2008 Grand Convocation

The next Annual Grand Convocation of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Illinois will be held on Friday, 1 August 2008, at Hotel Père Marquette. For more history, the Grand Convocation will be opened in form by LaFayette Chapter No. 2, using the fabled “Blackhawk Ritual.” Start making your plans now to join us at Peoria. This historic hotel is located at 501 Main Street, in Peoria.

Par usual, the joint registration, golf outing and meetings of the various grand bodies’ committees and charities, as well as the state-wide degree work of Knight Masons U.S.A., will all be held on Wednesday, 30 July; the Annual Assembly of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Illinois will come to order on Thursday, 31 July;  and the Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Illinois will be held on Saturday, 2 August. Details will be posted when published.

General Grand Chapter’s East Central Meeting Held in Illinois

8 March was a landmark date for Capitular Freemasonry in the State of Illinois. The General Grand Chapter held their East Central meeting in Bloomington. The East Central Region consists of the Grand Chapters from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Like Illinois, not all of these Grand Chapters are members of the General Grand Chapter, but are still considered part of the region. The meeting was held in conjunction with the corresponding East Central meeting of the General Grand Council.

Our Grand Chapter officers met with General Grand King Emory “Smokey” Ferguson, Gen. Grand Scribe Ted Harrison, Gen. Grand Secretary James Hodge, Gen. Grand Treasurer J. B. Hitt, and other General Grand officers to discuss the possibility of Illinois rejoining the General Grand Chapter. While nothing was decided, the conversation allowed all sides to present their cases for and against membership. Your Grand officers of Illinois are thankful for the time that the General Grand officers spent explaining the benefits of belonging to the General Grand Chapter.

The actual East Central meeting featured many officers from our sister jurisdictions, and there was a great deal of information shared by these companions. Our grand officers came away with many ideas that will be implemented over the coming years here in Illinois.