Saint John's Day in Winter 2020

Houston York Rite Masonry wishes all Brothers and Companions a joyous and peaceful holiday season.

The Selection of a Mark

 

  

    

    So far as we know, no American Grand Chapter has any restriction as to the selection of a mark.  The only restrictions imposed are those requiring his mark to be entered before he receives the Royal Arch degree, or within six months after receiving the degree.  At least 38 of the Grand Chapters require registration before advancement.  The ritual says “at some convenient period,” and many companions never find a convenient time. 

     In Ireland, the general rule is to adopt marks which consist of seven straight lines – and no crests or monograms.  Scotland requires straight lines; and old instruction was “3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 points joined together to form any figure they please” with a few minor exceptions.  Some jurisdictions frown upon the use of an equilateral triangle as a mark.

    As a general thing, the mark should be recorded before exaltation to the Royal Arch; every Royal Arch Mason would be possessed of a mark; after his degree, it may be hard to contact him again. 

Updated Schedule for the Royal Arch Degree

After deliberation with several members of the Chapter, and in the interest of safety and family harmony, especially during this holiday season, the Most Excellent High Priest Chuck Ivy has decided to postpone the conferral of the Royal Arch Degree until later next month.  According to the revised schedule, the Degree will be conferred on the first three candidates on Monday, January 25, 2021, and will be conferred on the second three candidates on the following Monday, February 1.  If any Companion is aware of any conflicts, he should contact the Most Excellent High Priest as soon as possible.

All Royal Arch Masons are invited to attend the conferrals.  Proper attire is strongly recommended.

Stated Meeting Notice

The next Stated Assembly of Houston Council No. 1 , Royal and Select Masters, will be held at the Masonic Hall at 4911 Montrose Boulevard at 7:00 PM on Monday, December  14, 2020.  Members of the Council are encouraged to attend.  All Royal and Select Masters are welcome.

Proper attire is recommended.