Channel Islands Association
York Rite Bulletin
September—October 2019
Ventura Chapter #50, Corinthian Chapter #51,
Oxnard Chapter #86, Royal Arch Masons
Ventura Council #15, Cryptic Masons
Ventura Commandery #18, St. Omer
Commandery #30, Knights Templar
2
Table of Contents
Meeting Dates, Times and Location…………………… 3
Contact Information……………………………………….4
Ventura Chapter No. 50…………………………………. 5
Corinthian Chapter No. 51……………………………… 6
Oxnard Chapter No. 86………………………………….. 7
Ventura Council No. 15………………………………….. 8
Ventura Commandery No. 18…………………………... 9
Crusaders and Knights Hospitaller….………………….10
St. Omer Commander No. 30.………………….……....12
Meritorious Service Medal………………………..……..13
Corinthian Chapter MSA Flyer...………………………..14
York Rite & Concordant Bodies.………………………..15
3
Meeting Dates, Times and Locations
Oxnard
Oxnard Chapter No. 86 Royal Arch Masons 341 South K Street, Oxnard CA
1st Monday of February, April, June, August, October, & December (7:00 pm)
Santa Barbara
Corinthian Chapter No. 51 Royal Arch Masons 16 East Carrillo St, Santa Barbara 93101-2707
1st Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September & November (7:00 pm)
St. Omer Commandery No. 30 Knights Templar 16 East Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara 93101-2707
1st Wednesday of February, April, June, August, October, &
December (7:00pm)
Ventura
Ventura Chapter No. 50 Royal Arch Masons 482 East Santa Clara Street, Ventura 93001-2758
1st Monday of January, February, March, April, May, June,
September, October, November, & December (7:00 pm)
Ventura Council No. 15 Cryptic Masons 482 East Santa Clara Street, Ventura 93001-2758
3rd
Monday of January, March, May, July, September, & November (7:00pm)
Ventura Commandery No. 18 Knights Templar 482 East Santa Clara Street, Ventura 93001-2758
3rd
Monday of February, April, June, August, October, & December (7:00pm
4
Contact Information
VENTURA CHAPTER NO. 50, ROYAL ARCH MASONS
H. P.: David W. Hopkins 805-625-2843 [email protected]
Sec.: Daniel C. Kaffka, Jr. 805-482-1589 [email protected]
CORINTHIAN CHAPTER NO. 51, ROYAL ARCH MASONS
H.P: Bruce Rick 805-845-0922 [email protected]
Sec.: Raul Anon 805-259-9761 [email protected]
OXNARD CHAPTER NO. 86, ROYAL ARCH MASONS
H. P.: Frederick W. Ervast Jr. 805-389-0787 [email protected]
Sec.: Robert V. Wright Jr. 805-524-1271 [email protected]
VENTURA COUNCIL NO. 15, CRYPTIC MASONS
I. M.: Frederick W. Ervast Jr. 805-389-0787 [email protected]
Rec.: Andrew B. Pippin 805-886-5916 [email protected]
VENTURA COMMANDERY NO. 18, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
Cmdr: Andrew B. Pippin 805-886-5916 [email protected]
Rec.: Ron Robinson 401-855-1027 [email protected]
ST. OMER COMMANDERY NO. 30, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
Cmdr: Bruce Rick 805-845-0922 [email protected]
Rec.: Andrew B. Pippin 805-886-5916 [email protected]
Inspectors
ROYAL ARCH MASONS
Insp: Lynn R. Wallingford 805-551-3428 [email protected]
CRYPTIC MASONS
Insp: Ray Broomfield 805-492-6756 [email protected]
Knights Templar
Adj.: Ray Broomfield 805-492-6756 [email protected]
5
VENTURA CHAPTER NO. 50, ROYAL ARCH MASONS September meeting is on the 9th due to Labor Day.
October meeting is on October 7th
Companions:
As summer comes to an end, it's time to start preparing for the remainder of the year. We will not be meeting on the first Monday in September due to Labor Day. Our meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, September 9th, at 7:00pm in Ventura.
I hope you had a good Summer and are ready to get back to work. Since there are no Degrees scheduled for the remainder of the year, it will give us time to work on our Ritual. Elections are scheduled to be held in December and we need to start working on Officers for the 2020 Capitular Year, which we will dis-cuss at the September Meeting.
We do not have any petitions for the Degree's in 2020. If you are active in your Blue Lodge and know someone who might be interested in Royal Arch, give them a petition for the Mark Master Degree and let them know there is no fee for this Degree. It will let them know what Royal Arch is all about and there is no obligation to continue. But if they would like to, they would then pay for the re-mainder of the R.A. Degrees. If you need a petition, let me know and I will get you one.
HOLINESS TO THE LORD
Fraternally,
David W. Hopkins PHP
High Priest
6
CORINTHIAN CHAPTER NO. 51, ROYAL ARCH MASONS
September meeting is Wednesday the 3rd
Companions:
The September 2019 Stated Convocation of Corinthian Chapter No. 51
will be a historic event with Excellent Companion Andy Pippin receiving
the Meritorious Service Award (MSA) from the Grand Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons of the State of California. There is no record of a
Companion of Corinthian Chapter receiving this award as shown in the
computer files of the Grand Chapter which go back to 2001, and no
current member remembers ever attending an MSA award ceremony.
Also on the agenda is the presentation of the Past High Priest Apron with
flourishes to Companion Jon Jorgensen, Past High Priest. E.C. Jon has
been installed four different times as High Priest of Corinthian Chapter.
Anyone can join us for a no-host meal at the State Street IHOP at 5:30
p.m. on September 4th, before we head over to the Masonic Center.
Companions, wear your red coat for photos at the September meeting.
HOLINESS TO THE LORD
E.C. Bruce Rick, High Priest
7
OXNARD CHAPTER NO. 86, ROYAL ARCH MASONS October Meeting is Monday, October 7th.
Companions:
Good news – Oxnard Chapter is anticipating two petitions for Royal
Arch Masonry to be submitted at the next Stated Convocation which is
Monday, October 7th, 7:00 p.m.. The petitioners are in the process of
obtaining the required signatures, and they are very interested in
continuing their education in Freemasonry. Chapter members, please
mark your calendar to join us that evening at the Oxnard Masonic Center.
Not so good news - I am sorry to report that scheduling a 2019 Class of
Royal Arch Degrees in the Central Coast area has “faded away.” We are
hoping, however, that such a class can be scheduled in the early 2020
time period (January? February?). Stay tuned for further developments.
As soon as a class is scheduled, we will notify the membership as soon as
possible.
Lots to report about our Companions of Oxnard Chapter:
Comp. Bobbie Santos is having knee problems, making it difficult to
leave the house. I will be circulating a “get well” card for the
Companions to sign.
Comp. Bob Sturgeon is heading for Arizona where he and his lady will
be residing outside Prescott. He intends to come back on special
occasions, however.
HOLINESS TO THE LORD
Frederick Ervast KYCH, High Priest .
High Priest
8
VENTURA COUNCIL NO. 15, CRYPTIC MASONS
Next Meeting is September 16th
Companions:
It is with much disappointment to report that the prospect of Ventura
Council No. 15 conferring the Cryptic Degrees upon a candidate in 2019
is “not coming in fruition.” Companions, we must attend our respective
Blue Lodges and “tell the story” about York Rite. Please give me a call,
and I can get you the petition forms and brochures about Royal Arch
Masonry and Cryptic Masonry. We have so much to offer to that “new”
Master Mason!
We will continue pursuing a possible date in 2020 to confer the Cryptic
Degrees. Perhaps it might be in the early Spring period. As soon as a
date is set, we will disseminate the word ASAP.
Prior to the Stated Assembly on September 16th, Ventura Council will
serve a catered dinner in the Ventura Masonic Center dining hall. Service
will begin at 5:30 p.m., but if you are late because of work, traffic, etc.,
not to worry. We will continue to serve food until 6:15 p.m. This time, I
promise you that we will not run out of food! Dessert will be served after
the meeting.
During the Stated Assembly, I will be appointing a Nominating
Committee, which brings me to the following: if you are thinking about
taking an appointive office in 2020, please let me know. We will make
arrangements to get you qualified. There are several Past Illustrious
Masters that are willing to provide coaching services. “Suitable
assistance will be provided you.”
Fraternally submitted,
Frederick Ervast KYCH
Illustrious Master
9
VENTURA COMMANDERY NO. 18, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
Next Meeting is October 2nd
To all of the Valiant Knights and Ladies of Ventura Commandery, Greet-
ings and Salutations!
As summer draws to a close, it is time once again to put our sights on
next year. Two things need to be looked at – who will lead us, and where
we will meet.
We are blessed to have many Sir Knights that are willing to help. In my
opinion, this is one of the traits that makes a Mason. I have had no less
than six members come up to me and tell me that they are willing to do
whatever is needed of them. York Rite Masons are well known for what
I call the Masonic “no problem” that runs along the lines of “I want to
help out – tell me what I can do.”
I sketched out a Venn Diagram of the Sir Knights that have the breadth
of knowledge and experience to be Commander, the Sir Knights that
have the desire to be Commander, and the Sir Knights that COULD be
Commander. I’m still looking at solutions and will present them at our
next Stated Conclave on October 21st.
Another problem our Commandery faces is whether or not we can con-
tinue to meet at the Ventura Masonic Center. Several years ago, we
raised the annual dues to accommodate the 600% (or more) increase in
our rent. As a result of life memberships, the increase will fall upon the
small number of members paying dues annually. I will be forming a
committee to look at the problem and present a recommendation on how
to proceed. I am looking for a least one Sir Knight who wants to move,
at least one who wants to stay, and at least one who has not yet form an
opinion.
10
Until we meet again, may peace be within thy walls.
Andy Pippin PC Commander
Note:
Sir Knight William McBroome, REGC, issued a dispensation for
S.K. Pippin to continue his service as Commander of Ventura
Commandery No. 18 for the remainder of his term of office in 2019.
THE CRUSADERS AND THE KNIGHTS HOSPITALLER
by Nigel Gallimore PC
To join the Crusaders, men were asked to take oaths. They were re-
quired to live by strict rules and to observe chastity, fidelity, fasting,
self sacrifice, mediation and honor God through daily prayers. But in
reality such vows were just a front and never taken seriously. Initially
the Templars Order began as a group of religious-military men who
would defend the pilgrims on their journey to Jerusalem from the at-
tacks of nomads and Muslims, but later changed into a military organi-
zation for the defense of those States they themselves had established.
The Knights that fought in the Holy Wars came from different parts of
Europe and spoke different languages. Over the course of the 14th and
15th centuries, and particularly during the Hospitallers’ occupation of
the Island of Rhodes (Sir Knights, note: remember “Banner Guard
Death”?), the Crusaders were therefore organized according to a
linguistic-geographical criteria.
11
Eight separate districts or “Langues” (translation – languages) were
established, and each had its own quarters or “Auberge.” The common
denominator for becoming a Holy Soldier, however, was that the
candidate could prove a noble lineage. Even stricter were the Germans
who excluded the illegitimate sons of Kings. The eight Langues
represented the territories of Provence, Auvergne, France, Italy, Aragon,
Germany, Castile, and England. (Sir Knights: remember the eight
languages noted on the Table of the East and West?)
The Hospitallers are frequently mistakenly described as “monks of war.”
In reality they lay somewhere between priests forbidden by canon law
to bear arms and crusading warriors who carried out their religious
obligation through combat. The Order of Hospitallers was the last of
the three greatest Orders which had sprung out of the Crusades. The
Templars were dissolved by the Pope on 22 March 1312 at the Council
of Vienne. The Hospitallers continued the tradition of Benedictine
monks who in 1070 had established a hospice in Jerusalem, dedicated
to the well being of pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. On their black
tunic and cloak the knights bore a white eight-pointed Cross which was
symbolic of the eight beatitudes
12
Sir Knights and Friends:
Our August 7th Conclave was significant in that we honored S.K. Andy
Pippin with the presentation of the Grand Commandery of California
Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) by our Adjutant of Department 3,
S.K. Ray Broomfield. An honor guard formation of Sir Knights, lead by
S.K. Fred Ervast, stood at “carry swords” for the ceremony, and as the
finale, went to “present swords.” It was a sight to see. An earlier part of
the award ceremony was led by S.K. Bruce Rick, Commander, at the
IHOP restaurant on State Street. Past MSM recipient, S.K. Nevin
Chamberlain (awarded in 2003), read the citation and talked about the
symbolism of the parts of the MSM itself. Then Andy Pippin’s wife
Julie pinned the MSM lapel pin on Andy and gave him the MSM
cufflinks. Recipient Andy ended the ceremony by telling about attending
his first York Rite public ceremony, and it was the presentation of the
MSM to S.K. Nevin Chamberlain!
Another interesting piece of business was the recognition our
Commandery namesake, Godfrey of St. Omer, who was the second origi-
nal Knight of the Order of the Knights Templar. In some descriptions on
the seal of the Knights Templars, it is Godfrey and the first Knight
Templar, Hugh de Pains, sitting on the single horse, with the Latin
Inscription: MILLITUM SIGILLUM CRISTI DE TEMPLO (Seal of the
Soldiers of Christ of the Temple).
Join us at the next Stated Conclave, Wednesday, October 2, 2019, for
another interesting and enjoyable program with your fellow Knights
Templar!
13
Add to your calendar that St. Omer Commandery No. 30 will be the host
for the June 13, 2020, Grand York Rite Reception in Ventura.
IN HOC SIGNO VINCES
Bruce Rick Commander
Meritorious Service Medal
The medal shall be presented only for exceptional and meritorious service ren-
dered to the Order in general or a Commandery in particular, far beyond the call
of duty and beyond the service usually expected of an officer or member. Only
one (1) nomination may be made by a Commandery per calendar year. In
deciding the award of the medal, precedents shall be entirely ignored; each nom-
ination shall be decided on its own merit.
The medal is to be presented by the Commandery, on behalf of the Grand Com-
mander and in the name of the Grand Commandery.
The California Knights Templar Meritorious Service Medal shall consist of a pas-
sion cross with crossed swords over a wreath surrounding the cross and crown
centerpiece, suspended from the black and white ribbon. Wording on the cross
bar shall be "California Knights Templar" with the wording "Meritorious Service"
inside the wreath and surrounding the cross and crown.
The certificate to accompany the medal shall be issued by the Grand Command-
ery, signed by the Grand Commander and sealed and attested to by the Grand
Recorder.
14
Make sure YOUR Chapter, Council and Commandery recognize the hard
work of our members. There are a number of awards that can be
presented, all you have to do is submit the paperwork.
15
York Rite and Concordant Bodies
Robert the Bruce Association
The Annual Meeting of the Robert the Bruce Association was held at the
Tam O’Shanter Restaurant on August 24th. Steve Goad was installed as
Chaplin and Ray Broomfield was installed as Guardian.
Knight Masons
Ray Broomfield was installed as Excellent Chief of Brian Boru Council
on August 18th. The next meeting of Brian Boru will be in March, 2020
for the conferral of degrees.
Red Cross of Constantine Pacifica Conclave
Ray Broomfield received the Sovereign Master Degree in Sacramento
on July 20th at a Senate of Sovereigns. Next meeting of Pacifica Con-
clave is September 8th at Alisal Ranch.
Signet 51 Royal Arch Festival
Signet 51 will conduct a Royal Arch Festival on Saturday, September
7th/ The Degrees will start about 8 AM, break for a delicious lunch
around 12 Noon and conclude with the Royal Arch Degree.
16
Ve
ntu
ra C
ou
nty
Yo
rk R
ite
Ma
son
s
48
2 E
ast
Sa
nta
Cla
ra S
tre
et
Ve
ntu
ra,
CA
930
01
CH
AN
GE
SE
RV
ICE
RE
QU
ES
TE
D
A r
eq
ue
st t
o t
he
fa
mil
y o
f th
e a
dd
ress
ee
.
Ple
ase
ca
ll (
80
5) 9
10-6
922
if
the
ad
dre
sse
e i
s in
th
e h
osp
ita
l,
nu
rsin
g h
om
e o
r is
in
cap
aci
tate
d i
n a
ny
wa
y.
Th
an
k y
ou
.