Sunday, April 16, 2023

Grand York Rite of Idaho

Another year and another Grand York Rite of Idaho session has come and gone. Thursday was occupied with the Order of the High Priesthood, the Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill where I was elected and installed as, Honorable Grand Commander of the Left Wing for Syringa Order No.121, the Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor where I was elected and installed as Master of Templars for Idaho Chapter, the Knights of the York Cross of Honor, and the Knight Commander of the Temple Dinner.

We held the Public Opening and Joint Session of the Grand York Rite of Idaho on Friday morning. Once the Joint Session was concluded, we conferred the Order of the Silver Trowel. Friday afternoon, the 90th Annual Assembly of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Idaho was held. After the installation of officers, a divine service was held remembering all of the Companions and Sir Knights who had passed was held. Later, we had the Holy Land Pilgrimage Dinner at the Lodge in Idaho Falls. We then held the annual business meeting of Tri-Valley College No.178 of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America.

Saturday morning, the 115th Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Idaho was held where one of my Masonic mentors presided. Art, the now Junior Past Grand High Priest, has known me my entire Masonic career: he was Captain of the Host when I was exalted a Royal Arch Mason and even knighted me into Templary. The 120th Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Idaho was held Friday afternoon where I was elected and installed as the Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander for the ensuing year.

This morning, Intermountain Chapel No. 27 of the Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon met and I was installed as the Worthy Master for the ensuing year.

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Grand York Rite of Oregon

My second official visit for the year is in the books. Several Idaho Masons, including my Templar counterpart, traveled across Idaho and Oregon to Coos Bay, OR.

Thursday morning started with Public Introductions followed by the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Idaho. As Deputy General Grand High Priest I had the honor of representing Steven Tiner, the Most Excellent General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International. I thank the Grand Chapter for their warm welcome and hospitality.

Friday was filled by the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Oregon. At lunch, the Past Grand Masters Association met and raised money to help offset purchasing a new jewel for the Grand Treasurer. Friday night was the Grand Banquet where I sat between the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Oregon and the now Junior Past Grand High Priest of Oregon. It was a night of good food, good discussion, and recognizing several worthy Companions and Sir Knights with awards.

Saturday was dedicated to the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Oregon. I was blown away when DeMolay Commandery No.5 announced they were donating $10,000 to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation in the name of Sir Knight Loren Schrock who passed away in December 2022. I also had the pleasure of representing the Grand Commander of Idaho and assisting in the installation of officers as the Installing Grand Prelate.

Now, I and my traveling companions are on our way home.


Happy Easter!