High Priest Message
Companions:
The end of the pandemic is almost here and we are going back to work in the quarries. I hope that you have enjoyed the
summer!
We will be following all Covid restrictions based on the direction and guidance of both Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter.
If you are not fully vaccinated please wear a mask and use social distancing. The programs I have chosen for this year
are mostly educational. We must never stop learning and growing. If you have a suggestion for a program that you would
like please let me know and I will add it.
Finally Companions , I am very excited to see each and every one of you.
Respectfully,
E∴ Daniel P. Kwasnik
High Priest 2021
SCHEDULE
Opening at 7:30 pm unless otherwise noted.
2021
2022
See District Events at 8thCapitular. |
Annual Awards Night Dinner and Tribute to Veterans November 1, 2021 Companions only! Compliments of Oxford #254 6:30 pm Dinner Reservations by Oct. 18, 2021 to: James W. Hemstrought Jr. 607-843-6305 or E-mail: hemstroj at stny.rr.com Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner March 17, 2022 with “Wives” and “Guests” Oxford Chapter #254 27 Main St., Oxford, NY 13778 6:30 pm Dinner Compliments of Oxford #254 Reservations by March 9, 2022 to: James W. Hemstrought Jr. 607-843-6305 or E-mail: hemstroj at stny.rr.com |
Educational Minute:
Captain of the Host:
It is not possible to create a true and genuine brotherhood upon any theory of the baseness of human nature. There can be no real brotherhood without mutual regard, good opinion and esteem, and mutual allowance for faults and failings. It is only those who learn habitually to think better of each other, and who look for the good that is in each other, and who allow and overlook the evil, who can be brethren one of the other, in any true sense. - Albert Pike
Why should anyone Join the Royal Arch?
My first reason would be that indissoluble link to Blue Lodge (Craft) Freemasonry.
Another reason would be companionship and enjoyment. But, above all, joining the Royal Arch should increase your enjoyment of Freemasonry! It brings with it new experiences, new insights, and new Companions, all of which add to our pleasure and our enjoyment of Freemasonry. Every Master Mason aspires to attain the summit of Ancient Craft Masonry. All wish most earnestly to receive all the light and instruction which pertains to the Ancient Craft - the origin and foundation of the Institution. In the life of every Master Mason, moreover, there comes a time when he realizes that he has not yet attained that goal, that he is not yet in possession of all the rights and light of a Master Mason, as these were known and understood by his ancient brethren.
2021 OFFICERS
| High Priest | E∴ Daniel P. Kwasnik | |
| King | E∴ Raymond L. Sullivan | 26 No. Chenango St., Apt. 1, Greene, NY 13778 607-656-5702 |
| Scribe | E∴ James E. Dann | 13 Chenango Ave., Sherburne, NY 13460 607-674-2363 |
| Treasurer | R∴E∴ Hugh R. Price | PO Box 138, Oxford, NY 13830-0138 607-843-9680 |
| Secretary | M∴ E∴ James W. Hemstrought Jr. | PO Box 257, Oxford, NY 13830-0257 607-843-6305 hemstroj at stny.rr.com |
| Captain of the Host | Comp. Richard P. Freeman | |
| Principal Sojourner | R∴E∴ Robert N. Rogers | |
| Royal Arch Captain | Comp. Issac S. Spencer | |
| Master of of the Third Veil | ||
| Master the Second Veil | Comp. Arthur N. Carlson | |
| Master of the First Veil | R∴E∴ Steven R. Shearer | |
| Chaplain | E∴ James A. Meek | |
| Sentinel | E∴ Richard D. Howard | |
| Musician | R∴E∴ Francis K. Wilcox | |
| Trustee 3 years | E∴ James A. Meek | |
| Trustee 2 years | E∴ Homer A. Burch | |
| Trustee 1 year | E∴ Richard D. Howard | |
HONORARY MEMBERS
M∴E∴ Edmund D. Harrison, Grand High Priest 2002
M∴E∴ Walter J. Hilsenbeck, Grand High Priest 2005
M∴E∴ Michael T. Dunn, Grand High Priest 2012
FROM THE SECRETARY
Are You Concerned?
The Companions of Oxford Chapter #254 should be very proud of the fact that they can confer all the degrees of Royal Arch Masonry and have
repeatedly done so for other Chapters throughout the district and State. There is, however, a reason to be concerned. Only one companion has joined Oxford Chapter #254 since June 2013. We did have two companions affiliate with us, one in 2013 and one in 2014.
Over the years, our active companions have come from Oxford Lodge #175. Unfortunately, the occupations of the newer brothers have prevented them from being active or joining Royal Arch Masonry. Members of Oxford Lodge know the situation and I am confident things will change, hopefully sooner rather than later. We are fortunate to have membership from Sherburne, New Berlin, Edmeston, Hamilton, Eaton and Greene.
This prompts me to call on those Oxford Chapter companions, who have membership in other Lodges, to promote and encourage their brothers to join Royal Arch Masonry here in Oxford. We have a lot to offer them at the present time, but things can change rapidly if we don't begin to bring in new members. We also need to take on ritual duties currently being done by our older companions. Please ask yourself, when was
the last time I brought in a member to Oxford Chapter or learned a new part for a degree?
Obviously candidates are out there or we wouldn't be conferring all these degrees for other Chapters. We all have a stake in this matter, both in Lodge and Chapter. If you need a petition I have them or you can download one from the Grand Chapter website (www.ny-royal-arch.org).