Medieval Knights Templar Guarded Shroud of Turin

Our ancient operative Templar companions may have been decimated and dispersed by the church and King of France in the early 1300's, but the Vatican confirms the Knights guarded one of the most treasured relics of Christendom, the Shroud of Turin.

The Times of London (via FoxNews) reports Vatican officials announced the Knights hid and venerated the Shroud for more than 100 years after the Crusades. According to experts at the Holy See, the Knights took care of the linen cloth, which bears the image of a man with a beard, long hair and the wounds of crucifixion, according to Vatican researchers. The Shroud has long been considered the burial shroud of Jesus of Nazareth.

Logan Council Hosts Deputy Master's Program

Friday evening Deputy Master Andy Vance welcomed the Deputy Grand Master William Laughlin of the Grand Council of Royal & Select Masons of Ohio into Logan Council #85 for the annual Deputy Masters' Program. Right Illustrious Companion Laughlin shared in fellowship over supper with the Companions and ladies of the 2nd Arch before presenting his program for the year.

Several Councils within the Arch were represented, and Companion Vance appreciated the support of his fellow officers Illustrious Companion Chuck Wood and Companion Daryl Cordrey. Illustrious Companion Wood is the 2nd Arch Adjutant and continues to serve the Council and Arch with distinction.

Companion Vance is busy planning the Annual Installation of Officers scheduled for June 15th at the Bellefontaine Masonic Center. Right Illustrious Companion Laughlin agreed to serve as Installing Officer for the Companions, who will enjoy an open installation for family and guests fo the Council. More details will follow in the coming weeks.

Bellefontaine Commandery Enjoys Successful Inspection

The Sir Knights of Bellefontaine Commandery 61 enjoyed a successful annual inspection at the Masonic Center Saturday. Presenting the Order of the Temple for the pleasure of Inspecting Officer Sir Knight Edward Estep, Right Eminent Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Ohio, conferring the Order on Sir Knight David Christopher Johnson.

Eminent Commander Jeff Andrews and his Officers presented a fine degree, and Sir Knight Johnson expressed his appreciation to the Sir Knights for the hard work and obvious preparation evident in the quality of the work.

Several guests from around the 2nd Division attended and participated in the work, and the Sir Knights of Bellefontaine greatly appreciate their assistance in conducting the Full Form Opening in addition to serving in various roles in the Order of the Temple. Special thanks goes to Sir Knight Doug Smith for conducting the pre-Chamber lecture and Historical lecture in addition to his typical assistance in forming lines and conducting drill.

While the Right Eminent Grand Commander Sir Knight Richard Holcombe was unable to attend the Inspection Saturday, it is likely that he will visit Bellefontaine Commandery during the stated April conclave this evening at the Bellefontaine Masonic Center. All Sir Knights are encouraged to attend.

Congratulations to MEC Garis Pugh

The Companions of LaFayette Chapter opened the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons last week in Dayton in honor of our Most Excellent Companion Garis E. Pugh, now the Past Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter. Excellent High Priest Richard Kurtz opened the Chapter in Full Form with several hundred Companions in attendance for the Grand Session. Excellent Companion Kurtz commended the officers for their excellent ritual work on behalf of MEC Pugh.

The Grand Chapter Session was a great success, with EC Kurtz receiving the Grand High Priest's Award, and MEC Pugh presiding over a well-attended and enthusiastic convocation. Companion Andy Vance and his Lady Lindsay were extremely excited to host the Grand Banquet on Wednesday night at the invitation of MEC Pugh.

The officers and companions of LaFayette are extremely proud of MEC Pugh and Right Excellent Companion David Vasser, the now Past Grand Marshall of the Grand Chapter, for their work and travels this past year. For MEC Pugh, his successful Grand Chapter Session is the culmination of a dozen years of service to the Grand Chapter through his accension through the Grand Officer Line. These two Companions have served ably and admirably, and their efforts are to be commended. Congratulations Companions!

The Templar Origins of Friday the 13th

While today may not be Friday the 13th, October 13th certainly holds significant historical meaning for the Templar Knight. The Masonic Traveler, a Masonic blogger, chronicled the history of the date, the near-extermination of the Knights Templar in France, and their subsequent flight to Great Britain. This migration across the Channel of the Norman Templars is often considered to be the single most important event in the history of the Masonic fraternity's establishment in England.

Commandery Stated Assembly Moved Due to Grand Week

Last week the York Rite family in Ohio convened for the Annual Assemblies of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, the Grand Council of Royal & Select Masons, and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar. Because Bellefontaine's Companions, specifically LaFayette Chapter, were extremely involved in the week's proceedings, the regularly stated communication of Bellefontaine Commandery did not occur last Monday as scheduled. Instead, the monthly assembly will occur TONIGHT, Monday October 13th.

Grand Council Debuts New Website

Illustrious Companion Donald Wilcox unveiled a new website on behalf of Cryptic Masonry in Ohio. The new Grand Council website has a considerable amount of information on the happenings of the Grand Council of Royal & Select Masons of Ohio, including an updated directory of each Arch, including links to those Councils who have their own websites. This is a great improvement over the old site, and will hopefully allow the Companions to stay more informed to the happenings of their Grand Council.

Logan Council Represented at Grand Council Assembly

Illustrious Companion Charles Wood & Companion Andy Vance represented Logan Council #85 today at the 179th Annual Assembly of the Grand Lodge of Royal & Select Masons of Ohio in Miamisburg. IC Wood is a Past Illustrious Master of Logan Council , while Brother Vance currently serves as Deputy Master.

Illustrious Companion J. Keith Bell will join Companions Vance & Wood Tuesday for the completion of Grand Council business, as well as the installation of Illustrious Companion Wood to the position of 2nd Arch Adjutant, a position to which he is appointed by Illustrious Grand Master-Elect Fred Boggs.

The Arch Adjutant has numerous responsibilities within the Arch, and assists the Arch Inspector in the discharge of his duties. Illustrious Companion Wood will travel extensively within the Arch as part of his responsibilities, attending inspections, installations, and other functions of Cryptic Masonry in the region.

Illustrious Companion Wood also received a very special honor from Most Illustrious Grand Master Bobby G. Campbell at the Grand Council Assembly. Wood was named as one of just 41 to receive a newly minted Travel Award from the Grand Council. To receive this distinction, Wood traveled to at least six inspections within the 2nd Arch, and at least three outside of the Arch. Illustrious Companion Wood's dedication to Cryptic Masonry is to be commended.

Most Excellent Companion Garis Pugh and Right Excellent Companion David Vassar are also in attendance at the Grand Council Session in their duties as Grand Chapter Officers. Most Excellent Pugh spoke throughout the day's events on behalf of the 18,000 Capitular Masons in Ohio. The Grand Chapter Annual Assembly will convene Wednesday.

Forty-seven companions from 5 different Councils [Franklin #14 (Troy), Sidney #70 (Sidney), Logan #85 (Bellefontaine), Matchett #91 (Greenville), and Lafayette #93 (Piqua)] came together to confer what may be one of the premier events in the 2nd Arch, if not the state, as 13 candidates were obligated May 19, 2008 in the Super Excellent Master Degree.

Members of Logan Council conducted the opening in a very proficient manner with the obligation given by Illustrious Master Charles Wood, the explanation of the emblems given by Illustrious Companion David Vassar, and the historical lecture given by Illustrious Companion Chester Kurtz.

The candidates were impressed as they watched a very good degree portrayed for them and a room full of other companions including the Grand Master, Most Illustrious Companion Bobby G. Campbell; Deputy Grand Master, Fred A. Boggs; Grand Principal Conductor of the Work, William E. Laughlin; and several other Grand Line officers along with many other distinguished Masons.

Past Most Illustrious Master Howard Lambert worked very hard to bring together an excellent cast with brilliant costumes, makeup, and great scenery to portray this beautiful degree. As hard as it was to get 5 different Councils together for practice, the degree was performed in an excellent manner with very few problems or delays. The biggest problem of the evening came when the Circle of Friendship had so may Companions that the room was not big enough! What a great problem to have!

The hope is that this will be an annual event and will improve every year.

Bellefontaine Commandery Successfully Completes Inspection

The Officers and Sir Knights of Bellefontaine Commandery are to be commended on successfully completing the annual inspection for the pleasure of Right Eminent Sir Knight Richard Palm, Past Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Ohio. Eminent Commander David Balderson, Generalissimo Jeff Andrews, Captain General Jerry Belt, Excellent Prelate Chet Kurtz, Senior Warden Charles Wood, Pro Tem Junior Warden John Crabbe, Sword Bearer Mike Dodds, Pro Tem Standard Bearer Doug Smith, and Warder Andy Vance exemplified the Order of the Temple and Full Form Opening in fine manner. Several Sir Knights from the Second Division assisted with the work, and all the Sir Knights of Bellefontaine thank them for their help. Sir Knights Mike Dodds gave the sword lecture, Q.V. Reece gave the Chapeau lecture, Andy Vance gave the Remaining Attributes, and Jerry Belt gave the Flag Lecture, with Sir Knight Doug Smith giving both the pre-Chamber and Historical lectures.

In all, over 35 Sir Knights attended the Inspection. Special thanks go to the ladies of Bellefontaine Order of the Eastern Star for serving excellent snacks and a wonderful meal!

Special thanks also to Bellefontaine's own Right Eminent Sir Knight George Davidson, Past Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Ohio for his attendance and encouragement!

Mark Master Degree Monday

Excellent High Priest Richard Kurtz reminds us that Monday night Lafayette Chapter #60 will confer the honorary degree of Mark Master on one Brother. He asks that all degree-participants review their parts and be prepared to do the exemplary work done in the previous conferrals of the Mark Master degree this year.

Commandery Inspection TODAY!

A reminder to all Sir Knights of Bellefontaine Commandery #61: today is the annual Inspection of our Commandery, and your presence in the Asylum is requested! The Order of the Temple will be conferred on one candidate at 2pm, with the Full-Form Opening to be exemplified at 4pm, and dinner to follow at 6pm.

Recorder PC David L. Vassar reminds us that all officers are to bring both their Ritual and Tactics for inspection.

REMINDER: Practice for Full Form Opening TONIGHT

All Sir Knights of Bellefontaine Commandery are encouraged to attend this evening's rehearsal at 7:30pm. This will be our final opportunity to practice the Opening before this Saturday's Annual Inspection.

Valley of Dayton Spring Reunion This Weekend

A reminder that the Spring Reunion of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton kicks off tomorrow afternoon at the Dayton Masonic Center. The degree work begins at 2pm with the portrayal of the 4th, 8th, 14th, 15th, & 16th degrees. Saturday's schedule kicks off at 8am with the portrayal of the 17th, 18th, 21st, 31st, and 32nd degrees. Visit the Valley's website for more details.

Companion Andy Vance & Lady Lindsay to Emcee Grand Chapter Banquet

Most Excellent Companion Garis E. Pugh, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio has selected Companion Andy Vance and his Lady Lindsay to serve as Masters of Ceremonies for the Grand Banquet at the Grand Chapter Convocation this October. The Grand Chapter will convene October 8th and 9th at the Holiday Inn Miamisburg. The officers of Lafayette Chapter #60 will open Grand Chapter for Most Excellent Companion Pugh.

Congratulations to Illustrious Master Chuck Wood

...on being recognized by the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons as one of the top C.E.L.L. Chairmen in the State. Illustrious Companion Wood, the Illustrious Master of Logan Council 85 R&SM, is leading the recruitment efforts for the Cryptic Education Leadership and Learning program in the Second Arch. In the latest issue of Council News and Views published by the Grand Council, Illustrious Companion Wood was recognized for having enrolled 22 brothers in the course, a number eclipsed only by one other Arch. On the other hand, Illustrious Companion Wood has actually graduated 10 brothers, surpassing those completing the program in any other Arch. Well done Illustrious Companion Wood!

Update on Order of the Temple

Contrary to the previous post, due to the Inspection of Indian Lake Lodge Monday the 31st, Bellefontaine Commandery will NOT confer the Order of the Temple that evening at the aforementioned special Conclave. Instead, the Order will be conferred on the regularly scheduled night of April 7th, and the Sir Knights in attendance will discuss another date for conferral prior to the Inspection of Bellefontaine Commandery on April 19th.

Bellefontaine Commandery to Confer Order of the Temple

At least three Companions will receive the Order of the Temple from Bellefontaine Commandery in the next month. The Imminent Commander has called a Special Conclave for Monday, March 31st to confer the degree on one candidate. The Sir Knights will once again present the Valiant and Magnanimous Order at the Commandery's regularly stated Conclave on April 7th. The Annual Inspection of the Commandery will take place on April 19th.

The Sir Knights of Bellefontaine conferred the Orders of the Red Cross and Malta on three candidates Monday March 24th.

Bellefontaine Commandery Planning Meeting

Monday, February 25th, all Sir Knights are asked to attend a planning meeting for this year's inspection, to be held April 19th. There will also be a practice of either the full-form opening or the Order of the Temple. All Sir Knights are invited to bring their ladies for a carry-in supper at 6:30, with the Commandery furnishing the meat.

Welcome Three New Mark Masters

Last night the Companions of Lafayette Chapter #60 conferred the honorary degree of Mark Master on two Brother Master Masons, bringing to three the number of new Mark Masters advanced this month. At the annual inspection two weeks ago, Brother Rob Storm participated in the degree work. At last evening's regularly scheduled assembly, Brothers Dave Johnson and Greg Lance were advanced. Brothers Johnson and Lance are members of Mad River Lodge in West Liberty. Congratulations and welcome to these new members! The Chapter will be conferring the rest of the Capitular Degrees on these men in the coming weeks.