A Ford, Not a Lincoln

Source: Internet notes; and The Presidency of Gerald R. Ford, by John Robert Greene.

In his acceptance speech as our 38th President, Gerald R. Ford, Jr., commented: "...I am just a Ford; not a Lincoln."  President Ford--seen as a straight shooter during his 25-year political career as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan (1948-1973)--is widely known for having restored public faith in the office of the presidency after he assumed duties as the U.S. President when Nixon resigned on 8 AUG 1974. Ford was born 14 JUL1913--and a 56-year Mason when he died on 26 DEC 2006 at the age of 93.

    President Nixon's Vice President, Spiro Agnew, resigned as VP after pleading "no contest" to the several charges of tax evasion and bribery. Gerald Ford became Nixon's choice and subsequently assumed duties to succeed Spiro Agnew. When the Watergate Scandal erupted 8-9 months later, Ford assumed the position as U.S. President (without election). By mid-September 1974, President Ford made the unpopular decision (to many) to grant Nixon an unconditional pardon for any offenses he may have committed against the U.S.

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0 comments - Posted by Sam Tish at 4:49 PM - Categories: Masonic Education

In Memorian

Companion Sir Knight Edgar M. Skinner III

Born March 23, 1935
Died January 17, 2009
Member of All Three Bodies

Companion Sir Knight Harvey B. Eddy

Born July 27, 1919
Died January 31, 2009
Member of All Three Bodies (Demitted)
Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Florida
HP 1970, IM 1968, EC 1969

Posted by Ricardo Parente at 6:04 PM - Categories: In Memorian

Beauceant March 2009 Article

Beauceant Sisters:

Please be sure to come to dinner prior to our next meeting. Please call me and let me know if you're coming so we will have sufficient food.

The Beauceant State Class will be on April 7, 2009 at the Marriott Hotel in Lake Mary, FL. Officers are still needed. If you like to participate, please contact Sonha Piasecki, Chairman. This is a great time for fellowship with sisters from other assemblies and to see the full initiation ceremony. If you have any petitions please turn them in so the candidates can be initiated at the State Class.

Our project for this year is to collect tabs for Ronald McDonald House. This is something we can all participate in.

See you soon.

Mrs. (Theodore) Kathleen Hammond, Worthy President

0 comments - Posted by Kathleen Hammond at 5:58 PM - Categories: 4.Beauceant

Commandery March 2009 Article

Sir Knights:

The last month and the months ahead are going to be very busy and active. The York Rite Convention is around the corner. The location will be once again in Lake Mary. The schedule will be released to everybldy by our Sir Knight John Fletcher Jr., Recorder.

Sir Knight James D. Dickenson, DDGC is very fond of our activities and I personally congratulate him for his dedication to the Craft. By the same token we do have a group of very enthusiastic dedicakted Knights.

I'm very proud to belong and be part of the York Rite Bodies. I hope I can do better, but I'll try to do my best to the length of my cable tow.

As your present Commander, I congratulate all of you for your good work and participation.

Many thanks for Sir Knight Harry V. Eisenberg DDGHP, Gerald Favor, Erik Andersen, Sam Tish, Alex Darwich, Thomas Rice and Wayne Parks for the excellent presentation of the Mark Master Degree in the month of February. Welcome to our new Sir Knights: Adam Alvarez, Manuel Lozada, Kenneth Ramey, Brian Lovell, William Newell and C. Principe.

Miguel Arteaga, E.C.

0 comments - Posted by Miguel Arteaga at 5:49 PM - Categories: 3.Commandery

Council March 2009 Article

My Fellow Companions:

Degree Work:

The word is out - we have 9 candidates who took the 4 Chapter degrees at Orlando York Rite (Eola Lodge). They finished the Royal Arch Degree on Februrary 19th (let's hope they all continue with the 2 Council degrees and 3 Orders in Commandery by the end of March).

Declining Masonic Membership:

According to the Plumbline (Scottish Rite Research Society, Spring 2008), research documents the last year of growth for the Shrine, York Rite Royal Arch Masons and Knights Templars took place in 1926. The last year of membership growth for Master Masons was in 1928.

Let's hoppe we all can make a difference !!!

York Rite Convention:

Remember to fill out your registration form for the 2009 York Rite Convention - scheduled to convene 4 April 2009 at the Orlando Marriott (Lake Mary, FL). Registration cost: $30. Make your check payable to: Grand York Rite Convention Fund. New York Rite members will also be eligible to attend this convention.

Sam Tish, I.M.

0 comments - Posted by Sam Tish at 5:28 PM - Categories: 2.Council

Chapter March 2009 Article

Companions:

Hello to all, and we hope your year is off to a fine start. We have been doing Degree Work at eola Lodge, and we have a fine group of candidates.

I want to issue a personal note of congratulatios to the Companions who are working on these Degrees. You are doing a impressive job. We are moved by the dignity and beauty of the Ritual as it unfolds before us. The love that you have for York Rite Masonry is awesome. Both new and experienced, young and old work together to make up our fine Degree Team.

The members include Companions: Gerald Favor, Patrick Biggs, Ricardo Parente, Erik Anderson, Sam Tish, John Fletcher, Richard Fox, Miguel Arteaga, Wayne Parks, tom Rice, Jim Dickenson and Gerald McKinnon. R.E. Harry Eisenberg and D.I. James Moore have overseen the effort. Companions from Eustis, Sanford and Brevard County have also participated. If any Companion has been omitted, please forgive me.

If you like to assist us, please contact Wayne Parks or John Fletcher. If you know of a good candidate for these beautiful Degrees, please arrange to get a petition to them. We would like to do them again. There is also the potential to have a "One-Day Festival" in the fall.

Rex Cain, E.H.P.

0 comments - Posted by Rex Cain at 5:17 PM - Categories: 1.Chapter