Strathmore Chapter #21, Strathmore

Chapter News

The 13th Annual Badlands Open Air Chapter was held at Drumheller, on Sat. Sept. 10, 2011.  This function is held annually on the Saturday after Labour Day at the Canadian Badlands Passion Play site (almost literally "in the quarries"), and has been jointly hosted by Strathmore Chapter #21 & Eheyeh Chapter #27 since its inception in 1999 .  This year saw 62 Companions & candidates from 15 Chapters from all over Alberta, one with an Ontario affiliation, one from #470 in Scotland, and a great representation of 11 from Saskatchewan, with 3 chapters represented including 8 members & a candidate from Eagle Lake Chapter #20 in Kindersley.  The Grand First Principals of Alberta (MEC Jerry Kopp) and Saskatchewan (MEC Bill Fitzsimmons from #33 in Saskatoon) were both present and participated in the work, to the delight of the candidates, as well as all present.  The day was perfect weather and the RA Chapter opened by Strathmore #21 and Eheyeh #27 Chapters to receive both Grand Z's, and guests, and to ballot as required.  MEC Jerry Kopp, G1stP of AB brought greetings, and welcomed his counterpart, MEC Bill Fitzsimmons, GZ of SK, and introduced Grand Officers of both provinces. 

7 candidates from 5 chapters then received their MMM & MEM degrees under a clear blue sky.  The MMM degree was put on by the York Rite College in southern AB, under the direction of REC Dave Switzer, G3rdP, and the MEM was organized by REC Peter Proudlock, SE for Strathmore #21, and put on by RAMs from all over southern AB and SK, with EC Richard Sellers as Z (Z of #21).  Organization of the site, etc. was done by Eheyeh #27 under the direction of REC Doug Wade.  Both the Grand Z's were "put to work in the quarries" right along with everyone else.

A great lunch between the two degrees was hosted by Eheyeh, with EC Jim Stroud once again wearing the long FC apron of the Office of The Cook.  Proceeds were donated to the Badlands Passion Play Society.

All as could helped pack up the regalia and paraphernalia, and returned it to the lodge hall downtown and gathered for an hour of 'fraternal social mirth'.   Our new MEM's stated they were most impressed with the amount of planning that goes into this event and with the quality of the work and lectures - a totally memorable experience.  Ant to top it all off, the drive home was through the incredible beauty up out of the Red Deer River valley and the Badlands and through Alberta's magnificent Great Plains with the harvest in full swing.  A better day and field day could not be imagined!  Thank you to all who participated and attended. 

Plan now to attend the 14th Annual Badlands Open Air Chapter, on Sat. Sept. 8, 2012, same time, same place.  And encourage other Companions & applicants to attend this great 'Gathering of the Royal Arch Clans'.

Submitted by REC Peter Proudlock, SE, Strathmore #21

Photo info (photo number appears bottom left below photo when clicked on, click upper R or L to advance/go back): 

#1) - VEC John Church, DofC, Strathmore #21, presenting the GZ's of SK & AB, & accompanying officers. 

#2) - MEC Bill Fitzsimmons, GZ SK (V.S.L.) & MEC Jerry Kopp, GZ AB (scepter), closing RA Chapter. 

#3) - Alta & Sask Grand Chapter officers at  13th annual Drumheller field day, 2011. 

#4) - EC Chris Tsaros, Z Otuskwan #9, rivetting the MMMs with a most impressive Charge, accompanied by EC Bill Costinuk, SD. 

#5) - MEC Jerry Kopp (blue), GZ of AB & MEC Bill Fitzsimmons (red), GZ of SK, congratulating new MMMs. 

#6) - One of the tylers (Eheyeh #27) - at this time - wondering how to tyle for a slow low flying plane. 

#7) - EC Richard Sellers, Z for degree & of #21, congratulating new MEM's. 

#8) - Sask. visitors (L to R, Comps & Eagle Lake #20 unless stated): Dennis Schoeler (SS), Cliff Bullis (JS), REC Joe Bertram (OG), MEC Bill Fitzsimmons (#33 & GZ), REC Eric Rann (#29 & GDS#4), REC Dan Gerle (SE & Gr. Historian), Ken Mick (PS), Bro. Jeff Vall (MEM), Rick MacDougall, EC Don Krogstad (Z) and Randy Lavoie (J).

Pic of MEC David Boone presenting REC Ronald Beirnes a PGDS jewel.

Pics of surprise presentation of 60 year bar to VEC Cecil Anderson at Strathmore #21 June meeting & BBQ, by REC Les Payne, GDS#3 on his official visit, and by REC Jerry Kopp, Grand H & chapter DofC.  Cec's brother Walter was to have also been presented his bar as well, but had broken his hip shortly before.