Page 14 - Sojourner Newsletter-Summer 2024 Final1

14 THE SOJOURNER

104 ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION PROCEEDINGS
TH

The 104th Annual National Convention (ANC) of National Sojourners, Inc. was held at the Holiday Inn
Midtown Austin, Texas, from June 10–15, 2024. Brother Carl Diamond, National President (NP), presided
over the business sessions which began at 0830 hours, CDT, on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

The NP welcomed everyone to the ANC and thanked them for their attendance. He then called upon Brother
Frank Ortiz, N3VP, to give the Pronouncement. Brother Dave Mahoney, N1VP, led all in attendance in the
Pledge of Allegiance. The NP 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 the NP.

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. The NP then
declared the 104th ANC opened and ready to proceed to business.

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

Brother Diamond, made various group introductions including Masonic dignitaries from Lodges, Grand
Lodges, and State level Appendant Bodies.

The NP 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 who were present. The NP
then recognized the Legion of Honor recipients who were in attendance. He recognized the 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. All the ladies
present were asked to rise and received a nice round of applause. First-timers were introduced as a group and
welcomed by the NP.

Brother Diamond requested the NST to call the roll of the National Officers. The NP then called for a motion
to approve the minutes of the 103rd ANC. It was so moved, seconded, and approved.

Brother Merlen Howe, Chairman of the Collingwood Library and Museum Association (CLMA) gave his
report about the past year concerning CLMA. Brother Denny Norris, President of National Sojourners
Convention Committee (NASOCOCO) gave a report on the challenges facing NASOCOCO and future ANC/
MWM events at hotels and venues.

Brother George “Fritz” McMullen gave the report of the Nominating Committee regarding their
recommendations.

Brother Brian Coffee, National Commander (NC), made remarks regarding his travels as NC for the Heroes
of ’76 year. The NP thanked him for a job well done and expressed his appreciated for all he did to promote
Heroes of ’76 specifically and National Sojourners at large.

The NP called for special awards and presentations to be made:

Brother Diamond, presented the Memphis Cup Award to Brother Dean “Buzz” Grimes who thanked
everyone for the award.

Brother Diamond, presented the Houghton Memorial Award to Brother Denny Norris, who thanked the NP
and the Brethren for the recognition and the award.

Brother Diamond then updated the Brethren and gave his remarks for the previous year preceding his
assuming the duties as NP. Brother Diamond, The NP Elect, assumed the duties and responsibilities of the NP,
upon the death 31 March 2024 of Brother Chuck Warren.