06/11/2016
2016 Annual Assembly and Installation of Officers for 2016-2017
Preeminent Sir Knight Dustin T. Verity, Governor
Eminent Sir Knight Dennis S. A. In, Deputy Governor
Eminent Sir Knight Teofilo E. de Aquino, Chancellor
Noble Companion, Richard W. Chadwick, Secretary
Preeminent Sir Knight Justin McNeal, Treasurer
Noble Companion, Charles L. Comeau, Primate/Arch Bishop
Noble Companion, ..... "Open" ...., Preceptor
Noble Companion Anthony Sasser, Seneschal
Noble Companion, Lee D. Gordon, Marshall
Noble Companion, Andrew Geiser, Sentinel
Noble Marty Alexander, Maui Herald
Preeminent Sir Knight Monty J. Glover, Honolulu Herald
Preeminent Sir Knight Keith N. Isaacson, Leeward Herald
Preeminent Sir Knight Dustin Verity, Koolau Herald
The Development of the York Rite
The York Legend, its esoteric secrets, and its Constitution have been the predominant factor in Freemasonry from the year 926 A.D. down through the years when the first Speculative Grand Lodge was formed in London in 1717 and when it expanded across the continent of Europe and to the four corners of the earth. But the basis of the Masonic Constitutions is the historic Charter of York which was based upon the ancient documents, laws and privileges of the Greek and Roman Colleges of Builders and Construction. The year 926 A.D. marks the beginning of the Order, working under an authoritative Charter. The Charter of York was drawn up long before the first English Parliament was held by Henry II in 1160. This document was adopted at the general grand assembly of the Craft held in ancient York under the Patronage of King Athelstan, the first Saxon monarch to assume the title “King of England.” King Athelstan prepared and submitted all documents and deeds which had been saved from the fires of the Roman invaders. These were discussed and accepted by representatives of the Lodges and were fashioned in the Charter of 926 A.D.
Every Grand Lodge of today is a lineal descendant of the 926 York Assemblies of Masons. Every copy of the Ancient Manuscript Constitution reaffirms this end in 1717, when the first organized Speculative Grand Lodge came into existence, the terms, rules and regulations of the York Charter were adopted and used as the basis for its Constitution and Declaration of Principles.
The Purpose of the York Rite Sovereign College of North America, as set forth in its Constitution and By-Laws is:
1) To foster a spirit of cooperation, and coordination among each of the Bodies of York Rite Masonry;
2) To assist in worthy efforts to improve the ritualistic and dramatic presentation of the 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; and
7) To support Charitable and Benevolent Endeavors of Freemasonry.
By Preeminent Sir Knight Gerhart W. Walch, Past Governor of the York Rite Sovereign College in Hawaii. If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected] or any officer of the York Rite Sovereign College of Hawaii.
