Commissioned Templar Chaplain Program

While Freemasonry is not a religion nor a substitute for one, our members are religious and we are charged to pay that respect and reverence to the Great Architect of the Universe as due from creature to its Creator. In nearly every Masonic body, there is an officer known as the Chaplain, Prelate, or Primate who has the duty to preside over the prayers and other important duties delegated to them by law, ritual, or dictates of the presiding officer. The Chaplain (or by whatever name they are known) is, in my opinion, an underutilized officer and there is so much potential for that officer's involvement in the affairs of the Lodge and not just during the meetings. Having served in the U.S. Army, I learned that while our Chaplains Corps provided spiritual support to the soldiers, they also provided counseling to those in need, and were often the morale officer of their unit. Chaplains in Masonry can serve a similar mission, but this also requires training and study.

During the Northwest Department Conference, the Grand Encampment announced the creation of the Commissioned Templar Chaplain Program to train Chaplains and Prelates for leadership and service within their respective Masonic bodies. In their own words, "A chaplain who is secure in his or her own faith, and who has the skills to listen and comfort, is the person who will help lead us to greater glory in service and humility." 

The program is composed of 12 units that are all online and self-paced. The course will include reading, video lectures, quizzes, and projects that will help develop your skills and assess your strengths and weaknesses as a Chaplain. The course is open to all Sir Knights as well as to all members of the Masonic family (including Masonic youth groups). The cost of enrollment is $75 plus the cost of the book "On Being a Masonic Chaplain" by Sir Knight Robert Elsner, Associate Grand Prelate of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar USA. It is important to note that this program is not a substitution for ordination nor a course in evangelism. As the Knights Templar is a military order, this program is a commission by the Grand Encampment only; ordination falls under the authority of a church. This program can be found at the Templar Education Portal. NOTE: Enrollment will not be open until December 1, 2022.

Upon completion of the 12-courses, a certificate and a breast jewel are issued.

On the Road Again

Well, after 3.5-months of my job stopping all travel, I am back out on the road for work. It's been interesting adjusting to the new travel policies, but it feels good to be back out and traveling.

Work-cation

I love my job. It takes me to all parts of this great nation. I've spent the last 4-days in Hilo, Hawaii. When I wasn't at work, I traveled around the island seeing all of the beauty it has to offer. I visited the Rainbow Falls, the Pe'epe'e Falls, the Akaka Falls State Park, Punalu'u Black Sands Beach, and South Point (the southernmost point of the Big Island of Hawaii and of the United States). I tried to visit the Kilauea Volcano, but due to the eruptions last year, the lava levels are low and the clouds obscured any view I may have had. Maybe next time. After flying from Hilo, I spent the day walking around Waikiki and now I'm sitting at the Honolulu Airport waiting for my airplane.

View from hotel's lobby

On the beach outside of my hotel

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls from a top view

Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls

South Point

Got a few scapes climbing the rocks

Walking around Waikiki Beach

March Masonic Madness

This month is going to be a busy, busy month for me in Masonry! Outside of my normal Lodge, Scottish Rite, York Rite, and Eastern Star schedule I have some extra activities and travels.

On the first weekend, I will attend my monthly Army National Guard drill and I have gone back to my original Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), and will be jumping right into the fire of an Intelligence Exercise.

On the 9th I will be traveling to Olympia, WA, to receive the Orders of the Knight Masons. The next weekend I travel up to Kennewick, WA, to receive the Order of the Holy Sepulcher and Order of Saint John the Evangelist in the Red Cross of Constantine.

From the 18th through the 20th, the Supreme Grand Guardians and their entourage will be coming to Boise. My Bethel will be one of those hosting them and I am very excited to meet them.

On the 23rd, I will preside for the first time over the conferring of the Chivalric Orders for new Sir Knights. The next day my Commandery is holding its annual Easter Observance. Lastly, on the 30th I will be back up to Federal Way, Washington, to be initiated into the Commemorative Order of Saint Thomas of Acon.

This month will be fun, but I'm going to be busy.

Northwest Regional York Rite Conference

Well, today I finished up with Northwest Regional York Rite Conference held in Boise. I was glad to see some new and old faces from around the area. We had from the Most Excellent General Grand High Priest, Companion Ted Harrison; Right Puissant Deputy General Grand Master, Companion Larry Weaver; and Most Eminent Grand Master, Sir Knight David Goodwin in attendance at our conference along with some of their staff.

Yesterday I attended the opening of the conference with some presentations on the Royal Arch Research Assistance and the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation. In the afternoon, I attended the General Grand Council's breakout where I witnessed Bryan Bechler, Right Puissant Regional Deputy General Grand Master of the Northwest Region; Gary Skillern, Right Puissant General Grand Captain of the Guard; and Anthony Schwab, Chief Ambassador of the West, inducted into the Companion of the Secret Vault, an honorary order within the Cryptic Rite. The rest of the time was filled with discussions on fostering an environment to get the younger Masons more involved as well as bring about more education programs.

Today I attended "Leadership 201" which is the 2nd course in the Emerging Leaders Program supported by the International York Rite Bodies.  This class was taught by Stephen Rubinstein, Associate General Grand Chaplain of the General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons International. Now the day is done and all the out-of-town Companions and Sir Knights are on their way home. Now time for some homework.