The First Pincipal's summons messages are presented here. Please feel free to contact him using the Contact Us link, or by Email

 2007-2008

 2006-2007

Regular Convocation of Tuesday, December 2, 2008

    Congratulations to all our participants on a job well done in the M.E.M. Degree, under the expert guidance of Ex.Comp. Kevin Robinson, H. It is always a fun degree, and our candidates expressed their sincere enjoyment afterwards. I know that Bros. Holdsworth, Han and Chatzifililathis are looking forward to their Exaltation early in the New Year. There is a great satisfaction in doing the ritual well, and watching the faces of the candidates as the mysteries unfold, and we had some exemplary work that night. Many thanks to Ex.Comp. Steve Lipton, our old war-horse, who filled in as Third Principal. Inimitable!

    I should also like to thank V.Ex.Comp Paul Nielson, who is a dignified fount of knowledge and inspiration, well complementing Scribe Ezra. In our quest for excellence, companions, let us never hesitate to avail ourselves of this cornucopia of wisdom right within our Chapter. All these brethren are more than willing to help and advise.

    I urge every Companion to support to V.Ex.Comp. Nielsen, as he is Installed as Z. of Victoria Chapter the night after our meeting – we hope to attend en masse.

    Our next meeting is an M.M.M., and Scribe Ezra has been hard at work putting the team together. R.Ex.Comp. Frank Bishop will take the reins for the Degree. I know that we are all in for a treat. He is filling in this month as Third Principal for Comp. Jacob Joseph, who continues to make progress, but it will be a long road back for him. Put in an effort, learn your lines, and reap the rewards. It looks like we’re going places!!

    It is also the Official Visit of R.Ex.Comp. Harold E. Belfry, Grand Superintendent. We are looking forward to greeting him into Chapter, and proving the state of Capitular Masonry is alive and well in Mount Sinai. It looks like we’re going places!!

    Remember that this is our last Regular Convocation until February 3rd. Let me take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the upcoming holiday break, in any and all ways you may celebrate it.

    Finally, as I write this on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11th, I enjoin you to make a place in your prayers for our companions and family members who have passed on, and give your support to those who are experiencing tough times right now. See you in December.

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Gavin S. Upton, Z    z@ms212.com

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, November 4, 2008

    What an Installation! I have to give all praise and credit where it is due, and if excellence applies to anyone it is R.Ex.Comp. Eric Lakien, who pulls more irons out of the fire than an eight armed blacksmith!

    His knowledge and contacts made for a great evening, and I am sure all were impressed (except, perhaps, with the new First Principal, but that’s another story). Thank you to all those who filled in on short notice. You are building Treasures in Heaven!

    We were happy to acknowledge and show our appreciation to Comp. Vince Kubiak. The Tyler’s job is a thankless one, as it requires extreme concentration and immense boredom all in one time frame, and our dear Companion is assiduous and tireless in his ministrations. Thank you again, worthy brother.

    When we have absences from the Chapter it makes us very cognizant of the Junior Wardens lecture, “ today we tread the flowery meads of prosperity, but tomorrow…..” Our best wishes and prayers to all of our companions whose paths are a little rocky at the moment, especially our dear Companion and Brother Jacob Joseph, whose life has been a trial for the past while.

    As we progress in Capitular Masonry we cloak ourselves with the titles of Excellent, Very Excellent, Right Excellent and Most Excellent, and this word has become commonplace in our Masonic language. It comes from roots meaning to rise above, to make for the top of a hill or a mountain, and this constant striving to elevate our skill, character and ability is what this excellence portends. But all too often the constant use of the word breeds familiarity, and then, sadly, a lazy kind of contempt. So we now have a mission, to put true Excellence back on the front page of our personal volumes, and our Red Books should no longer be seen in open Chapter, but in our living rooms, studies, bedrooms, bathrooms and autos as we constantly practice our ritual to become truly excellent, and an example to all other Chapters. We CAN do this, so LET’S do this, and feel the satisfaction of ritual really well done! We are united in the Grand Design of being happy and communicating happiness. Let’s have some fun!

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Gavin S. Upton, Z

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Regular Convocation of Tuesday, October 7, 2008

First Words from the Z-Elect

    As we advance in Masonry we are given the wonderful opportunity of expanding our knowledge, but more importantly honing our wisdom. During our progress through the chairs each step is a vital part of our ascent to the realization of self and respect for our brethren. For my part I thank, in all humility, the brethren who have had sufficient confidence in me to permit me to continue this journey, and I commit to passing my knowledge, but more particularly my enthusiasm to all our candidates and members.

    Our literature informs us that the Mark Master degree is perhaps the oldest Masonic degree, and is one of the most highly respected. It teaches practical lessons for everyday living. This degree supplements the Fellowcraft Degree.

    The symbolism of Freemasonry surrounds the building of the Temple. In symbolic Free-Masonry, the Temple is never completed. In the Most Excellent Master degree, we are taught the lessons of the completion and dedication of the Temple.

    In the degree of the Royal Arch, or R.A.M. the epitome of Masonic symbolism is found. It has been said “the Royal Arch is the root, heart and marrow of Masonry, without knowledge of which the Masonic character cannot be complete”.

    The Royal Arch degree is the completion of the whole system of Freemasonry. Having begun regular advancement through the Symbolic Lodge, it is the duty of each Master Mason to complete the degree series. He who has sought further Masonic education should return to the Symbolic Lodge, retrace his steps and advance through the Rite until he can receive the climax of Masonic symbolism, as taught in the Royal Arch. Only those who have attained the Royal Arch may be said to have completed their Masonic Work.

    Let us share the infinite pleasure of helping our new members and ourselves attain the spiritual awareness which these degrees can provide us.

    Please join us on Installation night October 7th. I can promise you a rewarding evening, to kick off a great year!.

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Gavin S. Upton, Z-Elect

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First Principal's Final Message

     I hope that all companions have had a great summer, in spite of the wet weather. As we come back to Chapter, we wish the First Principal-elect, Ex.Comp. Gavin Upton and his new team all the best for the ensuing year. I know that you will give them solid Mount Sinai support.

    Unfortunately, Third Principal-elect, Comp. Jacob Joseph is still in hospital. Please see a full update in the insert that accompanies this summons. Please include him in your prayers and may he be with us again.

    I would like to thank all the companions and especially R.Ex.Comp. Eric Lakien for support during the past year. It was a very rewarding year meeting fellow companions from other parts of the district. I will continue to be involved in the Chapter and the District where possible.

    If you have not been out to Chapter recently, please join us as we install the officers for 2008-09 term. To those who are sick or in distress, we offer our support. Please let us know how we may be of assistance. If you need a ride to chapter, please inform the Scribe Ezra or myself.

Fraternally, Ex.Comp. Robert E. H. Takeda, Z.

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