Today was very eventful, but in order to grasp the concept of this even, you must first look at all the preparation work that went into it.

The planning for this event was long going! Several times it had to be rescheduled, but I am thankful that it was rescheduled for the 29th. With the date drawing near, and e-mails from our newly appointed Executive Officer “Dad” Bob Taylor (Congratulations!) informing us that the Grand Master was planning on attending. Needless to say, as Master Councilor of Parkersburg Chapter and State Junior Councilor I was nervous! I set up several dates for practices, even one at my own house, to make sure things went flawless.

With last minute memorization occurring for certain Initiatory Degree parts the guys definitely showed the Grand Master, new Executive Officer, and everyone in attendance that Parkersburg Chapter loves its ritual work! The performance was flawless and you could again hear a pin drop in the room as the candidates were greatly impressed.

Though it was only the 4th time Parkersburg Chapter had performed the Degree, the Grand Master “Dad” Patton Hart expressed that it was “one of the best Degrees I’ve seen in a long time”.

Everyone worked extremely hard and I’m absolutely positive there are great things to come for the State of West Virginia and especially Parkersburg Chapter!

With many notable guests in attendance it certainly was an event for the record books, this also put West Virginia into positive growth for 2007.

In closing, I couldn’t be more proud of the Members of Parkersburg Chapter, they really know how to come together and show everyone that next year, you better put your boxing gloves on, because that Ritual Trophy is ours!

Mitchel Combs

Master Councilor of Parkersburg Chapter

Recently Parkersburg Chapter has had an extensive amount of work laid before them. The Chapter held a successful prospect party in late September in preparation for the Falls Honor Class. The party was deemed a success because all in attendance had a good time. The Ben Bey Grotto kindly lent us their facilities for all of Saturday continuing until Sunday morning. Halo3 was on the big screen and I believe we may have a whole new problem in Parkersburg, getting members off the screens! The guys had a great time and food was served with the assistance of Master Councilor Mitch Combs’ mother. Barb-e-qued chicken was prepared along with hamburgers and there were chips and drinks to go around plenty of times!

Before holding an Awards Banquet, Parkersburg Chapter was recruited to do yard work for a local church. Upon arriving at the scene early in the morning Brothers Heflin and Combs deemed that it would be a long and cold day. After about an hour of work, Brothers Heiskell, Mezick, and Hoalcraft arrived to help with the yard work. The Brothers had very appreciated assistance from “Dad” Mace and from church members. With an idea of $50 to be received at the end of this whole ordeal the Brothers were really surprised when we were rewarded with $300 and lunch for the day. The work was definitely worth it, we removed bushes, trimmed down bushes, pulled weeds, and trimmed trees to proper levels. When the work was finally winding down, the Brothers took a load off to cold water, provided by Debbie and Jamie Mace (thanks!), and looked at all of the work they had done. There was such a difference that it doesn’t even look like the same place. It was a good day, despite the hard labor, Brother Combs is quoted on saying, “I think all the guys had fun, we were able to earn money, help out the locals, and socialize at the same time; it was a good day all in all…. the food was great too!”.

The most recently event held in Parkersburg would have been the Awards Banquet. The Brothers came together to receive their awards and make dinner for their distinguished guests. Two “Hats off” Awards were presented, one to Pam Pritchard and the other to Mike Radcliffe. Special Honorees selected by the DeMolays themselves included Principal of PHS Ralph Board, long time Mason and youth coordinator Ken Winans, Wood County B.O.E. Member Jeff Payne, Senior DeMolay and Wood County B.O.E. Member John Coe, and PMCs Matt Simmons and Justin Blankenship. The Banquet’s theme was to honor “Those who have had a positive influence on DeMolay in the Parkersburg, WV area”. While some honorees were not able to make it, Ralph Board said the meal was great and his “compliments to the chefs”.

All of this and more has happened in Parkersburg, all within September, October, and Early November. So whats to come?

November 10th - Costume Dance with Rainbow Girls

November 17th - Fall Honors Class in Parkersburg

Stated Meetings on November 12th and November 26th

Starting on the 12th of November will be collecting canned goods to donate in early December to local charities.

Finally, it is my intention to restart the Parkersburg Newsletter “The Inquisitor” this time with better planning, and a better purpose, to promote communication around the State.

Though we are only losing him to Pennsylvania it is a shame to see Past Master Councilor Zach Mace leave. He has been with us since we revived the chapter last November, and he has been a key member. Brothers Combs, Heiskell, Mezick, Reed, and Hoalcraft arrived at the Mace Family Home around 7:30 AM to say goodbye to Brother Mace. If I recall, the conversation went like this. We decide to call Zach, he answers his cell phone in a groggy and tired voice:

“Hello”

We replied, “Hey Zach, what are you doing right now?”

“Well… I was sleeping”

“Oh, sorry, hey! look out your window!”

“Oh, God” he said, knowing what he was about to see.

(As you can see, we were received well) Seeing his curtains move we all waved with anticipation.

“Hang on a minute and I’ll come downstairs” he said after seeing us.

After almost two hours, or longer, of conversation and nonsense we finally said our goodbyes, which had to be done twice due to the Brothers continuing to talk and not leaving. Numerous handshakes were exchanged and even two group hugs. After which Brother Mace accompanied us to Brother Reed’s vehicle where we all packed inside and drove away slowly, waving and yelling goodbye all the way down the street.

He may deny this through and through, but Brother Heiskell and Brother Combs will tell you they saw some tears in Brother Mace’s eyes, thus proving that he is in fact human.

We will miss you more than you will ever know, Zach. Take care and good luck in all of your endeavors in Pennsylvania. If there is anything we can do to help, you know where to reach us.

Who’s in charge? Thats right… Mitch’s in charge.

Parkersburg Chapter is finally online!