Itinerary and Schedule of Events

General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International 69th Triennial Convocation General Grand Council Cryptic Masons International 45th Triennial Assembly
Thursday September 25, 2014 through Tuesday September 30, 2014

Adams Mark Hotel 120 Church Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 845-5100

Welcome and Introduction

On behalf of the Convention Committee of General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International and General Grand Council Cryptic Masons International, we extend our sincerest greetings and welcome to all of the participants and delegates to this Triennial Convention. Our Committee has worked diligently to host a world class convention and destination worthy of your consideration and participation. We are eager for you to review the accompanying itinerary and schedule of events which will aid you in your preparations as a delegate to this convention.

Overview of the Triennial Tours and Outside Entertainment

The Triennial Convention Program actually begins a few days prior to the formal opening of both General Grand Bodies in order to offer time for you to tour and experience the unique and wonderful attractions indigenous to the Western New York Region. We have selected two professionally run tours preceding the convention. The first tour is scheduled Friday September 26, 2014 with a 9:00AM-4:00PM trip to the spectacular Niagara Falls considered one of the Natural Wonders of the World. (US side only-no passport needed). The second tour is scheduled Saturday, September 27, 2014 with a 9:00AM-4:00PM trip touring the wonderful and historical sites in and around the City of Buffalo; which during the Pan Am Exposition was declared to be the Paris of North America. The City of Buffalo is also the terminus of the famous Erie Canal. The Adams Mark Hotel is within walking distance of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park and museum on the shore of Lake Erie and offer for tour, several decommissioned US Naval vessels, including the Cleveland-class cruiser USS Little Rock, the Fletcher-class destroyer USS The Sullivans, and the submarine USS Croaker are open to the public for tours. Located a short distance beyond the Naval Park is the new 130 Million Dollar Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino and entertainment complex for your enjoyment.

Special Conferral of Degrees

Super Excellent Master Degree and Dinner On Friday evening, September 26, 2014, Columbian Council No. 1 (The Mother Council of Cryptic Masonry) will confer the Super Excellent Master Degree on pre-qualified candidates. We will have a Special Buffet Dinner for the Audience, Degree Team, and Candidates starting at 6:00PM in conjunction with the conferral of the degree. This degree is open to all Select Master Cryptic Masons and they are strongly encouraged to witness this historic occasion. Attached with this overview is an application form that must be sent directly to Christopher L. Allen, the Registrar of the conferring organizations. All of the information necessary to receive the degrees is contained within the form. Candidates must have attained the rank of Select Master in order to qualify to receive the Super Excellent Master Degree. All Super Excellent Masters are most welcome and encouraged to attend, dine and be a part of this historic occasion. Note: All candidates must register on a separate application form. Meal reservations must be made with the Convention Committee. General Grand High Priest to confer Holy Royal Arch Degree and Table Chapter On Saturday evening, September 27, 2014, The Royal Arch Degree will be conferred on prequalified candidates with Most Excellent Edmund D. Harrison, General Grand High Priest and Past Master of Independent Royal Arch Lodge No. 2 in the East, conferring the Degree in Ancient form. We will have a Table Chapter (between sections of the degree) in conjunction with the degree starting at 6:00PM. Note: All Candidates must be pre-qualified. Any Chapter may propose a candidate. Attached with this overview is an application form that must be sent directly to Christopher L. Allen, the Registrar of the conferring organizations. All of the information necessary to receive the degrees is contained within the form. Candidates must have attained the rank of Most Excellent Master in order to qualify to receive the Holy Royal Arch Degree. All Royal Arch Companions are most welcome and encouraged to attend, dine and be a part of this historic occasion. Note: All candidates must register on a separate application form. Meal reservations must be made with the Convention Committee.

Parade to the Erie Canal, Wedding of the Waters Ceremony and Opening Ceremonies of the Triennial
Canal and Parade In 1825 General Grand High Priest Most Excellent DeWitt Clinton, who was also New York's governor, stood on the deck of a packet boat and poured a barrel of water from Lake Erie into the Atlantic Ocean. This "wedding of the waters," as it came to be known, was the symbolic completion of the Erie Canal, the most important waterway of its day and the engineering project that once and for all sealed New York City's future as the most important commercial city in America. To commemorate this important event, The General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International, with New Yorks own Most Excellent Edmund D. Harrison officiating, will march to the Erie Canal from the Adams Mark Hotel and perform a symbolic wedding of the waters" ceremony at the recently rediscovered and beautifully restored Commercial Slip of the Erie Canal. We will assemble in full regalia in the hotel parking lot at 9:00AM and parade to the Erie Canal commencing at 9:30AM. Capitular ceremonies will begin as soon as we arrive at the Canal Site. This parade is open to the public and many government officials and dignitaries will be a part of the procession. It promises to be one of the most spectacular Masonic events of the triennial. Opening Ceremonies of the Triennial On Sunday, September 28, 2014, 1:00PM we will officially convene the Joint- Public Opening of the Triennial. The event opens up with an impressive Parade of Flags with each jurisdiction proudly carrying their respective State or Country Flag to the Grand East. Companion Donald Leo Mc Andrews, appearing in full costume as Ben Franklin will present an inspirational address to the audience. There will be formal introductions of dignitaries, welcomes, and proclamations and ending with a Memorial Service at 3:30PM.

Hotel Information
The Adams Mark Hotel is the official headquarters / hotel for the 2014 Triennial. The hotel is located at 120 Church Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, (716) 845-5100. It is important to understand that the hotel is located on the Lake Erie waterfront and is not situated in the downtown Buffalo area. There are few hotels or restaurants within a reasonable walking distance; therefore we strongly recommend that you reserve your meals etc. with the Triennial Committee.

Parking As part of the convention courtesies, the hotel is providing complimentary parking service in their garage ramps. You will receive a parking pass upon check in with the front desk. There is taxi service available between the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the Adams Mark Hotel. Shuttle Service The Adams Mark Hotel (716) 845-5100 - is offering limited shuttle service between the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the Adams Mark Hotel. The shuttle will be available to take you to the hotel on the peak arrival date of Thursday, September 25, 2014 & Friday, September 26, 2014 from the hours of 2:00PM-10:00PM. The shuttle will then be available to take you to the airport on Wednesday October 1, 2014 from 6:00AM-2:00PM.

Registration Procedures
The 2014 Triennial participants can register directly with the hotel via internet or telephone. The name of the group is 2014 Royal Arch/Cryptic Triennial. The room registration deadline is September 4, 2014. After this date, rooms or rates cannot be guaranteed. Cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to arrival date to avoid any fees. Electronic Registration To register electronically, simply click on the link on the Triennial/York Rite website or clip and paste the following in your browser:
https://bookings.ihotelier.com/Adams-Mark-Buffalo/bookings.jsp?hotelId=15259&groupID=1070755

Prior to actually registering, have your credit card ready. Within the Adams Mark electronic portal is a calendar for the event, as well as enhancements and additional amenities. There are also various pictures of the hotel and rooms for your information. We are offering three types of rooms: Double-$129.00, Executive Double-$139.00, and Executive King-$149.00, (Note: All rooms are non-smoking.) Telephone Registration Adams Mark Hotel telephone number is (716) 845-5100. The name of the group is 2014 Royal Arch/Cryptic Triennial in order to obtain the preferred group rate.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Buffalo Niagara International Airport is located in Cheektowaga, New York, United States. The address is 4200 Genesee Street, Buffalo New York, 14225, (716) 630-6000. It is named after the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area. The airport serves Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Western New York and Canada. Many Canadians find good deals when booking passage through the BuffaloNiagara International Airport facility. This is an international airport and has government custom agents. Buffalo, New York is on a major flyway for those travelling internationally to the Triennial. Passports and travel visas may be required to/from foreign jurisdictions.

Tours
In all our years of Masonic travel, the thing we remember best is when we take time to tour some of the wonderful sites where our Triennial Conventions are held. Who cannot remember when we went to South Dakota and toured Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Mountain, or the Black Gold Village? How about Indianapolis, Indiana? Who can forget the clean and sparkling downtown area, the colleges, the renovations, and the tour of the City and surrounding area? Remember how much fun it was eating lunch at the top of the hill and viewing the Ursay Monument? A few years ago, the General Grand York Rite travelled to the famous Foz do Iguacu in Brazil. Many still remember taking rides in the motor boat and riding directly under the falls! We are confident that many of us enjoy learning about the region/city where the Triennial is located. We have selected two professionally run tours preceding the convention for your enjoyment. The first tour is scheduled Friday September 26, 2014 with a 9:00AM-4:00PM trip to the spectacular Niagara Falls (US side) considered one of the Natural Wonders of the World. The second tour is scheduled Saturday, September 27, 2014 with a 9:00AM-4:00PM trip touring the wonderful and historical sites in and around the City of Buffalo. Without a doubt, the tours, bus, professional guides including a remarkable luncheon at the recently restored and glorious Hotel Lafayette (Buffalo Tour), or by Delaware North at the Top of the Falls Restaurant at the brink of Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls Tour) are designed to maximize your Triennial experience to the Western New York, region. These tours are reasonably priced and a great value. Reservations for the two tours are made with the Convention Committee on the master registration form. Our suggestion is that you purchase breakfast tickets, take the tour & luncheon and return to the Adams Mark for the evenings programs. The next two pages outline details for each exciting tour. Due to coordination issues, all tours must be booked in advance. We can easily accommodate all Triennial delegates based on presale enrollment.

Tour #1- Friday, September 26, 2014

Tour #2- Saturday, September 27, 2014

General Information for Meals at the Triennial

The Ladies of the Triennial Committee have planned delicious food selections for your consideration. The Adams Mark is somewhat landlocked along the shores of Lake Erie and there are few alternative restaurants located within close proximity of the hotel. For those who are adventurous, you can take a cab or automobile from the Hotel and explore the downtown scene. Of course, if there are any food allergies or dietary restrictions the hotel will gladly accommodate these circumstances. There will be space on the registration form to indicate any exceptions you may have. The Hotel restaurant and room service is available from 6:00AM to 2:00AM (subject to change without notice). Breakfast Friday through Tuesday From Friday through Tuesday we are offering a very filling Marks Continental buffet breakfast which will be served in our own private dining room (see meal description below) to get you off to a good start each day. Lunch Friday and Saturday Those who booked tours on Friday and Saturday have the lunch expense included within the tour price. Those who are not going on the tours- will order lunch directly from the Adams Mark Hotel restaurant or go off site. Lunch Sunday With the completion of the Parade to the Erie Canal and just before the Ceremonial Opening of the Triennial, we offer a joint mens and womens buffet luncheon consisting of a Chicke n and Barbeque Pork Rib buffet with full accompaniments. (See meal description below). Lunch Monday Ladies Luncheon with entertainment: 11:30AM-While the men are attending the Royal Arch Triennial session, the Ladies will enjoy a special sit-down luncheon. During the luncheon there will be an entertainment program. (See meal description below) Mens Luncheon: 12:00PM: The men will have a plated lunch. (See meal description below) Lunch Tuesday For the Cryptic Triennial session we will furnish a joint mens and womens buffet luncheon. (See meal description below). Dinners Wednesday and Thursday None offered by the Committee. You may order directly from the Adams Mark Hotel restaurant or go off site.

Dinners Friday There are two dinners offered that evening: Mens Program: The Companions attending the Super Excellent Master Degree will order the dinner associated with the program. (See meal description below) Non Participants: The ladies and others that are not participating in the Super Excellent Master Degree program will have a buffet dinner. (See meal description below) Dinner Saturday There are two dinners offered that evening. Mens Program: The Companions attending the Royal Arch Degree and Table Chapter will order the dinner associated with the program. (See meal description below) Non Participants: The ladies and others that are not participating in the Royal Arch Degree and Table Chapter will have a buffet dinner. Note: The entrees for this dinner are different than the night before. (See meal description below) Dinners Sunday The Sunday Banquet is the major fun and social get together. We will have a social hour, cash bar, and a wonderful meal with major entertainment. (See meal description below) Dinners Monday The Monday Dinner is the formal Triennial Banquet. This is where all the speeches, awards and honors will be presented. We will have a social hour, cash bar, with major entertainment. (see meal description below)

Meals and Menu Choices

Buffet Breakfast (all days) The Mark Continental Buffet- cost $21.00 Variety of Dry Cereals with Milk, Hot Croissants Sandwiches with Egg, Ham, and Cheese, assorted Juices, array of Fresh Fruits and Berries, Danish, Muffins, Croissants, Fruit Marmalade and Jams, Coffee, Tea etc Friday and Saturday Lunch- Furnished with the Tour or on your own. Friday Dinner Men and Woman, Non-Participating in the Degree -Classic Buffet-cost $45.00 Salad on Buffet, Buffet Accompaniments of Mixed fruit Salad, Spaghetti Salad and Antipasto

Salad. Rosemary and Thyme Roasted Potatoes, and Fresh Seasoned Vegetables. EntresChicken Marsala and London Broil Dessert carrot cake Super Excellent Master Degree Sit-Down Dinner- cost $42.00 Sliced Roast Beef Dinner with gravy, mashed potatoes, Green Beans and Salad. Dessert- carrot cake Saturday Dinner Men and Woman, Non-Participating in the Degree --Classic Buffet-cost $45.00 Soup-Buffet Accompaniments-Mixed Fruit Salad, Spaghetti Salad, Antipasto Salad Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Green Beans Almandine. EntresAsian Pork Loin and Sole Meuniere DessertFruit Pie- peach, cherry, etc. Men at the Table Chapter Sit Down Dinner-dual entre, cost $55.00 4 oz. of Petit Filet Mignon in a mushroom Demi-glace and a 6 oz. Chicken Breast With Red Pepper Coulis, Vegetable Provenal and Parmigiano Roasted Potatoes. DessertFruit Pie- peach, cherry, etc. Sunday Lunch Picnic Buffet- cost $31.00 Tossed Romaine Salad with Shaved Parmigiano, Hardboiled eggs, Cornbread Croutons, and Creamy Homemade Caesar Dressing. 3 Buffet Accompaniments-Corns on the Cob, Mustard Egg Potato Salad and Fruit Salad. Entrees- Fried Chicken and Kansas City Style Barbecued Pork Ribs Dessert-cookies and brownies Sunday Informal Dinner- Sit Down Dinner- (select from three choices) Choice #1-12 oz. Grilled NY Strip Steak-cost $52.00 Baked Potato, and Vegetable Medley Dessert- Pumpkin pie Choice #2- Apple Stuffed Pork Loin- cost $45.00 Sliced Pork loin with an Apple Cider Glaze, Stuffed with diced apples and vegetables. Served with Broccoli and Baked Potato. Dessert- Pumpkin pie Choice#3-Salmon with dill sauce- cost $45.00 Served with Risotto and vegetable, House Salad, Dessert- Pumpkin pie Monday Lunch Ladies Luncheon Salad Entres-cost $24.00- (select from two choices)

Choice#1- Blackened Filet of Sirloin Salad, Assorted Rolls, butter & Minestrone Soup, Black Angus Filet of Sirloin Strips over Organic Mixed Salad with Sliced Portobello Mushrooms, Diced Fresh Tomatoes, Gorgonzola Cheese, and Cornbread Croutons. Dessert- apple crisp Choice#2--Cobb Salad, Assorted Rolls, butter & Minestrone Soup, Chopped Grilled Chicken Breast with Diced Tomatoes, Black Olives, Crusted Pancetta, Hardboiled Eggs, Avocado Puree, and Topped with Gorgonzola Cheese. Dessert- apple crisp. Mens Plated Luncheon sandwiches-cost $24.00 (select from two choices) Choice#1-Famous Buffalo Combo-Roast Beef on Weck with horseradish and Jumbo Chicken Wings with celery, Carrots, and Blue cheese. Dessert- apple crisp. Choice#2- Sliced Smoked Turkey, Cranberry- mayonnaise, Roma Tomato, Aged Cheddar Cheese, and lettuce on a Focaccia Roll. Served with Pasta Salad. Dessert- apple crisp. Monday Formal Dinner Sit down Dinner- (Select from three choices) Choice #1-10 oz. Filet Mignon-- cost $55.00 Glazed with Pinot Noir Reduction, Maitre d Butter, and Tomatoes Provenal. Served with Baked fingerling, rosemary and thyme potatoes. Hearts of Palm Salad with spiced Caramelized Pecans, Dessert-NY Style Cheese cake with fruit sauce Choice #2- Crusted Baked Halibut Filet-cost $52.00 Crusted with Almond Horseradish and with a Sherry Cream Sauce. Served with grilled asparagus and saffron Risotto. Hearts of Palm Salad with spiced Caramelized Pecans, Dessert-NY Style Cheese cake with fruit sauce Choice #3-Stuffed Breast of Chicken-cost $38.00 Chicken Breast Stuffed with Spinach, Artichokes, and Ricotta Cheese with a Rosemary Citrus Confit Sauce. Served with Glazed Carrots and Potato with Leeks. Hearts of Palm Salad with spiced Caramelized Pecans, Dessert-NY Style Cheese cake with fruit sauce Tuesday Lunch Men and ladies plated luncheon- cost $24.00 (Select from two choices) Choice #1-Sesame Crusted Rolled Flank Steak, served with Shiitake Mushrooms Risotto and Sauted Broccoli in a Garlic Wine sauce. Dessert-chocolate mousse Choice #2-Pasta Primavera-Served with Mixed Vegetables and organic Tomato Sauce. Dessertchocolate mousse

Official General Schedule of Events*

(*Subject to Change)
Issued 9/1/2013

Wednesday September 24, 2014 Convention Committee arrival Dinner on your own Thursday September 25, 2014 Convention Committee arrival Tasks: Set up signage, hospitality room, headquarters, posters, registration desks, Masonic market place, etc. 1:00-9:00PM-Registration 1:00PM-5:00PM7:00-10:00PM Hospitality Room Candidates suites for hospitality/ campaign purposes Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on your own Private dinner for General Grand Chapter RAM Officers (off site) M-Tuxedo, W-Semi-formal Private Dinner for General Grand Council Cryptic Officers (off site) M-Tuxedo, W-Semi-formal Friday September 26, 2014 Niagara Falls Tour Day 7:00AM-9:00AM Breakfast Buffet 7:00AM-11:00AM and 1:00PM-5:00PM Registration Hospitality Room 9:00AM-11:00AM and 1:00PM-4:00PM and 7:00PM-11:00PM Candidates suites for hospitality/ campaign purposes Display/Vendors/Masonic Market Place Lunch (on your own or off site with tour) Tour of Niagara Falls- 9:00AM-4:00PM M&W-Casual Note: Available all days- Buffalo Naval Park, Naval Museum, Flight Simulator, the USS Croaker, The Sullivans & Little Rock Ships, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino and entertainment complex. 6:00PM-General Dinner for non-participants and Ladies with entertainment M&W-Casual 6:00PM-Super Excellent Master Degree by Columbian Council No. 1 with Buffet Dinner M-Tuxedo
or Dark Suit, or Purple Coat

Saturday September 27, 2014 Buffalo Tour 7:00AM-9:00AM Breakfast Buffet 7:00AM-11:00AM and 1:00PM-4:00PM Registration 9:00AM-11:00AM and 1:00PM-4:00PM and 7:00PM-11:00PM Hospitality Room Candidates suites for hospitality/ campaign purposes Display/Vendors Buffalo Tour-9:00AM-4:00PM M&W-Casual 6:00PM-General Dinner for non-participants and Ladies with entertainment M&W-Casual

6:00PM-Independent Royal Arch No 2 Lodge RAM Degree with Table Chapter between sections of the degree. M-Tuxedo, Red Jacket or Dark Suit 7:00PM-Convention Committee to set-up Main Meeting Room with Flag Display, dais,& sound. Sunday September 28, 2014 7:00AM-9:00AM -Breakfast Buffet 7:30AM-Inter-Denominational Church Service M-Dark Suit or Red/Purple Jackets W-Business Casual 8:00AM-11:30AM-Triennial Parade Canal side with the Wedding of the Waters Reenactment at the Erie Canal. M-Dark Suit or Red/Purple Jackets, W-Business Casual 7:00AM-11:00AM and 1:00PM-4:00PM Registration 9:00-11:00AM, and 1:00-4:00PM and 7:00-11:00PM Hospitality Room Candidates suites for hospitality/ campaign purposes Masonic Market Place Display/Vendors 11:45AM-12:45PM Lunch Buffet 1:00PM-Opening of the Session and the Parade of Flags, Companion Donald Leo Mc Andrews (Ben Franklin), Introduction of Dignitaries, M-Dark Suit or Red/Purple Jackets W-Business Casual 2:30PM-Welcome, Proclamations 3:30PM Memorial Service 4:00PM Deputy General Grand Masters meeting M-Appropriate attire 4:00PM General Grand Kings meeting M-Appropriate attire 6:00PM Social Hour 7:00PM Informal Banquet with entertainment M&W-Casual Monday September 29, 2014 7:00-11:00AM and 1:00-4:00PM- Registration Display/Vendors 7:00AM-9:00AM -Breakfast Buffet 9:00AM-11:00AM, and 1:00PM-4:00PM and 7:00PM-11:00PM Candidates suites for hospitality/ campaign purposes 8:00AM-Opening of General Grand Chapter M-Morning suit, Tuxedo, Dark Suit, Red Jacket, W-Business
Casual

11:30AM -Ladies Luncheon, Chapter & Council combined W-Business Casual 12:00PM -Mens Lunch 1:00PM- Grand Chapter reconvenes 2:00PM-Public Installation of Officers W-Business Casual except for Officers Ladies- Formal 6:00PM-Social Hour 7:00PM-Formal Main Banquet with entertainment M- Tuxedo, Dark Suit W-Formal Tuesday September 30, 2014 7:00AM-11:00AM Registration 7:00AM-9:00AM Breakfast Buffet 9:00AM -11:00AM Hospitality Room 8:00 AM- General Grand Cryptic Opens M-Morning suit, Tuxedo, Dark Suit, Purple Jacket, W-Business
Casual

10:00AM-12:00PM-RARA Board Meeting 12:00PM-Combined Mens & Womens Lunch W-Business Casual 1:00PM-General Grand Cryptic Council reconvenes 1:00PM Memorial for Most Puissant Companion George C. Sellars GGM 2011-2014 Note: The CMMRF meeting within the general session 3:00PM- Public Installation Officers W-Business Casual except for Officers Ladies- Formal Note: Board Meeting of the CMMRF (time and location TBD) Note: Close Display/Vendors/Masonic Market Place Note: Convention Staff decommissions Wednesday October 1, 2014 8:00AM- Convention Staff decommissions 10:00AM- General Grand Council, Officers meeting 10:00AM- General Grand Council, Trustees meeting 10:00AM-General Grand Chapter, Officers meeting

Contact Information
Jeffrey M. Williamson, telephone - 716-912-6121, e-mail- york.rite@hotmail.com Richard J. Kessler, telephone 716-698-9324, e-mail- rj1179@gmail.com John Haslam, telephone - 716-472-3504, e-mail- jbhaslamsr@yahoo.com Super Excellent Master & Royal Arch Degree Registration: Christopher Allen, telephone - 917-371-9089, e-mail- Christopher.L.Allen@gmail.com