Unity in the York Rite

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Name
Unity in the York Rite.pdf
Speaker
Mt. Wor. Stewart Wilson Miner
Presented
Virginia Research Royal Arch Chapter No. 1753
Date Presented
07/14/2007
Category
Improving Masonry
Keywords
Appendant Bodies;#Structure of Masonry
Spreading
274
Pages
Summary
In this well-thought out presentation, the author explores the concept of unity, particularly with regard to the three York Rite bodies in Virginia: The Grand Lodge, The Grand Royal Arch Chapter, and The Grand Commandery. He recalls the Southwest Masonic School at Virginia Tech, and laments the loss of this annual educational conference that instructed in all three York Rite bodies. It was a unique opportunity and an example of how all three bodies should work together, and not have separate and redundant programs. He suggests that there is too much emphasis on travel and official visitations, that having the Grand Officers of all three York Rite bodies constantly on the road is counter-productive and prevents these officers from spending their time and energy advancing the craft. The time and money invested in constant visitations could be directed at more productive efforts. He recommends the formation of a Grand Advisory Council among the Grand Lodge officers of all three bodies to foster cooperation, unity, long-range planning, and the elimination of duplicate efforts. Such a council could tackle the problems facing all three bodies in a united effort, instead of trying to solve them separately.