2016 Knights of St. Andrew

Survey of Best Practices

 

This summer, a list of questions was sent to all Knights of St. Andrew Chapters asking about the structure and activities of each. One of the hallmarks of the KSA is the independence of each Chapter in fulfilling the needs of their Valley. While not a precise measure of what’s happening, the compilation below will give you an idea of the involvement of other Chapters. You may find ideas here to incorporate into the agenda of your Chapter.

 

Where applicable, actual numbers, averages and percentages have been listed here. Reponses to some questions are not quantified but have been listed as those mentioned most frequently.

 

We would like to express our thanks to all of those Chapter Officers who took their time and effort to participate.

 

Average membership:

27 – Active Members

  9 – Emeritus Members

 

Chapter Meeting Frequency:

          44%    Monthly

            1%   Bi-Monthly

          32%    Quarterly

  8%   Reunions + As Needed

          17%    Reunions Only

         

Required Attire – Chapter Uniform:

24% Tuxedos

41% Suits

34% Kilts

        No Uniform

        KSA Polo Shirt & Slacks

 

68% Glengarries

  1% Balmorals

23% Scottish Rite Caps

 

77% Sashes

 

93% Tartan Swatches & Pins

 

Utilize a Squire Program before Knighting:

          69% - No

          31% - Yes

 

Requirements for Squire in Qualifying to be a Knight:

          12 Hours Service to the KSA/Valley (several Chapters listed 6-12 hours)

            9 Service Points – defined as specific work accomplishments

           Completion of Master Craftsman Course + 9 Hours of Service

+ Top line signer for two SR and/or KSA applications

            1 year + 3 Valley Meetings + 1 KSA Meeting + 1 Building Clean-up

            1 Top line signer for Valley AND 1 KSA application

 

Average Membership Costs:

          Application Fee - $49 (Actual Range: $0 - $150)

          Annual Dues - $10 (Actual Range: $0 - $25)

          Personal Uniform Cost – (Range from $0 - $300)

 

Typical Chapter Activities During a Reunion:

          Assist Candidates & Class Directors

          Building Prep

          Degree Work

          Escort Dignitaries

          Food Service

          Greeters

          Marshall

          Presentation to Class

          Security/Tiling

          Stage Set-up & Degree Help 

          Tours

          Wardrobe

         

Chapter Activities Between Reunions:

          Advocates and Children’s Hospital Visits

          Building Clean-Up

          Color Guard

          Fundraising

          Greeters

          Lodge Officer Installations/Arch of Steel

          Monthly Meetings

          Quarterly Meetings

          St. Patrick’s & Highland Games Parades

          Study Programs – (SR History; Heraldry; Scottish History; Genealogy)

          Table Captains

          Visit Blue Lodges (Summer)

          Weddings

 

Fund Raising Activities:

          Almoner’s Fund Collections

         BBQ Chicken Sale

          Bobbie Burns Dinner

          Raffles

          Sale of Masonic Items at Reunions

         Valet Parking Attendants at SR Building Functions

 

Charities and Organizations Supported:

          Advocate Hospital

          Consistory Fund

          Fellowship Fund for SR Candidate Fees

          Grand Lodge

          Masonic Library
         RiteCare & Dyslexia Clinics

          Salvation Army

          Scottish Rite Cathedral Foundation

          Scottish Rite Foundation

          Scottish Rite Masonic Center

          Scottish Cultural Societies (Non-Masonic)

          Shriners Hospitals for Children

          Wings on Words Program

 

Scottish Rite Degree Work Involving Knights:

          4^th Degree

5^th Degree

28^th Degree

29^th Degree

          Knights in Various Degrees – (Speaking & Non-Speaking Parts)

          Recorded Video of 29^th Degree

SuperNumeries – (Non-Speaking parts)

          “The Traitor”

 

KSA Based Awards: (more about these soon)

          Grand College of Honours – (three levels of recognition)

          Claymore Award – (one honoree per year)

 

Badge, Pin and Regalia Sources:

          Badge Warehouse

          Front-Line Products (Glengarries)

          KnightsofStAndrew.info  *

          knightsofstandrew.org  **

          PinWorld.com

          Sport Kilt

          The Master Craft (custom jewels & pins)

 

Note: There is no “official” vendor of KSA supplies and regalia. A list of vendors has been compiled and posted on the SOURCES page of this website

 *  It should be noted that a portion of the “profits” of KSA.info from sale of pins and merchandise are donated to the RiteCare Clinic through the Scottish Rite.

** Further, to the best of our knowledge, the knightsofstandrew.org is an independent vendor and is not a Masonic vendor.

 

Advise us of vendors that your Chapter utilizes which offer good quality and reasonable prices and which you recommend to other Chapters. We will be glad to list them on this site.