DIGEST OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE 140th ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
M. W. GRAND LODGE OF F. & A. M. OF NEVADA
NOVEMBER 8th, & 9th, 2004In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons of the State of Nevada, the One Hundred Fortieth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge was convened at the Boomtown Hotel-Casino, Verdi, Nevada.
The Public Opening was called to order by Mark J. Maxwell, Worshipful Master of Reno Lodge No. 13 on Monday morning, November 8, 2004 at 8:30 A.M. Members of Dewitt Clinton Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar presented the Colors.
M.W. H. Wayne Kingsley (13), Grand Master, gave a welcoming address. The Invocation was given by V.R. David K. Baba (40), Grand Chaplain.
The tribute to the Flag of the United States of America was delivered by Worshipful Brother Ross A. “Judge” Frazier, P.M., (15 & 29) and then the Pledge of Allegiance was repeated. Worshipful Brother Michael E. Reinhardt, P.M. (41), gave the tribute to the Flag of Canada and Worshipful Brother Gerald L. Ogle, P.M. (39) presented the tribute for the Flag of the State of Nevada. After the tributes to each Flag the appropriate anthem was sung by all present.
The Heads of Concordant and Appendant Bodies in Nevada were presented at the Altar. They were:
Most Excellent Arthur L. Simpson, Grand High Priest, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.
Most Illustrious James G. Kelley, Grand Master, Grand Council Cryptic Masons.
Right Eminent Vernon L. Marion, Grand Commander, Grand Commandery Knights Templar.
Robert H. Jackson, Eminent Prior, Nevada Priory Number 50, Knights of the York Cross of Honour.
Robert Anderson, Illustrious Potentate, Kerak Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Reno.
Michael Rodgers, Illustrious Potentate, Zelzah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Las Vegas.
Craig Phillips, P.M., Executive Officer in Nevada, International Order of DeMolay.
William B. Berk, P.G.M., Intendent General, Red Cross of Constantine.
Hans J. Scheurer, Right Pre-eminently Distinguished Grand Governor, Sovereign York Rite College for Nevada.
Grand Master Kingsley, welcomed all and the response was given by James G. Kelley, Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Council Cryptic Masons in Nevada.
The National Officers were presented at the Altar. They were:
M.W. Richard E. Fletcher, P.G.M. of Vermont and Executive Secretary of the Masonic Service Association.
M.W. William G. Roberts, P.G.M. Commissioner of the Western Division, Masonic Service Association.
W. Lewis E. “Red” Kittell, P.M. State Chairman George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association.
David K. Baba, P.M., South West Department Commander, Knights Templar.
W. George D. Seghers, P.M., Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association.
Grand Master Kingsley welcomed all and the response was given by M.W. William G. Roberts, P.G.M.
Leaders of the Ladies and Youth Groups were at this time introduced and each brought greetings and a short message to the Grand Lodge. Introduced were:
Mrs. Judy Raiche, Worthy Grand Matron, Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star.
Miss Liandra Hayes, Grand Worthy Advisor, International Order of Rainbow for Girls.
Miss Fallon Kitchens, Miss Nevada Job’s Daughters, International Order of Job’s Daughters.
Mr. Alex Wilson, State Master Councilor, Nevada DeMolay.PRESENTATIONS
M.W. Richard F. Fletcher, P.G.M. of Vermont and Executive Secretary of the Masonic Service Association presented Most Worshipful Kingsley with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Masonic Service Association.
W. George D. Seghers, P.M., Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association presented Most Worshipful Kingsley with a Certificate of Appreciation from the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association.
Right Eminent Vernon L. Marion, Grand Commander, Grand Commandery Knights Templar presented Most Worshipful Kingsley with a check for the PBS program.
A Commission for Grand Representative was presented to Ron Orr, Grand Representative of Scotland Near Nevada.
M.W. Kingsley and M.W. Carl B. Smith, P.G.M. of Washington presented a Fifty Year Pin to W. Carl L. “Bud” Banks.
M.W. Kingsley and V.W. David J. Guinan, P.G.M., Grand Lecturer presented “Silver State Lodge Awards of Excellence” to Carson Valley Lodge No. 33 and Brucite Lodge No. 42.
The Grand Master thanked the guests for attending and then closed the public portion of the Grand Lodge Ceremony.
The Grand Lodge was formally called to order at 10:30 A.M. by Worshipful Lerry D. Chalfant, Master of Carson Lodge No. 1. The Grand Lodge Officers entered and assumed their stations.
The roll of the Lodges was called and all but two were represented.
The roll of the Grand Lodge officers was called and all but two were present one of which was excused.
The roll of the Past Grand Masters was called and all who were not present were excused.
Grand Lodge was then opened in Ample Form.
One resolution and two carry-over resolutions were introduced by Grand Secretary Cronin who moved to dispense with reading of the published resolutions and that they be referred to the Jurisprudence Committee. It was Seconded and Carried.
The Past Grand Masters of Nevada were introduced and accorded Grand Honors and given a hearty welcome. Grand Master Kingsley and R.W. Michael F. Lintner, Deputy Grand Master welcomed all. M.W. W. Wayne Perkins, P.G.M., (28) gave the response.
Distinguished Guests from other Jurisdictions were received and introduced under the direction of W. Carl L. Banks, Grand Marshal. There were representatives from Alaska, British Columbia & Yukon, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, England, Idaho, Illinois, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Nevada and Jurisdictions, Inc., Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming.
The Jurisprudence Committee moved to grant Honorary membership to the distinguished guests in attendance. Seconded and Carried. They then gave a preliminary report on the resolutions.
Tellers were appointed for the election of the 2004-2005 Grand Officers.
Officers were appointed to tally the votes on the resolutions.
The Credentials Committee gave a Preliminary report.
A motion was made by Brother Richard L. Roush, P.M., of Boulder City Lodge No. 37 that the 141st Annual Communication be held at Casablanca Resort in Mesquite, NV, on November 14 and 15, 2005 seconded and carried.
Ballot for the election of the 2004-2005 Grand Officers was opened.
M.W. H. Wayne Kingsley, Grand Master, delivered his message. It was received with a standing ovation and referred to the Committee on Distribution. The Committee on Distribution submitted its report as to the proper committees to which the Grand Master’s message should be distributed.
The meeting was called to refreshment for lunch.
The Monday afternoon session was called to order by Worshipful W. Ronald Briggs, P.G.M., Master of Brucite Lodge No. 42 at 1:30 P.M. The Grand Lodge officers entered and assumed their stations.
The Appeals and Grievance Committee presented their report on the Trials of Samuel P. Rodriguez and Paul D. Tunstall. It was moved and seconded that the Report be adopted. After discussion the Grand Lodge as a whole voted to adopt the report. As a result of the vote Most Worshipful Grand Master Kingsley ordered that Samuel P. Rodriguez and Paul D. Tunstall be Expelled from Freemasonry in the State of Nevada.
The Preliminary Report of the Finance Committee was presented.
Attending Worshipful Masters were assembled West of the Altar and presented to the Grand Lodge, and Grand Master Kingsley and R.W. Michael F. Lintner, D.G.M. welcomed them. Michael J. Brewer, Master of Elko Lodge No. 15, gave the response.
The Roll of the Grand Representatives was then called. 48 were present with 4 excused. They were welcomed by Grand Master Kingsley and R.W. Michael F. Lintner, D.G.M. Charles F. Steiner, P.M. (25), Grand Representative of Switzerland, gave the response.
V.W. Arthur K. Cronin, P.G.M., delivered the Grand Secretary’s report. It was received and will be printed in the Annual Proceedings.
W. Richard M. Hoaglin, Grand Historian, gave his report. It was received and is to be printed in the Annual Proceedings.
The Grand Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshment.
The Grand Lodge was called to Order by Worshipful Brother Frank Artes, Master of Vegas Lodge No. 32. The Grand Lodge Officers were in their stations.
V.W. Michel P. Aurnague, delivered the Grand Treasurer’s report. It was received and will be printed in the Annual Proceedings.
W. Robert H. Jackson, P.M gave the Grand Trustee’s report. It was received and will be printed in the Annual Proceedings.
M.W. David J. Guinan, P.G.M., Grand Lecturer presented his report. It was received and will be printed in the Annual Proceedings. He then presented the Ritual and Standard Work Committee Report. It was adopted and will be printed in the Annual Proceedings.
Grand Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshment.TUESDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2004
Grand Lodge was called to order by Worshipful Alfred E. Smith, Master of Laughlin Lodge No. 56.
The Grand Lodge Officers entered and assumed their stations.
Worshipful David O. Martinez, Grand Orator, presented his oration, which was received with a standing ovation.
Grand Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshment.
Grand Lodge was called to order by Worshipful Paul Lockwood, Master of Carson Valley Lodge No. 33.
The Final Credentials Committee Report was presented by W. John C. Singleton, P.M. A motion was made and seconded to be received and adopted. Carried.
M.W. William G. Roberts, P.G.M., gave the Final Report of the Jurisprudence Committee. Then he proceeded to present the Resolutions for the action of the Grand Lodge as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 1-2004 CARRIED OVER
CARRY-OVER RESOLUTION NO. 3-2003 AMENDED AND THEN WITHDRAWN
CARRY-OVER RESOLUTION NO. 5-2003 ADOPTED
A motion was made and seconded for the completed report from the Jurisprudence Committee to be received and adopted. Carried.
M.W. Kingsley declared the Ballot Box Closed.
The Final report of the Finance Committee was read and the proposed budget was presented. On motion, duly put and seconded, the proposed budget was adopted.
Grand Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshment for Lunch.
Grand Lodge was called to order by Worshipful Michael J. Brewer, Master of Elko Lodge No. 15 for the afternoon session. The Grand Lodge Officers entered and assumed their stations.
All of the remaining Committee Reports printed or presented were received and will be printed in the Annual Proceedings.
The election of officers was conducted in regular form, following which the Grand Master-elect announced the Appointive Grand Officers.
The Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment until 7:00 P.M. to resume Labor for Installation of 2004-2005 Grand Officers.
M.W. H. Wayne Kingsley, Grand Master, called the Grand Lodge to order at 7:00 P.M. and welcomed the members, relatives and friends attending the Open Installation. He then introduced the Installing team as follows:
Installing Master: M.W. William B. Berk, P.G.M.,
Installing Marshal: M.W. William G. Roberts. P.G.M.
Installing Assistant Marshal: M.W. George P. Williams P.G.M.
Installing Secretary: M.W. Arthur K. Cronin, P.G.M.,
Installing Chaplain: M.W. Jackson S. Houston, P.G.M.
Keeper of the Jewels: M.W. Gordon F. Wessell, P.G.M.The Officers were installed into their offices according to Ancient Craft Ceremony with prayer and proclamation.
After a final motion authorizing the Grand Master and Grand Secretary to prepare and have printed the Annual Proceedings and to pay all outstanding expenses resulting from this Communication and with concluding remarks, the 130th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Nevada was closed in Ample Form at 9:00 P.M.
A reception followed which was hosted by M.W. Michael F. Lintner, Grand Master and his wife Linda.Fraternally,
Arthur K. Cronin, P.G.M.
Grand Secretary