Page 10 - Sojourner Newsletter-Winter 2024 FINALv2

10 THE SOJOURNER

FRATERNAL LIAISON COMMITTEE

Any National Sojourners (NSI) relationship with the Masonic Grand Lodges (GL) is undocumented in the early years.
No record exists that the Founders ever requested permission from the GLs of IL, MI, DC, MD, WY, or VA to charter
the first seven Chapters (1918-22). It was apparent, however, that senior Masonic leaders supported National Sojourners
Club activities in 1923, when Bro. and U.S. President Warren G. Harding was made a Sojourner at the White House.
Present were Ill. Bro. John H. Cowles, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, A.A.S.R.-S.J.; the Grand Master of
Washington, DC; several Masonic Congressmen from various Grand Jurisdictions; and obviously Brother Harding, the
U.S. President and an Ohio Mason.

A 1932 Resolution stated that many GLs do not know that NSI exists, even though NSI had 108 Chapters in most U.S.
Grand Jurisdictions. The NP sent a letter to the Grand Masters of each U.S. Grand Jurisdiction informing them of NSI’s
existence, but not necessarily seeking approval. A 1933 Resolution stated that Sojourners are Masons and subject to and
loyal to the constituted Masonic authority of the GL within whose jurisdiction each resides. Perhaps for not seeking
approval, the Grand Master of Texas prohibited the nine active Texas Chapters at the time from operating in Texas
(1936-40). Similar prohibitions occurred in Florida (1948-49) and Nevada (1964-Present), although for different
reasons.

The “Standing Committee on Fraternal Liaison and Relations” was established in 1939 to advise the National
President and the Order on matters involving the Grand Masters, and their GLs. This Committee was renamed the
“Fraternal Liaison Committee” in 1971 and its focus was expanded to include Appendant Bodies. Its Chairmen have
included leaders of the both our Fraternity and the Order and include Brothers: MAJ William M. Brown, PNP, and PGM
of VA; COL Alexander J.M. Wannamaker, PNP, and PGM of SC; Hon. Julian C. Roden, PGM of VA; Lt Col H.
Edward May, PNP; LtGen Herman Nickerson, PNP, and PNC; RADM William G. Sizemore, PNP, and Grand
Executive Director of A.A.S.R.-S.J.; and Hon. Edmund Cohen, PGM of VA. Committee members have included
leaders of the following Masonic Bodies: Conferences of Grand Masters, Conference of Grand Secretaries, Covenant
General of KYCH, DeMolay International, Hi-Twelve International, Masonic Service Association, Royal Order of
Scotland, Scottish Rite, Shrine, National Sojourners, and Heroes of ‘76.

The importance of the Fraternal Liaison Committee today depends on YOU. The National Constitution and Bylaws
requires every Sojourner comply with GL Laws and Edicts where a Chapter operates, and each Grand Jurisdiction is
different. Thus, potential conflicts vary by GL, but perhaps the topics at the top of the list involve recognition policies,
meeting locations and times, alcohol, and gambling. Each GL, not NSI, defines its recognition policies, and each GL has
a unique set of GLs it recognizes . . . or not. Recognition differences exist primarily among foreign and Prince Hall
Grand Lodges. The Chapter Secretary, especially, must know the GL recognition policies for the GL where the Chapter
meets. This policy is subject to change annually. Meeting location and time issues may involve a restaurant that serves
alcohol, vice a bar that serves food, and meeting or activities on a Sunday. Some GLs prohibit any alcohol in the
meeting room, as discovered at an ANC President’s Banquet, and some are silent on the issue. Some GLs identify raffles
as gambling (prohibited); others not so much. During COVID-19, some GLs prohibited all Masonic activities; others
prohibited only Lodge activities and left Appendant Bodies to their leadership. If you think there might be a problem . .
. ask. As Bro. David Crockett, the namesake of our newest Chapter, said, “Be sure you are right—then go ahead.”
Greetings from your National Bridge of Light (BOL) Committee.

BRIDGE OF LIGHT COMMITTEE
Charlie Odorizzi, Chairman

We have great opportunities to build our Chapters which in many cases is just overlooked, or at least is not used to its
greatest potential. Those opportunities are presenting the numerous programs that National Sojourners makes available
to you to present to your local lodges, other Masonic bodies, as well as in your Chapter meetings.

Most Sojourners are familiar with the “Toast to the Flag”, or perhaps the wonderful “Building the Flag” program.
There are so many more to choose from! In addition to those we have programs that include “Service Flags”, “History of
the Flags”, “Folding the Flag”, “When Duty’s Done”, “By the Dawn’s Early Light”, or the “History of the Pledge of
Allegiance”.