Category Archives: Degree Work

Degree Work, Lodge Events, Masonic Travel

Golden Rule-Covington No. 109 Initiates Two

January 31, 2017 Adam Gross Leave a comment

On January 31, 2017, Golden Rule-Covington Lodge No. 109 welcomed two new Brothers to the family of Freemasonry. Bro. Mike Hamilton and Bro. Randy Herzog were initiated as Entered Apprentice Masons before a crowd of 31 Masons representing at least a dozen different Lodges.

To demonstrate that Freemasonry really is a family, Bro. Randy Herzog’s father is our own Bro. Jim Herzog.

Five of our Brothers from Elvin E. Helms Lodge No. 926 were in attendance at the Degree: Worshipful Bro. Buddy Wallace, Master, Worshipful Bro. Jim Herzog, Worshipful Bro. Ernie Stratton, Worshipful Bro. Ed Tanner, Senior Steward and Worshipful Bro. Dan Kemble, Secretary.

Congratulations to Worshipful Bro. Rob Himes and his corps of officers for some fine degree work! Welcome to Bro. Hamilton and Bro. Herzog! May your Masonic journey be rewarding to you and our Craft!

L-R: Bro. Greg Bailey (109), Bro. Dan Kemble (517, 926), Bro. Buddy Wallace (264, 926), Ernie Stratton (304, 926), Dwight Rider (109), Mike Hamilton (E. A., 109), Jason Hale (109), Ed Tanner (304, 926), Rob Himes (109), Orlando Dos Santos (109), Eric Nelson (109), Randy Herzog, (E. A., 109), Jim Herzog (264, 926), and Hampton Quigley (109).

Community, Degree Work, Education, Lodge Events, Masonic Travel

Northern Kentucky DeMolay January 2017 Installation

January 29, 2017 Adam Gross Leave a comment

Northern Kentucky Chapter, Order of DeMolay, held its installation of officers on January 29, 2017 at Bradford Lodge No. 123, Independence, Kentucky. Bro. Josh Ball, who also serves as State Junior Councilor, was installed as Master Councilor of the Chapter. This is Bro. Josh’s third term as Master Councilor!

The Installation was performed by State Master Councilor Draven Sims along with his corps of officers.

Our Master, Bro. Buddy Wallace, along with Junior Warden Adam Gross and Secretary Dan Kemble attended the installation. Worshipful Bro. Buddy is pictured above with the members of Northern Kentucky Chapter, Order of DeMolay and the state officers of Kentucky DeMolay.

Northern Kentucky Chapter meets at Bradford Lodge No. 123 on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 2:00 P.M. Please support these young men and welcome them into the family of Freemasonry.

Degree Work, Grand Lodge, Lodge Events

From the Archives

January 5, 2017 Adam Gross Leave a comment

A recent search of the Archives of our Lodge produced the photograph shown below, taken on December 14, 2004. The occasion was the installation of the Officers of Petersburg Lodge No. 926 for the 2005 Lodge year.

Pictured above, left to right: Worshipful Bro. Mel Kinser, Grand Pursuivant of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky; Al Cummins, Senior Warden; Right Worshipful Bro. Keith Dreier, Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky; Worshipful Bro. Al Collier, Treasurer; Worshipful Bro. Dennis Stephens, Master; Worshipful Bro. Rick Campbell, Junior Warden; Right Worshipful Bro. Greg Powell, Grand Senior Warden, Grand Lodge of Kentucky; Worshipful Bro. Kenny Williamson, Tyler, Worshipful Bro. Elvin E. Helms, Jr., Secretary; Worshipful Bro. Garry C. Kelly, Committee on Biography, Grand Lodge of Kentucky.

Community, Degree Work, Grand Lodge, Lodge Events

Installation of Officers 2016-2017

December 13, 2016 Adam Gross Leave a comment

Officers for 2016-2017, left to right:

Sammy Meyerratken, Senior Deacon; Travis Bush, Treasurer; Adam Gross, Junior Warden; Jason Wallace, Senior Warden; Buddy Wallace, Master; Ed Tanner, Senior Steward; Grand Senior Warden Gary Rose, Installing Master; Bob Bradford, Junior Steward; Mel Kinser, Chaplain; Honorary Member Dave Cassesa, Installing Marshall; Dan Kemble, Secretary

Our Volumes of Sacred Law upon the Altar. May they ever light our path!

Right Worshipful Bro. Gary C. Rose, Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, F. & A. M. served as our Installing Master.

Worshipful Bro. Dave Cassesa, Installing Marshall, presents Master-elect Bro. Buddy Wallace at the altar for installation.

Our newly obligated Master, Bro Buddy Wallace, receives the line, the rule, Book of Constitutions and the By-Laws from Installing Marshall Dave Cassesa.

Worshipful Master, Bro. Buddy Wallace, is seated in the chair of King Solomon.

Right Worshipful Bro. Gary C. Rose, Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, F. & A. M. charges our newly installed Master, Bro. Buddy Wallace.

Worshipful Bro. Dave Cassesa, Installing Marshall, proclaims the installation of Worshipful Master Bro. Buddy Wallace.

Bro. Sammy Meyerratken, Senior Deacon, and Worshipful Bro. Adam Gross, Junior Warden, observe the proceedings.

Worshipful Bro. Jason Wallace (kneeling) and Worshipful Bro. Adam Gross take their obligations as Senior Warden and Junior Warden, respectively.

Worshipful Bro. Jason Wallace, Senior Warden, assumes his station in the West.

Worshipful Bro. Dave Cassesa, Installing Marshall, presents Worshipful Bro. Adam Gross at the altar for installation as Junior Warden.

Worshipful Bro. Adam Gross, Junior Warden, receives his collar from his mother-in-law, Holly Kemble.

Worshipful Bro. Dave Cassesa, Installing Marshall, presents Worshipful Bro. Dan Kemble and Worshipful Bro. Travis Bush for installation as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.

Worshipful Bro. Dan Kemble and Worshipful Bro. Travis Bush (kneeling) take their obligations as Secretary and Treasurer while Holly Kemble and Debbie Bush look on.

Worshipful Bro. Dave Cassesa, Installing Marshall, presents Worshipful Bro. Mel Kinser, Worshipful Bro. Bob Bradford, Worshipful Bro. Dennis Stephens and Bro. Sammy Meyerratken for installation as Chaplain, Junior Steward, Junior Deacon and Senior Deacon, respectively.

Worshipful Bro. Dave Cassesa, Installing Marshall, presents Worshipful Bro. Mel Kinser, Chaplain, with the jewel of his office.

Worshipful Bro. Bob Bradford and Worshipful Bro. Ed Tanner are installed as Junior Steward and Senior Steward, respectively.

Worshipful Bro. Dan Kemble, Worshipful Bro. Mel Kinser and Worshipful Bro. Ed Tanner at their respective stations.

Worshipful Bro. Ed Tanner, Worshipful Bro. Adam Gross and Worshipful Bro. Bob Bradford at their respective stations.

Worshipful Bro. Dave Cassesa, Installing Marshall, proclaims the installation of officers of Elvin E. Helms Lodge No. 926 for the year 2017.

Worshipful Master Bro. Buddy Wallace stands between Right Worshipful Bro. Gary Rose, Grand Senior Warden, and Worshipful Bro. Dave Cassesa, Installing Marshall.

Bro. Sammy Meyerratken, Senior Deacon, Gary C. Rose, Grand Senior Warden, Grand Lodge of Kentucky, Worshipful Master Buddy Wallace and Worshipful Bro. Ernest C. Jackson, Past Master of James W. Alley Lodge No. 869 in Wayland, Kentucky.

Worshipful Bro. Garry Kelly, who otherwise would not have had his picture taken, poses with Worshipful Bro. Jason Wallace, Senior Warden.

Last but not least, 2016’s winners for our Kelly Elementary School Fund were Worshipful Bro. Bob Perry of Alexandria No. 152 and our newly installed Secretary, Worshipful Bro. Dan Kemble.

Degree Work, Grand Lodge, Lodge Events

Invitation to Annual Installation of Officers 2016-2017

December 6, 2016 Adam Gross Leave a comment

Elvin E. Helms Lodge No. 926 will hold its annual election and installation of officers at its stated meeting on Tuesday, December 13, 2016. The installation is open to the public and all are invited. Dinner will be served at 6:30 P. M. and the installation will begin at 7:30 P. M.

Right Worshipful Bro. Gary C. Rose, Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, F. & A. M., will serve as installing Master. Worshipful Bro. Dave Cassesa, Past Master of Robert Burns Lodge No. 163 and William O. Ware Lodge of Research No. 999 will act as installing Marshal.

Nominated at our Lodge’s November meeting were the following Brothers:

Master – Henry S. (“Buddy”) Wallace, Jr., P. M.
Senior Warden – Jason L. Wallace, P. M.
Junior Warden – Thomas Adam Gross, P. M.
Treasurer – Travis M. Bush, P. M.
Secretary – Dan M. Kemble, P. M.

Nominations for any of the above offices may still be made from the floor at our meeting in December. Otherwise, we will vote to approve the nominations made in November. The remaining officers will be appointed by the newly installed Master.

Dinner will be barbecued brisket and chicken, along with potato salad and baked beans. If you have a favorite side dish and/or dessert, please feel free to bring it along.

Please make plans to attend our meeting and installation on December 13. Bring your family and friends and help our Lodge get off to a great start for the 2017 year.

Dues cards are in. Our annual dues are $ 101.00 and are payable by January 31. Please see the Secretary to pay your dues and receive your 2017 dues card.

Degree Work, Grand Lodge, Lodge Events, Masonic Travel

2016 Outdoor Raising

September 24, 2016 Adam Gross Leave a comment

Brothers from every Lodge in District 18 and one Lodge in District 19 gathered this morning at Hershell Freeman’s farm for the purpose of conferring the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on 8 Fellow Craft Brothers, including Brother Sammy Meyerratken of Elvin E. Helms No. 926. Most Worshipful Grand Master Cloyd J. Bumgardner presided over the first section, assisted by Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master Todd Jones, Right Worshipful Grand Junior Warden Gary Rose, Grand Senior Deacon Craig Lindon, and Grand Marshall Denver Rose. Our Grand Lodge Officers did an impressive job. Most Worshipful Grand Master, Right Worshipful Elected Grand Lodge Officers, and Worshipful Appointed Grand Lodge Officers — we thank you all for being with us this morning and for your excellent work!

Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master Dan Kemble, District 18, Grand Lodge of Kentucky assembled and directed an all-star cast to portray The Legend of the Temple.

The Master Mason Slide Lecture was given by Brother Owen Huff of Colonel Clay No. 159. The GHS and MMWoD Lecture was given by Worshipful Brother Ken Rodgers of Golden Rule-Covington No. 109. The Master Mason Charge was given by Worshipful Brother Adam Gross of Elvin E. Helms No. 926. The Address was given by Worshipful Brother Ed Tanner of Elvin E. Helms No. 926. The Canadian Charge was given by Worshipful Brother Mel Kinser of Elvin E. Helms No. 926.

After comments by our newly Raised Brothers and those in attendance the floor was given to our Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master Dan Kemble, District 18, Grand Lodge of Kentucky for his closing remarks, during which he was presented with an Honorary Membership to Bradford No. 123. Elvin E. Helms No. 926 was closed in peace and harmony at 4:00pm.

img_20160924_163921328 — Our eight newly Raised Master Masons. Left to right, they are: Adam Larkin, Boone-Union No. 304; Adam Neace, Bradford No. 123; Kent Means, Bradford No. 123; Matthew Waters, Alexandria No. 152; Sammy Meyerratken, Elvin E. Helms No. 926; Hampton Quigley, Golden Rule-Covington No. 109; Brian Carroll, Good Faith No. 95; and Kevin Surface, Golden Rule-Covington No. 109.

img_20160924_164032470 — Our Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master shortly after being presented with his Honorary Membership to Bradford No. 123.

Community, Degree Work, Education, Lodge Events

September 2016 Stated Communication

September 13, 2016 Adam Gross Leave a comment

The Brothers of Elvin E. Helms No. 926 met again in Stated Communication for a busy and productive evening of Masonic Brotherhood. The first order of events this evening was to hear the Fellow Craft Proficiency of Brother Sammy Meyerratken. To the expectations of everyone present Brother Sammy did a fantastic job and is now officially eligible to participate in the District 18 Outdoor Master Mason Degree which will be held on Saturday, September 24 beginning at 10am at Hershell Freeman’s farm, located at 440 Ripple Run Road, Verona, KY. As an added bonus, the Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky will be conferring the first section.

Next, we were honored to have Illustrious Brother Bill Lorenz give his presentation on Magic Squares and Magic Numbers for our educational program.

melancholia-1514 — Page 1 – Melencolia I is a 1514 engraving by the German Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer. It is an allegorical composition which has been the subject of many interpretations. One of the most famous old master prints, it has sometimes been regarded as forming one of a conscious group of Meisterstiche (“master prints”) with his Knight, Death and the Devil (1513) and Saint Jerome in his Study (1514).

Following his presentation, the Brothers of Elvin E. Helms No. 926 had a presentation to make of our own. Illustrious Brother Bill Lorenz was made an honorary member of our Lodge.

Pictured above, left to right: Dan Kemble, District Deputy Grand Master, District 18, Grand Lodge of Kentucky; Ernie Stratton, P.M., Master; Illustrious Brother Bill Lorenz.

Pictured above, left to right: Ernie Stratton, P.M., Master; Bob Bradford, P.M.

Worshipful Brother Bob Bradford submitted a Petition for Affiliation at our August Stated Communication. At tonight’s Stated Communication he was elected unanimously to membership at Elvin E. Helms No. 926. Brother Bob, we’re looking forward to putting you to work!

We are half way to our goal for the Kelly Elementary Christmas Fund. Keep up the great work Brothers, but remember time is running out. If you like to support this annual charity of our Lodge, please contact our Secretary, Worshipful Brother Ed Tanner by clicking here.

img_20160913_220015846 — Pictured above, left to right: Vern Gregory; Tom Roundtree; Ernie Stratton, Master; Brad Drew, Master of Latonia No. 746; Chuck Yokum; and Ira Brockman. Not pictured: Lee Onkst.

Last but not least, the Brothers from Latonia No. 746 visited with us this evening to claim the traveling gavels. They had six members present in total, four of them Scottish Rite Masons as well. If you would like to claim the District 18 Traveling Gavel or District 18 Scottish Rite Traveling Gavel for your Lodge, they can be claimed at the next Stated Communication of Latonia No. 746 on Thursday, October 6. Latonia No. 746 serves a fellowship meal at 6:30 with their Stated Communication following immediately at 7:30.

Degree Work, Masonic Travel

Fellow Craft Degree at Good Faith No. 95

August 26, 2016 Adam Gross Leave a comment

On Friday, August 26 the Brothers of Good Faith No. 95 met for the purpose of conferring the Fellow Craft Degree upon Brother Brian Carroll under the direction of Acting Master David Bird. The Letter G Lecture was given by Worshipful Brother Dan Kemble, District Deputy Grand Master, District 18, Grand Lodge of Kentucky. Worshipful Brother George Scott gave the Stair Lecture. Worshipful Brother Adam Gross gave the Fellow Craft Charge. The Bluegrass Ritualist points earned by Brother Gross gave him the required number of points to attain the Senior Ritualist award.

Pictured above, left to right: Ernie Hughes, P.M., Junior Steward; David Bird, Senior Warden; Worshipful Master Erich Creech, P.M.; Brian Carroll, our new Fellow Craft; Bob Lainhart, P.M., Treasurer; Bill Breeze, P.M., Chaplain; Paul Long, Senior Steward; and Orville Bryant, Tiler.

Pictured above, left to right: Brian Carroll, Sammy Meyerratken, and Adam Larkin, Fellow Craft Brothers all. Brothers Sammy and Adam came out to support Brother Brian Carroll and to see the Fellow Craft Degree from the other side.

Pictured above, left to right: Adam Gross, P.M., Senior Deacon; Sammy Meyerratken; Dan Kemble, District Deputy Grand Master, District 18, Grand Lodge of Kentucky; Garry Kelly, P.M.; Worshipful Master Ernie Stratton, P.M.

Elvin E. Helms No. 926 was well represented on this occasion, with 5 total members present. This was sufficient to claim the District 18 Traveling Gavel. You can come visit our Lodge on Tuesday, September 13 to claim the gavel for your Lodge. As usual, we will be serving a great Fellowship Meal at 6:30pm followed by our Stated Communication at 7:30pm.

If you’ve never been to Elvin E. Helms No. 926 please stop by and visit our storied Lodge in historic Petersburg, KY. On top of being one of the friendliest Lodges going and the great food that we serve at every meeting, we have one of the best education programs you’ll find anywhere. At our September Stated Communication our guest speaker will be Illustrious Brother Bill Lorenz. He will be presenting on the subjects of Magic Squares and Magic Numbers.

Degree Work, Education, Lodge Events

March 22, 2016 Entered Apprentice Degree

March 22, 2016 Adam Gross Leave a comment

The Brothers of Elvin E. Helms No. 926 assembled in a Called Communication to confer the Entered Apprentice Degree on our new Brother Sammy Robert Meyerratken, led by Acting Master Adam Gross. Worshipful Brother and Past District Deputy Grand Master Ken Rodgers gave the Bible, Slide, and Recapitulation lectures. Worshipful Brother Adam Gross gave the Entered Apprentice Charge. We were also treated to some unexpected Masonic Education by Worshipful Brother Scott Sheldon of Beaverton No. 100 in the Grand Jurisdiction of Oregon. We had a great representation of Brothers from Elvin E. Helms No. 926 as well as other Lodges throughout the District, State, and abroad. An evening of good food, fellowship, and Degree Work was enjoyed by all in attendance. Welcome to our Lodge Brother Sammy!

Pictured above, left to right: Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master, District 18, Grand Lodge of Kentucky, Dan Kemble; Mike Bryant, Pleasure Ridge Park No. 959; Worshipful Brother Scott Sheldon, Beaverton No. 100, Grand Lodge of Oregon; Worshipful Brother Adam Gross, Acting Master, Senior Steward; Worshipful Master Ernie Stratton; Worshipful Brother Jim Herzog, Senior Steward; Sammy Meyerratken, our newly obligated Entered Apprentice; Worshipful Brother Rick Campbell, Tiler; Worshipful Brother Bud Wallace, Senior Warden; Worshipful Brother Ed Tanner, Secretary; Worshipful Brother Travis Bush, Junior Steward; Worshipful Brother Mel Kinser, Chaplain; Worshipful Past District Deputy Grand Master, District 18, Grand Lodge of Kentucky, Ken Rodgers; Worshipful Brother Dennis Stephens, Junior Deacon; Worshipful Brother Jason Wallace, Junior Warden.

Pictured above, left to right: Brother Mike Bryant, Pleasure Ridge Park No. 959; Sammy Meyerratken, our newly obligated Entered Apprentice; Worshipful Brother Scott Sheldon, Beaverton No. 100, Grand Lodge of Oregon. All three of these Brothers served together in the United States Military overseas. It was a very special evening for Brothers Mike and Scott to see Sammy receive his Entered Apprentice Degree. We are very thankful they made the visit to Elvin E. Helms No. 926 to share the evening with us.

Degree Work, Lodge Events, Masonic Travel

Elvin E. Helms Lodge visits Ted Adams Lodge of Research No. 998

December 29, 2015 Adam Gross Leave a comment

Bro. Adam Gross, P. M., Senior Deacon of Elvin E. Helms Lodge No. 926, and Bro. Dan Kemble, P.M., along with Bro. Dave Cassesa, P.M. and Honorary Member of Elvin E. Helms Lodge No. 926, traveled to Lowmansville, Kentucky, on December 29 to witness the installation of Worshipful Bro. Eddie Hazelett as Master of Ted Adams Lodge of Research No. 998. Bro. Hazelett is also a member of Paintsville Lodge No. 381 and serves that Lodge as its Master this year as well. Bro. Hazelett is a Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Valley of Covington. He is a frequent visitor to Northern Kentucky Freemasonry.

Kentucky is in the fortunate, and quite rare, position of being home to two Lodges of Research. Ted Adams Lodge of Research meets on the 5^th Tuesday, when occurring, at Chandlersville Lodge No. 858 in Lowmansville and our own William O. Ware Lodge of Research No. 999 meets on the 5^th Wednesday, when occurring, at the Scottish Rite Temple in Covington. Worshipful Bro. Cassesa is serving as Master of William O. Ware Lodge of Research No. 999 this year.

Both Lodges of Research are a tremendous resource for those with interest in Masonic education and research. Please support the Lodges of Research whenever possible.

Pictured left to right: David Cassesa, Worshipful Master of William O. Ware Lodge of Research No. 999 and Eddie Hazelett, Worshipful Master of Ted Adams Lodge of Research No. 998.

Pictured left to right: Dan Kemble, District Deputy Grand Master, District 18, Grand Lodge of Kentucky; David Cassesa, Master of William O. Ware Lodge of Research No. 999; Eddie Hazelett, Master of Ted Adams Lodge of Research No. 998; Adam Gross, Grand Lodge of Kentucky Committee on Masons Helping Masons.

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Second Tuesday @ 7:30pm Fellowship Meal @ 6:30pm 6570 Tanner Street Petersburg, KY 41080