The Grand Chapter, together with the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, will hold a York Rite Festival on Saturday, 14 August, to confer the Most Excellent Master (6°), Holy Royal Arch Mason (7°), Royal Master (8°), and Select Master (9°) degrees, as well as the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross and the Order of Malta. Candidates must have already received the Mark Master (4°) and Past Master [Virtual] (5°) prior to the festival, and a US$10.00 fee for each candidate must be paid to the Grand Secretary. The festival will be held at Mount Vernon Masonic Temple, located at 124 North 10th Street. Contact Companion J. Larry Martin at 618-724-7660.

Ritual Certification – 13 June

An examination for First Level ritual certification will be held at Champaign Masonic Temple on Sunday, 13 June 2010, at 11:00 a.m. This exam will be conducted by Perry W. Foltz, HonMEPGHP, Chairman of the Board of Grand Examiners. Anyone wishing to participate should email Companion Foltz and complete a Ritualistic Certification Examination Request form. This examination will cover all of the ritual and movements for opening, closing, dispensing to and from refreshment, receiving the District Deputy Grand High Priest, and receiving the Most Excellent Grand High Priest.

On Tuesday, 27 April 2010, Companions Jerald H. Starks PHP and Robert H. Wright, REGS were certified on the Most Excellent Master degree ritual. The examination was conducted at Bloomington Masonic Temple by three Grand Examiners: Perry W. Foltz, HonMEPGHP, Bernard M. North, MEPGHP, and Kenneth W. Smith, MEPGHP.

Notice of Degree Work

Most Excellent Grand High Priest Joseph H. Santisteban requests chapters to please advise the Grand Webmaster, the Grand Secretary, and your District Deputy Grand High Priest whenever your chapter schedules the conferral of degrees, either as individual exemplifications, chapter day or as part of a York Rite unity day. This will allow companions be aware of the upcoming events throughout the state. It will also give them the opportunity to volunteer their services if needed, support your chapter, and be positive role models for our new candidates. This will also enable chapter secretaries to contact your chapter and arrange for their candidates to receive the degrees more promptly than they might otherwise.

Thank you.