Page 9 - Sojourner Newsletter- SUMMER 2022 -FINAL

Vol. 99 Issue 3 9

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102 ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION PROCEEDINGS
The 102nd Annual National Convention (ANC) of National Sojourners, Inc. was held at the Sonesta Atlanta
Airport North Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia, from June 13 to 18, 2022. Brother C. Wayne Barnes, National
President, presided over the business sessions which began at 0830 hours, EDT, on Thursday, June 16, 2022.

The National President (NP) opened the ANC and Brother Denny Norris, NPE, led all in attendance in the
Pledge of Allegiance. Brother Carl J. Diamond, N2VP, PNC, recited the Toast to the Flag. He received a
resounding applause for his rendition of the Toast to the Flag.

Brother R. Thom Davies III, National Chaplain, attended the Bible and gave the invocation. The Purposes of
National Sojourners was recited by Brother Charles W. Warren, N1VP, followed by Brother David D.
Mahoney, N3VP, who gave the Pronouncement.

The NP asked the National Secretary-Treasurer (NST), Brother Mark W. Underwood for the report from the
Credentials Committee. The NST gave the report and announced a quorum was indeed present. Brother
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Barnes then declared the 102 ANC opened and ready to proceed to business. He then welcomed all present
to Atlanta.

A motion was made to accept the “Standing Rules of Procedure”, which was seconded and approved.

Brother Barnes made various group introductions including Masonic dignitaries from Lodges, Grand
Lodges, and State level Appendant Bodies. He individually recognized four Past Grand Masters in attendance:
Most Worshipful Brothers Ronald D. Stites (NE 2019), Kenneth C. Gorgen (WI 2021), Johnie M. Garmon
(GA 2020) and Michael H. Wilson (GA 2019). The NP then asked all current Grand Lodge Officers to rise
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and he introduced: Worshipful Brother Brian C. Coffey (2 Grand Steward – GA), Worshipful Brother Robert
W. Roth, PNP, (Grand Tiler – WI) and though not present, he acknowledged Worshipful Brother James L.
Johns (Grand Tyler – GA). Brother Barnes asked all current Grand Masters to rise. Most Worshipful Donald
C. Combs, Grand Master of Masons of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, F&AM, was introduced, and Brother
Barnes then welcomed everyone to the State of Georgia.

The National President then recognized and introduced the following distinguished Sojourners:
Current Camp Commanders, Past National Commanders, Van Deventer Award recipients, the National
Heroes of ’76 officer line, current Chapter Presidents, and Past National Presidents. The National President
then recognized individually the following Brethren as Legion of Honor recipients: Andrew J. McVeigh III,
PNP, Harry E. Sanders, Jr., PNP, William G. L. Turner, PNP, PNC, and Benjamin M. Yudesis, PNP, PNC. He
recognized the progressive National Sojourners line officers. He acknowledged the ladies of National
Sojourners and noted we owe them a great deal of gratitude for their participation and contributions in our
Masonic and personal lives. The following Grande Dames were recognized by Brother Barnes: Ladies Floretta
Barnes, Kathy Brown, Carol Diamond, Judy Howe, Linda Nolte, Becky Perry, Lyn Sanders, Patti Turner, and
Judy Williamson. All ladies present were asked to rise and were given a nice round of applause. First-Timers
were introduced as a group and welcomed by the National President.

Brother Barnes, National President, requested the NST to call the roll of the National Officers. The National
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President then called for a motion to approve the minutes of the 101 ANC. It was so moved,
seconded, and approved.

The National President called for special awards and presentations to be made:

Brother Denny Norris, NPE, presented the Memphis Cup Award to Brother Homer T. Ray. Brother Ray
thanked everyone for the award.

Brother Wayne Barnes, NP, presented the Houghton Memorial Award to Brother Mark W. Underwood, who
thanked the National President and the brethren for the recognition and the award.