Page 28 - Sojourner Newsletter-Summer 2025 _V2

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CLARENCE H. COHEN CHAPTER #162,
Brian C. Coffey, Secretary. National Sojourners in
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Georgia have been busy. On November 9 , 2024,
Fort McPherson Chapter #60 hosted the Georgia
Area Conference and Encampment, with National
Commander Paul DeMerath; National Chief of Staff
Cauchon; National Assistant Chief of Staff Hillyer;
National Junior Lieutenant Odorizzi; National
Commander of the Guard J. Coffey; PNP/PNC
Turner; PNC Coffey; National 1VP Ortiz; Area
Representative Coursey; Region Representative
Conn; and PNP Norris in attendance. One of the
highlights of the event was the induction of
Georgia’s immediate Past Grand Master, Benjamin
Wesley Polston, II as a Hero of ’76. MWPGM
Polston was put through his paces and came out in
an outstanding manner. He said he thoroughly
enjoyed his time as a Recruit and is very happy to
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join our brotherhood. On February 17 , 2025, the
Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North
America (COGMNA) was held at Myrtle Beach
South Carolina. Grand Masters Chapter #996 holds
their meeting in conjunction with COGMNA. The
Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in
Georgia, Mark Anthony Bradley was Initiated into
the National Sojourners as a courtesy to Clarence H.
Cohen Chapter #162. Four other current and Past
Grand Masters were initiated. National President
Carl Diamond gave the Lecture during the Initiation.
In 1825, Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du
Motier de La Fayette, better known to us as the
Marquis de La Fayette toured America at the
invitation of President James Monroe. LaFayette
was a Mason and a Hero of the Revolution. In
March 2025, the LaFayette Trail society and the
Sons of the American Revolution invited the
Masons of Georgia to participate in a reenactment of
this historic tour. National Sojourners participated in
several events across the State, including Savannah,
Augusta, and Macon. PNC Commander Brian C.
Coffey spoke at two locations and MWGM Bradley,
a National Sojourner, spoke at Macon. We continue
to promote National Sojourners in Georgia through
Patriotic presentations, Color Guards and the Toast
to the Flag.
THE SOJOURNER
PORTLAND CHAPTER #92, Alan D. Johnston,
Secretary. On April 5, 2025, the first ROTC/
JROTC awards ceremony was held at Old Town
High School. Bro. Chris Robison represented
Portland Chapter #92 at the ceremony.
(L-r) Cadet Kylie Murry,
Chris Robison, 1st Vice President
TINKER CHAPTER #43, Jim Selders, Regional
Representative. On the evening of 19 March 2025,
Oklahoma City Sojourners (Tinker Chapter)
conducted the Bridge of Light at the Hidden Trails
Golf and Country Club, in Oklahoma City. In
attendance were 98 members and guests. The Bridge
of Light was opened by President and Past Grand
Master Ridge Smith (2016). Following the Pledge of
Allegiance and a prayer by the Chapter’s Chaplain,
the Chapter was opened in accordance with the
Orders of Ceremonies. Dinner was served at six with
program starting at seven. Normal business was
conducted with a person at each table introducing all
the others at the table. Most Worshipful Past Grand
Master Mike Dixons (2019) and chapter member
was the guest speaker. His subject was the meaning
of the Sojourner Mason being in the Masonic
Fraternity and family experience. The overall night
was rated a success and everyone left the banquet
with a smile. I had as my guest Bro. Joe Deiz and
his wife, Lee, who hail from Lawton, OK
Sojourners. I tried to have the Tulsa Sojourner, Rich
Tingler and his wife as my guest also, but he was
tied up and couldn’t make it.