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PROCEEDINGS

OF THE One Hundred and Seventy First (171st)

Annual Convocation OF THE

Grand Chapter

Royal Arch Masons

of Louisiana

One Hundred and Sixty-Third (163rd)

Annual Assembly OF THE

Grand Council

Cryptic Masons

of Louisiana

2017-2018

Alexandria, Louisiana March 2nd and 6th, 2018

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Table of Contents ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICERS ........................................................................ 5

ADDRESS OF THE GRAND HIGH PRIEST ............................................................. 10

Appreciations ............................................................................................................. 20

Minutes for the Grand Council 163rd Assembly and the Grand Chapter 171st Convocation ............................................................................................................... 22

Investigation into Membership record issues in Saints John Chapter No. 98 and Saints John Council No. 41 ....................................................................................... 26

Annual Statistical Report - Start: 1/1/2017 End: 12/31/2017 ...................................... 31

DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE REPORT ................................................................... 33

Report of the Committee on Programs and Arrangements ........................................ 34

Time and Place Committee Report ............................................................................ 35

Advisory to Chapter Committee ................................................................................. 36

Report of the Committee on Promotion and Publicity ................................................ 37

Long Range Planning Committee .............................................................................. 38

Chapter Committee on Foreign Correspondence ...................................................... 39

Report on the Philanthropies ..................................................................................... 40

Grand Chapter Youth Report ..................................................................................... 41

PERPETUAL MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT .............................................. 42

Charters and Dispensations Committee .................................................................... 43

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MASONIC LAW & JURISPRUDENCE .................... 44

Report of the Committee on Membership .................................................................. 45

Edict 2017-1 .............................................................................................................. 46

Grand Council Officers for 2017-2018 ....................................................................... 47

COUNCILS by DISTRICTS ....................................................................................... 48

Most Illustrious Grand Master .................................................................................... 49

Elected Grand Officers of Grand Council R&SM ....................................................... 50

Elected and Appointed Officer of Grand Council ....................................................... 51

Address of the Most Illustrious Grand Master ............................................................ 52

William Keith Powell, Sr. – 2017-2018 ....................................................................... 52

Dispensations ............................................................................................................ 54

25-50 Year Certificates .............................................................................................. 55

Out-of-State Visits ...................................................................................................... 55

In-State Visits ............................................................................................................ 56

State of the Order ...................................................................................................... 58

Grand Representatives Commissions Recommended .............................................. 63

Addendum to ............................................................................................................. 65

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Address to the Most Illustrious Grand Master ............................................................ 65

Investigation into Membership record issues in Saints John Chapter No. 98 and Saints John Council No. 41 ....................................................................................... 67

Annual Statistical Report - Start: 1/1/2017 End: 12/31/2017 ...................................... 72

Credentials and Registration Committee Report ....................................................... 74

RESOLUTION OF GRATITUDE ................................................................................ 75

Council Foreign Correspondence Committee .............. Error! Bookmark not defined. Festival Committee Report 2017 ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Appeals and Grievances .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. PERPETUAL MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT Error! Bookmark not defined. Programs and Arrangement Committee Report .......... Error! Bookmark not defined. Time and Place Report ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Grand Council Youth Report ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MASONIC LAW & JURISPRUDENCE .............. Error! Bookmark not defined. 2017 Distribution Committee Report ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Report of the Committee on Cryptic Ritual .................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 2017 Archive Committee Report .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Grand Chapter and Grand Council of Louisiana 2017-18 ........... Error! Bookmark not defined. Publication Committee Reports ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Necrology Report [Chapter .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. York Rite Awareness [Chapter] ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PHILANTHROPIES ... Error! Bookmark not defined. STATE OF THE ORDER ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. COMMITTEE ON YORK RITE AWARENESS ............. Error! Bookmark not defined. Joseph Raymond Patterson ........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Report of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations ........... Error! Bookmark not defined. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT ............................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Grand Council Chapter Masonic Foundation of Louisiana .......... Error! Bookmark not defined. 45rd Annual Report ..................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Minutes for the Order of the High Priesthood .............. Error! Bookmark not defined. Minutes for the Order of the Silver Trowel ................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Proceedings of the Order of the Silver Trowel ............. Error! Bookmark not defined. of the State of Louisiana 1950 ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

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for the State of Louisiana ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Annual Report Detail Only ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MASONIC LAW & JURISPRUDENCE .............. Error! Bookmark not defined. Edict 2017-1 ................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. MASONIC RESUME .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. WILLIAM KEITH POWELL, SR.................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. York Rite Banquet Awards ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Tom Brown’s Necrology service for the Grand York Rite Bodies ....... Error! Bookmark not defined. Schedule of Events – Grand York Rite Session .......... Error! Bookmark not defined. PICTURES .................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Howard F. Entwistle, Jr. Recognition Party .................. Error! Bookmark not defined. St. Charles Conclave ................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Shreveport York Rite Festival ...................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. GRAND SESSION 2017 .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. MISCELLANEOUS PICTURES ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

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GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF LOUISIANA 2017-2018

Timothy James Riley Jr., ........................................................................................................ M. E. Grand High Priest

301 Whispering Pine Dr, Haughton, LA 71037-9537 (318) 560-1164

Michael A. Watts. .............................................................................................................................. R. E. Grand King 605 Sandy Point Road, Campti, LA 71411-4617

(318) 554-8153 Anthony Radosti ............................................................................................................................. R. E. Grand Scribe

9 Trinidad Drive, Kenner, LA 70065-3112 (504) 220-0851

Terrance D. Macon ........................................................................................................ E. Grand Captain of the Host 5071 Wildwood Dr., Sorrento, LA 70778-3443

(337) 212-0192 Gerald H. Houston ................................................................................................................... R. E. Grand Treasurer

426 Green Briar Street, DeRidder 70634-2180 (337) 463-4553

Edwin L. Horton, Jr... ................................................................................................................. R. E. Grand Secretary 5767 Bayou Drive, Bossier City, LA 71112-4975

(318) 469-5654

Eddie A. LeBoeuf, III ...................................................................................................... E. Grand Principle Sojourner 448 Bayou Folse Road, Raceland, LA 70394

Joseph Patterson……………………………………………………………………………….E. Grand Chaplain 832 Drewry Dr., Shreveport, LA 71118

Michael Darin West ………………………………………………………………………….. E. Grand Royal Arch Captain

1107 Creole Dr Bossier City LA, 71111 Jeremy Galster .................................................................................................................. E. Grand Master of 3rd Veil

1097 Dyson Creek Rd Pollock LA, 71467 Tom Kussmann ........................................................................................................... E. Grand Master of the 2nd Veil

555 Koonce Rd Lake Charles LA, 70611 Dale F. Johnson ........................................................................................................... E. Grand Master of the 1st Veil

2329 Maumelle Drive, Plano, TX 70523-1411 Richard L. James PGHP ......................................................................................................... E. Grand Photographer

163 L E Phillips Rd Eros LA, 71238 Vernon R. Atkinson ................................................................................................ E. Grand Associate Photographer

PO Box 1133, Glenmora, LA 71433-1133 Justin “Keith” Gates ......................................................................................................................... E. Grand Organist

PO Box 1433, Winnfield, LA 71483 Glenn Bledsoe ................................................................................................................................. E. Grand Sentinel

1501 W 6th St Elk City OK, 73644 Don Springler ................................................................................................................................... E. Grand Stewart

PO Box 73455 Metairie LA, 70033

ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICERS

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DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND HIGH PRIEST Terry Unger ….…………………………………………….……………….. E. District Deputy Grand High Priest Dist. 1

507 Monsanto Ave Luling LA, 70070 George Scanlan …………………………………………………… ………..E. District Deputy Grand High Priest Dist. 2

4043 Aletha Dr Baton Rouge LA, 70814 Deron Santiny ………………………………………… …………………….E. District Deputy Grand High Priest Dist. 3

PO Box 60993 Lafayette LA, 70596 Richard Morgan ……………………….……..………………………………E. District Deputy Grand High Priest Dist. 4

PO Box 1302 Westlake LA, 70669 Levi Chad Koelling ……………………………...……………………….…E. District Deputy Grand High Priest Dist. 5

3221 Melton St Alexandria LA, 71301 Robert Perry ……………………………………………………….………….E. District Deputy Grand High Priest Dist. 6

701 Howard St Coushatta LA, 71019 David Marine …………………………………………………….…..……….E...District Deputy Grand High Priest Dist. 7

204 Hartford Pl West Monroe LA, 71291

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND LECTURER Ion Lazar …………………………………………………………..………………E. District Deputy Grand Lecturer Dist. 1

4505 Camp St New Orleans LA, 70115 Rory Bozeman ……………………………………………………...……………E. District Deputy Grand Lecturer Dist. 2

16000 Greenstone Dr Pride LA, 70770 Conrad Gauthier …………………………………………………………………E. District Deputy Grand Lecturer Dist. 3

520 Roger Rd Lafayette LA, 70507 Michael L. Laurence PGHP ………………………………………………….…E. District Deputy Grand Lecturer Dist. 4

176 Sandel Ln Ragley LA, 70657 Vernon R. Atkinson PGHP ………………………………………………………E. District Deputy Grand Lecturer Dist. 5

PO Box 1133 Glenmora LA, 71433 Timothy J. Riley, Sr. GSE, PIGM ….……………………………………………E. District Deputy Grand Lecturer Dist. 6

171 Beckhams Camp Rd Ringgold LA, 71068 Marvin Davis ……………………………………………………………….……E. District Deputy Grand Lecturer Dist. 7

1515 Davis St Chatham LA, 71226

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Timothy J. Riley, Jr.

Most Excellent Grand High Priest 2016 – 2017

Presiding

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2017-2018 Elected Grand Officers L/R – Gerald Houston, Right Excellent Grand Treasurer; Terrance D. Macon, Right Excellent

Grand Captain of the Host; Michael Watts, Right Excellent Grand King; Timothy J. Riley, Jr., Most Excellent Grand High Priest; Anthony Radosti, Right Excellent Grand Scribe; Ed L. Horton, Jr.,

Right Excellent Grand Secretary.

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2017-2018 Elected and Appointed Grand Officers L/R Back Row – Dale Johnson, E. Grand Master of 1st Veil; Don Springer, E. Grand Stewart; Bill Blake; Eddie LeBoeuf III, E. Grand Principle Sojourner; Vernon Atkinson, E. Grand Associate Photographer; Robert Perry, District Deputy Grand High Priest-Dist. 6; Michael Laurence PGHP, District Deputy Grand Lecturer-Dist. 4; Rory Bozeman, District Deputy Grand Lecturer-Dist. 3; L. Chad Koelling, District Deputy Grand High Priest-Dist. 5; Tom Kussmann, E. Grand Master of the 2nd Veil.

L/R Front Row – Gerald Houston, Right Excellent Grand Treasurer; Terrance D. Macon, Right Excellent Grand Captain of the Host; Michael Watts, Right Excellent Grand King; Timothy J. Riley,

Jr., Most Excellent Grand High Priest; Anthony Radosti, Right Excellent Grand Scribe; Ed L. Horton, Jr., Right Excellent Grand Secretary.

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Timothy J. Riley, Jr.-Grand High Priest 2017-2018

To the Grand Officers and Members of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana and our distinguished Out-Of-State Visitors: I welcome each of you to our One Hundred Seventy-First Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana. I hope each of you will have an enjoyable and memorable stay in Alexander during this Grand Session. To Our Out-Of-State Guests, we want to thank each of you very much for taking the time to visit this Grand Convocation. I have had the opportunity get to know most of you over several years and have enjoyed the adventures we have shared together in the past. While with others our journey has just begun, and I am looking forward to our new adventurers. That being said, if there is anything we can do to make your stay with us more enjoyable, please feel free to contact me and any of the “Great Companions of Louisiana”. We will endeavor to meet your needs. First, I would like to thank the Lord for helping me through this journey, especially the last year. I would like to thank him for giving me the strength the last year to make it to this point. I want to give him thanks for surrounding me with the great companions that were able to assist me. His leadership and guidance have been my strength. When times seemed bleak he would step in and guide me on the path of enlightenment so that I did not stray or fall behind. I always had one of his leading angels at my side or just a phone call away. I rode many a mile with my Guardian Angel. I want to give a special thanks to my Guardian Angel, from the bottom of my heart, thank you Most Illustrious Keith Powell. I would like to thank our Most Illustrious Grand Master, W. Keith Powell, and his lady Sharon for all the hard work they have done to arrange this Convocation. To our Right Eminent Grand Commander, Ion Lazar, and his lady Maddie thanks for everything the two of you have done. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the committee chairmen and their committee members who have worked so hard to make the last year along with this Grand Convocation a success for all of us. A special thanks to the Arrangements committee for all the hard work they have done to make this a memorable occasion for each of us. The ladies, who have served on the various committees, are greatly appreciated for all their efforts during this Convocation. To the administration and staff of Best Western Suites and Convention Center of Alexandria, I extend a special thanks to you for all the assistance you have given us to make this an enjoyable stay. You have met all our expectations and went beyond the call of duty, to make this a successful Convocation. There are many more I know I have missed. They each know who they are, and I would like to say thanks. I was fortunate to be invited to several out-of-state events in which I could represent this great state. For every mile traveled, or should I say "several" miles traveled, there was a new friend found. I believe that is the way life and Masonry should be. On every stop of this journey I have met a new friend for life. It may have been someone I just met or an old acquaintance I learned more about. There was never a moment I would have traded for anything in the world. The companions in each state I was invited to visit were always hospitable. To our visiting Companions, I hope your visit is as much fun and entertaining here in Louisiana, as my visit was to your fine state. I believe Masonry, at heart, is still strong through-out our great nation and will only continue to get stronger. When I was first elected to serve the Grand Chapter of Louisiana. I was fortunate enough to have our Most Illustrious Grand Master, W. Keith Powell as my counterpart in the Grand Council. Now, as many of you know M.I. Keith and I served together in 2011, he as our Right Eminent Grand Commander and myself as the Most Illustrious Grand Master. So, this gave M.I. Keith and me a real good idea of how we needed to work over the next few years. From the very beginning we started setting goals. Like

ADDRESS OF THE GRAND HIGH PRIEST

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everyone who serves in any leadership capacity, not all our goals were met. That is fine. We, as masons, have a lot of very competent men following behind us that will take the staff and run with it. Speaking of goals, let us start with one I think was very important to both of us and is really a combination of two goals. Thanks to one of the goals M.I. Keith set for us from the start. Our fraternity is better today than it has been. M.I. Keith started envisioning having a quarterly meeting for the Grand line officers. This would be away to get information out to all areas of the state. At the same time educate these same officers. We started with the simple idea of combining the 5 Year Committee I had envisioned and the Quarterly Officer's Meeting, M.I. Keith had envisioned. Let me tell you, this has just taken off! After the first few meetings we had people asking to attend. The meeting has just continued to grow from about 10 - 12 the first meeting to probably 30 plus at the last. It is no longer limited to the Grand Officers. We have been able to share ideas, teach the junior officers about planning and financing. We try to give the junior officers a voice while they are junior officers. These meetings have also afforded us an opportunity for the Grand Secretary and Grand Recorders to talk with junior officers one on one or in a group. I do believe we have just scratched the surface and great thing are yet to come. I will say M.I. Keith has been able to put more time into this than I was able to with some of my limitations, so please, when you see him, he deserves some special thanks. Let it be known though that everyone has been warned. M.I. Keith and I are not going anywhere anytime soon as far as this meeting is concerned. You will be putting me out to pasture by the end of this convocation but, I am bull headed and will be right back to these meeting. Another one our goals was to learn from the other states around us what is working for them to educate their companions, to retain their companions, and to support and promote York Rite Masonry. Now I have heard a few of our companions say that all the Grand East wants to do is travel out of state and talk about how great masonry is in Louisiana. Then come back home to Louisiana and talk about how great the menu was in whichever state they just left. So, let me set the record straight at least for 2017. As M.I. Keith and I traveled this year, masonry was discussed a lot. While on the way to other states we discussed masonry. Just to give you an idea of how much we liked discussing masonry. We once talked to Carle Jackson on the phone from Louisiana thru Texas and into Oklahoma on the way to their Grand Session about masonry. Now after we arrived at each state and checked-in, unloaded the truck, and let our better halves know we were at our final destination we went out looking for fellow York Rite masons to .......you guessed it! Talk masonry too. When it did turn to bringing greeting from Louisiana, we explained to them that we were usually in the same boat as them. We also had a declining membership. We were also having problems attracting men to the York Rite. There is no way to sugar coat it. We are all hurting. We would always try to sit back and listen to their meeting just trying to learn something new. Let's be honest, sitting back and listening is almost always the best way to learn. I find the easiest way to learn is to listen and not interject. My opinion is that you learn more about the subject by listening rather than offering to give your two cents, which, in my case, usually winds up being a dollar. At the end of each Grand Session we visited, we tried to always leave with a new idea to bring back to our fellow York Rite companions. On the way home, we would again discuss masonry and how we could implement what we had learned in Louisiana. On a side note, during one of our return trips home, M.I. Keith told about the music he R.E. Ion listen to while they traveled. My first thought was, music? Now I'm thinking, how could they have listened to music because the radio never comes on while we were traveling. Seriously, we took these trips as business. What could be done for Louisiana's York Rite companions? So, in conclusion, no we were not out their sugar coating Louisiana York Rite masonry as Great. I wish I could have been and in the near future maybe one of our Grand High Priest may be able to brag about all the growth we are having in Louisiana. Telling the other states how they are beating down the doors at our constituent chapters. When we did get back home we took every opportunity to tell the companions that would listen and some that wouldn't just what we

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had learned or what that state was doing for York Rite masonry. And yes, yes, we also took the opportunity to tell them how great the food and hospitality both are in each state. Our Convocation is jointly held with the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, presided over by M.I. Grand Master Keith Powell and Grand Commander Ion Lazar. We wish them a most harmonious and successful session. It has been a great pleasure for me to have served the State of Louisiana as Grand High Priest for the Year 2017-2018. It has been most enjoyable to have served with Companion Keith Powell and Commander Ion Lazar. With the joint efforts of all Masons, our great fraternity will continue to be strong in the future.

Necrology We were very unfortunate to lose one of our Grand Officers this year. The Supreme Architect of the Universe has call one of our own from the Grand Chapter Officers to assist him in that celestial lodge above. I feel the Grand Chapter along with the state has lost a beloved Companion, our Grand Chaplin, Joseph Patterson. To his family and loved ones we offer our most affectionate sympathies. The Memorial service on Sunday is to be an expression of love and appreciation for those Companions who have served the fraternity well. We will forever remember their great works and contributions to the fraternity.

Grand Line Officers – Elected and Appointed

I want to thank each of the elected and appointed officers of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana for all their support this year. I am proud of our Grand Officers and Representatives in all that they have done this year. Without their support this year would not have been possible. These men have traveled many miles over the last several months working diligently throughout the state supporting Masonry in all aspects. They have represented the Grand Chapter and state, throughout the South-Central area of our nation, in a manner that would be pleasing in your sight. I am proud to say that Louisiana was very well represented this year at both the General Grand Chapter’s Tri-annual session in Portland, Oregon and South-Central Conference held in Missouri. I would especially like to thank our Grand King, Michael Watts. With the hurricane heading into Houston, Texas. R.E. Watts jumped into his car and drove up to Haughton to pick me up. We immediately headed straight to Portland, Oregon, 32 hours one way, for what turned into basically a turnaround trip. The only reason it wasn't a turnaround is because of the 48 breaks in Portland. You should be proud of all our companions that were able to attend, I know I am. During the festivals in the several locations, the support of the officers was always available, with open parts being filled by the Elected and Appointed Officers of the Grand.

District Deputy Grand High Priest It is with the support and efforts of the District Deputy Grand High Priest, that the Grand High Priest can meet the needs of the membership. The District Deputy High Priest throughout the entire state has represented the Grand High Priest well on several occasions this year. I wish to thank each of the District Deputy Grand High Priest for a job well done during my tenure as Grand High Priest. District 1 Camille “Buddy” Guidry District 2 George Scanlan District 3 Deron Santiny District 4 Richard Morgan District 5 Levi Chad Koelling District 6 Robert Perry District 7 David Marine

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District Deputy Grand Lecturers

Under the direction of the Grand Lecturer, Tim J. Riley, Sr., our District Deputy Grand Lecturers have worked hard to perpetuate the great ritual work of the degrees. To each of you, our sincere thanks for the dedication of your time and efforts, enabling the work to continue to generations to come. Your work is very necessary to enable the “Work” to continue.

District 1 Ion Lazar District 2 Rory Bozeman District 3 Conrad Gauthier District 4 Michael Laurence District 5 Vernon R. Atkinson District 6 Tim J. Riley, Sr. District 7 Marvin Davis

Change in By-Laws Approved

Approved Keystone Chapter #44 3 Request 3 Approved Southern Hills Chapter #103 Approved Washington "5" Chapter #57 Approved Grand Chapter By-Laws* * This was for cleaning up the By-Laws & re-aligning all the previously approved resolution.

Declined 0

Mergers This year found no need for any mergers.

Dispensations

Keystone Chapter #44

To hold special election for the position of King on April 10, 2017 because the elected one stepped down. To hold special election(s), on June 12, 2017, to fill the vacancy of Scribe and any other positions that may come open because of the election.

Livingston Chapter #16

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To open with less than 9 Companions on March 14, 2017 to discuss the outcome of the Resolutions at Grand Chapter. To open with less than 9 Companions on April 11, 2017 to discuss the outcome of the Resolutions at Grand Chapter. To move their charter to Rayville Lodge on Dec. 11, 2017 to hold their meeting and conduct any business necessary. To meet and conduct any business necessary.at, 148 Wood St., Rayville, LA, on the 2nd Monday of each month, until their By-Laws are finalized

Southern Hills #103

To hold stated meeting with less than 9 members present on May 22, 2017 To hold special election(s), on June 26, 2017, to fill the vacancy of Secretary created by the resignation of Andrew H. Stevenson, Sr., and any other vacancies that may arise due to this election. To hold the regular meeting that was scheduled for Monday, December 25, 2017, on Monday, December 11, 2017, due to regular meeting would have been on Christmas day.

Shreveport Chapter #10

To hold special election on May 24, 2017 to elect a new Secretary, and any other positions they may come open because of the election, due to the passing of Companion Joseph R. Patterson.

Cyrus Chapter #12

To hold special election(s), on October 10, 2017, to fill the vacancy of any officer positions that may be open, Installation of those officers, conduct business, and confer the Mark Master’s degree.

Hammond Chapter #48

To hold the regular meeting that was scheduled for Monday, October 16, 2017, on Monday, October 30, 2017 due to maintenance on the building on the regular meeting night

Giblim Chapter #99

To meet and all elect officers due to the death of Joseph Patterson, the Illustrious Master, Feb. 8, 2018 and to hold their meeting and conduct any business necessary.

W. Keith Powell, Illustrious Grand Master of CM of the State of Louisiana

To make decisions and speak for the Grand Chapter on the matters dealing with the Secretary of Sts John #98 RAM on May 1st, 2017

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Grand Representative Commissions Recommended Argentina Eddie LeBoeuf, III Canada-Nova Scotia Andrew Stevenson Delaware Vernon Atkinson France Don Springler Maine David Maxey

Grand Representative Commission Issued

We did not receive a request this year to issue a Commission from other counties or territories. We were however informed that a couple of our Sister Constitutions have with-drawn from this program.

We were notified this year that Brisbane, Australia

25-50 Year Certificates

This was with pride I signed several 25 Year and 50 Year Certificates. It was a pleasure for me to present a few of these 25-50 Year Certificates and meet these Companions that have labored long and hard. Every companion should try to learn from something about and from these companions. If anyone has a right to say they have a “Been there – Done That” shirt, it’s these gentlemen. I would request the subordinate Chapters and companions to keep these Companions involved with the work and part of the meetings. Do not forget them, learn from them. 25 Year Companions 50 Year Companions Smallwood, Donald Burland Bruce, Cleveland Francis Autry, John D. Messinger, Frank Lee Dowden, Donald Eugene Barfield, John S Easterly, Seigle Bruce Hatten, Walter Bert Fortson, Joe E. Morein, Claude W Havard, Bobby Ray Durand, Earl Jerome Rushworth Sr., Gary Thomas Mizell, Thomas A Clayton, Mark Allen Neidlinger, Paul W. Smith, Gary Lee Daigle, Rives Joseph Chandler, Roderick Wilton Smith, John R. Turnley Jr., Dr. I. C. Stewart, Patrick D. Naquin, Michael Joseph Dupre, John Gustafsson, Donald Burt, Edward Du Treil Jr., Frank N. Shelton Jr., L. B

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Hinds, Leonard James Kennedy, Larry L. Wolfe, Clayton A

Out-of-State Visits

Arkansas Grand YR Session Kansas Grand YR Session

Oklahoma YR Session Mississippi Grand YR Session Missouri Grand YR Session

General Grand Chapter/Council Joint Festival Louisiana/Mississippi

in Vicksburg, Mississippi

In-State Visits

Louisiana Grand YR Session Grand YR Quarterly Meetings

Louisiana Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star Grand Session Louisiana Rainbow Girls Grand Session

Red Cross Constantin Grand Lodge of Louisiana

I was able to make a few visits through-out the state this year. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend as many Chapters as I had hoped to, due to medical reasons beyond my control. For these same medical reasons, if I was not able to visit with your chapter this year, I offer my sincere apology. As a warning, I will say I'm not going to disappear at the end of this Convocation. After I have my surgery and recover I will be back on the highway heading to a meeting near you.

State of the Order The State of the Order on all levels, the national level, state level, and local level in Capitular Masonry can be summed up in one word, declining. Unfortunately, the temple isn't the only thing in ruins. The sad thing is that there are only a few things that need attention. If some of my Address sound familiar today, it should. Part of the same problems we confronted in 2011 in Cryptic Masonry. We face today in Capitular Masonry. During my tenure as Grand High Priest, I have had to address a few problems confronting this Grand Chapter. Our membership numbers continue to fall and the outlook on the horizon is not good if we don't take corrective action. On a whole, it seems fewer chapters can do their own degree work. Help is required in most of the chapters to hold festivals or in some cases open the Chapter. In my travels over the last year around the state I saw a lot of good work and a lot of fine companions. Every visit was met with good old-fashion southern hospitality. At each meeting the members present put forth a

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valiant effort to do their respective jobs. Yet, I started to notice a few trends in all four corners of the state. One trend, the Ritual was being used in positions that companions were not confident enough in their ability. The second trend seems to be that York Rite Masonry is playing second fiddle to all other forms of Masonry. And another is that we rely on the same companions all over the state to be the manpower for the state. As I traveled I was able to observe several degrees, several openings and closings of the Chapters. I saw a lot of Rituals in a lot of hands. Most of the time the ones using the Rituals did not need them and the Ritual was actually hampering their efforts. They knew the work but were apprehensive to work without the book. I believe in each and every one of our companions and their ability to perform the work. So, I ask each of you, when you see a companion doing good work let him now that he did a good job. And, when you see a companion struggling, remember our vows as Masons, the vow we all took, “whisper words of kindness in his ear” and try to assist him. We all need a little help every now and again. Talking about festivals, I remember not long ago, that we had “Sideliners” at the festivals. I'm talking about men in the north and the south 2 rows deep. Sometimes we are lucky to even have sideliners now in 1 row on 1 side of the lodge hall. This is truly unfortunate for everyone in masonry as a whole. Future members are the ones that will be affected by this most. In my opinion the sidelines are directly proportionate to the future of membership, not just in capitular mason but, all masonry. Think about it, if we can't fill the seats with sideliners and get them to be active companions now, what makes you think we will be able to attract new members in the future. If we had gotten these “sideliners” interested in small parts, we could have asked them later, to take larger parts. We must remember that no one wants to waste their time. The same can be said about our new companions coming through the degrees. Most of these men have grown-up in an instant gratification society. If we can get them to take small parts, even in the opening of our chapters, we could have asked them later, to take larger parts. We must find work for these companions, to prevent them from forgetting their commitment. Companions, every member of the Grand Chapter can make an impact on the future of our fraternity.

Business of Grand Chapter 2017

Disclosure: Some of the following section is the exact same as the Grand Council. I consulted with M.I. Keith Powell and we agreed that since both situations were the same for both Grand Bodies there was not a need to multiple responses. The body of this section is of M.I. Keith Powell's response with some additions of my own. During my year, there were two situations that needed my attention to resolve problems within each Chapter, which brought the attention to the Grand Chapter and the Grand Commandery. These problems were brought to the second Grand Line Officers of each Body so as to keep them informed of decisions made in resolving each situation for their future reference. First, my attention was drawn to Saints John Council #41 with a complaint about membership roll records being off, which those roll records were off along with the Council and the Commandery that the Companions belonged. A meeting was called for Saints John Chapter #98 High Priest and Saints John Council #41 Illustrious Master, Treasurer of Indivisible Friends Commandery #1, Secretary/Recorder of the Chapter and Council, REDC, and MIGM Keith Powell representing the Grand Council as well as working under

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dispensation from me for the Grand Chapter, since I was not able to attend. Discussion was about discrepancies on members of the past and current rolls, which had both died and remained on the rolls, not paying dues for more than two years without being suspended and lost membership without being removed from the rolls. MIGM Keith Powell noted that there were many other Chapters and Councils being part of a Commandery that were having the same issues with rolls of members being in confusion. This was a concern for all three Bodies attempting to work together to get the rolls purged and a correct membership per Body. A plan was discussed to have the current rolls purged so per capita payment will be corrected for a new total amount, send out dues notices to those on the rolls that were behind in payment of dues, contact Companion ED Horton for access of the MMS, and do these recommendation within 45 days from the meeting date. Also, Grand Companion Carle Jackson, PGHP & PIGM was assigned to work with both the Bodies for an analysis of all records, work with the current Secretary/Recorder to set up procedures of communication using MMS as coordination between the Bodies, Grand Chapter/Council/Commandery, and any other policies/procedures ME Carle Jackson felt was needed for Saints John Chapter #98, Saints John #41 report to Indivisible Friends Commandery #1. ME Carle Jackson’s report is part of my annual report to be attached for Committee review. I have accepted his report for Saints John Chapter #98 and Saints John #41 to follow for corrective action. I am advising the incoming MIGM, MEGHP, and REGC to check on their appropriate Body authority for a follow up during their year. (Exhibit 1 Carle’s Report) Finally, as I mentioned before, Capitular Masonry is declining. No one person made this happen. And this did not happen in one, or two, or ten years. Capitular Masonry slid and declined over several years. And we are not going to correct it in a short period of time either. This will take several years and all the companions, as I mentioned before. History shows we have not always been open to change. In the past, not staying connected with our society or the needs of our fellow companions has hurt us. As companions, we need to share the responsibility of reviving Capitular Masonry. All around Masonry, we rely on the same men. We refer to them as “The Go to Guys”. These are the men everyone calls on when things need to happen. Their plates are running over Companions. We cannot ask them to take on this responsibility by themselves anymore. We should strive as a team to help them. With some help from everyone we can turn some of this around. But it will require everyone from Grand Officers to the newest companion. We just need to pay a little more attention to these issues. If we do this as a team, we can turn things around again for Capitular Masonry, polish it and, as I said before

Recommendations

I recommend keeping the quarterly Junior Officer program moving forward and allow all Companions to participate in the meetings. This program was a dream of our MIGM Keith Powell a few years back. This has been a very successful program providing up-to-date information to those who participate. For the junior officers the meeting gives them a platform for planning for their year and Grand Session. I provide planning duties for grand officers, given a list of expectations and responsibilities required during their years on the grand line, and other information to assist them making their future decisions. This is a favored meeting that has been acknowledge by the current grand officers. This is a program that MIGM Keith Powell, REGC Ion Lazar and I, feel will real make a positive movement for the Companions and Sir Knights.

I recommend, upon consultation with a few of the Finance Committee members and the

MIGM Keith Powell that the Grand Chapter Finance Committee and Companions look to establish

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Endowment Fund to help in operations of our Grand Chapter. The problems we are have is long-term with the decline in membership. I have a few recommendations for the positions of Grand King, District Deputies High Priest, Lecturers, and Grand Lecturer. First, I recommend that a District Deputy report continue to be prepared so the MEGHP can have current information presented to him monthly or at his discretion. I know this report to be very valuable. It gives the MEGHP a chance to see what is happening in each District. I received many forms from District Deputies informing me of what was happening in the Chapters within their respective District. This also allows for a faster response for corrective action in the District should it be necessary. Besides using these to fix a problem in a timely matter, these reports help get out positive information in a much timelier manner. We can share this information in weeks rather than months. Second, I recommend we start having the Grand King select his Grand Lecturer, District Deputies High Priest and Lecturers at the beginning of their year as Grand King. This would be unofficial at this point but, will benefit everyone involved now and, of course, none of the positions will have any authority. My thinking is it will give the men a chance to work together and have a plan for the following year. This will benefit everyone involved, from the Grand High Priest to the Tyler at your home lodge. The Grand King can hit the ground running his last year in office as our Grand High Priest. This will allow a rapport to be built between the Grand King, his Grand Lecturer and his Deputies. They will be able to set in motion a plan for the next year. Deputies will know what their expectations will be from the Grand King. This will allow the Deputies to organize an educational program for their district. Then they should present the program to the district through-out the following year. This way the companions in each district will have an avenue to educate and communicate with companions at their home chapter and else were. Along those same lines, The Grand King should do the same with his Grand Lecturer and Deputy Lecturers. Their focus should be on ritual and floor work. Education on esoteric work and classes to practice the proficiency will be beneficial for all of us. If we follow this up with the floor work imagine how much our degrees wood start to shine. Can you imagine watching all four Chapter Degrees conferred without the use of a single ritual in a companion’s hand and all the floor work properly performed/ Would that not be exciting! We have to remember that the men we are looking to become members and some that are members, companions live in an instant gratification world. So, if we don't get their attention immediately, we're not going to get their attention. We need to educate, communicate, and anticipate what they are looking for in their membership. If we educate with the recommendations I made before and anticipate their interest by the fact they petitioned the chapter. That just leaves communicate. Each Chapter should appoint a Communication Committee, 3 years. We should take advantage of technology. We as Masons need to use the technology available to us to communicate to everyone in and out of Masonry. We can send emails about meeting times and places. We can use the world wide web to let the Brothers, Companion, Sir Knights and the communities around us know what we are doing and where we are located. We have long left the days of sending our message out and having it be delayed by days or weeks. The last carrier pigeons have flown, the pony express has made its last ride, and snail mail is now creeping on its way. Let us step forward and grasp the future of technology. The electronic era here is where our future companions are looking for and receiving their information. We need to get our name out in the public and get more involved with the public. That being said, we do not need to stop using all the other forms of communication. We need to add to them. These companions communicate by email, Instant Massager, text, etc., all the thing happening of the chapter, District and Grand Chapter needs to be out there for them. They will instantly be able to relay information about meetings or degrees. We just need to talk to these potential companions in their

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language. But don't limit it to the Chapter. Anything masonic could be communicated. Think of the possibilities. As with any organization or in life there are several highs and lows. We have all seen our fair share of both. I do not want to harp on the negatives, but I would like to make a few suggestions on how we can improve ourselves as a fraternity. Our first goal should be to work harder on Unity among our membership. We need to unite the Brothers, Companions and Sir Knights between Masonic Bodies and throughout Masonry in general. There should not be any lines drawn between any parts of Masonry. We need to erase all the boundary lines in Masonry, north, south, east, and west, York Rite, Scottish Rite, and etc. and work as one throughout Masonry. Finally, we need to expose Masonry to the public. Like attending public functions, conducting open meetings, where non-Masons and family are invited. We need to quite hide behind closed doors and closed minds. Next time someone says, "That’s not how we did it in the past". Remind them we're not in the past and have them look around the lodge. Then ask them how well the past is work for the future. If we want a future in masonry, we have to look to the future. That's where are future is now. We have to look to future generations for our answers

Appreciations

As in 2011, I want to take this time to thank the people that have helped make this a special year for me. I know I will miss a few because there are so many of you out there that have been at my side through the years. So, let me tell you up front, Thank you. First, to my loving wife of 31 years, I love you, and thank you for your support. For without you none of this would be possible. You are the one that has always been there to help me when my schedule seemed to be overwhelming. As all of you know with this position there really is no free time. She is the one that kept our personal life in order on the home front and kept me focused. This year with the physical problems I've had, it is comforting to have her by my side. To MIGM Keith Powell and his Lady Sharon, thank you for everything the two of you have done through-out the years. I have once again enjoyed working with you. Keith many miles we have traveled with you have formed an everlasting memory. The enthusiasm you bring is so contagious that I could be in a down mood at the beginning of the trip and be laughing by the first mile. Your friendship is greatly valued. Lady Sharon your friendship with Janie has strengthen over the years just as ours have, Thanks for being there. To REGC Ion Lazar and Lady Maddie, I would also like to say thank you for the assistance and encouragement throughout the year. Ion I have enjoyed going through this year with you as the Grand Commander. Lady Maddie, you have been an encouragement for Janie as well. It has been a joy working with y’all this year. To REGK Michael Watts, thank you for all your assistance and work you have done this year. You have been their anytime I have called on you. I feel our friendship have done nothing but grown stronger. I look forward following you around the state in the future as you have followed me. After you leave the office next March, I look forward to finding the fish on Black Lake.

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To the remaining Grand Officers elected and appointed, as I said before but can't say enough, thank you for everything you have done this year. Let me remind you this is a team sport in masonry, as with all teams we are only as strong as our weakest link. To all my companions in Northwest Louisiana, thank you for being there to pick up my slack and myself at times. Thanks for pulling my chain when needed it pulled. Thank you to all the ladies that helped my wife, Lady Sharon, and Lady Maddie through-out this Convocation and the year. Finally, to our Grand Secretary Ed Horton, Thank you for all your assistance throughout the year. We both learned a lot from each other, I believe it was all for the good. Now I'm done again! -Ed

Fraternally submitted, Timothy J. Riley, Jr., Grand High Priest

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Minutes for the Grand Council 163rd Assembly and the Grand Chapter 171st Convocation

Date: Friday, March 2, 2018 Location: Alexandria, LA The 163rd Assembly of the Grand Council of Louisiana was open at 8:05 AM in Grand form followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Most Illustrious Grand Master W. Keith Powell welcomed everyone and thank them for their attendance. He then called for a roll call of the officers which was conducted by Illustrious Companion Ed Horton, Grand Recorder of the Grand Council of the State of Louisiana, with all being present. The Most Illustrious Grand Master then asked if we had a quorum present. Most Illustrious Past Grand Master Timothy Riley, Sr. reported from the registration desk that we did have a quorum present. The Assembly was then put at recess at 8:29 AM. The 171st Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Louisiana was open at 8:50 AM in grand form followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Most Excellent Grand High Priest Timothy J. Riley, Jr. welcomed everyone and thank them for their attendance. He then called for a roll call of the officers which was conducted by Excellent Companion Ed Horton, Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of the State of Louisiana, with all being present. The Most Excellent Grand High Priest and then asked if we had a quorum present. Companion Timothy Riley, Sr. reported from the registration desk that we did have a quorum present. The Convocation was then put at rest at 9:15 AM. At 9:30 AM both the Grand Chapter of Louisiana and the Grand Council of Louisiana were called open to the public to receive Grand Officers from all appendant Bodies that were present as well as any visiting dignitaries from throughout the world. During this public opening, Most Illustrious Grand Master W. Keith Powell read a resolution of gratitude to the Best Western Hotel of Alexandria for all they have done to assist us in this Grand Session. At 12:05 PM the 163rd Grand Assembly of the Grand Council of Louisiana was called to labor. The minutes for the 162nd Grand Assembly were read, and the 162nd Grand Assembly of the Grand Council Louisiana was proclaimed closed. Illustrious Companion Gerald Houston, Grand Treasurer, read the treasurer’s report and it was accepted by the Body. Most Illustrious Grand Master W. Keith Powell announced that elections would take place at 1:30 PM. All Grand Representatives to other jurisdictions were then recognized. All past metal award recipients were then recognized. Most Illustrious Grand Master W. Keith Powell then read his address to the Body. It was then moved that his address be accepted, and everyone present voted in approval. Illustrious Companion Ed Horton then read the Grand Recorder report. He then moved that the preprinted reports be accepted, and everyone present voted in approval. General Grand Principal Conductor of the Work William G. “Bill” Snyder was recognized, and the floor turned over to him. He spoke eloquently about Cryptic Masonry and how the General Grand Council could assist the jurisdictions in local Bodies in their work. It was then announced that Companion Michael Lawrence would be the next recipient of the Order of the Secret Vault for Louisiana by Companion Snyder. Most Illustrious Grand Master W. Keith Powell was then invested with the jewel of the General Grand Council Ambassador. Companion Sid Leluan was then called on to speak about making the Howard F. Entwistle award. Companion Leluan then presented gifts to the most illustrious Grand Master W. Keith Powell and Most Excellent Grand High Priest Timothy J. Riley, Jr. Passed Most Puissant General Grand Master Lawrence O. Weaver was then called on to speak. Most Illustrious

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Grand Master W. Keith Powell then presents Most Excellent Grand High Priest Timothy J. Riley, Jr. with his ritual jewel for the Grand Council of Louisiana. Elections for the Grand Council of Louisiana were then called for. Passed Most Illustrious Grand Master Earl “Mickey” Durand stood and nominated Michael Lawrence for the position of Illustrious Grand Master for the ensuing year and made a motion that Vernon “Gene” Dawson be retained as the Deputy Grand Master, Andrew H. Stevenson, Sr. be advanced to the position of Grand Principal Conductor of Work, and that Gerald Houston be retained as Grand Treasurer and Ed Horton be retained as Grand Recorder. His motion was seconded by Companion John C. Sharlow and none opposed the motion. Companion Lloyd A. Albert then stood and read the Masonic history of Camille “Buddy” Guidry and afterward placed him in nomination for the position of Grand Conductor of the Council. A vote was called for on this nomination and no one opposed. Companion Stephen Hester was then appointed to the Council Chapter Foundation. Resolution 2017 – 2 was then read. Companion John Sharlow made a motion that it be accepted, that motion was seconded by Companion Eddie LeBoeuf, III, a vote was taken, and the resolution passed. Resolution 2017 – 3 was then read. Companion John Sharlow made a motion that it be accepted, that motion was seconded by Companion Eddie LeBoeuf, III, a vote was taken, and the resolution passed. Resolutions 2018 1 through 4 were read and received. They cannot be voted on this year because they are a change to the Constitution in General Regulations. They must lay over for one year and be voted on at the next Grand Session. Most Illustrious Grand Master Powell then decreed that all out-of-state visitors become honorary members of the Louisiana Grand Council. At 2:06 PM this session of the Grand Council was put at recess until the sound of the gavel in the East. At 2:35 PM the 171st Grand Convocation of the Grand Chapter of the State of Louisiana was called to labor, the minutes were read from the 170th Grand Convocation were read, and the 170th Grand Convocation was proclaimed as closed. Excellent Companion Ed Horton made a motion that all preprinted reports be accepted. That motion was seconded by Companion West and all voted favorable. Most Excellent Grand High Priest Timothy J. Riley, Jr. then called for the rollcall of Pass Grand High Priests. Most Excellent Grand High Priest Riley then recognized all award recipients that were present. He then called for the rollcall of Grand Representatives. Resolution 2017 – 2 was then read. A motion was made by Companion Riley, Senior that this motion be approved, it was seconded by Companion Sharlow, and the motion passed. Resolution 2017 – 3 was then read. A motion was made by Companion Riley, Senior that this motion be approved, it was seconded by Companion Sharlow, and the motion passed. Resolutions 2018 1 and 2 were read and received. They cannot be voted on this year because they are a change to the Constitution in General Regulations. They must lay over for one year and be voted on at the next Grand Session. Most Excellent Grand High Priest Riley, Jr. then gave a special recognition to our guests from Kentucky showed him so much kindness and courtesy when he visited their state. Most Excellent Grand High Priest Riley, Jr. then read his address to the Body. It was motion that is address be accepted, the motion was seconded, and everyone present voted in approval. Awards were then given to Brashear Chapter #82, St. John’s Chapter #98, Pontchatrain Chapter #68, for their efforts in the Grand High Priest canned food drive. Most Excellent Grand High Priest Riley, Jr. then presented Companion Terry Macon with his ritual award for the Grand Chapter. Most Excellent Grand High Priest of Florida, Ron Newton, was introduced and given the floor to speak. He spoke about how well he had been treated while here, the state of York Rite Masonry in Florida, and invited everyone to their Grand Assembly. Deputy General Grand High Priest of the South-Central Region, Clyde Schoolfield, was then introduced and given the floor to speak. He spoke on membership, leadership, General Grand Regional Conference, and leadership development. At 3:46 PM this session of the Grand Chapter was

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put at recess until the sound of the gavel in the East. At 4:06 PM the Grand Chapter was called to labor. Elections for the Grand Chapter of Louisiana for the ensuing year of 2018-19 was called for. Companion Earl “Mickey” Durand stood and placed in nomination for the position of Grand High Priest the name of Michael A. Watts. His nomination was seconded by Companion Sharlow, and everyone present voted in favor. Companion Durand then placed the name Anthony Radosti as the nomination for Grand King. His nomination was seconded by Companion West, and everyone present voted in favor. Companion Durand then placed the name Terence Macon as the nomination for Grand Scribe. His nomination was seconded by Companion Hebert, and everyone present voted in favor. Companion Durand then made a motion that we retain Gerald Houston as the Grand Treasurer and Ed Horton as the Grand Secretary. His motion was seconded by Companion Perry, and everyone present voted in favor. Companion Lloyd A. Hebert then rose and read the Masonic resume of Companion M. Darin West and placed him in nomination for Grand Captain of the Host. His nomination was seconded by Companion Perry, and everyone present voted in favor. Companion Watts then read his list of appointments. Most Excellent Grand High Priest Riley, Jr. then proclaimed that all visitors present were honorary members of the Grand Chapter of the State of Louisiana. Most Excellent Grand High Priest Riley, Jr. then placed this session of the Grand Chapter at recess until the sound of the gavel in the East.

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Current Rep.

Recommended Commission Reason for Change

Rep LN FN MI

FN LN Argentina Giles Jack E.

Eddie LeBoeuf

Inactive

Canada-Novia Scotia Penn, III Charles H.

Andrew Stevenson Inactive

Delaware Strout Clyde

Vernon Atkinson

Deceased

France Patterson Joseph R.

Don Springler

Deceased

Maine Tuck Timothy W

David Maxey

Inactive

Companions William Keith Powell MIGM, Tim Riley Jr MEGHP and Ion Lazar REGC This is to inform you on what I observed when visiting the Alexandria Your Rite Bodies, this past Monday night. I will say that you all could not have chosen a better Companion than Allan Bean to help out with the problems in Alexandria. Companion Bean was there however, Companion Houston had other obligations and was not able to be there. As stands now, Companion Bean is handling all the administrative duties first. Making sure that when each of the York Rite Bodies meet that the minutes reflect what is needed for the new Secretary, Recorder and Treasurer to handle their duties. As Companion Bean stated, the minutes must reflect the new Treasurer for each Body and those minutes brought to the bank to get the new signature changed at the bank. Until that is completed, Chad still has to sign each check but, Allan Bean has every check documented. They are also in the process of electing an Assistant Secretary for all three Bodies so the MMS can be updated more efficiency. As of date, MMS is up to date showing all the new officers for all three Bodies. After the first step is completed administratively, then the finances will be completed. Companion Bean did inform me that each Body had their own financial statements. I am confident that the situation that was going on with the York Rite Bodies in Alexandria is now under control. Monday night, the Chapter met and had a good opening with only one person having to use the book; with a program that was educational. I did not look at the Commandery books, but Companion Bean did inform me that everything is coming alone fine. I did inform the Body that I would be back on the 5th Monday night when the Council meets. Peace and Harmony prevailed. Fraternally Michael Laurence RIDGM

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Exhibit #1 Investigation into Membership record issues in Saints John Chapter No. 98 and Saints

John Council No. 41

Summary The investigation of the membership record issues at Sts. John Chapter No. 98 and Sts. John Council No. 41 were conducted together as the membership records in question are the same. In the course of the investigation no intentional wrongdoing was found on the part of any of the officers. What was found, were errors in procedures resulting in serious problems with the membership records. The procedural errors can be generally described as:

1. Missing information in the files of the secretary as they were passed from one administration to the next; meaning that the incumbent secretary did not receive complete, accurate, or timely information from his predecessor. This problem seems to have existed through a number of administrations and it could not be determined where it started.

2. Inadequate communications between the Craft Lodge and the York Rite bodies when an individual member was suspended or expelled from his Craft Lodge;

3. Inadequate communications between the Grand York Rite bodies and the constituent bodies when a member lost his membership in a prerequisite body within the York Rite;

4. Failure to follow proper procedure and bring the names of members subject to NPD suspension before the constituent bodies for appropriate action.

This last error had been an established practice well before any of the current incumbents were in office. Because of this, I did not find a level of misfeasance that would justify formal action being brought against any of the incumbents. That said, all York Rite Officers should be instructed to bring the NPD roll to the attention of the membership in an official meeting for proper action. If this had been done the NPD issues arising in this case could have been averted. For more recommendations, see below. Given the results of the investigative portion of the effort, the remaining focus was on remedial action. In May, notices were sent to all members subject to NPD suspension. This process was repeated in September. As a result, 30 members paid their dues, and 19 were suspended NPD, 3 paid and then demitted, and one, who had been previously suspended was reinstated and then suspended for refusal to pay dues. The members who paid their dues were not reinstated as they had not been suspended in the first place. The entire episode with Sts. John Chapter and Council was, unfortunately, internally divisive, and entirely avoidable. The lesson here is to follow proper procedure in the handling of NPD members, requiring the names to be brought before the bodies for appropriate action. Doing this would give transparency to process, permit active members who know the potential NPDs the opportunity to contact them and perhaps retain the

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member, and would keep the rolls straight by requiring official action from the bodies themselves. Although the rolls of Indivisible Friends Commandery were beyond the scope of this investigation, it was learned that problems were occurring when a member held his Chapter and Council membership elsewhere, was suspended or demitted, and this was not communicated to Indivisible Friends. This can be resolved through better communication between the Grand Secretaries/Recorders. Report I was requested by the Grand High Priest and the Illustrious Grand Master to investigate discrepancies in the membership rolls of Saints John Chapter No. 98 and Saints John Council 41, both domiciled in Gretna, Louisiana. There were three questions to be answered

1. What were the discrepancies? 2. Why did the discrepancies occur? 3. Did the cause involve serious misfeasance or malfeasance of Office?

After answering these three questions, the investigation would move on to the remedial phase by

1. Fixing the problems with the rolls 2. Developing recommendations for further action

As the three investigative questions involve both the Chapter and Council, and the two bodies share a common secretary, I will address the Chapter and Council together. What were the discrepancies? Both the Chapter and Council under examination were carrying a significant number of persons on the rolls, which were no longer entitled to be there. This caused these bodies to pay per capita on persons who were in reality no longer members. The discrepancies in the rolls involve three major types of cases:

1. The member had died and remained on the rolls 2. The member did not pay dues for a number of years and was not suspended 3. The member lost their prerequisite membership and were not removed from the

rolls

These are not uncommon problems and can be found to occur in several of our Chapters and Councils. Why did the discrepancies occur? All three of the discrepancy types share a common source, a failure of communications. The bodies were sometimes not notified when a member had died. As no response was received to dues notices, and these cases were interpreted as an NPD.

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In those cases where the member lost his prerequisite membership the Chapter and Council were not notified. The members simply quit paying dues and regarded as an NPD. The remaining cases were members who simply failed to pay their dues. The communications issue has several aspects

1. Several of these cases predate the present administration of the bodies, and the nature of the records that were transferred from the previous secretary to the present secretary. These were manual records and primarily consisted of a membership roster and reports previously filed with the Grand Secretary/Recorder indicating the activity of the previous year. These records were difficult for the present secretary to decipher with any degree of confidence. There was no master record against which to compare these reports. The communications issue here is in the transfer of records and responsibilities when secretaries change.

2. Officers and members did not adequately keep in touch with members who were inactive. For this reason, a member who had been inactive for a number of years could die and no one at the Chapter or Council have knowledge of the death or, if they did, not report it to the secretary. In many cases the death of a member was known to his Craft Lodge, but this information went no further. If an active Companion happened to belong to the same Lodge he may have known but this is not a certainty, especially if the deceased Companion had not been active in his Lodge for a significant period of time. The communications issue here is between the Chapter/Council and their members.

3. Members who went NPD for a number of years were sent dues notices on several occasions; however, when no response was received there was no further follow-up, nor was the member’s name brought before the bodies for suspension NPD. The lack of response from the member could be due to a failure on the part of the individual Companions to notify the Chapter and Council of a change of address or it could have been a refusal to pay his dues indicating a desire to no longer belong to the organization. The communication issue is between the Officers and the Companions.

4. There was no systematic method for informing the Chapter or Council of members who had lost their prerequisite membership. The communications issue here is twofold—between various York Rite Bodies, and between the York Rite and the Grand Lodge.

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Do these causes involve a serious misfeasance or malfeasance of Office? I found no indication of malfeasance of office. There was some misfeasance, but it was of a systemic nature; i.e. a continuation of what had been done in the past. For this reason and the contributing factors of the condition of the records passed from one secretary to another, coupled with the lack of training for secretaries being offered from the Grand Bodies, I do not find a serious misfeasance attributable to a single individual, but believe the Chapter and Council would be better served by adopting a more open procedure for review and action on matters relative to dues collection. A suggestion for the Chapter and Council, and as this is not a unique problem to the bodies under investigation, to the Grand Officers as well for their consideration. A member is required to pay dues prior to January 1st of the year for which dues are due; however, the Companion is not delinquent until the end of the year. Suspension for NPD occurs after the second year of nonpayment. For members one year or less in arrears, the names could be read to the Chapter and Council requesting help in locating the Companion and ascertaining his condition (i.e. reasons for the nonpayment of dues). Once the situation is determined, remedial action can be taken by the appropriate bodies (basically, pay his dues because of hardship, pay his per capita and retain him on the rolls for another year, or suspend him if the Companion no longer wishes to be a member). For members two years in arrears, the names should be brought before the Chapter and Council for a vote whether or not to suspend the member NPD. By involving the active members in the process, the Chapter and Council should attain better results. Issue Resolution: For both the Chapter and the Council all members who have been suspended for cause have been removed from the rolls. Dues notices were mailed to all other potential NPDs on May 13, 2017. As of June 2nd, 10 responses have been received. By the end of the year, after two notifications and additional personal contact, when the member could be located, resulted in retaining most of the members involved. Recommendations:

1. That no formal action be taken against any individual involved in this matter. The incumbents in the relevant positions cooperated with the investigation and worked diligently in resolving the problems when brought to their attention. The problems were created by a series of failures in record keeping over an extended period of time, involving several individuals. It is my belief that the Chapter and Council would be better served by resolving the issues with the membership rolls, and adopting the procedures, which if faithfully followed, would greatly limit such occurrences in the future.

2. The focus of efforts to collect dues should be on the retention of the member. If a member becomes inactive, every effort should be made to determine why and to resolve the situation. If a Companion is unresponsive to normal dues notices efforts

30

should be made to determine why. This is not the responsibility of the secretary alone but falls to every Companion in the organization.

3. No member should be continued beyond his NPD date without ascertaining the situation (e.g. bad address, financial hardship, no longer desires to be a member, or the cause of the member’s intent to disfellowship—loss of interest, upsetting incident, or not getting anything of value out of his York Rite experience) and consideration by the entire body. It is recommended that the Grand Officers consider issuing a policy or other appropriate instrument that would cause this procedure to be required. This has three salutatory effects. First, it improves our ability to locate lost members. Second, it allows the Companions the opportunity to make the final decision to retain or suspend a member and the entire process is transparent. Third, it is an opportunity to reach out to our inactive members and determine why they went inactive. We can then use this information to improve the experience we offer our members thereby increasing our retention. We exist for our members and it is up to all of us to do whatever we can to provide the kind of experience that makes them find the York Rite worth their time and treasure.

4. The MMS database made the correction of the rolls much simpler. If utilized by all Chapters and Councils it will also make the transition from one secretary/recorder to the next much simpler and more efficient. The Grand Officers should consider making the use of the MMS database mandatory.

5. In order for the MMS database to be an effective tool and to better prepare secretaries to perform their duties, it is recommended that the Grand Secretary/Recorder conduct workshops on an annual basis on the use of the system, the duties of the secretary/recorder, and tips to make this difficult job easier.

6. Issues related to the loss of prerequisite membership will largely be resolved through the use of the MMS database, when the membership in question is within the York Rite Bodies. It is recommended that the Grand Officers consider requesting the Grand Lodge include the York Rite Grand Secretaries in the notifications of suspensions or expulsions from the craft. This would entail only two communications from the Grand Lodge. Once notified the York Rite Grand Secretaries would notify the constituent bodies of a member’s loss of the prerequisite membership. In such cases suspension is automatic and should be acted upon in a timely manner.

Respectfully Submitted Carle L. Jackson, PGHP, PIGM

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Annual Statistical Report - Start: 1/1/2017 End: 12/31/2017

General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masonry

Grand Chapter of Louisiana

Stationed at Blank on file

Total Working Chapters =

25

The following is a recapitulation of membership activity during the specified reporting period.

Total number members on last return =

1,670

Total number EXALTED =

83

Total number AFFILIATED =

7

Total number REINSTATED =

16

Total number ADD ADJUSTMENT =

0

Total Gain (+)

106

Total number DEMITTED =

39

Total number SUSPENDED =

120

Total number DECEASED =

57

Total number EXPELLED =

0

Total number DELETE ADJUSTMENT =

1

Total Loss (-)

217

Net Gain (Net Loss) =

(111)

Total number of members (including Dual and Plural)

on this report as of

1,559

=

Traveling Bible Winnfield Charter No 59 wins the Traveling Bible again this year with 32 Points and a 23% gain in membership.

Closing It has been a pleasure working with Most Excellent Grand High Priest Timothy J. Riley, Jr. It has been a great honor for me to have been able to serve the men in the various Chapters in the State. We have had several changes this year with the implementation of the MMS database however, the Secretaries of this State have worked hard to stay up with these changes and learn the new system of tracking our members. There is no way to know what

32

lies ahead for us, but I look forward to serving the great men of this York Rite Body for many years to come. Respectfully submitted, Ed L. Horton, Grand Secretary

Credentials and Registration Committee Report To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Grand Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Louisiana, We, your Committee on Credentials and Registration, wish to submit our report on the attendance at your Annual Convocation for this year.

Grand Officers 13 Past Most Excellent Grand High Priests 11 District Deputies 3 District Lecturers 2 Royal Arch Chapters represented 19 Royal Arch Chapters not represented 5 Excellent High Priests 14 Ballots issued 130 Visitors 21 Total Members in attendance 80

The Credentials and Registration Committee wishes to thank all of the Companions who assisted in compiling this report. Fraternally Submitted: Timothy J Riley, PHP, Grand Secretary Emeritus Allen Bean, PHP Dale Johnson

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DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE REPORT

18 February 2018 To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Grand Officers, and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana, the Committee on Distribution has reviewed the advanced address of the Grand High Priest and recommend those portions be referred to the following committees: Constituent Chapters and State of the Order Committee - E. J. “Mickey” Durand, PGHP, Chairman Welcome State of the Order Grand Officers – Elected and Appointed District Deputy Grand High Priests and District Lecturers Twenty-five and Fifty year Certificates In-State visitations Recommendations Appreciations Necrology Committee – Vernon Atkinson, PGHP, Acting Chairman Necrology Law and Jurisprudence Committee – William “Jim” Hill, PHP, Chairman Dispensations Granted By-Laws Approved Foreign Correspondence Committee – Ed Horton, Jr, GSec, Chairman Out of State Visits Commissions Issued Commissions Recommended This Committee appreciates the Grand High Priest’s dedication and his taking time from his other duties to serve this Grand Chapter with distinction this year, despite the medical issues that prevented even more activity on his part. We also thank you for the opportunity and privilege to serve with him. Gerald H Houston, PGHP, Chairman Andrew Stevenson, PGC Carle Jackson, PGHP, PGIM

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Report of the Committee on Programs and Arrangements

The committee would like to report the Program and all Arrangements for the Grand Chapter Session have been worked out and seem to be functioning well. This is due in large part to the long range planning and arrangements that have been arranged with several organizations within the city of Alexandria to include the Cenla Shrine Club and Best Western. We are grateful for the commitment each of these organizations have shown to the Grand Chapter in helping us to have the best possible session we can in 2018. The committee recommends that we continue to arrange the programs in Alexandria, LA which is centrally located and within reasonable driving time from most cities within the state. Its central location is also conducive to out of state visitation for neighboring states as well as the facilities at Alexandria International Airport which is only a few minutes’ drive from the actual Grand Session location. As of the time of the writing of this advance report the program has not started so there is nothing else to report on the program or its arrangements. Respectfully submitted, L. Chad Koelling, Chairman Jeff Maynor Michael Watts Stuart Averitt Andrew Stevenson Ed Horton

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Time and Place Committee Report

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana, Grand Officers, and all Royal Arch Masons within the Grand Jurisdiction of and holding allegiance to the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana. Fraternal Greetings! Our committee graciously thanks our Most Excellent Grand High Priest Timothy J. Riley Jr. for the opportunity and privilege to serve on this committee. The 171st annual convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal arch Masons of Louisiana will be held at the Best Western Hotel and conference Center on MacArthur Drive in Alexandria, Louisiana. The dates for our Grand Convocation will be March 2-5, 2018. A full schedule of all activities is available on our website at LAyorkrite.org. Fraternally and humbly submitted under my hand:

Samuel B. Owens, Chairman

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Advisory to Chapter Committee

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Grand Officers and Companion of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana. We, your committee on Advisory to the Chapter, wishes to report that progress has been made on the long range planning committee. As good as the long range committee is and the recommendation that they have presented, in developing the Chapter; we need to implement these ideas now. One idea was to development a Companion and Officer's handbook that could be downloaded from the Grand Chapters web site. Another idea was to develop committee job descriptions. With all the ideas that has been suggested we still need to work more on attendance and participation of new members. Fraternally submitted, Michael Laurence PGHP. Chairman Timothy J. Riley, Sr. PGHP Howard Entwistle, PGHP Earl J Durand, PGHP Edwin "Ed" L. Horton, Jr.

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Report of the Committee on Promotion and Publicity

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, The Most Illustrious Grand Master, and officers and members of the Grand Chapter and Council of Louisiana: Throughout the past year the Members of your Committee have utilized their best endeavors to promote and publicize the Degrees of the Chapter and Council, and the Orders of the Commandery, at every opportunity. This has included internal promotion through participation in festivals and Degree conferrals, in the hope that we can help our newest Companions receive the Light in our Degrees, and thereby retain them as active members of their Bodies, as well as external promotion within the Symbolic Lodge, which is the only quarry from which we can gather Stones for our Temple. But the year past is just that: past. Looking to the future we need to understand that the only way we can strengthen our membership is to strengthen the Symbolic Lodge. We cannot offer More Light unless our Brethren have received the Light to begin with. Many of our young Masons come to the Fraternity with a thirst for knowledge, and we need to be the place where they find that knowledge. We recommend to our successors this goal: that we have in each Lodge in Louisiana at least one Royal Arch Mason who will be, or be willing to become, that well-informed Brother to whom we commend our Apprentices. Respectfully submitted, Vernon E. Dawson, Jr., PHP, Chairman Keith Powell Levi Chad Koelling Michael Darin West

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Long Range Planning Committee

January 30, 2018 Most Excellent Companion Timothy J. Riley, Jr. Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons Louisiana: Most Excellent Sir: On behalf of the members of the Long-Range Planning Committee, allow me the opportunity to thank you for allowing us to serve you and the Grand Chapter during your year as Grand High Priest. Of interest, the session for the 2019 Grand Conclave is established. It will begin on Thursday, February 28, 2019 through Sunday, March 3,2019 at the Best Western of Alexandria Inn, Suites & Conference Center. The Grand Conclave schedule for 2019 may have minor changes but should closely resemble the 2018 assembly. This committee would mention the necessity and success of the quarterly Junior Officer meetings at Alexandria, LA. The information and brain-storming during these meetings has strengthened the Grand Chapter. This meeting is also a great time for the various committees to meet and conduct their business. The District Deputy Grand High Priests and Grand Lecturers should be encouraged to conduct a Capitular District meeting in their District. The Grand High Priest should be invited. This meeting will further strengthen the various regions of the State. The Grand Lecturer could also attempt to build lists of competent ritualists in the District. This may very well enable degrees and orders to be conducted in the Chapter location. Again, we of the Long-Range Planning Committee wish to thank you again for the privilege of serving. We pray you continued success in your future Masonic endeavors. Fraternally Yours: Michael A. Watts, Chair Long Range Planning Committee

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Chapter Committee on Foreign Correspondence

TO: The Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Grand Officer and Companions: All foreign correspondence this year has been handled through the Grand Secretary’s office and has consisted of routine request for changes in other Grand Jurisdictions’ Secretaries, approvals for Grand Representative Appointments, requesting approval of the Grand High Priest recommendations of Representative, facilitating demit request from other jurisdictions, courteous 50 year presentations, routine correspondence, handling General Grand Chapter correspondence, etc. We, your committee on Foreign Correspondence, wish to give and recommend approval to the several actions of the Most Excellent Grand High Priest referred to us. We approve of the commissions issued and received and commend the Most Excellent Grand High Priest of his choice. We are sure that the Grand Chapter of Louisiana was represented in a pleasing manner on all visits made by the Most Excellent Grand High Priest in State and out of State. Fraternally Submitted, Chair: Ed L. Horton, PHP Joseph Patterson, PHP Carle Jackson, PGHP

40

Report on the Philanthropies

Most Excellent Grand High Priest Riley, Jr., This is my report on the Philanthropies for the great state of Louisiana for 2017. We are down due to several factors such as unemployment, floods and other things. Considering, we didn’t do too bad. Hammond #48 donated $50.00 Shreveport # 10 donated $150.00 Toni Radosti donated $50.00 Grand Chapter of Louisiana donated $500.00 Sid Phelps donated $100.00 Washington Chapter #5 donated $144.00 Grand Commandery of Louisiana donated $605.00 Total donations for 2017 comes to $1599.00 I really hope to do better in 2018 as I have a good committee and we will be pushing this really hard. Fraternally, Terence D Macon, PHP Grand Captain of the Host Chairman, Philanthropies

41

Grand Chapter Youth Report Louisiana Rainbow Girls have plans underway for their newest assembly in the Alexandria Area. The very strong Pledge group has grown, and they are now ready to open a Rainbow assembly this summer, 2018. Our very strong five (5) assemblies (Slidell, Lake Area, Metairie, Temple (Shreveport/Bossier City) and Diamond (Baton Rouge Area) continue with new membership and working on their individual service and charitable projects. On the state level, the girls are raising funds for the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation and Grand Charity is spearheading a Capital Gains project for the Supreme Temple. Each assembly will also do a special Charity project where they serve in the community. Grayce Mores, Grand Worthy Advisor is also leading the state with her Membership Project, Wishes in a Bottle, and the Scholarship program. The state is hosting a Spring Dinner/Silent Auction on March 10th in the Baton Rouge area. Each assembly will be selling tickets for a raffle and the dinner. There will be many items in the silent auction and each assembly along with Grand Assembly will split all of the proceeds to further their education in Youth Protection, Leadership, Confidence, Facebook skills, Bullying and other classes held at Rainbow University and at Grand Assembly.

We cordially invite you to Grand Assembly, June 8-10, 2018 at the New Orleans Airport Hilton with the opening on Friday, June 8th, Welcome Banquet at 6:00 pm and the Informal Opening at 7:30 pm. Our theme is Wishes and Dreams featuring each of the Disney Princesses.

DeMolay has six Chapters and has chartered a Squire Manor with clubs at each chapter. The Squires program is for young men between 9 and 12 years of age. These Bodies continue to develop our states youth as the leaders of tomorrow, and if engaged by York Rite Bodies, will have a positive image of Masonry which will carry into adulthood. We mention this, for several reasons; Word of Mouth is still the best promotion or negative detraction of Freemasonry, the youth of today will be active members of society tomorrow – hopefully as members of our fraternity. Brother Landon Smart was installed as State Master Councilor of the Louisiana DeMolay State Association on at the JC Deason Leadership Conference. March 16-18 will be the Old South Ritual Tournament in Atlanta, GA, and June 6-10 will be the JC Deason Leaders Conference in Woodworth, LA. In 2018, not only will we elect new State Officers, but Dad Chester Finley will be installed as the Ninth Executive Officer of Louisiana. The State Association is very interested in opening new chapters. York Rite Bodies were the original sponsoring Masonic Bodies of DeMolay Chapters and we would enjoy discussing possible sponsorship in the future. If you, or your Royal Arch Chapter, are interested in working with a DeMolay Chapter, please contact Companion Nicholas Auck, Executive Officer of Louisiana at (225) 362-1120 or Laeo8@yahoo.com.

Further it would be very helpful if the Grand Lodge thru its District Deputies would support and talk more openly at the Lodges about our Youth Groups to further support Rainbow and DeMolay and our needs. I think the lodges could possibly help with this by more actively sending us the names of youth men in the area so we could invite them to prospect parties.

This report was in cooperation with The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Louisiana Youth Chairman, Rory Bozeman, DeMolay Executive Officer of Louisiana Nick Auck, Louisiana Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons Committee Chairman, Frank du Treil, Jr., and we thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Respectfully submitted,

Frank N. du Treil, Jr., Chairman

42

YORK RITE PERPETUAL MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT

(Grand Chapter)

Most Excellent Grand High Priest: Your committee on Perpetual Membership respectively reports the following activity and statistics for the calendar year 2017 as pertaining to York Rite Perpetual Membership in this Grand Jurisdiction: Most Excellent Sir, on December 31, 2017, we completed twenty two years and three months of participation and activity in the York Rite Perpetual Membership Program. As you are aware, the York Rite Perpetual Membership fund is a jointly invested account with invested funds from participating members under the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter, Grand Council, and Grand Commandery. As of December 31, 2017, that account is valued at $260,928.82. The investment firm for York Rite Perpetual Membership has done a marvelous job in protecting our investments. It has been a reasonably good year for Perpetual Membership investments considering the investment portfolio is conservatively invested for the protection of the invested principal. Please be assured that your York Rite Perpetual Membership Committee continues to seek the very best investment return for dollars invested in the program and working for our Perpetual Members. Most Excellent Sir, your Perpetual Membership Committee consisting of Companions Joseph H. Baker, Jr., Vernon Atkinson, and Anthony “Tony” Radosti, have performed magnificently. Each of the committee members go those many “extra miles” to affect the success of the York Rite Perpetual Membership Program. For their dedication and service, we are eternally grateful. Fraternally submitted, Allen G. Tidwell, P.H.P., Chairman

43

Charters and Dispensations Committee

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Grand Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana. We your committee on Charters and Dispensations has reviewed the Dispensations granted this year. We find that all 14 Dispensations granted this year were well within his power and duties. There were no Charters Granted this year however, Girard Hope Chapter #33 did go "Dark". There was no charter to surrender, nor any other property, due to the fire that consumed their building. There was no money turned over due to the length of time to get things straightened out at the bank. Fraternally Submitted, Michael Laurence, Chairman Howard F. Entwistle, Jr. Larry J. Plaisance Richard L. James

44

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MASONIC LAW & JURISPRUDENCE (For the Period March 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018)

TO: THE MOST EXCELLENT GRAND HIGH PRIEST, GRAND OFFICERS and COMPANIONS of

LOUISIANA: The Masonic Law & Jurisprudence Committee reviewed suggested changes to the By-Laws for the following Chapters: Southern Hills Chapter No. 103 R.A.M. Washington 5 Chapter No. 57 R.A.M. Keystone Chapter No. 44 R.A.M. and, which suggested changes were reviewed and comments made for some corrections. Subsequently received corrected By-Laws from: Keystone Chapter No. 44 R.A.M. and which corrected changes were approved. The Jurisprudence Committee has now reviewed those portions of the Most Excellent Grand High Priest’s Address which were normally referred to this Committee. Committee has no comments on the address. Besides as set forth above, no other By-Laws or Amendments to By-Laws have been approved or disapproved by this Committee during this period. No new Grand Chapter Resolutions were reviewed. Chapter Resolution 2017-2 and 2017-3 were reviewed last year and held over. Accordingly, except as may be set forth in a Report Supplemental hereto, the Committee expresses no opinion concerning resolutions to be considered by the Grand Chapter. The Committee expresses its gratitude to the Most Excellent Grand High Priest and Companions for this opportunity to serve Royal Arch Masons. Dated this 19th day of February 2018. Respectfully submitted, William James “Jim” Hill, III, P.C. Chairman Jules F. “Jeff” Webb, PGM, PIM Larry J. Plaissance Terry Fowler

45

Report of the Committee on Membership

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, the Most Illustrious Grand Master, and officers and members of the Grand Chapter and Council of Louisiana: Over the past year, numerous efforts have been made to not only gain new members, but to reengage those members that have been lacking in their attendance. To this end, and in many of Districts around the state, several programs have been created and implemented to achieve this goal. Our representatives, have been extremely busy in their respective District Lodges, Blue Lodges and other Masonic functions, promoting the York Rite. This has been done by explaining the philosophies, charities and purpose of the York Rite both within and without the community. I would like to thank all of the York Rite Masons throughout the state for their efforts in recruiting and education. However, our beloved York Rite is suffering the same woes as is Masonry in general. With the decrease of new membership to our “recruitment pool” (i.e. – Blue Lodges), the lack of interest (demits & NPD) and the GAOTU reaping some of our most worthy Companions, we continue to struggle in achieving a net gain in our ranks. In 2017-2018, Louisiana RAM’s added a total of 107 new Companions (this includes new members, affiliated members and reinstatements), but we also lost 217 (which include Demits, Suspensions & Deaths). It should be noted that over 73% of our losses were due to Demits & Suspensions, or a LACK OF INTEREST. With this in mind, this Committee would recommend to the future leadership of York Rite Membership the following goals:

1. York Rite Education in your Chapter & Council meetings. Our members are losing interest, which must be changed. Based on studies and feedback from the members, what the membership is asking for is MORE LIGHT or more Masonic Education.

2. Increased Social Media Presence to reach a broader scope of people. This is not limited to the “younger” generation, but should spark interest throughout all Masonic bodies, generations and ages.

3. When possible, don’t wait for a Festival to confer Degrees. Confer as many Degrees in your local Chapter and Council as you can. This has shown to drive excitement in the “disinterested” Companions.

4. Continue with promoting interest in the York Rite through Blue Lodges, District Lodges, and other Masonic functions.

Respectfully submitted, M. Darin West, PHP, Chairman Michael Watts Eddie LeBoeuf, III Jeffery Maynor Lucas Guy Brad Williams Tom Kussman

46

Edict 2017-1

March 19, 2017 Companions,

Over the past several years, our beloved fraternity has seen a decline in membership. We have seen Chapters close or merged at an alarming rate. We have seen Chapters that have merged with other Chapters and now the new Chapter has begun to become stagnant. We need to reverse this trend before it is too late.

Therefore, as Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masonry in the State of Louisiana, I

hereby issue the following Edict. Any Companion who has ever belonged to a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in the State

of Louisiana, even if that Chapter no longer exists, and who possesses a current dues card from a regular, recognized Lodge of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, or, any State recognized by the same; shall be granted Amnesty with the payment of this year’s current annual dues for the local Chapter they are applying.

Please remember when an individual has requested to be reinstated into the Chapter because of the amnesty program, per the Grand Chapter Constitution and General Regulations, under Statutory Regulations Section 16, the individual must submit his request in writing, be voted on, and pass by 2/3's vote.

The written request DOES NOT need to be forwarded to the Grand Secretary. The written request is for the Chapter to which the companion is applying to at that time. It is to be handled the same as any other application. It should be filed at the local level and the new Companion’s information sent to the Grand Secretary with the Monthly Report.

All High Priests of constituent Chapters of Louisiana are requested to appoint a Membership Committee to contact members, ex-members, and any persons who may have knowledge of a lost Companion and to disseminate the news of this Amnesty to any who have left our ranks.

This Edict is so ordered by my hand March 19, 2017 and must be read in the next open Assembly. Timothy J. Riley, Jr Attested by: Ed L. Horton ME Grand High Priest RE Grand Secretary State of Louisiana State of Louisiana

47

Grand Council Officers for 2017-2018

GRAND COUNCIL OF LOUISIANA 2017-2018

Wm. Keith Powell, Sr. .................................................................................................................... M. I. Grand Master

301 Whispering Pine Dr, Haughton, LA 71037-9537 (318) 560-1164

Michael L. Laurence. .......................................................................................................... R. I. Deputy Grand Master 176 Sandel Ln Ragley LA, 70657-6125

(337) 515-5729 V. Eugene Dawson ......................................................................................... Ill. Grand Principle Conductor of Work

3041 Turner Rd Ethel LA, 70730-4410 225-335-2289

Gerald Houston ............................................................................................................................... l. Grand Treasurer 426 Green Briar St., DeRidder, LA 70634

(337) 463-4553 Edwin L. Horton, Jr... ....................................................................................................................... I. Grand Secretary

5767 Bayou Drive, Bossier City, LA 71112-4975 (318) 469-5654

Andrew Stevenson, Sr………………………….……………………………………………………..I. Captain of Guard PO Box 5903 Bossier City LA, 71171-5903

(318)393-2939

Camille J. Guidry ............................................................................................................... I. Conductor of the Council

1412 Taft Park Metairie LA, 70001-3761 (504) 559-1735

Vernon Atkinson PIGM ……………………………………………………………………………………I. Grand Chaplain PO Box 1133 Glenmora LA, 71433

(318) 623-0068 Richard B. Smith ……………...…………………………………………………………………………. I. Grand Marshall

312 Orchard Dr Lake Charles LA, 70605-4446 337-263-1045

Tim Riley, Jr. .................................................................................................................................. .. I. Grand Lecturer 301 Whispering Pine Dr Haughton LA, 71037-9537

318-560-1164 Justin “Keith” Gates .......................................................................................................................... I. Grand Organist

PO Box 1433, Winnfield, LA 71483 318-471-3907

Richard L. James REPGC ....................................................................................................... I. Grand Photographer 163 L E Phillips Rd Eros LA, 71238

318-235-2050

48

Thomas “Tom” Kussmann ....................................................................................................... I.. Grand Photographer 555 Koonce Rd Lake Charles LA, 70611-6131

337-302-2206 Glenn Bledsoe ……………………………………………….…………………………………………...I.. Grand Sentinel

1501 W 6th St Elk City OK, 73644 318-335-8529

Conrad Gauthier ............................................................................................................................... I.. Grand Stewart 520 Roger Rd Lafayette LA, 70507

337-298-6542

COUNCILS by DISTRICTS DISTRICT COUNCIL # by DISTRICT D1 2-Louisiana, 41-Sts. John, 48-Slidell, 49-Houma D2 11-Baton Rouge, 33-Istrouma, 36-Jos W. Robinson D3 24-Jack L. Stephan, 47-Herman L. Feske, 55-Hiram K. Greer D4 19-Calcasieu, 26-Fullerton, 32-Louis B. Fusha D5 12-Summit, 43-Winnfield D6 23-Shreveport, 46-Ish Sodi, 52-Red River D7 8-Monroe, 50-Morehouse

DISTRICT DDIGM GRAND LECTURER D1 Eddie Leboeuf III Ion Lazar D2 Jeffery Maynor Kenneth Streater D3 Richard Fox Jared Yasher D4 Richard Morgan Terry Fowler D5 Bryan Price Vernon Atkinson D6 Darin West Tim Riley, Sr. D7 Jake Evans Jerry Wicker

49

Wm. Keith Powell, Sr.

Most Illustrious Grand Master

2016 – 2017

Presiding

50

Elected Grand Officers of Grand Council R&SM

L to R: Gerald Houston, R.I. Grand Treasurer; Andrew Stevenson, Sr., Ill. Grand Captain of the Guard ; Michael L. Laurence, R.I. Deputy Grand Master; Wm. Keith Powell, M.I. Grand Master, V. Eugene Dawson, Ill. Grand Principal Conductor of Work; Edwin “Ed” Horton, Jr., R.I. Grand Recorder.

51

Elected and Appointed Officer of Grand Council

Front Row - L to R: Gerald Houston, R.I. Grand Treasurer; Andrew Stevenson, Sr., R.I. Grand Captain of the Guard ; Michael L. Laurence, R.I. Deputy Grand Master; Wm. Keith Powell, M.I. Grand Master, V. Eugene Dawson, R.I. Grand Principal Conductor of Work; Edwin “Ed” Horton, Jr., R.I. Grand Recorder.

Second Row – L to R: Tim Riley, Sr., I. Grand Lecturer; RIDGM Eddie LeBoeuf, III, I. Grand Deputy Grand Master District 1; Timothy J. Riley, Jr., I. Grand Lecturer; William Blake; David Carroll; Richard B. Smith, I. Grand Marshall; Camille J. Guidry, I. Grand Conductor of the Council; Vernon Atkinson, I. District Lecturer District 5.

52

To the Grand Council Officers and Companions of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons State of Louisiana and our distinguished Out-of-State Visitors: I want you all to know that before I accepted the nomination of the office with be elected MIGM, I went before my LORD to ask for guidance in my leadership, decisions to be made concerning the many issues they may come before me, traveling grace for the many miles that I intended to travel, keep sickness away from me, to bless my speech before the many Masons I will be in contact with, and to watch over my Father my year. I dedicated my year to the memory of my Mother, Patricia Ann Powell and to my Father, William “Wild Bill” or “Pops” B. Powell. I thank you all for the calls and prayers my family received for my Father and for me. Every one of you wanted to help and would have helped, if asked. To our Out-of-State Guests, we want to thank each of you very much for taking your time to visit this Grand Council Session. I have had the opportunity to meet many of you throughout my Masonic travels and we have become great friends. I cherish each of you as being my personal mentor and as an advisor to me as I walk the steps of Masonry. If there is anything we can do to make your stay with us more enjoyable, please feel free to contact me or any of the “Gracious Companions of the great State of Louisiana.” Your needs are very important to us along with you having a great stay in “The Bayou State.” I want to thank all the Committees who have worked very hard to make this Grand Council Session a success for us all. The Arrangements Committee has done a great job to make this Grand Council Session a memorable occasion for each one of us. To the Ladies, who have served on the various Committees to show us great hospitality and their personal touch of kindness, are greatly appreciated for all their efforts during this Session. To the Administrative Staff of the Best Western Suites and Convention Center of Alexandria, special thanks goes out to you from this Grand Council and Companions for all of your assistance and help you have given to make this an enjoyable stay for us all. You have met all of our expectations and went well beyond the call of duty, to make this a successful Session. Our Grand Council Session is jointly held with the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons State of Louisiana, presided by Most Excellent Grand High Priest Tim Riley, Jr. and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar State of Louisiana, presided by Right Eminent Grand Commander Ion Lazar. We wish them both a most harmonious, peaceful, and successful Grand Session. This year has been a great pleasure for me to have served this Grand Council of Cryptic Masons as Illustrious Grand Master for the year 2017-2018. It was my pleasure to serve with Most Excellent Grand High Priest Tim Riley, Jr. and Right Eminent Grand Commander Ion Lazar. We all traveled many miles together going to the many Masonic meetings either being members of the Masonic organization or traveling to the many Grand Jurisdictions to represent this great State of Louisiana York Rite Bodies showing our hospitality and good Louisiana Cajun humor. I believe this Masonic year for the Louisiana York Rite Bodies that the Most Excellent Grand High Priest and Most Illustrious Grand Master, for the first time ever, traveled together to each Grand York Rite Jurisdictions of the South Central Masonic Section

Address of the Most Illustrious Grand Master

William Keith Powell, Sr. – 2017-2018

53

of America. Companions, you can be proud of each of us being your leaders of each Body putting our hearts and personal pride to make York Rite Masonry strong in the State of Louisiana. With the joint efforts of all Masons, our great fraternity will continue to be strong in the future.

Necrology

The Great Supreme Architect of the Universe has called to that Temple not made with hands, one of our Past Most Illustrious Grand Master. Most Illustrious Past Grand Master Clifford Bradley, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge State of Louisiana F&AM, had been a long and hard worker for this Grand Council and Grand Lodge. He was our Most Illustrious in 1976 and Grand Master in 1986. He will dearly be missed by us all. The subordinate Councils of this State have not been without loss of their several beloved Companions and to these families and loved ones we offer our most affectionate sympathies. The Memorial Services on Sunday will be our appreciation for those Companions who have served the fraternity well. We will forever remember their great works and contributions to the fraternity.

Grand Line Officers – Elected and Appointed I want to thank each of the elected and appointed officers of the Grand council of Cryptic Masons State of Louisiana for all their support this year. I visited throughout the entire State during this year, and I was never without other Grand Officers. At all the visitations, there were always several of the elected and appointed officers present. During Festivals in the several locations, the support of the officers and Companions were always available, with open parts being filled by the elected and appointed line officers of the Grand Council.

District Deputy Illustrious Grand Master

It is with my pleasure to personally thanks for the support and efforts of the District Deputy Illustrious Grand Master, that the Most Illustrious Grand Master was able to meet his goals and needs of the Companions of the Grand council. Each District Deputy Grand Master represented the Most Illustrious Grand Master well and with professionalism at the several occasions sent to this year. I want to thank you each for a job well done during my tenure as your Most Illustrious Grand Master.

District Deputy Grand Lecturers

Under the direction of our Grand Lecturer, Most Illustrious Tim Riley, Jr., our District Deputy Grand Lecturers have worked diligently to perpetuate the great Ritual work of our Degrees. To each of you, my sincere thanks for your dedication of your time and efforts, enabling the Council work to continue for generations to come. Your Council work necessary to enable the great “York Rite Work to Preserve the Word” to continue on.

Change in By-Laws Approved

54

NONE

Mergers

NONE

Dispensations

May 24, 2017 Shreveport #23 Hold election to elect new Record, and any other Office position that may come open because of Election, due to passing of Joseph Patterson. May 27, 2017 Ish Sodi #46 Hold election to elect new Illustrious Master, and Other office positions that may come open because Of election, due to passing of Joseph Patterson. June 1, 2017 Summit #12 Hold elections to elect new PCW, and any other Office position that may come open because of Election. August 10, 2017 Ish Sodi #46 Hold election to elect new IM, and any other Office position that may come open because of Election. October 10, 2017 H. L. Feske #47 Hold election to elect to fill the vacancy of any Officer positions that may be open, Install officers, And conduct business. February 8, 2018 Ish Sodi #46 Hold election to fill the vacancy of any officer Positions that may open, Install officers, and Conduct business. February 8, 2018 Morehouse #50 To meet and conduct any business necessary at 148 Wood St., Rayville, LA, on 2nd Monday of Each month, until by-laws are finalized.

Grand Representative Commissions Recommended

(See Exhibit 3)

Grand Representative Commissions Issued

As MIGM, I was able to approve two Grand Representative Commissions representing Louisiana in those States. While in Kentucky, I was able to present the Louisiana Commission to the holder of the certificate, whom was a Past Grand Master.

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25-50 Year Certificates

This was my pleasure during the Cryptic Year to sign several 25 Year Certificates and 50 Year Certificates. It was a pleasure for me to present a few of these 25-50 Year Certificates and meet these hard working Companions that have many years of knowledge about Cryptic Masonry. I was able to learn from them some personal Masonic information about themselves. I request the subordinate Councils to keep these Companions involved with the work and part of the meetings. Do not forget them.

Out-of-State Visits

March 8-12 Arkansas Grand YR Session Little Rock, AR 17 General Bates Stoddard Knight Mason #87 Bryan, TX 22 Master Mason Degree Houston, TX 24-25 Texas State Capitol Assemblage Operative Masons San Antonio, TX 29-April2 Kansas Grand YR Session Topeka, KS April 26-29 Oklahoma YR Session Norman, OK May 5-7 Crown of Thorns Waco, TX 17-19 Mississippi Grand YR Session Jackson, MS 29 Texas Masonic Meeting Chappell Hill, TX June 5-10 Missouri Grand YR Session Jefferson City, MO July 30 Texas Masonic Meeting Chappell Hill, TX August 3-12 Dixie Boys/Juniors World Series Hilton Head, SC 18-19 Texas State Capitol Assemblage Operative Masons San Antonio, TX 20-31 General Grand Chapter/Council Portland, OR September 12-17 South Central Conference St. Louis, MO 18-21 Kentucky Grand YR Session Lexington, KY October 27-28 Texas State Capitol Assemblage Operative Masons San Antonio, TX 30 Texas Masonic Meeting Chappell Hill, TX November 30 General Bates Stoddard Knight Mason #87 Bryan, TX December 6-9 Texas YR Grand Session Waco, TX January 2018 29 Texas Masonic Meeting Chappell Hill, TX February 6-12 Masonic Week Alexandria, VA

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In-State Visits

Regular Meetings Attended Monthly

Moss Bluff OES #242 First Monday each except, Third Monday January, July and September Moss Bluff #462 F&AM Second Tuesday Habibi Train Unit Second Tuesday Habibi Shrine Center Second Wednesday Iowa #451 F&AM Second Thursday Lake Charles Valley SSR Third Wednesday, along with KCCH meeting Lake Charles York Rite Bodies Third Thursday Tenth District Lodge Fifth Sunday KCCH Meal– Lake Charles Valley Fifth Wednesday

March 2017 1-4 Louisiana Grand YR Session Alexandria 9 Moss Bluff #462 – Honored me Moss Bluff 21 York Rite Night Westlake # Westlake 25-29 Louisiana Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star Alexandria

April 2017 5 Payne #16 Easter Service Obser. Lafayette 8 Grand YR Quarterly Meeting Alexandria 14 Habibi Shrine Transport Dr. Lake Charles 16 Malta #12 Easter Service Obser. Lake Charles 22 SGIG – SSR Degrees – Monroe Valley Monroe

May 2017 20 Louisiana York Rite College #99 Alexandria 20 KYCH Priory #47 Alexandria 26 Funeral: Jim DeCordova Jennings 27 Funeral: Joseph Patterson Shreveport

June 2017

1-2 Louisiana Rainbow Girls Grand Session New Orleans 3 Alexandria Fish Fry Alexandria 16 Official Visit 17 Shreveport Conclave – Red Cross Const. Natchitoches Fish Fry 18 Father’s Day with Family Moss Bluff 24 St. Charles Conclave Red Cross Constantine Lafayette 28-July 2 Grand Lodge of Louisiana Alexandria

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July 2017 1-2 Grand Lodge of Louisiana Alexandria 21-25 Dixie Boys/Juniors State Tournament Bossier City

August 2017 3-12 Mixed business with Family Vacation LA to SC and back 20-31 Mixed business with Family Vacation LA to OR to CA and back

September 2017

22 Shreveport SSR Valley 100 Year Celebration Shreveport

October 2017 9 Rebecca #2 OES Welsh 10 Herman L. Feske #47 Franklin 14 Grand YR Quarterly Meeting Alexandria 21 Malta #12 School of Instruction Moss Bluff 31 Marilyn’s Lambs OES-AGP Moss Bluff

November 2017

1 Jack L. Stephan Council #47 Lafayette 4 St. Charles Conclave Red Cross Constantine Lake Charles 6 Saints John Chapter #98/Saints John Council #41 Gretna 7 Dixie Boys/Juniors Honors Night Alexandria 9 Giblim #99 Ish Sodi #46 Degree Conferral Bossier City 10 Trinity Commandery #8 Alexandria 13 Keystone #44 Summit #12 Alexandria 18 Louisiana York Rite College #99 Alexandria 28 Cameron Lodge #439 Installation Cameron

December 2017

2 Chapter/Council/Commandery Year End Festival Lafayette 3 Pop’s 84 Birthday Sulphur 4 Saints John #98/Saints John #41 Installation Gretna 10-17 Family Vacation Branson, MO 21 Chapter/Council/Commandery Installation Lake Charles 24 40th Wedding Anniversary Lake Charles 25 Family Christmas Lake Charles 26 Chapter/Council/Commandery 25-50 Years Winnfield 27 Independence Bowl Shreveport 28 Sharon’s Birthday Lake Charles 29 Donna’s Darlins OES Lafayette

January 2018

6 St. Charles Conclave Red Cross Constantine Lake Charles 15 Moss Bluff #242 OES Moss Bluff 27 Central Star OES Pancake Breakfast Central 27 Walter Olin Moss Medical Retire Meal Lake Charles 30 Marylin’s Lamb OES Moss Bluff 31 Best Western Session Meeting Alexandria

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February 2018 3 Jewels of the Sea OES Gumbo Alexandria 3 Marylin’s Lamb Talent Show OES DeRidder 17 Grand Chapter OES Committee Meeting Houma 20 Live Oak #346, EA Conferral Lake Arthur 22 Calcasieu #400, Regular Meeting Lake Charles 23-24 Shreveport Festival Shreveport 28 Best Western, Drive to begin Session Alexandria

March 2018 1-4 Louisiana Grand YR Session Alexandria Best Western Suites and Inn

State of the Order

Companions, during my tenure as Most Illustrious Grand Master, I have had to address problems confronting this Grand Council. Our membership numbers continue to fall, and our outlook does not seem hopeful for our future unless we motivate the young and senior members by allowing or assigning them duties, tasks, and Masonic work of all kinds so they fill they are part of our Fraternity. Your Most Illustrious Grand Master traveled to many other Grand Jurisdictions as a personal goal to visit all States within the South Central Region along with visiting Mississippi and Kentucky. I brought fraternal greetings from the Louisiana Grand Council and was received graciously and welcomed into their Brotherhood. In a few States, I brought fraternal greetings from our Grand Chapter and Grand Commandery due to our ME Tim Riley, Jr. and RE Ion Lazar could not attend. My Companions, the States I visited had many ideas on the same topics we have here in Louisiana, which is the loss of membership, how to gain in membership and retain the Companions that are on the rolls. Their information provided was so much that I promise you, my Companions, to work through the information gathered to bring before you at the Quarterly meetings of the Junior Officers. I brought before these Grand Jurisdictions and other national Appendant Masonic Bodies our program about our Quarterly Junior Officer meetings. Informing the States that we wanted our current and future Grand elected and appointed line officers to have information on their duties, planning their year, working with the Grand Line to establish long range planning ideas needed for the Bodies’ future and getting the young Companions involved in York Rite Masonry. The message was received well by all in attendance of each Grand Jurisdiction Session. During my year, I had two situations that needed my attention to resolve problems within each Council, which brought the attention to the Grand Chapter and the Grand Commandery. These problems were brought to the second Grand Line Officers of each Body so

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as to keep them informed of decisions made in resolving each situation for their future reference. First, my attention was drawn to Saints John Council #41 with a complaint about membership roll records being off, which those roll records were off along with the Chapter and the Commandery that the Companions belonged. A meeting was called for Saints John Chapter #98 High Priest and Saints John Council #41 Illustrious Master, Treasurer of Indivisible Friends Commandery #1, Secretary/Recorder of the Chapter and Council, REDC, and me as MIGM along with a dispensation from ME Tim Riley, Jr. to act in his place as acting MEGHP. ME Tim Riley, Jr. was unable to attend the called meeting. Discussion was about discrepancies on members of the past and current rolls, which had both died and remained on the rolls, not paying dues for more than two years without being suspended and lost membership without being removed from the rolls. I made a comment stating that there were many other Chapters and Councils being part of a Commandery that were having the same issues with rolls of members being in confusion. This was a concern for all three Bodies attempting to work together to get the rolls purged and a correct membership per Body. A plan was discussed to have the current rolls purged so per capita payment will be corrected for a new total amount, send out dues notices to those on the rolls that were behind in payment of dues, contact Companion ED Horton for access of the MMS, and do these recommendation within 45 days from the meeting date. Also, Grand Companion Carle Jackson, MIPGM was assigned to work with both the Bodies for an analysis of all records, work with the current Secretary/Recorder to set up procedures of communication using MMS as coordination between the Bodies, Grand Chapter/Council/Commandery, and any other policies/procedures MI Carle Jackson felt was needed for Saints John Chapter #98, Saints John #41 report to Indivisible Friends Commandery #1. MI Carle Jackson’s report is part of my annual report to be attached for Committee review. I have accepted his report for Saints John Chapter #98 and Saints John #41 to follow for corrective action. I am advising the incoming MIGM, MEGHP, and REGC to check on their appropriate Body authority for a follow up during their year. (Exhibit 1 Carle’s Report) Second, I received a letter from a Past Grand, a current member of the Alexandria York Rite Bodies, concerning the High Priest, Illustrious Master and Eminent Commander made incorrect appointments to the vacant offices, Secretary/Recorder and Treasurer. The Companion/Sir Knight was holding the offices mentioned was at the same time head of each Body along with performing those assigned duties. The report was made that incoming money was placed in unsecured bank bag, deposits not properly being done, dues cards not being sent to Companions/Sir Knights and the minutes being written, for each Body, was not following correct protocol set by their by-laws. A regular meeting of Keystone #44, in November, was attended by ME Tim Riley, Jr., Keith Gates, EG, representing RE Ion Lazar and me as MIGM, to discuss, with the Companion/Sir Knight who was elected to the offices of HP/IM/EC, on concerns we had from reading the letter we received outlining the issues already mentioned. ME, EG, and me acted in our Bodies authority to assigned Companion Allen Bean as acting Secretary/Recorder of each Body and assigned Grand Companion Gerald Houston to monitor, advise and develop proper action to get the minutes written in correct form along with being updated and to see that their Finances were following proper receipt and deposit policies. Companions of Keystone #44

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were informed of our actions, at this regular meeting of Keystone #44 that ME Tim and me, MIGM, assigned Companions Allen Bean, acting Secretary/Recorder and Grand Companion Gerald Houston, acting Treasurer to these positions for twelve (12) months. They would report to the three Grand Bodies, when both concurred that their monitoring services of both offices was no longer needed. Our actions of assignment to monitor the Offices after December elections were forwarded to the Sir Knight Ion Lazar, REGC. I took the following action, because Summit Council #12 meets on the 5th Monday during the year, to call open, by the power in me vested as MIGM by the Grand Council, to allow business to be done. I then announced my Order to assign Companion Allen Bean as acting Secretary/Recorder and assign Grand Companion Gerald Houston acting Treasurer to monitor both Offices as per our instructions above mentioned. I then closed Summit Council#12 in a summary manner. EK Michael Watts and RIDGM Michael Laurence were both sent to make sure our actions were being followed and they were there representing ME Tim and me. I am attaching to my annual report a report sent to me from RIDGM Michael Laurence. RIDGM Michael Laurence attended a regular 5th Monday meeting in January to emphasize that Companion Allen Bean and Grand Companion Gerald Houston were still assigned to monitor the offices of Secretary/Recorder and Treasurer until the both of them gave Grand Chapter and Grand Council their final report that Keystone Chapter #44 and Summit Council #12 are both in good business order. Keystone Chapter #44 and Summit Council #12 have both sent to the Committees updated by-laws for review. I have informed EK Michael Watts and RIDGM Michael Laurence that the both of them will probably have to finish the corrective action taken by ME Tim Riley, Jr. and me as MIGM. (Exhibit 2 Michael’s, RIDGM, report) Another problem brought to my attention; there were too many Ritual books that were being used causing questions what Ritual book the correct book was to follow in learning a part for degree work and to memorize to get the General Grand Council Ritual Award. After talking to my Companions and my immediate Grand Line Officers, I ordered by my hand and seal as MIGM a Ritual Committee including Vernon Eugene Dawson, RIPCW, Chairman, Michael Laurence, RIDGM, and Andrew Stevenson, Sr. RICG, Carle Jackson, MIPGM, John Belanger, MIPGM, Eddie Leboeuf III, RIDDIGM and Tim Riley, Jr. MIPGM, Grand Council Lecturer to prepare a Ritual to be approved by the body of the Grand Council when a finished product had been agreed upon. I requested the Ill. V. Eugene Dawson, Chairman to make a report at this Grand Assemblage to inform us how far along the Committee has come finalizing a Ritual. I have a concern about our Fraternity being attacked from within with well intent Brethren. We all need to take a step back remembering all the obligations we all have taken kneeling at the Holy Altar. I love this Fraternity that has allowed me to travel and meet with great Masons that I have personally got to know very well. Many of those Masons are here in this room that I look up to and think the world of. I call on you all to remember we are on the level with each other and we are to work out any differences before us all, even if we do or do not agree with him or them. Let us work for the betterment of the Fraternity and have peace with harmony prevailing. At the conclusion of my year, I still find enthusiasm among the young and Senior Companions that perform our Council work. There are many Lodge Brothers not, yet members

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of the York Rite and we need to present the York Rite explaining to them by joining they get to finish their Masonic work. There is a need to get new actors and backups for the parts being held by a Senior Companions. I have heard Councils discussing to hold or push for a local Festival. This is exciting to hear, and I hope the Councils keep working toward their plans for local degree work. We must find Council parts for those Companions, to prevent them from falling by the wayside. Companions keep York Rite burning in your hearts and show that burning desire can catch on to spread the great lesson that the Council light “Preserves the Master Mason Word.”

Recommendations

I recommend keeping the quarterly Junior Officer program moving forward and allow all Companions to participate in the meetings. This has been a very successful program providing information that those who participate have received to help in planning their grand Session, help in planning duties for grand officers, given a list of expectations and responsibilities required during their years on the grand line, and other information to assist them making their future decisions. This is a favored meeting that has been acknowledge by the current grand officers. I recommend that a District Deputy report be prepared so the MIGM can have current information presented to him on a quarterly, monthly or at his discretion of time to have what the many Councils are doing. I received many forms from District directors informing me the District Councils activity. I will provide those forms to the Incoming MIGM. I recommend that the Grand Council officers meet to prepare a program that will provide duties and tasks for the District Directors and District Grand Lectures to work together to have programs for District Councils with education and degree work. This activity would then allow the MIGM and other grand officers to attend the District meeting giving the Councils personal contact discuss their needs and desires from the Grand Council family. I recommend that the Grand Council Finance Committee and Companions would look to establish Endowment Fund to help in operations of our Grand Council. This is a long range problem, if we do nothing, while our membership goes the negative down spiral. To the current Grand Line Officers and future grand officers, keep pushing the Cryptic Mason Research Foundation. Have the District Deputies and District Grand Lectures discuss the great program that we have that helps so many families. We do forget about this Philanthropy.

Appreciations

My year has come to a part of my report that will be most difficult to express my many thanks to those Brothers, Companions, Sir Knights, Masonic friends, Acquaintances and Family. There are so many to whom I owe a big debt of personal gratitude. To the Elected and Appointed officers of the Grand Council, the Committee Chairmen, and Companions who have faithfully served the Grand Council this past year, I say “Thank you!”

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To Grand Companions, Vernon Atkinson and Earl J. “Mickey” Durand, both MIPGM, were Co-Chairman with myself on the Arrangement Committee, I want to thank you both for your time, dedication, experience, and being available when I called upon you both to assist me putting together this Session. To the Most Worshipful Grand Master Guy Jenkins, the Most Excellent Grand High Priest Tim Riley, Jr., and the Right Eminent Grand Commander Ion Lazar thank you for your contributions to this Great Fraternity and being my friend. ME Tim and RE Ion, I want to thank you for the traveling time together and the discussions on the great fraternity of ours along with the memories we made together. MW Guy, you have always been cordial and kind towards Sharon and me I personally thank you. To Grand Companion Ed Horton, Grand Recorder, thank you for the hard work you have put in this year. We both worked well together, and I pledge you my assistance, if you call on me. Your office management and your diligent work ethic have impressed me with your organization of the Grand Council office and retainment of records. To our Past Most Illustrious Grand Masters, thank you for your council and wise advice throughout the year. To you, Most Illustrious Past Grand Master Howard F. Entwistle, thank you for allowing me to wear your MIGM Apron during my year. This is and was a GREAT Honor for me to have brought a part of you on my travels. To my Puissant Companions, which are here at this Session, you honor Sharon and me for traveling the long distance bringing your friendship that was developed during our travels. To my Out-of-State Companions, thank you for traveling so far to be here at this Session, you all honor Sharon and me, we appreciate your continued friendship. To all the Companions of this Grand Jurisdiction, thank you for your loyalty and support. I have made many friends during my travels within the State. Thank you for entrusting your Grand Council to my care and I will always remember this Honor. To all the Ladies serving on the Ladies Hospitality Committee, thank you. The Ladies on this Committee have done an outstanding job and I hope you all enjoy their efforts. To all my Companions, Masonic Friends, and Acquaintances, thank you for your emails, thoughts, prayers, and texts during my recent healthcare issues with my Father, “Pops!” Your support and kindness cannot be forgotten. There is no way to thank you all enough for what you have done for Sharon and me. To my three Amigo Companions, Mickey Durand, Lloyd Hebert, and Howard Entwistle, I hope I have made you three, my mentors in Grand Office, proud of the Masonic accomplishments that I have reached in service to my Companions. You three have always had my attentive ear for counseling, instruction, and guidance through my Masonic staircase. My Mother’s memory, my Father (Pops), and Lady Sharon, who think the world of you all, they send thanks for being by my side to keep me straight in Masonry and for being good friends to me.

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Finally, thank you Lady Sharon, my wife, for your constant support, sacrifice, and really understanding, without you, I would not be successful in my Masonic endeavors. You may not have been beside me on my travels, but you were with me in Spirit. I know you were worried those many nights I was traveling by myself, but the LORD protected me to come back to be by your side. Lady Sharon and I want to say Farewell and Godspeed, and May God Bless every one of you. Fraternally and sincerely submitted, William Keith Powell, Sr. Most illustrious Grand Master 2017-2018

Exhibit 3

Grand Representatives Commissions Recommended

United States of America

Alabama- Gerald Houston

Canada-Eastern – Brad Williams Connecticut – Thomas “Tom” Kussmann

Delaware – Richard B. Smith New York – William Keith Powell, Sr.

South Carolina – Richard L. James

Central America

Central America – Clyde Fletcher Panama – Steven Jennings

United States of Mexico – Terrance Mecon

South America

Brazil – Andrew Stevenson, Sr. Venezuela (UD) – Richard Morgan

Africa

Gabon – John Amador

Togo – Eddie Leboeuf III

Europe

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Austria – Michael D. West Croatia – Monty Reed

Cyprus – Don Springler France – Camille “Buddy” Guidry

Greece – Vacant Italy – Anthony Radosti

Portugal – Charles Bertrand

Not Subordinate to GCC

Australia-South Samuel B. Owens New South Wales – David Maxey

Victoria – Jerry Gratham Israel – Mike Carpenter

New Zealand – Billy Barnes

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Addendum to

Address to the Most Illustrious Grand Master

I had forgotten to have these mentioned in my allocution, the two ties one for In-State and one for Out-of-State, which were greatly received by the elected and appointed officers of the Grand Chapter and Grand Council. Tim and I sold the ties, $20 each, to generate funds for the RARA (Chapter) and CMMRF (Council) Philanthropies. A report will be generated after we both turn in the monies generated for both philanthropies after the cost has been taken away from the $20 sold price. The Red & Purple, In-State tie was really accepted by both the General Grand Chapter and General Grand Council also procuring those ties from us. Many State Grand Jurisdictions thought well of the In-State ties to procure them from us while we visited their State. We do have the In-State ties available for purchase at this time. RE Michael Watts GK and RI Michael Laurence RIDGM will use the Red and Purple In-State tie for their year in office. The money generated will be spread between both philanthropies mentioned above. Tim and I attempted to generate funds for both philanthropies and the Council/Chapter Foundation by selling a red polo shirt embroidered with the York Rite 4 symbol emblem and purple polo shirt embroidered with emblem and your name for $35and $40, respectfully. I encourage both Michaels’ to keep this program going forward for their year. The shirt program did not take on like I thought the sales would go. Recently, I brought my Council garment bag and the sight generated some very good interest. Three garment bags can be embroidered with name, title, and emblem of each Body. Three colors, red, purple, and black for each Body can be ordered. The price for all three will go for $190.00 (Red-$60, Purple-$60, Black-$70). The garment bag is long enough for your coat and pants with pockets to hold personal items along with handles. A garment with a longer length can be purchased for your Lady’s dresses.

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Companions William Keith Powell MIGM, Tim Riley Jr MEGHP and Ion Lazar REGC This is to inform you on what I observed when visiting the Alexandria Your Rite Bodies, this past Monday night. I will say that you all could not have chosen a better companion in Allan Bean to help out with the problems in Alexandria. Companion Bean was there however Companion Houston had other obligations and was not able to be there. As stands now companion Bean is handling all the administrative duties first. Making sure that when each of the York Rite Bodies meet that the minutes reflect what is needed for the new secretary, recorder and treasurer to handle their duties. As companion Bean stated, the minutes must reflect the new treasurer for each body and those minutes brought to the bank to get the new signature changed at the bank. Until that is completed Chad still has to sign each check, but Allan Bean has every check documented. They are also in process of electing an assistant secretary for all three bodies so the MMS can be updated more efficiency. As of date the MMS is up to date, showing all the new officers for all three bodies. After the first step is completed, administrative, then the finances will be completed. Companion Bean did inform me that each body had their own financial statements. I am confident that the situations that was going on with the York Rite Bodies in Alexandria is now under control. Monday night the Chapter met and had a good opening with only one person having to use the book; with a program that was educational. I did not look at the Commandery books, but Companion Bean did inform me that everything is coming alone fine. I did inform the body that I would be back on the 5th Monday night when the Council meets. Peace and Harmony prevailed. Fraternally Michael Laurence RIDGM

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Exhibit #1 Investigation into Membership record issues in Saints John Chapter No. 98 and Saints

John Council No. 41

Summary The investigation of the membership record issues at Sts. John Chapter No. 98 and Sts. John Council No. 41 were conducted together as the membership records in question are the same. In the course of the investigation no intentional wrongdoing was found on the part of any of the officers. What was found, were errors in procedures resulting in serious problems with the membership records. The procedural errors can be generally described as:

5. Missing information in the files of the secretary as they were passed from one administration to the next; meaning that the incumbent secretary did not receive complete, accurate, or timely information from his predecessor. This problem seems to have existed through a number of administrations and it could not be determined where it started.

6. Inadequate communications between the Craft Lodge and the York Rite bodies when an individual member was suspended or expelled from his Craft Lodge;

7. Inadequate communications between the Grand York Rite bodies and the constituent bodies when a member lost his membership in a prerequisite body within the York Rite;

8. Failure to follow proper procedure and bring the names of members subject to NPD suspension before the constituent bodies for appropriate action.

This last error had been an established practice well before any of the current incumbents were in office. Because of this, I did not find a level of misfeasance that would justify formal action being brought against any of the incumbents. That said, all York Rite Officers should be instructed to bring the NPD roll to the attention of the membership in an official meeting for proper action. If this had been done the NPD issues arising in this case could have been averted. For more recommendations, see below. Given the results of the investigative portion of the effort, the remaining focus was on remedial action. In May, notices were sent to all members subject to NPD suspension. This process was repeated in September. As a result, 30 members paid their dues, and 19 were suspended NPD, 3 paid and then demitted, and one, who had been previously suspended was reinstated and then suspended for refusal to pay dues. The members who paid their dues were not reinstated as they had not been suspended in the first place. The entire episode with Sts. John Chapter and Council was, unfortunately, internally divisive, and entirely avoidable. The lesson here is to follow proper procedure in the handling of NPD members, requiring the names to be brought before the bodies for

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appropriate action. Doing this would give transparency to process, permit active members who know the potential NPDs the opportunity to contact them and perhaps retain the member, and would keep the rolls straight by requiring official action from the bodies themselves. Although the rolls of Indivisible Friends Commandery were beyond the scope of this investigation, it was learned that problems were occurring when a member held his Chapter and Council membership elsewhere, was suspended or demitted, and this was not communicated to Indivisible Friends. This can be resolved through better communication between the Grand Secretaries/Recorders. Report I was requested by the Grand High Priest and the Illustrious Grand Master to investigate discrepancies in the membership rolls of Saints John Chapter No. 98 and Saints John Council 41, both domiciled in Gretna, Louisiana. There were three questions to be answered

4. What were the discrepancies? 5. Why did the discrepancies occur? 6. Did the cause involve serious misfeasance or malfeasance of Office?

After answering these three questions, the investigation would move on to the remedial phase by

3. Fixing the problems with the rolls 4. Developing recommendations for further action

As the three investigative questions involve both the Chapter and Council, and the two bodies share a common secretary, I will address the Chapter and Council together. What were the discrepancies? Both the Chapter and Council under examination were carrying a significant number of persons on the rolls, which were no longer entitled to be there. This caused these bodies to pay per capita on persons who were in reality no longer members. The discrepancies in the rolls involve three major types of cases:

4. The member had died and remained on the rolls 5. The member did not pay dues for a number of years and was not suspended 6. The member lost their prerequisite membership and were not removed from the

rolls

These are not uncommon problems and can be found to occur in several of our Chapters and Councils. Why did the discrepancies occur? All three of the discrepancy types share a common source, a failure of communications. The bodies were sometimes not notified when a member had died. As no response was received to dues notices, and these cases were interpreted as an NPD.

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In those cases where the member lost his prerequisite membership the Chapter and Council were not notified. The members simply quit paying dues and regarded as an NPD. The remaining cases were members who simply failed to pay their dues. The communications issue has several aspects

5. Several of these cases predate the present administration of the bodies, and the nature of the records that were transferred from the previous secretary to the present secretary. These were manual records and primarily consisted of a membership roster and reports previously filed with the Grand Secretary/Recorder indicating the activity of the previous year. These records were difficult for the present secretary to decipher with any degree of confidence. There was no master record against which to compare these reports. The communications issue here is in the transfer of records and responsibilities when secretaries change.

6. Officers and members did not adequately keep in touch with members who were inactive. For this reason, a member who had been inactive for a number of years could die and no one at the Chapter or Council have knowledge of the death or, if they did, not report it to the secretary. In many cases the death of a member was known to his Craft Lodge, but this information went no further. If an active Companion happened to belong to the same Lodge he may have known but this is not a certainty, especially if the deceased Companion had not been active in his Lodge for a significant period of time. The communications issue here is between the Chapter/Council and their members.

7. Members who went NPD for a number of years were sent dues notices on several occasions; however, when no response was received there was no further follow-up, nor was the member’s name brought before the bodies for suspension NPD. The lack of response from the member could be due to a failure on the part of the individual Companions to notify the Chapter and Council of a change of address or it could have been a refusal to pay his dues indicating a desire to no longer belong to the organization. The communication issue is between the Officers and the Companions.

8. There was no systematic method for informing the Chapter or Council of members who had lost their prerequisite membership. The communications issue here is twofold—between various York Rite Bodies, and between the York Rite and the Grand Lodge.

Do these causes involve a serious misfeasance or malfeasance of Office?

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I found no indication of malfeasance of office. There was some misfeasance, but it was of a systemic nature; i.e. a continuation of what had been done in the past. For this reason and the contributing factors of the condition of the records passed from one secretary to another, coupled with the lack of training for secretaries being offered from the Grand Bodies, I do not find a serious misfeasance attributable to a single individual, but believe the Chapter and Council would be better served by adopting a more open procedure for review and action on matters relative to dues collection. A suggestion for the Chapter and Council, and as this is not a unique problem to the bodies under investigation, to the Grand Officers as well for their consideration. A member is required to pay dues prior to January 1st of the year for which dues are due; however, the Companion is not delinquent until the end of the year. Suspension for NPD occurs after the second year of nonpayment. For members one year or less in arrears, the names could be read to the Chapter and Council requesting help in locating the Companion and ascertaining his condition (i.e. reasons for the nonpayment of dues). Once the situation is determined, remedial action can be taken by the appropriate bodies (basically, pay his dues because of hardship, pay his per capita and retain him on the rolls for another year, or suspend him if the Companion no longer wishes to be a member). For members two years in arrears, the names should be brought before the Chapter and Council for a vote whether or not to suspend the member NPD. By involving the active members in the process, the Chapter and Council should attain better results. Issue Resolution: For both the Chapter and the Council all members who have been suspended for cause have been removed from the rolls. Dues notices were mailed to all other potential NPDs on May 13, 2017. As of June 2nd, 10 responses have been received. By the end of the year, after two notifications and additional personal contact, when the member could be located, resulted in retaining most of the members involved. Recommendations:

7. That no formal action be taken against any individual involved in this matter. The incumbents in the relevant positions cooperated with the investigation and worked diligently in resolving the problems when brought to their attention. The problems were created by a series of failures in record keeping over an extended period of time, involving several individuals. It is my belief that the Chapter and Council would be better served by resolving the issues with the membership rolls, and adopting the procedures, which if faithfully followed, would greatly limit such occurrences in the future.

8. The focus of efforts to collect dues should be on the retention of the member. If a member becomes inactive, every effort should be made to determine why and to resolve the situation. If a Companion is unresponsive to normal dues notices efforts

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should be made to determine why. This is not the responsibility of the secretary alone but falls to every Companion in the organization.

9. No member should be continued beyond his NPD date without ascertaining the situation (e.g. bad address, financial hardship, no longer desires to be a member, or the cause of the member’s intent to disfellowship—loss of interest, upsetting incident, or not getting anything of value out of his York Rite experience) and consideration by the entire body. It is recommended that the Grand Officers consider issuing a policy or other appropriate instrument that would cause this procedure to be required. This has three salutatory effects. First, it improves our ability to locate lost members. Second, it allows the Companions the opportunity to make the final decision to retain or suspend a member and the entire process is transparent. Third, it is an opportunity to reach out to our inactive members and determine why they went inactive. We can then use this information to improve the experience we offer our members thereby increasing our retention. We exist for our members and it is up to all of us to do whatever we can to provide the kind of experience that makes them find the York Rite worth their time and treasure.

10. The MMS database made the correction of the rolls much simpler. If utilized by all Chapters and Councils it will also make the transition from one secretary/recorder to the next much simpler and more efficient. The Grand Officers should consider making the use of the MMS database mandatory.

11. In order for the MMS database to be an effective tool and to better prepare secretaries to perform their duties, it is recommended that the Grand Secretary/Recorder conduct workshops on an annual basis on the use of the system, the duties of the secretary/recorder, and tips to make this difficult job easier.

12. Issues related to the loss of prerequisite membership will largely be resolved through the use of the MMS database, when the membership in question is within the York Rite Bodies. It is recommended that the Grand Officers consider requesting the Grand Lodge include the York Rite Grand Secretaries in the notifications of suspensions or expulsions from the craft. This would entail only two communications from the Grand Lodge. Once notified the York Rite Grand Secretaries would notify the constituent bodies of a member’s loss of the prerequisite membership. In such cases suspension is automatic and should be acted upon in a timely manner.

Respectfully Submitted: Carle L. Jackson, PGHP, PIGM

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Annual Statistical Report - Start: 1/1/2017 End: 12/31/2017

General Grand Council of Cryptic Masonry

Grand Council of Louisiana

Stationed at Blank on file

Total Working Councils =

20

The following is a recapitulation of membership activity during the specified reporting period.

Total number members on last return =

1,459

Total number GREETED =

94

Total number AFFILIATED =

5

Total number REINSTATED =

11

Total number ADD ADJUSTMENT =

0

Total Gain (+)

110

Total number DEMITTED =

42

Total number SUSPENDED =

124

Total number DECEASED =

46

Total number EXPELLED =

0

Total number DELETE ADJUSTMENT =

1

Total Loss (-)

213

Net Gain (Net Loss) =

(103)

Total number of members (including Dual and Plural)

on this report as of

1,356

=

Traveling Bible Winnfield Council No 43 wins the Traveling Bible again this year with 33 points and a 24% gain in membership.

Closing It has been a pleasure working with Most Illustrious Grand Master Wm. Keith Powell. It has been a great honor for me to have been able to serve the men in the various Councils in the State. We have had several changes this year with the implementation of the MMS database however, the Recorders of this State have worked hard to stay up with these changes and learn the new system of tracking our members. There is no way to know what lies ahead for

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us, but I look forward to serving the great men of this York Rite Body for many years to come. Respectfully submitted, Ed L. Horton, Grand Recorder

74

Credentials and Registration Committee Report

To the Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Officers and Companions of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of the State of Louisiana, We, your Committee on Credentials and Registration, wish to submit our report on the attendance at your Annual Assembly for this year.

Grand Officers 9 Past Most Illustrious Grand Masters 15 District Deputies 2 District Lecturers 4 Councils represented 16 Councils not represented 3 Sitting Officers 15 Ballots issued 123 Visitors 21 Total Members in attendance 80

The Credentials and Registration Committee wishes to thank all of the Companions who assisted in compiling this report. Fraternally Submitted: Timothy J Riley, PIGM, Grand Secretary Emeritus Allen Bean, PIM Dale Johnson, PIM

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RESOLUTION OF GRATITUDE

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Officers, and Companions of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons and Grand Council Cryptic Masons of Louisiana, I wish to propose adoption of the following resolution: Whereas, the One Hundred Sixty-Third Annual Assembly of the Grand Council Cryptic Masons of Louisiana and the One Hundred Seventy-First Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana was successfully held in conjunction with the Annual Conclave of the Grand York Rite Bodies of Louisiana on March 01st through March 04th, 2018 at the Best Western of Alexandria Inn & Suites & Conference Center in Alexandria, Louisiana; Now, therefore be it resolved: The Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana, along with the other Grand York Rite Bodies, wishes to thank and commend the management and staff of the Best Western of Alexandria Inn & Suites & Conference Center, for their cooperation and services in assuring the many needs and great comfort to our Companions, their Ladies, families, and guests in attendance at this Annual Assembly. The Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana also wishes to acknowledge and thank the Ladies of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar for all their hard work and support by setting up and operating the Hospitality Room during this Grand York Rite Session. Fraternally and gratefully submitted, Andrew H. Stevenson, Sr., Right Illustrious Grand Captain of the Guard

1

Council Foreign Correspondence Committee

TO: The Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Officers and Companions: All foreign correspondence has been handled through the Grand Recorder’s office which consisted of routine requests or changes in other Grand Jurisdictions Recorders, approvals for Grand Representative appointments, request for demits and other clerical items. We, your Committee on Foreign Correspondence, wish to give and recommend approval to the several acts of the Most Illustrious Grand Master referred to us. We approve of the commissions issued and received and commend the Most Illustrious Grand Master on his choice. We can assure the membership that the Grand Council of Louisiana was represented in a pleasing manner, on all visits made by the Most Illustrious Grand Master, both in and out of State. Respectfully submitted, Chair: Ed L. Horton, PIM Lloyd Hebert, PIM Carle Jackson, PIGM

2

Festival Committee Report 2017

To: Most Illustrious Grand Master W. Keith Powell, I would like to thank Most Illustrious Grand Master Powell for allowing me to serve the Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of Louisiana this year. Serving under your leadership was a privilege and a pleasure. I was honored to chair the festival committee and humbled by the gracious reception of the Councils around the State. I could not have done my job without all the help from the District Deputy Illustrious Grand Masters, District Grand Lectures and various Companions around the state who worked diligently to set up and run the festivals this year. I would also like to thank and praise all those companions who spent countless hours learning their parts and giving their time to confer the degrees in Masonry. I am pleased to report that the festivals were great. It has been a great year for the Grand Council. The performances of this past year improved and there was a great mix of experienced Companions as well as new and newly inspired Companions participating. I would like to give special recognition to the Companions that filled in due to unexpected absences. Although these are not typically the most proficient Companions, they demonstrate to the candidates that we care that they receive the degrees and help our brothers in distress. These performances will be some of the most remembered degree work. I would like to encourage all of our Councils to have a mentoring program in place where experienced Companions are able to mentor new and newly inspired Companions in the rituals. By organizing a practice once a month that is focused on fellowship first and perfection second, participation will increase, and participation will lead to proficiency. The Councils that have been using this model have shown an increase in their participation and the caliber of festivals. I hope this level of excitement about Cryptic Masonry continues to grow and spread. We had 5 Festivals in the State this year that conferred the Cryptic Rites on 40 Royal Arch Masons. Respectfully Submitted, ______________________________ John C. Sharlow Chair Festival Committee

3

Appeals and Grievances

January 22, 2018

You committee on Appeals and Grievances is pleased to say we have no action for 2017 – 2018. We want to thank the Ill. Grand Master for allowing us to serve our Grand Council of Louisiana. Fraternally yours, John L. Belanger

John L. Belanger, PIGM, Chairman Edward Reine, PIGM Don Sonnier, PIGM Frank du Treil, PIM

4

PERPETUAL MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT

(Grand Council)

Most Illustrious Grand Master: Your committee on Perpetual Membership respectively reports the following activity and statistics for the calendar year 2017 as pertaining to York Rite Perpetual Membership in this Grand Jurisdiction: Most Illustrious Sir, on December 31, 2017, we completed twenty two years and three months of participation and activity in the York Rite Perpetual Membership Program. As you are aware, the York Rite Perpetual Membership fund is a jointly invested account with invested funds from participating members under the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter, Grand Council, and Grand Commandery. As of December 31, 2017, that account is valued at $260,928.82. The investment firm for York Rite Perpetual Membership has done a marvelous job in protecting our investments. It has been a reasonably good year for Perpetual Membership investments considering the investment portfolio is conservatively invested for the protection of the invested principal. Please be assured that your York Rite Perpetual Membership Committee continues to seek the very best investment return for dollars invested in the program and working for our Perpetual Members. Most Illustrious Sir, your Perpetual Membership Committee consisting of Companions Eugene Dawson, Vernon Atkinson, and Timothy J. Riley, Sr., have performed magnificently. Each of the committee members go those many “extra miles” to affect the success of the York Rite Perpetual Membership Program. For their dedication and service, we are eternally grateful. Fraternally submitted,

Allen G. Tidwell, P.I.M., Chairman

5

Programs and Arrangement Committee Report

To: The Most Illustrious Grand Master, Officers and companions of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana. We, your committee will make the following preliminary report. We thank all who participated in the planning and organizing of the Grand Assembly. A complete report will be filled with the Grand Recorder as soon as time permits. Fraternally submitted Michael L. Laurence RIDGM, Chairman Eugene Dawson RI PCW Andrew Stevenson RIGCG Edwin "Ed" Horton, Jr. GR Robert "Bob" Durham

6

Time and Place Report

To the Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Officers and Companions: Your committee on Time and Place has selected the site for the Year 2019 session to be held in the City of Alexandria, Louisiana on Thursday February 28 through Sunday March 3rd, 2019. The headquarters hotel will be held at the Best Western Inn, 2720 N. MacArthur Dr., Alexandria, Louisiana. Fraternally and respectfully submitted, Michael Laurence RIDGM Michael Watts Samuel B. Owen

7

Grand Council Youth Report Louisiana Rainbow Girls have plans underway for their newest assembly in the Alexandria Area. The very strong Pledge group has grown, and they are now ready to open a Rainbow assembly this summer, 2018. Our very strong five (5) assemblies (Slidell, Lake Area, Metairie, Temple (Shreveport/Bossier City) and Diamond (Baton Rouge Area) continue with new membership and working on their individual service and charitable projects. On the state level, the girls are raising funds for the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation and Grand Charity is spearheading a Capital Gains project for the Supreme Temple. Each assembly will also do a special Charity project where they serve in the community. Grayce Mores, Grand Worthy Advisor is also leading the state with her Membership Project, Wishes in a Bottle, and the Scholarship program. The state is hosting a Spring Dinner/Silent Auction on March 10th in the Baton Rouge area. Each assembly will be selling tickets for a raffle and the dinner. There will be many items in the silent auction and each assembly along with Grand Assembly will split all of the proceeds to further their education in Youth Protection, Leadership, Confidence, Facebook skills, Bullying and other classes held at Rainbow University and at Grand Assembly.

We cordially invite you to Grand Assembly, June 8-10, 2018 at the New Orleans Airport Hilton with the opening on Friday, June 8th, Welcome Banquet at 6:00 pm and the Informal Opening at 7:30 pm. Our theme is Wishes and Dreams featuring each of the Disney Princesses.

DeMolay has six Chapters and has chartered a Squire Manor with clubs at each chapter. The Squires program is for young men between 9 and 12 years of age. These Bodies continue to develop our states youth as the leaders of tomorrow, and if engaged by York Rite Bodies, will have a positive image of Masonry which will carry into adulthood. We mention this, for several reasons; Word of Mouth is still the best promotion or negative detraction of Freemasonry, the youth of today will be active members of society tomorrow – hopefully as members of our fraternity. Brother Landon Smart was installed as State Master Councilor of the Louisiana DeMolay State Association on at the JC Deason Leadership Conference. March 16-18 will be the Old South Ritual Tournament in Atlanta, GA, and June 6-10 will be the JC Deason Leaders Conference in Woodworth, LA. In 2018, not only will we elect new State Officers, but Dad Chester Finley will be installed as the Ninth Executive Officer of Louisiana. The State Association is very interested in opening new chapters. York Rite Bodies were the original sponsoring Masonic Bodies of DeMolay Chapters and we would enjoy discussing possible sponsorship in the future. If you, or your Grand Chapter, Grand Council, are Grand Commandery is interested in working with a DeMolay Chapter, please contact Companion Nicholas Auck, Executive Officer of Louisiana at (225) 362-1120 or Laeo8@yahoo.com.

Further it would be very helpful if the Grand Lodge thru its District Deputies would support and talk more openly at the Lodges about our Youth Groups to further support Rainbow and DeMolay and our needs. I think the lodges could possibly help with this by more actively sending us the names of youth men in the area so we could invite them to prospect parties. This report was in cooperation with Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons Committee Chairman, Frank du Treil, Jr., The, DeMolay Executive Officer of Louisiana Nick Auck, and Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Louisiana Youth Chairman, Rory Bozeman, and we thank you for the opportunity to serve. Respectfully submitted, Rory Bozeman, Chairman

8

GRAND COUNCIL

CRYPTIC MASONS LOUISIANA

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MASONIC LAW & JURISPRUDENCE (For the Period March 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018)

TO: THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS GRAND MASTER, GRAND OFFICERS and COMPANIONS: The Masonic Law & Jurisprudence Committee reviewed suggested changes to the By-Laws for the following Councils: Baton Rouge 11 Council #22 Summit Council #12 and, which suggested changes were reviewed and comments made for some corrections. Subsequently reviewed the corrected By-Laws of Summit Council #12 and, which corrected changes were approved. The Jurisprudence Committee has not reviewed those portions of the Most Illustrious Grand Master’s Address which were normally referred to this Committee. Accordingly, the Committee has no comments on the address. Besides as set forth above, no other By-Laws or Amendments to By-Laws have been approved or disapproved by this Committee. No new Grand Council Resolutions have been referred to this Committee. Council resolution 2017-2 and 2017-3 were reviewed last year and held over. accordingly, except as may be set forth in a Report Supplemental hereto, the Committee expresses no opinion concerning resolutions to be considered by this Grand Council. The Committee expresses its gratitude to the Most Illustrious Grand Master and Grand Officers for this opportunity to serve Cryptic Masons. Dated this 2nd day of February 2018. Respectfully submitted, William James “Jim” Hill, III, P.C. Chairman John L. Belanger, PIGM, Vice Chairman Howard F. Entwistle, PIGM Michael Laurence Terry Fowler

9

2017 Distribution Committee Report

To the Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Officers, and Companions of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana. The Committee on Distribution, into whose hands was placed the address of the Illustrious Grand Master for separation and referral, recommending the following portions thereof to the committees respectfully designated. Committee of State of the Order – Howard F. Entwistle, Jr. PIGM - Chairman Opening and Welcome Appreciation Recommendations In State Visitations Committee on Necrology – Michael Carpenter - Chairman Necrology Committee of Masonic Law and Jurisprudence – W. James Hill, III, PIM - Chairman Dispensations Granted By –laws Approved Committee on Foreign Correspondence – Ed L. Horton, Grand Recorder - Chairman Out of State Visits The Committee Commends Most Illustrious Companion William Keith Powell for a successful year, and thanks him for the privilege of serving on this committee. Respectfully submitted, W. Robert Laurents, PGIM Chairman

10

Report of the Committee on Cryptic Ritual

To the Most Illustrious Grand Master, Officers and Members of the Grand Council of Louisiana: While, as Masons, we are all familiar with the concept of “Confusion in the Temple,” it has been on the increase within the Cryptic Rite, and your Committee is honored that the Most Illustrious Grand Master has tasked us with the reduction of the same. There are at present at least three printed rituals in use within the Councils of this Jurisdiction: 24th Edition, which reads on the title page “General Grand Council Royal and Select Masters”; 25th Edition, which reads on the title page 24th Edition, “General Grand Council Cryptic Masons”; and 26th Edition, which is available in PDF for printing in various formats as well as a pre-printed flip top booklet. Your committee is not at this time aware of any variations within the 26th edition. In addition, the 2017-2020 Ritual Committee of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International continues to work toward a final product. According to their Preliminary Report (http://ggccmi.org/index.php/en/news/94-preliminary-report-of-the-2017-2020-ritual-committee) that will be a “Core Ritual” and will "permit change by the subordinate councils ... if they do not alter either the meaning or teachings of the ritual." It may be presumed that the work of this committee cannot be satisfactorily concluded until that Committee makes its final report. Your committee has made a good start, but we have a rough and rugged road ahead. We have not had the opportunity to address the content of the Degrees themselves but have instead concentrated on the Obligations and Opening and Closing Ceremonies. It is hoped that the Opening of this Annual Assembly stands as a worthy example of our efforts. The Obligations of both Degrees should remain as printed in the 24th Edition booklet until official action is taken by this Grand Council. A Short Form Opening and Closing has been in use throughout our Jurisdiction for many years, however no reference to it can be found in the Constitution or General Regulations. This Committee, or at least its Chairman, recommends that its use be discontinued until evidence of its approval by this Grand Council is presented. To that end at least one resolution, not timely submitted, is offered for your consideration. The 24th Edition, Royal and Select Masters ritual remains the official ritual approved by this Grand Council. Companions using the 25th Edition, Cryptic Masons book (due to decreasing availability of the 24th) should be aware of its many typographical errors. The phrases “Council of Select Masters” and “Council of Cryptic Masons (on the Select Master degree)” may be used interchangeably. All Companions of this Jurisdiction should be aware that there are a number of differing rituals in use and be prepared to adapt if a Companion is using a different book. Let Peace and Harmony prevail. Respectfully submitted, Vernon Eugene Dawson, IGPCW, Chairman John L. Belanger, PMIGM, RPGGCG, Vice Chairman

11

Carle Jackson, MIPGM, RPRDGGM Michael Laurence, RIDGM Andrew Stevenson, Sr., IGCoG Tim Riley, Jr., PMIGM, Grand Lecturer Eddie LeBoeuf III, DDIGM David Carroll, DDIGM Richard Fox, DDIGM Richard Morgan, DDIGM Bryan Price, DDIGM Darin West, DDIGM Jake Evans, DDIGM

12

2017 Archive Committee Report

To: Comp, Ed Horton, G. Secy., G. Recorder The Archive Committee continues to work with “The Masonic Library/Museum Foundation of Louisiana, Inc.” and have received, and archived, many items, artifacts, and records related to the York Rite Bodies of Louisiana in general, and the Grand Chapter and Council of the State of Louisiana in particular. The Masonic Library/Museum now has many of these items proudly on display and the York Rite Bodies of Louisiana are well represented. I encourage each of the York Rite Bodies, all Companions and Sir Knights, to help preserve their individual Chapter, Council, and Commandry history. Please consider donating any record books, pictures, artifacts, and other related items to “The Masonic Library/Museum Foundation of Louisiana” for preservation and display. If assistance is needed, contact the Archive Committee or the Masonic Library/Museum Director. To all who have donated; thanks for your help, aid, and assistance with this most worthy project. Thanks to M:.E:.Timothy J. Riley, Jr., Grand High Priest and M:.I:.W. Keith Powell, Illustrious Grand Master for their support of the Archive Committee. Comp. J.F. “Jeff” Webb, Chairman Archive Committee

13

Grand Chapter and Grand Council of Louisiana 2017-18

Publication Committee Reports

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, The Most Illustrious Grand Master, and officers and members of the Grand Chapter and Council of Louisiana: The Louisiana Supplement to the Knight Templar Magazine is used statewide to report on York Rite activities. Support and submissions from all York Rite Bodies is solicited and appreciated. Thanks for allowing us to assist in this worthy endeavor. The Facebook Page “Louisiana Grand York Rite Bodies” has again shared many Commandery and Louisiana York Rite photos and publicity. There are currently 509 members of this Facebook group and it is growing with every York Rite Festival class and every York Rite event. Much York Rite information and many publications are also shared at this page. Many thanks this year to Excellent Companion Charles Bertrand for his contributions to our York Rite presence. Respectfully Submitted,

Richard L. James, PIM, Chairman, Grand Council Publication Committee Steven Pence Michael Laurence Eugene Dawson Andrew Stevenson, Sr. All Companions and Councils

Richard L. James, PGHP, Chairman, Grand Chapter Publication Committee Michael Watts David McCoy Don Bell

14

To the Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Officers and Companions of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana, The Most Excellent Grand High Priest and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana: We, your committee on Appeals and Grievances, wish to report there have been no appeals or grievances. Respectfully Submitted, Earl, J. Durand, Chairman

15

Necrology Report [Chapter]

To the Most Illustrious Grand Master and Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Your committee on Necrology is happy to be able to report that the Almighty has spared our Grand Line Officers with only one loss, [Clifford A. Brandley, PIGM 1976,] while retaining other Past Grand High Priests and Past Illustrious Grand Masters during the past year. He has, however called home to that House not made with hands, several of our Companies from the various Chapters and Councils throughout the state. Our sincerest condolences are extended to the families to these faithful Companions. We will miss them and cherish their memory ever in our hearts. An appropriate Necrology Service was conducted on Sunday morning at the Grand Session to honor them. Fraternally, Joseph Patterson, Chairman Vernon R. Atkinson Gerald Houston Carle Jackson

Housing/Hotel, Extension of Long Range Arrangement Committee [Council]

To the Most Illustrious Grand Master and Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Your committee on Arrangements has secured the Best Western of Alexandria Inn & Suites , & Conference Center located at 2720 N. Mac Arthur Dr., Alexandria, Louisiana 71303 USA Telephone 1-318-445-5530, or 1-800-780-7234 for a long-term to allow a reduced rate of rooms and suites. The Best Western staff are accommodating the use of their facility to insure the all the needs of the York Rite Grand session is given outstanding service and, to ensure the York Rite Grand Session to have a harmonious continuity to conduct the business of each body. We thank the staff for their tireless effort of assurance of service. We would also like to thank the Cenla Shrine Club located at 1100 Vandenberg Dr. Alexandria, Louisiana, 1-318-443-6149 for the fraternally accommodating the York Rite Bodies for the use of their facilities to host the Fellowship Meal. The Fellowship Meal will be catered by Back Woods Catering at 195 Cook Road, Forest Hill, Louisiana. 71430, 318-748-7645. Respectfully submitted, Vernon R. Atkinson, Chairman

16

York Rite Awareness [Chapter]

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Grand Officers and Companions all, I am pleased to Suggest several items that may be advantageous to the membership to make aware of the advancement of Capitular Masonry.

Continued, diligent efforts by the members of the Chapter, to open in proficient ritualistic form. Strive to achieve the Pride or Price Plus certificate. Attend and participate in the York Rite festival degrees. A focus of retaining and reinstating members. Efforts to visit Blue Lodges and solicit members. Development of an effective mentorship program for leadership growth within Chapters.

Fraternally, Vernon R. Atkinson

17

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PHILANTHROPIES

ALEXANDRIA, LOUISIANA TO: THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS GRAND MASTER, GRAND OFFICERS, and COMPANIONS of the GRAND COUNCIL of CRYPTIC MASONS of LOUISIANA; The Philanthropies Committee is privileged to have served this august body, and are pleased to report the following:

1) A total of $855.00 was collected through this committee and forwarded to the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation in Nashville, Tennessee.

2) A total of $50.00 was collected through this committee and forwarded to Companion John Belanger, Chairman for the Grand Council-Chapter Foundation of Louisiana to support scholarships for worthy students.

While the Committee is appreciative of the donations made to these worthy causes, we MUST stress that these amounts represent a very limited participations of the Companions and Councils from around the state. We encourage each member to prayerfully consider a donation to our charities, and for each representative present today to take the message back to their Council to take a proactive stance in supporting these worthwhile causes. The Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation (CMMRF) is life-saving research and development program which Cryptic Masons have long supported. The advances and life-saving techniques which have come from their research have saved innumerous lives and eased the pain and recovery of many patients. The Committee would like to again acknowledge and show support for the long-term efforts of Companion Vernon Atkinson, who for many years, carried and promoted this program within the state of Louisiana to build it into one of the leading supporters of CMMRF. I would be remiss to not thank the valiant efforts of Companion Charles Bertrand, Vice-Chairman, for his tenacious support of promoting and sharing new information via the internet provided by the national team at CMMRF. In closing, this Committee again urges every Council and every Companion to strongly support and aggressively become active in the promotion and financial support of CMMRF. Respectfully Submitted, Andrew H. Stevenson, Sr., Chairman Charles Bertrand, Vice-Chairman Vernon Atkinson, Chairman Emeritus John Sharlow, North Louisiana Member Terry Fowler, Central Louisiana Member Eddie LeBoeuf, South Louisiana Member

18

STATE OF THE ORDER

To: The Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Officers and Companions of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana. We, your committee on State of the Order, wish to make the following report. We have read that portion of the Most Illustrious Grand Master’s report on opening remarks and find them to be both pleasing and in order. The Most Illustrious Grand Master has welcomed and thanked those who helped him during his year, as Most Illustrious Grand Master. The Most Illustrious Grand Master gave a big “Thank You” to the District Deputy Grand Master’s for all their work and participation during the year. He always had District Deputies with him, during all of his official visits. He thanks the District Deputies for helping him to meet his goals as Illustrious Grand Master. We approve of this portion of his report. The State of the Order portion of the Most Illustrious Grand Master’s report tells us of his observations of the condition of Cryptic Masonry in Louisiana. He is very proud of the continuing Quarterly Junior Officers meeting being help through the year, which allows each to have information on their duties, planning their year, working with the Grand Line to establish long range planning ideas needed for the Bodies’ future and getting the young Companions involved in York Rite Masonry. We agree with his observations and approve of this section of his report. The Most Illustrious Grand Master congratulated all those who had received their 25 & 50 year membership certificates. He understands that these men have contributed a great deal during their years of membership. During his personal presentation of some of the certificates, he was able to learn from them some personal Masonic information about themselves. He requests the subordinate Councils to keep these companions involved with the work and part of the meetings. We approve of this portion of his report. The portion of the Most Illustrious Grand Master’s report on visitations that has been referred to us and upon examination we find he has traveled a great deal in-state and out-of-state during the year, in promotion of our order. We approve of this portion of his report. The Most Illustrious Grand Master has expressed his appreciation for everyone helping him during this Capitular Year, which included the Grand Council Officers, District Deputy Grand Masters, District Grand Lecturers, and Committee Chairman/members, Ladies of the Hospitality Committee, and all the companions of the state of Louisiana. He also recognized the cooperation and joint efforts of the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Tim Riley, Jr. and the Right Eminent Grand Commander, SK Ion Lazar.. Our Illustrious Grand Master gave special thanks to several special companions for their help and support during his tenure as Most Illustrious Grand Master. He also expressed his appreciation to his Wife Sharon, who was his constant support throughout the year. We appreciate his gratitude and willingness to express his feelings.

19

COMMITTEE ON YORK RITE AWARENESS

To the Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Officers, and Companions of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana:

Your committee, with the help of York Rite Masons throughout the State of Louisiana, is making the appendant bodies of the York Rite more visible. Education offered in Blue Lodges through programs authorized by the Worshipful Masters of many Lodges have made interest in the York Rite increase over the past year.

In addition, public programs and participation in programs recognizing citizens for their contributions to society have increased public awareness of the York Rite of Freemasonry. Members of the various York Rite bodies across Louisiana have participated in the York Rite Leadership training offered at the South Central Department Conference to the benefit of the entirety of the York Rite in Louisiana.

Your committee members thank the Illustrious Grand Master, Grand High Priest, and Grand Commander for all their efforts in spreading York Rite awareness across this entire Grand Jurisdiction. We also wish to commend and thank all the Companions and Sir Knights working without fee or reward for presenting the best example of Masonic unity we can have. Remember that “they will know us by our actions.”

We, your committee on York Rite Awareness thank you greatly for the opportunity to serve this Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana.

Fraternally and Respectfully submitted: Donald J. Sonnier, PIGM, Chairman Richard Fox, DDIGM 3, Vice Chairman Michael Darin West, DDIGM 6 Vernon Eugene Dawson, GPCW L. Chad Koelling, PIM John L. Belanger, PIGM John Amador, PIM

20

May 16, 2020 Companions, It is with heavy heart I send this communication. As many of you know, the Grand Chapter, and the entire Masonic family, lost a great man. A man I was proud to call my Brother, Companion and Sir Knight. Excellent Companion Joseph Patterson, our Grand Chaplain, finished his temple and passed the Grand Overseer's square on Friday, May 19th. Excellent Companion Patterson was a bright and shining star of all things Masonic. He participated in everybody of Freemasonry without prejudice. Our Excellent Companion gave his entire heart to everything he did in life and Masonry. His love for God and Masonry never wavered nor did his love for his family. He was the perfect example of a Mason and an example each of us should strive to be. Therefore, I hereby issue the following proclamation. In memory of our dearly departed Excellent Companion Joseph R. Patterson, Grand Chaplain of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masonry of Louisiana, hereby proclaim the month of July 2017, Joseph Raymond Patterson month. I order the alter of all Chapters be draped and, for the Chaplain of each Chapter under this jurisdiction, to read a passage of scripture in memory of Excellent Companion Patterson. So let it be done,

Timothy J. Riley, Jr. Most Excellent Grand High Priest cc: ELH

21

Joseph Raymond Patterson

Joseph Raymond Patterson

SHREVEPORT, LA - Joseph Raymond Patterson, 36, of Shreveport, passed away peacefully

on May 19th, 2017. He was born in Las Vegas, NV and one of the three sons of Ray and

Jodi Patterson. Joe played football at Ft. Walton Beach High School and went on to earn

a degree in Computer Engineering.

He married his wife Amy in 2005 at a small chapel in Fort Walton Beach, Florida where he

also became a stepfather to her son Logan.

Joe was employed by Gannett as the Regional Consumer Marketing Manager with a list

of accomplishments too long to list.

Joe dedicated a large portion of his life to the Brotherhood of Freemasonry. He was a Past

Master of Cedar Grove Lodge #403 in Shreveport. He currently served as the Grand

Prelate (Chaplain) of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana. He was a

Past High Priest of the Southern Hills Chapter #103 Royal Arch in Shreveport, and also of

Giblim Chapter #99 Royal Arch in Bossier City. Joe was serving as the Illustrious Master of

Ish Sodi Council of Royal & Select Masters, and was a Past Commander of Crusader

Commandery #21, Knights Templar in Bossier City. He was currently serving the Shreveport

York Rite Bodies as their Secretary/Recorder, and also served the NW LA Temple Guards as

their Recorder. Joe was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Member and served the Shreveport

Valley of the Knights of St. Andrew as Commander.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother Billie Jo Patterson. He is survived by his wife Amy,

stepson Logan, father Ray and his brothers Daniel and Timothy. He is also survived by his in-

laws, Betheia and Kenny Morris and Amanda Bullock. Joe also leaves behind many

22

cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and loved ones.

Joe was an entertainer, wordsmith, understanding, smart and most of all had an extremely

large heart for others. He was a wonderful Christian man that loved and served the Lord.

He was an amazing husband, father, and friend. He will be greatly missed and forever

loved.

Services celebrating the life of Joe will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2017 at Boone

Funeral Home, 3903 Meriwether Road, Shreveport, Louisiana. Family visitation will be Friday,

May 26, 2017 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Interment will be in Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Road, Shreveport,

Louisiana.

Published in Shreveport Times from May 24 to May 26, 2017

23

Report of the Committee on Charters and Dispensations

March 2018 To: The Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Officers and Companions of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana. The Committee has reviewed the file for the year 2017 submitted by the Grand Recorder and is pleased to make the following report; Charters: There were no charters issued during the year. Hiram K. Greer Council #55 did go "dark". They had no charter or other property to surrender due to the fire that consumed their building. Dispensations: The following Dispensations were submitted to the Most Illustrious Grand Master and by his authority approved or disapproved: Shreveport Council CM Number 23 Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana To hold special election on May 2 4, 2017 to elect a new Recorder, and any other positions they may come open because of the election, due to the passing of Companion Joseph R. Patterson. Ish Sodi Council CM Number 46 Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana To hold special election on June 8, 2017 to elect a new Illustrious Master, and any other positions that may come open because of the elect ion, due to the passing of Companion Joseph R. Patterson. Summit Council CM Number 12 Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana To hold special election(s) on July 31, 2017 to elect a new Principle Conductor of Work, and any other positions that may come open because of the election. Ish Sodi Council Number 46 CM Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana To hold special election(s) on August 10, 2017 to elect a new Illustrious Master, and any other positions that may come open because of the election. Herman L. Feske Council CM Number 467 Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana

24

To hold special election(s), on October 10, 2017, to fill the vacancy of any officer positions that may be open, Installation of those officers, and conduct business. Ish Sodi Council Number 46 CM Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana To hold special election(s), on February 8, 2018, to fill the vacancy of any officer positions that may be open, hold the installation of those officers and conduct business. Morehouse Council Number 50 CM Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana To meet and conduct any business necessary. at, 148 Wood St., Rayville, LA, on the 2nd Monday of each month, until their By-Laws are finalized. Your Committee on Charters and Dispensations wishes to thank the M.I. Grand Master for the opportunity to be of service to the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana. Fraternally, Larry J. Plaisance, P.M.I.G.M., Chairman Roy B. Tuck, Jr., P.M.I.G.M., Chair Emeritus W. Robert Laurents Eugene Dawson

25

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

To: The Most Illustrious Grand Master, Officers and Companions of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana. We, your Committee of Finance have examined the records of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Recorder and have found them to be correct and in agreement. The reported balances in the checking and investment accounts have been checked and found to be in agreement with the amounts herein published.

Dec 31, 17

ASSETS

Current Assets

Checking/Savings

Capital One 3,627.21

Wells Fargo Advisors

Cash & Sweeps 382.07

Mutual Funds

Bond Fund of America Class C 11,959.92

Capital Income Bldr Class A 33,605.05

Capital Income Bldr Class C 16,238.13

Income Fund Amer Inc Class A 50,516.00

Income Fund Amer Inc Class C 19,580.12

Total Mutual Funds 131,899.22

Total Wells Fargo Advisors 132,281.29

Total Checking/Investments 135,908.50

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable 689.67

Total Accounts Receivable 689.67

Total Current Assets 136,598.17

Fixed Assets

Furniture and Equipment 6,771.85

Total Fixed Assets 6,771.85

TOTAL ASSETS 143,370.02

LIABILITIES & EQUITY

Equity

Opening Balance Equity 130,016.38

Net Income 13,353.64

Total Equity 143,370.02

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 143,370.02

26

10:49 PM Grand Council of CM of Louisiana 03/01/18 Journal

December 2017

Type

Date

Memo

Account

Debit Credit

General Journal 12/31/2017 Correct PY balances Company Medicare 8.46

Correct PY balances Company Social Security 36.17

Correct PY balances Employee Medicare 8.46

Correct PY balances Employee Social Security 14.50

Correct PY balances FUTA 3.50

Correct PY balances State Withholding 12.25

Correct PY balances Correct PY balances SUTA

Payroll Liabilities 13.02

363.96

Correct PY balances Other Liabilities 300.00 Correct PY balances Opening Balance Equity 134.28 447.30 447.30

General Journal 12/31/2017 Record Investment Activity Bond Fund of America Class C 509.60 Record Investment Activity Capital Income Bldr Class A 6,089.60 Record Investment Activity Capital Income Bldr Class C 2,729.90 Record Investment Activity Income Fund Amer Inc Class A 10,221.18 Record Investment Activity

Record Investment Activity Income Fund Amer Inc Class c Opening Balance Equity 3,709.18

8,739.93

Record Investment Activity Record Investment Activity Unrealized Gains or Losses

Cash & Sweeps 0.16

14,519.69

23,259.62 23,259.62

General Journal 12/31/2017 Unrecorded Deposits Unrecorded Deposits Reclassify Balance Reclassify Balance

Capital One Opening Balance Equity Unrestricted Net Assets Opening Balance Equity

1,288.10

20,929.42

1,288.10

20,929.42

22,217.52 22,217.52

TOTAL 45,924.44 45,924.44

27

Grand Council Chapter Masonic Foundation of Louisiana

45rd Annual Report

January 1, 2018

To the Most Illustrious Grand Master and Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Officers and Companions all. The Board of Directors wishes to express our appreciation to those who have made donations to support this foundation. We would like to see more of the Chapters and Councils make an Annual donation to support worthy cause so that we could continual increase the value of our scholarships. Currently, this year our nursing scholarships raised the scholarships from $750.00 to $1,000.00 for each of the four Louisiana State Colleges. (Southeastern, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Northwestern State Foundation, University of Louisiana at Monroe) I cannot stress that we need a better participation through donations or memorials from all the chapters and councils to maintain our investment for that purpose.

Financial Status: The Grand Council/Chapter Foundations of Louisiana Funds are with: LPL Financial Account #2421-8776 French/French 7607 Fern Ave. Suite 902 Shreveport, LA 71105

Under FIN 47-2930383 Beginning Balance January 1, 2017 M.M. Act. $ 93,944.14 EXPENSES: Total Expenses ($4,753.37) INCOME: Total Donations $ 1,305.00 TOTAL 12/31/17 M.M. $ 98,822.70 NOTE: The actual net gain was $ 8,326.93 which is a growth of .088637 gain Your Committee wants to thank the Ill. Grand Master and Grand High Priest for all of the help and support this committee has received this year. We did take a small hit in the Bond Market, but our investor believes it will improve. JOHN L. BELANGER Fraternally submitted, John L. Belanger, PIGM Sec. /Treas. Larry Plaisance PIGM SE Chairman W. A. Morris, Central Joseph Patterson NW Keith Powell, SW Bill Blake NE

28

Minutes for the Order of the High Priesthood

Date: March 2, 2018 Location: Alexandria, LA At 5:15 PM, the Louisiana Body of the Order of the High Priesthood was opened in grand form. Upon opening, elections were called for. Companion Vernon “Gene” Dawson stood and nominated the following…Ion Lazar for Most Excellent President, Michael Watts for Excellent Companion Vice President, Travis Holley for Very Excellent Chaplain, Gerald H. Houston for Excellent Treasurer, Ed L. Horton, Jr. for Excellent Recorder, Michael Carpenter for Excellent Master of Ceremonies, Wm. Keith Powell for Excellent Conductor, Eddie LeBoeuf, III for Excellent Herald, M. Darin West for Excellent Steward, and Andrew H. Stevenson, Sr. for Excellent Sentinel. Everyone present voted in favor and all officers were installed in due form. The degree team was then announced. For the degree, Eddie LeBoeuf, III would be Most Excellent President, Michael Watts would be Excellent Companion Vice President, Gene Dawson would be Very Excellent Chaplain, Robert Perry would be Excellent Master of Ceremonies, James Porter would be Excellent Conductor, Charles Songe would be Excellent Herald, Don Springer would be Excellent Steward, and Andrew H. Stevenson, Sr. would be Excellent Sentinel. The conferral of the degree of Order of the High Priesthood was conferred upon six candidates. Receiving the degree was Robert McMaster of McCallum Chapter #29 in Ontario, Canada, David P Greer of Keystone Chapter #44, Garland M. Gisclair of Brashear Chapter #82, Scott James Plaisance of Ascension Chapter #49, Brad E. Williams of Vernon Chapter #51, and David H. Krasner of Saints John Chapter #98. A motion was made to make Teko Foley, Clyde Schoolfield, and Dr. Joe Rouse honorary members of the Louisiana Order of the High Priesthood. The motion being properly seconded all present voted in favor. Companion Dawson made a motion that we make our customary donations to the RARA, Council-Chapter Foundation, DeMolay, and Rainbow Girls. The motion was properly seconded, and all present voted in favor. The finance committee report was read, and discussion ensued on money and how to spend what we have. Companion Richard James made a motion to buy the apron in case for the outgoing grand high priest. The motion was seconded and there was a majority vote in favor. Companion Dawson made a motion that we pay $100 toward the maintenance of the grand website. This motion was properly seconded all present voted in favor. This chapter of the Order of the High Priesthood was closed in due and ancient form at 6:26 PM. Attested: Ed L. Horton, Secretary Approved: Ion Lazar, Most Excellent President

29

1946 Herbert W. Marks, Sr. 1951 Charles W. Tebow 1954 Joseph M. Murray, Jr. 1954 Nathan E. Wilson 1956 George A. Haydel 1956 John R. Daniel 1958 Frank R. Courts 1960 Harold H. Young 1962 Charles G. Clauss, Jr. 1962 Harold F. Carlisle 1962 Nicholas G. Koutroulis 1962 Raymond E. Powell 1962 Richard G. Betar 1964 Joseph A. D. Loftin 1966 Homer D. Brister 1966 W. A. Morris 1969 Earl J. Durand 1969 Milton Z. Cloyd 1970 Earl D. Wright 1971 Thomas J. Phillips 1971 Troy B. Corkern 1972 Freddie Altman 1972 Melvin G. Russell 1972 Merit S. Pilcher, IV 1973 Hansel A. Nugent 1973 Henry A. Wilson 1973 Larry L. Kennedy 1973 Richard L. James 1973 Stuart M. Pearson 1974 Clifford A. Bradley 1974 Woodruff W. Box, Jr. 1975 Bowdre McDowell 1975 Floyd L. Adams 1975 James L. Jendro 1976 Clancy C. Midkiff 1976 Homer R. Moseley 1976 Marvin A. Davis

1976 Robert J. McDonald 1976 Warren R. Hicks, Sr. 1977 Finly S. Stanly 1977 Oma F. Lee 1977 Terry F. Tranchina 1978 Billy B. West 1978 Frank L. Messinger, III 1978 James G. Moore 1978 Larry P. Rice, Jr. 1978 Rives Joseph Daigle 1979 Charles S. G. Boone 1979 Earl R. Angelo, Jr. 1979 James H. de Cordova 1979 Willie J. Brannon 1980 Ernest R. Roll 1980 Gilbert H. Morrison, Jr. 1980 Ray L. Durbin 1980 Raymond E. Cantrell 1981 George L. Mitchell 1981 Harles I. Creech 1981 Herman B. Wilson 1981 Jack L. Foil 1981 John L. Belanger 1981 William H. Treadway 1982 Benjamin M. Rush 1982 Joseph R. Colvard 1983 Archie M. Husser 1983 Jack Crouch 1983 Morris C. Jernigan 1983 Otis R. Free 1983 Thomas E. Harper 1983 Thomas L. Alfano 1984 Bobby R. Edens 1984 Carlton C. Johnson 1984 Charles R. Chauvin 1984 William K. Powell 1985 Andrew J. Helffrich

30

1985 Dale F. Johnson 1985 E. M. Brown 1985 George H. Parker 1985 Joseph W. Sargent 1985 Randolph Coffman 1985 Rev. G. Larry Maxwell, Sr. 1985 Walter R. Freeman 1985 William B. Powell 1985 Willis L. Hawkins 1986 Archie A. Cline, Jr. 1986 Clyde Strout 1986 Edward W. Brabham, Jr. 1986 Harold E. Elliott 1986 James D. Parker 1986 James W. Sutton 1986 Lawrence W. Bell 1986 Leslie F. Tanner, Jr. 1986 Norman D. Sims 1986 Richard P. Brackin 1987 Allen G. Tidwell 1987 Elbert B. Clower 1987 James C. Stuart 1987 James H. Cogswell 1987 Lloyd A. Hebert 1988 Alton C. Reeves 1988 Bill F. Cable 1988 Blane M. Sutton 1988 Dani S. Fookes 1988 Emanuel B. Geiger 1988 Howard F. Entwistle, Jr. 1988 John H. Martin 1988 Kenneth B. Lane 1988 Richard L. Stout 1988 Stanley F. Elpers 1989 Carlton H. Conaway, Jr. 1989 Earle S. Ingram 1989 John E. Beaumont, III 1989 Roy E. McGraw, Jr. 1990 James W. Porter 1990 John Juneau 1990 Louis J. Caruso 1990 Theodore R. Arthur 1991 Allen R. Fruge 1991 Bill R. Drake 1991 Lillard E. Payne 1991 Micheal F. Harrelson

1991 Roy B. Tuck, Jr. 1991 William E. Wallace 1992 Charles H. Penn, III 1992 David D. Wagner 1992 Donald E. Park 1992 Edgar J. George 1992 Jackie L. Smith 1992 James B. Tuck 1992 John W. Walker 1992 Richard B. Smith 1992 Stephen C. Eyre 1993 Curtis P. Moore 1993 Daniel F. Thomas 1993 E. Dwight Jeffries 1993 Frank L. Epps 1993 Jack E. Giles 1993 James D. Miller 1993 Larry J. Plaisance 1993 Rev. Gary L. Van Horn 1993 Robert V. Roberts, III 1993 Thomas P. Brown 1993 Timothy W. Tuck 1994 Anthony Henry Rougeou 1994 Donald W. Usry 1994 Robert P. Smith 1995 Charles G. Callahan 1995 Darrell G. Durand 1995 Joseph H. Baker, Jr. 1995 Jules "Jeff" F. Webb 1995 Larry B. Ledbetter 1995 Lem C. Jones 1995 Richard J. Trahan 1995 Waldemar D. Stopkey 1996 Clarence L. Callihan 1996 George B. Gray 1996 Herschel Guillott 1996 Jay S. Hambacher 1996 Rufus E. Wilson 1996 Timothy J. Riley, Sr. 1996 Wayne J. Trouard 1997 Charles C. Thames 1997 Clayton A. Wolfe 1997 David C. Hall 1997 George H. Jones, Jr. 1997 Homer V. Bailes 1997 Jason Wayne Anderson

31

1997 Larry J. Vincent 1997 Norman M. Currier 1997 Richard A. Gordy 1998 Beverly J. Guillot 1998 Donald R. Whitfield 1998 Franklin D. Bianchini, Sr. 1998 John T. Ed Smith 1998 Leonard J. Hinds 1998 Michael L. Laurence 1998 Nolan R. Gamble 1998 Richard J. Fruge, Sr. 1998 Robert E. Parkerson 1998 Vincent J. Ogrinc 1999 Charles A. Songe 1999 Clayton A. Wolfe, Jr. 1999 Issac E. Broussard 1999 R. Wayne Martin 1999 Stephan M. Selby 1999 Timothy J. Riley, Jr 2000 Frank N. Du Treil 2000 Gilbert H. Morrison, III 2000 Harvey E. Gaines, Jr. 2000 Herrin John Ducote 2000 Murvin L. Mott 2000 Thomas P. Dickson 2000 Thomas W. Hudson 2001 Billy R. Foley 2001 David Glen Hunt 2001 George W. Barker 2001 James G. Coleman 2001 James Robert Tomlinson 2001 Raymond D. Roush 2001 Raymond D. Verret 2002 Carle L. Jackson 2002 Charles R. Smith 2002 David Morris Andrews 2002 Elmer W. Guimbellot, Sr. 2002 Harold E. Hodges 2002 Henry N. Moore 2002 James H. Diggs, Jr. 2002 James R. Vice 2002 Jules Hillard Tucker 2002 Ralph W. Ezelle, Jr. 2003 Bruce D. Osbon 2003 Leonard E. Brice 2003 Monard M. Barrow

2003 Wade C. Davis, Jr. 2003 Morris J. Tabor 2003 William C. Turnage 2004 Alfred L. Pedneau, Jr. 2004 Cliny J. Theriot 2004 Donald J. Sonnier 2004 Edward A. Reine 2004 Michael D. Gilcrease 2004 Salvador Catalano, Sr. 2004 Travis M. Holley 2004 Vernon R. Atkinson 2004 Sydney J. Rome 2004 Kurt P. Cheramie 2004 William O. Drewett 2004 Alfred L. Pedneau, Jr. 2004 Andrew L. Pedneau 2004 James Courville 2005 Rexford L. Coon 2005 Alan W. Pettijohn 2005 Jimmy H. Leger 2005 Andrew H. Stevenson, Sr. 2005 Gerard J. Burg, Jr. 2005 John T. Adams, Jr. 2005 John T. Lee 2005 Patton D. McHenry, Jr. 2005 Walter Sydney Felps 2005 William J. Mollere 2006 Frank P. Robison, Jr. 2006 Hoyt S. Hooper 2006 Ion Lazar 2006 John E. Vines 2006 Kenneth F. Streater, Jr. 2006 Paul S. Abbott, Jr. 2006 Richard L. Fox 2007 Wilbert J. Guidry, Jr. 2007 Gerald H. Houston 2007 Jerry Wayne Wicker 2007 Leon T. Roberts, Sr. 2007 Manuel R. Alfonso 2007 William Jennings 2007 William R. Richards 2008 William Cleveland 2008 Alva Lincoln Holton 2008 Anthony Nicholas Auck 2008 Cecil Paul Dufrene 2008 Fred M. Sullivan

32

2008 Kim Smith 2008 Tommy Clayton Dyson 2008 Vernon E. Dawson, Jr. 2008 John Richter 2009 Harvey W. Goodwin 2009 Henry George Scanlan, Jr. 2009 James R. Corry, Jr. 2009 Richard Chargois 2009 Willis W. J. Couch, Jr. 2010 Adib Shahla 2010 Elbert A. Kelly 2010 Gerald Franklin Barrett 2010 James David Marze 2010 John T. Baudoin 2010 Kimball Donald Bonner 2010 Michael Jay Huff 2010 Joseph A. Gilardi, Jr. 2010 Richard J. Shaw 2010 Robert Caley Joyner 2010 Robert Wesley Howard 2010 Ronny Dale Dyson 2010 Troy D. Liner 2010 William R. Laurents 2011 Edward A. Reine, Jr. 2011 Freddie James Touchet 2011 Waylon Bryan Price 2012 Andrew H. Stevenson, Jr. 2012 Conrad C. Gauthier 2012 Darryl C. Brown 2012 Gary T. Rushworth, Sr 2012 Jesse Albert Hinson, Jr. 2012 John T. Dark 2012 Johnny C. Byrd 2012 Richard D. Morgan 2012 Ronald D. Bealer 2012 Rory Alan Bozeman 2012 Samuel Wayne Cangelose 2012 William David McCoy 2013 Willis W. J. Couch 2013 Samuel W. Canelose 2013 Phillip Paul Oliver 2013 R. Shane Marchand 2013 Glenn Bledsoe 2013 Edward Setser 2013 John McRae Coats, V 2013 Donald James Broussard

2013 Will Phelps Gray 2013 Zane Michael Tubbs 2013 Darren John Hart 2013 Camille “Buddy” Guidry, Jr. 2013 Jesse A. Hinson, Jr. 2013 Andrew J. Stevenson, Jr. 2013 Robert L. Schaff 2013 Rory A. Bozeman 2013 Conrad C. Gauthier 2013 Wm. David McCoy 2014 M. Darin West 2014 Anthony “Tony” Radosti 2014 Michael David Hawkins 2014 David E. Carroll, Jr. 2014 Clyde C. Fletcher 2014 David R. Marine 2015 Kenneth K. Bell, Jr. 2015 Albert J. Taillow, Jr. 2015 Willis B. Evans, Jr. 2015 William James “Jim” Hill, III 2015 Jeffery D. Maynor 2015 Robert D. Perry 2015 Alan K. Bean 2015 Chad Levi Koelling 2015 Tom Kussman 2015 Terrell D. Fowler 2015 Mount W. Newby 2015 William Sherman Blake 2016 J. Andrew Owen 2016 John R. Cunningham 2016 J. Keith Gates 2016 Don A. Springler 2016 Michael A. Watts 2016 Monty Reed 2016 William James 2016 Mervin S. Simpson 2016 James Richard 2016 Charles Richard Smith 2016 Sturart R. Averitt 2016 John C. Sharlow 2016 Joseph Patterson 2016 Samuel B. Owens 2016 Jeremy L. Galster 2017 John Louis Amador 2017 Albert G. Simms, Jr. 2017 Paul Joseph Martin

33

2017 William Earl Free 2017 Robert Doyal Waddle 2017 Gary Delane Bates 2017 Ronald J. Frey 2017 Martin J. Reinschmidt 2017 Ed L. Horton, Jr. 2017 Steve E. Hester 2018 Robert McMaster 2018 David P. Greer 2018 Garland M. Gisclair 2018 Scott J. Plaisance 2018 Brad E. Williams 2018 David H. Krasner

34

Minutes for the Order of the Silver Trowel

Date: March 3, 2018 Location: Alexandria, LA The Louisiana Chapter of the Order of the Silver Trowel was open in grand form at 8:07 AM. It was announced that there were four candidates to receive this degree. They were Garland M. Gisclair of Houma Council #49, David P. Greer of Summit Council #12, Andrew Owen of Baton Rouge 22 Council #11, and David H. Krasner of St. John Council #41. The degree team was announced and filling the positions were Donald Sonnier as Thrice Illustrious Master, Eddie LeBoeuf as Senior Warden, Charles Smith as Jr. Warden, Keith Powell as Steward, Carle Jackson as Sentinel, and Timothy Riley, Jr. as King David. The degree team conferred the Thrice Illustrious Master degree in beautiful form as usual. At 8:41 AM the business session began. Companion Ed Horton made a motion that we pay the bill for the rituals that were ordered from North Carolina. This motion was properly seconded, and all present voted in favor. Companion Horton brought up that the bylaws were extremely outdated, stating the copy that he has is dated 1951. Thrice Illustrious Master Donald Sonnier assigned a bylaws committee consisting of Ed Horton and Charles Smith as members with Gene Dawson as the chairman. A motion was made that the customary $100 donation be made to the CMMRF and the Council-Chapter Foundation. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. A motion was made that we purchased the outgoing Illustrious Grand Master’s apron and case. The motion was seconded and passed. A motion was made that we pay $100 toward the maintenance of the grand website. The motion was seconded and passed. Companion Horton made a motion that we increase the cost of this degree from $50 to $100 and that he be allowed to purchase 50 larger, silver trowels that will be given to candidates when they receive this degree. This motion was properly seconded and passed unanimously. Thrice Illustrious Master Sonnier then declared that honorary membership to the Louisiana Chapter of the Order of the Silver Trowel be given to Teko Foley, Clyde Schoolfield, Brian Cook of Texas, James Kirkpatrick, William Hellier of Pennsylvania, and Ray Venson, all of which are from outside this state and were present at this meeting. Thrice Illustrious Master Sonnier then called for election of officers. Companion Gene Dawson stood and nominated the following officers, Michael Watts as Thrice Illustrious Master, Oma Frank Lee be retained as Senior Warden, Michael Lawrence as Jr. Warden, Gerald Houston be retained as Treasurer, Ed Horton be retained as Recorder, Carle Jackson as Steward, and Monty Reed as Sentinel. The nominations were seconded and passed unanimously. All officers were properly installed and being no further business, the Louisiana Chapter of the Order of the Silver Trowel was properly closed at 9:05 AM following prayer. Attested: Ed L Horton, Recorder Approved: Michael A Watts, Illustrious Master

35

Proceedings of the Order of the Silver Trowel

of the State of Louisiana 1950

for the State of Louisiana

Shreveport, Louisiana November 2, 1950, a supper was served by Shreveport Council

No. 23 R. & S. M. The table was arranged as a Broken Triangle and within the Triangle a small table bore

a Silver Trowel. In the Council Hall M.I. Grand Master J. Luther Jordan requested all who were not

members of the Order of Silver Trowel to retire except Companions:

Henry O. Hartman Membership in Illinois D. Peter Laguens, Jr. Membership in Florida

A. L. Stephens Membership in Mississippi C. M. Land Membership in Mississippi

J. Luther Jordan Membership in Mississippi Lee W. Harris Membership in Mississippi

Each of these Companions had a Certificate of Membership.

A proclamation issued by Grand Master J. Luther Jordan, August 23, 1950, authorized by the Grand Assembly in February 1950, proclaimed the formal organization of the Order of the Silver Trowel and its jurisdiction in the State of Louisiana. He then stated the above named six Companions are Charter Members of the Order in Louisiana.

Past Illustrious Masters 1950 *Lee W. Harris Alexandria 1951 *Lee W. Harris Alexandria 1952 *D. Peter Laguens, Jr. New Orleans 1953 *Henry O. Hartman Monroe 1954 *Herbert Jennings Shreveport 1955 *Freeman A. Ballard New Orleans 1956 *Chester B. Owen Leesville 1957 *Clarence O. Shaw Alexandria 1958 *Jack L. Stephan Lafayette 1959 *Robert W. Cretney Monroe 1960 *E. Shelby Winfree Waco, TX 1961 *John B. Armstrong Lake Charles 1962 *William J. Michon New Orleans 1963 *Guy B. Gannaway Monroe 1964 *Harry Manning DeRidder 1965 *A. L. Stephens Oakdale 1966 *Charley H. Burgess Oakdale 1967 *Walthall H. Zigler New Orleans 1968 *J. A. Poche Lafayette 1969 *Arthur L. Curry Bossier City 1970 *R. Thomas Pursley Hammond 1971 *S. Archie Evans DeRidder

36

1972 Charles G. Clauss Oakdale 1972 *Carrol W. Comier New Orleans 1973 *Thomas J. Pitman, Jr. Alexandria 1974 *Henry M. Messinger Bastrop 1976 *J. P. Davis Lafayette 1977 *B. F. Barron Oak Grove 1978 *George N. Ricks Metairie 1979 *W. W. Terral Alexandria 1980 *Rodeny H. Schrivener Shreveport 1981 Clifford A. Bradley DeRidder 1982 *Bertram R. Denham Baton Rouge 1983 *Ralph Shelton Mansfield 1984 Howard Maxwell Oak Grove 1985 *George O. Martin DeQuincy 1986 *Earl Albritton Winnsboro 1987 *J. E. Walker, Jr. Shreveport 1988 *Ernest C. Belmont, Jr. Metairie 1989 *M. D. Feltenberger Columbia 1990 Eugene R. Musgrave Shreveport 1991 Billy West Vinton 1992 Charles K. Calloway Farmerville 1993 *Horace R. Alexius, Jr. Covington 1994 *Maurice N. Angelo Arabi 1995 *George R. Anderson Bogalusa 1996 Thomas E. Harper Slidell 1997 *V. Floyd Mauldin Lafayette 1998 Marvin A. Davis Chatham 1999 Alton C. Reeves Bastrop 2000 Lloyd A. Hebert Gretna 2001 Larry B. Ledbetter Shreveport 2002 *Dudley Theriot Lafayette 2003 Timothy W. Tuck Leesville 2004 Richard L. James Monroe 2005 Beverly J. Guillot Baton Rouge 2006 Earl J. Durand Alexandria 2007 Calvin Rex Woodard Coushatta 2008 Edward A. Reine Gretna 2009 W. Keith Powell Lake Charles 2010 *Lillard E. Payne Lafayette 2011 Howard F. Entwistle, Jr. Stonewall 2012 Timothy J. Riley, Jr. Bossier City 2013 Ion Lazar New Orleans 2014 Clay Wolfe, Jr. Harvey 2015 Richard Chargious Duson 2016 John E. Belanger Franklin 2017 Vernon Dawson Ethel 2018 Donald Sonnier Carercro * Deceased

37

Annual Report Detail Only Period Start: 01/01/2017

End: 12/31/2017

Row Count: 349

All activity is based on the modified date (when updated) that falls within requested date range Modified Date

Net Loss/Gain

Part 1 Statistical Active Members At Start

Exalted (+)

Demit (-)

Affiliate (+)

Suspend (-)

Reinstate (+)

Expel (-)

DelAdj (-)

Died (-)

AddAdj (+)

Active Members

At-End

Royal Arch Masonry 1,670 83 -39 7 -120 16 0 -1 -57 0 1,559

Louisiana 1,670 83 -39 7 -120 16 0 -1 -57 0 1,559

1 - Orleans-Delta 124 1 -8 0 -27 2 0 0 -2 0 90

-34 10 - Shreveport 140 1 -3 1 -1 1 0 -1 -4 0 134

-6

11 - Feliciana 44 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 -1 0 49

5 12 - Cyrus 23 6 -2 0 -3 3 0 0 -2 0 25

2

16 - Livingston 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -5 0 28

-5 18 - Monroe 142 5 -4 0 0 3 0 0 -2 0 144

2

32 - Gordy 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20

0 33 - Girard-Hope 54 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 54

0

44 - Keystone 130 26 -8 0 -14 1 0 0 -2 0 133

3 47 - Lake Charles 95 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 -8 0 93

-2

48 - Hammond 50 2 -1 0 -1 0 0 0 -1 0 49

-1 49 - Ascension 26 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28

2

51 - Vernon 93 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 -1 0 93

0 54 - Hines 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -2 0 25

-2

56 - Robert H Cage 86 3 0 0 -25 1 0 0 0 0 65

-21 57 - Washington 5 82 1 -2 1 -8 0 0 0 -3 0 71

-11

59 - Winnfield 35 7 0 1 0 1 0 0 -1 0 43

8 68 - Pontchartrain 80 4 -2 0 -8 1 0 0 -7 0 68

-12

81 - Ringgold 44 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 45

1 82 - Brashear 54 4 -2 0 -12 0 0 0 0 0 44

-10

92 - Istrouma 72 3 -1 1 0 0 0 0 -6 0 69

-3 98 - Sts John 82 2 -3 0 -20 1 0 0 -3 0 59

-23

99 - Giblim 52 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -3 0 49

-3 102 - Coushatta 46 2 -3 1 -1 1 0 0 -1 0 45

-1

103 - Southern Hills 35 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 -3 0 35

0

38

Annual Report Detail Only

End:Net Loss/Gain

Percent Loss/Gain

Total Points

Active MembersAt Start

Greeted(+)

Affiliate(+)

DelAdj(-)

AddAdj(+)

1,459 94 5 -1 01,459 94 5 -1 0117 3 0 0 0 -31 -26% -56121 29 0 0 0 6 5% 1389 6 0 0 0 -1 -1% 597 1 2 0 0 -13 -13% -23155 2 0 0 0 -8 -5% -896 3 0 0 0 -23 -24% -4792 1 0 0 0 1 1% 225 0 0 0 0 -2 -8% -887 15 1 0 0 10 11% 2549 2 0 0 0 -1 -2% -282 2 0 0 0 -23 -28% -4834 7 1 0 0 8 24% 3351 0 0 0 0 -3 -6% -630 5 0 0 0 0 0% 267 7 0 -1 0 -7 -10% -1153 4 0 0 0 -10 -19% -2930 0 0 0 0 -4 -13% -1350 2 1 0 0 -2 -4% -511 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0

343

All activity is based on the modified date (when updated) that falls w ithin requested date range Modified Date

Part 1 StatisticalDemit

(-)Suspend

(-)Reinstate

(+)Expel

(-)Died(-)

Active MembersAt-End

Annual Report Detail Only Period Start: 01/01/2017 12/31/2017 Row Count:

-1 86 2 - Louisiana -8 -26 1 0

-46 1,356Louisiana -42 -124 11 0 -46 1,356

Cryptic Masonry -42 -124 11 0

-2 127 12 - Summit -8 -13 0 0-7 88 19 - Calcasieu 0 0 0 0

22 - Baton Rouge 11 -2 -11 0 0 -3 84 23 - Shreveport -3 -3 1 0 -5 147

0 73 24 - Jack L Stephan 0 -27 1 0

32 - Louis B Frusha 0 0 0 0 -2 23 26 - Fullerton 0 0 0 0 0 93

-4 97 33 - Istrouma -2 0 0 0-1 48 36 - Jos W Robinson -1 -1 0 0

41 - Sts John -3 -20 1 0 -3 59 43 - Winnfield 0 0 1 0 -1 42

-3 48 46 - Ish Sodi 0 0 0 0 47 - Herman L Feske -3 -3 3 0 -2 30

-6 60 48 - Slidell -2 -6 1 0 49 - Houma -2 -12 0 0 0 43

-4 26 50 - Morehouse 0 0 0 0-1 48 52 - Red River -4 -1 1 00 11 55 - Hiram K Greer 0 0 0 0

{ 67 - Tallulah} 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

0

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Waddle P O Box 499

Campti, La. 71411

January 17, 2018 MIGM W. Keith Powell: On April 25, 2017, I made an official visit to Winnfield Council # 43. We had a meal at 6:00 P.M. and opened the Council at 6:30 P.M. I participated in the opening since I am a member of this Council. After the opening, I was given the Private Grand Honors. I gave a short speech to the Council and the meeting was closed until the next stated assembly. On July 31, 2017, I made an official visit to Summit Council # 12. We had a meal at 6:00 P.M. and opened the Council at about 7:00 P.M. We put degrees on three candidates. Degree work went well. After the degrees, I was given Private Grand Honors but due to the late hour, I did not address the Council. The Council was closed until the next stated assembly. On December 26, 2017, I attended an open meeting to install officers for Winnfield Council # 43. Winnfield Chapter # 29, and Bethlehem Commandry # 20. Public Grand Honors were given to Most Illustrious Grand Master W. Keith Powell, Rite Excellent Grand King Michael Watts, Excellent Grand Generalissimo Keith Gates, and 5th District Deputy Illustrious Grand Master R. Doyle Waddle. I am, DDIGM for D5 R Doyle Waddle

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GRAND CHAPTER

ROYAL ARCH MASONS LOUISIANA

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MASONIC LAW & JURISPRUDENCE

For the Period March 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018)

TO: THE MOST EXCELLENT GRAND HIGH PRIEST, GRAND OFFICERS and COMPANIONS of LOUISIANA:

The Masonic Law & Jurisprudence Committee reviewed suggested changes to the By- Laws for the following Chapters:

Southern Hills Chapter No. 103 R.A.M. Washington 5 Chapter No. 57 R.A.M. Keystone Chapter No. 44 R.A.M.

and, which suggested changes were reviewed and comments made for some corrections. Subsequently received corrected By-Laws from:

Keystone Chapter No. 44 R.A.M.

and which corrected changes were approved.

The Jurisprudence Committee has now reviewed those portions of the Most Excellent Grand High Priest's Address which were normally referred to this Committee. Committee has no comments on the address.

Besides as set forth above, no other By-Laws or Amendments to By-Laws have been approved or disapproved by this Committee during this period.

No new Grand Chapter Resolutions were reviewed. Chapter Resolution 2017-2 and 2017- 3 were reviewed last year and held over. Accordingly, except as may be set forth in a Report Supplemental hereto, the Committee expresses no opinion concerning resolutions to be considered by the Grand Chapter.

The Committee expresses its gratitude to the Most Excellent Grand High Priest and Companions for this opportunity to serve Royal Arch Masons.

Dated this 19th day of February 2018.

Willi es "Jim" Hill, I , P.C. C.P«JWI n 4t11Efs F. "Jeff" Webb, PGM, PIM Larry J. Plaissance Terry Fowler

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Edict 2017-1

March 25, 2017 Companions,

Over the past several years, our beloved fraternity has seen a decline in membership. We have seen Councils close or merged at an alarming rate. We have seen Councils that have merged with other Councils and now the new Council has begun to become stagnant. We need to reverse this trend before it is too late.

Therefore, as Illustrious Grand Master of Cryptic Masonry in the State of Louisiana, I

hereby issue the following Edict. Any Companion who has ever belonged to a Council of Cryptic Masons in the State of

Louisiana, even if that Council no longer exists, and who possesses a current dues card from a regular, recognized Lodge of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, or, any State recognized by the same; shall be granted Amnesty with the payment of this year’s current annual dues for the local Council they are applying.

Please remember when an individual has requested to be reinstated into the Council because of the amnesty program, per the Grand Council Constitution and General Regulations, under General Regulations Section 11, an “Affiliation in a Regular Lodge and Chapter of Royal Arch Masons” and a “continuous membership in both Lodge and Chapter is necessary” for the individual request reentry by amnesty.

The written request DOES NOT need to be forwarded to the Grand Recorder. The written request is for the Council to which the companion is applying to at that time. It is to be handled the same as any other application. It should be filed at the local level and the new Companion’s information sent to the Grand Recorder with the Monthly Report.

All Illustrious Masters of constituent Councils of Louisiana are requested to appoint a Membership Committee to contact members, ex-members, and any persons who may have knowledge of a lost Companion and to disseminate the news of this Amnesty to any who have left our ranks.

This Edict is so ordered by my hand March 25, 2017 and must be read in the next open Assembly. W. Keith Powell Attested by: Ed L. Horton Most Illustrious Grand Master RE Grand Recorder State of Louisiana State of Louisiana

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MASONIC RESUME

WILLIAM KEITH POWELL, SR.

446 E Telephone Rd. Lake Charles, LA 70611

H 337-855-9675 C 337-263-7821

Wife: Sharon Lowery Powell Son: William Keith Powell, II Wife: Ashley Wells Powell Grandchildren: Clara Grace & William Clayton Parents: William B. “Bill” and Pat Powell Education: Sam Houston High School, 1971 McNeese State University, 1975 B.S. General Business Delta Sigma Pi, Business Fraternity Honor: Top Pledge of Class Work: Retired

Delta Downs Racetrack and Casino 2013-2014 10 – Months - Purchasing Department

Walter O. Moss Medical Center LSU – Health Care Services Division 1989 – 2013 Purchasing Director CITGO Petroleum

1984 – 1989 Warehouse Staff K& D Service, Inc. / Lift Truck Rentals, Inc. 1969 – 1984 Sales to VP Sales Manager

CIVIC ACTIVITIES

LIONS: 100% Award as President, First Club President to receive this award 1976 & 1977 Lion of the Year Award Lifetime Eye Foundation Member 10 years perfect attendance Served many appointed District Offices and Committees SLFO: Southwest Louisiana Football Association Years: 38 Membership 1972 – 2012, 2017-present

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President, served 3-terms as President 2000, 2001, & 2002 – 2003 Assignment Secretary 2012-2013 #1 Umpire rated by Association & Coaches Officiated many District, State Playoffs, & 1998 1-A Final LHSAA Awards: 20, 25, 30 & 35 Years of Officiating Service

SBUA: Southwest Louisiana Baseball Umpire Association Membership 1989 – 2011 President, served 8-terms as President 1995 – 2007 Officiated many District and State Playoffs LHSAA officiating service 22 years 2012 – Leave of absence SCOUT: BOY SCOUTS of AMERICA Lake Charles Cub Scout 1963 – 1965 Moss Bluff Troop 1964 – 67 Senior Scout Master – First Class – 5 Merit Badges DIXIE: DIXIE YOUTH BASEBALL – MOSS BLUFF LEAGUE President – 1990 League Officer & Coach 1985 – 1990 DIXIE BOYS / MAJORS – MOSS BLUFF LEAGUE President & Coach 1991 – 1993 DIXIE UMPIRE Membership 1989 – present Official Dixie umpire service 22 years Officiated many District, State, and 2- World Series 1993 & 1994 games DIXIE BOYS BASEBALL of LOUISIANA District Director, State Board Member 1993 – 2007 Assistant State Director 2-two year terms 2007-2009, 2009-2011 State Director 3-two year term 2011 – 2013, 2013 – 2015, 2015 – 2017, 2017-2019

MASONIC HISTORY, AFFILIATIONS and HONORS

LODGE: MOSS BLUFF #462 F&AM Raised – 1976 Membership 39 years Master 1981, 2004, 2007, 2008 Education Achievement Award 1981, 2007 Planned two Corner Stone projects 1983 & 1984 Treasurer 2009 - present TENTH DISTRICT LODGE

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Tenth District Master 1994 Tenth District Deputy Grand Master 1995 Tenth District Secretary 1996 – present Grand Lodge of LA F&AM Library and Museum Board – Elected 2015, Elected Secretary - 2015, Service 2015 – 2016 Building Committee 2017-2018 RAM: LAKE CHARLES #47 Exalted 1980 High Priest 1983, 2006, 2008, 2011 Order of Anointed High Priesthood 1984 Order of Anointed High Priest – appointed to line 2015 Secretary 2011 – 2014 Treasurer 2009 - present GRAND CHAPTER appointment Master of Second Veil 1984, 2006 Grand Representative of West Virginia 2007 FOURTH CAPITULAR DISTRICT CHAPTER District Deputy Grand High Priest 1985. 2010 - 2015 District Deputy Grand Lecturer 2007, 2009 S&RM: CALCASIEU COUNCIL #19 Greeted 1980 Illustrious Master 1984, 2006, 2008, 2011 Order of Silver Trowel 1984 Super Excellent Master 1990 Recorder 2011 – 2014 Treasurer 2009 – present

GRAND COUNCIL R&SM Grand Captain of the Guard – 2014 Principal Conductor of Works – 2015

Deputy Grand Master – 2016 Most Illustrious Grand Master 2017-2018

GRAND COUNCIL appointment Grand Representative to Connecticut 2010 Order of the Silver Trowel Illustrious Master 2009 – 2010 Order of Silver Trowel Degree Team 2006 – present Order of the Secret Vault 2017 FOURTH CRYPTIC DISTRICT COUNCIL District Deputy Illustrious Grand Master 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 District Deputy Grand Lecturer 2006, 2007, 2008

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CMDR: MALTA #12 COMMANDERY Knighted 1980 E. Commander 2000 Recorder 2011 – 2014 Treasurer 2009 - present Knight Commander of the Cross 2004 Knight York Cross of Honor 2002 GRAND COMMANDERY Aide de Camp 2006 Administrative Aide 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005 Grand Representative to Minnesota 2004 Knight Commander of the Cross Degree Team 2007 KCC Knight of the East 2014 Elected Commander of the Cross - 2014 KYCH Degree Team – Council 2006 KYCH – Herald 2015 Knight Preceptor – 2010 Elected to line – 2010, Commander 2016 GRAND COMMANDERY ELECTED LINE Grand Junior Warden 2008 - 2009 Grand Captain General 2009 - 2010 Grand Generalissimo 2010 – 2011 (Officer resigned) Grand Deputy Grand Commander 2010 - 2011 Right Eminent Grand Commander 2011 – 2012 GRAND EMCAMPMENT State Coordinator 2015-2018 SSR: VALLEY OF LAKE CHARLES Conferred Royal Secret 32º Spring Class 1979 Stage Crew Member Fall 1979 - present Stage Crew Chairman 2004 – present KCCH 1995 Lake Charles KCCH Club President 1997 – 2001 20th Degree Master Ceremony of Remembrance 1996 – present Council of Kadosh Master – 2012 Lodge of Perfection – Elected 2013 SHRINE: HABIBI CENTER Sandman 1979 – 2002, President 1998 – 2002 Greeters 2004 – 2008 Divan Chaplain 2007 Train Unit, Secretary 2016 - present OES: MOSS BLUFF ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR #242 Initiated 1980 Worthy Patron 1985, 2002, 2007, 2011 Grand Representative of Puerto Rico 2011 – 2013

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HONORS: RED CROSS of CONSTANTINE 2006 Elected to line – Jr. General 2013-2014, Sr. General 2014-2015, Puissant Sovereign 2017-2018 ST. THOMAS of ACON LA 2015, St. Bernard Chapel #28 Past-Worthy Master 2016-2018 KNIGHT MASON LA 2010 Elected to line – 2010 Past Excellent Chief 2016-2017 KYGCH – 2011 REGC, 2017-2018 MIGM LA YORK RITE COLLEGE #99 2012, MARSHALL Out of State:ROYAL ORDER of SCOTLAND 2010 WORSHIPFUL SOCIETY, FM, “THE OPERATIVES, USA” 2010 Received Degrees: I, II, III, IV Receive V Degree: 2016 Received VI Degree: 2018

ST. THOMAS of ACON TX 2009 Appointed to line – 2015 KNIGHT MASON TX 2009 Appointed to line – 2015

KNIGHT PRECEPTOR of TX 2011 – HONORARY MEMBER KNIGHT PRECEPTOR of MS 2011 – HONORARY MEMBER

GRAND CHAPTER of TX 2011 – HONORARY MEMBER GRAND COUNCIL of TX 2011 – HONORARY MEMBER GRAND COMMANDERY 2011 – HONORARY MEMBER

GRAND COUNCILS 2017-2018 – HONORARY MEMBER AR, KS, MO, OK, TX, MS, KY

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York Rite Banquet Awards

Grand Chapter Sweetheart Awards

o Sharon Powell

o Linda Riley

o Janie Riley

Unity Award

o Craig Caskey

o Allan Bean

o “Buddy” Guidry

Grand Council Lady of the Council

o Kay Kussman

o Margaret Laurence

o Martha Turner

o Maddie Lazar

o Doris Knox

Unity Award

o Thomas “Tom” Kussman

o John Knox, Jr.

o Robert E. Durham

PIGM Pin

o Tim Riley, Sr.

Tim and Keith Special Awards

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Sweetheart Award

The General Grand Chapter has introduced a new award for the Ladies of our Royal Arch Masons. The award was developed by the General Grand High Priest, Emory J. Ferguson, and is available to Royal Arch Masons as a way to show their appreciation for the support and encouragement their Ladies have given them throughout the years. The award consists of a jewel and certificate. The jewel is available to all Royal Arch Masons and can be purchased for the sum of $100.00. An application and picture of the award appear on the

website. Send remittance to:

General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons, International P.O. Box 128 Greenfield, IN 46140-0`28

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Tom Brown’s Necrology service for the Grand York Rite Bodies as transmitted

to Mike Carpenter on February 16, 2015. “Call 318.918.6922 if you have any questions”

Welcome to the necrology service. We are here to honor the memory of our friends and brothers who passed from this life during the past year. We thank God that he mercifully spared our grand line, however, He called home a number of our brothers throughout the state, and we lift up the families of these brothers and ask Him to bless and sanctify and to uphold and sustain these loved ones who grieve the loss today. Our brothers labored faithfully in the quarries of Masonry, but now their labor is over, their tools are silent, their places are vacant, and we mourn their loss. Though gone they will not be forgotten, for they will remain in our hearts and our memories, for there is always a place for our loved ones in our hearts. We humbly pray that God will uphold these precious families and give them the peace which the world cannot or take away for it comes only from God. We are grateful the God allowed us to work beside them during the years of their lives and for the influence for good they had on our lives. And now I call on Brother ----- to bring some words about brother ---, etc. ---etc. Life hold many mysteries and death is probably the greatest mystery of all. The young may die, the old must die, and the wisest know not how soon. But it is not meant that we should understand now, but further along we will know more about it, further along we will understand why our loved ones are taken from us. Let us use this instance of mortality to devote or dedicate the remaining years of life to more exalted service to God and to our fallen men. The lord giveth and the Lord and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the word of the Lord. Amen.

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Schedule of Events – Grand York Rite Session

Best Western of Alexandria Inn & Suites & Conference Center – Alexandria, LA

Thursday, March 1, 2018 Registration – outside Plantation Room 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. KYCH – Rattan Room 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Knights Preceptor – Rattan Room 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Super Excellent Master degree – Rattan Room 3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Family Night – CENLA Shrine Club (BBQ) 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Royal Arch Widow’s Degree will be held during dinner)

Friday, March 2, 2017 Registration – outside Plantation Room (closed for lunch) 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Hospitality – Magnolia Room 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.* Grand Council Opens (closed) – Plantation Room 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Grand Chapter Opens (closed) – Plantation Room 8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Public Opening – GYR Session Plantation Room 9:45 a.m. – Lunch Lunch – Atrium (Men) 11:00 a.m. Grand Council reconvenes – Plantation Room 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Grand Council Pictures – Plantation Room 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Grand Chapter reconvenes – Plantation Room 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Grand Chapter Officer pictures – Plantation Room 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Order of the High Priesthood – Rattan Room 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Dinner on your own – Grand Officer’s Dinners 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 3, 2017 Registration – outside Plantation Room 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Hospitality – Magnolia Room 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.* Order of the Silver Trowel – Rattan Room 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Grand Commandery Opens (Public) – Plantation Room 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Lunch – Atrium 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Ladies Luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Hospitality – Magnolia Room 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.* Grand Commandery business resumes 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Knight Crusader of the Cross – Rattan Room 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. GYR Banquet – Plantation Room 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 4, 2017 Religious Services – Plantation Room 8:30 a.m. Necrology Service – Plantation Room 9:30 a.m. Installation of GYR Officers – Plantation Room 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. *Hospitality Room closes during ticketed meals Members and Guest may attend both Luncheons (No restrictions on dress) Family Night dinner – Casual dress (BBQ) Grand Banquet – KT uniform without sword/chapeau or dark suit/tuxedo

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PICTURES

Howard F. Entwistle, Jr. Recognition Party

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St. Charles Conclave

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Shreveport York Rite Festival

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GRAND SESSION 2017

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MISCELLANEOUS PICTURES

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