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The Orthodox Square Clubs of America. Inc.-International
BRIEF HISTORY A brief history account of the Orthodox Square Clubs of America. Inc. –International Or O.S.C.A. Inc., International taken from the 25th ,National Convention Annual Report (published for the June 24-26, 1988 convention held in Windsor, Ontario-Canada) Follows: “The formative years 1963-1988. In 1963 Bro. George Horbaly of Cleveland, Ohio, envisioned Orthodox Masons Forming A Square Club, and called a meeting at which about 20 brethren attended. This gathering led to an organizational meeting in 1964. The minutes are the first Documentation of an assembly. Basic background of the by-law’s of the Constitution Introduced in 1964 consisted of six portions: 1. – Naming the organization which we wish to represent. 2. – Naming the objective of the organization. 3. – Naming the qualifications for membership. 4. – Naming the officers and committees required to operate the organization. 5. – Naming the officers and committees required to operate the organization. 6. – Covering the amendments or possible changes to the constitution. Board Meeting Highlight (September 1964 Bethel Lutheran Church Strongsville, Ohio): Area’s of U.S.A. divided as follows: Bro. Andrew Felk……………………Penna, N.Y., N.J., and Maryland Bro. George Horbaly…………………………..…New England states Bro. Lou Stremanos….Cleveland – vicinity to Penna. State of W. Va. Bro. George Mihaly, Sr…..Remainder of Ohio and state of West Va. Bro. Michael Voytilla ..……...Mich. Minnesota, Illinois, and Indiana. Each of the above to contact organizations and individuals to further The growth. The 1964 records indicate that the organization would be Called THE ORTHODOX SQUARE CLUBS of AMERICA and that Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Akron will hereby be constituted Members of this organization. By 1968, having adopted by-laws, Established a Scholarship Fund (no longer active), and chartered Clubs, the growth of the organization was firmly established.” Bro. Nicholas Salowich, a prominent Detroit attorney, a distinguished Mason as evidenced by honors bestowed upon him, an Eastern Star Patron, and a dynamic figure in the St. Peter & Paul Orthodox church Detroit, was the first president of the organization having served From 1963 – 1968. Present membership of the International Organization is comprised Of approx. 330 brethren (1997 source) with chapters in the following Geographical area: Cleveland, Detroit (2 chapters) Akron –Oh., Pittsburgh, NW Indiana, Upper N.Y., Binghamton, N.Y., N.J., Connecticut, NE Penna., Fla., Toronto – Canada (2 chapters): a) Chapter No.15 a chartered member as of 1989, and youngest chapter, No.16 “Dositej” comprised of a group of Serbian Masonic Brethren Located in the Great Toronto Area, submitted their club by-laws, petitioned for membership and became a chartered member of this International Organization in 1995. We have three 33’
Brethren, past masters, members of the Shrine, The
Royal Arch, etc. We have brethren involved with Grand Lodges Within
their jurisdiction and
beyond. This is exemplary of Masonic and The
Orthodox Church brotherhood. The majority of the brethren are of Slavonic
ancestry: With
grandparents or parents from Eastern Europe. We
are bolstered by a large group of the Greek
Orthodox faith along with many Orthodox
Brethren of other countries.
Each chapter has members who are active in their church council, Collectively
as an International Organization, we partake of and dedicate ourselves To
the Church, to Freemasonry, to charity and to the community. WHAT IS THE ORTHODOX
SQUARE CLUBS OF AMERICA. INC It
is composed of Masons of the
Eastern Orthodox Christian faith who have banded Exchange
ideas and promote sociability
among its members. Support
and encouragement is extended to the Order of De Molay and the Order Of Rainbow. Charitable contributions are made to Masonic Homes and Hospitals, To
the Masonic affiliate body Charities and the Masonic Service Association.
CHAPTER NO. 15
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