Page 13 - Sojourner Newsletter-Summer 2025 _V2

Volume 102, Issue 3 13

105 ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION PROCEEDINGS
TH

The 105th Annual National Convention (ANC) of National Sojourners®, Inc. was held at the Omaha
Marriott Regency, Omaha, Nebraska, from June 05–10, 2025. Brother Carl Diamond, National President (NP),
PNC, presided over the business sessions which began at 0830 hours, CDT, on Friday, June 06, 2025.

The NP welcomed everyone to the ANC and thanked them for their attendance. He then called upon Brother
Bill Free, N3VP, to give the Pronouncement. Brother Mike Wertz, N2VP, led all in attendance in the Pledge of
Allegiance. The N1VP, Brother Frank Ortiz, 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 given by the NPE, Brother Dave Mahoney.

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 105th ANC opened and ready to proceed to business and all National or At-Large Chapters were
declared open as well.

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. As with tradition, the NP 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 104th ANC. It was so moved, seconded, and approved. Next, the voting
delegates voted to approve the nomination of Brother Edward W. Nolte, PNP, PNC, for the Legion of Honor.

Brother Michael Johnstone, 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 Harry Sanders gave the report of the Nominating Committee
regarding their recommendations. Brother Charlie Odorizzi reported on the progress of the New Horizon’s
Campaign. Brother Michael Wertz reported on the RELO (relocation) Committee’s work and the successful
move of the National Office from the Springfield location to Chantilly, Virginia.

The NP then announced we would be at recess for committee meetings and lunch and that we would resume
the business of the ANC at 1400 hours the next day.

The ANC was reconvened at 1400 hours on Sunday, 08 June 2024, by our National President, Brother Carl
Diamond, PNC, who welcomed our National Commander for his remarks.

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