OFFICERS OF  THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT

                              OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

                                           2006 - 2009

                          RIGHT EMINENT DEPARTMENT COMMANDERS

The Cross Before the Crown

One of the finest and most meaningful songs you will ever hear comes from our Senator from Utah, United States Senator Orrin Hatch. He wrote the words to this beautiful song and the music was written by Janice Kapp Perry. If you have not previously downloaded RealPlayer 8 Free Basic, visit Senator Hatch's website at www.hatchmusic.com. Please click on the following address cross(1).ra after downloading RealPlayer. Thank you for this fine music Senator Hatch. To return to the theme music go back or ahead of this page. 

TO GO TO PAGE 2 AND THE 63RD TRIENNIAL OF THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CLICK ON THIS ADDRESS.

GRAND ENCAMPMENT COMMUNICATION

This from Bruce Anderson on Thursday, August 30th, 2007

From: "Dan Pushee" <theyorkritelist@yahoo.com>
> Date: 2007/08/30 Thu AM 09:13:08 CDT
> To: theyorkritelist@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [theyorkritelist] OFFICIAL Announcement from Grand Encampment, KT USA
>
> Effective 2:30 PM Eastern Time Tuesday August 28, 2007
>
> Most Eminent Grand SK Richard Burditt Baldwin, GCT, Most Eminent
> Grand Master  after meeting with his family, tendered his resignation
> from the Office of  Grand Master for reasons of health.
>
> It is with deep sadness that that we post this information. Your
> elected Grand Officers intend to carry forward the vision, programs
> and appointments that Grand Master Baldwin was pleased to make and
> announce in Houston Texas.
>
> Your Grand Officers and all Past Grand Masters wish for our beloved
> Frater the very best and thank him for his commitment, service and
> Christian manner in which he conducted the affairs of our Grand
> Encampment.
>
> At 4:00 PM on August 28, 2007 the following Officers were installed by
> S.K. Thurman Cleveland Pace, Jr., KGC, Most Eminent Honorary Past
> Grand Master
>
> S.K. William H Koon II  Most Eminent Grand Master
> S.K. David D Goodwin Right Eminent Deputy Grand Master
> S.K. Sid C Dorris III Right Eminent Grand Generalissimo
> S.K. Duane L. Vaught Right Eminent Grand Captain General
>
 

From Bill Koon on Tuesday, October 31st, 2006

From: "Dan Pushee" <theyorkritelist@yahoo.com>
> Date: 2006/10/31 Tue PM 09:51:51 CST
> To: theyorkritelist@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [theyorkritelist] Passing of  SK  Douglas W. Holbrook,PC of Malta Commandery No. 21,NY
>
> Dear Sir Knights,
> 
> It is with sadness that I report to you the passing of:
> Sir Knight Douglas W. Holbrook, PC of Malta Commandery No. 21, and
> Aide de Camp to S.K. David Dixon Goodwin, REGG of the Grand
> Encampment KT/USA
> 
> Doug has been valiantly fighting cancer for nearly the past year.  He
> died at 8:00 PM this evening.  He was a great guy and I'm glad I had
> the opportunity to know him, although briefly.
> 
> Doug had no family, and David is handling his affairs.  There will be
> a Memorial Service to be announced sometime in the future.  Memorial
> Contributions to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation are appreciated.
>
> Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc.
> 1000 East State Parkway
> Unit I
> Schamburg, IL  60173
> 
> Doug and Dave have been friends over the past 30 years.  An e-mail or
> note to Dave would be a good idea.
> 
> Fraternally,
> 
> Bill Koon
 

From Dan Pushee on Monday, October 10th, 2006

From: "Dan Pushee" <theyorkritelist@yahoo.com>
> Date: 2006/10/09 Mon AM 07:17:24 CDT
> To: theyorkritelist@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [theyorkritelist] Passing of William H. Koon, OH, Father of  RE  Dep Grand Master,GEKTUSA
>
> Dear Friends,
> 
> At 12:23 AM today, October 9, 2006 my Dad, William H. Koon, passed to
> his eternal reward in St. Ritas Hospital.  He'd been on a downward
> spiral since early summer.  He'd been in a lot of pain, and went into
> arrest around 9:45 PM, and was revived.  My mother and I immediately
> went to the Hospital, and after consultation with the Doctors, the
> respirator, was turned off, and he died peacefully.  His family,
> including Andrea, My Mother, Ron Wingfield, and Elizabeth and I were
> at his side as he passed, and I'm sure he's in a better place without
> pain, and able to be mobile.  I can ask for no more.
> 
> I know many of you have asked about his condition, and I will be
> forever greatful.  But I know he IS in a better place.  He will be
> creamated, and his ashes scattered on the farms he loved.  A memorial
> service is planned, but details are incomplete at this time.
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> Bill
> Right Eminent Deputy Grand Master

Dear Friends,
> 
> We'll be holding Dad's Funeral on Saturday evening, October 14, at the
> Lima Masonic Center, 2165 N. Cole St, Lima, Ohio.  Visitation will
> begin at 7:00 PM, with the Knights Templar Funeral Service being
> conducted at 8:00 PM.  Refreshments will be served following the
> service.  We're asking that Donations be made to the Knights Templar
> Eye Foundation in lieu of flowers.  Dad was never a flower kind of a
> guy!
> 
> Thanks for all your calls, and e-mails.
> 
> Bill
 

Dan,
> 
> Sorry about this, but the correct address is Lima Masonic Center 2165
> N. Cole St.  Please correct the Chapel.
> 
> Bill
>

 
 

NEBRASKA YORK RITE ANNUAL SESSION 2006

Nebraska Grand York Rite Annual Session will be held on April 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th, 2006, at the New World Inn, Columbus, Nebraska. On Wednesday, April 5th, 2006, All Past Grand High Priests plan on attending the Grand High Priests' Dinner at 6:30 P.M. In the evening, a meeting of Sir Galahad Priory K.Y.C.H. will also be held.

On Thursday, April 6th, 2006, the "Nails" Breakfast will begin at 7:00 A.M. and Grand Council will open at 8:00 A.M. Grand Chapter, Grand Council, And Grand Commandery Officers Elect dinner will commence at 6:30 P.M.

On Friday, April 7th, 2006, Grand Chapter will open at 8:00 A.M. and the Formal Grand York Rite Banquet will begin at 6:30 P.M.

On Saturday, April 8th, 2006, the Red Cross of Constantine Breakfast will begin at 7:00 A.M. The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Nebraska will open at 8:00 A.M. and at 6:30 P.M. the Past Commanders' Banquet will commence at 6:30 P.M.

 Contact the New World Inn in Columbus, Nebraska, (402-564-1492) for reservations.

Thoughts on Easter and Always

At this time of Easter and always, These are thoughts that we should never forget. As we are Knights Templar and dedicated to our obligations to Christ, may we always remember on what principals our Nation was founded and the History which has come after it. The following article was written by a Noble Shriner, Abel Quinones, from the National Sojourners and I Quote:    

   This is worth remembering, because it is true. It's familiar territory, but those of you that graduated from school after the early 60's were probably never taught this.  Our courts have seen to that!

      Did you know that 52 of the 55 signers of "The Declaration of Independence" were orthodox, deeply committed, Christians?   That they all believed in the Bible as the divine truth, the God of scripture, and His personal intervention.  It is the same Congress that formed the American Bible Society, immediately after creating the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress voted to purchase and import 20,000 copies of Scripture for the people of this nation.

     Patrick Henry, who is called the firebrand of the American Revolution, is still remembered for his words, "Give me liberty or give me death"; but in current textbooks, the context of these words is omitted.  Here is what he actually said: "An appeal to  arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone.  There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations.  The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone.  Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price  of chains and slavery?  Forbid it Almighty God.  I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death."

     These sentences have been erased from our textbooks.  Was Patrick Henry a Christian?  The following year, 1776, he wrote this:  "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here."

     Consider these words that Thomas Jefferson wrote in the front of his well-worn Bible:  "I am a real Christian, that is to say, a  disciple of the doctrines of Jesus.  I have little doubt that our whole country will soon be rallied to the unity of our creator."  He was also the chairman of the American Bible Society, which he considered his highest and most important role.

     On July 4, 1821, President Adams said, "The highest glory of the American Revolution was this:  "It connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity."

     Calvin Coolidge, our 30th President of the United States reaffirmed this truth when he wrote, "The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country."

     In 1782, the United States Congress voted this resolution:  "The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools."

     William Holmes McGuffey is the author of the McGuffey Reader, which was used for over 100 years in our public schools with over 125 million copies sold until it was stopped in 1963.  President Lincoln called him the "Schoolmaster of the Nation."  Listen to these words of Mr. McGuffey:  "The Christian religion is the religion of our country.  From it are derived our nation, on the character of God, on the great moral Governor of the universe.  On its doctrines are founded the peculiarities of our free Institutions.  From no source has the author drawn more conspicuously than from the sacred Scriptures.  From all these extracts from the Bible, I make no apology."

     Of the first 108 universities founded in America, 106 were distinctly Christian, including the first, Harvard University, chartered in 1636.  In the original Harvard Student Handbook, rule number 1 was that students seeking entrance must know Latin and Greek so that they could study the Scriptures:  "Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies, is, to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life, John 17:3; and   therefore to lay Jesus Christ as the only foundation for our children to follow the moral principles of the Ten Commandments."

     James Madison, the primary author of the Constitution of the United States, said this: "We have staked the whole future of all our political constitutions upon the capacity of each of ourselves to govern ourselves according to the moral principles of the Ten Commandments."

     Today, we are asking God to bless America. But, how can He bless a Nation that has departed so far from Him?  Prior to September 11, He was not welcome in America.  Most of what you read in this article has been erased from our textbooks.  Revisionists have rewritten history to remove the truth about our country's Christian roots.

     You are encouraged to share with others, so that the truth of our nation's history will be told.  John 3:16.  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life!

     This information shared is only a drop of cement to help secure a foundation that is crumbling daily in a losing war that most of the country doesn't even know is raging on, in, and around them...

     Please do your bit and share this with as many as possible and make the ill-informed aware of what they once had.


Abel Quinones
National Sojouners
Monterey Bay Chapter
"As Masonic Brothers of the Armed Forces past and present
We shall stand together and protect our American Masonic Colonial Heritage."

Grand York Rite of Nebraska

At Columbus, Nebraska, on April 9th, 2005, at the Grand York Rite Banquet, Mount Moriah Commandery #4"s own Sir Knight Albert Chatfield was honored by our Grand Commandery of Nebraska and the Grand Encampment of the United States of America, to receive the Knights Templar Cross of Honor Award. This honor is given to only one Sir Knight of that Grand Commandery per year, and some years it is not awarded. Congratulations to Eminent S.K. Albert for this most deserved award.

On Saturday, May 21st, 2005 at Branson, Missouri, I had the honor and pleasure of representing Nebraka's Grand Commander, R. E. S.K. Fred Way, Jr. at the Grand Commandery of Missouri and the pleasure of meeting Grand Commander R.E.S.K. Nick Steinments of Missouri. I also had the pleasure of taking a few pictures of a fine Grand Commandery.

 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 62ND TRIENNIAL CONCLAVE

from an article by S.K. William Jackson Jones,

Most Eminent Past Grand Master

The 62nd Triennial Conclave was held at Saint Louis, Missouri from Thursday, August 14th through Wednesday, August 20th, 2003 at the Adam's Mark Hotel which is directly east of the Saint Louis Arch.

The conclave began with the annual meeting of the Trustees of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. on Thursday, August 14th, 2003. Many Committee meetings were held on Friday and Saturday. The Field Drill Competition took place on Saturday, August 16th, In one of the large Banquet Halls. The Field Drill  took all day to complete with competition of the highest caliber.

Sunday morning at 9:00 A.M., the Divine Service was conducted by the Grand Prelates, Sir Knights John Davis Jones and Thomas Martin Jones. They occupied two lecturns during the message, speaking alternately. Their subject was "The Burden, the Beacon, and the Blessing." The Scriptures and Responsive Reading were read by Sir Knights James Karnegis, James Taylor, and Robert Cave. Sir Knight W. Bruce Pruitt led the singing of hymns. Mrs. Shirley Jones was the pianist for the service. Jane Jones Pickett played the "Lord's Prayer" on the flute prior to the Benediction.

From 1:00 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. on Sunday Afternoon, the Grand Master's Reception took place, and long lines of Sir Knights and ladies greeted the officers of the Grand Encampment and enjoyed ice cream and cookies while they waited. Videos of steam locomotives played on the large screens during the afternoon.

Monday, August 18th, 2003, was very busy with the Grand Opening, Ladies Luncheon, First Business Session, and State Dinners. The Officers elected and Installed to serve during the 63rd Triennium are as above.

Masonic Connection

All Knights Templar are members of the world's oldest fraternal organization known as "The Ancient Free And Accepted Masons" or more commonly known as "masons". However, not all masons are Templars. Templary is but a part of the Masonic structure known as the "York Rite Of Freemasonry".

Three Levels Of The Knights Templar

The Knights Templar operate on a local, state and national level. But their religious activities extend across international borders as well. Nationally, there is The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar. This unit defines the 11 rituals and laws governing state and local level organizations. The state level is called A Grand Commandery of Knights Templar. This organization represents members of a state or an area of equivalent size. Finally, the local level unit is called a Commandery of Knights Templar. There are almost 1,600 Commanderies in communities across the United States, Germany, Italy and Mexico, with over 260,000 members. Similar bodies exist in other countries as well.

To petition a Commandery of Knights Templar for membership, you must first be a member of a Masonic Lodge and other pre-requisite bodies, and must profess a belief In the Christian Religion. Commanderies organize many social activities, including Ladies Auxiliaries, Drill Competitions, Public Divine Services, Family Picnics, Organized Trips, Dinner Parties and Entertainments, Christmas Observances, Easter Sunrise Services, and Memorial Services.

The Knights Templar Eye Foundation

As a Knight Templar, one has many opportunities to help others who are less fortunate. One way is through the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. The Eye Foundation is a Great Humanitarian Charity whose purpose is to provide research, surgical treatment and hospitalization to those who suffer from diseases or injury to the eyes. Cross-eyes, which occurs in children under 16, is one affliction that can lead to blindness if not treated properly.

Any questions or comments regarding the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. can email ktef@knightstemplar.org.

Concern For Others

Since its inception, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation has spent more than $35 million dollars to help provide medical treatment for those unable to afford it. Today, over 44,000 people have directly benefitted from this financial assistance. And as always, treatments are provided regardless of race, color, creed, age, or national origin.

Research grants, totalling over $2.5 million dollars, have been made to institutions working in the field of Eye Research. Informative films are also available through local commanderies for presentation to churches, PTA meetings and other interested organizations. To its end, the Knights Templar, through the efforts of all its members, is committed to "Helping Others To See."

The Knights Templar Educational Foundation

The Knights Templar Educational Foundation, the first program of its kind, was organized in 1922. Since then, more than $32 million dollars has been loaned to students to complete their last two years of college. This financial assistance is given without regard to race, color, creed, age or Masonic affiliation.

In recent years, some Grand Commanderies have also been offering Scholarship Grants to students who are members of Masonic-related Youth Groups.

The Knights Templar Holy Land Pilgrimage

In addition to the many religious observances throughout the year, The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar sponsors an annual "Holy Land Pilgrimage". The purpose of the pilgrimage is to send a Christian Minister to The Holy Land. Masonic membership is not required and the Minister can be male or female.

Grand Encampment Homepage - http://www.knightstemplar.org   

Webmaster: Roger W. Miner at minerland@neb.rr.com

                                                  Last modified : January 1st, 2007         

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