Text Box: Chillicothe Council #4 was inspected in the Royal Master Degree at its annual inspection Saturday, December 16, 2006. After much confusion, indecision and seemingly last minute grappling, this due in no small part to the actions of Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons administration, by relieving the Sixth Arch of its assigned inspector, Most Illustrious Master James Parker IV served as the inspecting officer. While all administrative and financial records of Chillicothe Council #4 were provided to the inspecting officer by both Companion William Bennett and Illustrious Companion John R. Ashton, it appeared the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons in general and the inspecting officer in particular failed Chillicothe Council #4 in their support in maintaining a proper line of communication with the Illustrious Master, Recorder and Treasure as it pertained to our inspection. Proper Inspection Report forms (2006-2007) were not provided to Chillicothe Council #4 in advance of its annual inspection and a general lack of information as to whether we were going to have an inspector only exacerbated the level of confusion by our Council. It is disappointing when an inspecting officer will seem amicable and understanding at the time when all efforts are being made to furnish pertinent information to satisfy support data for inspection forms in spite of the circumstances, then write a scathing report critical of those same efforts. It is both frustrating and annoying. It is generally an accepted practice to accentuate the positive and supply constructive suggestions in the critique of ritualistic work to the officers of the line and those officers charged with the administrative and financial duties on behalf of the craft. The report of the inspecting officer was not flattering and, in most respects, failed in both areas. There was little in the report of Most Illustrious Master Parker that would inspire, encourage or support a subordinate council or those who strive to achieve a level performance based on his observation. One must take responsibility to serve, however one must be supplied the tools with which to serve. The leadership of any organization must come from the top and that leadership must be by example. Not by ridicule, threat, and innuendo. While reading the inspection report and it wordy paragraphs regaling the inadequacies and shortfalls or Chillicothe Council #4, it was only on reading the last two lines of the report that I felt Most Illustrious Master Parker made any effort to assume a degree of responsibility of the role Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons played in the overall debacle that precipitated his unfortunate inspection report. It read, “Travel in the Arch has started our very slowly. I will take responsibility for the lack of communication early in the season and the confusion, not having an Inspector. That is now history so come on out and have some FUN!” Now that is what I call an inspirational and motivational talk by the head coach. On a more pleasant note Most Illustrious Master cites our Illustrious Master as follows: llustrious Master, in observing the York Rite operation in your Temple, you and a few other are the entire work force. You led the Chapter inspection and an hour later the Council inspection. You have also been chosen as District Education Officer for the Grand Chapter R.A. M. of Ohio. Also, you have not yet been replaces as the Sixth Arch President. Your responsibilities go on and on. I presume you also have a family and work for a living. You are a workhorse and an excellent ritualist when you have fewer things to do and can stay organized. Text Box: Chillicothe Council #4 R. & S.M. Annual Inspection Text Box: The Trestle Board Text Box: Page # Text Box: Worshipful Brother Harley Thomas, building manager reports that two apartments on the second floor will become available in the next two months. There is a five room apartment and a one bedroom apartment, both will become available on February 1, 2007. To make an appointment to see either of these apartments, call Worshipful Brother Thomas at the Chillicothe Masonic Temple by calling 740-774-3485 or you may reach him at 773-1805. Text Box: The second article of good masonry, As you must it here hear specially, That every master, that is a mason, Must be at the general congregation, So that he it reasonably be told Where that the assembly shall be held; And to that assembly he must needs go, Unless he have a reasonable excuse, Or unless he be disobedient to that craft Or with falsehood is overtaken, Or else sickness hath him so strong, That he may not come them among; That is an excuse good and able, To that assembly without fable.