Grand Council - yorkriteofcalifornia.org Grand_Council_Proceedings.pdfAASR Executive...

The Most Illustrious

Grand Councilof

Cryptic Masonsof the State of

California

Proceedingsof the

143rd Annual Assembly

Ventura, CaliforniaApril 28, A. D. 2003, A. Dep. 3003

2003 Proceedings - Grand Council, Cryptic Masons of California

Grand Council Officers2002-03

142nd MOST ILLUSTRIOUS GRAND MASTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dalton A. NolandPalo Alto Council No. 51 (831) 438-3742522-66 Bean Creek Rd; Scotts Valley 95066-3351 BarbaraDEPUTY GRAND MASTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edmund W. HeathCyrus Council No. 15 (805) 340-7841P. O. Box 3025; Camarillo 93011-3025 DorothyGRAND PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR OF THE WORK . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry A. Reynolds, Sr.Roseville Council No. 54 (530) 885-59961255 Boot Hill Ln; Newcastle 95658-9658 BarbaraGRAND TREASURER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald C. Gross, MIPGMSan Jose Council No. 20 (408) 255-184612182 Kirkbrook Dr; Saratoga 95070-3204 ShirleyGRAND RECORDER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth G. HopeShekinah Council No. 35 (562) 436-8271801 Elm Ave; Long Beach 90813-4414 SonnyGRAND DIRECTOR OF RITUAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken G. NagelSan Jose Council No. 20 (408) 984-08392131 Briarwood Dr; Santa Clara 95051-1944 KathleenGRAND CHAPLAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Calvin G. LessingPalo Alto Council No. 51 (650) 941-5668683 Panchita Wy; Los Altos 95051-1944 KathleenGRAND CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jose A. FissAlhambra Council No. 25 (818) 899-413413436 Bracken St; Arleta 91331-5707 Rosa MariaGRAND CONDUCTOR OF THE COUNCIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert G. GrauerRedwood Empire Council No. 46 (707) 664-18708861 Poplar Ave; Cotati 94931-9606 MarianneGRAND STEWARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William J. “Joe” RylandAlhambra Council No. 25 (626) 287-58815212 Kauffman Ave; Temple City 91780-3948 KatieGRAND SENTINEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John C. “Jack” Carpenter, Jr.GRAND ORATOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John L. Cooper IIIGRAND MARSHAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Leslie Dent, MIPGMGRAND ORGANIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carl F. MiesckeGRAND SOLOIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W. Bruce PruittGRAND BIBLE BEARER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank LouiGRAND STANDARD BEARER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John W. Runcie IIGRAND CALLIGRAPHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Albert G. Cowan, Jr.ASSISTANT GRAND RECORDER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Albert M. Lewis

Proceedings of the Most Illustrious

Grand Council of Cryptic Masons

of the State of California

143rd Annual AssemblyMonday, April 28, A. D. 2003 A. Dep. 3003

Marriott Ventura HotelVentura, California

Most Illustrious Companion

Dalton A. Noland142nd Most Illustrious Grand Master

2003 Proceedings - Grand Council Cryptic Masons of California

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CertificationThis is to certify that the following transcript is a true copy of the Proceedings of the 143rd AnnualAssembly of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of the State of California, held in the City ofVentura, County of Ventura, State of California on the 28th day of April, A. D. 2003, A. Dep. 3003.Witness my signature with the Seal of the Grand Council, Cryptic Masons of California, affixed andthe attestation of the Grand Recorder.

Dalton A. NolandMost Illustrious Grand Master

ATTEST:

Kenneth G. HopeGrand Recorder


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Dalton A. Noland

142nd Most Illustrious Grand Master

2002-03


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Biography of Dalton A. NolandMost Illustrious Grand Master, 2002-03

BornDalton Alexander Noland: Born on 7-14-38. Eldest son of Alexander George Noland and BerthaLeota Noland (maiden name “Pickett”) both deceased.Trout Creek, Ontario, Canada. Three brothers Kenneth, Terry, Dennis and one sister Anita. Allof whom, reside in Canada.

WifeBarbara May Noland (maiden name “Hague”).Past Matron Willow Glen Chapter, No. 530, Order of the Eastern Star. Past President Willow Glen Chapter, Past Matron’s Association.Past President San Jose Scottish Rite Women’s Association (three times). Past President of Palo Alto York Rite Ladies Auxiliary.Past President and Treasurer of Delta Theta Tau Sorority. Rebecca (I.O.O.F.).

EducationKing George Public School, Kirkland Lake, Ontario. Kirkland Lake Vocational and Technical College. Master in Business Administration: Thru a Correspondence Course. Master in Theology: Thru a Correspondence Course.

MilitaryCanadian Army: Communications & Weapons Specialist.(Specialist Training “Cadre Instructor”). Specialties: Expert Rifle Marksman, boxing, unarmed combat, weapons and survival training skills.Physical Trainer of Royal Canadian Dragoons, Black Watch, Canadian Guards, Royal CanadianRegiment, 22nd Regiment, P.P.C.L.I., Royal Canadian Light Horse Artillery. Served: Suez and Germany.United States Navy: Served on U.S.S. Delta AR9. U.S.N. Diver, Shallow Water, RebreatherApparatus, Scuba.

Hard HatGreat Lakes training in diesel/gas/turbo engine repair. S.E.R.S. training State of Washington.Weapons training Camp Pendleton Marine Base.Served: Japan, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam in MeKong Delta, Saigon and Qui Nhon.Served with: Air Rescue, Recon Marines, Seabees, Army and Korean Army, Brown Water NavySquadron No. 530.

CivilThurston Tool and Die, Machinist, San Leandro, California. Started as Setup Specialist (Trainer). Caterpillar Tractor, 12 years manufacturing management at San Leandro Manufacturing Plant inCalifornia

Blue LodgeRaised in Fraternity Lodge No. 399, San Jose CA. 1983. Worshipful Master of Fraternity Lodge No. 399 in 1990. Life member.Affiliated member Soquel/Pajaro Lodge No. 110. Inspector Masonic District No. 175 since 1991. (Became M.D. 575 in 2001).Inspector Santa Clara Valley Daylight Lodge No. 844 during their Dispensation and Charter.


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Member Quatuor Cononati Lodge No. 2076 Correspondence Circle.Member El Camino Research Lodge. Member Southern California Research Lodge. Life member Past Master’s Association. Former Grand Lodge Committee on Task Force for Masonic Renewal (1996).

York RitePast High Priest Palo Alto Chapter No. 93 of Royal Arch Masons. Past Illustrious Master Palo Alto Council No. 51 of Cryptic Masons. Past Commander Palo Alto Commandery No. 47 of Knights Templar. Past Governor El Camino Real York Rite College No. 131.Past Excellent Chief Clanna Ruid Ruide Council Knight Masons No. 58.Past Very Worthy Celebrant VIII, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis.Presently Secretary/Treasurer Golden State College, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis.Past Sovereign Master of Santa Clara Valley Council No.248 Allied Masonic Degrees.Honorary Member of Britannia Council Knight Masons No. 303.Former Inspector Dept. No. 3, Arch 7 of Cryptic Masons in California (1995).Knight York Cross of Honor (KYCH) San Francisco Priory No. 38. Knight of the Red Branch of Eri and Appendant Orders.Life Member Grand College of Rites of the U.S.A.Life member Holy Order Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests. Life member Order of Thrice Illustrious Masters. Life member Past Commanders Association of California. Life member Masonic Order of the Bath U.S.A. Life member Ye Ancient Order of Corks.Member and Senior General-Saint Francis Conclave - Red Cross of Constantine.Member Royal Arch Mariner Oxford Lodge No. 1.Member California Commandery No. 1. Knights Templar.Member Philalethes Society.Member Battalion and Bells.Member The Saint Lawrence Association.Member Oasis Council No. 64, Cryptic Masons of California.Honorary Charter Member Britannia Council No. 303 of the Allied Masonic Degrees.Charter Member Butte Preceptory No.179 in Rothesay, Isle of Butte, Scotland. (Grand PrioryStrathclyde).Past Governor of El Camino York Rite Sovereign College Knights of York.

AASRExecutive Director/Trustee/Secretary of the San Jose Scottish Rite Foundation since 1990. Representative San Jose Scottish Rite to the California Scottish Rite Foundation since 1990. General Secretary/Recorder/Registrar San Jose Scottish Rite Bodies since 1990. Invested Knight Commander of the Court of Honour (1993).Coroneted 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason (1999). Publisher/Editor Rite News for the San Jose Scottish Rite Bodies since 1988. Charter Member Scottish Rite Research Society.Life member Royal Order of Scotland. Life member Robert the Bruce.Life member Firth of Forth.

ShrineMember Islam Temple Past President Santa Cruz Shrine Club (1998). Life member Camel Herders.


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Past Trustee Santa Cruz Shrine Club Board.Other

Honor member Bethel No. 233 Job Daughters. Past Advisor on the Willow Glen Rainbow Board.Life member and Heros of 76’, National Sojourners, General Morrill W. Marston, Chapter #412Past Patron Willow Glen Chapter #530, Order of Eastern Star.Life member Willow Glen Chapter #530 Order of the Eastern Star now Blossom Hill Chapter.Rose Award Nominee by the Chamber of Commerce, City of San Jose.

InterestsMasonic History. Writing.Senior Center volunteer in Scotts Valley.Teaching computer skills to senior enthusiasts.Target Shooting at the Los Altos Rod and Gun Club Range. Scotts Valley City Council if time permits.


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Officers of General Grand CouncilCryptic Masons, International

Perry B. Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GENERAL GRAND MASTERM.I.P.G.M. - South Dakota 216 N. Van Buren(605) 224-2406 Pierre, SD 57501

Maurice C. “Bud” Himes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DEPUTY GENERAL GRAND MASTERM.I.P.G.M. - Alabama 1314 Fern Rd(334) 886-2163 Slocomb, AL 36375

Joe Vale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GENERAL GRAND PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR OF THE WORKM.I.P.G.M. - North Carolina 3609 Southwood Dr.(704) 824-3444 Gastonia, NC 28056

Melburn C. "Bud" Barnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GENERAL GRAND TREASURERM.I.P.G.M. - Kansas 725 North 10th(316) 378-3839 Fredonia, KS 66736

Ronald E. Fullerlove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GENERAL GRAND RECORDERM.I.P.G.M. - Illinois P. O. Box 310(309) 593-2812 Sherrard, IL 61281-0310

Robert E. Burleson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GENERAL GRAND CHAPLAIN

Donald C. Gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GENERAL GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD

George R. McCormick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GENERAL GRAND CONDUCTOR OF THE COUNCIL

Carl D. Pengra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GENERAL GRAND MARSHAL

Douglas Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GENERAL GRAND STEWARD

John H. Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GENERAL GRAND SENTINEL

H. Edward Barr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. G. G. M. - SOUTHWEST REGIONM.I.P.G.M. - California P. O. Box 779(760) 952-2315 Helendale, CA 92342


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Living Honorary, Emeritus and PastGrand Council Officers

MOST ILLUSTRIOUS PAST GRAND MASTERSGeorge D. Yale (44) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Anne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (530) 283-0487P. O. Box 164; Quincy 95971-0164 1973

Clifford L. Duncan (54) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nelcean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (501) 345-2164P. O. Box 91; Floral, AR 72534-0091 1975

Donald C. Briggs (51) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sonja . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (530) 320-61624050 Jay Pl; Auburn 95602 1979

Phillip F. Hofer (21) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dorothy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (909) 987-21218544 Bella Vista; Alta Loma 91701-1366 1981

Victor N. Legerton (11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (818) 248-77963920 Oakgrove Ct; Glendale 91214-3257 1984

David P. Ottinger (11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (818) 882-37778800 Eton Ave #70; Canoga Park 91304-1602 1988

Jack H. Devers, Sr. (21) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blanche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (909) 549-69751506 J. T. Eisley Dr; Corona 92881-4030 1989

Ira R. Herring (47) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (209) 383-65301720 Jean St; Merced 95340-52373136 1992

Bruce Carmitchel (11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (805) 937-48343266 Greenacre Dr; Santa Maria 93455-2450 1993

C. Leslie Dent (29) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (925) 828-26737643 Starward Dr; Dublin 94566-1842 1994

Roy M. Haber, Jr. (42) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (626) 336-18461712 Vallecito Dr; Hacienda Heights 91745-3342 1995

H. Edward Barr (11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (760) 952-2315P. O. Box 779; Helendale 92342-0779 1996

Paul E. McCleary (58) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vivian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858) 748-729112911 Oak Knoll Rd; Poway 92064-5621 1998

Donald C. Gross (20) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shirley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (408) 255-184612182 Kirkwood Dr; Saratoga 95070-3204 1999

Max C. Livingston (26) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claudine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (949) 388-106938 Corte Pinturas: San Clemente 92673-6864 2000

James G. Baum (46) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LuAnn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (760) 843-9258P. O. Box 599: Helendale 92342-0599 2001


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PAST GRAND DIRECTORS OF RITUALJack H. Devers, Sr. (21) Blanche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (909) 549-69751506 J. T. Eisley Dr; Corona 92881-4030

GRAND RECORDER EMERITUSDavid W. C. Kidder (14) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. O. Box 618; Malvern OH 44644


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Journal of Proceedings of the143rd Annual Assembly of the Grand Councilof Cryptic Masons of the State of California

Informal Opening Ceremonies

Reception of Distinguished Members and GuestsGRAND CHAPTER

Most Excellent Companion Harry T. Hall, K.Y.G.C.H., Grand High Priest, and the Officers of theGrand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of California.

GRAND COMMANDERYSir Knight Robert C. Coe, K.Y.G.C.H., Right Eminent Grand Commander, and the Officers of theGrand Commandery of Knights Templar of the State of California.

DISTINGUISHED VISITORSMost Worshipful Brother M. William Holsinger, Jr., Grand Master of Masons in CaliforniaMost Puissant Companion Perry B. Anderson, K.Y.G.C.H., General Grand Master of the GeneralGrand Council, Cryptic Masons International. Past Grand High Priest, Past Grand Illustrious Masterand Past Grand Commander of South Dakota.Sir Knight Richard B. Baldwin, K.Y.G.C.H., G.C.T., Right Eminent Grand Generalissimo of theGrand Encampment, Knights Templar of the U.S.A.Most Excellent Companion Xavier A. “Sam” Pitassi, K.Y.G.C.H., General Grand Captain of theHost; Deputy Grand High Priest - Southwest Region; Past Grand High Priest of California,Eminently Distinguished Grand Governor of California, Sovereign York Rite College of NorthAmerica.Right Puissant Companion H. Edward Barr, K.Y.G.C.H., Deputy General Grand Master -Southwestern Region of the General Grand Council, Cryptic Masons International. Most IllustriousPast Grand Master of California.Sir Knight Paul A. Monroe, K.C.T., Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of KnightsTemplar of Arizona; Southwestern Department Commander, Grand Encampment Knights Templarof the United States of America.Right Puissant Companion Donald C. Gross, K.Y.G.C.H., General Grand Captain of the Guard of theGeneral Grand Council, Cryptic Masons International. Most Illustrious Past Grand Master ofCalifornia.Most Excellent Companion Murray E. Cooke, K.Y.G.C.H., Past General Grand High Priest of theGeneral Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons International, Past Grand High Priest of California.Most Excellent Companion Stanley C. Miller, K.Y.G.C.H., Most Excellent Grand High Priest of theGrand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Oregon.Sir Knight James G. Kelley, Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery KnightsTemplar of Nevada.Sir Knight Robert A. Elsner, K.Y.G.C.H., Right Eminent Past Grand Commander of the GrandCommandery Knights Templar of Arizona.


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Most Illustrious Companion David G. Stankow, K.Y.G.C.H., Most Illustrious Past Grand Master ofthe Grand Council of Nevada, Grand Secretary-Recorder of the Grand York Rite of Arizona.Mrs. William Chant, CT, Past Supreme Worthy President, Supreme Assembly Social Order of theBeauceant.Mrs. Fred Buxton, CT Past Supreme Worthy President, Supreme Assembly Social Order of theBeauceant.Mrs. Carolyn A. McGill, Grand Royal Matron, California Grand Court, Order of the Amaranth.Bro. Roy Mathews, Grand Royal Patron, California Grand Court, Order of the Amaranth.


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Grand Oration“Back to the Future”

by: John L. Cooper III

Most Illustrious Grand Master, Most Worshipful Grand Master, brethren and ladies. It is a pleasurefor me to speak to you once more as Grand Orator. Over the years I have had the privilege of servingour Grand Council on several occasions as your Grand Orator, and each Grand Master has affordedme an opportunity to share some of my thoughts with the leaders of the York Rite in California.Today is no exception, and I personally thank Most Illustrious Companion Dalton Noland for onceagain lending me a platform from which to bring to your attention matters of importance to the Craftin general, and York Rite Freemasonry in particular. It is my hope that today will add to ourunderstanding of the challenges we will be facing in the near future. In fact, my topic today concernsevents that will happen in California in the very near future – within the next fifteen months at most,and which in all probability will cause all Masonic leaders in California to re-examine long-heldopinions, and cherished beliefs. Some will greet what I have to say with enthusiastic support andapproval. Some will greet it with dismay, and perhaps even anger. My goal today is to help youunderstand what will happen, and why, with particular attention to its impact on our chapters,councils and commanderies.All Knights Templar in California have to be Cryptic Masons; all Cryptic Masons have to be RoyalArch Masons; and all Royal Arch Masons must first be Master Masons. This fundamental truthgives the York Rite of Freemasonry a crucial stake in how many Master Masons we have availableto us as candidates, and the quality of those Master Masons determines the quality of our ownmembership. The quality of our York Rite membership determines the quality of leadership, and thequality of our leadership determines our very existence as a quality extension of Ancient CraftMasonry. Even if we wished to do so, as York Rite Masons we cannot ignore fundamental issues thataffect Ancient Craft Masonry in California. We have too much at stake merely to concentrate onissues of importance to us as York Rite Masons. Issues affecting our craft lodges affect our chapters,councils and commanderies. Let us then take a look at a major issue which will be before us asMaster Masons in the next few months.In 1992 the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia launched what has come to be known as the“One Day Class” program for conferring the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry in one day.Although the District of Columbia actually took two days to confer the three degrees, and continuesto do so, all the other Grand Lodges who adopted the program thereafter conferred all the degreeson groups of candidates in a single day. Today more than half the Grand Lodges in the United Stateshave, or have had, “One Day Conferrals” of the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry. Over the elevenyears since the first of these special conferrals in 1992 by the Grand Lodge of the District ofColumbia, the debate over the validity of the “One Day Conferral” and its value to Freemasonry hascontinued unabated.Should you wish to consult an excellent source of information on this subject, I invite you to visitthe website of Brother Paul Bessel. Paul is a Grand Lodge Office in the Grand Lodge of the Districtof Columbia, and is a Masonic researcher and scholar interested in the analysis of statisticalinformation about Freemasonry. On his website you will learn the history of these “One DayConferrals”, and lists of reasons why some Freemasons are passionately attached to this way ofmaking Masons, and why some Freemasons are passionately opposed to the same thing. It is clearto me that if we took a poll of Masons in this room we would find some that strongly support theidea; some who oppose it with equal fervor; and some who are uncertain as to what all the debateis about. It is to the last group that I am addressing my remarks today. If your mind is already madeup, one way or the other, I doubt that I will have much influence on your opinion. If you know


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enough about it to have a firmly held conviction, one way or the other, I am unlikely to change yourmind – if it needs changing. But listen anyway – just in case I share something you have not yetconsidered.It is curious that when the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia conferredthe three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry in a period of two days, it was considered by manyMasons as an innovation, widely condemned as a violation of the fundamental law of Freemasonry.Perhaps this widespread condemnation was a result of a misunderstanding of the ancient practice of“Making a Mason at Sight,” which has always been reserved to Grand Masters, and which resultsin the conferral of the degrees in some abbreviated form and in a short space of time – usually in oneday. In truth, the right of “Making a Mason at Sight” – all the degrees conferred in one day on acandidate – is actually older than the practice of conferring the three degrees of Ancient CraftMasonry on separate occasions, and certainly much older than the practice of requiring a candidateto demonstrate his proficiency by memorizing part of the Ritual as a condition of advancing to thenext degree.Equally old in Freemasonry is the practice of conferring the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry onmore than one candidate at a time. Although jurisdictions differ in how they do it, a group ofcandidates will individually participate in part of a degree, and then join with others in the group forother parts of a degree. Doing this is not an innovation in Masonry any more than conferring all thedegrees in one day is an innovation. What was different in 1992 in the District of Columbia, and inother jurisdictions after that, was the bringing together of these two ancient practices – conferringall the degrees over the space of one or two days, and conferring these degrees on a group.Change is not easy. In the 1950’s many churches adopted the Revised Standard Version of the Bibleas the version to be read in its church services. For many church members the new, contemporarylanguage was jarring on the ear, and it was difficult for many to adjust. The beauty of the AuthorizedVersion of 1611 – called the King James Version, after James the First of England under whosesponsorship it had been translated from the original languages, was missed. The fact that biblicalscholarship had advanced in the more than three hundred years since the King James Version waspublished was overlooked by many who were used to the sonorous, if inaccurate, translation. Thereis a story that the pastor of a major congregation in one of our larger cities noticed that one long timechurch member had not been to church recently. He called on her at her home to find out why, andin the course of his visit, the conversation turned to why she was avoiding coming to church. Not oneto mince words, she was adamant that she did not like the new version of the Bible that was beingread in church. As far as she was concerned, she told the pastor, if the King James Version was goodenough for the Apostle Paul, it was good enough for her!We often cling to familiar patterns and habits not because we understand them, but just because theyare familiar. Finding out that our cherished notions are not as ancient as we thought they were canbe unsettling. And it is unsettling to some to learn that conferring the three degrees of Ancient CraftMasonry all in one day is almost a Landmark in Masonry. Indeed, when Bro. Albert Mackey, thecelebrated Masonic scholar of the 19th century, published his list of 25 Landmarks, one of them wasthe right of a Grand Master to make a Mason at sight. Rather than being an innovation, its historyis long, and its roots go deep. What the District of Columbia did in 1992 was not so much adeparture from a time-honored way of doing Freemasonry as it was the use of a time-honored wayof doing Freemasonry in a new context. Up to that time “Making a Mason at Sight” had been usedonly to make prominent men Masons. It was now used to make ordinary men, most of whom had noparticular claim to political or social prominence, Masons in one day. Overlooked was the fact thatthis supposedly “new” way of making Masons shared some important characteristics with the wayit was practiced when only one man at a time was made a Mason in one day.First, “Making a Mason at Sight” had always been the exception rather than the rule. In the Districtof Columbia it was, and still is, the exception rather than the rule. Most candidates for the degreesof Ancient Craft Masonry in the District of Columbia continued to receive the degrees in the


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traditional manner – one at a time, and on separate occasions. Secondly, “Making a Mason at Sight”involved using the traditional rituals of Freemasonry to do it, with modifications in procedures thatwere at most accommodation to the group nature of the conferral rather than any fundamentaldeparture. A study of the practice of “Making a Mason at Sight” from the earliest recorded instancein 1720 in London, England, down to the latest such conferrals revealed many more instances ofmodifying the ritual to accommodate the circumstances of the candidate than was the case in the firstgroup conferrals in the District of Columbia. In other words, the supposed “innovation” pioneeredby the District of Columbia was not much of an innovation at all, when considered in the context ofwhat Mackey thought was a Landmark. The “innovation” consisted in using an old tool in a newcontext, and not much more.Over the next ten years after 1992 various Grand Lodges in the United States experimented withvariations of what had been pioneered by the District of Columbia. However, until 2002 most of theGrand Lodges were smaller Grand Lodges, the most notable exception to that pattern being theGrand Lodge of Illinois – a Grand Lodge close in size to the Grand Lodge of California. Each yearmore and more Grand Lodges tried conferring the degrees on a group of candidates, and all threedegrees in the same day. But in 2002 things took a new, and more serious turn. Major Grand Lodgesjoined the list of Grand Lodges offering the “One Day Conferral” as an option to the customaryconferral of degrees on three separate occasions. Ohio stunned the Masonic world when it Raised8,000 Master Masons on the same day in March, 2002. Never before had that many new MasterMasons been created all on one day. The idea of the “One Day Conferral” had reached a new andcritical level. Many of the standard arguments against the “One Day Conferral” had to be re-examined, and were re-examined by Masonic leaders across the country. Nothing like that had everhappened in the history of Freemasonry in one day – and very little like that had happened even inone year in any American Grand Lodges since long before anyone alive could remember. We hadgrown so used to the idea that most men were not interested in Freemasonry that we were astoundedthat 8,000 men wanted to become Masons all at once. We had grown so used to the idea thatFreemasonry was not attractive to the younger generation that we were astonished to find out thatmen in their twenties and thirties – in droves – wanted to become Masons. We were so used to theidea that our sons and grandsons would never ask that all-important question – ask us if they couldbecome Masons – that we could not believe our eyes when hundreds and hundreds of sons andgrandsons came from all over America to Ohio to become Masons alongside their fathers andgrandfathers. What had changed? Did Ohio go out to the shopping malls and give an application toany man who would take one? Did Ohio promise these candidates that they would get a free vacationin Hawaii if they signed up? Did Ohio take in men who would be rejected as applicants by any self-respecting Masonic lodge? Did they raid the prisons and the flop-houses on skid row to get all thosemen? What was going on?The word soon spread from Ohio across the country as to what had happened. No, they didn’t handout applications on Main Street to any man who happened to walk down the sidewalk. They didn’tpromise a vacation in Hawaii to any man who would sign up. They didn’t by-pass their lodges, andconfer the degrees of Masonry on any man, good or bad, who walked in the door. Each and everyone filled out an application for the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, each man was investigatedby a regular Masonic lodge in Ohio, each man was balloted on in the traditional manner by a regularlodge of Masons, and unanimously elected to membership. Not a one was coerced or bribed, ortalked into signing an application. Each and every one asked to become a Mason of his “own freewill and accord.” So why? What happened? How did they do it?Last summer our Grand Master and Executive Committee invited the Grand Secretary of Ohio tocome to California to spend two days with us, and to talk to us about their experience. We learneda lot in those two days. We asked questions about how they did it – and why. We talked at lengthabout all the usual concerns and objections that are raise about such “One Day Conferrals”. And wecame away convinced that Ohio had done something of great value for Freemasonry in this country.We came away understanding that the use of an ancient way of making a man a Mason – a variation


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of “Making a Mason at Sight” – was an alternative that we needed in California. The only questionwas how – and when – it would happen. Everyone present believed not only that it should happenin California, but that it could happen and would happen – and in the not too distant future.Our conversations with the Grand Secretary of Ohio were not the first time that we had studied these“One Day Conferrals.” The year before we had sent a team – including our then Grand Lecturer andthe four Assistant Grand Lecturers – to Arizona to study their program. Then – last month – we sentanother team to New York to witness 3,000 men made Masons in “One Day Conferrals”. In bothinstances, our study teams returned with positive and enthusiastic endorsement of what they hadseen. Not only did this alternative, and ancient, way of making Masons worked, it had some positiveaspects that making Masons in the current and customary manner lacks. They reported an excitementon the part of both the candidates and those conferring the degrees that is all too rare in thecustomary method. How often have you and I attended an Entered Apprentice Degree and felt a senseof sadness at the empty sidelines. Here is the most important step in the life of the candidate – theevening that he embarks on a lifelong journey into Freemasonry – and nobody cares enough to cometo see him off of his voyage. How many times have you and I sat in embarrassed silence in a lodgewhile inept and poorly prepared officers struggled to confer the degrees of Masonry in a manner thatmakes us want to crawl under the carpet for shame. How many times have you heard lodge officerstell a new Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft Mason that he really doesn’t have to do much tobecome a Master Mason. All he has to do is memorize a short Obligation, learn a few basics, reada simple booklet and take an open-book test. How many times have you listen to well-meaningMasons tell these candidates that he doesn’t’ need to understand anything about becoming a Mason– none of that “Masonic Education stuff” – but that all he has to do is just get through the degreesas soon as possible so that we can appoint him as Junior Steward. You see, we tell him, the lodgehe joined is going out of business soon because it doesn’t have any officers, and we want him to getthe degrees over with as soon as possible so that he can save our lodge! Oh – and by the way – heis told he can’t talk to anyone about Masonry. Don’t tell his wife anything about the degrees – its allsecret, you see. And we never ask him if he has a friend who might like to be a Mason. We are soconvinced that no one wants to be a Mason anyway, what would possibly be different about hisfriends? And to confirm what we have done to him, using the “traditional” ways of Making aMason”, we make sure that if he doesn’t come back after his Third Degree that no one ever calls him,talks to him about Masonry, gets acquainted with his family and friends, or does anything else tomake him feel like he joined a premier organization. And unless he is already a Master Mason hewill join the thousands and thousands of Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts who never becomeMaster Masons – because why would he want to anyway? From the beginning we have told him thatthe organization he is joining is a loser, and he is probably a loser, too, for being dumb enough to“join the Masons.”Contrast this with what the candidates for the “One Day Conferrals” experience in places like Ohioand New York. They probably learned about Freemasonry, and its ideals, from a public relationscampaign telling the public what it is that Freemason are and what they do. In Ohio and in New Yorkprofessional “ads” about Freemasonry were developed to show in movie theaters – not asking mento “join the Masons,” but telling them who Masons are and what they do, along with a telephonenumber to call. In New York they mailed letters to business and professional men telling them aboutFreemasonry, and asking them to call the same number, or contact a website they created, if theywanted more information. And they sent letters to their own members telling them if they had sonsor grandsons who ought to become Masons to give the Grand Lodge the information, and they wouldbe contacted about the forthcoming “One Day Conferral.” Innovative? Yes. Expensive? Yes.Effective? Yes! Did any California men become Masons in Ohio and New York in the “One DayConferrals”? You bet they did. We routinely receive requests for a waiver of jurisdiction onCalifornia residents from other jurisdictions – usually sons and grandsons of Masons in thosejurisdictions – and lodges routinely approve the waivers. California men travel to Arizona, to Ohio,to New York, to become Masons. And smart lodges, who approved these waivers in the first place,


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contact them when they come home and ask them to come down to the lodge in their own communityand find out more about what they experienced in Arizona, or Ohio, or New York. What else didthey do that we aren’t doing now? They gave their members an excuse to talk about becoming aMason to friends and relatives. Our rules against talking someone into becoming a Mason – becausethat’s what solicitation really is – don’t apply. Not only can we talk to men about becoming Masons,we need to be doing so. We have discovered that the “One Day Conferrals” provide just the kind ofexcuse that many of our members have been waiting for to talk about Masonry.What more did they do? They conferred the degrees using some of the best ritualists available. Whenis the last time your lodge had “try outs” for the parts? When is the last time that there wascompetition among your best ritualists to see who gets to do the work? When was the last time yousaw a degree conferred letter-perfect, with dignity and drama, where every speaking part could beheard by all those in attendance, and where the meaning of the spoken word came through to you ina new and powerful way? What more? They used their best and most experienced Masons to tell thecandidates the meaning of the degrees in special education sessions between the degrees, and – insome cases – following the Third Degree of Masonry. When was the last time you were thrilled thatan Entered Apprentice or a Fellow Craft – or a new Master Mason – really understood what he hadexperienced? When was the last time you heard him talking enthusiastically about the meaning ofour degrees? Well, it happened in Ohio, and in New York. And it will happen here. There is nodoubt that California will make the same commitment to this ancient – and alternative way – of“Making a Mason.” And I predict that it will happen sooner than you or I ever imagined. It mayeven happen within the next fifteen to eighteen months.Why? Why would California be seriously interested in a “One Day Conferral” as an alternative wayof “Making a Mason”? I have listed some things, above, that distinguish these conferrals from thedegrees as conferred in many lodges, but obviously not all lodges exhibit the depressingcharacteristics outlined above. Some lodges do a very good job of Initiating, Passing, and RaisingMasons. Is there any evidence that men made in these good lodges are better Masons than those whoare made Masons in the “One Day Conferral” in other jurisdictions? Is there any evidence that theyare not as good Masons? Again, take a look at Paul Bessel’s website to read some of his conclusions.As he studied the practice across the country he found that there was little difference betweenMasons who took the degrees in the traditional manner, and those that took the degrees in throughthe “One Day Conferral” method. About the same number dropped out, or were suspended for non-payment of dues; about the same number came back to lodge and became active; about the samenumber in both groups became lodge officers. So if these results were the same, why try a new wayof making Masons? The answers lie in the numbers of new Master Masons, and the impact of thesenew Masons on their lodge.Please remember that I told you that by every test these new Masons were the same quality Masonsas all others who applied for the degrees of Masonry and received them in the traditional way. Thatmeans that, other things being equal, a lot more men discovered that Freemasonry was attractive tothem than ever before. If the experience of Ohio were replicated in California, we would have eightthousand new Master Masons in one year. The last time that the Grand Lodge of California had8,000 new Master Masons in one year was 1956! We had over seven hundred lodges in 1956. Todaywe have 350 lodges. If each lodge Raised 22 Master Masons this year – they would have to confersixty-six degrees in one year. At a recent Wardens’ Retreat we asked for a show of hands from theSenior Wardens present as to how many of their lodges were up to conferring sixty-six degrees ina single year. Only a sprinkling of hands went up. They had not thought about the consequences ofhaving to do all that work – and felt unprepared to do so.Again, assuming that each of those 8,000 men was a man who should be a Mason, with thereluctance of many of our lodges to tackle such a daunting task, a huge number would have been putoff by lodges not interested in working hard to make them Masons. And remember that I wascounting each and every lodge in the state. Some are small, and in communities with a small


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population. The burden would obviously fall on the lodges in the metropolitan areas to care the load.And I suggest that they would simply collapse under the staggering weight of the task.Let me refocus your thinking in the matter. If the Grand Lodge of California were to take the sameapproach as Ohio and California, and make a major effort to identify a huge number of men whowant to be Masons. If we attracted them so successfully that they filled out applications forindividual lodges, were investigated in the normal manner, and unanimously elected to receive thedegrees of Masonry in our lodges – we simply could not accommodate them for years and years!If we expect to grow again in dramatic and significant ways in the next few years, we will have tolook to other methods to do it. We may have been able to handle it in 1956, but not today. We aresimply too small to do so.I, therefore, suggest to you that it will be a given that California will try a “One Day Conferral”. Ihave already received a resolution which would authorize it, and there well may be a Grand Master’sRecommendation on the subject. It may not happen this year, but I firmly believe that our memberswill vote to allow an alternative way of making Masons. The possibility of the infusion of new andquality men into our lodges will be just too much to pass up. And when lodges realize that there aregenuine benefits from having significant numbers of new Masons available and eager to practiceFreemasonry, and to become officers in their lodges, the decision will be an overwhelming one.What will be our role as York Rite Masons in all this? We have some choices before us. First, ourinfluence on the outcome. A key to the success of all the “One Day Conferrals” is the appointmentof a mentor for each candidate. Everyone one of the 3,000 candidates in New York had a mentorassigned from his lodge. That’s three thousand mentors. They were trained in what they wereexpected to do as mentors, and that training included a commitment to see that their candidateattended his lodge as soon after his Third Degree as possible. It included a commitment to helpinghim learn about his new Fraternity, to meeting his family and friends, and making sure that theyknew something about Freemasonry as well. And it included a commitment to continue to be “afriend, whom I afterward found to be a brother,” as someone once said to you and me. What amagnificent opportunity for every man in this room to make a new friend, and to influence hislifelong perception of what Freemasonry is all about. It will be impossible, if he really becomes yourfriend, for him to fail to notice that part of your passion for Freemasonry includes your Royal Archchapter, your Cryptic Council, your commandery of Knights Templar.He will ask you questions about Freemasonry. What are “Masons Marks”? And you tell him aboutMark Master Masonry. He will ask you about King Solomon’s Temple, and you will tell him aboutthe completion and dedication of King Solomon’s Temple as explained in the Most Excellent MasterDegree. He will ask you about the importance of the Bible in Freemasonry, and you will tell himstories from the Bible of the destruction of King Solomon’s Temple, the Babylonian Captivity, therebuilding of the Temple under Zerubbal. He will ask you the meaning of the Lost Master’s Word,and you will tell him the stories of Hiram Abiff, of Adonhiram, of the Three Principal Sojourners,who discovered things of inestimable value to the Craft. He may even ask you about the KnightsTemplar, and stories he has heard about their connection with Freemasonry. You don’t need to weara red coat, you don’t need to give him a pamphlet, you don’t need to recruit him to become a YorkRite Mason. You just have to be who you are – a friend, whom he now knows as a brother – and allthe rest will fall into place.You cannot do this directly as a York Rite Mason, but you can do it as a member of your lodge. Thisroom is filled with men of influence in Masonry in California. You can make a difference. You cangive thoughtful consideration to supporting any changes in our law which may be necessary toexpedite this ancient alternative way of becoming a Mason. You can look around for men whoshould be Masons, and for whom the One Day Conferral may offer an opportunity to talk about hisinterest in becoming a Mason. You can talk to your sons and grandsons about an exciting way ofbecoming a part of something that has made his father or grandfather the kind of man he admires.You can prepare yourself to help confer the degrees, or teach the candidates, or help with the


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planning and the logistics. Or you can volunteer, when the time comes, to serve as a mentor – oneof the greatest honors you may ever have in Freemasonry. You can do all this, and more. OR: Or youcan leave here today skeptical of the new use of this ancient way of Making a Mason. You can returnhome confident that the Freemasonry you love may not be here when your great-grandson discoversit. You can go away confident that there will be fewer Masons in your lodge next year than this year,and that fewer and fewer Masons who survive will want to learn anything about the York Rite ofFreemasonry. You can help us light the Light of Freemasonry for 8,000 or more men who needMasonry right now. Or you can sign up for the crew that will turn out the lights after the last lodgecloses and the last Mason leaves. It’s your choice!

Following the Grand Oration, the ladies and guests were excused.

Official Opening Ceremonies

The Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of California was opened by Most Illustrious CompanionDalton A. Noland, Most Illustrious Grand Master in Due and Ancient Form.The Assistant Directors of Ritual and Cryptic Arch Inspectors, under the direction of the GrandMarshal, formed the lines West of the Altar.

INVOCATION

The invocation was delivered by Right Illustrious Companion Calvin G. Lessing Grand Chaplain.

The Most Illustrious Grand Master stated that all Companions being properly vouched for as CrypticMasons in good standing and in possession of authenticated credentials and declared that the 143rdAnnual Assembly was convened and called for the Preliminary Report of the Committee onCredentials.

Preliminary Report of the Committee on Credentials

Your Committee on Credentials reports that there are at least twenty percent of the forty-onechartered Councils of this Grand Jurisdiction represented at the opening of this 143rd AnnualAssembly and, in accordance with Section 7-3 of the Grand Council Constitution, a constitutionalquorum is present for the transaction of business.

Respectfully submitted: Daniel C. Kaffka, Jr. (15), ChairmanFrederick J. Potter (15)Maurice W. Bralley, Jr. (15)Robert V. Wright, Jr. (15)Claude D. Martin, Sr. (15)Frederick W. Ervast (15)


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General Grand Council Cryptic Mason of the YearINTRODUCTION OF FORMER RECIPIENTS

David P. Ottinger, Jr. (1982) Roy M. Haber, Jr. (1988)Albert M. Lewis (1996) Robert R. Vargo (1997)Robert G. Grauer (1998) Larry A. Reynolds, Sr. (2000)Dennis L. Ward (2001) Robert A. Wrede (2002)

2003 RECIPIENTCalvin G. Lessing - Palo Alto Council No. 51

General Grand Council Adult Leadership AwardCompanion Isador Ortega, Sr. - Merced Council No. 47

Reception of Most Illustrious Past Grand MastersM.I. Comp. Donald C. Briggs (1979) M. I. Comp. David P. Ottinger, Jr. (1988)M.I. Comp. Jack H. Devers, Sr. (1989) M. I. Comp. Ira R. Herring (1992)M.I. Comp. Bruce Carmitchel (1993) M. I. Comp. C. Leslie Dent (1994)M. I. Comp. Roy M. Haber, Jr. (1995) M.I. Comp. H. Edward Barr (1996)M.I. Comp. Paul McCleary (1998) M. I. Comp. Donald C. Gross (1999)M. I. Comp. Max C. Livingston (2000) M. I. Comp. James G. Baum (2001)

Most Illustrious Companion Donald C. Briggs, Senior Most Illustrious Past Grand Master present,responded for the Most Illustrious Past Grand Masters.

Reception of Grand RepresentativesThe Grand Recorder read the list of the Grand Representatives and those present responded.

AnnouncementsThe Grand Master made the following announcements before proceeding with the business at hand:

1. Annual Election of Officers will be held at 11:00 a. m.2. Annual Installation of Officers is scheduled for 5:00 p. m.3. Thrice Illustrious Master Degree will be conferred at 2:00 p.m.4. When votes are called for, the voting delegates will display their voting delegate card.5. All Emergent Resolutions, Petitions and Appeals must be presented in writing and read

prior to 11:00 a. m.6. Speakers on Resolutions will be limited to three (3) minutes in favor and three (3)

minutes opposed. The proponent of the Resolution will be given first opportunity tospeak and will be given a chance to speak last.


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7. Reports of Committees will be received without Motion to Accept. The exceptions arethe Budget and the Omnibus Report.

Adoption of Proceedings of 142nd Annual AssemblyA motion was made, seconded and carried to ACCEPT the Proceedings of the 142nd AnnualAssembly, as printed and distributed.

Annual Message of the Most Illustrious Grand MasterRight Illustrious Deputy Grand Master, Distinguished East, Grand Officers of this Grand Council,Distinguished Guests, and Companions all. I extend to each of you a welcome to Ventura Californiaand to the 143rd Annual Grand Assembly of the Most Illustrious Grand Council Cryptic Masons ofCalifornia. The Grand Sessions Committee under the chairmanship of Illustrious Companion JohnArgue, must be applauded for their outstanding accomplishments. Their task is by no means an easyone, or a task without countless concerns and many times headaches. To all our guests we extend amost gracious thanks for your attendance at our California Grand Sessions and we trust your staywith us will be a memorable one.This has been a personally rewarding and challenging year. The sad news first. Nine eleven aseveryone knows not only brought down the World Trade Centers but caused a downfall in the stockmarket. The good news. The Grand Council tightened its belt and ended the year under budget. Theother good news is I have had the extreme pleasure and honor of serving with two distinguishedMasons. The Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Companion Harry Hall, of the Grand ChapterRoyal Arch Masons of California and Right Eminent, Sir Knight Bob Coe, the Grand Commanderof Knights Templar of California. The friendship we have established will be shared for theremainder our lifetime. I believe I can safely say on our behalf that everywhere we traveled yourwarm hospitality and genuine friendliness was overwhelming. The food, too, was great! Just onelook at me can tell you that. The support provided by all the Companions and their lovely ladies wasfar beyond my expectation. There are truly no words that enable me to express my appreciation inyour electing me to have served as your Grand Master. This is your Grand Council and we are atyour service. Soon I shall look back and it will be but a memory. One that I shall forever cherish andnever forget!What can I say about the Council's Grand Family? Other than, it is just that, a Grand Family! One,of which, I am extremely proud. And one I must express my appreciation and thanks. They traveledup and down the State of California at their own expense and time. The welfare of our Councils theirprimary value at heart. They deserve many accolades for their advice, assistance, encouragement andsupport.It was my pleasure, during my year, to appoint Right Illustrious Companion Calvin Lessing, KYCH,an exemplification of York Rite, for his second term as Grand Chaplain, MIPGM, Companion C.Leslie Dent, KYGCH, as my traveling Marshal, Right Illustrious Companion John "Jack"Carpenter, Jr., my York Rite son, as Sentinel in the progressive line, Right Illustrious CompanionFrank Loui, whom I traveled with for twelve years as Inspectors of the Grand Lodge of California,as our Grand Bible Bearer, Right Illustrious Companion John W. Runcie II, KYCH, my dailycompanion in the Scottish Rite, as Standard Bearer, Illustrious Companion W. Bruce Pruitt,KYGCH, PGC, Knights Templar of California the man with the golden voice, as Grand Soloist, andlast but in no way the least Right Illustrious Companion John Cooper, KYCH, a man both wise andunderstanding, to serve as our Grand Orator.


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To Right Illustrious Companion Ken Nagel, Director of Ritual, the ADRs, Inspectors andCommitteemen who serve our Councils every year THANKS, ONCE AGAIN. Soon they willcontinue serving another year. Soon Right Illustrious Ed Heath our Deputy Master shall begin hisjourney at the helm of the Grand Council ship. Whatever storm, if any, may lay ahead, I assure you,the ship is in capable hands. He, without any doubt, has the best crew possible backing him. This year Freemasonry, especially the York Rite, lost two dear and true Companions. My York Ritefather, MIPGM Companion Harry LeBleu, KYGCH, and Right Illustrious Companion Al Cowanour Grand Calligrapher. Harry was not only a friend but a confidant providing me with his rich andinteresting experience. Both share this day with us. And, as the lines of an old army ballad goes:"Old soldiers never die, they just fade away" and as these old Masonic soldiers who served the GrandCouncil so well were finally called to lay aside their working tools they leave behind a rich memoryin the hearts and minds of many that will never fade away. Every time any of us tell a story of whichthey shared a part they will surely live again. Also, Helen Fike the wife of MIPGM, Vernon Fike,KYGCH, passed on and is finally at rest with her beloved Vernon.My thanks to MIPGM Donald Gross, KYGCH, who believes that a person has not earned their dailywage unless they have helped someone who can never repay them. Companion Don you have neverrefused to help when I needed it. Thank you Shirley, for allowing me to borrow Don. RightIllustrious Companion Kenny Hope and Illustrious Companion Al Lewis I know the weight youcarry on your shoulders keeping the Grand Council in order, year after year. You have supportedmany Grand Masters as well as keeping the ship on course. Yours is a many times thankless job. Godbless each of you.As I draw to a close there is a story that I wish to share. I had just come down the grapevine headingfor a reception when I decided it was time to fill my vehicle with fuel. I was at ends with myselfwhen I realized I didn’t have my wallet! A while back I had changed from my traveling clothes ata rest stop wanting to arrive at my destination in a presentable manner. I immediately called my wifeBarbara concerning the situation. I had to have her put a stop on the credit cards. She told me to staywhere I was and await a phone call. Soon I received a call from MIPGM Max Livingston. He askedmy location and told me not to worry. Arrangements were on the way. Soon Right Illustrious Joseand Rosa Maria Fiss came to the rescue. Jose asked how much money I needed. I told him justenough to get me home after the event. $30.00 should be sufficient. He handed me $100.00 andrefused to take any money back. I would be heading home with more money than I had left with. Nota bad deal. Soon I received a call from the Highway Patrol stating that they had recovered the walletand was sending it to my home address. What a relief! More money than was necessary, the walletcomplete with driver’s license, credit cards, cash, etc. heading home. A check was immediately sentto Jose on my arrival home. The moral of this story is the closeness found in real Companions.Remember the biblical story of the Good Samaritan? This is the real brotherly love, the real reliefand the real truth that many just speak about but never experience.A wise man said each of us is a center in this Universe, speaking to God of God. What has morevalue than a life of providing for others, making a child’s or adult’s unbearable existence moretolerable? God has given each of us that choice. What have we done with it? Don’t wait, should theopportunity present itself, reach out.Where would any of us be without our closest companion, our wives! Those lovely ladies thataccompany us and provide us with positive support when our energy seems to have found somewhereelse to go. To my wife Barbara, my right arm and many times my left, I know God has provided mewith your love. It is my absolute wish that every Companion, Brother and Knight be as fortunate asI. I had to travel around the world but was always led by God to a place by your side. We were, are,and will always be one!

STATE OF THE CRAFTThe world we once knew has been rapidly changing. There has been Watergate, the Clinton scandaland the World Trade Center causing an outcry of Terrorism. The United Nations couldn’t seem to


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come to any conclusion. The United States and Britain were seemingly going to war. Was theInternational system crumbling around us? Masonry, once vigorous, has been for several yearscollapsing like a falling star. People became more concerned for their own family survival. Jobs wereon the decline and so was the money market. People were remaining in the ill perceived safety oftheir homes. After all, everything they thought they had to know was being shown on T.V. We werebecoming couch potatoes and sedentary as an old ship barnacle.Recently, things are beginning to change in America. Hopefully, for the better. We have a nononsense courageous President. Terrorists now know what it is like to feel insecure! Freemasonryis finally responding and rebuilding its base! We are at war!Have you noticed the change in warfare itself. War once destroyed everything in its path, now itattempts to destroy only what is necessary. If war can change, as we know it has, so can society. Itwas once stated Freemasonry is but a reflection of society.Well, society is on the mend! Freemasonry once Trinitarian it is now Universal! Jews, Christians,Moslems, Hindus, Irishmen, Scotsmen, Englishmen, Chinese, Mexicans, and Filipinos find refugewithin our walls. Their children’s children shall understand even more than we do today. Masonshave been made aware in their lodges that we are all children of the same God? Religious segregationis being removed and no longer tolerated in Masonic Lodges. As our active members become evermore involved in Masonic activities there will be less time for outside activities. Non-Mason contactwill become the norm. How can Masonry expect new members when our only contacts are withMasons. Meanwhile, the inactive Mason, is not primarily concerned with the dilemma. His is, in anout of sight out of mind position. Is Masonry advertising? Is it reaching those outside of Masonry?You know the answer. Yet, we have so much to tell. Not just about our great history. Not justbecause we are the World’s oldest and largest fraternity. We have more! We have a public intereststory of world wide philanthropy. Even active Masons are not aware of the multiple philanthropieswe support. Those many gifts and support we provide to the lives of many! If we don’t do somethingabout our advertising to the non-Mason and our society at large. SOON nobody will even know whatMasonry WAS.One Grand Lodge put up a road sign stating the following, If you are interested in finding out moreabout Freemasonry call this number. At least they are making an attempt!I am proud of being an American, and what’s more, of being a Freemason. Let’s start making itknown. Let’s get out of the box!

Dalton A. Noland, Grand Master

Addenda to Annual Message of the Grand MasterITINERARY

DATE EVENTApril 200228 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Sessions29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Installation of Grand Commandery Knights Templar of CA30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Installation of Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of CA

May01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Installation of Grand Council Cryptic Masons of CA04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Three Way Reception at Yuba City, Marysville Council No. 307 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Top Cop Award at San Jose Scottish Rite11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CCYRA Festival at Palo Alto Temple


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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reception at Vallejo, King Solomon Council No. 2914 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Jose Scottish Rite Meeting17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Three Way Reception at Riverside Council No. 5919 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Masonic Golden State College SRICF20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . State of Washington Grand Sessions21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Sojourners25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Santa Cruz Scottish Rite Club29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Three Way Reception at Long Beach York Rite

June07 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Three Way Reception at Long Beach Scottish Rite08 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Three Way Reception at Channel Islands York Rite Assoc.10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visitation at Auburn, Gateway Council No. 1311 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Jose Scottish Rite12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anniversary Date14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Three Way Reception at Los Angeles Scottish Rite15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bivouac of Hero’s of 76 RADM John Drake Sloat Camp16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Installation of Hero’s of 76 John Drake Sloat Camp17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reception at Alameda, Oakland Council No. 1219 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reception at Sebastopol, Redwood Empire Council No. 4620 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Bethel Assembly, Oakland22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Santa Cruz Scottish Rite Club Reception29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reception at Palo Alto Council No. 51

July03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego Scottish Rite04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 4th Parade at Newhall, CA09 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Jose Scottish Rite Foundation12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scottish Rite Luncheon at San Jose14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Birthday/Bellflower York Rite Chinese Dinner - Shekinah Council No. 3521 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reception at Quincy, Sierra Nevada Council No. 4426 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Lodge F. & A.M. Symposium in Sacramento29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Officer’s Association Meeting31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Francisco Scottish Rite Dinner and Meeting

August01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Palo Alto Council No. 5103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past Master’s BBQ and Three Way Reception in Salinas04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . York Rite Picnic05 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oakland Scottish Rite Reception for Ill. Doug Lemons07 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Master F. & A.M. at Paradise Park, as Master of Ceremonies13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visitation at Visalia Council No. 4315 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reception at Pomona Council No. 21, Barbara’s Birthday17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KYCH Meeting at Vacaville18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battalion & Bells Vacaville23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Division V Ritual Seminar23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Division V Ritual Seminar25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Golden State College SRICF28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mexican Fiesta at San Francisco Scottish Rite30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DeMolay in Southern CA


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September08 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . York Rite Hawaii Trip14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Home from Hawaii Trip20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visitation at Roseville Council No. 5421 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . California Scottish Rite Foundation Meeting at Long Beach24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Officer’s Association Meeting in Santa Cruz/SLV28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BBQ Oasis Council No. 64 at M.I.P.G.M. Ed Barr’s home

October08 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Jose Scottish Rite Meeting11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luncheon13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annual Communications of Grand Lodge F. & A.M.14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Set up and arrange manning of the York Rite Booth, San Francisco15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General Grand Council Triennial in Atlantic City20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colorado River Fall Festival in Laughlin, NV25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Officer’s Association Meeting26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Chapter Session - Order of the Eastern Star

November01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Three Way York Rite Reception at Pasadena Scottish Rite03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Central Coast Counties Allied Masonic Meeting06 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reception at San Jose Council No. 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2002 Southwest Regional Conference at Mesa, Arizona12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Jose Scottish Rite13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jobs Daughters Grand Guardian Council 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Jose Scottish Rite Reunion18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Officer’s Meeting in Santa Cruz20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reception at Anaheim, Orange County Council No. 1422 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reception at Omega Council No. 1124 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Golden State College, SRICF29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reception by Youth Orders at Sacramento

December01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Britannia Council A.M.D.02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Confidence Lodge03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Santa Cruz Lodge04 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fraternity Lodge10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Jose Scottish Rite Meeting13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luncheon18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Jose Council No. 20 Installation of Officers

January 200314 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Jose Scottish Rite17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luncheon 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Installation of San Jose Scottish Rite Officers

February11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Jose Scottish Rite14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luncheon


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March11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Jose Scottish Rite14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luncheon25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Five Way Reception at San Jose

April08 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Jose Scottish Rite11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reunion at San Jose13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Assembly Rainbow for Girls in Fresno17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maundy Thursday at Santa Cruz Scottish Rite Club as Guest Speaker25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ventura for Grand Sessions preparation26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Sessions/Time and Place/Family Dinner27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Sessions/Vespers28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Council Assembly and Installation29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Commandery Meeting and Installation30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Chapter Meeting and Installation

REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATION APPROVED DATE COUNCIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PURPOSE03/19/03 Roseville No. 54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special election for Recorder

AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS APPROVEDDATE COUNCIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PURPOSE05/01/02 California No. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Stated Assemblies to 6 per year.10/11/02 Gateway No. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . To change dues to $25.00 per year.10/11/02 Sonora No 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Stated Assemblies to 4 per year.10/25/02 Stockton No. 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Stated Assemblies to 5 per year.11/26/02 Roseville No. 54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . To remit dues for 50 year members11/26/03 Marysville No. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Stated Assemblies to 4 per year.11/26/02 Alpha No. 39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Stated Assemblies to 6 per year.12/02/02 Ventura No.15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Fees to $50.00 and Dues to $30.0012/02/02 Alpha No.39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Dues to $20.00 per year12/20/02 Shasta No. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Stated Assemblies to 5 per year.12/20/02 Butte No. 50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Stated Assemblies to 4 per year.01/12/03 Amador No. 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Stated Assemblies to 4 per year and. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . change dues to $20.00 per year.

01/24/03 Butte No. 50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Stated Assemblies to 4 per year.03/31/03 Bakersfield No. 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Stated Assemblies to 4 per year.03/11/03 King Solomon’s No. 29 . . . . . . . . . To update Council By-Laws - original lost.

2002-03 MASTER OF ISH SODI AWARDS APPROVEDPRES. DATE AWARDEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COUNCIL05/17/02 Denzil C. Ralston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Riverside No. 5905/29/02 Robert A. Reynolds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long Beach No. 2606/08/02 Gregory A. Voetsch, Sr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacramento Council No. 108/11/02 Raymond A. Booth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Luis Obispo No. 3808/17/02 James E. Burkett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orange County No. 1410/12/02 John C. Snell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . King Solomon’s No. 2911/27/02 David C. Hollowell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego No. 23


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01/18/03 Frederick C. Joyce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amador No. 3102/15/03 Harold L. Hopkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Valley No. 27

2002-03 APPROVALS FOR GRAND REPRESENTATIVESDATE NOMINEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JURISDICTION11/25/02 Martin R. Trent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ohio11/25/02 James C. Toney, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Washington03/15/03 Raymond C. Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Hampshire

2002-03 NOMINATIONS FOR GRAND REPRESENTATIVESDATE NOMINEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JURISDICTION04/17/03 Howard W. “Bud” Ramsey, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ohio04/17/03 C. Leslie Dent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oregon04/17/03 Guy M. Chalmers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maine04/17/03 Fenton R. Mereness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mississippi04/17/03 Ken G. Nagel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Washington

GOLDEN VETERAN AWARDSWalter B. Jarrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacramento Council No. 1Jack D. Kelley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacramento Council No. 1William G. Rotas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacramento Council No. 1Francis A. Solomon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacramento Council No. 1Harvey P. Strong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacramento Council No. 1George K. Wurster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacramento Council No. 1George L. Cothrin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marysville Council No. 3John R. Dower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marysville Council No. 3Claire Stevenson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marysville Council No. 3Robert Ely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego Council No. 23Edward J. Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego Council No. 23George W. Helling, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego Council No. 23Melvin H. Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego Council No. 23James P. Martikas, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego Council No. 23Paul H. McNitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego Council No. 23Connie C. Michalski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego Council No. 23Charles J. Printz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego Council No. 23Louis H. Reed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego Council No. 23Lewis F. Reyburn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego Council No. 23Maynard M. Riggs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego Council No. 23Max L. Trudersheim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Diego Council No. 23Baruyr A. Poladian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shekinah Council No. 35Fred A. Steiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shekinah Council No. 35Alfred A. Tompkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shekinah Council No. 35Carl A. Weinbrecht . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shekinah Council No. 35Richard T. Edmiston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visalia Council No. 43Melvin R. Frasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visalia Council No. 43Lloyd D. Greeson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visalia Council No. 43Harry H. Tellalian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visalia Council No. 43Charles G. Togni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visalia Council No. 43Adrian C. Twinem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visalia Council No. 43Joseph S. Jones, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Merced Council No. 47


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Omnibus ReportYour Committee on Jurisprudence, to which has been referred the various actions of the MostIllustrious Master during his term of office, including:

a. Approval of Amendments to the By-Laws of constituent Councilsb. Granting Dispensationsc. Approving Awardsd. Making Appointments and Accepting Grand Representativese. Issuing necessary Edicts

reports that we have carefully considered and reviewed all of his Official Acts, and find them correctas to form and within the provisions of the Constitution of the Grand Council of California.We therefore respectfully recommend final approval of all the Official Acts of the Grand Master,as detailed in the Addenda to his Annual Report to be published in the Proceedings of this 143rdAnnual Assembly.

Respectfully submitted: Donald C. Briggs (51), ChairmanEdmund W. Heath (15)Jose A. Fiss (25)Larry A. Reynolds, Sr. (54)

Report of Committee on Reports of Grand OfficersYour Committee on Reports of Grand Officers wishes to commend the Grand Master for his manyvisitations to the Councils, and his promotion of Cryptic Masonry to this and other Jurisdictions. Hisusual good judgement was displayed in the appointment of Grand Officers, Inspectors andCommitteemen.Our ever-efficient Grand Recorder again presented his usual fine report of his respective activitiesand responsibilities and we commend him for his dedication to the Craft.We commend our Director of Ritual, who has had work shops which to create an develop greaterknowledge in the ritualistic work of Cryptic Masonry.The Grand Treasurer has again rendered a clear account of his stewardship of the funds of the GrandCouncil for the last year; we commend him for his good work.Reports of other Grand Officers are examples of their unselfish labor and interest to our belovedRite, merit the good will and commendation of the Grand Council.

Respectfully submitted: Ira R. Herring (47) ChairmanWilliam J. Ryland (25)Robert G. Grauer (46)

Annual Report of the Grand TreasurerCASH POSITION

Total Cash March 1, 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,881.00Income thru February 28, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63,045.00Expenses thru February 28, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72,625.00

Total Cash February 28, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $56,301.00


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TOTAL ASSETS

March 1, 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $370,676.00February 28, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $327,182.00

EXPENSES

Total Budgeted and non-budgeted expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $83,189.78Less non-budgeted expenses:

Inventory 925.86Life Membership Interest 3,889.67Per Capita Prior Year 625.70

Adjusted Expenses $77,748.55

Budgeted Expenses $82,630.00Under Budget $4,881.45

Respectfully submitted: Donald C. Gross (20), Grand Treasurer

Annual Report of the Grand RecorderToday marks the completion of my eleventh year as Grand Recorder of this Grand Council. I assureyou that the Grand Office is functioning in an efficient and timely manner and we will continue ourefforts to cut costs and stay under budget as we have each year.I am happy to report that all Councils have paid their Per Capita. Thank you Companion Recorders,your hard work is truly appreciated if not always recognized.There are 12 Illustrious Past Masters serving as presiding officers of their Councils this year, thesame as last year. Even with 4 meetings per year, 30% of our Councils are having trouble generatingenough qualified officers to serve as Illustrious Masters. This is not a healthy trend and must bereversed.There were one consolidation this past year. Solvang Council No. 63 consolidated with San LuisObispo Council No. 38 on January 1, 2003. Once again I must report to you that the Grand Councilof California has fewer members than the year before. The membership statistics show a net loss of5.0% for 2002, which is a significant drop compared to a loss of 6.7% the year before. 12 Councilsdid not greet even one candidate in 2002! Companions we need to build our membership base, andmore effort needs to be put into membership recruitment. Membership is the lifeblood of anyorganization and should be the top priority of all our members, especially the officers. Only 8Councils showed a net gain, and we commend them for their efforts. Our current membership nowstands at 5,401 Companions.


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MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS

Number of Members as of December 31, 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,687

Greeted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163Affiliated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Transfers In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Restored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Adjustments + . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

TOTAL GAINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

Demitted . . .

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