Contents. MEGHP s Message - pg 1. Meet the Staff - pg 2. Editor s Epistle - pg 3. From A to Zerubbabel: - pg 4. State Wide Exaultation - pg 8

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2 Contents MEGHP s Message - pg 1 Meet the Staff - pg 2 Editor s Epistle - pg 3 From A to Zerubbabel: - pg 4 State Wide Exaultation - pg 8 Life Membership - pg 10 Spotlight - pg 12 Health & Wellness - pg 16 Zerubbabel and the Heart of David - pg 18 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law - Galatians 5:22-23 KJV. It is in the Spirit of Love that I greet you. We are truly excited to have received overwhelming support for the return of The SIGNET. Your positive comments and reviews are a salute to the editorial team and their stellar work to create a quality newsletter. As we embark upon another year, let us not forget those who will not make this next leg of the journey with us. Let us take a moment and be reminded of the giants who have passed this way and have willingly allowed us to stand on their shoulders. As a membership driven organization, membership remains in the forefront of our work. It is very important to remember that bringing in, and retaining our Companions are our life-blood and we should not take lightly the sacrifices each Companion make by annually renewing his membership. The Statewide Exaltation Team continue to exemplify the high standard of excellence set last year. Our 2017 York Rite Weekend was an awesome experience. Congratulations to all the new Companions exalted at that time. Having the class named Lewis S. Thurston was indeed humbling; an honor I do not take lightly. The weekend also afforded opportunities to strengthen the bond among our York Rite family. Working and fellowshipping with the members of the Heroines of Jericho, Ladies of the Circle of Perfection, Royal and Select Masons; and Knights Cross of Honor, was indeed a blessing and the hard work of each of the memberships resulted in a wonderful success. As we prepare for our 115th Grand Convocation, I look forward to welcoming you to the 2017 session. Our day will be a full one, dedicated to the business of the Order. It is our hope that we will move quickly through the agenda and Companions exceed the goals for the year. So, please adhere to instructions to help us facilitate items within the time allotted. In closing, it is our hope that you find these SIGNET newsletters informative and inspirational as we continue to focus on the Rededication, Education and Participation for all Holy Royal Arch Masons. This volume continues to share and promote the vision of Holy Royal Arch in the jurisdiction of Florida. It is truly a rewarding work provided to you in the spirit of God s love and in anticipation of the promise of Haggai! Yours in the bond of 3 x 3, Lewis S. Thurston 12th Most Excellent Grand High Priest Page 1

3 Meet the Staff The Editors Epistle Lewis Thurston Most Excellent High Priest DDGHP Wesner Pierre Layout & Design Bethel Chapter #37 Walter P. Russell Grand King Mt. Horeb Chapter #94 Stanley Lamarree Grand Lecturer Providence Chapter No. 113 Companion Craig Stafford Editor Mt. Horeb Chapter #94 DaRon Mosley Grand Secretary Mt. Horeb Chapter #94 In Psalms Chapter 118, David, father of Solomon, who is believed to have authored this particular canticle announces to the reader in the first four verses the Ancient Art of Agreement (AAA) or Universal Law known among the craft as we three do agree. He styles the verses of agreement as praise and decrees. Thus, igniting a sense of fulfillment and Gods favor. Let s take a keener look at the agreement and see what we can glean from its chamber. Let Israel say: His love endures forever. Let the house of Aaron say: His love endures forever. Let those who fear the Lord say: His love endures forever. David, entreats three distinct people to join together in saying one distinct declaration. 1. Israel represents Jacob who represents the King of Lineage as he is the father of the twelve tribes of Israel and whose name was changed to Israel. 2. The house of Aaron represents a system, school of thought or initiate order for the High Priesthood for the Sanctum Sanctorum as Aaron is one of the earliest mentioned High Priest. 3. Those who fear represents holy men who build the temple not made with man hands When Israel, the house of Aaron and those who fear come together and say His love endures forever they are doing so in peace, love and unity. As Holy Royal Arch Masons we have an awesome privilege of being custodians of the agreement. But, more importantly, we have an obligation to confer the agreement and to personify it. I encourage you to do two things: (1) Link up with the vision of this great jurisdiction as outlined by our Most Excellent Grand High Priest Lewis Thurston and (2) Come into agreement with it in order to fulfill it. We fulfill the agreement by following the example of David expressed in Psalms Chapter 119, Verse 11: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. When taking a microscopic assessment of Psalms 119, particularly verse 11, we understand, David is symbolically undergoing a process of initiation and recording his covenant made to God. Verse 11 can be itemized as follows in regards to David s initiation: Thy word is the object of attainment and the key to internal and eternal access. have I is the temple hid in mine heart is the sacred chamber that I might not sin is the oath and obligation against thee is the Grand Architect of the Universe The heart, the place where you first became a mason - is the seat of sincere commitment, emotions and purity. The moment we hide the Word of God in our heart is the moment we become holy. David understood true holiness is a light kept in the confines of darkness and accentuated in our everyday deeds. David was not the only one that adhered to the Universal Law of we three do agree with heartfelt sincerity. Jesus did also, notably chronicled in Matthew Chapter 18, Verse 20: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. What an incredible scripture that is! Surely one that deserves a pragmatic dissection. For where translates to the Jurisdiction of Florida two or three translates to the necessary Companions needed are gathered together translate to a local Chapter in my name translate to the sacred name of Deity there am I in the midst of them translate to presence of God within the Chapter In summation, we three do agree is everything we as a Jurisdiction need to be successful as long as it is in peace, love and unity. As a takeaway, when you personally come into agreement mind, body and soul you will experience greater peace, extend and receive more love and extol others to unite. In Companionship, Craig Napoleon Stafford Page 2 Page 3

4 Florida s Early Years of Holy Royal Arch Masonry and its Link to Zerubbabel From A to Zerubbabel: A Royal History; A Holy Observance Royal Arch Masonry began in the State of Florida in 1881 when a group of Master Masons petitioned the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia to send a representative to our State for the purpose of establishing a Royal Arch Chapter. The petition was made to M. Ex. J. Brooker Hutchings, Grand High Priest of the District of Columbia. The requested representative came and brought with him a sufficient number of Royal Arch Masons to confer the capitular degrees properly. The Degrees were conferred, the officers were elected. The Chapter was established and was named Zerubbabel Chapter No. 15, U D. Zerubbabel Chapter worked as a U.D. Chapter for nearly two years. Having been pleased with the work of the Chapter, the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia granted to Zerubbabel Chapter its Warrant. The Warrant was granted August 12, 1883 and was signed by M. Ex. John H. Burrill, Grand High Priest and Rt. Ex J. B. Washington, Grand Secretary. Having received the warrant, Zerubbabel Chapter became the mother Chapter of Royal Arch Masonry in Florida. The nucleus of the membership lived in Jacksonville but there were other members of this Chapter who lived in other cities in the State, and they encouraged Master Masons to aspire and petition for the advance degrees. Observance of Zerubbabel Zerubbabel Day Observance changed from the 4th Sunday of October, to the 4th Sunday of April in This date is more in keeping with research of the initial observance of Zerubbabel Day. Page 4 Page 5

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6 Holiness To the Lord Newly Exalted Companions Most Excellent Grand High Priest Lewis Thurston Class of Exaltation Degree Team In support of our Most Excellent Grand High Priest Lewis Thurston, 27 new Companions were exalted during York Rite Weekend State Exaltation on 5 January The degree work included a full production, including Excellent Ritualistic Proficiency, costumes, sound, furniture, and props. Newly exalted Companions expressed their appreciation for the realistic experience of the Journey and are excited to begin participating in our Royal Arch College and working to qualify and receive the Haggai Award at our 2018 York Rite Weekend. Many thanks and appreciation to our Exaltation Degree Team Members for their excellent service in exalting our new companions during 2017 York Rite Weekend. By Excellent Companion Thomas Gilchrist Chair, Committee on Exaltations Position & Name Degree Work Director - Companion Thomas Gilchrist Excellent High Priest - Companion Jerome Harris King - Companion Oliver Martin Scribe - Companion Paul Fenning Captain of the Host - Companion Theodus Baker Royal Arch Captain - Companion Miguel Albino Principal Sojourner - Companion David Dixon Master of Veil (3) - Companion Maurice Wilson Master of Veil (2) - Companion Craig Stafford Master of Veil (1) - Companion Herbert Meekins Sentinel - Companion Michael Griffin Grand Instructor - Companion Willie Bowman MEM Preparation - Companion Terrance Davis Degree Work Setup - Companion Lawrence Sims Secretary - Companion Daron Mosley Treasurer - Companion Peter Bruton Haggai Award Seven Companions qualified and were presented with the Haggai Award during York Rite Weekend: Mt. Horeb Chapter #94 Craig Stafford Dontaki Robinson Justin Dorsey Submitted by PHP Thomas Gilchrist A.J. Junius #70 Winfred Shipman James Gillard St. James #26 Ectrym Lamar Jeffery D. Harris Page 8 Page 9

7 Congratulations to the LIFE MEMBERS of the Most Excellent Union Grand Chapter Holy Royal Arch Mason of Florida, and its Jurisdiction 1. Robert J. Godfrey Robert J. Godfrey # Darrell Johnson Mt. Pisgah # Larry Jones Royal Palm # James Jones Pompano # Erik Curry Joshua #32 6. Calvin S. Atkinson, Jr. Joshua #32 7. Timothy Alvin Anthony T. Stafford #10 8. Darrious Bryant Joshua #32 9. Dr. James L. Gallon Joshua # Christopher Scott Bethal # Charles Parrott Finerson # Craig Hall Mt. Horeb # Anthony Turner Mt. Horeb # Jessie Randle Jr. Mt. Horeb# Russell Grieg St. James# Darrell Lawrence Triangle # Howard Maddox A. W. Franklin # Thomas Gilchrist A. W. Franklin # Christopher Johnson A.W. Franklin # Cameron Matthews Finerson # Courtney Wilson Finerson # Gus Rich Ezekiel # Herbert Meekins Mt. Pisgah # Willie Bowman Abraham # James Norman Finerson # Steve Rodriguez Mt. Horeb # Byron K. Johnson Joshua # Rudolph Givens III C.P. Bentley # Joseph Lewis Thomas # Paulemond Mompremier Royal Palm # Jeremiah Mackey Jereboam # Kenneth Bristow Providence # Willie Wilson Maxwell # Clinton Brown Jr. Bethel # Patrick Worlds St. James # Robert Johnson Joshua # Richard Stewart Robert J. Godfrey # 201 MOST EXCELLENT Lewis S. Thurston KYCH, GRAND HIGH PRIEST Rt. Ex. Walter P. Russell GK: Administrator Grand Secretary DaRon Mosley: Chairmen PHP Christopher Johnson #118 PHP Howard Maddox #118 PHP Timothy Alvin #10 PHP James Jones #164 Committee Members Page 10 Page 11

8 In the Spotlight Deputy of the Year Fletcher Williams, Jr., DDGHP District #5 1. Retired Military 2. Retired Government Employee 3. Member of Kiwanis International 4. Life member of American Legion 5. Past State Commander of Florida American Legion Member Mt Zion AME Church Crestview Fl 7. Member of the Steward Board 8. Superintendent of Sunday School 9. President of the Male Choir 2016 Companion of the Year Calvin Atkinson, DDGHP District #10 PERSONAL: - Born in 1948 in Brunswick, Georgia to Me & Mrs Calvin S. Atkinson, Sr. - Five siblings, all sisters. EDUCATION: - BS Degree / Electronics Engineering / Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia - MS Degree / Business Management and Public Administration / Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri. EMPLOYMENT: - U.S. Air Force / Communications / 27 Years / Retired - General Dynamics / Data Base Manager / 16 Years / Retired MASONIC AFFILATION: - Master Mason / 43 Years of service / Torri Lodge #46 / Okinawa, Japan / Currently a member of Mt. Pleasant Lodge #13, Tampa, Florida / Past Master - Order of the Eastern Stars / 12 Years - Order of the Knights of Pythagoras / 6 Years - YORK RITE: -- Holy Royal Arch Masons / 11 Years / PHP / Joshua Chapter #32, Tampa, Florida / DDGHP -- Royal and Select Master Masons / 10 Years / PTIM / Roosevelt Foster Council #3, Tampa, Florida / ADDGTIM -- Knight Templar / 10 Years / PEC / Idaho Commandery #6, Tampa, Florida / DDGEC -- Knight York Cross of Honor / 2 Years - SCOTTISH RITE: 33rd Degree / 11 Years OTHER ORGANIZATION: - Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of the Mystic Shrine / 43 Years - Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World / 43 years - Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. / 49 Years Page 12 Page 13

9 Jurisdiction News & Events Lupus Support Network 2016 General Conference Jurisdictions 2017 Jewel Contest Team St. James No. 26 Holiday Toy Drive Samuel Jackson PGCGHP Washington DC 2017 YR Uncle Melvin MAGM Douglas Abraham Chapter #147 Scholarship Luncheon. January 28, 2017 Dr. Miguel Albino EHP Calvin Atkinson DDGHP District Shoe Drive Eustis Heritage Festival District 6 High Priest Harris A.J. Junius #70, Jacksonville Florida, 1st Meetitng of the year Rev. Charles Tabb, EHP Lawrence Sims, DDGHP District 1 Page 14 Page 15

10 Health & Wellness Companion Christopher J Scott, MD., FACEP, FAAEM Dr. Scott is a companion of Bethel Chapter #37 Holy Royal Arch Masons in Orlando Florida. He is currently the Medical Director to open facility at Poinciana Medical Center. He is also serving as Chief of Staff for Poinciana in Poinciana, FL. Dr. Scott has received many awards and recognition s. He was named Best Emergency Room Director in 2015 by Emcare South Eastern Division. Community Involvement 2012 Florida Department of Health Dengue Task Force 2011 ADA/Prince Hall Shriners Diabetic Initiative Health Care Sponsor for Heart of Apopka Foundation 2008 Shriners of North and South America 2007 Jupiter Lodge #22 PHA F&AM, Orlando Florida Emergency Medicine Cornwall Regional Hospital, Montego Bay JA, WI 2003 Griffin-Jordan sponsored fundraisers for the underserved of S.W. Ga 2000 Grady Memorial Health Fair; Grady Memorial Hospital; Health Examiner: Provide wellness examinations for the underserved population of Atlanta ACLS instruction for Medical Students, Nurses, EMT=s and Paramedics 1997 First Step Youth Seminars; Howard University: Premedical High School Awards 2015 Best Emergency Room Director, Emcare South Eastern Division 2015 Most Improved ED, Emcare South Eastern Division 2015 Best ED Metrics, Emcare South Eastern Division 2000 National Medical Association Research Merit Award 1997 Eastern Student Research Forum Winner 1996 Outstanding Medical Student Researcher, Howard University 1996 Pfizer Research Fellowship Award 1996 Bristol Myers-Squibb Academic Medicine Fellow 1996 National Medical Academic Medicine Fellow 1995 Leon McKinney Class of 1947 Scholarship 1994, 95 National Medical Fellowship 1992 Howard University Board of Trustees Scholarship One in every four adults -- some 50 million people in the USA alone -- have high blood pressure. But many people are unaware that they have the condition. Untreated hypertension increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. These are the first and third commonest causes of death in the USA. Hypertension can also damage the kidneys and increase the risk of blindness and dementia. That is why hypertension is referred to as a silent killer. Everyone is at risk from high blood pressure. However, the elderly tend to have a different hypertension profile compared with younger people, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It is important to raise our collective consciousness of a particular type of high blood pressure known as isolated systolic hypertension (ISH). Systolic pressure is the first number in a blood pressure reading and is an indicator of blood pressure when the heart contracts. The second number, the diastolic pressure, reflects pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. In the past, many doctors diagnosed high blood pressure based on diastolic pressure, the smaller number. However, new research suggests that systolic pressure is a much better indicator of hypertension, particularly in the elderly. Diastolic pressure increases up to age 55 and then tends to decline, according to the NHLBI. On the other hand, systolic pressure continues to increase with age and is an important determinant of elevated blood pressure in middle-aged and older adults. While any pressure above 140/90 is considered elevat- ed, about 65% of people with hypertension who are over age 60 have ISH. High blood pressure interacts with other major risk factors such as diabetes and high levels of cholesterol to amplify the risk of heart attack and stroke. Changes in lifestyle can therefore help us achieve blood pressure goals. Other recommendations are as follows here: Don t ignore your systolic pressure. If you re middle-aged systolic is a better blood pressure indicator than diastolic of your risk of heart disease and stroke. Blood pressure at all ages should be kept below 140/90. Treatment for hypertension must begin early to prevent organ damage -- whatever be your age. In persons with diabetes, blood pressure should be kept below 130/85, and in those with kidney failure and heart failure, at the lowest level possible. High Blood Pressure - A Silent Killer or older, the Christopher J. Scott, M.D., FACEP, FAAEM Page 16 Page 17

11 Zerubbabel and the Heart of David The Lineage Zerubbabel, the second leader during the second era of the construction of the great Temple at Jerusalem. Follows in the lineage of his great grandfather s before him; namely King David and King Solomon. Zerubbabel is none other than King Solomon s Great grandson by several generations according to the book of Matthew (Matthew 1:7-12). The Volume of Sacred Law (Scriptures/Bible) informs us that David, the Father of Solomon had it in his heart to build a permanent location; a sure house for God. However, David being unfit due to his hands being unworthy was not allowed to proceed but his son would take up the task (1 Chronicles 17:1-14; 1 Chronicles 22:8). The Destruction of the First Temple Zerubbabel was the governor of the Province Yehud Mandinata (Judah). He was born in Babylon, a major city that was located between Mesopotamia and the rivers of Tigris and Euphrates. An estimated 400 plus years after his great grandfather King Solomon had completed the construction of the Temple. The Captivity The Temple was destroyed and the people were carried away captive through the conquest of Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon (2 kings 24-25). The Captives Released The Seventy years following the conquest and captivity of the Babylon King Nebuchadnezzar as prophesied or predicted by the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:1-14): a new ruler ascended to power - namely Cyrus II (The Great King of Persia). He issued a decree (Ezra 1) that Zerubbabel the Son of Shealtiel, the grand Son of Jehoiachin, along with other captive Jews allowed upon their own voluntary free will and accord to return to their homeland to rebuild the Temple. The delay continued for seven years until the reign of Darius I King of Persia. With Darius being the new King on the throne a new hope had arisen with the help of God for the recommencement of rebuilding the Temple. For Darius made a noble decree (Ezra 6), which allowed the Jews to restart the work the work restarted and completed and the temple dedicated. It took the sum total of twenty years - in the sixth year of the reign of Darius I on the third day of the month of Adar of the Jewish calendar (Mackey s Encyclopedia of Freemasonry). Temple Complete What is to come During the completion of the work, nowhere is Zerubbabel the Governor of Judah mentioned. This bring many to believe that Zerubbabel work was not done and what was proclaimed or prophesied by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah were prophetic predictions of future events, which will lead to the coming or returning of the champion - the Jews call the Messiah. 1. Haggai 2:23 refers to Zerubbabel as a Signet Ring 2. Zechariah 4:7 proclaims that Zerubbabel shall bring about the Capestone and in some version the Headstone crying grace, grace on to it. We celebrate Zerubbabel for many reasons. Chief among them: 3. Zechariah 4:9 which some believe Zerubbabel shall return to rebuild the temple of God during the return of the Messiah 1. He was the leader of the captive Jews who returned to the land of their ancestors who had it in their heart to re-erect a permanent place for the presence of God. 4. Zechariah 4:10 Zerubbabel with the plummet or plumb-line in his hand, similar to the vision of Amos 7:7-8, and accompanied by the seven spirit before God throne in Heaven. Construction of the Temple The Altar Upon the return of the first wave of Jews from Babylon (Ezra 2), one of their first act was rebuilding of the altar (Ezra 3:1-2). They re-erected the temporary place of meeting called the Tabernacle or the Tabernacle of Moses; of which God instructed Moses to construct in the wilderness after the exile from Egypt (Exodus 25:8-9). What is to come - The Zerubbabel Connection I am Zerubbabel Zerubbabel in Freemasonry is mention in several degrees and orders. He is regarded as a treasured subject and studied by the learned. Construction of the Temple Laying the Foundation Zerubbabel laid the foundation of the Temple in the second year in the second month of their return from captivity (Ezra 3:8), which is the month we set as the proper time for our Zerubbabel Day Celebration. With the assistance of the Masons, the Carpenters, and the men of Tyre (Ezra 3:7), also the assistances of Joshua the son of Jozadek (Josedek) the High Priest and Levites as overseers or supervisors and all people that returned from exile began the work. Symbolically, we are all regarded as Zerubbabel who are building or rebuilding a sure house. We, like him are returning from a previous location, place, or state of confusion (of not understanding or Babel which refers to the land of Babylon). We shall face many oppositions by various people, objects, and things in our life. Like Zerubbabel, we shall arrive to a good place or state. However, the perfect state is first laid in total destruction, waste or rubbish - not in the beauty we expected or hope. If it s in our heart and we are willing to take upon the task accompanied by the Signet of Truth, equipped with the proper tools, and like David ready to build a sure house or permanent place and; our cause is just and worthy with peace, love, and unity and most of all with God assistance it shall be accomplish. It may not be accomplished in our time or our generation, there might be delays, but if we continue steadfast, it will accomplished. Construction of the Temple Hardships As nothing worthy come about easily, as soon as the work began there were opposition. For the neighboring people were seeking to stop their efforts at rebuilding the Temple. Their neighbors first asked to join with rebuilding solely to stop their effort, when Zerubbabel and the Jews refused their assistance they attempted weaken their hands and gave them great hardship. They hired counsellors against them took every means to frustrate their purpose (Ezra 4:1-5). The opposition was so great that Zerubbabel and his company found themselves at arms to continue (Nehemiah 4), as they feared for their lives. The opposition frustrated the work every effort until it came to a cease under King Artaxerxes (Ezra 4:6-24). Page 18 t o and the work w i t h be B y PHP of Companion Stanley Lamarre, Providence Chapter No. 113 Page 19

12 Fallen Companions 2016 Gone but not forgotten Date 3/9/16 8/27/16 8/29/16 9/21/16 9/25/16 10/27/16 11/26/16 12/6/16 Name Theodore James William E. Oates Johnny L. King Horace L. Everette Emory Chandler, Jr. Willie B. Brown, Jr. Charles Goodman Hoover Blue Samuel Jackson Beneficiary Eva T. James Mary Oates Estate Willie B. Everette Armalene Chandler Debryl L. Duffy Voucher # Chapter St. James # 26 Mt. Horeb # 94 Mt. Sinai # 108 Royal Palm # 121 Mt. Pisgah # 105 Mt. Horeb # 94 A.J. Junious # 70 Bethel # 37 Jurisdiction of Washington D.C Advertise Here! Get Your Business Rest in Peace Noticed Page 20 Page 21

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