‘Cousins of Zerubbabel’

     

From left: Grand Junior Warden Matthew D. Dupee, junior Past Excellent Chief John Corrigan, Excellent Chief David Lindez, Great Chief of the USA Edward P. Fagan, x, and Excellent Ted Harrison.

It’s hard to believe, but it has been a year already since John Corrigan was installed in the East of our Knight Masons council, so last night was his “outstallation,” and David Lindez’s installation. It also was the official visit of M.E. Edward P. Fagan, Jr., Great Chief of the Grand Council of the Order of Knight Masons of the United States, and our council initiated a dozen new Cousins, and we celebrated Thurman Pace’s 87th birthday.

It was a busy night at Northern New Jersey Council No. 10, Order of Knight Masons.

Also in attendance was V.E. Matthew D. Dupee, Grand Junior Warden of Grand Council, who came all the way from Pennsylvania. A large contingent of New York Masons was on hand, including – or perhaps led by – Ted Harrison, currently General Grand King of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International.

Yes, it was a big night. That’s what you get when David is installed in the East.

There really was a lot to manage. The festivities included a bagpiper from the Rampant Lion Pipe Band, two dancers performing traditional Celtic rites, and a poetry reading by David’s mother.

There was a lot going on last night!




Candidates for initiation.

With the assistance of Excellent Rich, a spiritual message to the new Knights was imparted with this claymore.

V.E. Matthew D. Dupee, Grand Junior Warden, explains additional meaning of the three degrees of Knight Masonry.

M.E. Edward P. Fagan, Jr., Great Chief of the USA, tells the assembly of his experiences traveling abroad to other Grand Councils.

Bagpiper provides the music for the Celtic dances.

With warrant in hand, David Lindez is prepared to take his place in the East.

Celtic Sword Dancing. (Note the swords and their positions on the floor.)

Cousin David’s mother read two poems of her own composition, bringing David’s family heritage into the celebration. David’s roots in Ireland date way back.

Edmund D. “Ted” Harrison, Fellow of The American Lodge of Research, among many other claims to Masonic fame.

Thurman’s birthday cake. That is a sword on the left, not a banana; and on the right that is a trowel.

Here comes trouble.

Best photo of the night: M.E. Edward P. Fagan, Jr. receives Honorary Membership in Northern New Jersey Council No. 10.

     

‘Masonic Week 2010: Order of Knight Masons’

     

Masonic Week 2010: Order of Knight Masons

With only minutes remaining in February – and having just completed a conference call with several Magpie readers clamoring for more information and photos – I want to quickly finish my coverage of Masonic Week 2010, get it over with, and resume forgetting about what a forgettable week it was.

The Grand Council of Knight Masons of the United States met Friday morning (this is February 13) for its annual meeting, with Great Chief’s Council “0” as well.

Grand Council’s officer line for 2010 is:

M.E. Great Chief Edward P. Fagan, Jr.

R.E. Deputy Great Chief C. Michael Watson

R.E. Grand Senior Knight Kevin B. Sample

R.E. Grand Junior Knight Kenneth B. Fischer

R.E. Grand Scribe Douglas L. Jordan

R.E. Grand Treasurer Malcolm R. Holley, Jr.

V.E. Grand Senior Warden David Lee Hargett, Jr.

V.E. Grand Junior Warden Matthew D. Dupee

V.E. Grand Director of Ceremonies Andre E. Lovas

V.E. Grand Priest D. Allen Surratt

V.E. Grand Steward William R. Miller

V.E. Grand Sentinel Joseph S. Crociata

Ex. Grand Musician Chris M. Jessen
Chief of Great Chief’s Council 0 Bryce Hildreth

Our new Most Excellent Great Chief is Edward P. Fagan, Jr. of New York. Turned out our hotel rooms were across from each other, so we walked together to the meeting, chatting about mutual acquaintances. I had no idea he was about to be installed, so in retrospect it was a funny encounter. Seems like a good guy. Past Master of American Lodge of Research, where I’m becoming more active. I’m sure my council (Northern New Jersey No. 10) will host him for an Official Visit before long. We typically get the Great Chief of the USA to stop by during his year in office.

M.E. Dennis N. Zier, at far right, greets those Past Great Chiefs of Grand Councilwho were able to attend the meeting on February 13.

Not that this is doing him any favors, but I salute the valiant Cousin who arose during this meeting to try to present some New Business. Maybe I am the only one unpleasantly surprised to learn there is no New Business budgeted into the agenda of this annual meeting, but is it really possible there can be no New Business in a meeting convened once a year? Is that right? Is that Masonry?

I don’t even know what the man wanted to say, but he mentioned “Good Ol’ Boys,” so I would guess he might be displeased by the insular world of Masonic Week, where the same officers appoint the same officers to high offices, and never have to explain why – because there is no New Business at the meetings. He asked that he be allowed to speak at next year’s meeting.

Please don’t let him down, M.E. Fagan. The Good Ol’ Boys won’t melt if they hear a question from the floor.

At Great Chief’s Council 0 (zero), candidates for initiation

into the Order of Knight Masons await the Obligation.

Matthew Dupee, Edward Fagan, and Dennis Zier moments
before Fagan’s installation as Great Chief of the United States.