The First Principal's summons messages from 2007-2008 are archived below. 

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, October 7, 2008

First Words from the Z-Elect

    As we advance in Masonry we are given the wonderful opportunity of expanding our knowledge, but more importantly honing our wisdom. During our progress through the chairs each step is a vital part of our ascent to the realization of self and respect for our brethren. For my part I thank, in all humility, the brethren who have had sufficient confidence in me to permit me to continue this journey, and I commit to passing my knowledge, but more particularly my enthusiasm to all our candidates and members.

    Our literature informs us that the Mark Master degree is perhaps the oldest Masonic degree, and is one of the most highly respected. It teaches practical lessons for everyday living. This degree supplements the Fellowcraft Degree.

    The symbolism of Freemasonry surrounds the building of the Temple. In symbolic Free-Masonry, the Temple is never completed. In the Most Excellent Master degree, we are taught the lessons of the completion and dedication of the Temple.

    In the degree of the Royal Arch, or R.A.M. the epitome of Masonic symbolism is found. It has been said “the Royal Arch is the root, heart and marrow of Masonry, without knowledge of which the Masonic character cannot be complete”.

    The Royal Arch degree is the completion of the whole system of Freemasonry. Having begun regular advancement through the Symbolic Lodge, it is the duty of each Master Mason to complete the degree series. He who has sought further Masonic education should return to the Symbolic Lodge, retrace his steps and advance through the Rite until he can receive the climax of Masonic symbolism, as taught in the Royal Arch. Only those who have attained the Royal Arch may be said to have completed their Masonic Work.

    Let us share the infinite pleasure of helping our new members and ourselves attain the spiritual awareness which these degrees can provide us.

    Please join us on Installation night October 7th. I can promise you a rewarding evening, to kick off a great year!.

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Gavin S. Upton, Z-Elect

First Principal's Final Message

     I hope that all companions have had a great summer, in spite of the wet weather. As we come back to Chapter, we wish the First Principal-elect, Ex.Comp. Gavin Upton and his new team all the best for the ensuing year. I know that you will give them solid Mount Sinai support.

    Unfortunately, Third Principal-elect, Comp. Jacob Joseph is still in hospital. Please see a full update in the insert that accompanies this summons. Please include him in your prayers and may he be with us again.

    I would like to thank all the companions and especially R.Ex.Comp. Eric Lakien for support during the past year. It was a very rewarding year meeting fellow companions from other parts of the district. I will continue to be involved in the Chapter and the District where possible.

    If you have not been out to Chapter recently, please join us as we install the officers for 2008-09 term. To those who are sick or in distress, we offer our support. Please let us know how we may be of assistance. If you need a ride to chapter, please inform the Scribe Ezra or myself.

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Robert E. H. Takeda, Z    z@ms212.com

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, June 3, 2008

    Our last convocation saw Bros. Keith Holdsworth, Albert Han and Nikolaos Chatzifilalithis [a.k.a. Nick Filalithis] were advanced to the Mark Master Mason degree. The degree work was well presented, conducted by our Third Principal, Ex.Comp. Kevin Robinson. The candidates were impressed by the degree, and are looking forward to their next step in Capitular Masonry, which will take place in the Fall.

    Please extend a hearty welcome to our newest affiliates: R.Ex.Comp. Roy Harrison and Comp. Joseph Harrison. They have come full circle, having been Advanced into Masonry in one of the Chapters we perpetuate by amalgamation, St. Alban’s Chapter No. 217.

    I would also like to express my appreciation for the many companions who showed up in support for my installation in the chair of King Solomon in York Lodge No. 156.

    Comp. Jacob Joseph is to be installed as W.M. of Dufferin Lodge No. 570 on Wednesday, June 25th, at 10:00 am., in Thornhill Temple. If possible, please support this worthy companion, who applies himself with skill and diligence to all branches in Masonry in which he is active. We are indeed fortunate to have him in our Chapter.

    Our Degree labours are over for a while. We will have the election of next year’s officers at our Regular Convocation on June 3rd. Please consider offering your services and expertise as an officer of the Chapter. We need committed companions to keep the Chapter viable.

    Your presence is needed to energize and friendly. Only by communing with each other can we share and grow on our Masonic path.

    As this is our last meeting before the summer break, let me wish each and every Companion the best for a safe and healthy summer. May you return reenergized in the Fall. Remember, we do not meet in September; re resume our labours with the Ceremonies of Installation and Investiture of the Officers on October 7th.

    To those who are ill or in circumstances of distress our heartfelt sympathy. Please let us know if we may be of assistance or comfort.

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Robert E. H. Takeda, Z    z@ms212.com

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, May 6, 2008

    Companions, spring has sprung or, at least at this time of writing, it is still very cold for the middle of April and it is trying to improve.

    Our last meeting received many kudos, from a variety of people, for the outstanding presentation about Scotland and Rosslyn Chapel. The father/son team of Comps. James and Craig Michie were outstanding. Both brethren and companions were in attendance. If you were unable to attend and can make a future engagement, it is a performance that you will remember.

    Congratulations to R.Ex.Comp. Eric Lakien, who in a surprise [to him only!] presentation was awarded the Stanley L. Tonkin award, given by our District to a Companion who has rendered outstanding service over the years. Well earned, and well deserved, R.Ex.Sir.

    The recent Grand Chapter Annual Convocation was another momentous event which included the airs of Scotland sung by John McDermott. On behalf of Mount Sinai Chapter, I would like to congratulate our new Grand Superintendent R.Ex.Comp. Harold E. Belfry and his secretary, Ex.Comp. Brian Hopkins.

    At our meeting in May, we will conferring the Mark Master Mason degree under the direction of Ex. Comp. Kevin Robinson. I am sure that our candidates will long remember this night.

    As we approach our elections, in June, please consider taking on more responsibility within the Chapter. We are always looking for committed companions to join the leadership team of the Chapter. If you are interested or are considering a position, please let me know before the June elections.

    For those companions who are sick or in distress, please let us know if we can be of assistance. We wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to your return to Chapter.

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

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, April 1, 2008

     Companions, last month’s meeting was awesome as we raised five companions to the Supreme Degree of the Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem. We are very pleased to welcome Comps. Norman Ryan, Steven Connolly, Glenn Anderson and Leonard Waller to our ranks. We wish for you much profit and pleasure from Capitular Masonry. Our thanks go out to all who participated in the degree and especially to those that came to our aid and filled vacant positions at the last moment. The candidates were appreciative most of all and were very impressed with the ceremony of the degree.

    On Saturday, March 15, R.Ex.Comps. Eric Lakien, Frank Bishop and I attended the unveiling of the 150th anniversary plaque at Grand Chapter in Hamilton. It was a memorable event indeed, with a great number of dignitaries present for the auspicious occasion, including the Ruling Grand Council and many Grand Chapter Officers. Also present for this important occasion were M.W.Bro. Allan J. Petrisor, Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Raymond S.J. Daniels, Deputy Grand Master. There were dignitaries from the Scottish Rite and the Shrine.

    The sun was certainly shining on the dedication of the beautiful marble plaque. It was conducted outside, on the front steps of the Grand Lodge Memorial Building. The plaque will be affixed in the entranceway of the building, for all who visit Grand Chapter, as well as Grand Lodge, to see. Please be sure to visit our website for the pictures we took of the event. Mount Sinai Chapter has made a contribution to support the endeavour, and along with the many other donors, will be recognized on a roster to be affixed under the plaque.

    This month we will take a welcome respite from the prolific degree work the Chapter has been fortunate to enjoy for many years. We are most fortunate to have a presentation by the father and son team of Comps. James and Craig Michie. They have prepared a very professional and polished audio visual presentation on their Masonic pilgrimage to Scotland two years ago. Please join us for what promises to be a banner event. We expect many visitors to join us, so you will be sure to see many friends there. We are looking forward with anticipation to this very informative event.

    The 150th Annual Convocation of Grand Chapter will be upon us quickly after April’s meeting. If you are interested in attending any of the proceedings, please contact the Scribe Ezra for more information. We have a large contingent of our Companions who plan to attend. A number of very special events have been planned to recognize the 150th Anniversary. Consider being part of this history in the making.

    For those companions who are sick or in distress, please let us know if we can be of assistance. We wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to your return to Chapter.

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

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, March 4, 2008

    Our February meeting was a great evening. We Received and Acknowledged Bros. Norm Ryan, Steven Connolly, Glenn Anderson  and Len Waller as Most Excellent Masters

    We also had the privilege of being present as R.Ex.Comp. Jack Wakeford and V.Ex. Comp Dick Gerring received their 50 Year Companion Jewels. In addition, a 25 Year Pin was presented to Ex.Comp. Alwin Swaffield. To render the Royal Arch cycle complete, Comp. Ed Wallerstein was presented with his Holy Royal Arch certificate. The presentations were all made by none other than M.Ex.Comp. George H. Gifford, Grand First Principal, assisted by R.Ex.Comp. Frank Richardson, District 9. We were honoured to also have had R.Ex.Comps. Ratko Ardalic, G.S. District 5, William Esplin, G.S. District 10, and Gary McCormick, Member of the Grand Executive, in attendance.

    I am pleased to report that the Chapter has approved a special allocation of funds to go towards the purchase of something of lasting value and use to Grand Chapter, in honour of the 150th Anniversary. We know that, whatever Grand Chapter decides to acquire, that it will be put to good use by our guiding body, and that the commitment that our Companions have made to Grand Chapter will be appropriately recognized.

    On February 12, R.Ex.Comp. Eric Lakien and I presented a 50 Year Companion Jewel to V.Ex.Comp. Ned Austin at his home. V.Ex.Comp. Austin is the senior Past Principal of Mount Sinai Chapter itself, having served as Z. in 1962. He was very honoured and appreciativ.e to receive the jewel. Pictures are on the Chapter web site.

    We will be conferring the Holy Royal Arch degree at our March 4th meeting on the five Most Excellent Masters who will be Exalted to our Supreme Degree, and take their places among the Companions of the Chapter. We will be having a practice on Sunday March 2nd. Remember, it is important to know the mechanics as well the ritual.

    Finally, please be sure to take note of the special events coming up for our District and Grand Chapter in general. I hope that we see you at some of these.

    If you have not been out to Chapter recently, we would be most happy to see you. If you require assistance getting to Chapter, please call the Scribe Ezra or myself.

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Robert E. H. Takeda, Z    z@ms212.com

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, February 5, 2008

    Happy New Year Companions!!! I trust that you had a very restful and joyous festive season with family and friends. We wish you and your family all that is great in ’08.

    Personally I was able to spend some time in Tokyo and Okinawa. The weather was much warmer – 10 to 14 degrees in Tokyo and in the 20’s in Okinawa (shorts and t-shirt weather).

    The Official Visit on December 4th by R.Ex.Comp. Frank Richardson, Grand Superintendent, and Ex.Comp. Gary Banks, Secretary to the G.S., was a great evening. To add to the occasion, we Advanced our newest Mark Master Masons, Bros. Norman Ryan, Steven Connolly, Glenn Anderson and Leonard Waller.

    If you have not been out to Chapter for a while, we invite you back to renew friendships and fraternity with your fellow Companions. Your presence will greatly enhance our fellowship. If you require a ride, please contact our Scribe Ezra or myself.

    At our regular meeting in February, we will have M.Ex.Comp. George H. Gifford, Grand First Principal, with us to present 50 Year Companion Jewels to two stalwarts of University Chapter, now part of our illustrious Past Principals thanks to amalgamation, R.Ex.Comp. Jack Wakeford and V.Ex.Comp. Richard Gerring. We will also be conducting an M.E.M. degree under the direction of Ex.Comp. Gavin Upton, Second Principal. We would ask your for your presence - support our proud past, and our promising future!.

    Please consider attendance at Grand Chapter Annual Convocation in St. Catharines. We have reserved some rooms for overnight accommodation. Please let our Scribe Ezra know if you plan to attend. You’ll find the full details elsewhere in this summons.

    Our thoughts and prayers go to those who are ill or distressed. Please let us know if there is something that your fellow Companions can do to provide some comfort.

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

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, December 4, 2007

    Congratulations to our newest Royal Arch Masons: Comps. Syd Schatzker, Michael Litvak and Garry Lea on their exaltation to the Supreme Degree of the Holy Royal Arch. Our companions have said it was a night to remember.

    Thank you to those Companions who performed the work at the last minute on behalf of those who could not be present. Mount Sinai Chapter has an abundance of knowledgeable and giving companions who never fail to step up to fill a vacancy.

    Once again, we were honoured with the presence of our Grand Superintendent, R.Ex.Comp. Frank Richardson and Ex. Comp. Gary Banks, Secretary to the G.S. We look forward to their Official Visit on December 4th. The G.S. had a very pleasant duty to perform, presenting R.Ex.Comp. Eric Lakien with a 25 Year Companion Pin. R.Ex. Sir, we wish you many more years of health and contributions to Capitular Masonry in general, and our Chapter in particular.

    We were most happy to welcome V.Ex.Comp. Bob Robinson back in Chapter. We wish him continued success during his recuperation and look forward to his continuing presence in Chapter.

    At our Dec. meeting, we will be conferring a Mark Master Degree under the direction of Ex. Comp. Kevin Robinson, Third Principal. I’m sure our candidates, Bros. Norm Ryan, Steve Connolly, and pending a favourable ballot, Glenn Anderson and Len Waller are excited about joining our fraternity. Not to take away from our other candidates, but I would mention that one of our Candidates is a relative of our late and most esteemed and respected Companion, M.Ex.Comp. Aube L. Weisman, P.G.F.P. Please show your support of all our candidates and the Chapter with your attendance.

    Our congratulations to Comp. Syd Schatzker for his installation, into the chair of King Solomon in Mount Sinai Lodge, last month. It was nice to see so many of our Companions out to support him.

    While I am on the subject, our Scribe Ezra tells me that our Chapter is a real hive of busy and involved Lodge Brethren. We count [or will soon count, as you will see] among our Companions, the current W.M.’s of no less than eight Lodges!

Markham Union No. 87   -   Comp. James Crawford
Rising Sun No. 129   -   W.Bro. Len Waller
Patterson Grey No. 265   -   Comp. Keith Lawrence
Mount Sinai No. 522   -   Comp. Syd Schatzker
Mosaic No. 559   -   Comp. Larry Shilling
Remembrance No. 586   -   Ex.Comp. Kevin Robinson
Quinte St. Albans No. 620   -   V.Ex.Comp. Vince Lombardo
Delta No. 634   -   Comp. Scott Ryckman

     We hope to make that nine, as I am currently S.W. of York Lodge No. 156.

     My Companions, our Chapter attracts leaders, and fine men – come out and enjoy your Chapter. Where else can you meet with such a diverse number of Lodge Brethren. And while you are in Lodge or travelling, consider your Brethren who can also benefit from joining our Chapter. The Scribe Ezra will be very pleased to give you a Petition – or download one from the Web Site. Better yet, refer your Lodge Brethren to the Web Site for lots of information.

    Our Companions who attended the reception for R.Ex.Comp. David Dainard and the 150th Anniversary Celebrations, on our behalf, were most impressed with the ceremony and celebration. What a marvellous event to celebrate, and it was a fitting celebration, for sure!

    R.Ex.Comps. Eric Lakien, Frank Bishop, Dave Earlam and I were pleased to represent Mount Sinai Chapter at Tecumseth Chapter No. 264, in Tottenham, for their Official Visit on Thursday, November. 15th. We were so warmly received, and look forward to receiving a contingent of Companions and friends from their Chapter on the 4th. We congratulate The St. Patrick Chapter No. 145 for their attendance at Tecumseth in force, taking the coveted Traveling Triple Tau award by a healthy margin. By the time you read this, their Official Visit on November 20th will have taken place – maybe we’ll report that we were the victors that night! [S.E. Note – We did!!]

    Remember, we do not meet in January, so we look forward to seeing you out on December 4th, to welcome out new M.M.M.’s. It will be your last chance this year to take advantage of your Chapter benefits.

    This is the time of the year for the festive seasons – Hindu Diwali, which just passed, Jewish Chanukah, starting December 4th, Christmas and the New Year. May you celebrate yours in a meaningful way with those you hold dear. My wife, Eiko, and I wish the best of the season and the New Year to all Companions and their families. May the Most High bless you and them in the year 2008.

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

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, November 6, 2007

     I would like to thank V.Ex.Comp. Paul Nielsen, assisted by R.Ex.Comp. Eric Lakien, for the outstanding Ceremonies of Installation and Investiture held in October.

    We were honoured with the presence of many distinguished officers of Grand Chapter, headed up by R.Ex.Comp. Roland P. Mandeville, Grand Third Principal, along with R.Ex.Comp. Frank Richardson, Grand Superintendent. They were accompanied by R.Ex.Comps. Ratko Ardalic, G.S., District 5 (west of Toronto) , and William G. Esplin, G.S. District 10 (east of Toronto), and Robert McMaster, Grand Executive. In addition, I would like to thank the many other visitors who took the time to be with us. Be sure to check out the many pictures of the evening on our web site.

    We have a fine team, consisting of many new officers, who are enthusiastic and prepared to meet the challenges ahead. I thank them for their offer of service to the Chapter. We look forward to a great year. We are already starting off right, with a number of Petitions for Degrees in hand.

    At our next meeting, we will be Exalting M.E.M.’s Bros Garry Lea, Syd Schatzker and Michael Litvak to the Supreme Degree of the Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem. I know that they look forward to sharing in the collective wisdom and friendship of their fellow Companions.

    On behalf of the officers and myself, I thank you again for the opportunity to serve you, the Companions, for the ensuing year.

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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.

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.

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