News

Grand Council and Grand Commandery Sessions POSTPONED

Companions and Sir Knight’s,

After much consideration and our consulting with the Horizon Convention Center, our combined Grand Sessions are being postponed until further notice. We will be paying close attention to the President and the Governor of Indiana for policies regarding the COVID-19 a.k.a Corona Virus as to when it will be appropriate to reschedule our event.

If you have reserved a room on Wednesday or Sunday, you will need to contact the hotel to cancel it as it is outside the block of dates we had blocked.

We have no idea when this problem will be solved, and we can get back to normal.

The Convention Center and the Hotel have canceled our sessions for April 23/25, 2020, and that we will be in contact with both to reschedule a new date for the event. Hopefully you will have at least a thirty-day notice of when the event will be scheduled. George is getting ready to send all checks back that are not cashed and writing checks to those that have already paid. If you chose PayPal you will have to contact them to get your money reimbursed.

We are sorry for this inconvenience, but this health issue leaves us no choice. We are doing our best to protect the membership.

We will be posting the new date for the Grand Sessions as soon as possible with adequate time to make your plans to attend.

Fraternally;

David R. Ulrich, MIGM

Grand Chapter Postponed and Chapter Activity Suspended

The Most Excellent Grand High Priest Archie R. Smallwood has issued the following Directive:

  I am authorizing this letter of notice to the Companions of all Chapters within the State of Indiana and any and all those who were to attend our Grand Chapter Convocation, which was scheduled for April 3rd and April 4th 2020,advising them I have postponing the Grand Chapter Convocation until at least May 18th, 2020, or later depending on the restrictions put forth by the President of the United States, The  Governor of Indiana, and suggestions of the Grand Master of Indiana, and especially for the health of all our Companions who were anticipating attending our Grand Chapter Convocation.  We will review the circumstances of this virus outbreak on or before May 18th, 2020 and will advise all, the date we may be looking at for our Annual Convocation.  Our Primary responsibility is to the health of our Companions and we understand that, as we pray for their health during this time of turmoil of the epidemic.

  It is further ordered that all R.A.M. Chapters under the authority of the Grand Chapter will not meet due to the measures we must take to assure the health of our Companions during the same time period. However, the local chapters may pay necessary bills without a vote of the Chapter.

  If any Companion has paid in advance for the Grand Convocation as to registration or degrees this will be refunded to them in whole, in a timely manner. we regret that these measures must be taken, but for the good of the Companions we serve we must and will look out for their best interest and health.

 Looking forward we pray for good news from the CDC about this virus and lifting of regulations so we may get on with our business for the good of the Royal Arch Masons of Indiana.

 With this confusion of displacement of moving our Grand Chapter Convocation I am giving my permission to the Right Excellent Grand King, Companion Steve Maxwell the go ahead to appoint his appointed officers and to set in place any and all appointments he would have made.  The current Elected Grand Officers will remain in office until the Grand Convocation when we will be relieved of our duties as the new officers are elected and installed.  We are working with the hotel for a future Convocation date and time, which will be announced when established.  To all Companions, during this time of confusion, my Prayers will be for your health and my hope is that each one of you will be praying for each other with the help and mercy of Almighty God we work through this.

Fraternally,

Companion Archie R Smallwood, MEGHP

Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons

State of Indiana

                                                                                                    Attested by:

                                                                                                     Wesley K Phillips REGS

Meetings Suspended through April 2020

Sir Knights & Companions –

Recently the Grand Master of Indiana sent an edict out to all Blue Lodges to suspend activities through the end of April 2020 (see edict below). Because of this decision, there will also be no Stated Joint Meeting in April for H.E. Lackey #67 and Hiram’s #111. We look forward to resuming masonic activities as soon as possible.

Fraternally,

Dear Brothers All:
The Grand Lodge of Indiana had been closely monitoring the quickly changing developments related to the pandemic outbreak of Corona Virus (Covid-19). We have been observing the suggestions and directives of the World Health Organization and are now in consideration of our Members and their families I am suspending all Masonic activities until the end of April. This included all Area Conferences, Treasurer and Secretary Conferences, rededications, dedications and Lodge meetings. Memorial services should be done and attended as is necessary and appropriate per the Worshipful Master.

During this time the Worshipful Master and the Lodge will not be penalized for not having a meeting, but many things can still be accomplished as far as the business side is such as Annual Reports and the Grand Master’s Award are concerned. The officers should communicate and do any business as necessary through any means possible. The Annual Communication registration and event on May 19, 2020 will continue as planned.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or contact myself, Richard J. Elman, the Grand Secretary or the Grand Lodge office. This is not a time to panic but is a time to be vigilant about the health and safety of you, your family and your Lodge Members. Most importantly, remember your Masonic vows and support your Brothers and their families in the spirit of Freemasonry through this unprecedented situation.

We will continue with updates as they become available and hope to do so weekly. Stay health my Brother and God Bless!!

Sincerely and fraternally,
Kenneth Roy, Jr.
Grand Master

Joshua #158 Most Excellent Master Degree a Success!

Companions… We had another great night as we continue to write a new chapter in Joshua #158’s story!

We conferred the Most Excellent Master on three worthy candidates. Congratulations to these fine members: Dave Ross Thomas Anglin Jacob Clough

Dinner was great and strong fellowship ensued including a good discussion about the vision for Joshua!

The conferral of the Royal Arch Degree is scheduled June 10, 2020. Cast team will be set soon and look forward to our new members receiving this degree!

We’re growing! We also formally accepted three more petitions for the Chapter degrees and those will begin over the summer.

Congratulation to Drew Rettig for receiving our Distinquished Companion Award for 2019! Drew will be presenting education at our next Stated Convocation, which will be held on May 13, 2020 @ 7PM. He will be exploring Royal Arch etymology…. Mark your calendars!

Thanks to all that attended and assisted with the degree setup and tear down, food preparation and clean up. Great team effort!