PHILLIP EDWARD MAYBERY
Email: pgc2010@vatemplars.com
Grand Commander
2010-2011
“Strength Thru Unity”
In May 1991, I was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason and thus began my journey and travels in Masonry. I visited many Symbolic Lodges and Royal Arch Chapter meetings not only in the Commonwealth of Virginia, but in other States. When visiting other Grand Jurisdictions, I was amazed by the unity I observed within the York Rite. I observed a degree of “Brotherhood” within the Fraternity I had not observed in Virginia. For instance, schedules of the Grand Master, Grand High Priest, Most Illustrious Grand Master and Grand Commander were shared among the membership for two reasons. The first I believe was to allow the brethren time to arrange their schedules so as to maximize attendance and support to the fullest extent at Called meetings and Official Visits of the presiding officers. It is understood that one cannot support if he does not know when and where the meeting is to be held. Secondly, one cannot be in two places at the same time.
There exists in the States I have visited a York Rite Association with By-Laws and elected officers. There are regularly scheduled meetings whereby upcoming events are reviewed and annual meetings where Officers are elected for the ensuing Masonic year. This allows the widest dissemination of needed information disbursed to the membership.
In the Mid-Triennium Update August 2009-February 2011, Our Most Eminent Grand Master spoke of many things in the Grand Encampment’s Long-Range Plans to include, “Making Templary” the most prestigious order one may petition, stabilize membership during the 65th Triennium, Increase the visibility of the order, Establish closer associations between Grand Commanderies, Department Commanders, Grand Commandery Coordinators and Improve the quality of the ritualistic work being done.
Over the past 19 years I have heard much talk about Unity in Masonic Family in Virginia but have not seen it. Therefore, I offer my motto, “Strength Thru Unity” as I attempt to address the Grand Master’s Long-Range Plan.
Many hours of preparation went into hosting the first York Rite Dinner to be held in Norfolk, Virginia on October 22, 2010. My plan was to have the area York Rite College host the dinner beginning with Hampton Roads York Rite College No. 95. I thought with the Grand Master, Grand High Priest, the Grand Governor for Virginia of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America and me in attendance, a night of good food and fellowship would be enjoyed by all. I was looking forward to seeing blue, red and black Blazers and Tuxedos for the York Rite College. What a colorful sight to behold with the jewels of offices being represented. I am very sad to report that the dinner had to be cancelled due to lack of interest among the members of the York Rite in Eastern Virginia.
We in the York Rite of Freemasonry in Virginia need to better communicate upcoming events of the Masonic Bodies within the York Rite in order that we might better maximize visitation of the members affected. We do not need to hide or hold schedules in secrecy. If the York Rite in Virginia is to grow, they need to be shared.
This year as I attended my Official Visits I stressed several points of Better Communication, that the District Deputy Grand Commander hold a District School with emphasis on all Officers from the Junior Warden to the Dais Officers to develop a program so members will do more than come in, hear the minutes, read the bills and conduct introductions and go home, that the Commandery Instructor of Work hold regular schools on opening and closing, and other Ritual work, Communications to include developing a Phone Tree distributed between the Line Officers to keep membership informed of important events and happenings, the importance of sponsoring the Knights Templar Eye Foundation and the Holy Land Pilgrimage and to show the Flag on all occasions where possible, Lodge, Chapter and Public services. I stressed that there are six programs in which we are “duty bound” to attend annually, Grand Commandery, Easter Sunrise Service, Religious Freedom Day Observance, Masonic Home of Virginia Family Day, Christmas Observance and Ascension Day Service. As Christian Masons we should want to be present to show the public and the Masonic Family that we care.
I believe these points parallel many of the Grand Master’s Long-Range Plans for the Grand Encampment/ our Grand Commandery.
- Make Templary the most prestigious order one can petition,
- Stabilize membership during the 65th Triennium,
- Increase the visibility of the Order,
- Establish a closer association between Grand Commanderies, Department Commanders, and Grand Commandery Coordinators.
