York Rite Video

I understand that Bro. Chris Hodapp wrote & produced this wee video about the York Rite. Very nicely done...

Past Grand Master Calvin G. Bond Has Passed On

Calvin G. Bond, 85, of Oswego, passed away on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at Seneca Hill Manor.

Calvin (Cal) was born in South New Haven, son of the late John and Bertha L. (Fairley) Bond on June 8th, his mother’s birthday.

He is survived by Constance (Holmes) Bond of Oswego; three sisters, Bertha Emerson of New Haven; Ruth Schneider of Liverpool; Helen Griffin of Mexico; two sisters-in-laws, Shirley Bond of W. Virginia and Barbara Sawyer of Scriba.

Cal was predeceased by four sisters, M. Isabel LaClair, Evelyn G. Bond, Dora M. Thornell, Elizabeth L. Rein and four brothers, Edward T., John D., Theodore H. and James W. Bond.

A graduate of RBI, and I.A.S. School of Controllership and Oswego State University.

Cal was Treasurer of Oswego Package Boiler Co., Inc. until retirement in 1979.

He was involved in many organizations including Oswego Rotary, Red Cross, YMCA, United Way and Oswego Hospital financial matters. Cal was a long time member of the Church of the Resurrection and served in many capacities.

Cal’s interests and talents included landscaping and floral arranging, sharing antiques, and appreciating the beauty of the world in general. His outstanding baritone voice was enjoyed at his church, choral groups, weddings and other special occasions.

Cal had a long Masonic career with the local, district and state offices some which include the Oswego Lodge #127 and Master 1954, he originated and co-chaired the Officers Training Seminars, Trustee of Masonic Home, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York 1984-1986 and in 1988 was appointed Grand Lecturer of Grand Lodge, Grand Governor of the York Rite Sovereign College for seven years, President and Chairman of the NY Masonic Youth Foundation and President of the NY DeMolay foundation for ten years, the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Honorary member in numerous lodges and Chapters receiving many honors and medal.

Cal led US Masons in raising over three million dollars towards refurbishing the Statute of Liberty and presided at the one hundredth anniversary celebration of laying of the Cornerstone of the pedestal.

Throughout his Masonic career he especially enjoyed the opportunity to teach the Masonic Ritual and character building.

He had cherished memories of family and friends throughout his lifetime.

Funeral Services will be held 10a.m. Wednesday at the Church of the Resurrection. Burial will be in New Haven Cemetery.

A Masonic Service will be held 7p.m. Tuesday at the Funeral Home.

Calling hours will be held 4-8p.m. Monday and 4-8p.m. Tuesday at the Nelson Funeral Home, 11 West Albany St. Oswego.

Donations: Church of the Resurrection, 120 West Fifth St.

I had the pleasure of knowing Past Grand Master Bond. He was a very inspirational person, a great Mason and a true gentleman. He was always quick with encouragement and brotherly advice. He will be missed, not only in our immediate area of the Onondaga & Oswego Districts, but everywhere. Please make time for a moment of silence sometime today to reflect on his memory.

Oklahoma DeMolay 'Sweetheart' Tori Sebrant Found

Brother Chris Hodapp passed this onto me: "It was announced at 10AM Sunday, May 30th that Tori has been found, and she is safe. Thanks to all who helped to search for her."

Oklahoma DeMolay 'Sweetheart' Tori Sebrant Missing

I hope that Chris Hodapp doesn't mind my blatant stealing of his post but this involves a Oklahoma DeMolay Chapter Sweetheart. Please take heed of this posting...

The young lady pictured, Tori Sebrant, has been missing since May 24th. Tori was last seen on Monday, May 24th, 2010, leaving for lunch from Stillwater High School, Stillwater, Oklahoma. It is my understanding that she is this year's sweetheart for the Stillwater DeMolay Chapter.

She is 15 years old, 5'8", around 160 with hazel eyes and fair skin. She has brown hair with blond highlights (although one report from a friend says she colored her hair solid auburn the night before she went missing).

Tori is an avid walker. If you are local to the Stillwater area, please look for her in parks, quiet neighborhoods and on walking trails. Please spread the word.


Contact the Stillwater Police Dept. at: 405-372-4171

Tori's family can be reached at: 503-888-0479
Find Tori Facebook Page
Or e-mail: helpfindtori@gmail.com

What have I been up to?

Ok, I know what you're thinking: "where the hell have you been?" And you are right, I have been very lax in my posting s here of late but I have been busy with Masonic activities.

Earlier this month, I attended the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New York. Congratulations to the new Grand Line headed by our new Grand Master M.'.W.'. Vincent Libone.

The following weekend was the Installation of Officers for Trinity Chapter, Order of DeMolay. My, son Conor was the outgoing Master Councilor and the incoming Scribe. Always the proud father, I am extremely happy to report that Conor was presented the Representative DeMolay award that evening - the first for Trinity! On top of that, he also was awarded the Past Master Councilor-Meritorious Service Award which is given for excellence in term planning & execution (also a first for Trinity and, I have heard, possibly the only active DeMolay in NYS to have it). His Chapter Brothers have been inspired with most of them asking for the Representative DeMolay paperwork and the Senior Councilor asking what he needs to do to get the PMC-MSA when he is the Master Councilor. I am very, very proud! (in the photo, left to right: Dad Keith Rung, Finger Lakes Division Councilor; Conor Powell, PMC-MSA; Andrew Roberts, NY State Master Councilor; Katie Heller, NY State Sweetheart)

I have also been doing Scottish Rite & Royal Arch Degrees as well as making long overdue appearances at Commandery and Council Meetings. I have started Facebook Pages for the Valley of Syracuse, AASR; the NY Council of Deliberation, AASR; and Trinity Chapter. So you see, I have been busy.

I hope to begin regular posts gain very soon - keep your eyes open...