Most Illustrious Grand Master's Advisory for Meetings during the Pandemic

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Companions:

Please find the guidelines for operation of constituent councils during the COVID 19 pandemic below.
The following shall remain in effect from the publication of this letter until notice of rescission or modification of the Order by the Most Illustrious Grand Master.

  • In Person Meetings are permitted with the following provisions: 

    • Councils will adhere to orders and limits enacted by the civil authority and Grand Master of Michigan.  Any limits on occupancy of a building must be upheld as well as social distancing, masks, handwashing, and other precautions in place. (As of this writing, ten or fewer at a gathering)

    • The Thrice Illustrious Master must be confident that the meeting location is thoroughly cleaned, and all safety and health precautions have taken place. 

    • Members who are currently ill or susceptible to illness, especially COVID19, should stay home.

 

  • Virtual stated meetings are allowed and encouraged to slow the spread of COVID 19 and to protect the health of our members, especially those who may be more susceptible to the effects of COVID-19. 

    • No ritual opening, closing, or conferral of the Royal, Select, or Super Excellent Master is permitted virtually

    • All Virtual “Stated” meetings should take place on the day and time indicated in the Council by-laws

    • There should be a quorum of six or more members present on the virtual meeting to conduct business 

    • Officer Elections and Installations are permitted by virtual means, if a quorum.is present.

    • It is encouraged that the council share an invitation to their virtual meetings with the Grand Recorder and Grand Lecturer so it can be distributed to Grand Officers, Arch Deputies, and Assistant Arch Deputies. Also, reach out to the Grand Officers if you need assistance organizing a virtual meeting.


This is a challenging time for us all. We must remember we are Masons, please make every effort to teach out to your members on behalf of your council and Cryptic Masonry. Check in on their wellbeing. Keep their safety and their family's safety in mind.  Additionally, let us be the best examples of the tenants of our Craft and Cryptic Rite to our fellow Companions, our Brothers, our families, and our Communities.

Fraternally,
Corey F.G.L. Curtiss, MIGM

COVID-19 Update from the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar

Please see this message from the Grand Master of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar USA, Jeffrey N. Nelson:

Sir Knights,

As we monitor global developments, we continue to use best practices to safeguard the health of our members. The Grand Encampment Knights Templar USA has taken clear and decisive action to address the evolving COVID-19 (Coronavirus), emergency, and I would like to share those actions with you.
First, due to the extensive travels undertaken by – and expected of – Grand Encampment officers, and out of an abundance of caution, the Grand Encampment elected officers have suspended air travel through May 31, 2020.

Second, please refer to my previously released General Order No. 11, regarding the rescheduling of Grand Conclaves if such is needed. Also, remember to communicate with your Department Commander if a change to your Grand Conclave is being contemplated.

Third, the Grand Encampment officers have today made the difficult decision to cancel the three Grand Encampment sponsored 2020 Easter observances. If your Grand Commandery or Constituent Commandery still desires to have a local Easter observance that decision will be left to you.

As this situation evolves, we will keep you apprised of developments concerning Grand Encampment events and activities. We will ensure our information is distributed to you through our website, Facebook page, as well as direct communication between your Department Commander and your Grand Commandery. During this time of crisis, please know your Grand Encampment officers stand ready to assist. If any Sir Knight is in need, I would remind you of our 40 Miles Project, under the able direction of our Grand Prelate, Sir Knight Arthur Hebbeler.

Courteously,

Jeffrey N. Nelson
Grand Master

Commandery Appreciation Night 2019

Join Ann Arbor Commandery No. 13 on Friday, May 17th at the Belleville Masonic Temple (515 S. Main, Belleville) for our Commandery Awareness Night. The evening will consist of a presentation from Templar reenactor Brother Simon McNeilly on the historic Knights Templar, and a brief overview of the modern Templars from Brandon Mullins, Past Commander and current Prelate. The evening begins with dinner at 7:00 pm, followed by the presentations. Business casual dress. All are welcome, to RSVP or for further information contact Eminent Commander Rob Moore at 248-863-8008 or mpro78@gmail.com.