DIGEST OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE 141st ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
M.W. GRAND LODGE OF F.&A. M. OF NEVADA
NOVEMBER 14th, & 15th, 2005

In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Nevada, the One Hundred Forty-first Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge was convened at the Casablanca Hotel-Casino, Mesquite, Nevada.

The Public Opening was called to order by William W. Welcome, P.M., Worshipful Master of Boulder City Lodge No. 37 on Monday morning, November 14, 2005 at 8:30 A.M.

Members of Zelzah Shrine Legion of Honor presented the Colors and then the Pledge of Allegiance was repeated.

M. W. Michael F. Lintner (37 & 38), Grand Master, gave a welcoming address and introduced the Honorable Bill Nicholes, Mayor of Mesquite who also welcomed the assembly. The Invocation was given by V. R. Reed R. Moseley (15), Grand Chaplain.

The tribute to the Flag of the United States of America was delivered by Worshipful Brother Gary L. Smith, Master of Churchill Lodge No. 26. Worshipful Brother W. Dalton LaRue, P.M. (43 & 25), gave the tribute to the Flag of Canada and Worshipful Brother Wesley C. Ballard, P.M. (40) 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:

David J. Morgan, P.G.M., 33rd Degree Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Nevada.
James G. Kelley representing Most Excellent Mark Marsh, Grand High Priest, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.
Most Illustrious David J. Morgan, P.G.M., Grand Master, Grand Council Cryptic Masons.
J. J. Mc Donald, Ill, Eminent Prior, Nevada Priory Number 50, Knights of the York Cross of Honor.
Stephen B. Stone, 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., lntendent General, Red Cross of Constantine.
Hans J. Scheurer, Right Pre-eminently Distinguished Grand Governor, Sovereign York Rite College for Nevada.

Grand Master Lintner welcomed all and the response was given by David J. Morgan, P.G.M., 33rd Degree Sovereign Grand Inspector General Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Nevada also Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Council Cryptic Masons in Nevada.

The National Officers were presented at the Altar. They were:

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.
W. David K. Baba, P.M., South West Department, Commander Grand Encampment, Knights Templar, U.S.A.
W. George D. Seghers, P.M., Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association.

Grand Master Lintner 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. Mary Williams, Worthy Grand Matron, Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star.
Miss Stephanie Barth, Grand Worthy Advisor, International Order of Rainbow for Girls.
Miss Meghan Garibay, Supreme Bethel Honored Queen, International Order of Job's Daughters.
Miss Cassandra Shelton, Miss Nevada Job's Daughters, International Order of Job's Daughters.
Mr. David Casteel, State Master Councilor, Nevada DeMolay.
Also introduced was Mrs. Joni Jacka, Supreme Inspector, International Order of Rainbow for Girls in Nevada

PRESENTATIONS

W. George D. Seghers, P.M., Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association presented Most Worshipful Lintner with a Certificate of Appreciation from the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association.

Jerry Evans presented Most Worshipful Lintner with a check for the youth groups from the Colorado River Fall Festival in Laughlin.

V.W. Arthur K. Cronin, P.G.M and V.W. David J. Guinan, P.G.M., Grand Lecturer presented "Silver State Lodge Awards of Excellence" to Churchill Lodge No. 26, Montezuma Lodge No. 30 and for a second year Carson Valley Lodge No. 33.

Most Worshipful Brothers: George P. Williams, P.G.M.; Gordon F. Wessell, P.G.M.; W. Wayne Perkins, P.G.M.; Rodger W. Denn, P.G.M.; and H. Wayne Kingsley, P.G.M. presented a Certificate of Appreciation and a Gift Certificate to Mrs. Janet F. Cronin in appreciation for Janet's many years of service to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Nevada.

Grand Master Lintner presented a certificate of completion for the "Masonic Correspondence Course" to Brother James H. Beggs.

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 10:45 A.M. by Worshipful Leo Murawski, Master of Caliente Lodge No. 38. The Grand Lodge Officers entered and assumed their stations

The roll of the Lodges was called and all but one was 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.

Grand Secretary Cronin, who noted that the proposer of resolution No. 3-2005 and Carry over Resolution No. 1-2004 wished to withdraw them, introduced four Resolutions and one Carry-over Resolution. He then 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 Lintner welcomed all. M.W. H. Wayne Kingsley, P.G.M., (13) gave the response.

Distinguished Guests from other Jurisdictions were received and introduced under the direction of W. Gerald L. Ogle, Grand Marshal. There were representatives from Alaska, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Oregon, Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Nevada and Jurisdictions, Inc., Switzerland, Utah, 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.

The Credentials Committee gave a Preliminary report.

Officers were appointed to tally the votes on the resolutions.

Tellers were appointed for the election of the 2005-2006 Grand Officers.

Ballot for the election of the 2005-2006 Grand Officers was opened.

The meeting was called to refreshment for lunch.

The Monday afternoon session was called to order at 1:35 P.M. The Grand Lodge officers entered and assumed their stations.

An invitation was issued by M.W. David J. Guinan, P.G.M., of Washoe Lodge No. 35 that the 142nd Annual Communication be held in Reno Nevada, on November 13 and 14, 2006.

M. W. Brother Tyrone (T.C.) Freeman, Grand Master of Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Nevada and Jurisdictions, Inc. presented Grand Master Lintner a necktie commemorating the 25th anniversary of Prince Hall in Nevada.

M. W. Michael F. Lintner, Grand Master, delivered his message. It was received and referred to the Committee on Distribution. After a brief discussion on the floor, the Committee on Distribution submitted its report as to the proper committees to which the Grand Master's message should be distributed.

The Jurisprudence Committee presented an Interim Report regarding the Grand Master's Message and the Arrest of the Charter of Logia Hispana de Nevada No. 58. The Credentials Committee reported on the number of ballots issued. Worshipful Brother Mark L. Mancha, P.M., moved that the charter of Logia Hispana de Nevada No. 58 be returned, seconded. Following a discussion of approximately one-hour Grand lodge as a whole voted to return the Charter to Logia Hispana de Nevada No. 58. The Grand Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshment.

The Grand Lodge was called to Order by Worshipful Brother Ronald Shaver, Master of St. John Lodge No. 18. The Grand Lodge Officers were in their stations.

The Charters Committee report recommending the consolidation of Ely Lodge No. 29 and Elko Lodge No. 15 was adopted by vote of Grand lodge as a whole. The Lodge is to be known as Elko Lodge No. 15.

The Appeals and Grievance Committee presented their report. It was moved and seconded that the Report be adopted.

The Preliminary Report of the Finance Committee was presented.

W. Robert H. Darling, P.M gave the Grand Trustee's report. It was received and will be printed in the Annual Proceedings.

V. W. Michel P. Aurnague, delivered the Grand Treasurer'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. Of interest in this report was a Spanish translation of the proficiencies for the three degrees which was adopted as an alternate form of proficiency for use in this jurisdiction.

W. John T. Caselli, Grand Historian, gave his report. It was received and is to be printed in the Annual Proceedings.

Grand Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshment.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15. 2005

Grand Lodge was called to order by Worshipful Gary L. Smith, Master of Churchill Lodge No. 26. The Grand Lodge Officers entered and assumed their stations.

Attending Worshipful Masters were assembled West of the Altar and presented to the Grand Lodge, and Grand Master Michael F. Lintner welcomed them. Gary L. Smith, Master of Churchill Lodge No. 26, gave the response.

The Roll of the Grand Representatives was then called. 43 were present with 3 excused. They were welcomed by Grand Master Lintner. Hans J. Scheurer, P.M. (50), Grand Representative of Germany, 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.

Worshipful Ross A. Frazier, Grand Orator, presented his oration, which was received with a standing ovation. (WebMason note - that oration is available HERE.)

Grand Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshment.

Grand Lodge was called to order by Worshipful Michael R. Giles, Master of Humboldt Lodge No. 27.

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.

All of the remaining Committee Reports printed or presented were received and will be printed in the Annual Proceedings.

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. 1-2005 ADOPTED
RESOLUTION NO. 2-2005 ADOPTED
RESOLUTION NO. 3-2005 WITHDRAWN
RESOLUTION NO. 4-2005 CARRIED OVER
CARRY-OVER RESOLUTION NO. 1-2004 WITHDRAWN

A motion was made and seconded for the completed report from the Jurisprudence Committee to be received and adopted. Carried.

M.W. Lintner declared the Ballot Box Closed.

Grand Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshment for Lunch.

Grand Lodge was called to order by Worshipful W. Lamar Walters, Master of Montezuma Lodge No. 30 for the afternoon session. The Grand Lodge Officers entered and assumed their stations.

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.

The election of officers was conducted in regular form, following which the Grand Master-elect, James 8. Kraemer announced the Appointive Grand Officers. A List of Grand Lodge Officers for 2005-2006 will be found (here).

The Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment until 7:00 P.M. to resume Labor for Installation of 2005-2006 Grand Officers.

M. W. Michael F. Lintner, 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. John L. Buffington, P.G.M.,
Installing Marshal: M.W. William G. Roberts, P.G.M.
Installing Assistant Marshal: M.W. David J. Morgan, P.G.M.
Installing Secretary: M.W. Arthur K. Cronin, P.G.M.,
Installing Chaplain: M.W. Donald G. Hines, P.G.M.
Keeper of the Jewels: M.W. Duane G. Laubach, 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 141st Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Nevada was closed in Ample Form at 8:32 P.M.

A reception followed which was hosted by M.W. James S. Kraemer, Grand Master.

Fraternally,

/signed/

ArthurK.Cronin, P.G.M.
Grand Secretary