As National Chairman of Rituals and Degrees, Jack Schneider is responsible for chairing the National Rituals Board comprised of all Major Degree Team Chairmen along with oversight of the Major Degree activities of the Order’s Major Degree Teams. He is also charged with maintenance and update of the Order Ritual Manuals including the Blue Book and the Major Degree Manual.
Jack Schneider is a retired Professional Civil Engineer after having practiced thirty-three years in the Land Development and Nuclear Power industries. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering at Villanova University and Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and Construction Management at Drexel University.
Rituals and Degrees Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
2024 Major Degrees of the Order
There were 15 exemplifications of the Major Degrees of the Order held during 2024. In these ceremonies, a total of 340 Brothers received their Major Degree. 2024 also saw a most successful Major Degree at the National Convention in Orlando where, for possibly the first time, a consolidated Major Degree team featuring volunteers from five of our nine MDTs performed the ceremony. Seven of our nine National Major Degree Teams saw action exemplifying Major Degree Ceremonies in 2024.
2025 Major Degree Program
We look forward to another successful year with our Major Degrees in 2025. The odd-numbered year will offer the opportunity to participate in Major Degree ceremonies at several State Conventions this summer and fall.
At a minimum, we would expect Major Degrees will be offered at the following State Conventions: Florida, Montana, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and possibly several others. Further details on specific State Convention Major Degrees with regard to dates, times and venues will be shared in this column once that
information is available.
Degree Team Milestones this year
The Isle of Erin Major Degree Team of Montgomery County, PA, will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Team’s certification this year. If your MDT has any upcoming milestone events or celebrations, please let me know so they can be included here within this column.
Major Degree Team Roster Updates
I would like to have all our Major Degree Teams kindly update their Team membership rosters and submit to me at your earliest convenience. We have not requested roster updates in some time. If you need a roster form, please contact me.
Upcoming Major Degrees of the Order
Saturday, February 22, Bristol, PA. The historic Bristol AOH Clubhouse, 614 Corson Street, Bristol, PA. Hosted by Michael Dougherty Bucks County Division 1. Isle of Erin (PA) MDT exemplifying. Please pre-register for this Degree at www.isleoferin.com