2023 Minnesota
Grand York Rite Session
June 22-24 Holiday Inn - Alexandria MN
To the Officers and members of all Chapters, Councils and Commanderies of Minnesota York Rite:
The three presiding officers, M. E. C. Alan Mackenzie, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Minnesota, M. I. C. Brian K. Dimatteo, Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Minnesota, and S. K. David Dumonceaux, Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Minnesota, cordially invite you to attend the Annual Grand York Rite Session. The Annual Session of the Grand York Rite Bodies of Minnesota are being held at the Holiday Inn in Alexandria, MN on June 22-24, 2023.
ALL Minnesota Chapters, Councils and Commanderies are encouraged to send their full quota of voting delegates. Any member in good standing is welcome to attend their respective groups and encourage your Lady or guest to attend. Alexandria provides many things to do during the down time.
It is important that every Chapter, Council and Commandery in Minnesota be represented. It is in your bylaws and the duty of the dais officers and the Secretary/Recorder of every Constituent Chapter, Council and Commandery to attend their Annual Grand Session in person or by their duly authorized representative. If a dais officer is unable to attend, the proper proxy form must be filled out and presented to registration. Please follow the proper protocol for this procedure.
Please review the attached schedule of this Grand Session. There will be a Ladies’ program each day. ALL the chair degrees will be represented and Lotus. There is another outing to the Andria Theatre. A fabulous breakfast buffet is available to get you going in the morning. This site also gives highlights on the events, dress codes and the food menus.
Hotel Reservations: The Grand Session will be held at the Holiday Inn, 5637 Highway 29 South, Alexandria, MN 56308. Call 320-763-6577 and mention Grand York Rite Session to make your reservation. There is a room block set aside for June 21-24. Rooms are at a special rate of $130 – $160 + taxes a night depending on room style. Hotel reservations need to be made by June 1, 2023 to receive this special rate.
The registration deadline is June 8th.
Sincerely,
The Minnesota Grand York Rite Committee
Rundown of Events for the 2023 Grand Session:
****SILENT AUCTION ITEMS FUNDRAISER FOR OUR PHILANTHROPIES****
IN HOSPITALITY ROOM
BREAKFAST BUFFET EACH MORNING
Have breakfast in Willy T’s for $18 (taxes included). The cost is paid on your own.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT:
SPECIAL DEGREE AND DINNER FOR THE PAST GRAND HIGH PRIESTS AND THEIR LADIES
THURSDAY:
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS BEFORE THE GRAND CHAPTER
CONVOCATION AND INSTALLATION
ORDER OF HIGH PRIESTHOOD
LADIES’ PROGRAM
MEMORIAL SERVICE DINNER
KNIGHT OF THE ROYAL ARCH DEGREE
FRIDAY:
GRAND COUNCIL ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION
ISH SODI AND THRICE ILLUSTRIOUS MASTER
LADIES’ PROGRAM
GRAND BANQUET
ORDER OF LOTUS
SATURDAY:
GRAND COMMANDERY CONCLAVE AND INSTALLATION
LADIES’ PROGRAM
KNIGHT CRUSADERS OF THE CROSS
SATURDAY NIGHT:
A PERFORMANCE AT THE ANDRIA THEATRE 7 PM
The local playhouse will be presenting a youth performance of “NEWSIES”. A certain number of seats will be reserved. The cost is $18 per person. Seats are limited.
Dress Code
Public Welcome
- Grand Officers: red, purple or Grey coats without aprons
- Companions/Sir Knights: suit or business casual
- No jeans and T-shirts
- Ladies informal
Grand Chapter Session & Installation
- Grand Officers: Red Jackets with aprons
- & Installation Companions: suit or business casual with aprons
- No Jeans and T-shirts
Grand Council Session & Installation
- Grand Officers: Red Jackets with aprons
- & Installation Companions: suit or business casual with aprons
- No Jeans and T-shirts
Grand Commandery Session & Installation
- Grand Officers: Full uniform
- & Installation Sir Knights: Full Uniform (per your Commanderies code) or dark suit
- No Jeans and T-shirts
Grand Banquet
- Grand Officers and Distinguished Guests:
- Tuxedo or K. T. Uniform less belt, sword and chapeau
- Grand Officers’ Ladies: Formal
- Distinguished Guests Ladies’: Formal
- Companions/Sir Knights: Uniform less sword, belt and chapeau or dark suit
- Companions’/Sir Knights’ Ladies: Semiformal
Meals
You should reserve your meals with the online Registration and submit by the deadline of June 8th.
In order that you may make informed choices for your dining selections, we are providing the menus for the various meals. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
The prices for each meal are provided on the registration form.
Breakfasts
In Willy T’s each morning, Buffet style. The cost is on your own.
Wednesday
PGHP and Ladies Dinner only
Turkey Dinner, Mashed Potatoes and Veggie, Garden Salad. Served with Coffee and Iced Tea.
Thursday
Joint Lunch
Burger and Brat Bar. Burger Fixings, Chips, Garden Salad, Potato Salad. Served with Coffee and Iced Tea.
Dinner
Italian Pasta Buffet. Pasta, Sauces, Chicken, Veggies, Garden Salad. Served with Coffee and Iced Tea.
Friday
Joint Lunch
Soup and Deli Buffet. Build a Sandwich, Soup, Garden Salad, Pasta. Served with Coffee and Iced Tea.
Grand Banquet
Choice of: Northwoods Chicken with Mornay Sauce or Prime Rib of Pork or Maple Glazed Salmon. All come with Garden Salad, Veggie, Potato and Assorted Creme Pies. Served with Coffee and Iced Tea.
Saturday
Joint Lunch
Baked Chicken and Pot Roast with Garlic Mashed Potato and Veggies. Served with Coffee and Iced Tea.
Dinner
On your own or go as a group to a local restaurant.
**There will be no on-site meal sales.**
**You must get your meal reservation in before the registration deadline.**
The 2022 - 2023 Presiding Grand Officers
Most Excellent Companion Alan Mackenzie,
Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Minnesota
Most Illustrious Companion
Brian K. Dimatteo,
Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Minnesota
Sir Knight David Dumonceaux,
Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Minnesota