Page 12 - Sojourner Newsletter-Summer 2023 Final

12 THE SOJOURNER

103 ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION PROCEEDINGS
RD

The 103rd Annual National Convention (ANC) of National Sojourners, Inc. was held at the Red Lion Hotel,
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, from June 12 to 17, 2023. Brother Denny Norris, National President, presided over
the business sessions which began at 0830 hours, EDT, on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

The National President (NP) opened the ANC and Brother Charles E. Warren, NPE, led all in attendance in
the Pledge of Allegiance. Brother Carl J. Diamond, N1VP, PNC, 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 Brother David D. Mahoney, N2VP, followed by Brother Paul W.
Pennybacker, Sr, N3VP, who gave the Pronouncement.

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. Brother Norris
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then declared the 103 ANC opened and ready to proceed to business. He then welcomed all attendees to
Harrisburg.

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

Brother Norris, NP, made various group introductions including Masonic dignitaries from Lodges, Grand
Lodges, and State level Appendant Bodies. He introduced Brother Albert Hokins, Potentate of El Kalah
Shriners (UT) and Associate Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of the OES (UT). He individually recognized
five Past Grand Masters in attendance: Most Worshipful Brother Ronald D. Stites (NE 2019), Most
Worshipful Brother Theodore Nelson (CT 2018), Right Worshipful Brother Robert J. Bateman (PA 2015),
Right Worshipful Brother Jay W. Smith (PA 2013), and Jeffrey Hodges (VA 2010). The National President
then asked all current Grand Lodge Officers to rise, and he introduced Right Worshipful Brother Brian C.
Coffey, Grand Senior Deacon – GA. Brother Norris asked all current Grand Masters to rise. Right Worshipful
Jeffrey M. Wonderling of the Grand Lodge of PA, Most Worshipful Paul A. Hiber, Grand Master of Prince
Hall Masons of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of PA, Most Worshipful William Bohman of the Grand Lodge of
CT, were introduced, and Brother Norris then welcomed everyone to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The National President 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
National President then recognized individually the following Brethren as Legion of Honor recipients: E.
Thomas Kuhn, PNC, Andrew J. McVeigh, III, PNP, Harry E. Sanders, Jr., PNP, William G. L. Turner, PNP,
PNC, James R. McConnell, PNP, and Benjamin M. Yudesis, PNP, PNC. He recognized the progressive
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. The
following Grande Dames were recognized by Brother Norris: Ladies Kathy Brown, Wendy Coffey, Carol
Diamond, Patricia McConnell, Becky Perry, Lyn Sanders, and Patti Turner. All the ladies present were asked
to rise and were given a nice round of applause. First-Timers were introduced as a group and welcomed by the
National President.

Brother Norris, National President, requested Brother Mark W. Underwood, NST, to call the roll of the
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National Officers. The National President then called for a motion to approve the minutes of the 102 ANC. It
was so moved, seconded, and approved.

Brother Keye Perry gave a report on the Collingwood Library and Museum Association. Brother James
Baker gave a report on NASOCOCO.

Brother Harry Sanders gave the report of the Nominating Committee.

Brother Randy Geck, National Commander, made remarks regarding his travels as National Commander and
the Centennial Year of the Heroes of ’76.