İYRSC
York Rite Crusader
FALL 2007
Volume XLIV -- Issue 1

M.Pre.Em.Dist.Bro. Gene H. Schaber
Governor General 2006 - 2008

Governor General's Message
To All Companion Knights,
        Greetings - I would like to use a couple of lines to again congratulate the approximate 128 members of the Richard W. Lewis 2007 Purple Cross Class. You may be justly proud of your contributions to the Masonic Fraternity and your elevation to the rank of Knight of the Order of the Purple Cross of York.
        The Fiftieth General Assembly of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America is now in the history book. From the numerous comments I have received, I must conclude that it was a most successful General Assembly.
        The Fiftieth Birthday celebration on Friday night was extremely well received by all. When you look around the room at 10:00 pm and note that almost none of the 377 guests had left, you can be pretty sure they were having a good time. The entertainment and hotel service were beyond superb.
        The traditional Saturday banquet was attended by 455 Companion Knights and their Ladies. None were upset that it concluded nearly an hour earlier than scheduled.
        I want to sincerely thank General Chairman, George C. Sellars and his Committee, along with Grand Governor James Sprague, for their very great effort in making the Fiftieth General Assembly an overwhelming success.
        In addition, a special thank you to Willard R. Clutter, Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Committee, for his very fine planning and execution of the Friday night party and as Master of Ceremonies at the Saturday night banquet.
        As you read this, and since the General Assembly, I have attended the Grand Imperial Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine and the Sovereign Great Priory of Canada, both in St. John's. Newfoundland. The first ever joint meetings of the Supreme Councils Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Washington, DC, and Convent General, Knights of the York Cross of Honour in Nashville, Tennessee. Kathy and I are looking forward to a number of other visitations in the months to come.
        I am intentionally keeping this column somewhat shorter than those previous to allow more space for pictures from the General Assembly.
        Now, back to basics
"Why Should I Attend Lodge"
        I'm a Mason, I have paid my fees, I've had my three degrees and my dues are paid. Why should I attend Lodge? The answer to me is very obvious. For various reasons, known only to yourself, you sought admission into our order. The very thought of Lodge, should indicate to anyone that there would be Lodge meetings, and as a member of the craft, you would be expected to hold up your end, come to Lodge meetings and do your part. Now this seems to me to be quite basic or academic, not too much unlike enrolling in a school or college, paying your tuition fees and never attending.
        Yes, in your own mind, you are a Mason. You were elected by the brethren on our own voluntary petition, that you might become associated with us in this great and good work. You received your three degrees, or presumably you did. You pay your dues, wear a lapel pin or a ring with a Masonic emblem on it, and to all outward appearances, you are a Freemason.
        Yes, you are a member of the Masonic Fraternity, but Masonry is much more than that. Masonry goes far beyond just being a member. Masonry is a way of life, and the only possible way to fully comprehend or fully appreciate its teachings is by constant research and study, and the best place to get these, is by regular attendance at its communications. I can truthfully say, without fear of contradiction, that any brother, who attends any lodge meeting, cannot help but be the better for it. It matters not whether it is a regular meeting of the Lodge, an emergent communication or a communication of Grand Lodge. A little good brushes off on him every time and there is bound to be revealed to him more light in Masonry.
        If Masonry does not have leaders in its several constituent Lodges, who are willing for the good of the Order, to give that leadership which gives Masonry the overwhelming and guiding force for good that it is today, then we would be closing the doors to our Lodges and Masonry would not be going forward as it should and must for the preservation of those great Freedoms which you and I are privileged to enjoy, i.e.: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, and Political Freedom.
        Today there are ideologies fast at work in the world; ideologies that are out to encompass the world which are contrary to the freedom of peoples everywhere.  It is only through moral improvement and social improvement, basic Masonic principles, which are taught and symbolized throughout the works of Masonry, and which can only be assimilated by continuous attendance at our Lodge meetings, that we can hope to keep people free and instill in their minds, a clear and concise picture of that which is good, just, and right.
Let us resolve, therefore, to attend our Lodge and strengthen ourselves for the good of ourselves, our Lodge, and Freemasonry in general.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Gene H. Schaber, Governor General

Charitable Donation Received
The York Rite Charitable Fund
acknowledges with thanks a generous donation from  
The Provincial Grand Lodge,
United States of America for the
Royal Order of Scotland.
It is deeply appreciated and we thank
You for your continued support.

JURISDICTION AWARDS
Grand Rapids, Michigan
      Grand Governor Edwin B. Moore, III announced that the winner of the Howard P. Bennett Award For the number one College in Florida was John Bridges Phelps College No. 31
      Grand Governor Jackie L. Harrison announced that the winner of the Edward R. Saunders, Jr. Traveling Award for the number one College in Virginia was Hampton Roads College No. 95
      Grand Governor W. Berry Rigdon announced that the winner of the David L. Hargett, Jr. Award for the number one College in North Carolina was Western North Carolina College No 78
      Grand Governor Bobby J. Roberts announced that the winner of the Indiana Grand Governors Award for the number one College in Indiana was Evansville College No. 121

YORK RITE SOVEREIGN COLLEGE OUTSTANDING COLLEGE - 2007
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

#12 Western North Carolina #78, North Carolina
#11 St. Clair River #151, Michigan
#10 Flint #5, Michigan
#9 Gulf Coast #106, Texas
#8 Centennial #87, Colorado
#7 Arkansas #142, Arkansas
#6 Prince Edwin #8, Michigan
#5 Rainier #54, Washington
#4 Tahoma College  #197, Washington
#3 Thomas Smith Webb #192, Ohio
#2 Northeast Tennessee #153, Tennessee
And the winner of the Robert Spencer Award  for Outstanding College of the York Rite Sovereign College…
#1 Kamiakin No. 28, Washington

The Helen Purdy Award Outstanding College in Ontario
        Grand Governor of Ontario R.E.D. Bro. Charles E. Meldrum announced at this years General Assembly, that the winner of the Helen Purdy Award for Outstanding College in Ontario is  Athelstan College No. 41, Toronto, Ontario.

The Doreen Stuart Award of Excellence
           Grand Governor of Ontario R.E.D. Bro. Charles E. Meldrum announced at this years General Assembly, that the winner of the Doreen Stuart Award of Excellence is Seymour College No. 185, St. Catharines, Ontario.

CLIFFORD W. JEX AWARD Outstanding College in Michigan
        Grand Governor of Michigan R.E.D. Bro. James R. Sprague announced at this years General Assembly the winner of the Clifford W. Jex Award for Outstanding College in Michigan was Prince Edwin College No. 8 located in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

The Sovereign College Congratulates the sixth recipient of the ‘Secretary General's Award' for the Secretary of the Year went to Wayne E. Heimsoth, Secretary of  El Camino Real College No. 111 San Jose, California

LEGISLATIVE CALL - 2007
        The following change to the Constitution and Regulations was passed by the Board of Directors and Regents at the 2007 General Assembly.
        Page 28, Section 107, Paragraph C was amended and now reads "Regarding publishing or non-publishing of the names of candidates who have accepted the invitation, the matter shall be resolved by local common practice of the Masonic fraternity in said State or Province involved."

Great Memories of the 50th Celebration of the
York Rite Sovereign College of North America - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Mary Rademacher & the Rad Pack entertained everyone on Friday Night - What a Show!!

Mr. & Mrs. Governor General - taking a few moments

Two of our most Hard Working Men Charlie Meldrum and George Sellers

Twinkle Toes and Annie (Dave Hardie & Ann Meldrum)
Saturday Night Banquet - Over 500 in attendance


Over 400 attended the Friday Night Celebration

Dancing to the Oldies!!!

They Came Dressed to Impress in the Style of the Fifties!!



YORK RITE LADIES HELP ABUSED AND NEEDY CHILDREN

York Rite Ladies of Florida worked all year sewing, and purchasing new clothing for approximately 250 abused and needy children.  What began with 12 kids and a few vans has grown into a soon to be six route Bus Ministry that heads out on Saturday mornings to collect an estimated 250 Pre–K through 12th grade participants in the Central Florida area and growing.  These children are in great need, both spiritually and materially.  They are among the poorest of the poor.   Many have suffered   mental abuse and are in great need of all aspects of care.  The Orlando Children's Church reaches out to these children daily and understands these children, who they are, and all that they need.
        The children of the Orlando Children's Church; a Central Florida non-profit, 501-c3 Christian Outreach Ministry.  The ministry was founded by Peter and Isabel O'Driscoll in September 2002 with the support of many faithful individuals who share their vision of what God wants for His children.
        Today these children, along with many others are the recipients of the items you see here.  The new clothing and shoes that have been sewn and purchased is the project of the wives of the Florida York Rite Masons, headed up by Mrs. Sally Pardron of Sebring, FL.  The Florida York Rite Masons, and the entire Masonic Family are one of the most philanthropic organizations of the world.  During the week, OCC leadership visit neighborhoods through Central Florida seeking out children in need.  These children are invited to attend "Saturday Church".
        "Saturday Church" is presently hosted by First Baptist Church Maitland.  Buses arrive at 9:30 am and the children are separated by age group.  By 10:00 am everyone joins their class at their assigned picnic tables where they enjoy a breakfast donated by Maitland and Winter Park area McDonalds.  Once bellies are full and attendance is taken, teachers and activity leaders present spiritual food to the hungry hearts that are eager  to learn more about God, His love for them and His purpose and plan for their lives.  
        Parents are also welcome to attend OCC and participate in our adult Bible studies.  OCC is supported by generous donations of churches, community businesses, families and individuals who are obedient to the leading of the Lord in their lives in faithfully meeting the needs of children.  Then he said to them "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me, welcomes the one who sent me"  Luke 9:48.
NORTHEAST FLORIDA COLLEGE No. 114, Jacksonville, Florida        Northeast Florida York Rite College No. 114 met for their Annual Election and Installation of Officers on May 5, 2007.  They also dubbed and greeted two new Knights of York.
        The officers were installed by Very Eminently Distinguished Brother William D. Darden, Jr., Deputy Grand Governor of Florida for the York Rite Sovereign College of North America.
        The new Companion Knights, elevated and greeted, were W. Darrell Boone and Richard L. Ames.  Pictured here are the officers, cast and new Knights with V.E.D. Brother William E. Darden, Deputy Grand Governor of Florida; and R.E.D. Brother Jeffrey T. Powers, Marshal General of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America.

First Row (L to R): David C. Wilkinson, MEPGHP; Seneschal; C. Robert Cooper, Preceptor; Jeffrey T. Powers, Marshal General of the York Rite Sovereign College; Companion Knight Richard L. Ames; Companion Knight W. Darrell Boone; and William E. Darden, Jr., Deputy Grand Governor of Florida: 2nd Row:  Robert E. Hendren, III, Secretary; Clarence N. Gruber, OPC, then Grand Historian of the Grand Chapter RAM of Florida, Primate; Walter M. Hammond, OPC, Retiring Governor; and Bernard J. Magary, Jr., OPC Treasurer:  3rd Row:  Glenn E. Chandler, MEPGHP, OPC, Marshal; Frederick L. Piasecki, REPGC, Deputy Governor; Burt F. Maguire, Governor; Nelson L. Mathis, Chancellor; Darryl A. D'Angina, OPC, PG, RE Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter RAM of Florida; Wilmer T. Atwell; and Albert B. Russ, Jr. OPC, PG.
NORTHEAST TENNESSEE COLLEGE No. 153, Johnson City, Tennessee

      Northeast Tennessee York Rite College No. 153 provided a Knight Templar Honor Guard for the Color Guard at the Memorial Day (May 28, 2007) program at the Veterans Memorial in Rogersville, Tennessee.  Also, Howard Ensor (in Scottish Regalia) of the College played the bagpipes for the program.  The public event had approximately 200 in attendance.  The Knights  received a warm welcome and many thanks from the crowd.

        Knights Templar Honor Guard: Pictured left to right: Glenn Beck, (Past Commander #22, dual #33, & Eminent Grand Captain General); Von Lewis, Past Governor, (Past Commander St. Omar #19, dual #33, & Right Eminent Grand Commander); Tommy Kenner, Chancellor, (Past Commander #33); Howard Ensor, Deputy Governor, (Past Commander Carter #37); Richard Burow, Secretary, Past Grand Governor Tennessee, (Recorder #33); Gary Coates (Past Commander #33); Chuck Thames, Past Governor (Past Commander #33).

GARDEN STATE COLLEGE No. 122 and NEW JERSEY COLLEGE No. 18
Confers Order of the Purple Cross

With the concurrence of the Governor General of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America, on February 24th, 2007, the Associate Regents of Garden State York Rite College No. 122 and New Jersey York Rite College No. 18, conferred the Order of the Purple Cross on Companion Knight George H. Schluter.  Due to health infirmities, C.K. Schluter is unable to travel long distances.  Of the ten Associate Regents in attendance, the following participated in the closed investiture:  R.E.D. Bro. Gerald Grosskopf; V.E.D. Bro. Robert Kunze, Sr.; R.E.D. Bro. Ernest "Gene Fricks; Dist. Bro. Daniel J. Schultz; Dist. Bro. Frederick Berenbroick; Dist. Bro. Edward Hesley; Dist. Bro. Paul Loveland and Dist. Bro. Robert Schultz.  
        Following the investiture an open reception and buffet supper was held for approximately 60 members, family and friends.
Pictured Below: Bottom Row (L to R): Frederick Berenbroick, George Schulter, and Norman Lehmann:   Back Row (L to R): Edward Hesley, Joseph Peloso, Robert Kunze, Sr., Ger>ld Grosskopf, Daniel Schultz, Gene Fricks, Robert Schultz, and Paul Loveland.


                Respectfully submitted,
                Daniel J. Schultz, OPC Garden State College No. 12
WESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE NO. 10 Grand Rapids, Michigan

        On June 9, 2007 Western Michigan York Rite College No. 10 portrayed the RAM Degree on a Class of 14, the Officers were EHP, Bob Cooper; King, Robert Parrish; Scribe, George Summey; CoH, Phil Trytko; PS, Duane Warner; RAC, Jim Kiefer; M1V, Stan Luykx; M2V, Ray Parker; M3V, Jerry Townsend; History and Charge, Bruce Hayden.
        Others taking part on this Degree in the Chapter were:  Charles Orth; Bill Babka; Rick Stage; Dick Hansen; Randy Bograt; Bill Coleman; Howard Visser; Gerry Gibbons; Harley Ridgeway; John Hoyt; Al Darling; Tom Joslyn.  This is a total of 21 members of Western Michigan out of 113 members.
                Ray Parker, Secretary

FORT HENRY COLLEGE No. 61, Wheeling, West Virginia
Fort Henry College No. 61 conferred the Order Knight of York on Sir Knight Stephen J. Ledergerber from new Martinsville, West Virginia at the February, 2007 Quarterly Assembly held in the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Wheeling, West Virginia. The following two pictures were provided by Harold E. Phillips, Jr., Secretary for this web page.


Above left to right:
THOMAS R JONES JR, PEG; STEPHEN J LEDERGERBER (CANDIDATE)
AND GEORGE P BIRKLEIN, PG AND DIRECTOR OF WORK


Above: THE KNIGHT OF YORK DEGREE TEAM (L TO R)
MICHAEL E WEAVER, PG: JEFFREY O SCHRADER, HUBERT E ROBERTS, PG (OPC); GEORGE P BIRKLEIN, PG;
HAROLD E VITALIE, PG (OPC); J STEPHEN WILSON, PG (OPC);PAUL A CUNNINGHAM, PG; J STEPHEN JUNKINS;AND THOMAS R JONES, JR.
The College Annual Assembly in May, 2007 included the installation of elected and appointed officers for the following year.


Pictured seated are installing officers Most Preeminently Distinguished Brother James E. Winzenreid, KGCY and Past Governor General; and Right Eminently Distinguished Brother Ophir E. Vellenoweth, Regent Emeritus.  The second row included the following elected officers (left to right) Governor, William D. Mushet, Wellsburg, WV; Deputy Governor, Jerry E. Digman, Elkins, WV; Chancellor, Richard D. Riddle, Weston, WV; Treasurer, Harold E Vitalie, OPC, PGG, Wheeling, WV; Secretary, Harold E. Phillips, Jr., Fairmont, WV.
The back row includes the following appointed officers (left to right):  Primate, Paul Cunningham (pro Tem) for Charles R. Witt, Wheeling, WV; Preceptor, Ronald R. Mann, Elkins, WV; Seneschal, George D. Jackson, Clarksburg, WV; Marshal, Roger D. Linger, Vienna, WV; Sentinel, William B. Criado, Ida May, WV.
Fort Henry College No. 61 completed the 2006/07 year with 93 members, including four new Companion Knights.  Two additional Sir Knights are scheduled to receive the Order Knight of York at the August, 2007 traveling assembly in the Wellsburg Lodge #2 building, Wellsburg, West Virginia.  Fort Henry No. 61 assemblies are scheduled for the second Saturday in February, May, August and November and we would welcome visiting Companion Knights.

Above(L TO R): MOST WORSHIPFUL FRANK J HAAS, PG AND PAST GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN WEST VIRGINIA AND WILLIAM D MUSHET, NEWLY INSTALLED PREEMINENT GOVERNOR. IN ADDITION TO BEING PERSONAL FRIENDS, BOTH MEN HAVE DIRECT FAMILY TIES WITH SCOTLAND.
                Respectfully submitted,
                Harold E. Phillips, Jr., Secretary

Attention Grand Governors & Secretaries
An updated OPC Nomination Form and instructions will be mailed to all Grand Governors and Secretaries directly following the Winter Board Meeting in February, 2008. Please ensure that all Nominations are made on the updated form, any nominations received on the previous forms will be returned to the Grand Governor. Just a reminder, Annual Returns are due into the office  prior to submitting the Nominations. All OPC Nomination Forms are due in the Detroit Office by July 1, 2008

The Deadline for Articles for the Winter Issue of the Crusader is November 19, 2007

FUTURE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES OF THE SOVEREIGN COLLEGE
July 30 - August 3, 2008 Reston, Virginia
July 22-26, 2009 Cincinnati, Ohio
July 19 - 24, 2010 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania