Page 8 - Sojourner Newsletter-SUMMER 2021

8 THE SOJOURNER

101ST ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION PROCEEDINGS

The 101st Annual National Convention (ANC) of National Sojourners, Inc. was held at the Hilton Milwaukee
City Center Hotel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin from June 14 to 19, 2021. Brother Robert W. Roth, National Presi-
dent, presided over the business session which began at 1000 hours, CDT, on Thursday, June 17, 2021.
The National President (NP) made the Pronouncement and the colors were presented by a special Civil War
Reenactment unit from Wisconsin. Brother and General of the Armies of the United States, George Washington
(portrayed by Worshipful Brother Michael Kugler, Past President of Milwaukee Chapter 27) led all in attend-
ance in the Pledge of Allegiance and then recited the Toast to the Flag. He received a resounding applause for
his rendition of the Toast to the Flag.
The colors were then posted by a Civil War Reenactment Color Guard from Milwaukee. The members were
introduced by Brother Rickey Townsell, a member of True Square Lodge No. 11, Prince Hall Grand Lodge of
Wisconsin. The other members were Brother Lowell Scott, a member of Milwaukee-Harmony Lodge No. 261,
Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, and Messrs Roger Carroll and Ben Blacklock.
Brother R. Thom Davies III, National Chaplain, attended the Bible and gave the invocation. The Purposes of
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National Sojourners was recited by Brother Denny Norris, Acting National 1 Vice President. Brother Roth
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welcomed everyone to Milwaukee and to the 101 ANC. He then introduced the Most Worshipful Grand Mas-
ter of Wisconsin, Most Worshipful Harry L. Stang, who extended a very warm “Wisconsin welcome” to every-
one present.
The Acting National Secretary-Treasurer (ANST), Brother Mark Underwood, announced that a quorum was
present, gave a sickness and distress report, advertised the national retail store was open for sales at the ANC,
and gave a short report on Chapters and Clubs. The National President then declared the ANC open and ready
to proceed to business. A motion was made to accept the “Standing Rules of Procedure” which was seconded
and approved.
Brother Bob Roth introduced Past Grand Masters, current and past presiding heads of Appendant Bodies, cur-
rent Camp Commanders, the National Heroes of ’76 officer line, Past National Commanders, current Chapter
Presidents, and Past National Presidents. The National President then recognized the following Brethren as Le-
gion of Honor recipients: Tom Kuhn, Andrew McVeigh, Harry Sanders, Bill Turner, Charles Wallens, and Ben
Yudesis. He acknowledged the ladies of National Sojourners and noted we owe them a great deal of gratitude
for their participation in our Masonic and personal lives. The following Grande Dames were recognized by
Brother Roth: Ladies Katie Ryland, Patti Turner, Ervalyn McVeigh, Lyn Sanders, Judy Williamson, Judy Howe
and Carolyn Diamond followed by the announcement of three new Grand Dames: Lady Floretta Barnes, Lady
Carmie Powell, and Lady Betty Wallens. First-Timers were introduced as a group and welcomed by the Nation-
al President.
The National President commented on the hybrid format for the meeting and recognized the technology team
managing the Zoom portion of the convention. The NP acknowledged the three Chapters who helped make the
ANC successful: Milwaukee Chapter 27, Truax Chapter 197 and Minneapolis Chapter 25. The NP specifically
acknowledged the following Brethren for their help with Hybrid-ANC: William Hickey, David Alderfer, Tom
Lewis, Stephen Dake, David Bella, Chuck Warren, Napoleon Janszek, James Goodman, Rickey Townsell, Rob-
ert Strader (PGM), Minor King (PGM), Kenneth Gorgen (PGM), David Mahoney, A.J. Fuecht, Greg Chille and
Bob Selden.
Brother Roth, National President, requested the ANST 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 99 ANC. It was so moved, seconded and ap-
proved. He then introduced Past National President, William H. Haynes, and asked him to make remarks with
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respect to the 100 ANC which was cancelled due to the pandemic. Brother Haynes, PNP, expressed his regret
that he had to cancel the ANC in Harrisburg and all the activities he had planned. He then recognized the recipi-
ents of National Awards which would have been presented at the 2020 ANC:
Memphis Cup Award: Brother David Mahoney
Horton-Tourtillott Plaque: Brother Jack Heinze
Dallas L. Knoll Bulletin of the Year Award: Brother Carl and his Lady Carolyn Diamond
Melvin W. Beyers Outstanding Chapter Secretary of the Year: Brother Carl Diamond