Page 7 - FALL Sojourner Newsletter-11202020

Vol. 97 Iss. 4 7

the best interest of the membership and the Order.
Announced that on 23 May, 2020, our National Heroes of ’76 Annual National Encampment
conducted their nomination, elections and installation of Nation- Heroes of ’76
al Heroes line officers, virtually. He introduced National Com-
mander Martin Schwebel, and asked if he had any remarks. Bro Bro. Henry Kuhn called the National Encampment to order at
Schwebel expressed his gratitude and gave some short remarks 1500 Hours on May 23, 2020, and proceeded to open the En-
which were well received by all. campment in due form. He related his experiences traveling
At their special instance and request, that it was his privilege throughout the year and thanked the Bros. for their support and
to install all of our National Trustees. All have agreed to remain warm welcomes at the various Encampments. Bro. Kuhn
as Trustees and serve through this year. Bro Winton Hewitt was moved that his report be accepted, it was seconded and ap-
installed as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Vice-Chair is proved. The Nominating Committee recommended :
Bro Bob McConnell and Secretary is Bro Merlen Howe. The Commander Martin D. Schwebel
following also agreed to stay on as Trustees – Bros Harry Sand- Chief of Staff Paul Pennybacker
ers, Keye Perry, Bill Turner, Jim Baker, Tom Kuhn and Wendall Assist. Chief of Staff Randolph F. Geck
Dutt. IM proclaimed it so. Officer of the Day Brian C. Coffey.
Informed the Sojourners that “the Trustees voted to adopt the There being no further nominations they were elected. The
Budget, assuming it would be approved by the convention dele- following officers were appointed:
gates in Harrisburg. In the usual course, the delegates assembled Senior Lieutenant Paul DeMerath
in the National Convention would have approved that budget. Junior Lieutenant Peter G Cauchon
Since that didn’t happen, but we do need an approved budget, I Commander of Guard John J. Hillyer
will, as National President, pursuant to NR 4.3, and specifically Sentinel Louis Numkin
on behalf of the membership of National Sojourners, approve Adjutant Mark W. Underwood
th
the Budget on their behalf, effective this 6 day of June 2020.” Judge Advocate Benjamin M. Yudesis
Announced the retirement of NST Bill Sanner, and the wel- Chaplain R. Thomas Davies, III
coming of his successor. He thanked Bro Sanner for his time Surgeon Bernard N. Harris
and efforts. He welcomed Bro Mark Underwood and by Admin- Bro. J. J. Brown served as installing officer and conducted the
istrative Order, appointed him Acting National Secretary Treas- ceremony of Installation of the elected and appointed officers.
urer for National Sojourners, Inc. for the ensuing year. Following remarks from the Past National Commander and the
Bro Roth, NP, then turned the meeting over to National Chap- National Commander The Annual National Encampment was
lain Thom Davies for a brief and highly appropriate memorial closed. This meeting was conducted virtually.
th
service, being mindful that “we are doing this work on the 76 William Sanner, Adjutant
anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy”. After the Me-
morial Service and observing a moment of silence, Bro Davies
concluded with a prayer. Americanism Committee
Bro Roth, NP, thanked everyone for joining the virtual ses-
sion and allowing the Order to get on with its work, effectively July Report
and virtually. He further stated “We can hope that social interac-
tion, in person, will be allowed soon so that we can get back to Brethren, normally I would be writing this article talking
the regular business of our Chapters, plan for an MWM that is about this years Spirit of America Youth Leadership Confer-
focused on the work of the Order, and an ANC in Milwaukee ence, “Freedom’s Foundation at Valley Forge” PA. Unfortu-
that will have both good work and exceptional reunion activi- nately, the COVID 19 pandemic put an end to this year’s
ties. Now, let us begin our journey through this new Sojourner event. For those of you who have never been to FFVF I
year working together in support of our Purposes. Thank you thought I would describe the facilities so that you can better
again for this opportunity to be of service to you all as your understand our concerns and why the executive committee
Chief Executive Officer and National President. Remember our recommended cancelling for this year. The classes are held in
precept this year; “Freemasonry First, Sojourners always,” and a classroom environment where there is at least seventy-five
our two key missions, growth of the Order and effective genera- people present. Likewise, the meals are served in a cafeteria
tional turn over”. with again at least seventy-five people present. Additionally,
Our National President asked the National Chaplain, Bro. Tom at least one third or more of the students must fly into Phila-
Davies, to lead us in a closing prayer. After the prayer, Bro. delphia airport to attend. So, there would be no social distanc-
Roth concluded the virtual meeting by announcing “This session ing provisions and such that needs to be practiced preventing
of the National Sojourners National Meeting is closed. Sincere- the spread of CODIV 19 among those present.
ly and fraternally, good day to all of you”. [Bro. Bill Hickey I now want to let you know of some GREAT news con-
then terminated the ZOOM session at 1630 EDT] cerning our 2021 ESSAY contest. The prize awards have been
nd
st
increased to $3,000.00 for 1 prize; $2,000.00 for 2 prize and
rd
$1,000.00 for 3 prize. I want to THANK our trustees for
their approval. As always, the 2021 Essay contest approved
form and chapter instructions are posted on the web in the
Americanism main section
The ROTC/JROTC medals. From what I have heard from
We deeply apologize for the incorrect various Chapters, they have been delivering the medals to the
picture for Clarence Nelson in the last appropriate school instructors for presentation at the appropri-
issue of The Sojourner. ate allowed time frame. Hopefully all our Chapters have been
able to do this. Paul Pennybacker, Chairman