Submitted by RPC Chuck McCollum, General Grand Treasurer
Pictured from left to right: Charles A. McCollum, General Grand Treasurer, Michael E. Seamon, Past Most Puissant Grand Master and Prior of Connecticut Priory No. 28, Richard A. Eppler, Past Most Puissant Grand Master, and Rev. Joseph Krusienski, Past Prior of Connecticut Priory No. 28
On April 29, 2021, during the meeting of Connecticut Priory No. 28, KYCH in Meriden, Connecticut, Most Puissant Companion Richard A. Eppler, Past Most Puissant Grand Master of Connecticut, was presented with the General Grand Council Medal of Honor. This is the highest award given to a Cryptic Mason who has devoted his life to the improvement of Masonry. There is to be only one award presented at each Triennial Assembly. MP Companion Richard was recognized for his many years of service as the editor of the Cryptic Freemason Newsletter, and for being a tireless worker for Cryptic Masonry in Connecticut and wherever his travels have taken him.
The highest award is given to a Cryptic Mason, “a Brother and Companion who is revered by Masons throughout the world and one who has devoted his life to the improvement of Masonry.” The Medal of Honor was approved and the first one given at the 33rd Triennial in 1978.
One is given at every Triennial Assembly to one awardee, the decision being made by the elective officers of the General Grand Council based upon recommendations from the Craft. The optimal candidate will have provided service to Masonry and who is well known in the Arts, Science, Business, Religion or Government.
Submitted by RPC Chuck McCollum, General Grand Treasurer
Pictured left to right: Charles D. O’Neill, Past Most Puissant Grand Master, Charles A. McCollum, General Grand Treasurer, Michael E. Seamon, Past Most Puissant Grand Master of Prior of Connecticut Priory No. 28, James S. McNeely, IV, Deputy Puissant Grand Master, and Richard A. Eppler, Past Most Puissant Grand Master
On April 29, 2021, during the meeting of Connecticut Priory No. 28, KYCH in Meriden, Connecticut, Most Puissant Companion Charles D. O’Neill, Past Most Puissant Grand Master of Connecticut and Right Illustrious Companion James S. McNeely, IV, Deputy Puissant Grand Master of Connecticut were inducted into the Order of the Secret Vault, in recognition of their years of service to Cryptic Masonry.
The award was presented, and the induction was led by Right Puissant Companion Charles A. McCollum, General Grand Treasurer of the General Grand Council, Cryptic Masons International.
Submitted by Most Illustrious Companion Corey Curtiss, Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Council of Michigan
Pictured from left to right: Steve Striggow, Past Regional Deputy General Grand Master, Ryan Groat, Past Most Illustrious Grand Master, Warren Caruss, Past Regional Deputy General Grand Master
On April 24, 2021 at the Strawberry Festival hosted by Leslie Council #50 in Mason, Michigan, Illustrious Companion Ryan Groat, Past Most Illustrious Grand Master of Michigan and Grand Lecturer of the Grand Council, was presented with the Columbian Medal for distinguished service awarded by the General Grand Council Cryptic Masons International. It was presented by Right Puissant Past Regional Deputy General Grand Masters Steve Striggow and Warren Caruss both past recipients of the Columbian medal. He is a tireless servant for the Craft, especially the Cryptic Rite, and is most deserving.
Most Illustrious Companion Ryan Groat led the Grand Council during a difficult transition following the passing of our long time Grand Recorder. During the end of his term, he developed a on-line membership database system, that has changed the way the Grand Council of Michigan does business; making the work of the local and Grand Recorder a great deal easier.
As Assistant Grand Recorder, Ryan has worked with the Grand Recorder to hone the system, refining and defining the processes of the Grand Council streamlining our day to day operations.
His work is of such importance, that the Grand Chapter of Michigan is considering merging their information with ours; creating a unified information system for the appendant York Rite Bodies of Michigan.
