FInal Day of 2019

Well over the past few days we went to our daughters in Tennessee and unfortunately I wasn't feeling the best but was well enough to attend a District Christmas get some of the leaders of our Chapter District had last evening. The schedule starts ramping up again quickly starting tomorrow so back to having some move fun travelling the state.

Minerva Lodge #98 Stated

Tonight was our stated meeting and planned birthday party for one of our older members. Unfortunately, he took I’ll and was not able to attend. We discussed our inspection this year along with practices for it. We also read 3 petitions. One was the great grandson of a 70 year member who was present. We also had present several newer members who are in the process of joining. I’m glad to see my home Lodge is still making strides to keep vibrant and progressive.

Surprised this weekend

Well our daughter, Laura, surprised us this weekend by coming home for the weekend. What a nice surprise. She was even able to help us out with a Children’s Christmas Party we have hosted for the past 25 years. She was able to go to her favorite places around here to eat and shop at a couple places they don’t have around Knoxville. 

Oak Harbor #162 Chapter Inspection

Tonight I went to Oak Harbor for their Royal Arch inspection. The started out with dinner and went right into the inspection. This is also the home Chapter of PGHP Keith Green, PGM Charlie Murphy and Grand Marshal Grand Council Rodney Fowler who all participated in the degree. In fact 100% of the parts were done exceptionally well by Oak Harbor Chapter. The High Priest also did the Principal Sojourner.

Khana Shahar\Ormus Grotto Installations

In Springfield tonight we held a joint Installation for two Grotto’s, both of which have a new first time Monarch. They also both have a very aggressive plan for the year to increase membership and social activities.  I also think both will be working closely together this year. 

Unity Chapter Stated Meeting

After changing my plans last night due to the treat of some significant ice on the road, I was glad to be get back on the road. This afternoon was the stated meeting for Unity Chapter with a luncheon prior to the start of the meeting. They had two petitions for dual membership and a couple visitors from Mt. Moriah who are deciding what changes they might make to help their Chapter. 

70 year Award

We travelled out to a nursing home in Urbana to pass out a 70 year plaque for Chapter along with a 70 year for Council and Lodge to William Dern. He was a veterinarian in the Urbana area until he was 90 years old.

Urbana Chapter\Council Stated Meeting

Tonight REC Rick Bielecki and I travelled to Urbana to their stated Chapter\Council Meetings. We both were able to help them out in opening the Chapter. They also had one individual present to receive a 25 year award for Chapter and one to revive a Council service award. They also mentioned they had a community fund raiser for a local high school student in need due to some severe health challenges and raised over $3,700.

Grand Chapter Administration

This week I have several administrative items I need to work into my schedule and I started working on them today. I have several follow up calls and emails to send along with a few planning letters to write. .... still having a great time!

Marysville/Layfette Chapter Inspections

The day started out early in Bellefontaine where they held held two Chapter Inspections. We started out with the Mark Master Degree followed by the Past Master degree. We had 3 candidates for both degrees. MEC Garis Pugh was present along with REC Dan Smith, Grand King and REC Ken Foy, Grand Royal Arch Captain. We also had to deviate a little today as one candidate had some physical challenges which required his father (who was also one of the candidates) to help him negotiate around as needed.