My term of office is quickly coming to an end. We have had a very successful year in the areas of membership, charity, visitations, developing an investment plan, and getting our constitution and by-laws updated. Again, I must express my sincere appreciation to the Grand Chapter officers, District Deputies and Area Coordinators for their assistance in making this year a success.

During this capitular year, there have been several chapters who have done something that they have not done in many years: confer degrees. I want to thank the following chapters for restarting themselves in conferring degrees, with and without extra assistance; they are DeKalb No. 52, Henry Godeke No. 38, Cary-Grove No. 36, Wheaton Chapter No. 242, Shabbona No. 37, Hillsboro Chapter 197, Jacksonville No. 3, Jackson Chapter No. 55, and Granite City No. 221. By these and other chapters doing work, coupled with our York Rite Unity Days, there will be approximately 250 new Holy Royal Arch Masons exalted during this year.

We have raised a thousand or more dollars for our Royal Arch Masons Charitable Foundation in addition to the monies turned over to us by the Grand Lodge from the sale of the Royal Arch Hospital. These funds will be used to research autism and to develop programs for children with autism. If you are looking for some place to make a charitable contribution, please remember your Royal Arch Charity.

On 31 July, in Peoria, the 160th Annual Convocation of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter will be convened. Plan to attend and support the Grand Chapter and the officers who will govern us during the 2009-2010 capitular year. Click here for reservation forms. Click here to order a special York Rite temporary Illinois registration plate for your car, to display during the grand sessions.

During the past year, I have enjoyed meeting so many of you and greeting our new Holy Royal Arch Masons. Let's keep this fire burning during the succeeding years. There are a lot of young Master Masons in the Symbolic Lodges who want to further their Masonic experiences. Each one of us can help them to meet that goal. If each one of the newly exalted companions gets one new candidate and each officer in each Royal Arch chapter gets one new candidate, Royal Arch Freemasonry will continue to grow.

Fraternally,

/s/

Richard E. Yena

Click here to email Dick.

Official Visits currently scheduled [click the chapter name for its address and meeting time]:

 

date 23 May

event Rededication of Shabbona Chapter No. 37 in Ottawa