Mason-2014-Winter-Rnd1

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Custodians of the Work VW Samuel Lloyd Kinsey, Chairman 917-770-1793 slkinsey@me.com Ask a new Brother about the Custodians of the Work and he may say he’s heard them described as “bookworms, academics and pedagogues” or the “Ritual Police.” It is true that the Custodians accumulate knowledge and make recommendations concerning the Ritual, but this article is intended to explain who the Custodians are and what we do. The Custodians of the Work is a standing committee of Grand Lodge that continues from year to year, makes an official report at every Annual Communication and is tasked with oversight of our Ritual. We often hear that Freemasonry’s Ritual sets it apart from other organizations, and it has been called our greatest teacher because it provides a blueprint for self-improvement. But while the Ritual watches out for us, who watches out for our Ritual Who ensures that it remains pure and unsullied by passing fads and individual whims, yet also responds to the evolving needs and interests of the Craft so that it will continue to be uniformly meaningful and relevant This is the job of the Custodians and it takes many forms. Let’s look at just a few recent activities. In 2012 the Custodians created the Ritual Renaissance Program to raise the bar of Ritual performance and increase knowledge of its meaning. The RRP conducted orientation sessions and distributed tools and materials throughout the state over the course of its first two years and has now become its own Grand Lodge committee. In 2014 seven short restorations were presented to the brethren. These received their overwhelming approbation and were brought back into the Ritual. This highlights an important aspect of our work: The Custodians don’t change or adjust the Ritual. Rather, we accept suggestions and make recommendations we believe will serve the current and future needs of the Craft, while at the same time respecting the history and preserving the integrity of our Ritual. No proposal becomes part of the Ritual, however, unless it is approved by the vote of the brethren at an Annual Communication. Currently the Custodians are working on a number of projects, most notably a review of the Ritual book to improve its organization, clarify the Ritual directions, standardize the formatting and provide enhancements such as the new Glossary and Pronunciation Guide. We have also listened to requests for the popular Closing Charge found in New York exposures and monitors throughout the nineteenth century, and plan to recommend it as optional work. The Custodians of the Work are here to serve our timehonored Ritual and assist in the performance and education thereof. If you have a question pertaining to the Ritual we will endeavor to answer it. If you have a suggestion we will consider it. If you would like a Custodian to speak at your Lodge we will make every effort to do so. Just contact the chairman at slkinsey@me.com or 917-770-1793. We are here for you. s Busy summer in Richmond District It was a busy summer down in the Richmond District this year. Brothers from all six Lodges on Staten Island, as well as our terrific District team of District Deputy Grand Master Thomas Basich, Grand Sword Bearer Rick Huss and Assistant Grand Lecturer Reynardo “Nikko” Guiterrez, came out to a lot of great events held by each Lodge. July 12 was the 40 th annual God’s Special Children boat ride, a cruise through the harbor. Many Brothers came out to make sure that children with special needs had a great day, and luckily, the Great Architect made sure that the weather was beautiful, as well. The next day, July 13, the Brothers of the Richmond District came out again with their families for the Richmond Masonic Association’s annual picnic. Over 150 people attended, including Brothers and their families, to enjoy a great day and raise some money for the District. The highlight of the summer was the eight-week Summer Ritual Clinic, which was held at historic Tompkins Lodge. The Brothers took the theme: “Meeting the Challenge” to heart and turned out every week prepared to win their wages in the Further Light Challenge at each clinic. The officers of the District were on hand every week to help the newer Brothers in their search for more light, as well. In addition to the work the Brothers did on their own for the clinic, the RW John J. White worked with the Brothers on Openings, Closings and the Hiramic Legend. Once again we had a great summer in the District. As that summer ends, our team is hungry for the Masonic year to start again. s 36 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE T–E–A–M: Together Everybody Achieves More WINTER 2014
Announcing the Seventieth Annual Metropolitan Region’s Masons & Families Dedication Service & Breakfast Sponsored by the Masonic Brotherhood Foundation, Inc. Hosted by the 2014-2016 METROPOLITAN REGION • DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER’S ASSOCIATION SUNDAY MORNING • MARCH 8, 2015 at the MARINA DEL REY • ONE MARINA DRIVE, THROGS NECK, BRONX, NY 10465 Seating will begin promptly in the morning at 8:30 AM, Remember to set your clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time. The site offers easy access from major highways and VALET PARKING. The Service of Ecumenical Worship will be led by our Grand Chaplains at 9:00 AM, and immediately be followed by the Breakfast Program. Tickets are available from the Metropolitan District Deputy Grand Masters for $35.00 per person, payable to the Masonic Brotherhood Foundation. Tickets MUST be purchased in ADVANCE. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR. Seatings is Limited. Clip & Mail SEND TO: GRAND LODGE CONVENTION COMMITTEE 71 WEST 23RD STREET, 17TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NY 10010-4149 Enclosed is my check of $ ________________ for ______________ tickets (@ $35.00 each) made payable to the Masonic Brotherhood Foundation, Inc., to attend the 70th Annual Masons & Families Dedication Service & Breakfast, being held at The Marina Del Rey, Throgs Neck, Bronx, NY on Sunday, March 8, 2015. NAME: …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ADDRESS: ……………………………………………………………………………………………….... …………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…. CITY / STATE / ZIP: ………………………………………………………………………………………. LODGE: …………………………………………………………………………………………………… DISTRICT: ………………………………………………………………………………………………… TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED DIRECTLY FROM ANY MEMBER OF THE METROPOLITAN REGION DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS’ ASSOCIATION. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2014 37
Page 1 and 2: WINTER 2014 International Wedding o
Page 3 and 4: TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 63 / Numbe
Page 5 and 6: ME Edmund D. Harrison next spoke an
Page 7 and 8: Senior Grand Warden RW Charles P. U
Page 9 and 10: Grand Treasurer RW Charles Catapano
Page 11 and 12: cruise to Bermuda (l-r) RW John P.
Page 13 and 14: Grand Chaplain’s Corner RW RONALD
Page 15 and 16: Masonic Care Community RW Rob Raffl
Page 17 and 18: Masonic Care Community victoria cat
Page 19 and 20: Masonic Care Community kathy contin
Page 21 and 22: Masonic Yacht Club supports Camp Tu
Page 23 and 24: Acacia Village cindy copperwheat, R
Page 25 and 26: Grand Master’s Family Day in Syra
Page 27 and 28: Committee on Youth RW Cary S. Cohn,
Page 29 and 30: Grand Lodge Educational Assistance
Page 31 and 32: RW John E. deMeurers, Sr, Chairman
Page 33 and 34: 6th annual Grand Secretary’s Golf
Page 35: Grand Lodge Publications Committee
Page 39 and 40: 65 years continues Franklin George
Page 41 and 42: 55 years continues Collabergh-Radiu
Page 43 and 44: Huguenot Charles John Combs Charlie
Page 45 and 46: January 2015 10 Mardi Gras Charity
Page 47 and 48: YOUR GRAND LODGE IS PLEASED TO HONO

Mason-2014-Winter-Rnd1

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?