,Jrocttbing~ of

c!9ranb ~bapttr of

~opal ~reb jfla~ons

of ~lbtrta 1955

1

GEORGE GRIEVE

Grand First Principal

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Most Excellent Companion George Gr·ieve, was born on the

I I th day of December, 1900, at La rkhall , Scotland.

He was educated at Larkhall, Scotland and finished hi; edu­

cation in the City of Edmonton .

He was married to Alice Louise Leigh ron on January 25th, 1925.

He was initiated into Masonry in Commercial Lodge No. 81, at

Edmonton, on the I I th day of November, 1922.

Exalted to the Supreme Degree of the Holy Royal Arch in

Norwood Chapter No. I 8 on the 19th day of March 1924, was

appointed Junior Sojou rner and from there filled the O ffices to

the First Principal .

Consecrated in Edmonton Preceptory No. 46, Edmonton.

Annoi nted and Consecrated to the Holy Orders of High

Priest Hood in Alberta.

He is Superintendent of Maintenance and Equi pment of ·rhe

Great West Garment Co. Ltd., in the City of Edmonton.

George is well ~nown in Masonic circ ~ es and his interests in ·rhe

various Degrees keep him very busy, and we ·rrust that he may be

lo ng spared to contribute to the welfare of the Craft in general

for years to come.

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PROCEEDINGS

of the

Grand Chapter of

Royal Arch Masons of Alberta

at the

FORTY-FIRST

~nnual ~onbocation 1955

Held in the

City of Lethbridge, Alberta

May 11th, 1955

Royal

4

NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY -FIVE

Grand Arch

Chapter of Masons of Alberta

Forty-First Annual Convocation Proceedings

Minutes of th e Proceedings of the Forty-first Anuual Convocation cf the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta, on the 11th day of May, A.D. , 1955, A.L.2485.

OFFICERS PRESENT

M.E. Companion G. Grieve R.E. Companion C. W. Lilley

............ Grand First Principal ............. Grand Second Principal

R.E. Companion F. ,L. Colwell .. 1 .. Grand Third Principal R.E. Compani~n ' John ' Farrugia .... .. Grand Superintendent R.E. Companion M. Baldwin ................... Grand Superintendent R.E. Companion W. R. Roberts .. Grand Superintendent R.E. Companion Paul L. Jones ..... Grand Superintendent R.E. Companion L. C. Spivey ................. Grand Superintendent R.E. Companion T. S. Jeffery ....... Grand Treasurer

1\II.E. Companion F. J. Hand ........ Grand Scribe Ezra <Grand Secretary)

R.E. Cimpanio.n A. B. Erickson ....... Grand Scribe Nehemiah R.E. Companion w, N. 'Martin ............... Grand Principal Sojourner

l\T.E. Companion E. G. Ellerton ....... Grand Lecturer V.E. Companion J. Lewis Brownlee ...... Grand Outer Guard

PAST GRAND FIRST PRINCIPALS PRESENT

.1\'I.E. Companion M. M. Downey M.E. Companion J. L. Inn es M.E. Companion J. W. G. Morrison M.E. Companion Alfred Peart l'vT.E. Companion Dr. J. V. Follett JVI.E. Companion F. Mayer M.E. Companion W. H. Scott M.E. Companion A. G. Acton l\I.E. Companion E. G. Ellerton M.E. Comp·anion George Grieve M.E. Comoanion F. J. Hand M.E. Companion S. H. Middleton .1\T.E. Companion W . A. Irving 1\II.E. Companion F. Van Demark l\I.E. Companion A. L. Williams (Honorary

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PRINCIPALS AND PAST PRINCIPALS PRESENT

Alberta Chapter No. I H. L. Coggan (Z), G. H. .. Galbraith (H), F. J. Hand, H. E. Draper,

Norman B. Williams, C. F. Fawcett, W. H. Houghton, John C. Haglund.

North Star Chapter No. 2 P. J. Kendal (Z), E. M. Galbraith' (H), A. L. Williams, C. W.

Lilley, E. Searle, 'M. Wi. Robertson, E . G . Ellerton, W. H. Scott, J. B. Cameron, N. R. Hrudey.

Assiniboia Chapter No. 3 E. G. Ellerton, W. G. Hartley, G. G. Sept.

Shekinah Chapter No. 4 H. F. Shave (H), P. L. Jones, H. B. Wilks, S. H. Middleton, J. A.

Livingstone, H. D: Dykstra, W. Betts.

Golden Dest Chapter No. 5 W. S. Morrison (Z), A. Gorveatt (H), A. E. Neal, W. S. Langill,

G. H. Lambert, 0. Nevra, E . T. Proehl, C. M. La verty.

Kether Chapter No. 8 Arthur E. Ryan (H), Kenneth P. McDowall (J), J. B. Marcellus.

B. Walker, R. P . Stuckey, Ellis Marcellus, H . A. Gun n, E. H. Rowe , Walter Marcellu s.

Otuskwan Chapter No.9 Lloyd E. Smith (H), A. G . :Act on , F. L. Colwell , A. Carr, W. N.

Martin, Joh n J . Malkin, Norman G. Rusk, J . V. Follett, A. E. Crumley, E. S. Smith, A. L. Griswold, J. Ra y And erson.

'Bow V•alley Chapter No. 10 G. A. McBean (Z).

Calgary Chapter No. 11 D. J. McLaughlin (J), T. S. J effery, Frank E. Van Demark.

Keystone Chapter No. 12 A. Stani!orth (Z), A. A. MacDonald (H), M. M. Downey.

Capital City Chapter No. 12 Thomas Hughes, B. C. J akeman , W a lter H ill , Fran k Mayer, John

Farrugia, Alf. Peart .

Vermilion Chapter No . . 14 S. D. Simonson. J. W. G. 'Morrison, W . H. Scott.

Hillvue Chapter No. IS W. Lord

T·au Cross Chapter No. 16 L. J. Wilhite (Z), E. H. Mack , W. J . McKe nzie, J . A. Atkin son .

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Moun.t Olivet Chapter No. 17 G. T. Loney.

Norwo:>od Chapter No. 18 E. J. White (Z), A. B. Erickso.n, J. Lewis Brownlee, George Grieve,

M. M. Downey.

The Hiram Chapter No. 19 I. D. Barton, J. W. N. Beamish.

Banff Chapter No. 20 F. J. Hand.

Strathmore Chapter No. 21 H. C. Willson (Z), A. Carr, R. E. Gray, N. E. Scheer, R. A. F ergu­

son, M. M. Down ey.

Crescent Chapter No. 24 G. A. Bagley (Z), L. J. Dan iels (H ), J . L. Innes, W, R. Roberts.

Harmony Chapter No. 26 J . J. Rennie (H), E. G. Stiles (J), l.J. C. Spivey , W. M . Kelly, L. 0 .

Bodmer, A. Brown (Z).

Eheyeh Chapter No. 27 W. H. D. Anderson, Geo. C. Ford, W. A. Irving, Alex Nicol , E. F.

Steph en s, A. B. Hunter.

Hanna Chapter No. 28 J as. Foster (J), M. Baldwin , R. S. Moore.

Edson Chapter No. 30 Fran k Mayer.

Parklands Chapter No. 31 W . E. Rio me <Z>, J . E. Bradley (H ).

Viking Chapter No. 32 W . Comisarow CH), G. I. Loney, A. L. Williams.

Hamer Chapter No. 33 E. K. Kirkberg.

Wapiti Chapter No. 34 W. J. N. Leslie, A. L. Williams.

W1lliam Smith Jr.

Empress Chapter N.o. 35

Bethel Chapt er No. 36

The Committee o n Creden tials having r eported that a Constitu­t ion a l number of Chapters w ere represented by their q u a lified rep­resen tatives, t h e Forty-f irst Ann u a l Grand Co.nvocation was open ed in a m ple form at 9:35 p.m. Wedn esday, May 11th, A.D. 1955, A.L.

7

2485, by the Grand F irst Principal Most Excellen t Companion George Grieve.

The Grand First Principal then requested the Companions to rise while '1 bles sing is a sked of the Most High for the success of this Grand Chapter.

Suprem e Architect of Heaven and Earth, W e humbly beseech T h ee to look down w it h an eye of favor upon this our Forty-first Annual Convoca tion of the Grand Chapter of Alberta, about to be open ed.

Grant us Wisdom to contrive, strength t o support and the beauty of Harmony, so tha t w e may arrange the affairs of this Grand Convocation in accorda nce with thy Divine Will. 0 Eternal God mercifully grand t hat t hy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our h earts. Amen .

RECEPTION OF DISTINGUISHED VISITORS

M ayor of t>he City of Lethbridge,

Ex. Comp. H . B. Wilks then introduced the Mayor, A. W . Sh ackleford t o the Gran d Chapter.

M.E. Companion George Grieve thanked Ex. Comp. H. B. Wilks a nd extended a very w a rm w elcome to Mayor Shackleford, a s fol­lows:-

Your Worship it is a v ery great pleasure for m e this morning t o extend t o you on behalf of the Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Ma son s of Alberta here assembled a hearty w elcome to this our Forty-first Annual Convocation which is being held for t h e fi rst t im e in t h e friendly City of Lethbridge.

We fully rea lize that the duties of a Chie f Executive of a City are many and of the numer.ous calls on your time. W e therefore would like to ex press our thanks to you for taking time out from your Civic duties t o a ddress us this morning.

I w ould ask that you be escorted t o the East and given a Sea t on the Dias.

Mayor Sh ackleford t h en st a t ed that h e was pleased a nd honored to extend greetings from the friendly City of Lethbrid,ge , and t ha t it w as a Red Le tte r day w h en the Grand Chapter decided t o hold it s Session in t h e City, t h is being the first time that this ha d occurred, a n d he hoped that w e w ould not let so· many y ears pass b efore coming again , that over t h e years great changes had taken place in t he City of Lethbridge, a nd that Brotherly love and friendship w ould make the meeting a success and on behalf of the Citizens of Leth­bridge he w ishes to t hank the Grand Chapter for the honor o f selecting Le thbridge as it s p lace of meeting this yea r. He t h en retired .

Most E minen t Knight Companio·n Charles W. Lilley , Pa st Grand Sovere ign of the Grand Imperial Conclave of Canada, Red Cross of Con st a ntine , w a s t h en presented and introduced by M.E. Companion Frank Mayer.

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Most Illustrious Companion E. G. Ellerton. Past Grand Master of the Grancl Council of W estern Canada, Royal a nd Select 'Masters (Cryptic Rite ) was then presented and intro-duced by M.E . Compan­io n J. L. Innes.

Most E xcellent Companion J . L. Innes, President of the Grand Council of Anointed High Priests of the Province of Albert-a, was then presented and introduced by M.E. Companion F. J. Hand.

R. Eminent Sir Knight A. L. Willia ms, Grand Provincial Prior of Tlil.e Sovereign Great Priory of Canada, was t h en presented an d introduced by M.E. Compa nion J . W. ·G. Morrison.

Illustrious Potenta t e W. H. Henry, Imperial Potentate of the Ancient and Arabic Orde r of the Mystic Shrine, was then presented and intro-duced by M.E. Companion W. A. Irving.

Most Ex. Companion George Grieve then welcomed the repre ­sentatives of the different 'Masonic Bodies as follows: -

It is an esteemed pleasure a nd priviJe,ge to extend to you on behalf o.f the Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Mason s of Albe1·ta a h earty and s.incere welcome to· t his our Forty-f irst Annual Convocation. We feel it is ·a great honor to have with us today so many representatives of other Masonic Bodies, a lso· that you h a ve taken time off from your business commitments to be with us on this occasion. W e would lil<e you to convey to your respective Masonic B.odies our sincere fraternal greetings from this Grand · :chapter. He then asked the m to be seated in the East.

Illusti·ious Potentate W. H. Henry, replied tha t it was a pleasure to com e to the m eeting, as it was a compliment to AI Azhar, a n d was a high honor to be a Mason, and as our t eachings in t he great family ·of :M;asonic Bodies was very similar, it was reachin g its ultimate goal and in the name of The T emple AI Azha r I want t o thank you for my reception this morning . He then retired.

Most Ex. Companion Fra nk E. Van Demark, Past Grand High Priest, Rt. Ex. Companion John Haglund, and Rt. Ex. Companion Lon Crumley, of the Grand Chapter of Montana, were then presented and introduced by 'M.E. Companion J . V. Follett.

Most Ex. Companion S. H. Fahrni, Past Grand First Principal of the Grand Chapter of Manitoba, and Most E x. Companion R. Mayson . Grand First Principal of the Grand Chapter o.f Saskatchewan, were then presented a nd introduced by Most Ex. Companion George Acton.

The Grand First Principal then thanked the Visiting Companions as follows :-·

Dis tinguish ed Visitors from Sister Grand Jurisdictions , pem1it m e to extend to you on behalf of the Companion s of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta a most sincere and h earty wel­·come to be with us on our Forty-first Annua l Convocation of th e Grand Chapte r of Alberta. W e h a ve a lways en joyed harmonious relations with our Sister Grand Jurisdictions and it is ou r earnest desire that this may always continue. W e would like you to take

hack with you to· your several Grand Chapters our most cordial and s incere fraternal greetings and we hope t hat you r visit with us today will be most pleasant and enjoya'ble. I would ask tJhem then to be escorted to the East and be seated with us on the Dais.

PRELIMINARY REPORT ON CREDENTIALS

R.E. Companion E. S. Smith, reporting that 29 Chapters out of the 30 Chapters were represented by their Principals or Proxies.

Rea ding of Minute s

On motion of R.E. Companion C. W. Lilley seconded by M.E. Comp. A. G. Acton, it was

Resolve<.l that the minutes as printed in the proceedings b e take n as read and confirmed.

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Address of the Grand First Principal

To the Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta:

Dear Companions: Another year has been recorded in the history of the Grand

Chapter of Alberta, and it is my esteemed priviledge to extend to all who compose this Grand Chapter a most hearty and sincers welcome to our Forty-first Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Alberta.

To many of you this is the first time you have attended Grand Chapter as a representative of a subordinate Chapter. We hope you will enjoy your visit with us and that you will take an active part in our deliberations, so that you may return to your various Chapters more enlightened on the affairs of Grand Chapter and Royal Arch Masonry.

To our distinguished guests and ¥isitors from other Grand Jurisdictiions, I extend warm fraternal ,greetings and trust that your visit with us today will be happy and enjoyable.

A year ago today the Companions of this Grand Chapter elected me to this high office, an honor which I will always treasure and for which I am deeply grateful. I have endeavored to carry out the dutiies of this high office to the best of my ability and while I feel I should have accomplished more during my tenure of office, this was curtailed due to insufficient time at my disposal, however I feel all the important oommittments of this Grand Chapter were fulfill ed.

N.ECROLOGY

I am glad to report that the ranks of our Grand Officers, past and present remains unbroked by death, during the past year, for which we express our thanks to the GREAT I AM.

We however mourn the loss of many of our beloved Companions of constituent 'Chapters in this Grand Jurisdictiion. To their families and friends we extend our deepest sympathy. The proper committee will honor the memory of these departed Companions.

INVITATIONS

Invitations were received to attend the Grand Convocation of th e following: Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan. Grand Chapter of British Columbia. Grand Chapter of Manitoba. Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia. Grand Chapter of Montana.

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I regret very much my inability to be present personally at all of these Grand Convocations, but wish to advise that I was repre­sented at t he Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan by M. E. Companion Dr. J. V. Follette, to whom I am very grateful for having taken my place on this occasion.

At the Grand Lodge of Montana I was r epresented by M. E. Companion George A. Acton, accompanied by the Grand Third Principal, R. E. Comp. Frank L. Colwell, many thanks George for assuming my responsibilities on this occasion.

It was my intentiion to have M. E. Comp. E. G. Ironside, repre­sent m e at the Grand Chapted of British Columbia, however due to illness at the time he was unable to be present, however I was able personally to visit with M. E. Comp. H. P . Wyness and M. E. Comp. Baker, G .S.E., during a visit I made to Vancouver in October at which time I ext ended fraternal greetings from this Grand Chapter.

It was my pleasure to attend the Thirty-second Annual Convoca­tion of the Grand Chapter of Manitoba, h eld in the city of Winnipeg on F ebruary 9, 1955, accompanied by M. E. Comp. Dr. J. V. Follette and M. E. Comp. Frank Mayer. W e were received and extended a ll the courtesies and ·attention by the Grand First Principal and the companions of 'Manitoba. The weather gave us a very coo.J reception but the warmth of the reception extended to us by th e Companions of Manitoba, and particularly R. E. Comp. Harry Wilson who workked so hard to see that nothing was left undon e to make our visit most pleasan t, and one which I think all th e visitors present will long remember.

I was very glad to have the opportunity at this time of again meeting and talking with M. E. Comp. Earl Dusenbery, P.G.G.H..P., of the General Grand Chapter, also .several distinguishe d companions from Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Saskatchewan and Ontario. During my visit to this Grand Chapter Convocation I was honored by beng made an Honorary Grand First Principal of the Grand Chapter of Manitoba, an honor which I will always treasure.

VISITS TO OTHER MASONIC BODI.ES:

I regret very much that at the last minute, due to unfo·rseen circumstances, I was unable to attend Sovere i,gn Great Priory and the Conference of Canadian Grand Chapters held in Kingston in August. I had looked forward to attending this meeting as I felt it would be one of the highlights of my year of office, however, I was re presented by the Grand Second Principal, R. E. Comp. C. W . Lilley and M. E . Comp. Dr. J. V. Follette. There is an important decision to be made regarding th e future of the Conference of Canadian Grand Chapters by the companions of this Grand Chapter, which will be made known to you by the Chairman for this year M. E. Comp. Dr. J . V. Follette.

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DISTRICT MEETINGS:

Six District Meetings were held during the year and I was present at four of these, unfortunately due to circumstances b_ey~nd my control I could not be present at District No. 1, my own D1stnct, th1s being because of duplicatiion of meeting .nights between District No. 1 and District No. 6. After giving this considerable thought I d ecided to attend District No. 6 at Gleichen.

On Oct. 6, 1954, I attended the District Meeting of District No . 4 held at Lethbridge. I was accompanied by the Grand Lecturer, M. E. Comp. E. G. Ellerton, R. E. Companions Hill and McCoomb, M. E. Comp. F. J. Hand, G.S.E., R. E. Comp. F. L. Colwell, Grand Third Principal. I was received by R. E. Comp. Paul Jon es, G.D.S., of District No. 6, accorded due honors and extended every courtesy. This was a very enthusiastic meeting a.nd during the question period the Grand Lecturer, was given lots of opportunity to expound h is knowledge of the Constitution and Ritual. The attendance was the largest recorded at any of the District Meetings I attended, there being 85 companions in attendance. I think the companions of this District are loo-king forward to the Grand Chapter Convocation which Will be held in the city of Le thbridge in May of this year.

On Oct. 3, 1954, I attended the District Meeting of District No. 5. held at Forestburg. I was accompanied by thhe Grand Lecturer, Grand Second Principal, R. E. Camps. Hill, Smith, Ericksen, Farrugia and Brownlee. A banquet preceded the m eeting which was held in the Masonic Hall, after which we went to the school auditorium for the Distri ct Meeting. I was r eceived by R. E. Comp. Danielson, G.D .S .. of District No. 5, accord ed due honors and invited to th e East. This was also a very good meeting and I would like to offer my congratu­lations to R. E. Comp. Danielson for his efforts in a rran ging such a fine meeting.

On November 29, 1954, I visited the District Meeting of District No. 6, held at Gleichen. I was accompanied by R. E. Comp. F. L. Co1well, who was so kind as to meet me in Catgary and drive me to Gleichen. I regret vEry much that Empress a nd Assiniboia Chapters of Medicine Hat were not re presented on th is occasion. A lovely banquet was arranged by the ladies of Bow Valley Chapter No. 10, preceding the meeting. I was received by R. E. Comn. L. C. Spivey, G.D.S., of District No . 6, accorded Grand Honors and all courtesies. This was a very well conducted meeting a nd the com­panions are very enthusiastic Royal Arch Masons and are particularlv intere.sted in the correct interpretation of t h e Ritual on Degree Work.

On J anuary 15, 1955, I attended District Meeting of District No. 3, held in Crescent Chapter in the City of Calgary. I was accompani ed by the Grand Lecturer, M. E. Comp. E. G. Ellerton, IVI. E. Comp. Dr. J. V. Foll ette, M. E. Comp. F. J. Hand, G.S.E., R. E. Comp. F. L. Colwell and other Grand Cha pter Officers. I was received by R. E. Comp. W . R. Roberts, G.D.S., of District No·. 3, accorded due honors nnd all courtesies. Some v ery fin e reports w ere given at this meet. ing, particularly the report given by E. Comn. Rav Anderson, P.P .. of Otuskwan Chap ter No. 9. M.E. Comp. Dr. J. V. Folle tte gave a short

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talk on the pro posed chang es to b e made in the procedure o r th e conference of Canadian Chapters at the banquet that follow ed the District M e eting.

I wish to express my regrets to R. E. Camp. M . Baldwin, G.D .S. , and the companions of District No. 2 for not b eing prese nt a t th e Dist rict Meeting held at Hanna on February 21, 1955. I g ot as fa r as Calgary, but due to the pressure of business which I had to attend to in the afternoon , and r eturn home th a t night, I had t o pass up my trip t o Ha nna. Howev er, on arriving in Ca lgary I w as m et by the Grand Third Principal , R. E. Camp. Frank Colwell, and afte r explaining the s it uation t o him, he agreed to repres ent m e at Ha nna t h a t ev ening. Man y thanks Frank, and I hop e I ca n rec ipro ­ca t e during your year a s Grand Firs t Principal.

As I stated previously in m y report regarding m y ina bility t o attend th e m eetin gs of Distric ts No . 1 and No. 2, th ese will be fully covered in t he Grand Distric t Superintendents re port of these Districts.

I am pleased t o confirm the election of th e following Grand District Superintenden t s for the n ext capitular year;

Distric t No . District No . Dis t ric t No. District No. District No . Distr ic t No .

1 - R.E . Camp. W. H. Gillette . 2 - R.E. Camp. Ed. Ste ph e ns. 3 - R.E. Co m p. N. J. Rusk. 4 - R.E. Ca m p. E. H. Rowe . 5 - R.E . Camp. Godd a rd T. Loney. 6 - R.E. Ca m p . W. M. K elly.

DISPENSATIONS GRANTED

Ot uskwan Chapter No . 9 - To h old on E mergen t Con vocation for t he p u rpos e of conferring th e M.M.M., 'M .E .M. P ast M.asters Degree an d the H.R.A. Degree a nd t o receive t h e Compan ion s from. Montana.

Norwood Chapter No. 18 - To open t h e Regular Convocation at 7 :30 p.m .

Viking Chapter No . 32 - To ch a nge ni g ht of Regular Con vocation fo r a Jo int In stallation of Officers with Park1ands Ch apter No. 31.

T au Cross Cha pter No. 16 - E lect a nd Install a Companion to th e Off ice of Secon d Principal.

She kina h Chapter No . 4 - E lect and Install a Compan ion to the Office of Second Pri.n cipal.

Hamar Chapter No . 33 - E lec t a nd In stall a Companion to the Office of Second Prin cipal.

Banff Chapt er No . 20 - Ch a n ge night of Re gular Convocation for· the purpose of receiving t h e Gra n d Superintend ent. Golden W est Ch apt er No. 5 - Change nig ht of Regula r Convocation owing to rush of business in December.

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14

Shekinah Chhapter No. 4 - Change night of Regular Convocation to allow Companions to attend the Grand Chapter Convocation.

Capital City Chapter No. 13 - Shorten the period of Residence to co·ver the required regulations, this Brother being in a situation where h e was not long in any city.

Otuskan Chapter No. 9 for Shrine Ceremonials.

Change night of Regular Convocation

Wapiti Chapter No. 34 Change Regular Convocation, for the purpose of receiving the Grand First Principal and Grand Superin­tendent on their Official Visits.

Keystone Chapter No. 12 - Change Regular Convocation for the purpose of receiving the Grand Superintendene on h is official visit.

Calgary Chapter No. 11 - Change night of Regular Convocatiion for the purpose of Joint Installation with Otuskwan Chapter No. 9.

Crescent Chapter No. 24 - Change night of Regular Convocation for Installation of Officers and Ladies Night.

Capital City Chapter No. 13 - To shorten the period of residence in accordance with Section No. 218 of the Constitut ion.

Banff Chapter No. 20 - Change Night of Regular Convocatiion, the regular Convocation falling on Bo.nspiel week.

Norwood Chapter No. 18 - T o elect a Tyler out of time.

Otuskwan Chapter No. 9 - To elect and invest a Principal Sojourner out of time.

Otuskwan Chapter No. 9 - Change night of Regular Convocation to allow another Masonic organization to have the Hall on this night.

Capital City Chapter No. 13 - Change night of Regular Convoca­tion , Good Friday falling on their Regular Convocation.

BY-LAWS APPROVED

Alberta Chapter No. 1 - Bringing their By-laws up to date and reprinting.

MEMBERSHIP

Our net increase for our year 1954 was 135. I am sure that t he increase would be higher but the grim reaper claimed sixty of the Companions and this together with demits and suspensions cut deeply into our increase. My sincere thanks go out t o the following Chapters for a ten percent increasE: or better:

North Star No. 2. Parkland No. 31. Wapiti No. 34.

Empress No. 35. Bethel No. 36. Edson No. 30.

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I would call your attention to the fact that it is the younger Chapters that k eep g iving us the 10% increase.

GRAND REPRESENTATIVES

The following Grand Representatives have been approved an d recommended:

To the Grand Chapte r of Ohio - Ex. Comp. T. McDonald.

To the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia - Most Ex. Companion L. M. MacKinnon.

To the Grand Chapte r of Texas - Ex. Companion J. E. Cavender.

To the Grand Chapte r of California - Ex. Comp. Harry R. Sones.

To the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts - Rt. Ex. Companion Frank L. Ogiliie.

To t h e Grand Chapter of Arkansas - Ex. Comp. Roy A. Fowler.

To the Suprem e Grand Chapter of Victoria - Rt. Ex. Companion Stephen J. Jess u p.

To the Suprem e Grand Chapter of I rela n d - Ex. Companion T homas Jackson.

To the Grand Chapter of New J ersey - Ex. Comp. George A. Ferris.

F rom the Grand Chapt~r of British Columbia - Rt . Ex. Comp. F . A. Smith.

F rom the Grand Chapter of In dian a - Rt. Ex. Comp. J . B. Cameron.

From t h e Grand Chapter of Quebec Robe rtson

Rt. Ex. Comp. W . W.

From the Grand Chapter of Alaska - Rt. Ex. Comp. A. L. Griswold.

From the Grand Chapter of Phillipine Islands - Rt. Ex. Comp. Sam Harris.

From t h e Grand Chapter of Nebraska - V. E x. Comp. N. R. Hrudey.

From the Grand Chapter of Ka nsas - V Ex. Comp. J. L. Brownlee.

From the Grand Chapter of Louisan a - Rt. Ex. Comp. L Farrugia.

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PRESENTATION OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL

The General Grand Chapter each year gives a Distinguished Service Medal, one to each Grand Chapter, to be presented to the Companion who rendered devoted and outstanding service to the Royal ,Arch Masonry. !\{embers and Ex 'Members of the Grand Council are not eligible. I will .now ask M.E. Companion George Action D. of C. to present Rt. Ex. Comp. Wialter Hill. M. Ex. Comp. Everett G. Ellerton, you have a duty to perform.

Rt. Ex. Comp. Walter Hill, June 23, 1885 must have been one of England's very sunny Summer days. Your birth in England on a day of that nature, doubtless, is one of the · reasons why you have carried with you throughout the years such a pleasing disposition .

The fascinating appeal of Western Canada, no doubt, oft-times was pondered over by you a nd in June, 1911, you arrived in Edmon­ton, Alberta, then a city .of 31,064 persons. (200,000 in 1954).

In 1915 yo u offered your services and enlisted in His Majesty's Forces and served your country in the · Army until 1919, and of this perio d two and a half years were spent in France and Belgium.

On April 15, 1912, you became an employee of the Edmonton T ransit System (then known as the Edmonton Street Railway) by whom I have been informed that y.our service was of an excellent nature and also that in addition to being one of their key men in instructing the employees during the transition period from street cars to trolley busses, they were happy in being able to avail of your s ervices periodically .for instructional duties. In 1947 you were appointed a permanent Instructor, which duties you continued to fulfill until your retiremen t July 15, 1950, terminating an associati on of over t hirty-eight years during which you won for yourself the esteem of the travelling public and the admiration of your em­ployees.

Your interest in things Mason ic goes back a very long time.

You were raised to th e Sublime Degree of a Master Mason in Unity Lodge No. 51, at Edmonton on 'March 14, 1913.

You were exalted to the Suprem e Degree of the Holy Royal Arch in Capital City No. 13 Edmonton, March 26, 1915 and were First Principal of that Chapter in 1930. In 1931 you were elected Grand Registrar.

It is very evident that you have always enjoyed havoing frequent contact with your fellow m en .

You have ever been a ready and willing Companion generously and efficiently givin g of your time a nd ability in helping to dispense assistance, light and knowledge to your less well informed brethren, irrespective of whether these duties were performed within the borders of the City of Edmonton or where travelling of long distances was involved. This zeal and interest is also manifest 'in the other :Masonic bodies in which you are a member or officer.

17

A clean mind, a clear brain, a retentive memory and a warm heart have been the mainsprings from which has emanated your splendid and highly appreciated service to Capilular Masonry !n Alberta, and our Grand Chapter Officers fee l amply warran ted m choosing you as a worthy recipient this year of this Distinguished Service Medal which has been so graciously donated by the General Grand Chapter.

It is our ardent hope and earnest prayer that the Great J ehovah may grant unto yo u the length of many years in which to proudly wear this medal and also to cheer, encourage and inspire your fellow Royal Arch Companions in Alberta.

VISITS TO CONSTITU.ENT CHAPTERS

I regret that it was impossible for me to visit all the Chapters in this Grand Jurisdiction. T·o the Officers and Companions o.f those Chapters which it was not my pleasure to visit, I wish to express my sincere regrets

Date Chapter

May 14 54 Capital City

?IIay 20-54 North Star

May 27-54 Norwood

June 12-54 Capital City

Jun e 24-54 Norwood

June 2-54 North Star

June 2-54 Capital City

Sept. 10-54 Capital City

No. Place

13 Edmonton

2 Edmonton

18 Edmonton

13 Edmonton

18 Edmonton

2 Edmonton

13 Edmonton

13 Edmonton

Sept. 15-54 Mount Olivet 17 Killam

Sept. '29-54 North Star

Oct. 16-54 Wapiti

Oct. 21-54 North Star

Nov. 13-54 Capital City

Nov. 24-54 Capital City

Nov. 25-54 Norwood

Nov. 27-54 Edson

Nov. 30-54 North Star

Dec. 10-54 Capital City

Dec. 16-54 North Star

Dec. 23-54 Norwood

2 Edmonton

34 Grande Prairie

2 Edmonton

13 Edmonton

13 Edmonton

18 Edmonton

30 Edson

2 Edmonton

13 Edmonton

2 Edmonton

18 Edmonton

Meeting and Work

Regular and M.M.M.

Regular and M.E.M.

Regular.

Regular and M.E.M.

Regular.

Emergent and H.R.A.

Emergent and H.R.A.

Regular and M.M.M.

Official Visit G.D.S., and H.R.A. Degree

Regular and M.M.M.

Regular and M.E.M.

Regular.

Regular.

Emergent and H.R.A.

Regular and H.R.A. by G.C. Officers

Emergent and H.R.A.

Emergent and H.R.A.

Regular.

Regular and Install. of Officers.

Regular.

--- -----

18

Jan. 14-55 Capital City 13 Edmonton Regular and Install. of Officers by G.F.P.

Jan. 20-55 North Star 2 Edmonton Regular.

Jan. 25-55 Keystone 12 Red Deer Regular and Install. of Officers by G.F.P.

Jan. 27-55 Norwood 18 Edmonton Regular and Install. of Officers by G.F.P.

Jan. 31-55 North Star 2 Edmonton Emergent and M.M . .M.

Feb. 17-55 North Star 2 · Edmonton Regular and M.E.M.

F eb. 24-55 Norwood 18 Edmonton Regular and M.M.M.

Mar. 11-55 Capital City 13 Edmonton Regular and M.E.M.

Mar. 11-55 Norwood 18 Edmonton Regular and M.E.M.

Mar. 24-55 North Star 2 Edmonton Emergent and H.R.A.

Mar. 28-55 Capital City 13 Edmonton Regular and M.M.M.

April '21-55 North Star 2 Edmonton Regular & Ladies Night

April 28-55 Norwood 18 Edmonton Regular and M.M.M.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

During my visits, which I have been p·rivileged to make to the several Chapters .in our Jurisdiction, also my attendance at the several District Meetings during t h e past year, I must report progress and am of the opinion that the prospects for t he future of Royal Arch Masonry in this province are indeed very b right.

There is however, one point I woukl like to bring to the atten­tion of this Grand Chapter at this time, and that is the desire of the Officers and Companions in all Chapters in this Grand Juris­diction, to · have uniformity in the conferring of our degrees. To obtain this I would recommend to the Committee on the Work of this Grand Chapter, that they adopt a manual of inst ruction on the three degrees similar to t h e one used by the Grand Chapter of Canada in Ontario and also by the Grand Chapters of Saskatch ewan and Manitoba. If this procedure is adopted by this Grand Chapter, one oopy of the manual would be supplied to every Chapter in this Grand Jurisdictiion for the use of the First Principal during his year of office and then passed on to his successor, also that the Grand District Superintendent of each District be given a copy of this manual for his personal guidance. This, in my opinion, would eliminate all the small differences in conferring degrees which are noticeable in different Chapters and also a lot of unnecessary discussion relative to conferring degrees at our District Meetings. This book of instructions wouk! be subject to change only on the recommendation of the committee of the work a nd approval of Grand Chapter at our annual convocation each year.

l!l

ROYAL ARCH DAY- NOV. 29. 1S54

Royal Arch Day was h eld in the City of Calgar~ on l!'ri~ay, November 29th, 1954, arrangements being made by the Ftrst Pnnctpal and Officers and Companions of Otuskwan Chapter No. 9, Calgary.

This in my opinion was the outstanding day in Royal Arch Masonry in t his Province during the last year, and I was greatly honored that it took place during my year as Grand First Principal. It was a field day and a class of 19 candidates having obtaine d their M.M.M.; M.E.M. ; and H.R.A. Degrees at this time. The M.M.M. Degree was conferred by the Edmonton Companions with R.E. Camp. W . Hill in charge of the Degree. The M.E.'M . and P.M:. Degrees w e re conferred by our g ood 'Companions from Tyrean Chapter No. 34, Cutba nk, Montana, with M.E. Camp. Frank E VanDemark in charge of t h e Degrees. The H.R.A. Degree was conferred by t h e m embers of Cypress Preceptory.

A banque t w as h eld at 6.30 p.m., to which the ladies w ere invited , the g u est speaker on this oc casion b e ing M.E. Camp. Dr. J . V. Follette . Af t er the confe rring of the R.A. Degre e the ladies a gain joined us for a social hour which complete d a p erfec t day. I w ish t o congratula t e E. Camp. Ray Anderson and his committee, f irst fo r the inspira tiion a nd second for the remarkable way in which the a rrangem ents fo r the Royal Arch Day were conducte d . Many tha nks, Ray for a job w ell done .

CONCLUSION

In closing I a g ain wish to thank the Companions of this Grand Chapt er for having a ffo rde d · m e the opportunity and the priviledge of having h eld t h e office of Grand First Principal of the Grand Chapte r of Alb erta. I have t ried to carry out the responsibilities of this high office and t o s erve you t o the best of my ability and to m erit the confiden ce you placed in m e one year ago. I would like to express m y sincere thanks t o all the Grand District Superintendents fo·r the support they have given me, also to the Grand Second Principal. R.E. Camp. C. W. Lilley and the Grand Third Principal R.E. Camp. F . L. Colwell f o r t h eir a ssistance and cooperation during the past year. I wish t o t hank M.E. Camp. F. J. Hand, G.S.E., for his a ble assistance a n d knowledge which was so generously and freely given. I a m deeply indebted. to the Grand Lecturer , M.E. Co m p. E. G. Ell erton , fo·r his companionship which I enjoyed very much on many of m y visits on which h e accompanied m e , and also t o all Past Grand F irs t Pr.incipals of this Grand Chapter, I wish to express my sincere t hanks for the many kindnesses and assistance given m e .

Companions, m y :year of office is drawing to a close, to my s uccessor R.E. Camp. C. W Lilley , go· my sincere wishes for a success­ful y ear and I w ould ask for him the continued support of all the Companions of this Grand Chapte r.

Fraternally submitted,

GEORGE GRIEVE, G.Z.

20

On motion •ef R.E. Comp. E. ·w.· Lilley Seconded by R.E. Comp .. F Colwell it was

Resolved that the Grand Z's address· to referred to the proper committee.

Reply by R.Ex. Comp. Walter Hill

Most Ex. Sir and Companions:

I do not think I have merited this honor ,an d acceptiiltg it rather as a token of sincere friendship of my Companions who have worked with m e along the way, would that this same friendship could be among the Nations of the world today. I thank you for submitting my name and also the Grand Chapter. Thank you very much.

REPORT OF THE COMM'ITTTEE ON WARRANTS

To th e Most Excellent Grand First Principal, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta.

Most Exce llent Sir and Companions:

Your Commitotee on Warrants beg to report, that no matters. were presented to this committee for consideration during the past year.

Fraternally submitted,

M. M. DOWNEY (Chairman) A. G. ACTON, W . H. SCOTT.

On the motion of M.E. Companion M. M .Down ey, seconded by M .E. Comp a nion A. G. Acton, it was

Resolved that th e report of the Committee on Warrants be re­ceived a nd adopted.

RECEPTION OF GRAND REPRESENTATIV.ES

Th e Grand First Principal asked the Grand Scribe Ezra to read the names of the Grand Representatives and as each .name was. read to assemble at the Altar, the following being present:

Al aska Arkansas Ca liforni a Connecticut District of Columbia Idaho Illinois Indiana Ireland

A. L. Griswold ...... W. H. Scott

...... Norman B. Will iams ................ Ira. D. Barton

...... J. W. G. Morrison .J. L. Innes

.... A. G. Acton ...... J. B. Ca meron .. ... J. W . N. Beamish

Louisiana Manitoba Maryland Massachusetts Mississippi Nebraska ... New York New Zealand North Caro·lina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Philli pin e Islands Queensland Quebec Saskatchewan Scotland South Dakota Tennessee Texas Vermont Virginia . . ..... . Washington West Virg inia Wisconsin

21

....... John Farrugia ........ J. M. Donaldson .... ... A... L. Willi·ams ...... . E. G. Ellerton

.. .. ...... C. W. Lilley ....... N. R. Hurdey . ...... C. M. Laverty ....... Frank Mayer

....... .... T. S. Jeffery ...... W. A. Irving

............ .... J. A. Livingstone .. .... .. . J. V. Follett ........ Sam Harris ........ C. Scaife

....... M. VI. Robertson .................. ... .. E. S. Smith .. .

.. S. H. Middleton .... A. Peart

....... 0. W. Harris .... A. Carr

..... M. M. Downey ...... C. Comba . ... George Gri ev e

....... F. J . Ha nd ............... Wm. Smith Jr.

The Grand First Prin cipal then addressed th e Grand Representa-1·ives. On behalf of the Grand Chapter of Alb erta, I t ender you a most sincere and cordial welcom e and thank yo u f or your fraternal greetings. Please convey to your respective Chapters you represent, the fraternal greetings of this Grand Chapter.

CORRESPONDENCE

Wire from R.E. Companion A. A. Cashman, at unavo idabl e absence and wishin g Grand Chapter ever success in its deliberations. \Vi re from R.E. Companion Don S. Neilson, regrets that h e could not be present.

Letter from M.E. Companion J. E. Johnson, conveying greetings and sincere regrets at n ot being pres ent.

Letter from R.E. Companion Sam Harris conveying greetings and regrets at n ot being present.

Letter from M.E. Companion E. G. Ironsides, conveying greetings a nd regrets a t n ot being present and stating that h e would be at­attending the Grand Chapte r of British Columbia on June 17th'.

22

Letter from R.E. Companion W. H. Gillett, regrets at not being able to be present and wishing the Grand Chapter every success.

Letter from M.E. Companion R. M. Lambertson, thankin g the Grand Chapter for flowers sent, and regrets at not being present.

On the mo·tion of M.E. Companion E. G. Ellerton seconded by R.E. Companion T . S. J effery, it was,

Resolved that the correspondence be placed in the archives.

Greetings from M.E. Companion R. Mayson, Grand First Principal of Saskatchewan.

M.E. Sir and Companions:

I would like to thank you for the cordial reception and the very great hospitality extended to me from the time of arriving in Leth­bridge, and I bring you the fraternal greetings of t he Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan. I am v ery happy to be in Lethbridge as my last visit was about 43 years ago when I was with the Bank of Montreal at Raymond. He then told of the many changes that had occurred irom the early days up to the present, and hoped that we would have a most beneficial session a•nd if any o.f the Companions were down at Moose Jaw they would be very pleased to receive them .

DISTRICT No. I To the Mos>t Excellent Grand First Principal, Officers and Comp,anions,

of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Al·berta.

Most Excellent Sir and Companion:

I have the honour to submit for your consideration my report as Grand Superintendent of District No. 1 for the past Grand Chapter year.

Wapiti Chapter No. 34, Grande Prairie - On October 16th, 1954, I made my official visit to Grande Prairie. This was a special convo­cation on Saturday in order to allow the Companies of Edmonton to attend.

Unfortunately we could not make a bus load as first arranged, as you know Grande Prairie is about 325 miles north of Edmonto n a nd is a tiresome journey and is hard for many t o make the trip.

Our First Grand Principal, Second Principal and myself left by bus Friday evening at 6 p.m . and to our delight were met by Comp. Sam Harris at High P·rairie ,hoping that he would accompany us fo r the rest of the jounrney, but to our disappointment h e was unable to do so on account of his health.

On arrive! we were met .by Comps. Putters and Nichols, and after spending the day in the town we attended the meeting in the evening.

This Chapter has 83 members and are doing great work consi:der­ing that they are scattered all over the no·rth country.

In examining the books I found that they have 25 members one

23

year in arrears ; 2 two years, and 2 over two years and their average attendance is around 25. The books are well kept.

I have seen the Mark Master Degree ·exemplified by the F irst Principal, and at this meeting were 27 officers and members and fiv e visitors.

Edson Chapter No. 30 - On Nov. 27, 1954 I made my official visit to Edson Cha:pter. This was a special convocation •as all the Edmon­ton Companions look f oTward to this visit which was a pity to leave so late in the season, but as M.E. Comp. Frank Mayer was away t o the Old Country and it did not seem right to make the trip without him, w e awaited his return.

W e l eft Saturday morning by cars and there were not as many as usual a s most of the Companions were afraid of road conditions. The going w as good but the return journey was rather bad and slippery.

The Grand First and Second Prirncip•als were in attendance and the meeting was well conducted. The Royal Arch Degree was exem­plified and was well done. At .this meeting w ere 32 officers a nd members and nine visitors. Books are well k ept and the condition of the Chapter is excellent

North Star Chapter No. 2 -Dec. 16, 1954 I made my official visit and was accompanied by the Grand First and Second Principals.

This was Insta llation of Officers Night and the installing officer was R.E. Comp. C. W. Lester and h e made a v ery good job as usual.

The attendance of this Cha-pter is very good and .the officers visit a lot of o ther Chapters. This meeting was attended by 42 officers and members and 17 visitors. I found the books in good condition.

Capital City Chapter No. 13 - This is my mo.ther Chapter and I take a g·reat interest in it and am always proud of how the work is exemplified.

This was a regular Convocation and considering the cold evening th e meeting was well attended. I was accompanied •by the Grand First and Second Principa ls and .the Mark Master Degre e was exempli_ f ied by Ex. Cam p. Switzer and the regular Chapter Officers.

There were at t his meeting 34 officers and members and the average attendance of the Chap ter is around 19. Books are well k e pt.

Norwood Chapter No. 18-0n February 24, 1955 I made my official vi sit and I was accompanied by the Grand First and Seco nd P·rincipals.

This was a regu.Jar Convocation and the Mark Master Degree was exemplified by Ex. Camp. -Oliver.

I h ad the honour to present to this Chapter the General Grand Chapter Certificate for 10 % increase in membership.

24

This Chapter is going ahead and the candidates that are going through look like good material for the future.

There were 32 officers and members at this meeting and nine visitors. The books are in good shape.

In addition I have made several visitations to the City Chapters and seen all the Degrees exemplified. They are all doing great work a nd I am proud of all the Chapters in my District.

I exemplified the Royal Arch Degree at Capital City Chapter on Wednesday, November 25, 1954 as Zerubable.

On Thursday, November 25 I took the part as Principal Sojourner in the Royal Arch Degree exemplified at Norwood Chapter by the Grand Chapter Officers of which our First Grand Principal and Second Grand Principal were in the chairs as first and second.

District Me e ting - This meeting was held at the Masonic Temple o n November 29 1954 and it was attended by the Grand Second Principal as our First Principal was at another District Meeting.

The Chapter was opened by the Officers of Capital City Chapter No. 13. The Grand Superintendent was received with honours and invited to assume the Scephe -and proceed with the District Meeting.

The Grand Chapter Officers were invited to take seats in the East.

All Chapter> of the district were represented and the splendid re­ports were given by the various Chapter showing the h ealth y condition of Royal A,rch Masonry in District No. 1.

There was a full discussion of how the work of the three Degrees should b e done and it was su ggested that a booklet similaT to t hat of the Grand Chapter of Canada in Ontario be printed and given to each of the First Principals of the Chapters and handed over to his success-or, s-o the work will be uniform throughout.

The Grand Superintendent gave a full account of the condition of the District and Ex. Comp. Goldstick was elected Grand SupeTin­t endent of District No. 1 for the coming year with the approval of the Grand Fil\St Principal.

In conlusion I would like to thank all the Officers and Compan­ions of my District for all their kindness and co-opera-tion during my term of office.

Fraternally submitted, JOHN FARRUGIA,

Grand Superintendent, District No. 1

DISTRICT No. 2

To the Most Excellent Grand First Principal, Officers and Companions, of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Alberta.

Most Excellent Sir and Companions:

I have the honor to submit for your consideration, my report as

'' Grand ::"uperintenderut o·f District No. 2 for the past Grand Cqapter year.

Hiram Chapter No. 19, Youngstown ~ On February lOth, 1955, accompanied by five Companions from o·ur local Chapter, I made my official visit to Hiram Chapter No. 19 and was received in a proper and friendly manner.

Owing to conflicting meetings, bon spiels, and the large rural areas taken in by this Chapter the attendance was not large. How­ever, the Chapter is doing good work, a n d t he average attendance all that could be expected taking into cons~deration the large and sparsely settled area.

On this occasion the M iJ\11 M Degree was conferred on one candi­date, the work being done in a very commend·able manner. · The meeting was instructive and very well con ducted. Lunch was served in the hall and a friendly and interesting discussion on various matters took place.

Eheyeh Chapter No, 27, Drumheller- I made my official visit to Eheyeh Chapte r on February 3Pd, 1955.

There were 37 members and six visitors present, the M M M Degree was conferred on two candidates with the work being 'done in a very commendable manner.

I made an unofficial visit to this Chapter earlier in the summer when the R. A. Degree was conferred on three members, this work al$0 was done in an efficient manner.

There is a wonderful spirit of riendship and co-operation evident in this Chapter, tbe ·hooks and records are in good condition, and the officers take a real interest in their work.

Hanna Cha pt-er No. 28, Hanna - This is my home Chapter and I have attended each Convocation during the year.

I made my official visit to Hanna Chapter on January 17th, 1955, the attendance being fair but below average on account of many other m eelings which took pla ce on that date.

No d egree work was done, but the installation of officers was carried out in a very good manner, with R.E. Comp O'dell in charge.

The books a nd records of this Chapter are in good order.

The big project and accomplishment for the year was the con­struction of n ew Masonic Temple w hich has been completed, with basem ent a nd kitchen facilities.

The officers are competent and doing good work, and we look forward to a good year, with three candidates having received the M M ·M Degree at t he time of this report.

District Meeting - The District Meeting was herd in the new Masonic T emple at Hanna on February 21st, 1955, being opened in due form by the officers of Hann a Chapter.

26

The Grand Superinten dent, R.E. Companion Morgan Baldwin was received accorded Grand Honors and requested to a-ssume t he sceptre. He then' received the Grand Third Principal, R.E. Companion F. L. Colwell in due form together with other accompanying officers. They were given Grand Honors and welcomed to seats in t he East.

The Grand Third Principal gave a short address and explained that the Grand First Principal, M.E. Companion Grieve was unable to attend on account of sickness in the family.

The business of the District was proceeded w ith which included a report from the Grand Superintendent, and re.ports from the various Chapters within the District, all of which were represented at the meeting in good numbers. Those repor.ts show the Chapters to be in very good condition with much interest and good work being carried on ·by each.

R.E. Companion Colwell gave a most interesting and instructive a ddress: M..E . Companion Irving, Past Grand First Principal, also gave a short and instructive address.

The question period was of great interest and many points were cleared up by th e Grand Officers in attendance, wit<h some work being exemplified with the asistance of R.E. Companion Alex Nicol of Eheyeh Ohapter.

When the District Meeting resumed business after a &hort recess, the only nomination for the office of Grand Superintendent for District No. 2 was that of Ex. Companion Ed. Stephens of Eheyeh Chapter No. 27, Drumheller, who was decla•red elected subject to the approval of the Grand First Principal.

I wish to thank the many Companions who accompaied me on my visits to the District Chapters, and the Officers and Companions of these Chapters who made my visits so pleasant.

I find all Chapters doing good work with steady progress being accomplished throughout the District.

Fraoternally submitted, MORGAN BALDWIN,

Grand Superintendent, District No . 2.

DISTRICT No 3

To the Most Excellen t Grand First Principal, Officers ·and Companions, of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in ALberta.

Most Excellent Sir and Companions:

I have the honour to submit for your consideration my report as Grand Superintend ent of District No.3 for the past Grand Chapter year.

Crescent Chapter No. 24, Cal9ary - On Monday, June 21st 1954 I made my first official visit to my own Chrupter. I was accompanied by several GPand Officers and was received with great warmth.

27

The H.R.A. Degree was conferred on four candidates. Crescent Chapter has always been acclaimed for the excellence of their work and no small part of the su ccess of this is due to the able direction of R.E. Comp. C. C. G. Duthie , director of ceremonies. As rthe Com­panions wish ed .to h ave a social evening with their ladies, the emer­gent meeting was called for 7 p .m. for the conferring of the Degree . After the close o.f the regular meeting, the members and visitors re tired t o rthe lower hall for refreshments and a social hour with the I11dies. Crescent Cha,pter is fortunate in having an organized ladies group, which greatly stimul•ated ·the social activity and good fellow­ship in the Chapter. The membership attendance o f this Chapter is above •average for the District.

Keystone Chapter No. 12, Red Deer - On October 23rd, 1954 I paid my official visit to this Chapter. While thei·r regular Convoca­tion is h eld on the fourth Tuesday, this Chapter changed to a Sat­urday night f or my convenience, which I appreciated very much. I was accompanied by sever-al cars of Calg·ary Companions. The H.R.A. Degree was conferred on two candidates in a v ery sincere manner. The books ·and r ecords were very will k ept . This Chapter has taken a very active part in the building of a n ew Masonic T emple in which they have >a share. 'Jihey expect to occupy the new quarters in the spring. After Convocation we enjoyed a social hour with refresh­ments.

Otuskwan Chapter No. 9, Calgary - I visited this Chapter offici­ally on November 4th, 1954 and received al•l honours and courtesies. The M.M.M. Degree was conferred on several candidates. The work was veTy commendable. The ·books and records of this Chapter are outstanding, having been in the capable hands of Comp. J. Cowey, who retired this year from the position of Scribe E after many y ears of service. W e feel sure his successor, R.E. Comp. E. S. Smith, will continue the good work. This Chapter is to b e commended for the annual picnic they hold for the children of the Woods Christian Home. I attended the picnic and thought it a worthwhile effort. One of the highlights of m y yeaT wa-s attending the Royal Arch Day h eld by Otusk•wan Chapter. Ex. Comp. Ray Anderson and his Officers ex­pended a great deal of time and work to make this day the success it w as. They brought together Companions from Montana and all parts of Alberta, with the M.M.M. Degree being conferred by Past Principals of Edmonton Cha pte rs, the Past Maste r Degree and the M.E.M. Degree by Tyrean Chapter No. 34 of Cut Bank, Montana, and the H.R.A. Degree by the Preceptors of Cyprus Preceptory No. 33, Calgary.

Banff Chapter No. 20, Banff - This Chapter also changed t h e day of their Convocation to a Saturday for my convenience, for .which I wish to express my thanks. I paid my official visit to Banff Chapter on November 13th, 1954, accompanied ·by a numbe r of Calgary Com­panions. The M.E,M. Degree was conferred on a candidate in a very impressive manner, the lectures being exceptionally well given. This is one of the small Chapters in t h e District. Although they are small in numbers the work is excellent, the enthusiasm high, a nd the h os­pitality large. It gave m e a great deal of pleasure to rece ive a Christmas card signed by a number of the Officers and Members. The books and records were well k e pt.

28

Calgary Chapter No. 11, Calgary - This Chapter was officially v isited on November 16th, 1954. I was received with Grand Honors and g ive n a v ery warm w elcome. The H.R.A. Degree was conferred on cand id a t es in a mo st able manner. The books and record s are well k ept and in excellent order. I attended the Installation of Officers which this Chapter holds jointly with Otuskwan. This Chapter has had a good y ear and exalted 14 Companions.

Alberta Chapter No 1, Calgary- On November 22nd, 1954 I made my official visit to Alberta Chapter. I was given a warm welcome and accorded Grand Honors. The H.R.A. Degree was conferred by t he Past Principal s of the Chapter. The excell en ce of the degree work was an inspiration to all who witnessed it and I am sure made a deep impression on the candidates. Th e books and records w ere in good order. Th e social hour ·brought this pleasant eve ning to a clo se. I attended the Installation of Officers of this Chapter.

Strathmore Chapter No. 21, Strathmore - Although I attended the Installation of Officers and have atte nd ed a regular m eeting, my official visit to this Chapter will not be made until April 14th, 1955. I am well acquainted with this Chapter and know it is pro­g ressive a s the H.R.A. Degree will be -conferred on four candidates on th e occasion of my visit. T·his is a very friendly Chapter.

District Meeting - The annual District Meeting was h eld in Crescent Masonic Hall, Calgary, on Ja nuary '15th, 1955. The m eeting was opened by the Officers of Crescent Cha'Pter No. 24. I was intro­duced by R.E. Camp. D. M. Gillies and V.E. Camp. N. Rusk, given Grand Honors a nd escorted to the dai~. M.E. Camp. Geo. Gri eve, Grand First Principal of the Grand Chapter of Alberta, accompanied b y M.E. Camp. E . G. Ellerton, P.G.Z. , R.E. Camp, F. L. Colwell, Grand Third Principal, and other Grand Officers were introduced, accord e d Grand Honors and escorted to the dais.

Th e repo rts of the Chapters of th e district were read a nd showed a ll Chapters in goo d condition and making progress.

In answer to th e qu e ry whether the possession of th e sash and apron could ' be withh eld until a satisfactory examination was passed, it was pointed out that the apron and sash could not be withheld.

In t h e e lection for th e Grand Superintendent for the co ming year, V.E. Camp. N. Rusk of Banff Chapter No. 20 and Otuskwan Chapter No. 9 was electe d subject to the approval of the Grand First Principal.

Th e climax of th e evening was a short address •by M.E. Camp. George Grieve . The m eeting was closed by th e Officers of Crescent Chapter after which a banquet was served in the lower hall.

In summarizing th e year's work, I found that the degree -work was well performed, that all Chapters are in good financial standing, and the prospects for Capitular Masonry are good. The two prob­lems general to the district are attendance and payment of dues, the one being more or less dependent on the other, a s th e regular attend er is sel-dom a problem as regards dues. I might urge that

29

sponsors of candidates should follow thro ug h and keep in touch with the cand idate t.o k eep his int erest alive .

In conclusion I w ish to thank all the Office rs and Companions of the District f o1: t he kipdness and h elp w hich they extend ed to m e during my year of office, particularly R.E. Camp. F. L. Colwell and M.E. Camp. Geo. Acton who . w ent with me to most of my official visits. I would also like to thank my secretar y, V.E. Camp. D. A. Bruce, who although he had much sickness in his home last y ear, gave m e loyal sup port at all times.

Fraternally submitted, W. R. ROBERTS,

Grand Superintendent, District No. 3.

DISTRICT No. 4

To the Most Excellent Grand First Prin cipal. Officers and Companions, of the Grand Ch apter of Royal Arch Masons in Alb erta.

Most Excelle-nt Sir and Companion s: I have t he honor to sutbmit for your consideration, my report as

Grand Sup erintendent of District No. 4 for the past Grand Cha pter year.

Shekinah Chapter No. 4, Lethbridge - On Feb. 9, 1955, I visited my own Chapter and was well received . There was no degree work that evening, but as I have been present at nearly all the meetings during the year, I can assure yo u all degrees are ably conferred. Membership is holding up fairly w ell, but attendance leaves som e­thing to be desired .

Golden West Chapter No. 5, High River - Paid my official visit Oct. 26, with weather conditions good. M.E.M. Degree v ery ably conferred by Ex. Second Principal and regula r Officers. Busin ess was co nducted in a very eff icient manner. Also had th e pleasure of at­tending the annual Game Dinner h e ld previous to th e November regular Convocation , at which rubout 85 membe rs and visitors w ere p resent. Thi s is pe rhaps the outstanding social event among Chapters of this· District and was greatly enjoyed by all prese nt.

Kether Chapter No. 8, Pincher Creek - Attend ed officially on Oct. 21 u nd er fai r weath er conditions. No degrees were conferred. Office rs very effi cien t in opening and closing. Also had the privilege of attending an Old Timers Night in June, the c'h airs being taken by veteran members. It was inspiring to see so many old time members p resent, and Ke th er Chapter is to be co ngratulated on sta g ing a "Nigh t " in their honor. This Chapter keeps a fin e hi storica l record, .a procedure which might w ell be followed .. by o the_rs,

Hillvue Chapter No. 15, Hillcrest - Official visit made Oct. 15 at regular meeting. The M.E.M. Degree was a1bly conferred by t he First Principe], Ex. Comp. H. Miller a nd regular Officers. Bu siness part of meeting efficiently conducted. A fine spir it of fe ll owsh ip prevails

30

in Hillvue Chapter, the members seeming to welcome the opportunity of getting together at their Convocations and around the banquet table. Chapter in good condition despite economic situation pre­vailing in coal mining area.

Tau Cross Chapter No. 16. Claresholm - Although weather condi­tions were favorable on night of visit, this fact had bad effect on attendance as many membe rs were busy cleaning up the harvest after previous wet weather. No degrees were conferred, but Chapter seems in good condition. Tau Cross has fine Chapter room and, in fact , accommodation is good in all respects.

District Meeting - The annual District Meeting of District No. 4 was held in the Masonic Hall, Lethbridge, on Oct. 6, 1954. Every Chapter in the District was well represented, 80 Companions attending. The members of this extreme southern district were pleased to receive M.E. Comp. Gorge Grieve , Grand First Principal , accompanied by a good representation from Edmonton and Calgary Chapters.

Reports of Chapters indicated all are in good condition and active socially as well as in Capitular Masonry.

Address by M.E. Comp. Grieve was well received, and was follow­ed by a lively question period, indicating a healthy interest in Royal Arch work.

Ex. Comp. Elmer Rowe of Kether Chapter No. 8, Pincher Creek, was elected Grand Superintendent for 1955-56, sUJbject to your ap­proval.

I take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Chapters of District No. 4 for the kindly manner in which I was received on m y official visits; for the support received from members of Shekinah ehapter while making these visits; and ·sincerely thank the Compan­ions as a whole for giving me the opportunity of representing the Grand First Principal. It has been a grand experience, and one I shall always treasure.

Fraternally submitted, PAUL L. JONES,

Grand Superintendent, District No. 4.

DISTRICT No. 5

To the Most Excellent Grand First Principal, Officers and Companions, of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Alb erta.

Most Excellen t Sir and Companions:

I have the honor to suj:>mit for your consideration my report as Grand Superintendent of District No. 5 for the past Grand Chapter year.

Bethel Chapter No. 36. Forestburg - My first official v isit as Grand Superintendent was made to my own Chapter, Bethel No. 36, on September 7, 1954, there w ere sixteen m embers and four visitors present at this meeting. The records and work are of the highest standard and the Officers take a k een interest in Masonic matters.

31

The books and records are up to date. A social hour concluded a pleasant evening.

Mount Olivet Chapter No. 17, Killam - On September 15th, 1954, I paid my official visit to this Chapter, there were t h irtytwo members and visitors present including t h e Grand First P rincipal and other Grand Chapter officials. The Grand First Principal gave a general

address to the Officers and Members, the Royal Arch Degree was conferred on two candidates by the Officers of the Chapter in a very commendable manned. The average atten dan ce is good a n d the Chapter Officers conduct their business in an efficient manner and ex hibit a fine spirit of companionship. Its books and records are in exce llent condition.

Hamar Chapter No. 33, Hughenden- My official visit was made on September 20. Due to the heavy condition of the roads there were only thirteen members and visitors present. T h ere were no degree work at this meeting, but t he Chapter Officers conduct their business in an efficient manner. This is a very friendly Chapter and visitors are surely mad e welcome; crop conditions in t h e district have made t he securing of new candidates difficult . but with better genera/ condition s, will again be a live Chapter. The books and records are neat and well kept .

Pa rklands Chapter No. 31, Wainwright - My official visit was made on the 23rd day of September. There were eighteen Officers and Companions present, and also three visitors. The Royal Arch Degree was co nferred in the most commendable manner. All books and records are well k e pt. This Ch apter is very much a live and future prospects are good. A very pleasant ho ur was spent at re­freshment after closing.

Vermillion Chapter No. 14, Vermillion - I made my official visit to this Chapter on October 12, there bein g twen ty-six Officers and Companions and five visitors. The Royal Arch Degree was conferred on four candidates by the Chapter Officers assisted by R.E. Camp. Anderson of Calgary, father of one of the candidates; the work was very good and a credit to this Chapter. T his Chapter has a very good slate of Officers. At a later date I attended a "Get Together Meeting" with a banquet and later saw lthe Royal Arch Degrees con­f erred on four candidates. The average attendance is very good and the Officers are to be congratulated for their efforts in this con­n ection. The books and records are in excellent condition.

Viking Chapter No. 32, Viking - On October 26, 1954, I made my official visit to this Chapter, thirteen members and Companions and three visitors were present. No d egree work at this meeting, this district has been hard hit by poor crops and the Chapter has had difficulty in securing new candidates. The Chapte r is very much alive and future prospects should be brighter. All books and records were excellently kept.

District Meeting - The District Meeting of District No. 5 was held at Forestburg on W ednesday the 3vd day of November 1954, all Chapters were represented with a n attendance of 67 Companions. The Chapter was opened by the Officers of Beth el Chapter and Grand

32

Supet:in'te nd ent A. Danielson was introduced by R.E. Comp. Smith and received with Grand Honors. On being welcomed by Ex. Comp. Firs t Principal. he approach ed the East and assumed the Sceptre and pro­ceeded with the order of business. R.E. Comp. Smith then introduce d the Grand First Principal, M.E. Comp. George Gri eve and other Grand Chapter officials. Very satisfactory reports w e re received from nil Chapters in the District, and from these reports and my own obser­vations I would say that t he Chapters are al l in good condition a nd prog ressing favorably. Following this a School of Instruction was opened with the Grand Lecturer, M.E. Comp. Ell e rton in charge. The discussions were on matters of proceedure and were capably answered by the Lecturer to t he satisfaction of all. The highlight of th e meeting was a very able address by the Grand First Principal, M.E. Companion George Grieve, other addresses were also given by th e Gran d Chapter officials. After a very pleasant and profitable evening the Chapter was closed by the Officers of Bethel Chapter.

In conclusion I would like to thank the Companions for electing me to this h igh office, and every Chapter and the Companions of the District for the warm welcome and hearty co-operation extended throughout th e year, and I bespeak for my successor the same support and kindly welcome, especially do I want to say a word of thanks to R.E. Comp. Wm. Smith and R.E. Comp. A. Lissack and others who supported m e on all my official visi,ts.

· I expect to visit each Chapter again before my term of office expire s.

Fraternally submitted, A. DANIELSON,

Grand Superinte nd ent, District No. 5.

DISTRICT No. 6

T o the Most Excellen t Grand First Principal. Officers and Companions, of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Alberta.

Most Excellent Sir and Companions: I have the honor to submit for your consid eration my re port as

Grand Supe rintendent of District No . 6 for the past Grand Chapter year.

Harmony Chapter No. 26 - I made my officia l visit to this Chapter on May 26th. Unfortunately it was a very poor n ight a s f a r as weather was concerned, and country roads were in poor shape . There were 12 members present at this meeting. Th e Roya l Arch Degree was conferred on this occasion. and the calibrP of the w ork was excellent. The books and records were up to date and in excellent co ndition. The Officers are keen a n d well skill e d. This b e ing my own Chapter I have been present at all meetings in the past y ear.

Empress Chapter No. 35 - I made my official visit to this Chapter on October 21st. I was accompanied by two Companions from my own Chapter, and were cordially received by the Empress Compan­ions. This Chapter has shown remarkable improve m ent since I had the pleasure of visiting it last year with R.E. Comp. Hartley. Several petitions were received a nd three candidates were exalted to the Royal Arch Degre e. The books and records w ere in excellent shap e,

33

and the Officers very optimistic. The weather and road conditions were very good on this occasion.

Bow Valley No. 10 - I made my official vi sit to this Chapter on November 9th. The weather was mild and road co nditions were good. There were 20 m embe rs present. This Chapter requires a littl e more enthusiasm among its members to make it a top~notch Chapter. Conditions mitigate against the m somewhat, owing to th e fact that most of the Companions reside in the co untry, so m e of them at a great distance. The books and records are in very good shape. Th e Royal Arch Degree was co nferred on this occasion, in a very able manner by M.E. Comp. George Acton, who h as been of immeasurab le service to this Chapter.

Assiniboia Chapter No.3 - On November 18th I made my official visit to Assiniboia Chapter. The road and weather conditions were perfect. This Chapter is in very good shap e. The books and records a re in excellent shape. I had the pleasure of revis iting this Chapter on December 16th, and had the pleasure of installing the Officers for the ensuing term. I also paid a visit to this Chapter on February 17t h a nd had the pleasu re of investing R.E. Comp. W. G. Hartley with a Past District Supe rintendent's J ew el.

District Meeting - The District Mee tin g was h eld at Gleich e n on November 29th, with an a ttendance of 27. The meeting was ope ned in proper form by Bow Va ll ey Chapte r No . 10 a t 8.00 p.m. The Gran d Distri ct Superintendent R.S. Camp. L. C. Spivey was introduced, ac­corded the Grand Honors and asked t o assume the Sceptre and preside over the District Meeting. R.E. Comp. Spivey asked that M.E. Comp. George Grieve, Grand Z and R.E. Comp. F . Colwell, Grand J. be intro­duced. Having been welcomed on behalf of th e Companions by R.E. Comp. L. C. Spivey, they were accoPded the Gran d Hono rs, as be­fitting th eir station. They were then escorted to th e East.

Empress and Assiniboia Chapters were not represented at the meeti ng. Reports from all Chapters of th e Dis tri ct were very e n­co uraging, a ll Chapters being in good fin a ncial condition, and a ll showing an increase in m embe rship Ex. Comp. W . M. Kelly of Har­mony Chapter No . 26, Bassano, was unanimously e lect ed to the posi­tion of Grand Superi nend ent for the ensuin g year, subject to the approval of the Grand First Principal .

M.E. Comp. Grieve very g raciously answered numerous .questio ns for the Companions relative to Masonic matte rs they had in mind.

Harmony Chapter No. 26, Bassano, extend ed a cordia ) inviitation to hold the n ext District Meeting at Bassano and this was accepted with thanks.

I wish to thank all the Companions of Di strict No. 6 for t heir wholeheart ed co-o peration during my t e rm of office. It has been a dis t inct pleasure t o serve them, and to m e it has been a year of Masonry that will lo ng elwell in my memory. I wish each and eve ry Chapter of District No. 6 continued success.

Frate rnally submitted, L. C. SPIVEY,

Grand Supe rinte nd e nt, District No. 6.

34

Report of the Grand Scribe E. To the Most Excellent The Grand First Principal, Officers and

Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta.

I have the pleasure of presentin g my report for the past Grand Chap ter year endin g February 28th, 1955 together with the Grand Treasure rs fina ncial statements and th e reports of the Auditor, Rt. Ex. Companion H. W. Ford, C.A.

Annual returns have been r eceived from all Chapters, although o n e Chapter did not send in their return in time to be included in t he financial year, but this Chapter has been included in the statistical t abl e of Chapter m embership.

Our memb ership for th e past year ending December 31st, 1954 w a s 3,307, this be ing an increase of 135.

We have suffere d the loss of 60 Companions t hrough death, less than two pe r cent of our membership, and shows the great need for concent ration on new members in the younger brackets.

STATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP

Numbe r of Ohartered Chapters .... . . 30 3172 Mem bers as at December 31st, 1953 3172

Admitted Affil iated R es torations

Dem itted Deleted D eaths

INCREASE

DECREASE

211 28

4

37 11 60

243

Mem bersh ip as at Decemb er 31st, 1954 Net Increase 135

108 3307

Nort h Sta r Chapte r No. 2

S h ekinah Chapter No. 4 O tu skwan Chapter No. 9

AFFILIATIONS

.. P. Rou rke, J. W. Chambers, F. Hal­latt, G. A. Treacy , F. H. Walker, T. W. Cogland, C. G. Parker .

..... A. C. Johnson , H. R. Rolfe . ... G. F. Brown, J. H. Mciver , A. F .

Gilchri s t, R. C. Stonehou se. Keystone Chaper No. 12 ............. ... E . H. Ke nt , A. R. Carson, J. M. Hil-

lock, J. R. W ocks. Capi tal City Chapter No . 13 ........ W. M. Smith , F . Ford, W. L. Miller. Crescent Ch a pter No. 24 .. J. E. Sumner, J . A. Ca rte r, G. R. M.

Rusk , J. H. N. Dutton .

35

Eheyeh Chapter No. 27 ... ........ ......... W. J. Gutowski. Viking Chapter No. 32 ........... ...... ....... J. Dunbar. Hamar Chapter No. 33 ...... .............. .. .. H. W. C. Russell. Empress Chapter No. 35 ...... ...... ....... . W. F. Linklate r.

RESTORATIONS

North Sta r Chapter No. 2 ..... J. T. Laskiwi ski. Otuskwan Chapt e r No . 9 ... D. S. Bareham. Hillvue Cha pte r No . 15 ................... W. J. Burns. Mount Olive t Chapte r No. 17 ....... J. McCauley.

DEMITT ED

...... .. . G. Thom son. ................ R. G. Hide r, D. Whiticar.

North Star Chapter No. 2 Assiniboia Chapte r No. 3 Shekinah Chapter No. 4 . Golden W est Cha p ter No. 5

.. ... W. Ma rtinda le . T . H. Hatch . .. G. N. Malmberg, S. W. Jones, F . E.

Otuskwan Chapt e r No. 9 Murray, W. A. D'Arcy .

... . . G. H. Swann, L. M. Sa int , E. E . Groff.

Calgary Chapter No. 11 ..... T. Whalley. Keystone Chapt er No. 12 .............. J. N. Cony, H. N. Fishe r, A. R. Plant.

A. B. Mitchell, E. Warren , J . Cuthbertson .

Vermilion Chapter No . 14 ............ N. McKinnon. Hillvue Chapter No. 15 ........ ...... .. ... . W. J. Burns. Mount Olive t Chapte r No. 17 ........ R. M. P eterson, F. W. O tto, D. H.

Norwood Chapter No. 18 The Hiram Chapter No. 19 Harmony Chapte r No. 26 Eheyeh Cha pter No. 27 Hanna Chapter No. 28 Edson Chapter No. 30 . Wapiti Cha pter No. 34 Empress Chapter No. 35

North Star Chapter No. 2 Shekinah Chapter No. 4

Otuskwan Chapter No. 9 . Bow Valley Chapte r No. 10 Banff Chapter No. 20 .... Eheyeh Chapte r No. 27 Hanna Chapter No. 28

Vagt. .. H. H. Wolfe . .. H. 0. Hillie, 0. E . Samuelson.

.... E. Simmons. .. J . A. Carter, C. Christian.

.... J. D. McKay, C. W. Collicult. .. A. J . He nderso n. G. J. Dutfield.

. .D. H. Keay, G. H. Kelly. .......... D. McEache rn.

DELETED

...... H. T. Nemirs k y, T. B. Thomas-Pe ter ...... A. T. C. Boyd , J. 0. Wallma n, Dr.

R. L. Lynn. .. ........ S. D. Hutchings .

....... . H. J . Chamney. ......... A. D. Harding.

.A. Weir. , ..... .. C. A. MacLean,

36

REPORT OF AUDITOR

To the Audit & Finance Committee,

Calgary, Alberta,

March 21st, 1955

Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta.

I have audited the books and accounts of the Grand Chapter for the year ending February 28th, 1955 and submit h erewith:

(a) Grand Treasurer's Statement. (b ) Benevolence Fund Statement. (c) Expense and Revenue Statement. (d) Constituent Chapters Statement. (e ) Balance Sheet as at February 28th, 1955.

I have inspected the securiti es in (b) and (e ) and find them in accordance with the records.

Inventories of supplies have been listed a nd priced by the G.S.E. who certifies the m to be correct.

HENRY, W. FORD, C.A.

GRAND TREASURER'S STATEMENT Receipts

Balance on hand February 28th, 1954 Received from Constituent Chapters Dominion Bonds Redeemed Accounts Receivable . . ............ .. .... . . Bond Interest ... . . ... ... Bond Discount

Orders on Treasure r . l'anl{ S.D. Box

Payments

Exchange ................ .. Dominion Govt. Bonds B~ l ance on hand, Bank

Cash $2,757.08

54.75

BENEVOLENC.E FUND STATEMENT

Balance February 28th, 1954 . Disbursements ......... .... .. Balance F ebruary 28th. 1955, Dominion Bonds

Auditor.

$4,361.79 4,165.03

200.00 8.75

258.52 110.69

9,104.78

3,277.09 5.00

10.86 3,000.00

2,811.83

9,104.78

2,240.00 75.00

2,165.00

37

EXPENSE AND REVENUE ST A TE·MENT

Gran.d Convocation:

Proceedings Printing .... Grand Tyler Entertainment Rent Tape Recording

"Travelling:

Grand Z. Grand Supt s. Grand Lecturer

Office:

Grand Scribe E . Office Rent Storage Audit Fee . .. ........ .. ..... .. Insurance ................. .. Postage & Express .............. .. .. .. .. .......... . Supplies .. . Exchange ................ .. .. Bank S.D. Box Office Expense

General:

Canadian G.C. Conference General Gr. Chapter .. ................... .. .. .. .. .. Christmas Cards New Regalia . ............ .. Obituary Expense Chapter Supplies

569.25 61.60

5.00 302.48

35.00 15.85

300.00 150.00

25.00

360.00 120.00 120.00

50.00 20.85 82.68 58.77 10.86

5.00 46.30

95.16 63.44 16.20

'285.33 30.82

137.53

Balance to Surplus .. .. .. .. .......... .. .................. ...... .. .. .... .

989.18

475.00

874.46

628.48

2,967.12

1,086.59

$4,053.71

Affiliations Certificatesd

Membership Life Past Principals

Dispen sation s

38

REVENUE

24.00

.. 1,130.00 91.00 29.00 42.00

2,368.50 Per Capita Dues Interest ... ...................... 258.52 Bond Discount 110.69

BALANCE SHEET AT FEBRUARY 28th, 1955

Cash on hand Bank BaLance

Assets

Due from Constituent Chapters Less Cre dit Balances ............. ..

Dominion Bonds ......................... .. Benevolence Fund Equity .. .

Inventories: Chapte r Supplies Office Suppli es Insurance .... . . .... .

Liabilities

Accounts Payable ................................................. .

As at February 28th, 1954 Surplus for Year ...

Surplus

$ 531.37 313.91

11,000.00 2,165.00

755.03 262.67

16.80

$11,684.54 1,086.59

4,053.71

$ 54.75 2,757.08

2,811.83

217.46

8,835.00

1,034.50

$12,898.79

127.66

12,771.13

$12,898.79

39

CONSTITUENT CHAPTERS STATEMENT

Amount Balances Name No. Received Dr. Cr.

Alberta 1 $ 288.13 $ 19.-ffi

North Star 2 400.25 $ 23.35

Assiniboia 3 175.50 22.30

Shekina 4 152.70 26.41

Golden West 5 273.60 11.00

Ket!her 8 67.59 5.40

Otuskwan 9 480.42 16.66

Bow Valley 10 47.50 3.68

Calgary 11 196.75 42.63

Keystone 12 128.50

Capital City .... 13 214.30 9.23

Vermilion 14 101.00 40.13

Hill vue 15 53.25 5.70

Tau Cross ······· ·- -··· ·· · 16 75.67 14.70

Mount Olivet 17 89.22 7.60

Norwood 18 228 .12 .50

Hiram 19 79.00 34.46

Banff 20 73.07 6.60

StratJhmore 21 71.17 10.64

Crescent 24 174.48 39.66

Harmony 26 79.40 1.70

Eheyeh 27 130.00 4.60

Hanna 28 85.85 3.50

Edson 30 143.75 55.00

Parklands 31 104.54 8.65

Viking 32 42.75 10.30

Hamar 33 34.75 32.75

Wapita 34 140.14 142.51

Empress 35 117.11 56.75

Bethel 36 45.02 60.91

$4,165.03 $531.37 $313.91

40

CHAPTER RETURNS

NO. NAME OF WHERE REGULAR FIRST PRINCIPAL Z

CHAPTER HELD CONVOCATION 1955

1. Alberta ...... Calqary ..... ............. 2nd Monday H. L. Coggan

2. North Star Edmonton ·············· 3rd Thursday .... P. J. Kendal

3 . Asslnlbola ·····-- Medici-ne Hat ·- 3rd Thursday ·····-·· H. G. Cove

4. Sheklnah .......... Lethbrldqe --- 2nd Wednesday ··-· J. w. Ross

s. Golden West -- Hlqh RITer ·-····· 4th Tuesday .......... c. Xumlin

8. Kether ·············· Pine her Creek ...... 3rd Thursday --- R. Dunlop

9. Otuskwan ········ Calqary 1st Thursday ........ R. J. Vandersluy.s 10. Bow Valley .... Glelchen 2nd Tuesday ·····-···· G. A. McBean 11. Calqary ............ Calqary 3rd Tuesday A . E . Brooks 12. Keystone ·--······· Red Deer 4th Tuesday .......... A. Staniforth

13. Capital City ··-· Edmonton 2nd Friday ············ I. P. Rafuse

14. Vermilion ........ Vermilion 2nd Tuesday w. w. Crabb 15. Hlllvue ···-·········· Hillcrest ················- 4th Friday J . c. Shearer 16. Tau Cross ........ Claresholm . ........... 2nd Tuesday .......... L • Wilhite

17. Mount Olivet .. Killam ··············-····· 3rd We'dnesday .... L. w. Reed

18. Norwood Edmonton .............. 4th Thursday E. J. White

19. The Hiram Younqstown .......... 2nd Thursday M. Solberq

20. Banff Banff ...................... 3rd Thursday A. Smyth

21. Strathmore Strathmore ............ 2nd Thursday ........ H. c. Willson

24. Crescent Calqary .................. 3rd Monday .......... G. A . Baqley

26. Harmony Bassano .................. 4th Wednesday .... A. Brown

27. Eheyeh .............. Drumheller ............ 1st Thursday ........ J. c. Jensen

28. Hanna Hanna .................... 3rd Monday .......... w. G. Hay ................

30. Edson ................ Edson . ..................... 2nd Tuesday ··------- c. w. Jackson

31. Parklands ........ Walnwrlqht .. ........ 4th Thursday ........ w. F . Rio me

32. Vlklnq Vlklnq .................... 4th Friday R. R. Brickman:

33. Hamar . ............. Huqhenden -·---·----·· 1 3rd Monday .... c. M. Rudd

34. Wapiti . ........... - Grande Prairie .....• \ 3rd Friday ·---------·· J. M. Swallow

35. Empress Empress ------ ·----------· 3rd Thursday A. G. Bendall

36. Bethel ····-···· I

Foreatburq ----- -----·· 1st Tuesday H. D. Ewasiuk

I

41

TO DECEMBER 31st, 1954

,, o.f!l .. 0.~ ·-a> .. " -a>

""'"' " ..

0 -".-< Scrl he E . Scribe E. "'' " .. .. ..... ....... ~ .E ;.;; '0 ....... .. ..

1955 Address ~"' ~ " ~"' :1 :.1 .. ~ ... ~ ~ s . e ~ e s . .. " ~~ ~ .. ... '"" !l ~ ... "' "' ... "' ::;;~ .s < P: Cl Cl Cl

---------------F. J. Hand 1717- 28 Ave. s.w .. Calgary

. 182 9 6 185 3

G. A. Kirby 10612- 83 Ave .• Edmonton 207 28 7 2 236 29

J. D. Tufford 1226 - 3rd Ave., Med. Hat 179 3 2 5 175 4

H. I. Simper 930 - 16 St. s .. Lethbridge 164 8 2 2 3 4 165

E. 0. Cox Hiqh River 140 5 4 3 138 :l

L. H. Allison Plncher Creek 57 2 56

E. s. Smith 419 • 14th St. N.W., Calgary 399 28 4 3 4 424 25

E. G . Ferguson Box 70, Gleich en 46 2 47

L. Jones ... 539-13th Ave. N.E., Calgary lSI 14 1 6 158 7

H. B. Rogers . 5528 - 45 Ave., Red Deer 102 4 6 104 2

W . McGru1her 10422-87th Ave .• Edmonton 173 14 5 185 12

H. P. Long Vermilion 71 4 73 2

W. Lord Box 133. Bla!rmore 56 2 57

E. H. Mark Box 25, Claresholm 70 2 2 70

Wm. Smith, Jr. Forestburg 80 ... .. 4 82 2

J. w. Limb ..... 11667 - 73rd Ave. Edmonton 77 8 81 4

J. W. M. Beamish Younqstown 55 2 52

T. w. Balderston Box 210, Banff 86 86

R. A. Ferguson Strathmore ....... 103 4 99 4

W. R. Roberto 308 Al ta. Stock Yds., Calgary 156 12 4 3 169 13

C. 0. F. Palmer Box 33, Baaaano 95 2 96

Alex. Nicol Box 355, Drumheller 119 7 2 123 4

L. E. Helmer _ Hanna 73 2 2 71 2 ············· · · ·· ··

s. w. Bridges Box 104. Edson 85 15 2 98 13

0. G. Griffi ths Wainwright 41 9 50 9 ······················ F. B. Jleishus Viking 41 2 44

J. H. Cochrane Hughenden 27 28

R. W. Nickel ........ Grande Prairie 83 12 2 1 92 9

R. L. Hanna Empress 27 8 2 33 6 ...

Wm. Smith, Jr. Forestburg 27 30

3172 211 28 37 11 60 3307 151 16

Fraternally submitted,

J J. JJand Grand Scribe E.

--

42

GREETINGS FROM THE GRAND CHAPTER OF MANITOBA

M.E. Companion Judge S. H. Fahrni, P.G.Z.

M.E. Sir and Companions: I noted in your address of your visit to Manitoba and I am deeply

sorry for the plight of Saskatchewan and the storm that struck there, all three Provinces are very close in many ways, although Alberta is senior for atbout 22 years. This is my first visit to Alberta, the Grand Scribe E., wanted to come to Alberta in 1931, but was unable to come at that time. I am very happy to see that things. are going, well with Royal Arch Masonry, and I can see progress in every way and congratulate you on a successfu l Grand Convocation and thank you for the many kindnesses extended to me and convey the regrets of the Grand First Principal at not being here today and from every Royal Arch Mason in Manitoba, we wish you every success in this most important year.

GREETINGS FROM THE GRAND CHAPTER OF MONTANA

M.E. Companion F. E. Van Demark, P.G.H.P.

Most Excellent Sir and Companions:

I am pleased to be here representing the Companions from South of the border, as we three Lon, John and myself are members of Chapters in Calgary and we enjoy coming to the Grand Chapter of Alberta. It is remarkable -th at out of t he 30 Chapters, 29 are repre­sented, across t h e line we pay Per Diem and do not have the repre­sentatives that you have here today. I wish to bring greetings from t he Grand Chapter of Montana, and wish you every success in your undertakings.

REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

To the Most Excellent Grand First Principal, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Alberta.

Most Excellen t Sir and Companions:

Your Committee on Audit a nd Finance has examined t h e reports of the Gran d Scrvbe Ezra, the Grand Treasurer and the Auditor, R.E. Companion W. H. Ford, C.A., for tJh e past Grand Chapter y ear, ending February 28th, 1955.

We recommend the acceptance of the reports of the Grand Scribe Ezra, the Grand Trea surer and the Auditor.

We recommend that R.E. Companion H. W. Ford, C.A., be con­tinued a s Auditor for the ensuing Grand Chapter year.

We recommend that the printing of the proceedings for 1955 be awarded to the AJ.bertan Jo'b Press Ltd. on the same basis as last year.

In accordance with the constitution, Clause C - Section 51 your committee submits the following estimate for the probable expenses

43

or expendi ture of Grand Chapter for the Grand Chapter year ending February 28th. 1956.

Grand Convocation Proceed ings Printing Grand Tyler Grand Organis t Entertainment ... Rent Tape Recording ...

Travel Grand First P rincipal Grand Superintendents Grand Lecturer ...

Office G . S. E. Rent Storage Auditor Insurance ............ .... . . Postage and Express .. Supplies Exchange .... ........... . Bank S.D. Box Office Expense

General Con. Can. Grand Chaptres Gen. Grand Chapters .... . Christmas Cards ..................... . New Regalia .... Obituary Notices Chapter Supplie s ..

.... $

. .. ..................•

600.00 75.00

5.00 5.00

500.00 35.00 25.00 1,245.00

300.00 150.00

50.00 500.00

360.00 120.00 120.00

50.00 25.00 90.00 60.00 12.00

5.00 50.00 892.00

100.00 65.00 20.00

350.00 40.00

150.00 725.00

TOTAL . ....... ....... ... .. ......... ..... . .$ 3,362.00

Fra,ternally submitted,

J. L. INNES (Chairman) J . V. FOLLETT R. M. LAMBERTSON T. S. JEFFERY E. S. SMITH

On motion of M.E. Companion J. L. Innes, seconded by M.E. Com­panion J. V. Follett, it was

-RESOLVED that the report of the Audit and Finance Committee be received and adopted.

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44

ADUl T AND FINANCE

Amendment to the Motion

Moved by R.E. Companion M.W. Robinson and seconded . by companion George Sept, that t h e sum of $300.00 for Grand Fust Principals expenses be raised to $600.00. Amendment to the amendment

Moved by M.E. Companion E. G. Ellerton and seconded by M.E. Companion W. H. Scott, that the $600.00 be changed to $400.00.

The amendment to the amendment was then put to the Grand Chapter and was declared lost.

The amendment to the motion was then put to the Grand Chapter and was declared Carried.

The Grand First Principal will receive $600.00 for his expenses instead of $300.00.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE CONDITION OF CAPITULAR

MASONRY IN ALBERT A

To the Most Excellent Grand First Principal, Officers and Companions, of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Alberta.

Most Excellent Sir and Companions:

Your Committee on the Condition of Capitular Masonry reports as follows:

As in former years, we have carefully examined the reports of the six Grand District Superintendents as received from the Grand Scribe E. for the year 1954, and are simply buoyed up with optimism <•bout the present condition of the Order in our jurisdiction, and filled with hope and promise for its immediate, and not too distant future .

We are pleased to inform you that the Grand Superintendents visited every Chapter in the Jurisdiction during the year, and also that each one was able to preside over his own District Meeting. This is very commendable, and we trust will be a guide for their successors. It is also a great source of pleasure to note the activities of the Grand First, Second and Third Principals who· attended many individual Chapter meetings as well as the District 'Meetings, and whose presence and addresse.s were sources of Inspiration and Instruc­tiOn to all present. W e would like also to mention the excellent support rendered the Grand Principals and the companions by our Grand Lecturer, M.E. Comp. Ellerton.

A number of remarks and suggestions have been made by your Grand Superintendent. (1 ) Poor Attendance. Attendance seems to be the usual difficult problem both at regular meetings and also at District m eetings. In analyzing the average attendance at regular meetings we find the p ercentage to range all the way from 10.3 to 60 per cent. Hearty congratulation s to Bethel Chapter No. 36 with

45

8 60 per cent average, Hamar No. 33 with 43 per cent, Empress No. 35 with 42.4 per cent, and Parklands No. 31 with 40 per cent. The lvwest of all being Otuskwan No·. 9, with only 10.3 per cent. What can b e done to correct this matter of attendance is beyon<;I the scope ot this committee. W e can only suggest that the officers make even greater efforts to make their meetings interesting and attrac­tlve. In this connection we note with great regret that 17 of our Chapters reported no educational work during the year, 7 repor~ed an occasional lecture, while the other six concentrated on perfectmg their d egree work only. We wonder is there is not a cause and effect right there.

(2) Non payment of Dues. This problem is just as perennial as Spring Flowers. This is the constant and particular problem of the Scribes E. of the individual Chapters and takes all the patien ce, persistence and good-natured tact that any man can possibly possess. Unfortunately this is not a matter for the Grand Chapter to solve, neither is it in the hands of this committee to remedy. We still think, however, that the practice of purchasing Life Membership early when the member can afford it, is the surest way of solving t his problem.

(3) One District Superintendent reported his inability to properly perform his o·fficial duties because the lo cal Scribe E. did not bring the Chaptel' books to the meeting at th e time of his official v isit. 'lhis is indeed unfortunate, and indicates a serious "slipping" by local Scribe E. in the performance of his duties. We have never had this complaint from any Dist. Supt. on any previous occasion and we hope it will n ever be necessary to have it mentioned again. More tLan one Dist. Supt. reported lack of complete knowledge of his duties, and suggested that a book of instructions should be placed in the hands of each Grand Superintendent at the time of his instal­lation. We h eartily concur in this suggestion and hope that the Grand Council will procure copies of such instructions. W'e und er­stand that they can be procured from the Grand Chapter of Canada in Ontario at a nominal cost. This is an important matter and should n ot be overlooked.

(4) We are informed that both Hanna Chapter No. 28 and Key­stone Chapter No. 12 have assisted very mat erially in the building of new Lodge and Chapter rooms in their respective communities. We congratulate t hese companions on the success of their monetary ventures a nd hope their ·Chapters will b e greatly b en efitted in their n ew surroundings. We are also informed that Harmony Chapter No. 26 had the recent great misfortune to lose· not only their Chapter and Lodge premises, but also their property and paraphenalia in­cluding their Charter, in a disastrious fire. This compels your com­mittee to make three observations:

(a) See that every Chapter carries adequate fire insurance.

(b) See that a copy of each Charter- either photostatic or hand written - be placed in the archives of Grand Chapter, so that in case of loss, an accurate new charter can be issued.

(c) If Harmony Chapter needs financial assistance , we belic -,re

--- ----- ----- ----

46

that our Grand Chapter Benevolent Fund should assist, and also t hat <! ny Con stituent Chapter may fin~ an opportunity to praceice t hat v irtu e t h ey once professed to adm1re.

W e now give you some statistics which we hope will be interest-in g a nd instructive .

District No. 1 admitted 88 and lost 22, making a net gain of 66. District No. 2 admitted 11 and lost 12, making a net loss of 1. District Ko·. 3 admitted 82 and lost 36, making a net gain of 46. District No. 4 admitted 21 and lost 22, making a net loss of 1. District No . 5 a·dmitted 25 and lost 5, making a net gain of 20. District No. 6 admitted 1:6 and lost 12, making a net gain of 4.

Still further analyzing our statistics, w e divided our Chapters into three sections:

(a) The two large citi es, Edmonton and Calgary. (b) The four smaller cities, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer

<.: nd Drumheller. (c) The other Chapters. (a ) Edmonton with three Chapters had increases of 61 and losses

of 17, a net increase of 44. Calgary with four Chapters had increases of 72 and losses of

24, a ne t increase of 48. (b ) The four smaller cities had increases of 30 and losses of 27,

a n e t increase of 3. That is only an ave rage gain of ~:, a m ember each. We do not

think t h is is quite good enough fo·r thes e populous places, and more attention is n eed ed to stir these four good Chapters to increased a ctivity.

(c) The other 19 Chapters had increases of 80 and losses of 40, for a n e t gain of 40, about two p er cent.

So that whil e w e exalted 211, affiliated 28 and restored 4 <total of 243) . W (' lost by demit 37, by deletion 11, and by death 60, (total 108) for a n et gain of only 135, which was 30 less than in 1953, an d a 4.25 per cent gain.

Only twc of our constituent Chapters did not receive a member f rom any source during the y ear; six Chapters showed a net loss, a nd tw enty-two showed a net gain. Of these the following made a n increase of 10 p er cent or better: North Star No·. 2, Edson No. 30, Pa rklands No. 31, Wapiti No . 34, Empress No. 35, and Bethel No. 36. W e congratulate these six Chapters on th ei r a chievem ent and w ill recommend th em to Gen eral Grand Chapter for th e usual cer­tificates of merit. This is th e second consecutive time that numbers 30, 31, 34 and 36 have had this distinction.

W e trust th ese statistics will spur each Chapter t o look over its past, plan its futur e , and incite it to· greater efforts for in creasing its m embership by Exaltation, Affiliation , and Restoration , while at th e same time holding the number of D emits a nd Delet ions to a n !inimum.

W e bring to your attention two outstanding m eetings during the year: the Annual Game Dinner at Golden W est Chapter No. 5, which

47

was up to its usual standard; also a very special Royal Arch Day, sponsored by Otuskwan Chapter No. 9, a n d covered all the Chapters in Alberta as well as a large delegation from Montana. This was probably the most significant meeting ever h eld in our Jurisdiction. The M.M.M. d e gree was conferred by Companions from Edmonton, the P.M. and M .E.M. by Montana Companions, and the H.R.A. b y preceptors o~ Cyprus Precepto-ry, Calgary. Our thanks are extende d V.E. Comp. Ray Ande rson for this event.

Your committ e e recommends that the rank of Past Grand District Superintend e- nt b e conferred on the following:

Right Excellent Com panion John Farrugia. Right Exc ell ent Companion M. Baldwin. Right Excellent Companion W . R. Rob erts. Right Excellent Companion Paul L. Jones. Right Excellent Compa nion Alfred Danielson. Right E xcellent Companion L. C. Spivvy.

and that each b e allowed an honorariam of $25.00 to assist in th e ir out of pocket exp enses, and to l e t them know that we full y a ppre­ciate all th ey have done during the past year for the good of Royal Arch Masonr:: in their respective Districts.

Frate rnally submitted, J. V. FOLLETT J. L. INNES F. J . HAND E. G.ELLERTON W. A. IRVING

On the motion of "M.E. Companion Dr. J. V. Follett, seconde d by M.E. Companion A. Peart, it was

Resolved that the report of the Committee on the Conditions of Capitular Masonry in Alberta be received a n d ado·pted.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON GRIEVANCES AND APPEALS

To the Most Excellent Grand First Principal, Offic ers and Compa nions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta.

Most Excellent Sir and Companions: Nothing requiring the attention of your committee has b een

reported. We are again pleased that we can continue to commend the

Chapters on the fine spirit of h armony w h ich prevails. Fraternally submitted ,

E. G. ELLE RTON <Chairman) W. H. SCOTT A. PEART A. G. ACTON W . H. HOUGHTON

On t h e motion of M.E. Compa n ion E. G. E llerton , seconded by M .E. Compan ion A. Peart, it was

RESOLVED t hat the repor t o f the Committee o n Grievances and Appeals be received and adopted.

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48

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON JURISPRUDENCE

To the Most Excellent Grand First Principal, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta.

Most Excellent Sir and Companions: Your committee on Jurisprudence reports that no matter requiring

attention was submitted to your committee during t he year. Fraternally submitted,

J. W. G. MORRISON (Chairman) F. J . HAND M. M. DOWNEY W . A. IRVING A. L. GRISWOLD J . M. DONALDSON

On the motion of M.E. Companion J. W. G. Morrison, seconded by M.E. Companion F. J. Hand, it was

RESOLVED that the report of the Committee o n Jurisprudence be received and adopted.

REPORT OF THE COMITTEE ON LIBRARY, RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

To the Most Excellent Grand First Principal, Office rs and Compllninns of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta.

Most Excellent Sir and Companions: Your Committee reports a continued interest in Masonic Education

during the past year. District M eetings and Official Visits of our Grand Council to

constituent Chapters have been instrumental in stimulating this interest and discussions and question s at District and other meetings and the addresses given by Grand Chapter Officers on official visits have been most instructive and valuable.

There appears to be on the whole a more conscient iou s effort t han has always been evident to ensure that candidates are well and properly instructed after the conferring of each degree. This effort should be continued as it is most important t h a t our candidates r eceive such instruction.

The excellent material o n both Lodge and Chapter matters for which the Royal Arch Mason magazine has often -been complimented continues to maintain its high standal'd and we again urge all Com­panions who are not present subscri-bers to b ecome such and to bring this magazine to the attention of others.

W e again urge Companions to avail themselves of the material w hich is at their disposal in the Grand Chapter Library.

Fraternally submitted, A. PEART (Chairman) J. W . G. MORRISON S. H. MIDDLETON C. M. LAVERTY J . H. BOOTH N. SCHEER

On t he motion of M.E. Companion A. Peart, seconded by M.E. Companion J. W. G. Morrison, it was

49

RESOLVED that the report of the Committee on Library, Research and Education ·be received and adopted.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FRATERNAL DEAD To the Most Excellent Grand First Principal, Officers and Companions

of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta. Most Excellent Sir and Companions:

As we gather once more in Annual Assembly of Grand Chapter our h earts go out in gratitude to Almighty God for the blessing of h ealth and com fort enjoyed by so many of our Companions and for the progress and h igh standing of our Order. But as we survey the history of the year just passed, we realize that with our success has come to us n ew sorrow. Forty members of Sister Jurisdictions, most of them Past Grand High Priests, and Grand First Principals, and sixty members of our Jurisdiction have answered th e summons to pass on and find n ew opportunities for service on the higher plane of life and find completion of their own personalities in that of the Divine.

Come ye disconsolate, where'er ye languish: Come to the mercy-seat fervently kneel.

Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish: Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.

May we labour on in confidence, in hope, in love and in humility knowing that when we too have answered the last call of life, w e may hope to hear the words of the Master· "Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

One sweetly solemn thought Comes to me o'er and o'er:

I am nearer home today Than I have ever been before.

Nearer the bound of life, Where burdens are laid down,

Where the pilgrims leave the cross And the victors gain the crown.

To the families of our dear departed Companions, w e extend sympathy a nd bring to th em the consolation that can be found only in th e life and fatherhood of Almighty God.

Your committee beg to recommend that suitable memorial pages be placed in ou r proceedings.

Fraternally submitted, F. L. COLWELL (Chairman) A. L. WILLIAMS J. W. BOCKING J. H. BOOTH W. J. TURNER

The Companions stood in silence for a Two Minutes duration in memory of all d eparted Companions.

On the motion of R.E. Companion F. L. Colwell, seconded by M.E. Comp. A. L. Williams it was

RESOLVED that the report of the Committee on Fraternal Dead be received and adopted.

50

3Jn Jllemorp OF THE DECEASED

Companions of Our Own and Sister Jurisdictions

FOR THE YEAR 1954

"There is a silen t, one-way trail; Unseen, it wends its way

Far, far beyond that mystic veil Which screens eternal day.

That trail which all who come must tread As those before have trod

Whose names are written with the dead. Whose souls abide with God."

51

Deaths in Our Jurisdiction Alberta No. 1

North Star No . 2 ...

Assiniboia No. 3 ...

Shckinah No. 4

Golden W est No. 5

Kether No. 8 Otuskwan No. 9

..... E. G. McAulay, W. H. Price, G. A. Williams, F. Boyd, R. H. Baird, G . F . Ryan

...... Henry Sandilands, Archie B. Mc­Curdy, W. W. Winteringham

.. .... .. B. C. Armstrong, R. M. Chambe r­lain, E . Simmons, W. A. Burton, A. C. Taylor .

.... ... . A. L. Green, Ivan Romsos, R. Sim­balist, E. J . Rossiter

.. ...... .. A. L. Watkins, A. S. Dick, R. Wil­kinson

......... J. G. McQuarrie, W . Marcellus ... C. G. Ferguson, W. J. Oliver, J. W .

Eastwood, W. H. Scott Calgary No. 11 . . ... ... R. Manolescu, J. I. White, D. P .

Evans, T. Thompson, F. S. Saun­ders, W. S. Stucky

Keystone No. 12 .......... ............ F. J. Stewart Capital City No. 13 ...................... ..... D. S. MacDonald, H. A. Symonds,

R. T. Jackson, M. McDonald, A. McLay.

Vermilion No. 14 ....... ......................... W. R. W eibe Hillvue No. 15 . .. ........................ J. J . Murray Tau Cross No. 16 ....................... ........ C. S. Reach, J. Dodsworth Norwood No. 18 ... .. ......... Henry Sandilands, E. Ward, W. J.

The Hiram No. 19 . Strathmore No. 21

Calgary No. 24

Eheych No. 27 Hanna No. 28 ... Wapiti No. 34 Empress No. 35

Tip lin ...... G. Bobush ....... J. H. Freeman, F. R. Bisacre , B. L.

Fessenden, W. A. Craig ....... ........ .... J . McDougall, G. D. Stanley, W.

H. Andrews ........ ... ....... J. R. W . Teasdale

.... .. .. .... E. J . Clar.ke, C. D. Johnson ............ ...... C. Stredulinsky

........... J. I. Stout, H. J. Brausse

Deaths in Other Jurisdictions Arkansas ................ .. ............ ...... .Jarvise Qillin Lane, P .G.H.P. Arizona .. .. .. .. ............ .Arthur Lom e Miller, G. Lecturer

Andrew Rotbinson Meloy, G.R.A. Captain

Alabama ............... .. .. Col. Woolsey Finnell, P .G.H.P. Joseph Dixon Matlock, P.G.H.P.

British Columbia .................. ...... .... ...... William Rae Yule, P.G.Z.

Canada Delaware Florida Georgia

Lou isian a

Michigan

Maine

Nevada

52

..... .. ....... .. ...... .. .... ....... ... Llew ellyn Frederick Stephen, P.G.Z_ ...... Harry .R Craig, P.G.H.P.

.... Richard Houghton, P .G.H.P. ... John B. Russell, P.G.H.P.

A. T . Harrison, P.G.H.P . . . . . Clarence McDonald Leland,

P.G.H.P. Gordon C. Woods, P.G.H.P .

.............. ..... .. ....... .. .. ........ Stanley Ammon Farnum, P.G.H.P. Fred William Moore, P.G.H.P .

........ ...... .......................... John L. Tewksbury, Grand Scribe Laurel Thompson Ames, P.G. Scribe· Fred Boothby Rand, P.G. King Adin Loring Hopkins, P.G.H.P .

... Scott E. Jameson, P.G.H.P.

New Hampshire Nebraska

.. .. Walter Mason Hubbard, P.G.H.P. .. George H. Holderman, P.G.H.P.

New Mexico Nova Scotia

Oklahoma Oregon

Ohio Pennsylvania Saskatchewan South Dakota

Texas Tennessee Vermont Wiscon sin

Wyoming

... Reuben Perry, P.G.H.P. ...... Thomas VanRuskirk Bingay,

P.G.H.P. Thomas Gordon Ives, P.G.H.P .

.. Thomas R. Frensley, P.G.H.P. ..... Wayne Franklin Whealdon,

P.G.H.P . ..... Anthony T. Vollmann, P.G.H.P.

.. Thomas N. McKee, P.G.H.P. .... Herbert Stanley Bell, P.G.Z.

.. William C. Clark, P.G.H.P. Arthur B. McKeel, P.G.H.P .

........ Albert A. McSweeney, P.G.H.P. .... Hugh McNutt Barnett, P.G.H.P.

........... Allen D. Ball, P.G.H.P. ......... Edward P. Andrews, P.G.H.P.

Herbert W. Dixon, P.G.H.P. .... Oluf Jefso n, P .G.H.P.

RECEPTION OF PAST GRAND FIRST PRINCIPALS

T he Grand First Principal requested the Grand Scribe Ezra to read t h e names of the Past Grand First Principals and asked that as each name was read, those p resent would kindly assemble at the Altar. The following responded.

M.E. Companion M. M. Downey M.E. Companion S. H. Middleton M.E. ComQanion J. W. G. Morrison

53

M.E. Companion J. V. Follett M.E. Companion W. H. Scott M.E. Companion E. G . Ellerton M.E. Companion F. J. Hand M.E. Companion W . A. Irving M.E. Companion A. L. Williams M .E. Companion J. L. Innes M.E. Companion A. P eart M.E. Companion Frand Mayer M.E. Companion A. G. Acton

They were then addressed by the Grand First Principal as fol­lows: -

It is indeed, a nd affords m e a great deal of pleasure to have this opportunity to welcome you on behalf of the Grand Chapter of Alberta, as you realize and I realize, over the years, that the Grand First Principal, M.E. Companion M. M. Downey, way back at the starting of the Grand Chapt~r. who· laid the foundation of this Grand Chapter and all of you who have carried on since then giving of your knowledge and time in building this Grand Chapter into the Masonic organization it is today, and we hope that you will b e long spared to still give of your knowledge and yo ur time to us y·oun·ger Grand First Principals, who are following in your foot steps. We welcome yoa and ask you all to take a seat in the East.

REPORT OF THE COMMJTTEE ON THE GRAND FIRST PRINCIPAL'S ADDRESS

To the Most Excell ent Grand First Principal, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta.

Most Excellent Sir and Companions:

The Grand First Principal had a very busy year, the business \)\, hich as Superintendent he ca rries on takes much of his time and attention and this has handicapped him to some degree.

We w ere please d that our Grand First Principal was able to visit t he Grand Chapter of Manitoba and while there was honored in being elect ed an Honorary Grand First Principal of the Grand Chapter of Manitoba.

The Grand Chapters of Montana and Saskatchewan were visited on his behali by one of our Grand First Principals.

We jo in with the Grand First Principal in mourning the loss of many of our Companions during the year.

We congratulate the Grand First Principal in being able to attend four of the six District Meetings held throughout the year.

All Dispensations issued were along Masonic lines and conform to the Constitution.

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54

It is worthy of note that North Star No. 2, Parklands No. 31, Wapiti No. 34, Empress No. 35, Bethel No·. 36, and Edson No. 30, have a ll had an annual increase of ten pe r cent. This is encouraging.

Congratulations are assured to those who have been honored in being appointed Grand Representatives of other Grand Chapters.

No more worthy Companion could be recommended for the Distinguished Service Medal than that of R.E. Companion Walter Hill , who has served Capitular M'asonry in his own Chapter and throughout the Grand Juris·diction for many years.

W e endorse the recommendations of M .E. Companion George Grieve, that a Manual covering the Conferring of Degrees be printed and su ppliet.l to each Chapter, and Grand Superintendents.

Fraternally submitted, M. M. DOWNEY (Chairman) J. W. G. MORRISON A. L. WILU.AMS J. V. FOLLETT E. G. ELLERTON.

On the motion of M.E. Companion M . M. Downey, seconded by M.E. Com.panion J. WI. G. Morrison, it was

RESOLVED that the repo·rt of the committee on the Grand First Principals address be received and adopted.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BENEVOLENCE

To th e Most Excellent Grand First Principal, Officers and Companions o f the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta.

Most Excellent Sir and Companions:

Your Committee on Benevolence reports t hat no requests has been presented for consi·deration, but again I should remind Grand Chapter that there are three very deserving cases which require assistance. They are the Wood's Christian Home in Calgary. The Anglican Old Folks Home Edmonton, and The United Church Old Folks Home, Fo-rt Saskatchewan.

In view of the favorable condition existing in our Grand Chapter. w e would recommend that twenty-.five dollars be given to each of the above mentioned Institutions, and a further sum o.f two hundred and iifty -dollars be transferred from the General Fund of Grand Chapter to the Benevolent Fund.

Fraternally submitted, M. M. DOWNEY FRANK MAYER C. M. LAVERTY J . CAMERON W . J. VANESS.

On the motion of M.E. Comp. M. M. Downey seconded by V.E. Comp. W. Lord, it was

RESOLVED that the report of the Committee on Benevolence be received and adopted.

55

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE WORK

To the Most Excellent Grand First Principal, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta.

Most Excellent Sir and Companions:

Your committee has been consulted on various routine matters and endeavored to make the necessary explanations and suggestions for the guidance of the Companions.

Your con~mittee has h a d an opportunity to study the MANUAL OF INSTRUCTIONS prepared by the Grand Chapter of Canada. We feel that uniformity in the work in Canada is d esirable . We commend the Grand Chapter of Canada for their leadership in providing this useful and instructive Manual.

Fra ternally submitted,

A. L. WILLIAMS (Chairman) W. A. IRVING E. G. ELLERTON.

On the motion of M,E. Companion A. L. Williams, seconded by M.E. Companion W. A. Irving, it was

RESOLVED that the report of the Committee on the Work, be received and adopted.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FRATERNAL CORRESPONDENCE

To the M.os~ Excellent Grand First Principal, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta.

Most Excellent Sir and Companions:

Your Committee on Fraternal 'Correspondence is pleased to report that harmony prevails in all correspondence with other Grand Chap­ters with whom we are in friendly relations.

Nothing has occurred during the past year to marr the happy fraternal relations existing between this Grand Chapter and all other recognized Sister Jurisdictions.

Your Committee have reviewed the proceedings of many Sister Jurisdictions. and much information and a wider vision of the Capitu­lar World that is around us has b een gained and in passing we would wish to pass on to· the Companions, that if you would r ead some of these reviews you would gain much food f.or thought.

We recommend that the Reviews be printed and included in the proceedings of the Annual Convocation.

Fraternally submitted,

R. M. LAMBERTSON J. V. FOLLETT J. W. G. MORRISON E. G. ELLERTON

56

H. E. BENTLEY E. G. IRONSIDES A. PEART E. S. SMITH W . G. HARTLEY.

On the motion of M.E. Companion A. Peart, seconded by M.E. Comp. J. V. Follett, it was

Resolved that the report of the Committee on Fraternal Corres­pondence be received and adopted.

REPORT OF THE GRAND LECTURER

To the Most Excellent Grand First Principal, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Albert a .

Most Excellent Sir and Companions: Durin g the present year I have attended four of the District Meet­

ings which, in order of occurence, were h eld as follows: - No·. 4, at Lethbridge, October 6th, 1954; No. 5, at F<?_restburg, November 3rd, 1!'154; No. 1, at Edmonton, November 29th, 19o4; and No. 3, at Calgary, January 15th, 1955.

The meeting of District No. 6, at Gleichen, November 29th, 1954 co-inciding w ith date of No. 1 , at Edmonton , I was unable to be m Gleichen a t which meeting our Grand First Principal was present.

It was n10st pleasant to have at our Meetings of District Nos. 3, 4, and 5, the impetus and enthusiasm of the p resence and lead er­ship of our Grand First Principal Most Ex. Companion George Grieve who gave added zest to these occasions.

The very large attendance at m eetings in Lethbridge and Forest­burgh spoke v ery eloquently of the zeal o! the Companions in these respective districts.

As one moved about it was very evident there is a hunger f.or still more assistance, light and knowledge concerning the landmarks, customs, usuages and traditions as well as the conduct of and in Royal Arch Chapte rs.

From the wide scope of questions asked and discussions w hich ensued I am sure there came to all in •attendance, whether' they were enquirErs, participants or listen ers, a more po sit ive feeling b etter informed companions, more keen in te rest and more enduring ·desire to extend and enlarge our field o·f study and research.

An excellent opportunity to add to our storehouse of Masonic knowledge will be found in the large number of books and quanttiies of literature which our Committee on Library Research •and Educa­tion has accumulated. This is indeed a facility which will bring much profit to all Companions who explore same.

It was most pleasin g to see the large number of our Past Grand First Principals who attended the various District Meetings and I

57

wish to thank them for their unrelaxed interest, assistance and advice so readily available and cheerfully given, and this must have been as enthusing to the n ewly exalted Companions as it was encouraging to the long time Companions.

Fraternally submitted, E. G. ELLERTON (Grand Lecturer ).

On the motion of M.E. Companion E. G. Ellerton, seconded by M .E. Companion A. L. Williams, it was: -

RESOLVED that the report of the Grand Lecturer, be received and adopted.

GENERAL BUSINESS Motion

Moved by R.E. Companion W . M. Robertson and seconded by M.E. Companion J. V. Follett, that the Committee of Work take into consid ­eration and report on the advisaJbiLity of amending the Ceremony of the Most Excellent Masters Degree by deleting the direction requiring Companions to kneel when passing the word.

The motion b eing put was carried.

Sovereign Great Priory M.E. Companion A. L. Williams brought greetings from Most Em.

Sir Knight F . G. Mann, Supreme Grand Master of Sovereign Great Priory expressing his regrets at not being present and also to express his personal greetings and 1best wishes for a very successful meeting.

Grand Council of Western Canada M.E. Companion E. G . Ellerton brought greetings from Most Ill.

Companion A. A. Wilson, Grand Master of the Grand Council of Western Canada, R. & S.M., expressing his regrets at not being present.

General Grand Chapter M.E. Companion J . V. Follett, General Grand Royal Arch Captain

in opening his remarks, that this was May 11th, 1955, and that this was a most important date to him, as on May 11th, 1905. h e was Initiated into Masonry, this being the 50th Anniversiary of hi s Ini­tiation. I trust that on the foundation laid on that occasion that I have raised a structure honorable to the builder.

I want to bring you greetings of The General Grand Chapte r and The General Grand High Priest and his Officers and to assure you that the General Grand High Priest is just as much interested in Alberta as in any other Grand Chapter under his jurisdiction, fact of the matter is the Past General Grand Hig h Priest Earl Desenbery at Manitaba in F ebruary, expressed his appreciation of the treatment he received in Alberta, he said he was more warmly welcomed than he could possibly be in any other part of his jurisdiction. Havin g said that I want to draw your attention to the fact that we have in Canada a Conference of Canadian Grand Chapters, it is h eld, or h as been h eld in the last eight years immediately following the meeting of Sovereign Great Priory of Canada in whatever city it has been h eld.

--- ---- ---

58

Three years ago it was held in Banff, two years ago in Mo~cton, New Brunswick, last year in Kingston, Ontario, and this summer m Augusta it is going to be held in Toronto, Ontario. This Conference of Cana­dia n Grand Chapters is made up of 1Jhe Past Grand First Principals, the sitting three Grand Principals and the Grand Scribe E., of all Grand Chapters in this Dominion, that is there are eight of them all together, any Royal Arch Mason whether h e be Past Principal or an Officer of his Chapter or just -a simple Royal Arch Mason, is heartily w elcome to come to any of these Conferences, to listen to what is g ive n the papers, to take part in the discussions, to ask questions and to gene rally behave lthe same as you do in ordinary Chapters, except that unless you are a m ember you do not g e t an opportunity to vote.

I have been honored by 'being a member of General Grand Chapter for three years, last October the Triennial met at Ashville, N.C. at the conclusion we <had representatives from both Alberta and Manitoba in Canada, Alaska, Japan, Philippines Islands, Mexico, Guatemala and the Canal Zone, and from all the Grand Chapters of United States, that belonged to the General Grand Chapter, it was a very excellent meeting, presided over by M.E. Companion R. F. Janes, of New York, who some of you met in Edmonton two years ago at the Sectional Mee ting. The meeting w ent off without any diffi­culty and did not have quite as much discussion as we have had here today in over two days meeting and they had decided the next m eeting would be held in Sun Valley, Idaho in 1957. So if you are planning your annual holidays, start now and plan to take in the Triennial Convocation of the General Grand Chapter at Sun Valley, Idaho, it will pay you to be there and it will pay you in more ways than one to meet so many people, from all over the Masonic World, it is an education, and it is a treat for anybody to be at any of these meetings. The most important thing that was done last year w as to give authority to start another n ew Grand Chapter in the Re public of Mexico, there have ·been one in Alaska, and one in the Philippine in the preceding three years, and now there is to be one started in the Republic of Mexico, they also have Chapters started in Germany, they are not the entire property of the American residents in Germany, but Germans themselves, provided they go· through the prope r routine of the Masonic Order, the hope is that before v ery long there will be enough Chapters on the Continent to !form a Grand Chapter over there, it is hoped and expected that they will be r eady approximately three years from last fall.

Coming up this year there has been referred to by our Grand First Principal, the fact that last year at Kingston a resolution was brought forth by the Grand First Principal of Canada asking for a ve ry drastic change to be made in the methods of our m eetings. One thing they wanted to do was suggested that we meet every two y ears instead of every year and another suggestion was tJhat we meet not after Sovereign Great Priory, but that we meet in conjunction with some Grand Chapter, that is for instance at this meeting now.

The matter has been referred to every Grand Chapter in the Dominion for their opinions, ours was taken last evening and a copy has been forward ed to the Committee that is dealing with this at the

59

next meeting, other Grand Chapters have done th e same. thing. The big objection to the two year period is this, we have e1ght Grand Chapters, if we meet every two years Alberta would have the oppor­tunity of having that conference once every sixteen years, and I thmk that we can do better than that by staying as we are, besi·des that, the only Grand Ohapter that does not elect their Officers annually, is the Grand Chapter of Ontario, and they e lect their Grand First Principal every two years. So 1Jhere will be an off year so to speak. The Grand First Principal of the other Chapters would not have an opportunity to attend as official delegates, these are a few of the points coming up and I want to give you this notice that this con­ference is being h eld in Toronto immediately following the Sovereign Great Priory meeting August 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and lOth.

Any of you who should be in Toronto will be heartily welcome to the conference of The Canadian Grand Chapter.

Thank you, M.E. Sir, for this opportunity of bringing greetings from both 'bodies and extend on •behalf ocf the General Grand Chapter and t•he Conference of Canadian Grand Chapters our best wishes for your success and I assure you of our full support.

Honorary Membership

On the motion of M.E. Companion A. G.Acton, seconded by M.E. Companion Frank Mayer, it was unanimously

RESOLVED that the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta confer Honorary Life Membership on: -

M.E. Companion S. H. Fahrni , Past First Principal ocf Grand Chapter of Manitoba, and M.E. Companion R. 'Mayson, Grand First Principal of the Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan.

M.E. Companion S. H. Fahmi

M.E. Sir and Companions, thank you very much for the Honours that you are continually piling on us and the kindness that you have shown to me personally since I have been in this City of Lethbridge. and I realize that as the Representative of the Grand Chapter of Manitoba you are really honoring the Grand Chapter of Manitoba. Thank you very much.

R.E. Companion Lon Crumley

M.E. Sir and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Alberta, I have only missed a couple of these meetings in Alberta during the last twenty years, and the very .friendly relations that exist, between the State and the Province is very real. We have our meeting in Miles City on June 5th, with our Religious Ceremony followed by the York Rite sessions and the Grand Chapter meeting on June 8th, and we extend a sincere invitation to all your Companions to attend these meetir;gs.

Grand Imperial Concl·ave of Canada

R.E. Companion C. W~ Lilley brought greetings from M. Ill. Kt. Companion Arthur F. Tannahill, Grand Sovere ign of the Grand Im-

60

p e rial Con clave of Canada, expressing his regrets at n ot bein g present a nd bringing greetings a n d good wishes for a very successful Con­vocation.

Report of the Credential Committee

To th e Most Excellent Grand First Principal, Officers a nd Com­panions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch M a sons of Alberta. Most Excel!(.-nt Sir and Companions:-

Y8ur committee presents h erewith the report for the Forty-first Annual Convocation :-

Number of Chapters re presented 29.

Tot al vot e : One hundred and seventy-f ive.

Fraternally submitted,

E. S. SMITH (Chairma n ) W . R. ROBERTS W . LORD J. Farrugia M. BALDWIN PAUL L. JONES A. DANIELSON L. C. SPIVEY.

On the motion of R.E. Companion E . S. Smith, seconded by R.E. Compa ni on VIi. R. Rob erts, it was

RESOLVED that the report of the Credentia ls Committee b e re­ceived and adopted.

Election of Officers

Th e Scrutin eers be ing in atten dance and r eady to report on the results of tlw Elections, The Grand First Principal called upon the m at this time.

The following results w ere reported: -Gra n d F irst Principal .. ... ........... . ... M.E. Com panion C. W. Lilley Grand Second Principal . .. ........ R.E. Companion F. L. Colwell G ra nd Third Principal .... .. ................. R.E. Companion B. C. Jakeman Grand Treasurer ....... R.E. Companion T. S. Jeffery Gra nd Scribe Ezra (Grand Sec'y) .. M .. E. Companion F . J. Hand Grand Scribe Nehemiah ........... ...... . R.E. Companion 0 . Nevra Grand Registrar . .. .. .. .. ...... .. .. ....... R.E. Companion Harry W. Keyte G rand Principal Sojourner . ... R.E. Companion J. Ray Anderson

Executive· Committee

R.E. 'Companions C. F. Fawcett, A. L. Griswold, Frank Keyte and E . S. Smith.

61

The Grand First Principal then declared t h e above Companions -elect ed to their respective offices.

Moved by 1\II.E. Companion .A. Peart a n d seconded by M .E. Com­panion W. A. Irving, that the sum of On e Hundred Dollars be se t aside for Shekinah Chapter No. 4. to assist them in carifrg for Grand ·Chapter as this was the first time in forty-one years.

The Grand First Principal, then informed M.E. Companion R. Mayson, that he was now an Honorary Life Member of the Grand Chapter of Alberta.

M.E. Companion R. Mayson in replying, said that he considered it a great honor to have this conferred on him and thanked the Grand First Principal and the Grand Chapter.

Vote of Thanks

Moved hv M .. E. Companion J. V. Follett and seconded by 'M.E. Companion J. W. G. Morrison, that a hearty vote of thanks be ex­tended to the Scrutineers who had done such a fine job ;for Grand Chapter.

Insta llation of Officers

The installation of Officers was then proceeded with, M.E. Com­panion Frank Mayor, b eing requested by the Grand First Principal to perform this ceremony. M.E. Compan ion A. G. Acton being Grand Director of Ceremonies.

The Grand First Principal M.E. Companion C. W. Lilley expressed his sincere appreciation to M.E. Comnanion Frank 'M:ayor and his Officers for the nice manner in which the Installation of Officers was conducted and thanked the Grand Chapter for the High Honor conferred upon him and expressed the hope that they would not be disappoint ed with his efforts.

R.E. Companion Frank Colwell, thanked the Companions for the high honor conferred upon him, as Grand Second Principal and that lw would do his best to follow in the steps of his predecessors.

R.E. Companion B. C. Jakeman, thanked the Companions giving a short history of his arrival in the Province a n d his ultimate rise through th '? several Chapters in Calgary and Edmonton, expressing the ho-pe that h e would give a very good accounting of himself in the years to come.

NEXT PLACE OF ANNUAL CONVOCATION

The Forty-second Annual Convocation of t h e Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta will be held in the City of Red Deer on the second Wednesday, May 9th, 1956.

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62

GRAND CHAPTER CLOS.ED

The Forty-first Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta was closed in ample form at 4:15 p.m. uy the Grand First Principal, Most E xcellent Companion Charles \ V. Lill ey.

Gran d Scribe Ezra.

63

Chapters by Masonic Districts DISTRICT No. 1

Gra nd Superintendent: R.E. Companion W. H. Gillett, Edson, Alberta

No. 2 North Sta r No. 13 Capital City No. 18 Norwood No. 30 Edson No. 34 Wapiti

......... Edmonton . . Edmonton .. Edmonton

...... . Edson .... .... ............. .... . Grand e Prairie

DISTRICT No. 2 Grand Superintendent: R.E. Companion E. s. Stephens,

Box 704, Drumheller, Alberta No. 19 The Hiram No. 27 Eheyeh No. 28 Hanna .

DISTRICT No. 3

... . Youngstown .. Drumheller .. Hanna

Grand Superintendent: R.E. Companion N. G. Rusk, 418 - lOth Avenue. N.W., Calgary, Alta.

No. 1 No. 9 No. 11 No. 12 No. 20 No. 21 No. 24

Alberta Otuskwan Calgary Keystone Banff ....... ..... .. .... .. . Strathmore Crescent

DISTRICT No. 4

............ .. Calgary .. .... Calgary

.. . Calgary .... Red Deer

.. Banff .... . Strathmore

...... . Calgary

Gra nd Superintendent: R.E. Companion Elmer Rowe, Pincher Creek, Alberta

No. 4 No. 5 No. 8 No. 15 No . 16

Shekinah Golden W est Kether Hill vue Tau Cross

DISTRICT No. 5

... Lethbridge .. High River .. Pincher Creek

.. . Hillcrest

.... Clare sholm

Grand Superinte nd ent: R.E. Companion G. T. Loney, Viking, Al·berta

No. 14 Vermilion No. 17 Mount Olive t No. 31 Parklands No. 32 Viking No. 33 Hamar No. 36 Bethel

DISTRICT No. 6

........ .. Vermilion ......... Killam

.... Wainwright ..... . Viking ... Hughenden .... Forestburg

Gran d Superintend ent: R.E. Companion W. M. Kelly, Box 40, Bassano, Alberta

No. 2 Assiniboia No. 10 Bow Vall ey No . 26 Harmony No. 35 Empress

........ .. Medicine Hat ..... .. Gleichen

... .... . Bassano .. Empress

64

HONORARY PAST GRAND FIRST PRINCIPALS J. F. Yorke D. F. Adams G. C. Burgess

*H. de Roche .. ... .. .. ..... . *A. Little *H. L. Adolph *R. J. F. Coster J. F. Dart J. F. Irwin

*E. R. Wylie F. E . Doull

*T. S. Cook ... ............. .. W . B. Saunders

*W. B. Hooker . E. T . Johnson S. D. Cruden ...... C. E. Cole S. H. Jackson

•s. Fea A. E. Miscampbell

*W. L. Clink ...................... . .. C. J. Hutchings Frank Van Demark

*J. E. McLarty .. .. F. E . Simmons ... . L. Johnson

*B. S. Bailey S. A. Miller F. W. Dean G. Lythgoe W. E. Pool

*I. Stafford J. E . Nunn A. A. Wilson . C. F . Lidster

*W. E. Bristowe R. W. Kirby W. R. Shanklin .......... ... ... .. .. Clarence M. Pitts

*H. Stanley Bell ...... Earl E. Dusenbery ...... .. ..... . .

A. J. Peterson ............................. .. . John F . Lunney W. A. Wyborn T. R. Luke

*W. Boyd ... .. .. . R. F. Janes ...... .. R. R. Walcutt .. . J. A. M. Taylor .......... .. .. . A. Coutts ..... A. C. Woods F . L. Eukes

................. .... Saskatchewan .. British Columbia

....... .. .. Saskatchewan .... ... .. ... .. .......... Saskatchewan

.... Manitoba .... .. .... Manitoba

.. . Saskatchewan ..... . Manitoba

.. Manitoba .... Saskatchewan ... Saskatchewan .. Manitoba ..Wyoming

...................... Saskatchewan .. ..... Manitoba

.. .. Manitoba ............ Manitoba

... Saskatchewan .. British Columbia

...... Saskatchewan Saskatchewan

· ··::::Saskatchewan .. Montana

Saskatchewan : : Manitoba

Saskatchewan ............... ............ .. Manitoba

Montana Canada

......... Saskatchewan

....... .. Minn esota .... .... Ohio

Saskatchewan .......... Saskatchewan

· Manitoba Saskatchewan

........ Saskatchewan

.. .. .... Saskatchewan ::: Canada

.. Saskatchewa n .. .. ...... Iowa- Gen eral

Grand Chapter ...Alaska ... Saskatchewan

...... Manitoba

...... Saskatchewan .. ...... . Manitoba

..New York .. .. Ohio

.. .. .. Canada .. ..... British Columbia ... .... Saskatchewan

.. .. .... Montana

H. Irwin S. H. Fahrni R. Mayson

* Deceased

65

.. Montana

.. Manitoba ...... Saskatchewan

GRAND SCRIBES E. M. M. Down ey .... . J. E. Johnson . E . G. Ironside

*C. R. W en tzel •c. A. MacPherson

Ha rold Bentley F. J. Hand Harold Bentley

1914 - 1916 1917 - 1921

.. . ..... .... 1922 - 1924 1925 - 1932

. .. .... . .. 1933 - 1945 1946 - 1948 1949 - 1950

........... ...... . ......... . ...... 1951 - 1952 F. J . Hand . . . .......... . . ········ 1953 -

GRAND FIRST PRINCIPALS SINCE ORGANIZATION MAY 19th, 1914

*S. Y. Taylor ....... ... ....... ........... 1914 *W . E. Mercer ....... 1935 *J. N. Rankin ... . 1915 *H. Sandilands 1936 F. S. Watson ........... .. .... ... ... 1916 •·c. H. Minchin ..... .. ........ .. . .... ... 1937

*R. Patterson 1917 '''A. B. McCurdy 1938 *A. R. Dickson 1918 *H. W . B. Bell . 1939

M. M. Downey 1919 W. H. Scott . .. . ... .... ... 1940 *N. T. Macleod 1920 *W. B. Way . .................. .. ... 1941 *H. Darling 1921 ''J. E . Rannard . ..... ... . 1942 *G. B. Macleod 1922 E. G. Ellerton 1943 *W. T. Coote 1923 F. J. Hand ......... 1944 J. E. Johnson ..... . 1924 T . J . Cu mberland ... 1945 S. H. Middleton 1925 R. M. Lambertson . 1946 E . G. Ironside ..... 1926 W . A. Irving ....... 1947

*W. M. McNab ..... 1927 A. L. Williams 1948 *F. S. Selwood ..... 1928 J. L. Innes ......... .... . .. 1949 *J . R. Flan ..... ............. .. ... 1929 H. E. Bentley 1950 J. W . G. Morrison 1930 Alfre d Peart 195' J . A. McGhee 1931 F . Mayer .. . 1952 J . V. Folle tt 1932 A. G. Acton 1953

*A. West .. .. 1933 G. Grieve 1954 A. Davison ... . 1934 C. W. Lill ey 19:5:5

* Deceased

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE R.E. Companion Frank Colwell ...................... . Chairman

Grand First Principal !\I.E. Companion C. W . Lilley R.E. Companion W. H. Gillett R.E. Companion E. S. Stephens R.E. Companion Norman Rusk R.E. Companion Elmer Rowe R.E. Companion G. T . Lon ey R.E. Companion W . M. Kelley R.E. Companion T. S. J effery .

M.E. Companion F . J. Ha nd R.E. Companion 0. Nevra

...... Grand Su pt. District No. 1 Grand Supt. District No. 2 Grand Supt. District No. 3 Grand Supt. District No. 4 Grand Supt. District No. 5 GPand Supt. District No. 6

Grand Tre asurer Grand Scribe E. (Grand Secretary)

Grand Scribe Nehemiah All Past Grand Principals by virtue of the ir office.

66

ELECTED BY GRAND CHAPTER TO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL R.E. Companion C. F. Fawcett P..E. Companion A. L. Griswold R.E. Companion Frank Keyte R.E. Companion E. S. Smith R.E. Companion W. H. Houghton R.E. Companion W. J. Vaness R.E. Companion W. J. Turne r R.E. Companion N. Scheer . ..

APPOINTED OFFICERS

2 Years 2 Years 2 Years 2 Years 1 Ye a r 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year

Grand Lecurer .... ...... . M.E. Companion E. G. Ellerton Grand Senior Sojourner ........ V.E. Companion Vince T. Young Grand Junior Sojourner . ....... V.E. Companion Harry B. Wilks Grand Sword Bearer ... ... ...... ... ....... . V.E. Companion M. P. Norton Grand Master First Veil ........ .. V.E. Companion G. G. Sept Grand Master Second Veil ... ............ V.E. Companion R. P. Stuckey Grand Master Third Vei l ........ ....... V.E. Companion I. C. Birdsell Grand Master Fourth Veil ............ . V.E. Companion D. S. Logan Grand Director of Ceremonies ...... . M.E. Companion George Grieve Grand Organist ..... ....... ....... .... . ..... V.E. Companion Dr. D. J. Snell Grand Pursuivant ...... .. ........... ...... . .. V.E. Companion R. C. Collier Grand Steward District No. 1 ...... .. V.E. Companion S. Ekstrom Grand Steward District No. 2 .. .... .. V.E. Companion L. E. Helmer Grand Steward District No-. 3 ...... .. V.E. Companion L. J. Foster Grand Steward District No. 4 .. V.E. Companion C. C. Kumlin Grand Steward District No. 5 . V.E. Companion A. Webb Grand Steward District No. 6 ....... V.E. Companion W. McRae Grand Outer Guard ... .. .. . V.E. Companion J . N. Stewart

SUB COMMITT.EES Grand First Principal's Address- M.E. Companion 'M. M. Downey

<Chairman) and all Past Grand First Principals.

Credentials- R.E. Companion E. S. Smith (Chairman ) and all Gran d Superintendents.

Warrants- M..E. Compan ion W. H. Scott (Chairman) M.E. Com­panion M. M. Downey, J. A. McGhee and A. G. Acton.

Condit ions of Capitular Miasonry- M .E. Companion Dr. J . V. Follett rChairman) 'M.E. Companions E. G. Ellerton, W. A. Irvi:ng, J . L. Innes, L P eart and F . J . Hand.

Audit a n d Finance- M.E. Companion J. L. Innes (Chairman) M.E. Companions Dr. J. V. Follett, R. M.. Lambertson, R.E. Companions T . S. Jeffery and E. S. Smith.

Grievances and Appe·al.s- M.E. Companion E. -G. Ellerton (Chair­man) M.E. Companion W. H. Scott, A. Peart, A. G. Acton, George G1·ieve, R.E. Companion W. H. Houghton.

Be-nevolence- M.E. Comp•anion M .. M. Downey (Chairman) M .E. Co mpanion Frank Mayor, R.E. Companions C. F . Fawcett, W . J. Turner vnd W. J . Vaness.

67

Fraternal Dead - R.E. Companion B. C. Jakeman (Chairman) M.E. Companion A. L. Williams, R.E. Companions W. J. Turne r and W. H. Ho-ughton.

Fraterna:l Corresp.:>ndence- M .. E. Companion R. M. Lambertson <Chairman) M.E. Companions Dr. J. V. Follett, J. W. G. 'Morrison, E. G. Ellerton, E. G. Ironside, H. E. Bentley, A. Peart, G. Grieve, Companions Frank Keyte, W . J . Vaness and W. H. Houghton.

Permanent Committee on Work- M.E. Companion A. L. Williams <Chairman) M.E. Companions E. G. Ellerton and W. A. Irving.

Jurispru<lence- M.E. Companion J. W. G. Morrison (Chairman ) M.E. Companions M. M. Downey, F. J. Hand, W. A. Irving and R.E. Companion A. L. Griswold.

Library Research and Educatior11---'M.E. Companion A. P eart (Chair­man M.E. Companions J. W. G. Morrison, Rev. Archdeacon S. H. M:iddleton, KE. Companion N. Scheer.

Entertainment- R.E. Companion B. C. Jakeman (Chairman) .

ORDER OF HIGH PRIESTHOOD

The Grand Council of Anointed High Priests of the Province of Alberta. This meeting was not h eld this year but the fo llowing are the Officers and Members to date.

M.E. Companion J . L. Innes E. Companion A. Leroy Williams E. Companion W. Bett s E. Companion F. J . Hand E . Companion T. S. Jeffrey E. Compa nion A. G. Acton E. Compa nion W. Irving E. Companion D. S. Neilson E . Compa nion A. Peart . E. Companion F. L. Colwell

President Vice-President

Chaplain Recorde r

Treasure r Master of Ceremonies

Conductor Herald

Steward . ... Sentinel

68

Members

W. A. Ackland, Geo. Acton, Gaius Allen, A. Anderson, G. Ander­son, H. S. Baird, I. D. Barton, F. Bentley, Harold E. Bentley, W. Betts, L. W. Bond, A. G. Boyce, H. R. Brooks, G. F. Butler, J. L. Brownlee, A. A. Cashman, S. W. Cameron, J. Campbell, G. D Caughey, G L. Chesney, J. Clevely, S. Com'ba, J. H. Cochrane, E. Corley, 0. J. Cowin, 0. G. Craig, G. Cruickshank, T . J. Cumberland, J. M. Donaldson, M. M. Downey, G. S. Draper, P. Dougherty<, A. H. Duff, L. C. Duneway, A. Danielson, J . A. Dutton, E. G. Ellerton, R. Evans, A. B. Erickson , J. V. Follett, J. Farrugia, H. F e rg u son, J. D. H. Fraser, E. J. Friend, W. Gathercole, R. Glen, T. D. Gold, G. L. Gothard, W. D. Graham, \V. H. Green , Geo. Grieve, W. G . Gutowski, F . J. Hand, W. G. Harley, W. J. Hartrick, W. J. Haynes, R. Henderson, W. Hill, A. Haines, E . W. Hertzber, J. L. Innes, E . G. Ironside, W. A. Irving, T. S. Jeffery, J. E. Johnson, Lome Joh nson. J. A. Key, R. W. Kirby , Guy A. K Lrby, R. M. Lambertson , C. W . Lilley, N. Luciow, J. W . Limb, A. F. Lissack, L. E. Mackay, W. Marcellus, S. G. ]\-lay, Frank Mayer, L. B. McCoomb, E. C. McDonald, J. D. McDonald, J. A. McKee , R. L. Mcilveen, A. M. McKee, F. S. McPh erson, S. H. Middleton , J. W. G. Morrison, W. L. Mundy, L. Myggland, H. J . McCoy, D. McAllister, Wm. McGruther, A. E. Neal, 0. Nevra, L. E. Newby, F. E. Nicol, R. H. Morton, D. S. Neilson, J. W . Oakes, C. Orr, L. Osberg, A. Peart, C Potter, D. E. Price, J. Richardson, M. W. Robertson, R. E. Parton, A. Robinson, M. Robbins, Wright Roper, W. H. Scott, C. C. Simpson, F. A. Smith , R. Smith, R. J. Smith, Wm.. Smith, Jr., C. C. Spe nce, E. H. Starr, E. H . Struthers, W. G. Scott, A. B. Spence, T. Thompson, G. L. Tipp, F. Tomlinson, R. P. Umbrite, K. H. Walker, A. L. Watkins, Ernest Ward. F. S. Watson, N. S. Weatherhead, A. L. Williams, A. A. Wil son, F. G. Young.

Walter Lord, C. E. Cosgrove, B. C. Jackman, W . R. Roberts, J. Redman, H. B. Wieks, Paul Jones, George G. Sept, J. S . Robblee, Walter Marcellus, L. S. Kirbert, J. A. Arkinson, S. D. Simonson, Alex W ebb, F red Mann, G. M. Council, N. Leslie, Cecil Kumlin, S. M . F inders, W. H. Keyte, H. H. Fletcher, W . H. Houghton, Morgan Baldwin, Alex Nicol, W. E. E . Anderson, A. L. Griswold, Ed. Stephe ns, J. F innemore, C. F. Fawcett, Gaylen Jones, Ed. Searle, G. A. Sterling, H. R. Rudy, E. C. Logan, J . B. Cameron, T. P. Crowther, J. Ray Anderson.

Deceased

H. W. B. Bel l, W. C. Black, J. J . Clarke, W. T. Coote, J. Dun, G . \l.f. Elliott, J. R. Fla n , .... . Fraser, C. Floyd, C. A. MacPherson, G. B. McLeod, N. T. McLeod, W. E. M,ercer, G. Plasteras, M. B. Peacock, J. E. Rannard, A Riddick, W. B. Way, P. Fielding, H. Sandilands, A. B. McCurdy, A. West, Gaius Allen.

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GRAND REPRESENTATIVES

To Residence Grand Chapter From Residence J. c. Roe ............ Russellville .......... Alabama ................ Geo. Blyth ............ Edmonton 'George Colette .... Fairbanks .. Alaska .................... A. L. Griswold .... Calgary B. w. Blair ........ M:iami .................... Arizona .................. E. H. Mack ....... .Ciaresholm Roy A. Farler .... Little Rock ............ Arkansas .............. w. H. Scott ........ Vermilion A. Coutts .............. Vancouver ............ British Columbia .. F. A. Smith ........ Edmonton Harry R. Sones .... 3ebastopol ............ California .............. N. B. Williams .... Calgary R. v. Conover ...... 3rampton .............. Canada .................. F. S. Watson ...... Edmonton C. F. Banzhaf Jr.Denver .................. Colorado ................ TV. E. G. AndersonDrumheller Arthur E. Cost .... West Haven .......... Connecticut .......... !.D. Barton .......... Big Stone James P. Pierce .. Miltord .................. Delaware .............. T. Hughes ....... - .. Edmonton J. c. Richmond .. Maryland .............. Dlst. of ColumbiaT. W . G. Morrlsonvermillon C. R. Horne .......... Tallahassee .......... Florida .................. G. E. CruickshankHillcrest Zach Arnold ........ Fort Gaines .......... Georgia .................. J. R. Donaldson .. Sassano Roy V. Lacey ...... Weiser .................. Idaho ...................... J. L. Innes ............ Calgary w . E. Zimmerman Ottawa ............. l1Jinols .................... A. G. Acton ........ Calgary B. 0. Pruitt .......... Columbia .............. Indiana .................. ]. B. Cameron .... Edmonton Frederic Miller .... Des Moines .......... Iowa ...................... W. McGru ther .... Edmonton Thomas Jackson .. Dublin ................... Ireland .................. J. W. N. Beamish Youngstown A. L. Dyer ............ Winfield ................ Kansas ................. . R. 0 . Ramsay .... Danville ................ Kentucky .............. W. S . Cameron .... Drumheller P. J. Schempp .... Oakdale ................ Louisiana ............. . A. L. Burbank .... Waterville ............ Maine .................... E. H. Targett ..... Jrma E . C. Tatton ........ Brandon ................ Manitoba .............. J. M. Donaldson .. Calgary George M. Harris Westminster Md ... Maryland .............. A. L. Wllllams .... Edmonton Frank .L Ogilvie .. Roston .................... Massachusetts ...... E . G. Ellerton ...... "'rtmonton W. E. Zimmer .... Mason .................... Michigan ................ J. A. Dutton ....... Edmonton W. A. Strand ...... Mont ivldeo .......... Minnesota ............ T. Campbell ........ Drumheller J. B. Wheelis ...... Laurel .................... Mississippi ............ C. W. Lilley ....... Edmonton C. I. Fichthorn .... Marshall ................ Missouri ............... . A. E. Crumley ... .Shelby .................... Montana ................ !. Cleave .............. Calgary C. Strelow ............ Long Pine .............. Nebraska .............. N. R. Hrudey ...... Edmonton Wm. R. Overfelt .. Ely .......................... Nevada ................... J. Clevely ............ l':dmonton Harry J . Pike ...... Salisbury .............. New Brunswick .. R. Lambertson .... Edmonton Neal F. Teague .. St. Gonic .............. New Hampshire .. E. Ward ................ Edmonton George A. Fer ris .. Pequannock .......... New Jersey .......... W. L. Mundy ...... Edmonton A. P. Hughes ... Monterray ............ New Mexico ........ G. L. Tlpp ............ Edmonton Gco. Anderson .... New La mbton ...... New South WaiesH. E. Bentley ...... Kelowna, B.C. J. G. Williams .... New York .............. New York .............. c. M. Laverty ...... High River G. A. Blackmore .. Christ Church ...... New Zealand ...... F. Mayer .............. Edmonton W. C. Lassite r .... La uringburg, N.D. North Carolina .... T. S. Jeffery ........ Calgary E. M. Johnson .... Fargo .. . ... North Dakota ...... w. A. Irving ........ Drumheller L. M. MacKinnon .. Kingston ................ Nova Scotia ........ w. G. Scott .......... Edmonton R. T. McDonald .. New Carlisle ........ Ohio ........................ ]. A. Livingston .. Lethbridge C. S. Teague ........ Oklahoma ............ Oklahoma ............ ]. V. Follett ........ Calgary H .. Young .......... Portland ................ Oregon .................. J. A. McGhee ...... Didsbury W. R. Roe ............ Philadelphia ........ Pennsylvania ........ H. W. Ford .......... Calgary Esteban Munarriz Manila .................... Phllliplne Islands Sam Harris .......... High Prairie W . J. Edwards .... Bishoplon .............. Quebec .................. M. W . Robertson .. Edmonton J. England .......... Brisbane ................ Queensland .......... C. Scaiffe ............ Calgary H. G. Heath ........ Hope Valley ........ Rhode Island ........ D. Nicholson ........ Medicine Hat G. J. Shaw .......... Saskatoon .............. Saskatchewan ...... E. S. Smith .......... Calgary J. Mason Allan .. Edinburgh ............ Scotland ................ S. H. Middleton .. Cardston 0 . Pennington .... Columbia .............. South Carolina .... F. W. Keyte ........ Calgary C. Trethowan ...... Huron .................... South Dakota ...... A. Peart .............. Edmonton S. Westall ............ Columbia .............. Tennessee .............. 0. W. Harris ........ Calgary J. E . Cavender .... Ft. Worth ............ Texas ...................... A. Carr .................. Calgary Clyde W. Picht .... Salt Lake City .... Utah ..................... . R. W. Barnard .... Rutland .................. Vermont ................ M. M. Downey .... Edmonton

.S. J . Jessup .......... N. Williamstown .Victoria ................ . D. Barclay ........ Edmonton C. F. Unruh ........ Kinsale .................. Virginia ................ C. Comba ............ Calgary F. A. DeMander .. Spokanc ................ Washington .......... Geo. Grieve .......... Edmonton S. J. Jessup .......... N. Williamston .... West Australia .... E .. Friend .......... Calgary 1... G. Kincheloe .. Parkesburg .......... West Virginia ...... F. J . Hand ............ Calgary Dale Tice .............. Wint er .................. Wisconsin ............ W . Smith Jr ....... Forestburg W. B. Saunders .. Gillette .................. Wyoming .............. H. D. Fawcett ...... Calgary

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GRAND SECRETARIES OF GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS Gr a nd Chapter Na me

Alabama .................. C. H. Stu binger ... Masonic Temple. Montgomery Ar izona .................... J . A . E. Ivey .... . ....... Box 1488. Tucson Arkansas .................. C. D. Hill ......... Box 2216. Lillie Rock. Arkansas British Colu mbia .... Edgar B. Baker ....................... 103 Empire Bldg., 603 West Hastings

St., Van couver :alifornla ... ............ Chester H. Newell __ ______ San Francisco, Rm. 423. Mas. Temple Canada .......... Fred J . Johnson ........ Rm. 712 Temple Building, Toronto :olorado . . ............. H. W. Bundy ......................... 319 Masonic Temple Den\'er Connecticut .... ........ B. W . Clark ...... ...... .......... P .O. Box 838. New Britain, Conn. Delawar e .................. M. M. Carpenter ...................... Wilmington. Box 94 District of ColumbiaA. H. Clayton .............. Washington . Masonic Temple Engla nd ...... Sydney A. While .. ................. Freemasons Hall. London florjda ..... J. B. Phelps ...... .. ............. Box 2S:l. Miami Georgia ...... William J. Penn Jr. Macon fdaho .... . ..... Edward H. Way ....... Boise. Box No. 175:1 lllinois ........ Edward E. Core ..... Masonic Temple, Dixon, Illinois lndiana ...... Charles C. T homas Manon rowa .... . ..... Ross J. Gamblin ... .. ...... Atlantic frela nd c ••••• Henry C. Shellard, Gd. Reg. Dublin. Freemasons' Hall Kansas ..................... Elmer F. Strain ..................... Masonic Temple. Topeka Ken t ucky ....... Chas. K. A. McGaughey ........ Box 413. Richmond. Kentucky Louisiana .......... Lee W. Harris ....................... P.O. Box 404, Alexandr ia Maine ... ··--·--····· Convers E. Leach .................. 1\1asonic Temple. Portland Manitoba ........ J. M. Davies ............ ............... 503 Avenue Building, Winnipeg Maryland .................. Chas. H. Welden ....... Masonic Temple. Baltimore Massachusetts ........ W. F. Clark .......... . ........ Boston. Rm. 209. Masonic Temple Michigan .................. Roy Andr·us ............................. Masonic Temple, Lansing Minnesota ............. J. H. Anderson ........................ St. Paul. ~ras . Temple, 6th and Smith Mississippi ... ·· ··-····Sid. F. Curtis ... .... ... ......... ..... Meridian Missouri ........ Ray V. Denslow ........ Trenton Montana ...... Herbert F. Hosfeld ..... ........... 108 - Grand Street. Helena, Montana Nevada ... ...... ... .......... E. C. Peterson ... . ....... Carson Nebraska .................. C. R. Greisen ....... Omaha. Rm. 401. Masonic Temple New Brunswick ...... R. E. Crawford .... .................. St. John Masonic Te mple New Hampshire ..... J. M. Dresser ...................... ,_Concord. 44 South Main St. New Jersey ... ..... Wrn. Beck ........ 269 Powers St.. Ne w Brunswick. N.J . New Mexico .. . ... E. H. Riernen ........ .. ........ Box 166, Roswc11 New South Wales .. Frederick IL Sinden ............ Sydney. 160 Cast lcrca~:h St. New York ... . ..... C. G. W il helms .......... Masonic Hall, New York 10 New Zealand .... ...... E. Cannons .. .......... Box 1295. We llington North Carolina ........ L. Godown .. . ......... Oxford North Dakota .......... H.S. Pond .............. Box 1269, Fargo Nova Scotia ........ ...... H. F. Sipprell .. .... .. .... ............. Box 555. Wolfville Ohio .. . ....... Henry Gruen ......... ..... ............ 145 West Sixth St. , East u,·erpool Oklahoma ..... .......... James A. Lathim ...... 1Vtuskogee Oregon . R. H. Tusant ............ ................ 1\1asonic Temple, Portland Pennsylvania ... J. C. F. Kilselman ...... 111asonic Temple. Broad and Filbert

Streets. Philadelphia, Penn. Queensland .S. W. Coulter ................. ........ Box 425F. Brisbane Quebec ...... . .... .H. Pickering ........................... 1559 St. Mark St., Montreal Rhode Island .......... Edward M. Wheeler .. . ......... 5'0 Gle nhcrn St .. Providence Saskatchewan ........ A. A. Wi lson .......................... 272:1 Viclorra Ave .. Regina Scolland ........ W. A. Laird .......................... Trinity. Edinburgh South Carolina ........ H. F. Collins ............................ 901 Palmetto State Life Bldg . ,

Columbia South Dakota ........ E. F. Strain .... . ........ Masonic Temple. Sioux Falls Tennessee .. ........... Thomas E. Doss .... .... Nashville, Box 216 Texas . .... .... ..... ........ Frank Oldham ...... ..... ... \\Taco Utah .. . ..... B. Atwater ... . ........... Salt Lake City Vermont ...... A. H. Grout ............... Masonic Temple, Burlington Victoria ........... H. 0. Thomas .......... Melbourne, 164 Flinders St. Virginia .................... J. N. Hill man ........................ Masonic Temple. Richmond Washington .. ......... Walter H. Steffey .. . ...... .4008 Universi t y Way. Sealtle West Australia ...... H. C. Anderson ........................ 63 St. George' s Terrace, Perth West Virginia ........ G. W. Tavenner ...................... Parkersburg Wisconsin ... . ........ W. A. Rowbottom .................. Milwaukee, 259 East Wells St. Wyomin g .................. R. P. Crowe ........................... -Masonic Temple, Casper Gen. Gr a nd Chap . Roscoe L. Walcutt . . ....... 8 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio G. Lodge, M.M.M.,

England-Wales .. T. G. L. Lumley-Smith ....... London, W.C., Mark Masons' Hall

71

Grand Chapter

Proceedings

REVIEWED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE

FRATERNAL CORRESPONDENCE CO~ITTEE

Alabama Alaska British Columbia

British Columbit California Canada

Dis t ri ct of Columbia Florida Geo·rgia

Idaho Illinoise Iowa

Kan sas Louisiana Louisiana

Ma in e Marylan d Minnesota

Missouri Nebraska New Brunswick

New Ha mpshire New South Wales New York

New Zeala nd North Carolina Nova Scotia

Ohio Pennsylvania Republic of Philippines

Rh ode Isl and Queb ec Saskatchewan

South Dako ta T ennessee T exas

W est Virginia Washington Washington

Victoria

72

ALABAMA

The One Hul1!dred and Twenty-sev enth Annua l Convocation of t h e Grand Chapter of Alabama was h eld in th e City of Huntsvil le, Ala., on February 8th, 1954 wit h M.E. Comp. Velmar A. Meadows, Grand High Priest, presiding.

Thirty-six Grand Chapters were represented. Alberta's Grand Representative was not shown as b eing present.

Twe nty-one Chapters qualified for G en eral Grand Chapter ten per cent certificates, eight of these won this high distinction for t wo years, three of bhese Chap ters won it for three years, and one Chapter won it for five years.

Eleven Past Grand High Priests were prese nt and 65 High Priests.

Membership was shown as 11,310, a gain of 993.

W e are sorry to read that Alberta's 1954 Proceedings were no t received in time for publication, and we are likewise sorry that Ala­bama's 1954 Proceedings were not received by us in time fo r inclusion in Alberta's 1954 Proceed ings.

W e not e with interest that M.E. Grand High Priest replaced six Grand Representatives n ear the Grand Chapter of Alabama for in­activity and who had not attended his Grand Chapter for a number of years.

The Grand High Priest reported that "all th e District Inspectors accepted their appointme nts and pledged th e ir wholeh earted support toward the advance m e nt of Capitular Maso nry i n the State of Alabama.

In regard to visitations to Chapte rs in Alabama he sa ys "I have been d ee ply gratified by the response to my efforts a nd appreciate th e courtesies extended to m e on all occasions."

In closing his remark s h e said about his year in office as Grand High Priest "it has brou g>ht m e many hap py occasions and happy m emories. If perchance I have been instrumental in bringing some Chapter or some Companion a word of ch eer or have rendered a commendable service, I have been doubly repaid.''

The One Hundred and Twenty Eighth Annua l Convocation of th e Grand Chapter of Ala bama will be h eld in t h e City of Montgo mery, Alabama th e fourt eenth day of February 1955 with M.E . Comp. Emrys W . John, Grand High Priest. presiding.

E . G. E.

ALASKA

The Second Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Alaska was held in Anchorage, Alaska, February 6th, 1954 with M.E. Comp. Almer J. P e te rson, Grand High Priest presiding.

Thi s is first Review we have had of our n ewly fo rme d G rand

73

Chapter in Alaska, and is of special intere~t to the Alberta Comp~~­ions in general and to this reviewer in particular, as 1t was my pnvl­lege and pleasure t o introduce M.E. Comp. Almer J. Peterson (then Deputy Grand Hig h Priest for Alaska) to the Companions in attend­ance at the Thirty Sixth Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter o f Alberta in session at Calgary, Alberta, May lOth, 1950 on which occasion we conferred upon him the honour and distinction of being made an Honourary Past Grand First Principal of Alberta Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.

With such an enthusiastic and dynamic personality as M.E. Comp. A. J. Pe terson we are not surprised to learn how varied and numerous were t he activities of h e r t enure of office.

The condition of Capitular Masonry as a whole was described by the Grand High Priest as being in a healthy condition.

The component organization of York Rite Masonry were very c learly and thoroughly outlined by him.

He also stated that there are about eighteen hundred Chapters working under the jurisdiction of English Charter. About two hun­dred in Africa w ere under the English, Scottish and Irish Constit u­tions There are several Chapters in India and every Province of Canada, Australia and New Zealand has Grand Royal Arch Chapters. In the United States there are over four thousand Chapters and (he believed) f ifty-one Grand Jurisdictions with a membership of half a million.

He also stated that the "Jewel of Royal Arch Masonry'' is the o nly Jewel recognized by the Grand Lodge of England today, besides the Blue Lodge Jewel.

Other ineresting facts would indicate that he has a very perusing and absorbing mind and is a reader of many documents of Masonic achievements.

The incoming Grand High Priest is M.E. Comp. Roy A. A. Larsen who is presently presiding over the destiny and directing the activities of t his Grand Chapter and, of course, very greatly encouraged and inspired by his predecessor, M.E. Comp. Almer J. Peterson.

E. G. E.

BRITISH C"OLUMBIA 1953

The Thirty-.fifth Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapte r of British Columbia was h eld in the city of Penticton on June 17th, 1953, with M. Ex. Comp. Andrew Coutts presiding. There were six Past Grand Principals present. Among the Distinguished Visitors present was our own M. Ex. Comp. George Acton.

A number of the By Laws of Chapters were approved raising the fees for exaltatio.n.

The Institution of a n ew Chapter at White Rock is of particular interest to Albertans as Ex. Comp. Dr. Gamey , late of Peace River, is the First Principal.

74

The Grand Chapter of Alberta was pleased that M. Ex. Comp. Andrew Coutts found time to be with us in Edmonton last year. He is our Grand Representative.

We excerpt from the Grand First Principal's address :

I suggest that in order to bring our Royal Craft to the attention of all Craft Masons, the publication of The Keystone be combined w ith the Bulletin issued by Grand Lodge, or that this Grand Chapter a uthorize a suitable advertisement to be carried in the Bulletin, and that n egotiations with t h e Grand Lodge of Britis h Columbia be o pen ed to explore the possibility of closer co-operation between Royal Arch Masonry and the Craft in British Columbia.

The Companions will observe that for the f irst time this year, copies of The Keyston e issu ed during the year are b eing bound with the proceedings of the Grand Chapter. I take this opportunity of expressing the hope that, by this means, The Keyston e wil l serve more fully its function of carrying light and information t o t h e Companions in British Columbia.

W(e are pleased to read the tribute passed to M. Ex. Comp. v.r. C. Dirmars w ho insta lled the first officers of Grand Chapter in 1919.

Alberta was liberally reviewed.

Membership 3821. Investment s $10,000.00.

M. Ex. Comp. Charles E. Renecker, Grand Z.

R. Ex. Comp. E . B. Baker, P.G.Z., Grand Scribe E.

BRITISH COLUMBIA 1954

M. M.D.

An Emergent Convocation of the Grand Chapter of British Colum­bia was heid at White Rock on July 25th, 1953, w ith the Grand First Principal, M. Ex. Comp. Charles E. Ren ecker presiding. This Convocation was for the purpose of constituting the Semiahmoo Chapter. Congratulations to the new First Principal, Dr. L. R. Gamey form erly of Alberta.

W e note with sympathy the passing of M. Ex. Comps. Vernon W. Stewart and Fred eric A. Willis. 'Miany Alberta Companions will re ­m ember the brother of M. Ex. Comp. Stewart, Bro. H. D. R. Stewart of Calgary.

T~e T:hirt~-sixt_h Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter was held m V1ctona with the Grand First Principal presiding. He was ably supported by t en Past Grand Z's.

The followin g ru ling is of interest; We excerpt:

"I ruled that:

1. A Chapter may be closed in short form in t h e R.A. Degree by

75

the following Grand Officers and Past Grand Officers only:

The Grand First Principal

A Past Grand First Principal

The Grand Superintendent of the District in which the Chapter is located.

2. The Mystical Lecture in the R.A. Degree may be delivered by the First Principal or a Past First Principal only."

M. Ex. Comp. Charles E. Renecker is to be congratulated on his oustanding visitations to the Chapters in the interior of the province.

British Columbia has made splendid progress in m embersh ip and finances. The investments amount to $12,000.00. The net increase in membership was 243, being about 7 per cent.

We are g lad to see that M. Ex. Comp. Ernest Beaver age 90 is active in Capitular and Cryptic Masonry. We also note with pleasure that M. Ex. Comp. W. C. Ditmars age 89 is well.

The Grand Chapter of th_e Philippine Islands was duly recognized. Membership 4,064.

M. Ex. Comp. H. P. w;yness, Grand Z.

M_ Ex. Comp. E. B. Baker, Grand Scribe K

M.M.D.

CALIFORNIA

The One Hundredth Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of California was held on April 19th and 20th, 1954 with M_K Comp. William Roy Markle, Grand High Priest presiding_

Thi s being the One Hundredth Annal Convocation it was one of thrilling experience, anticipated enthusiasm and accomplished en­deavour_

The Grand High Priest in his address said "my visits to the Chapters have been well paid by the determined acceptance of the Companions to 'do more in '54' and I certainly see an increased interest in the promotion of Royal Arch Masonry. Ritualistically speaking, I find the Chapters are improving_ He further said con­cerning One Hundredth Annual Convocation at San Diego, "I would be remiss if I did not mention the wonderful work our Committee for this Convocation is doing to mal<e the lOOth Meeting the outstanding success it will be. Companions in and about this area, many in number, all Chapters represented , have given of their time and effort to so arrange a program of constant enjoyment for the Com­panion s and families so 1Jhat when the last farewells are said, our Committee will feel assured that their unselfish labours were not in vain." Of the observance of a Public Schools W eek h e said "we

76

cannot give too much attention nor pledge of our allegiance too emphatically to sustain so great an instrument that f eeds the minds. of our young ones, cultures the taste of the e ld ers. The most im­pressionable years in the lives of our •children are spent in the l_e~rnin g. halls of our country's schools, and we as Masons, as pnv1leged American citizens, must ever be alert to bruise the serpent that would attempt to enter the system and defile its great r eputation." Of Fraternal Relations with Other Jurisdictions he said "it has been m y privilege and pleasure to meet with Grand Officers of other' juris­dictions in their own and elsewhere and each has proven of much benefit." Nearing the end of his address he reaches a h igh point of inspiring realization, recognition and inspiration when h e says "Our Grand Secretary, Grand Lecturer, all Grand Officers, Pas t Grand High Priests, Inspectors and Committeeme n who have served m e a nd this Grand Chapter so well, I thank you sincerely. Never for an instant was I confounded by any hesitancy on any one's part to do all within their power to help. I review their loya lty with the d eepest sense of gratitude.''

Net gain in membership was 675 bringing the total to 29,220.

Forty-five Representatives of oth er Grand Jurisd ictions were p re­sent. Unfortunately Alberta's Grand Representative was not s hown as being in attendance.

Many interesting reports are to b e found in Califo rnia 1954 Pro­ceedings. "Report of Committee on York Rite Co-Ord niation" is one of them .·

Ex. Comp. Emmett H. Ernst, chairman of the "Fraternal Corres­pondence Committee" has in an original style assembled data, from other Grand Chapters' Proceedings, under several headings such as "Awards, Companionship, Educational, Finance, Foreign, Grand Hii!h Priest's Addresses, etc, e tc." to mention only a sm a ll port ion. T his has provided in a v ery informative manner a vast amount of usef ul knowledge. All this wonderful result could only emanate from prodi­g ious work a nd exhaustive study. "GOOD W ORK, SQUARE WORK, that deserves our highest tribute of praise" says o ur Reviewer.

The whole Proceedings have been compiled and presented in attractive form making for easy reading.

The One Hundred and First Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of California will be h eld in the City of San Francisco, April 18th, 1955 with M.E. Comp. Edwin J. Gribble, Grand Hig h Priest presiding.

E. G. E.

CANADA 1954

An Especial Convocation of the Grand Cha pter of Canada was h eld i~ th~ Masonic Hall, Listowel on May 8th, 1953 for the purpose of ded1catmg the Chapter Room. Congratulations to Bernard Chapter No. 146. May Listowel continue to make progress.

77

Three more dedications took place, viz at Espanola, Leamington and Uxbridge.

The 96th Annual Convocation was held in the City of Toronto on April 28th and 29th, 1954. The Grand First Principal, M.E. Comp. J. A. M. Taylor presided.

Alderman Bro. William Davidson extended Toronto Civic Welcome.

Alberta's Grand Representative M.E. Comp. R. V. E. Conover answered the roll call. M.E. Comp. Conover writes a topical review, which is worth referring to at any time.

The Grand First Principal recommended the opening of the Thanksgiving Benevolent Fund, and suggests by 1958 this fund be increased to $100,000.00. A very worthy object.

We excerpt from the report on the Condition of Capitular Masonry:

"While we have observed attendance at Chapters maintains a level similar to that of past years yet we are constrained to say that a marked improvement is necessary, because this is a sure barometer by which Chapter progression and enthusiasm may be determined. We believe that small attendances at Chapter Convocations are brought about in the main by First Principals failing to open Chapters on time there·by resulting in Companions being retained until a late hour. We would, therefore, not only urge promptness in opening but First Principals should plan all meetings thoroughly so that n ot only is business conducted with despatch thus permitting Degrees to commence at a n early hour, but ample time is left for a period of social discourse, which we feel will undoubtedly stimulate the interest of all Companions.''

Membership 21,771 ; increase 477.

M.E. Comp. John A. M. Taylor, Grand Z; R.E. Comp. Fred J. Johnson, Grand Scribe E .

M.M.D.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

The Eighty-seventh Annual Convocation of the Gran.d Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the District of Columbia was he ld February 10th, 1954 in the city of Washington, D.C. with M . Ex. Comp. Herbert W. Luding, Grand High Priest presiding.

Thirty-three Grand Representatives were present. Alberta's Grand Representative was not shown as being in attendance.

Your Reviewer was in Washington, D.C. in October, 1949 and had the pleasure of chatting with your Grand Secretary, then Comp. A. H. C!ayto·n.

We regret to note that this Grand Jurisdiction experienced a loss of 82 the total now shown as 4,766.

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w .ith an area so compact and so many largely populated Grand Jurisdictions nearby adjacent, one can readily visualize the many joys of vis its from and making visits to them.

This Grand Jurisdiction experienced a very severe loss in the passing away of Ex. Comp. John A. Colburn, Jr., who was their Grand Treasurer 1914 - 1953.

This Gran'<l. Chapter has a record o.f ten successful years as a result of the accomplishments of the Grand Chapter Degree Teams, which are comprised .of Past High Priests of the Constituent Chapters. There are four of these Degree Teams namely Mark Masters, Past Masters, Excellent Masters and Royal Arch Degrees .

These various Degree Teams exemplify the said Degrees once in the Spring and once in the Fall.

A very nice review is given of Alberta's 1953 Proceedings. Our mayor in Edmonton is Companion Wm. Hawrelak who is a Companion of North Star Chapter No. 2.

The Grand High Priest gave the Companions of the District of Columbia a very fine account of his stewardship. His talk "Essential Attributes of a Royal Arch Mason" is splendidly thought out ·and of great inspiraeion and deserves the highest commendation.

The Eighty-eighth Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia will be held Saturday, February 12th, 1955 w ith M. Ex. Comp. John A. Hart, Grand High Priest presiding. By resolution passed at th e 1954 Annual Convocation all future Annual Convocations in this Grand Jurisdiction will be held on a Saturday.

E. G. E .

FLORIDA

The One Hudred and Seventh Annual Convocation o.f the Grand Chapter of Florida was h eld in the city of Lakeland, Florida, May 19th, 1954 with 'M. Ex. Comp. Wilbur Welling Masters, Jr., Grand High Priest presiding.

Fifty Representatives of other Grand Jurisdictions were present. Alberta's Gran·d Representative was not recorded as being in attend­ance.

Total membership was shown as 8,390 a gain of 209.

The Order of High Priesthood was conferred on 34 Past High Priests.

Eleven Past Grand High Priests and Thirty-two High Priests were present.

The Grand High Priest reported several visitations which proved interesting, pleasureable and profitable.

The One Hundred and Eighth Annual Convocation will be held at Ocala, Florida, May 18-19, 1955, with M. Ex. Comp. Thomas Erasmus Dickenson, Grand High Priest presiding.

E. G. E.

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GEORGIA

The 132nd Convocation of the Grand Chapter, R.A.M. was h el d at Macon Ga. Wednesday and Thursday, April 21 and 22, 1954, with 163 Chapters o'n t he roll, m embership is 23,952 and M.E. Comp. David L. Paulk, G.H.P. presiding.

I was struck w ith the ability and energy displayed by the Grand Officers of this Grand Body during the past year. I notice that the membership for the past year was increased by 2,421 but the losses were also very h eavy. Demitted 198, suspended 646, d eaths 252, which leaves a net gain of 1,096 for the year. I was looking at t h e number suspended. I h ope every effort had been made to keep them in the fold. I was very interested in the recommendations made to cope with t he lack of attendance and think they w e re good. In other times there was less to distract our attentions. Now w e have to contend with the TV, radio, good roads and cars. It is by good work, promptness in starting the Chapter work, early closing, and good judgment in the selection of the officers that we must compete with other attractions.

Best wishes G eorgia. R. M. L.

IDAHO 1954

The Forty Sixth Annual Convocation was convened in the beau­tiful new Masonic Temple at Pocatello on May 17th and 18th, with G.H. Preist Carl W. Swazer presiding. All Grand Officers, 13 P.G.H. Priests and 38 Grand Representatives attended. Our Grand Repre­sentative, Ex. Comp. Roy V. Lacey as absent, although mileage is paid to those attending.

Among distinguished visitors were M.E. Comps. C. F. Stumke of Colorado and S. H. Carter of Oregon.

In his address, M.E. Comp. Swager mentions the able work and assistance of Deputy Grand Lecturers Lenander, Barker and Hopff­garten, as well as the well performed activities of Grand Lecturer M.E. Comp. Jay A. Redfield.

Grand Chapter had lost by death P.G.H. Priests R. W. York and J. W. Shore.

The G.H. Priest had visited all the Chapters but two. He had attended the Western York Rite Conference of General Grand Chapter at Reno, Nevada, and invited this Western States Conference to meet in Boise in Sept. 1954, which was accepted. H e was present also at the Grand Chapter of Oregon at P endleton.

No where had h e seen boisterous work but all Degrees were eximplified in all dignity.

The recommended the purchase of new aprons for Grand Chapter Officers. This was approved. He advised all Chapters to carry para-

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phernali a in surance. One Chapter had insurance but no inventory Jist. R.E. Comp. F ran k W. Perry, Grand King, because of poor health,

requested t hat h e be not advanced, so he was elected Hon. G. H . Priest.

For his service a nd a token of esteem M.E. Comp. Swager was presented with a $125 watch.

P.G.H. P riest Taylor C. Robertson, in con sideration of over twenty years serviceas Grand Treasurer without remuneration, was presented with $300 to attend General Grand Chapter.

The Order of Hig h Pri es thood was opened and ten petitions received .

23 Chapters. 2,939 Members. Net Gain 79. E . G. I.

ILLINOIS

The One Hundred and Fifth Convocation of the Grand Chap ter of Ill inois was h eld in the city of Chicago , May 11-12, 1954, with M. Ex. Comp. William H. Stevens, Grand High Priest, presiding.

F ifty -five Representatives of Gl'and Chaptel'S were present. VVe are g lad to note that Alberta 's Representative was among them.

One hundred and sixty-nine of Illinois' constituent Chapters w ere r epresented.

We are sorry to learn there was a decrease of 111 in m embership, the total now standing at 36,909.

We note that th e Chairman of Committee on Foreign Relations is M. Ex. Comp. Everett R. Turnbull, P .G.H.P. Your Reviewer has also the same first name. If re ference is made to pages 22, 66 and 67 of Alberta's 1954 Proceedin gs my entire name appears as Past Grand Z and present Grand Lecturer.

The a ddress of th e Grand High Priest is one of m uch interest as h e tells of hi s visits to district m eetings in tw enty-fo ur of the twenty­seven districts: the comm en datory remarks concerning th e State Schools held at Herrin , Decatur, Galesburg, Rockfo·rd and Chicago. th e s ixty-nine Fifty Year Certificates he had the honor t o present: th e vi sit to Illinois Masonic Home (which must have b een very thrill ing) which (he says) has contributed so much to t h e h ealth and comfort of the m embers at the Home. These and many others of the experien ces of his year as Grand High Priest will be re-lived time and time again as h e turns over the pages of memory.

The Illinois Grand Chapter Proceedings are prepared in a very splendid style and a great wealth of valuable information is readily avai l<"hle to everyone w ho would take time to carefully peruse. The com piling of the various Reviews has been done in an attractive mann er w hos e educational value cannot b e over-estimated. This is indeed a very fine book.

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The One Hundred and Sixth Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Illinois will b e h eld in eh~ ~ity of Chicago, April 12-13, 1955 with M. Ex. Comp. Lorne W. Chnsttan, Grand Htgh Pnest , pre­siding.

E. G. E.

IOWA

The One Hundredth Annual Convocation held at Mt. Pleasant, April 23 and 24. It was a great pleasure to peruse a very fine broch­ure of t he holding of th e Centennial Anniversary of the Grand Chap­ter of Iowa, toget her with a phamlet containing the addresses of the Grand High Priest, M.E. Companion Russell Goodwin, together with the reports of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secre tary. The Broch­ure contains pho-tographs of the first Grand. High Priest, M.E. Com­panion Theodore S. Parvin 1854 - 1855, also the first Grand Secretary, M.E. Companion J. H. Wallace, the present Grand High ·Priest, M.E. Companion Russell Goodwin and Grand Secretary Ross J. Gamblin, together with the ori-gin of organized Royal Arch Masonry in 1843 in Iowa, and the forming o-f the Grand Chapter on June 8th, 1854 at lVI:t. Pleasant. A Semi-Centennial Convocation was h eld at Spirit Lake, July 21st, 1904 to mark fifty years of Capitular progress and a Diamond Jubilee Convocation at Cedar Rapids, October 17th, 1929. Three Past Grand High Priests of Iowa have served in the o:ffice of General Grand High Priest, M.E. Companions Robert F. Bower, 1880 -1883; Frederick W. Craig, 1918- 1921; and Earl E. Duesenbery, 1948-1951. At the Twenty-second Annual Convocation heald. at Reokuk, October 21- 22, 1875 a Charity Fund was inaugurated the By-law being shown in full.

This fund which started from a small beginning of $3"22.00 has grown to $115,936.53 as at March 16th, 1953. Hundreds of worthy Companions have been helped from this fund, the disburse m ents from 1921 to- 1953 being $44,423.00. A list of the First Grand Officers, together with the present Grand Officers is shown, also all the Past Grand High Priests, a lso those P.G.H. Priests who have held offices of Grand High Priest and Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Iowa a nd the present General Gt,and. Chapter officers. The Centennial Committee are to be congratulated on the ir labors which produced this very interesting and informative brochure. Centennial souvenirs were presented by the Committee to all companions present. The address of the Grand High Priest covers almost twenty pages and is a really splendid record of Capitular achievement. The Grand Chapter of .Alaska and the Philippines were recognized. Five Grand Representaeives were appointed. Eighty-seven Dispen sations were issued to subordinate Chapters to receive and ballot on petitions at the same stated Convocations. Fifteen 50 year certificates were pre­sented by the Grand High Priest. The recommendation that the General Grand Chapter Handbook for Royal Arch Masons be sent to each Chapter in the jurisdiction was adopted. Six Regional Meetings (similar to our District Meetings) were h eld. Four Chapters showed an increase of 10 p er cent or over in membership.

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The Grand Secretary reports a total membership of 16,677 an increase for the year of 328 in spite of 190 demitted, 218 Suspended, N.P.D., 2 expelled and 277 died, a total decrease of 687.

H. E. B.

KANSAS 1954

The Eighty-Ninth Annual Convocation of Grand Chapter was held in Topeka on Feb. 8 and 9 with G.H. Priest Floyd A. Palmer presiding, and all Grand Officers, 16 of 22 P.G.H. Priests, and 15 of 18 D.D.G.H. Priests in attendance. Our Grand Representative Ex. Comp. Arthur L. Dyer was absent.

Among distinguished visitors were the G.H. Priests W. King, Lari­more of Oklahoma; Russell Goodin of Iowa; George H. Murphy of Nebraska; Elvin K. Luff of Missouri and Clarence F. Stumke of Colo­rado. Also M. Wor. Bruce Newton, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kansas.

M.E. Comp. Palmer had had an active Masonic career, having been head of the other Grand Bodies of the State. In his address to thes Bodies at their Annual Communications, he found "A civilization torn asunder with unrest; wars or rumors of wars; people all over th e world distrusting one another and even today alarming conditions."

He complimented Ex. Comps. Robert M. Riley and Glenn E. Wil­liams, Grand Lecturers for the past several years.

He had attended many meetings in all parts of the States, i.e., regional, sectional, religious, picnics, etc.

The Committee rejoiced greatly over the fine leadership he pro­vided over Grand Chapter, as well as, previously, over the other Grand Bodies.

He urged renewed efforts to reduce the number of suspensions.

Grand Chapter had lost by death P.G.H. Priest Harry E. Best.

He recommended that all Secretaries and Treasurers must be bonded - not should be.

For "Meritorious service and unusual performance of officers" he presented Wichita Chapter with an Altar Bible. In return the Chapters of Wichita and Topeka presented him with a Bible as a testimonial of esteems and high personal regard.

Ex. Comp. Kenneth N. Pomeroy, Grand Reviewe r, reports on only 17 Grand Chapters (Alberta is not one) but he provides us with some excellent remarks and quotations. (May we hop e for more Reviews next year).

He remarks "If our Capitular system is to be used only for advancement to other degrees, it has failed in its a im.''

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Illinois had an automatic suspension law; h e says "that is an easy way to suspend members, without effort to collect dues." The law was repealed.

In Massachussets the D.G.H. Priest, Grand King and Grand Scribe a re not advanced in ofice. He says, in Kansas that would cause an insurrection.

In Michigan , the G.H. Priest had ruled that "O ne holding pl ural membership could not be elected to Life Membership except in the Chapter of original membership." This was no t approved .

In Minnesota Grand Lodge decreed "separation from other Grand Masonic Bodies," so these Bodies are now seeking other m eeting quarters and furniture .

The G.H. Priest of New York sees n o advantage in Royal Arch Festivals.

Acknowledging allegiance, t he G.H. Priest of South Dakota pre­sented the gavel to the Grand Master of Grand Lodge and asked him to preside.

The Order of High Priesthood was convened and 62 Ex. Camps. were received and anointed.

90 Chapters. 16,622 Members. Net Gain 422.

E. G. I.

LOUISIANA

Th e One Hundred and Sixth Annual Convocation held at Monroe, March 16, 17, 1953, M.E. Comp. H. 0. Hartman presiding. Fourteen P.G.H. Pri ests were present. The Grand Representative for Alberta , R.E. Comp. P . J. Schempp, was present and answered the roll call. This distinguished Companion was also presented with General Grand Chapter Distinguished Service Medal and is also chairman of the Finance Committee. Congratulations to R.E. Comp. Schempp.

Four Special Convocations were held for instituting and / or conse­crating n ew Chapters. The address of the Grand High Priest Comp. H. 0. Hartman is quite lengthy, covering twenty pages, and is a wonderful record of a very bu sy and successful year. W e excerpt from paragraph, "State of the Order,'' "While the majority of the Chapters are remaining a ctive and doing a fair share of degree work our net gains will be considerably small unless we watch our suspensions and the reason for them. An interested Mason will never voluntarily allow himself to be suspended. It is up to our le-aders to supply the incentive to keep all men active." We were particularly struck with the quotation and the reason for them. We note that a Dispensation was refused to a Chapter to allow a stated Convocation to open at 7 p.m. as Chapter by-laws called for another hour. W e also note t h at a by-law was approved setting dues for Companions at $4 and for Past High Priests at $5 per annum. We wonder why the preferential

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treatment. The Grand Secretary reports net assets of $57,176.42, present m embership 9,433 which was a net gain of 400. This Grand Chapter issues a monthly bulletin "Louisana." The new Grand Chapter of Alasaka was r ecognized. District Chapters were autho riz­ed , similar to our District Meetings. The passing of our late M.E. Camps. J. E. Rannard, H. W. B. Bell and C. H. Minchin are noted.

The names of all Chapter m embers are included in these returns, which show place and time of Convooation, names of officers for the year 1953, Past Hig h Grand Priests, Honorary M embers and Mem­bers, also t h e names of those r eceiving degrees, those affiliating , re-instated, demitted, suspended, deceased, dropped.

A splendid review is presented by M.E . Cam p. Lee W. Harris, Alberta unde r M.E . Comp. A. E. Peart being favorably shown. Thirty six Ex. Companions w ere Anointed, Consecrated a nd Set Apart to t h e Holy Order of High Priesthood. M.E. Camp. J . 0. Hedt elected Grand High Priest for the ensuing year. Place of next Annual Convocation, Lafayette, date to be arranged.

H. E. B.

LOUSIANA 1954

107th Annual Convocation held at Lafayette, La., March 15, 1954 M.E. Camp. Justrus 0. Hedt presiding. All Officers but two were in attendance and seventee n Past Grand High Pr iests, among them M.E. Camp. Luther Jordan, General Grand Scribe of General Grand Chapte r, w ho was elected General Grand King at Ashville in October 1954, and M.E. Camp. Lee W. Harris, e n eral Grand Conductor of Council, General Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters, a nd among the distinguished visitors, James I. W alker of T ennessee, Past G enera l Grand Principal Sojourner, General Grand Chapter, also M.E. Camp. Frank Simmons, P.G.Z. of Manitoba.

Previous to this mee ting, there w e re three Special Convocations during the year: (1) Shreveport, April 18, 1953 to Constitu te Queens­borough Chapter No. 97, R.A.M.; (2) At Algi ers, New Orlean s, April 26th, 1953 to institute Saint Johns Chapter U.D., R.A.M.; (3) At Bossier City, December 18th, 1953 t o institute Giblim Chap t er U.D., R.A.M.

Anual Convocation - The G . .H.P. reported that in some instances h e found some Chapters conferring Degrees in short form, or in a summary manner. He justly states t hat there is no such thing as a short form for any our our Deg rees. Of course not, any abbreviation should not be condoned or allowed. He referred t o Officers using t h e rit ual too much during Degree work - mental laziness - something that detracts from the effectiveness of the work u pon the candidate. He also pointed out that Marks should be recorded before the R.A. Degree is conferred.

The Grand High Priest certinaly did a great deal of usefu l vis iting in his Jurisdiction and was ably supported by J . Luther J ordan and Lee W. Harris - good work Lee. No certificates of Proficien cy·

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were issued during the year. Why one was not given to the H~gh Priest of Athens No. 46 for reported dinner served on the occaswn of the official visit of th~ G.H.P. is one of those mysterious omissions. Imagine serving a covered dish supper of fried chicken, chicken pie, spagetti and meat balls, sausage meat, several kinds of pie and plenty of cake and coffee - and no proficiency certificate. "Terrible injustice."

One ruling was made - A Master Mason who has lost his right Arm and right Foot and does not use artifical limbs cannot in a reasonable manner give the sign, grip, etc., required in our several Degrees, is therefore ineligible to receive the Chapter Degrees, his petition sho uld not be accepted - this is unfortunate indeed but is according to Masonic Laws.

The General Grand Chapter Medal was presented to Ex. Comp. J. B. Youngblood, M.E. Camp. J. Luther Jordan, General Grand Scribe made the presentation, the logical man to be asked to do so. Con­gratulations to both Companions.

There are 58 Chartered Chapters and two U.D. Net gain in mem­bership 444. Total 9,877.

The Jurisprudence Committee recommended that the first seven Officers of the Grand Chapter shall be elected by ballot annually al the regular Convocation of Grand Chapter, all other Officers shall be appointed by th e G.H.P. after his election. This was with the idea of shortening the elective line of Grand Chapter.

This recommendation to adopt was rejected by vote of those present. Claude J. Hale was elected and installed G.H.P. for th e ensuing year. Albert a 1953 received a very generous and sati sfactory review.

J. V. F.

MAIN.E

The Grand Chapter R.A.M,. of Maine held its 129th Annual Grand Convocation at Portland, Me., May 4th, 1954, with M.E. Camp. Aubrey L. Burbank presiding. There were 60 of the 70 Subordinate Chapters registered. There were 14 Past G.H.P. present and many distinguished guests from other branches of 'Masonry and n eighboring Grand Jurisdictions. I was interested to note that your local Repre­sentative from our Grand Chapter was no other than your G.H.P. I am sure that our in terests are in good hands. I am glad that your M.E. G.H.P. believes that quality in Masonry is more important than quantity and know that he was pleased to add 108 of the good kind to your roster during the past year. If there had been no deaths it would have been better but that is something that no earthly ruler or official has any control over. Two hundred and thirty-one were called to the Grand Beyond.

Present membership is I .see 13,000, an even number.

R. M. L.

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MARYLAND

The Grand Convocation of Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Maryland was held in the city of Baltimore, M.D., Tuesday, Decem­ber 8th, 1953, with M.E. G.H.P. R. Sales presiding. While the area of Maryland compared with other GI'and Jurisdictions is not consider­ed large it is a fact that it is historic Ground for achievement. Valuable gems usually come in small parcels. I was most interested in the report of your G.H.P., and his sincerity. His "Do it now Slogan" should be committed to memory and hung on the wall of every home. I note there were 26 Chapters represented at this Convocation. There was a loss in membership of 23 Companions during the year largely owing to the heavy death list. Would suggest a watch b e kept on the suspensions for N.P.D. The fact that there are 13 P .G.H.P. present indicates their continued interest in Royal Arch Masonry.

Best wishes Maryland. R. M. L.

MINNESOTA

The Ninety-second Annual Convocation held at St. Paul, October 13th, 1953. 1'11;.E. Companion A. M. Mathisen, Grand High Priest, opened the Grand Chapter in Ample Form. Fourteen Past Grand High Priests were welcomed. The Grand Representative of Alberta was present, he· being elected Grand Scribe, congraulations. The address of the Grand High Priest is very complete and shows a successful year of intense endeavor and work. Nine Chapters made a 10 per cent or over gain in membership, thus qualifying for General Grand Chapter Certificates. Glenwood Chapter No. 93 made their fi.fth consecutive yearly gain of 10 per cent or over. T h e Grand High Priest approved an amendment to the By-Laws of a subordin ate Chapter as follows: The fee for the Capitular Degrees shall be $35.00 payable by cash in advance as fo llows, with the peeition $15.00, be­fore he takes the P.M. and 'M.E.M. degrees $10.00, before he takes the Royal ,Arch degree $10.00. We wonder what might happen if no fees were forthcoming after the M.M.M. degree. M.E. Companion Wm. E. Pool the Grand Lecurer, was reported as having been taken ill in the Spring and was confined to hospital, however he is now much improved and was able to be present at this Convocation. He is an Honorary P.G.Z. of Alberta. The Grand Treasurer renorts assets of $41,802.45. The Grand Secretary reports total membership of 15,666, a net gain of 299. The losses through death were h eavy being 297. Thirty-eight Excellent Companions received the Holy Order of High Priesthood. M .E. Companion R. J. Goodwin elected G.H.P.

H. E. B.

MISSOURI

The One Hundred and Eighth Annual Convocation held at St. Louis, April 27th and 28th, 1954. M.E. Comp. E. K. Luff presiding. Thirteen Past Grand High Priests were presented and accorded Grand

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Honors. The Grand Representative of Alberta Ex. Comp. C. L. Fitch­thorne was present and answered the roll call. He is also Grand Organist. Many distinguished visitors were welcomed including Re p­resentatives from Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, General Grand Chapter and from ·Missouri and other Masonic Bodies, The M.W. Grand Master, Grand Lodge A.F. & .M., M. Ill. Grand Master, Grand Council R. & S.M., The Grand Commande~y, Sovereign Grand Inspector General A. & A.S.R., The Pnor The Knights York Cross of Honor, and the Grand Master of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar, U.S.A. These are listed to show the truly Maso·nic co-operation which exists in Missouri between all Masons of whatever degree and is worthy of emulation throughout the whole Masonic FraterniJty. General Grand Chapters certificates were presented to eight Chapters who made an increase of 10% or over in membership. The Grand High Priest stresses the need for active work in the securing of new members showing the present membership at 23,011 against a peak of 35,776 approximately a quarter of a century ago. Eighteen Grand Representatives were appointed and approved by the Grand High Priest. H e also made a considerable number of visitations to other Grand Jurisdictions including Kentucky, Nebraswa, Kansas, Oklahoma and Iowa besides many other Masonic functions, meeting and subordinate Chapters.

The Grand High Priest announced the continuance of the General Dispensation permitting all Missouri Royal Arch Chapters to receive petitions for membership and ballot on them at the same stated Con­vocation. This would not be allowed in our jurisdiction without a change in the Constitution. The Grand Treasurer reports assets of $105,380.00. The Grand Secretary reports an increase in membership of 496. The afternoon session of the first day was taken up with the usual Royal Arch Forum which was presided over by M.E. Comp. Roscoe R. Walcutt, the General G~and Secretary of the General Grand Chapter, and was declared to be one of the most successful Forums ever h eld under the auspices of such a distinguished citizen speaker and Mason. We can say amen to this, well remembering the visit we had from M.E. Comp. Walcutt.

A recommendation that the per capita be raised from $1 to $1.50 was adopted. Seventy Ex. Companions were Anoinated, Consercrated and Set Apart to the Holy Order of High Priesthood. .M.E. Comp. Ray V. Denslow present a very fine work on the M.M.M. Degree as well as a splendid topical report of worldwide Capitular Masonry.

M.E. Comp. M. E. Boisseau elected Grand High Priest. Next annual Convocation at Columbus, Missouri, April 26th, 1955.

H. E. B.

NEBRASKA 87th Annual Convocation h eld at Omaha on December 2nd and

3rd, 1953, M.E. Comp. Harold H. Thorn, G.H.P. presiding. His Bio­graphical sketch shows our M.E. Companion rto be a man well fitted for the high office he occupied, and as long as men of that type are

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elected to fill the Hig h est Chairs in Royal Arch Masonry, we feel that our Order will surely serve for the bette rment of mankind.

After the formal preserutation of the National flag, seventeen

Past High Grand Priests w ere introduced to the Grand Chapter, wel­comed by the G.H.P. a nd given Grand Hon ors. Many Grand Repre­sentatives were presented and welcomed, we regret to notice that t h e Grand Representative for Alberta , R.E. Comp. Gordon Strelow, was not present. We hope he will do better next year.

This Grand Chapter assigns certain Chapters and Officers of Grand Chapter for oversight and visit a t ion, b ut t he G.H.P. remarks that the co-operation between the appointees and some of the Consti­t u ent Chapters was anything but desirable .

Many visits were made to individual Chapters, four Regional Chapter Convocations, one sectional meeting of General Grand Chap­ter, inter-state visitations, and many other Masonic activities.

Thirty-seven Chapters qualified for the Proficiency Certificate ~or good ritual work, and the G.H.P. emphasizes: "When we have b etter Degrees, w e will have better Chapters." It seems that in som e places in this Jurisdiction, both Chapter and Council mee tings are h eld o n t he same evening, one immediately following the other in t h e same room. This does not make for efficiency in e ither bodies and while it may save time, both m eetings are hurried and must n ecessarily suffer. We hope this does not get to ·be a habit. Perhaps a Com­mandary meeting might b e crowded in also before midnight, it does not appeal to us.

Seven Companions rece ived the ir Fifty Year J ewels. A new addi­tion to the by-laws of Grand Chapter was agreed upon unanimously to set up an offocial Order of Merit whose recipients shall be called Knights of the Royal Arch, not more than four such awards in any on e year. It appears to u s that with all the J ew els, proficiency cer­tificates, General Grand Chapter Jewel of Merit, etc., it won't be long before practically every Companion will be sporting some sort of decoration. There should b e a limit.

Total membership 7,855 - a n et gain o f 227 for the year. F ive Chapters made a 10% net gain.

11he r eport of the committee on correspondence is well writ~en and will pay any Companion good dividends on reading t h em.

M.E. Companion George H. Murphy, G.H.P.; M.E. Companion Carl R. Greisen, Grand Secretary.

J. V. F.

NEW BRUNSWICK 1954

The Sixty Seventh Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of New Brunswick was h eld in the city of Moncton on June 141th, 1954 M.E. Comp. William V. Spencer presiding.

It was of interest to t he write r to see New Brunswick's seal which Alberta copied in 1914, just forty years ago. The writer was then Grand Scribe E.

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Eight Past Grand Z's w ere preselllt. We noted the absence of Alberta's Grand Representative, Ex. Camp. H . J. Pike.

The Grand First Principal made the following recommendation :

"I would like a t this time to recommend that the Grand Chapter Executive a nd Grand First Principal meet with the Grand District Superintendents for the purpose of instructing Grand District Supe r­intendents in their work. W e appoint District Superintendents but do not give them any instruction. They have done an excellent job during my term of office bwt I feel it would be a great help to the m and the Chapters through them to have a School of Instruction.' '

The per capita tax was raised from 60 cents to $1.00. Member­ship 1,444. Increase 39.

M.E. Camp. Donald A. Somerville, Grand Z; M.E. Camp. Roy E. Crawford, Grand Scribe E .

M. M.D.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

The One Hundred and Thirty Fift h Annua l Convocation held at Concord, May 18th, 1954, M.E. Camp. B. E. Averill , Grand High P riest preiding. Albert·a not represented. The Grand Hig h Priest appointed M.E. Camp. H. W . Johnson as acting Secretary owing to the abse nce of M. E.Comp. J . M. Dressler through illness. The acting Grand Secre ­tary reported that all Chapters w ere represented . The Grand Trea s ­urer, M.E. Camp. E. M. Getchell passed away on F e b. 23rd, 1954. The Grand High Priest appointed R.E. Comp. J. L. Brownell to fill th e vacancy for the unexpired t erm. The Grand High Priest was person­ally represented at the Grand Chapters of Canada and Quebec. The Grand Chaplain, R.E . Camp. Rev. Walter A. Smith presents a ve ry worthwhile address under the heading of Necrology which should b e r ead by all Masons. Official visitations are apportioned out by the Grand Hig h Priest between himself, the Deputy Grand High Priest, Grand King and Grand Scri·be. The Grand High Priest recommended a three-way petition wh ereby a M.'M. may apply for Chapter, Council and Commandery degrees at the same time, to complete the York R~te. A committee was appointed to study the question. The com­mittee on Chapters and Returns reported total membership at 3,665 this be ing a net loss of 31. The y ears loss of Companions by death was 98. M .. E. Comp. J. M. Dressier resigned a s Grand Secretary throug h continued illnes and was elect ed Grand Secretary Emeritus.

Very interesting and informative reports are presented by the Deputy Grand High Pri est, Grand King and Grand Scribe. They are similar to t hose of our Grand Superinte nd ents. No r eviews M.E. Camp. H. E. Gra n t elected Grand High Priest for t he ensuing y ear. M.E. Ca mp. H. W. Johnson elected Grand Secretary.

H. E. B.

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NEW SOUTH WALES

The 65th Annual Convocation was held at Sydney, N.S.W., on February 14th, 1952 and November 15th, 1953, with M.E. Camp. Rt. Rev. Bishop W. G. Hilliard, Grand First Principal presiding. Member­ship 6,061. Number of Chapters, 99.

The Grand First Principal referred to the unfortunate difference s till existing between them and the Grand Chapt er of Scotland. This friction is of long standing and appears to have originated from the fact that while the Grand Chapter of New South Wales came into being as the Sovereign Grand Body in New South Wales, the Grand Chapter of Scotland although recognizing this Sovereignity continued to grant charters to local chapters under the aegis of the Grand Chapter of Scotland, thus giving rise to much confusion and illfeeling among Masonic ·bodies. Negotiations for a settlement are st ill oontinuing but until Scotland withdraws from the territory it is difficult to say wh en a settlement can be effected.

J . W. G.M.

NORTH DAKOTA

The 63rd Annual Convocation was held at Fargo on March 12th, 1951 with M.E. Camp. Arthur H. Bird, G .H.P. presiding. Membership is 2,841, showing a gain of 82.

Flags of the United States and Canada were presented at the Altar at the opening ceremony.

Among the distinguished guests present were Grand Officers from Mani•toba and Saskatchewan.

Following are some potent suggestions made by a Committee (Good of the Order) and approved to stimulate interest in Royal Arch Masonry. (1) That long lectures be divided into two or more parts to relieve older members and put more men to work and add variety to the presentation of d egree work. (2) That degree work be sup­plemented by talks on citizenship, Communism, local or county gov­e rnment, the aim being to make Masonry a dynamic force in each community.

Alberta represented by Comp. L. Eugene Lester, Walpe-ton.

J . W. G.M.

NEW YORK - 1954

One Hundred and Fifty Seventh Convocation, at Albany, N.Y., February 4th and 5th. M.E. Camp. Robert D. Howard, Grand High Priest presiding. 189 Chapters were represented by Council Officers or Proxies, 24 Chapters were unrepresented. Alberta's Representative Harry E . Storen was not listed as present, we hope our good Com­panion Storen is in good health and will not be too busy to attend

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to his Masonic duties in 1955. Among the distinguished visitors were M.E. Comp. A. M. Baird, Grand First Principal of Quebec and M.E. Comp. J. A. M. Taylor, Grand Z., of Canada in Ontario, and also Pasrt Grand Z., M.E. Comp. John M. Burden and M.E. Comp. R. V. Conover.

As can well be imagined in a Jurisdiction with 213 active Chapters the Grand High Priest had an exciting and extremely busy term of office. He visited many of his constitutional Chapter and numerous other state Masonic functions; as well as the Annual Convocations of the Grand Chapters of Rhode Island, Canada in On­tario, Quebec, Connecticut, New Jersey, Vermont, Mich igan, Massa­chusetts, and Delaware, all at an expense to his Grand Chapter of only $324.15.

Certificates of merit were issued to 23 Companions, and 50-year certificates were given to 132 Royal Arch Masons. A record numbe r for any one year. The work of the Grand High Priest was helped consid erably by a m id-year Officers meeting; and also by an advisory Committee meeting - this latter consisting of the Chairmen of all Committees as well as Officers of Grand Chapter; each met once only during the year.

There is an Education program with a slogan "Achieve m ent T·hrough Education." This organization issued a pamphlet "The Long Sought Word," and a monthly service letter; and a recommendation that the doings of rt:he Grand Chapter and its Subordinate Chapters be published in two entire pages of any two of the next four issues of the Empire State Mason. This would be read by 300,000 Mason s - Chapter and non-Chapters members of the Craft.

The Grand Chapter has also organized and incorporated "Ramyan Incorporated," whose purposes are (1) The absorption of expenses in connection with t he hospitalization of youth between th e ages of 12 and 19 without regard to race, Creed or color, upon appli ca t ion from Constituent Chapters (2) assistance to the order of De Molay within the State of New York (3) Encouragement of youth in th e State of New York athletics. To assist in the finances of the Body, it was proposed that surplus income left over from the Tuberculo sis Relief Fund at the end of each year, be contributed to Ramyam, among the s everal recommendations was that the Grand Secretary be authorized to issue Standard Dues Cards to be used by all Chapters in the State. This has been the custom in Alberta for many years.

In his concluding remarks the G.H.P. expressed himself clearly in no uncertain terms about the way in which Royal Arch Mason s should conduct themselves; " Freemasonry is much le ss a matter of rituals, passwords, grips and secrecies than it is a matter of a life to be lived . It is not enough to profess high sounding moral prin­ciples; it is also necessary to live up to those principles in the dail y contacts of life. I am persuaded that the Great Templar of ou r Christian Religion, not only delivered the Sermon on the Mount, but that he lived up to it in his everyday contact with men and women.

The General Grand Chapter Medal was presented to R.E. Comp. William Cummings by M.E. Comp. Robert F. Janes, General Grand

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High Priest. May we offer our sincere congratulations to R.E. Comp. C ummings upon th e high honor conferred upon him by his Grand Chapter.

The Grand Secre tary reports a total membership of 36,000 a n et loss of 149. The largest number of Exaltations by any Chapter was 52, and the largest net gain by a .s ingle Chapter was 25. Th e Chapters have memberSihip of more than 1,000, and on e has a membership of 30. 111 Chapters showed a n et loss; seven bro·ke even, two did n o work at all and 87 reported a n e t gain. Of these 87, twelve Chapters gained 10 '}'. or more.

It is interesting to note that the Mark Master Mason Degree was -exemplified at an evening session, and a special address o n th e Key­stone and its connection with Capitular Degrees was d elivered by M.E. Comp. Frank M. Van Deve nrt:er, President of the Anointed High Priests Association of the State of New Jersey. In Calgary within the past few months we had the extrem e privilege of having this address g ive n at a Royal Arch Masons gathering by M .E . Co mp. Van Deventer.

The Committee on Jurisprudence r ecomm ended "That no Com­panion shall b e e ligibl e to b e elected or re-elected to office in this Grand Chapter who is over th e age of 70 years, exce pt that any Companion holding an elective or appointive Grand Chapter office on February 1st, 1954, shall be exempt from this provision."

'Dhe was approved by a majority vote of those present and voting.

The 39th Annual Convocation of Alberta Grand Chapter was reviewed quite freely. M .E. Comp. Henry Caldar Thore was elected and installed G.H.P. for the ensuing y ear : Next Annual Convocation to be at Albany, F ebruary 3rd and 4th, 1955.

J . V. F.

NEW ZEALAND

The Annual Convocation was h eld at Christchurch on 17th Feb­ruary, 1954 with M.E. Comp. A. R. Christensen, G.F.P., p resid ing. There are 92 Chapters with membership of 6,967, a gain of 210.

A h igh standard set everywhere and the class of candidates co ming forward a ugurs well for the future of t h e Royal Craft. A committee was appointed to overhaul the 6th ed ition of the Ritual.

Alberta Representative was not present. J. W . G. M.

SOUTH CAROLINA

The 114th Annual Convocation was h eld in Charleston , S.C., on March 11th, 1953. M.E. Comp. M. L. Love, G.F.P., presided. Th ere are 35 Chapters with m embership of 4,453, a gain of 217.

The Grand High P·riest suggested: That no Chapter confer more than two d egrees at any regular communication.

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That more time be spent in educating candidates and getting them versed in Chapter work.

That constituent Chapters hold meetnigs so that officers will learn the Ritualist ic work.

That there seems a lack of interest in Capitular Masonry, indi­cating not much interest in this ~reat work.

Alberta reveiwed. Representative not present.

J. W. G. M.

NO.RTH CAROLINA - 1954

The One Hundred and Thirty-Sesond Anuual Convocation was convened at Oxford on May 4th and 5th, with G.H. Priest C. Wallace Jackson presiding. All Grand Officers, twelve P.G.H. Priests and nine of the rten D.D.G.H. Priests in attendance. Our Grand Representative, Ex. Comp. W. C. Lassiter was absent, however, 41 Grand Representa­tives answered at Roll Call.

Of the District Deputie·s M.E. Comp. J ackson said: "These men are responsible for what results have been obtained this year. I am indebted to them is a great understatement."

Among many distinguished visitors was G.H. Priest W. C. Bradford of South Carolina.

In his address M.E. Comp. Jac~son states he visited twenty Chap­ters and many othe·r Masonic Bodies.

Grand Chapter lost by death two P.G.H. Priests, ie. , Julius C. Hobbs and Jesse M. Oldham.

Bryson City Chapter U.D. was instituted and later granted a Charter. He thinks it is a mistake to close the Chapters in the summer months. He suggests that Dues Cards carry a notation on the back of them "Affiliated with the General Grand Chapter." He con­sidered t'hat the Grand King should attend, at least, one of the Sec­tional Meetings of General Grand Chapter. This was agreed to and that his hotel expenses and mileage of 10c be paid. He recommended that Sohools of Instruction b e created with the Lecturers as instructors.

He was commended for his ferve ncy, zeal and the diligence in his visitations. He has set a high standard for his successor. Here­after, instead of in May, Grand Chapter will be held in March, im­mediately following the Grand Council of R. & S. Masters.

The North Carolina Masons are proud of their Oxford Orphanage, which houses 322 children between the ages of six and twelve.

The Order of High Priesthood met and received 16 petitions.

Dr. Charles H. Pugh, P.G.H. Priest and Grand Review gives us a good Foreword and Reviews of 17 Grand Jurisdictions. Quebec is t h e only Canadian Grand Chapter that h e reports.

40 Chapters. 7,270 members. Net gain 216. E. G. I.

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NOVA SCOTIA 1954

The Eighty-fifth Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Nova Scotia, with jurisdiction over Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, was held in the city of Sydney on June 15th, 1954, with M. Ex. Camp. Rev. G. F . .Arnold presiding.

Distinguished Visitors were present from Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, M.aine, Rhod e Island, New York and the local Masonic Grand Bodies of Nova Scotia.

The senior Recipient of the fifty year jewel, R. Ex. Camp. H C. C. Yuill passed away during the year. He has served long and faithfully.

Twenty-five dispensatkms were issued during the year.

England .still maintains its right to issue a dispensation for a Royal Arch Chapter to be attached to an English Lodge at Halifax.

Membership 2400.

M. Ex. Camp. M. R. Chappell, Grand High Priest.

R. Ex. Camp. H. F. Sipprell, Grand Secretary.

OHIO - 1953

M. M.D.

137th Annual Convocation at To·ledo, October 8th and 9th, 195J.

M.E. Companion Edward E. Gillespie presided, all his Grand Offic­ers and Seventeen P. G. H. P. were in attendance. Distinguished visitors from the General Grand Chapter, from other important Masonic Bodies and from ten Grand Chapters including that of Can­ada in Ontario.

It pleased us to note that this Grand Chapter opened with an invocation by the G!.'and Chaplain, followed by the singing of the Lord's Prayer as a solo.

In reviewing other Proceedings, one notes the absence of these expressions of our thanks to the Grand Architect.

We were also glad to read that the United States and Canadian Colors were posted by representatives of the Knights Templar Order and that the National Anthem of both countries were sung, this token of international understanding and fraternal relationships can­not be duplicated too often.

I find these proceedings very difficult to review. The G.H.P. address alone covers fifty-seven pages and covers numerous activities. There are a further twelve pages of Bulletins and Letters sent out to all subordinate Chapte rs , all these are of great interest to the Grand Chapter o.f Ohio, but of little value to the Craft in General.

This Grand Chapter has a total membership of 64,284 - their gross gain for the year was 3,650 more members than our Grand

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Chapter has after thirty years of operation - but the net gain was only 914.

There is much deep seated concern about the increase in number o ( suspensions which are increasing almost alarmingly - 718 in 1953, there were also 588 withdrawals - two new Chapters were con­secrated during the year of the active Chapters sixty-four showed a loss ranging from one to seventy-five, while 128 Chapters showed a gain ranging from one to one hundred and ninety, of these twenty­two Chapters showed a 10 per cent gain. In this connection th e G.H.P. states "Nobody can stand still, either they -go ahead at a steady pace, or they decline Prestige because o.f age can be a stimu­lus to the members, but Master Masons will not be attracted by this a lone and seek membership. All too many of our oldest bodies are declining becaus e they are too willing to rest on their laurels, too pro ud to go out and sell their wares.

There are m a n y Brethren in the Lodges in the Jurisdiction of these Chapters that are waiting to be asked to join. These Brethren have no way of knowing what we have to offer unless they are told. A fatalistic attitude that it can not be done, and looking for excuses seems to be the ord er of th e day rather than doing something about it. To all of which we express a hearty "Amem" Brother.

A High Priest of one of the local Chapters, who was also W. Master of a Craft Lodge had three serious Charges of unmasonic con­duct filed against him with the M.W. Grand M.aster of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The Grand High Priest suspended him as High Priest of his Chapter. The committee on Grievcances pointed out that this case was under the Consideration of the Grand Lodge and while the committee endorsed the actions of the G.H.P .. no further action was n ecessary at this time. Their concluding remarks are nicely expressed "We should not therefore judge with bitterness a moral collapse in a sickness, a cancerous dishonor in the important part of man, all the more tragic because of the misery added to his sin. The wise and gentle wisdom of our Craft teaches us that charity so.ftens that w hich is hard and strengthens that which is weak. If our erring Brother must be condemned he should also be deeply pitied and while our hearts are saddened, well may we profit by the lessons involved by reaffirming our faith in the ever loving God."

A ver:; excellent address on a Masonic Philosophy for today was g iven by Companion Rev. G. McD. Cordner and should be read by every Royal Arch Mason. It would be nice to reprint it here but space forbids.

All reviews are under the eyes of M .. E. Companion Roscoe R. Walcutt and are printed in his unique way of Paragraphing and pointed and pithy comments.

M.E. Companion Richard J. Morgan G.H.P. elected and installed.

J . V. F.

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PENNSYLVANIA 1953

Four Quarterly Communications of this Grand Holy R.A. Chapter were held on March 5, June 4, September 3 and December 3 and all Grand Officers and a goodly attendance of P.GH. Priests, D eputy G.H. Priests and Grand Representatives present on all occasions. Our Grand Representative Ex. Comp. Walter B. Wilson attended on March 5 and December 3. G.H. Priest Daniel Roberts presided on every date.

On March 5 he stated that from indications 1953 would be an outstanding year for their Grand Chapter.

P.G.H. Priest David J. Davis had departed to the Great Beyond on Feb. 11. He had filled all the highest offices in the Grand Bodies of P e nnsylvania, including the 33rd Degree of the Scottish Rite. In Memorium, M.E. Comp. Frank R. Leech opened by saying : "The liter­ature of mourning is barren when we run to it for some adequate expression of sorrow and grief over the departure of a close and steadfast friend. No language can embody certain profound emo­tions."

The March 5 and December 3 Quarterlis were convened in Phila­delphia, the June 4 in Washington, Pa. , and the September 3 one in Reading, Pa.

M.E. Comp. Ralph Water, the G .H. Priest for 1952 had promised an Altar Bible to the Chapter having the most petitions for the year. Keystone Chapter in Philadelphia was the fortunate one.

The June 4 Convocation was aiding Washington Chapter No. 150 to celebrate th e 125th year of its existence. Jerusalem Chapter No . 3 , the oldest Chapter, was constituted i n 1758.

In his address, M.E. Comp. Roberts states, he believes it is more important to retain the older members than it is t o forget them and look for n ew members to replace them.

The December 3 Communication appears to be like our Annual Meeting. A great many distinguished visitors graced this Convo­cation, including General G.H. Priest Robe rt Foster Janes; Alb ert T . Eyler, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; M.E. Comps. Griswold of Connecticut; Sarles of Maryland; Goggin of Virginia; Pine of New Jersey; Ludwig of District of Columbia; Taylor of Canad a ( in Ontaria ); Loose of Delaware; Gorrell of W est Virginian; and Baird of Quebec.

M.E. Comp. Roberts believes it is better have a "Questions and Answers" than rehearsed Degrees at the District Meetings. He foun d that the success of the Chapters rests with .the guidance and en­thusiasm of the Deputies (27 inalD. They had made many visita­tions. He himself had attended very many Chapters, District Meet­ings in his own Jurisdiction as well as Masonic Affairs outside, in­cluding attedance at the Annual Convocations at Montreal and Toronto.

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He believes that the general temperament o! people today is a ''disrespect for the law." Masons should try to observe the laws.

The Grand Officers and P .G.H. Priests had been very co-operative. The G.H. Priests and elective Grand Officers are given a two-year term in office so M.E. Camp. Roberts was again elected.

One hundred and sixty-two certificates were awarded to R.A. Masons having been members for fifty years.

Five Companions make the excellent Fraternal Reviews. Alberta gets a favorable review from M.E. Camp. Frank R. Leech, who is Grand Treasurer. It was Frank Mayer's year. In Alberta, in 1951, it was found that the Chapters having the highest yearly fees, ad­mitted the most members, and another Jurisdiction reports "That low fees is no inducement to petitioners."

In Connecticut at a York Rite Festival the Royal Arch Widow's Degree was conferred. (This is new to us.)

A valuable statistical table of the number of Chapters, member­ship and gains of all Grand Chapters is given. 152 Chapters. 40,871 Members, net gain 448.

E. G. I.

TH.E REPUBLIC OF THE PHILLIPINES

M. Ex. Grand High Priest - M. Ex. Companion Antonio Gonzalez.

M. Ex. Grand High Priest, elected. M. Ex. Companion Ivor Delos Butler.

Grand Secretary - 'M. Ex. Companion Antonio Gonzalez.

Chapters 13. Members 722.

Grand Representative near the Grand Chapter of Alberta. - R. Ex. Companion Sam Harris.

Grand Representative n ear the Grand Chapter the Republic of the Philippines - not yet appointed.

The Second Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of the Republic of the Philippines was h eld in the city of Manila on April 30th, 1954, with the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, M. Ex. Com­panion Antonio Gonzalez presiding.

All Chapters were represented. During the year 3 Chapters were duly Consecrated and 3 Dispensations granted during the year, these three Chapters were duly granted their charters at this Annual Convocation. Whilst th e membership is not large, Capitular Masonry is making itself felt in no small manner in the Republic of the Philippines.

The M. Ex. Grand High Priest visited all Chapters during his year o.f office. This Grand Chapter was legally registered with the Securtities and Exchange Commissions of the Republic. Their finan-

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c·ial standing is very good. The 0l'der of the Hig-h P-riesthood was fo·rmed and Instituted. Our Companions in the ~epubl.ic of the Philippines ~u:e following closely the regulations and requirements existing in the Grand Chapte rs of North America.

This Grand Chapter was officially recognized by 32 duly con­stituted Grand Chapters and doubtless have been recognized by many niore a t the time of this Review.

Six Emergent Convocations wer'e held during the year, three to Consecrate Chapters and three to Instituee Chapters.

It was a great personal pleasure to your Reviewer that h e had the pleasure a f ew years ago of fraternizing with M. Ex. Companion Antonio Gonzalez and R. Ex. Companion Primo 1. Guzman and Lose E. Race la. The members of the Grand Chapter of Alberta wish their Companions of the Grand Chapter of the Republic of the Philippines every success in their great undertaking and w ish them well.

S. H.

QUEB.EC 1954

The Se venty-seventh Annual Convocation of t h e Grand Chapte r of Quebec was held in the city o.f Montreal on 'March 24th, 1954, with M. Ex. Camp. A . . M. Baird, Grand Z, presiding. M. Ex. Camp. W . J . Edwards, Alberta's Grand Representative was among those present.

An expression of loyalty was passed, we excerpt :

During the past year there have occurred two events of great significance and importance , not only to us as Canadians but to t he p eoples of the world. On June 2nd, 1953, the most colorf ul, glorious and moving pageant in the history of man t ook place - t h e Corona­t ion o f our Beloved Queen Elizabeth II - while a month later hostilities in the Kore•an War came to an end. Pea ce has not yet been restored to the world, but le t u s pray that those two happen­ings, so diverg ent, but yet so momentous, comin g a lmost simultan­eously, are a happy a ugury that the Reign of our youn g and beautiful Monarch, ~vho has dedicated h er life to the service of h er subjects, w ill be one of Peace and Prosperity and t hat both she a nd her gallant husband, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, may be long spared to enjoy th e Jove of t h e ir children a nd th e Companion­ship of their home m e.

The Grand Z visited the Grand Chapters in On tario, New Bruns­wick, New Hampshire, Verm on t, Virginia, Penn sylvan ia, Massachus­etts and N:ew York.

Th.e. Gran,d First Pri1,1cipal recommends a change of Grao.d Repre-~entatives when that .officer fails to attend Grand Chapter.

Assets of Grand Chapter $47,272.58. Membership 3,134.

M . Ex. Camp. R. V. Wallen, Grand Z.

R. Ex. "Com p. H. Pickering, Grand Scribe E. M.M. D.

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RHODE ISLAND, 1954

Rhode Island is a small but populous State, with an area about 40 h1iles by 31 miles, with Providence fairly central. A Special Con­vocation was held in Providence on Oct. 14, 1953, for the purpose of conferring the Mark Master Mashon Degree and other important business.

A resolution was presented "The Jurisdiction is State-wide for the Subordinate Chapters, i.e., Concurrent Jurisdiction." This was approved later at the Annual Convocation.

Also, a resolution "That the per capita tax be raised from 25c to 40c per annum. " This was approved. The G.H. Priest recommended that it be raised to 50c. The Committee declined this, but a Commit­tee was named to investigate the whole matter.

The One Hundred and Fifty-Seventh Annual Convocation was held ih Providence on March 9, 1954, with G.H. Priest Robert L. Sanderson presiding, all Grand Officers and 13 P.G.H. Priests in at­tendance. Our Grand Representative, Ex. Comp. James D. Nail was absent.

Among distinguished visitors were G.H. Priests Rev. Harry R. Pine of New Jersey; A. L. Burbank of Maine and H. L. Cummings of Vermont. Also M. Wor. Kenneth Craik, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island.

The address of M.E. Comp. Sanderson was declared a very ex­cellent r eport. (He is a talented school teacher in East Providence.) He had visited much, both inside and outside of the State. This included all the 15 Chapters. The degree work he observed was very commendable, although Grand Lecturer E. Everett MacMahon reports, "A few Chapters whose work is not as good as we would like, but these are showing definite improvement."

He advises the establishment of York Rite Associations. Public Installations were held and during the election s entertainment was provided for the ladies and guests. He mentions only a f ew visits to the Chapters as "a list of visitations is neither interesting or valuable.''

At one Chapter the degree of Royal Arch Widow was conferred on about 35 ladies.

He recommended that the Annual Convocation be held on a Sat­Urday so that more Companions would be free to attend. The Com­mittee did not approve.

He recommended that the Camp for the boys of the DeMolay as sponsored by Grand Chapter be dropped but arrangements were made to carry it on, as "a special objective is desirable ana work with youth is ·essential"

Five of the Senior Officers of Grand ·chapter perform as District Deputies aided by an Assistant Grand Lecturer.

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Grand Chapter lost by death, P.G.H. Priests Norris G. Abbott, Sr., and Walter I. Cook.

'The Order of Anointed High Priests was convened and four peti­tions received.

15 Chapters; 5,047 Members; Net loss 29. E. G. I.

SASKATCHEWAN 1954

The Thirty-first Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan was held in the city o.f Prince Albert on Wednesday, the 19th day of May, 1954, with M. Ex. Comp. Adna C. Woods on the Throne. We note the attendance o.f nine Past Grand Z's with the dean of them M. Ex. Comp. Charles H. Crandon.

Distinguished visitors were present from North Dakota, Manitoba, Montana, Alberta and the General Grand Chapter.

We excerpt from the Grand First Principal's Address: "Our brethren of the Craft will view with ·great satisfaction the news that Queen Elizabeth has given her consent to be the Grand Patroness of the three Royal Masonic Benevo.Jent Institutions conducted by the Grand Lodge of England, one for girls, one for boys, and one for old folks." ·

The Balance Sheet shows a surplus of $9,751.64. Very commend-able .

. Membership 2,759.

M. Ex. Comp. Richmond Mayson, Grand Z.

R. Ex. Comp. Alfred A. Wilson, P.G.Z., Grand Scribe E.

M. M . D.

SOUTH DAKOTA

South Dakota, 64th Annual Convocation at Lead, October 27th, 1953. M .. E. Companion Clarence J. Muchow, G. H. P. presiding, all Grand Officers and 11 Past Grand High Priests; Twenty-one Chapters represented and Distinguished visitors from eight other Jurisdictions.

Greetings were presented by the M.W. Brother A. E. Munck, Grand Master of Masons for South Dakota; and an address of wel­come on behalf of the city of Leads in the Black Hills was given by Companion N. Ellis Matter.

The Grand High Priest had a very busy year visiting Constituent Chapters and Masonic Bodies in his own State and finding time to visit several neighboring Grand Chapter Convocations. W,e regret that the weather prevented him from visiting the Grand Chapter of Manitoba. Ha·d he gone by train like this reviewe r did I would have

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had the pl easure of meeting him, to us In Alberta it sounds unus~a! not to be able to visit anywhere in the Jurisdiction by automobtlt any time in the y ea r . W e note with pleasure the appointment of a new Representative near the Grand Chapter of South Dakota, fot Alberta, in the person of Ex. Companion Phyl Dyer, who answered the roll call. We feel honored by his appointment and trust Companion Dyer's association w ith us will be extremely friendly and courteous. We will be glad to have him visit us some time.

The old proble m o[ unpaid dues and subsequent suspensions are dealt with, and the G.H.P. rightly recommends personal contact, rather than correspondence by the Scribe E, as soon as dues are six months or more past due. It is always easier to pay one year's dues, than thre e o r more at the one time.

The condition of the order over the States is very good - yet much was said about ways and means of improving many weaker Chapters.

There are thirty-three chartered Chapters - Total membership 4,050, a net gain of forty-six, sixteen Chapte rs have shown a net gain and fifteen a n e t loss, five Chapters won the General Grand Chapter certificates for 10 per cent or more gain , one Chapter was reported to have no t h e ld a meeting for some time and the Officers elected, three or four years ago are still carrying on, as there has been no election since t h en . This is unusual and surely unconstitu­tional in any Jurisdiction.

Th e General Grand Chapter m e dal was presented to E. Com­panion R. B. Rowbotham by Companion George F. W estover, who had been the recipi ent th e previous year. This appears to be somewhat of an innovation , and is worthy of e ndorsing.

The Fraternal correspondent writes a v ery interesting review -· not individually but collectively and puts his concise sentences in good ord er and with plenty of short quotations to impress his im­pressions of the o·rd er as a whole in the world.

H. Walter Fredin e was installed G.H.P. for the ensuing year. J . V. F .

TE NN.ESSE E

125 Annual Convocation, at Nashville, March "22nd, 1954.

M.E. Companion Zirden Z. Cline, G.H.P. presiding, all Grand Officers and twenty Past G.T.P. were presen t as well as distinguished visitors from fourte en other Grand Jurisdictions.

The G.H.P. visited many of his subordinate Chapters, fourteen Royal Arch Group meetings, one G eneral Grand Chapter sectional meeting and seven York Rite Festivals, only one outside Grand Jurisdiction was visited - that o.f Ohio. This is unusual in the United States or Canada.

Dispensations were issued for two new Chapters during the year an e ncouraging sign for Tennessee; proficiency certificates were

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issued to 118 Companions during the yea r, b ringing to a total of about 650 out of a total of 14,660.

Among the many recommendations made a nd accepted were : (1) Liability Insurance to protect Grand Chapter from all possible known and unknown hazards. ( 2) Workman's Compensation In­surance on its employees.

Seventeen Chapte rs made a net gain of 1!0'% , there are 77 Chapte rs •active, net gain 627. The General Grand Chapter Meri­torious medal went to Ex. Companion George C. Broadwell, Clinton No. 9, Congratulations for No. 9 in Calgary, to No. 9 in Clinton.

The Committee on Royal Arch Advancem ent makes this p ertinent remark which has been repeated or echoed all over the Masonic world; many of our Candidates look on the Royal Arch Chapters as only a stepping ston e to higher degrees. W-e should use our best efforts to sell our Master Masons the idea that Roy al Arch M;asonry has intrinsic worth and is a fie ld of worthy endeavour, to which we say amen.

Alberta was well condensed in the Fore ign Co·rrespondence Column and we have ·a n ew representative commissioned in Tennessee, Ex. Companion Sam Westall, Greetings Companion Westall and w e hope your appointment pleases you as much as it does us.

IVLE .Companion Richard T. Poole, G.H.P. and M.E . Companion Thos. E . Doss, Grand Secretary, w e re installed for the n ext year to meet in 1955 at Nashville .

J .V.F.

TEXAS

The Grand Convocation of the Grand Chapter M.R.A.M. of Texas was held at Waco, Texas, November 30 and December 1, 1953, when the following observations were made. M .Ex. Companion A. A. Sweeney was in the Chair.

During the last Great War a Brother who was in the armed forces was statio.n ed in our city and visited our Lodge. He announc~d that he was .from the U.S.A. When asked what State h e was from he said "From Texas,. What other State is there? " It is true that T exas is a large State, has a large population, and has a large 1V1asonic membership. I was pleased with your interest in the home of aged M;asons. Any Lodge or Chapter who is no~ interested in this problem is neglecting one of our great obligations. I observe that at the beginning of the year your membership was 43,904 and that your gain in mernbership for the year was 3,501. I think your number of deaths was high ·and so w ere the number of suspensions. The net number of gain was 1,598, or a total membership at the end of the year was 45,502. I see your Grand Officers were busy m en and did the task set before them competently . I notice many dis­tinguished visitors were able to be with you a t Grand Convocation and were graciously looked afte r by you . I n otice that you have 224 Chapters and one U.D.

R.M.L.

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WEST VIRGINIA - 1953

83rd Annual Convocation at Charleston, West Virginia, October 12th and 13th, 1953.

M.E. Companion Jas. L. Albright , G.H.P. Presided, all Officers a nd eleven P.G.H.P. were present, among them, M.E. Companion L. G. Kinch eloe, our representative near the Grand Chapter of West Virginia.

An address of welcome was extended by E. Companion Jackson H. Priest of Tyrian Royal Arch Chapter No. 13, of Charleston.

The G.H.P. was very attentive to his own subordinate Chapters and visited several neighbouring Grand Chapters 'as well as a Sectional Meeting of General Gra.nd Chapter at Louisville, Kentucky. He also held a special Convocation of his c,wn Grand Chapter for the sole purpose of installing into office, the Grand Master of the first Veil , who was not present at the Annual Convocation because of illness.

A Petition for a n ew Chapter had been presented, but after careful consideration, th e Dispensation was not granted.

Three Schools of instruction were h eld , all well attended, and all followed by suitable refreshments and good companionship.

The n E!t increase in membership was 108 - smallest in years. Three Chapters had a 10 % increase. Twenty-six Chapters showed a net gain. Sixteen had losses and four broke even.

Financial reports showed a healthy condition with an amount of $2,740.48, better than at the end of the pre,.,ious year.

The General Grand Chapter Medal was presented to· Ex. Com­panion Gilbert Guffin by P.G.H.P. Dugan, in spite of the fact that tthe General Grand High Priest M.E. Companion Robert F. Janis was a visitor at the Convocation. Alberta's proceedings were reviewed for the year 1952.

M.E. Companion George E. Gorrell was elected and installed as G.H.P. for the ensuing year.

J.V.F.

WASHINGTON, 1954

The Seventieth Annual Convocation of the Grand Chaoter of R.A. Masons was held at Olympia on May 20th and 21st, 1954 with G.H. Priest Audley F. Mahaffey presiding ·and all Grand Officers as well as 13 P.G.H. Priests and 62 P.H. Priests in attendance. Our Grand Representative, Deputy G.H. Priest Herbert W. De Mander of Spokane, was present.

Chap ters represented were 50 and only 3 were not . Distinguished Visitors included 'M'.E. Companion Sprague Carter

of Oregon and M.E. Companions Charles E. Renacker, Andrew Coutts and A. Roy Byrnell of British Columbia.

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Eleven of the 14 District Deputies were assembled and the G.H. Priest po-inted to the valuable service they had rendered and thanked them for their loyal support.

In his address, M.E. Companion Mahaffey, stated to all his com­panions, that, "There is no inner circle running Grand Chapter and you plan the way we go; not the G.H. Priests or P.G.H. Priests."

(Certainly, that is true of most Grand Chapters, at least.)

They were saddended by the deaths of P.G.H. Priest Wesley C. Stone and Deputy G.H. Priest Lynn Vane .

The G.H. Priest had made ·22 Chapter visits, including District Meetings. He had ordered the purchase of a new United States flag and granted a dispensation to form a chapter at Richland. Later, a charter was issued.

He approved the By-laws of a Chapter, one of the clauses being, "When the fee is not paid in full with the Petitio n, ($30) it shall be $10 with Pe tition, $10 with Mark and Past Master and $10 with the Most Excellent."

He states that in his opinion, wh en an official visit by the G.H. Priest is made and .no· good is to be obtained, it is a waste of energy. (With us, such is often the big night of th e year fot· that chapter.)

He made 23 Recommendations; many were essentials, but some were not approved. One was, "That the Key lecture be given at a stated meeting and not follow the exaltation in the R.A. Degree." Another was that, "The office of Deputy G.H. Priest be e liminated," but this was voted down.

New aprons and collars for Grand Officers w ere purchased at a cost o.f $1.435.54.

M.E. Comp. Mahaffey was commended on the efficient manner in which he conducted Grand Chapter business.

Ex. Comp. Charles Cummings, as requested, gave in his Review. each Grand Chapter only two or three lines, stating the number of Chapters, total membership and gain or loss.

The Order of High Priesthood was open ed and 39 candidates were admitted.

53 Chapters. 9,708 members. Net loss 71. E.G.!.

WASHINGTON

The 69th Annual Convocation was held at Centralia on May 21st, 1953. M.E. Comp. Dave Watson, G.H. Priest presided. There are 53 Chaptres with membership of 9,779, w~th a gain of 127.

The Grand High Priest in his address said: That 55,000 Blue Lodge Brethren in the State had not completed their Masonic Educa-

105

tion. No one has invited to do so and it is our duty to inform them and invite them t o join. When a Companion shows signs of be­coming d elinquent,tactful and discreet enquiries should be made as to the cause. It is much more desirable to keep the member we already have than to tak e in a new member. The outstanding event in the histo ry of Capitular Masonry was the institution of the Grand Chapter of .Alaska. M .E. Comp. Joseph V. Follett, General Grand Royal Arch Captain and Past Grand First Principal of the Grand Chapter of Alberta assisted in the ceremony.

Alberta reviewed. J. W . G. M.

WISCONSIN

The 104th Annual Convocation was held at Racine on May 2, 1954. M.E. Comp. C. F . Batch, G.H. Preist, presided. There are 53 Chap ters, with a membershtp of 18,768, and a gain of 11.

A Canadian flag was presented to the Grand Chapter by M.E. ,Andrew Coutts Grand First Principal of the Grand Chapter of British Columbia. Th e Chapter opened its year's work with three objectives: 1. To strive for Masonic unity in the temples o.f the State so that each organisation supports the others to the end that complete harmony and thoug ht be a reality in all bodie s of Masonry. 2. To strive for perfection in the ritual and to improve its position in Masonry.

3. To embark upon a program for the development of o.fficer material looking to administ11ative ability being available to every Chapter. The G.H.P. recommended that the rehabilitation of' dormant Chapters b e given an intensive study. A dormant chapter is a dis­cre dit to the Order.

Alb erta reviewed .

Representative not present. J. W. G. M.

SUPREME GRAND CHAPTER OF VICTORIA - 1953

The fo ur Quarterly Convocation were held in Melbourne on April 15, July 15, Oct. 21 and Jan. 20, 1954, with M..E. Comp. R. W. Chen­oweth , O.B.E., presiding. As Grand Scribe N. our Grand Represe nt·a ­tive, V.E. Comp. S. J. Jessup was present at rthe April Convocation but not at the other three.

In the Grand Chapters of Canada a nd the U.S .A. the Officers are called Excellent Companions, but in Victoria they are known at Emmin ent Companions.

:vrost of the elected and appointed Grand Officers hold office for one year only, and the whole list of past and present officers who were in attendance at the Quarte rlies are printed.

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The G.Z. appoints, or promotes, worthy Companions a s Past G.S. Nehemiahs, Past G. Sojourners, Past Grand Sword Bearers, etc. During the last Quarter, twelve inst•allations were conducted by Past Grand Officers, and four by the G.Z. In the first Quarter 35 such installations were conducted.

A petition to form a Chapter at Abbotsford to be known as Coronation Chapter was received. Later it was granted a Charter.

The Mark Master Masons have a separate Grand Mark Lodge. In 192D Grand Chapter consisted of 27 Chapters a nd in 1952 it was composed of 105.

In his January address, M.E. Camp. Chenoweth states to the rulers of the Victorian Chapters, "Yo u are by far the major part of this Grand Chapter and it is my d esire and my duty to see that your interests be advanced."

Speaking of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II he states "By h e r impressive presence and utterances she is giving fresh inspiration to the basic ideals of our Order."

Finances were £11,000. gain 254.

102 Chapters. 9,760 members. Net

E.G.I.

Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Alberta

Elected Officers for 1955

M.E. Companion C. W. Lilley ........ Grand First Principal 11030- Slst Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta.

R.E. Companion F. L. Colwell .... Grand Second Principal 1411- 26A Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta.

R.E. Companion B. C. Jakeman .... Grand Third Principal Box "R" Innisfail, Alta.

R.E. Companion T. S. Jeffery ................ Grand Treasurer

M.E. Companion F. J . Hand .................... Grand Scribe E. (Grand Secretary)

1717- 28th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta.

R.E. Companion 0. Nevra .......... Grand Scribe Nehemiah

R.E. Companion J. Ray Anderson .......... Grand Principal Sojourner

R.E. Companion Harry W. Keyte ............ Grand Registrar

PRINTED BY ALBERTAN .JOB PREBB L TO., 312·8TH AVE, E., CALGARY