And, speaking of research lodges (see post below), a transition of authority in the Grand Lodge of Virginia will be achieved in a few hours. Not only will there be a new Grand Master, but with a new administration there will be a new District Deputy Grand Master for the Research District also.
RW Shelby Chandler completed his tenure yesterday, and will be succeeded by RW Jason “Jake” Trenary. The Magpie Mason sends his best wishes to all, and aims to continue serving as this weird distant unofficial publicist.
Shelby circulated the following valedictory statement a few days ago:
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Greetings my Brethren,
First off, I wish to say thank you to each and every one of you for making my time as District Deputy Grand Master a cherished memory; I truly enjoyed working with each and every one of you. Because of our work together, every Research Lodge is now getting more attention than ever before, not just in Virginia, but throughout Masonry world-wide like it never has before.
The idea of having a Research District is not just innovative, but is appropriate for us and other jurisdictions. Masons can identify Research Lodges as not just educational, but as resources that can be both geographical and themed-oriented to the needs of Freemasonry. And others are considering usage of such a district elsewhere.
I can say that, like my predecessors, I am very blessed to have had an opportunity to help mold this awareness of the potentials of having both Research Lodges and a Research District.
Understand, that between Right Worshipful Brothers Marc Hone, Brian Croteau, myself, and now Jake Trenary, there has been a slow process, not just to standardize and make uniform the operating procedures of each Research Lodge, but to develop a culture and familial relationship among all Virginia Research Lodges. And we have made much progress and have been doing well in this endeavor, but remember my Brothers, it takes each and every one of you to make such a family.
Another point to make is that we, as Research Lodge members, focus on ourselves and our ability to produce research papers, but let us not forget that, as Masons, it is our duty to continue to help the outside world as well. So let us, as Research Lodges, work to support other charitable programs within Masonry as well, because everyone has a claim upon our kind offices.
Here in Virginia, these opportunities to shine our Masonic Light in a new ways would have not been possible without the brilliant vision of two men: Most Worshipful George Chapin, who first envisioned a Research District back in 1999; and Most Worshipful William Hershey, who was Chapin’s Administrative Aide in 1999 and re-introduced the idea of a Research District during his time as Grand Master in 2019. I bring this to your attention because last week, Lady Constance “Connie” Chapin was laid to rest, and today I received word that MW Hershey also laid down his working tools yesterday. So please keep MW George Chapin and Lady Michele Hershey, and their families, in your prayers and let us send to them and their families all the love we can offer to them. And as both these dear Brothers were patrons of our Research District, let us as a district remember, “whence we came.”
Finally my brethren, you will have a new District Deputy Grand Master in Jake Trenary, and a new sister Research Lodge in what is to be the Blue Ridge Lodge of Research No. 1738, out of Blacksburg, Virginia. Please welcome both into your Research Lodges and into your hearts and give them all the support and kindness that you have shown me. Let us wish them all the best and all happiness, and let us give our new Grand Master and his Grand Lodge officers, the very same love and support as well.
I wish each of you all the best and I pray for the success and happiness of every Research Lodge in Virginia. Thank you for all your good works and every cherished moment with each of you. You are each in my memories and in my heart.
May the Great Architect watch over each of you.
Fraternally,
Shelby Chandler,
DDGM-Research
That a sixth research lodge is chartered in the Grand Lodge is amazing. Located in Blacksburg, Blue Ridge Lodge of Research will serve the western part of the Commonwealth.
Bro. Shelby, you have been a terrific ambassador for research lodges and research Masons. I look forward to seeing your coming adventures in the Craft.
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