Grand King S Program

2015 - 2016

GRAND KING’S PROGRAM

ROBERT D. BLANKENHORN Jr.

GRAND KING

GRAND CHAPTER ROYAL ARCH

MASONS OF OHIO

1

Preface

This year is dedicated in memory of two people that are no longer with us but have played an important part in my life as a Royal Arch Mason:

MEC Charles KarthMEC Stephen Oliver

Also I dedicate this to a select group that I will refer to as “Ish Sodi”. You know who you are and you will always be in my heart.

Eight years ago at the Grand King’s Program in Piqua Ohio, when MEC Garis Pugh introduced me as the grand family choice for the new Master of the First Veil, a companion came up to me after the presentation and asked me where my grand session was going to be? I told him that I hadn’t even thought that far into the future, as I was waiting to be elected into the grand line first. The companion then told me that the year I would be scheduled to be Grand High Priest would be the 200th year anniversary and convocation for the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio.

This immediately started me thinking. As my wife and I were traveling one day, I looked at her and said I think my theme is going to be “Celebrate”. I told her that the word “Celebrate” could have a lot of meaning and apply to a lot of things that had been important in my life. With “Celebrate” we can celebrate our God, we can celebrate our families, we can celebrate Masonry, we can celebrate Royal Arch Masonry, we can celebrate 200 years of Royal Arch Masonry, and in that year of 2016, we can celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.

Now that we knew what my theme was going to be, we needed to design a pin that would be appropriate to my theme. We discussed and threw out many ideas. During MEC George Shell’s year when we were in Xenia, Ohio putting on the installation of officers for the Third District, MEC Shell presented the plaques that were going to honor MEC Stephen Oliver and would be the membership awards that would be presented each year. EC Rick Grimes designed the two plaques with MEC Oliver in mind. When I saw the stained glass windows, I wanted one of them for myself to put over my fireplace as a reminder of MEC Oliver. One day, as I was looking at the stained glass window, it suddenly dawned on me what I wanted for my pin. I took a picture of it and sent it to a company in Florida called Lapel Pins R Us (now called Signature Pins). I talked to their representative about what I had in mind for my pin. Three hours later I had a rendering that was almost 100% of what I wanted. The triple tau within the equilateral triangle within a circle has long been a symbol of God and is explained in the Royal Arch Degree. From as young as I can remember, I have had a strong belief in God, and in 2009 I served the Grand Chapter of Ohio Eastern Star as Grand Chaplain. The Bible is a symbol of our faith. It reminds me of our son, Aaron, who was a minister (died in 2006), of MEC Oliver who was a minister, and of my year as Grand Chaplain. The outer circle of the pin needs no extra explanation. It is my theme celebrating 200 years of Royal Arch Masonry from 1816 to 2016.

In celebration of our 200th year a coin is being issued. On one side of the coin is the Grand Chapter seal. On the other side of the coin is a triple tau, within the equilateral triangle, within a circle, the well-known symbol of a Royal Arch Mason. The coin will be given to everyone who attends the 2016 Grand Convocation onboth days. Otherwise they will be available for purchase at a cost of $10 each.

INSPECTIONS

Another way we will celebrate our 200th year of Royal Arch Masonry is at our inspections.

At inspections, introductions will be handled according to district protocol. An individual should only be introduced with three titles maximum. All individuals will be introduced as one of the following:

Companion

ExcellentCompanion

RightExcellent Companion

Most Excellent Companion

If the individual has another title in another Masonic body such as Right Worshipful Master and he is a Companion, he would be introduced as Companion and Right Worshipful Master. The chapter title will be given first followed by the other Masonic body’s title.

A. Association / District OfficersAltar – round of applause.

1. Distinguished Service Awards, KYCHs, 33°Altar – Grand Honors.

1. Past Grand AppointmentsAltar – Grand Honors.
2. District Education OfficerAltar – Grand Honors. (If entitled)
   
3. Grand High Priest (if present)Altar – Grand Honors, thenescorted to East.
   
4. Inspection OfficerAltar – Grand Honors, thenescorted to East.
   
5. Grand Master (if present)Altar – Introduced, then escorted to East for Grand Honors.

All 50 year plus Masons are to be introduced at the altar. The 50 year plus designation will not be one of his titles.

As we celebrate Royal Arch Masonry with our inspections, several things are to be kept in mind:

1)Local tradition is to prevail.

2)The High Priest will open and close the chapter in the inspection degree.

3)The degree is to be conferred by the best team and ritualist that the chapter can assemble.

4)Business should be kept to a minimum the night of inspection.

5) No CEO or DEO program is to be presented at inspection.

6)The candidate should never be asked for remarks. He may be thanked for being a good candidate but that is all.

7) The chapter is to be closed immediately, without further comment, after the inspecting officer is finished with his remarks. Should the High Priest desire he may ask the District Deputy to close. The Deputy may do so at his own discretion.

PUBLIC GRAND HONORS

Anytime, a Royal Arch Companion is presented a Service Pin (or at some other public occasion) Public Grand Honors may be given in the Companion’s Honor.

CELEBRATE

HOLY WEEKS

Holidays are family time. It is my firm belief that all Christian Holidays should be observed by those that celebrate that faith. I am specifically addressing two Christian Holidays, but Chapters who are prominently of another faith should observe their Holy Days just as we observe these. These special times of the year are meant to be spent and celebrated with our families and friends. We should not in any manner interfere with these observances.

CHRISTMAS

December 20 to January 4

EASTER

March 20 to March 27

Regular meetings only.

Education programs are ok.

No degree work.

No district meetings.

CELEBRATE

Youth

Job’sDaughters

Rainbow

DeMolay

Girl Scouts

Boy Scouts

It has been said that our Youth groups: Rainbow, Job’s Daughters and DeMolayare our future. However, when you think about it, we are their future as well. Weshould strive to be role models and mentors to these young people. If we are not, wecould leave a bad impression that will not only last for years, but perhaps forever inthe minds of those young people. Kind words and deeds go much further than criticism or indifference.

It is my desire that each chapter should visit one of the youth groups listed above at one of their stated meetings or events. By doing this you are letting the youth know that your chapter is willing to help support them in any of their endeavors, not just financially.

OHIO JOBS DAUGHTERS

INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF THE RAINBOW FOR GIRLS

CELEBRATE

VETERANS

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America”, for an amount of “up to and including their life”. Please recognize your Veterans at special times of the year, like Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, and at your Inspection.

RE-DEDICATIONS ANDRE-CONSECRATIONS, ETC.

If a Chapter would like a Re-Dedication, Re-Consecration, Dedication orConsecration, all you have to do is ask. The Grand Chapter Officers will be veryhappy to perform it for you. Just let us know and we can find a date that will beconvenient for all. Sunday afternoons would probably work the best.

2015 – 2016

POSSIBLE REDEDICATIONS

PORTAGE #200100 YEARS (10/7/1915)

TYRIAN #91150 YEARS (9/7/1865)

NEW LISBON #92150 YEARS (9/7/1865)

DISPENSATIONS

A Dispensation is required when your Chapter wants to do something thatdeviates from the Grand Chapter Code. If you should have any questions, pleasecontact your District Deputy Grand High Priest. Submit the request, (form found on the Web Site) to your Deputy (Do not send tothe Grand Secretary) and he in turn will send It to the Chairman of Jurisprudence who then will send it to the Grand High Priest. Please allow at Least 30 days prior to the event for processing. If it is an emergency, call your Deputy first. If I am contacted directly, I will refer you back to your Deputy for him to deal with your problem.

CELEBRATE

CHARITIES

The Grand Chapter of Ohio has charities that we officially support. The Royal Arch Foundation that supports the Adopt America Network, the Ohio Masonic Home and the Organ/Tissue Donation.

Adopt America finds homes for children with special needs and circumstances, as well as training for the prospective parents.

The Masonic Homes are located in three places: Springfield, Waterville andMedina, offering care for masons and their spouses.

Organ and Tissue donations may be made through your driver’s license and cangive new life to those who may die if they do not receive these lifesaving donations.

I would ask every chapter to make an effort to donate at least $100.00 to one of our charities during this year. I am partial to the Royal Arch Foundation, having been directly involved as Secretary/Treasurer since its inception and have seen the direct effect that this charity has on its recipients. $100.00 would only be $0.03 per day.

CELEBRATE

ROYAL ARCH FOUNDATION

CERTIFICATES

100% – one dollar per member

Silver – $100

Gold – $250

PINS

BLUE – sapphire – $500

PURPLE – amethyst – $1,500

RED – ruby – $2,500

White – diamond – $3,500

Celebrate

Royal Arch Foundation silent auction

Celebrate

Awards

E. C. Gifford

DistinguishedService Award

The Earl C. Gifford Meritorious Service Award is given each year to no more than four Companions in the state of Ohio. Every District and most Chapters have at least one Companion that has served it with distinction and who is worthy of this award. This Companion is usually someone who is always there in the background, doing what needs to be done, and expects nothing in return. Such Companions are excellent candidates for the E. C. Gifford Distinguished Service Award. A nomination form can be found on the Ohio Grand Chapter Web site.

Royal Arch

LadiesSweetheart Award

Every chapter has someone who is worthy of this high honor, but in many cases no one makes the effort to nominate that person. I am asking every chapter to nominate at least one lady. I have also been asked to re-establish the Grand Chapter Lady Award. Each district will pick a district lady & four of those ladies will receive the state award. More specific information will be given to the Deputies in August.

CELEBRATE

Grand High Priest Award

There will be a Grand High Priest Award for each Chapter to obtain. The criteria will be based on how well each Chapter celebrates the 200th Anniversary of the Ohio Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masonry. More specific information will be given to the Deputies in August.

Special Exaltation Award for the 200th Year.

Every Royal Arch Mason that is exalted in the 200th year will be presented a special memento.

CELEBRATE

RESOURCE COURSES I AND II

The Resource Course program is part of the education program and I encourage each chapter and district to persuade its companions to take this valuable course. Chapters or districts may consider having a “Resource Course Night” where members show up and complete the course in a group setting. Or, do it on a Saturday morning. For example, have a pancake breakfast and then spend a couple hours taking the course and be done before noon. Have some fellowship thrown in with the education. You are likely to have better attendance and enthusiasm if you promote it in this fashion.

The Resource Courses may be found on the Ohio Royal Arch Website:

CELEBRATE

CONSOLIDATIONS (MERGERS)

31.01. Procedure. Whenever the majority of the members resident within the jurisdiction of any chapter shall sign a written declaration that they deem it for the best interest of Capitular Masonry to consolidate said chapter with another specified chapter and shall present the same at a stated convocation of their own chapter, the High Priest shall thereupon cause the same to be read in open chapter, to be entered on its records and a written notice of such proposed consolidation to be mailed to all members, to the Grand High Priest, to the District Deputy Grand High Priest, to the Regional Officer assigned to that Chapter, To the Chairman of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations, and to the Grand Secretary. (Amended October 3, 1996)

CELEBRATE

ROYAL arch widowsDEGREE

Without the support of our Ladies, that stay home night after night while we go to our Masonic Meetings, our lives would be lacking. As these women in our lives are extremely important to our Masonic attendance, the Companions in Montana came up with a way to provide entertainment and special recognition for them through this wonderful skit.

Webpage and History

Supplies

THE ROYAL ARCH WIDOWS DEGREE

A Fun Night for the Ladies!!!!

Here’s New Interest in Your Chapter

There’s a laugh a minute when your Chapter “confers” the Royal Arch Widows Degree.

A wonderful evening of fun with this Chapter stunt that will bring them back again and again. This has been time-tested in many jurisdictions and always the same enthusiastic reports! Easily put on with only six speaking parts.

Rituals $ 1.00 each

Diplomas-large 11x14 $.50 Cents Each

Membership Cards, per 100…...$ 5.00

Widows Pins………………$4.50 Each

IMPORTANT DATES

October 5-6, 2015Grand Council of OhioGreat Wolf Lodge, Cincinnati

October 6-8, 2015Grand Chapter of Ohio Great Wolf Lodge, Cincinnati

October 8-10, 2015Grand Commandery of OhioGreat Wolf Lodge, Cincinnati

October 22-24 2015Grand Lodge of OhioColumbus

October 25, 2015Religious Reaffirmation

Religious Reaffirmation must be observed in each District. ALL Chapters most participate or be in attendance. If they are not, they must have their own service. Reports from each District or Chapter will be sent through the District Deputy to the Grand Chaplain. Please make these reports in a timely manner.

October 31, 2015Grand Family meeting and Grand High Priest’s reception. The Grand Family meeting and Reception will be held at the Gallagher Center at the OES Home in Mt. Vernon. Special arrangements are being made for the ladies during the Grand Family meeting.

November 7, 2015KYCH Annual MeetingCanton

November 14, 2015Grand Illustrious Master’s Recp.Independence (Holiday Inn)