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First Principal's Messages - 2008-09
The First Principal's summons messages from 2008-2009 are archived below. Regular Convocation of Tuesday, October 6, 2009 Where does it all go? Yesterday we were closing off our season in June, and now the chill air is beginning to creep in at night and we are preparing for the fun of another new Capitular year. Before I focus on what’s awaiting us as we resume our labours, let me welcome three Brethren into our midst. We worked "overtime" at our June Regular Convocation. After conducting the Election of Officers, we Advanced Bros. Robert Plotkin, Fred Daantos and Tim Chapchuk to the Honourary Degree of a Mark Master Mason. We wish you a fulfilling experience in Chapter. You were impressed with the ceremony; I can assure you the best is yet to come! Once we Install and Invest our officers, we look forward to seeing you take your next step in the Chapter, in November. We have something special planned for that meeting, as you’ll see elsewhere in this summons. I trust and hope that all had a pleasant and fruitful summer, and if not, that it is now behind us, and we can work towards a better time. I look forward to a second year in the Chair, and I know our Second Principal is glad of the opportunity to have a full and untrammelled year before his term as Zerubbabel, if all goes according to Hoyle! I also know that our Scribe Ezra has been assiduous in his efforts to ensure a successful installation, and we thank him, and V.Ex.Comp. Paul Nielsen who will helm the Ceremonies. We ask you to be sure to attend, thereby respecting his hard work, and sharing with us in the "secrets and mysteries" about to unfold in 2009-10. Let me also take this opportunity to hope that our Muslim Companions had a Happy Eid, with Eid al-Fitr just having ended the holy month of Ramadan, and our Jewish Companions a Happy New Year and High Holidays, with Rosh Hashannah just having occurred, and Yom Kippur ahead. As Masons, we embrace our Brothers from all faiths; it is indeed fitting that two of the world’s great faiths celebrate their time of the holy of holies so close together. Finally, to our ill and distressed Companions, may the G.J. watch over you and bring you back to our midst. Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Gavin S. Upton, Z z@ms212.com Regular Convocation of Tuesday, June 2, 2009 Oh my! Where does the time go? As we get older, the days pass like leaves scurrying before a frisky autumn breeze. When we were children every exciting event seemed a lifetime away, and every eve a night of tormented anticipation. But now the days stream along with the babbling waters of a brook after the summer rain. A quick look back - to the May meeting. We welcomed a new Companion to our rank, Comp. Sean Maingot. We wish him fulfillment and much profit and pleasure as he embarks on his career in Capitular Masonry, and look forward to their participation in the affairs of the Chapter. Here we are coming up to our June meeting, just a blink away from last, and next, October. Our candidates in waiting for the Mark Master Mason degree will be looking forward to their day, and I know we shall not disappoint. We have a stellar degree team lined up, and continuing in the pattern set this year, one of our All Star team [i.e. the Past Principals!] will helm the Degree - V.Ex.Comp. Paul Nielsen. That alone is worth the price of admission, so don’t miss this one! It has been a season of fill-ins, with so many of our Companions stepping forward to willingly assist where vacancies have occurred. We have to thank them all so much, but yet absorb this lesson, that to be a Mason is to be a friend, and brother, in need, and this year has evidenced so many true brothers. At our Mark Master Masons degree June 2, we should have a full crew, to which I am sure our candidates are looking forward. Please, please, see if you can get to the rehearsal on Sunday May 31. It is always evident in the degree work when there are copious attendees at the rehearsal. I should like to convey, on behalf of you all, our relief that Comp. Jim Crawford’s mothers condition turned out to be much less serious than was thought at first. Our Second Principal, Ex.Comp. Kevin Robinson, has had a year of trials and tribulations that would try the best of us - he is emerging into the light, and looks forward to being back with us. Also our understanding for R.Ex.Comp. Eric Lakien, Scribe Ezra, who has had to attend to a myriad of medical situations within his own family circle. Indeed all our Companions may be sure that our thoughts and prayers are with them. Just remember the third of the five points of fellowship! There is an old adage, Companions, that a three-fold cord is not quickly broken. Our unity and brotherly love give us strength in trying situations. Peace, love, and prepare well. See you on the 2nd! Regular Convocation of Tuesday, May 5, 2009 Well it looks as if spring is spluttering its way toward us, like an old auto with water in the carburetor. Heat, splutter, cold, heat, splutter, wet, ... But we’ll get there. First on the agenda, an apologia. Your First Principal was completely without voice at the time of the last meeting, which to many around him was more of a blessing than a detriment. So I apologize to one and all. Then, as a double whammy, the Second Principal fell foul of the dreaded automobile, being left stranded west of King City, on a dark and stormy night. Any more melodrama?? Secondly, therefore, our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our Scribe Ezra, who seems to be the Immovable Object in our chapter, prevailing against so many seemingly irresistible forces. Many, many thanks to him, and to all of you Companions who answered the call, and enabled the meeting to be recorded as a success. A special mention of, and thanks to our stalward Immediate Past First Principal, Ex.Comp. Robert Takeda, who most capably filled in for me, to R.Ex.Comp. Leo Smith, who covered as Second Principal, and conducted the M.E.M. Degree, and to Ex.Comp. David Higgins, who filled in as Third Principal for the ailing Comp. Jacob Joseph. It shows a lot as to the depth of our membership, and their commitment to this chapter of Capitular Masonry to think that at such short notice the business of the evening can still proceed successfully. Congratulations to Bro. Sean Maingot, our newest M.E.M.. You will not have much longer to wait to be called to full rank in the Chapter. I also want to make special mention of R.Ex.Comp. Michael Boland, G.S., who visited the Chapter with his Secretary, Ex.Comp. Alan McDonald. This was the first Chapter they attended after the G.S.’s installation just a few days earlier. Thank you, R.Ex. Sir, for helping us to get your feet wet. I understand that the demeanor and dignity which you exhibited proves that we are in for a great year under your stewardship. As we now approach our May meeting, at which we will confer the H.R.A. Degree, we look forward to bringing yet more Royal Arch Masons to our chapter, and another evening of ritual excellence and pleasure. As the warmer half of the year is on us we shall all have many distractions, but I know that you Companions have this our noble craft in your hearts, and we will give a good showing at our regular meetings. Let’s remember that our purpose in this discipline is to develop further knowledge in our Companions than that of the first three degrees. Let’s keep this in mind in our discussions and conversation, to keep the flame of Masonic interest alive. At one of our later meetings we shall spend some time on matters of historic and academic interest, with several speakers well versed in our order. Our greetings and sympathies go to all of our Companions and their families who may be sick or in distress. May the G.J watch over you, and we pray for your return to better circumstances. See you May 5th or, better, at the practice on the 3rd. Regular Convocation of Tuesday, April 7, 2009 Are you happy?. In our general charge we state our purpose as being to “unite in the Grand Design of being happy ourselves, and communicating happiness to others”. In the early days of Masonry the meetings were most often convened over a tavern, and before, during and after the meetings, the practice of social libation was pursued enthusiastically. We cannot presume that these meetings did not have serious intent, nor execution, as Masonry as we know it today came from these convivial roots. It seems to me that when we leave our meetings today, it would be wonderful if we could depart with the same feelings of camaraderie and bonhomie ( boy these French know some good words) that seem to be the case from those many years ago. We do live in different times, of course, but the problems our ancient brethren faced were equally serious, and due to the many proscriptions against the craft, possibly more life threatening.. Remember that many of our early members belonged to the Royal Society, possibly even its founders were Masons, whose aim was to pursue what we call the “hidden mysteries of nature and science”. I would think that over a jar or two, many Masonic themes and innovations were discussed, as well as research into the true origins of their earlier roots. My point? Lets not get too tied up in the mechanics and government of our Capitular obligations to forget that we are here to have fun, and to learn more of our ancient roots and mysteries.. My challenge is for each one of us to come up with some arcane, esoteric with which to regale the Companions at each meetings. There is not ONE of us who does not know something that the rest of us do not. I should also like to suggest a social night, not to make money, not to rehearse, nor plan long range matters, but just to sit around with our friends and companions and shoot the breeze. Think about it.. Meanwhile, I should once again like to thank our many helpers from last months H.R.A. degree, and congratulate Comps. Holdsworth, Chatzifilalithis and Han (what a law firm that would make!!) on becoming Royal Arch Masons, and look forward to hearing them as they participate in our Chapter and ritual. Well done!. We have an MEM coming up, with Ex. Comp. Kevin Robinson at the helm, and we shall have the customary practice beforehand. Please be there if you can.. Finally, the holy days of Easter and Passover rapidly approach, just a few days after our next meeting. May the spirit of whichever you celebrate sustain and reinforce your faith. If your faith does not observe these days, may the thought that many of your Brethren and Companions do, also sustain you. May the Great Jehovah be with you. Regular Convocation of Tuesday, March 3, 2009 Sometimes writing this message is akin to being a harried housewife trying to come up with something nourishing but different, for dinner, on a regular basis. Whilst thinking what to put this time I was thinking, as I washed the dishes this morning, what is the purpose of this message. Fundamentally it has six functions. To recap the previous months. To thank. To congratulate. To inform. To inspire. To encourage. To recap. To thank. To congratulate. To inform. To inspire. To encourage. See you all soon. Regular Convocation of Tuesday, February 3, 2009 The ancient rituals of our mutual cultural past histories have now receded into the warm glow of our memories, and the Arctic snap has us all longing for the first buds of spring to show that relief is in view. We welcomed R.Ex.Comp. Harold E. Belfry, G.S., into our Chapter in December for his Official Visit. We demonstrated that the state of Capitular Masonry is alive and well in Mount Sinai. We thank him for his kind remarks, and wish him well for the remainder of his term of office, rapidly drawing to a close, and in his future endeavours. We also welcomed a new Mark Master Mason, Bro. Sean Maingot into the Chapter on this special night. He will continue his progression, and Masonic education, in March. February will enable us to share in the true delight in welcoming new Royal Arch Masons into our fold. We all remember that one of the injunctions in the Sacred Writings was to “ feed my little sheep”, and as these new companions join us, we have to remember our mission not only to pass them through the portals of our Chapter, but to continue to bring them, and ourselves, interest, pleasure and happiness, as well as the basic tools of their Capitular calling. I was reminded of this by a piece on the Temple, followed by an explanation of the Cubit, recently sent to me by our Comp. Rik Kubiak. Although we have to perform all the administrative duties required to keep the Chapter viable, and financially liquid, these functions are a means to the end of, as the general Charge in the Lodge Installation puts it, “being happy ourselves, and communicating happiness to others”. Our social interaction after the meetings helps to do this, as does attendance at rehearsals, and travel to other Chapters. But once again, the good book tells us that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word...... Expect to see, therefore, more trivia and facts of interest in the months to come, so we can shed a little light on how we have gotten to be where we are, and may be going. Any companion who has any interesting or arcane knowledge please bring it to our attention, so that it may be presented to the Chapter, and make our meetings “juicier”. Please try to attend the February 1st rehearsal prior to our meeting, and help to continue our pursuit of excellence within our degrees. This will help to give both the individual and the Chapter true satisfaction.vOur greetings and sympathies go to all of our companions and their families who may be sick or in distress, and we pray for their return to better circumstances. See you all on the 3rd. Regular Convocation of Tuesday, December 2, 2008 Congratulations to all our participants on a job well done in the M.E.M. Degree, under the expert guidance of Ex.Comp. Kevin Robinson, H. It is always a fun degree, and our candidates expressed their sincere enjoyment afterwards. I know that Bros. Holdsworth, Han and Chatzifililathis are looking forward to their Exaltation early in the New Year. There is a great satisfaction in doing the ritual well, and watching the faces of the candidates as the mysteries unfold, and we had some exemplary work that night. Many thanks to Ex.Comp. Steve Lipton, our old war-horse, who filled in as Third Principal. Inimitable! I should also like to thank V.Ex.Comp Paul Nielson, who is a dignified fount of knowledge and inspiration, well complementing Scribe Ezra. In our quest for excellence, companions, let us never hesitate to avail ourselves of this cornucopia of wisdom right within our Chapter. All these brethren are more than willing to help and advise. I urge every Companion to support to V.Ex.Comp. Nielsen, as he is Installed as Z. of Victoria Chapter the night after our meeting – we hope to attend en masse. Our next meeting is an M.M.M., and Scribe Ezra has been hard at work putting the team together. R.Ex.Comp. Frank Bishop will take the reins for the Degree. I know that we are all in for a treat. He is filling in this month as Third Principal for Comp. Jacob Joseph, who continues to make progress, but it will be a long road back for him. Put in an effort, learn your lines, and reap the rewards. It looks like we’re going places!! It is also the Official Visit of R.Ex.Comp. Harold E. Belfry, Grand Superintendent. We are looking forward to greeting him into Chapter, and proving the state of Capitular Masonry is alive and well in Mount Sinai. It looks like we’re going places!! Remember that this is our last Regular Convocation until February 3rd. Let me take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the upcoming holiday break, in any and all ways you may celebrate it. Finally, as I write this on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11th, I enjoin you to make a place in your prayers for our companions and family members who have passed on, and give your support to those who are experiencing tough times right now. See you in December. Regular Convocation of Tuesday, November 4, 2008 What an Installation! I have to give all praise and credit where it is due, and if excellence applies to anyone it is R.Ex.Comp. Eric Lakien, who pulls more irons out of the fire than an eight armed blacksmith! His knowledge and contacts made for a great evening, and I am sure all were impressed (except, perhaps, with the new First Principal, but that’s another story). Thank you to all those who filled in on short notice. You are building Treasures in Heaven! We were happy to acknowledge and show our appreciation to Comp. Vince Kubiak. The Tyler’s job is a thankless one, as it requires extreme concentration and immense boredom all in one time frame, and our dear Companion is assiduous and tireless in his ministrations. Thank you again, worthy brother. When we have absences from the Chapter it makes us very cognizant of the Junior Wardens lecture, “ today we tread the flowery meads of prosperity, but tomorrow…..” Our best wishes and prayers to all of our companions whose paths are a little rocky at the moment, especially our dear Companion and Brother Jacob Joseph, whose life has been a trial for the past while. As we progress in Capitular Masonry we cloak ourselves with the titles of Excellent, Very Excellent, Right Excellent and Most Excellent, and this word has become commonplace in our Masonic language. It comes from roots meaning to rise above, to make for the top of a hill or a mountain, and this constant striving to elevate our skill, character and ability is what this excellence portends. But all too often the constant use of the word breeds familiarity, and then, sadly, a lazy kind of contempt. So we now have a mission, to put true Excellence back on the front page of our personal volumes, and our Red Books should no longer be seen in open Chapter, but in our living rooms, studies, bedrooms, bathrooms and autos as we constantly practice our ritual to become truly excellent, and an example to all other Chapters. We CAN do this, so LET’S do this, and feel the satisfaction of ritual really well done! We are united in the Grand Design of being happy and communicating happiness. Let’s have some fun! Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Gavin S. Upton, Z 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. |