Welcome
Morning Invocation
Introduce the GGC Team






Review The Mission
Statement
Review The Vision
Statement
Duties of District
Deputies
Duties of Ambassadors
Dates of Regional
Conferences
RAM Magazine






Membership
Development
Under 40’s Group
Emerging Leaders
E Newsletter
Grand Secretary
Remarks
New Developments
for the RARA Charity
(Sunday’s agenda)
General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International

The mission statement of General Grand
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International,
with a heritage of over 200 years, is to offer
services and support to its Subordinate and
Grand Chapters throughout the world in
fulfilling the goals of Capitular Masonry by:
Providing a source of, and administration for, the
rituals of the four degrees of the American Royal
Arch system.
 Assisting in the creation and chartering of new
Subordinate and Grand Chapters throughout the
world while maintaining our traditional standards.
 Being the primary source for developmental
information concerning the formation and
administration of a Royal Arch Masons Chapter or
Grand Chapter.

Providing a means of communication, liaison and
interaction for our member Chapters and Grand
Chapters worldwide.
 Supporting and encouraging York Rite unity around
the world in harmony with regular Grand Lodges,
the General Grand Council and Grand Encampment.
 Recognizing achievement and service.

Helping member Chapters and Grand Chapters to
fulfill the obligation of all Royal Arch Masons to
spread further light in Masonry.
 Encouraging education for all Royal Arch Masons.
 Organizing a Triennial Convocation for all member
Chapters and Grand Chapters to express their
concerns, offer programs, legislate and elect
officers for the next three years.
 Representing Royal Arch Masonry to the world in its
highest tradition and heritage.

Administer the four
degrees of RAM
 Assisting development
of subordinate & Grand
Chapters
 Informational source
for new Chapters &
Grand Chapters

Information liaison
between subordinate
Chapters & Grand
Chapters
 Support & encourage
York Rite unity with
regular Grand Lodges,
the General Grand
Council and Grand
Encampment

General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International




To uphold and support the Mission Statement of the
General Grand Chapter.
To take all reasonable steps to secure membership of
those Grand Chapters in North America which are not
currently members of the General Grand Chapter.
To take all reasonable steps to retain all existing
members.
To respond to requests and to encourage
development of the American Royal Arch system in
foreign lands especially Eastern Europe, Latin America
and Africa.
To maximize our communication efforts through
enhanced development of the Royal Arch Magazine
into the internet world and to create and maintain
an electronic newsletter. To seek input from our
younger members.
 To live and work together in a devoted team spirit.
To divide and share responsibilities thereby creating
an effective team leadership. To keep all involved in
any question ‘in the loop’.


To enhance our image among our member
Grand Chapters though more recognizable
Regional Deputies and Ambassadors with
duties and responsibilities to and from the
General Grand Chapter being careful not to
interfere but to be visible as a support and a
link.
Support the Mission
Statement of GGC
 Encourage
membership of non
affiliated Grand
Chapters in North
America
 Retain existing
Members

Encourage RAM
development in foreign
lands
 Enhanced RAM
Magazine
 Inculcate team spirit
 Enhance the GCC
image by higher profile
Ambassadors & District
Deputies

General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International

To represent the General
Grand Chapter and the
General Grand High Priest at
all appropriate Royal Arch
functions within your region.

At Annual Communications
of each jurisdiction

At Special Award events or
degree ceremonies of each
jurisdiction


At designated Annual
Convocations you will be
the official representative
of the General Grand High
Priest and General Grand
Chapter.
On other occasions, the
General Grand High Priest,
General Grand King or
General Grand Scribe will
be the Official Visitor.

If the General Grand Visitor
is attending you are to
assist the General Grand
Visitor at the session.


Check with the Grand
Secretary at least 60 days
in advance to be sure that
all award requests have
been sent to the General
Grand Secretary
Ensure that the General
Grand Visitor has
transportation to and from
the airport and hotel.

Immediately after the
completion of the
Convocation, electronically
E-mail your report to
General Grand Officers.
Report includes:
 New officers
 RARA Chairman
 Your recommendations for
future General Grand
appointments.



At all convocations, be
sure that the awards have
been received by the
Grand Secretary and that
they are ready for
presentation (unwrapped
and unpinned).
If a General Grand officer is
present, acquaint him with
the location of the awards.
Note: Awards are usually
presented at the banquet.


Be prepared to assist the
General Grand Officer.
Should you be the
representative of the
General Grand High Priest,
then you will make the
presentations. Make sure
that the recipients are
present and review the
correct pronunciation of
their names.

During the awards
presentation, always
include the wives.

Invite previous recipients
of the Bronze and Silver
medals or Sweetheart
Awards to come to the side
of the dais and greet the
new recipient as he or she
leaves.

Make the presentation a
pleasant moment for all by
keeping comments to a
minimum.

Be efficient, plan and
prepare your presentations
other awards may be made
that evening from Grand
Encampment & General
Grand Cryptic




You may be invited to
speak during the
Convocation or banquet.
Be sure of what you want
to say.
Be concise and prepared as
possible.
Open with appropriate
thanks for courtesies
rendered and bring the
greetings of the General
Grand High Priest.
Bring good news of
activities and events in
other jurisdictions.
 Congratulate the
jurisdiction on its
achievements.
 Talk up RARA and the
Royal Arch Magazine.
 Encourage attendance at
the Regional Conference


If speaking after election,
congratulate the incoming
officers and wish them
well. Thank and
congratulate the outgoing
Grand High Priest.

Pay tribute to the hard
working Grand Secretary
and the RARA Chairman, if
appropriate.




Held Annually
In concert with the General
Grand Council and the
Grand Encampment.
Usually the responsibility
rotates.
The decision for time and
place of the next
Conference is usually
made by the membership
before the close of the last
Conference.

In years that it is not
your responsibility to
chair, you will
coordinate closely with
the chair and assist in
all possible ways with
the facility planning
and general program.

Usually the format is to
provide for a general group
session followed by breakout session for each body.

Usually appropriate
speakers are selected to
present topics of interest
regionally.

It is your responsibility to
prepare the program for
the Grand Chapter
breakout sessions.

Make your session exciting
and interesting
Goals and Objectives of
General Grand Chapter
 Power Points & Printed
materials will be furnished
this year
 Goals for Chapters and
Grand Chapters
 Leadership
 Programs
 Planning
 Execution of plans


Should you have a
shortage of talent, contact
the General Grand Officers
for suggestions. It is most
important to keep
presentations short and
always to allow
opportunity for interaction
following the presentation.

Toward the close of the day, be sure to provide opportunity
for each Grand High Priest to speak. He should be challenged
to offer success stories and to present his challenges and
seek comment from his peers. This part of the session can
frequently be the most valuable of the day.

An interesting ladies program is essential to a happy
occasion for all. Check with your predecessor for ideas and
any special concerns that he may have been faced with.

A reunion of all bodies at the end of the day to recap and
select next year’s venue is appropriate.

On events that you
organize, it is common to
invite the Grand Master of
that jurisdiction to speak
usually at the opening of
the joint session.

Creates an opportunity for
interaction with the GM
demonstrating the value of
joint activity between the
lodge and the chapter.

Either the night before or on the closing evening, it is appropriate to
have a group dinner.

Usually these tend to be on the casual side and beyond the meal and
the fraternizing, should keep speeches and introductions to an absolute
minimum if at all.

A general THANK YOU to all involved should be adequate without
introductions of everyone who participated.

Mix up the representatives from the various jurisdictions in order for
delegates to meet each other

Provides a venue for
dialogue and interaction
between the various
jurisdictions.

The registration fees
should include adequate
funding to cover.

Local Grand Chapter
officers and ladies should
support this suite.



You are part of an
international team of
Royal Arch enthusiasts.
You have been selected for
this office because of your
enthusiasm and talent
General Grand is
committed to TEAM
working together for the
common good.




Use your initiative
Be well acquainted with
our teachings
Read the Constitutions of
General Grand Chapter
Contact your elected GGC
Officers if you have
questions

Prompt communication, response and action
will permit the greatest possible efficiency and
effectiveness.

We look forward to working with you and to
helping you be a visible and effective example
of leadership in our Royal Craft.


The General Grand Chapter
is not an authoritative
body.
We are a supportive
structure that binds
together the thousands of
Royal Arch Masons around
the world that subscribe to
our American Royal Arch
system.
 Promote unity



Assist Grand Chapters and
subordinate Chapters
Charter Chapters and
Grand Chapters in
jurisdictions not presently
offering our Royal Arch
system.
Provide a supervision to
maintain standards in ritual
and protocol.

It is our duty and desire to
support the Grand
Chapters and to help them
to be the best they can be.
Their success is our
reward. Go and fulfill your
obligation as a Most
Excellent Master to spread
further light among our
uninformed brethren. May
the God of peace of love
delight to dwell with and
bless you.

Represent GGC

Promote the RARA
charity

Assist the Grand Visitor
when attending

Set up and promote
Annual York Rite
Conference

Evening banquet

Hospitality room


Make sure all awards
are in good order
Send in Reports
General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International




You are the main source of
information from your
jurisdiction
Your responsibilities will be
numerous.
Get commitment from
each of your advancing line
officers to attend the York
Rite Conference.
Provide conference
materials to absentees



60 days before annual
session, ensure that the
names of the award
recipients are sent to the
General Grand Secretary
Check Spelling of
candidates name before
submission to General
Grand
Make sure the award
system is working.
Understand the
eligibility requirements
& process of General
Grand Chapter
Distinguished Service
Award
 Work with your M E G
H P to get the recipient
to the Banquet


Send to General Grand
Secretary and the General
Grand High Priest the
date, time, and place of
your next grand session,
along with the date and
time of the banquet.

Send a list of the newly
elected officers, their
spouse’s names, address,
phone numbers, and e-mail

This will be included in the
Report to be completed by
the visiting General Grand
Visitor or yourself if no
Officer attends.
You are the connection
from your jurisdiction
to the Royal Arch
Mason Magazine.
 Get articles and
pictures from your
State to the editor.
 Anything that is of
interest to Capitular
Masons of the world.

The
ROYAL ARCH MASON
VOL 24-No.2 MAGAZINE Summer 2006

If asked to speak, promote
Royal Arch Research
Assistance through your
State Chairman

Promote attendance at the
Regional Conferences.
Make yourself familiar with
the time and place etc.

Promote the Royal Arch
Mason Magazine and take
orders for subscriptions.

May be asked to arrange
transportation from an
airport when a General
Grand Chapter Officer is
visiting in your jurisdiction.

You are the personal representative of the General
Grand High Priest and General Grand Chapter on
those occasions when an elected General Grand
Chapter Officer or Deputy General Grand High
Priest is not present to represent General Grand
Chapter, at a Grand Convocation or function where
the presence of General Grand Chapter would be
desired.
Ask what we as
General Grand Chapter
can do to better serve
this Grand Chapter.
Then let us know about
it.
 Promote York Rite
Masonry and Royal
Arch Masonry in
particular.


Develop a team
relationship with your
Regional Deputy.

Keep him well
informed as possible
about everything going
on in your jurisdiction.

You will be invested with special regalia to identify
you as the Ambassador.

Please wear this during your term in lieu of other
Past Office regalia that you might otherwise wear.

We want you to be distinctive in your jurisdiction
through the individuality of your office.

It is expected that the
magazine will go ‘online’ during the next
Triennial and that an
on-line Newsletter will
be launched.

Identify IT savvy
members of your
jurisdiction to provide
information for this
program and also
those who may be
interested in working
on it.
Duties of the
Ambassador
We will be starting a Under 40’s age
members consultant forum to keep
us abreast of the needs and aims of
our newer younger members.
Please seek out participants &
forward their names to
 Jim Hodge jhhsnow@aol.com
 Justin C. Parnell

jarnell1982@charter.net.

Acquaint yourselves
with the Vision
Statement and Mission
Statement

Good luck! Any
questions, contact any
of the General Grand
Chapter Officers.
Main liaison for your
jurisdiction
 Encourage attendance
at the York Rite
Conference
 Keep DDGHP
informed of activities
and concerns
 Royal Arch Magazine
articles and enrollment






Assist in transportation
and arrangements if
needed
Ensure awards are sent
into General Grand
Secretary
Under 40’s recruitment
Identify IT Savvy
Companions
May be called to
represent GGC
General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International





North East
September 9, 10, 2011
Rocky Hill, CT
South Central
September 16, 17, 2011
Kansas City, MO
North West
October 14, 15, 2011
Boise, ID
North Central
October 21, 22, 2011
Des Moines, IA
South West
October 28, 29, 2011
Phoenix, AZ
2012 PROBABLE DATES – to be
confirmed
East Central
March 9, 10, 2012
Merrillville, IN
 South East
June 8, 9, 2012
Raleigh, NC

ME James Hodge, Editor
The
ROYAL ARCH MASON

The Royal Arch
Magazine

Official Publication of
the General Grand
Chapter Royal Arch
Masons International

J.H. Hodge, Editor
VOL 24-No.2 MAGAZINE Summer 2006
Royal Arch Mason
Magazine
The Vision for the Future



The magazine is the
primary means of
communication directly
with our members
It is delivered to 34,000
members quarterly
The number of subscribers
has declined this past year

100% State Jurisdictions or
100% individual Chapter
subscriptions are
discounted $2.50/member
per year
Subscriptions
1Year $5.00
3 Years $15.00
5 Years 23.00
 Life $50.00




 Less than one out of three members
receive the RAM Magazine

New Editor

Continued recruitment
of new writers

Letter to the Editor
Column Established

Increased 100%
subscription rate
Content Changed and
improved

Readership surveys
established at Regional
Conferences


Provide instructions
and tools to State
Supplement Editors
I.
II.
New Editors
Struggling Editors

Continue best practices
Communication &
Supplement Editor
Training

Improve the
appearance
professionalism and
readability of the
Supplements
Continue series of
Articles of current
Interest
 Continue surveys at
Regional Conference
 Determine how to get
useful feedback from
subscribers

Utilize Ambassadors to
increase subscriptions
Improve overall quality
of the magazine
 Improve the magazine
as a Major
Communication tool
for General Grand
Chapter Leadership


Build upon lessons
learned from the
“GGCRAMNEWS”
Electronic Newsletter

Develop an electronic
magazine for those
who wish an electronic
version

Continued
development of
positive upbeat
message and image of
RAM

Find a replacement
editor
By
Louis E. Bartrand
 Purpose-Give Ideas
 Input from several
Grand Chapters
 We thank all of them
 See handout
Develop Active
Membership
Committee
 Grand Chapters down
to Chapters
 Split or share
responsibilities
 Create programs and
keep it current








Visit Blue Lodges in your
area
Use best speakers-be
positive and prepared
In Costume
Kiss Principle-15 Min
Max
Answer questions-be
positive
Know Freemasonry-Talk
about it
Education

Possible Program

No Cost Mark Master

Proven where in
existence

Know your Companions

Keep them informed-maintain
contact

Secretaries are the key here

Phone Tree- Call,Call,Call

Why do you have NPD’s?

Do you know? or care?





Recognize your people-avoid favoritism
When did you personally recognize someone
yourself?
Talk about Philanthropies
Have programs at all meetings
Avoid mundane-Open, Read Minutes, Close




Invite non-Masons to speak
Attend Regional Meetings and Grand
Convocations
Give members a reason for coming
Have dinner meetings







Make degree work competitive
Split Parts
Don’t stick with one person
Be professional-get away from books
Develop fund raisers
Have fun activities
Establish a transportation committee







Teach Masonic etiquette
Do you recruit? If not, Why?
Are ego’s getting in the way?
Remember-We work on the level
Lead
Mentor
Be personable
Develop long-term &
short term goals
 Assimilate new
members-use them
properly
 Programs for ladies
 (try the RA Widows
Degree)

Evaluate your
jurisdiction
 Are you successful?
 If Not-Why? Try
something new!


Questions
Justin Parnell





Determine Interests of “40 and Under”
Develop Methods to reach this group thru those
interests
Develop a Leadership development program
Electronic Version of RAM magazine and
content
Discuss ways to utilize new forms of media to
“update” RAM International Materials
 State level – All who would like to
participate!
 Regional- Chairmen of the State’s
committee’s
 National- Chairmen of the
Regional’s





Justin Parnell
Email #1- jparnell1982@charter.net
Email #2- Justin.parnell@walgreens.com
Jim Hodge
Email- jhhsnow@aol.com

A new leadership training to emerging talent
within your Grand jurisdiction to be offered at
the next Regional Conference.

This training will be provided in cooperation
with Grand Encampment and will be a
separate session from the regular Conference
program. This program will take seven hours
and will be offered on Saturday.

Select those whom you feel could most
benefit from what is to be offered.

The target companions for this are those who
are up and coming at the Chapter or District
level and have demonstrated signs of
leadership potential. Send us a list of those
whom you feel merit the investment of this
teaching.

Please understand that this is a program to
prepare leaders for your future and we are
not seeking to offer this to those who have
already served as Grand Line officers.
Although this naturally tends towards the
younger members of our organization, it is
not meant to exclude those who are perhaps
newly retired and eager to become involved.


We will send a letter of invitation to each
selectee inviting them to attend this seminar.
Attendance is available only by invitation.
There is no charge for this high level training.
Room and meals are the responsibility of the
students.
We require: Name; Formal Mailing Address;
Telephone numbers; e-mail address.

Send your list of emerging leaders to:
Jeffrey M. Williamson
3872 Crittenden Road,
Akron, NY 14001 or e-mail to
york.rite@hotmail.com

Contact Jeff with inquiries or for further
information at 716-912-6121.
Electronic Newsletter

To Subscribe to the E-Newsletter

http://ggcraminews.org/mailman/listinfo/ggc
raminews_ggcraminews.org

Fill out form to subscribe

To Subscribe to the E-Newsletter

http://ggcraminews.org/

Enter E-mail address
Who?
What?
When?
 Where?
Why ?
When
submitting
articles don't
forget the
5 W’s

Note: All of the e-mail addresses are
contained on CDs and Ambassadors' hard
copy

Send all articles to Editor
editor@ggcraminews.org .
ME Larry E. Gray

The award consists of a
jewel and certificate.

The jewel is available
to all Royal Arch
Masons and can be
purchased for $100.00.

Application on GGC
website.

Presented to
Companions who
excel in ritualistic
endeavors.

Companions qualify
by completing at
least 12 points from
established
requirements






Review The Mission
Statement
Review The Vision
Statement
Duties of District
Deputies
Duties of Ambassadors
Dates of Regional
Conferences
RAM Magazine







Membership
Development
Under 40’s Group
Emerging Leaders
E Newsletter
Grand Secretary
Sweethearts & Ritual
Awards
New Developments
for the RARA Charity
(Sunday’s agenda)
Concluding Remarks
Parting Benediction
Next Training
Foreign
Jurisdictions
Saturday 4-6PM
also
R.A.R.A. Sunday
8-10 AM
General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International
Foreign jurisdictions
can be much closer
today with Internet
Communications.
 We cannot include or
respond to your needs
without information
and similarly, you
cannot work with us if
we do not
communicate.




We will introduce a Newsletter on line that
will provide information from any jurisdiction
that seeks to participate.
Work with your Ambassador to send your
news stories and pictures to: Bill Hyatt at
bill.hyatt@ny-royal-arch.org. Newsletters
will be issued as often as the format is filled.
Subscribe to the Newsletter as follows:



Under 40’s Group seeks members to assist
the Ambassador in creating and submitting
news stories and photos . Contact Justin C.
Parnell to join – jarnell1982@charter.net.
Ambassadors will offer RAM Magazine
subscription at US$11.00 per year.
Use our website – www.yorkrite.org and click
on the General Grand Chapter seal.

Working with the General Grand Secretary is
a two way street. He cannot provide
information to you if you do not provide
information to him.

Advice of the Annual Convocation MUST be
provided to the General Grand Secretary’s
office as soon as available

We NEED this information in order to plan
our schedule of visits by the Regional Deputy
and the General Grand Chapter Officer. Each
General Grand Chapter Officer has an average
of 36 visits per year to schedule which is 3 air
travel meetings per month and late advice of
meetings causes much inconvenience.

We NEED the date of the Convocation for per
capita payment information. On receipt of
that date the General Grand Secretary will
send a Report Form to the Grand Secretary to
be included with the per capita payment

THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED IN
FULL AND RETURNED WITH THE PER
CAPITA PAYMENT!!

This form includes information about your Grand
Chapter that is essential to our mutual operation –
such as the names and addresses of officers; a list of
deceased Past Grand High Priests; details of the
structure of your Grand Chapter with an explanation
of membership numbers, demits, deaths, affiliates,
exaltations, expulsions, number of perpetual Life
Members, number of members who’s dues were
remitted. This is all basic administrative information
that is required each year.

If this is a burden for the Grand Secretary,
then assign it as a responsibility to an
assistant. THIS IS A CONSTITUTIONAL
RESPONSIBILITY – NOT AN OPTION. There
will be no awards or benefits provided unless
this form is submitted complete and in a
timely manner.
General Grand Chapter Bronze Medal

Every jurisdiction is entitled to select one
member to receive the General Grand
Chapter Bronze Medal.

Chosen by the Grand High Priest. The
recipient is usually not a Grand Line Officer
but rather an untitled member who has
distinguished himself by his devotion to the
Chapter or by some special service.

This award is presented at the Annual
Convocation by the General Grand visiting
Officer, Regional Deputy or the Ambassador.

The selection must be submitted to the
Regional Deputy for transmission to the
General Grand Secretary at least 90 days
before the annual convocation

Every Triennial, each jurisdiction is invited to
submit to the Regional Deputy the name of
an extraordinary individual Royal Arch Mason
in his jurisdiction as a contestant for the
General Grand Chapter Silver Medal. The
winner is selected by the General Grand High
Priest for presentation at the next Triennial.

There is also a GOLD MEDAL which may be
presented at each Triennial to a recipient
chosen by the General Grand High Priest.
Is presented to a lady who has distinguished herself
by special service to the Grand Chapter.
 It is usually presented at the Annual Convocation
 This recommendation should come from the Grand
High Priest and accompanied by details of the
individual (as requested on the order form) and a
payment of US $100. (See the website for further
details)



Ritual Award is available to ritualists who
have done exemplary work from memory.
Please see the qualifications on the website
for details.
Send completed application to the Regional
Deputy for approval. This is presented at the
annual convocation by the General Grand
Chapter representative.

At the end of the term of Grand High Priest, it
is appropriate to recognize him for his
activity. This is done with a plaque created in
his honor to be presented with a lapel pin and
Permanent Membership card in General
Grand Chapter.

In order to prepare this plaque, it is essential
that the information be provided to the
General Grand Secretary through the
Regional Deputy at least 90 days before the
annual convocation. This presentation will be
made at the annual convocation by the
attending General Grand Chapter Officer.

Having received the date of the convocation
well in advance, plans are made for a General
Grand Chapter officer or the Deputy to try to
attend. If not possible, the Ambassador will
represent the General Grand High Priest. This
officer will make such presentations are
appointed, give the message of the General
Grand High Priest and complete a visitation
report form.

This report form includes certain information
that is also on the report of the Grand
Secretary but is used for other purposes and
requests information about the convocation
that is important for us to learn. This report
should be completed and returned to the
General Grand Secretary as soon as possible
after the convocation.

It is recommended that regional conferences
take place at least one time between
Triennials. The jurisdictions within the region
shall decide on which wishes to act as the
host and then this decision, plus that of
where to meet, must be discussed with the
Grand Councils and the Regional Deputy for
the General Grand Council so the decision is
made with joint concurrence.

The program should be determined in
concert with the two Regional Deputies with
them seeking input from the Grand Officers.

General Grand Chapter will provide the
Deputy with a CD-ROM that outlines the
program for regional conferences in the USA
as a guide only.

Your conference should be a combination of
information from all three General Grand Bodies
together with the special needs of the Region.

Devote some of the session to ritual and
symbolism. Time must be allocated for
discussion.

It is essential that the program not be
dominated by any visiting General Grand Officer

It is in the best interests of every jurisdiction
to be an ambassador to other jurisdictions
who are not in the American Royal Arch
system to promote our organization and
offer assistance to any who may wish to
inquire about membership. Please keep the
regional deputy informed of any ongoing
opportunities.
The development in Africa is, for the time being,
considered a part of the Europe/Africa region. To
assist in the development of this very vast
territory, we are grateful to Most Excellent Teko
Foly, PGHP of the District of Columbia as one
well versed in the structure of politics and
masonry in Africa.
 He holds the position of Special Deputy and
reports to the Regional Deputy and to the
General Grand High Priest.


We have appointed Most Excellent Jaime PerezVelez, PGHP of the Grand Chapter of Mexico, as
Special Deputy for development in Latin America.

His main responsibilities will be to develop a
regional conference for Latin America and to
explore other involvement for the region.

He will work with the Ambassador to Mexico, Right
Excellent Isaac Hadad and will report to the
Regional Deputy and the General Grand High Priest.

Right Excellent Companion Christian Flores
Maldonado, officer in the Grand Chapter of
Brazil, to be our official representative to the
International Masonic Confederation which
membership includes the regular Grand
Lodges of Latin America.

This will give us the opportunity to be present
at CMI meetings and to achieve exposure to
those Grand jurisdictions that do not yet
embrace our Royal craft. Companion
Christian will report to the Regional Deputy
and to the General Grand High Priest.

We are here to help you promote the growth and
development of our Royal Arch system.

You must help us by communicating and providing
us with the information we need to help you.

Your communications are always welcome so let us
take advantage of this electronic age to shrink our
world and become true Companions in the
universality of international Royal Arch Masonry.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Edmund D. Harrison, President, GGHP
Louis Bartrand, Vice President, GGK
Larry E. Gray, Secretary – Treasurer, GGSec., PGGHP
James H. Hodge, GGS
Sid LeLuan, PGHP AZ
Dr. Paul L. Chello, PGHP CT
William J. Riggs, PGHP KY, PDGGHP

Jerry Muceus, Executive Director, PGHP OR

George D. King III, Project Director, V-P
Alcoa, NYC

Dr. John W. Siscel III, Publicity Director,
Officer in GC of MO

Royal Arch Research Assistance Incorporated
is the philanthropy of the

General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons
International

The Board of Directors have chosen three
organizations for research funding for
2011-2012
Royal Arch
Research
Assistance
CAPD Research
University of
Connecticut
Deafness
Research
Foundation
Autism Speaks





Advance National & Local recognition
Provide a positive image for RAM
Supports more research in CAPD disorders
Provides greatest “Bang per Buck”
The grants will be reviewed annually to
assure that the goals and objectives are being
met
University of Connecticut
Department of Communication Sciences
Neuroaudiology Laboratory
Storrs, Connecticut
Frank E. Musiek, Ph.D., CCC-A
Professor and Director of Auditory Research
Also known as:




Auditory processing disorder (APD)
Auditory perceptual problems
Central hearing loss
Higher auditory dysfunction
 A type of hearing problem
 Difficult to diagnose
 Relatively common
 Often confused with other kinds of hearing,
language, and attention problems
Difficulty hearing in noise
Difficulty following auditory directives
Difficulty understanding people that talk fast
Usually pass basic hearing tests
Children with learning problems
difficulty in reading, spelling, language
Individuals with neurological problems
head injury, strokes, developmental problems
The elderly
By well trained professionals with training in CAPD
By the utilization of special audiological test procedures
By the help of other professionals such as speech pathologists,
psychologists and physicians who contribute to the diagnosis
By training the auditory system
By using assistive listening devices
By reducing background noise
By using various listening strategies
By consulting with medical personnel when necessary
CAPD involves both the ear and the brain and is a highly complex
Process.
Much is unknown about CAPD and the best way to learn is through
both clinical and basic research.
Not enough scientists and clinicians are currently investigating
CAPD.
There is a demand from parents and professionals to learn more
about this problem.
New ideas and approaches to CAPD are needed
More research on the neuroscience of CAPD is required
Both clinicians and researchers must communicate and
exchange ideas
The general public needs to know more about CAPD
Professionals in other fields need to know abut CAPD
It is important to train future clinicians about CAPD
It is important to develop future researchers to
Investigate CAPD
Deafness Research Foundation (DRF)'s mission is to attain a lifetime of
healthy hearing and balance through quality research, education, and
advocacy. Since its establishment in 1958, DRF has awarded over 2,000
research grants in hearing and balance science, totaling over $26.5
million.
DRF relies on donations to execute its mission.
DRF encourages new areas of
CAPD research by funding a
diverse pool of new researchers.

In 2012, DRF is funding six scientists
investigating CAPD as part of its
Emerging Researchers grants
program. Because the causes of CAPD
are unknown, each scientist has a
different research focus.

After successfully undergoing a
rigorous application and review
process, each grant awardee receives
$25,000 to conduct his or her research
for a period of 12 months.

The CAPD researchers that have been
selected this year are among the best
in the nation and represent Indiana,
Iowa, New York, Michigan, and Texas.
Their research abstracts follow.

Edward L. Bartlett, Ph.D.
Purdue University
Research Goal: Some hearing loss is attributed to peripheral hearing loss due to cochlear degeneration,
but other aspects of hearing loss, particularly the loss of temporal processing abilities, are clearly due to
changes in processing in the central auditory pathway. These changes cannot be compensated for by
hearing aids which simply “turn the volume up." This project aims at better understanding these central
auditory pathway processing deficits. The ages of the test subjects may reveal clues to treatments for
auditory processing disorders in patients across the age spectrum.

Brenton G. Cooper, Ph.D.
Texas Christian University
Research Goal: To further the understanding of how different sides of the brain are specialized for
processing different frequencies of sounds. Auditory processing of speech and language is lateralized to
the left hemisphere of the human brain. The long-term goals of this research program are testing and
refining treatments for hearing loss and lateralized frequency processing deficits in humans, including
central auditory processing disorder.

Elizabeth Dinces, M.D., M.S.
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Research Goal: To understand the perceptual difficulties of individuals with auditory processing
disorders (APD) and how automatic processes interact with attentional factors that mediate
perception of complex sound scenes in individuals having difficulty in noisy environments, which
will provide a foundation for developing better targeted strategies for rehabilitation of people
with CAPD.

Kirill Vadimovich Nourski, M.D., Ph.D.
University of Iowa
Research Goal: To gain better understanding of how the human auditory cortex processes perceptually
important temporal features of speech sounds. Deficits in temporal processing within the central auditory
system constitute one of the aspects of central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) (American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association, 2005). Knowledge of how the human brain normally processes spoken
language is key to successful intervention of CAPD (Medwetsky et al., 2009).

Erin Purcell, Ph.D.
University of Michigan
Research Goal: To manipulate physical and chemical signals to attract nerve cells to the auditory
brainstem. The long term goals are to regenerate auditory nerves and understand the conditions that
promote neural connections with the auditory brainstem. Achieving these goals may ultimately restore
hearing for patients with neural hearing loss and lay a foundation for therapies for individuals with auditory
processing disorders.

Zhengqing Hu, M.D., Ph.D.
Wayne State University
Research Goal: To develop effective strategies to regenerate auditory pathways using stem cell-based
approaches, with the hope of restoring hearing. The peripheral auditory system is usually damaged in
patients with CAPD. Therefore, in order to rebuild the central auditory processing system, the function of
peripheral auditory system must be restored. The following step is to explore whether stem cell-derived
cells can be used to regenerate auditory cells that are damaged in CAPD. Note: Dr. Hu does not use human
embryonic stem cells in any of his research.
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks:
The nation’s leading charity
helping children with autism
• And a national charitable
partner of the
Royal Arch Masons
What is Autism?
A developmental disorder that affects a
person’s ability to communicate and develop
relationships, and which is often
characterized by repetitive behaviors
Autism is a serious public health concern
 1 in 110 children has autism. The rate has
increased 600% in the last 20 years.
 Most people know someone with autism
personally.
 The societal cost of caring for
people with autism in the
USA is $35 billion each year.
What causes autism? Is there a cure?
 Scientists do not yet know what causes
autism.
 There is no cure for autism today.
 We are learning more each day about what
autism is, and this will lead to better
treatments and, someday, cures for autism.
Autism and CAPD
Early symptoms of auditory processing disorders (APDs) are seen in
some children with autism, such as:
 difficulty processing information and language
 anxiety or confusion in social situations
 trouble paying attention and remembering
information
 behavioral problems
 poor listening skills
Some children with autism are
later diagnosed with an
auditory processing disorder
such as CAPD.
About Autism Speaks
 We are North America's largest
autism science and advocacy
organization
 Our goal is to change the future for
all who struggle with autism
spectrum disorders
 Founded in 2005 by Bob and
Suzanne Wright, whose grandson
Christian has autism
Our Impact
RESEARCH:
• Made earlier diagnosis of autism possible, as young as 12 months of age
• Improved therapies and translation of lab research into treatments
• Every $1 invested leveraged into $10 in additional NIH funding
AWARENESS:
• UN-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd
• “Learn the Signs” campaign increased awareness among parents by 35%
FAMILY SERVICES:
• Tool kits for families, schools, first responders, professionals
• 15,000 individuals served in 35 states through our community grants
ADVOCACY:
• Federal funding for research through Combating Autism Act of 2006
• 27 states have passed new autism insurance reform bills
Autism Speaks is a national charity
with a strong local presence
 We hold Walk-a-thons in more than 80 cities annually.
Anyone can participate in our walks.
 We have successfully lobbied for laws mandating some
insurance coverage for autism therapy in 27 states.
 Our online resource guide includes more than 30,000
local services and programs, and is searchable by zip
code.
 Our ‘Light It Up Blue’ campaign empowers families and
companies to raise awareness in their neighborhoods
each year on April 2nd.
The Autism Speaks
Toddler Treatment Network
 Children with autism who are diagnosed and treated
intensively at an early age make the greatest
improvements.
 The goal of our Toddler Treatment Network is to develop
new therapies for children under age 3 that can prevent
some symptoms of autism.
 Some of these symptoms are also
precursors of auditory processing
disorders and could be treated
through our Network.
With Royal Arch’s support, Autism
Speaks will:
•Fund the ongoing research activities
of the Toddler Treatment Network
•Include auditory processing
disorders in the scope of the Toddler
Treatment Network.
•Educate healthcare providers and
parents about the role of CAPD/APD
in their child’s Autism diagnosis.
•Encourage further evaluation for young children who demonstrate
auditory processing difficulty.
•Create a tool kit that addresses autism symptoms including those
present in auditory processing disorders, potentially preventing
some of the symptoms from occurring in the long run.
We invite you to get to know us better!
• Please visit http://www.autismspeaks.org and
http://blog.autismspeaks.org
• Print out one of our Family Services Tool Kits (Newly
Diagnosed Families Kit, Transition Kit, School/Community Kit,
Asperger’s Kit)
• Participate on the annual Research Update conference calls
we will be holding for Royal Arch Masons
• Start a Walk Now for Autism Speaks team in your city
• Become a Fan of Autism Speaks on Facebook
• Wear blue on April 2nd
Jerry Muceus, Executive Director, PGHP OR

Certificates are designed for contributions of
$25.00, $50.00, and $100.00.

A $500.00 dollar contribution receives a very
impressive pin with a diamond in the center.

Additional contributions of $500.00 add a
small diamond to the pin.

Certificates and pins are awarded to both
individual donors and donating
organizations. Donations are IRS deductible.
Concluding Remarks
Parting Benediction