Greetings Companions and Sir Knights,

 

It’s time for me to “do it again in 2010”.  I am referring to being the General Chairman of the Grand York Rite Sessions.   With the rest of the GYRS Executive Committee: James Baum, Dave Glass and Tom Krummell, have been working on a sessions for all to enjoy.  We still feature the Golf Tournament, Drill Team Competition, Vespers, Order of High Priesthood, Thrice Illustrious Master and Past Commander’s Association and of course the Grand Banquet, Grand Chapter, Grand Council and Grand Commandery, the hospitality, fun and fellowship.  We are adding some programs back after an absence and something new.

 

Sessions begins Saturday, with our Golf Tournament and we are bringing back the AMD In-Gathering which will include at least one research paper, the Red Branch of Eri and the Master of Tyre Degree.

 

Sunday, a new event, York Rite College members will gather together for a breakfast.  Battalion and Belles will have their brunch.  The Drill Team Competition in the afternoon followed by the annual Vespers service.  Of course, the Grand York Rite Banquet is that evening.  But we are not done yet; The Order of the Golden Poppy is coming back after a six year absence!  Join us for this fun degree open to all Masons after the banquet.

 

Monday is the Grand Chapter day with the breakfast for the Companions and the Ladies, meeting, lunches and installation.  Attention all sitting and Past High Priests: Don’t forget to send your registration form to the Grand Secretary for the Order of High Priesthood that will be conferred that afternoon.

 

Tuesday is the Grand Council day.  Both the Breakfast and the Lunch will be combined with the Companions and the Ladies.  For all Illustrious Masters, Past and Present, the Thrice Illustrious Master will be in the afternoon – be sure to send your form into the Grand Recorder.  After the Installation and reception, The Order of Zanzibar featuring Most Worshipful Ken Nagle will be conferred for any Cryptic Mason.

 

Wednesday is Grand Commandery day.  Breakfast for all Sir Knights and their Ladies starts the day.  Then our meeting and lunches.  That afternoon is the Past Commanders Association will be conferred for the Eminent Commanders, Past and Present – be sure to send that form to Rickey Ward.   Culminating with the installation and reception.

 

Part of the success of the sessions is due to the Souvenir Program Ad sales.  Please continue to support the Grand York Rite Sessions in this endeavor.  There are many costs for the Sessions that you may not realize: like Sound System rental from the hotel, the Ladies Hospitality Room, the name badges and tickets.  Revenue generated from the Souvenir Program helps in those costs and we appreciate your continued support.  You will find the Ad Request form in the Encompasser and online at www.ca-gyrs.org

 

The early bird catches the… freebie!  Turn in your Ad Request form by Feb. 28, 2010 and you will be entered into a drawing free ad for the 2011 Sessions.  Turn in your reservation form by Feb. 28^th 2010 and be entered into a drawing for a free room night for 2011 Sessions.  Winners will be drawn at the Sunday night banquet.

 

Finally, volunteers are always needs to help on the Sessions Committees, especially the Ladies Hospitality and the Registration.  Please email me at chairman@ca-gyrs.org

 

Fraternally,

Roy M. Haber

CA GYRS General Chairman