About the York Rite College

Earlier we reported that RWB J. Keith Bell and WB Charles Wood are to be inducted into Blackstone York Rite College in Findlay. Knowing that most of us are unfamiliar with the York Rite College, we asked WB Wood to provide some more information about the body:

Membership in a college is by invitation and is restricted to those who hold membership in all of the York Rite bodies and have made a contribution to the York Rite of Freemasonry. Since the primary object of every college is to foster a spirit of service and to promote and support the York Rite in every possible, it is no surprise to find many of the leaders of the Craft numbered among its ranks. Here they find a common ground from which they can act for the welfare of all the York Rite bodies without special favor to any. Colleges have been active in the organization of York Rite Festivals, degree teams, drill corps, and many other functions, which serve to assist, coordinate, and unify the Rite.

College will convene on May 22, 2008, at the Findlay Masonic Center to confer the Knight of York Degree on the new members.

RWB Bell and WB Wood To Be Inducted into Blackstone York Rite College

The York Rite Sovereign College of North America exists primarily to be of service to the York Rite of Freemasonry. The pre-requisite for membership, which is by invitation only, is good-standing in all four York Rite bodies: Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery.

Two distinguished brothers of Boggs Lodge have been invited to join Blackstone York Rite College #195 in Findlay. Right Worshipful Brother J. Keith Bell and Worshipful Brother Charles Wood will be inducted into the College later this Spring.

The purpose of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America, as set forth in its Constitution and By-Laws, are as follows: (1) To foster a spirit of cooperation an coordination among each of the Bodies of York Rite Masonry. (2) To assist in worthy efforts to improve the ritualistic and dramatic presentation of York Rite work. (3) To conduct an education program in order to inculcate a greater appreciation of the principles, ideals and programs of York Rite Masonry. (4) To strengthen York Rite Masonry in every possible manner. (5) To build up a love of country and to aid and support genuine Americanism. (6) To reward outstanding service to York Rite Masonry by awards, honors and other methods of proper recognition. (7) To support Charitable and Benevolent Endeavors of Freemasonry.

Brothers Bell and Wood are most deserving of this honor, with both extremely active in the York Rite bodies of Logan County. Right Worshipful Brother Bell is a Knight of the York Cross of Honor, and Worshipful Brother Wood is currently Illustrious Master of Logan Council #85.

Gumbo At Lodge Tonight!

Senior Steward Andy Vance is preparing a massive batch of his world-famous seafood gumbo for the regularly stated meeting of Boggs Lodge tonight. All brothers are encouraged to attend the meeting and share in the food and fellowship to follow. Call a brother who hasn't been to Lodge in a while; invite them to join you. If you know an older member who could use a ride, call and offer to pick them up. The Lodge is doing a lot of great work; don't let the warm weather preclude a wonderful evening of fellowship.