The First Principal's summons messages from 2006-2007 are archived below. 

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, October 2, 2007

First Words from the Z-Elect

    I hope that all companions have enjoyed a restful and refreshing summer that has re-energized their enthusiasm and zeal for the brotherhood of  Masonry.

     I am honoured and thankful for the confidence the Companions placed in me by electing me to the Z.’s Chair. I pledge to do my utmost to live up to your expectations. We have a fine array officers who look forward to a great year for Mount Sinai Chapter.

     I invite our senior members to act as mentors to our more junior members. This will enable the newer companions to receive the "wisdom" of their more experienced companions and prepare them for active participation in the Chapter.

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Robert E. H. Takeda, Z-Elect

First Principal's Final Message

     A year has passed very quickly. It has been a very exciting time for me as First Principal and I wish to thank all who supported me this past year. At our final meeting before the summer break We elected a new Council to preside over Mount Sinai Chapter and I wish them all the best in the coming year. Please give them and their officers your support so that the Chapter will have a very successful year.

     The Chapter had the pleasure of again receiving our Grand Superintendent R.Ex.Comp. Frank Richardson who joined us to help in the Regalia Presentation and Reception for our two newest Grand Chapter appointments - V.Ex.Comp. John M. Collier and V.Ex.Comp. Robert J. Robinson, I wish to again congratulate you both on receiving this honour. Our Chapter is very appreciative of your expertise and we thank you for your hard work.

     I wish all those who are celebrating at this Holy time of year, the very best.  To those who are not well, we wish you good health.

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Steven J. Lipton, Z.

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, June 5, 2007  

      Our last meeting was certainly a memorable one, with over 50 Companions in attendance.  We were especially honored to have M.Ex.Comp. George H. Gifford, Grand First Principal, with us. We also had R. Ex.Comp. Frank Richardson, Grand Superintendent, fresh from being installed at Grand Chapter only 5 days prior.  He traveled with his Secretary, Ex.Comp. Gary Banks.  To add to the dignitaries present, we had our own V.Ex.Comps. Bob Robinson and John Collier, newly appointed Grand Stewards. 

     M. Ex.Comp. Edward W. Elcombe was obligated as the Grand Representative of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland near our Grand Chapter by R.Ex.Comp. Frank Richardson, performing his first visit and duty of his tenure as G.S.  We had a special surprise in store for M.Ex.Comp. Elcombe.  Two of our Companions are members of Lodges / Chapters in Scotland,  V.Ex.Comp. Bill Mansfield and Ex.Comp. Dave Higgins.  They congratulated their newly obligated representative near our Grand Chapter.

     To top off the special events, M.Ex.Comp. Elcombe and R.Ex.Comp. Murray Levinter were presented with 50 year companion jewels by the Grand First Principal, the other Grand Chapter officers present, and the Ruling Council. May these two dedicated Capitular Masons have many more years with us, and enjoy them in continued good health.

     We also presented a Holy Royal Arch certificate Comp. Michael Taylor, with some special remarks being made by Ex.Comp. Dave Higgins, the last First Principal of University Chapter No. 241, the Chapter in which Comp. Taylor was Exalted.

    The work of the evening saw Bros. Syd Schatzker, Garry Lea and Michael Litvak advanced as Most Excellent Masters. The degree team, led by Ex.Comp. Gavin Upton, presented a great degree and is to be congratulated.

     We also extend congratulations to our newest Exalted Companion, Comp. Larry Zigras.  He was out of town for our last Holy Royal Arch Degree.  Our thanks go to Ex.Comp. Guillermo Mondragon, Z., and our friends at Victoria Chapter, who conferred the Degree on him, with a number of our Companions in attendance.

     At our next meeting, we will elect the officers for next year.  As well, there will be the presentation of regalia, and a reception for  our two Grand Stewards.  Both V.Ex.Comps. Robinson and Collier  have worked very hard on behalf of Capitular Masonry in District 9.  This merely continued their dedication to our own Chapter.

     We urge every Companion to attend this very important night.  Not only will you exercise your right and duty in electing your officers for next year, you will participate in honouring two stalwarts of our Chapter, and show your support to their commitment to our Craft.  The evening promises to be a relaxed evening of fine companionship and good times.

     To all companions under the weather go our best wishes for a speedy recovery. Any companions requiring a lift please contact the Scribe Ezra or myself and we will try to assist.  As this is our last meeting before the summer recess, let me wish all the Companions an enjoyable and safe summer.  Don’t forget the highlight – the Kichikewana B.B.Q. on August 9th!

     I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Chapter on June 5th.

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Steven J. Lipton, Z.    

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, May 1, 2007  

     Our last meeting was very exciting.  We had the pleasure and honour to have R.Ex.Comp Roland P. Mandeville, Grand Third Principal, present for a very special presentation.  R.Ex.Comp. R. Harold Foote received a 50 Year Companion Jewel, to mark the many years that he has devoted to Royal Arch Masonry.   R.Ex.Sir, may you enjoy many more years among your Companions in the Royal Craft.

    I would like to congratulate our newest Mark Master Masons, Bros. Syd Schatzker, Garry Lea and Michael Litvak on their first step in Capitular Masonry. These three eager and attentive brethren only added to the excellence of the Degree under Ex.Comp. Gavin Upton’s direction.  I invite all Companions to join us Tuesday May 1st  to see them Received and Acknowledged as Most Excellent Masters.  Also, please remember the Degree practice on April 29.

    We also have some very special happenings coming up on May 1st.  M.Ex.Comp. Edward W. Elcombe has been appointed as the Grand Representative of our Grand Chapter near the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland.  The Grand Superintendent is charged with the duty of obligating a Grand Representative.  We will be privileged to have V.Ex.Comp. Frank Richardson, who will have been Installed for only four days as G.S.,  with us to perform that pleasant duty – his first official task in his role as the Grand First Principal’s representative in District 9.

    This special evening continues; M.Ex.Comp. George H. Gifford, Grand First Principal, will be present to perform another recognition of the longevity and dedication of two very special and honoured Companions of our Chapter.  M.Ex.Comp. Elcombe and R.Ex.Comp. Murray Levinter will be presented with their 50 Year Companion Jewels.  What a treat it will be to see these presentations.  These two Companions’ zeal for the Capitular Craft is exemplary, and the onus is on us to recognize this appropriately by attending and joining in this celebration.

    Let me also summon the most recently Exalted Companions to the meeting – we have Royal Arch Certificates, marking your progress in Masonry, to present to you.  This includes the last few Companions Exalted in University Chapter prior to Amalgamation, and the most recently Exalted candidates of Mount Sinai.

   To all companions under the weather go our best wishes for a speedy recovery. Any companions requiring a lift please contact the Scribe Ezra or myself and we will try to assist.

    I look forward to greeting as many of you as possible in Chapter on May 1st , and thereafter.

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Steven J. Lipton, Z.    

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Regular Convocation of Thursday, March 29, 2007 

 Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Steven J. Lipton, Z.    

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    I must congratulate our new Most Excellent Masters, Bros. Larry Zigras, Lee Athias, Abdel Shihab and Ed Wallerstein on their reception to this degree. It was a pleasure to see the way they were greeted by the members of Mount Sinai. I thank all those who took part in the excellently presented degree. Despite the bitter cold of the evening, and the widespread illness this winter seems to have inflicted upon us, attendance was good. Everyone was doubly warmed by the excellent heating system of the Masonic Hall, and the companionship present.

    I want to remind you of our continued commitment and support of our own R.Ex.Comp. Frank Bishop, Grand Superintendent, and his Secretary Ex.Comp. John Collier, as they toil for our District, on behalf of Grand Chapter. The Annual Meeting is March 3rd – see the details elsewhere in this summons. Let’s do our best to continue to show our support by a good attendance from our Chapter at that meeting.

   Our next degree will be the Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem on March 6th. We have some very eager Candidates waiting to be Exalted, and I have lined up a stellar Degree team. Remember the practice is on March 4th at 9:30 a.m. Our usual sumptuous breakfast will be served.

    I am so pleased to also report that our newest member, R Ex Comp. C. Edwin Drew, will be with us at our next Regular Convocation. It will be our pleasure and honour to have him with us in Chapter. 

    I wish to remind all companions that if you require a lift please let the Scribe Ezra or myself know and we will do our best to assist you. Our membership spans the G.T.A., and we should be able to arrange to get you to Chapter. Of course, getting back home may be more difficult, but we’ll try for that too!

    Please remember the upcoming Grand Chapter Annual Convocation in April. There are full details on it elsewhere in this summons, We are fortunate to have three current Grand Chapter Officers in Chapter, and they deserve our support. It would be wonderful to have as many members of our chapter attend as possible.

    I must say that our new chapter is a pleasure to be a part of, and I hope all members are enjoying themselves. Any members who would like to do ritual work should contact the Scribe Ezra or the Principal in charge of the degree.

    Our best thoughts go to those who are ill, or unable to attend for other reasons. While we communicate with you through this medium, if there is anything we can do to assist you, or your return to Chapter, please let us know.

    I look forward to greeting as many of you as possible in Chapter on March 6th, and thereafter.

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Steven J. Lipton, Z.     

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, February 6, 2007 

    Let me welcome you back from the holiday break.  I trust that you and your family had an enjoyable holiday, and I wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.  I am well on the road to recovery, and wish to thank the Companions for their concern and good wishes. 

    As we start the year with the November 7th  Amalgamation with University Chapter No. 241 still fresh in our minds, I’m looking forward to an outstanding year for the Chapter.  We have so many capable and dedicated Masons in our Chapter – where else can we all gather monthly to enjoy each other’s Companionship, greeting old friends, strengthening bonds with Companions, and getting to know new ones.

    What a great evening we had at our Regular Convocation on December 5th.  It was the Official Visit of R.Ex.Comp. Frank Bishop, Grand Superintendent, who along with the Secretary to the G.S., Ex Comp  John Collier,  experienced the enthusiasm that was evident in the work at hand.  It was even more special  as they are members of our own chapter.

    We witnessed a very special event – as R.Ex.Comp. Eric Lakien conducted a special Installation and Investiture ceremony – we had two Companions invested as Immediate Past First Principals – Ex.Comp. Bob Robinson, now wearing that mantle having served Mount Sinai last year, and Ex.Comp. Dave Higgins, who served University Chapter.  It will be an honour to have both these dedicated Capitular Masons to my right, ready to assist whenever called upon.  I wish you both long and productive years with the Chapter.  We also formerly Installed Ex.Comp. Bob Takeda into the Second Principal’s Chair.  He was proclaimed in that Office by M.Ex.Comp. George H. Gifford, Grand First Principal at the Amalgamation Ceremony, so we had to make sure that he possessed the necessary knowledge pertaining to that chair.  We are looking forward to Bob’s ascension to Chapter leadership and the First Principal’s Chair.

    To top off the evening, we Advanced three Brethren as Mark Master Masons, Bros. Lee Athias, Abdel Shihab, and Ed Wallerstein.  All have all expressed their enthusiasm for our chapter and their enjoyment of the ceremony.   We must continue to foster this feeling amongst all our companions and continue to improve our Chapter.  The Degree work was excellent, and the participants reflected a nice blend of Companions from both former Chapters.

    So the first meeting of our newly amalgamated Chapter was a success, judging by the comments of the larger than normal attendance, and the buzz that was in the air.  I look forward to seeing an increasing attendance as we go forward.  Let me enjoin all Companions who are able – come out to partake in our growth and be a part of our new found vigour.  The renewed excitement in many of those from University is contagious; you will be well rewarded with many evenings of profit and pleasure.

    Moving on, at our next meeting on Feb 6th our new Mark Master Masons will be Received and Acknowledged as Most Excellent Masters.  Ex.Comp. Takeda has lined up a solid mix of the newer Companions, and Chapter stalwarts to portray the Degree work.  I am looking forward to an outstanding Degree.  I know you will be impressed and “entertained” by seeing  Degree work from many you’ve not seen before.  I hope all our companions will join us to support these candidates as they move forward.  Please let the Scribe Ezra or me know if you require a lift to Chapter.

    Looking ahead, as you will see elsewhere in this summons,  we have obtained Dispensation from Grand Chapter to change the date of the April Regular Convocation to Thursday, March 29th, due to Passover.  Please make a note of this now.

    It is not too early to remind you about the next Grand Chapter Annual Convocation in St. Catharines to be held April 26 to 28. This will be an exciting time for our Chapter, with some of our Companions involved.  I can attest to the Scribe Ezra’s hard work in submitting our 2006 Annual Return, containing the combined information of both Chapters.  Part of this Return lists all the Principals and Past Principals eligible to register.  It is a huge number, due to all the antecedent Chapters we perpetuate [just look at the back of this summons!].  Let’s support Grand Chapter by attending, if at all possible.  The Scribe Ezra has provided some details in this summons, and more are available from him.  Please let him know if you are planning to attend. It is a very enjoyable time when meeting with Companions from all over the province and attending the various functions.

    Finally, our best thoughts go to those who are ill, or unable to attend for other reasons.  While we communicate with you through this medium, if there is anything we can do to assist you, or your return to Chapter, please let us know.

    I look forward to greeting as many of you as possible in Chapter on February 6th, and thereafter.

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Steven J. Lipton, Z.    

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, December 5, 2006

Note: The First Principal was unable to supply a message for personal reasons.  He requested that the Scribe Ezra provide one.

    The Amalgamation has been completed, and what a night it was!  We were honoured by the presence of the full Ruling Grand Council, M.Ex.Comp. George H. Gifford, Grand First Principal, R.Ex.Comp. Roland A. Paddle, Grand Second Principal, and R.Ex.Comp. Roland P. Mandeville, Grand Third Principal.  As the Grand First Principal said when he greeted the Companions upon assuming the Sceptre, our Chapter is held in high esteem throughout the jurisdiction.  There were two Past Grand First Principals, M.Ex.Comp. Donald F. Kline and M.Ex.Comp. R. Frank Russell, four Grand Superintendents, our own R.Ex.Comp. Franklin K. Bishop, R.Ex.Comp. Arthur D. Payne, District 1, R.Ex.Comp. W. Raymond Boal, District 8,  and R.Ex.Comp. Colin B. Skilling, District 10.  To top it off, there were eleven additional current Grand Chapter officers!  It was a joy the see the Chapter room filled, with over 80 Companions from far and wide.

    In an impressive and moving ceremony, University Chapter No. 241 and Mount Sinai Chapter No. 212 became a new Mount Sinai.  The feelings of the evening can best be summed up by quoting from the invocations given by R.Ex.Comp. David A. Whiston, Grand Chaplain.  At the start of the ceremony:  “May the uniting of these Chapters result in a union of strength, vision and achievement.  May it produce a spirit of fellowship and service unparalleled in the annuls of either Chapter. May this new tie hold them together in a spirit that will mean the advancement of Royal Arch Masonry in this area.” and at the end: “May the richest blessing rest upon the union now completed and made official. May each Companion be renewed in mind and heart.”

     My Companions, these are heavy words.  But they charge us to go forward, united as a new Chapter, to make the best of, and derive the best from, our wonderful Capitular Craft.   Our new Chapter draws on some very talented and dedicated Royal Arch Masons.  What a pleasure it will be to work side by side, to further the ends of Royal Arch Masonry within Mount Sinai Chapter.  The new Chapter will take on the flavour of the two precedent Chapters.  This flavour will be what we all make of it.      University Chapter perpetuates St. Alban’s Chapter No. 217 and The St. Clair Chapter No. 231,and was a blend of Companions, traditions and customs grown out of those unions.  Mount Sinai carried forth The Aurora Chapter No. 235; and was a mix, as well.  If the past unions from which we both sprang forth are any indication, we are destined for a strong and vibrant future.

     We had a few hardworking photographers capturing key part of our meeting.  If you have internet access, go to:

     http://www.royalarchmasons.on.ca/pictures.htm

    For your information, we will never forget the Chapters who have gone before us.  The Motion of Amalgamation states that we have chosen to display both Chapter Warrants, which is an option that Grand Chapter permits.  Therefore, at all meetings, both will be on view, each with the Letters Patent of Amalgamation attached, reminding us of the long and distinguished heritage and traditions that both have, and which we have pledged to carry forward.  As well, we shall display the warrants of The Aurora, St. Alban’s and The St. Clair Chapters.

    To Ex.Comp. David M. Higgins, the last Z. of University Chapter, and his core of Officers, we look forward to the hard work and dedication you have given to your Chapter, now enriching our new Chapter.

     For many of us who are very actively involved in Royal Arch Masonry, there is no better forum to meet and make Masonic friends.  The Masons who have chosen to further their Masonic knowledge by being Advanced, Received and Exalted have proven themselves committed to the ideals of the Craft.  To those who attend on a regular basis, and visit other Chapters, you know the satisfaction, profit and pleasure that you have derived.  This can best be summed up with a quote from the General Charge at the end of the Lodge Ceremony of Installation and Investiture, which certainly is evidenced in the Capitular Craft: “Our meetings are intended to cultivate and enlighten the mind, to induce the habit of virtue, and to strengthen the fundamental principals of our Order: Brotherly Love. Relief and Truth.  And if these meeting are blended with social mirth, and a mutual interchange of fraternal feelings, then Freemasonry will be shown in its true light, as an institution which fosters and improves the best affections of our nature… “

     Let me thusly charge every Companion of our Chapter to attend if you are able.  I can assure you that you will be glad you did!

     We now go forward in the best manner we can.  As you can see, we have three very dedicated Master Masons who are awaiting Advancement at our next Regular Convocation.  How appropriate that the first meeting of our new Chapter is also the Official Visit of R.Ex.Comp. Frank Bishop.

    Lastly, if you have persevered this far, let me remind you that we do not meet in January; our next following Regular Convocation will be in February.  Let me wish you the best for the upcoming holiday seasons, which ever you celebrate, and a safe, happy and healthy New Year.

Fraternally, R.Ex.Comp. Eric H. Lakien, S.E.     se@ms212.com

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, November 7, 2006

    It was a very exciting start to our new year in Royal Arch Masonry.  I first wish to thank R.Ex.Comp. Eric Lakien and his wonderful installing board as well as all the visitors of the evening. To mention a few, the presence of R.Ex.Comp. Roland A. Paddle, Grand Second Principal, R.Ex.Comp.Roland P. Mandeville, Grand Third Principal, five Past Grand First Principals, M.Ex.Comp. Gordon H. Stuart, M.Ex.Comp. Edward W. Elcombe, M.Ex.Comp. Donald F. Kline, M.Ex.Comp. R. Frank Russell, M.Ex.Comp. Richard J. Jackson, as well as R.Ex.Comp. Franklin K. Bishop, Grand Superintendent, and R.Ex.Comp. W. Raymond Boal, G.S. District 8, made the evening even more special. Space limits me from naming the other current Grand Chapter Officers, but each and every one of you honoured us by being there.  It was especially wonderful to have so many of my Masonic friends in attendance.

    As you know by now, having attended recently, or diligently read these summones, the Companions of University Chapter No. 241 and our Chapter have approved amalgamating.  We are very pleased to report that M.Ex.Comp. George H. Gifford, Grand First Principal, has given his consent for the amalgamation. The next Regular Convocation meeting will be a very special and memorable occasion as the Grand Council will be attending to conduct the ceremonies. I hope all members of Mount Sinai Chapter will join us in welcoming this union. I can promise you that it will be a very enjoyable evening.  As this summons is being sent to the Companions of University Chapter, let me take this opportunity to greet you in this medium for the first time.  I look forward to getting to know those of you whom I have not yet had the pleasure.  To those I know, what an honour it will be to be sitting in the same Chapter as you.

    So our year starts with a bang.  Looking forward, we anticipate a busy, productive and fulfilling year.  We have some petitioners, as you can see elsewhere in this summons.  For our December meeting we plan to Advance them to the honourary degree of an M.M.M.  This will provide even more strength for our chapter.

    This year is also special because the Grand Superintendent is our own R.Ex. Comp Franklin K. Bishop, supported by his Secretary, Ex.Comp. John M. Collier.  I would ask that all who are able to support our Grand Superintendent to join them in their travels.

    Finally, our best thoughts and wishes to our Companions who are ill or in distressed circumstances.

   Companions, I look forward to seeing you on November 7th.  It will definitely be an outstanding and unique evening you will not forget!

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Steven J. Lipton, Z.      

Musings from the Scribe Ezra

    I want to thank Ex.Comp. Steve Lipton for the honour of being his Installing Principal, and Ex.Comp. Bob Robinson for agreeing to allow me to serve!  Steve and I know each other very well, going back to his initiation into Grey Lodge No. 589 in 1988.  I was First Principal when we welcomed him into the Chapter in 1990.  I Installed him into the Chair of King Solomon in Grey Lodge in 1996, and now, ten years later, had the opportunity to superintend his ascension to the Chair of Zerrubabel in our Chapter.  I am looking forward to his leadership as we follow Ex.Comp. Robinson’s outstanding year in Mount Sinai Chapter with another one, for sure.  The planned amalgamation certainly dominates what is to come.

    Let me first say a few words about the Installation.  What a fantastic evening!  To see the seats filled with our Companions, visitors, and most especially, distinguished Capitular Masons from across the province.  I want to thank each and every Companion who served on this year’s Installing Council. I wish I had the space to name you all.  The First Principal has given you an idea of the dignitaries who attended.  There were no small parts – each of you had an important role in bringing together the whole ceremony to the excellence we all witnessed.

    I want to make note of two special Companions.  Musical accompaniment added so much to the evening.  Two very skilled Companions were responsible for this.  R.Ex.Comp. Ken Bice piped in the many visitors with pomp, ceremony and dignity.  Ex.Comp. Ted Key, Organist, graced the Chapter with his melodies.  I would like to add that Ex.Comp. Key comes to us from University Chapter – how fitting it was that he could help bridge to our amalgamation on November 7th.  We look forward to hearing him play many more times in the Chapter.  Once again, to both - thank you very much.  You completed the evening.

    If you have internet access, there are pictures posted at

    www.royalarchmasons.on.ca/pictures.htm.

Just scroll back a few sets, and you will find us.  This leads me point out the top left picture, with a very special Companion in it.  We had the pleasure of welcoming Ex.Comp. John Bird back into Chapter after a very long recuperation following a very serious car accident.  He still has a way to go, but he can attend if driven.  Ex.Comp. John, your spirit, determination and exceptional positive outlook brought you back; so many would not have survived ever to be able travel our Craft again.  Of all the distinguished Companions on the Installing Council, and there were many, my heart was most filled when you stood to take your part in the ceremonies!  John, may you know how much it means to all of us to have you back.  

    We are very excited for the upcoming amalgamation with University Chapter.  We welcome Ex.Comp. David Higgins, Z, and the Companions to our new Chapter.  Since they meet on the same night as we do, we normally did not have the chance to visit with University  However, through other branches of Masonry, many of us have come to know many of their Chapter Companions quite well.  It is a proud chapter with a tradition of excellence.  It perpetuates, and has given life to Companions of two Chapters of the past: St. Alban’s No. 217 and The St. Clair No. 231.  University Chapter is a strong blend of the three Chapters;  our new amalgamated Chapter will further the tradition and reputation of all or our pasts, including The Aurora No. 235.  Our Chapter life promises to be very vibrant; and our quality will reach even greater heights.  I can assure you that our time in Chapter will be even more enjoyable, rewarding and fulfilling.

    Finally, I want to welcome King Cyrus Chapter No. 232 to District 9.  A few of us had the pleasure to accompany R.Ex.Comp. Frank Bishop, G.S. on his official visit, their first meeting in their new home in Stouffville.  They have added strength to the excellent Chapters of our District.  Let me also invite you along with a number of us who will visit them on November 15, to assist them in the Ceremonies of Installation and Investiture.

    I will end this with a message of hope and optimism to all.  Judaism and Islam have just ended intensely spiritual times of introspection; by the time you receive this, Hinduism will have completed the festival of Diwali, a celebration of lights and hope for mankind.  May our new Chapter go forth in a spirit of union, hope and renewal.  And may your faith in the G.J. be with you to bear all of life’s trials and tribulations.  I look forward to greeting all of you in our new Chapter.  Forget not those sacred duties inculcated in the Craft! 

Fraternally, R.Ex.Comp. Eric H. Lakien, S.E.     se@ms212.com

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, October 3, 2006

First Words from the Z-Elect

    I want to thank the Companions for the confidence they have placed in me by electing me to the Z.’s Chair.  I pledge to do my utmost to live up to your expectations.  I look forward to a very rewarding year for Mount Sinai.  We have a proposed amalgamation which, if it meets with your pleasure, will invigorate the Chapter, and bring us all many new friends.

    Finally, as we start the High Holidays, I want to extend to our Jewish Companions the best for the New Year, and to all Companions, symbolically, a rebirth of their faith, and zeal for the fine institution of Masonry.

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Steven J. Lipton, Z-Elect

First Principal's Final Message

    I find it hard to believe that my year as First Principal has almost come to an end.  For me it has been an exciting year, and I have to thank you for all your support and encouragement.  To my officers, I extend a special thank you for your assistance and support of the Chapter.  May your journey to the Z.’s Chair continue, and may you reap as much fulfillment as I have.   I also had the honour and privilege to act as Secretary to R.Ex.Comp. Leo Smith, G.S., during much of this period.  Traveling with Leo and meeting so many new friends and companions added greatly to my Masonic enjoyment and knowledge.

    Under the direction of R.Ex.Comp. Eric Lakien, Installing Principal, our next meeting is the Installation ceremony with a superb cast of many friends and eminent Companions taking part.   Eric’s hard work and organizational skills as our Scribe Ezra has enabled our Chapter to maintain an excellent reputation in Capitular Masonry within the District and in Grand Chapter.  Eric, on behalf of all the Companions in Mount Sinai, we appreciate your sterling work and thank you.

    I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Ex.Comp. Don Mabley, who was appointed a Grand Steward at the Grand Lodge Annual Communication in July.  He is a stalwart of our Chapter, ready to take on whatever is required.  May you be blessed with good health, and success in all your endeavours.

    Before we recessed for the summer, we held an emergent meeting and we Received and Acknowledged Bros. Scott Ryckman, Amit Neufeld, Eric Katz and Howard Schonberger as M.E.M.’s.  Then we got an early start to our labours after the summer.  On the first Tuesday of September, several of the Companions of Mount Sinai Chapter visited University Chapter and assisted in conferring the  H.R.A. Degree on those four brethren.  They were exalted, along with Comp. Michael Taylor of University Chapter.  Our congratulations to all five new Companions.   We look forward to you enriching yourselves with an active involvement in Capitular Masonry.  May I add that the Degree team consisted of an equal mix of Companions of both Chapters, and blended very well!

    We now look forward to the new Masonic year and I am sure that Ex.Comp. Steve Lipton’s year as our First Principal will be rewarding for our Chapter.  There will be plenty of activity, particularly with the amalgamator proposal on the table.    Please extend your full support to our new team of officers.

    Let me take this opportunity to wish my Companions of the Jewish faith a happy and healthy New Year, as they enter their High Holiday period, and our Islamic Companions a rewarding Ramadan period which is also coming up.  May the Masonic principals that we all espouse spill over into the world at large, to foster peace and understanding among all men.

    Finally Companions, I pray for the good health and fortune of our members and for any of you who may be ill or in distress, may the G.J. bless and assist you.

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Robert J. Robinson, Z.

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