Capitular
Masonry Neighbors Anniversary
On October 26, 2002,
Capitular Masons of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Maine and Capitular Masons
of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the Province of New Brunswick will celebrate
their fortieth anniversary of what has become known as “Hands Across The
Border”. This
yearly event was the brainchild of three dedicated Royal Arch Masons who met in
Moncton, New Brunswick on June 28, 1962. The three Companions were M.E. Past
Grand High Priest Benjamin Ela, M.E. Grand High Priest Benjamin Butler and M.E.
First Grand Principal Waldo Y. Leeman. During this meeting the various
differences between the ritualistic works of the two jurisdictions were
discussed. It was decided that it would be interesting, educational, and promote
lasting friendships to witness these degrees exemplified by the two difference
jurisdictions. M.E. First Grand Principal Waldo Y. Leeman suggested that he
would get his Grand Officers ready to exemplify the Royal Arch degree in Maine
in the fall. After
the proper dispensations were made, the first joint meeting was held at the
Masonic Temple in Bangor on October 20, 1962. The Grand Chapter of New Brunswick
performed the Royal Arch degree on two Maine candidates before an audience of
over 350 companions representing 43 different chapters. The Grand Chapter of
Maine was then invited to visit New Brunswick the following year to confer the
Royal Arch Degree. Thus the “International Royal Arch Exchange” was formed! There
are no written by-laws per say, but by mutual agreement the following precepts
were adopted:
“Hands Across the Border”
1) On even years New Brunswick will travel to Maine and on odd years, Maine will travel to New Brunswick.
2) The Grand High Priest to pick the meeting site in Maine and the First Grand Principal to do likewise in New Brunswick preferably in their respective areas.
3) To acquire new friends and stimulate companionship between these two jurisdictions.
4) The Meetings would be
held on the fourth Saturday of October.
Approximately
after ten years of inter-change of visitations, a medallion was conceived,
designed and funded by M.E. Companions Leeman and Butler to be known as the
“Ben Ela Medallion”. Benjamin W. Ela was Grand High Priest of Maine in 1939.
His dedication, devotion and service to Capitular Masonry were well known and
appreciated in both jurisdictions, as well as throughout the Northeastern States
and the Maritime Provinces. On the October meeting in New Brunswick in 1962, M.E.
Ben Ela was present and very instrumental in organizing what is now commonly
called “Hands Across The Border”. The first issue of the “Ben Ela Medallion” was at the
October, 1971 meeting in Edmundston, New Brunswick, The first recipient of the
“Ben Ela Medallion” was presented to “Auntie Ela” in memory of her late husband
“Uncle Ben Ela” as they were commonly referred to out of love and respect. I
believe it was the following year that all previous Grand High Priests and First
Grand Principals who participated in “Hands Across The Border” received the
medallion. The “Ben Ela Medallion” has been presented every year since to
all participating Grand High Priests and First Grand Principals. The bronze, circular medallion is one and three quarters inches in
diameter. One side bears the name
of Benjamin Butler within the bottom border, and “Hands Across The Border”
across the top border with a replica of the seal of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter
of Maine in the center. A scarlet ribbon having a clip and pin at the back, and
a bar in front depicting two human hands clasping each other surmounts it. The
same medallion is adapted for use in both jurisdictions as the obverse side
bears the name of Waldo V Leeman within the bottom border and “Hands Across
The Border” within the top border and a replica of the seal of the Grand Royal
Arch Chapter of New Brunswick in the center circle. The ribbon is similar except
that it is vertically striped in colors symbolic of New Brunswick regalia. The
Maine version is presented to the First Grand Principal and the New Brunswick
version is presented to the Grand High Priest. The respective Grand
Representative of each jurisdiction at the annual “Hands Across The Border”
event presents the Ben Ela Medallions. One should note that when the dies were
cast M.E. Waldo’s middle initial was cast wrong as a “V” as opposed to the
correct initial “Y”. It is probably at this time that the “International
Royal Arch Exchange” became officially known as “Hands Across The Border”
Degree exemplifications were exchanged every year except 1980, 1982
and 1983. On these years semi-public events took place. Degree exemplification
exchange than took over until 1999. In
this year the Royal Arch Widows Degree and the play December Rose were performed
in Woodstock, New Brunswick, by the officers of the Grand Chapter of Maine. In
2000 the Grand Officers of New Brunswick performed the Order of the Rose at
South Berwick, Maine. In the year 2001, the Grand Officers of Maine put on two
plays entitled “The Fight” and “After The Storm” at St. Stevens, New
Brunswick. (A picture of the cast is enclosed)
It is interesting to note that since 1962 sixteen Past Grand High
Priests of Maine and sixteen Past First Grand Principals of New Brunswick have
been called to serve in The Great and Glorious Grand Chapter above.
Attendance at this tremendous event has been dwindling which is a
shame. The knowledge and companionship cannot be equaled anywhere else and is
probably the most successful fraternal function on any State or National scale.
Mark your calendar now and support “Hands Across The Border” on October 26,
2002, the place to be announced. I want to thank M.E. Past Grand High Priest Douglas B.Taylor and M.E.
Past First Grand Principal Waldo Y. Leeman for their import.
Fraternally,
W. Eugene Pease. Grand High Priest