Hands Across The Border

Foreword

The information contained in this document has been compiled from the records of Most Excellent Companion Waldo York Leeman, one of the originators of this great exhibition of companionship and friendship. M. E. Companion Leeman is still very active in Hands Across the Border.

In Moncton , New Brunswick , on Thursday the 28^th day of June 1962 M. E.. Companion Waldo Y. Leeman was elected and installed as the Most Excellent First Grand Principal of the Royal Arch Masons of New Brunswick. Present on that occasion were two of M. E.. Companion Leeman’s particular friends from the State of Maine , U.S.A. ; the Grand High Priest of Maine, M. E.. Companion Benjamin Butler of Farmington ; and a Past Grand High Priest of Maine, M. E.. Companion Benjamin Ela of North Anson . Following the closing of this meeting the above named three gathered together on the floor of the Lodge room in front of the altar and discussed many points where differences take place in the conferring of the Royal Arch Degrees between the two jurisdictions, namely New Brunswick and Maine . It was here that day that an invitation was extended to M. E.. Companion Leeman to have one of his subordinate Chapters journey to Maine and confer the Royal Arch Degree. M. E.. Companion Leeman suggested that he would ask his Grand Chapter officers if they would each do his part of the conferring of the Royal Arch Degree later that year at a special convocation to be held in Bangor Maine . Both M. E.. Companions Butler and Ela thought this a wonderful idea and that thereby a great friendship could prevail between the two Grand Jurisdictions. Preparations accordingly were started immediately for a fall meeting.

On October 20^th 1962 this meeting became a reality when a special Dispensation was signed by both M. E.. Companion Leeman and M. E.. Companion Butler. The Grand Chapter of New Brunswick opened in Bangor and conferred the Royal Arch Degree on two candidates of the State of Maine before an audience of more than 350 members representing 43 different Chapters. Following the closing of this meeting an invitation was extended to the Grand Chapter of Maine to pay a return visit to New Brunswick next year and to confer the Royal Arch Degree.

This was the beginning of HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER as we know it today, and this yearly exchange of visitations has continued to this day. New Brunswick goes to Maine on the “even” years and Maine travels to New Brunswick on the “odd” years. After this inter-change of visitations had been going on for ten years, a Medallion was struck by M. E.. Companions Leeman and Butler – with no expense for same charged to or defrayed by the two Grand Chapters – honoring the two Grand Chapters for their continuation of the “Hands Across the Border” meetings, and it was named the “BEN ELA MEDALLION” in honour of the third one present that eventful day of June 1962. This Medallion was presented to the two Companions who instituted this event, viz M. E. Companion Waldo Leeman and M. E. Companion Benjamin Butler, at that anniversary, each presenting it to the other; and it was awarded posthumously to M. E. Companion Benjamin Ela and subsequently presented to his widow. At that time also it was presented to all Past Grand High Priests and Past First Grand Principals of these two jurisdictions who had attended the inter-change since its conception to date.

A word or two should be devoted to describing this Medallion. It is made from two dies; M. E. Companion Butler has the one for the “American” side depicting the crest of the Grand Chapter of Maine with his name on it; and M. E. Companion Leeman has the other, the “Canadian” side depicting the crest of the Grand Chapter of New Brunswick and with his name on it. These Medallions are suspended by ribbons representing the pertinent colours of the two Grand Chapters. The words “HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER” are inscribed on both sides; and a metal clasp on the ribbon depicts two hands in the form of a handshake. Incidentally a number of medallions were struck in anticipation of this inter-change continuing for a good many years to come.

When HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER took place it was mutually agreed between the two eminent Most Excellent Companions that the Medallion would be presented by M. E. Companion Leeman to the U.S.A. recipients and by M. E. Companion Butler to the Canadian recipients. And at that tenth anniversary celebration it was generally agreed that in future years the Grand High Priest and the First Grand Principal who made the inter-change would be presented with it. Further, it was agreed that anyone who had contributed materially to Hands Across the Border and who might not otherwise receive one (i.e. one who would not, for example, be “in the line”) could be rewarded for his efforts by being presented with one. The decision for this remains with M.E. Companions Butler and Leeman (and, of course, their successors).

The basic reasons for instituting the Hands Across the Border visitations were several. There would be exchange of exemplification of Degree work wherein the other Jurisdiction could witness changes from its own. It could stimulate Companionship between the two jurisdictions and between members of each jurisdiction. It would allow those “going up the line” to become acquainted with their counterparts and to become familiar with the Masonic practices of one of the closest neighboring jurisdictions. And it would permit more Companions to witness Degree work of both jurisdictions that might not otherwise be the case. There is no doubt that this institution is a very unique and worthwhile form of witnessing Capitulary Masonry Degree work of each of the two jurisdictions.

The Grand Chapter of New Brunswick and that of the State of Maine were involved in Hands Across the Border from its inception. In the beginning a Dispensation was issued for the conferring of the Degrees, but this was not continued. It has been left up to the Grand High Priest to pick the site of the meeting in the State of Maine , and to the First Grand Principal to choose the place in New Brunswick . And undoubtedly it would be up to the two Grand Chapters, to insure continuity of this event, to make the necessary appointments should either or both of the two eminent Companions who instigated the programs is or are no longer able to perform the functions that they do at present. These precepts are not written: they began as a mutual agreement and evolved over the years as the visitations progressed and as circumstances warranted.

The program for the day has been resolved from the initial meeting and over the years. This is the introduction of the members of each Grand Chapter who are in attendance after the host Chapter has opened and turned the proceedings over to the host Grand Chapter; the evening banquet with our ladies; and the Degree work following the banquet; and finally, the closing ceremonies. Part of the ceremony is the presentation of the Ben Ela Medallion and any other honors or awards which either Grand Chapter may deem appropriate to present. A program commenced about the hour of three o’clock in the afternoon is concluded at approximately nine o’clock in the evening, and is colourful, impressive and interesting from beginning to end. Of course, almost all of the Companions and their ladies arrive earlier in the day, and Companionships are renewed and created, and this fraternization goes on before and after the Masonic ceremonies and until we all part to look forward to the event next year.

Attached is a summary of the dates of the HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER Convocations over the years, with data as to the presiding Grand High Priest and the presiding First Grand Principal, and the Degree exemplified on each occasion.

Benjamin Butler, P. G. H. P., Grand Chapter of Maine

Waldo Y. Leeman, P. G. Z. Grand Chapter of New Brunswick

James M. Wilson, P. G. Z., Grand Historian, Grand Chapter of New Brunswick

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October 8, 1980

Number	YEAR	DATE	WHERE HELD	M. E. FIRST GRAND PRINCIPAL	M. E. GRAND HIGH PRIEST	DEGREE CONFERRED
1st	1962	Oct. 20	Bangor , ME	W. Y. Leeman	Benjamin Butler	Royal Arch
2^nd	1963	Oct. 26	Fredericton , NB	M. F. Eagles *	H. A. Pratt *	Royal Arch
3^rd	1964	Oct. 31	Bangor , ME	R. B. Anderson *	L. Temple	Royal Arch
4^th	1965	Oct. 23	Woodstock , NB	G. M. Rogers *	R. Cunningham *	M. E. Master
5^th	1966	Oct. 22	Lewiston , ME	G. B. Pearson *	G. Pushard *	M. E. Master
6^th	1967	Oct. 28	Fredericton , NB	C. Fisher *	R. E. Wilson *	M. E. Master
7^th	1968	Oct. 26	Bangor , ME	C. R. Lawton *	M. Whitney *	Royal Arch
8^th	1969	Oct. 25	Moncton , NB	R. J. Coy *	C. W. Keene *	Royal Arch
9^th	1970	Oct. 24	Rockland , ME	W. S. Weston *	L. C. Jackson *	Royal Arch
10^th	1971	Oct. 23	Edmunston , NB	N. W. Astle	M. Place *	Royal Arch
11^th	1972	Oct. 28	Bangor , ME	R.T. Haley *	K. L. Boober	M. E. Master
12^th	1973	Oct. 27	Fredericton , NB	S. B. Cassidy *	N.B. Churchill	Royal Arch
13^th	1974	Oct. 26	Auburn , ME	J. M. Wilson	W. Webber	M. M. Mason
14^th	1975	Oct. 25	Campbellton , NB	H. H. MacDonald	L. E. Dow *	M. E. Master
15^th	1976	Oct. 30	Auburn , ME	J. H. Lingley	C. E. Chamberlain *	M. E. Master
16^th	1977	Oct. 29	Chatham , NB	G. B. Potter *	D.C. Whitney	M. E. Master
17^th	1978	Oct. 28	Bangor , ME	J. A. Rogers *	M.A. Timberlake *	M. M. Mason
18^th	1979	Oct. 27	St. Stephen , NB	E. E. Caldwell	M. A. Timberlake *	Royal Arch
19^th	1980	Oct. 25	Auburn , ME	G. A. Oldham	C. S. Brown	R. A. Widow
20^th	1981	Oct 24	Campbellton , NB	R. A. MacKenzie *	K. R. Averill *	M. M. Mason
21^st	1982	Oct. 23	Ellsworth , ME	R. C. Carleton	M. E. Richards *	Masons Meet (ladies)
22^nd	1983	Oct 22	Moncton , NB	J. A. W. Ramsay *	J. StClair *	S. Public installation of a Chapter
23^rd	1984	Oct. 27	Auburn , ME	C. B. Jefferies *	E. B. Parker	Royal Arch
24^th	1985	Oct. 26	Moncton , NB	C. A. Carter *	E. Daniels *	M. E. Master
25^th	1986	Oct. 25	Bangor , ME	R. Ashworth	C. R. Buzzell *	M. E. Master

Number	YEAR	DATE	WHERE HELD	M.E. FIRST GRAND PRINCIPAL	M.E. GRAND HIGH PRIEST	DEGREE CONFERRED
26^th	1987	Oct. 24	Fredericton , NB	J. A. Arnold *	N. C. Morehouse	Royal Arch
27^th	1988	Oct. 22	Bangor , ME	C. H. Griffith	H. E. Birt *	M. M. Master
28^th	1989	Oct. 28	Moncton , NB	R. A. Prosser	R. E. Bayliss *	M. M. Master
29^th	1990	Oct. 27	Bangor , ME	C.A. MacFarland	A. J. Gaul	M. E. Master
30^th	1991	Oct. 26	Riverview , NB	C. H. Webber	D. B. Taylor	M. E. Master
31^st	1992	Oct. 17	Bangor , ME	P. Colton	W.F. Loveitt	M. E. Master
32^nd	1993	Oct. 23	Woodstock , NB	A. B. Dingee	Dan Pratt	M. E. Master
33^rd	1994	Oct. 22	Bangor , ME	D. Fisher	Edgar Carr, Jr.	M. M. Mason
34^th	1995	Oct. 27	Saint John , NB	F. A. Healey	R. McLellan	Royal Arch
35^th	1996	Oct. 19	Bangor , ME	G. A. Theal	C.F. Haskell	Royal Arch
36^th	1997	Oct. 25	Campbellton , NB	E. J. Davis	R. Damon	Royal Arch
37^th	1998	Oct. 24	Yarmouth , ME	E. J. Davis	C.F. Whitten	M. M. Mason
38^th	1999	Oct. 23	Woodstock , NB	H. S. Boomer	P. D. Couture	R. A. Widow & Christmas Rose
39^th	2000	Oct. 28	York , Me.	L. D. Black	J. O. Bond	Order of The Rose
40^th	2001	Oct. 27	St. Stephen , NB	R. J. Melanson	W. E. Pease
41^st	2002	Oct. 26	Bangor , ME	D. D. Dalzell	J. E. Rollins	Play “No greater love”
42^nd	2003	Oct. 25	Fredericton , NB	P. D. Devlin	D. Coates	Holy Royal Arch
43^rd	2004	Oct. 23	Orono , ME	R. M. Johnston	D. J. Billings	Rainbow Girls Demonstration

* Indicates deceased.

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The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of New Brunswick assembled in joint Special Grand Convocation with the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Maine , at the Masonic Temple , Bangor on the date stated.

Chapter was opened at 2:30 p.m. by Mount Moriah Chapter No. 6 (Ex. Comp. Charles E. Colburn presiding), after which the Grand Officers of both jurisdictions entered and formed up on both sides of the Altar. M. E. Companion Ross Buzzell, Grand High Priest of Maine, and M. E. Companion Ralph Ashworth, First Grand Principal of New Brunswick , were escorted to the East Where they were accorder Grand Honors.

M. E. Companion Waldo Leeman then introduced M. E. Companion Ross Buzzell to the visiting Companions, and in turn M. E. Companion Webber introduced M. E. Companion Ralph Ashworth. The gavel was then placed in the hand of Companion Waldo Leeman to introduce the Grand Chapter officers and assembled Companions.

Following the completion of those introductions, M. Worshipful Brother Peter C. Schmidt, Past Grand Master and Pease Grand King of the State of Maine, brought official greetings from the Grand Lodge of Maine on behalf of the Grand Master M. Worshipful Brother Ernest H. Curtis.

Ex. Companion C. Betham of England was called to the East to address the Companions present; and he spoke of the oldest Royal Arch ritual in the world contained in a manuscript bound in red morocco tooled with gold, circa 1760, and containing some 108 pages with 32 water colourings; and this is in French. And he pointed out that that ritual was not a translation from the English language: the oldest English ritual pertaining to Royal Arch Masonry was printed in 1785. His address was most interesting and informative: he had done much research into Royal Arch Masonry. His address was duly appreciated.

Then followed a well-established ritual of exchange of honors: M. E. Companion Buzzell was presented a Certificate making him an Honourary Past First Grand Principal of New Brunswick , and by M. E. Companion Ralph Ashworth. In turn, M. E. Companion Buzzell presented M. E. Companion Ashworth with a Certificate granting him the Honourary rank of Past Grand High Priest of Maine. Both these recipients replied fittingly.

The Ben Ela commemorative medal was presented to M. E. Companion Ross Buzzell by M. E. Companion Leeman; and in like manner, the same medal was presented to M. E. Companion Ashworth by M. E. Companion Buzzell.

M. E. Companion Leeman then spoke briefly, noting that the first meeting of the Hands Across the Border took place on October 20, 1962 , in the same Temple we are in today. He noted also that in the interim five Most Excellent Companions of Maine and five of New Brunswick have been called to the Grand Chapter above.

Following this, Rt. Ex. Companion Douglas Taylor was presented the Ben Ela medal by M. E. Companion Leeman, who congratulated Rt. Ex. Companion Taylor on his appointment as Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Maine to the Grand Chapter of New Brunswick.

A few words of goodwill and appreciation on behalf of their respective Grand Chapters and themselves were given by Rt. Ex. Companion Frank Williams of Massachusetts , Rt. Ex. Companion Kenneth Lang of New Hampshire, Rt. Ex. Companion Dean of Nova Scotia (on behalf of M. E. Companion Riley also), and M. E. Companion William Crowther of Rhode Island (also on behalf of M. E. Companion R. F. Allen).

Recess was called at approximately 5:00 p.m. , and the Companions joined the ladies for a few minutes prior to everyone very much enjoying a very excellent buffet style banquet at 6:30 p.m.

Then the Companions resumed labour at 7:30 p.m. , with M. E. Companion Buzzell handing over the gavel to M. E. Companion Ashworth who called upon M. E. Companion John Arnold to speak briefly on the up-coming One Hundredth Anniversary of the Grand Chapter of New Brunswick which is to take place in 1987.

M. E. Companion Ashworth and his team of Grand Chapter officers conferred the Most Excellent Master Degree upon eleven candidates, ten of whom were from New Brunswick , and one from Maine ; and one of them being Brother Thomas Ashworth, son of our M. E. First Grand Principal. The officers’ stations were as follows.

The lectures were given by M. E. Companion Wesley Weston and V. E. Companion Gerald Lewis.

And the candidates receiving the honourary appellation of a Most Excellent Master were Brothers James MacFarlane, Myron Nason (of Maine ), Andrew McCain, Ryan Richard, Paul Bragdon, Wayne Rideout, Leo Ogden, Charles Russell, Sid Weinman, Thomas Ashworth and Clifton Sisson.

Following the exemplification of the Degree, the ceremonies were concluded, and thus the Twenty-fifth Grand Chapter Hands Across the Border Special Convocation, well attended and conducted, came to a close. And so our labours which commenced in due decorum and order, were conducted in peace and goodwill and closed in harmony.

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