Trestleboard: From The West – The York Rite Grand Sessions
I recently attended the Grand York Rite Sessions held this year in Bakersfield. This is the annual meeting of the York Rite bodies of freemasonry in California at which representatives from each chapter, council and commandery (the names after which the three bodies, the Royal Arch, the Cryptic Masons, and the Knights Templar are styled) gather to elect officers and consider legislation. Reports are made on finances, membership levels, and charitable work. Service awards are given and higher degrees are conferred. Each organization has one day designated for their meetings and activities.
This year the Allied Masonic Degrees (AMD) met on Saturday and the commandery drill teams competed on Sunday.
The ladies’ Hospitality Room, Vesper Service and Grand York Rite Banquet, sponsored by all of the bodies, were held on Sunday afternoon and evening. The Monday meetings were for the Royal Arch sessions, Tuesday Cryptic Council and Wednesday Knights Templar. Many of the participants were representatives in multiple bodies therefore all of the meetings were conducted in the same hotel conference center.
Each body had an open public session to begin its day and, after the opening ceremonies, the current statewide officers and dignitaries from other jurisdictions were introduced. After a short break, a tiled meeting was opened in which member and financial reports were then presented, officers for the coming ensuing year were elected and legislation was debated and voted upon. The meetings were adjourned for lunch and special degrees were conferred in the afternoon. The installation of the newly elected officers and their appointed officials began at 5:00 pm. After the installation ceremony special awards were given for meritorious service and exceptional achievements.
There was ample opportunity for informal greetings and conversation. Each body held a reception after the ceremonies and there were also a number of open hospitality rooms, sponsored by various Masonic organizations. I particularly enjoyed watching the drill competition along with renewing old friendships and meeting with new brothers. I learned many things at the session that could be usefully applied to our own lodge work. I urge all York Rite Masons to attend future sessions, it’s a great opportunity to learn and observe.
Fraternally,
Mike Miller, Senior Warden
