Page 22 - Sojourner Newsletter FALL 2022

22 THE SOJOURNER
Centennial Founders Memorial Ceremonies

Brother Caleb Atwater

On Thursday, September 15, 2022, our National
Commander, Brother Randolph Geck,
accompanied by our National Den Mother, Carol
Geck, presided over a Centennial Founders
Memorial Ceremony in Circleville, Ohio,
honoring Brother Caleb Atwater, one of the
founders of our Order. Brother Geck was
assisted by Brother Carl Diamond, Past National
st
Commander and currently the 1 Vice President
of National Sojourners, as they placed a Centennial Heroes of ’76
wreath beside Brother Atwater’s grave marker.

Brother Caleb Atwater was raised in Pickaway Lodge #23,
th
Circleville, Ohio on October 7 , 1820. His writing talents, his
devotion to Freemasonry, and his interest in American history
were combined when he wrote an essay entitled “The Patriot
Masons of our Country.” Brother Atwater delivered this
material as part of an oration at his Lodge in Circleville, Ohio on
th
June 25 , 1821. His essay was subsequently published in a book
entitled MASONIC MISCELLANY Vol I, 1821-2 and later
published in a presentation book entitled THE EMBLEM. In his
essay, Brother Atwater eloquently describes the contributions
made by famed Freemasons who were founders of our nation.

We consider Brother Atwater one of the founders of our order. Brother E.B. Jones, who composed the Heroes of ’76
Degree in 1875, used much of the beautiful writing of Brother Atwater’s patriotic, tributary essay within the Degree. The
Founder’s Memorial Ceremony began with a procession to the gravesite, and all attendees played a role in the ceremony.

 Welcoming Remarks/Pronouncement – Bro. Paul DeMerath (Ceremony MC), National Assistant Chief of Staff
 Opening Prayer – Bro. David Williamson, Reg. Rep. (Ohio River Valley), Secretary, Dayton #67
 Toast to the Flag – Bro. Mike Wertz, National Sentinel
 NSI Purposes – Bro. Pete Cauchon (Musket Bearer), National Officer of the Day
 History of the Order of Heroes of ‘76/Intro to Bro. Caleb Atwater Biography – Bro. Paul DeMerath
st
 Bro. Caleb Atwater Biography – Bro. Carl Diamond, Past National Commander/National 1 Vice President, NSI
 National Commander’s Remarks/Wreath Laying Prayer/Ceremony – Bro. Randolph Geck, National Commander
 Taps – Bro. Paul DeMerath
 Closing Prayer – Bro. David Williamson
 Sword Bearer and National Commander’s Standard Bearer – George “Fritz” McMullin, Committee of 33
 Ceremony Photographer – Lady Carolyn Diamond, Grande Dame
 Ceremony Videographer – Lady Carol Geck, National Den Mother