the most puissant grand council of royal and select ...clyde william kayser ii clyde william kayser...
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P R O C E E D I N G S
The Most PuissantGrand Council
of
Royal and Select Masters
of
Connecticut
2018
199th ANNIVERSARY REPORT
The Most Puissant Grand CouncilRoyal and Select Masters of Connecticut
Charles B. Fowler, Jr.Grand Recorder525 Stillwater
Windsor, CT 06095-3842
860-688-8799
Website:www.yorkritect.org/gcrsm/
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 3
CONTENTS
Title Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Picture – Clyde W. Kayser, II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Biography – Clyde W. Kayser, II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Special Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Grand Banquet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Annual Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
AttendanceGrand Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Past Most Puissant Grand Masters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Constituent Council Representatives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Past Thrice Illustrious Masters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Deliberations of the Grand Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Reception of Dignitaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Elections and Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Report & Address of the Most Puissant Grand Master . . . . . . . . . . . 21Dispensations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Visitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,29Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Reports, OfficerDeputy Puissant Grand Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Grand Principal Conductor of the Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Grand Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Grand Recorder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Grand Captain of the Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Grand Conductor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Grand Steward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Grand Historian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Grand Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Reports, CommitteeAddress of the MPGM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41200th Anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Auditing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Budget. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Bylaws. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Credentials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Delinquencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Masonic Jurisprudence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Nominations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Ritual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Constituent Council Returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
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Abstract of Returns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67Most Puissant Grand Masters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68Philip J. Jones Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Recipient Biography - Garry Andrew Littlefield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Knight of Ish Sodi Meritorious Service Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Recipient Biography - Brian Edward Beals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79James Royal Case Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80Picture -- Charles deMelo O’Neill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81Biography – Charles deMelo O’Neill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Acceptance Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84Directories
Grand Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85Visitation Assignments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Grand Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86Active Past Most Puissant Grand Masters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87Grand Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89Grand Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Council of Super Excellent Masters of 24 MAR 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93Council of Anointed Kings Assembly of 30 May 2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Scribe-Treasurer Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99Past Thrice Illustrious Kings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
CLYDE WILLIAM KAYSER, IIMost Puissant Grand Master
2017 - 2018
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Clyde William Kayser II
Clyde William Kayser II was born on April 26, 1947 in Dayton,Ohio to Clyde Hartman Kayser Jr. and Viola Berger Kayser. Hegraduated from Stivers High School in June 1965 and enrolled inCapital University in Columbus, Ohio, graduating in 1969, receivinga Bachelor of Science Degree with a dual Chemistry/Mathematicsmajor. In 1972 he enrolled at Wright State University in Dayton forpost-graduate work, receiving a Master of Science Degree withemphasis in Analytical Chemistry in 1974. He also earned an Asso-ciate Degree in Electronics from Sinclair Community College inDayton. Later he pursued advanced studies toward a Masters Degreein Environmental Engineering from the University of New Haven.
Upon graduation he was employed as a laboratory chemist atBowser-Morner Testing Laboratories in Dayton, Ohio. This laboratoryprovided analytical support for many small foundries and pattern shopsin southwest Ohio. It also served as an adjunct laboratory assistant tothe Air Force Institute of Technology stationed at Wright-Patterson AirForce Base in Fairborn. In 1976, Clyde relocated to Connecticut totake a position as a Materials Engineer in the Process and TechnologyLaboratory at Avco Lycoming, later known as Textron Lycoming, inStratford. Initially he worked in the Process Control Laboratory,analyzing incoming materials for specification compliance. While inthis position he helped develop analytical parameters for the proto-typeof Perkin-Elmer’s first Graphite-Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrom-eter. Three years later he transferred to the Material and ProcessTechnology Laboratory. In this position he was responsible for usingElectron Microscopy to analyze atomic structures of high-temperaturealloys and Scanning Electron Microscopy to characterize failures inturbine blades. He also assisted Cameca Corporation in writing atranslation of the French operations manual for their new ElectronMicroscope. He remained at Lycoming for nineteen years until thecompany closed in 1995. For the next three years he worked as aplating laboratory chemist at the Whyco Chromium Company inThomaston and in August 1999, he accepted the position of LaboratoryManager at the Ansonia Copper and Brass Company. One of his firstduties in this position was to make sure that the software operating thelaboratory analysis and foundry casting operations was Y2K compliant. When this company decided to cease operation in June 2009, he finallyretired.
While living in Ohio, Sir Knight Kayser was active in BoyScouting. As a boy he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and waspresented with the Pro Deo et Patria religious award of the Lutheran
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Church. All four of his brothers did the same. As an adult he servedas an Assistant Scout Master, Neighborhood Commissioner, DistrictCommissioner and District Executive. While serving as Commissionerof Pioneer District, Miami Valley Council, he helped establish the firstScout Troop in America dedicated solely to serving disabled boys. Hecompleted the Scouter’s Key training and advanced Wood BadgeTraining and led an expedition to Philmont Scout Reservation in NewMexico. For two summers he was on the staff of Woodland TrailsScout Camp working on the lake front staff and serving as councilor forthe Canoeing and the Rowing merit badges. In honor of his service toScouting, in 1974 he was presented with the Miami Valley Council“Scouter of the Year” Award. He was also admitted to the Order of theArrow camping honorary, where he attained the rank of Vigil Member,and where he presided as Chief of the Fire for three years and per-formed as Methu, the witch doctor, for the initiation ceremony. Uponmoving to Connecticut, Scouting was replaced with Masonry.
His other interests include stamp collecting, model railroading andsports.
Brother Kayser is a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Dayton,Ohio. On June 27, 1982 he married Alvina West. They currentlyreside in Waterbury CT with their several cats.
Masonic History:Symbolic Lodge:
Brother Kayser was raised a Master Mason in Federal Lodge No.17 in Watertown, Connecticut on June 4, 1984. His father, a PastMaster of Aero Lodge No. 648 of Dayton, Ohio, was a surprise visitorfor his Master Mason Degree. The next year he was installed as SeniorSteward, and progressed through the officer line, serving as WorshipfulMaster in 1990, the 200th Anniversary year of Federal Lodge. He hasserved as Secretary since 1991. In 1994 he affiliated as a dual memberof Harmony Lodge No. 42 in Waterbury. In recognition of his serviceto the Lodge, in 2008 Most Worshipful Grand Master Robert Stikapresented him with the Pierpont Edwards Medal.
Royal Arch Masonry:Companion Kayser was exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Granite
Chapter No. 36 in Thomaston on September 18, 1986. He served as anofficer in various stations, eventually being installed as Most ExcellentHigh Priest in 1993, an office he held until 1998, when Granite Chapterconsolidated with Cyrus Chapter No. 45 in Torrington. He affiliatedwith Franklin Chapter No. 2 in New Haven on May 2, 1992, and servedas Most Excellent High Priest in 1999 and 2000. In 1992 MostExcellent Grand High Priest Steven Piner appointed him Right
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Excellent Grand Custodian of Capitular District Two, an office he heldfor four years. He was consecrated an Anointed High Priest in 1993and Served as Excellent President in 1999. At the 1999 Grand Chaptersession, Most Excellent Grand High Priest Donald Murray presentedhim the Ephraim Kirby Citation for Distinguished Masonic Service,and in 2003 he was appointed Grand Representative to the GrandChapter of Indiana. Since 2012 he has served as Secretary of FranklinChapter.
Royal and Select Masters:Companion Kayser was received and greeted a Select Master on
October 26, 1991 in Buel Council No. 20 in Litchfield,Connecticut. Heserved as Recorder of the Council from 1992-1998. On April 14, 1992he affiliated with Harmony Council No. 8 in New Haven and served asThrice Illustrious Master in 1993 and 1996. Since 2012 he has servedas Recorder of the Council. In 1993 he was admitted to the Council ofAnointed Kings, and he was appointed Grand Representative of theGrand Council of Indiana in 1998. At the 1998 Grand Council Session,Most Puissant Grand Master Thurman Shaples presented him with theKnight of Ish Sodi Meritorious Service Award. In 1999 Most PuissantGrand Master Richard Eppler appointed him Grand Marshal, and in2011 Most Puissant Grand Master Bruce Bellmore appointed him to theofficer line of The Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and SelectMasters of Connecticut as Grand Sentinel. At the 2014 Grand CouncilSession Most Puissant Grand Master Charles McCollum presented himwith the Phillip J. Jones Distinguished Service Award.
Commandery of Knights Templar:Sir Knight Kayser was knighted on January 17, 1992 in New Haven
Commandery No. 2 in New Haven. The next year he served asAssistant Recorder, and the following year joined the officer line asJunior Warden, and he was installed as Eminent Commander in 1997. Since serving as Commander, he has been a director of the Order of theTemple. In 1998 he was received into the Knight Crusaders of theCross, where he presided as Knight Commander of the East in 2014. In 2002 he affiliated as a plural member of St. Elmo Commandery No.9 in Meriden where in 2006-2007 he presided as Eminent Commander. He currently serves as Recorder of both Commanderies. He is alsoGrand Representative of the Grand Commandery of South Dakota. Atthe 2006 Grand Commandery Session Right Eminent Sir KnightEdward Ham presented him with the Knight Templar Cross of Honor. In 2008 Right Eminent Grand Commander Bruce Bellmore appointed
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him as Grand Warder of the Grand Commandery of Connecticut, whichhe served as Right Eminent Grand Commander in 2016.
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite: Brother Kayser became a member of the Valley of Waterbury and
Lafayette Consistory on May 5, 1986. In the Valley of Waterbury hepresided as Thrice Potent Master of Doric Lodge of Perfection in 1995;Sovereign Prince of Ionic Council, Princes of Jerusalem in 1994; andMost Wise Master of Corinthian Chapter of Rose Croix in 1993. Heserved as Secretary of the Valley from 1996 until 2015. For his serviceto the Scottish Rite, Brother Kayser was presented the Ill. Arthur M.Brown, 33o, Meritorious service Award at the June 9, 1995 Council ofDeliberation session. He was further honored on August 27, 1996when he was coroneted an Honorary Member of Supreme Council, 33o
Mason, at the Supreme Council Session in Boston. In 1996 BrotherKayser was appointed Orator of Lafayette Consistory, and in 2004-2006 he presided as Commander-in-Chief of the Consistory. He is alsoa founding member of the Board of Governors of the Waterbury 32o
Masonic Learning Centers for Children.
Other Masonic Affiliations:Sir Knight Kayser was initiated in Connecticut York Rite College
No. 17 on June 19, 1993, served as Preeminent Governor in 2004, andon July 25, 1998 he was honored with the Order of the Purple Cross. On March 10, 1969, Brother Kayser was initiated in Connecticut PrioryNo. 28, Knight of the York Cross of Honour, and served as EminentPrior in 2008. He is also a member of the Royal Order of Scotland;Novum Aboracum Chapel No. 7, Order of Saint Thomas of Acon;Mohawk Council No. 28, Knight Masons; Apostle’s Tabernacle No.XXVII, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests; Connecticut CollegeS.R.I.C.F.; Nathan Hale Council No. 78, Allied Mason Degrees; andGood Will Chapter No. 112, Order of the Eastern Star, where he hasserved as Worthy Patron several times.
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SPECIAL ASSEMBLIES
Most Puissant Grand Master Clyde W. Kayser II convened SpecialAssemblies of The Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Mastersof Connecticut on several occasions.
RE-DEDICATIONSOn the occasion of their 200th Anniversaries, MPGM Kayser declared the
Grand Council open and at Labor for the purpose of Re-Dedication of thefollowing 200 year old Councils. On each such occasion, the MPGM wasjoined by several Grand Officers who participated in the Ceremony ofanointing the symbolic Golden Triangle with the Corn of Plenty, the Wine ofRefreshment and the Oil of Joy and re-dedicating the Council for the purposesof Cryptic Masonry.
Wolcott Council No. 1, East Hartford, 17 February 2018.Cushing Council No. 4, Preston, 12 March 2018.Washington Council No. 6, Norwalk, 12 April 2018.Montgomery Council No. 2, Windham, 22 May 2018.
DEDICATION OF NEW COUNCILMPGM Kayser and several of the Grand Officers convened a Special
Assembly of the Grand Council at Milford where the consolidation ofJerusalem Council No. 16 and Adam Sattig Council No. 35 was consummatedwith the dedication of Paugussett Council No. 16 and the installation of theofficers of the newly formed Council.
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 11
ANNUAL ASSEMBLY
The 199th Anniversary Annual Assembly of The Most Puissant GrandCouncil of Royal and Select Masters of Connecticut was held at the FourPoints by Sheraton, 275 Research Parkway, Meriden, Connecticut. TheGrand Banquet was held on Friday, 1 June 2018, and the Annual Meeting washeld on Saturday, 2 June 2018.
GRAND BANQUET
The Annual banquet in honor of Most Puissant Grand Master Clyde W.Kayser II and Most Excellent Grand High Priest Martin Ede began with asocial hour at 6 pm followed by the Banquet at 7 pm. In attendance wereapproximately 85 Companions, guests and ladies.
Emcee William L. Miller II presided as the guests at the Head Tableentered and took their seats. He then welcomed all present and called uponPMPGM Bruce R. Bellmore, Illustrious Grand Chaplain for an invocation. All present then joined in the Plesdge of Allegiance to the U. S. Flag and the National Anthem.
As the meal was being served, Companion Miller introduced the HeadTable, and then the several distinguished guests from other jurisdictionsseated at the various tables.
Most Excellent Grand High Priest Martin Ede welcomed and introducedCompanion Teko Foly, General Grand Scribe of the General Grand Chapterof Royal Arch Masons, Intl, and asked him to present the General GrandChapter Medal in Bronze. After much searching, Companion James S.McNeely IV was located and brought to the podium to receive this award forDistinguished Service from Companion Foly.
Companion Foly took advantage of the opportunity to present toCompanion Ede a Past Grand High Priest plaque, and congratulated him forhis two years of service.
Most Puissant Grand Master Kayser then presented the Knight of Ish SodiAward for Distinguished Service to Companion Brian E. Beals, notingespecially his recent appointment as Executive Officer of ConnecticutDeMolay.
Companion Miller then called upon the following to speak to theassembly on behalf of their group:
Meghan Dana, Grand Worthy Advisor, Connecticut Rainbow;Evan Ruszczyk, State Master Councilor, Connecticut DeMolay;Gwen Rochette, Grand Royal Matron, Order of Amaranth in Connecticut;Paul L. Chello, Right Eminent Grand Commander, Knights Templar in
Connecticut;Charles A. McCollum, Deputy General Grand Master for Northeast-
North Region, General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, Intl.Final remarks were made by Brother Marshall K. Robinson, Most
Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and AcceptedMasons of Connecticut.
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The Banquet was closed with a Benediction by Companion Bellmore, Ill.Grand Chaplain.
ANNUAL MEETING
The 199th Anniversary Annual Assembly of The Most Puissant Grand Councilof Royal and Select Masters of Connecticut was convened at the Four Pointsby Sheraton, Meriden CT commencing at 1 pm on 2 June 2018 A.D., 3018A.Dep.
ATTENDANCE
Grand OfficersClyde W. Kayser II (08) Most Puissant Grand Master
Charles D. O’Neill (06) R.I. Dep. Puissant Grand Master
Joseph R. Krusienski (22) R.I. Principal Conductor of Work
Charles A. McCollum (06) R.I. Grand Treasurer
Charles B. Fowler, Jr. (01) R.I. Grand Recorder
B. Earl Canfield, Jr (20) Ill. Grand Captain of the Guard
Martin Ede (08) Ill. Grand Conductor
James S. McNeely IV (01) Ill. Grand Steward
Darrin D. Silhavy (06) Ill. Grand Sentinel
Steven J. Chiappalone (22) Ill. Grand Marshal
Bruce R. Bellmore (08), PGM Ill. Grand Chaplain
Gary A. Littlefield (02) Ill. Grand Historian
David Soderberg (01) Ill. Grand Organist
Scott T. Sherrick (35), PGM Ill. Assistant Grand Treasurer
William L. Miller II (01) Ill. Assistant Grand Recorder
Robert D. Sherrick (35), PGM Assoc. Gr. Historian
Paul L. Chello (19,36), PGM Grand Trustee
Randy S. Stevens (04), PGM Grand Trustee
William E. Bohman (31) Grand Trustee
Bruce R. Bellmore (08), PGM RI PCW Pro Tempore
Past Most Puissant Grand Masters
Paul L. Chello (19) Randy S. Stevens (19)
James C. Kleinkauf (36) Peter J. Stapleton (36)
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Richard A. Eppler (19) Andrew G. Weimann II (20)
Bruce R. Bellmore (08) Charles A. McCollum (06)
Michael E. Seamon (01) Richard G. Barrows (02)
J. Andrew Birdsall (04)
Constituent Council Representatives # Denotes Proxy
NO T. I. M. D. I. M. I. P. C. W.
1 Michael E. Seamon Arnold S. Grot Eric H. Hoy
2 Kenneth W. Marvin Richard G. Barrows J. Mike Wolf
4 Richard L. Allen # John A. Birdsall # Ronald Magliano
6 Peter R. Smyth John A. Amarilios
8 Martin Ede Stuart Atkins
9
16 Richard A. Kassay
19 Richard A. Eppler
20 Ian Jones Mychael J. Scribner Richard D. Corey
22 Kristian Maiorino Steven J. Chiappalone Harold A. Elwell
23 # Bard C. Teigen # Russell L. Scull Terrence D. Mish
25
36 James C. Kleinkauf Paul L. Chello
Past Thrice Illustrious Masters Not Otherwise ListedWilliam K. Barr (19)John W. Braddock (22)Bradley K. Cooney (08)Vincent A. Cowie (09)Charles M. Jewart (01)Richard R. Jones (25)James S. McNeely (01)
Herbert J. Olson (09)Bruce Padula (22)Michael D. Sabia (06)Gary D. Shepard (16)Jack H. Stevens (19)William E. Weisert II (04)
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DELIBERATIONS OF GRAND COUNCIL
Most Puissant Grand Master Clyde W. Kayser II opened the GrandCouncil in ample form at 1:30 pm with prayer by Companion Bruce R.Bellmore, PMPGM,
The Grand Council was Called Off to Refreshment for the purpose ofpresenting the Distinguished Guests. MPGM Kayser called upon MEPGHPMartin Ede to join him as they greeted their guests.
RECEPTION OF DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
Connecticut Convention of Anointed High Priests in Royal Arch MasonryCompanion J. Andrew Birdsall, Most Excellent President
Mohawk Council No. 28, Knight Masons of the U.S.A.Companion James S. McNeely, Excellent Chief
York Rite Sovereign College of North AmericaCompanion Charles A. McCollum, Grand Governor for ConnecticutCompanion Paul L. Chello, Past Grand Governor for ConnecticutCompanion Richard A. Eppler, Past Grand Governor for ConnecticutCompanion Charles D. O’Neill, Deputy Grand Governor for ConnecticutCompanion Edward C. Page, Pre-Eminent Governor, CT York Rite
College 17 Nathan Hale Council No. 78, Allied Masonic Degrees
Companion Randy S. Stevens, Sovereign Master
Connecticut College, Societas Rosicrucianis in Civitatibus Foederatis(Masonic Rosicrucians)Companion William L. Miller II, Chief Adept
Apostles Tabernacle No. XXVII, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar PriestsCompanion Randy S. Stevens, Very Eminent Preceptor
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Minnesota - 1859Companion L. Greg Schultz, Most Excellent Past Grand High PriestCompanion R. Sean Gardiner, Right Excellent Grand Royal Arch
CaptainCompanion Steven Partridge, Owatona Chapter No. 15
Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of New Jersey - 1857Companion William M. Krzewick, Most Excellent Grand High Priest
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 15
Grand Chapter of Maine, Royal Arch Masons - 1821Companion Brian S. Messing, Most Excellent Grand High Priest
Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Hampshire 1818Companion Paul Smith, Most Excellent Grand High Priest
Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland - 1817Companion Ian Duncan, Grand Representative of Connecticut near
Scotland
Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Vermont - 1804Companion Eric Steele, Most Excellent Grand High PriestCompanion David Schuler, Right Excellent Grand King
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Connecticut - 1798Companion James S. McNeely IV, Most Excellent Grand High Priest
Grand Chapter of the State of New York Royal Arch Masons - 1798Companion Ray Roche, Most Excellent Past Grand High Priest,
representing Companion Allan M. Bryant, Most Excellent GrandHigh Priest
Companion Larry N. Barnard, Right Excellent Royal Arch CaptainCompanion Jamie J. Kaim, Right Excellent Grand Master First Veil
Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts - 1798Companion David P. Sisler, Right Excellent Grand Scribe
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Maryland - 1797Companion Robert Lumbert, Most Excellent Past Grand High Priest
Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of Delaware - 1926Companion G. Taylor Thomas, Most Illustrious Deputy Grand Master
Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of Maryland - 1874Companion Robert Lumbert, Most Illustrious Grand MasterCompanion Mark E. Irwin, MIPGM and Right Illustrious Grand
Recorder
Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of Minnesota - 1870Companion L. Greg Schultz, Right Illustrious Grand ConductorCompanion Steven Partridge, Ark Council No. 3
The Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of the State ofNew Jersey - 1860Companion Douglas R. Policastro, Most Illustrious Grand MasterCompanion John D. Barnes, Grand Representative of Connecticut near
New Jersey
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Grand Council of Royal & Select Master Masons of the State of RhodeIsland and Providence Plantations - 1860Companion Mark D. Thompson, Most Illustrious Grand Master
Grand Council of Maine Royal & Select Masters - 1855Companion Paul Jerome, Most Illustrious Grand Master
Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of the State of Vermont - 1854Companion Michael J. Ladd, Most Illustrious Grand MasterCompanion David Schuler, Right Illustrious Grand Principal Conductor
of the Work
Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of New Hampshire - 1823Companion Paul Smith, Most Illustrious Grand Master
Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of the State of New York - 1823Companion Phillip J. Chandler, Right Illustrious Grand Principal
Conductor of the WorkCompanion Stephen Rubensein, Right Illustrious Grand Conductor
Supreme Council, Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the AncientAccepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the UnitedStates of AmericaCompanion Bruce T. Work, 33o, Illustrious Deputy for Connecticut
Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of ConnecticutCompanion Paul L. Chello, Right Eminent Grand Commander
General Grand Council, Cryptic Masons InternationalCompanion Charles A. McCollum, Right Puissant Regional Deputy
General Grand Master Northeast-NorthCompanion J. Andrew Birdsall, Ambassador for Connecticut
General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, InternationalCompanion Teko Foly, Most Excellent General Grand ScribeCompanion Mark E. Irwin, Most Excellent Northeast Deputy General
Grand High PriestCompanion Charles D. O’Neill, General Grand Principal SojournerCompanion Harold Kahn, Associate General Grand ChaplainCompanion James S. McNeely IV, General Grand Ambassador to
ConnecticutCompanion Paul L. Chello, Past General Grand Ambassador to Connect-
icut
Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of the State ofConnecticutBrother Marshall K. Robinson, Most Worshipful Grand Master
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 17
Tendered the gavel, Companion Robinson seated the assembly andreturned it with his thanks.
MPGM Kayser led the Companions in the Pledge of Allegiance to theFlag of the United States of America and one verse of the National Anthem.
Guests were excused and the Grand Council was Called On to Labor.The Grand Recorder read regrets from the Most Illustrious Grand Master
of Eastern Canada.The visiting Most Illustrious Grand Masters were saluted with the Private
Grand Honors of Cryptic Masonry. Companion Paul Smith, MIGM of NewHampshire, spoke on behalf of the distinguished visitors and thanked theCompanions of Connecticut for their hospitality.
MWGM Robinson was saluted with the Grand Honors of Masonry.The Grand Recorder called the roll of the Past Most Puissant Grand
Masters of Connecticut who were requested to assemble in the West wherethey were each personally greeted by MPGM Kayser, who then led theCompanions in saluting them with the Private Grand Honors.
MPGM Kayser summoned Companion Gary A. Littlefield to the podiumfor a surprise presentation of the Philip J. Jones Award, citing his many yearsof service as Grand Historian. The Grand Recorder called the roll of previousrecipients of this prestigious award. Each was asked to stand and be greetedby the Companions.
MPGM Kayser reported that the Knight of Ish Sodi award was presentedat the banquet the previous evening to Companion Brian E. Beals. The GrandRecorder called the roll of previous recipients of the award, who were askedto rise and receive the applause of the assembly.
The Grand Recorder called the roll of Grand Representatives near theGrand Council of Connecticut. They were asked to stand, be recognized, andwere thanked with applause.
On motion, VOTED to approve the minutes of the 198th Annual Assemblyas printed in the Proceedings.
After delivering the gavel to the Deputy Puissant Grand Master, MPGMKayser delivered his report and address. In his address, he announced theaward of the Lincoln Bible to Paugussett Council No. 16.
The address of the MPGM was received with a standing round ofapplause and referred to the Committee on Address.
The Report of the Committee on Necrology was presented by CompanionBellmore, and was accepted.
PMPGM Randy S. Stevens delivered the Report of the Committee onAddress of the MPGM. On his motion, VOTED to accept the report and toadopt the within Resolution.
PMPGM Kleinkauf reported for the Committee on Audit that the recordsof the Treasurer, Recorder and Trustees had been examined and found correct. On his motion, VOTED to accept the report.
RI Grand Treasurer Charles A. McCollum presented his report which was,on his motion, ACCEPTED.
PMPGM Randy S. Stevens delivered the report of the Grand Trustees. On his motion, VOTED to accept the report.
Companion Paul L. Chello, Right Eminent Grand Commander, broughtgreetings from the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Connecticut.
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Companion Eppler reported for the Committee on Credentials that therewere 51 Companions eligible to vote.
Companion Charles D. O’Neill reported on plans for the observance ofthe 200th Anniversary of the oldest Grand Council in the world. Specialcommemorative jewels have been ordered, and there will be a Grand Banquetnext May.
RI Grand Recorder Charles B. Fowler presented the report of the GrandRecorder, which was, on his motion, ACCEPTED.
Illustrious Bruce T. Work, 33º, Deputy for Connecticut for the NorthernJurisdiction of the Scottish Rite, brought greetings from his Rite andcommented that the relationship between the York and Scottish Rites inConnecticut is much better than in some other jurisdictions.
Companion Charles A. McCollum, Right Eminent Grand Commander ofthe Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Connecticut, broughtgreetings from the Grand Commandery.
Elections
PMPGM Bruce R. Bellmore, reporting for the Committee on Nomina-tions, recommended the below listed slate of officers. There being no furthernominations, MPGM Kayser declared the following nominees elected.
Most Puissant Grand Master Charles D. O’Neill
R.I. Deputy Puissant Grand Master B. Earl Canfield
R.I. Principal Conductor of the Work Martin Ede
R.I. Grand Treasurer Charles A. McCollum
R.I. Grand Recorder Charles B. Fowler Jr
Grand Trustee to June 2021 Scott T. Sherrick
Called upon for remarks, newly installed Most Excellent Grand HighPriest James S. McNeely brought greetings from the Grand Chapter of RoyalArch Masons of Connecticut. In addition, noting the 27 years of continuousservice of Grand Recorder Fowler, moved to elevate Companion Charles B.Fowler, Jr. to the rank and title of Honorary Past Most Puissant Grand Master. The affirmative vote was unanimous. Companion Fowler thanked theassembly for the great honor bestowed on him.
PMPGM J. Andrew Birdsall, on behalf of the Committee on Delinquen-cies, reported that Menunketuck Council No. 36 had failed to submit MonthlyReports and Annual Returns this past year, and recommended that a fine of$100 be imposed. On his motion, VOTED to accept the report and to imposethe fine.
MPGM Kayser requested the dais officers of Paugussett Council No. 16join him in the East. Noting the consolidation of Jerusalem Council No. 16and Adam Sattig Council No. 35 into the new Paugussett Council, hepresented them with their newly endorsed Charter.
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 19
RIDPGM O’Neill presented the Report of the Committee on Budget forthe 2018-2019 year. On motion, VOTED to adopt the budget as presentedwith the implementing resolutions.
PMPGM Randy S. Stevens presented the report of the Committee onMasonic Jurisprudence, noting that two proposed changes to the Constitutionmust lay over until the next Annual Assembly for action. On his motion,VOTED to accept the report.
Companion O’Neill reported for the Committee on Ritual, recommendinga change to the ritual of the Select Master degree. On his motion, VOTED toadopt the change. See the committee report for details.
Companion McNeely presented the report of the Committee on Bylaws,recommending that bylaws of Paugussett Council No. 16 be approved. Onmotion, VOTED to approve the recommendations.
PMPGM Eppler reported on the Tri-State Cryptic Festival held in March. VOTED to accept the report.
MPGM-elect Charles D. O’Neill announced the following appointments:Ill. Grand Captain of the Guard James S. McNeely IV
Ill. Grand Conductor Bradley K. Cooney
Ill. Grand Steward Darrin D. Silhavy
Ill. Grand Sentinel William E. Weisert II
Ill. Grand Chaplain Bruce R. Bellmore
Ill. Grand Historian Gary A. Littlefield
Ill. Grand Organist David Soderberg
Ill. Grand Marshal Jack H. Stevens
Ill. Asst Grand Treasurer Scott T. Sherrick
Ill. Asst Grand Recorder William L. Miller II
MPGM-elect O’Neill requested the Installing Team be composed ofPMPGM Charles A. McCollum as Installing Officer and PMPGM Bruce R.Bellmore as Installing Chaplain, with Companion Jack H. Stevens asInstalling Marshal.
MPGM Kayser ordered all other reports not requiring action to be printedin the Proceedings. After brief final remarks, he discharged his committeeswith thanks and Called Off the Grand Council to Refreshment for theInstallation of Officers.
Installation
MPGM Kayser’s final act was to present the gavel to Installing OfficerMcCollum who proceeded to install the officers of The Most Puissant GrandCouncil of Royal and Select Masters of Connecticut, culminating withpresentation of MPGM O’Neill with his apron and jewel, and the gavel ofauthority.
Page 20 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
PMPGM Kayser was presented with a PMPGM jewel by his lady A. J.Kayser.
MPGM O’Neill gave his Acceptance remarks, thanking the Companionsfor their confidence in him.
Companion Bruce R. Bellmore, representing Most Worshipful GrandMaster Marshall K. Robinson, congratulated the newly installed officers andbrought greetings from the Grand Master.
Closing
The ladies and guests were excused, and the Grand Council was CalledOn to Labor, at which time Installing Officer McCollum led the Companionsin saluting newly installed MPGM O’Neill with the Private Grand Honors.
There being no further business, MPGM O’Neill closed the GrandCouncil in Ample Form at 3:55 pm.
Attest
C. B. Fowler, Jr.Grand Recorder
Next Annual Assembly:The 200th Anniversary Assembly of The Most Puissant Grand Council of
Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut will be held at the Four Points bySheraton hotel, 275 Research Parkway, Meriden, Connecticut on Saturday, 1June 2019, commencing at 9:00 a.m. in conjunction with the 221st Anniver-sary Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons ofConnecticut which will be held at 1:00 p.m. on the same day and in the sameplace. The Grand Banquet in honor of the Most Puissant Grand Master andthe Most Excellent Grand High Priest will be on Friday, 31 May 2019,commencing with a social hour at 6:00 p.m.
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 21
REPORTS
MOST PUISSANT GRAND MASTER
Greetings Companions,It is with much pleasure that I welcome you to this One Hundred Ninety-
Ninth Annual Assembly of the Grand Council of Connecticut. I extend aspecial greeting to the Companions of my two Councils, Harmony No. 8 andBuel No. 20, and thank you for covering for me in my absences this past yearas I fulfilled my Grand Council obligations.
The end of my two-year odyssey is drawing to a close. Little did I knowthat when Eminent Sir Knight Bruce Bellmore invited me to join his GrandCommandery line as the Eminent Grand Warder, that the following year hewould offer me the appointment as Illustrious Grand Sentinel in the GrandCouncil line. I also find it hard to believe that I accepted both of thoseappointments. It took me many years to say “yes” to a Grand appointment:I always felt that I could best serve Masonry by exerting all my efforts in thesubordinate bodies. It wasn’t too many years until I realized that I would bepresiding as Right Eminent Grand Commander and Most Puissant GrandMaster in successive years. It has been a very busy but rewarding twenty-sixmonths, and I am happy it is about to end, but I am certain that a few daysfrom now I will wish it was continuing. Another complicating factor is thatI am also serving as the Right Excellent Grand Royal Arch Captain in theGrand Chapter line.
NECROLOGYYears ago a Masonic Brother told me that when you had a sad or
disappointing report to give it should always be preceded by Scripture or apoem:
“Hands round, yet faithful Brotherhood, The bright fraternal chain,
We part upon the Square below, To meet in heaven again!
What words of precious meaning These words Masonic are -
We meet upon the Level and We part upon the Square”
These words are attributed to Brother Robert Morris, poet laureate anddistinguished Freemason. This year the Supreme Grand Master called to the“Council Above” twenty-nine of our Connecticut Companions. We will nowpause in our deliberations while our Illustrious Grand Chaplain, Most PuissantCompanion Bruce Bellmore, leads us in a moment of prayer for our departedCompanions.
DISPENSATIONSDuring the year, I issued five dispensations, numbered 2017-01
through 2017-05:
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2017-01 - Jerusalem Council No. 6 and Adam Sattig Council No. 35October 31, 2017
Dispensation issued to allow Jerusalem Council No. 16 and Adam SattigNo. 35 to meet in accordance with the proposed by-laws of PaugussettCouncil No. 16 (approved by both Councils) until such time as the by-lawsare approved by the Grand Council By-laws Committee and voted on at the2018 Grand Council Session. Stated Assemblies are to be held on the 2nd
Tuesday of even number months at 7:30 PM at the Milford Masonic Temple. This request was voted in the affirmative in both Councils. Due notice of thismeeting change is to be sent to all Companions of both Councils.
Request received from PMPGM Charles McCollum via e-mail – October30, 2017
2017-02 - Buel Council No. 20 October 31, 2017 Dispensation granted for Buel Council No. 20 to hold their Stated
Assembly on the 4th Monday of the month concurrently with the StatedConvocation of Cyrus-Meridian Chapter No. 15, with the exception of Julyand August. This dispensation is to be in effect until such time as the revisedby-laws of Buel Council No. 20 are approved by the Grand Council By-lawsCommittee and voted on at the Grand Council Session. This request wasvoted in the affirmative by a unanimous ballot. This request is made toresolve a meeting night conflict.
Request received from MPGM Clyde Kayser II via e-mail – September20, 2017
2017-03 - Harmony Council No. 8 November 20, 2017 Dispensation granted for Harmony Council No. 8 to transport their aprons
and jewels to the Milford Masonic Temple for the purpose of holding theirDecember 12, 2017 Stated Assembly at that location. Following a briefbusiness meeting, control of the Council will be turned over to the MostPuissant Grand Master who will open a Special Assembly of the GrandCouncil for the purpose of Constituting and Dedicating Paugussett CouncilNo. 16. This request was unanimously voted in the affirmative at theNovember 14, 2017 Stated Assembly of the Council. Due notice of thischange of venue is to be sent to all Council members.
Request received from MPGM Clyde Kayser II via e-mail – November15, 2017
2017-04 – Buel Council No. 20 March 24, 2018 Dispensation granted for Buel Council No. 20 to transport their aprons
and jewels to the Log House Restaurant in Winsted, Connecticut for thepurpose of holding their April 12, 2018 Stated Assembly. Following a dinnerin a tyled room the Assembly will be opened and the Annual Meeting will beheld. This request was unanimously voted in the affirmative at the March 18,2018 Stated Assembly of the Council. Due notice of this change of venue isto be sent to all Council members.
Request received from MPGM Clyde Kayser II via e-mail – March 21,2018
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 23
After this report was submitted for review, I received a request for anadditional dispensation to allow Menunketuck Council No. 36 to hold acombined Stated Assembly with Crawford Council No. 19 on May 23, 2018. Due to sickness, work commitments and other conflicts, MenunketuckCouncil No. 36 has been having difficulty having nine Companions presentto open a meeting, so this combined session was necessary to assure theycould finally conduct their Annual Meeting and election of officers.
2017-05 – Menunketuck Council No. 36 May 24, 2018Dispensation granted for Menunketuck Council No. 36 to transport their
aprons and jewels to the Branford Masonic Temple for the purpose of holdinga joint Stated Assembly with Crawford Council No. 19. The reason for thisrequest was so that the Council could have enough Companions present tohold their Annual Meeting and election of officers. While this request did notcome with a thirty days notice of by vote of the Companions, I felt itappropriate to issue this dispensation for the reason stated in the request.
Request received from PMPGM Paul L. Chello via telephone – May 16,2018
I received additional requests for dispensations to change the time ofStated Assemblies or permission to hold Special Assemblies, which do notrequire dispensations. None were granted. I also received a request for adispensation from Cushing Council No. 4 to move their Annual Meeting totheir May 14, 2018 Stated Assembly, because the Annual Grand LodgeSession was on the same day as their April Stated Assembly. After speakingwith Right Illustrious Companion Charles Fowler Jr., I was going to grantsaid dispensation, when the request was removed. No dispensation wasgranted.
GRAND REPRESENTATIVES
This is one area where I dropped the ball this year. There are currentlyeleven openings for Grand Representatives of the following states: Alaska,Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Illinois, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon,Tennessee and Utah and ten in foreign jurisdictions; Canada West, Germany,Greece, Israel, Italy, Monaco, Panama, Philippines, Romania and Togo. AnyCompanion desiring to be the Grand Representative of one of these states orjurisdictions should contact the Most Puissant Grand Master.
One thing that I have noticed is that in other jurisdictions an attempt hasbeen made to have one Companion as the Grand Representative for both theGrand Chapter and Grand Council in a sister jurisdiction. As openings occurthis arrangement should be considered for Connecticut
On request from the Grand Recorder of his jurisdiction I approved theappointment of Companion David A. Bartell Sr. as the Grand Representativeto Connecticut near the Grand Council of Michigan.
OUT-OF-STATE VISITATIONSI have long held the opinion that when a Companion accepts a Grand line
appointment that he commits himself to two obligations; first, and foremost,
Page 24 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
to the state activities and secondly, to the visits to sister jurisdictions. Of thetwo, the instate activities are more important. However, visitations to otherstates have benefits. The amity created between the two jurisdictions isimportant and the friendships developed over the years are long-lasting. It isalso interesting to learn of the concerns and difficulties of those otherjurisdictions as well as observing different practices that could be incorpo-rated in our Councils.
This year I was able to attend the Grand Council Sessions in all six NewEngland States as well as New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania andDelaware. I had planned to attend the session in Maryland but Masoniccommitments in Connecticut forced me to cancel that visit. I also wanted toattend the Ohio Grand Council Session but their schedule was not compatiblewith mine. Lady A. J. accompanied me on several of these trips at which wewere courteously received and enjoyed our visits.
In September Lady A. J. and I attended the Northeastern DepartmentConference at Albany, New York. While this is primarily a Commanderyfunction of Grand Encampment, on Friday afternoon I attended the sessionprovided by the General Grand Council. This session was much differentthan the previous ones with an emphasis on the benefits of General GrandCouncil as opposed to what awards they have to offer. Their new MostPuissant Grand Master David Grindle, the former General Grand Recorder,is much more focused than his predecessor, and has a strong desire to spreadCryptic Masonry throughout the world. I have developed a friendship withhim that hopefully will continue to grow.
IN-STATE VISITATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
This year I was received at the DeMolay Grand Conclave, the AnnualGrand Lodge Session, the Grand Court of Amaranth and the Order of theEastern Star Grand Chapter Session. I also marched in the Grand Master’sDay Parade. I was not able to attend the Tri-State Festival because of aconflict with the Grand Council Session in Rhode Island, and conflicts withother Masonic events prevented scheduling the Annual York Rite TestimonialDinner. I also received an invitation to the Grand Assembly of Rainbow butit conflicted with an Order of Malta in New Haven Commandery, and I wasnot able to attend.
I set a goal of making at least two visitations to each of the fourteenCouncils. Unfortunately there were too many date conflicts with not only myown Masonic bodies but with other Councils and Chapters so that I could notachieve this goal. I was able to make visits to all but Hamilton Council No.22. In addition to attending my own two Councils I made a total of twenty-seven visitations to other Councils. They are:
Wolcott No. 1 – Two visits – Grand Officers rededicated the Council ontheir 200th Anniversary at a February 17th Table Council.
Montgomery No. 2 – Four visits – Grand Officers rededicated the Councilon their 200th Anniversary at the May 22nd Stated Assembly.
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 25
Cushing No. 4 – Two visits – Grand Officers rededicated the Council ontheir 200th Anniversary at their March 12th Stated Assembly.
Washington No. 6 – Two visits – Grand Officers rededicated the Councilon their 200th Anniversary at their April 12th Stated Assembly.
Harmony No. 8 – Seven visits – My primary Council.
Columbia No. 9 – One visit – Visit made at the same time I was inspectingBurning Bush-Washington Chapter No. 6.
Jerusalem No. 16 – One visit – Attended the last Stated Assembly of theCouncil before consolidation.
Paugussett No. 16 – One visit – December 12th consecration and dedica-tion of the new Council and installation of officers.
Crawford No. 19 – Three visits – Participated in the Royal Master Degree
Buel No. 20 – Six visits – My affiliated Council
Hamilton No. 22 – No visitation
Suffield No. 23 – Two visits
Lee No. 25 – One visit
Adam Sattig No. 35 – Two visits – Attended the last Stated Assemblybefore consolidation
Menunketuck No. 36 – Three visits – Participated in the Select MasterDegree
TWO-HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY RE-DEDICATIONS
In 1818 Jeremy Ladd Cross, one of the most prolific Masonic organizers,established eleven Royal and Select Masters Councils in Connecticut. Six ofthose Councils are still active and since February the Grand Council Officershave been re-dedicating them on their Two-hundredth Anniversaries. So farthe ceremony has been performed for Wolcott No. 1, Montgomery No. 2,Cushing No 4 and Washington No. 6. The remaining two Councils, HarmonyNo. 8 and Columbia No. 9, will be re-dedicated in the Fall. In May, 1819, theoriginal eleven Councils formed the Most Puissant Grand Council ofConnecticut and that event will be commemorated with a Two-hundredthAnniversary Banquet next May.
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TRI-STATE CRYPTIC FESTIVAL
This was the year that Connecticut was scheduled to sponsor the AnnualConnecticut-Massachusetts-New York Tri-State Cryptic Festival, and I waspleased to see that it would be held here during my year as Most PuissantGrand Master. Last August I met with the officers of the Council of SuperExcellent Masters to set a date and location for this event. We settled onSaturday, March 17th at the Meriden Masonic Temple and notification of thisdate and place was sent to the other jurisdictions. There were no conflictsreported. In February I learned that the date had been changed to March 24th
in Meriden. This date was in conflict with the Grand Chapter/CouncilSessions of Rhode Island, and I requested that the Festival be returned toMarch 17th. This was not done, and I was very disappointed that I had to missthe Festival to attend the sessions in Rhode Island.
CHARLES LINCOLN TRAVELING BIBLE
This year there was a strong competition for the Lincoln Traveling Bible,and I had a hard time arriving at the recipient. Separating out a recipient wasgoing to be difficult, so I decided to go a different route. Early last year theCompanions of Jerusalem Council No. 16 of Stratford and Adam SattigCouncil No. 35 of Milford realized that it was becoming more and moredifficult to keep their Councils functioning and entered into an agreement tosurrender their charters and form a new Council, Paugussett No. 16.Therefore, in recognition of their desire to see Cryptic Masonry continuing inthe Stratford/Milford area, I have made them the 2018 recipient of the LincolnBible.
AWARDS
This year I had the privilege to present awards to two deservingCompanions. Unfortunately, I did not receive any nominations or recommen-dations from the Councils, so I selected the recipients myself. At the GrandChapter/Council banquet it was my pleasure to present the Knight of Ish Sodiaward to Illustrious Companion Brian E. Beals of Lee Council No. 25. Illustrious Companion Beals has been instrumental in the success of LeeCouncil No. 25. However, I am more impressed by the service he has givento the youth of Connecticut, most especially DeMolay. After the retirementof Dad Harry Needham, Illustrious Companion Brian assumed the office ofExecutive Officer in Connecticut. His tireless interest for the Order hascaused it to continually grow, and for that reason I decided to present theKnight of Ish Sodi to him this year.
The most prestigious award of the Grand Council is the Phillip J. JonesDistinguished Service Award. It was established in 1972 by the GrandCouncil to be awarded annually for distinguished service to CrypticFreemasonry. The first recipient was Most Puissant Companion Philip Joneshimself. To date there have been forty-four presentations of this award.Currently we have eighteen living recipients. When I surveyed the list of
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 27
former recipients, I was struck with the glaring absence of one name, and itwas my pleasure this year to correct that omission. It was my pleasure topresent the Philip J. Jones Award to Illustrious Companion Gary A. Littlefieldof Montgomery Council No. 2. In addition to serving his Council asRecorder, he is also the Illustrious Grand Historian of the Grand Council ofConnecticut, and actually, the Grand Historian of several other Masonicbodies. His attention to keeping the history of the Grand Council and hiscurrent endeavor of compiling its 200th Anniversary history for next yearmakes him a worthy recipient of this award.
STATE OF CRYPTIC MASONRY IN CONNECTICUT
My year began with fourteen Councils in Connecticut, and with thereorganization of Jerusalem No. 16 and Adam Sattig No. 35 into PaugussettNo. 16, it finished with thirteen Councils. On the surface it would appear thatthis is a negative, but I am sure, in the future it will be considered a positiveaction. The year also began with a little over 900 Cryptic Masons and willend with a loss of about 50 members, which is about the average losses for thepast four years. It does appear that the number of Greetings has increased thisyear. The actual recapitulation will be presented in the Grand Recorder’sReport.
I would like to be able to report that all thirteen Councils are active andthriving, but I cannot. At least three Councils are struggling to have nine oftheir Companions present to open a Stated Assembly. Surprisingly, thesesame three Councils are able to present an excellent portrayal of the Royaland Select Master Degrees. This is a dichotomy that I do not understand. Wehave several Councils that still have officers reading the ritual during theopening and closing of the Council. This is an activity that should bediscouraged.
I do see a light at the end of the tunnel. Two Councils that had been in astruggle mode for several years have appeared to right themselves. One ofthem, in conjunction with its associated Chapter, has conferred all the Chapterand Council Degrees in the past year, an activity that had not occurred forseveral years.
After serving for many years as Secretary of Cyrus-Meridian Chapter No.15 and Buel Council No. 20, Most Puissant Companion Andrew G. WeimannII has decided to retire from those positions. He should be commended for hisyears of service in keeping this Chapter and Council active. I have decidedto accept those positions to try and keep the Capitular and Cryptic firesburning in Torrington. This is important in that if Buel Council No. 20 wouldclose, the closest Councils in Connecticut to the New York border would bein Collinsville, Meriden, Milford and Norwalk. Nearly forty percent of thestate would be without a Council.
I am also concerned about the future of Menunketuck Council No. 36. Ivisited them three times this year, and they had difficulty opening thoseAssemblies. They only have twenty-five Companions, have been delinquentin filing their monthly reports and annual returns, and are seriously struggling. A small cadre of Companions have been trying to keep this Council going,but it is becoming harder and harder to see any future for this Council. Last
Page 28 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
year I offered my services to try and get their records straightened out, but norequest for this assistance was forthcoming. I would strongly suggest that thisCouncil consider merging with Crawford Council No. 19 in Branford, for thebetterment of both Councils.
There are other concerns. First of all, while all of the Chapters, with theexception of the newly formed Housatonic No. 13, schedule ten StatedConvocations a year, only nine of the thirteen Councils hold ten StatedAssemblies. I would personally like to see all the Councils return to the tenmeeting schedule. Secondly, Councils that meet on the same night asChapters often do not open a Stated Assembly on the night of a Chapterdegree. This year I have tried to convince them to open the Council inside ofthe Chapter meeting. In other words, open the Chapter, go to refreshment,open the Council, do the business, close the Council, return the Chapter tolabor and continue that meeting. I have been told that there is no need to gothe refreshment before opening the second body and will check that out forclarification. In the case that a Council Degree is being presented, theprocedure can be reversed by holding the Chapter meeting inside the Councilmeeting. This procedure only requires changing the charters and workingtools and not the aprons and jewels. Lastly, there is still the perception thatthe Council is the weak sister of the York Rite. This is partly due to the factthat the Council meetings are often not opened. This can be remedied byusing the above procedures.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I hereby propose the following recommendation for consideration:
Review the viability of continuing the York Rite TestimonialBanquet. In recent years the attendance at this dinner has beensteadily decreasing, and last year it was not held. The York RiteCoordinating Committee needs to determine if this testimonial shouldbe continued. I would recommend that if they decide to continueholding it, that it should be moved to either July or August to avoidthe October/November conflicts. I further recommend that if thetestimonial is discontinued, that the James Royal Case Award bepresented at the banquet of the Grand Chapter/Council Session.
THANK YOUS
In closing, I would like to specially recognize the following:
Bruce R. Bellmore – Thank you for twisting my arm to become a GrandCouncil Officer. We have worked together for many years in all levels ofMasonry, and I have marveled at your expertise with the ritual. If all thingsgo as planned in five years when you are installed as Most Worshipful GrandMaster, I will also be installed as the Most Excellent Grand High Priest.
Charles B. Fowler Jr. – Every presiding officer needs a good Secretaryor Recorder, and this is especially true for a Grand line. Being a Secretary of
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 29
several Masonic bodies, I know what your job entails. Your diligence andattention to detail has allowed the operation of our Grand Council to gosmoothly. It was a pleasure to see that you were elevated by the Companionspresent at the Grand Session to the status of Honorary Past Most PuissantGrand Master; you are certainly entitled to that distinction. I thank you for allthe assistance and guidance you have given me this year. Thank you.
Charles A. McCollum – I don’t know how you do all that you do. LadyA. J. and I have enjoyed traveling with you and Lady Beth during your yearas Grand Commander. You are now serving as Regional Deputy GeneralGrand Master of the North East-North for the General Grand Council. Wehave worked together in all phases of Masonry, and I thank you for the goodcounsel you have always provided me.
Martin Ede – You served for two years as Most Excellent Grand HighPriest and also my Illustrious Grand Conductor. I’m sure that when youaccepted an appointment to the Grand Chapter line you had no idea youwould be presiding for two years. I enjoyed working with you this year andwill look for your counsel as I progress up the Grand Chapter line.
Our Past Most Puissant Grand Masters – You have always beenavailable to give good counsel and at times, to chastise or reprimand. All ofthe Grand Officers look to you for guidance and assistance, and you arealways there to assist us. It will be with great pleasure that I will soon jointyour ranks.
Connecticut Cryptic Masons – I thank you for the courtesies extendedto me and my Grand Officers whenever we visited your Councils. There havebeen times when we have been critical of your operation, but believe me, thiswas only done to assist you in assuring that your Council will be successful. We really do care about the future success of your Councils.
Lady A. J. Kayser – Lastly, but certainly not least, you are the love ofmy life, and I would not have undertaken this journey without your assent. You have backed me in all my activities. We have spent eight years travelingto Grand Sessions all over the East, and most of these trips have been ourvacations. I know traveling this year has been very trying for you, and Isincerely appreciate your accompanying me when you could. Thank you forbeing so understanding.
Clyde W. Kayser II
VISITATIONS
June 20171st -Washington Commandery visit to Bethlehem-Crusader
Commandery No. 53 - White Plains2nd-3rd Connecticut Grand Chapter/Council Session – Meriden5th Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests - Stratford6th Adam Sattig Council No. 35 – Milford – Fraternal visit7th -H alleck Chapter No. 44/ Menunketuck Council No. 36 – Madison
– Fraternal visit8th -R ittenhouse Chapter No 11/ Washington Council No. 6 – East
Norwalk – Fraternal visit
Page 30 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
9th Baldwin Chapter No. 13 – Stratford – Fraternal visit10th Grand Master’s Day - Wallingford11-12th Vermont York Rite Grand Sessions – Killington13th Harmony Council No. 8 – Stated14th Hiram Chapter No. 1 – Stated – Mark Master Mason Degree15th Hamilton Commandery No. 5 – Stratford - Stated – Picnic - Recep-
tion for REGC16th New Haven Commandery No 2 – New Haven - Stated – IORC17th Connecticut York Rite College No. 17 – North Windham – Stated19th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown - Stated – Awards Night and
Strawberry Shortcake Social20th Saint Elmo Commandery No. 9 – Meriden - Stated – IORC22nd Palestine Commandery No. 6 – Preston – Fraternal visit25th Saint John’s Sunday Worship Service – Stratford
August 201718-20th New York Grand Council Session – Rochester26-29th AASR Supreme Council Session – Rochester NY
September 20175th Franklin Chapter No. 2 – New Haven - Stated8th-9th Northeastern Department Conference - Albany12th Harmony Council No. 8 – New Haven – Stated 14th Cyrus-Meridian Chapter No. 15 /Buel Council No. 20 – Torrington
- Stated15th New Haven Commandery No. 2 – New Haven – Stated16-17th New York Grand Commandery - Albany18th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown – Stated19th Saint Elmo Commandery No. 9 – Stated – Order of Malta20th Washington Chapter No. 30 -/Suffield Council No. 23 – Suffield –
Fraternal visit22nd Jerusalem Council No. 16 – Stratford – Fraternal visit26th Trinity Chapter No. 9 /Montgomery Council No. 2 – North Wind-
ham – Fraternal visit29-30th DeValois Commandery No. 16 – Vinalhaven ME – Weekend
gathering
October 20171st DeValois Commandery No. 16 – Vinalhaven ME – Weekend
gathering2nd Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown – Stated – Table Lodge3rd Adam Sattig Council No. 35 – Milford – Official visitation7th Connecticut York Rite College No. 17 – East Hartford – Stated9th Cyrus-Meridian Chapter No. 15 – Torrington – Special10th Harmony Council No. 8 – New Haven – Stated11th Hiram Chapter No. 1 – Sandy Hook – Fraternal visit12th Good Will Chapter No. 112, OES – Watertown – Stated – Official
Inspection
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 31
13-15th Massachusetts Grand York Rite Session – Mansfield16th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown – Stated17th Burning Bush-Washington Chapter No. 6/Columbia Council No. 9
– Middletown – Chapter Inspection19th Hamilton Commandery No. 5 – Stratford – Stated – Knights Pa-
triot Program20th New Haven Commandery No. 2 – New Haven – Stated 21st SRICF/AMD – East Hartford23rd Buel Council No. 20 – Torrington – Special24th Trinity Chapter No. 9/Montgomery Council No. 2 – North Wind-
ham – Chapter Inspection25th Pythagoras Chapter No. 17 – East Hartford – Fraternal visit25th Trinity Commandery No. 3 – Norwalk – Stated – Inspection on OT27th Jerusalem Council No. 16 – Stratford – Stated – Last meeting30th Knight York Cross of Honour - Norwalk
November 20171st Saint John’s Commandery No. 11 – North Windham – Special –
OT rehearsal3rd New Haven Commandery No. 2 – New Haven – Special – OT
rehearsal6th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown – Stated7th Franklin Chapter No. 2 – New Haven – Stated8th Crawford Council No. 19 – Branford – Stated – Fraternal visit9th Good Will Chapter No. 112, OES – Watertown – Stated10th Palestine Commandery No. 6 – Preston – Special - OT rehearsal14th Harmony Council No. 8 – New Haven – Stated 17th New Haven Commandery No. 2 – New Haven - Stated20th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown – Stated21st Saint Elmo Commandery No. 9 – Meriden – Stated – Inspection on
OT27th Cyrus-Meridian Chapter No. 15/Buel Council No. 20 – Torrington
– Stated29th Palestine Commandery No. 6 – Preston – OT Rehearsal
December 20171st New Haven Commandery No. 2 – New Haven - Special – OT
rehearsal4th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown – Stated – Annual Meeting5th Franklin Chapter No. 2 – New Haven - Stated 7th Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests - Stratford8th Palestine No.6/Saint John’s No 11 Commandery –Preston – Stated
- Christmas Observance 10th Cyrene No.8/Saint Elmo No. 9 Commandery – Meriden – Special -
Christmas Observance11th Cyrus-Meridian Chapter No. 15 – Torrington - Special – MMM
and PM Degrees12th Paugussett Council No 16 – Milford Stated - Dedication and In-
stallation of Council Officers
Page 32 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
13th Hiram Chapter No. 1 – Sandy Hook – Stated – Fraternal visit14th Good Will Chapter No. 112, O.E.S. – Watertown - Stated – Christ-
mas Party15th New Haven Commandery No. 2 – New Haven - Stated – Christ-
mas Observance16th Hamilton Commandery No. 5 – Stratford – Special - Christmas
Observance 18th Housatonic Chapter No. 13 – Milford - Christmas Dinner and
Carol Sing19th Saint Elmo Commandery No. 9 – Stated – 1700 hours19th Washington Commandery No. 1 – East Hartford - Stated – Christ-
mas Observance
January 20182nd Franklin Chapter No. 2 – New Haven - Stated4th Harmony Lodge No. 42 – Waterbury - Stated – Flag Ceremony6th Hiram Lodge No. 1 – New Haven - Special – Installation and Flag
Ceremony8th York Rite College - Rehearsal – East Hartford9th Harmony Council No 8 – New Haven - Stated – Select Master
Degree11th Good Will Chapter No. 112, OES – Watertown - Stated12th Palestine Commandery No. 6 – Preston – OT rehearsal13th Saint Thomas of Acon – Wallingford - Stated – Hartog Center15th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown - Stated16th Saint Elmo Commandery No. 9 – Meriden - Stated19th New Haven Commandery No. 2 – New Haven - Stated20th Connecticut York Rite College No. 17 – East Hartford - Stated22nd Cyrus-Meridian Chapter No. 15/Buel Council No. 20 – Torrington
- Stated – MMM Degree24th Pulaski Chapter No. 26/Crawford Council No. 19 – Branford -
Stated – Fraternal Visit25th Palestine Commandery No. 6 – Preston - Stated – Inspection on
OT31st Knight York Cross of Honor – Stratford - Stated
February 20181st New Haven Commandery No. 2 – New Haven - Stated - Annual
Conclave 3rd SRICF/AMD – East Hartford5th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown - Stated6th Franklin Chapter No. 2 – New Haven - Stated – Mark Master
Mason Degree8th Good Will Chapter No. 112, OES – Watertown - Stated11th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown - Special – Ladies Apprecia-
tion Dinner 13th Harmony Council No. 8 – New Haven - Stated
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 33
16th New Haven Commandery No. 2 – New Haven - Stated – Installa-tion of Officers
17th Wolcott Council No. 1 – East Hartford - Special – 200th Anniver-sary Table Council
19th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown - Stated – Fellow Craft Degree 20th Saint Elmo Commandery No. 9 – Meriden - Stated – Annual
Meeting21st Washington Chapter No. 30/Suffield Council No. 23 – Suffield -
Stated – Suffield – RA Degree24th Noveum Eborecum Chapel No. 7, ACON – Albany NY - Stated26th Cyrus-Meridian Chapter No. 15/Buel Council No. 20 – Torrington
- Stated28th Pythagoras Chapter No. 17 – East Hartford - Stated – Fraternal
visit – MEM Degree
March 20182nd-3rd Grand Council of New Jersey – Toms River5th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown - Stated6th Franklin Chapter No. 2 – New Haven - Stated 7th Halleck Chapter No. 44/Menunketuck Council No. 36 – Madison –
Stated – Fraternal visit8-11th Grand Council of Delaware - Wilmington12th Union Chapter No. 7/Cushing Council No. 4 – Preston – 200th
Council Anniversary13th Harmony Council No. 8 – New Haven - Stated14th Hiram Chapter No. 1 – Sandy Hook - Stated – Fraternal visit16th New Haven Commandery No. 2 – New Haven - Stated – IORC
and OM (short)19th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown - Stated – Fellow Craft Degree 20th Saint Elmo Commandery No. 9 – Meriden - Stated – Installation of
Officers23-24th Grand Council of Rhode Island - Warwick26th Cyrus-Meridian Chapter No. 15/Buel Council No. 20 – Torrington
- Stated 30th New Haven Commandery No. 2 – New Haven - Stated – OT
Inspection
April 20181st Easter Sunrise Service - Masonicare2nd Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown - Stated3rd Franklin Chapter No. 2 – New Haven - Stated – Annual Meeting5th Grand Court of Amaranth – East Hartford7th York Rite College – Wallingford - Hartog Center9th Grand Lodge of Connecticut - Cromwell 10th Harmony Council No. 8 – New Haven – Stated - Annual Meeting11th Hiram Chapter No. 1 – Stated – Sandy Hook - Annual Meeting12th Rittenhouse Chapter No. 11/Washington Council No. 6 – Stated –
200th Council Anniversary 13-15th Grand Commandery of Connecticut – Four Points - Wallingford
Page 34 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
16th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown - Stated 17th Saint Elmo Commandery No. 9 – Meriden - Stated – Order of
Malta (full-form)19th Hamilton Commandery – Stratford – Stated - Fraternal visit20th New Haven Commandery No. 2 – New Haven – Stated - Order of
the Temple26th Order of the Eastern Star Grand Chapter - Farmington27-29th York Rite Grand Sessions of Maine - Portland
May 20181st Franklin Chapter No. 2 – New Haven - Stated – Most Excellent
Master Degree 2nd Halleck No. 44/Menunketuck No. 36 – Madison – Stated - Frater-
nal visit 4th Columbia Chapter No.31 /Lee Council No. 25 – Collinsville –
Stated - Fraternal visit 7th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown - Stated 8th Harmony Council No. 8 – New Haven - Stated -9th Hiram Chapter No. 1 – Sandy Hook - Stated10th Cyrus-Meridian Chapter No. 15/Buel Council No. 20 – Torrington
- Stated11-12th New Hampshire Grand York Rite Sessions - Concord 15th Saint Elmo Commandery No. 9 – Meriden - Stated18-20th Pennsylvania Grand Commandery Session - Grantsville21st Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown - Stated 22nd Trinity Chapter No. 9/ Montgomery Council No. 2 – North Wind-
ham – Stated - 200th Council Anniversary26th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown - Special – Master Mason
Degree28th Federal Lodge No. 17 – Watertown – Special – Memorial Day
Parade30th Pulaski Chapter No. 26/ Crawford Council No. 19 – Branford –
Stated - Fraternal visit
June 20181-2nd Connecticut Grand Chapter/Council Session – Four Points Hotel -
Meriden
DEPUTY PUISSANT GRAND MASTER
I would like to Thank the Companions for the confidence they havereposed in me, by electing me the Deputy Puissant Grand Master. It has beenan honor to serve the companions of this Jurisdiction.
I have enjoyed my travels this year both in state and out of state, andalways received a warm welcome. I have seen some good work from ourcouncils, but we still have councils that are struggling and failing to open andsubmit their reports in a timely manner if at all.
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 35
While it may be convenient for many of the companions and councils tomeet on the same night as the chapter, I have received several reports wherethe councils “decided” not to open because of the “lateness” of the evening. This is unacceptable and should never happen. If the councils know that thereis work being done in the chapter that may take up the evening, my suggestionwould be to open the council first, do the business required, close the counciland then continue to the work of the Chapter, but just deciding not to hold astated meeting again is unacceptable.
One thing that I will be changing or enforcing, should I be elected MostPuissant Grand Master, is that visitation reports, and council inspections besent to the Deputy Puissant Grand Master, just as they are sent to the King inChapter. I only received the inspection report for one council this year. So,this begs the question, are our officers making their inspections and visita-tions? Without these reports, it is hard for us to know the true state ofCouncils and the work that they are doing.
Again I thank the companions for their confidence in me and lookforward to serving if so elected.
Charles D. O’Neill
GRAND PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR OF THE WORK
No report received from Companion Joseph Krusienski
GRAND TREASURER5/1/2017 THRU 4/30/2018
Balance in account 5/1/2017 $5,303.36INCOME
CMMRF In 136.00Per Capita 10,104.00Other Income 76.00Sales 276.00Transfer from Trustees 0.00
Total Income $10,592.00
EXPENSEAnnual Assembly 2,578.69Aprons & Jewels 261.62Donation - CMMRF 100.00Salary-Grand Recorder 2,000.00Salary - Grand Treasurer 500.00Gratuity - Grand Organist 100.00Insurance 1,822.72
Page 36 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
Miscellaneous 40.00MPGM Travel Allowance 1,253.64Office Equipment Rental 400.00Office Supplies 44.68Postage 78.51Printing & Reproduction 378.98Storage 26.25Website 300.00Tax – SS & Medicare & Unemploy- 253.78YRCC 0.00
Total Expenses $10,138.87
Balance in account 04/30/2018 $5,756.49Receipts in excess of expenses $453.13
Charles A. McCollum
GRAND RECORDER
I am pleased and privileged to offer the tenth report of my second tour ofduty as your Grand Recorder. My special thanks to the Recorders of theConstituent Councils for their cooperation and prompt response to myrequests for information and their assistance. The monthly reporting from theConstituent Councils continues to improve, and I commend the Recorders fora job well done, and getting the reports to me in a timely manner.
My special thanks to Lady Muff who continues to support me in all myendeavors. My thanks also to Associate Grand Recorder William L. MillerII.
During the 2017 fiscal year, I received and turned over to the GrandTreasurer the sum of $10,592.00. Only a few copies of the 2017 Proceedingswere printed in hard copy. Most of the Grand Recorders of other GrandCouncils received the Proceedings via email, as did Grand Council Officers,Past Most Puissant Grand Masters, Constituent Council Recorders for whomwe had an email address. Printed copies were sent to those known not to havecomputers and to the several libraries who maintain copies.
Of our now 13 Constituent Councils, all except one submitted theirAnnual Returns, mostly on time. On 12 December 2017, Jerusalem CouncilNo. 16 and Adam Sattig Council No. 35 consolidated under the namePaugussett Council No. 16.
The membership summary which follows shows the previous ten yearsfor comparison purposes. As you can see, we have had a steady decline overthat period, and it is obvious that we continue to lose members. Greetingswere up but still lower than usual this year, and dimits and NPD continue tobe high, so we suffered a net loss of 49. Of our 867 members, 14 are dual
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 37
members, and 56 are Fifty Year members or are in the care of Masonicare orother similar institution. Our per capita tax base is now only 797, (a net lossof 45).
Membership Changes for Past 10 Years
Year Ending 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Greeted 58 101 49 69 76 47 18 24 37 31
Affil & Reinstate 8 138 12 5 10 6 12 6 6 89
TOTAL ADDS 66 239 61 74 86 53 30 30 43 120
Dimitted 22 151 18 17 19 12 11 8 9 97
Involuntary 33 47 31 44 40 62 49 45 54 43
Deaths 60 44 40 58 30 29 41 26 23 31
TOTAL LOSSES 115 242 89 119 89 103 101 79 86 171
Begin Members 1262 1213 1210 1182 1137 1135 1078 1008 959 916
Net Change -49 -3 -28 -45 -3 -50 -71 -49 -43 -51
End Members 1213 1210 1182 1137 1134 1085 1007 959 916 865
Exemptions * 95 92 89 85 88 96 85 82 74 68
Per Cap Taxable 1118 1118 1093 1052 1046 989 922 877 842 797
* Dual, 50 Year, MHC.
C. B. Fowler, Jr.
GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD
No report received from Companion B. Earl Canfield.
GRAND CONDUCTOR
My visits to Councils this past year were primarily done in conjunctionwith my Chapter visitations. The work I saw was good, but there is room forimprovement in line with my concerns for the Chapters.
As with Chapter, the Companions of the Councils must be proactive ingetting the message of the Cryptic degrees out to the Lodges. Often it hasbeen said that the Council is the poor child, or some similar metaphor, of theYork Rite. The Companions need to stress the importance of the degrees inthe legend of Hiram Abiff and the building of the first and second Temples. The secrets of the Ninth Arch are crucial to the understanding of the RoyalArch and our ritual legend. This coming year is an ideal time to get themessage out with our 200th Anniversary, and we should make sure that at any
Page 38 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
public/family dinners our local lodges are invited so that they can see theconnection.
Councils should be encouraged to meet together for degrees and allmembers should also be active in their respective Chapters. Councils shouldalso reach out to those Chapters that do not have a Council that meets in theirbuilding and encourage all to work in the arches. To those Councils that meeton the same night as their Chapters, careful thought should be given as to howthese effectively joint meetings are run. It is hard to say whether we lose orgain attending Companions on these joint nights. The meeting where nodegree is being done should be run as quickly as possible with a quick andconcise business meeting.
As we come to our 200th Anniversary, we should reconsider membershipin the General Grand Council. We are the oldest and original Grand Council,and we should take our rightful place as a member of the General Grand. Theconcerns that are often brought up are, upon objective reflection, not valid. Membership is voluntary and we in no way lose any of our sovereignty. TheGeneral Grand can in no way force us to do anything we do not agree with,and it is clear that this would not be the case anyway. We can keep ourhistoric titles and assume our rightful place as the oldest Grand Council, andif we wish to change perceptions within the General Grand, these changes canonly be made from within and not from without. Both we and the GeneralGrand Council will be stronger with our membership.
I look forward to continuing to support Cryptic Masonry in our state andspreading the knowledge of the Ninth Arch.
Martin Ede
GRAND STEWARD
It is a pleasure to serve this Grand Council. During the year, I wasable to attend eight councils throughout the state, as well as the tri-statefestival, and all the Grand Officer meetings. During these travels, Isaw many positives as well as several concerns. A big piece of concernis that in too many of our Councils the companions just show up; thereis very little thought or planning that goes into what we are doing. I seeit with degree work that is conferred without rehearsal and meetingsheld with no plan or program. It is this lack of effort to plan that drivesaway candidates and companions. I would strongly encourage all ofour Councils to slow down, plan your work and work your plan,provide education and quality. Yes, it takes time and effort but itprovides a much better experience for all companions.
As the Grand Steward, I was assigned as inspecting officer for thefollowing Councils:
Wolcott No. 1 – This is a Council that brings in a few newcandidates every year and has been capable of doing their own work. Sadly, they are facing the reality of not having a deep bench for their
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 39
degree work or for officers. Thankfully, they asked for help to fillholes within the work and were able to provide quality degrees for thecandidates. The current officers need to develop newer members inboth being able to take parts in the degrees and active as officers.
Washington No. 6 – While I was unable to inspect WashingtonCouncil due to a scheduling conflict, I was able to visit the Councilseveral times throughout the year. Their inspection was completed byCompanion Earl Canfield. I can say that this is a Council that has aplan for every candidate, member, and officer. They do quality work,programs, and education. They work their plan and everyone knowswhat the plan is. They provide education and mentoring for all of thecandidates and members.
Adam Sattig No. 35 – Due to their merger with Jerusalem Councilthere was no inspection.
I continue to see one common thread within all of our Councils; weneed to get our new members active and if we don’t it is to our ownperil.
James S. McNeely IV
GRAND HISTORIAN
The 200th anniversary of the Grand Council of Connecticut has started. The eleven councils formed by Jeremy Ladd Cross came together in 1819 toform the Grand Council. Cross was authorized to form councils of SelectMasters in any state where a Grand Council was not formed. Originally, thecouncils were named for the town in which they were formed. The 1819meeting minutes show delegates from Hartford Council #1, Ashford Council#2, Norwich Council #3, New London Council #4, Colchester Council #5,Stamford Council #6, Kent Council #7, New Haven Council #8, MiddletownCouncil #9, Canterbury Council #10 and Newtown Council #11 (mistyped asNewton). Lyman Law was elected to preside with Henry W. Edwards andTalcott Wolcott assisting. The titles of the first three presiding officers wereto be Grand Puissant, Deputy Grand Puissant and Grand Thrice Illustrious.
An interesting piece of legislation was that there would not be any morecouncils established in the state than there were chapters of Royal ArchMasons. The legislation was soon eliminated and no limitation was providedfor.
We urge that the existing councils make appropriate celebration plans fortheir 200th anniversary in conjunction with events planned before thecelebration of the Grand Council in 2019.
I thank the Most Puissant Grand Master for his appointment as GrandHistorian and look forward to celebrating with all of you, the 200th anniver-sary of cryptic masonry in Connecticut.
Gary A Littlefield
Page 40 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
GRAND TRUSTEES
Fidelity Asset Manager Account Number 2BW-555720
Balance of funds on May 1, 2017 $151,689.42
Disbursement on March 30, 2018 $5,500.00
Gain minus disbursements $10,190.78
End Balance on April 30, 2018 $161,689.42
Note: Disbursement was from the budgeted $8000 set aside for the Bicenten-nial at the last Annual Meeting. An additional $5000 has been requested,which the Grand Treasurer will move to authorize at this session.
Split is 51% Stock, 44%Bonds, and 5% Short Term.
Randy S. Stevens, ChPaul L. Chello
William E. Bohman
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 41
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE ON ADDRESS OF THE MPGM
In accordance with Section 5 f of the Constitution of the Most PuissantGrand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Connecticut, Most PuissantGrand Master, Companion Clyde W. Kayser II has submitted his reportcontaining his official acts. In reviewing this report for the Cryptic year2017-18 we found that Companion Kayser has fulfilled all of the requirementsof this report. Our committee wishes to thank Companion Kayser for filinghis report as timely as circumstances allowed.
No further actions were required of this committee. We wish to thank theMost Puissant Grand Master, his Officers and the Members of The MostPuissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters for this opportunity tobe of service.
Randy S. Stevens, ChairEdward R. Ham
Michael E. Seamon
COMMITTEE ON 200TH ANNIVERSARY
I would like to thank Most Puissant Grand Master Clyde W. Kasyer, II formy appointment to this committee.
The Committee met twice in person and continued to meet via electroniccommunications.
The Committee selected a venue for the Rededication of the GrandCouncil; the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Meriden. While this was notour first choice as a venue, it will afford convenient lodging for thosetraveling from out of state. The current plan is to have the rededication of theGrand Council followed by a dinner dance gala. The Committee is currentlylooking into Bands and DJs for the event on Saturday, May 18, 2019.
The Committee has also Commissioned a Commemorative jewel to bestruck, with two different ribbons attached: the White and Purple to bepresented to all Companions greeted in 2018-2019, and the solid purple to besold to all companions in the jurisdiction, with 50 numbered medals forvisiting dignitaries. The cost of the medals is $10,500.00 of which we hopeto recoup a part with sales of the medals. A deposit of $5500.00 has alreadybeen paid to the vendor.
Page 42 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
Charles D. O’Neill, ChB. Earl Canfield
James S. McNeelyMartin Ede
Garry A. Littlefield
COMMITTEE ON AUDIT
The records of expenditures and receipts of the Grand Council Treasurerfor the 2017-2018 fiscal year ending March 30, 2018, were reviewed andfound accurate and complete. We commend Grand Treasurer Charles A.McCollum for the availability and orderliness of the records for the Commit-tee’s review.
We the Committee, recommend the acceptance of the Grand Treasurer’sAnnual Report as presented.
James C. Kleinkauf,Ch.Edward R. HamB. Earl Canfield
COMMITTEE ON AWARDS
No official meetings of the Awards Committee were convened. Noticewas sent in the Opportunities seeking nominations for the Knight of Ish SodiAward for Meritorious Service and for the Grand Council Philip J. JonesAward for Distinguished Masonic Service. No formal nominations werereceived.
MPGM Kayser submitted the nominations for:Knight of Ish Sodi Award for Meritorious Service
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 43
Companion Brian E. Beals of Lee Council No. 25Grand Council Philip J. Jones Award for Distinguished MasonicService
Companion Gary A. Littlefield of Montgomery Council No. 2.The Grand Council Laws limit the Grand Council Philip J. Jones Award
for Distinguished Masonic Service to 1 per year, and the Knight of Ish SodiAward for Meritorious Service to 1 for every one thousand (1000) membersor fraction thereof on the rolls of the Constituent Councils of this GrandCouncil, except that the Most Puissant Grand Master may authorize one (1)additional award at his discretion.
The Grand Council has 865 Companions of record; therefore 2 Knight ofIsh Sodi Awards for Meritorious Service are acceptable.
The committee unanimously agreed (via email) that the distinguishednominees should be awarded the respective awards and honored at the GrandCouncil banquet or assembly.
Clyde W. Kayser II, ChCharles D. O’Neill
Charles B. Fowler, Jr.
COMMITTEE ON BUDGETFiscal Year Ending 04.30.2019
Taxable Membership on 3.31.2018 = 797
Income2016-17Budget
2016-17Actual
2017-18Budget
2017-18Actual
2018-19Budget
Bicentennial 7,000
Per Capita 12,000 10,572 10,104 10,104 11,955
Other Income 730 978 200 352 300
CMMRF 100 96 131 136 100
Tranfer fm Trustees 0 5,000 4,000 0 11,000
Total Income 15,832 16,646 14,435 10,592 30,355
Expense
Annual Assembly 2,400 2,644 2,000 1,580 1,600
Hospitality: 1,000 1,000 1,000
Aprons & Jewels 1,000 652 1,300 262 700
Bicentennial 16,000
Salary Recorder 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000
Salary Treasurer 500 500 500 500 500
Gratuity Organist 100 0 100 100 200
Page 44 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
Insurance 1,300 1,862 1,825 1,823 2,000
Miscellaneous 200 877 100 40 175
Office Equip Rental 400 400 400 400 400
Storage 30 26 30 26 30
Supplies 100 87 175 45 250
Postage 125 114 115 79 150
Printing 1,500 1,171 700 379 500
MPGM Travel Al- 3,720 2,978 3,200 1,254 3,500
YRCC 2,250 0 250 0 250
Tax - SS and Medi- 125 157 175 191 180
Tax - 350 48 65 63 65
CMMRF 100 0 100 100 100
DeMolay 350 0 0 0 0
Web Page 300 300 400 300 400
Total Expense 15,832 13,816 14,435 10,140 30,000
RESOLUTIONS CONCERNING 2018-2019 BUDGETBe it resolved:
That the proposed budget of $30,000.00 be adopted.That each Council pay to the Grand Recorder the Per Capita of $15.00 for
each member on the rolls on 31 March 2019. This is no increase.That the Grand Treasurer is authorized to transfer unexpended funds from
one budget expense category to another with permission of the Most PuissantGrand Master.
That the Grand Treasurer is authorized after 30 April 2019 to expendfunds at the same rate as in this budget until the budget for the next fiscal yearshall have been approved.
That the amount designated in the budget as MPGM Travel Allowance isintended to reimburse the Most Puissant Grand Master for the cost of visitingthe annual assemblies of Grand Councils in the Northeast United States andEastern Canada, the Northeast Cryptic Conference, and the General GrandCouncil Triennial. Receipts and other supporting data must be provided to theGrand Recorder to obtain reimbursement at 57 cents per mile for out of statetravel.
Charles D. O’Neill, ChCharles B. Fowler, Jr
Charles A. McCollumJoseph R. Krusienski
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 45
COMMITTEE ON BYLAWS
During the past year we have received one request for approval ofCouncil By-laws; these were received from Paugussett Council No. 16. Thisrequest was made by the merger of Adam Sattig and Jerusalem Councils. TheCouncil will meet in Milford on the second Tuesday of even months, Augustexcepted.
We the By-Laws Committee move that these By-Laws be approved forPaugussett Council No. 16 with a change to the spelling of therefore.
James McNeely, ChairmanScott Sherrick Darrin Silhavy
COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS
Grand Council Officers 11
Past Most Puissant Grand Masters 11
Past Thrice Illustrious Masters 41
Thrice Illustrious Masters 9
Thrice Illustrious Master Proxies 1
Deputy Illustrious Masters 6
Deputy Illustrious Master Proxies 2
Illustrious Principal Conductors of the Work 8
Illustrious Principal Conductors of the Work Proxies 1
Total number of voting delegates (not the sum of the above 51
Richard A. Eppler, ChMartin Ede
Darrin D. Silhavy
COMMITTEE ON DELINQUENCIES
The Committee on Delinquencies thanks Most Puissant Grand MasterClyde W. Kayser for the appointment and congratulates him on the comple-tion of a successful year.
The Grand Recorder reports that all required reports have been receivedfrom our Councils with the exception of Menunketuck 36, which managed tomake only one monthly report during the past year and has not submitted itsAnnual Returns.
Page 46 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
The committee supports and agrees with the recommendation from theGrand Recorder that Menunketuck Council No. 36 be fined the maximumallowable fine ($100).
It is understood, at this time, that Menunketuck Council No. 36 haselected and installed a new Recorder.
This is the 3rd consecutive year that Menunketuck Council No. 36 hashad issue with reports to the Grand Recorder. Suspension of their Charter issomething to be considered. Further, the RI Grand Recorder reports only onenew member has been greeted in the last 5 years, for a Council that has 25companions on record.
The committee leaves action on the Charter of Menunketuck Council No.36, as well as encouragement for the Council to consider merging withanother Council to the discretion of the MPGM and the Grand Council.
Companions, the Committee on Delinquencies relies solely on theinformation provided by the Grand Recorder. The Grand Recorder has adifficult job, compiling and maintaining information for the Grand Council. With information provided by all the subordinate Councils, late, or no reportsmakes the job more difficult, and the Grand Recorder should not have tochase down any Council for their reports. Please help the Grand Council helpyou.
B. Earl Canfield, ChairmanScott Sherrick
J. Andrew Birdsall
COMMITTEE ON INSURANCE
Our General Liability policy providing coverage for the York Rite is nowwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company through our Agent,A.F.S.&V. Premiums paid during the past Capitular year have been $5697. Our agent Dorry Watkins has been monitoring our insurance issues for manyyears and continues to keep us up to date on any required changes.
The Premium is calculated based on the Chapter membership at thebeginning of the policy year (1147) and apportioned to the three GrandBodies based on the proportion of their memberships: Chapter (1147),Council (916) and Commandery (800) to the total (2863). Grand Chapterpays the entire premium and is reimbursed by Grand Council and GrandCommandery.
This appears to be an equitable basis for premium calculation as the costof insurance protection/coverage should reflect the total involved time ofindividual Brothers/Companions/Sir Knights. The annual premium may beadjusted slightly (usually downward) as total membership numbers change,thus reflecting this reduction in membership.
At the request of the Grand Secretary/Recorder, the insurance policy wasextended one month, thus changing the annual renewal date of the coverageto May 24. This change makes the provision of membership numbers of the
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 47
three bodies easier to arrive at and thus the premium calculation more timely. The premium for the extension was $465.
We have received a quotation for the next year of $5836, a relativelysmall increase over the last year.
The Grand Secretary/Recorder and the committee members with theadvice of our Insurance Agent, attempt to assure that we have appropriate andadequate coverage at a fair price.
Robert G. FitzgeraldScott Sherrick
Vincent A Cowie
COMMITTEE ON MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE
In accordance with Section 5 f of the Constitution of The Most PuissantGrand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Connecticut, Most PuissantGrand Master, Companion Clyde W. Kayser II has submitted his reportcontaining his official acts. In reviewing this report for the Cryptic year2017-18 the following decisions were made:
Grand RepresentativesOn request from the Grand Recorder of Michigan MPGM Kayser
approved the appointment of Companion David A. Bartell Sr. as the GrandRepresentative to Connecticut near the Grand Council of Michigan.
Dispensations2017-01 - Jerusalem Council No. 6 and Adam Sattig Council No. 35 October31, 2017
Dispensation issued to allow Jerusalem Council No. 16 and Adam SattigNo. 35 to meet in accordance with the proposed by-laws of PaugussettCouncil No. 16 (approved by both Councils) until such time as the by-lawsare approved by the Grand Council By-laws Committee and voted on at the2018 Grand Council Session. Stated Assemblies are to be held on the 2nd
Tuesday of even number months at 7:30 PM at the Milford Masonic Temple. This request was voted in the affirmative in both Councils. Due notice of thismeeting change is to be sent to all Companions of both Councils.
Request received from PMPGM Charles McCollum via e-mail – October30, 2017 2017-02 - Buel Council No. 20 October 31, 2017
Dispensation granted for Buel Council No. 20 to hold their StatedAssembly on the 4th Monday of the month concurrently with the StatedConvocation of Cyrus-Meridian Chapter No. 15, with the exception of Julyand August. This dispensation is to be in effect until such time as the revisedby-laws of Buel Council No. 20 are approved by the Grand Council By-lawsCommittee and voted on at the Grand Council Session. This request wasvoted in the affirmative by a unanimous ballot. This request is made toresolve a meeting night conflict.
Request received from MPGM Clyde Kayser II via e-mail – September20, 2017
Page 48 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
2017-03 - Harmony Council No. 8 November 20, 2017 Dispensation granted for Harmony Council No. 8 to transport their aprons
and jewels to the Milford Masonic Temple for the purpose of holding theirDecember 12, 2017 Stated Assembly at that location. Following a briefbusiness meeting control of the Council will be turned over to the MostPuissant Grand Master who will open a Special Assembly of the GrandCouncil for the purpose of Constituting and Dedicating Paugussett CouncilNo. 16. This request was unanimously voted in the affirmative at theNovember 14, 2017 Stated Assembly of the Council. Due notice of thischange of venue is to be sent to all Council members.
Request received from MPGM Clyde Kayser II via e-mail – November15, 20172017-03 – Buel Council No. 20 March 24, 2018
Dispensation granted for Buel Council No. 20 to transport their apronsand jewels to the Log House Restaurant in Winsted, Connecticut for thepurpose of holding their April 12, 2018 Stated Assembly. Following a dinnerin a tyled room the Assembly will be opened and the Annual Meeting will beheld. This request was unanimously voted in the affirmative at the March 18,2018 Stated Assembly of the Council. Due notice of this change of venue isto be sent to all Council members.
Request received from MPGM Clyde Kayser II via e-mail – March 21,2018
In each case where a written request for dispensation was made after avote of the Council at a previous meeting was received, a dispensation wasgranted. In all cases, the Councils were ordered to provide ample notificationto its members of the Dispensation. Each of these dispensations were madein accordance with the Laws and Constitution of the Grand Council. Grantingthese dispensations is within the prerogatives of the Most Puissant GrandMaster.Proposed Legislation
The following proposed change to the Constitution was presented to theCommittee for review:
Constitution of the Grand Council R&SM ARTICLE III ASSEMBLIESSECTION 1. ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. Currently reads:The Annual Assembly of this Grand Council shall be held on the firstSaturday of June in each year commencing at Nine O'clock forenoon(9:00 a.m.) in the odd years and One O’clock afternoon (1:00 p.m.)in the even years, in the cityor town which may be selected at theprevious Annual Assembly of this Grand Council.
Change to read as follows:The Annual Assembly of the Grand Council shall be held on a Fridayor Saturday in May or June of each year, in conjunction with theannual meetings of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons ofConnecticut and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar ofConnecticut. The specific date, time and place shall be determined bythe Committee on York Rite Coordination, except that it may not conflict with the date of the Annual Conclave of another Grand
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 49
Commandery in the Northeast Department of the Grand Encampmentof Knights Templar of the United States of America..Identical proposed changes have been introduced in the Grand
Commandery of Knights Templar of Connecticut and the Grand Chapter ofRoyal Arch Masons of Connecticut.
In accordance with Grand Council Rules and Regulations the proposedchanges are to be introduced, laid over for next session, where a vote may beheld.
All other aspects of the report of the Most Puissant Grand Master are alsoin accord with the requirements of Section 5 f of the Constitution of The MostPuissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Connecticut. Thiscommittee wishes to thank Most Puissant Grand Master Kayser for his clearand concise report; we recommend the acceptance of his report.
No further actions were required of this committee. We wish to thank theMost Puissant Grand Master, his Officers and the Members of The MostPuissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters for this opportunity tobe of service.
Randy S. Stevens, ChairPaul L. Chello
Bruce R. BellmoreCharles B. Fowler, Jr.
COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
The nominating committee respectfully recommends the following slateof Officers for the 2018 – 2019 term.
MPGM Charles D. O’Neill
RIDPGM B. Earl Canfield
RIGPCW Martin Ede
RIGTreas Charles A. McCollum, PMPGM
RIGSecy Charles B. Fowler, Jr.
Trustee for 3 years Scott T. Sherrick, PMPGM
Bruce R. Bellmore, ChPaul L. Chello
J. Andrew Birdsall
Page 50 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
COMMITTEE ON RITUAL
The ritual committee has submitted a change to the current Select Mastersritual:
Current RitualTIM – I will now explain to you the signs, grips and words of thisdegree. The principal signs are these ___, ___, ___, (See SecretWork) and allude to the penalty of your obligation. On entering aCouncil of Select Masters or retiring therefrom, you will advance tothe Altar and salute the Thrice Illustrious Master with this sign. Wehave other signs also ( Addl. Sign – See Secret Work). These signsallude to the silence, secrecy and darkness in which you shouldalways keep the world without with reference to the existence of theSV.TIM takes Candidate by the grip (See Secret Work). Rise Zabud, and be voluntarily deaf, dumb, and blind to all that youmay hear and see in the 9th arch. This is the grip of a Select Masterand the word is (See Secret Work) which signifies Man of My Choiceor Select Master. You have now our permission to enter the 9th Arch.The Grand Masters return to the 9th arch
Proposed RitualTIM – I will now explain to you the signs, grips and words of thisdegree. The principal signs are these ___, ___, ___, (See SecretWork) and allude to the penalty of your obligation. On entering aCouncil of Select Masters or retiring therefrom, you will advance tothe Altar and salute the Thrice Illustrious Master with this sign.The signs by which you will be enabled to pass the first eight Arches,and in which you were deficient when challenged by the C. G., are asfollows:On being asked, "Who comes here?" you reply, "Gm."The Guard then says, “Give me the word, sign and token of yourentrance.You answer with the sign of Silence, thus —. He responds with the sign of Secrecy, thus —. The both give the sign of Silence and Darkness, thus —.These signs allude to the silence, secrecy and darkness in which youshould always keep the world without with reference to the existenceof the SV.
Reason for the Change:In the degree the Candidate is challenged by the Guard to “Give me the word,sign and token of your entrance”, however in our current ritual it is neverexplained what those words, signs and tokens are.
The Ritual change was reviewed by the committee and found to be inproper form.
The Committee would therefor recommend the approval and adoption ofthe revised rituals.
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 51
Charles D. O’Neill, ChJames S. McNeely, IVCharles A. McCollum
Richard A. Eppler
COMMITTEE ON TRAINING
The Committee received no guidance as to what training was desired. Inaddition, the fullness of the Masonic calendar does not lend itself easily toscheduling a training event. However, as nothing worthwhile is ever easy, wedo not use that as an excuse and we continue to believe that this is an area ofneed and hope to make it happen in the coming year.
Charles A. McCollum, ChDarrin D. Silhavy
Bruce Bellmore
Page 52 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
CONSTITUENT COUNCILSReturns of Active Councils and Record of Expired CouncilsGrand Council EIN 23-7188651, Group Exemption No. 2311
Note: All Councils are recessed in July and August. All Councils meet in theMasonic Hall at the address shown unless otherwise noted. Membershipfigures are for year ending 31 March 2018. Officers listed are those for the2018-2019 year.
WOLCOTT 1
Established by warrant from Jeremy Ladd Cross to work in Hartford on 7 Feb1818. Relocated to East Hartford in 1980. Adoniram 14 consolidated on 9February 2010.
York Masons Hall, 784 Main Street, East Hartford (no phone)7:30 pm on 2nd Tue EIN 06-6046618
OFFICERSTIM Michael E. Seamon CG Brian J. Berk
DIM Arnold S. Grot COND Robert C. Nordstrom
IPCW Eric H. Hoy STEW Edward Varjabedian
TRES Robert G. Fitzgerald SENT Charles M. Jewart
REC Charles B. Fowler Jr CHAP Michael E. Seamon
INT Walter Grube ORG David Söderberg
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERS - WOLCOTT 01David C. Abrames 2005,09,10Robert G. Fitzgerald 88Charles B. Fowler Jr 90Charles M. Jewart 2017William A. G. Mackey 2006,08Arthur J. McKinney 73James S. McNeely IV 2014
William L. Miller II 93,97Stephen D. Piner 78Angelo C. Pedrazzini 94,98Richard L. Sawyers 2012,13,16Michael E. Seamon 07T. Donovan Scroggs 2011Francis G. Way 2015
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERS - ADONIRAM 14Robert W. Ferguson 69Rodney I. Gray Sr 79
James E. Hammitt 97,08,09
FIFTY YEAR MEMBERSRoger S. AtherKenneth A. BarrettLawrence BeckerSamuel G. BlonsteinEdward O. ClarkRobert W. Ferguson
Daniel GeorgeA. Norman JohnsonArthur J. McKinneyDonald G. PoehnertWilliam F. Seelig, Jr.
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 53
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Year End Membership: 113Greeted: Richard M Balboni Jr, William Stephen Matthews Jr, John
Robert Ranney, Deepak Chaitanya SaluruAffiliated:Reinstated: Austin Perry ClarkDimitted:No Lodge: Joseph Edward Brooks, Steven ShoopakNo Chapter:NPD: Paige Kristian Howarth, Stephen Hosmere McKayDeceased: Harold Allen Whiting, Carl Lee Edgerton
MONTGOMERY 2
Established by warrant from Jeremy Ladd Cross to work in Ashford on 14Feb 1818. In 1837, granted permission to hold future assemblies as a majorityof the members shall determine. In 1839, entered as Woodstock; in 1843 asPomfret; in 1847 again in Ashford; in 1849, authorized to hold futureassemblies at the same place where Warren Chapter shall meet. In 1851 itwas at Killingly; in 1862 at Woodstock; in 1863 at Killingly; and in 1881 atDanielson (now Brooklyn).
375 Boston Post Road (Route 6), North Windham7:30 pm on 4th Tue in Sep, Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, May EIN 23-7123374
OFFICERSTIM Kenneth W. Marvin CG
DIM Richard G. Barrows COND Raymond C. Knieriem
IPCW J. Mike Wolf STEW Gregory J. Marsh
TRES James W. Currier SENT Paul L. Watson
REC Gary A. Littlefield CHAP
ORG
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERS-MONTGOMERY 2Richard G. Barrows 2006,07,08Donald F. Gladding 99,00Gary A. Littlefield 2009-13
Kenneth W. Marvin64-68,80,81,83-89,14,15
J. Mike Wolf 2016,17
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERS–OLIVE BRANCH 10Richard G. Barrows 95James W. Currier 90William L. Greene 96,97Lynn A. Kelsey 98
Gary A. Littlefield 86,87William F. Lott 2003,04Frank E. Rich 84,85Gail N. Smith 79,80,83
FIFTY YEAR MEMBERSRobert D. HayesKenneth W. MarvinRichard T. Purchase
Gail N. SmithFrank R. Tomlinson
Page 54 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Year End Membership: 56Greeted: Greg Jean Messier, Joshua Charles Boisse, Raymond Clifford
KnieriemAffiliated:Reinstated: Michael Bryan DodgeNo Lodge:No Chap:Dimitted: John Olaf Brandt, Christopher Carrott, Michael Bryan DodgeNPD: Michael Bryan DodgeDied: John William Normington, Frank Warren McNally, Russell
Carlton Ehlert
MYSTIC 3Originally established as Franklin Council by warrant from Jeremy LaddCross to work in Norwich on 28 Feb 1818. Charter was revoked on 9 May1839 and restored on 14 May 1846. Consolidated on 1 June 1991 withMystic 29, to be known as Mystic 3 and working in Mystic. The charter ofMystic 3 was surrendered on 7 June 2003 after consolidation with Cushing4 on 12 May 2003.
CUSHING 4
Established by warrant from Jeremy Ladd Cross to work in New London on7 Mar 1818. Charter was revoked on 14 May 1840 and restored 13 May1841. Relocated to Stonington in 2005.
15 RT 165, Preston 860-889-41952nd Mon (after RA Chapter @ 7:30 pm) EIN 23-7123376
OFFICERSTIM Richard L. Allen CG Christopher Janik
DIM James M. Haskins COND J. Andrew Birdsall
IPCW James J. Bardunias STEW Charles R. Hugh
TRES John A. Birdsall SENT Michael J. Tranchida
REC John A. Birdsall CHAP William E. Weisert II
ORG
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERS – MYSTIC 3Lester A. Culver Sr 70,83C. A. Duke 93Ernest T. Howell Jr 43
Charles C. Maxson 77,99Alan K. Spear 76
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERS – CUSHING 4Richard L. Allen 2017John A. Birdsall 94,95J. Andrew Birdsall 2004,11,13Karl R. Crandall 53
Scott A. Daniels Jr 2014,15Albert F. Goodwin 81James M. Haskins 2006,08-10,12,16William E. Weisert II 2003
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 55
FIFTY YEAR MEMBERSLeland B. Bishop IIKarl R. CrandallRichard DavisJohn G. Grossomanides
Carlton H. Landers, Jr.Richard C. Patterson Fred L. Ruble
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Year End Membership: 37Greeted: Charles R HughAffiliated:Reinstated:Dimitted: Leodovico Tolentino Morales, Jonathan Eric Wilson, David
AikensNo Lodg: Jordan Lee DavidsonNo Chap:NPD:Deceased: Ivan William Clark
WATROUS 5Established by warrant from Jeremy Ladd Cross to work in Colchester on 17March 1818. Charter was revoked 9 May 1839.
WASHINGTON 6
Established by warrant from Jeremy Ladd Cross on 10 Apr 1818 to work inStamford. Charter was revoked on 9 May 1843 and restored on 9 May 1865.
354 Boston Post Road, Darien 203-655-21408:30 pm on 2nd Thu EIN 06-6049931
OFFICERSTIM Peter R. Smyth CG Adam Odell
DIM John A. Amarilios COND Hampton Dais III
IPCW James F. B. Wood STEW Alfred D. Stinard
TRES Charles A. McCollum SENT Donald W. Sargeant
REC Charles A. McCollum CHAP Lloyd R. Sturges Jr
ORG
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERS - WASHINGTON 06George J. Cronk 2002,06,08,09Richard E. Odell 2015James J. Fahy 2010,11Roland H. Gardner Jr 89Charles D. O’Neill 2007,12
James C. Robinson 87Michael D. Sabia Jr 2017Darrin D. Silhavy 2016Lloyd R. Sturges, Jr. 2014
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERS - WOOSTER 28William K. Bell 81William R. Deickler 2005,06
Charles A. McCollum 2001-03,09Charles D. O’Neill 98,99,00,04
Page 56 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
FIFTY YEAR MEMBERSWood D. BeeghlyIrving Lieff
Richard T. ObergRonald R. Rumbaugh
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Year End Membership: 73Greeted: Hampton Dais III, Alfred D StinardAffiliated:Reinstate: Arthur William DaviesDimitted:No Lodge: Pranav Sambamurti, Ronald R Pizzarelli, Rubens Jose Leite,
David Bruce MaxwellNo Chap:NPD:Deceased: Herbert Ward Hope Jr, Kurt Richard Weimar
CROSS 7Established in Kent by warrant from Jeremy Ladd Cross on 27 April 1818. Charter was revoked on 9 May 1839.
HARMONY 8
Established by warrant from Jeremy Ladd Cross on 16 Oct 1818 to work inNew Haven.
285 Whitney Avenue, New Haven 203-562-94877:30 pm on 2nd Tue EIN 23-7123377
OFFICERSTIM Martin Ede CG George A. Mudry V
DIM Brendan W. McGann COND Earl D. Stamp
IPCW Scott R. Atkins STEW
TRES Clyde W. Kayser, II SENT Bruce R. Bellmore
REC Clyde W. Kayser, II CHAP Clyde W. Kayser, II
ORG
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERSBruce R. Bellmore 82,83,88Bradley K. Cooney 2009,10Martin Ede 2003,04Douglas A. Gray 94,95Cedric J. Jacobson 2017Clyde W. Kayser, II 93,96
Dennis C. Marden 91,92George A. W. Nousiainen 2001,02John A. Radziunas 2014,16Wilfred C. Rompe, III 2013Peter M. Sloan 2011,12Raymond G. Tomlinson 97,98
FIFTY YEAR MEMBERSCarleton V. Erickson
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 57
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Year End Membership: 50Greeted: Scott Russell Atkins, Larry Lee Bowman Jr, Michael James
Calderone, Roy Keith Hickok Jr, Keith Alan MacDowallAffiliated:Reinstate:Dimitted:No Chap:No Lodge:NPD:Deceased: Thomas Jeffrey Spears, Nicola Michael Iannone
COLUMBIA 9
Established by warrant from Jeremy Ladd Cross on 23 Jul 1818 to work inMiddletown. Charter was revoked 14 May 1840, restored 14 May 1843,again revoked on 8 May 1876 and restored 13 May 1903. Relocated toHaddam in 1998.
33 Pleasant Street, Middletown8:30 pm on 3rd Tue EIN 23-7337159
OFFICERSTIM Lloyd Drager CG Raymond E. Moore
DIM Stanley T. House COND
IPCW STEW Walton B. Schlechtweg
TRES Robert N. Jones SENT Alan J. Carlson
REC Herbert J. Olson CHAP
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERSVincent A. Cowie 97Stanley T. House
81,94,95,99,00,04,05Robert N. Jones 2006Peter LaBella 2013,14
Herbert J. Olson 2009,15,16William D. Passera 96Richard G. Sagan 98,01,02William J. Svihovec 62
FIFTY YEAR MEMBERSRobert P. CarverFrank W. Colton
William J. Svihovec
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Year End Membership: 30Greeted:Affiliated:Reinstate:Dimitted: Marc DarrenNo Lodg:No Chap: Kenneth Wendell Gray III, Glenn Arthur StichtNPD: Ryan John Brown, James Holt LandryDeceased: Francis Samuel DiStefano
Page 58 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
OLIVE BRANCH 10Established by warrant from Jeremy Ladd Cross on 2 Sep 1818 to work inCanterbury. Charter was revoked on 14 May 1840 and restored in Willimant-ic on 12 May 1868. Consolidated with Montgomery 2 on 31 March 2006.
HIRAM 11Established by warrant from Jeremy Ladd Cross on 22 Feb 1819 to work inNewtown. Charter was revoked on 10 May 1849.
ADAMS 12Chartered by the Grand Council on 13 May 1825 to work in Litchfield. Revoked 14 May 1840.
TYRIAN 13Chartered on 13 May 1825 to work in Washington. Revoked 9 May 1839.
ADONIRAM 14Chartered on 11 May 1826 to work in Tolland. Revoked 14 May 1840 andrestored in Rockville (now Ellington) on 12 May 1868. Consolidated intoWolcott 01 in East Hartford on 9 February 2010.
CLINTON 15Chartered 11 May 1826 to work in Granby. Revoked 9 May 1839, restored10 May 1859 and revoked 12 May 1884.
PAUGUSSETT 16
Chartered as Jerusalem 16 on 15 May 1827 to work in Bridgeport. Revoked9 May 1839 and restored 12 May 1847. Relocated to Stratford. RenamedPaugussett 16 upon consolidation with Adam Sattig 35 on December 12, 2017and relocated to Milford.
59 Broad Street, Milford 203-874-98887:30 pm on 2nd Tue in Feb, Apr, Jun, Oct, Dec EIN 82-3394752
OFFICERSTIM Richard A. Kassay CG Gary D. Shepard
DIM Michael D. Southmayd COND John Mellor
IPCW James Whitaker STEW Robert G. Womack
TRES Charles A. McCollum SENT
REC Charles A. McCollum CHAP Michael K. Skrocki
ORG Ernest A. Dubois
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 59
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERSRichard A. Kassay 2017
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERS – Jerusalem 16LeRoy Beavers 80Robert J. Cascone 2007,08Daniel Galloza 2015,16Edward R. Ham
83,84,92,93,04-06,11-13Maurice J. Heim 2009,10
Leo H. Lohrman II 85,99John Mellor 90,91,94,95Anthony Pipitone 96,97Wayne N. Saunders 2002,03Allan Savitsky 54George E. Sears 89
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERS – Adam Sattig 35Stanley B. Carman 80Anthony E. Cirella 98Frederick N. Chidester 99Ernest A. Dubois 2006Kenneth E. Fears 87Robert A. Foster 90Robert W. Harriman 2001,03Kenneth B. Hawkins, Sr 76Stephen T. Hill 2009-13Dennis B. Mattison 81
Dennis S. McNamara 94Thomas R. Richards 70Bruce A. Rumford 2002,05,07Robert D. Sherrick 88Scott T. Sherrick 95Michael D. Southmayd 2014,15Frederick A. Traut 96Richard V. Travis 85James Whitaker Jr 2016
FIFTY YEAR MEMBERSIrving LieffLeo H. Lohrman IIHjalmar S. Norell, Jr.
Thomas R. Richards John Trantales
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Year End Membership 174Greeted: David John Millington, Prez Palmer, Richard Anthony Faustine
Jr, Robert Gregory WomackAffiliated: Charles Andrew McCollum, and 81 members from Adam Sattig
35Reinstated: Christopher Michael Holms, Robert Francis LutinskiDimitted: Clinton Ionnatti, David Vincent Papp, Maurice Delmont KnoxNo Lodge:No Chap:NPD: Gregg Nathaniel Sparso, Max Lavit Rosenberg, David Richard
Busk, Michael George Nowlin, Don DiNapoli, Derrick MichaelKennedy, Robert Francis Lutinski
Deceased: David Frederick Carlson, Warren Edward Drury, Joseph FosterGreene, Donald Ernest Wolter, Robert MacKellar IV, AllanSavitsky, Sherman Lee Fairchild, William Joseph LeVay Jr,Howard Eugene Cole
WASHINGTON 17Chartered on 10 May 1849 to work in Norwalk. Revoked 7 May 1883.
JERUSALEM 18Chartered on 10 May 1849 to work in Ridgefield. Revoked 9 May 1866.
Page 60 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
CRAWFORD 19
Chartered on 13 May 1852 to work in Fair Haven. Relocated to Northford inthe Town of North Branford in 1996 and to Branford in 2003.
8 Eades Street, Branford None7:30 pm on 4th Wed, except 2nd Wed Nov, Dec EIN 06-6055661
OFFICERSTIM Richard A. Eppler CG Allyn Willner
DIM Chester M. Blue IV COND Anthony J. DelGrego
IPCW Earl F. Korngiebel Jr STEW Peter T. Cianelli
TRES William K. Barr SENT Jack H. Stevens
REC William C. Lang CHAP
ORG
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERSWilliam K. Barr 2004,05Leonard H. Bucher 85James V. Cesario 92Paul L. Chello 80Willis E. Copeland Jr 93
Richard A. Eppler89,95,01,09,10,13,14,17
Earl F. Korngiebel Jr02,11,12,15,16Donald E. Robinson 88Jack H. Stevens 99,07,08Randy S. Stevens 97
FIFTY YEAR MEMBERSRichard A. Eppler Clyde L. Noel
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Year End Membership: 49Greeted: John C Ardito, John Celotto, Thomas Laudano JrReinstat:Affiliated:Dimitted: Bradley Kent CooneyNo Lodg:No Chap:NPD: Charles Edward Fullerton III, Ernest Berrios Cuevas, Ronald
Elliott Fish, Michael Jack Kaczynski, Emil Jacob Kleemann,Anthony Joseph Pulcenella
Deceased:
BUEL 20
Chartered 12 May 1853 to work in Litchfield. Relocated to Torrington in2011.
26 Water St, Torrington No phone8:00 pm on 2nd Thu in Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov EIN 23-7123381
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 61
OFFICERSTIM Ian Jones CG Andrew G. Weimann II
DIM Mychael J. Scribner COND Arthur H. Carlstrom
IPCW Richard D. Corey STEW Scott A. Rosengrant
TRES Jorge Baujin SENT Richard A. Weimann
REC Clyde W. Kayser II CHAP Clyde W. Kayser II
ORG
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERSJohn J. Badeen 2009,10Danny A. Camp 96,97,02Edward J. Candee 71B. Earl Canfield 2014,15Arthur H. Carlstrom
76,77,80-84,86-92Richard D. Corey 2011-13
Richard D. Cosgrove, Jr 98,99Leonard F. D'Amico 75Mychael J. Scribner 2016,17James R. Shaw 2001Philip H. Sterns 74,75Andrew G. Weimann II 94,95Charles W. Yohe 86-88
FIFTY YEAR MEMBERSFridolf J. Rusgaitis Dale E. Sweet
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Year End Membership: 48Greeted: Joseph Michael AlbaneseAffiliated:Reinstate: Michael Douglas Fraser Jr, Brian V AdamsDimitted:No Lodg:No Chap:NPD:Deceased: Stanley Frost
WATERBURY 21Chartered 12 May 1853 to work in Waterbury. Consolidated with Buel 20 on6 Jun 1992.
WASHINGTON 22, PENNELL 23 AND ORIENTAL 24 Three Councils were chartered 11 May 1854 to work in New York City, andlater in 1854 formed a Grand Council of New York, thus withdrawing fromthe rolls of the Grand Council of Connecticut. Their numbers were subse-quently re-used by Connecticut.
HAMILTON 22
Chartered on 12 May 1857 to work in Meriden.
25 Pleasant Street, Meriden 203-634-95577:30 pm on 2nd Tue EIN 23-7123382
Page 62 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
OFFICERSTIM Kristian M. Maiorino CG Christian F. Schunmann
DIM Steve J. Chiapppalone COND Jason R. Rieger
IPCW Harold A. Elwell STEW Francis Barnes
TRES Joseph Krusienski SENT Anthony Maisano III
REC John W. Braddock CHAP Richard A. Eppler
ORG
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERS – HAMILTON 22John W. Braddock 2014,15,16James V. Cesario 2010,11Keith A. Cymbala 82,83Richard A. Eppler 2007Sumner E. Hopkins 90,91Robert L. Kilgore 86,89Robert J. Knowles 2002,03
Joseph R. Krusienski 81Delbert A. Little 94-96,2000,08,09Daniel M. Luft 2017Richard I. McKee 77Bruce Padula 2012,13Arthur M. Pugh 87,88
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERS – IONIC-DORIC 33Matthew F. Griffin 88-90Robert E. Miller 74Richard J. Radka 81
Bruce V. Thorin 95Roger B. Thorin 90,91
FIFTY YEAR MEMBERSJohn P. ArnesenJames B. Bossidy
Henry A. DysonRichard H. Groth
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Year End Membership: 121Greeted: Francis Barnes, Dom Basile, William Stirling A Celata, Gabriel
John Cologna, Kenneth J Cuccaro, Joseph Alexander Kurcaba,John D’Aversa
Affiliated:ReinstatedDimitted: Jerold P Cavaliere, Michael F Cavaliere,No Lodge: Joseph PaoliNo Chap: Steven Damon, Gordon Hurlbert, Paul Francis Magnotta, Shane
Dufresne, NPD: Warren Corson, Ervin Crook, Joseph B Cyr, Ryan Gordon
Dubey, Timothy John Hickman, Dale Norman HicksDeceased: Donald Albert Hammar, Glenn Allan Colby, Attila Jutasy
MONROE 23, ST. CLAIR 24 and PONTIAC 25Three Councils were chartered 12 May 1857 to work in Detroit, St. Clair andPontiac, Michigan respectively. Later in 1857, these three Councils formedthe Grand Council of Michigan, thus removing themselves from the rolls ofthe Grand Council of Connecticut, which re-used their numbers.
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 63
SUFFIELD 23
Chartered on 9 May 1870 to work in Suffield.
150 Bridge Street, Suffield 860-668-20537:30 pm 3rd Wed EIN 23-7216223
OFFICERSTIM Thomas A. Duclos CG Dale T. Cunningham
DIM Howard Wm. Orr COND Russell L. Scull
IPCW Terrence D. Mish STEW Cory R. Rice
TRES Mark D. Winne SENT Rohit Sukhram
REC Bard C. Teigen CHAP
ORG
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERSBruce E. Allbee 2002-04Brian C. Baeder 2012Dale T. Cunningham 2015,16C. Thomas Curtis 1973,74Thomas A. Duclos 2017Nelson C. Hallas 1975
Charles A. Lizotte 2005,06Terrence D. Mish 1996-99Russell L. Scull 2009-11Rohit P. Sukhram 2013,14Bard C. Teigen 76,84-87,91-95,08
FIFTY YEAR MEMBERSRobert M. Haff
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Year End Membership: 23Greeted: Kevin ZordaAffiliated:Reinstated:Dimitted:No Lodge:No Chap:NPD:Deceased: Wallis Hall Sturtevant Jr, John Henry Sniffin, Robert William
Hamel
ADONIRAM 24Dispensation was granted in 1856 for a Council to work in Manchester, NewHampshire. Grand Council voted to issue a charter on 12 May 1857 shouldthe dispensation be returned, but it was never received.
DORIC 24Originally Chartered as DORIC 28 on 9 May 1860 to work in New Britain. Consolidated in 1992 with Ionic 33 to be known as Ionic-Doric 33.
Page 64 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
LEE 25
Chartered 9 May 1870 to work in Collinsville. Revoked 7 May 1877 andrestored 9 May 1887
123 River Road, Collinsville 860-693-87627:30 pm on 1st Fri in Nov, Dec, Feb, Mar, Apr, May EIN 06-6066086
OFFICERSTIM Brian E. Beals CG George H. Redford II
DIM Michael K. Butteri COND Douglas D. Barnard
IPCW Harrison T. Redford STEW Ronald C. Baker
TRES Chester I. Russell SENT Gene A. Tracy
REC Richard R. Jones CHAP Frederick J. Taft
ORG
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERSDouglas D. Barnard 93,09,13,14,17Brian E. Beals 2015William F. Carroll 91Leland D. Cobb Jr 75Edward D. P. Gross 66William S. Hart 73Edmund C. Holcombe Jr 58Frederick Hudon 63,64
Sivert R. Jacobson 92,12William G. Jeanfavre 2000Richard R. Jones 2010,11Eugene F. Miller 78Harrison T. Redford 86,88,03,04George H. Redford 99Chester I. Russell 98,07,08Thomas A. Transue 97
FIFTY YEAR MEMBERSEdward D. P. Gross, Jr William F. Grunewald
Edmund C. Holcombe, JrHorton W. Holcombe
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Year End Membership: 68Greeted:Affiliated:Reinstate: Dimitted: Benjamin Allen Isaacson, Matthew DobbrowNo Lodge: Michael Andrew HlavnaNo Chap:NPD: Robert J Parenti, Kenneth Walter Carley, Eric Fleishmann,
Ronald D HallDeceased: Kenneth Edwin Caswell, Gordon Williams Roch
UNION 27Chartered 9 May 1860 to work in Derby. In 1899 began alternating each twoyears with Ansonia. Returned to Derby in 1909 and changed to Ansonia in1921. Consolidated 22 Oct 1993 with Jerusalem 16.
WOOSTER 28Chartered 9 May 1865 to work in Danbury. Consolidated into Washington06 in Darien on 7 January 2010.
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 65
WEBB 29Chartered 8 May 1860 to work in Warren, Rhode Island. Joined in theformation of the Grand Council of Rhode Island on 30 October 1860. GrandCouncil of Connecticut released jurisdiction on 8 May 1861.
MYSTIC 29Chartered 9 May 1865 to work at Mystic Bridge. A new charter in 1884 madeit Mystic River until 1890 when it again appears as Mystic Bridge. In 1891entered as Mystic. Consolidated on 1 June 1991 with Franklin 3 to work inMystic as Mystic 3.
HOWARD 30Chartered 8 May 1866 to work in Pawcatuck (Stonington). Revoked 7 May1877.
TYRIAN 31Chartered 12 May 1868 to work in Winsted. Revoked 30 May 1976.
TEMPLE 32Chartered 11 May 1896 to work in Southington. Consolidated 12 April 1966with Hamilton 22.
IONIC-DORIC 33Chartered as Ionic 33 on 11 May 1904 to work in Bristol. Changed name toIonic-Doric 33 upon consolidation with Doric 24 in 1992. Relocated to NewBritain in 1998. Consolidated with Hamilton 22 on 18 October 2006.
ORANGE 34Chartered on 4 June 1919 to work in West Haven. Revoked 30 March 1983.
ADAM SATTIG 35Chartered 22 Oct 1949 to work in Milford. Consolidated on December 12,2017 with Jerusalem 16 to become Paugussett 16.
Page 66 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
MENUNKETUCK 36
Chartered 1 Jun 1985 to work in Guilford. Relocated to Madison in 2003.
1163 Boston Post Road, Madison 203-245-31468:30 pm on 1st Wed except Jan, Jun, Dec EIN 22-3221128
OFFICERSTIM Jonathan R. Trotta CG Richard DiNardo
DIM James C. Kleinkauf COND Donald C. Sause
IPCW Paul L. Chello STEW Paul B. Whitman
TRES Peter L. Fusco SENT Ronald W. Ferris
REC Peter J. Stapleton CHAP Peter J. Alling
ORG
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTERSPeter J. Alling 99,00Paul L. Chello
92,93,01,02,05,06,08,10Matthew R. Dymarczyk 2015,16James C. Kleinkauf 03,04,09,13,14
Donald C. Sause 90,91William Schuck 85Peter J. Stapleton 86,07Jonathan R. Trotta 2017
FIFTY YEAR MEMBERSFrank W. Colton
MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Year End Membership 23Greeted:Affiliated:Reinstate:Dimit:No Chap:No Lodge:NPD:Deceased: Mark Edward McClenning, Earl John Swan III
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 67
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Page 68 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
The Most Puissant Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters ofConnecticut was organized at Hartford on May 18, 1819 as a GrandCouncil of Select Masters by representatives of eleven Councils - Wolcott1, Montgomery 2, Franklin 3, Cushing 4, Watrous 5, Washington 6, Cross7, Harmony 8, Columbia 9, Olive Branch 10, and Hiram 11.
MOST PUISSANT GRAND MASTERS
The following distinguished Companions have presided over theworld’s oldest Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters:
Lyman Law (4) 1819
Thomas H. Cushing (4) 1820-21
Laban Smith (8) 1822-23
Elizur Goodrich, Jr. (5) 1824
John L. Lewis (9) 1825
Noah A. Phelps (1) 1826
I. W. Crawford (2) 1827-30
Andrew Harris (10) 1831
William H. Ellis (8) 1832-33
Joshua A. Jewett (1) 1834
Horace Goodwin (1) 1835-38
Nahum Flagg (9) 1839-40
Lucius Tyler (3) 1841-44
Benoni A. Shepard (1) 1845-46
David Clark (1) 1847-48
Chauncy Burgess (3) 1849-50
Cyrus Goodell (1) 1851-52
Francois Turner (8) 1853-54
Alexander Hamilton 1855-56
William L. Brewer (3) 1857
George F. Daskam (15) 1858
George Stancliff (9) 1859
Howard B. Ensign (8) 1860
Willis J. Goodsell (1) 1861
William R. Higby (16) 1862-63
James L. Gould (16) 1864-65
Eli S. Quintard (8) 1866
William W. Lee (22) 1867
Stephen T. Bartlett (16) 1868
Edmund Tweedy (28) 1869
Charles W. Stearns (9) 1870-71
Henry W. Coye (14) 1872
I. W. Carpenter (3) 1873
John H. Barlow (27) 1874
Fred H. Waldron (8) 1875
William Freeston (24) 1876
Dwight Phelps (31) 1877
Arthur R Blakeslee (27) 1878
Abram Heaton (16) 1879
John O. Rowland (19) 1880
Chester Tilden (10) 1881
Dwight Waugh (6) 1882
Burton G. Bryan (21) 1883
Alexander Shumway 1884
Job F. Seamans (2) 1885
Frank G. Bassett (27) 1886
James H. Welsh (28) 1887
John P. Weir (22) 1888
Samuel Bassett (27) 1889
George A. Kies (3) 1890
Atherton L. Barnes (9) 1891
Thomas J. Gill (1) 1892
William H. Parmelee 1893
Frank W Trowbridge 1894
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 69
I. F. Stidman (24) 1895
Edward E. West (22) 1896
Reuben H. Tucker (27) 1897
Edgar W. Latham (23) 1898
Stephen J. Lyon (25) 1899
Henry O. Canfield (16) 1900
Albert S. Comstock (3) 1901
Joseph S. Stokes (22) 1902
Charles A. Jones (1) 1903
Edward E. Fuller (14) 1904
Charles B. Chapman (3) 1905
John H. Pearce (8) 1906
George E. Melius (16) 1907
Stephen P. Goodsell 1908
Edward J. Pooley (22) 1909
Thomas W. Morgan (1) 1910
Oliver D. L. Burrows 1911
Philip N. Sunderland 1912
Burton H. Strickland 1913
William C. Twombly 1914
William O. Shelley (1) 1915
E. Allen Bidwell (3) 1916
Thomas M. Barnes (16) 1917
Henry H. Bradley (19) 1918
F. Ward DeKlyn (28) 1919
Norman C. Stevens (1) 1920
Edward B. Alling (24) 1921
T. Lurelle Guild (6) 1922
George G. Beers (16) 1923
Daniel H. Gladding (8) 1924
Frederick H. Gerlach 1925
T. Frank Cassidy (1) 1926
Frederick A. Beebe (4) 1927
Arthur H. Parker (24) 1928
Arthur L. Clark (9) 1929
Robert R. Houston (6) 1930
George G. Platt (19) 1931
Charles A. Hallock (28) 1932
Frederick R. Coles (1) 1933
Clarence G. Brooks (4) 1934
Harry E. Scheuy (24) 1935
Willis P. Fraser (33) 1936
William E. Parker (16) 1937
Harry F. Brown (9) 1938
Russell W. Potter (10) 1939
Frederick Marggraff 1940
Philip J. Jones (1) 1941
Lawrence G. Drescher 1942
Samuel C. Cannon (9) 1943
William E. Jackson (22) 1944
Herbert E. Warner (6) 1945
Charles N. Baxter (19) 1946
Joseph M. Hall (28) 1947
William E. Hamner (1) 1948
Frederick W Edgerton 1949
Robert J. Boyce (14) 1950
Edward R. Hunt (16) 1951
Edward M. White (23) 1952
Louis Wenzel (21) 1953
Harold D. Smith (34) 1954
Wolcott S. Bissell (1) 1955
William M. Wyman (3) 1956
Newie S. Rowe (33) 1957
Mathias VanAltena (31) 1958
Ernest F. Lofgren (6) 1959
George R. Schenk (8) 1960
E. Kenneth Wilson (1) 1961
Pierson E. Dolbeare (4) 1962
J. Homer Hawkins (10) 1963
William L. Corves (22) 1964
Page 70 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
Calvin S. Smith (9) 1965
Edward L. DeAlmo (19) 1966
Irving B. Millen (1) 1967
Robert H. Trask (3) 1968
Lawrence W. Wright (2) 1969
Fred C. Eppler (1) 1970
Henry F. Gerke (6) 1971
Leo H. Lohrman (16,28) 1972
Melvin E. Gibbs (22) 1973
David Wainwright (1) 1974
Stanley H. Steiner (14) 1975
Ralph C. Channel (6) 1976
Lawrence P. Urban (35) 1977
Robert J. Campbell (28) 1978
Gentry J. Cooke, Sr. 1979
Charles . Lincoln, Sr. 1980
Charles K. Lynn (14) 1981
Earl J. Fitzpatrick (19) 1982
Arthur B. Maybeckr 1983
Irving W. Wilber (20) 1984
Charles L. Lincoln, Jr 1985
Arthur R. Bossé (14) 1986
Herbert R. Olson (25) 1987
Arthur L. Shumway (8) 1988
William F. Orrell (35) 1989
Richard A. Egner (10) 1990
Thomas M. Maxwell 1991
Wayne Wormstedt (14) 1992
James P. Keaveny (3) 1993
Richard E. Larcom (19) 1994
Robert D. Sherrick (35) 1995
Richard L. Smail (14,2- 1996
Thurman P. Sharples (2) 1997
Richard A. Eppler (19) 1998
Ernest J. Smith (14) 1999
Paul L. Chello (19,36) 2000
Robert L. Hodgson (3) 2001
Sivert R. Jacobson (25) 2002
Randy S. Stevens (19) 2003
Richard G. Barrows 2004
Scott T. Sherrick (35) 2005
Peter J. Stapleton (36) 2006
Raymond Tomlinson (8) 2007
Andrew G. Weimann 2008
Randy S. Stevens (19) 2009
James C. Kleinkauf (36) 2010
Bruce R. Bellmore (08) 2011
Edward R. Ham (16) 2012
Charles A McCollum 2013
Charles A McCollum 2014
Michael E. Seamon (01) 2015
J. Andrew Birdsall (04) 2016
Clyde W Kayser (08,20) 2017
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 71
PHILIP J. JONESDISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
The Philip J. Jones Distinguished Service Award was established by theGrand Council to be awarded annually for distinguished service to CrypticFreemasonry. The award consists of a medal accompanied by a citation. The following have received the most prestigious award of the GrandCouncil of Connecticut:1972 * Philip J. Jones Wolcott 1
1973 * George R. Schenk Harmony 8
1974 * Irving E. Partridge Wolcott 1
1975 * Wolcott S. Bissell Wolcott 1
1976 * Russell D. Ramette Wolcott 1
1977 * James R. Case Wooster 28
1978 * Arthur F. Simpson Adam Sattig 35
1979 Leo H. Lohrman, II Wooster 28
1980 * Fred C. Eppler Doric 24
1981 * David Wainwright Wolcott 1
1982 * William M. Wyman Franklin 3
1983 * William L. Corves Hamilton 22
1984 * Charles K. Lynn Adoniram 14
1985 * Gentry J. Cooke, Sr. Mystic 29
1987 * Robert J. Campbell Wooster 28
1988 Charles W. Yohe Buel 20
1989 * Carl Schultz, Sr. Columbia 9
1990 * Herbert R. Olson Lee 25
1991 * Richard L. Smail Adoniram 14
1992 * Elmer E. Stone Adoniram 14
1993 * William F. Orrell Adam Sattig 35
1994 * Richard E. Larcom Crawford 19
1995 * Warren J. Dennison Washington 6
1996 # Kenneth W. Marvin Montgomery 2
1997 + Arthur R. Bossé Adoniram 14
1998 # John A. Birdsall Cushing 4
1999 * Kenneth A. Wright Crawford 19
2000 # Bard C. Teigen Suffield 23
Page 72 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
2001 # Richard A. Eppler Crawford 19
2002 # Charles B. Fowler, Jr. Wolcott 1
2003 * F. Laurence Lindblad Ionic-Doric 33
2004 * Robert A. Colbourn Crawford 19
2005 + Michael Robinson Adoniram 14
2006 * Wesley H. Alexander Crawford 19
2007 * Donald W. Reddick Menunketuck 36
2008 Chester I. Russell Lee 25
2009 Robert D. Sherrick Adam Sattig 35
2010 # Bruce R. Bellmore Franklin 02
2011 # Paul L. Chello Halleck 44
2012 Edward R. Ham Jerusalem 16
2013 # Charles deMelo O’Neill Washington 06
2014 # Clyde W. Kayser, II Buel 20
2015 # Jack H. Stevens Crawford 19
2016 # James C. Kleinkauf Menunketuck 36
2017 # James S. McNeely IV Wolcott 01
* Deceased + Dimitted # Present at Annual Assembly
2018
Gary Andrew Littlefield
Montgomery Council No. 2
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 73
GARY ANDREW LITTLEFIELD
Gary Andrew Littlefield was born on December 4. 1954 in Windham,Connecticut, the son of Theodore Emery Littlefield and Helen MacNavratil. He was educated in Lebanon Public Schools, attended WesternNew England College and graduated from Eastern Connecticut StateUniversity in 1977 with a B.A. degree in History and Education. Hisconcentration was in political science and American history, especiallyConnecticut history.
While at Western New England, he was a member of Pi Tau Kappafraternity and was secretary of Delta Chapter for one year. He was amember of the Student Senate, News Editor of WNEK (College RadioStation) and a staffwriter for the "Westerner" the college newspaper. AtEastern Connecticut be was on the Dean's list. After graduation fromEastern he was employed as a substitute teacher for the Windham,Côlchester, Lebanon, and Hebron school system.
For three summers he was employed as a toll collector at the MontvilleToll Station on the Connecticut Turnpike. For one summer he wasemployed as an engineering aide/clerk-typist at the Naval UnderwaterSystem Center in New London. He attended Computer Processing Institutegraduating with a diploma in 1978 in computer programming. He has beenemployed in various programing positions with the Department of RevenueServices, Connecticut Bank and Trust, Connecticut Student Loan Founda-tion and Comptech Incorporated. In 1983 he joined the University ofConnecticut Health Center in Farmington where he is employed as aComputer Programer Analyst. Professionally he is a member of DECUSand has attended IA-SCT user conferences relating to financial, studentloan, and human resources software in Williamsburg, Virginia; Nashville,Tennessee; Reno, Nevada; Newport Beach, California; and softwareinstallation classes in Rochester, New York. He has taken some advancededucational courses at Hartford Graduate Center. He is a member of theLebanon Historical Society where he was on the Board of Directors and amember of the Membership Committee. He was also a member of theMaine Historical Society, New England Historic Genealogical Society,Maine Genealogical Society, Connecticut Genealogical Society, and theMassachusetts Genealogical Society.
As an avid political button collector, he is a member of the J. DoyleDewitt Political Item Collectors Association. His button collection numbersover 500 pins.
In 1968, he was baptized in the First Baptist Church of Willimanticwith a group of members of the First Baptist Church of Lebanon sinceLebanon did not have a baptistry. He became a Sunday School teacher,Treasurer of the Sunday School, member of three pulpit committees, hasserved as church moderator, and is currently serving as the church clerk, asa member of the Pastoral Search Committee, and as a Deacon. He is theeditor and publisher of the "Bellringer", the church newsletter.
He served from 1977 to 1994 as a Justice of the Peace of the town ofLebanon. On October 22, 1994 in Windham, Connecticut, he was united
Page 74 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
in marriage to Marcy Lynn Klappholz. They are the parents of son Logan,born in 2002. Gary was a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals inColumbia for over 10 years and is currently on the Board of Education. In1996, he was selected to be a Justice of the Peace from the town ofColumbia. He is a former Chairman and currently Treasurer of theColumbia Republican Town Committee.
Brother Gary is an active Mason. He was raised on March 23, 1979 inWooster Lodge No. 10 of Colchester by his father, Theodore EmeryLittlefield, who was Worshipful Master at the time. In 1985 he wasinstalled as Worshipful Master by his father.
He also served Wooster Lodge as Worshipful Master in 2001 and againas Master for 2002, and in 2011. Gary has served as the Lodge Historiansince 1986 and has served on the Audit Committee and several othercommittees of the Lodge. He has also served on the Wooster MasonicTemple Corporation Board of Directors, and for many years he has co-chaired the food booth the lodge operates at the Lebanon Fair. He iscurrently Treasurer of the Lodge.
He has served on several Grand Lodge committees including DavidWooster Memorial Committee (serving as Chairman twice), Publicity andPublic Relations (serving as Co-Chairman and Secretary), Publications,Museum and Library, and Monuments to Past Grand Masters. In 1988,Most Worshipful John Gonsalves appointed him as Associate GrandHistorian, and in 1989 he was named Grand Historian by Most WorshipfulGail N. Smith and has served continually since then. Companion Gary isthe holder of the Pierpont Edwards Medal in Bronze from the Grand Lodgeof Connecticut.
Companion Gary is a member and Past High Priest (1983, 1984, 1986,and 1988) of Trinity Chapter No. 9, Royal Arch Masons, and is currentlythe Secretary. He is a member and Past Thrice Illustrious Master (1984 and1985) of Olive Branch Council No. 10, Royal and Select Masters and iscurrently Recorder of Montgomery Council No. 2.. He is a member of StJohn’s Commandery No. 11, Knights Templar. He is the Grand Historianof all three of the Grand York Rite Bodies in Connecticut. He is a memberof the Anointed High Priests of Connecticut and the Order of the SilverTrowel. In 1991, he was created a Knight of Ish Sodi by the Grand CouncilR&SM of Connecticut, and in 2002, he was presented with the GeneralGrand Chapter, RAM Intl, Medal in Bronze for Distinguished MasonicService. In 2018, The Most Puissant Grand Council R&SM of Connecticuthonored Companion Littlefield with its prestigious Philip J. Jones Award.
Gary is a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Norwich and served asThrice Potent Master of King Solomon Lodge of Perfection. He was alsoa member of the Executive Committee of the Scottish Rite Bodies ofNorwich.
A dedicated Historian, he is a member of the Philosophic Lodge ofResearch, America Lodge of Research, Maine Lodge of Research, SouthCarolina Lodge of Research, Texas Lodge of Research, the Scottish RiteResearch Society, and the Philalethes Society.
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 75
His other Masonic affiliations include: Nutmeg Order, Swords ofBunker Hill; Nathan Hale Council, Allied Masonic Degrees where he is aPast Sovereign Master; Connecticut College SRICF; Mohawk Council No.28, Knight Masons of Connecticut; Connecticut York Rite College No. 17. He is the Secretary of the Actual Past Master’s Association of New LondonCounty and the Secretary/Treasurer (since 1980) of the Blue Lodge Councilof the 8th Masonic District. In 2001 Gary joined Laurel Forest No. 130,Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America. He is a member of RainbowCourt No. 20, Order of Amaranth, and a Past Patron of Radiant Chapter,Order of the Eastern Star.
He is a member of Sphinx Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Noblesof the Mystic Shrine, a past member of the Public Relations Unit, a memberof the Past Master’s Club, and a member of the Moslem Shrine Club.
As Grand Historian for Grand Lodge, he has published in the monthlyConnecticut Freemasons newspaper a Grand Historian’s Column keepingthe craft informed of the history of Freemasonry here in Connecticut,around the nation, and even around the world. His speaking engagementshave carried him throughout the state of Connecticut. He was privileged torepresent the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Connecticut at the 200thAnniversary of the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island and Providence Planta-tions in 1991 and at the Bicentennial of Union lodge No. 2, chartered by theGrand Lodge of Connecticut (now under the auspices of the Grand Lodgeof Vermont).
Gary has been the historical speaker at David Wooster Day in Danburysince 1988, and he has been invited to be the guest speaker at Lodges allaround the state for many years. His speaking engagements also includemany non-Masonic audiences such as the Sons of the American Revolution,Historical Societies, Sermons at Church, and as speaker at the LebanonMemorial Day Parade.
He is the Grand Lodge representative of Oklahoma near the GrandLodge of Connecticut, the Grand Royal Arch Chapter representative ofWyoming near the Grand Chapter of Connecticut and the Grand Councilrepresentative of Michigan near the Grand Council of Connecticut.
Page 76 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
KNIGHT OF ISH SODIMERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
The Knight of Ish-Sodi Award was established by the Grand Councilto recognize meritorious service to Cryptic Freemasonry. The awardconsists of a distinctive pin. No more than one may may be awardedannually per thousand members or fraction thereof, plus the Most PuissantGrand Master may make an additional award. Following are the recipientsof this honor:
1973Charles Simonson, Wolcott 1 *Robert Fletcher, Olive Branch 10 * Charles K. Lynn, Adoniram 14 *Edward A. Breed, Mystic 29 *Harold F. Brooks, Orange 34 *
1974David Wainwright, Wolcott 1 *Grady L. Pearson, Adoniram 14 *Cecil H. Grant, Waterbury 21 *Burton F. Harrington, Lee 25 *Harry C. Walter, Wooster 28 *
1975Webster Culver, Wolcott 1 *Harold Staiger, Adoniram 14 *John E. Foster, Jerusalem 16 *Robert E. Cushman, Mystic 29 *John Normington, Montgomery 2 *
1976Lewis E. Miner, Adoniram 14 *Theodore F. Risley, Buel 20 *Robert L. Murray, Mystic 29 *Arthur K. Kandetzki, Orange 34 *Thomas Lauridsen, Adam Sattig 35 * 1977Burton W. Robinson, Franklin 3 *Edmund H. Smith, Jerusalem 16 *George H. Sackett, Crawford 19 *John S. Patten, Hamilton 22 *Harry Schanck, Washington 6Millard Manning, Olive Branch 10 *
1978Arthur J. McKinney, Wolcott 1John W. Ogden, Washington 6 *Matthew J. Banach, Suffield 23 *Charles P. Winchell, Doric 24 *
Carroll F. Lewis, Adam Sattig 35 *
1979# Kenneth Marvin, Montgomery 2Roscoe C. German, Buel 20 *Henry A. Phillips, Lee 25 *Russell L. Benjamin, Mystic 29 *Herbert G. Shaw, Orange 34 *
1980Carl Schultz, Sr., Columbia 9 *Bernard Church, Olive Branch 10 *Thomas W. Blowen, Suffield 23 *William A. Bonney, Doric 24 *Sterling E. Mills, Adam Sattig 35 *
1981Charles Lincoln, Sr., Wolcott 1 *John E. Knauer, Cushing 4 *Rodney I. Gray, Sr., Adoniram 14John D. Mutch, Jerusalem 16 * Gunnar Lundquist, Hamilton 22 *
1982Charles Schroeder, Harmony 8 *Robert A. Colbourn, Crawford 19 *John L. Faulkins, Jerusalem 16 *William S. Hart, Lee 25F. Laurence Lindblad, Ionic 33 *Thomas F. Peterson, Union 27 *
1983George LaPut, Sr., Cushing 4 *Melvin F. Boomer, Adoniram 14 *Warren Crane, Buel 20 *Richard E. Larcom, Crawford 19Bernard T. Wright, Wooster 28 *
1984Bertil Rahr, Buel 20 *George Hubbard, Adam Sattig 35 *
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 77
Albert H. Getchell, Crawford 19 *Sheldon C. Marshall, Wolcott 1 *David McFalls, Hamilton 22 *
1985Bernard J. Burke, Cushing 4 *Charles W. Phelps, Olive Branch 10 *George Tarket, Jr., Waterbury 21 *Robert E. Giauque, Suffield 23 *Lester A. Culver, Sr., Mystic 29 *
1986Richard J. Schlayer, Harmony 8 *Herbert Bachelder, Franklin 3 *Dennis L. Elkins, Columbia 9 &Elmer E. Stone, Adoniram 14 *Kenneth B. Watts, Waterbury 21 *
1987Lawrence Wright, Montgomery 2 *Franklin E. Robinson, Franklin 3 *John G. McKechnie, Mystic 29 *James F. Quarz, Crawford 19 *William Schuck, Menunketuck 36
1988Martin L. Berkman, Jerusalem 16 *Leland D. Cobb, Lee 25Gilbert L. Gooden, Franklin 3 *George H. Griffing, Adoniram 14 *Theodore King, Adam Sattig 35 *
1989Kenneth W. Gray, Jr., Cushing 4 *Wilder J. Greeley, Harmony 8 *Arthur B. Maybeck, Jr., Union 27 *Edward W. Studwell, Mystic 29 *
1990Harold E. Basson, Franklin 3 *Adrien F. Adam, Jr., Lee 25 *John Goodrich, Sr., Crawford 19 *Mark A D Flores, Mystic 29 %
1991# Gary Littlefield, Olive Branch 10Leo H. Lohrman II, Jerusalem 16Edward Nordstrom, Wolcott 1 *Joseph J. Perno, Adam Sattig 35 *# Bard C. Teigen, Suffield 23
1992Reginald Abbott, Wolcott 1 *
William F. Orrell, Adam Sattig 35 *Donald E. Robinson, Crawford 19Robert D Sherrick, Adam Sattig 35
1993# Bruce R. Bellmore, Harmony 8Arthur R. Bossé, Adoniram 14 %Richard A. Egner, Olive Branch 10 *# Charles B. Fowler Jr, Wolcott 1John G. Radeach, Crawford 19
1994Howard R. Baker, Montgomery 2 *George Kelaita, Ionic-Doric 33 *Leroy Oldack Jr, Adam Sattig 35 *Emil G. Olsson Jr, Harmony 8 *Arthur M. Pugh, Hamilton 22
1995# Paul L. Chello, Crawford 19Carl J. DelVecchio, Washington 6 *George C. Venter, Harmony 8 *Walter L. Whitman, Adoniram 14 *Kenneth A. Wright, Crawford 19 *
1996William W. Albert, Lee 25 *Willis E Copeland Jr, Crawford 19Douglas A. Gray, Harmony 8Edward R. Ham, Jerusalem 16Donald C. Murray, Harmony 8 *
1997Frank W. McNally, Montgomery 2 *Robert L. Hodgson, Mystic 3 *Walton Schlechtweg, Adoniram 14Edwin F. Dingus, Crawford 19 &Andrew G. Weimann II, Buel 20
1998Leslie C. Noyes, Adoniram 14John H. Goodrich, Jr., Crawford 19# Clyde W. Kayser, II, Buel 20
1999Thurman Sharples, Montgomery 2 *Wesley H. Alexander, Crawford 19 *# Randy S. Stevens, Crawford 19Herbert R. Olson, Lee 25 *Frederick A. Traut, Adam Sattig 35
2000Charles Gyure, Olive Branch 10 *
Page 78 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
Kenneth N. Hall, Adoniram 14 *John Mellor, Jerusalem 16Harrison T. Redford, Lee 25Scott T. Sherrick, Adam Sattig 35
2001Emil G. Lido, Adoniram 14 *# Jack H. Stevens, Crawford 19Joseph P. Fagan, Adam Sattig 35 *Donald Sause, Menunketuck 36
2002James P. Keaveny, Mystic 3 +Charles C. Maxson, Mystic 3Edward S. Eby, Cushing 4 *Geo. A W Nousiainen, Harmony 8# Richard Barrows, Olive Branch 10
2003Charles A. Domin, Cushing 4 *Ernest J. Smith, Adoniram 14 *Mario C. Saccomani, Buel 20Myron P. Reed, Hamilton 22M. Neal Rogers, Lee 25 *
2004James E. Hammitt, Adoniram 14Danny A. Camp, Buel 20Robert L. Kilgore, Hamilton 22Sivert R. Jacobson, Lee 25
2005Harold H. Tomlinson, Harmony 8 *Sebastian R Gordon, Adoniram 14 *
2006George J. Cronk, Washington 6Raymond Tomlinson, Harmony 8Ernest L. Dimmock Jr, Adoniram 14 *# Charles A. McCollum, Wooster 28Bruce A. Rumford, Adam Sattig 35# Peter Stapleton, Menunketuck 36
2007David C. Abrames, Wolcott 01Robert J. DiPasquale, Hamilton 22 *# James Kleinkauf, Menunketuck 36Edward Schoenrock, Adoniram 14 *
2008# Charles D. O’Neill, Wooster 28# Richard A. Eppler, Crawford 19
# Martin Ede, Harmony 08
2009Robert G. Fitzgerald, Wolcott 01# William L. Miller II, Wolcott 01Robert C. Nordstrom, Wolcott 01Carl E. Aspland, Buel 20Jorje Baujin, Buel 20
2010# William K. Barr, Crawford 19
2011# Michael E. Seamon, Wolcott 01Bradley K. Cooney, Harmony 08Peter M. Sloan, Harmony 08Delbert A. Little, Hamilton 22
2013Anthony Pipitone, Jerusalem 16Leonard H. Bucher, Crawford 19
2014Richard E. Odell, Washington 06Richard L. Sawyers, Wolcott 01
2015Lloyd R. Sturges Jr, Washington 06
2016# J. Andrew Birdsall, Cushing 04# David Söderberg, Wolcott 01# James S. McNeely IV, Wolcott 01
2017# Michael D. Sabia Jr, 06# Richard L. Allen, 04
* Deceased% Dimitted& Struck# Present at Annual Assy
2018 Recipient
Brian E. BealsLee Council No. 25
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 79
BRIAN EDWARD BEALSKnight of Ish Sodi
Brian Edward Beals, a lifelong Bristol resident, was born in Bristol,Connecticut on Sept. 27, 1957 to Douglas and Theresa Beals. He attendedBristol schools and graduated from Bristol Eastern High School in 1975.
After high school, Brian pursued a career in the food vending industryworking alongside his father, Douglas A. Beals, Jr., and his uncle, JeffreyP. Beals, at Dine-A-Matic in Bristol until it was sold in 1985. Brian wenton to work in a variety of management roles at other vending companiesbefore he and his longtime friend Ray Frankowski started their own smallengine repair business, R&B Repair Services, in 2003. The business hasserved over 1400 customers in 15 years, many of whom have beencustomers since the beginning.
Brian was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout rank of Star. He served TroopsNo. 4 and 418 of Bristol for several years as Assistant Scoutmaster, Scout-master and Troop Committee Chairman. Brian also served Long RiversCouncil as a Camporee Coordinator.
Brian is a lifelong member of Bristol Baptist Church now BridgeCommunity Church and a long time volunteer. He has been the churchTreasurer since 1993 and has served on the Board of Trustees. Brian justcompleted a 2 year project serving on the transitional team with 6 othermembers to merge Bristol Baptist Church and Wolcott Community BibleChurch.
Brian started his Masonic journey at a young age. He joined theEphraim Kirby Chapter Order of DeMolay in 1970 at age 13 and held manyoffices including Master Councilor. He served as Chapter Scribe while hewas a Senior DeMolay. He was honored with the Degree of Chevalier onNov. 12, 1981 and the Legion of Honor on January 7, 2012 and has servedas Executive Officer in CT since December 3, 2016.
Brian was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in FranklinLodge No. 56 on March 5, 1979. He served Franklin Lodge as WorshipfulMaster in 1985 and Frederick Franklin Lodge No. 14 in 2012, and later asTreasurer and Secretary. Brian has been serving as a trustee and aspresident of the Temple Corporation for Frederick Franklin Lodge No. 14since Frederick Lodge and Franklin Lodge merged in 2001.
Brian served the Grand Lodge of Connecticut as Grand Senior Stewardin 2013 for Most Worshipful Simon R. LaPlace. He also serves as thecoordinator of Grand Lodge Awards, a member of the Committee on LegalMatters and currently also serves as Deputy Grand Treasurer for the GrandLodge of Connecticut.
Brian also belongs to Frederica Chapter No. 110, Order of Eastern Star,Columbia Chapter No. 31, Royal Arch Masons, of which he is a Past HighPriest, and Lee Council No. 25, Royal & Select Masters where he currentlyserves as Thrice Illustrious Master.
Brian married his lovely wife Karen on Oct. 5, 1991. He is the proudfather of three sons, Kevin, Shawn and Keith, and two daughters in law,Stephanie and Connie and one grandson Everett born June 28, 2016
Page 80 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
JAMES ROYAL CASE AWARD
In 1986, the York Rite Coordinating Committee, which is composed ofthe dais officers of Grand Chapter, Grand Council and Grand Commandery,established the James Royal Case Award for outstanding service toMasonry and to the York Rite in particular. The award is presented eachyear at the Testimonial Dinner given in honor of the presiding officers ofthe three Grand York Rite Bodies.
Previous recipients of this prestigious award are as follows:
James Royal Case * 1986
Howard R. Baker * 1987
Russell L. Benjamin * 1988
Warren J. Dennison * 1989
Andrew J. Muccianti * 1990
# Kenneth W. Marvin 1991
William A. Bonney Sr. 1992
John Radeach * 1993
Matthew J. Banach * 1994
Arthur H. Carlstrom 1995
Wilder J. Greeley * 1996
Willis E Copeland Jr 1997
Robert S. Johnson 1998
Stanley T. House 1999
Edward Nordstrom * 2000
Douglas A. Gray 2001
Anthony Pipitone 2002
Louis A. Kaufmann * 2003
Walter L. Whitman * 2004
James S. Demko 2005
Leslie C. Noyes * 2006
Robert J. Cascone 2007
Edward Schoenrock * 2008
Donald E. Robinson 2009
Irving Lieff 2010
James J. Fahy 2011
Donald C. Sause 2012
Richard E. Odell 2013
# William L. Miller II 2014
# James A. Backus 2015
Charles T. Hall 2016
None 2017
* Deceased# Present at Annual Assembly
CHARLES deMELO O’NEILLMost Puissant Grand Master
2018-2019
Page 82 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
CHARLES DE MELO O’NEILL
Charles de Melo O’Neill was born August 24, 1967 in Portugal. Atthe age of three his family moved to Camden, New Jersey where theyresided until Charles was fourteen, and then moved to Danbury, Connecti-cut. Charles graduated from Danbury High School in 1985 and earned aBachelor of Arts from Fairfield University with a Major in French and Mathand minor in Education in1989.
After Graduation Charles took a sales and training position with INSETSystems, a local software company in Brookfield, Connecticut. Thisposition required Charles to travel extensively being the sales representativefor the northwest area of the country. This included Northern California,Oregon, Washington State, Nevada and Arizona. After a few years with thecompany, Charles was promoted to Marketing Director for their HiJaakproduct line. With this new position Charles was not required to travel asextensively and was able to become involved in the local Masonic Lodgein Danbury. When the company was sold to a California based SoftwareCompany, Charles decided to leave the company not wanting to relocate toCalifornia. He took a position as Senior Network Engineer for AMSYSComputer in Ridgefield.
While at AMSYS Computer, Charles took on long term consulting, andproject management positions for various AMSYS Clients. Charles servedfor several years as a consulting Manager of Desktop Services for DanburyHospital in Danbury CT, where he was responsible for the main hospitalcampus and six off-site locations. He also served as the consulting Directorof Information Technology for Advanced Radiology Consultants where hewas responsible for overseeing the redesign of the practice’s WAN andLAN to integrate RIS, PACS, dictation and voice network systems.
In 2003 Charles joined CoActiv Medical, a daughter company ofAMSYS, as Director of Client Services, a position he still holds. As theDirector of Client Services; Charles oversees a staff responsible for theinstallation, maintenance, training and support of CoActiv Medical’s PACS(Picture Archive and Communications Systems), and its integration into aclient’s network.
Brother O’Neill’s Masonic career began in Union Lodge No. 40 inDanbury, where he was raised in November 1992. He was appointed JuniorSteward that year and progressed quickly through the line to Master in 1998and later again in 2003. Working in Ridgefield every day for CoActivMedical, he also affiliated as a dual member with Jerusalem Lodge No. 49in 2005, where he served as Master in 2008, and where he currently holdsthe office of Treasurer. Charles is a Past President of the 2nd MasonicDistrict Blue Lodge Council and has served as president of the DanburyMasonic Temple Association. He is also a Past President of the DanburyCraftsman Service Club and is a current member of the Jerusalem LodgeMasonic Temple Association. In the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, he hasserved as Associate Grand Marshal of District 2B from 1999 -2001 and isa Past Chairman of the Committee on Masonic Education.
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 83
In the Royal Arch, Companion Charles was exalted in Eureka ChapterNo. 23 in Danbury in 1994, where he served as High Priest from 2001-2003and from 2005-2006. He affiliated as a dual member with RittenhouseChapter No. 11 in 2005 and served as High Priest in 2011-2012. Charleshas served the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Connecticut asCustodian of the Work for District 2 from 2004-2006. He received theOrder of High Priesthood in 2004. For his outstanding support of RoyalArch Masonry he received the General Grand Chapter Medal in Bronze forOutstanding Service in 2006. In 2009 Charles was appointed to the line ofthe Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Connecticut and was electedand installed as Most Excellent Grand High Priest in 2014.
Companion Charles was greeted in Wooster Council No. 28 in Danburyin 1994, where he served as the Thrice Illustrious Master from 1998 through2000 and again in 2004. He received the Order of the Silver Trowel in2004. He affiliated as a dual member with Washington Council No. 6 in2005 and has served as Thrice Illustrious Master in 2006 and 2007. Companion Charles was created a Knight of Ish Sodi in 2008, and receivedthe Philip J. Jones Award for Distinguished Masonic Service in 2013. Hewas appointed to the Grand Council officer line in 2013 and was electedand installed in 2018 as Most Puissant Grand Master of The Most PuissantGrand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Connecticut.
Sir Knight Charles was knighted in Crusader Commandery No. 10 inDanbury1994, where he served as Eminent Commander from 1998 to 2001. He affiliated as a dual member with Stamford-Clinton Commandery No.3 in 2005, now Trinity Commandery No. 3, and served as Commander from2006-2010. Charles was appointed to the Grand Commandery officer linein 2005 and served the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar ofConnecticut as Grand Commander in 2012-2013.
Brother Charles was invited to join the Connecticut York Rite CollegeNo. 17 in 1999, and after serving on the degree teams of the College forseveral years, Companion Knight Charles was appointed to the officer lineof the College in 2005. He was elected to receive the Order of the PurpleCross in 2009 and served as the Governor of Connecticut York Rite Collegein 2010. He has been selected for and will be installed as the GrandGovernor for Connecticut in August 2018.
In 2005 Charles became an active member of the Scottish Rite in theValley of Waterbury, where he has served the Valley as Thrice PotentMaster of Doric Lodge of Perfection and as Sovereign Prince of IonicCouncil of Princes of Jerusalem. Charles is currently serving as Secretaryfor the Valley of Waterbury and New Haven. In 2008 Charles wasappointed to serve on the board of the Connecticut Children’s DyslexiaCenter, in Waterbury where he currently serves as Secretary for the Board. Charles was awarded the Meritorious Service Award by the Valley ofWaterbury in 2011, and was coroneted with the 33º and created anHonorary Member of the Supreme Council in Rochester NY in 2017.
Charles’ other Masonic Affiliations include, Mohawk Council No. 28Knight Masons, Past Knight Crusader of the East of the Knight Crusadersof the Cross of Connecticut, Maine Chapter of Knights Preceptors,
Page 84 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
Connecticut College of Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis2010, Nathan Hale Council No 78 Allied Masonic Degrees 2010, Connecti-cut Priory No. 28, Knights of the York Cross of Honour 2010, Royal Orderof Scotland 2010, and Past president of the Connecticut Convention ofAnointed High Priests.
ACCEPTANCE ADDRESS
I first want to thank the Companions for the trust they have reposed inme in electing me Most Puissant Grand Master. It is with deep humilitythat I take on the leadership of this Grand Council for the ensuing year,historic year for our Grand Council as we celebrate our 200th Anniversary. Details about our celebration of this historic event will be coming outwithin the next few months.
Companions, we should be proud of our heritage of our Grand Councilas well as our constituent Councils, many of which celebrated their 200th
anniversary and were rededicated this past year. Too often, from the reportsand visitations that I have made, we tend to give the Council a back seat asI stated in my report. Companions, this needs to stop. Let’s all worktogether this year to show that Cryptic Masonry in Connecticut is alive andwell, and that we value the lessons taught us in the Preservation Degrees ofthe Councils.
Remember that the Grand Council is here to serve our local Councilsand assist them, so do not hesitate to call upon us, your newly installedofficers for any assistance that you may require.
I look forward to visiting all the Councils this year, and the opportunityto travel with my good friend Companion James McNeely, GHP, bothinstate and out of state.
Again, I thank the companions for their trust reposed in me, and mayGod keep everyone safe as you travel home.
Charles D. O’Neill
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 85
GRAND COUNCIL OFFICERS 2018-2019With Council Visitation Assignments
Most Puissant Grand MasterCharles D. O’Neill (06) 203-770-4818
R.I. Deputy Puissant Grand MasterB. Earl Canfield (20), Marian 203-266-5290
R.I. Gr Principal Conductor of the Work ( 9, 20, 36 )Martin Ede (08) 203-393-9724
R.I. Grand TreasurerCharles A. McCollum (06), Beth 203-375-3990
R.I. Grand Recorder [email protected] B. Fowler, Jr (01), Muff 860-688-8799
Ill. Grand Captain of the Guard ( 4, 8, 22 )James S. McNeely, IV (01), Anne 507-456-4836
Ill. Grand Conductor ( 19, 23, 25 )Bradley K. Cooney (08), Meg 203-318-0464
Ill. Grand Steward ( 1, 2, 6, 16 )Darrin D. Silhavy (06), Donna 203-268-3323
Ill. Grand SentinelWilliam E. Weisert II (04) 860-439-1950
Ill. Grand MarshalJack H. Stevens (19), Corinne 203-265-5356
Ill. Grand ChaplainBruce R. Bellmore (08), Patricia 203-933-6736
Ill. Grand Organist David Söderberg (01) 860-918-6867
Ill. Grand HistorianGary A. Littlefield (02), Marcy 860-228-0642
Ill. Assistant Grand TreasurerScott T. Sherrick (35), Virginia 203-878-2202
Ill. Assistant Grand RecorderWilliam L. Miller (01), Lisa 860-716-0004
Page 86 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
Ill. Associate Grand ChaplainWilliam E. Weisert II (04) 860-439-1950
R.I. Past Deputy Puissant Grand MasterDanny A. Camp (20) 203-243-7384
R.I. Past Grand Principal Conductor of the WorkJoseph R. Krusienski (22), Lorraine 860-302-2108
R.I. Grand Recorder EmeritusDouglas A. Gray (08), Marie 203-281-3606
GRAND TRUSTEES
Term Expires June 2019William E. Bohman (25), Lisa 860-693-1538
Term Expires June 2020Paul L. Chello (19,36), Emily 203-453-1560
Term Expires June 2021Randy S. Stevens (19), Sara 860-434-8772
ACTIVE PAST MOST PUISSANT GRAND MASTERS
1972 Leo H. Lohrman II (16,06), Vickie 203-375-04711991 Thomas M. Maxwell, (06), Nancy 203-426-35371993 James P. Keaveny (04), Theresa 863-471-95491989 Edward L. Choate (19, PMIGM Illinois), Lenetta 701-212-50891995 Robert D. Sherrick (35), Anne 203-877-49771998 Richard A. Eppler (19), Ruth 203-271-22112000 Paul L. Chello (19,36), Emily 203-453-15602002 Sivert R. Jacobson (25), Sandra 860-582-37832003 Randy S. Stevens (19), Sara 860-434-87722004 Richard G. Barrows (10) 860-423-56022005 Scott T. Sherrick (35), Virginia 203-878-22022006 Peter J. Stapleton (36), Michele 203-385-85512007 Raymond G. Tomlinson (08), Susan 203-397-25702008 Andrew G. Weimann II (20), Susan 860-485-03002009 Randy S. Stevens (19), Sara 860-434-87722010 James C. Kleinkauf (36), Suzanne 203-453-94022011 Bruce R. Bellmore (08), Patricia 203-933-67362012 Edward R. Ham (16), Annette 203-255-48702013 Charles A. McCollum (06), Beth 203-375-39902014 Charles A. McCollum (06), Beth 203-375-3990
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 87
2015 Michael E. Seamon (01), Linda 860-644-06112016 J. Andrew Birdsall (04), Maryann 860-638-13992017 Clyde W. Kayser II (08,20), A.J. 203-754-8209
COMMITTEES
Address of the M P Grand MasterJ. Andrew Birdsall, Ch 860-839-2043James C. Kleinkauf Michael E. Seamon
AuditingJames C. Kleinkauf, Ch 203-453-9536Martin Ede Michael E. Seamon
AwardsCharles D. O’Neill, Ch 203-770-4818Charles B. Fowler B. Earl Canfield
BudgetB. Earl Canfield, Ch 203-266-5290Charles A. McCollum Charles B. FowlerMartin Ede
BylawsDarrin D. Silhavy, Ch 203-268-3323Peter R. Smyth Michael D. Sabia, Jr.
CredentialsRichard A. Eppler, Ch 203-271-2211Martin Ede Darrin D. Silhavy
DelinquenciesB. Earl Canfield, Ch 203-266-5290Martin Ede Scott T. Sherrick
InsuranceScott T. Sherrick (R&SM) 203-878-2202Vincent Cowie (KT) Robert G. Fitzgerald (RAM)
Masonic JurisprudenceCharles A. McCollum, Ch 201-375-3990Paul L. Chello Bruce R. Bellmore
NecrologyBruce R. Bellmore, Ch 203-933-6736Charles B Fowler Jr Randy S. Stevens
Page 88 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
NominationsBruce R. Bellmore, Ch 203-933-6736Clyde W. Kayser II Paul L. Chello
RitualCharles D. O’Neill, Ch 203-770-4818James S. McNeely Charles A. McCollum
TrainingBradley K. Cooney, Ch 203-318-0464Bruce R. Bellmore
Tri-State FestivalCharles A. McCollum, Ch 203-375-3990Clyde W. Kayser II Charles D. O’Neill
York Rite CoordinationCharles D. O’Neill, Ch 203-770-4818Charles B. Fowler Jr. B. Earl CanfieldMartin Ede
200th AnniversaryCharles D. O’Neill, Ch 203-770-4818B. Earl Canfield James S. McNeely IVGary A. Littlefield Martin Ede
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 89
GRAND COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
JURISDICTION NEAR THERE NEAR CT ATTE
ALABAMA Zachary A. Holmes Joseph Albanese - -
ALASKA Rodney L. Johnson
ARIZONA Daniel W. Criswell
ARKANSAS Walter C. Barnhardt
CALIFORNIA Daniel J. Kussman Bradley K. Cooney - - - - 8
CANADA EAST Charles E. Rutt Donald Robinson - - - -
CANADA ONT William Boose William Weisert 45678
CANADA WEST Peter Devlin
COLORADO Mark W. Ralston Danny A. Camp 4 - - - -
DELAWARE Wayne T. Slack William F. Lott 4 -67 -
DIST COLUMBIA James W. Golladay John A. Radziunas 56- 8
ENGLAND-WALES Peter D. Miles Peter J. Stapleton 45678
FLORIDA John F. Wermann Arthur M. Pugh -56- -
GENERAL GRAND Charles McCollum 78
GEORGIA Jack L. Hepner Anthony E. Cirella - - - -
GERMANY E. Geppert
GREECE
HAWAII Does not exchange Representatives
IDAHO James L. Curtis
ILLINOIS Edward L. Choate Angelo Pedrazzini - - - - -
INDIANA Austin C. Gray, Jr. Clyde W. Kayser, 45678
IOWA Tom L. Dean Arthur McKinney - - - - -
ISRAEL
ITALY
KANSAS John E. Mowen William L. Greene - - - -
KENTUCKY Daniel L. Coleman Michael B. Dodge 4 - - - -
LOUISIANA William K. Powell Randy S. Stevens 45678
MAINE Randy L. Adams Andrew Weimann 45678
MARYLAND Does Not Exchange Leo H. Lohrman II - - - - -
MASSACHUSETTS S. Wesley Lindsey Charles McCollum 45678
MICHIGAN David A. Bartell Gary A. Littlefield 45678
MINNESOTA Leonard Strobel Sivert R. Jacobson 4 - - - -
MISSISSIPPI John W. Pepper John O. Brandt - - - - -
MISSOURI Richard J. Holmes Bard C. Teigen -5678
MONACO
MONTANA Darrel Q. Smith
Page 90 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
NEBRASKA Jeffrey Coleman
NEVADA Bruce Nelson
NEW HAMPSHIRE John B. Clark Bruce R. Bellmore 4 - -78
NEW JERSEY John D. Barnes Richard A. Eppler 45678
NEW MEXICO William B. Pieper Leonard H. Bucher 456- -
NEW SO WALES Douglas Grigg
NEW YORK Earl L. Tuttle Richard G. Barrows - - -78
NORTH CAROLINA Dallas Davis Douglas A. Gray -56-8
NORTH DAKOTA Jeffrey N. Nelson Richard V. Travis - - - - -
OHIO Bobby G. George Paul L. Chello 45678
OKLAHOMA Richard C. Dunaway Michael E. 45678
OREGON Charles K. Olney
PANAMA
PENNSYLVANIA Charles C. Hoover
PHILLIPINES Rudy Ong
PORTUGAL Manuel Sacavem Charles C. Maxson 456- -
RHODE ISLAND Robert J. Allen Peter J. Stapleton 45678
ROMANIA
SCOTLAND Ian Duncan James S. McNeely 5678
SOUTH CAROLINA Jon Majerus Charles McCollum 45678
SOUTH DAKOTA Roland Kleinschmidt Donald C. Sause - - - - -
TENNESSEE S. Wayne Elder
TEXAS Dan W. Turner Thomas Maxwell - - - - -
TOGO
UTAH Daniel L. Ladig
VERMONT Bruce R. Howard Charles C. Maxson 456-8
VIRGINIA Nelson C. Trinkle Vincent A. Cowie 678
WASHINGTON Jerry E. Whitney Charles B. Fowler 45678
WISCONSIN Ray Tomlinson 4 - - - -
WYOMING Edward R. Ham 4567 -
4 present at 2014 Annual Assembly5 present at 2015 Annual Assembly6 present at 2016 Annual Assembly7 present at 2017 Annual Assembly8 present at 2018 Annual Assembly
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 91
GRAND RECORDERS
Note: For current contact information, see the individual Grand Councilwebsite which may be accessed via www.yorkrite.org
ALABAMA Hiram O. Williams Jr
ALASKA David A. Hunt
ARIZONA George Weil
ARKANSAS Royce H. Taylor
CALIFORNIA Philip A. Hardiman
CANADA EAST John R. Dollimount
CANADA ONTARIO Richard B. Allgood
CANADA WEST Edward R Wilson
COLORADO Robert W. Gregory
CONNECTICUT Charles B. Fowler Jr
DELAWARE Mark E. Irwin
DIST OF COLUMBIA Carroll J. Collins
ENGLAND & WALES John Brackley
FLORIDA Howard H. Gardner
FRANCE Alain Bailleul
GENERAL GRAND Bryan D. Bechler
GEORGIA Wade C. Smith
GERMANY Carsten Rinne
GREECE Spyros Doukas
HAWAII Gerhart W. Walch
IDAHO David A. Grindle
ILLINOIS Dick J. Carroll
INDIANA Charles D. Wood Jr
IOWA Rusty L. Hill
ISRAEL Menachem Rotstein
ITALY Francesco Mancuso
KANSAS Allan D. Jackson
KENTUCKY James H. King, Jr
LOUISIANA Ed L. Horton
MAINE Thomas A. Emery
MARYLAND Vernon Huebschman
MASSACHUSETTS S. Wesley Lindsey
MICHIGAN Anthony M. Chamberlin
Page 92 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
MINNESOTA Monte M. Miller
MISSISSIPPI Floyd Tomas Jones
MISSOURI Russell S. Hanson
MONACO Bernard Saglia
MONTANA Roger E. Cathel
NEBRASKA Bruce T. Anderson
NEVADA Russell M. Wilde
NEW HAMPSHIRE Dennis A. Sheridan
NEW JERSEY C. K. Leverett
NEW MEXICO Dennis R. Detrow
NEW SOUTH WALES Tony Wise
NEW YORK Charles M. Roberts
NORTH CAROLINA Robert A. Schafer
NORTH DAKOTA Merle L. Huhner
OHIO Bobby G. Campbell
OKLAHOMA Gary A. Davis
OREGON Dalvin L. Hollaway
PANAMA Ruben J. Levy
PENNSYLVANIA Douglas D. Crum
PHILIPPINES Evaristo Leviste
PORTUGAL Jose Diogo
RHODE ISLAND John A. Lawson III
ROMANIA Dragos Boranda
SCOTLAND Grahame J. Smith
SOUTH CAROLINA Johnnie T. Morris
SOUTH DAKOTA George E. Bauder
TENNESSEE Rick Hoover
TEXAS Orvill L. O’Neill
TOGO Kao Pitassa
UTAH Charles E. Warren Sr
VERMONT Bruce R. Howard
VIRGINIA Clyde M. Perry
WASHINGTON Floyd L. Snyder
WISCONSIN Gary J. Parker
WYOMING Kenneth M. Badget
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 93
Connecticut Council ofSuper Excellent Masters
The Council met at 1 pm on March 24, 2018 at the Meriden MasonicHall, 112 East Main Street, Meriden CT in connection with the Tri-StateFestival.
CT conferred the Super Excellent degree with the following cast:
Organist David Soderberg
Class Marshal J. Andrew Birdsall
Reader Joseph R. Krusienski
Secretary Giovanni DiPaola
Gedeliah Kristian Maiorino
1st Keeper Louis W. Santos
2nd Keeper James C. Kleinkauf
3rd Keeper John Mellor
Herald J. Mike Wolf
Zedekiah Bradley K. Cooney
Johillus Steven J. Chaippalone
Coniah Richard A. Eppler
Seriah Michael E. Seamon
Sons Bruce PadulaAnthony Maisano
Hannaniah Michael Sabia
Jeremiah Paul L. Chello
Joab Daniel M. Luft
Nebuchadnezzar Randy S. Stevens
Executioner Peter Stapleton
Nebuzaradan Christian Schunmann
Exekiel James McNeely
There were 17 candidates including 5 from ConnecticutRichard M. Balboni Jr Wolcott 01John R. Ranney Wolcott 01Raymond C. Knieriem Montgomery 02Francis Barnes Hamilton 22Joseph Kurcaba Hamilton 22
Page 94 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
Officers elected for 2018:Thrice Illustrious Master Charles A. McCollumRecorder Richard A. EpplerDeputy Illustrious Master Joseph R. KrusienskiIllustrious Principal Conductor James Kleinkauf
Grand Council Officers recognized:Michael E. Seamon Past MPGMJ. Andrew Birdsall Past MPGMRichard A. Eppler Past MPGMJoseph R. Krusienski R.I. Grand Principal ConductorCharles B. Fowler Jr R.I. Grand RecorderJames S. McNeely Ill. Grand StewardSteven Chiappalone Ill. Grand MarshalDavid Soderberg Ill. Grand Organist
Attest:
Richard A. Eppler, Recorder
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 95
Connecticut Council of Anointed Kings( The Order of the Silver Trowel )
ANNUAL ASSEMBLY - 2018
The Annual Assembly of the Connecticut Council of AnointedKings was held in the apartments of Jerusalem Council No. 16 at theMasonic Hall in Stratford CT on Wednesday, May 30, 2018.
OFFICERS PRESENTThrice Illustrious King Robert L. KilgoreT.I. Prince of the West Leonard H. BucherT.I. Prince of the South Clyde W. Kayser IIT.I. Scribe-Treasurer Richard A. EpplerT.I. Chaplain Michael E. SeamonT.I. Prince of the Court Charles D. O’Neill, p.t.T.I. Steward B. Earl CanfieldT.I. Sentinel Bard C. Teigen, p.t.
Following a supper served by Lassies Catering, the Assembly wasopened in form by Thrice Illustrious King Robert L. Kilgore at 7:30PM. Prayer was offered by Thrice Illustrious Chaplain Michael E.Seamon, and all joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag. There were approximately 18 Companions present, all of whom werewelcomed by the Thrice Illustrious King.
The Scribe-Treasurer presented three (3) proposals for new member-ship. Upon unanimous vote, the following Companions were elected toreceive the degree of Thrice Illustrious Master (Order of the Silver Trowel)
Ian Jones 20 Kristian Maiorino 22Peter Smyth 6The Companions above were present to receive the degree of
Thrice Illustrious Master, which was then conferred in full dramaticform on them by the following Ritual Cast:
Prologue Richard A. EpplerAdonijah Richard A. EpplerJoab Martin EdeAbiathar Robert D. SherrickZadok Bard C. TeigenBeniaih Michael E. SeamonNathan Richard G. BarrowsKing’s Messenger John MellorAdoniram Edward R. HamAhiah Anthony PipitoneAbijah Richard A. EpplerSolomon (Exemplar) Kristian MaiorinoKing David Bruce R. BellmoreDirector (acting) Richard A. Eppler
Page 96 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
Director Richard A. Eppler introduced the Cast and thanked themfor a job well done. They were greeted with a hearty round ofapplause. Thrice Illustrious King Robert L. Kilgore presented eachcandidate with his membership card.
The TIK welcomed and recognized the Past Thrice IllustriousKings, Illustrious Companions Bruce R. Bellmore, Edward R. Ham,John Mellor, Richard A. Eppler, Anthony Pipitone, and Charles A.McCollum.
Companion Robert L. Kilgore received Most Puissant Compan-ion Clyde W. Kayser II, who recognized the dignitaries of The MostPuissant Grand Council of Royal And Select Masters of Connecticut:
Charles D. O’Neill Deputy Puissant Grand MasterRobert D. Sherrick Past Most Puissant Grand MasterRichard A. Eppler Past Most Puissant Grand MasterRichard G. Barrows Past Most Puissant Grand MasterBruce R. Bellmore Past Most Puissant Grand MasterEdward R. Ham Past Most Puissant Grand MasterCharles A. McCollum Past Most Puissant Grand Master,
Grand Treasurer, and AssistantRegional Deputy General GrandMaster.
B. Earl Canfield Ill. Grand Captain of the GuardMartin Ede Ill. Grand ConductorJames S. McNeely IV Ill. Grand Steward
Dignitaries of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons presentwere:
Martin Ede M.E. Grand High PriestJames S. McNeely IV R.E. Grand KingBruce R. Bellmore M.E. Past Grand High PriestCharles A. McCollum M.E. Past Grand High PriestJohn Mellor M.E. Past Grand High PriestCharles D. O’Neill M.E. Past Grand High PriestRichard A. Eppler M.E. Past Grand High PriestBard C. Teigen R.E. Past Grand CustodianClyde W. Kayser II R.E. Past Grand CustodianRichard G. Barrows R.E. Past Grand Custodian
Dignitaries of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar preentwere:
Michael E. Seamon V. Em. Deputy Grand CommanderJames S. McNeely IV Em. Grand GeneralissimoEdward R. Ham R. Em. Past Grand CommanderBruce R. Bellmore R. Em. Past Grand CommanderLeonard H. Bucher R. Em. Past Grand CommanderCharles D. O’Neill R. Em. Past Grand CommanderClyde W. Kayser II, KTCH R. Em. Past Grand CommanderRichard A. Eppler, KTCH Em. Past Grand Inspector
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 97
Dignitaries of the York Rite Sovereign College of North Americapresent were:
Charles A. McCollum Right Preeminently DistinguishedGrand Governor
Richard A. Eppler Right Preeminently DistinguishedPast Grand Governor and PastGrand Herald
Charles D. O’Neill Very Preeminently DistinguishedDeputy Grand Governor
Clyde W. Kayser II Past Preeminent Governor CTYRC 17
Richard G. Barrows Past Preeminent Governor CTYRC 17
Dignitary of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge present was:Bruce R. Bellmore R. W. Grand Senior Deacon
The Scribe-Treasurer reported that the minutes of the lastAssembly were printed in the Grand Council Proceedings. Onmotion of Companion Richard A. Eppler, seconded by Companion Charles A. McCollum, VOTED to approve the minutes of the lastAssembly.
On motion of Companion Richard A. Eppler, seconded byCompanion Charles A. McCollum, VOTED to donate one hundreddollars ($100.00) to the Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut,and one hundred dollars ($100.00) to the Cryptic Masons MedicalResearch Foundation.
On motion of Companion John Mellor, seconded by Companion Clyde W. Kayser II, VOTED to grant one hundred dollars ($100.00)to the T.I. Scribe-Treasurer as an honorarium.
On motion of Companion Richard A. Eppler, seconded byCompanion James S. McNeely VOTED to authorize the Scribe-Treasuer to pay the usual bills of the Council, such as for printing,postage, and suppers. The Scribe/Treasurer noted the continuingdecline in the amount received each year as donations, which hasnow fallen below the needs of our operations.
The Scribe-Treasurer presented the report of the Scribe-Treasurer. On motion of Companion Richard A. Eppler, seconded by Compan-ion Bruce R. Bellmore, VOTED to approve the report.
The Scribe/Treasurer read the Necrology and Companion RobertL. Kilgore led the Companions in prayer for our departed Compan-ionsHenry Farkas Harmony 8 November 23, 2016
William J. Levay, Adam Sattig 35 April 27, 2017
Allan Savitsky Jerusalem 16 October 30, 2016
Frank W. McNally Montgomery 2 July 29, 2017
Francis S. DiStefa- Columbia 9 November 28, 2017
Page 98 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
The Thrice Illustrious King then asked for the report of theCommittee on Nominations, which was presented by CompanionRichard A. Eppler, as follows:Thrice Illustrious King Leonard H. Bucher
T.I. Prince of the West Clyde W. Kayser II
T.I. Prince of the South J. Andrew Birdsall
T.I. Scribe-Treasurer Richard A. EpplerIt was moved by Companion Charles A. McCollumj seconded by
Companion Bruce R. Bellmore, and carried that the Nominating Committeereport be accepted, and the Scribe cast one ballot for the slate:
T.I. King elect Leonard H. Bucher announced the followingappointments:T.I. Chaplain Michael D. Sabia, Jr
T.I. Prince of the Court B. Earl Canfield
T.I. Steward Daniel M. Luft
T.I. Sentinel Michael E. SeamonThe officers present were installed by T.I. Companion Richard A.
Eppler, assisted by Companion Bruce R. Bellmore as Marshal.
T.I. Companion Leonard H. Bucher announced that the nextmeeting will be in May of 2019. The location will be announced. T.I. Companion Leonard H. Bucher then congratulated everyone onthe work of the day, the new officers, and the recipients of the Orderof the Silver Trowel. He then called on Most Puissant Grand MasterClyde W. Kayser II for final remarks. He then closed the Council at8:55 PM.
Attest:
Richard A. Eppler, PTIK, PMPGMScribe-Treasurer
2018 Royal & Select Masters of Connecticut Page 99
SCRIBE-TREASURER’S REPORT
Inasmuch as the Constituent Councils report only annually as of March31 to the Grand Council, the records of the Council of Anointed Kings mustof necessity reflect the same date of currency. The Necrology Report forthe year ending March 31, 2018 shows seven Thrice Illustrious Companionshaving passed to the other shore. In addition, Thrice Illustrious Compan-ions, Kenneth W. Carley #25, Leodovico T. Morales #4, Bradley K. Cooney#8, Michael B. Dodge #2, John O. Brandt #2, and Rubens T. Leite #6 wentN.P.D.
At our last Meeting on May 26, 2017 , five new membersreceived the Degree of Thrice Illustrious Master and joined our ranks.As of March 31, 2018, there were approximately 163 members of theConnecticut Council of Anointed Kings.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard A. EpplerScribe-Treasurer
TREASURER”S REPORT
April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018 Balance April 1, 2017 $ 8142.12
RECEIPTSDinners $ 360.00Donations $ 466.00Fees $ 75.00Interest $ 2.78Silver trowels $ 50.00Sale of Rituals $ 0.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS $ 953.78
DISBURSEMENTSCharity $ 200.00Honorarium $ 100.00Postage $ 77.91Printing $ 90.37Dinners $ 327.78
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS $ 796.06
BALANCE March 31, 2018 $ 8299.84
Page 100 The Most Puissant Grand Council 2018
ACTIVE PAST THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS KINGS
Arthur J. McKinney 1981 Paul L. Chello 2008
Rodney I. Gray 1982 Randy S. Stevens 2009Stephen D. Piner 1983 Robert J. Knowles 2010Gail N. Smith 1987 Anthony Pipitone 2011Bruce R. Bellmore 1991 Delbert A. Little 2012Edward R. Ham 1992 Peter J. Stapleton 2013John Mellor 1995 Charles A. McCollum 2014Donald E. Robinson 1998 Robert J. Cascone 2015Kenneth W. Marvin 2000 Joseph R. Krusienski 2016Douglas A. Gray 2001 Robert L. Kilgore 2017Richard A. Eppler 2003 Leonard H. Bucher 2018
DONATIONS
James S. McNeely 1 Andrew G. Weimann 20
William L. Miller 1 Robert L. Kilgore 22Donald Gladding 2 Robert J. Knowles 22Kenneth W. Marvin 2 Joseph R. Krusienski 22J. Michael Wolf 2 Richard A Eppler 22William Weisert 4 Delbert A. Little 22Charles McCollum 6 Arthur Pugh 22Charles D. O’Neill 6 Bruce Thorin 22Bruce R. Bellmore 8 Robert Thorin 22Martin Ede 8 Dale Cunningham 23William Passera 9 Bard C. Teigin 23Edward R. Ham 16 Leland Cobb, Jr. 25Leo H. Lohrman II 16 Robert D. Sherrick 35Earl F. Korngiebel 19 Peter Stapleton 36Arthur Carlstrom 20