectfully submitted, Jeffrey L. Addis, Grand Scribe, Chairman

REPORT of the LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio:

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The Grand Chapter tradition of the Long Range Planning Committee has long been to receive the moniker of “Bottom Five”. It serves as a way to watch and learn and share ideas among the Officers as part of the need to prepare for the duties and responsibilities of each Station as well as that of the Companions across the state. It gives these Officers time to share ideas and processes to develop continuity for the years to come. Our meetings have been electronic as well as geographic. Gathering and communicating develops the comradery and nurturing we all need to progress. The ideas shared are for resources of information and have led to notebooks of data. This report submitted to the Grand Convocation is intended to be informative and general in nature. Many of the plans are still in a state of flux. Yet a crucial commitment of the future is to work on the efficacy and efficiency of planning the gatherings of the Masonic Bodies scheduled in the future to be shorter in length and reduce unneeded redundancies of activities. Working with other Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge, Grand Council and Grand Commandery will be an ongoing focus.Respectively Submitted, Ross R. Black II, Grand Principal Sojourner, Chairman

REPORT of the SYMBOLIC LODGE LIASON COMMITTEE

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal arch Masons of Ohio: The Committee recommends that Capitular Masons attend and actively support their Symbolic Lodges. Also, that the Chapters work closely with Masters and their officers to assist them in every way possible. We encourage each High Priest to work with the Worshipful Masters to have the skit "The Peculiar Stone" presented in the Lodges in their area.. We encourage each member of the Symbolic Lodge to become a Royal Arch Mason and receive that which was lost—“The Real Word of a Master Mason”.Respectfully submitted,Jeffrey L. Addis., Grand Scribe, Chairman

REPORT of the MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal arch Masons of Ohio: This year our Grand High Priest R. Keith O’Dell encouraged every chapter member to consider working towards the 5-5-5 membership plaque for signing up and completing membership for 5 new members in Chapter, Council and Commandery. In addition, a couple of districts tried something which is working very well. Since in many Districts multiple Chapters are already working together to portray the individual degrees, the District Deputies Grand High Priest worked with the chapters to schedule Inspections in the order of Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch. This allowed any of the Chapters in the District to bring candidates and after attending four

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straight Inspections mainly each being held on a separate day and at the Chapter location being inspected, they became Royal Arch Masons. As a side benefit, these candidates have often bonded with each other and also are already “programmed” to attend inspections through the District. I saw one candidate who joined in this manor starting at the first inspection of the year and had perfect attendance at the rest of the Inspections for the year in their District. Another thing tried this year was the Third District started a Membership Chairman position and he was charged to promote membership at every inspection. In addition he was charged with creating a “cleanup” day in April/May so candidates needing any of the four degrees and wanting to get them in a single day were able to do so. While many Districts hold Festivals or Days such as this in their area, this was the first time in many years that the Third District has done this effort and working in conjunction with the Fourth Capitular District along with Council and Commandery, many joined all three organizations. I would encourage all chapters to use the new Membership Manual put out for the red book a few years back as the information has proven successful when used. H. Jeffery Shaw, Grand Royal Arch Captain, Chairman

REPORT of the YOUTH COMMITTEE

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal arch Masons of Ohio: It is always a pleasure to be in attendance at the Grand Assembly, International Order of Rainbow for Girls, The Grand Bethel of Job’s Daughters of Ohio and the Ohio DeMolay Conclave. While attending the Grand sessions of these Young Men and Ladies of our Masonic youth groups this year, I am, as always, pleased and impressed by how smart and mannerly they are. I have also had the privilege to observe the leaders of these groups at Masonic and local functions. I have been able to attend many of the local chapter’s meetings and degree work, and to meet with the adults and the members and they also are enthusiastic. Within the last couple of years more people are getting involved with starting new chapters, a great benefit to us all. The caliber of those members and adults that I have had the privilege to get to know leads me to believe that these organizations all have bright and growing futures. It was also an honor to be present when our Grand High Priest, Most Excellent Companion R. Keith O’Dell spoke at all of these Grand sessions and represented all of us who are members the Grand Chapter of Ohio and presented a check to help in support of these Youth organizations.Rodney L. Carr, Grand Master, 2nd Veil, Chairman

REPORT of COMMITTEE on GRIEVANCES

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio:

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The Committee would like to thank the Grand Chapter for the opportunity to serve. Harmony prevails. Nothing was submitted to the committee. Therefore no actions were taken.Donald L. Losasso, Past Gr. High Priest, Chairman Garis E. Pugh, Past Gr. High Priest William M. Berry, Past Gr. High Priest Steven A. Duncan, Past Gr. High Priest

COMMITTEE ON ENDOWED MEMBERSHIP PLAN

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: The Grand Chapter Endowed Life Membership Fund is growing each year. This is an excellent opportunity for your Companions to leave a lasting memorial to his Chapter which will help to provide for the financial security of the Chapter. You may obtain information and application forms from your Chapter Secretary.Respectfully submitted,Steven A. Duncan, Past Grand High Priest

REPORT OF APOLLO DRAMATIC CHAPTER, TABERNACLE #1 To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio The activities of Tabernacle No 1 have slowed with no new programs in place. We were however, requested to produce another of the “Fire from Heaven” display used in the Most Excellent Master Degree that features very realistic artificial flames. This type of display is most impressive has been used successfully at the Northwest Ohio York Rite festival. Plans for the unit are available upon request from the Tabernacle Secretary (refer to the Red Roster for contact information) or as time allows, a complete working display can be provided for the cost of materials and a small up-charge for expenses. Tabernacle No. 1, as it has done in previous years, again printed and provided pocket cards to the District Deputies Grand High Priest to recognize Companions for outstanding ritualistic work or for effective use of music, lighting, and/or makeup. All our Tabernacles promote the very best possible ritualistic portrayals and wish to recognize Companions and Chapters for their ritualistic efforts. We trust that the deputies found the cards of benefit and took the time to present them to those deserving Companions. (Cards will again be provided to the deputies at the February Grand Family meeting.) The Tabernacle officers seek projects that will assist Chapters in the ritualistic work of the four Capitular degrees – areas dealing with music, lighting, make-up, props, staging, etc. Let us know your needs - the Tabernacles are here to helpRespectfully submitted, Wayne Dill, Secretary

REPORT OF APOLLO DRAMATIC CHAPTER, TABERNACLE #2 To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio:

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio

Apollo Dramatic Chapter Tabernacle No. 2 consists of Districts 3, 4, 5, and 6.Innovation and re-vitalization is the focus for the ensuing year. If anyone has any special items or projects that they would like to present or any questions regarding Apollo Dramatic Chapter No. 2, contact any of the Officers. Your support of Apollo Dramatic Chapter not only supports Capitular Masonry, but Masonry in general. If you are not a member of a Tabernacle, do not hesitate to call for information on meetings. Respectfully submitted,Steven A. Duncan, Secretary

REPORT OF APOLLO DRAMATIC CHAPTER, TABERNACLE #3 To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: (On March 31, 2003, Tabernacle #3 was formed in Northeast Ohio and is comprised of Districts 9, 10, 16, 17, 19, & 20.) The following officers were elected or re- elected for 2015.

High Priest John HooperKing Jim ParkerScribe Ed O’BrienSec/Treasurer Robert D. Blankenhorn, Jr.Trustee Robert D. Crabbs

Any Companion that joined Tabernacle #3 by October 31, 2003 is a Charter Member. Currently our membership stands at 66. In the past, the Tabernacle has been working to put together a list of surplus equipment and robes it has on hand. This list was distributed in 2009. Since there have not been any items received or requested in the past two years, we have disposed of all of the items that remained. It was decided that due to the high cost of travel, two meetings will be held each year. One to be held at the Grand Convocation on Wednesday afternoon and the other to be called for by the High Priest in the June/July time frame.Respectfully Submitted,John Hooper, High Priest Robert D. Blankenhorn, Jr., Sec/Treas

REPORT OF APOLLO DRAMATIC CHAPTER, TABERNACLE #4 To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: Apollo Tabernacle #4 is no longer active.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC RELATIONS

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: It seems that all Grand High Priests encourage the chapters to make themselves known to the public. I suggest that on the inspection report, a section should be written where the

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Grand Publications Committee will be apprised what the Chapter accomplished in its publications relations to the Grand Chapter. I suggest that all District Deputies Grand High Priest visit each constituent chapter at the beginning of each Capitular Year and encourage the High Priest to appoint a Public Relations Companion to devise a plan to publicize the chapter to the public. This may be accomplished by having articles in the local newspaper, sponsor a little league baseball team, establish a coffee and doughnut stand on public highways during national holidays and other such enterprises that could make the public aware that the chapter exists.. Therefore, following the chapter inspection, the inspecting officer should enter on his report what the chapter accomplished in making itself known to the public. The inspecting officer should send a copy of the report so that the Public Relations Chairman can apprise the Grand Chapter that a constituent chapter has made itself known to the public.Respectfully submitted,Richard Snow

Grand Fraternal Correspondent

REAFFIRMATION SUNDAY REPORT

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: By order of the incoming Most Excellent Grand High Priest, R. Keith O’Dell, Sunday, October 19, 2014 was proclaimed to be the date for the annual Religious Reaffirmation Day Observance. According to the edict of the Grand High Priest, every Chapter must hold a special observance on the date designated for that purpose, or join with other Chapters in a District wide observance with the District Deputy Grand High Priest to report on the event immediately following the observance. In order for a Chapter to get credit for this event, they must have Companions at the District wide observance, or they must have a special meeting of their own. Counting the normal services that Companions perform as part of their normal personal religious observances, does NOT qualify a Chapter as having met the requirements for this event. There must be a SPECIAL event, called especially for this purpose in order to count. The following are the reports of the different Districts, including the type of observance, how many Chapters were present, amounts collected for charity, and who did not observe the Day:District #1: District observance, all Chapters present, 15 Masons, 8 ladies, 3 visitors, $45District #2: District observance, all Chapters present, 16 Masons, 9 ladies, 1 visitorDistrict #3: District observance, 7 of 17 Chapters present, 18 Masons, 5 ladies, $120

Lebanon #5, Unity #16, Hamilton #21, Franklin #24, Piqua #31, Xenia #36, Wilmington #63, Greenville #77, Mt. Moriah #230, Friendship #245 all not

observing, Eaton #22 and Rabboni #232 held their own observances.

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District #4: District observance, 9/12 Chapters present, 14 Masons, 2 ladies, $85 Milford #35, Wyoming #146, Cumminsville #158, not observing.

District #5: District observance, 7/8 Chapters present, 14 Masons, 8 ladies, 2 visitors, $100. Ironton #68 not observing, MEC R. Keith O’Dell and 6 other Grand

Officer present with the Grand Chaplain presenting the program and meal.District #6: District observance, 6/8 Chapters present, 10 Masons, 3 ladies, $150

Urbana #34 and Adoniram #73 not observing.District #7: District observance, 6/7 Chapters present, 19 Masons, 8 ladies, 1 visitor, $190. Garfield #150 not observing.District #8: District observance, 4/5 Chapters present, 15 Masons, 6 ladies, 1 visitor, $77 Crystal #157 not observing.District #9: District observance, 7/10 Chapters present, 16 Masons, 4 ladies, 2 visitors, $21. Marshall #47, Bellevue #113 and P.B. Morgan #233 not observing.District #10: District observance, 7/8 Chapters present, 29 Masons, 11 ladies, $65

Millersburg #86 not observing.District #11: District observance, 8/9 Chapters present, 30 Masons, 7 ladies, $100

Clinton #26 held a separate observance, all Chapters accounted for.District #13: District observance, all Chapters present, 18 Masons, 5 ladies, $75District #14: District observance, 8/10 Chapters present, 24 Masons, 18 ladies, $100. Union #15 and Toronto #221 not observing.District #16: District observance, all Chapters present, 28 Masons, 4 ladies, $85District #17: District observance, 7/8 Chapters present, 10 Masons, 5 ladies, $64

Medina County #243 not observing.District #19: District observance, all Chapters present, 16 Masons, 8 ladies, 1 visitor, $66District #20: District observance, all Chapters present, 21 Masons, 11 ladies, $40Report submitted by Rev. Jeffery S. Humble, Grand Chaplain

GRAND HISTORIAN’S REPORT

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: Three of the Chapter Degrees are based on events and material found in the symbolism of Ancient Craft Masonry. Since most of the discourses and dialog is an attempt to recreate activities of the Old Testament Era. Inaccuracies naturally crop up. Even using modern scientific archeological methods, we cannot determine much of what actually took place in King Solomon’s Temple. No Smart Phones recorded the demise of the Builder or its consequences. When the privileged and educated classes of English men planned to add some secrecy to their otherwise boring lives, they turned to what was then known about such activities in surviving works of Greek and Roman philosophers and historians. It can thus be confirmed that from time immemorial, stone masons like all skilled workers, became apprenticed and normally seven years later were made Fellows. Their duties were described by the Schwa Statue in 1598. Most scholars believe that during the ensuing century many lodges initiated speculative members and additional rituals were written. Most of these changes were kept secret due to the turbulent times which saw colonies organized, the industrial revolution begun and a King beheaded.

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Coil (Encyclopedia 1961) believes the Mark Master Degree originated in England. Bernard Joes (1986) concludes that Thomas Dunckerley made this degree popular in England, in 1769. It was performed in Middletown, Connecticut in 1783. The Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England was organized in 1878. The Past Master Degree was authorized by the English Constitutions of 1723 and is considered to be only a ceremony. In Ohio it is a prerequisite for advancing in the Chapter. The Allegory section was written by Howard L. M. Jones and was adopted in 1942. The Most Excellent Master is confirmed as being portrayed in Middletown, Connecticut in 1783. It can be noted that Jonathan Heart and Samuel Parsons who settled Marietta, Ohio, were members of the Connecticut Chapter. In England this degree is part of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters formed in 1873. The General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the United States was established in 1798. American Union Chapter in Marietta Ohio was opened in 1792. The Grand Chapter of Ohio was established in 1816. It is not surprising that the authors of Masonic ritual included the search for a Lost Word. A journey to find something of value is one of the oldest and most widespread tropes in human culture. The Jews were descended from Abraham who came from the land of Gilgamesh. They were enslaved in Egypt where they heard about Isis and Osiris. They sought a new homeland and again became captives. The Romans destroyed the Temple and repeated the epic poetry o Homer and Virgil. And we have Cid and Roland and the Amerinds. Plus 33 episodes of the Scottish Rite. The Capitular Rite has changed over the years and is still being amended Old rituals of the Past Master specified how the candidate was installed as “Master”. The writer recalls visiting a Chapter in another state where candidates for the Royal Arch were blindfolded and barefooted and led through boxes of water and sand and had evergreen twigs brushed against them. Then they descended in a dumb waiter to discover a item of value. There is a ritual where the discovery actually consisted of three times three instead of two times three as it is today. The moral is that Masonry has something for everybody but you have to keep searching to find it.Norman J. Lincoln, Grand Historian

OHIO CHAPTER OF RESEARCH REPORT

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: The Chapter of Research this past year has had very interesting papers and speakers presented at our meetings. After many years of discussion and hopeful planning a future site for our Library is coming to fruition. The Ohio Masonic Home at our Springfield campus has undertaken a very extensive building and renovation project. This project includes building a Scottish Rite building and complete renovation of the Hillman building to be renamed The York Rite Building. Plans include space for a permanent Museum for the Masonic organizations in Ohio and a Library. The dedication of these buildings by the Grand

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Lodge of Ohio is scheduled for October 18, 2015. After the dedication and completion of the project, the Library will become the #1 priority of the Chapter of Research, to see that it becomes the best Masonic Research Library in the state. If you are interested in Masonic Research and Masonic History and are not a member of the Chapter of Research, contact the Grand Secretary's office for further information.Respectfully Submitted,Steven A Duncan., High Priest, Chapter of Research

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: The Committee on Information and Technology maintains the Grand Chapter of Ohio website which can be found at www.ohioram.org. The website is a living thing and every effort is made to post new information within 48 hours of being received. The website contains photographs of the travels of the Grand High Priest and other pictures that have been sent in by the Companions. Special thanks to Grand Photographer Terrance Alexander, DDGHP Ernie Longberry of the 1st District and GRAC H. Jeffery Shaw for providing many of the pictures used on the website this year. All Companions are urged to send the Webmaster (tzeigler@woh.rr.com) pictures and articles that are of interest to Royal Arch Masons. In the 8 years that this committee has maintained the website all information received by the Webmaster has been placed on the site. Many forms are found in the Forms Section that are of interest to Deputies, District Education Officers, Secretaries and Companions. There are links to many other Masonic websites. If your Chapter has a website send the URL to the Webmaster and it will be included in the links. Respectfully submitted,Thomas F. Zeigler, Chairman & Webmaster

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ORGAN DONATION

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: I OPEN THE Donor Report with a very special THANK YOU to M.E.C. R. Keith O’Dell for allowing me the opportunity to serve as Donor Chairman and for thanking the Donor Committee for their support this year. I want to give special thanks to P.G.H.P. George Shell, R.E.C Ross Black II and R.E.C. H. Jeffrey Shaw plus I would be remiss not to thank “ALL” Royal Arch Masons of Ohio for their support.

This has been a very busy year for Donate Life Ohio Awareness. The Fraternity support is growing for this LIFE SAVING program. Since the Grand Chapter and Grand Council gave full support, we now have the Antioch Shrine (Dayton, Ohio) and The Valley of Dayton A.A.S.R. joining in.

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STATISTICS ON ORGAN,EYE and TISSUE DONATION FACTS This past year approximately 8,000 deceased donors made possible nearly

23,000 organ transplants. In addition, there were more than 6,000 transplants from living donors.

More than 42,000 sight-restoring corneal transplants were performed in the U.S. last year.

More than 1,000,000 people have had tissue transplants each year. This includes the children at the Shrine Burns Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Today nearly123,000 men, women and children are waiting for a life saving transplant. Sadly, an average of 18 people die each day due to lack of available organs.

Please remember that one (person) donor can save up to 50 lives. People of ALL ages and medical histories should consider themselves as

potential donors. Medical treatment will NOT suffer if you are a registered donor. Donation does NOT restrict regular funeral services FACT…Approximately 3,400 Ohioans are on the transplant waiting list. I was

once one of them. This year I celebrate 18 years as a heart transplant recipient. It has been a true gift of life.

BE A DONOR / BE A HEROFraternally submitted, Henry A. Dodson, Donor Chairman

REPORT OF THE GRAND FRATERNAL CORRESPONDENT

I herewith submit my Report to the Delegates of this One Hundred Ninety-Ninth Grand Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Ohio. I made every attempt to give only the highlights of each Grand High Priest address. Also, Grand Lecturers sometimes have an article in their Proceedings that I feel is informative and therefore I want to share it with the readers. Many of the reports received from the sundry jurisdictions are copied from compact disks.Grand Chapter of Canada – Province of Ontario – The 156th Grand Convocation was convened in Woodstock, Ontario during the week of April 10-12, 2014 with the First Grand Principal Michael Jon Bowman presiding. The address of welcome was given by Most Worshipful Brother Donald A. Campbell, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge A.F.&A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario. One of his statements was that “setting the proper example is one way members will learn to be better officers on their journey towards the East. While a very simple competency on the face of it, none is more important. Setting an example is one way Grand Chapter Officers can influence the progress of Freemasonry in his Lodge and or Chapter. The greatest part of Freemasonry is that we can make a difference. “ The concluding remarks of the First Grand Principal was that Resurgence of new younger members in the Craft in order to build our numbers but as always the future of Royal Arch Masonry does have and will continue to have some bumps along the road. I continue to believe if we work together and promote teamwork we can smooth these

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bumps and pave the road to our success. Commitment to self improvement is what will set us apart and leave us head and shoulders above the rest. Royal Arch Masonry is the foundation of the York Rite bodies.Kentucky – 2013 The 196th Grand Convocation was presided by Most Excellent Companion Wendell R. Curtis on September 18, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky.Throughout his year, he has encouraged Secretaries and other companions to make a special effort to reduce the number or members the Grand Chapter loses each year to non-payment of dues. The Grand High Pries hoped that some progress has been made in this area; mentoring new members has also been a priority. He stated in his address that common sense would dictate that we encourage and educate new members in order to make them feel comfortable in Chapter and increase the chances that they will attend meetings and participate in the business of their Chapter. Proficiency in the ritual is another area that needs improvement. He also stated that it is well and good that Grand High Priests implement certain programs in an attempt to increase membership, improve ritual, etc. However, success of any of these endeavors is unlikely if we fail to live by the principles of our profession as Freemasons. MEC Curtis urges rededicate ourselves to our craft to such a degree that Masonry generally and Capitular Masonry in particular. Of 51 Chapters making up the Grand Chapter off Kentucky, only two failed to be represented. The Grand Chapter’s membership decreased from 3829 Companions to 3548 at the end of MEC Curtis’ year, a loss of 281 Companions. Oregon – 2014 The 154th Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Oregon was convened on April 19, 2014 in North Bend, Oregon. It was presided over by Most Excellent Companion Richard E. MacKinnon. The Grand High Priest, Grand King, Grand Scribe, Grand Captain of the Host, Grand Treasury, and the Grand Secretary are the only Grand Officers elected. The others are appointed. The membership ending December 31, 2011 was 1,073, but the end of the 2012 Capitular Year was 999. Of the 19 Chapters that make up the Grand Chapter, only one was absent for the 2014 Grand Session. The Grand High Priest’s money maker for RARA and the Dodge Fund was to collect returnable bottles and cans, scrap iron, copper & aluminum to be taken for recycling. The Northwest Regional Workshop Session in Boise, Idaho was especially good and very interesting. We all sat in a circle and reported what we were doing in our own jurisdictions. We also produced a new "What is York Rite Masonry" pamphlet with a Petition included. It is also pocket size and we have found that it works. Grand Chapter of Victoria - The 125th Anniversary of the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Victoria was convened on Saturday, April 5, 2014 in East Melbourne. It was presided over by First Grand Principal, Most Excellent Companion Graeme C. O’Donnell. Since the Grand Chapter of Victoria is celebrating 125 years since its founding, I thought that it would be appropriate for me to bring you the 125 Year Celebratory Address given by V. Em. Comp. Robert Redman, Grand Lecturer in the April 2014

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Quarterly Convocation, but in an edited form. I put the edited address in italic font to differentiate it from my report. Most Chapters meeting in Victoria prior to 1889 were warranted under the English Constitution which required them to be attached to and be sponsored by, a Craft Lodge of the same constitution. The impending inauguration of the United Grand Lodge of Ancient and Free and Accepted Masons of Victoria scheduled to take place on the 20 th

March, 1889, presented a major problem for these chapters as their sponsor Craft Lodges were about to surrender their existing warrants and transfer their allegiance to the local Grand Lodge. Without their sponsor Craft Lodges these Chapters faced the certainty of having their warrants withdrawn. Thus it became imperative to find a solution to the problem. On 30 January, 1889, the leaders of Royal Arch masonry in Victoria met at the Freemasons hall, in Collins Street, Melbourne to discuss this important issue and to consider what should be done. They really only had two possibilities to consider, firstly, to forma Grand Chapter under the patronage of the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Victoria or secondly; to disband, not surprisingly they opted for the former. As the proposed Grand Chapter would require a book of constitutions in order to be able to exercise proper governance of the constituent chapters which would come under its control, a motion was also adopted that the Supreme Grand Chapter of Victoria, when formed, act in accordance with the laws and Regulations of the Supreme Grand Chapter of England as far as they may be applicable until otherwise decided. Thirteen Chapters, eleven English, one Scottish and one Irish agreed to pledge their allegiance giving the new Grand Chapter a starting membership of 320 Companions. Just seven weeks later, on 21st March, 1889, the Supreme Grand Chapter of Victoria came into being with an operating capital of £100.00 per medium of a loan from the United Grand Lodge of Victoria. The Grand Installation ceremony was conducted by the First Grand Principal of South Australia, M. Ex. Companion Chief Justice Sir Samuel Way and his Grand Officers who installed William Clarke, George Baker, and John James as the inaugural First, Second, and third Grand Principals respectively Prior to the formation of the Supreme Grand Chapter there were five Chapters in Victoria operating under the Canadian warrants. However, due to some mistrust and perceived inequities these Chapters opted to remain loyal to the Grand Chapter of Canada. However, by July 1895 the issues having been successfully resolved these chapters surrendered their Canadian warrants and affiliated with the Victorian jurisdiction. Regulations of the Supreme Grand Chapter of Victoria initially required that the Grand Master, Pro Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master fill the positions of First Grand Principal, Second Grand Principal and Third Grand Principal respectively. In the event that some or all of these brethren were not Past First Principals of the Chapter a ceremony would have been arranged whereby that office could be conferred upon them. In addition the Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer and Grand Registrar of the Craft, if they were either installed or Past First Principals in the Holy Royal Arch, had also to be appointed to the equivalent positions in Grand Chapter. This meant that control of the

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Order was basically in Craft hands a situation which was not entirely palatable to the membership. By 1889 all tied appointments had been removed from the regulations of Grand Chapter with the exception of that of Grand Master who had the option of accepting the appointment of First Grand Principal if he so desired, however, even that option was removed three years later finally giving Supreme Grand Chapter absolute control over its own affairs. In 1903 the Grand Chapter moved and passed a resolution which permitted them to change the numbering system of constituent Chapters under their control as previously chapters were registered with the number given them by the issuer of their original warrant. Numbers were allowed to the chapters in accordance with the date on which their original warrants were issued. Australasian Chapter had the honor of becoming No.1 on the register their warrant being dated 5 th November, 1844. This Chapter is still in existence, but, in an amalgamated form. Prior to 1910 the opening Ceremony of a constituent Chapter, as conducted earlier, could only be witnessed by Present or Past Principals. However, on receiving advice that the Supreme Grand Chapter of England had been allowing all companions, irrespective of rank, to be present at the ceremony at the ceremony since 1902, legislation was quickly introduced to allow Victorian Companions to do the same. The Supreme Grand Chapter of Victoria can be justifiably proud of its membership. The qualities of Goodness, Benevolence, Honesty, and Brotherhood which characterize the Order have been amply illustrated through years by the companions ranged under its banner. Goodness is that which comes from the heart and is illustrated by kindness to others and the observance of high moral standards at all times, not simply when it is convenient. To readily assist in easing the troubles or concerns of those in need either by giving freely to charitable causes or by providing the benefit of experience is perhaps the noblest of all attributes as despair left unchecked often leads to tragedy. Integrity in our dealings with others is an excellence of character which al; Companions shrive to exhibit as this not only sets an example for other to follow, but, also facilitates inner peace a state vital to personal well-being and contentment tolerance of traditions and cultures of others not only in the restricted sphere of an individual, but also, on the wider basis of international understanding is a symbol of universal brotherhood and clearly fosters the ideals of fairness truth and friendship. Adherence to these ideals brings us closer together helping to engender a society where all mankind may one day live in harmony and peace……….Respectfully submitted,Richard Snow

Grand Fraternal Correspondent

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STEVEN J. OLIVER AWARD

Most Excellent Companion O'Dell noted that this award, named in honor of Steven J. Oliver, Honorary Grand High Priest who died in office as Grand King, is presented to the Chapter having the largest numerical gain in membership and the Chapter that had the highest percentage gain in membership. These awards consist of a stained glass window featuring a Bible capped by Triple Tau. Representatives of the winning Chapters were asked to present themselves west of the Altar and there greeted by Most Excellent Companion O'Dell:Largest Numerical Gain: Mt. Vernon Chapter No. 23 with a gain of 14 Largest Percentage Gain: Marshal Chapter No. 47 with a gain of 18.0%

FINAL REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: Your Committee on Credentials herewith submits this final report for this 199th Annual Convocation:

Grand Officers………………………………………………………..……… 20Past Grand High Priests……………………………………………………… 17District Deputies Grand High Priest………………………………….……… 24Past District Deputies Grand High Priest………………………………….… 28District Education Officers…………………………………………….….…..13 Voting Delegates (other than listed above)……………………………….… 237Past High Priests, Secretaries, and others …………………..……................ 154Distinguished Guests from Ohio ………………………………………….... 44Guests from other Jurisdictions……………………………………………… 10Total Companions in attendance……………………………………………. 547 Chapters represented…………………………………………………..….… 131Mark Lodges represented………………………………………………………4

Five Chapters were not represented: Marshal #47, , LaGrange #68, Bellaire #107, Bellevue #113 and Chagrin Falls #152.Respectfully submitted, Rt. Ex. Comp. Loren L. Bower, Chairman Rt. Ex. Comp. George O'Neal, Grand GuardEx. Comp. George W. Bauer Ex. Comp. Richard D. Smith

Rt. Ex. Comp. Renie Blankenship

REPORT OF TIME & PLACE COMMITTEE

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: Your committee on Time and Place recommends that the 200th Grand Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons be convened in Sandusky, Ohio on October

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4, 5 and 6, 2016 at Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center, 7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.Respectfully submitted,Robert D. Blankenhorn Jr., Grand King, Chairman Jeffrey L. Addis, Grand Scribe Charles J McCarty, PGHP, Grand TreasurerDale G. Ray Jr., PGHP, Grand Secretary Norman LoBell, PDDGHP 4th District

COMMENTS FROM STEVEN E. COKONOUGHERGrand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio

"Please be seated. Thank you. I don't know how wise this will be. Wisdom is not really in my vocabulary. One of the things I've talked about around the state, well, a few times anyway, is when we bring in new candidates for initiation, we have some young man that's really excited about becoming a Freemason or maybe he's excited about going into Chapter. We'll talk about Freemasonry because that is what I do. This happened. It really happened. I talked to a young man. The investigating committee sat down and talked to this young man about all the men in the community who were Freemasons - the doctors, the businessmen and then they went on to talk about the presidents and the congressmen, the business owners and everybody who was a Freemason. They told him this Lodge had 600 members and all who were prominent in the community. So he was all excited. The night of his Entered Apprentice degree they had nine members present. He thought that perhaps that was a bad night. When he came back for his Fellowcraft degree, they had the same nine members. And then, when he received his Master Mason, it was inspection and there were about sixty guys in the room and he thought this is more like it. He kept coming back to meetings and there was nine or ten, maybe eight. He started walking around the temple and there was a cracked window that was patched with duct tape. There was plaster falling off the wall. He watched the guy who opens the building beat on the door, giggle the key and finally, after five minutes, get the building un-locked. One night they were cooking dinner and using two burners on the stove and a hot plate. He asked, and they said the other two burners don't work. Brethren, is that what Freemasonry should portray to a new member, or a prospective member? I've said this ten thousand times, we're not about bricks and mortar. We're all proud of our buildings but I will challenge you to go back and figure out how much time and how much energy that you are putting into your building. Those who have buildings that are over fifty years old are spending most of their money and most of their energies taking care of a building. Is that what we really want to do? I'm not advocating you go out and sell your building, but what I would advocate is that if you're going to have a building it needs to be the kind of representation of Freemasonry that we like, that we want. It has to be a good looking building. If it needs a coat of paint, or the floor needs scrubbed or the carpet cleaned, the windows need washed, we need to do those things. We are portraying, in many instances a bad impression of Freemasonry. When we bring those new people or, heavens forbid, we should have an open house, our building is not acceptable to the public.

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Most Chapters don't own buildings but if you're a member of Chapter and a member of blue Lodge, you have something to do with the building. Chapter is the same way. Maybe you have a guy who belongs to a Lodge over there with a nice building and he comes over here for Chapter and it's not very good. And the other thing is the attendance piece that we all struggle with. I know that. I've talked about that before. If you take the active members, let's say ten in your Chapter, and each month they call one member who hasn't been coming, so in a year's time you've called 120. Now, don't ask them for money, don't ask them to come to Chapter. Just say, 'How you doing? Everything OK? How you been? How's the family? How's the job?'Show them that you care and they will come back. Most Excellent Grand High Priest, thank you so much for calling on me again. I didn't know what I was going to say when I stood up but something came out and I hope it was of help. God bless each of you."

Most Worshipful Brother Cokonougher's comments received a standing round of applause.

CLOSING COMMENTS - GRAND HIGH PRIEST R. KEITH O'DELL

After a report of the payroll committee and brief announcement by Grand High Priest (elect) Blankenhorn on the installation of Grand Officers, Most Excellent Companion O'Dell concluded with the follow comments:

“Most Worshipful Grand Master, I thank you for being a kind friend and a good Companion over the four or five years we've participated together in getting ready for this year. You have been a big support of York Rite Masonry around the state. At this time we are now complete." Most Excellent Companion O'Dell then called the 199th Annual Grand Convocation to recess for the purpose of installing the officers for 2015 – 2016.

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

The Grand Chapter, having been called to refreshment, the ladies and guests were invited to enter. The Grand Chapter was called to order by Most Excellent Companion Garis E. Pugh installing Officer. The elected Grand Officers, escorted by their ladies, formed lines west of the Altar with Grand High Priest (elect) Robert D. Blankenhorn, Jr. presenting himself at the Altar. Most Excellent Companion Pugh then installed the Grand Officers into their respective stations in due and ample form. He was assisted during the installation by Most Excellent Companion Robert D. Crabbs, installing Marshal, Most Excellent Companion James Himmelright,

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohioinstalling Secretary, and Most Excellent Companion Kermit V. Zimmerman as installing Chaplain.

Most Excellent Companion Blankenhorn after commenting on his covering, worn when he had presided over previous Masonic bodies and on the gavel, used as he had presided over each group. He then directed that the remaining appointed Grand Officers be presented west of the Altar, and there, reaffirmed his appointment of each and directed that they assume their respective stations. He thanked his installing team and announced the appointment of the Ohio Masonic Home trustee, Royal Arch Foundation trustees and Ambassador to General Grand Chapter.

PRESENTATION OF PAST GRAND HIGH PRIEST JEWEL

Most Excellent Companion Blankenhorn directed the Past Grand High Priest R. Keith O'Dell present himself west of the Altar. He was met by Past Grand High Priest Kermit V. Zimmerman who, assisted by his lady Cindy, was presented with the jewel of a Past Grand High Priest. Most Excellent Companion O'Dell received a standing ovation from the assembled Companions and was then greeted and congratulated by his fellow Past Grand High Priests.

PAST DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND HIGH PRIEST JEWELS Past District Deputy Grand High Priest Jewels were presented to the following retiring District Deputies Grand High Priest. They were thanked for their hard work and efforts on behalf of the Grand Chapter. Assisting with the presentation was Most Excellent Companion R. Keith O'Dell and Robert W. Thomas for whom the retiring deputies had served: District 1 ......................................................................................... Ernie L. Longberry District 3 ………………………………………………….….......... Joseph J. Fair District 9 ……..…………………………………………..............… Herbert L. Smith District 19 ................................................................................................... Zel E. Bush

DISTRICT DEPUTIES GRAND HIGH PRIEST 2015 – 2016 The following Companions were appointed to serve as District Deputies Grand High Priest for the 2015 – 2016 Capitular year. They were greeted west of the Altar and there,assisted by Grand King Jeffery Addis and Grand Scribe J. Keith Green, invested with the jewel of their office and presented with the proxy of the Grand High Priest by Most Excellent Companion Robert D. Blankenhorn, Jr.:District

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter 1 William G. Kerr * ……...……..……………….…….…………….......… Wauseon 2 J. Michael Lenhart ……………………....………………….................……… Ada

3 Claude F. Seible, Jr. …………...……..….………………….…….. Richmond, IN Gregory B. Clatterbuck …………………………………………..…… Centerville

4 Stanley J. Anderson …………...……………………………..........….…. Loveland5 Lloyd W. Eichenlaub …………………………….…………..………. McDermott

6 H. William Jones …….……………................…………………………….... Enon7 Kenneth B. Foy ………………………………………….………….........…. Tiffin

8 Douglas E. Towslee …………………………….....................………...… Maumee 9 H.

Ray Hardwick … ………..……………….….….….……..............…… Oberlin 10 Ronald G. Horne …………………………...…………............…...…… Danville 11 James R. Esswein ……………..………………………….…………… Columbus 13 Scottie H. Smith …….………....…………………………..….…… Long Bottom 14 Mark W. Bruns …….………………..………..………………...…..........… Heath 16 Robet R. Nilsen ….……………..……………………………...........… Twinsburg 16 Kenneth R. Kubach ……………………………………….................... Cleveland 17 Frank T. Schenck …………………...………………………..................… Aurora 19 James A. Streeky ……………………………...…………….…….... Youngstown 20 D. Douglas Dolan …..……………………………………….........… Chesterland (At Large) R. Dan Cogley..................................................................... Reynoldsburg* Companion Kerr, having surgery the day previous, was unable to be present.

RETIRING DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS District1 William G. Kerr ……...……………………………..…….………………...... Wauseon3 Claude F. Seibel ....................................................................................... Richmond, IN 4 Daniel M. Vinson …....……………………………...……………………...... Loveland5 William R. Malone ……...…………………………………....…………… Portsmouth8 David J. Roper ………….………………………………..………………... Perrysburg9 H. Ray Hardwick …..….…………………………………….........…………… Oberlin11 Stephen M. Hill ……………………………………………………………… Delaware13 Charles K. Gains ……………………………………………………….....… Marietta14 Chester J. Vance ….………………….…………………....……………… Coshocton19 James A. Streeky …….………………….……………………………...…Youngstown

DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS 2015 – 2016 The District Education Officers were greeted west of the Altar by Most Excellent Companion Blankenhorn and thanked for assuming this important responsibility the next Capitular year. District1 Wayne T. Cripps …………………………………….……………....……...... Defiance2 Charles W. Wise ……...………………………………………......................…… Lima3 McKinley Polston …………..…………..…………………………...… New Lebanon

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio Bruce O. Gardner ……...……………………………..…….……..……… Beavercreek Richard A. Bielecki ..................................................................................... Middletown 4 Thomas B. Muncy ……..….…………………………………...…………... Cincinnati Dale A. Olson. …....……………………………………………….….......... Cincinnati5 Douglas A. Adkins .……..……………………....………………………… Portsmouth6 Ranold S. Seymour, Jr …………………………………….........… South Charlestown7 Kenneth D. Chamberlain ……………………………………….......……......... Findlay

8 William G. Windnagel …..……………………………………….………. Oak Harbor9 Earl P. Workman …..………………………..........…………………...… New London10 William D. Raby ……….………………………………............………… Loudenville11 John A. Spoff …………………………………………..…….…………..… Columbus Stephen F. Miller ………………………………………………………...… Columbus13 John E. Winnett …..........….…………………………………………....……… Athens14 R. Wesley Moore ………………………………………………...………. Quaker City16 Bruce A. Knopp ….………………….……………………………………….... Euclid Ronald J. Bokan, Jr. ……………………………………………...............……. Berea17 Matthew G. Sinn …….………………….……………………………..............… Stow 19 Richard A. Antill ………………………….………………………....… Newton Falls20 Donald D. Carpenter ………………………..………………………....…… Ashtabula

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS, 2015 – 2016

Most Excellent Companion Blankenhorn, in accordance with Ohio Capitular Code, announced the following committee appointments for 2015-2016:

RITUALVirgil D. Kline, Gr. Marshal, Chairman William D. Stratton, Grand Chaplain Charles E. Bonecutter, Grand Guard Ronald G. Horne, DDGHP, 10th Dist.

William D. Raby, Dist. Educ. Officer, 10th Dist.FINANCE

Norman LoBell, PDDGHP, 4th District, Chairman Dale G. Ray, Jr., PGHP, Gr. Secretary Charles J. McCarty, PGHP, Gr. Treasurer. Jeffrey L. Addis, Grand

King J. Keith Green, Grand Scribe Ryan W. Adams, Grand Master, 1st Veil

CHARTERS AND DISPENSATIONSR. Keith O'Dell, PGHP, Chairman Kermit V. Zimmerman, Past Grand High Priest Robert J. Draye, Past Grand High Priest James W. Himmelright, Past Grand High Priest

George M. Shell, Past Grand High PriestMASONIC EDUCATION

Daniel S. Smith, Grand Royal Arch Captain, ChairmanAbraham F. Kay, Past Gr. Parliamentarian Kenneth R. Kubach, DDGHP, 16th Dist.Jeffery S. Humble, Grand Necrologist Lew M. Fleege, Jr., PDDGHP, 10th Dist.

MASONIC JURISPRUDENCEKeevin J. Berman, Past High Priest Heights No. 206, Chairman Ross R. Black, II, Gr. Principal Sojourner, Vice-Chairman Jeffrey Nash, Heights #20

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterJohn H. Whitehouse, Jr., PHP Cunningham #187 Mitchell Alperin, Hights #206James G. Simpson, Cuyahoga Falls #225 Abraham Kay, Past Gr. Parliamentarian

APPOINTMENTSOhio Masonic Home Trustee, Ambassador to General Grand Chapter and Royal

Arch Foundation Board of Trustees

Most Excellent Companion Blankenhorn announced that Most Excellent Companion Kermit V. Zimmerman's term on board of trustees of the Ohio Masonic Home was expiring and re-appointed him to an additional three-year term. He further announced the appointment of Most Excellent Companion Kermit V. Zimmerman as ambassador from Ohio to the General Grand Chapter, International. Trustees to the Royal Arch Foundation appointed to serve a three year term ending in 2018 were: Most Excellent Companions Robert J. Draye, Kermit V. Zimmerman, and himself, Robert D. Blankenhorn.

BENEDICTION and CLOSINGRight Excellent Companion William Stratton, Grand Chaplain

"May we join hands. Our gracious, Heavenly Father, we come unto You now to celebrate the dedication of the Grand Chapter for the coming year, the authority that has been given to us to bless Thee, and of course, to bless our Companions. We look forward, Father, to our 200th year of this beautiful fraternity. We ask that You would be with these officers as they travel about this state promoting our fraternity and promoting You also. Father, there are a few things that we give thanks for - for our faith, for our family, and especially, our fraternity. Father, we would ask that Thou would give us mercies as we travel to our homes; to bring us back together and once more be in this fellowship and friendship. In these things, and in all things, we give you the praise. Amen"

GRAND CHAPTER DECLARED CLOSED

Most Excellent Companion Robert D. Blankenhorn, Jr. declared Hillsboro Chapter No. 231 closed in due form and the 199th Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio closed in ample form at 10:45 A.M.

R. Keith O'DellGrand High Priest

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OFFICERS OF THE GRAND CHAPTER 2014- 2015

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioGrand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons

of the State of Ohio

2014 - 2015

OFFICE OF THE GRAND HIGH PRIEST

__________________________________

October 15, 2014

BULLETIN NO. 1 This bulletin is to be reviewed in each constituent chapter at the first stated convocation after its receipt.

Companions:At the one hundred and ninety-eighth Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal

Arch Masons of the State of Ohio held at the Holiday Inn South in Independence, Ohio on October 8 and 9, 2014, the following officers were elected and installed for the coming year. R. Keith O’Dell (wife Cindy) ……………………...…..……………... Grand High Priest 712 Boyd Avenue, West Union, OH 45693 Home: 937-544-7369 C: 937-763-1802Robert D. Blankenhorn (wife Pam) ………………………........................… Grand King 2172 Satinwood Drive, Mansfield, OH 44903 Home: 419-589-2174 C: 419-564-1592Jeffrey L. Addis ……………………………………………..... Grand Principal Sojourner 42 Privet Lane, Northfield, OH 44067 Bus: 216-986-8891 C: 216-536-1498Charles J. McCarty (wife Ann) ……………………………………….…. Grand Treasurer 36005 Sherwood Ln,, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 Home: 440- 975-0922 Dale G. Ray, Jr. (wife Jacqueline)……………………………………….. Grand Secretary 564 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Suite 401, Barberton, OH 44203 Office: 330-753-3670 1031 Wilbur Ave., Barberton, OH 44203 Home: 330-753-5469J. Keith Green (wife Debbie) ……………………….…....…… Grand Captain of the Host P.O. Box 26, Graytown, OH 43432 Bus: 313-594-0852 C: 419 270-0414Ross R. Black II (wife Linda) ………………………...…….... Grand Principal Sojourner 603 Beaverbrook Drive, Akron, OH 44333 H: 330-864-3423 Bus: 330-928-1843

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H. Jeffery Shaw (wife Pam) ………………………..…..…… Grand Royal Arch Captain 2400 Bellsburg Drive, Dayton, OH 45459 H: 937-436-3018 C: 937-212-8226Daniel S. Smith (wife Jean) .................................................. Grand Master of the 3rd Veil 1026 Zodiac Avenue, Gahanna, OH 43230 H: 614-855-0114 C: 614-477-4136Rodney L. Carr (wife Robin) ................................................ Grand Master of the 2nd Veil 245 N. Mulberry Ln, Logan, OH 43138 H: 740-385-9331 C: 740-603-6910Ronald C. Hart, Sr. (wife Robin) .......................................... Grand Master of the 1st Veil 9161 Solon Drive, Cincinnati, OH 46242 H: 513-891-3526 C: 513-253-7570

APPOINTIVEJeffery S. Humble (wife Tracy) …..........……...………………...………. Grand Chaplain 7515 Canterbury Road, Portsmouth OH 45662 H: 740-352-3072 Cell: sameF. Raymond Sharritts (wife Patricia) ………….....................… Grand Chaplain Emeritus 1655 Lexington Drive, Lancaster, OH 43130 Home: 740-654-6650R. Joseph Schilling (wife Bonnie) .......................................................... Grand Necrologist 649 Copeland Road, Waverly, OH 45690 H: 740-947-5343 C: 740-708-3050George L. O'Neal (wife Carolyn) .....……………………………………….. Grand Guard 14 Elm Street., West Portsmouth, OH 45663 H: 740-858-2280Ryan W. Adams (wife Cathy) ….........………………………..…………. Grand Marshal 92 Oliver Drive, Chillicothe, OH 45601 H: 740-663-4475 C:740-703-5446Norman G. Lincoln………………………………………………………. Grand Historian 204 W. Chicago Street, PO Box 454, Eaton, OH 45320 Home: 937-456-6859Richard D. Snow (wife Marjorie) ……………………….. Grand Fraternal Correspondent 2243 McCoy Road, Columbus, OH 43220 Home: 614-451-9691 Don R. Lutz (wife Lenore) .........………………………………………… Grand Musician 1015 Montrose Ave., Bexley, OH 43209 H: 614-231-3166 C: 614-224-6105Abraham F. Kay (wife Bonnie) …………………………………... Grand Parliamentarian 21075 Farnsleigh Road, Beachwood, OH 44122 H: 216-751-1949 Bus: 216-579-6252

NOTES ON CONVOCATION All of the 141 constituent Chapters and the 4 Mark Lodges were represented except:

Unity #16 Garfield #150 Piqua#31 Carey #159 McArthur #102 Cadiz #171 All Grand Officers were in attendance. All Past Grand High Priests were present except Charles E. Karth, John W. Purdy, Terry B. Meyers, Chester W. Hammond and Donald W. Owens.

All District Deputies Grand High Priest were present except Frederick E. Gallo, Sr. and Max A. Bauman.. Also present were 14 District Education Officers, 34 Past District Deputies Grand High Priests, 20 out-of-state Guests, 32 Ohio Distinguished Guests, 258 voting delegates other than the above, 106 voting Past High Priests other than the above, and 13 non-voting Companions. Total number of Companions registered was 525. Eighty-six ladies were registered. The per capita contribution to the Ohio Masonic Home for the year ending May 31, 2014 was $3,630.00, plus an added voluntary contribution of $1,500.00.

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Contributions from Ohio to the Royal Arch Research Assistance program during the year totaled $568.53. This brings Ohio's total to $491,862.27 contributed to date. Four Chapters earned 100% Certificates for giving $1.00 or more per member.

Approximately 324 Royal Arch Masons and their ladies attended the Annual Banquet on Wednesday evening. Among those attending were Miss Culleen Moser, Grand Worthy Advisor of Rainbow in Ohio, accompanied by her Mother Michelle; Mrs. Janice F. Morris, Supreme Deputy for Rainbow in Ohio and her husband Paul; Miss Celeste Prince, Miss Ohio Job's Daughter accompanied by her mother; Miss Katelyn Pyles, Grand Bethel Honored Queen, Job's Daughters of Ohio accompanied by Miss Jessica Schellenberger, and Mrs. Dawn Riley Grand Guardian of Ohio Jobs Daughters accompanied by Miss Stephanie Sharritts Miss Congeniality for Jobs Daughters; Andrew J. Thomas, State Master Councilor of Ohio DeMolay; and, Bobby G. Campbell Grand Recorder of the Grand Council, R&SM of Ohio and his wife Cathy and Alfred T. Johnson Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery K. T. of Ohio and his wife Marion. Exalted 338; Admitted 58; Reinstated 68; Withdrawn 115; Died 559; Suspended 267. Compared to last year, exaltations were up by 21. The net loss for the year was 477 vs. 790 in 2012. Membership as of May 31, 203 was 14,520 Companions.

STATISTICS Exalted 307; Admitted 64; Reinstated 27; Withdrawn 157; Died 552; Suspended 455. Compared to last year, exaltations were down by 31. The net loss for the year was 766 vs. 477 in 2013. Membership as of May 31, 2014 was 13,754 Companions.

THE EARL C. GIFFORD DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD The Earl C. Gifford Distinguished Service Award of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio was granted to:

Robert E. Fisher, born June 3, 1929 in Bluffton, Indiana, is a retired Tool and Die Maker. Robert is a member of Queen City, Marquis and Venus Lodges, Past High Priest of Mansfield Chapter No. 28, where he has also served as CEO for many years, a member of Mansfield Council No. 94 and a member of Mansfield Commandery No. 21. He is a Past Monarch of Baku Grotto and was honored as Profit of the Year for 1993-1994. He also served the Grotto as a Grand Deputy. Robert is married to Alma and they had three children. They worked together as Grotto Clowns. As Styx and Trixie the clowns, they entertained thousands of children in shows and parades. Robert is a member of the Little Washington Congregational Church in Little Washington, Ohio He is a member, Past President and Secretary/Treasurer of the Mansfield High Twelve Club. His nominators pointed out that “his highest quality is that he loved to serve others, be it in Church, Lodge, York Rite Masonry or as a clown, Robert served others. He did not want to be in the lime light.”

William C. McCormick, born August 1, 1925 in Mingo Junction Ohio, is a retired insurance agent and presently works for the Toledo Masonic Bulletin. William is a Past Master of Barton Smith Lodge No. 613, a Past High Priest of Ft. Meigs Chapter No. 29 and past Treasurer and Secretary (for 25 years), a Past Illustrious Master of Toledo Council No. 33 and Past Recorder and a Past Commander of Toledo Commandery No. 7

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and Past Recorder. He is also a member of the Valley of Toledo AASR. He is also a member of Zenobia Shrine and Ohio Priory No. 18. William does much voluntary charitable work for the MS Society, Feed Your Neighbor Program in Lucas County, and fining sponsors for sending ministers to the Holy Land. He continues to take parts in the various Masonic bodies as well. William has been married to Maxine for many years. They had three children. He is a member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church and was on the School Board in Green Township. He served in WWII in the European Theater under General Patton. His nominators pointed out that he continues to work tirelessly for Freemasonry and is willing to help anyone with their Masonic education as well in their personal lives. Carl Palmer, born August 13, 1937 in Key, Ohio, is a retired Teacher. He is a Past Master (twice) of Mantua Lodge No. 533, a Past High Priest (three times) of Silver Creek Chapter No. 144, a Past Illustrious Master of Warren Council No. 58 and a Past Commander (three times) of Allenby Commandery No. 73. He is also a Past Worthy Patron (8 times) for Mystic Chapter No. 32 of the OES. He is a member of Ohio Prior No. 18 Carl has Bachelors and Masters Degrees in mathematics. He works tirelessly for charitable efforts at the Cleveland Browns Games, Cleveland Grand Prix, Holden Arboretum, Fairgrounds and Camp Ho-Mita-Koda. Carl and his wife Gloria, who is deceased, have three children.. His nominators point out that he continues to be active in the Masonic bodies and is one who has truly demonstrated service above and beyond the call of duty.

William D. Stratton, born September 6, 1944 in Lakemore, Ohio, is a retired brick layer. He also worked for the Pennzoil Company for many years. He is currently the Building Manager for the Canton Masonic Temple. He is a Past Master (twice) of Charity Lodge No. 530 and a Past District Deputy Grand Master, Past High Priest (three times) of Tyrian, Alliance and Canton Chapters and a Past District Deputy Grand High Priest, a Past Illustrious Master of Alliance and Canton Councils and a current Arch Adjutant and a Past Commander (5 times) of Alliance Commandery No. 67. He is a Past Sovereign Prince of the Valley of Canton and a Thirty-Third Degree Mason. He is a Past Prior of Ohio Priory No. 18. William and his wife Nancy have two daughters. He is a member of Mogadore Christian Church where he has worked on fund raising events He coached girls softball teams and has been an advisor for Rainbow and DeMolay. William continues to serve masonry in many ways including serving as a Member of the Ohio Masonic Home Board of Trustees. No job is to big or to small for his attention and six lodges and five chapters have granted him honorary membership because of his devotion to them. He and his father donated thousands of hour of time amd money in the construction of a new Temple in Deerfield after a fire. His nominators point out that he “he is a friend and Mentor to many, and offers help and advice, as well as emotional and physical support.”

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS Distinguished Guests included Grand High Priests of Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio Prince Hall, Pennsylvania and West Virgivia along with Past

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Grand High Priests from Indiana, Kentucky (2), and New Jersey. The General Grand High Priest Louis E. Bertrand from the General Grand Chapter was also present. First time visiting Grand High Priests were granted Honorary Membership in the Grand Chapter of Ohio. Additionally, several other Grand Officers and Grand Representatives were present. Attendance from out-of-state was very good.

The Grand Lodge, F&AM of Ohio was represented by Most Worshipful Brother Norman J. Mick, Grand Master, accompanied by Right Worshipful Brother Steven E. Cokonougher, Deputy Grand Master.

The Grand Council R&SM of Ohio was represented by Most Illustrious Companion Lynn B. Alexander, the new Grand Master and the Immediate Past Grand Master Robert R. Rhinehart. Seven other Grand Officers, two Arch Inspectors, and 5 other Past Grand Masters were also present.

The Grand Commandery K.T. of Ohio was represented by Sir Knight Dennis L. Hughes, Grand Commander and Thomas H. Gault, Sr., Deputy Grand Commander along with 3 other Grand Officers and 3 Past Grand Commanders.

Ohio Priory No. 18, Knights of the York Cross of Honor was represented by Eminent Prior Dan C. Arnold., plus 4 other officers and 5 Past Priors.

The Scottish Rite was represented by Worshipful Brother and Illustrious Brother Neil M. Smalley, Past Deputy for Ohio, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.

LEGISLATION Proposed Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws concerning the rank and title of Grand Officers and who is eligible to be elected or appointed were passed. Three “blanket change” amendments were proposed to the Constitution, Code and By-Laws. They did not pass. An amendment to Article 4 of the Constitution concerning the manner of replacing deceased Grand Officers was introduced. It was seconded and the amendment will be presented at the 2015 Grand Conclave. A Resolution was introduced which names Right Excellent Companion F. Raymond Sharritts as Grand Chaplain, Emeritus. It was passed.

INSPECTION DISTRICT AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATION

District Number Counties No. of Chapters REGION A

Regional Officer -- Ronald C. Hart, Sr., Grand Master of the First Veil 1 Defiance, Fulton, Henry and Williams 5 8 Lucas, Ottawa, Wood 5 9 Erie, Huron, Sandusky and Lorain 10

REGION B Regional Officer -- Jeffrey L. Addis, Grand Scribe2 Allen, Auglaize, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert 6 and Shelby

7 Hancock, Hardin, Marion, Seneca and Wyandot 7 10 Ashland, Crawford, Holmes, Richland and Wayne 8

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REGION C Regional Officer -- Ross R. Black II, Grand Principal Sojourner 4 Clermont, Hamilton, Clinton (except 12 Wilmington #63), Brown, and Morrow #143

in Warren, and North Bend Mark Lodge #1 5 Adams, Fayette, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, 8 Pickaway, Ross, and Scioto and Fayette Mark

Lodge No. 4 REGION D

Regional Officer -- Rodney L. Carr, Grand Master of the Second Veil 3 Butler, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, 17 Lebanon No. 5 in Warren, and Wilmington

No. 63 in Clinton 6 Champaign, Clark, Logan, Madison and Union 8

REGION ERegional Officer -- Daniel S. Smith, Grand Master of the Third Veil

16 Cuyahoga, Summit-Baker #74 in Summit 9 & Sr. DeMolay Mark Lodge #217Medina, Portage Stark and Summit (except for 8

Summit-Baker #74) 20 Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake 7

REGION FRegional Officer -- J. Keith Green, Grand Captain of the Host

11Delaware, Franklin, Knox, and Morrow 9 13 Athens, Fairfield, Gallia, Hocking, Meigs, Perry, 8 Vinton, and Washington

REGION G Regional Officer -- H. Jeffery Shaw, Grand Royal Arch Captain 14 Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Jefferson, 11 Licking, Muskingum, Tuscarawas and Dwight

Warehime Mark Lodge No. 319 Carroll, Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull 7

DISTRICT DEPUTIES GRAND HIGH PRIEST 2014-2015District1 Ernie L. Longberry 3816 CR 192, Box 642, Antwerp OH 43502

(Wife Lori Res. (419) 335-2031 Bus. (419) 445-54362 Michael Lenhart 429 N. Johnson Street, Ada, OH 45810 (wife Patrica) Res. (419) 634-2106 Cell (419) 582-10063 Joseph J. Fair 11960 Steck Road, Brookville, OH 45309 Res. (937) 833-5560 Cell (937) 430-0320

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio3 Gregory B. Clatterbuck 6680 Swissway Drive, Centerville, OH 45459 (wife Kathy) Res. (937) 435-6680 Cell: (937) 409-66804 Stanley J. Anderson 9994 Washington Ave, Loveland, OH 45104

(wife Lauri) Res. (513) 583-0046 Cell: (513) 383-2217

3 Aaron E. Crawford 1626 E. Lindsey Ave., Miamisburg, OH 45342 (wife Judy) Res. (937) 859-6779 Bus.. (937) 225-4801 x225

5 Lloyd W. Eichenlaub 2596 McDermott Rushtown Road, McDermott, OH 45652(wife Trica) Res. (740) 858-0129 Bus.: (740) 779-4460 Cell (740) 464-6919

6 H. William Jones 4594 Cynthia Drive, Enon, OH 45323-1721(wife Sara) Res.. (937) 864-1826 Cell (937) 925-1825

7 Kenneth B. Foy 83 Autumn Lane, Tiffin, OH 44883 (wife Jan) Res. (419) 447-7078 Cell (419) 618-11938 E. Towslee 6736 W. Meadow Lane, Maumee, OH 43537 (wife Sally) Res. (419) 861-0409 Cell (419) 704-82709 Herbert L. Smith 1060 Race St., Clyde, OH 43410 (wife Peggy) Res. (419) 547-312310 Ronald G. Horne 23450 College Hill Road, Danville, OH 43014 (wife Shirley) Res. (740) 599-7946 Cell (740) 507-350811 James R. Esswein 627 Brookside Drive, Columbus, OH 43209

Bus:(614) 231-2050 Cell: (614) 203-8447 13 Scottie H. Smith 46365 Scout Camp Road, Long Bottom, OH 45743 (wife Esther) Res. (740) 985-4424 Cell: (740) 416-911814 Mark W. Bruns 573 Fulla Lane, Heath, OH 43056 (wife Mary) Res. (740) 323-2371 Cell (740) 258-266516 Robert R. Nilsen 9915 Parkland Drive, Twinsburg, OH 44087 (wife Sue) Res. (330) 963-6012 Cell (330) 375-685916 Kenneth R. Kubach 2754 Woodhill Road, Cleveland, OH 44104 (wife Laura) Bus. (216) 721-2262 Cell (216) 316-144417 Frank T. Schenck 101 Royal Oak Drive,

Aurora, Oh 44202 (wife Susan) Res.: (330) 995-6826

19 Zel E. Bush 7404 Indian Trail, Poland, OH 44514(wife Audra) Res. (330) 856-3204 Cell: (330) 503-5992

20 D. Douglas Dolan 12550 Woodside Drive, Chesterland, OH 44026

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter(wife Carolyn) Res. (440) 729-245

Cell (440) 487-3894

DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS 2014 – 20151 William G. Kerr 1270 South Park Lane, Wauseon, OH 43567 (wife Sandy) Res. (419) 335-93812 Charles W. Wise 5958 McPheron Road, Lima, OH 45804

(wife Carol ) Res. (419) 648-25153 McKinley Polston 600 Benbow Circle, New Lebanon, OH 45345 (wife Brenda) Res. (937) 687-12143 Bruce O. Gardner 3490 Lawson Drive, Beavercreek, OH 45432

(wife Mary Res.: (937) 304-87643 Claude F. Seibel 2230 Roaming Hill Road, Richmond, IN 47374 Res. (765) 962-6596

4 Dale A. Olson 2235 Bretton Drive, Cincinnati, OH. 45244 (wife Diana) Res.: (513) 624-70094 Daniel M. Vinson 6385 Paxton Woods Drive, Loveland, OH 45140 (wife Linda) Res.: (513) 683-4779

5 William R. Malone 1419 Timberlake Drive,

Portsmouth, OH 45662(wife Beverly ) Res. (740) 531-1523

6 Ranold S. Seymour, Jr. 116 W. Mound St, South Charleston, OH 45368 (wife Jodie ) Res. (937) 462-90447 Kenneth D. Chamberlain 538 Sheffield Drive, Findlay, OH 45840 Res. (419) 424-00588 David J. Roper 853 Oak Knoll Drive, Perrysburg, OH 43551 (wife Molly) Res. (419) 874-39379 H. Ray Hardwick 51320 Becker Road, Oberlin, OH 44074 (wife Geri ) Res. (440) 724-371910 William D. Raby 534 E. Washington St., Loudenville, OH 44842 (wife Deb) Res. (419) 994-584111 John A. Spoff 38 E. Beachwold Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43214

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio(wife Leslie) Res. (614) 268-0867

11 Stephen M. Hill 107 N. Washington Street, Delaware, OH 43015 Res. (740) 599-7946

13 Charles K. Gains 315 Colgate Drive, Apt 312, Marietta, OH 45750 (wife Debbie)

Res. (740) 629-167114 Chester J. Vance 44276 TR 1225, Coshocton, OH 43812 (wife Mitzi) Res. (740) 622-415216 Ronald J. Bokan, Jr. 104 Seminary Street, Berea, OH 44017

(wife Dawn) Res.: (440) 567-577216 Bruce A. Knopp 266 E. 255th Street, Euclid, OH 44132

Res. (216) 224-950517 Matthew G. Sinn 3587 Bent Tree Lane, Apt 10, Stow, OH 44224 Res. (330) 501-5574 19 James A. Streeky 4167 Claridge Drive, Youngstown, OH 44511

(wife Marcia) Res. (330) 793-8099 20 Donald D. Carpenter 5470 Lake Road West, Ashtabula, OH 44004

(wife Bilhan) Res. (440) 536-4018

GRAND CHAPTER COMMITTEES FOR 2014-2015

RITUALRonald C. Hart, Sr., Grand Master of the First Veil, ChairmanF. Raymond Sharritts, Grand Chaplain, Emeritus Ryan W. Adams, Grand MarshallAlfred T. Johnson, PDDGHP 6th District

FINANCENorman LoBell, PDDGHP 4th District, Chairman Jeffrey L. Addis, Grand ScribeRobert D. Blankenhorn, Jr., Grand King Charles J. McCarty, PGHP, Grand TreasurerDale G. Ray, Jr., PGHP, Grand Secretary Ryan W. Adams, PDDGHP 6th District

CHARTERS AND DISPENSATIONSGeorge M. Shell, PGHP, Chairman Robert J. Draye, PGHP Jean W. Justus, Jr., PGHPJames W. Himmelright, PGHP Kermit V. Zimmerman, PGHP

MASONIC EDUCATIONDaniel S. Smith, Grand Master of the Third Veil, ChairmanAbraham F. Kay, Grand Parliamentarian Kenneth R. Kubach, DDGHP 16th District

MASONIC JURISPRUDENCEAbraham Kay, Grand Parliamentarian, ChairmanRoss R. Black II, Gr. Prin. Sojourner, Vice Chairman Mitchell Alperin, Heights #206 Keevin Berman, PHP Heights #206 James G. Simpson, Cuyahoga Falls #225 John H. Whitehouse, Jr., PHP Cunningham #187 Jeffrey Nash, Heights #206

LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEERoss R. Black II, Grand Principal Sojourner, ChairmanH. Jeffery Shaw, Grand Royal Arch Capt. Daniel S. Smith, Gr. Master, Third Veil

115

Proceedings of the Grand ChapterRodney L. Carr, Gr. Master, Second Veil Ronald C. Hart, Sr., Gr. Master First Veil

YORK RITE COOPERATIONRobert D. Blankenhorn, Jr, Grand King, Chairman Jeffrey L. Addis, Grand ScribeDale G. Ray, Jr., PGHP, Grand Secretary J. Keith Green, Grand Captain of the Host

Ross R. Black, II, Grand Principal SojournerPUBLIC RELATIONS

Richard D. Snow, Grand Fraternal Correspondent., ChairmanNorman G. Lincoln, Grand Historian Jeffrey S. Humble., Grand ChaplainJames R. Esswein, DDGHP 11th District J. Michael Lenhart, DDGHP 2nd District

TOPICAL REFERENCEJeffrey L. Addis, Grand Scribe, Chairman Lloyd W. Eichenlaub, DDGHP 5th DistrictRobert R. Nilsen, DDGHP 16th District Frank T. Schenck, DDGHP 17th District

Scottie H. Smith, DDGHP 13th DistrictUNFINISHED BUSINESS

William M. Berry, PGHP , Chairman John R. Gartrell, PGHPAlan D. Hart, PGHP John W. Purdy, PGHP Robert W. Thomas, PGHP

AWARDS PROGRAMRyan W. Adams, Grand Marshal, Chairman Jeffery S. Humble, Grand ChaplainR. Joseph Shilling, Grand Necrologist George L. O’Neal, Grand Guard

Lloyd W. Eichenlaub, DDGHP 5th DistrictMEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

H. Jeffery Shaw, Grand Royal Arch Captain, ChairmanDaniel S. Smith, Grand Master, Third Veil Ryan W. Adams, Grand MarshalMark W. Bruns, DDGHP 14th District Zel E. Bush, DDGHP 19th DistrictGregory B. Clatterbuck, DDGHP 3rd District D. Douglas Dolan, DDGHP 20th DistrictRonald G. Horne, DDGHP 10th District Ernie L. Longberry, DDGHP 1st District

ROYAL ARCH MASON MAGAZINEJ. Keith Green, Grand Captain of the Host, ChairmanStanley J. Anderson, DDGHP 4th District Ronald D. Horne, DDGHP 10th DistrictRobert R. Nilsen, DDGHP 16th District Douglas E. Towslee, DDGHP 8th District

GRIEVANCEDonald L. Losasso, PGHP, ChairmanWilliam M. Berry, PGHP Steven A. Duncan, PGHP Garis E. Pugh, PGHP

PUBLICATIONSJeffrey L. Addis, Grand Scribe, ChairmanDale G. Ray, Jr., PGHP, Grand Secretary J. Keith Green, Grand Captain of the HostAbraham F. Kay, Grand Parliamentarian James W. Himmelright, PGHP

CHARITY AND BENEVOLENCEJean W. Justus, Jr., PGHP, Chairman Charles J. McCarty, PGHP, Grand TreasurerDale G. Ray, Jr., PGHP, Grand Secretary Jeffery S. Humble, Grand Chaplain

Lloyd W. Eichenlaub, DDGHP 5th District

CONSTITUENT RETURNSRoss R. Black II, Grand Principal Sojourner, ChairmanDale G. Ray, Jr., PGHP, Grand Secretary H. Jeffery Shaw, Grand Royal Arch CaptainJoseph J. Fair, DDGHP 3rd District Herbert L. Smith, DDGHP 9th District

TIME AND PLACERobert D. Blackenhorn, Jr, Grand King, ChairmanJeffrey L. Addis, Grand Scribe Charles J. McCarty, PGHP, Grand TreasurerDale G. Ray, Jr., PGHP, Grand Secretary Norman LoBell, PDDGHP 4th District

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioSYMBOLIC LODGE LIAISON

Jeffrey L. Addis, Grand Scribe, Chairman J. Keith Green, Grand Captain of the HostGeorge L. O’Neal, Grand Guard Kenneth B. Foy, DDGHP 7th District

ENDOWED MEMBERSHIPSteven A. Duncan, PGHP, ChairmanCharles J. McCarty, PGHP, Grand Treasurer Dale G. Ray, Jr., PGHP, Grand SecretaryRyan W. Adams, Grand Marshal Norman LoBell, PDDGHP 4th District

PAYROLLCharles J. McCarty, PGHP, Grand Treasurer, ChairmanRodney L. Carr, Grand Master, Second Veil Stanley J. Anderson, DDGHP 4th DistrictGregory B. Clatterbuck, DDGHP 3rd District Scottie H. Smith, DDGHP 10th District

DISTINGUISHED GUESTSRobert D. Crabbs, PGHP, Chairman Donald L. Losasso, PGHPWayne S. Dill, PGHP Steven A. Duncan, PGHP Garis E. Pugh, PGHP

EXAMINING VISITING COMPANIONSGeorge M. Shell, PGHP, Chairman William M. Berry, PGHPRobert J. Draye, PGHP James M. McDonald, PGHP

CREDENTIALSLoren L. Bower, Jr., PDDGHP 5th district, ChairmanGeorge L. O’Neal, Grand Guard Renie Blankenship, PDDGHP 4th DistrictGeorge W. Bauer, PHP Hillsboro #40 Richard D. Smith, PHP Manchester #129

YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS COMMITTEERodney L. Carr, Grand Master of the Second Veil, Chairman Jeffrey L. Addis, Grand Scribe Ronald C. Hart, Sr., Grand Master of the First VeilKenneth R. Kubach, DDGHP 16th District Scottie H. Smith, DDGHP 13th District

MASONIC HOME TRUSTEESKermit V. Zimmerman, PGHP Donald L. Losasso, PGHP Stephen A. Duncan, PGHP

INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGYThomas F. Zeigler, PHP #96, Chairman & Webmaster Ryan W, Adams, Grand MarshalRonald C. Hart, Sr., Grand Master of the First Veil Gregory Mumaw, PHP Heights #206

BICENTENNIALRobert W. Blankenhorn, Jr., Grand King, ChairmanRichard D. Snow, Grand Fraternal CorrespondentAnd several other companions as selected by the Chairman

TELLERSGeorge L. O’Neal, Grand Guard, Chairman

Dist. 1 Northwest No. 45Dist. 2 Lima No. 49 Dist. 3 Xenia No. 36Dist. 4 Batavia No. 112Dist. 5 LaGrange No. 68Dist. 6 Springfield No. 48Dist. 7 Garfield No.150

Dist. 8 Toledo-Port Lawrence No. 161Dist. 9 Huron No. 7Dist. 10 Bucyrus No. 160Dist. 11 Community No. 227Dist. 13 Pomeroy No. 80Dist. 14 Warren No. 6Dist. 16 Covenant-Thatcher No. 222

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterDist. 17 Cuyahoga Falls No. 225Dist. 19 New Lisbon No. 92Dist. 20 Western Reserve No. 8

COMMITTEES to be Appointed in Constituent Chapters The proper management of your Chapter is not just the responsibility of the High Priest, but of ALL of its Companions. Therefore it is necessary and important that the High Priest involve as many Companions as possible by appointing them to the various committees that will insure that the Chapter operates efficiently and effectively. It is also necessary that these committees be active and that they report their progress regularly. Carefully place your Companions on committees that will allow them to best utilize their talents for maximum results. Your Chapter will be the beneficiary of their efforts. The following is a listing of required and possible committees and/or appointments you may want to make: Finance Committee: This committee is required by code and must be appointed the night of installation. It should consist of 3 members knowledgeable in finances. Refer to section 104.05 of the Code. The duties of the committee are to audit the books and records of the Secretary and Treasurer and to make due report on or before the Annual Convocation in June and to review the annual budget on a regular basis.

Retention/Welfare Committee: This committee should consist of Companions who have great concern for members that have not paid their dues. Find out why they have not paid them and make a report to the chapter. Visit those that are sick or in a nursing home facility. Also, this committee should call all members at least twice a year to let them know of any special events or to see how they are doing and if the chapter could help them in some way. This committee should maintain contact with the widows of deceased Companions for the express purpose of inviting them to the various functions of the Chapter and to keep them aware of the activities of the Chapter that involve the ladies.

Charities Committee: Charity is one of the tenants of Freemasonry. Appoint committee members who are knowledgeable of our three charities: The Ohio Masonic Home, the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Foundation (Adopt America Network)and Royal Arch Research Assistance (RARA). This committee’s main function is to plan for and manage fund raising events, distribute literature about our charities to the Companions and to see that the funds raised are delivered to the proper organization.

Reinstatement Committee: This committee should make personal contact with members that have been suspended or have demitted. Have the Secretary research the records for the past five years for the names of those that have been suspended or

demitted.. Make use of the form on Reinstatements in the Manual for Membership Development Section of the Chapter Management Manual This committee needs to work closely with the Retention/Welfare Committee.

Keeper of the Marks: Appoint one Companion to keep record of the marks submitted by the new Companions and to maintain the Mark Book. He should also instruct the new Companions as to the how and why of the Mark.

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioIf a chapter consolidation takes place, it is the duty of the Keeper of the Marks along

with the Secretary of the chapter to obtain the Mark Book and all marks of the previous chapter, and keep them with the records of the surviving chapter.

Publicity Committee: When a Chapter performs a special event, an officer installation, awards night, etc., this committee is to see that the Companions are made aware of the event. This Committee is responsible to see that the public is made aware of the special events of the Chapter and any awards the Chapter may receive. This Committee works in conjunction with and reports to the Grand Chapter Public Relations Committee. As it states in the Public Relations Section of the Chapter Management Manual, we need “IMAGE and VISIBILITY WITH PRIDE”.

Membership Development Committee: Membership is our life blood. Without it we die. This Committee needs to be well aware of the Membership Development section of the Chapter Management Manual. It is their purpose to stimulate growth and improve morale of the members. The Grand Chapter Membership Development Committee has ideas and resources that will assist you in your duties. These committee members need to be good salesmen of Masonry. Recruitment Committee: This committee is responsible for developing ways to secure new members. Also it will train Companions on how to approach prospective candidates and have ample recruiting material at each Blue Lodge. The Chairman will be in charge of the YORK RITE LIAISON PROGRAM. The duties of this committee are outlined in the Manual for Membership Development in the Chapter Management Manual. New Member Assimilation Committee: This committee will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the MENTORS PROGRAM for the new members, ladies night, Chapter programs, new member survey and information materials needed for the packet that is necessary for assimilating the new members into the chapter. This committee is the most important one in the Manual for Membership Development in the Chapter Management Manual. You need your best companions on this committee.

Chapter Education Officer: This appointed position is important as the Chapter Education officer can turn a boring meeting into a memorable event. The Chapter Education Officer needs to know how and where to find topics to present to the Chapter on a regular basis. Based on the fact that knowledge of the Fraternity is a valuable asset to this Companion, he should probably be a Past High Priest, Past DDGHP or even a Past Grand Officer. He is to report to and work with the District Education Officer and the Grand Chapter Education Committee.

Candidate Counselor: The Candidate Counselor should become as familiar with the new candidates as possible. You must endeavor to make the new members feel welcome and necessary to our cause. As Candidate Counselor, it is your duty to impart Light and

Information to the candidate above and beyond the lessons taught in the various Degrees. He needs to work closely with the Chapter Education officer. Again, as in other cases, experience and Capitular knowledge is essential. Candidate Counselors should be under the direction of the New Member Assimilation Committee.

Degree Directors: Degrees do not present themselves. A good cast is necessary, but without a good Degree Director to “pull it together” the degree presentation will suffer.

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterBy our degrees, we present Light and Knowledge to the candidates. The presentations are to be done correctly and professionally. The Degree Director needs to be well aware of the FINE PRINT in the Ritual. Contained in the Chapter Management Manual are many pages that will assist the Degree Director. Chapter Historian: With the Grand Chapter Bicentennial “just around the corner”, it is more important than ever that each Chapter updates or even creates a usable Chapter History. Appoint one person to act as manager to work with a collection of Companions to see that this is done. Items as follows should be included in the circumstances under which the Chapter was formed: the date of dispensation, the date of the Charter, the date of institution, the dates of consecration and dedication; a list of the charter members, a list of the original officers and any noteworthy events or awards that occurred to the Chapter. A copy of the Chapter History is to be submitted to the Grand Historian and the Grand Secretary. Further, the Grand Historian is always willing to assist.

INFORMATION

Communications It is requested that each Constituent Chapter Secretary and High Priest is prompt in answering all communications. Requests for supplies, educational materials and service awards are to be submitted directly to the Grand Secretary.

Requests for approval of By-Laws must be approved by your District Deputy Grand High Priest for form and substance before mailing. Please note that changes in By-Laws which do nothing but change fees or dues, or change the specified time (or date) of stated meetings, do not need to be approved by the Grand High Priest. When approval is needed, the request should be mailed directly to the Grand High Priest, not to the Grand Secretary.

DispensationsAll requests for dispensations should be forwarded to the District Deputy Grand High

Priest, who will review them and if warranted will forward same to the Chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee. i.e. : Abraham F. Kay, 21075 Farnsleigh Road, Beachwood, Ohio 44122. If it is a proper request and in proper form, the Jurisprudence Committee

will forward the dispensation form to the Grand High Priest for signature. Any deviation from this process will cause undue delays. Allow at least one month for processing.

Religious Re-Affirmation Sunday Religious Re-Affirmation Sunday should be observed in each District on Sunday, October 19, 2014. Activities of the day will be under the direction of the District Deputy Grand High Priest with the assistance of the District Association. Those chapters not represented are required to conduct their own services. Reports from each chapter are to be sent through the District Deputy Grand High Priest to the Grand Chaplain.

Why do we have a Religious Reaffirmation Sunday? Because it was instituted by the General Grand Chapter in 1797 as a day on which all Royal Arch Masons in the United States would be attending a church service at approximately the same time. This first service took place on Sunday, October 24, 1798. We, therefore as Royal Arch Masons, reaffirm our solemn vow to Almighty God on the Sunday nearest to that date in October.

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio This is a special event that is to be celebrated as a District or Chapter event, with the ladies and families. Incorporate a religious service with a social event. Collect an offering and make a contribution to a Masonic or local charity. Be sure to submit the Religious Re-Affirmation Service Report Form to the Grand Chaplain. This year we have the option of an alternative or addition to our program. Our Grand Chaplain has developed a very interesting program including a “table chapter”. It is suggested that the program be done in June. Your District Deputy has a copy. I strongly urge you to review this program and consider adding it to your, the District’s or chapter’s agenda.

Royal Arch SchoolsEach DDGHP and Chapter Education officer is charged with the responsibility of promoting Masonic Education at the Chapter level. Our strength and existence depends on WELL INFORMED and EDUCATED MASONS. The lessons left by our Masonic Forefathers are various and many. It is not a requirement but rather a responsibility that we do our best to see that our Companions have the opportunity to receive these lessons and increase their Masonic knowledge. There are many Companions available to come to your Chapter or District to present the various lessons and topics. Contact your Grand Chapter Committee of Masonic Education to assist you with the presentation of these important lessons.

Awards All awards given in recent years will be continued this year. These awards include: Sojourner, District Work Horse, Outstanding High Priest, Outstanding Chapter in the District, Most Improved Chapter in the District, No Loss Award of Distinction, and the Star Award to Chapters with 3% or more net gain.

Four recipients in the entire state will receive “The Earl C. Gifford Distinguished Service Award" from the Grand Chapter. It will be awarded at the Grand Convocation’s Grand Banquet. These nominations must be submitted through your District Deputy Grand High Priest and these recommendations must be in the hands of the Grand Chapter Awards Committee (i.e. Ryan W. Adams, 92 Oliver Street, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601, by June 30, 2015.

LIFE CONNECTION OF OHIO-DONATE LIFE ORGANIZATION Every other day, one Ohioan dies waiting for a life-saving transplant. These people could be our Masonic Brethren, one of their family members or friends. A single donor can save up to EIGHT LIVES and improve the lives of up to 50 people through tissue and eye donation. The ROYAL ARCH MASONS can help. Think of the people who received a second chance at life because someone made the decision to be a donor. Think of those people on the waiting list-children, mothers, fathers and grandparents

all waiting for their chance to continue doing the things they love to do every day, the things many of us take for granted. Everyone is a potential donor, no matter your age or health condition. It does not cost anything and takes a few moments to sign up. You can register by filling out an enrollment form and mailing it to the state BMV office, or you can register online at:

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterWWW.DONATELIFEOHIO.ORG or you can say yes at your local BMV, when renewing your driver’s license or state ID CARD. I encourage you to do what you can to give more Ohioans a second chance at life by registering to be an organ & tissue donor. REC HENRY DODSON, a past District Deputy from the 3rd District is the Grand Chapter Informational Contact Person. Please ask him to come to your CHAPTER and talk about the LIFE DONOR PROGRAM. Phone numbers for donor organization in your area are as follows:

1. Life Banc-Cleveland: (216) 820-48322. Life Center-Cincinnati: (513) 578-68133. Life Connection of Ohio-Dayton (937) 223-82234. Life Connection of Ohio-Toledo (419) 893-16185. Lifeline of Ohio-Columbus (614) 384-7332

GRAND CHAPTER Promotional Material

Additional copies of the Red Roster of Chapters and the Annual Proceedings may be secured through the office of the Grand Secretary. Red Rosters are $2.00. Proceedings are $7.00 per copy (plus any shipping), while they last.

A copy of Bulletin No. 1 is provided to the High Priest, King, Scribe and Secretary of each Chapter.

A number of Promotional Pamphlets and congratulatory folders are available from the office of the Grand Secretary. A complete list of these may be found in the price list mailed to all Secretaries.

Videos - Saga of the Holy Royal Arch An Unheard Cry (these videos are available from the General Grand Secretary, PO Box 489, Danville KY 40423-0489

"Long Sought Word" ($9.00 per hundred), Twenty-five Year Cards (free), Tau Cards and Triple Tau Cards (free), Chapter Management Manual ($8.00 each), Chapter Officer Manual ($2.00 each), Revised Code, Ceremonies & Forms (Contents $7.00, Binder $3.50) York Rite promotional material, petitions for degrees, York Rite Passports, etc. may also be obtained from the Grand Secretary, making all payments for this material to the Joint York Rite Cooperation Committee.

York Rite Secretary-Recorders Association The York Rite Secretary-Recorders Association in Ohio serves a most welcome purpose. Here the Secretaries are given the opportunity to discuss mutual problems and exchange ideas. This exchange of ideas and presentation of valuable experiences and suggestions is of immeasurable benefit to each Constituent Chapter. Each Constituent Chapter is urged to send its Secretary to the meetings of this Associa tion at the expense of the Constituent Chapter.

Twenty Five Year Cards Constituent Chapters are encouraged to recognize their 25-year members. Twenty-five year cards are available from the Grand Secretary's office, on request, at no charge. Twenty-five year pins may be purchased from many Masonic supply houses.

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio50, 60, 65, 70--Year Emblems

The Grand Secretary's office has reminded (with the Secretary's bulletin) the names of the Companions eligible for these awards. Requests for presentation must be made by the Chapter Secretary to the Grand Secretary.

The 50, 60, and 65-year pins will be forwarded to your District Deputy Grand High Priest who will make the necessary arrangements for presentation with the High Priest. The High Priest and Secretary are to make arrangements with the companions for the presentation. Remember, when pins are presented in an open chapter, the member is to be extended the Grand Honors of the Fraternity at the Altar. (If a public ceremony, extend Grand Honors after non-members have been dismissed.) Please make these presentations earlier in the Capitular Year rather than later. The Grand High Priest will present 70-Year Plaques following similar procedures.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT FROM THE GRAND HIGH PRIESTCharities

The Grand Chapter of Ohio has a few charities that we officially support. They include the Ohio Masonic Homes, the Royal Arch Foundation that supports the Adopt America Network, Royal Arch Research Assistance (RARA) and the Organ/Tissue Donation. The Masonic Homes have three facilities which are in Springfield, Waterville and Medina and several home health care services. Adopt America finds homes for Children with Special Needs as well as training required for the prospective parents. The RARA charity of the General Grand Chapter supports research on hearing difficulties in children. Organ and Tissue donations may be through your driver’s license and can give new life to those that may die if they do not receive these lifesaving donations.

Chapter Outside Activities Chapters can and should do outside activities with their members and ladies. This could be a group dinner, a play at the local community theater, or some other activity. These activities could be of little or no cost to the Chapter.

Youth Groups It has been said that our Youth groups, Rainbow, Jobs Daughters and DeMolay are our future. However, when you think about it, we are their future as well. We should strive to be role models and mentors to these young people. If we are not, we could leave a bad impression that will not only last for years, but perhaps forever in the mind of that young person. Kind words go much farther than criticism.

Audits A chapter should have a reliable audit committee. Unfortunately, because of certain individuals that have hidden under the guise of “Good Mason”, they have stolen and cheated Masonic Organizations for their own profit. An internal audit can do wonders in

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Proceedings of the Grand Chaptermaking sure that everything is on the “up and up”. This should and must be done for Districts and any other group acting under the Grand Chapter Code.

Festivals I have no problems with Festivals. I think they are a good way to get new companions to join our ranks. If you have a Festival, make sure that each part is filled by a companion that will do the best job. Every part is important; otherwise it would not be in the ritual. Having a Festival does not mean a Chapter is not required to fulfill the code obligations concerning conferral of degrees (Resolution adopted October 8, 1986). Each degree must be conferred and or portrayed at least once per year

Insurance A couple of years ago, Grand Chapter voted to have a blanket insurance policy for the constituent Chapters. As it passed, all Chapters are required to make the payment for this insurance. Failure to do so could result in the Chapter being put on probation and could also result in the surrendering of their Charter.

Awards There are several Grand Chapter Awards and many district and local awards. The District Awards are at the discretion of the District Deputy Grand High Priest and include the District Work Horse Award, the Most Improved Chapter Award, the Sojourners Award, the High Priest of the Year Award and the Chapter of the Year Award. The Earl Gifford Distinguished Service Award is a Grand Chapter award and should be sponsored by the Chapters to be awarded to those companions that go out of their way to help their chapters succeed. Only 4 are awarded throughout the entire state.

Re-Dedications and Re-Consecrations Etc. If a Chapter would like a Re-Dedication, Re-Consecration, Dedication or Consecration, all you have to do is ask. The Grand Chapter Officers will be very happy to perform that for you. Just let us know and we can find a date that will be convenient for all. Sunday afternoons would probably work the best.

Holy Week Holy Week will be March 29 - April 5, 2015. No special meetings, programs or Degree work are to be conducted during this period. Religious observances and stated business meetings are permitted.

Conclusion I thank the Companions for their confidence and faith in me. I believe that Royal Arch Masonry is an integral part of Free Masonry, what your Chapters do is important, that you should do everything to insure that you and your chapter perform to the utmost of their abilities. Companions do not hide what your chapters are doing. Invite your less informed brothers to learn more of the lessons and symbolism that the Capitular degrees offer. I am asking that each chapter act with celebrity, especially with candidates. The standard for candidates should be, from receiving petitions to receiving the Royal Arch

Degree, ninety days. There is no reason for a chapter to hold candidates for months at the time. Not only does the delay inhibit and discourage candidates, but it sends the wrong message of the importance of our candidates to our chapters. In the bigger picture, it

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohioalso delays our Councils and Commanderies; please do your work swiftly and with assurance to always do your best. Every chapter should make an effort to visit every symbolic lodge within your chapter sphere of influence. Every chapter has the responsibility to dispense more light to all masons, remember your obligations. Charity is the keystone to our identity, and is a part of the program that the Grand Chapter is promoting this year. Each chapter is being asked to donate a minimum of $100.00 this capitular year t o any charity, especially Masonic charities. Finally, please keep your family involved in your Masonic work,. Chapters that have programs for the ladies and children prosper. Making masonry attractive to our families is always a winning proposition. Again, Thank You for your support. I believe and if you believe in Royal Arch Masonry then we can make a difference. Given under my signature and the seal of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio at West Union, Ohio this 15 th

day of October, 2014.

R. Keith O’Dell Grand High Priest Attest: Dale G. Ray, Jr. Grand Secretary

_______________________________GRAND HIGH PRIEST

R. Keith O’Dell712 Boyd Avenue

West Union, Ohio 45693Phone: Home: (937) 544-7369

Cell: (937) 763-1802

GRAND SECRETARY'S OFFICEDale G. Ray, Jr.

Alexander Commons Suite 401564 West Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, OH 44203(Home: 1031 Wilbur Ave., Barberton, OH 44203)

Phone: Home: (330) 753-5469Office: (with answering machine) 330-753-3670

FAX: 330-753-3673e-mail: gcohio@netzero.com

Chairman of Masonic JurisprudenceAbraham F. Kay

55 Public Square, Suite 1200Cleveland, Ohio 44113

Phone: Home (216) 751-1949 Bus.: (216) 579-6252e-mail: afk55ps@aol.com

GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF THE STATE OF OHIOBULLETIN NO. 2Barberton, Ohio

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterNovember 29, 2014

This Bulletin must be read or summarized in open Chapter at the first stated Convocation after its receipt.

To: Grand Officers, Past Grand High Priests, District Deputies and Representatives of Constituent Chapters in the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio

From Your Grand High Priest: To the Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch masons of Ohio: I thank the companions for their attendance at the combined State-Wide Reception of Grand Cmmandery and Grand Chapter at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason Ohio. The Grand Commander and I were pleased with the results of the great experiment. Everyone in attendance had a good time, enjoyed a good meal and had a good masonic experience with every one working in harmony. Most of my family attended and also enjoyed the experience. There was a Grand Family meeting during the day of the reception. Several committees met during the day, doing the work of the Grand Chapter. In the afternoon meeting, several reports were made in measuring progress of the Grand Chapter. The updated Code will soon be available to the chapters and the officers. The Royal Arch Foundation is working on my favorite charity; please do everything you can to support this charity. The Education Committee has been re-built and I expect great things from these companions in the near future. The elected Grand Officers and the Past Grand High Priests met to discuss the future of the Grand Secretary’s and Grand Treasurer’s offices. To ensure continuity against the possibility of accident or loss, with the consent of every one present, I appointed Most Excellent Companion Steven A. Duncan, PGHP as the assistant to the Grand Secretary and Most Excellent Companion Garis E. Pugh as assistant to the Grand Treasurer. I have been attending inspections around the state and have been pleased with the attention to detail and the interest of the candidates. I will be attending inspections over the next few months. I am not setting a schedule; expect me when I show up. I am asking that each chapter act with celerity, especially with candidates. The standard for the candidates should be ninety days from receiving petitions to them receiving the Royal Arch Degree. There is no reason for a chapter to hold candidates for months at a time. Not only does the delay inhibit and discourage candidates, but it sends the wrong message on the importance of our candidates to our chapters and in the bigger picture, it also delays our Councils and Commanderies. Please do your work swiftly and with assurance. Always do your very best! Every chapter should make an effort to visit every symbolic lodge within your chapter sphere of influence. Every chapter has the responsibility to dispense more light to all masons; remember your obligations.

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio Charity is the keystone to our identity and is a part of the program that the Grand Chapter is promoting this year. Each chapter is being asked to donate a minimum of $100.00 this capitular year to any charity – especially Masonic charities. Finally, please keep your family involved in your Masonic work. Chapters that have programs for the ladies and the children prosper. Making masonry attractive to our families is always a winning proposition. Again Thank You for your support. I believe and if you believe, in Royal Arch Masonry we can make a difference. May the Joys of the holidays be with each of you and your families. May God bless and keep you all.Happy Holidays! R. Keith O’Dell Grand High Priest

_________________________

From the Grand Chapter Charities:Ohio Masonic Home

2015-2016 Ohio Masonic Home Scholarships The application deadline for the Ohio Masonic Home Scholarship Program for the 2015-2016 school year is April 1, 2015. Applicants can review the eligibility criteria by accessing the scholarship forms at The Ohio Masonic Home’s website at www.ohiomasonichome.org/resources/mfac. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. All documents must be mailed and received by the April 1 deadline. For more information or questions, contact Vicki Slaughter at (800) 564-9016 or FAP@ohiomasonichome.org. *New for 2015-2016 is the request for a copy of the student’s filed FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in place of income tax returns. This improved criteria is a more commonly requested document among college applicants. Masonic Aging Resource Center The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center (OMHRC) strives every day to be your trusted partner throughout the aging process. From simple questions about out campuses to more complicated situations, the Resource Center will work to help you age how you want, where you want. No need is considered too small. Oftentimes, the best solution involves linking a Mason, his wife, widow or child to the local Lodge for help. The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center is also happy to help Ohio Lodges. One call is all that it takes to reach a partner to help you age respectfully and comfortably. Call today! At (877) 881-1623 or omhresourcecenter.org. A Gift of the Past for Gifts to the Future When the cornerstone of the Ohio Masonic Home (OMH) was laid in 1892, the organization was already committed to caring for elderly Masons who had little or no assets. By the end of the decade, that hand of compassion had been extended to the children of struggling Masons. Although the Ohio Masonic Home no longer houses children, OMH is still committed to helping Ohio Masons, their wives and widows age respectfully; where they want and how they want. With three beautiful campuses, state-of the–art memory care programs, home health options and a network of aging services

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapterpartners across the state of Ohio, the Ohio Masonic Home is the aging partner for Ohio Masons. The newest addition to the Ohio Masonic Home is currently under construction at the Springfield campus. The new building will have 65 apartments and an on-site clinic with residents projected to move in late summer 2015. The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation has created a short film documenting the thoughts and memories of some of those who spent part of their childhood at the Springfield campus. Full of great stories and OMH campus history, this DVD provides a wonderful glimpse into the past. Your donations help make our mission to be the trusted partner a possibility. In return for your generosity, you will receive a copy of this wonderful DVD. Donations can be given to the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation in a variety of ways. By mail, donors can send gifts to: Ohio Masonic Home Foundation, 2655 W. National Road, Springfield, Ohio 45504. Online visit: www.ohiomasonichomefoundation.org or in person to any foundation staff member. *Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law. The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and therefore donations are tax exempt. Chapter contributions to the Ohio Masonic Home should be sent through the Grand Secretary’s Office so that your chapter receives the proper credit. Checks should be made out to The Ohio Masonic Home.

Royal Arch Foundation-Adopt America Network We do not have a report from Wendy Spoerl, the President of the Adopt America Network, this time since she is in the hospital for surgery and rehabilitation. She should be back to work in about a month. Her well-trained and devoted staff will carry on until she returns. Please keep her in your prayers during this time of recovery. Most Excellent Companion Wayne S. Dill, the Secretary of the Foundation reports that District Deputies have been given a summary of some important information concerning the Adopt America Network. They will be reporting on the very valuable work being done, as a result of your contributions, at the inspections this year. Contributions to The Royal Arch Foundation for Adopt America Network should be sent to: The Royal Arch Foundation, P.O. Box 511, Shelby, OH 44875. Checks should be made payable to The Royal Arch Foundation.

RARA At the 198th Convocation, the budget which was passed again included a small contribution for RARA so that our Grand Chapter can continue on the roles of supporters of RARA. Our Grand Chapter has been a continuous contributor since the inception of this fine charity. Of course many of our chapters also contribute on an annual basis.

You may send your contributions to the Grand Secretary’s office for proper credit and make your checks payable to Royal Arch Research Assistance or RARA.

Other Items of Interest: Changes to the Red Roster: American Union Chapter No. 1 has now elected a Scribe: David S. Loche, who lives at 515 Topper Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750-2018. The long-

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohiotime Secretary of Urbana Chapter No. 34, Richard E. Metzger, passed away this past summer and the station was being pro-temed by Michael L. Terry at the time of publication of the Red Roster. An election was held and James T. Oliver was elected Secretary. His address is 1734 W. State Route 29, Urbana, Ohio 43078. His Phone Number is (937) 652-3217. He had been the Scribe. A new Scribe has not been elected yet. Springfield Chapter No. 48 has a new Pro-Tem Secretary, Charles F. Fox, who lives at 2685 Prestwick Village Circle, Springfield, Ohio 45503-7118. His Phone Number is (937) 399-1234. Matthew Pollock is the Secretary of Marion Chapter No. 62. His Zip Code should be 43301-4917. The correct address for Corey M. Spackey, the Secretary of Logan Chapter No. 75, should be 15655 Kreashbaum Road, Rockbridge, Ohio 43149. Bills for the new consolidated, mandatory liability and property insurance are included in this mailing and are due December 20, 2014.

From the Grand Secretary:** ATTENTION Secretaries and Treasurers **

Hopefully, you have all filed your Form 990N by now. If not, you should do so immediately. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 now requires that you file an electronic notice stating that your gross receipts were less than $25,000 for tax periods beginning after December 31, 2006. (Of course, if your gross receipts were more than $25,000 you file a normal tax return.) Please note that we are required to file annually, with the IRS, a list of our subsidiaries and their EIN numbers, so they are aware of who you are and will expect to be hearing from you. We still have a Secretary’s Jewel found at the 2010 Convocation. If you are missing yours, please let us know as soon as possible. Dale G. Ray, Jr. Grand Secretary

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GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONSOF THE STATE OF OHIO

BULLETIN NO. 3Barberton, Ohio

February 22, 2015

This Bulletin must be read or summarized in open Chapter at the first stated Convocation after its receipt.

To: Grand Officers, Past Grand High Priests, District Deputies and Representatives of Constituent Chapters in the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio:

From Your Grand High Priest: The York Rite Cooperation Committee met earlier this year (January) and the topic of the meeting was true cooperation. To often, we are concerned with what our specific Masonic bodies are doing without looking at the larger picture. There are often

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapterscheduling conflicts for inspections and educational programs. The four York Rite bodies have agreed to do a better job of scheduling meetings. To that extent, I am directing all district deputies to have inspection schedules to be submitted by July 31, 2015. All deputies are also to work with their counter parts in the other masonic bodies, to keep inspection conflicts at a minimum. I have been attending inspections around the state and have been pleased with the attention to detail and the interest of the candidates. I will be attending inspections over the next few months. I am not setting a schedule, expect me when I show up. I am asking that each chapter act with celerity, especially with candidates. The standard for candidates should be ninety days, from receiving petitions to receiving the Royal Arch Degree.. There is no reason for a chapter to hold candidates for months at a time. Not only does the delay inhibit and discourage candidates, but it sends the wrong message on the importance of our candidates to our chapters and in the bigger picture it also delays our Councils and Commanderies. Please do your work swiftly and with assurance; always do your very best. Every chapter should make an effort to visit every symbolic lodge within your chapter sphere of influence. Every chapter has the responsibility to dispense more light to all masons, remember your obligations. Charity is the keystone to our identity, as a part of the programs the Grand Chapter is promoting this year. Each chapter is being asked to donate a minimum of $100.00 this capitular year to any charity, especially Masonic charities. Finally, please keep your family involved in your Masonic work. Chapters that have programs for the ladies and children prosper, making masonry attractive to our families is always a winning proposition. Again, Thank you for your support. I believe and if you believe in Royal Arch Masonry,.we can make a difference. May God bless and keep you all.

R. Keith O'Dell Grand High Priest

_________________________________

Items of interest: GRAND CHAPTER ANNUAL CONVOCATION The 2015 Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio will be held at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio. Registration information will be included in Bulletin Number 5. ??? GOLF OUTING We would like to have a Grand Chapter Golf Outing this summer. What is needed most is for someone to organize it in the central part of the state to make traveling convenient for all. Contact the Grand Chapter Office if you would like to try this job. Please start gathering your team now so that this popular event can be successful this year. GRAND CHAPTER OFFICE CLOSING The Grand Chapter Office will be closed April 18 through April 25, 2015 for vacation. If you have urgent business, please conduct it early before the vacation week.

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioFrom the Grand Chapter Charities:

Ohio Masonic HomeOhio Masonic Home Foundation Events! SECOND ANNUAL MIRACLE MILES GOLF CLASSIC JUNE 1, 2015 The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation invites you to the exclusive Wedgewood Golf & Country Club for a round of golf in the Second Annual Miracle Miles for Memory Care Golf Classic. Each registration entitles the golfer to: 18 holes of golf with the use of a cart; The use of the practice range; The use of the locker room and the guest showers; Scoring; Cart signage; Bag drop valet service with hole assignment; and, Dinner. Sign up today by contacting Mark Harris at maharris@ohiomasonichome.org or call (888) 248-2664, or online to www.omhgolf2015,kintera.org.

FOURTH ANNUAL MIRACLE MILES ROAD RALLY LAYSNEW TRACKS TO FUN CENTRAL LOCATION

Start your engines for a good cause August 22, 2015. Volunteers will drive from all over the state of Ohio and ask friends, family and co-workers to sponsor their ride. There will be kick off celebrations across the state or you can also plan your own kick off site for your group’s ride. The event will culminate at the Delaware County Fairgrounds with a giant tailgate party and car show featuring The Menus with prizes, special announcements and an awards and closing ceremony. Register today by contacting Dan Shirk at dshirk@ohiomasonichome.org, call (888) 248-2664 or go online to www.OhioMasonicHome.kintera.org/2015RoadRally.

Ohio Masonic Home NightsTom Stofac, Ohio Masonic Home (OMH) CEO, and his Executive Team cordially invite you to join us for a complementary dinner and an evening of information sharing. Please attend and bring a guest if you wish. The evening will include updates on the OMH Mission, services provided, ways in which the Fraternity is being served cross the state and how charitable contributions to OMH are being used. We appreciate the opportunity to visit with you and to bring “The Home” closer to your Home. Space is limited! Reserve your seat today by calling toll-free (888) 248-2664 or by visiting www.omhnights.kintera.org.

Offsite Emergency AssistanceThis new method of distributing donated funds provides relief through the Masonic Home campuses throughout the state. It is designed to assist worthy and distressed Master Masons and their families in their homes, so that they can continue to live where they want as long as possible. If you or someone you know might be interested in the possibilities of this new program, please do not hesitate to call toll-free (877) 881-1623.

Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center What is this Resource Center? The Ohio Masonic Home brings you a one-stop phone call for aging questions, needs and issues and that is this resource center. It is designed to assist in keeping Masons and their families as healthy and independent as possible. Based simply on the idea of “aging how you want and where you want,” this is the easy, one-call way to obtain products and services that will help provide a positive aging experience. For more information about the Resource Center or how it can partner with you at any age call toll-free (877) 881-1623.

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter Contributions to the Home should be sent through the Grand Secretary’s Office so that your chapter receives the proper credit. Checks should be made out to The Ohio Masonic Home.

Royal Arch Foundation-Adopt America NetworkDear Friends, It was just a few months ago that “Blind Side” mom Leigh Anne Tuohy stood up nd challenged each of us at our annual dinner event to get busy doing something about all of the children waiting in foster care for an adoptive family. You are doing something every day to help Adopt America and I am pleased to share our message of hope with you. “Chelsie’s life changed for good when Becky and Jared walked in the room. No longer would she have to worry about the things that haunted her as a young girl. She was safe, loved and home for good.” Adopt America works tirelessly to help the other 102,000 children and teenagers who are waiting for it to be their turn to go home with an adoptive family. These children know that with each birthday that passes, they are less likely to find a family. They know that no matter how many life skill classes they take, they will still be on their own when they age out of foster care on their eighteenth birthday. And while some think they are tough enough to cut it on their own, most of them are scared kids, wondering how they will manage an apartment, a job and perhaps even children of their own. The simple truth is these young people face bleak futures. They make up 70% of the homeless population; only 75% graduate from high school and only 6% attend any college; less than half are employed; within a few short years over 75% of the girls and 61% of the boys become parents to the next generation of children who will grow up in and out of foster care.. And so, Chelsie is one of the fortunate teens who has a family to grow up in. She has grandparents who she adores, aunts, uncles and even baby cousins. As you reflect on the years past and those to come, please think of the kids and how important it is for them to be surrounded by loving, caring families not just for a few months or years, but for the rest of their lives. Families do not stop being families just because you turn 18, 21, 35 or even 70. They are your family for a lifetime. The Royal Arch Masons of Ohio are helping Adopt America find more families for kids like Chelsie. On behalf of all the waiting children, thank you very much.

Wendy Spoerl, Adopt America NetworkContributions to Adopt America should be sent to The Royal Arch Foundation, P. O. Box

511, Shelby, Ohio 44875. Checks should be made out to: Royal Arch Foundation.RARA

The Royal Arch Research Assistance (RARA) Charity of the General Grand Chapter which The Grand Chapter of Ohio supports is concerned with hearing problems in children. It provides funds to CAPD program of the University of Connecticut, Autism Speaks and The Hearing Health Foundation. At the 198th Convocation, the budget which was passed again included a small contribution for RARA so that our Grand Chapter can continue on the roles of supporters of RARA. Our Grand Chapter has been a continuous contributor since the inception of this fine charity. Of course many of our chapters also contribute on an annual basis.

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio You may send your contributions to the Grand Secretary’s office for proper credit and make your checks payable to Royal Arch Research Assistance or RARA.

REAL LIFE HEROES We all have heroes in our life. They might be sports figures, movie stars, police officers, teachers, doctors, nurses or family members. Think about the work that those who are involved with our charities undertake every day. Our employees at The Ohio Masonic Home provide care to our elderly members and their families 24-7. The outstanding staff of Adopt America and the adoptive families that they find serve the youth of our country in so many ways. And the folks involved with the research at the RARA supported organizations are improving the lives of our country’s vulnerable children. It has been my privilege to meet many of these folks and I can say that they are real heroes. When you get the opportunity to meet or talk with them, let them know how you feel about the work that they do every day in your name as a Royal Arch Mason. I also think there is another set of heroes and that is those of you who contribute to these fine causes. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers!

Special Note from the Awards Committee Companions, the Earl C. Gifford Distinguished Service Award is one of the most prestigious awards that a Companion can receive. It is time to look around, find those deserving and make your recommendations. If you have submitted a recommendation in the past, update the information and submit it again. Up to four are presented each year at the Annual Grand Convocation in October. Send your completed recommendation on the proper forms to REC Ryan W. Adams, Chairman of the Awards Committee. If you need forms or additional information contact him at (740) 703-5446. Deadline for entries is June 30, 2015

News from the Grand SecretaryATTENTION, SECRETARIES! PRICE OF DUES CARDS

We will print dues cards starting March 30, 2015. If you have not recently given us an Update Report so we will have the correct names to print on the cards, please do so immediately or your cards will be printed with the old names on them and you will have no cards for your new memb-ers. The cost has changed slightly since last year, as per the table above. All cards should be shipped to you by April 30th. If you do not receive yours, please let us know immediately. Remember to give us any name variations desired on the dues cards, e.g. C. Robert Jones instead of Charles R. Jones. Also remember that candidates, for whom you have reported to us the "minor" degrees but no Royal Arch date, will not be picked up by the computer for printing the

Membershipof Chapter

May 31, 2015

Cost ofDues

Cards 50 or less 51 - 80 81 - 110111 - 140141 - 170171 - 200201 - 230231 - 260261 - 290291 - 320321 - 350351 - 380381 - 410411 - 440441 - 470

$ 5.00$ 7.50 $ 9.75$12.25$14.75$16.75$18.75$20.75$22.50$24.25$26.00$29.00$31.00$32.75$35.00$37.00

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapterdues cards. We will print cards only for Royal Arch Masons, and send you 15% extra "blank" cards (imprinted with your Chapter name and number) for you to use during the year for your new members. Since there are no valid dues cards without the Grand Secretary's seal on them, all Chapters will receive cards and be billed for them without having to order them. Annual Returns: By May 28, you should have received your Preliminary Annual Return (that is the listing of all members in good standing and all changes in membership reported to us since May 31, 2014). Included with this will be the needed Annual Return Forms, Election Return Forms, and various other year-end forms that you need. This Preliminary Return is very important to you. It shows what has been reported to us thus far. Entries that need to be added to update the lists to May 31, 2013, must be reported to us by an Update Report Form. Using this information, we can then complete your Return, print the final lists and send you a copy along with a bill for your per capita dues and fees. So please check the preliminary lists carefully. We have again made out the Cover Sheets of your returns for you based on the 2010 Election Returns you have given us. (The directions for doing this will be repeated with the instructions included with the Return mailing.) This makes filing your Annual Return a very easy chore if you have followed the directions. It does require your cooperation. Service Pins: Again, you as Secretary must request the pins before they can be sent. This is so that you can tell us if the member does not live locally. Please check the address of the Companion, and then request the pin, giving us the address if he lives out of your area. Endowed Memberships: Now is the time to apply for endowed memberships. Please remember the March 31 deadline for getting applications submitted in order to get credit for the 2015 dues. Anything received after March 31 will apply to the 2015 dues (payable June, 2015). If you need more application forms, ask for them immediately. Grand Chapter Website: The Grand Chapter has a Website that should have interesting information concerning Grand Officers, Inspection Schedules and news of current events. The Webmaster is Tom Zeigler whose Email address is tzeigler@woh.rr.com. He encourages all Royal Arch Masons to send pictures and other appropriate material for inclusion on this website. Include names and what activity is going on. He hopes to have it on the website within two days or less. Possible entries include inspections, installations, dinners, picnics, activities with the ladies, fund raisers, award presentations, scholarship presentations, charitable events, district activities, etc. Remember to send all material to the Webmaster and not the Grand Chapter Office. He is solely responsible for the website and its content. Masonic Music: Right Excellent Companion James R. Esswein, District Deputy Grand High Priest of the Eleventh District, notified us that he has acquired a set of Masonic music records from 1948 or 1949. They are a high quality product recorded on “VINYLITE” by the Acacia Electrical Transcriptions, Inc. located, at that time, in the Masonic Temple at 5th and Sycamore in Cincinnati. The recordings were made “with the permission and encouragement of the Grand Lodge of Ohio”. There was also a “Special

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio Reproducer” (turntable with amplifier and speaker). Right Excellent Companion Esswein would like to borrow (he promises the utmost good care) record number 5 for the Commandery set. His intent is to copy/transcribe them to Compact Disks and make them available to interested bodies in Ohio, with the permission of the Grand Bodies. He would also appreciate receiving any information about the creation of these records, including any documents (Minutes, bulletins, etc.), first-hand information about them or the “Acacia Electrical Transcriptions, Inc.” company. He would also like to find a location for the “Acacia Special Reproducer”. Information concerning these records should be sent to REC James R. Esswein, P.O. Box 091131, Columbus, Ohio 43209 or at Phone Number (614) 203-8447 or abramstank@sbcglobal.net.

************************************************************************Audit Report Forms: Remember that the new Audit Report Form (for the year ending May 31, 2015) is now the mandatory form that must be given to the District Deputy Grand High Priest prior to your Inspection (2014-2015 Inspection). The new form will be included in your Annual Return Packet. ************************************************************************. Dale G. Ray, Jr. Grand Secretary

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GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF THE STATE OF OHIOBULLETIN NO. 4Barberton, Ohio

May 15, 2015

This Bulletin must be read or summarized in open Chapter at the first stated Convocation after its receipt.

To: Grand Officers, Past Grand High Priests, District Deputies and Representatives of Constituent Chapters in the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio

From Your Grand High Priest: To the Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio: I have been attending inspections around the state and have been pleased with the attention to detail and the interest of the candidates. Now the inspection season is finished and the York Rite Classes are ongoing. I have also been to the Grand King’s Program. I would encourage all companions to attend and get ready to Celebrate our upcoming 200 years of service. Cindy and I have been attending Grand High Priest receptions around the State. It is humbling to be honored by the companions of the State of Ohio.

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter The Grand Family met the first Sunday of May to discuss the Grand Session in October at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason Ohio. We also discussed the future of the Grand Chapter. There is still time to nominate companions for the Earl C. Gifford award and the Grand Chapter of Ohio Sweetheart Award. Please send nominations to the Grand Marshal Ryan Adams. I am still asking that each chapter act with celerity, especially with candidates. The standard for candidates should be from receiving petitions to receiving the Royal Arch Degree is ninety days. There is no reason for a chapter to hold candidates for months at a time. Not only does the delay inhibit and discourage candidates, but it sends the wrong message on the importance of our candidates to our chapters, and in the bigger picture it also delays our Councils and Commanderies. Please do your work swiftly and with assurance. Always do your very best. Every chapter should make an effort to visit every symbolic lodge within your chapter sphere of influence. Every chapter has the responsibility to dispense more light to all masons; remember your obligations. Charity is the keystone to our identity. As a part of the program that the Grand Chapter is promoting this year, each chapter is being asked to donate a minimum of $100.00 this capitular year to any charity, especially Masonic charities. Finally, please keep your family involved in your Masonic work. Chapters that have programs for the ladies and children prosper, making masonry attractive to our families is always a winning proposition. Again, Thank You for your support. I believe, and if you believe in Royal Arch Masonry, we can make a difference. May the joys of the holidays be with each of you and your families. May God bless and keep you all. Fraternally

R. Keith O’DellGrand High Priest My fellow Companions,

_______________________________________

Please Read the Following Very Carefully!199th GRAND CONVOCATION TO BE HELD IN MASON, OHIO IN OCTOBER The 199th Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio will convene in the city of Mason, Ohio on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. The Grand Chapter will reconvene for the closing session at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, October 8, 2015. Hotel and Meal Reservation Forms will be sent with Bulletin No. 5, along with all other items needed to register for the Convocation such as Proxies, Delegate Cards, Order of High Priesthood Forms, etc. Hotel and Meal Forms will also be available on the website after June 30, 2015. Companions who wish to reserve Hotel Rooms now may do so at 1-800-913-9653. Those who register by August 15 will be included in a drawing by the Great Wolf Lodge for one free night. If you use the form to register they will also be

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio entered in the drawing, if received by August 15, 2015. Secretaries are requested to submit Chapter Election Returns in a timely fashion so that Bulletin No. 5 can be issued as soon as possible.REGISTRATION: Registration for Companions will be at the Great Wolf Lodge on Tuesday, October 6, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, October 7, 2015, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and on Thursday, October 8, 2015, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Ladies Registration will be at the Hotel on Tuesday, October 6, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.DISTRICT HOSPITALITY ROOMS: Any District wanting to reserve a district Hospitality Room, must contact and make reservations through the Housing Chairman: Ronald C. Hart, Sr., 9161 Solon Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242-4646, PHONE NUMBER (513) 891-3526. When requesting a hospitality room, please give YOUR District Association’s Name, the credit card number to be charged for the room, and the name, address, and telephone number of the person staying in the room. If you need one of the larger hospitality-type rooms, you should reserve it as soon as possible as there are only a few of the bigger rooms available.

Other items of interest: GOLF OUTING: No Grand Chapter Golf Outing has been organized for this year as of yet, due to lack of interest. If you would like to see the Grand Chapter hold an outing this year, please contact the Grand Chapter Office at (330) 753-3670. We need several teams to make it worthwhile. If we had at least one team from each district, it would be deeply appreciated.

SECRETARIES – PLEASE TAKE NOTE: ENDOWED MEMBERSHIP PAYOUT: Four years ago the Finance Committee mandated a change for the Endowed Membership Payout. We will continue the practice this year. Instead of sending the chapter a check, we will deduct your amount of payout from your Annual Return Bill. This has been implemented in some other states and seems to be working well. It also was very efficient for us the last four years. This saves the Grand Chapter the expense of creating and mailing 70 to 80 checks each year. It will also save the local chapter secretaries and treasurers from processing, recording and depositing the check. Local chapters will want to credit the proper companion with their dues payment, as in the past, and should create a journal entry at year-end increasing the Annual Return Expense Account and the offsetting increase in the Dues Income Account.

ANNUAL RETURN PACKETS will be mailed the last week in May. They are due as soon as possible after May 31. Election Return Forms will be included in the packet and they are due immediately after your Annual Meeting in June. The Election Return Forms must be signed and carry the Chapter Seal. If you use the Website version of the Form be sure to print it after completion and sign and seal it before mailing!

From the Grand Chapter Charities: Ohio Masonic Home Day Mark Your Calendars for Sunday, June 7 at 11:00 a.m. Come celebrate the 31st Annual Home Day festival at the Ohio Masonic Home. Bring the family out for a fun-

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapterfilled day including great food, a kids’ zone, ferris wheel rides and a parade! The festival takes place rain or shine, parking and admission are free at the Springfield Masonic Community, 2655 West National Road, Springfield, Ohio 45504.Scottish Rite is now accepting applications! Springfield Masonic Community is looking a little different these days as you pass through the underground walkway. Located on the lower level of the Hillman building are the new fitness center and clinic. Residents are enjoying the new, brighter and energizing space evident by the fact that it is almost always in use. Outside, moving in the opposite direction, walls are going up higher each day on the new Scottish Rite Building. We look forward to sharing updates as the construction progresses and we create an innovative and engaging space in partnering with our residents in aging how they want, where they want. For more information or to apply today, contact Brian Clayborn at (937) 525-3023.

Ohio Masonic Home Foundation Events2ND ANNUAL MIRACLE MILES GOLF CLASSIC TEES OFF JUNE 1, 2015! The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation invites you to the exclusive Wedgewood Golf and Country Club for a round of golf in the Second Annual Miracle Miles for Memory Care Golf Classic. Each registration entitles the golfer to: 18 holes of golf with the use of a cart; the use of the Practice Range; the use of the locker room and guest showers; Scoring; Cart Signage; Bag Drop valet service with hole assignment; and, Dinner.Sign up today by contacting Mark Harris at maharris@ohiomanonichome.org, or call (888) 248-2664, or go online to www.omhgolf2015.kintera.org.4TH ANNUAL MIRACLE MILES ROAD RALLY TEAMS! This year is the fourth annual Miracle Miles for Memory Care Road Rally, which supports memory care programming and awareness at the various Ohio Masonic Home campuses throughout the state. There are teams comprised of Ohio Masonic Home employees and residents, Masons, friends and family members. It is not too late for you to go online and sign up to join a team or form your own! Or, if you would rather not be a participant, you can show your support through a donation to the team of your choice. All you have to do is go online to www.memorycaremiles.com. Follow these steps to join a team: Click on the link for the 4th Annual Miracle Miles Road Rally. Click on “SIGN UP TODAY!” on the left sidebar. Click “Join a Team” and choose a team from the drop down bar. Complete your registration and help raise funds and awareness for memory care across the state. Or follow these steps to support a team through donation: Click on the link for the 4th Annual Miracle Miles Road Rally. Click on “View All Teams” on the right sidebar. Click on the name of the team that you wish to support. Click on “Donate Now” under “Join Team”. Enter your donation amount and click on “Donate”, then fill out the donation form and click continue! Regular contributions to the Home from Chapters should be sent through the Grand Secretary’s office so that proper credit is given to your chapter. Checks should be made payable to The Ohio Masonic Home.

Royal Arch Foundation-Adopt America NetworkDear Friends,

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio Adopt America Network is so very grateful for the support and encouragement of the Royal Arch Masons. You have been true and valued partners in our work to connect children with forever families. With Mother’s Day just behind us and Father’s Day just around the corner, please spend some time thinking about the gift of parents to the children that we serve. We have many success stories but we must continue to work hard for those who still wait. The children and the urgency for these young lives are always in front of us. Sometimes our Adoption Department matches children with adoptive parents; sometimes our recruiters find adoptive parents within the child’s circle; but sometimes the connections are made simply because of the reputation Adopt America has built over the years with social workers in different states across the country. These workers regularly seek our help to make a placement happen when they have been stalled. One of our staff recently had a worker tell her she was so grateful for our help…this worker said she would have given up and started the search all over for another family for her child. This could have added another year or more to this child’s wait for a permanent home. Our work kept the placement moving forward and it resulted in an adoption. Relationships with all our partners: child social workers, adoptive parents, family social workers, volunteers, donors and you…the Royal Arch Masons…it takes all of us to get the kids HOME! So as we celebrated Mother’s Day and as we celebrate Father’s Day please remember the children with none to call their own. We rely on your continued support and encouragement.Wendy Spoerl, PresidentAdopt America Network Contributions to the Royal Arch Foundation for Adopt America should be sent to The Royal Arch Foundation, P. O. Box 511, Shelby, Ohio 44875. Checks should be made payable to The Royal Arch Foundation.

RARA The Royal Arch Research Assistance (RARA) Charity of the General Grand Chapter which The Grand Chapter of Ohio supports is concerned with hearing problems in children. It provides funds to CAPD program of the University of Connecticut, Autism Speaks and The Hearing Health Foundation. At the 198th Convocation, the budget which was passed again included a small contribution for RARA so that our Grand Chapter can continue on the roles of supporters of RARA. Our Grand Chapter has been a continuous contributor since the inception of this fine charity. Of course many of our chapters also contribute on an annual basis. You may send your contributions to the Grand Secretary’s office for proper credit and make your checks payable to Royal Arch Research Assistance or RARA.

Dale G. Ray, Jr. Grand Secretary

___________________________________________________

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterGRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF THE STATE OF OHIO

BULLETIN NO. 5Barberton, Ohio

July 29, 2015

This Bulletin must be read or summarized in open Chapter at the first stated Convocation after its receipt.

To: Grand Officers, Past Grand High Priests, District Deputies and Representatives of Constituent Chapters in the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio

From Your Grand High Priest: This is the last bulletin I will be writing for this year, except the annual report of the Grand High Priest which will come out in October at the Grand Chapter. Lady Cindy and I have been visiting the youth groups, Jobs Daughters, Rainbow and DeMolay. Companions please take the opportunity to visit these young people at their meetings. Their work and enthusiasm is something to see and every Royal Arch Mason should take the opportunity to support and encourage these young men and women. A new chapter cycle has started, with new officers and High Priests, what a wonderful time to prepare and plan for your year. Plan well and prepare for the new challenges and opportunities that will come your way. With the upcoming Bi-Centennial Celebration I would hope that every chapter works to celebrate and make their names shine for their communities. Work for the betterment of your communities and the betterment of Freemasonry where ever you might find it. I would also remind the Chapters that 50, 60, 65, and 70 year awards can be presented now, please send names to the Grand Secretary as soon as possible. These companions deserve these awards to be presented at the earliest possible moment. Please do not let these companions down. The Grand Chapter is working hard on improving the Educational program, the new DEO’s will be getting additional training to aid and assist their chapters. I would encourage all chapters to make time for their Chapter Educational officers to present an educational program at every meeting. I would encourage chapters to do new and interesting things, business as usual will not work with the new generation of Royal Arch Masons. The 199th session of Grand Chapter is coming to the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason Ohio, October 7th and 8th. I am looking forward to seeing you at the grand session. It is always a good time to see old friends and make new ones. Information on the session and meals will be forthcoming. I am still asking that each chapter act with celerity, especially with candidates. The standard for candidates should be from receiving petitions to receiving the Royal Arch Degrees ninety days. There is no reason for a chapter to hold candidates for months at a time. Not only does the delay inhibit and discourage candidates but it sends the wrong message on the importance of our candidates to our chapters and in the bigger picture. It also delays our Councils and Commanderies, please do your work swiftly and with assurance. Always do your very best!

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio Every chapter should make an effort to visit every symbolic lodge within your chapter sphere of influence. Every chapter has the responsibility to dispense more light to all masons – remember your obligations. Charity is the keystone to our identity. It is major part of the program that the Grand Chapter is promoting this year. Each chapter is being asked to donate a minimum of $100.00 this capitular year to any charity, especially Masonic charities. Finally, please keep your family involved in your Masonic work. Chapters that have programs for the ladies and children prosper. Making masonry attractive to our families is always a winning proposition. Again, Thank You for your support! I Believe and if you believe in Royal Arch Masonry then we can make a difference. Thank you companions for the opportunity you gave me to be your Grand High Priest. Cindy and I thank each and every one of you for your kindness and trust. May God bless and keep you all. Fraternally,

R. Keith O’DellGrand High Priest

_________________________________________

Please Read the Following Very Carefully!

199th GRAND CONVOCATION TO BE HELD IN MASON, OHIOON OCTOBER 8-9, 2015

The 199th Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio will convene in the city of Mason, Ohio on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. at the Great Wolf Lodge The Grand Chapter will reconvene for the closing session at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, October 8, 2015. All meetings and meals for the delegates and their ladies will be at the Great Wolf Lodge. The headquarters hotel will be the Great Wolf Lodge, 2501 Great Wolf Drive, Mason, Ohio. To reach the Hotel, from I-71 take the 741N/Kings Mills Road Exit 25 onto Kings Mills Road toward Mason. Stay straight to go on King Avenue. Keep right at the fork to continue on King Avenue. Turn a slight right onto Kings Island Drive and take the second left onto Great Wolf Drive. The Lodge is on the right. All Grand Officers and Past Grand High Priests, Distinguished Guests and District Deputies will be quartered there along with most delegates. Please read carefully. All hotel and meal reservations must be made by the individual Companions, or they can be grouped as a Chapter provided that each Companion and Lady is listed individually.Hotel Reservations: Companions should call the hotel or use the enclosed Hotel Reservation Form to make room reservations. The room rate at the great Wolf Lodge is $107.99 plus tax per day. Reservations must be made by September 15, 2015 to guarantee these rates. A few other motels are also located in the area. Companions should note that reservations should be submitted as early as possible.

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterMeal Reservations: Meal reservations must be made and paid for in advance. Mail your check with the enclosed Meal Ticket Order Form to: Lloyd W. Eichenlaub, 2596 McDermott Rushtown Road, McDermott, Ohio 45652. Make checks payable to the Fifth Capitular District. Cut off for meal reservations is September 28, 2015. NOTE: Be sure to print or type the name and title of the Companion and the name of his Lady. Registration: Registration for Companions will be on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and on Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Headquarters Hotel. Ladies Registration will be at the Headquarters Hotel on Tuesday, October 6, 2013, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Space for some District Hospitality Rooms is available. For Hospitality Rooms, contact the Housing Chairman, Ronald C. Hart, Sr., 9161 Solon Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242-4646. His Phone Number is (513) 891-3526. When requesting a hospitality room, please give the name of the person staying in the adjoining room and the credit card number to be charged for the room. He will also be handling spaces for Vendors. Breakfast for all Royal Arch Masons will be available (advance reservations only) at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday and at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday at the Headquarters Hotel at a cost of $16.00 each. There are other restaurants within driving distance but not within walking distance. Proposed Legislation: Several Amendments to the Constitution, Code and By-Laws of the Grand Chapter have been received to be considered at the Grand Convocation this year. They are summarized as follows: Holdover From Last Year: Amendment to Article 4 Section 10 of the Constitution concerning the procedure for the replacement of a Grand Officer in the event of the death, resignation or removal from office. Amendment to Article 3 section 2 of the Constitution to correct the phrase “of lodge” to “to lodge”. This corrects a typographical mistake. Amendment to the first and second paragraphs of Code Section 100.09 to make it easier for a Chapter to move its Inspection or to confer any of the Chapter degrees in another Chapter’s Apartments by requiring only the written permission of the District Deputy Grand High Priest. Amendment to Section 110.02 to change the minimum dues amount that a Chapter may charge to $8.00 to be in line with the per capita change approved in 2013. Amendment to Section 114.06 of the Code to correct “this own request” to “his own request”. This corrects a typographical mistake. Amendment to Section 110.06 of the Code to correct “suspended every member” to “suspended against every member”. This corrects a typographical mistake. Amendment to Section 102.03 of the Code to correct “to be office” to “to be elected or appointed to the office”. This corrects a typographical mistake. Six Revisions to Section 5 of the By-Laws would add six more Standing Committees consisting of the following Committees: Long Range Planning, Publications, Youth Organizations, Membership Development, Information and Technology and Distinguished Guests.

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio A Resolution Proposal to grant recognition to and the exchange of Grand Representatives with the new Grand Chapter of Cyprus.Election and Installation: The election of Grand Officers will be held on Wednesday morning, Oct. 7. Tellers will be under the direction of Right Excellent Companion George L. O’Neal, Grand Guard. A list of the Chapters appointed to provide tellers was printed in Bulletin #1 last fall. (They will be reminded of their selection by a separate letter.) The installation of officers will be held on Thursday morning.Kings and Scribes School: At 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the Kings, Scribes and other interested Companions will have a school under the direction of our Grand King, Grand Scribe and Grand Capt. of the Host. All companions not otherwise involved are urged to attend this very informative meeting.Order of High Priesthood: The Order of High Priesthood will be conferred on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 2:30 p.m. at the Headquarters Hotel. All who have at sometime been installed as High Priest are eligible to petition for this degree. Please mail your petition with $40.00 fee to the Grand Secretary before Sept. 21 so that your Certificate can be properly prepared for you. (Last minute petitions (fee will be $50.00) can be received at the table at the Grand Chapter reservation desk until 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8 but please give us your petitions ahead of time if you want your certificate to be ready for you.) Send in your petition for The Order of High Priesthood in the enclosed envelope. Note: The Eighth Capitular District Association is sponsoring a fund-raiser to Frame the Order of High Priesthood Certificate. A flyer concerning this project is included with this Bulletin. Delegate Cards: Attention, High Priests! Fill out the enclosed postcard immediately upon receipt showing the name of the ranking delegate from your Chapter to attend Grand Chapter, the number of days he will attend, and mail it at once to the Grand Treasurer as indicated. If you do not mail the card, the check cannot be made ready for you or your representative. Delegates who have sent in their cards to the Grand Treasurer in advance, will pick up their checks at the close of Grand Chapter at a place designated by Most Excellent Companion Charles J. McCarty, Grand Treasurer, and his Committee. The Grand Treasurer has asked us to remind you that per our Grand Chapter By-Laws, only the superior officer of the following can receive mileage and per diem for attending the Grand Convocation: the High Priest, only if present, or the King, only if the High Priest is not present, or the Scribe, if the High Priest and King are not present. If none of the Grand Council are present, then the companion carrying the proxy of the High Priest is entitled to mileage and per diem. If further definition is required, refer to Section 15.04 of our Grand Chapter By-Laws. Proxies: Blank Proxies are included with this Bulletin to each High Priest. Each High Priest, King and Scribe should sign one of them at once so that in the event he cannot, for whatever reason, attend Grand Chapter the proxy can be given to a Companion who will attend and cast the ballot. Each Chapter is entitled to three votes, but only properly executed proxies can be accepted by the Credentials Committee. Ballots will be issued to properly accredited delegates upon registration. All Chapters must be represented at Grand Chapter this year. Please note that Past High Priests who now have voting rights on their own still cannot represent their Chapter unless they carry a duly processed proxy.

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterAttention Committee Members: Members of the following committees will please be available and subject to call on Tuesday, Oct 6, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Great Wolf Lodge, or as directed by the Chairman: Jurisprudence, Charters and Dispensations, and Finance.Aprons: All Companions attending Grand Chapter will be required to wear aprons. Bring your apron with you. Given under my signature and seal of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio at West Union, Ohio on this 29th day of July, 2015.

R. Keith O’DellAttested: Dale G. Ray, Jr. Grand High Priest Grand Secretary

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Other items of interest:Attention Secretaries: The Grand Secretary’s dedicated FAX number is 330-753-3673. We also have an e-mail address: gcohio@netzero.com . Please feel free to use them. Telephone, Fax or Letters are preferred as opposed to e-mail and should definitely be used for time-critical communications.York Rite Secretary-Recorders Association to Meet in Marysville on Aug. 15 : Annual meeting of the York Rite Secretary-Recorders Association of Ohio will be held at the Marysville Masonic Temple, 330 S. Main Street, Marysville, OH on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015. Registration and coffee and doughnuts will be enjoyed from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. The meeting will open at 9:30 a.m. Every Chapter Secretary should make an effort to attend, and it is particularly important for new Secretaries. Urge the Secretary of your Chapter to attend, and to bring along any questions he may have for the Grand Secretary. Incidentally, if you need supplies, such as Codes, Management Manuals, forms, etc., you can buy them here without paying the expensive postage.

*****SECRETARIES TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING*****Tax Reporting Requirements: Do not forget to file your Form 990-N by October 15, 2015!!!! Do not forget this annual electronic filing requirement for small tax-exempt organizations. In the past, if your chapter’s income was less that $25,000.00, the chapter was not required to file a Form 990. The new law requires small tax-exempt organizations to file an electronic Form 990-N which will include the organizations identifying information and a statement that the organization’s annual gross receipts are still normally $25,000 or less. We questioned the Department of Treasury as to what chapters that did not own computers, or have Secretaries that did, should do. Their answer is to use one at a local library. This law took effect in 2008. You must now report for your Fiscal Year 2014-2015 ending on May 31, 2015 (Form 990-N is due by the 15th day of the fifth month after fiscal year-end – October 15, 2015). Note that if you do not file three years in a row, you will lose your non-profit status and it costs $400.00 to reestablish that status plus the completion of some very rigorous forms.

*****SECRETARIES TAKE NOTE OF THE ABOVE*****

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From the Grand Chapter Charities:Ohio Masonic Home

The New Scottish Rite Building – Welcome Home! Our new Scottish Rite building, opening late October, offers 65 new studio, one bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with floor plans designed specifically to your needs. Ranging from 530 to 1,125 square feet of living space, our apartments feature large windows with beautiful views, kitchens with all appliances, master bedrooms with full bathrooms, oversized or walk or walk-in closets and personalized heating and cooling. Applications are coming in and space is limited so apply today! Or for more information contact Brian Clayborn at bclayborn@ohiomasonichome.org or by calling 937-525-1755.

The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center The Ohio Masonic Home as a visible expression of Ohio Freemasonry, brings you a free, one-stop phone call for aging questions, needs and issues. The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center is a program designed to assist in keeping the Masons and their families as healthy and independent as possible. Based simply on the idea of “aging where you want and how you want”, this program is the easy, one call way to obtain products and services that will enhance health and independence, and will help provide a positive aging experience. We look forward to assisting you, so call toll-free (877) 881-1623 today!

4th Annual Miracle Miles for Memory Care Road Rally Join us on August 22, 2015 for the 4th Annual Miracle Miles for Memory Care Road Rally and take the ride of your lifetime. With starting points across the state, the event will culminate at the Delaware County Fairgrounds with a giant tailgate party and cruise-in featuring The Menus with prizes, special announcements and an awards and closing ceremony. All revenue will be generated from people pledging charitable gifts to the drivers and through generous corporate sponsors with a goal of $100,000 for special programming at our memory care centers in Springfield, Medina and Waterville, Ohio. It is going to be an intensely positive day. For more information or to sign up, visit http://bit.ly/4thRoadRally..

Cornerstone: Part of the Ohio Masonic Home Family Cornerstone encompasses home and community-based services including home health, Helping Hands or non-skilled care and hospice. Cornerstone stated as Masonic Helping Hands in 2000, and in 2008 acquired and started its home health and hospice in Urbana. In 2009, we acquired a second home health to provide services in Northeast Ohio. Part of the reason the Ohio Masonic Home created Cornerstone was that they saw the future of healthcare was to serve Masons not only on campuses but in the community as well. In this way, the Ohio Masonic Home could provide another service branch for people who are not ready to move in to a Masonic community or who want to stay independent in their home. For more information on the services offered by Cornerstone, visit cornerstonehealthcare.org.

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter Contributions to The Ohio Masonic Home should be sent through the Grand Secretary’s office so that the Chapter, Companion or District gets proper credit for their donation. Checks should be made payable to The Ohio Masonic Home.

The Royal Arch Foundation / Adopt America Network Dear Friends,Heat…rain…mosquitoes… All are sure signs that it is summer in Ohio. So while we have been escaping into an air-conditioned house, dodging rain drops or swatting mosquitoes…all of us at Adopt America have also been working very hard to help kids go home. So far this year, 33 children have gone home for good because of our work at AAN. That is 19 boys and 14 girls who are now living in their new, forever home with a family that will be there for them for their lifetime. Twenty-two of those kids had brothers or sisters who were able to be reunited and can now grow up together in their new families including two sibling groups of 4 children. We also found families for a 16 year old girl and her 6 year old brother, both suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from their experiences of severe abuse and neglect. Also, there is the little two year old boy who tested positive for opiates at birth and has multiple medical conditions. All of these children are now with strong, caring families who will nurture them, guide them and make sure they get the medical and emotional support they need to grow to be healthy adults. We hope to place 90 or more children again this year. With the help of the Ohio Royal Arch Masons, we have a good chance of success! Every time you talk about Adopt America, or you host a golf outing or chicken barbecue, or you send a gift to the Royal Arch Foundation, you help us succeed. We are grateful for your commitment to the kids and to AAN. So…Beat the heat!!! Splash in a puddle!!! Get out the Deep Woods Off!!... have a wonderful summer, knowing that every day you are making a difference in the life of a child.

Wendy Spoerl, President Adopt America NetworkContributions to the Royal Arch Foundation for Adopt America should be sent to: The Royal Arch Foundation, P.O. Box 511, Shelby, OH 44875Checks should be made payable to The Royal Arch Foundation

RARAThe Royal Arch Research Assistance (RARA) Charity of the General Grand Chapter which The Grand Chapter of Ohio supports is concerned with hearing problems in children. It provides funds to CAPD program of the University of Connecticut, Autism Speaks and The Hearing Health Foundation. At the 198th Convocation, the budget which was passed again included a small contribution for RARA so that our Grand Chapter can continue on the roles of supporters of RARA. Our Grand Chapter has been a continuous contributor since the inception of this fine charity. Of course many of our chapters also contribute on an annual basis. You may send your contributions to the Grand Secretary’s office for proper credit and make your checks payable to Royal Arch Research Assistance or RARA.

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio Dale G. Ray, Jr. Grand Secretary.

ROBERT D. BLANKENHORN, Jr.

Grand High Priest

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2015 – 2016

BIOGRAPHY & MASONIC RECORDRobert D. Blankenhorn, Jr.

Grand High Priest 2015 – 2016

Robert (Bob) D. Blankenhorn, Jr., was born on October 6, 1945 in Waitham, Massachusetts. By the time Bob was junior in high school, he had lived in Waitham, Massachusetts; Schenectady, New York; Heidelberg, Germany; Palmetto, Florida; Los Angles, California; Galt, California; Bradenton, Florida; and Shelby, Ohio. He is a graduate Shelby High School and has an associated degree in data processing from Sin clair Community College. Bob retired after 46 years working with computers in all aspects (he no longer does Windows with the exception of his wife's!) Bob and his wife of 49 years Pam (50 years in April, 2016) live in Mansfield. They have three children, Tonya Prewitt of West Bloomfield, Michigan; Kari Case of Mansfield; and Pastor Aaron Blankenhorn (deceased in 2006). They are blessed with 7 grandchildren - four boys and three girls. Most Excellent Companion Blankenhorn has been active in Masonry since 1972 . He became interested in the Masons in 1959 as a DeMolay in Manatee County Chapter in Bradenton, Florida.

MASONIC RECORDSYMBOLIC MASONRYCharles Hoffman Lodge No 767 (Now dark) 1972 Worshipful Master 1986 Bellville Lodge No 376 and Venus Lodge No 152 (Dual Member) Secretary Mansfield Masonic Temple Company - Secretary District Education Officer 1989 - 1991 Past President 20th Masonic District 1995

CAPITULAR MASONRY Mansfield Chapter No 28, Royal Arch Masons 1984 High Priest 1989 and 1994 District Deputy Grand High Priest, 10th District 2004 - 2006 Royal Arch Foundation, Treasurer 2002 to present Grand Representative of Florida

CRYPTIC MASONRYMansfield Council No 94, Royal and Select Masons 1984 Illustrious Master, 1990

CHIVALIRIC MASONRYMansfield Commandery No 21, Knights Templar 1985 Eminent Commander 2008 & 2009

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PRIORYOhio Priory #18 Knight York Cross of Honor 2009

OTHER MASONIC AFFILIATIONSBlackstone York Rite College No 195 2009Charlemagne Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine 2009Mohican Council No 134, Allied Masonic Degrees 2005 Past Sovereign Master Recipient of the Red Branch of EriCrawford Council No 82, Knight Masons 2003 Past Excellent Chief Honorary Past Grand StewartRuth Chapter No 17, Order of the Eastern Star 1984 Worthy Patron (5 times) Past Grand Chaplain 2009Mansfield Hi-Twelve Club No 408 1998 Past President 2002Manatee County Chapter, Order of DeMolay 1959 Chevalier Cross of Honor Active Legion of Honor

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OFFICERS OF THE GRAND CHAPTER ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF THE STATE OF OHIO 2015 – 2016

Robert D. Blankenhorn (wife Pam) ………………………………….. Grand High Priest 2172 Satinwood Dr., Mansfield, OH 44903 H: (419) 589-2174 Cell: (419) 564-1592Jeffrey L. Addis ………………………………………….....................…..…. Grand King 42 Privet Lane, Northfield, OH 44067 H: (330) 748-4932 Cell: (216) 536-1498J. Keith Green (wife Debbie) ………………….…………….....................… Grand Scribe P.O. Box 26, Graytown, OH 43432 Bus: (313) 594-0852 Cell: 419 270-0414 Charles J. McCarty (wife Ann) ……………………………………….…. Grand Treasurer 36005 Sherwood Ln,, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 Home: (216) 486-9499 Dale G. Ray, Jr. (wife Jacqueline)……………………………………….. Grand Secretary 564 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Suite 401, Barberton, OH 44203 Office: 330-753-3670 1031 Wilbur Ave., Barberton, OH 44203 Home: (330) 753-5469Ross R. Black, II (wife Linda) ................................................... Grand Captain of the Host 603 Beaverbrook Drive, Akron, OH 44333 Home:(330) 864-3423 Bus:(330) 928-1843H. Jeffery Shaw (wife Pam) ……………………………......… Grand Principal Sojourner 2400 Bellsburg Drive, Dayton, OH 45459 Home:(937) 436-3018 Cell:(937) 212-8226Daniel S. Smith (wife Jean) ……..…...……………….…..… Grand Royal Arch Captain 1026 Zodiak Avenue, Gahanna, OH 43230 H: (614) 855-0114 Cell: (614) 477-4136Rodney L. Carr (wife Robin) ……………………………… Grand Master of the 3rd Veil

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter 245 N. Mulberry Lane, Logan, OH 43138 H: (740) 385-9331 Cell: (740) 603-6910Ronald C. Hart, Sr. (wife Deb) ..............................................Grand Master of the 2nd Veil 9161 Solon Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45242 H: (513) 891-3526 C: (513) 253-7570

Ryan W. Adams (wife Cathy) …………......………………………...……. Grand Marshal 92 Oliver Dr., Chillicothe, OH 45601 H: (740) 663-4475 Cell: (740) 703-5446

APPOINTIVEWilliam D. Stratton (wife Nancy) ...............................................................Grand Chaplain 1177 Sweetbriar Drive, Mogadore, OH 44260 H: (330) 628-1287 C:(330) 687-9190Jeffery S. Humble (wife Tracy) ….............…………………...………. Grand Necrologist 7515 Canterbury Rd., Portsmouth, OH 45662 Home & Cell: (740) 352-3072 F. Raymond Sharritts (wife Patricia) ………….....................… Grand Chaplain, Emeritus 1655 Lexington Drive, Lancaster, OH 43130 Home: (740) 654-6650Charles E. Bonecutter (wife Ruby) .……………………………………….. Grand Guard 65 Marvin Ave., Shelby, OH 45875 H: (419) 347-6234 Cell: (419) 571-0211Kenneth E. Amos (wife Karen) ...................................................... Associate Grand Guard 14 Brightwood Blvd., PO Box 0434, Mansfield, OH 44843 H: (419) 892-3142Virgil D. Kline (wife Ann) .......................................................................... Grand Marshal 247 North Main St., West Salem, OH 44287 H: (419) 853-4278 C: (567) 215-7479 Norman G. Lincoln………………………………………………………. Grand Historian 204 W. Chicago Street, PO Box 454, Eaton, OH 45320 Home: (937) 456-6859Richard D. Snow (wife Marjorie) ……………………….. Grand Fraternal Correspondent 2243 McCoy Road, Columbus, OH 43220 Home: (614) 451-9691 Don R. Lutz (wife Lenore) ……….……………………………………… Grand Musician 1015 Montrose Avenue, Bexley, OH 455052 H: (614) 231-3166 Bus: (614) 224-6105Garis E. Pugh (Virginia) ............................................................ Assistant Grand Treasurer 9527 Lakeshore Dr., Huntsville, OH 43324 H: (937) 842-3747 C: (937) 935-2935Steven A. Duncan (wife Toni) ................................................... Assistant Grand Secretary 6278 Overture Dr., Dayton, OH 45449 H: (937) 434-9322 C: (937) 271-358

LIVING PAST GRAND HIGH PRIESTSof the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio

Year Presided:1980 William M. Berry, 310 N. Scott St., New Carlisle, OH 453441993 Dale G. Ray, 1031 Wilbur Ave., Barberton, OH 442031994 Jerry C. Crawford, 105 Fernwood Ave., Dayton, OH 454051997 Wayne S. Dill, 2107 Memorial Drive, Clarksville, TN 370431998 Terry B. Meyers, 110 Spring St., Cleves, OH 450021999 Robert D. Crabbs, 1871 Rock Rd., Mansfield, OH 449032000 Charles J. McCarty, 24501 Glenbrook Blvd., Euclid, OH 441172001 Chester W. Hammond, 23 Kirkland St., Delaware, OH 430152002 Alan D. Hart, 516 S. River St., Newcomerstown, OH 438322003 John R. Gartrell, 642 Hardesty Avenue, N.W., New Philadelphia, OH 446632004 Steven A. Duncan, 6278 Overture Drive, Dayton, OH 454492005 Jean W. Justus, 20060 Commercial Point Rd., Circleville, OH 43113

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio2006 Kermit V. Zimmerman, 305 Bourbon Street, Blanchester, OH 451072007 James M. McDonald, 985 Winding Hollow Lane, Upper Sandusky, OH 433512008 Garis E. Pugh, 9527 Lakeshore Drive, East, Huntsville, OH 433242009 Robert J. Draye, 1271 Worton Boulevard, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124

2010 Donald L. Losasso, 5149 Bixford Avenue, Canal Winchester, OH 431102011 James W. Himmelright, 631 Friendship Street, Medina, OH 442562012 George M. Shell, 8006 Browns Run Road, Germantown, OH 453272013 Donald W. Owens, 5519 Whispering Way, Cincinnati, OH 452472014 Robert W. Thomas, 509 Brandon Court, Chardon, OH 440242015 R. Keith O'Dell, 712 Boyd Avenue, West Union, OH 45693

DECEASED PAST GRAND HIGH PRIESTS of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio

Year Elected:1816 Samuel Hoit Marietta1817 Chester Griswold Worthington1818 – 19 John Snow Worthington1820 David Embree Cincinnati1821 – 22 Phineas Ross Lebanon1823 Joseph S. Hughes Delaware1824 Edward King Chillicothe1825 John Cotton Marietta1826 Edward King Chillicothe1827 – 28 Charles R. Sherman Lancaster1829 Abram I. McDowell Columbus1830 James Gates Lancaster1831 William R. Foster Cincinnati1832 Samuel Stokley Steubenville1833 Henry Sage Circleville1834 William J. Reese Lancaster1835 William B. Thrall Circleville1836 – 38 William J. Reese Lancaster1839 William B. Thrall Circleville1840 – 41 Oliver M. Spencer Cincinnati1841 – 46 William B. Hubbard Columbus1847 George D. Hine Massillon1848 – 50 Jacob Graff Cincinnati1851 – 52 Jacob B. Brown Mt. Vernon1853 – 56 Horace M. Stokes Lebanon1857 – 59 George Rex Wooster1860 Harvey Vanal Springfield1861 – 62 John M. Parks Hamilton1863 – 64 Thomas J. Larsh Eaton1865 – 67 George Rex Wooster1868 – 71 Charles C. Kieffer Dayton1872 – 74 J. Kelley O’Neall Lebanon1875 – 76 Reuben C. Lemmon Toledo1877 – 78 James W. Underhill Canton

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter1879 – 80 James B. Hovey Marietta1881 – 82 Daniel A. Scott Akron1883 – 84 John W. Chamberlain Tiffin1885 – 86 Jacob L”H. Long Ottawa1887 William B. Hillman Cleveland

1888 – 90 James W. Iredell, Jr. Cincinnati1891 – 92 William W. Savage Wilmington1893 Orestes A. B. Senter Columbus1894 Gibson H. Robinson Cleveland

1895 Jacob H. Bromwell Cincinnati1896 George D. McBride Gallipolis1897 Grafton Molen Acklin Toledo1898 Benton D. Babcock Canton1899 Orion P. Sperra Ravenna1900 William M. Cunningham Newark1901 Levi C. Goodale Cincinnati1902 Nelson Williams Hamilton1903 Owen B. Hannan Canton1904 Lewis P. Schaus Columbus1905 William A. Reiter Miamisburg1906 William T. McLean Sidney1907 Lewis M. Lea Sandusky1908 Edward H. Archer Columbus1909 William T. S. O’Hara Toledo1910 Frank Crumit Jackson1911 Joseph Kirkup Cincinnati1912 Thomas H. Isitt Cleveland1913 William E. Evans Chillicothe1914 Charles L. Harrod Indianapolis1915 Frederick J. Crane Garrettsville1916 William A. Belt Kenton1917 John H. Baehr Cleveland1918 Harry W. Lloyd Toledo1919 Joseph T. Croxall East Liverpool1920 S. Rufus Jones Dayton1921 Frank L. Beggs Newark1922 B. F. Perry Jefferson1923 John P. Kuhns Columbus1924 Robert E. Lee Cuyahoga1925 Warren J. Baker Toledo1926 Irving Stafford Cleveland1927 Mont C. Hambright Springfield1928 Carl W. Sperling Oak Harbor1929 William H. Tateman Cincinnati1930 Emmit E. Everett Lima1931 Lyle S. Evans Chillicothe1932 Henry Gruen East Liverpool1933 Royal A. Walkup Akron1934 Roscoe P. Walcutt Columbus1935 Franz K. Hall Shelby1936 Paul G. Lutz Cleveland

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio1937 Burleigh E. Cartmell Delaware1938 John B. Harshman Dayton1939 George E. Reiff Cincinnati1940 Chester J. Pearce Bellefountaine1941 Burr A. Sanford Youngstown

1942 George R. Schoedinger Columbus1943 Edward M. Selby Martins Ferry1944 Willard T. Francis Lorain1945 Frank DeLay Jackson1946 James A. Gorham Sandusky1947 Herbert T. Leyland Dayton1948 Virgil W. Prather Cincinnati1949 Amos H. Englebeck Akron1950 Anthony T. Vollman Columbus1951 Garrett P. Trostel New Carlisle1952 Edward E. Gillespie Toledo1953 Richard J. Morgan Van Wert1954 Stuart E. Jones Marion1955 E. Ray Jenkins Mansfield1956 Clayton W. Vetrovsky Cleveland1957 Carl P. Nulsen Cincinnati\1958 Oliver H. Ormiston Bartlett1959 Homer Trantham Columbus1960 Keith A. Porter Montpelier1961 Ben J. Filkins New London1962 Harry E. Sark Ashville1963 James W. Ferguson Youngstown1964 Joseph Alexander Cleveland1965 Clair E. Calaway Jefferson1966 Harold S. Barnheiser Dayton1967 Harvey Walker Worthington1968 Louis H. Doerman Cincinnati1969 Ross W. Kreager Genoa1970 Charles E. Canfield Medina1971 Dwight L. Kane Lancaster1972 Charles A. Fly, Jr. Deshler1973 Cecil Bray, Jr., Cleveland1974 James A. Getty Elyria1975 Charles A. Noland Frazeyburg1976 N. Emerson Taylor Pickerington1977 Robert M. Huntzinger Middletown1978 Wilbur J. Doren Whitehouse1981 Vernon D. Lambert Cincinnati1982 Charles E. Karth Ashland1983 Howard W. Beeman Cleveland1984 Frederick T. Williams Westerville1985 Paul Nyitray Toledo1986 Arthur T. Reeves East Palestine1987 Joe. E. Worthington Ada1988 Otis Y. Perkins Blanchester1989 John V. Cooper, Jr. Sherwood

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter1990 Robert J. Maxwell South Euclid1991 Lawrence E. Johnston Blacklick1994 John W. Purdy Spencerville1995 Arthur E. Ross Sandusky

LIST OF VACANT CHAPTER NUMBERS

Number Name Location Charter Ended

13 Washington Middlebury 1827 Moved to Akron and Renumbered #25 in 1841 14 Webb Cleveland 1827 Merged with #205 198217 St Clairsville St Clairsville 1828 Merged with #107 199719 McMillan-Killwing Cincinnati 1846 Merged with #193 200325 Akron-Washington Akron 1827 Merged with #225 200230 Medina Medina 1846 Merged with #243 200031 Piqua Piqua 1846 Merged with #24 201532 Number never used33 Republic Republic 1847 Arrested 184437 McConnelsville McConnelsville 1848 Arrested 189041 Orion Felicity 1849 Arrested 189643 Batavia Batavia 1851 Cancelled 185952 Georgetown Georgetown 1853 Merged with #40 200055 Wellsville Wellsville 1854 Merged with #100 201156 Vinton Vinton 1854 Cancelled 188559 Gilead Cardington 1854 Merged with #54 199861 Somerset Somerset 1855 Surrendered 197164 Fremont Fremont 1855 Merged with #90 2007 65 Western Reserve Ashtabula 1855 Resumed as #8 in 190366 Mahoning Warrren 1855 Resumed as #10 in 195967 Ashland Ashland 1855 Merged with #207 201069 Barnesville Barnesville 1856 Merged with #53 199578 Moscow Moscow 1858 Cancelled 191879 Gallipolis Gallipolis 1858 Merged with #80 200281 Smithfield Smithfield 1859 Dropped 194482 Ripley Ripley 1859 Merged with #52 198883 Alliance Alliance 1860 Merged with #84 200885 Woodsfield Woodsfield 1861 Surrendered 189188 Crestline Crestline 1864 Merged with #142 200895 Goshen Mechanicsburg 1866 Surrendered 188597 Kilwinning Cincinnati 1866 Merged with #19 199698 Cadiz Cadiz 1866 Surrendered 1885101 Thatcher Cleveland 1867 Merged with #222 2004103 Fayette Wash. Ct. House 1867 Merged with #40 2004105 Delphos Delphos 1868 Merged with #169 1988106 Chardon Chardon 1868 Merged with #46 1984109 Wellington Wellington 1868 Merged with #219 1998110 New London New London 1868 Merged with #7 1980114 Cyrus Gnadenhutten 1869 Merged with #124 1999115 Ottawa Ottawa 1869 Surrendered 1941116 Cumberland Caldwell 1869 Merged with #53 2001

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio117 Ivanhoe Bucyrus 1869 Arrested 1889118 Plymouth Plymouth 1869 Merged with #168 1940120 Celina Celina 1870 Merged with #51 1999121 Sawyer Wapakoneta 1870 Arrested 1885122 Summerfield Summerfield 1870 Dropped 1896

125 Salisbury Middleport 1870 Arrested 1903127 E. T. Carson Yellow Springs 1871 Arrested 1884132 St. Paris St. Paris 1872 Merged with #34 1997133 Greenfield Greenfield 1872 Merged with #40 2002137 Coolville Coolville 1873 Arrested 1896138 Ada Lafayette Merged with #58 2012139 Baker Twinsburg 1874 Merged with #74 2004140 Belmont Bridgeport 1876 Merged with #107 1889145 Muskingum Dresden 1881 Merged with #50 1889146 Wyoming Lockland 1881 Merged with #2

2015148 Cleveland North Olmsted 1882 Merged with #214 1995149 New Lexington New Lexington 1883 Merged with #75 2014151 Walnut Hills Cincinnati 1884 Merged with #164 1972154 Octavius Waters Delta 1886 Arrested 1994156 St. Bernard Nelsonville 1888 Merged with #39 1982163 Cardington Cardington 1896 Merged with #59 1936165 Paulding Paulding 1897 Merged with #71 1999166 Hillman Cleveland 1898 Merged with #222 1996168 Mechanicsburg Mechanicsburg 1901 Merged with #34 1979170 Mystic Lorain 1901 Merged with #244 1995171 Cadiz Cadiz 1901 Merged with #15 2015173 Martins Ferry Martins Ferry 1902 Merged with #107 2010174 Wellston Wellston 1903 Merged with #102 2004175 Lyons Lyons 1903 Merged with #154 1938176 Pt. Lawrence Toledo 1903 Merged with #161 2005179 Delta Cincinnati 1905 Merged with #193 2008180 West Milton West Milton 1906 Merged with #24 1994181 McKinley Cleveland 1907 Merged with #189 1984182 McConnelsville McConnelsville 1907 Surrendered 1935184 Montpelier Montpelier 1908 Merged with #45 2003185 West Union West Union 1909 Merged with #129 1980186 Nevada Nevada 1910 Merged with #96 1937190 Rising Sun Cleveland 1911 Merged with #189 1995194 Ft. Miami Maumee 1913 Merged with #191 1996195 Acacia Cincinnati 1914 Merged with #193 2006196 Collingwood Toledo 1914 Merged with #229 1995197 Glenville Cleveland 1914 Merged with #190 1988198 Robert Wallace Cleveland 1914 Merged with #134 1990199 Lake Erie Port Clinton 1914 Merged with #72 1978200 York Columbus 1915 Merged with #155 2000201 Deshler Deshler 1915 Merged with #58 1996203 Windermere Cleveland 1915 Merged with #189 1994204 East Palestine Columbiana 1916 Merged with #93 2010208 Fort Industry Toledo 1918 Merged with #29 2006209 Akron Akron 1919 Merged with #25 1995

155

Proceedings of the Grand Chapter212 Kinsman Hartford 1920 Merged with #10 2009214 West Park Cleveland 1920 Merged with #222 2013215 Covington Covington 1920 Merged with #24 1993217 Keystone Cleveland 1921 Merged with #166 1941218 Arcanum Arcanum 1921 Arrested 1937220 Ralph R. Rickly Columbus 1922 Merged with #155 2002

223 Niles Niles 1923 Merged with #10 2014224 Harry S. Dunlop Nottingham 1923 Merged with #190 1988228 Charles Norton Willoughby 1924 Arrested 1938229 Alvin G. Myrice Sylvania 1927 Merged with #29 2006234 Mariemont Mariemont 1949 Merged with #131 2010236 Linden Columbus 1952 Merged with #227 1995238 William S. Roof Franklin 1954 Merged with #87 1998239 Tau Dayton 1956 Merged with #16 2001241 Keystone Columbus Grove 1956 Surrendered 1976242 Westlake Westlake 1956 Merged with #214 1991244 Avon Lake Avon Lake 1960 Merged with #187 2003

RECIPIENTS IN OHIOGeneral Grand Chapter Distinguished Service Medal

Bronze Medal:1952 Howard L. M. Jones(16) 1969 E. Mac Vestal (151)1953 John H. Pace (227) 1970 John F. Wilhelm (162)1954 Warren M. Kern (151) 1971 James H. Foreman (90) 1955 Dillon Hattery (120) 1972 Richard D. Fogle (108)1957 Max O. Schockency (49) 1973 Howard Beeman (166)1958 Russell T. Goerke (226) 1974 Aaron Hard (226)1959 Elmer Wolf (225) 1975 Louis C. Koehnke (179)1960 Presdee B. Morgan (233) 1975 Ira H. Welker (83)1962 Jean Saylor (25) 1976 Anson L. Stratton (34)1963 Lawrence H. Haupt (96) 1977 Benjamin J. Franklin (209)1964 Frederick H. Albrecht (58) 1978 John R. VanScoyk (210)1965 Howard A. Wolf (158) 1979 Alvin G. Myrice (229)1966 Edwin A. Kenney (181) 1980 Robert Mitchell Clark (237)1968 Harold A. Weil (19) Silver Medal: Gold Medal 1972 Oliver H. Ormiston (108) 1975 C. William O’Neill

Recipients: Ohio Distinguished Service Medal1981 Wilmer W. Stanley (1)1982 William A. Powell (86) Anthony J. Caito, Jr. (97)1984 Charles L. Courtney (184) J. Clifford Conley (100)1985 John C. Woodworth (220) Dale A. Mathys (188)

Tom Moody (3)1986 Harold Printz Shank (32) James McHenry (120)

Herbert L. Snook (227) Russell L. Black (89)1987 Sydney G. Brooks (171) Burton J. Gephart (176)

Theodore Mack (128)1988 Lewis E. Kitchen (136) Donald L. Knoop (130)

Paul B. Ladd (42) James A. Schmidt, Sr. (227)1989 Ray E. Conkle (155) A. John Dobson (55)

156

Royal Arch Masons of OhioJames R. Koteles (30) John M. Worcester (162)

1990 Billy O. Eley (169) Harley Kennedy (45)Elmer R. Kurtzenberger (205) Roy S. Rinehart (102)

1991 George T. Rosendaul (45) Floyd C. Smith (160)Theodore H. Clime (172) Wilbur P. Bower (152)

1992 Irving Roth (7) Richard P. (Dick) Daniels (227)Hugh T. Rink (202) Billy E. Stutz (38)

1993 Gerald W. Beardsley, Sr. (108) Frank A. Bush (83)Alfred D. Maddox (226) Claude A. Pitman (189)

1994 Randal A. Anderson, Jr. (239) Rexford E. Frey (230)Willis E. Rader (178) Jacob A. Wallace (235)

1995 Arthur A. Buchwald (135) Ronald Focht (169)Vernon D. Freeman (200) John P. Miller (96)

1996 Dallas F. Andrew (136) Charles F. Bean (72)Richard D. Bolser (158) James N. Bowsher (60)

1997 Leo Anatra (88) Homer C. Henry, Jr. (237)Melvin R. Jeffries (25) Richard D. Snow (226)

1998 Robert V. Caldwell (146) Joseph S. Dickson (189)William V. McHenry (111) Louis J. Rice (84)

1999 Henry R. Cline (178) Raymond R. Fischer (232)Glen H. Reed (208) Thomas C. Croskey (128)

2000 Edward Brenneis (214) Paul J. Thatcher (119)Harold J. Parman (162) John E. Thomas (22)

2001 Chester A. Clime (227) Jack J. Price (63)Howard R. Watts, Jr. (6) William D. Williams (54)

2002 Carl W. Anderson (202) Harlan L. Foltz (9)Perry J. Parker (29) James E. Zemancik (128)

2003 Willimer V. Ames (38) Carl R. Deffenbaugh (92)Calvin R. Snipes (207) Carlos D. Ward (210)

2004 Paul E. Beck (88) Charles R. Cooper (245)Harold F. Haynes (55) Joseph B. “Jerry” Kuyoth (237)

2005 Thomas D. Branscomb (12) James R. Burgoon (3)Harry S. McClarran (27) Jerry K. Ross (153)

2006 Robert W. Case (96) Donald E. Flor (178)Clarence M. Martin (225) John A. McCollum (153)

2007 J. Thomas Foor (29) Larry R. Henderson (77)Albert L. Jeffery (128) M. Neal Wheatcraft (152)

2008 Ross R. Black, II (225) Curtis M. Jackson (227)Jonny L. Dicke (51) Robert R. Neff (155)

2009 Joe Diamond (51) C. Brooks Harper (1)Merlyn E. Meredith (206) Irvin F. Miner (225)

2010 Robert E. Ellis (178) Rhudie Koenig, Jr. (158)Warren E. Motts (172) Ronald E. Yoakam (169)

2011 Russell M. Kidwell (142) George W. King, Jr. (202)James E. Norton (29) William G. Windnagel (162)

2012 Bruce Alcock (29) Charles W. Adams (51)James H. Clark (192) George H. Goad (240)

2013 Richard D. Hall (211) Edward F. Howard (164)Norman Lee Peterson (1) Donald R. Starr (27)

2014 Robert E. Fisher (28) William C. McCormick (29)

157

Proceedings of the Grand ChapterCarl Palmer (144) William D. Stratton (91)

2015 Karl W. Beaver (207) George L. O'Neal (23)Richard Allan Wentz (1) William C. Young (243)

GENERAL AND GRAND MASONIC BODIES

Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of OhioM. Wor. Bro. Robert C. Rill, Swanton …........................………………..… Grand MasterM. Wor. Bro. C. Michael Watson, Springfield …………………...………Grand Secretary

Convenes in the city of Toledo, October 21 - 22, 2016General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, International

M. Excellent Comp. Louis E. Bartrand, Oak Harbor, WA ..….General Grand High PriestM. Excellent Comp. Larry E. Gray, Greenfield, IN ………...….. General Grand Secretary

Triennial convenes in Portland, Oregon, August 23 – 29, 2017Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of Ohio

M. Excellent Comp. Robert D. Blankenhorn, Jr., Mansfield ....…...… Grand High PriestM. Excellent Comp. Dale G. Ray, Jr., Barberton ……………………..….Grand Secretary

Convenes in the city of Sandusky, October 5 & 6, 2016Grand Council, Royal and Select Masons of Ohio

M. Illustrious Comp. Richard J. Amlung, .........………………..............….. Grand MasterM. Illustrious Comp. Bobby G. Campbell, Bellbrook ….………………...Grand Recorder

Convenes in the city of Sandusky, October 3 & 4, 2016Grand Encampment, Knights Templar of the United States

M. E. Sir Knight Duane L. Vaught, Bloomington, IN……...….……......…. Grand MasterR. E. Sir Knight Lawrence Tucker, Bellaire, TX ….……………………..Grand Recorder

Convenes in the city Indianapolis, IN, August, 2018Grand Commandery, Knights Templar of Ohio

Sir Knight Gerald G. Pugh, Marietta …........….....…... Right Eminent Grand CommanderSir Knight Alfred T. Johnson, Cable …...…......……………………….….Grand Recorder

Convenes in the city of Columbus, October 7 - 8, 2016

MASONIC CALENDAR

Ancient Crafts Masons commence their era with the creation of the world, calling it ANNO LUCIS (A. L.) “in the year of light.” Add 4000 years to the common era. Thus: 2015 and 4000 = 6015Royal Arch Masons date from the year the second temple was commenced by Zerubbabel ANNO INVENTIONIS (A. I.) “ in the year of discovery.” Add 530 years to the vulgar era. Thus: 2015 and 530 = 2545Order of High Priesthood dates from the year of the blessing of Abraham by the High Priest Melchizedek, ANNO BENEFACIO (A. B.) “in the year of blessing.” Add 1913, the year of blessing, to the Christian era. Thus 2015 and 1913 = 3928Royal and Select Masons date from the year in which the temple of Solomon was completed, ANNO DEPOSITONIS (A. DEP.) “in the year of deposit.” Add 1000 years to the common era. Thus: 2015 and 1000 = 3015Knights Templar commence their era with the organization of the order, ANNO ORDINIS (A. O.) “in the year of the order.”

158

Royal Arch Masons of Ohio From the Christian era, subtract 1119. Thus: 2015 less 1119 = 896Scottish Rite is the same as Ancient Craft, except the Jewish Chronology is used, ANNO MUNDI (A. M.) “in the year of the world.”

Add 3760 to the common era. Thus: 2015 and 3763 = 5778

Red Cross of Constantine dates from the year of the foundation of the Order after the battle of Saxa Rubra, October 28, 312 A.D., near Rome and the official recognition of the Christian religion by Emperor Constantine, ANNO ORDINIS “in the year of the Order.”

From the Christian era, take 313 years. Thus 2015 less 313 = 1702

*********************

GRAND REPRESENTATIVES2014 - 2015

ALABAMADavid G. Weimer, 1247 Commonwealth, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124Ronald G. Andress, 2509 Lakewood Circle, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

ALASKAOpenOpen

ARGENTINADuane A. Kemerley, 456 S. Broadway St., Williamsburg, OH 45176-1015Rodolfo J. Rodriguez, Buenos Aires, Argentina, S.A.

ARIZONAJohn L. Hutson, Box 239, Warsaw, OH 43844Quaid E. Smith, P.O. Box 1914, Yuma, AZ 85366

ARKANSASLloyd W. Eichenlaub, 2596 McDermot Rushtown Rd, McDermott, OH 45652 Johnny R. Owens, 8300 Bunch Rd., Mabelvale, AR, 72103-2823

BELGIUMCharles Paine, 51304 State Route 26, Beallsville, OH 43716Roland Verhelst, Baverikstaraat, 11, B-9250 Waaasmoaster, Belgium

CALIFORNIAJ. Keith Green, P.O. Box 26, Graytown, OH 43432Marvin V. Richardson, 1020 Johnstone St., Napa, CA 94558

ALBERTA, CANADAOpenJames Stroud, PO Box 1228, Hanna, Alberta, Canada T0J 1P0

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADANorman G. Lincoln, 204 W. Chicago St, Eaton, OH 45320Stephen E. McVitttie, 707-950 Cambie St. Vancover, BC, Canada V6B 5X5

MANITOBARodney L. Carr, 245 N. Mulberry St., Logan, OH 43138Terry J. Maxwell, 110 Hawthorne Ave., Dauphin, MB, Canada R7N 3E8

NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADAOpenJohn H. Lingley, 80 Church St., Apt 121, Moncton, N.B. Canada E1C 9G1

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR, CANADAOpen

159

Proceedings of the Grand ChapterOpen

NOVA SCOTIA, CANADAJ. Ralph Koffel, 2883 Opossum Hollow, N.E., Newark, OH 43055George R. O’Leary, Box 56, Brookfield, Nova Scotia B0N 1C0

ONTARIO, CANADAJames H. Foreman, 1110 Wahl Rd., Vickery, OH 43464Robert H. McKelvie, 344 Inverness Dr., Oshawa, Ontario, Canada L1J 5T4

QUEBEC, CANADAThomas R. Johnson, 1546 Douglas Road, Wickliffe, OH 44092J. R. DeCotret, 3235 Tailon St., Montreal, Quebec, Canada H1L 4K6

SASKATCHEWAN, CANADAGeorge W. Tegner, III, 37513 Park Avenue, Willoughby, OH 44094J. Robert Porter, PO Box 111, Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, Canada S0N 1N0

COLORADOWilliam D. Stratton, 1177 Sweetbriar Cruive, Mogadore, OH 44260DeVerne C. Lehman, P.O. Box 312, Broomfield, CO 80038

CONNECTICUTWing Fun Chow, 3260 Lapland Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45239Paul L. Chello, 90 Fair Street, Gulliford, CT 06437

DELAWAREHenry Dodson, 3901 Archmore Dr., Kettering, OH 45440Mark E. Irwin, 317 Kalorama Rd., Sykesville, MD 21784

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIALarry E. Byrd, 940 Walhonding Ave., Logan, OH 43138Kenneth L. Foran, 5001 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22311

GRAND LODGE OF MARK MASTERS of ENGLAND and WALESDarrell E. Reed, 6056 West Valley Road, Mentor, OH 44060Timothy J. Lewis, Mark Masons Hall, 86 James St., London, SW1A 1PL, Eng.

FINLANDJames W. Himmelright, 631 E. Friendship St., Medina, OH 44256Antti Talvitie, Isannantie 21, FL-60200 Seinajoki, Findland

FLORIDARobert D. Blankenhorn, Jr., 2172 Satinwood Dr., Mansfield, OH 44903Corey D. Kosciuszko, 18600 Green Springs Circle, Fleming Island, FL 32003

FRANCEFranck T. Kakou, 10544 Wilson Mills Road, Munson Twp., OH 44024Claude Challiol-Rachlis, 18, Rue Foncet 06000, Nice, France

FRANCE, GRAND MARK LODGE ofRobert D. Berteau, 5695 Pin Oak Court, Independence, OH 44131Jean-Louis Nanot, LaDeveniere, 8 chemin de la Maveria F-74290 VEYRIER

SUR LAC, FranceGEORGIA

Eddie L. Bressman, 1 Rosedale Blvd., Norwalk, OH 44857Joe E. Turner, 1101 Willards Way, Hampton, GA 30228

GERMANYDonald J. Forquer, 265 Glenn Road, Ashville, OH 43103John C. Harris, IM Gaensbruechel 3, D-74889 Sinsheim, Germany

GREECEThomas F. Zeigler, 433 E. Bigelow Street, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351

160

Royal Arch Masons of OhioDimitrios Anagnostakos (address not available)

HAWAIIDale G. Ray, Jr., 1031 Wilbur Ave., Barberton, OH 44203Harry T. Hagaman, 222 E. Fallen Rock Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81503

IDAHOJeffery S. Humble, 7515 Canterbury Rd., Portsmouth, OH 45662 David A. Grindle, PO Box 45782, Boise, ID 83711

ILLINOISJean W. Justus, 20060 Commercial Pt. Rd., Circleville, OH 43113Gary D. Hermann, Box 1044, Tremont, IL 61568

INDIADonald W. Owens, 5519 Whispering Way., Cincinnati, OH 45247M. Prabhat Kumar, c/o Gem & Co, 215/216 NSC Base Rd, Chennnai 066 001

INDIANAJames M. McDonald, 985 Winding Hollow Lane, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351David F. Wood, 1529 South Esst Drive, South Bend, IN 46614

IOWA George M. Shell, 8006 Browns Run Road, Germantown, OH 45327Rick L. Butler, 22674 230th Ave., Exline, IA 52555

IRELANDFranklin C. Boner, 62 W. Stevens St., Newark, OH 43055Malcom R. Cowton, 6 Donegall Park, Whitehead Carrick Fergus, County Atrium BB189ND

ISRAELBarry J. Siegel, 2599 Laurelhurst Rd., University Hts., OH 44118David Manor, 4 Nurit St., Haifa 34654, Israel

ITALYOpenSergio Di Lallo, Aeroporta, Civile, 50100, Firenze, Italy

KANSASR. Keith O’Dell, 712 Boyd Ave., West Union, OH 45693James D. Speakman, 3062 Avenue N, Windom, KS 67491

KENTUCKYDonald L. Losasso, 5149 Bixford Avenue, Canal Winchester, OH 43110J. B. Hitt, 1007 Chesterton Pl., Louisville, KY 40299

LOUISIANABeecher Vaughn, 3681 Echo Hill Lane, Dayton, OH 43430Benjamin F. Barron, PO Box 62, Oak Grove, LA 71263

MAINEOpenJohn W. Moore, 35 North High St., Bridgton, ME

MARYLANDRobert D. Crabbs, 1871 Rock Road, Mansfield, OH 44903Gilbert N. Kinnamon, 321 State St., Annapolis, MD 21403

MASSACHUSSETTSJeffrey L. Addis, 42 Privet Lane, Northfield, OH 44067 Peter J. Andrews, 16 Ross St., Medford, MA 02155

MEXICORobert Homoly, 435 Clermont, Willowick, OH 44095

161

Proceedings of the Grand ChapterFernando Calderon, Matires de Chicago #1697, 65550 Monteray, NL, Mexico

MICHIGANPerry J. Parker, 7450 Country Commons, Sylvania, OH 43560Perry J. Parker, 7450 Country Commons, Sylvania, OH 43560

MINNESOTA Richard D. Snow, 2243 McCoy Road, Columbus, OH 43220Hugh C. Swift, Jr., 2345 260th St. W., Farmington, MN 55024

MISSISSIPPIRyan W. Adams, 92 Oliver Drive, Chillicothe, OH 45601Carlton A. Love, 1022 County Road 363, New Albany, MI 38652

MISSOURIJames B. White, Box 321, New Holland, OH 43145Teddy Harrison, 16421 Crackerneck Rd., Independence, MO 64055

MONTANALynn Basinger, 680 S. Main St., Bluffton, OH 45817J. Clark McColly, PO Box 898, Lewistown, MT 5945

NEBRASKAH. Jeffery Shaw, 2400 Bellsburg Dr., Dayton, OH 45459Walter Johnson, 18200 N. Johnson Rd., North Platte, NE 69101

NETHERLANDSHoward E. Potter, 4818 Bean Road, Rome, OH 44085J. Engel, Bavelselaan 486, 4834 TL Breda, the Netherlands

NEVADAGeorge R. Nockengost, 4368 Wadsworth Road, Norton, OH 44203Open

NEW HAMPSHIRENorman J. Mick, 83 Whippoorwill Dr., Harrison, OH 45030Wallace F. Emerson, 12 Madison Ave., Hooksett, NH 03106

NEW JERSEYRandall B. Craven, 702 Fourth St., Brilliant, OH 43913Herbert R. Wood, 81 Hillcrest Rd., Whitehouse Station, N.J. 08889

NEW MEXICODavid W. Hyde, 9271 King Graves Rd., Warren, OH 44484Robert E. Noble, 59 Jensen Ln, Belen, NM 87002

NEW SOUTH WALESEdward F. Howard, 3 East Harrison Avenue., North Bend, OH 45052Bernard Wm. Binge, 8 Sackville St., Ingleburn, New South Wales, AU

NEW YORKKermit V. Zimmerman, 305 Bourbon St., Blanchester, OH 45107Carl J. Hassum, 297 Pewrkins Ave., Oceanside, NY 11572

NEW ZEALANDGregory B. Clatterbuck, 6680 Swissaway Dr., Centerville, OH 45459J. G. Naylor, 7 Kelvyn Grove, Manurewa, New Zealand

NORTH CAROLINAJohn C. Watkins, 1029 Kercer St., Miamisburg, OH 45342M. Gene Lewellyn, 9 Scottish Rite Ct., Greensboro, NC 27407

NORTH DAKOTAVirgil D. Kline, 247 N. Main St., West Salem, OH 44287Charles A. Richter, 304 Central Ave., New Rockford, ND 58356

162

Royal Arch Masons of OhioOHIO, PRINCE HALL GRAND CHAPTER

F. Raymond Sharritts, 1655 Lexington Dr., Lancaster, OH 43130Embie R. Bostic, 6000 Sunset Dr., Bedford Hts., OH 44146

OKLAHOMACurtis M. Jackson, 5088 Dalmeny Ct., Columbus, OH 43220Ralph K. Harris, 513 S. Fairfax Ave., Skiatoo, OK 74070

OREGONWilliam M. Berry, 310 N. Scott St., New Carlisle, OH 45344Harold Johnson, 2300 Masonic Way #216, Forest Grove, OR 97116

PENNSYLVANIASteven A. Duncan, 6278 Overture Dr., Dayton, OH 45449Kenneth E. Kempka, 232 Harbor Street, Conneaut, OH 44020

PORTUGALFrederick E. Gallo, Sr., 931 East Linden Avenue, Miamisburg, OH 45342Nuno Alvares Pereira Maia, Rua Abilio Beca 148, 5300 Braganca, Portugal

QUEENSLANDOpenI.C. Wylde, P.O. Box 1360, Springwood, QLD4127 Queensland, Australia

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINESJohn I. Miller, 308 Lamar Avenue, Akron, OH 44319Samuel A. Laus, 48A San Joaquin St., San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City,

PhilippinesRHODE ISLAND

Joseph J. Orosz, 13540 Chippewa Trail, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130Walter C. McFarland, 23 Laura St., Tiverton, RI, 02878

SCOTLANDDonald J. Placko, 20558 Carlye Dr., Strongsville, OH 44149Allister David Black, 2 Hamilton Ct., 4 Dirleton Dr. Glasglow, G41 3BQ, Scot

SOUTH AUSTRALIATim Daniel,, 20779 Justus Road, Williamsport, OH 43164Ivor Willmott, 11 Johneff Court, St. Agnes, South Australia, Australia 5097

SOUTH CAROLINADonald R. Starr, 1044 Paatrick Place, Unit 20, Wooster, OH 44691Carl R. Truesdale, 2125 Airline Dr., Camden, SC 29020

SOUTH DAKOTAJames C. Stevens, 851 Bishop Ave., Hamilton, OH 45015Robert Livingston, 1725 Greenbriar St., Rapid City, South Dakota 57703

SWITZERLANDGeorge P. Birkleein, Jr., 121 Oxford St. Ext., Sisterville, WVa., 26175L. Ch. Schumacher, Neidertufen, Switzerland

TENNESSEEOpenLeRoy Brewer, 2315 Hillrise Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643

TEXASWayne S. Dill, 2107 Memorial Drive, Clarksville, TN 37043Joe O. Estlack, 1902 Ashprington, San Antonio, TX 78251

UTAHJames B. Parker, IV, 211 Chapel Lane, Canfield, OH 45140Michael L. Busby, 820 East 700 North, Brigham City, UT 84302

VERMONTRobert J. Draye, 1271 Worton Blvd., Mayfield Hts., OH 44124

163

Proceedings of the Grand ChapterPhillip D. Goss, 22 Sumner Ave., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIADon R. Lutz, 1015 Montrose Ave., Bexley, OH 432009Kenneth C. Mawson, OAM, 30 The Esplaanade, Torquary, Victoria, 3228, Aus

VIRGINIARobert W. Thomas, 100 Meadowland Dr., Chardon, OH 44024Richard L. Thomas, 30 Algonquin St., Portsmouth, VA 23707

WASHINGTONRoss R. Black II, 603 Beaverbrook Drive, Akron, OH 44333Herbert N. Weaver, 438C Wannacut Lake Road, Oroville, WA 98844

WESTERN AUSTRALIAJohn E. Hollback, Jr., 665 King Beach Drive, Howard, OH 43208 Donald E. F. Smallman, 1 Menner Ct., Scarborough, 6019, Western Australia

WEST VIRGINIAN. Lee Peterson, 1309 Lancaster Street, Marietta, OH 45750R. M. Cavendish, 118 Harvey Ave., Oak Hill, WVa 25901

WISCONSINMartin R. Trent, 4267 South Xenia Drive, Enon, OH 45323John C. Metcalf, 17 Maplewood Ln, #304, Madison, WI 53704

WYOMINGOpenMatthew J. Ramsey, 1341 Trabing Rd., Buffalo, WY 82834

_______________________________

Abstract of Returns made by Constituent Chapters of the Grand Chapter for the year ending May 31, 2015

No Chapter Mem14 Ex. Adm. Reins. Died WD Sus. Exp. Mem15 G/L 1 Am. Union 250 7 0 1 13 0 8 0 237 -132 Cincinnati 170 0 1 0 8 3 5 0 155 -153 Horeb 50 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 48 -24 Chillicothe 241 7 0 2 10 2 0 0 238 -35 Lebanon 266 4 0 0 4 1 0 0 265 -16 Warren 125 3 0 0 6 0 0 0 122 -37 Huron 32 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 34 28 W. Reserve 38 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 34 -49 Zanesville 79 1 1 0 5 0 3 0 73 -610 Mahoning 221 3 0 1 3 2 0 0 220 -111 Lancaster 137 0 1 0 2 0 8 0 128 -912 Ohio 63 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 63 015 Union 97 0 0 0 8 2 14 0 73 -2416 Unity 114 8 0 0 6 1 7 0 108 -618 Hiram 81 1 4 0 4 0 9 0 73 -820 Circleville 74 2 0 0 3 1 2 0 70 -421 Hamilton 155 3 0 0 9 4 4 0 141 -1422 Eaton 103 3 1 0 1 0 5 0 101 -223 Mt. Vernon 129 3 3 8 0 0 0 0 143 1424 Franklin 173 1 0 0 7 2 4 0 161 -12

164

Royal Arch Masons of Ohio26 Clinton 86 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 86 027 Wooster 87 0 1 0 5 1 1 0 81 -628 Mansfield 90 2 1 0 4 0 0 0 89 -129 Fort Meigs 237 5 0 1 2 2 0 0 239 231 Piqua 38 0 0 0 0 38 0 0 0 -3834 Urbana 140 1 0 0 9 9 0 0 123 -1735 Milford 82 1 0 0 3 0 1 0 79 -336 Xenia 120 6 0 0 1 0 0 0 125 5

No Chapter Mem14 Ex. Adm. Reins. Died WD Sus. Exp. Mem15 G/L 38 Tuscarawas 83 1 0 0 2 3 2 0 77 -639 Athens 140 2 1 0 6 0 0 0 137 -340 Hillsboro 240 4 0 3 4 0 15 0 228 -1242 Seneca 101 1 1 0 5 0 0 0 98 -344 Trinity 101 4 0 0 6 1 0 0 98 -345 Northwest 57 0 1 0 3 2 0 0 53 -446 Painesville 88 2 0 0 7 0 8 0 75 -1347 Marshall 50 9 2 0 1 0 1 0 59 948 Springfield 109 0 0 0 7 4 4 0 94 -1549 Lima 116 0 1 3 7 3 0 0 110 -650 Samaritan 104 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 100 -451 St. Marys 75 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 72 -353 Cambridge 80 1 0 1 4 1 2 0 75 -554 Delaware 137 6 2 1 5 1 8 0 132 -557 New Carlisle 92 3 0 0 5 2 0 0 88 -458 Findlay 181 4 0 0 6 1 0 0 178 -360 Lafayette 98 1 0 0 8 1 0 0 90 -862 Marion 97 0 0 0 5 1 1 0 90 -763 Wilmington 72 2 0 6 2 1 2 0 75 368 LaGrange 129 1 0 0 5 0 24 0 101 -2870 Trowel 39 0 1 0 3 1 3 0 33 -671 Van Wert 47 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 45 -272 Sandusky Cty101 2 0 1 5 0 1 0 98 -373 Adoniram 73 1 0 0 2 4 0 0 68 -574 SummitBaker 81 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 84 375 Logan 121 1 0 2 7 2 13 0 102 -1976 Conneaut 28 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 29 177 Greenville 66 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 65 -180 Pomeroy 165 6 0 1 11 0 9 0 152 -1384 Canton 201 3 4 1 4 2 0 0 203 286 Millersburg 31 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 28 -387 Middletown 216 5 1 1 9 1 6 0 207 -989 Ensawocsa 61 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 61 090 Clyde 68 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 65 -391 Tyrian 39 0 0 0 4 1 4 0 30 -992 New Lisbon 58 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 58 093 Youngstown 174 7 3 3 8 1 8 0 170 -494 Salem 77 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 75 -296 McCutchen 81 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 75 -699 Marysville 49 2 0 0 3 0 1 0 47 -2100 E. Liverpool 104 1 0 0 5 1 2 0 97 -7102 McArthur 94 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 92 -2104 Grand River 49 2 0 0 3 0 6 0 42 -7107 Bellaire 151 6 1 1 4 0 13 0 142 -9108 R. Putnam 111 0 0 0 4 2 4 0 101 -10111 Wauseon 56 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 55 -1112 Batavia 111 1 0 2 3 1 16 0 94 -17113 Bellevue 44 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 44 0119 Scioto 75 0 2 0 1 1 3 0 72 -3123 Minerva 63 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 58 -5124 Nugen 53 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 52 -1126 Star 48 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 46 -2128 Oriental 53 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 53 0129 Manchester 48 0 0 0 4 3 1 0 40 -8130 Sidney 35 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 34 -1131 Willis 113 4 1 0 2 0 1 0 115 2134 Berea 64 0 0 2 2 0 3 0 61 -3

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter135 J A Meacham24 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 23 -1136 Haly 32 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 31 -1141 Jefferson 50 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 47 -3142 Galion 88 1 0 1 3 1 3 0 83 -5143 Morrow 63 1 1 0 2 1 0 0 62 -1144 Silver Creek 69 1 0 0 3 2 0 0 65 -4146 Wyoming 103 0 0 0 0 103 0 0 0 -103147 Geneva 41 1 0 0 3 1 2 0 36 -5

No Chapter Mem14 Ex. Adm. Reins. Died WD Sus. Exp. Mem15 G/L 149 N. Lexington 38 0 0 0 0 38 0 0 0 -38150 Garfield 54 1 2 0 1 1 1 0 54 0152 Chagrin Falls 74 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 71 -3153 Blanchester 88 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 88 0155 York Temple 395 6 0 0 11 1 2 0 387 -8157 Crystal 90 1 0 0 3 1 3 0 84 -6158 Cumminsville 104 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 100 -4159 Carey 40 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 40 0160 Bucyrus 44 0 1 0 1 2 3 0 39 -5161 Tol.-Pt Law. 141 1 0 0 6 0 5 0 131 -10162 Oak Harbor 177 0 0 0 1 1 4 0 171 -6164 Price Hill 80 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 80 0167 Golden Rule 44 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 42 -2169 Spencerville 52 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 50 -2171 Cadiz 50 0 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 -50172 Walnut 132 3 0 0 2 0 1 0 132 0177 Wakeman 67 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 67 0178 Shelby 75 1 0 1 2 5 4 0 66 -9183 Wapakoneta 41 1 0 0 5 0 0 0 37 -4187 Cunningham 83 3 1 0 5 2 4 0 76 -7188 Hicksville 47 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 41 -6189 Mount Olive 151 1 0 0 12 1 12 0 127 -24191 Ft Miami-Cal. 113 6 0 0 6 0 1 0 112 -1192 Kent 76 5 1 0 4 0 0 0 78 2193 Norwood 284 8 0 0 7 0 20 0 265 -19202 Portage 98 0 0 0 9 5 1 0 83 -15205 Corwin-Webb 73 1 0 0 4 1 0 0 69 -4206 Heights 89 1 0 1 3 1 0 0 87 -2207 King Cyrus 116 2 2 0 11 1 0 0 108 -8210 Victory 156 10 0 0 1 0 1 0 164 8211 Loveland 64 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 64 0213 Ashlar 50 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 50 0216 West Gate 94 1 0 0 5 0 0 0 90 -4219 Oberlin 54 5 0 0 6 2 2 0 49 -5221 Toronto 82 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 81 -1222 Cov-Thatcher 157 3 0 0 10 7 2 0 141 -16225 Cuy - Falls 172 2 1 2 9 0 5 0 163 -9226 H. W. Wright 128 0 0 0 3 0 18 0 107 -21227 Community 165 10 0 4 3 4 3 0 169 4230 Mt. Moriah 87 4 0 0 1 1 0 0 89 2231 Willoughby 63 1 1 0 9 1 3 0 52 -11232 Rabboni 84 1 0 2 8 2 0 0 77 -7233 P. B. Morgan 62 1 0 0 3 1 1 0 58 -4235 Palmyra 65 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 66 1237 Shawnee 180 1 0 0 10 1 6 0 164 -16240 Twin Valley 91 2 1 0 3 1 1 0 89 -2243 M. County 96 7 2 0 2 0 0 0 103 7245 Friendship 71 1 0 1 2 1 4 0 66 -5301 N.Bend Mark.192 2 15 0 7 2 12 0 188 -4302 Sr. DeMolay 210 0 0 0 5 1 4 0 200 -10303 D. Warehime 106 4 0 0 3 0 5 0 102 -4304 Fayette 58 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 54 -4_

Totals: 13983 268 54 53 528 362 362 0 13106 -877

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio

ORDER OF HIGH PRIESTHOODOctober 7, 2015, A. G. 3928

The 187th annual assembly of the Grand Council of Anointed High Priest of the State of Ohio convened in Mason, Ohio on October 7th, 2015 in Annual Convocation. The Grand Council was opened in ample form at 2:30 P.M with the following officers present.

Most Excellent President…………………………….…....….Steven A. DuncanExcellent Vice-President………...…………………………….. Donald LosassoExcellent Chaplain……………...……………….……………….. Garis E. PughExcellent Treasurer…………........................................ J. Keith Green (pro tem)Excellent Recorder……………....…………………………...…. Jean W. Justus Excellent Master of Ceremonies….................................. Kermit V. ZimmermanExcellent Conductor………….……........................................... John R. GartrellExcellent Herald…………………........................................ Robert W. ThomasExcellent Steward………………….……..…………………… George M. ShellExcellent Guard……..……………………….…..………...... Curtis M. JacksonExcellent Organist………...............................................………..… Don R. Lutz Choral Duet …………...................................Randal Davis and Norman LincolnHistorical Lecture .......................................................................... Wayne S. DillMusic Director …………………………………………………..…… Don LutzMake Up.……..……………….................................................. Michael A. HaleProperty ...................................................................... Larry Fisher & R. Ganion Degree Directors ................................................. Donald Wilcox & Larry FisherCandidate Preceptor ………………………………………….. Ross R. Black, II

Servitors:H. Jeffery Shaw Ronald C. Hart, Sr. Daniel A. Smith John C. Watkins Kenneth E. Finkel Rodney L. Carr

Committees: Petitions: Auditing: Nominating:

Wayne Dill John W. Purdy Jerry Crawford Robert Crabbs Terry B. Meyers Charles J. McCarty Alan D. Hart Chester W. Hammond William M. Berry District Deputies Grand High Priest assisting in the ceremonies included:REC Ernie L. Longberry, 1st District REC Joseph J. Fair, 3rd DistrictREC Gregory B. Clatterbuck, 3rd District REC H. William Jones, 6th DistrictREC Kenneth B. Foy, 7th District REC James R. Esswein, 11th District REC Robert R. Nilsen, 16th District REC Frank T. Schenck, 17th District

Zel E. Bush, 19th District Petitions for the Order of High Priesthood for 35 candidates were presented and upon

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Proceedings of the Grand Chaptermotion by MEC Wayne Dill, seconded MEC Garis Pugh, were then referred to the Committee on Petitions. The Committee on Petitions reporting favorably, a ballot was cast and all 35 Excellent Companions were elected to receive the Order of High Priesthood in the Grand Council of Anointed High Priest of the State of Ohio. These Excellent Companions, escorted by

Right Excellent Companion Ross Black, were admitted, anointed, consecrated and set apart to the Holy Order of High Priesthood in due and ample form. Historical Lecture was presented by Most Excellent Companion Wayne Dill in a very impressive manner.

ROSTER OF CANDIDATES – 2015 Number Chapter Name

1 American Union David S. Locke 5 Lebanon Thomas L. Hamilton11 Lancaster Alan Cook12 Ohio Edgar Hinton, Jr.22 Eaton David A. Phipps23 Mt. Vernon Robert D. Baker, Jr.36 Xenia Steve A. Brown (e)40 Hillsboro Harold R. Haynes (e)40 Hillsboro William L. Wilson44 Trinity David A. Thomas46 Painesville Charles A. Perts (e)48 Springfield Michael J. Resnicky (e)53 Cambridge Randy C. Rubel58 Findlay Linnville R. Taggart84 Canton Reid A. McLeod100 East Liverpool William Greg Deuley102 McArthur James K. Largent129 Manchester Jerry L. Book131 Willis Michael C. Bartholomew147 Geneva Walter C. Johnston (e)158 Cumminsville David E. Potts164 Price Hill George G. Nielsen183 Wapakoneta Christopher Moynihan187 Cunningham Robert W. Niebaum205 Corwin-Webb David J. Horvath207 King Cyrus D. Jack Boyd210 Victory Carl C. Keller (e)211 Loveland Bradford A. Weesner221 Toronto George W. Coffman, II226 Horace W. Wright Thomas Shell (e)231 Willoughby Herbert J. Holzheimer, III (e) 232 Rabboni David C. Trainer235 Palmyra Brent Owen McDorman (e)

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio237 Shawnee Richard S. Tomidajewicz240 Twin Valley Scott Johnson

Class spokesman was Excellent Companion Reid A. McLeod, High Priest of Canton Chapter No. 84. He expressed appreciation on behalf of the class and commended the officers for the impressive manner of degree conferral. In addition to the officers, candidates, deputies, and committee members, there were over 50 members registered that afternoon. The cast of officers and other workers were introduced and thanked for their excellent work by Most Excellent President Duncan. The business portion of the Convocation was then conducted. The minutes of the 2014 annual convocation, having been printed in the proceedings, were approved on a motion by M. Ex. Comp. Jean W. Justus supported by M. Ex. Comp. Garis E. Pugh. A motion by M. Ex. Comp. Kermit Zimmerman and seconded by M. Ex. Comp. Garis Pugh was made to pay all bills for the annual convocation. The motion carried. The report of the Auditing Committee was presented by M. Ex. Comp. Kermit Zimmerman. On motion by M. Ex. Comp. Zimmerman, seconded by M. Ex. Comp. Don Losasso, was ordered received and placed in the permanent records. Guests from other Jurisdictions were introduced by Excellent Master of Ceremonies Kermit V. Zimmerman and welcomed to Ohio by Most Excellent President Steven A. Duncan. A motion was made by Excellent Recorder Jean Justus and seconded by Excellent Chaplain Garis Pugh that our out-of-state guests be granted Honorary Memberships in Ohio Council of Anointed High Priests. The motion passed and certificates presented or sent to their home addresses. There was no unfinished business or new business brought before the Council. The report of the nominating committee was given by Most Excellent Companion Jerry C. Crawford. The following slate of officers was presented:

Most Excellent President………….… Steven A. DuncanExcellent Vice-President……….…… Donald L. LosassoExcellent Chaplain……………...…… Garis E. PughExcellent Treasurer………………….. R. Keith O'DellExcellent Recorder………………...… Jean W. Justus Excellent Master of Ceremonies…..... Kermit V. Zimmerman Excellent Conductor………………... John R. GartrellExcellent Herald…………………...... Robert W. ThomasExcellent Steward…………….…….. George M. ShellExcellent Sentinel…...…………...…. Curtis M. JacksonExcellent Organist ………………….. Don R. Lutz

There being no nominations from the floor, they were each declared elected to their respective offices and duly installed in proper form.

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Proceedings of the Grand Chapter Most Excellent President Duncan reappointed the members to the petitions and the nominating committees. He then appointed Companions Kermit Zimmerman, J. Keith Green and Robert Thomas to serve on the audit committee for 2016. There being no further business, the Grand Council of Anointed High Priests of the State of Ohio was closed in due form at 4:15 P.M. Respectfully Submitted,

Jean W. Justus, Excellent Recorder

INDEXAddress of Grand High Priest………………………………………….. 19 - 31

Appointments………………………………………………………... 26Appreciation………………………………………………….… 30 - 31By-Law approved …………………………………………………… 27Charities …………………………………………………….........… 29Conclusion…………………………………………………...…....... 31Consolidations / Mergers……………………………………………. 28Correspondence ……………………………………………….......... 27 Dedications Re-dedications…………………………………..… 28 - 29Dispensations ………………………………………………… 27 - 28District Re-Organization ................................................................ 28Grand Officers Meetings………………………………………....... 29Grand Representatives ………………..…………………....... 26 - 27Necrology……………………………………………............… 20 - 26Ohio Masonic Home …………………………………………. 29 - 30Proxies …………………………………………………………….… 28Recommendations .......................................................................... 30 Safety Deposit Box, Depositories, & Surety Bonds…………...….… 27Service Awards ………………………………………………….….. 29Visitations………………………………………………………. 30 - 34Youth……………………………………………………………….... 29

Appendixes:“A” Dispensations granted…………….…………32, 41 - 47“B” Visitations of Grand High Priest……………….… 32 - 34

Address of Welcome …………………….……………..…………….........… 10 Apollo Dramatic Chapter:

Tabernacle No 1 ……………...…………………………………...… 85Tabernacle No 2 ………………………………………............... 85 - 86 Tabernacle No 3 …………………………………………..........…… 86Tabernacle No 4 …………………………………………………...... 86

Appointments:Appointment of Grand Officers for 2015 – 2016 …...……………... 58Appointment, Ambassador to General Grand Chapter …............…. 101Appointment of Grand Representatives……………………..........… 27 Appointment to Ohio Masonic Home ……………………...........… 101Appointment of Royal Arch Foundation Trustees …………........... 101

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioApproval of Minutes: ………………………………………………………… 14Awards:

Distinguished Service presented at Grand Banquet…………..… 60 - 61 Distinguished Service, Grand Chapter……………………..… 153 -154Distinction, to Chapters……………………….….…………........….. 81District Work Horse……………………………………………….… 80Most Improved Chapter …………………………………………..… 79

Outstanding Chapter …………………………………………...…… 79 Outstanding High Priest ……………………………………… 79 - 80Sojourner ……………………………………………………… 79 - 80Star Awards …………………..........................…………………...… 80Steven A. Oliver Award ……………………………………….…..... 95York Rite Plaque ................................................................................ 81

Banquet:Attendees ………………………………………………….…........… 60Earl C. Gifford Distinguished Service Awards announced …..... 60 - 61

Blankenhorn, Robert:Acceptance of election …………………………………................... 35 Biography and Masonic Record ……………………………. 145 - 146 Photograph ………………………………………………………… 144Presentation by 10th District ………….…................................…… 57

Budget for 2015 – 2016 ………………………………………..………… 38 - 39Bulletins:

Number 1…………………………………………………..… 105 - 122 Number 2 ……………………………………………….…... 123 - 126 Number 3 ……………………………………….…………. 126 - 132 Number 4 ……………………………………………………. 132 - 136 Number 5 ………………………………………………....…. 137 - 143

Calendar, Masonic…...…………..………………………….……….. 155 - 156 Chapter of Research Report ………………………….………………… 89 - 90Committee Reports: Awards………………………………………………………...... 78 - 81

Charity and Benevolence………………………………….............… 78Charters and Dispensations ……………………………….............… 77 Constituent Returns ..………………………………………...... 77 - 78 Credentials (1st Partial) ……………………………………...……....... 6Credentials (Final) ………………………………………….............. 95 Education…………………………………………...…………... 74 - 76 Endowed Membership ……………………………………….......…. 85Finance ……………………………………………………........ 47 - 57Grievance……………………………………………………… 84 - 85Information and Technology …………………………….........…..… 90Jurisprudence …………………………………………………... 39 - 57Long Range Planning …………………………………………. 82 - 83

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterMasonic Cooperation .............................................................. 81 - 82Membership Development ………………………………...…… 83 - 84 Organ Donor …………………………………………….......... 90 - 91Publications……………………………………………................... 82Public Relations………………………………………….......... 86 - 87Ritual ………………………………………………………….... 62 - 63 Royal Arch Magazine……………………………………..............… 82 Symbolic Lodge Liaison…………………………………………...... 83Time and Place…………………………………………………. 95 - 96Topical Reference ……………………………………….......… 34 - 35York Rite Cooperation ….…...…………………………….....… 87 - 88Unfinished Business ……………………………………..…….....… 86Youth…………………………………………………….......…........ 84

Committees: List of 2014 – 2015 …...………………………….......…..… 112 - 115

List of, 2015 – 2016 Standing committees …………….............… 100Distinguished Guests, Introduction of……………………………...……… 7 - 9District Deputies Grand High Priest:

Present at Convocation ……………………………………..…....…… 7List of, 2014 – 2015 ………………………………….…....… 110 - 111 List of, 2015 – 2016 ……………………………………........... 98 - 99Retiring 2013 - 2014 ........................................................................... 98

District Education Officers: Present at Convocation ……………………………………..……..….. 7

List of, 2014 – 2015 ….……………………………………... 111 - 112List of, 2015 – 2016 ….……...……………………………… 99 - 100

Earl C. Gifford Distinguished Service Award: Recipients 2015 …………………………………………....… 60 – 61List of …………...………………………………………...…. 164 - 165Recognized at Grand Convocation …………………………...…..… 68

ElectionExplanation ……………………………………………………….… 15Results of balloting …………………................................................. 35

Fraternal Correspondent Report ……………………………...…….…... 91 - 94Grand Bodies U.S. & Ohio, List of ……………………………….........…… 155Grand Chapter Officers:

Appointed, 2015 - 2016 ……………………………………………. 58 Installation …………………………………………………..… 97 - 98 List of, 2014 – 2015 ……………………………….. 4 - 5 & 105 - 106List of, 2015 – 2016 ……………………………………...… 146 - 147Photograph ………………………………………………………… 102

Grand ConvocationOpening ………………………………………………………........... 11

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Royal Arch Masons of OhioPresentation of Colors ……………………………………………..... 11Time and Place in 2015 ………………..…………………................. 84Closing ………………………………………………………..…… 112

Grand Representatives: List of……………………………………………………...…. 156 - 161Roll call …………………………………………………......... 17 - 18

Honorary Memberships ……………….…………….……...............…… 14 - 15Inactive Chapter Numbers ……...……………………………………... 151 - 153

Inspection, District and Regional Organization 2014 – 2015 …….... 109 - 110Installation of Grand Officers …………………………………….......... 97 - 98Hillsboro Chapter No. 40:

Opening of Grand Chapter ………………………………………….... 5List of officers …………………………………………………….….. 5

Jewel Presentations: District Deputies Grand High Priest …………...…………….. 98 - 99Past Grand High Priest …………………………………….…….… 98Past District Deputy Grand High Priests …………………............ 98

Legislation Proposed amendments and resolutions ……………………....… 47 - 57

Memoriam: Karth, Charles E. .......................................................................... 21Purdy, John W. ....................................................................... 21 - 22Ohio …………………………………………………………………. 25

Necrologist, Report of ……………………………………..,…………..... 20 - 25O'Dell, R. Keith:

Annual Address ........................................................................... 19 - 31Biography and Masonic Record …………………………..........… 3 - 4Closing comments ……………………………………………....…. 97Past Grand High Priest Jewel presentation ..................................... 98Photograph ……………………………………………………....…… 2

Ohio Masonic Home:Address by CEO Thomas Stofac ………………………………. 15 - 17

Order of High Priesthood:Minutes …………………………………………………….... 164 - 166List of Candidates ………………………………….........………… 165

Past Grand High Priests:Present and Introduced …………………………………………......... 7 List of Living…..…………………………………………… 147 - 148 List of Deceased……………………………………………... 148 – 150Photograph 2015 ………………………………………………..…. 103

Photographs:Blankenhorn, Robert D. ............................................................... 144District Deputies Grand High Priest ………………………………. 104Grand Officers 2014 – 2015 …………………….…………………. 102

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Proceedings of the Grand ChapterO'Dell, R. Keith …………………………………………….……...… 2Past Grand High Priests ………..………………………………..… 114

Prayer:Invocation, Wednesday ................................................................... 6Benediction, Wednesday …………………..……………..….……… 60Invocation, Thursday ……………………………………………….. 62 Benediction, Thursday…………………………...……………… 101

Proclamation: Opening of Grand Chapter ….……………………………...… 6

Religious Re-affirmation Day, Report of …………...…...………………. 87 - 88Reports of Grand Officers:

Report of Grand Fraternal Correspondent …………...….......... 91 - 94Report of Grand High Priest ………………………………….... 19 - 31Report of Grand Historian …………………………………....... 88 - 89Report of Grand Necrologist …………………………………... 20 - 26Report of Grand Secretary ……………...…………………….... 69 - 73 Report of Grand Treasurer ……………………………………...... 69

Royal Arch Foundation:Awards ………………………………………………………........... 64Charity Auction results ……………………………….……… 63 - 64Financial report ………………………………………..…................ 66Report ……………………………………………………..…… 64 - 68Trustees appointed …………………………………....................... 101

Summary (Abstract) of annual returns for 2014 ……...……………..... 161 - 162Talks:

Alexander, Lynn, Grand Illustrious Master ..................................... 35Blankenhorn, Robert D. Response to welcome address ……… 10 - 11Cokonougher, Steven E. Grand Master, Ohio .......... 10, 58&59, 96&97Gault, Thomas H., Rt. Eminent Grand Commander ......................... 36 Gray, Larry, Past General Grand High Priest ........................ 37 - 39Murray, David W., Grand High Priest, Ohio Prince Hall ................. 14Smalley, Neil M., Active Emeritus, AASR ..................................... 36 Spoerl, Wendy, CEO Adopt America Network ……………...… 11 - 14Stofac, Thomas, CEO, Ohio Masonic Home …………………... 15 - 17Van Sickle, Grand First Principal, Ontario ............................. 18 - 19

Time and Place, report …………………………………………………. 95 - 96

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Royal Arch Masons of Ohio 175