Information for the New Companions and SKs

Companions/Sir Knights:  
(Basic info below is intended for the Companions and SKs who completed the York Rite degrees and orders on 27 MAR 2010).

Orlando York Rite has 2 meetings per month--normally monthly on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays (7:30 p.m.) at Eola Lodge.   All meetings are held at EOLA Lodge.  The upcoming APRIL meetings are on 8th and 22nd.  Annual elections are held in NOV/DEC for various chair positions.  Orlando York Rite members are eligible to serve in all three bodies (CHAPTER, COUNCIL and COMMANDERY) during the same year. 

1st meeting:  Chapter and Council.  Dress code for elected/appointed officers include WHITE coat with Red bow tie (Chapter)--Purple bow tie for Council; BLACK trousers, black shoes.  If you are a sideliner, you will feel comfortable dressing as you would for Blue Lodge.  [During odd months (JAN, MAR, MAY, etc), the CHAPTER meeting starts before COUNCIL meeting at 7:30 p.m.   On even months (FEB, APR, JUN, etc., COUNCIL starts first].  Both CHPTR & COUNCIL meetings are held the same evening.  

2nd meeting:   COMMANDERY starts at 7:30 p.m.  Sideliners, dress as you would in Blue Lodge.   Elected and appointed officers dress in the military-like uniform with sword, sword belt, and chapeau.  You should not hesitate to volunteer to accept opportunities to occupy an empty chair.  

In Commandery, occasionally a used black military coat (with buttons, patches), sword, sword belt, and chapeau are available.   You are encouraged to volunteer to sit in a vacant chair if asked.   You will get more help than you can believe.  If any commandery items are available, they will be issued at minimum or no cost.  (As for black shoes, black socks, and black tie--you provide your own).   See Sir Knight Gerald FAVOR ASAP to find out if he has any items available.  

The Recorder/Secretary is the "go-to" person for ritual books.  Some chair positions have 1-2 sentences to memorize.  Memorizing parts is encouraged, but not required. 

Watch for the monthly York Rite Legend (like the Trestle Board) for added info.  It is expected to arrive early in the month.

Sam Tish, Treasurer

0 comments - Posted by Ricardo Parente at 11:42 PM - Categories: Information

Grand York Rite Convention

Grand York Rite Convention

Wed. 4/14/10 -Sat. 4/17/10
Location:
Orlando Marriott Lake Mary
1501 International Parkway
Lake Mary, FL

Program:

• Wed. April 14th
  • 4 P.M. Commandery Divine Services
• Thursday, April 15th
  • 8 A.M. Grand Chapter
  • 4 P.M. Knight Crusader of the Cross
• Friday, April16th
  
  • 8 A.M. Grand Council
  • 3:30 P.M. Order of the Silver Trowel
  • 7 P.M. Convention Banquet
• Saturday, April17th
  
  • 8 A.M. Grand Commandery

Registration forms at:   www.flgyr.org

0 comments - Posted by Ricardo Parente at 11:40 PM - Categories: Information

March 2010 Beauceant Article

Beauceant Sisters:
The next meeting of Ocala Assembly #249 will be on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 7:30 P.M. at Belleview Lodge #95 located at 5871 SE Base Line Road, Belleview, FL 32620.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 is the next meeting of Olivet Commandery.  Any Sisters coming in with their Sir Knights may  enjoy a social time in the dining room.
Don't forget the All State Class to be held on Friday April 16th , 2010, at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary.  Ladies breakfast is at 9:00 A.M. and the class starts at 11:00 A.M.  This is an excellent opportunity to see the beautiful ceremony of initiation for the Beauceant.

Mrs. Kathleen Hammond

0 comments - Posted by Ricardo Parente at 11:36 PM - Categories: 4.Beauceant

March 2010 Commandery Article

We had a great time last month when Sir Knight Harry Eisenberg EDDGC came for his official visit.  We had a delicious dinner prepared by our own chief Jerry.  There were a good number of Sir Knights in attendance.

Please attend the Commandery Orders of the Temple conferred by Sanford, Daytona Beach and Orlando York Rite Bodies on Saturday, March 27, 2010, starting at 7:00 A.M.

Don't forget the Commandery Divine Services at 4:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 14th.  Olivet Commandery has the honor and pleasure of opening the Grand Commandery at the York Rite Convention on Saturday, April 17th at 7:45 A.M. 

Our next Conclave will be on Thursday, March 25. 2010, at 7:30 P.M.

Courteously,

Erik B. Andersen
Eminent Commander

0 comments - Posted by Ricardo Parente at 11:32 PM - Categories: 3.Commandery

March 2010 Council Article

My Fellow Companions: 
This year it has been my great honor to serve as Prior of Florida Priory #60, Knights of The York Cross of Honor.  During this year I have been asked many questions about our Order, especially about the multicolored cord and gold crown hanging around our necks.

Let me briefly explain this. The main governing body for the KYCH is called Convent General, and allows Priory's to be formed in each state. Some states have one, and some multiple Priorys. The duty of the Priory is to represent the Convent General, elect officers to govern their Priorys, and to initiale new members.

There are no other appendant bodies in Masonry which require such a high standard for membership.   The requirement is that you must be a Past Master of Lodge, Past High Priest of Chapter, Past Illustrious Master of Council, and a past Eminent Commander of Commandery.  After serving all four bodies, your name may be submitted for election into a Priory.

Hope this will help with some of the questions you have about the KYCH. If you should see a Companion wearing the Jewel of KYCH, shake his hand and pat him on the back. He has earned it.

Hope to see you at our meetings,

Wayne E. Parks
Illustrious Master

0 comments - Posted by Ricardo Parente at 11:29 PM - Categories: 2.Council

March 2010 Chapter Article

Companions:
Well 2010 has started of with a "bit" of a rocky start. Some prominent Masons (as well as a few family members) have passed on to the Celestial Lodge on High. Which brings into question our own mortality. Are we ever ready for the "unexpected"? It's inevitable! We are all going to meet the Great Architect of the Universe someday. As Masons our life long journey in the quest for Light should prepare us for this day. As York Rite Masons we receive even more light. Do you practice the tenets of Freemasonry on a daily basis? Give a little extra of yourselves for the York Rite? Attend services of your faith on a regular basis? Attend Lodge and appendant body obligations? Companions, the tools and the support system to make a good man better are in place but... they only work if you use them!  See you in the Chapter..

Jerry C. McKinnon
Excellent High Priest  

0 comments - Posted by Ricardo Parente at 11:27 PM - Categories: 1.Chapter