District Christmas Get Together

Every year around Christmas, several of the leaders from the 3rd District get together for an informal dinner. Last night we met at the Marion's by the Dayton Mall. It is an informal night which gives us an opportunity to talk about many topics with none of  them being deep discussions but rather a nice break to get ready to head into the busy part of the Inspection season.

My Travels Week of 1/1

While often my travels are dictated by my work schedule, I am going to try keep at a running two week schedule of potential Chapter related visits/events which I plan to post every Sunday or Monday. If anyone from my area is interested in traveling with me, contact me and we will see what we can do.

Week of 1/1

• Saturday 5      6th District Springfield Inspection Chapter
• Saturday 5      6th District Shawnee Inspection Chapter at Springfield
• Saturday 5      3rd District Wilmington Inspection Chapter
• Sunday 6        York Rite Cooperation Meeting

Week of 1/7

• Tuesday 8       17th District Kent Inspection Chapter
• Wednesday 9   9th District Wakeman Inspection Chapter
• Thursday 10     8th District Chapter School at Sylvania
• Saturday 12      4th District Chapter School at ET Carson Cincinnati

Weather Delays

WOW ...snow was predicated and actually came over the past few days and delayed or cancelled a few activities...it has been a while since I can remember that happening. More is predicated in the upcoming week but hopefully, I can stick to my schedule for the rest of the winter months...

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas
From the Shaw Family to Your Family .... 
Jeff, Pam and Laura
 

The Importance of Timing

Today once again pointed out the importance of timing as I called to take care of a reservation and was told I was probably calling at just the right time as someone else called yesterday about the same venue but were waiting until today to make the reservation. Often the best of plans are useless due to the timing. A few years back I had a dinner planned with more than 100 reservations. An unplanned snow storm cut the crowd attending down to around 40. With this in mind, it is often a good thing to include timing into our planning when possible. When planning a major event it is good to discuss with all Masonic bodies of their plans for this day. Otherwise, you might end up with your members having to choose which event they will attend and usually this will negatively affect both events. When planning to make a procedural change the timing is also often critical. A few years back in Canada they were looking at changing the tax rates for all business on July 1st. The problem was the election deciding the rate change was on June 30th; definitely not enough time for business to react. While there will always be those things which cannot be accounted for when planning, when possible, timing should be an item which is not overlooked.

3rd District School - PM Degree

Today was our Royal Arch School at West Carrollton with around 30 in attendance. The speaker on the PM degree was REC Greg Clatterbuck. They always hold a breakfast here open to the public, prior to the school which really makes it a good place to meet. With this being around the holidays, several had other conflicting activities and meetings. Our Chapter School Chairman, Don Wilcox, continues to a good job setting up new speakers. MEC Jerry Crawford, PGHP, was also present.

Official Announcement From Grand High Priest

It is with deep regret and sadness that I must announce that Right Excellent Companion Ralph M. Curtiss, Grand Royal Arch Captain, succumbed on December 6, 2012 to the serious health issues he has been battling. The Grand Chapter extends our deepest condolences to his wife Margaret and the entire family. We pray that they may find comfort in the assuring words of the Supreme Grand High Priest of the Universe that beyond this temporary, mortal world of tears, there exists an eternal New World of peace and happiness. We are indeed grateful for Ralph’s loyal and dedicated service to this Grand Chapter. Ralph will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. So mote it be.

 

Due to Ralph’s passing, a vacancy has occurred among the Grand Officers and pursuant to Article 4, Section 10 of the Constitution of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Ohio, the following actions have occurred: I have separately and independently received and accepted the resignations of: J. Keith Green, Grand Master of the Third Veil Ross R. Black II, Grand Master of the Second Veil H. Jeffery Shaw, Grand Master of the First Veil John H. Donohoo, Grand Marshal

 

Due to each resignation, I then appointed the following companions to fill the respective vacant office as they occurred: J. Keith Green, Grand Royal Arch Captain Ross R. Black II, Grand Master of the Third Veil H. Jeffery Shaw, Grand Master of the Second Veil John H. Donohoo, Grand Master of the First Veil Daniel A. Smith, Grand Marshal

 

I will install each of these officers as soon as practical during my travels. For Regional Officer assignments, I have deemed it most expedient for all officers to retain their assignments as they existed prior to these officer changes. John H. Donohoo will assume the duties of Region B (Districts 2, 7 and 10).

 

Rest assured I have given serious consideration in this matter and am making my decision on what is in the best interest in the future direction of this Grand Chapter. I have a long-range vision of where Capitular Masonry needs to be in the future and what action is required to get us there. In a plan of revitalization, a return to the basics and to our core values, I am committed to real goals and real achievements and all decisions and appointments are made with that thought in view. All team members, including the new appointments, are of that same mindset. They believe in a return to ritualistic excellence, a strong Masonic education program and a vigorous membership development program. The status quo is no longer sufficient to meet today’s challenges. I am selecting leaders with a proven track record who possess the skillset necessary to both plan and implement a program for success. In so doing, we are assembling a Grand Family Team that will indeed accomplish these goals for years to come and insure our future, which I trust is the bottom line objective of each member of this Grand Family.

 

Given under my hand and seal of the Grand High Priest on December 11, 2012.   

Donald W. Owens Grand High Priest

 

Difficult Day

Today was a sad day as I attended the viewing for REC Ralph Curtis. While I just joined the official line a couple of months back I've known Ralph for a while, especially through my travels to the 11th District as MEC George Shell was traveling through the Grand Line. Ralph was one who could get along with everyone and even during his illness would take every opportunity possible to support Chapter with his time and talents. He will be missed.

My Travels Week of 12/10 Through the End of the Year

While often my travels are dictated by my work schedule, I am going to try keep at a running two week schedule of potential Chapter related visits/events which I plan to post every Sunday or Monday. If anyone from my area is interested in traveling with me, contact me and we will see what we can do.

Week of 12/10

• Saturday 15     3rd District Chapter School at West Carrollton

Week of 12/17 & 12/24 - TBD

Obituary for REC Ralph Curtiss

Obituary for Ralph Michael Curtiss

Ralph Michael Curtiss, 68, of Alexandria, passed away Thursday, December 6, 2012 at Kendal at Granville. He was born January 26, 1944 in Portsmouth, Ohio; the oldest son to the late Ralph and Dorothy Curtiss.

Ralph was a 1962 graduate of Clay H.S. and received his B.S. from Franklin University. He retired from AEP after 33 years. He was currently Grand Royal Arch Captain of Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, Past Master Blendon Lodge No. 339, Past High Priest Horeb Chapter No. 3, Past Illustrious Master Zabud Council No. 99, Past Commander Mt. Vernon Commandery No. 1, Knight of York Cross of Honor. Member Scottish Rite of the Valley of Columbus, St. Lukes Commandery No. 34, Lafayette Conclave No. 50, Red Cross of Constantine, Kilwinning Council No. 62, Frank A. Nicklaus Council No. 208 A.M.D, and the Alive Vineyard of Licking County Church. Ralph was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a true outdoorsman; avid in hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and woodworking.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Judy (Ronnie) Hall. Ralph will be missed by his loving wife of 46 years, Margaret; son, Lawrence Michael (Ronda) Curtiss; grandchildren, Cassady, Carly, and Chase Michael; siblings, Sandra Fields, Patrick (Linda) Curtiss, Sue (Dean) McCleese, Rhonda Gail (Barry) Moore, and John (Carolynne) Curtiss; and dear friends Jim (Linda) Carr.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL, 1051 E. Johnstown Road, Gahanna, where family will receive friends Monday, December 10, 2012 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Masonic service beginning at 7 p.m. Private family burial will be held.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ralph’s memory to OMH Memory Care Campaign, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, OH 45504. To share memories of Ralph, visit www.schoedinger.com.

Cards to Margaret Curtiss, 8198 Jug St., Alexandria, OH 43001.

Twin Valley #240 Chapter Inspection

Tonight was the Most Excellent Master Inspection for Twin Valley Chapter located in Farmersville in my District. This is the home Chapter for Earl C. Gifford Recipient George Goad, PDDGHP REC Robert Oldfather and PGHP MEC George Shell and of which were present. It is also the home Chapter for PDDGM Rodger Caplinger 33 and Mac Polston 3rd District President who were also assisting the Chapter this evening. They did a nice job on the degree work but then what should I expect when the degree director was MEC George Shell. There was also a nice turnout at the Inspection and they were able to increase the attendance of both their PHP's and overall Twin Valley members from the Inspection of last year. We held a moment of silence for the passing of REC Ralph Curtiss Grand Royal Arch Captain who we learned today passed away early this morning after a courageous battle over the past few years with cancer. This is our last Inspection in the 3rd District until after the first of the year though we do still have a School of Instruction left on Saturday the 15th.

Eaton Chapter 22 Inspection

Tonight was the Mark Master Inspection for Eaton Chapter in my District. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it for dinner (if you ever attend their Inspection consider coming to their dinner as it is great). We were please to have District Deputy Grand Master Bryan Worley (who is also a member of this Chapter) present along with three Past Grand High Priests. MEC Steve Duncan, MEC George Shell along with a Past Grand High Priest of Florida (he is also a Past Prior of Florida and was King of Eaton Chapter in 1969 before being transferred to Florida for work). The State President for High 12, Rollin Furnas was also present.The turnout was good but unfortunately the person who does the lead part, was able to be present so REC Robert Oldfather did a nice job substituting. Normally this part is done by REC Norm Lincoln who fell and broke 4 ribs last week and is in some pain but home taking mediation for the pain.

King Cyrus #207 Inspection

Tonight was the Inspection for King Cyrus Chapter in the 10th District in Loudonville Ohio. This is actually the first time I have been to this temple (which is rare to have a new temple which I have not been in before to go to). It is a very nice temple and well kept. (I tried to capture the ceiling in a picture as I thought it was unique as it was illuminated. The Chapter is also very active so I'm guessing the Lodge is also since it is definitely off the beaten path. I'll have to make arrangements to soon return for a Lodge Inspection. Tonight the degree was in the Royal Arch and the High Priest did several of the major parts including the journey and overall it was a good degree and they exalted 2 new younger (in their 20's or 30's) members. Unfortunately, REC Robert Blankenhorn was unable to be here as his wife came down ill and MEC Robert Crabbs was also home with his wife who was having some health issues.

My Travels Week of 12/3

While often my travels are dictated by my work schedule, I am going to try keep at a running two week schedule of potential Chapter related visits/events which I plan to post every Sunday or Monday. If anyone from my area is interested in traveling with me, contact me and we will see what we can do.

Week of 12/3

• Monday 3      10th District King Cyrus Inspection Chapter at Loudonville
• Wednesday 5  3rd District Eaton Inspection Chapter
• Thursday 6      3rd District Twin Valley Inspection Chapter

Week of 12/10

• Saturday 15     3rd District Chapter School at West Carrollton

A Week of Travels in Pictures

  

Crowd and Chapter Room
at Upper Sandusky



Grand High Priest Banner in the East
 at Upper Sandusky

  

 

 

  

  

Room at Zanesville in Thursday

  

Room at Zanesville of Thursday





Keystone in Wooster made

from marble leftover from for

President William McKinley crypt

when he died



Socializing at Wooster

  

Preparing for the Degree at Wooster





Cast at Hicksville Chapter

 

Wind Turbine saw on way to Hicksville

 



Workers at Xenia

 

Cast at Xenia

Xenia 36 Inspection

After finishing in Hicksville, I quickly got back on the road for the three hour ride back to Xenia Chapter for their Inspection in my District. They were inspected in the Mark Master Degree and it was the first Inspection for our new District Deputy REC Greg Clatterbuck. The attendance was better than the first two Inspections in the district though the weather and conflicting activities still interfered some with the attendance. Friendship Chapter was out in force as their High Priest PGHP Steve Duncan accepted the traveling award.

Hicksville 177 Chapter Inspection

Today I attend the Inspection of Hicksville in the 1st District in the Most Excellent Master Degree. The candidate is getting used to Inspections as he has received two of his three degrees at Inspections and is slated for the Royal Arch at Inspection next month. Imagine that a candidate with almost perfect attendance at Inspections. REC Ken Crouch was the guest Inspector since Hicksville is the home Chapter for the District Deputy Ernie Longberry. Attendance was down a little as many had already headed over to Newark for the Grand Illustrious Master Reception this evening.