Proceedings 212th 2009 Griff Jones - Grand Chapter State of New ...

Membership
In order to build our membership, our Chapters must continue to work with our Master
Mason Lodges to introduce Freemasonry to the uninitiated. New membership is vital
to our future survival. Our Chapters are encouraged to utilize the “Fervency and Zeal” program
to seek out new companions to build our membership. Those Chapters that have done
this either as a program in conjunction with our Masonic Lodges, or by inviting prospective
members to an evening at their Chapter where this program is presented, have added
new companions to their chapters. I have also found that many districts have created degree
teams to help with the Symbolic Lodge degrees and have actively made their members
available to present many of the long lectures and parts that are found in those degrees.
Charity
Once again, the companions of this Grand Chapter showed their overwhelming support
of our Charity Programs. 2008 was a difficult year for the economy, the stock market, and
high gas prices, but our Companions demonstrated that Charity is important to all of us.
Over $36,000 was donated by our companions with an additional amount of $2585 received
in January this year. We also received an in-kind gift estimated to be over $3500. In addition
the Grand Chapter received the bequest of Douglas Holbrook for $316,022. There was
also an additional special gift by another party to the Royal Arch Medical Research Foundation
of $30,000. Quite impressive amounts during these current market conditions. Our
expenses were only $905 for the year, so compared to previous years, your generosity has
shown through and we are very grateful to our companions and donors.
I had also asked this year that each companion try to participate in our charities program
by pledging at least a penny a day, or $3.65 a year. If this were done by all our companions,
we would have an additional $15-20,000 for Royal Arch Charities. I also requested
that if your Chapter can find it in their heart to do so, a line be added to the next dues statement
to indicate support for this program. Well I am here to tell you the amazing support
that was shown by our companions for this program. Almost everywhere I went, many of
you gave me 365 pennies, and many of you contributed a dollar a day. To all of you, I extend
my appreciation and gratitude for your support. One Chapter even sent a penny a day
for all their members. You will hear more about that when the Charities committee makes
their report.
Remember “Just a Penny a Day!” It can make a difference!
Recommendations
1. Redistricting should be done with the involvement of the Chapters in those districts.
2. Completion of the update of the Ritual books and book five should be ready for distribution
by St. John’s Day 2009.
3. Continued use of the Royal Arch Capstone Course should be offered at least every
two years. Those districts utilizing its resources have found new life and support for both
the ritual and chapter programs.
4. Continued updates of the Web site and making it more relevant to our membership
should be promoted. The more often it is updated, the more often companions will continue
to return and utilize it as a valuable resource.
5. Continuation of the Royal Arch Penny newsletter and increased participation and
submission of articles focusing on the successes of our Chapters and the Grand Line and increased
and varied distribution methods should be developed.
6. Updating of the Constitution on the web site should be completed.
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2009