PROCEEDINGS

OF THE One Hundred and Seventieth (170th)

Annual Convocation OF THE

Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons

of Louisiana

One Hundred and Sixty-Second (162nd) Annual Assembly

OF THE

Grand Council Cryptic Masons

of Louisiana

2016-2017

Alexandria, Louisiana March 3rd and 4th 2017

Table of Contents ELECTED OFFICERS ................................................................................................................ 4

APPOINTED OFFICERS ............................................................................................................ 4

Most Excellent Grand High Priest ................................................................................................... 5

2016-17 Elected Grand Officers .................................................................................................. 6

2016-17 Elected and Appointed Grand Officers.......................................................................... 6

Address of the Grand High Priest ............................................................................................... 7

Minutes of the Grand Chapter ................................................................................................... 14

Grand Chapter Secretary’s Report ........................................................................................ 16

PERPETUAL MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT (Grand Chapter) .............................. 17

2016 Committee on Constituent Chapters and State of the Order ........................................ 18

York Rite Awareness Committee ........................................................................................... 20

2017 Grand Session .............................................................................................................. 20

GRAND CHAPTER ............................................................................................................... 21

ROYAL ARCH MASONS LOUISIANA................................................................................... 21

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MASONIC LAW & JURISPRUDENCE ............................... 21

Capitular/Cryptic District 4 ..................................................................................................... 22

Capitular District 6 Report ..................................................................................................... 24

Necrology Grand Chapter...................................................................................................... 26

Philanthropies ........................................................................................................................ 27

Promotion & Publicity ............................................................................................................ 28

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON DISTRIBUTION AND ANALYSIS OF GRAND HIGH PRIEST ADDRESS ............................................................................................................... 29

Committee on Foreign Correspondence................................................................................ 30

Grand Chapter Youth Report ................................................................................................. 31

Grand Chapter Resolution 2017-1 ......................................................................................... 35

Grand Chapter Resolution 2017-2 ......................................................................................... 36

Grand Chapter Resolution 2017-3 ......................................................................................... 38

GRAND CHAPTER RESOLUTION 2017-4 ........................................................................ 39

Credentials and Registration Committee Report ..................................................................... 40

Proceedings of the Order of High Priesthood of Louisiana 2016-17 ......................................... 41

GRAND COUNCIL OF CRYPTIC MASONS OF LOUISIANA ...................................................... 48

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

2016-17 Elected Grand Officers ................................................................................................ 50

2016-17 Elected and Appointed Grand Officers........................................................................ 50

Most Illustrious Grand Master Address ..................................................................................... 51

Minutes of the Grand Council.................................................................................................... 59

Grand Recorder’s Report ...................................................................................................... 61

STATE OF THE ORDER ....................................................................................................... 62

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MASONIC LAW & JURISPRUDENCE ............................... 63

2016 Archive Committee Report ........................................................................................... 64

Grand Council Advisory Report ............................................................................................. 65

Council Membership Committee ........................................................................................... 66

Time and Place Committee ................................................................................................... 67

Grand Council Chapter Masonic Foundation of Louisiana .................................................... 68

Publication Committee Report ............................................................................................... 69

YORK RITE ........................................................................................................................... 71

PERPETUAL MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT (Grand Council) ............................... 71

Chapter/Council Long Range Planning ................................................................................. 72

2016 Distribution Committee Report ..................................................................................... 74

By-Laws Committee .............................................................................................................. 75

January 16, 2017 ................................................................................................................... 75

Work and Education Committee ............................................................................................ 76

Credentials and Registration Committee Report .................................................................... 80

Proceedings of the Order of the Silver Trowel .......................................................................... 81

The Order of the Silver Trowel of Louisiana Minutes ................................................................ 83

Order of the Silver Trowel of Louisiana Membership Roster ................................................. 85

GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF LOUISIANA 2016-2017

ELECTED OFFICERS

John E. Vines, II ..................................................................................................................... M. E. Grand High Priest 478 Smalling Road, Rayville, LA 71269

(318) 728-6198 Timothy J. Riley, Jr ............................................................................................................................ R. E. Grand King

301 Whispering Pines Drive, Haughton, LA 71037 (318) 560-1164

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

(318) 554-8153 Anthony Radosti ........................................................................................................ R. E. Grand Captain of the Host

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

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

APPOINTED OFFICERS Terrance D. Macon ......................................................................................................... E. Grand Principal Sojourner

5071 Wildwood Dr., Sorrento, LA 70778-3443 John C. Sharlow ............................................................................................................ E. Grand Royal Arch Captain

6531 Pine Hill Road, Shreveport, LA 71107-9673 Eddie A. LeBoeuf, III ................................................................................................... E. Grand Master of the 3rd Veil

448 Bayou Folse Road, Raceland, LA 70394 Charles Bertrand ......................................................................................................... E. Grand Master of the 2nd Veil

2004 Ruby Drive, Houma, LA 70363-7040 Dale F. Johnson .......................................................................................................... E. Grand Master of the 1st Veil

2329 Maumelle Drive, Plano, TX 70523-1411 Vernon R. Atkinson .......................................................................................................................... E. Grand Chaplin

PO Box 1133, Glenmora, LA 71433-1133 Earl “Mickey” Durand ....................................................................................................................... E. Grand Lecturer

268 Ferguson Loop, Pollock, LA 71467 Justin “Keith” Gates ......................................................................................................................... E. Grand Organist

PO Box 1433, Winnfield, LA 71483 Brian T. Petitjean ............................................................................................................................. E. Grand Sentinel

148 Coin Road, Rayne, LA 70578-7816 Richard L. James ....................................................................................................................E. Grand Photographer

163 L E Phillips Road, Eros, LA 71238-8371

John E. Vines, II

Most Excellent Grand High Priest 2016 – 2017

Presiding

2016-17 Elected Grand Officers

L/R – Gerald Houston, Right Excellent Grand Treasurer; Timothy J. Riley, Jr., Right Excellent Grand King; John E. Vines, II, Most Excellent Grand High Priest; Michael Watts, Right Excellent Grand Scribe; Anthony Radosti, Right Excellent Grand Captain of the Host; Ed L. Horton, Jr., Right Excellent Grand

Secretary

2016-17 Elected and Appointed Grand Officers

L/R Back Row – Terry Unger, DDGHP Dist. 1; Dale Johnson, Excellent Grand Master of the 1st Veil; Charles Bertrand, Excellent Grand Master of the 2nd Veil; Eddie LeBoeuf, II, Excellent Grand Master of the 3rd Veil; John C. Sharlow, Excellent Grand Royal Arch Captain; Terence Macon, Excellent Grand Principal Soujorner; Michael Laurence, Grand Lecturer Dist. 4; Conrad Gauthier, Grand Lecturer Dist.

3; Michael Darin West, DDGHP Dist. 6 L/R Front Row – Gerald Houston, Right Excellent Grand Treasurer Timothy J. Riley, Jr., Right

Excellent Grand King; John E. Vines, II, Most Excellent Grand High Priest; Michael A. Watts, Right Excellent Grand Scribe; Anthony Radosti, Right Excellent Grand Captain of the Host; Ed L. Horton, Jr.,

Right Excellent Grand Secretary

Address of the Grand High Priest My Fellow Companions, it is indeed my pleasure to welcome you to the 170th Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana. We are extremely pleased to have with us this morning, Representatives of the General Grand Chapter, the General Grand Council, and the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States. I trust your stay here in Alexandria will be a most enjoyable experience. I take this opportunity to thank you, Companions, for allowing me the privilege of serving you. Although this year was difficult, with two 500 year floods in our State within a four month period, along with staggering losses of homes, business, and personal property, I am extraordinarily proud of the response of the Masonic Community, as well as our local Churches to these disasters. In spite of these events, however, my visits both in and out of state have been enjoyable, and personally rewarding to me. Thank you again for the pleasure of serving you! To our out of state guest, thank you for visiting with us. It is an honor to have you and I trust your stay in Alexandria will be a pleasant and enjoyable one. If we can be of service to you, please don’t hesitate to ask and we will endeavor to accommodate.

State of the Order As with most Past Grand High Priest before me, I am disappointed with the steady decline in membership. Unfortunately, we are not replacing our Companions as fast as we are losing them, either by death, demit, or NPD. I made “participation” my goal for the Companions of the State this year, in an effort to stem the losses, but, a large number of you either ignored my call for you to at least attend your local Chapter, or, you are no longer interested in having a local Chapter? I should also report that even the offer of Amnesty issued by the heads of all three Bodies was not very successful. Either we were not successful in getting the word out to all of the former Companions, or they were simply not interested in re-joining our ranks; despite the generous support given us by the Grand Master, Most Worshipful Will P. Gray. Membership reports from local Chapters will have to be tallied, but preliminary reports indicate some Chapters had about ten percent return. Although several successful Festivals were held this year, even the number of Festivals is declining from past years. I would like to mention the “Van Evans Festival” (Louisiana/Mississippi Joint Festival) held in Monroe, the Baton Rouge Festival, Shreveport Festival, and the Alexandria “Clean-up” Festival were all outstanding successes averaging about twenty, or more, Candidates each. Also, I would like to congratulate Ponchartrain Chapter #68, Keystone Chapter #44, and Ringgold Chapter #81 for the excellent work they are doing. These Chapters are basically doing the work themselves, with little outside help from other Chapters. Additionally, they are doing a great job of the ritual work, as I have been with them, and impressed by them, on several occasions. Thank You!

Necrology It saddens me to report that the Supreme High Priest of Heaven and Earth has seen fit to call some of our Companions to that Celestial Chapter above, and our prayers are with their families. A Necrology Program will be conducted during the Grand Session to pay tribute to our departed Companions who are now with our Heavenly Father.

District Deputy Grand High Priests Thank you to those who have diligently carried out your responsibilities. I must admit disappointment in some of the appointments, but, you each know your own situation. Perhaps, you may be better able to serve this Grand Chapter in the future. I do thank you for trying. District 1 – Terry Unger District 2 – Andrew Owen District 3 –Deron Santiny District 4 – Richard Morgan District 5 – Bill Thompson District 6 – Darin West District 7 – John M. Coats

District Deputy Grand Lecturers My thanks to those District Lecturers who have faithfully discharged their duties, although some were sidelined by illness or floods this year, all of these men are well versed in Ritual. It is my fervent hope that all of them remain active and continue their efforts to improve, and preserve our proficiency in the ritualistic work. I appreciate your efforts. District 1 – Gilbert Morrison District 2 – Roary Bozeman District 3 – Conrad Gauthier District 4 – Michael L. Laurence District 5 – W.A. Morris District 6 – Tim Riley, Jr. District 7 – Alton Reeves

Grand Representative Commissions Recommended There were thirty-seven replacements recommended to the other Grand Chapter jurisdictions around the world and all have been accepted at this point. I want to thank each of the Companions who stepped up to answer the call to communicate and represent Louisiana to other States and Countries. Because of your efforts, Louisiana Royal Arch Masonry will lead the way for future generations to follow.

Grand Representative Commissions Issued Louisiana approved and issued twenty-eight commissions to other Grand Chapter jurisdictions. These individuals show a strong Chapter presence within their home jurisdiction and look to strengthen the bonds fraternity with our State.

By-Law Changes Approved The State of Louisiana had four Chapters that updated their by-laws this past year. Keystone Chapter #44, Monroe Chapter #18, Southern Hills Chapter #103, and Winfield Chapter #59 all needed to either make time, date, dues, or other minor changes to their by-laws.

25 and 50 Year Certificates Sadly, we stopped presenting these several years ago. I do not know whether the local Secretaries got lax in reporting them, it was too much trouble for the Grand Chapter, or it was a cost cutting measure. I would really like to have this program again be a part of the Grand High Priest duties.

Mergers/Charter Surrenders There was one Chapter that voted to surrender their charter this year. Girard Hope Chapter #33 held a special dispensation meeting for the purpose of electing and installing officers as well as discusses the future of the Chapter. Being as they had not met in several years due to losing their meeting place, as well as most of their records in a fire a couple years ago, they just were not able to get the participation needed to maintain the Chapter. Due to these reasons, the members present voted to take action to surrender their charter and their assets to the Grand Chapter of Louisiana after paying their debts.

Out of State Visits March 11-12, 2016 - Mississippi Grand Lodge, Jackson, Mississippi April 21-23, 2016 – Oklahoma Grand York Rite Sessions May 19-21, 2016 – Mississippi Grand York Rite Sessions, Meridian, Mississippi June 10-11, 2016 – Southeastern Division York Rite Conference, Jackson, Mississippi September 27, 2016 – Magnolia Commandery #2, Vicksburg, Mississippi October 16-18, 2016 – Texas Grand Chapter/Council Meeting, Waco, Texas October 28-31, 2016 – Southwestern Division York Rite Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada November 14, 2016 – Entered Apprentice Degree, W.G. Paxton Lodge, Vicksburg, Mississippi December 12, 2016 – Master Masons Degree, W.G. Paxton Lodge, Vicksburg, Mississippi December 27, 2016 – Vicksburg Chapter, Council and Magnolia Commandery, Election and Installation December 30, 2016 – Harmony #1 and Andrew Jackson Masonic Lodges Joint Installation, Natchez, Miss. January 24, 2017 – Vicksburg Chapter # 3, W.G. Paxton Lodge, Vicksburg, Mississippi

In State Visits March 3-6, 2016 – Louisiana Grand York Rite Sessions, Lafayette, Louisiana March 14, 2016 – Livingstone Chapter #16, and Morehouse Council #50, Bastrop, Louisiana March 21-23, 2016 – Grand Chapter Sessions, Order of Eastern Star, Sai Center, Alexandria, La. March 24, 2016 – R.W. Cretney Lodge #420, Sterlington, Louisiana March 31, 2016 – R.W. Cretney Lodge #420 Family Night April 1, 2016 – High Twelve Club, Noon at Catfish Cabin, Monroe, Louisiana April 1, 2016 – Beauregard Anderson Post, National Sojourners, Alexandria, La April 4, 2016 – Monroe Chapter #18, Monroe York Rite Bodies, Monroe, La. April 6, 2016 – Feliciana Chapter # 11, St. Francisville, Louisiana April 9, 2016 – Graham Surghnor Lodge #383 Fish Fry, Chennault Park, Monroe La. April 9, 2016 – Eastern Star Practice, Mer Rouge Chapter #148, Swartz, La. April 12, 2016 – Mer Rouge Chapter # 148, Order of Eastern Star, Swartz, La.

April 13, 2016 - Entered Apprentice Degree, Graham Surghnor Lodge #383, Monroe, La. April 14, 2016 – New Hope Lodge #328, Liddieville, La., Bring a Friend Night, Speaker April 25, 2016 – Southern Hills Chapter #103, Shreveport, La. April 26, 2016 – Winnfield York Rite bodies, Ascension Service April 27, 2016 – Shreveport Chapter #10, Creswell Center, Shreveport, La. April 28, 2016 – R.W. Cretney lodge #420, Sterlington, La. May 2, 2016 – Monroe Council #11 met with Monroe Commandery #7 for Ascension Service May 6, 2016 - High Twelve Club, Noon at Catfish Cabin, Monroe, Louisiana May 6, 2016 - Beauregard Anderson Post, National Sojourners, Alexandria, La May 9, 2016 - Livingstone Chapter #16, and Morehouse Council #50, Bastrop, Louisiana May 11, 2016 - Graham Surghnor Lodge #383, Monroe, La., Masters Degree May 12, 2016 - New Hope Lodge #328, Liddieville, La., Two EA Degrees May 14, 2016 – Van Evans Festival – Joint La.-Miss. York Rite Festival, Monroe, La. May 15, 2016 – 7th Capitular District Lodge Meeting, Bastrop, La. May 23, 2016 – Ringgold Chapter #81, Ringgold, La. May 24, 2016 – Winnfield Chapter #59, Winnfield , La. May 26, 2016 - R.W. Cretney Lodge #420, Sterlington, La. June 3, 2016 - High Twelve Club, Noon at Catfish Cabin, Monroe, Louisiana June 3, 2016 - Beauregard Anderson Post, National Sojourners, Alexandria, La. June 9, 2016 - New Hope Lodge #328, Liddieville, La., EA Degree June 12, 2016 – Rainbow Girls State Convention Installation Ceremony, Bossier City, La. June 13, 2016 – Ponchartrain Chapter #68 In-House Degree Work, Slidell, La. June 14, 2016 - Mer Rouge Chapter # 148, Order of Eastern Star, Swartz, La. June 23, 2016 - R.W. Cretney Lodge #420, Sterlington, La. June 28, 2016 – Ferriday Lodge Open Meeting- 50 year Member Honored, Ferriday, La. July 11, 2016 - Ponchartrain Chapter #68/District Chapter/Council In-House Degree Work, Slidell, La. July 16, 2016 – York Rite Quarterly Meeting, Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria, La. July 24, 2016 - New Hope Lodge #328, Robert Andrew Woods, all 3 Degrees Conferred, Liddieville, La. July 25, 2016 – Southern Hills Chapter #103 –CANCELLED- For Jimbo Brown Visitation, Shreveport, La. July 26, 2016- Winnfield Chapter #59, Winnfield York Rite Bodies, Winnfield , La. July 27, 2016 - Shreveport Chapter #10, Creswell Center, Shreveport, La. July 28, 2016 - R.W. Cretney Lodge #420, Sterlington, La. July 30, 2016 – Baton Rouge York Rite Festival, Baton Rouge, La. August 1, 2016 – St. John’s Chapter #98, Gretna, La. (Canadian Delegation Visit) August 3, 2016 – Lafayette York Rite, Hope Lodge #145, 101 Carl Street, Lafayette, La. August 5, 2016 - High Twelve Club, Noon at Catfish Cabin, Monroe, Louisiana August 5, 2016 - Beauregard Anderson Post, National Sojourners, Alexandria, La. August 6, 2016 - Graham Surghnor Lodge #383, Monroe, La., Fellowcraft Degree (Staircase Lecture)

August 8, 2016 - Livingstone Chapter #16/Morehouse Council #50, Could Not Open, Bastrop, La. August 9, 2016 - Mer Rouge Chapter # 148, Order of Eastern Star, Swartz, La. August 11, 2016 - R.W. Cretney Lodge #420, Sterlington, La. August 21, 2016 - 7th Capitular District Lodge Meeting, Monroe, La. August 22, 2016 - Southern hills Chapter #103, Joe Patterson Honors, Shreveport, La. August 23, 2016 - Winnfield Chapter #59, Winnfield York Rite Bodies, Winnfield , La. August 25, 2016 - R.W. Cretney Lodge #420, Sterlington, La. August 27, 2016 – Shreveport York Rite festival, Creswell Center, Shreveport, La, August 29-31, 2016 – Baton Rouge Flood Relief under Grand Lodge of La., Baton Rouge, La. August 29, 2016 – Girard Hope Chapter #33, St. Martinsville, Louisiana September 2, 2016 - High Twelve Club, Noon at Catfish Cabin, Monroe, Louisiana September 2, 2016 - Beauregard Anderson Post, National Sojourners, Alexandria, La. September 7, 2016 – New Orleans Scottish Rite “Honors York Rite” Banquet, New Orleans, La. September 8, 2016 – Giblim Chapter #99, McClanahan Lodge, Bossier City, La. September 10, 2016 - Graham Surghnor Ldge #383 Honors Herman Wilson, Chennault Park, Monroe La. September 12, 2016 - Livingstone Chapter #16, and Morehouse Council #50, Bastrop, Louisiana September 13, 2016 - Mer Rouge Chapter # 148, Order of Eastern Star, Swartz, La. September 19, 2016 – Hammond Chapter #48, Hammond Lodge Hall, Hammond, La. September 22, 2016 - R.W. Cretney Lodge #420, Sterlington, La., E.A. Degree September 26, 2016 - Ringgold Chapter #81, Ringgold, La. September 28, 2016 – Acting I.G. Shreveport Commandery Inspection, Creswell Center, Shreveport, La. September 29, 2016 – Coushatta Chapter #102, Silent Brotherhood Lodge, No One Else There! October 1, 2016 - Graham Surghnor Lodge #383, Monroe, La., Masters Degree October 2, 2016 – 4th Masonic District Lodge, New Hope Lodge #328, Liddieville, La. October 3, 2016 - Monroe Chapter #18, Monroe York Rite Bodies, Monroe, La. October 5, 2016 - Feliciana Chapter # 11, St. Francisville, Louisiana October 7, 2016 - High Twelve Club, Noon at Catfish Cabin, Monroe, Louisiana October 7, 2016 - Beauregard Anderson Post, National Sojourners, Alexandria, La. October 10, 2016 – Keystone Chapter #44, Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria, La. October 11, 2016 - Mer Rouge Chapter # 148, Order of Eastern Star, Swartz, La. October 13, 2016 - R.W. Cretney Lodge #420, Sterlington, La., E.A. Degree October 15, 2016 - York Rite Quarterly Meeting, Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria, La. October 20, 2016 – Lake Charles Chapter #47, 717 Hodges St., Lake Charles, La. October 24, 2016 - Southern hills Chapter #103, Shreveport, La. October 25, 2016 – Leesville Masonic Lodge #240 “Honors Veterans Night”, Leesville, La. November 4, 2016 - High Twelve Club, Noon at Catfish Cabin, Monroe, Louisiana November 4, 2016 - Beauregard Anderson Post, National Sojourners, Alexandria, La. November 10, 2016 - New Hope Lodge #328, Liddieville, La., Elections

November 17, 2016 - Lake Charles Chapter #47, 717 Hodges St., Lake Charles, La. November 19, 2016 – York Rite College Meeting, Horseshoe Dr., Alexandria, La. November 19, 2016 – CENLA Shrine Club, Tribute to Howard F. Entwhistle, Jr., Alexandria, La. November 20, 2016 - 7th Capitular District Lodge Meeting, Bastrop, La. November 21, 2016 - Hammond Chapter #48, Hammond Lodge Hall, Hammond, La. November 22, 2016 – Delhi Lodge #120 Asking for Chapter There, Delhi, La. November 23, 2016 - Shreveport Chapter #10, Creswell Center, Shreveport, La. November 28, 2016 - Southern hills Chapter #103, Shreveport, La. November 30,2016 - Graham Surghnor Lodge #383, Monroe, La., Fellowcraft Degree December 2, 2016 – High Twelve Christmas Party, Monroe, La. December 5, 2016 - Monroe York Rite Bodies, Monroe, La. December 7, 2016 – Feliciana Chapter # 11, Installation of Officers, St. Francisville, Louisiana December 8, 2016 - R.W. Cretney Lodge #420, Sterlington, La., Installation of Officers December 9, 2016 – Istrouma Chapter #92, Baker, La., Installation of Officers December 10, 2016 – York Rite Festival, Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria, La. December 13, 2016 - Ascension Chapter #49 Installation of Officers, 22 Railroad St., Donaldsonville, La. December 28, 2016 - Graham Surghnor Lodge #383, Monroe, La., Masters Degree January 2, 2017 – Vernon Chapter #51, Opening, Election of Officers, Install. Officers, Leesville, La. January 8, 2017 - Mer Rouge Chapter # 148, Order of Eastern Star, Swartz, La. January 9, 2017 - Ponchartrain Chapter #68 In-House Degree Work, Slidell, La. January 10, 2017 - Mer Rouge Chapter # 148, Order of Eastern Star, Swartz, La. January 11, 2017 - Graham Surghnor Lodge #383, Monroe, La. January 12, 2017 - R.W. Cretney Lodge #420, Sterlington, La. January 14, 2017 – Eros Lodge #295 Guest Speaker, Eros, La. January 21, 2017 – York Rite Workshop, Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria, La. January 22, 2017 – Heroes of ’76, National Sojourners, Alexandria, La. January 23, 2017 - Southern hills Chapter #103, Shreveport, La. January 25, 2017 - Shreveport Chapter #10, Creswell Center, Shreveport, La. January 26, 2017 – Urim Masonic Lodge #111, Master Masons Degree, Calhoun, La. January 28,2017 – Eastern Star District Workshop, 205 University Blvd., Monroe, La. February 3, 2017 - High Twelve Club, Noon at Catfish Cabin, Monroe, Louisiana February 3, 2017 - Beauregard Anderson Post, National Sojourners, Alexandria, La. February 6, 2017 - Vernon Chapter #51, Opening, Leesville, La. February 9, 2017 – Giblim Chapter #99, Bossier City, La. February 13, 2017 - Ponchartrain Chapter #68 In-House Degree Work, Slidell, La. February 14, 2017 - Mer Rouge Chapter # 148, Order of Eastern Star, Swartz, La. February 23, 2017 - R.W. Cretney Lodge #420, Sterlington, La. February 25, 2017 – Shreveport York Rite Festival, Creswell Center, Shreveport, La.

Dispensations Granted 7/12/2016 Istrouma Chapter #92 to move their meeting to the 2nd Friday for the remainder of the year.

8/8/2016 Coushatta Chapter #102 to hold a Special Meeting on Nov 10, 2016 to elect/install officers. 8/8/2016 Coushatta Chapter #102 to open without required number to conduct normal business. 8/8/2016 Keystone Chapter #4 to open with only 8 members present. 8/22/2016 Southern Hills Chapter #103 to open without required number to Honor Joe Patterson. 8/26/2016 Keystone Chapter #103 to hold election on Sep. 12, 2016 to replace King. 9/13/2016 Livingstone Chapter #16 to Meet, pass a motion to change their Bylaws, send out Notice 9/26/2016 Southern Hills Chapter #103 to open without the required 9, they had 7 to conduct business 10/5/2016 Feliciana Chapter #11 to open with less than 9, to ballot on a Candidate 11/2/2016 Feliciana Chapter #11 to open with less than 9, to conduct business 11/8/2016 Livingstone Chapter #16 to Meet w/o req’d no., vote Bylaws changes, accept members 12/7/2016 Feliciana Chapter #11 to open with less than 9, to Elect and Install Officers 1/23/2017 Southern Hills Chapter #103 to open with less than 9, to install Officers, receive petitions

Appreciation In looking back over this year, I must say that overall, it was a pleasant experience. The cooperation and support of most of my Officers, as well as the many Companions is greatly appreciated. I want to especially thank the Past Grand High Priest for their encouragement and support. Mickey Durand (Past Everything) and Howard F. Entwhistle (Past Almost Everything) are at once mentors, friends, and my guides on Grand Chapter Law. Vernon “PawPaw” Atkinson, PGHP & PGIM, is my friend, and my Brother in Christ, who was always ready to help me. I want to thank Carle Jackson, PGHP; Clayton Wolfe, PGHP; Larry Plaisance, PGHP; Edward Reine, PGHP; Richard James, PGHP, and Curtis Moore, PGHP; who have befriended me, encouraged me, and helped me. But, my most sincere thanks, appreciation, and friendship is to the many individual Companions throughout the State, who are engaged in the struggle to preserve York Rite Freemasonry for future generations. Meeting, visiting and talking with you, and sharing our concerns, has made my experience as Grand High Priest a most rewarding one. I want to thank each of you! Sincerely, John E. Vines, ll Grand High Priest

Minutes of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons Convocation

March 3rd, 2017 Alexandria, LA

8:00 am The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was opened with all of its

officers in their respective stations. 8:18 am Resolution 2017-4 was read for all members present. A motion to accept it

was made by Michael Watts and seconded by Chad Koelling. All members present voted to accept the Resolution to lie over until the afternoon session.

8:24 am RE Tim Riley, Jr. asked everyone in attendance to be sure to sign the card that was purchased for Wallice House and Pearl Mays.

8:26 am The Grand Chapter RAM Convocation was put to refreshment until after lunch.

1:00 pm The Grand Chapter RAM Convocation was called to labor. 1:05 pm RE Secretary Ed Horton read Resolution 2017-1. He then proceeded to

show a PowerPoint presentation showing the breakdown of expenditures for the last year as well as the income. All of this information shows a negative income for the Grand Chapter. The floor was opened for questions on the resolution and none were brought forward. A vote was called for and the resolution was passed unanimously.

1:12 pm RE Secretary Ed Horton read Resolution 2017-2. Much discussion was had on this resolution. A motion was made by RE Tim Riley, Jr. and seconded by RE Gerald Houston to receive the resolution. After a vote was called for, the resolution was received. Since this resolution calls for a change in the Grand Constitution, it must lay over for one year before being voted on.

1:25 pm RE Secretary Ed Horton read Resolution 2017-3. Much discussion was had on this resolution. A motion was made by RE Keith Powell and seconded by C Jeremy Galster to receive the resolution. After a vote was called for, the resolution was received. Since this resolution calls for a change in the Grand Constitution, it must lay over for one year before being voted on.

1:33 pm RE Secretary Ed Horton read Resolution 2017-4 again. Much discussion was had on this resolution. After much debate, the author decided to withdraw the resolution.

1:46 pm RE Secretary Ed Horton called the rolls for all Grand Officers, Past Excellent Grand High Priests, Grand Representatives, and Award holders. (Those roll calls are shown within these proceedings.)

1:56 pm A motion was made and properly seconded to except all of the reports as they have been pre-printed. Motion passed.

1:59 pm RE Ed Horton read the Grand Secretary’s report for the Convocation.

2:01 pm RE Ed Horton showed a Past High Priest certificate that he made and ask about the Convocation’s thoughts on it. After a few questions were discussed, a motion was made by Chad Koelling that the Grand Chapter make it available to all Constituent Bodies for a purchase price of $5.00 plus shipping. The motion was seconded by Jeremy Galster and the motion passed unanimously.

2:03 pm RE Gerald Houston read the Grand Treasurer’s report. 2:08 pm General Grand Scribe Steven G. Tiner was called on to deliver him

comments. 2:24 pm MEGHP John E. Vines, II called on c. David Williams to talk about his

running for the General Grand Scribe position at this year’s Triennial Sessions.

2:30 pm No further business needing to be discussed, elections were called for. MEPGHP Mickey Durand made a motion that all persons move up one position except for the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer, those two positions to remain the same. The motion was seconded by Jeremy Galster. All members present were in favor of the motion. RE Michael Watts stood to nominate Terence Macon for the position of Grand Captain of the Host. The motion was seconded by Keith Powell. This motion passed unanimously. Elected were the following…

Timothy J. Riley, Jr. ....................... Most Excellent Grand High Priest Michael A. Watts .................................... Right Excellent Grand King Anthony “Tony” Radosti ...................... Right Excellent Grand Scribe Gerald H. Houston ......................... Right Excellent Grand Treasurer Ed L. Horton, Jr. ............................. Right Excellent Grand Secretary Terence Macon ............... Right Excellent Grand Captain of the Host

2:35 PM RE Timothy Riley, Jr. announced his appointed positions. Appointed

were…

Timothy J. Riley, Sr. ................................... Excellent Grand Lecturer Eddie LeBoeuf, III ...................... Excellent Grand Principle Sojourner Joseph R. Patterson .................................... Excellent Grand Chaplin Michael Darin West .................. Excellent Grand Royal Arch Captain Jeremy Galster ................... Excellent Grand Master of the Third Veil Tom Kussman ................ Excellent Grand Master of the Second Veil Dale Johnson ...................... Excellent Grand Master of the First Veil Richard L. James .............................. Excellent Grand Photographer Keith Gates ............................................. Excellent Grand Organist Don Springler ............................................. Excellent Grand Steward Glenn Bledsoe............................................ Excellent Grand Sentinel

2:39 PM The Grand Chapter RAM Convocation was called to refreshment.

Grand Chapter Secretary’s Report To: Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Grand Officers and Companions.

Statistics Chapters on Roll, January 1, 2016 25 Chapters on Roll, December 31, 2016 25 Degrees Conferred 164

Work Membership 1/1/2016 1727 Exalted 43 Corrections 0 Affiliated by Demit 0 Affiliated by Transfer 1 Affiliated by Grand Chapter Certificate 0 Affiliated by Plural Membership 3 Reinstated 7 Total Gain 54 Demitted (5) Demitted by Transfer (1) Died (32) Suspended NPD (46) Suspended UMC (0) Dropped (0) Total Loss (84) Net Gain/(Loss) (30) Membership 12/31/2016 1697

Traveling Bible Winnfield Charter No 59 wins the Traveling Bible again this year with 26 Points and a 14% gain in membership.

Closing

It has been a pleasure working with Most Excellent High Priest John E. Vines, II. It was a great honor to have been asked to accept this position. Following behind so many great men who have been Grand Secretary was a little freighting. However, I have received so much help from Grand Secretary Emeritus Tim Riley, Sr. and from many of the Constituent Chapter Secretaries it was nearly impossible to fail. Thank you all for the assistance and patience you have you given me this past year. I look forward to many years of service to the Companions of Louisiana. Respectfully submitted, Ed L. Horton, Grand Secretary

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 2016 as pertaining to York Rite Perpetual Membership in this Grand Jurisdiction:

Most Excellent Sir, on December 31, 2016, we completed twenty one 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, 2016, that account is valued at $253,392.72.

The investment firm for York Rite Perpetual Membership has done a marvelous job in protecting our investments, especially considering the sluggish national economy prior to the nation election in November 2016. In summary, it has been a reasonably good year for Perpetual Membership investments. 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. and Charles R. Smith, have performed magnificently. Each of the committee members go those many “extra miles” to effect 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

2016 Committee on Constituent Chapters and State of the Order To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of Louisiana. We your committee on Constituent Chapters and State of the Order are pleased to make the following report. Welcome: We have read that portion of his report and find that he has extended the hand of friendship and welcome in a most gracious manner to all present in a loving gesture of fraternal brotherhood. We find this portion of his report to be in order and appropriate; we approve this section of the report. Appreciations: The M.E.G.H.P. has expressed his appreciation to the Grand Line Officers for their service, the Grand Officers of the appendant York Rite Bodies, and all Companions of the Grand Chapter. We congratulate him, and approve this section of his report. Necrology: The M.E.G.H.P. has humbly acknowledged the loss of some of our Companions around the State and thanked the Great Architect of the Universe for his many mercies He gave to others. We approve of this section of his report. State of the Order: The M.E.G.H.P. has shown his ability to make needed decisions concerning the operation of the Grand Chapter as well as the constituent Chapters about the State. He has enacted programs for Chapter officers to implement for the betterment of their membership. He has acted with dignity and a sense of concern as to the direction the Chapters are taking in the search for future growth and stability. We find this to be in order and approve this portion of his report. Legal Actions: The M.E.G.H.P. has made appointments for positions in a manner that was timely, functional and necessary to promote the business of the Grand Chapter. Your committee approves this portion of his report. Dispensations and Charters: The actions of the M.E.G.H.P., as outlined in his report, are presented in detail and were done in a professional manner. We approve this portion of his report. Official Visits: Our M.E.G.H.P. has been most generous with his time in making it a priority to visit as many Chapters and Masonic events in and out of our state to represent the Grand Chapter of Louisiana. We congratulate him on his dedication and efforts and approve this portion of his report. Charities: Our M.E.G.H.P. has continued to support and promote our charities throughout the state and continues to encourage our members to give their full support. We your committee approve this portion of his report.

Recommendations: The M.E.G.H.P. recommends that all members of the Grand and Constituent Chapters make a concerted effort to promote the York Rite in our Blue Lodges and invite our brothers to join our ranks for their further enlighten in knowledge. We approve this portion of his report. It has been our pleasure to serve the Grand Chapter this year and it is our hope that our work has been pleasing to our M.E.G.H.P. Fraternally submitted, Larry J. Plaisance, PGHP, Chairman John Belanger, PGHP Clayton A. Wolfe, PGHP

Feb 2017

York Rite Awareness Committee

2017 Grand Session

To: The Most Excellent Grand High Priest John Vines, Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana. Your committee again with the help of York Rite members throughout the state is making York Rite Masons more visible. Education to the membership has helped to influence the visibility of Louisiana York Rite. The programs developed from our past Grand High Priest has contributed to petitions being received. I am hearing that more of our members are talking about York Rite in other Masonic bodies which in turn has led to petitions. The committee members wish to thank the Grand High Priest, Illustrious Grand Master and Grand Commander for all their efforts in their continued service in spreading York Rite throughout the state. We the committee also wish to thank all of our York Rite Masons who has been promoting York Rite throughout the state. When we all work together we will continue to grow. We, your committee on York Rite Awareness thank you very much for the opportunity to serve this Grand Chapter of Royal Arc Masons of Louisiana. Fraternally submitted: Michael L. Laurence PGHP, Chairman Tim Riley, Jr GK John Belanger PGHP Don Springler PHP John Amador PHP Chad Koelling PHP Michael Watts GS H. Barlow Holley PHP

GRAND CHAPTER

ROYAL ARCH MASONS LOUISIANA

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MASONIC LAW & JURISPRUDENCE TO: THE MOST EXCELLENT GRAND HIGH PRIEST, GRAND OFFICERS and COMPANIONS of LOUISIANA: The Jurisprudence Committee reviewed suggested changes to the By-Laws for the following Chapter's: Winnfield Chapter No. 59 R.A.M. Keystone Chapter No. 44 Monroe Chapter No. 18, R.A.M. and, which suggested changes were approved. The Jurisprudence Committee has reviewed those portions of the Most Excellent Grand High Priest's Address which were referred to this Committee, which advised that the matters contained therein are in accord with the laws of the Grand Chapter and within the Provence of the office of the Most Excellent Grand High Priest. Accordingly, the Committee recommends that these items be approved. Besides as set forth above, no other By-Laws or Amendments to By-Laws have been approved or disapproved by this Committee. Grand Chapter Resolutions No., 2017-1, 2017-2 and 2017-3 have been referred to this Committee, having been prefiled in accordance with the provisions of the Laws of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana. 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 Chapter. The Committee expresses its gratitude to the Most Excellent Grand High Priest and Companions for this opportunity to serve Royal Arch Masons. Respectfully submitted, William James “Jim” Hill, III, P.C. Chairman Jules F. “Jeff” Webb, PGM, PIM Larry J. Plaissance Edward “Eddie” Reine

Capitular/Cryptic District 4

Chapters: Lake Charles-47, Vernon-51, Hines-54

To: M: E: John Vines II M: I: G: M: W. Robert Laurents This is a report for the Capitular/Council District 4 for the above mentioned Chapters and Councils that consists this district. Lake Charles-47, Calcasieu-19 These Companions have had a quorum for 12 months of 2016 and are looking forward to 2017. The HP and IM are Companions are making plans to attend this session to be held this year in Alexandria. They are looking to discuss raising their dues to cover the per capita resolutions this year being presented on the floor. They are making attempts to open without books, which is a goal for this year. Treasury has enough to pay their per capita. They average per meeting is 16 Companions. GHP and IGM did visit the Chapter and Council. Meeting: 3rd Thursday of each month Location: Lake Charles #165 Vernon-51, Fullerton-26 These Companions are working very hard to get members to attend the regular meeting. Outside Companions have been attending their regular meetings to assist them in opening. Grand Officers have been to the meetings to help them open and listen to them for questions asked with attempting to answer them. GHP and DGM did visit many times with the Companions. I believe these Companions will catch fire in 2017. We, Grand Line, need to attend their meetings to keep them active. Financially sound. Meeting: 1st Monday of each month Location: Leesville #240

Hines-54, Louis B. Fusha-32 These Companions have been very active in conferring the MM and PM within their Chapter. These Companions are very active recruiting from the Blue Lodges within their area. If these Companions need funds, they will have a BBQ to raise funds for Chapter/Council. Outside Companions, who have become dual Companions, do visit at the regular meetings to help in opening or confer degrees. The meetings average 9 Companions and they did meet 8 times in 2016. PGHP, DGM and GCG were visitors at their meetings. Meeting: 3rd Saturday of each month Location: Magnolia #238 Richard Morgan, DDGHP, DDIGM Cc: Keith Powell, DGM Tim Riley, Jr. DK Michael Laurence, GCG Michael Watts, GS

Capitular District 6 Report DATE: 2-21-17 TO: John Vines, MEGHP, RAM’s, State of Louisiana FROM: Darin West, DDGHP, RAM’s, District 6, RAM’s, State of Louisiana SUBJECT: End of Year Report Most Excellent Grand High Priest, First, please allow me to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity & privilege to serve as the District Deputy Grand High Priest for the 6th District in 2016. It has been both educational and also quite a bit of fun. As you know, I attended regularly scheduled meetings in 4 of the 5 Chapters within my district. I was received well in all of these Chapters, and was afforded the proper recognition, honors and the opportunity to speak on your behalf. In most of these visits, as you know, I was accompanied by you, which both allowed me to observe and also to communicate the direction of the Louisiana Grand York Rite. During my visits, I noted that in ALL of the Chapters, that the attending officers and members were very well motivated and truly interested in forwarding Royal Arch Masonry within the state. However, there are 2 chapters that “stick out”. The first is the Shreveport Chapter of RAM’s. This chapter is well attended, highly motivated and is utilizing their “new” members to fill the officers’ stations and take more active roles in the Chapter. This leads to the need for instruction and use of books to open and close. This is primarily due to the new members coming into unfamiliar roles, and they tend to struggle to learn the correct procedures and protocols for opening. It will take some time and continued exposure to get them up to speed, but I have (and will continue to) encourage participation as a means of establishing “belonging” to our fraternity, as opposed to an experienced few doing everything. The second is the Ringgold Chapter. Again, this Chapter is well attended, and very deep in experience. This is the only Chapter I visited that did not require books to open, however, there was quite a bit of “prompting” to insure that opening and closing was completed correctly. Ringgold is always an active Chapter in Festivals, and seems to always have multiple candidates to receive the degrees of Royal Arch Masonry. They must be doing something “right”, as they continue to bring in new and younger members, which actively participate following becoming RAM’s. We should investigate the procedures and programs in Ringgold, to see if this should/ can be used as a model elsewhere in the region/ state. All of our Chapters in the 6th District, however, are not doing well. During my visit to Southern Hills, we held a meeting under dispensation, to open short of the 9 members required. As I continue to examine this situation, it is not an uncommon occurrence. The

same is true with Giblim Chapter, which has an “aging” and absent membership. By this, I mean that a large portion of the membership lives out of town, and making it to stated meetings is very difficult. In fact, had there not been dual members from the Shreveport Chapter, I feel confident that Giblim would not have been able to open at all in 2016, due to lack of attendance. There has been some talk of consolidating Giblim Chapter with the Shreveport Chapter, and at this point, the majority of the active membership has shown no resistance to this happening. No one likes to surrender their charter and “throw in the towel”, but not having enough single members that are active, is very disheartening to all of the membership. Particularly in light of the fact that we have another active Chapter less than 10 miles away. This is something to be considered. While I am speaking about consolidations, the Coushatta Chapter brought in a vote in 2016, to consolidate with Giblim Chapter. This vote seemed to bring out the members that are not otherwise in attendance, and the vote to consolidate failed to pass. This is the only Chapter that I did not visit during 2016. A trip was scheduled, the necessary people were informed, and I was contacted stating that the Chapter would NOT be meeting, and was urged not to come, and also not to schedule any future visits. Again, thank you for the opportunity. This past year as DDGHP has been very special to me and I look forward to doing anything and everything I can in the future to continue to advancement of Royal Arch Masonry in the state of Louisiana. Sincerely and Fraternally Yours, M. Darin West PHP, DDGHP - 6th District RAM’s, State of Louisiana

Necrology Grand Chapter TO THE MOST EXCELLENT GRAND HIGHT PRIEST, OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF LOUISIANA: While we mourn the loss of any of our Companions, we must pause of necessity to remember them and their work in the quarry of Masonry. Yes, once again we must revere their memories and live in those happy moments when we were together. Again, several of our Companions have been called to reside in the Holy of Holies where we, one day shall also be. Sadly, we report the death of our Brother, Companion and Sir Knight Harold F. Carlisle, Past Grand High Priest and Past Grand illustrious Master of the Grand Chapter and Council. A fitting tribute in his memory and to all Companions will be presented at our Annual Necrology service. Fraternally submitted, Lloyd A. Hebert, PHP; PIP

Philanthropies To: The M: E: Grand High Priest, Grand Officers, and the Companions present, Being Chairman of this committee, I except full responsibility, for RARA in Louisiana and this opportunity has opened my eyes. It gave me a chance to see the many organizations RARA contributes to yearly. I received two checks this year that I forwarded to MEC Larry E. Gray with the General Grand Chapter. Companions as we all know, Charity is one of Masonries cornerstones. Almost every Masonic body has their own philanthropy. And all of these are great causes. Unfortunately with so many philanthropies, from time to time one of them finds itself missed during the year. Though efforts were put forward to keep RARA out there for people to see and hear about, this year we were the missed philanthropy. We, the committee, feel confident that this can be turned around in the near future. Efforts are already in motion to resolve the problem. The next report should reflect a positive direction for the future. The Committee would like to thank the M: E: Grand High Priest for the opportunity to serve the Grand Chapter this year. We also congratulate him on a fine year of serve. Fraternally Submitted: Chairman Tim Riley, Jr. V. Eugene Dawson Glenn Bledsoe Tom Kussman

Promotion & Publicity To: The M: E: Grand High Priest, Grand Officers, and Companions present, The only major publicity we received was the great work Companion Carl Jackson, PGHP, and SEVERAL companions did during the floods Louisiana experienced in 2016. All the companions stepped up when the north-east part of the states in March. Masons were one of the first people calling and offering assistance to help people. They came out to help by any means they could. Whether it was carrying sandbags, bring ice or water, the companions were there for whoever need it. They would spend days just doing whatever needed doing, tearing out wall and carpets. And Companion Jackson, along with hundreds of other companions, stepped up when the second flood hit the south-east in August. Not only did they everything that was done in March, they were able to go steps further. Companion Jackson set-up a distribution center at the local shrine. This became the collection point for everything, food, clothes, cleaning supplies, etc. Several of the companions would go out daily to carry water and ice to sites. They would stay and spend the day helping those that needed help. At the distribution center the companions would be busy calling around trying to gather the items that were in high demand, such as mold killer, water, ice, sheet rock, etc. All this hard work these companions and their families did was well noted and seen through-out the communities. And they performed all this without hope of fee or reward. THANK YOU!

Unfortunately we still have not taken advantage of the modern times. With the technology we have available in today’s world we still are not getting the word out about this great fraternity. We could and should be using vast array of internet based systems available to us. Whether we are email articles to the news media or inviting them out to some of our programs. We are missing a lot of good opportunities to get the word out. I do know there are plans in the near future to take advantage of the above mentioned ideas. This is being discussed in our new Quarterly Junior Officers meeting. I’m confident that this committee will have positive reports in the future.

Finally, we the committee would like to thank our M: E: Grand High Priest for allowing us to assist him the year. We would also like to commend him on a good year of service to the fraternity.

Fraternally Submitted: Chairman Timothy J. Riley, Jr. W. Keith Powell, PGC Levi Chad Koelling V. Eugene Dawson

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON DISTRIBUTION AND ANALYSIS OF GRAND HIGH PRIEST ADDRESS

Your Committee on Distribution and Analysis of the Grand High Priest’s address has reviewed the address, and has referred the various portions of the report to the appropriate committees for their review. The committee commends Most Excellent Brother John Vines, II for his very through report. Brother Vines has done an excellent job this year, and we are very proud of him. Respectfully Submitted: Gerald Houston, PGHP, Chairman

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, HP Clay Wolfe, PGHP Lloyd A. Hebert, PHP

Grand Chapter Youth Report

Louisiana Rainbow Girls are growing again with a new Pledge Assembly forming in the Alexandria area. Most of these pledges will be turning 11 within 12-18 months and we will institute a new assembly in 2018. We have five (5) very strong assemblies (Slidell, Lake Area, Metairie, Temple (Shreveport/Bossier City) and Diamond (Baton Rouge Area) and one (1) that is reorganizing (Rising Star-Monroe). Our girls are busy working on their service and charity projects locally, but state-wide, they are raising funds for ASAN (Autistic Self Advocacy Network). Bayleigh Smith, Grand Worthy Advisor, is also leading the state with her Membership project, Flounder's Friends, where each assembly is having a Prospect Party and fundraisers for their assembly. The state is hosting a Spring Dinner/Silent Auction on March 11th with each assembly 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 at Rainbow University and at Grand Assembly.

We cordially invite you to Grand Assembly which will be at the New Orleans Airport Hilton, June 1-3, 2017 with opening on Thursday, June 1st, Welcome Banquet at 6:00 pm and the Informal Opening at 7:30 pm. Our theme is "Rainbow Under the Sea" and you will be welcomed by Nemo, Ariel, Flounder and all of the creatures of the Sea.

This year has been very productive with many in the leadership of our order committing to support the efforts of De Molay and Rainbow. There needs to be a commitment from the leadership to support the Youth group as that is the only way the Youth group will survive.

Respectfully Submitted,

Frank N. du Treil, Jr., Chairman

1

Jan - Dec 16

Budget

Jan - Dec 17

Ordinary Income/Expense

Income

Direct Public Support

Gifts 0.00

0.00

0.00

Rituals 361.00

378.00

400.00

Direct Public Support - Other 0.00

0.00

Total Direct Public Support 361.00

378.00

400.00

Membership Income

Affiliations 90.00

20.00

50.00

Degree Fees 880.00

645.00

800.00

Membership Dues 12,138.96

16,000.00

11,500.00

Perpetual Fund 324.09

8,144.90

0.00

Total Membership Income 13,433.05

24,809.90

12,350.00

OHP Regalia

Degrees Conferred 725.00

0.00

500.00

Jewels 75.00

0.00

100.00

Total OHP Regalia 800.00

0.00

600.00

Uncategorized Income 0.00

0.00

Total Income 14,594.05

25,187.90

13,350.00

Expense

Annual Convocation

Arrangements 0.00

3,762.00

3,342.00

Name Badges 0.00

457.80

66.00

Outgoing HP Gift

100.00

Proceedings

120.00

Total Annual Convocation 0.00

4,219.80

3,628.00

Donations Given

Council/Chapter Fund 0.00

350.00

700.00

Mildred Norman 696.00

696.00

696.00

RARA -250.00

450.00

700.00

Donations Given - Other 0.00

700.00

0.00

Total Donations Given 446.00

2,196.00

2,096.00

Dues & Per Capita

General Grand 3,480.00

2,000.00

3,342.00

South Central Region 0.00

50.00

50.00

Total Dues & Per Capita 3,480.00

2,050.00

3,392.00

Office Expense

Electricity 116.76

480.00

0.00

Office Supplies 807.59

440.00

900.00

Phone & Internet 281.62

720.00

0.00

Postage

Meter Lease 470.67

161.47

500.00

Postage - Other 551.62

295.84

600.00

Total Postage 1,022.29

457.31

1,100.00

Rent 2,100.00

2,100.00

2,100.00

Software 0.00

526.53

500.00

Total Office Expense 4,328.26

4,723.84

4,600.00

Other Expenses

Bank Charges 55.89

0.00

Foreign Corresp. Chair 0.00

250.00

250.00

Web Page

100.00

Total Other Expenses 55.89

250.00

350.00

Payroll Expenses

Company Medicare 58.00

91.11

58.00

FUTA Expense 24.00

37.70

24.00

Salaries 3,999.96

6,283.29

4,000.00

Social Security 248.00

389.56

248.00

SUTA 4.00

6.28

4.00

Payroll Expenses - Other 558.98

560.00

Total Payroll Expenses 4,892.94

6,807.94

4,894.00

Purchases

Order of the High Priesthood

Incoming GHP Apron 416.45

300.00

420.00

Incoming GHP Apron Case 0.00

150.00

150.00

Jewels 0.00

200.00

Rituals 10.00

50.00

WEB Page -100.00

100.00

100.00

Order of the High Priesthood - Other 50.00

50.00

Total Order of the High Priesthood 376.45

550.00

970.00

Service Items

Chapter Rituals 165.00

450.00

450.00

Service Items - Other 33.50

50.00

Total Service Items 198.50

450.00

500.00

Total Purchases 574.95

1,000.00

1,470.00

Reconciliation Discrepancies 414.96

0.00

0.00

Travel

Grand High Priest 2,000.00

2,000.00

2,000.00

Triennial -600.00

300.00

900.00

Grand Secretary 0.00

500.00

500.00

Total Travel 1,400.00

2,800.00

3,400.00

Uncategorized Expenses 3,787.00

2,000.00

Total Expense 19,380.00

24,047.58

22,202.00

Net Ordinary Income -4,785.95

1,140.32

0.00

Other Income/Expense

Other Income

Unrealized Gains and Losses 0.00

-6,765.10

Total Other Income 0.00

-6,765.10

Net Other Income 0.00

-6,765.10

Net Income

-4,785.95

-5,624.78

0.00

Grand Chapter Resolution 2017-1

Whereas: The current Grand Chapter Constitution provides in Section IV Per Capita & Assessments: “Each Chapter in this jurisdiction shall pay to the Grand Chapter annually Seven Dollars ($7.00) (2006) for each member on its roll during the year. . .” Whereas: The Grand Chapter of RAM of LA Profit & Loss Budget Overview January through December 2016 provides that expenditures of the Grand Chapter are projected for the period to be $5,324.78 more than the receipts. Whereas: Some cost cutting measures can possibly be made to decrease the expenditures. But cost cutting measures equaling $5,324.78 should not be expected. Whereas: An additional expenditure of approximately $500.00 yearly due to the automation of membership information management will also occur. Whereas: If approved, this amendment will increase the per capita assessment beginning in 2018. Resolved: The first sentence of Section IV of the Grand Chapter Constitution be amended to read, Each Chapter in this jurisdiction shall pay to the Grand Chapter annually Ten Dollars ($10.00) for each member on its roll during the year, this amount may be increased up to Two Dollars ($2.00) each year for 4 additional years, in the sole discretion of the Finance Committee); five dollars ($5.00) for each degree conferred, ten dollars ($10.00) for a Member transferring membership from one Chapter to another and ten dollars ($10.00) for a dual membership.

Grand Chapter Resolution 2017-2 Wherefore: In our Constitution there is no definition of Permanent Members or Constituent Members and in our General Regulations they are referred to for voting purposes Therefore let it be amended From; Section 2 Officers This Grand Chapter is composed of:

Grand High Priest Grand King Grand Scribe Grand Treasurer Grand Secretary Grand Captain of the Host Grand Principal Sojourner Grand Royal Arch Captain Grand Master of the Third Veil Grand Master of the Second Veil Grand Master of the First Veil Grand Chaplain Grand Lecturer Grand Organist Grand Sentinel

Also the High Priest, the King, and the Scribe, of each Constituent Chapter in its jurisdiction, the Past High Priests of the Chapters in the jurisdiction, and Past High Priests of other jurisdictions who have affiliated with the Chapters in the jurisdiction, and have been elected members of this Grand Chapter. To; Section 2 Officers This Grand Chapter is composed of:

Grand High Priest Grand King Grand Scribe Grand Treasurer Grand Secretary Grand Captain of the Host Grand Principal Sojourner Grand Royal Arch Captain Grand Master of the Third Veil Grand Master of the Second Veil Grand Master of the First Veil Grand Chaplain Grand Lecturer Grand Organist

Grand Sentinel the Past High Priests of the Chapters in the jurisdiction, and Past High Priests of other jurisdictions who have affiliated with the Chapters in the jurisdiction, and have been elected members of this Grand Chapter and shall be called the Permanent Members, and the High Priest, the King, and the Scribe, of each Constituent Chapter in its jurisdiction, which shall be called the Constituent Members. Tim Riley, PIGM

Grand Chapter Resolution 2017-3 Wherefore: The number of members coming and voting at our Annual Convocation has decreased for all the years that I have been attending I believe part of this is due to Permanent Members carrying a large number of Proxies for the Constituent Chapters. I would propose that we should change our General Regulations to be in a like manner as the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar so that it is “1 man 1 vote”. I hope it would encourage ALL our members to come to our Grand Convocation. Therefore let it be amended From; Section 1 Permanent Member Ballots Each of the permanent members of this Grand Chapter shall be entitled to one vote on all questions in the Grand Chapter. If he is one of the Representative Officers of his Chapter he is entitled to that vote as the Representative of his Chapter, in addition to his personal vote. Section 2 Constituent Chapter Ballots Each Chartered Chapter in this jurisdiction is entitled to three (3) votes on all questions in the Grand Chapter. These votes may be cast by the Excellent High Priest, the King and the Scribe, separately. Or, in the absence of any of these officers the three votes may be cast by the officers present, the senior officer present having preference for the absent vote. These three officers each have the right to cast their votes by a duly commissioned Proxy; but a Proxy can only be given to a Companion that is a member of the Chapter for which the vote is to be cast; and the Proxy is individual to the Officer who is the legal Representative of his Chapter, and cannot affect any vote of the Chapter except that for which the proxy is given. To; Section 2 Permanent Member Voting Each of the permanent members of this Grand Chapter shall be entitled to one vote on all questions in the Grand Council. Section 3 Constituent Member Voting Each Chartered Chapter in the Jurisdiction is entitled to three votes on all questions in the Grand Council. These votes may be cast by the Excellent High Priest, the King, and the Scribe, separately. Or in the absence of any of these officers the three votes may be cast by the officers present, the Senior Officer present having preference for the absent vote. These three officers each have the right to cast their votes by a duly commissioned proxy; but a proxy can only be given to a Companion that is a member of the Chapter for which the vote is to be cast and is not a Permanent Member. The proxy is individual to the officer who is the legal representative of his Chapter and cannot affect any vote of the Chapter except that for which the proxy is given. Tim Riley, Grand Secretary Emeritus

GRAND CHAPTER RESOLUTION 2017-4 WHEREAS our Obligation requires that NINE Royal Arch Masons be present to open a Chapter; and

WHEREAS while Section 33 of our STATUTORY REGULATIONS requires a Quorum of SEVEN members OF THE CHAPTER to be present to conduct business, Section 8 provides that the Grand High Priest may allow an Inactive or Weak Chapter to conduct business with fewer members; and

WHEREAS it is desirable to prevent a Chapter, if possible, from becoming Weak or Inactive; and

WHEREAS the failure of a Chapter to open at the designated time has a snowball effect, as Companions become more reluctant to give up an evening on the off chance their Chapter may open;

Therefore be it RESOLVED that the following be added as Subsection A to our STATUTORY REGULATIONS Section 33 Opening & Quorum:

Five members of a Chapter, including one principal officer, having assembled at the time and place designated for a Stated Convocation, having business to conduct but lacking nine Royal Arch Masons, may open a Lodge of Most Excellent Masters in Emergent Communication and conduct business, subject to the following restrictions:

1. No action may be taken affecting the membership status of a current member.

2. No funds may be expended other than payment of regular expenses.

3. A petition properly received & referred, and the committee reporting, may be balloted on, but said ballot shall apply only to subordinate Degrees and not to the Degree of Royal Arch Mason.

4. The Degrees of Mark Master, Past Master, and Most Excellent Master may be conferred.

5. All actions taken shall be subsequently affirmed by a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.

Author of Resolution: Vernon Eugene Dawson, Jr., PHP, Feliciana Chapter # 11, RAM

Number of Signatures:

Credentials and Registration Committee Report

To the Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Grand Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana.

We, your Committee on Credentials and Registration, wish to submit our report on attendance for the Annual Convocation of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana.

3/4/2017

Grand Officers Present:

15 Past Grand High Priest Present: 10 Out-of-state Visitors present: 28 Dist. Dep. Grand High Priest Present: 4 Dist. Dep. Grand Lectures Present: 4 Chapters Represented: 23 Chapters Not Represented: 2 Excellent High Priest Present: 9 Ballots Issued 146 Member’s Present: 101

Chairman: Dale Johnson

Proceedings of the Order of High Priesthood of Louisiana 2016-17 Minutes of the Order of High Priesthood of Louisiana

The 170th Annual Convention of the Order of High Priesthood was opened at 8:35 AM at the Best Western in Alexandria, Louisiana March 4, 2017 by the Most Excellent Vernon E. “Gene” Dawson, Jr. Prayer was given by Very Excellent Chaplain, Charles A. Songe. The following officers were present:

Vernon E. “Gene” Dawson, Jr.. ................. Most Excellent President John E. Vines, II ...................... Excellent Companion Vice President Charles A. Songe ........................................ Very Excellent Chaplain Gerald H. Houston ............................................. Excellent Treasurer Timothy J. Riley, Sr. ........................................... Excellent Recorder Ion Lazar ........................................ Excellent Master of Ceremonies Travis Holley. ..................................... Excellent Conductor (Absent) Michael Carpenter ...................................................Excellent Herald W. Keith Powell .................................................... Excellent Steward Eddie A. LeBoeuf, Jr. ........................................... Excellent Sentinel

The Recorder read the petitions from 10 Companions. They were referred to a ballot and declared duly elected. The Degree team took their stations and the following Companions were Anointed and Set Apart to the Holy Order of High Priesthood:

Name Chapter John Louis Amador Washington 5 Albert G. Simms, Jr. Shreveport 10 Paul Joseph Martin Feliciana 11 William Earl Free Feliciana 11 Robert Doyal Waddle Winnfield 59 Gary Delane Bates Winnfield 59 Ronald J. Frey Pontchartrain 68 Martin J. Reinschmidt Sts. John 98 Ed L. Horton, Jr. Giblim 99 Steve E. Hester Coushatta 102

Most Excellent President Gene Dawson thanked the ritual team for conferring such and excellent degree, especially Eddie LeBoeuf. A motion that the minutes of the 169th Annual Convention as printed in the Proceedings be approved was made seconded and passed.

Honorary Members Distinguished Visitors were welcomed and a motion was made, seconded and passed that all out of state guests that have not been made Honorary Members be so made.

Old Business A motion were made that the Order purchase an apron and apron case for the incoming Grand High Priest, and that the Order pays $100 toward the cost of Web page of the Grand Chapter of RAM of LA. It was seconded by several Companions and approved.

New Business A motion was made that a $100 donation be made to Royal Arch Research Assistance, Council-Chapter, DeMolay and Rainbow Girls. It was seconded by several Companions and approved. A discussion was then had about increasing the amount of the OHP Degree to $100 and giving the jewel and Bible to the receiving candidates. Many were found in favor of this idea. A motion was made Jim Porter and seconded by Don Springler and the motion was approved.

Election of Officers The next order of business was the election of Officers. EC Eddie LeBoeuf, Jr., PHP arose and moved that all the Officers by moved up one station except for the Secretary, and for the Treasurer to remain as Gerald Houston. The motion was seconded by Tim Riley, Sr., and the motion was approved. Tim Riley, Sr. arose and put forth the name of Ed L. Horton, Jr. for Secretary. This motion being seconded was approved by all in attendance. EC Eddie LeBoeuf, Jr. made a motion for Michael Darin West be elected to the position of Sentinel. It was seconded and passed. With these elections the following officers were elected to serve for fiscal year 2017.

Officers for 2013 John E. Vines, II ........................................ Most Excellent President Charles A. Songe .................... Excellent Companion Vice President Ion Lazar ..................................................... Very Excellent Chaplain Gerald H. Houston ............................................. Excellent Treasurer Ed L. Horton, Jr. ................................................. Excellent Recorder Travis Holley. ................................. Excellent Master of Ceremonies Michael Carpenter ............................................. Excellent Conductor W. Keith Powell .......................................................Excellent Herald Eddie A. LeBoeuf, Jr. ........................................... Excellent Steward Michael Darin West .............................................. Excellent Sentinel

Installation

All Officers were duly installed in their respective stations by Earl J. “Mickey” Durand- Installing Officer No further business to come before the Order of the High Priesthood, it was closed in due form, after prayer by the Very Excellent Chaplain at 10:05 AM. Attest: Timothy J. Riley, Recorder Vernon E. “Gene” Dawson President

Order of the High Priesthood Roster

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 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 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 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 2005 Andrew H. Stevenson 2005 Gerard J. Burg, Jr. 2005 John T. Adams, Jr. 2005 John T. Lee 2005 Patton D. McHenry, Jr. 2005 Sidney W. Felps 2005 William J. Mollere 2006 Frank P. Robison 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 Gerald H. Houston 2007 Jerry Wayne Wicker

2007 Leon T. Roberts, Sr. 2007 Manuel R. Alfonso 2007 William Jennings 2007 William R. Richards 2008 Alva Lincoln Holton 2008 Anthony Nicholas Auck 2008 Cecil Paul Dufrene 2008 Fred M. Sullivan 2008 Kim . Smith 2008 Tommy Clayton Dyson 2008 Vernon E. Dawson, Jr. 2009 Harvey W. Goodwin 2009 Henry George Scanlan, Jr. 2009 James R. Corry, Jr. 2009 Richard . Chargois 2009 Willis Winton John Couch, 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 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 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

2013 Richard D. Morgan 2013 Johnny C. Byrd 2013 John T. Dark 2013 Gary T. Rushworth, Sr. 2013 Darryl C. Brown 2016 John Louis Amador 2016 Albert G. Simms, Jr. 2016 Paul Joseph Martin 2016 William Earl Free 2016 Robert Doyal Waddle 2016 Gary Delane Bates 2016 Ronald J. Frey 2016 Martin J. Reinschmidt 2016 Ed L. Horton, Jr. 2016 Steve E. Hester

GRAND COUNCIL OF CRYPTIC MASONS OF LOUISIANA 2016-2017

ELECTED OFFICERS

W. Robert Laurents ........................................................................................................................ M. I. Grand Master 503 Jordan Street, Shreveport, LA 71101

(318) 918-9223 W. Keith Powell .................................................................................................................. R. I. Deputy Grand Master

446 East Telephone Road. Lake Charles, LA 70611-6058 (337) 263-7821

Vernon E. Dawson ............................................................................................ I. Grand Principal Conductor of Work 3041 Turner Road, Ethel, LA 70730-4410

(225) 335-2289 Michael Laurence ............................................................................................................... I. Grand Captain of Guard

176 Sandel Lane, Ragley, LA 70657-6125 (337) 515-5729

Gerald H. Houston .......................................................................................................................... I. Grand Treasurer 426 Green Briar Street, DeRidder 70634-2180

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

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

APPOINTED OFFICERS Michael Darin West ...................................................................................................... I. Grand Conductor of Council

1107 Creole Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111-8224 John C. Sharlow ............................................................................................................................... I. Grand Marshall

6531 Pine Hill Road, Shreveport, LA 71107-9673 Andrew Owen .................................................................................................................................... I. Grand Steward

10732 South Mall Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70809-4819 Michael Carpenter .............................................................................................................................. I. Grand Chaplin

6021 Riverbend Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70820-5414 Timothy J. Riley, Jr., PIGM ................................................................................................................ I. Grand Lecturer

301 Whispering Pine Drive, Haughton, LA 71037-9537 Justin “Keith” Gates .......................................................................................................................... I. Grand Organist

168 Gates Road, Goldonna, LA 71031-3102 Andrew H. Stevenson, Sr. ................................................................................................................. I. Grand Sentinel

4930 Beechwood Hills Drive, Shreveport, LA 71107-9173 Richard L. James ..................................................................................................................... I. Grand Photographer

163 L E Phillips Road, Eros, LA 71238-8371 Vernon R. Atkinson, PIGM ....................................................................................................... I. Grand Photographer

PO Box 1133, Glenmora, LA 71433-1133

W. Robert Laurents

Most Illustrious Grand Master 2016 – 2017

Presiding

2016-17 Elected Grand Officers

L/R – Gerald Houston, Illustrious Grand Treasurer; W. Keith Powell., Right Illustrious Deputy Grand Master; W. Robert Laurents, Most Illustrious Grand Master; Vernon Eugene Dawson, Illustrious Grand

Principal Conductor of Work; Michael Laurence, Illustrious Grand Captain of the Host; Ed L. Horton, Jr., Illustrious Grand Recorder

2016-17 Elected and Appointed Grand Officers

L/R Back Row – Charles Bertrand, DDIGM Dist. 1; Richard Fox, DDIGM Dist. 4; Michael Carpenter, Illustrious Grand Chaplin; William Blake, DDIGM Dist. 7; Andrew H. Stevenson, Sr., Illustrious Grand

Sentinel; Michael Darin West, Illustrious Grand Conductor of Council; John C. Sharlow, Illustrious Grand Marshall

L/R Front Row – Gerald Houston, Illustrious Grand Treasurer; W. Keith Powell., Right Illustrious Deputy Grand Master; W. Robert Laurents, Most Illustrious Grand Master; Vernon Eugene Dawson, Illustrious

Grand Principal Conductor of Work; Michael Laurence, Illustrious Grand Captain of the Host; Ed L. Horton, Jr., Illustrious Grand Recorder

Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of the State of Louisiana March 2-5, 2017 W. Robert Laurents

Most Illustrious Grand Master Address

Welcome To the Grand Officers and Members of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana and other distinguished guests and visitors: I welcome every one of you to the One Hundred Sixty Second (162nd) Annual Assembly of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana. I hope each one of you, and your spouses if in attendance, have an enjoyable and memorable stay in Alexandria during this Grand Session. I want to especially thank all our Out-of-State Guests for coming to our Grand Session. I personally know the sacrifice in time and money it takes to visit other Grand Sessions.

Address

It is customary for the Grand Master to recount the various activities in which he has engaged during his year, so I begin. Since last March, it has been my pleasure to have been the honored guest of the Grand Councils of the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, the five (5) sister states in the South-Central-Region. I am sincerely grateful for their generous hospitality and the warm fraternal friendship they showed me. While there, I extended to them a personal invite to the South-Central-Region Conference hosted by Louisiana held earlier this year here in Alexandria. Through the special efforts of Companions Keith Powell, RIDGM and Timothy J. Riley, Jr, GK it was a great success, and by success, I not only mean the number in attendance but also the number of graduates of the Emerging Leaders Classes sponsored by our General Grand Bodies. Thanks to all the others who helped with the conference. I can only encourage the continuance of this needed program which should over time bring great leadership to all our York Rite Bodies. Our Session is jointly held with the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templars of Louisiana whose presiding officers are: Sir Knight Travis M Holley, RE Grand Commander Most Excellent Companion John E Vines, ME Grand High Priest. My personal thanks to the presiding officers of those great Masonic Bodies. It was an honor to have presided over the Grand Council during the same year.

I have also enjoyed conferring the Select Master’s Degree at the various festivals here and in other states, but my memory is not what it used to be so this will be my last year to do such. I am turning over this honor to the younger companions within the state. I want to extend a personal heartfelt thanks to the various committees who have worked so hard to make this Grand Assembly a memorable event along with the administrative staff here at the Best Western Motel of Alexandria who have met all our expectations. I now want to read a few excerpts from a fellow Illustrious Grand Master’s Address: “Masonry teaches us to prepare for our death but it also teaches us that there is something beyond death. We are taught from the first that there is a Source of the benefits we enjoy, and One to Whom we must give account some day for our stewardship of the blessings bestowed upon each of us while here on earth. Cryptic Masons have had this lesson taught twice before they arrive at the door of the Council, once in the legend of the Third Degree, which recounts the fidelity of an individual to his trust and teaches that there are things worth dying for, and once in the Royal Arch, in which the fidelity of an entire people is rewarded with a spiritual rebirth or renewal. In the Master Mason Degree, much is hidden behind the allegory of a pledge not to reveal mysteries, which, when we receive them, may seem trivial. In the Royal Arch Degree, the veil is drawn aside slightly, when some historic treasures are brought to light and inspire the completion of the reconstruction effort. But the most important points are still omitted for those who only progress so far as the Capitular Degrees. Left unspoken is the process by which the discovery of the Royal Arch was made possible. It is not until one has received the Degrees of Royal and Select Master that some of the deepest lessons of Masonry become apparent. Without the deposit, there can be no discovery. Those who returned from Babylon would have found nothing, had not those who went before prepared the way for them, even though they themselves received no obvious reward–and could not have, for utmost secrecy was vital to the success of the project, as that was the only way to ensure that the deposit could be buried in darkness for 470 years as prophesized. I will leave the rest for you to read on your own! What is the meaning of this allegory of the relics of the First Temple and the eventual building of the second? It is that we ourselves must make a deposit for the future if we wish our own tombs to be judged worthy of being opened, and our

relics brought again to the Light. We are taught more of what is expected of us by the items deposited. To instruct us, we have been told of the Mysterious Nine. What are these nine things, to which we allude each time we open a Council of Select Masters? They are items familiar to any Mason: Wisdom, strength, and beauty; faith, hope, and charity; brotherly love, relief, and truth. Each group of three has three parallels to the elements of the deposit. Wisdom alludes to the Book of the Law, which our ritual teaches contains the Divine Wisdom, all the guidance men need to live in peace with one another. Strength alludes to the manna, which the Great Architect provided to his children to strengthen them for their trials in the wilderness. And beauty alludes to the blossoming of Aaron's rod, which teaches us that the beautiful and wonderful lie everywhere for our discovery, even in a presumably desiccated and lifeless branch. Faith again alludes to the Book of the Law, which can only be meaningful to those whose faith is well founded; without faith, the laws therein contained have no meaning, nor does the promised reward of faithful service await them. Hope is represented by Aaron's rod, which recalls to us that "there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down...the tender branch thereof will not cease." Its miraculous blooming taught the power of the Creator and symbolizes our hope in immortality of the soul. And charity is taught by the gift of manna, by which heavenly charity the Great Architect sustained his needy children when they could not provide for themselves. Brotherly love is signified by Aaron's rod, which recalls to us the fraternal affection between Moses and his brother Aaron, broken only by Aaron's death, despite the many trials to which that bond was put. Relief again alludes to the manna, which was distributed equally to all that none might be put to shame for having less nor boast for having more; so should Masonic charity treat all upon the level. And truth is the Book of the Law, found always at the center of our Council chamber, whose truth transcends the ordinary truths of science and philosophy as we hope someday to transcend this mere physical world as promised in that essential, Central Truth. We can only expect to have our faith in that promise fulfilled if we have kept our part of the covenant taught in the Book of the Law and made our necessary deposits which make our tombs opening worthwhile. To be Masonically prepared to die, we must have deposited for our future labors of wisdom, strength, and beauty, acts of faith, hope and charity, and deeds of brotherly love, relief, and truth.”

Grand Line Officers – Elected and Appointed

I want to thank each of the elected and appointed officers of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana for all their support this year. In all my travels, I was never without other Grand Officers present, and I appreciated that support.

Elected RI Deputy Grand Master W. Keith Powell RI Principal Conductor of Work

Vernon E Dawson

RI Grand Treasurer Gerald Houston RI Grand Recorder Ed Horton RI Grand Captain of the Guard

Michael Laurence

Appointed RI Conductor of the Council Darin West RI Grand Chaplain Michael Carpenter RI Grand Marshall John Sharlow RI Grand Lecturer Timothy J. Riley, Jr.

PIGM RI Grand Organist Keith Gates RI Grand Photographer Richard L James RI Grand Photographer Vernon R Atkinson,

PIGM RI Grand Steward Andrew Owen RI Grand Sentinel Andrew Stevenson, Sr

District Deputy Grand Masters

I want to give a big thanks to the District Deputy Illustrious Grand Masters who represented me throughout the state while I was representing the State of Louisiana in other States for better than half of my term. I received many compliments on your representations and I appreciate your dedication.

Charles R Bertrand District 1 Jeffery Maynor District 2 Richard Fox District 3 Richard Morgan District 4 Bryan Price District 5 John Knox District 6 William (Bill) Blake District 7

District Grand Lecturers

To the District Grand Lecturers whose duties were to perpetuate the great ritual works and provide interesting programs for the Councils in their respective districts I say thanks.

Ion Lazar District 1 Kenneth R Streater District 2 Jarrard Yasher District 3 Terry Fowler District 4 Vernon Atkinson, PIGM District 5 Timothy J. Riley, Sr., PIGM District 6 Jerry Wicker District 7

Necrology

I am glad to report The Supreme Architect of the Universe has left all Grand Officers with us this past year, however, many of our constituent Councils have lost several beloved Companions and to these families we offer our most affectionate sympathy. The memorial service was an expression of love and appreciation for those Companions who have served Masonry so well. We will forever remember their contributions to the fraternity. We will dearly miss PIGM Harold Carlisle.

Changes in By Laws Approved

Summit Council #12 District 5 Winnfield Council #43

District 5

Monroe Council #8 District 8

Dispensations Granted

7/12/2016 Istrouma Council #33

Move stated assembly to 2nd Friday for remainder of 2016

8/21/2016 Red River Council #52

Hold special assembly on 11/12/2016 to elect & install officers

8/21/2016 Red River Council #52

Hold stated assembly on 10/13/2016 for normal business

9/13/2016 Morehouse Council #52

Hold special assembly to vote on meeting night change and by-law change.

Councils Lost

I regret to announce that Hiram K. Greer Council #55 has voted to go dark, however we have yet to receive their Charter and any assets.

Grand Representative Commissions Issued

None

Grand Representatives Recommended

Howard F Entwistle, Jr Texas W. Robert Laurents Mississippi

Philanthropy We are proud to support the Cryptic Mason Medical Research Foundation (CMMRF) of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International. As you know, CMMRF supports the Indiana Center of Vascular Biology and Medicine, (ICVBM), located at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Their research in adult stem cells is producing very exciting new discoveries for all mankind. Please give individually when you can.

25-50 Year Certificates All eligible Companions were issued their respective certificates and we hope they continue to participate and teach what they leaned over their long years of dedication in the fraternity. Job well done!

Out-of-State Visits March 10th through 12th Arkansas Grand Session Little Rock, AR March 30th through April 1st

Kansas Grand Session Topeka, KS

April 21st through 23rd Oklahoma Grand Session Norman, Ok June 8th through 10th Missouri Grand Session Jefferson City, MO October 15th through 17th Texas Grand Session Wako, TX November 1st Veterans Day Parade Vicksburg, MS

In-State Visits

March 21st Easter Observance Yellow Pine

Church Sibley

23rd Shreveport York Rite Meeting Shreveport April 7th Caddo Lodge Meeting Shreveport 16th Planning Meeting Alexandria 27th Shreveport York Rite Meeting Shreveport May 15th District York Rite Meeting Shreveport 21st Knights of York Cross of Honor Alexandria 25th Shreveport York Rite Meeting Shreveport June 2nd Caddo Lodge Meeting Shreveport 18th Fish Fry - RCC Natchitoches 22nd Shreveport York Rite Meeting Shreveport July

5th Tallulah Lodge Meeting Richmond 7th Caddo Lodge Meeting Shreveport August 4th Caddo Lodge Meeting Shreveport 21st Scottish Rite Reunion Shreveport 23th Shreveport York Rite Meeting Shreveport 27 NW LA York Rite Festival Shreveport September 1st Caddo Lodge Meeting Shreveport 3rd Red Cross of Constantine (RCC) Bossier City 16th – 17th South Central Region Conference Alexandria 28th Shreveport York Rite Meeting Shreveport October 6th Caddo Lodge Meeting Shreveport 23rd District York Rite Meeting Bastrop 25th Delhi Lodge Delhi 26th Shreveport York Rite Meeting Shreveport November 3rd Caddo Lodge Meeting Shreveport 5th Red Cross of Constantine Bossier City 19th Howard F Entwistle, Jr Appreciation Alexandria 23rd Shreveport York Rite Meeting Shreveport December 7th Jack L Stephan – Easter

Observance Lafayette

8th Bossier York Rite – Easter Observance

Bossier City

9th Istrouma Council Installation Baker 10th York Rite Festival – Clean Up Alexandria January 2nd Monroe Council Monroe 14th Grand Master’s Fish Fry Alexandria 25th Shreveport York Rite Meeting Shreveport February 2nd Caddo Lodge Meeting Shreveport 4th Baton Rouge Council Baton Rouge 18th Caddo Lodge 150 Year Celebration

Lunch Shreveport

25th NW LA York Rite Festival Shreveport

March 2nd – 5th Louisiana Grand York Rite Session Alexandria

State of the Order

I would now like to reflect on the State of Cryptic Masonry in Louisiana. In a word, I would say Recovering! Our beloved state suffered flood waters both North and South. Some of our meeting places were destroyed others were under as much as 12 feet of water. However, having said that, I want to give personal thanks to Carl Jackson who led the charge in securing a grant from the Great State of Pennsylvania and Rory Bozeman who distributed the building materials for the rebuilding of those Masonic buildings destroyed. To my knowledge, all Councils now have a place to assemble. The Cryptic Rite is at the end of a long supply line. We cannot greet new Companions unless they come to us from the Royal Arch, and the Capitular Rite is dependent upon Master Masons choosing to seek further light in Masonry. And the inventory of Master Masons depends on men choosing of their own free will and accord to become Masons. All of us know the circumstances of membership decline in Ancient Craft Masonry, which is our foundation stone. However, “We have the answer to the feeling of disconnectedness in today’s Society…but people do not know we have the answer” …. Spread the Word!

Appreciations

My appreciation and gratitude goes out to each of my fellow companions, for the faith you placed in me for serving as Illustrious Grand Master this year. It has been the apex of my Masonic career and will be remembered with great joy. A very special thanks to my DIGM Keith Powell who made my year much easier and to Andrew Stevenson who accompanied me on a lot of my visits both in and out-of-state. To the ladies who have worked so hard to make this session a success, I cannot thank you enough for your dedication and unselfishness. And last, but certainly not least, a big hug and thanks to my wife Kristine, who accompanied me on my out-of-town travels, being newly-wedded we enjoyed the sites along the way to each of the different states.

Fraternally,

W. Robert Laurents Illustrious Grand Master

Minutes of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons Assembly

March 3rd, 2017 Alexandria, LA

9:00 AM The Grand Council of Cryptic Masons was opened with all of its officers in

their respective stations. 9:14 AM Picture times and Philanthropy announcements were made. 9:17 AM The Grand Council CM Assembly was put to refreshment until after lunch. 3:40 PM The Grand Council CM Assembly was called to labor. 3:41 PM RI Grand Recorder Ed Horton called the rolls for all Grand Officers, Past

Illustrious Grand Masters, Grand Representatives, and Award holders. (Those roll calls are shown within these proceedings.)

3:52 PM RI Grand Recorder Ed Horton read Resolution 2017-1. He then proceeded to show a PowerPoint presentation showing the breakdown of expenditures for the last year as well as the income. All of this information shows a negative income for the Grand Council. The floor was opened for questions on the resolution and none were brought forward. A vote was called for and the resolution was passed unanimously.

3:56 pm RI Grand Recorder Ed Horton read Resolution 2017-2. Much discussion was had on this resolution. A motion was made by RI Keith Powell and seconded by IC Darin West to receive the resolution. After a vote was called for, the resolution was received. Since this resolution calls for a change in the Grand Constitution, it must lay over for one year before being voted on.

3:59 pm RI Grand Recorder Ed Horton read Resolution 2017-3. Much discussion was had on this resolution. A motion was made by IC Sam Owens and seconded by IC Michael Watts to receive the resolution. After a vote was called for, the resolution was received. Since this resolution calls for a change in the Grand Constitution, it must lay over for one year before being voted on.

4:03 PM A motion was made and properly seconded to except all of the reports as they have been pre-printed. Motion passed.

4:04 PM MIGM W. Robert Laurents gave his Address to the Companions. RI Gene Dawson made a motion, seconded by IC John Sharlow, that the Address be accepted and entered into the proceedings. Motion passed.

4:18 PM MIGM W. Robert Laurents then recognized Most Pursuant General Grand Master of Cryptic Masons International Larry O. Weaver, Regional Deputy General Grand Master Charles E. Stuttle, II, and General Grand Ambassador to Louisiana Timothy J. Riley, Jr. The private grand honors were by all.

4:22 PM MPGGM Larry Weaver was given the floor for his comments. He spoke on the upcoming Triennial, giving $5.00 per person to get you name in the Commemorative book at Triennial, the need for Cryptic Masonry Medical

Research Foundation (CMMRF) donations, Regionals attendance, young member’s involvement, corporate foundations and to preserve God’s word. He then laid down a challenge for all of the Constituent Councils to increase their membership and grow and stabilize their finances.

4:47 PM RI Ed Horton read the Grand Recorder’s report for the Assembly. 4:49 PM RI Ed Horton showed a Past Illustrious Master certificate that he made

and ask about the Assembly’s thoughts on it. After a few questions were discussed, a motion was made by Chad Koelling that the Grand Council make it available to all Constituent Bodies for a purchase price of $5.00 plus shipping. The motion was seconded by Jeremy Galster and the motion passed unanimously.

4:50 PM No further business needing to be discussed, elections were called for. MIPGM Mickey Durand made a motion that all persons move up one position except for the Grand Recorder and Grand Treasurer, those two positions to remain the same. The motion was seconded by Jim Hill. All members present were in favor of the motion. RI Eddie Reine, Sr. stood to nominate Andrew H. Stevenson, Sr. for the position of Grand Captain of the Guard. The motion was seconded by Martin Reinschmidt. This motion passed unanimously. Elected were the following…

W. Keith Powell ........................ Most Illustrious Grand Master Michael Laurence .......... Rite Illustrious Deputy Grand Master Vernon E. “Gene” Dawson ........... Rite Illustrious Grand PCW Gerald H. Houston ................ Rite Illustrious Grand Treasurer Ed L. Horton, Jr. .................... Rite Illustrious Grand Recorder Andrew H. Stevenson, Sr. ............. Rite Illustrious Grand CoG

4:55 PM RI W. Keith Powell announced his appointed positions. Appointed were… Camille “Buddy” Guidry ................. Rite Illustrious Grand CoC Vernon R. Atkinson, PIGM ....... Rite Illustrious Grand Chaplin Richard B. Smith ..................... Rite Illustrious Grand Marshall Timothy J. Riley, Jr. ................. Rite Illustrious Grand Lecturer Keith Gates ........................... Rite Illustrious Grand Organist Richard L. James ............Rite Illustrious Grand Photographer Tom Kussman .................Rite Illustrious Grand Photographer Conrad Gauthier ...................... Rite Illustrious Grand Steward Glenn Bledsoe......................... Rite Illustrious Grand Sentinel

5:00 PM The Grand Council CM Assembly was called to refreshment.

Grand Recorder’s Report To: The Most Illustrious Grand Master, Officers and Companions of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana:

Statistics Councils on Roll 1/1/2016 20 Councils on Roll 12/31/2016 20

Degrees Conferred 78

Membership as of 1/1/2016 1595

Work Greeted 39

Affiliated by Plural Membership 0 Affiliated by Demit 0

Affiliated by Transfer 1 Affiliated by Certificate 0

Reinstated 8 Total Gain 48

Demit by Demit (5) Transfer of Membership (1)

Died (29) Suspended NPD (48)

UMC (0) Dropped (0) Expelled (0)

Total Loss (83) Net Gain or (Loss) (35) Corrections (0)

Membership as of 12/31/2016 1560 Traveling Bible

Winnfield Council No 43 wins the Traveling Bible again this year with 31 points and a 19% gain in membership.

Closing

It has been a pleasure working with Most Illustrious Grand Master W. Robert Laurents. Again, it was a great honor to have been asked to accept this position. Following behind so many great men who have been Grand Recorder was a little scary. However, I have received so much help from Grand Recorder Emeritus Tim Riley, Sr. and from many of the Constituent Council Recorders it was nearly impossible to fail. Thank you all for the assistance and patience you have you given me this past year. I look forward to many years of service to the Companions of Louisiana. Respectfully submitted, Ed L. Horton, Grand Recorder

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 further recognized the District Deputies, by naming each of them in his annual report. 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. In these observations he states that Cryptic Masonry in Louisiana is currently “RECOVERING”. In this portion of his report he included a very good quotation, “However, “We have the answer to the feeling of disconnectedness in today’s Society…but people do not know we have the answer” …. Spread the Word! 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. 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, John E. Vines and the Right Eminent Grand Commander, SK Travis M. Holly. He also expressed his appreciation to his Wife Kristine, who accompanied him throughout the year. We appreciate his gratitude and willingness to express his feelings. Respectfully and Fraternally submitted, Howard F. Entwistle, Jr., PIGM, Chairman Vernon Atkinson, PIGM Andrew H. Stevenson, PIM

GRAND COUNCIL CRYPTIC MASONS LOUISIANA

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON MASONIC LAW & JURISPRUDENCE TO: THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS GRAND MASTER, GRAND OFFICERS and COMPANIONS: The Jurisprudence Committee reviewed suggested changes to the By-Laws for the following Council's: Winnfield Council #43 Summit Council #12 Monroe Council No. 8, C.M. The Jurisprudence Committee has reviewed those portions of the Most Illustrious Grand Master's Address which were referred to this Committee, which advised that the matters contained therein are in accord with the laws of the Grand Council and within the Provence of the office of the Most Illustrious Grand Master. Accordingly, the Committee recommends that these items be approved. Besides as set forth above, no other By-Laws or Amendments to By-Laws have been approved or disapproved by this Committee. Grand Council Resolutions No. 2017-1, 2017-2 and 2017-3 have been referred to this Committee, having been prefiled in accordance with the provisions of the Laws of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana. 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. Respectfully submitted, William James “Jim” Hill, III, P.C. Chairman John L. Belanger, PIGM Howard F. Entwistle, PIGM Michael Lawrence

2016 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. It has been a pleasure to serve on the Archive Committee. Comp. J.F. “Jeff” Webb, Chairman Archive Committee

Grand Council Advisory Report To the Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Officers and Companions of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana We, your committee of advisory to Council, wishes to report that we have a long range planning committee and believe it is great. However, sometimes we forget the current year and let things pass. We think that the current officers should spend more time on the present year. We need to work more on attendance and participation of new members. Respectfully Submitted, Earl J. Durand, P.I.G.M., Chairman

Council Membership Committee

M: I: G: M: W. Robert Laurents, Grand Officers, Past Grand, and Companions All: Your committee on Membership is pleased with the Companions that have been brought into the Council and provided with the new knowledge of how the MM Word was preserved. We all have traveled the many miles within and without the area of our State going to the many Festivals and regular Council meetings to promote the ideas on Membership. All Councils are having a difficult time with Membership on retaining, deaths, NPD and having interest of new Blue Lodge Brethren to keep a Council from merging with another Council or surrender of their charter. Councils members need to keep a petition with them Brother wherever they go and talk to Brother about finishing his York Rite journey for more Masonic Light. If there is a Grand Officer and/or an appointed Grand Officer within your Council, then contact the Blue Lodges within your Council area to promote a York Rite open meeting night where a topic of York Rite could be presented. The Grand Officer and/or appointed Officer could request permission to wear the Council apron and jewel to present the Council colors and information. Companions do keep your heads up and keep promoting the Council to the Blue Lodge Brothers for all it just takes one to catch FIRE and wonderful activity will begin to happen in your Council. It has been our pleasure to work for you on this Committee. Fraternally, Wm. Keith Powell, DGM, Chairman Al Simms David McCoy Eddie LeBoeuf III Lucas Guy Don Bell Charles R. Smith Darin West Brad Williams Dale Johnson

Time and Place Committee

M: E: John Vines II and M: I: G: M: Robert Laurents, Grand Officers, Past Grand Officers, and Companions/Sir Knights All: Your Chapter/Council Committee on Time and Place has selected the site for the year 2018 grand session to be held in the City of Alexandria, LA at the Best Western Inn, Suites and Convention Center on Thursday, March 1, Friday March 2, Saturday March 3, and Sunday March 4. The headquarters hotel and session will be held at the Best Western Inn, Suites and Convention Center, 2720 N MacArthur Dr., Alexandria, LA. The telephone number is (318) 445-5530. It has been our pleasure to serve the Grand Chapter/Grand Council and Companions on this committee. Fraternally, Grand Chapter Grand Council Tim Riley, Jr. GK, PIGM Wm. Keith Powell, Sr., DGM, REPGC Chairman Chairman Wm. Keith Powell, DGM Tim Riley, Jr., PIGM Ion Lazar, VEDGC Samuel B. Owens, GG, PIM

Grand Council Chapter Masonic Foundation of Louisiana 44rd Annual Report

January 1, 2017 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 see more of the Chapters and Councils make an Annual donation to support worthy cause so that we could increase the value of our scholarships. Currently, this year our nursing scholarships were $750.00 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, 2016 M.M. Act. $ 87,258.04

(Balance reported last year) Disbursements (4 Scholarship of 750.00) $ 3,000.00 (Secretary of State Fee) 10.00 Receipt received $ 675.00 Breakdown (Did not equal Scholarship) Grand Session $ 525.40 Richard James (Monroe) 100.00 Other 50.00 Total Donations $ 675.00 TOTAL 12/31/16 M.M. $ 93,944.14 NOTE: The actual gain was $ 6,686.10 (taking into account the withdraws and deposits) 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. Clyde Strout PIM Sec. / Treas. merits Larry Plaisance PIGM SE Chairman W. A. Morris, Central Joseph Patterson NW Keith Powell, SW Bill Blake NE

Grand Chapter / Council of Louisiana 2016-17

Publication Committee Report 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 204 members of this Facebook group and it is growing with every York Rite Festival class and every York Rite event. Most of our Grand York Rite photos from 2015 and 2016 are posted on this site. Much York Rite information and many publications are also shared at this page. Many thanks again this year to Companion Carroll for his contributions to our Facebook presence. Respectfully Submitted,

Richard L. James, PGHP, Chairman, Grand Chapter Publication Committee Steven Pence Michael Watts, GS Richard L. James, PIM, Chairman, Grand Council Publication Committee Timothy J. Riley, Sr., PIGM, GR Emeritus Charles Bordelon

DATES Beginning & Ending Year Totals

END OF MONTH TOTAL

NUMBER OF CHECKS ISSUIED

NUMBER OF DONATIONS RECEIVED

GAIN OR LOST

TOTAL GAIN FOR

YEAR1/1/2016 87,258.04

1/31/2016 86,666.81 (591.23) (591.23)2/29/2016 86,433.49 (233.32) (824.55)3/31/2016 89,073.52 50.00 2,640.03 1,815.484/30/2016 91,385.53 525.00 2,312.01 4,127.495/31/2016 91,987.48 100.00 601.95 4,729.446/30/2016 92,407.81 420.33 5,149.777/31/2016 93,230.12 2ck 750.00 & 10.00 822.31 5,972.088/31/2016 92,199.56 3 ck $2250.00 (1,030.56) 4,941.529/30/2016 92,825.71 626.15 5,567.67

10/31/2016 93,149.85 324.14 5,891.8111/30/2016 92,640.46 (509.39) 5,382.4212/31/2016 93,944.14 1,303.68 6,686.10

deposits 675.00withdrawals (3,010.00)

Grand Council/Chapter Masonic Foundation of Louisiana 01/01/2016 - 12/31/2016

YORK RITE

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 2016 as pertaining to York Rite Perpetual Membership in this Grand Jurisdiction:

Most Illustrious Sir, on December 31, 2016, we completed twenty one 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, 2016, that account is valued at $253,392.72.

The investment firm for York Rite Perpetual Membership has done a marvelous job in protecting our investments, especially considering the sluggish national economy prior to the nation election in November 2016. In summary, it has been a reasonably good year for Perpetual Membership investments. 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 Vernon R. Atkinson, P.I.G.M. and Timothy J. Riley, Sr., P.I.G.M., have performed magnificently. Each of the committee members go those many “extra miles” to effect 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

Chapter/Council Long Range Planning

M: I: G: M: W. Robert Laurents, M: E: John Vines II, Grand Officers, Past Grand, Companions All: This committee has been working together for three years looking at all three Bodies workings, attempting to bring unity that will keep us functioning in a better mode of business. We started by looking into getting a site to host the grand session of all three Bodies and working out a schedule of business and daily events. The committee began with the ExOfficio Officers of each Body and the elected grand line officers to begin looking into the future plans of direction by bringing everyone together to brainstorm. Now, the committee has been successful by bringing appointed line officers, District Deputies, District Grand Lectures, Administrative Aides, Aide de Camp, and Companions/Sir Knights. The committee had agreed that it was in the best interest to have the meetings open for all to hear the discussions and take ideas from the floor. Those that have attended these quarterly meetings that are held on the same dates as Grand Lodge’s quarterly meetings since the 52 weekends are either holidays or other Masonic meetings that have been set from the past. The minutes from these quarterly meeting are sent to the Grand Secretary/Recorder of Grand Chapter/Council and Grand Recorder of Grand Commandery to keep in archives and send out to all three Bodies appointed and elected line officers to keep informed of committee agenda. Also, before each quarterly meeting an email is sent to the ExOfficio officers of the three Bodies to get approval to hold the meeting. The committee does have Past Grand Officers that used as an Advisory Board. This year the Junior Elected Officers have asked for information to help them prepare for their future head of their respective Body and have been given knowledge of their Bodies’ officer duties or requirements need to perform their duty as an elected office. The Junior Officers do not want to be heard saying, “what do I do now and/or no one told me I had to do that.” The July 16th meeting the committee went over the budget of both Grand Chapter and Grand Council to see what could be taken out of budget because each Body had a resolution being brought to the Companions asking to change the per capita to $10 for each Companion along with an $2 increase in per capita for five (5) years. The

committee felt that showing each budget having line items removed to show fiscal responsibility would help an and understanding why asking for increase in per capita. The committee brought to the Junior Officers should know about the finances of each Body they need to be on the Finance Committee of each Body. The committee agreed that the October quarterly meeting should be when the Past and current elected Grand Line Officers meet to discuss who to propose/recommend for the bottom of each grand line vacant by other officers moving up in line. Also, the Past and current elected Grand Line Officers are to meet at the site of the South Central Conference to discuss names for proposals for the bottom of each Bodies line. This committee should be looking for future leaders of all three Bodies. Those future leaders should have attended the Leadership Program. The committee should provide names to the ExOfficio Officers so as those names to be sent to the Leadership Program contact person or staff. As the Junior Officers move up the elected grand line to become the ExOfficio Officer of their respective Body, it becomes the duty of those Junior Officers left to keep this committee to keep moving forward and keeping meeting quarterly. The committee wishes to thank you all for allowing us to help the Companions/Sir Knights to have the best grand business session that can be had. Chapter Council Grand Commandery Tim Riley, Jr., GK Wm. Keith Powell, Sr.DGM Ion Lazar, VEDGC Chairman Chairman Chairman Michael Watts, GS Eugene Dawson, PCW Sam Owens, GG Tony Radosti, GCH Michael Laurence, GCG Keith Gates, GCG Rory Bozeman, GSW Charles Bertrand, GJW

2016 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 Robert Laurents for a successful year, and thanks him for the privilege of serving on this committee. Respectfully submitted Chairman Andrew H. Stevenson, Sr. ,PIM John L. Belanger, PIGM Bowdrie McDowell, PIGM Robert E. Durham, Jr., PMIGM of Indiana

By-Laws Committee

January 16, 2017 To the Most Illustrious Grand Master and the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana, We your Committee on the By-Laws would like to report that with the understand that there are no By-Laws for the Grand Council we believe that the Grand Master was referring to the Constitution and General Regulations of the Grand Council that were adopted and printed in March of 1993. The only change to the Constitution that can be found was the addition of the Office of Grand Lecture at the Assembly held in 1995. But there is no definition of a “Permanent Member” as stated in Section 2 of the General Regulations. It has been the practice, as far as we know of that Past Grand Masters and Past Illustrious Master are considered Permanent Members. We believe that a Permanent Member definition should be established. The General Regulations have been amended several times since 1993 with the removal of some of them and they need to be numbered. Your Committee would recommend that all the changes be incorporated, published and adopted at our Assembly in March of 2018. We appreciate your trust in our work and hope that we can continue to be of help. Tim Riley, PIGM, GR Emer., Chairman W. James Hill, III Howard F. Entwistle, Jr. PIGM

Work and Education Committee 2017 Grand Session

To the Most Excellent, Grand High Priest John Vines, Most Illustrious Grand Master Robert Laurents, Grand Officers and Companions of the Grand Chapter Of Royal Arch Masons and the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana. This Committee is the same in both Grand Bodies, except for some difference in members, so we will make one reading for both, if it pleases the bodies. The Chapter, Council and Commandery has jointly participated in the Annual York Rite Workshop that had been scheduled for the third Saturday in January each year. This Annual York Rite Workshop is still going strong. Since there has become a need for better leaders we are now meeting each quarter, for a York Rite Workshop. During the past workshop the incoming Grand Officers gave details of their plans for the direction of York Rite in Louisiana for the next few years. It has been determined that we need better leaders so a program called the Emerging Leaders Program has been developed and was given at the South Central Conference this past September which was held in Alexandria. We are requiring all line Grand officers to attend to give them information that will make them all better leaders. All York Rite members are always encouraged to attend. Carl Jackson taught the Emerging Leaders Program 201 at the South Central Conference and also at the Annual York Rite Workshop this Past January. By growing better leaders in Masonry we will help to provide better leaders for our communities. We hope to continue to impose on our own Past Grand High Priest Carl Jackson in his education programs for all the Masonic bodies. There are efforts in virtually every Chapter and Council to ensure that the new members coming in obtain the information they need in order to fill open Chairs. There has been educational work regarding esoteric lectures and explanations to the Degree material and historical background, however, further work still remains to be done. We are seeing some local Chapters and Councils conferring their own degrees instead of using festivals. The Education Committee, the Grand High Priest and Illustrious Grand Master will give assistance with any York Rite Body that needs help with their Education needs. We, your committee on Work and Education thank you very much for the opportunity to serve this Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana. Fraternally submitted: Grand Chapter Committee Grand Council Committee John Belanger, PGHP Chairman Michael Laurence, PIM Chairman Michael Laurence PGHP W. A. Morris, PIGM, Chairman, Emeritus W. A. Morris PGC Ion Lazar, PIM V. Eugene Dawson Timothy J. Riley, Jr. PIGM Eddie Leboeuf, III Michael Carpenter, PIM Carl Jackson PGHP Darin West, PIM

Jan - Dec 16

Budget

Jan - Dec 17

Ordinary Income/Expense

Income

Direct Public Support

Rituals 300.00

240.00

300.00

Direct Public Support - Other 0.00

720.00

0.00

Total Direct Public Support 300.00

960.00

300.00

Membership Income

Affiliations 140.00

14.00

100.00

Degree Fees 480.00

500.00

500.00

Membership Dues 13,634.26

14,000.00

13,000.00

Perpetual Fund 4,270.36

6.30

0.00

Total Membership Income 18,524.62

14,520.30

13,600.00

OST Regalia

Degrees Conferred 500.00

450.00

400.00

Jewels 50.00

30.00

0.00

Total OST Regalia 550.00

480.00

400.00

Other Types of Income

Unrealized Gains or Losses 0.00

0.00

0.00

Total Other Types of Income 0.00

0.00

0.00

Uncategorized Income 0.00

60.00

0.00

Total Income 19,374.62

16,020.30

14,300.00

Gross Profit

19,374.62

16,020.30

14,300.00

Expense

Annual Assembly

Arrangements 3,250.00

3,250.00

3,120.00

Name Badges 0.00

441.45

66.00

Outgoing IGM Gift 0.00

100.00

100.00

Proceedings 0.00

-76.54

120.00

Total Annual Assembly 3,250.00

3,714.91

3,406.00

Donations Given

CMMRF -100.00

450.00

550.00

Council/Chapter Fund -100.00

450.00

550.00

Mildred Norman 504.00

504.00

504.00

Donations Given - Other 0.00

0.00

0.00

Total Donations Given 304.00

1,404.00

1,604.00

Dues & Per Capita

General Grand 3,096.00

1,611.00

3,120.00

South Central Region 0.00

50.00

50.00

Total Dues & Per Capita 3,096.00

1,661.00

3,170.00

Office Expense

Electricity 100.47

372.64

0.00

Office R & R 167.56

0.00

Postage, Mailing Service

Equipment Lease 329.49

138.67

330.00

Postage, Mailing Service - Other 563.20

240.00

600.00

Total Postage, Mailing Service 892.69

378.67

930.00

Rent 2,100.00

2,100.00

2,100.00

Software 0.00

144.00

300.00

Supplies 557.82

400.80

400.00

Telephone & Internet 242.37

1,296.00

0.00

Total Office Expense 4,060.91

4,692.11

3,730.00

Other Expenses

Bank Charges 55.89

0.00

Foreign Correspondence Chai 0.00

250.00

250.00

Web Page

100.00

Total Other Expenses 55.89

250.00

350.00

Payroll Expenses

FUTA 12.00

18.00

12.00

Grand Recorder 2,000.04

2,000.04

2,000.04

Medicare 29.00

43.50

29.00

Office Help 0.00

999.96

0.00

Social Security 124.00

186.00

124.00

SUTA 2.00

3.00

2.00

Payroll Expenses - Other 246.50

0.00

Total Payroll Expenses 2,413.54

3,250.50

2,167.04

Purchases

Order of the Silver Trowel

Incoming IGM Apron 457.45

307.49

460.00

Incoming IGM Case 0.00

130.50

140.00

Jewels 0.00

200.00

WEB Page -100.00

100.00

100.00

Total Order of the Silver Trowel 357.45

537.99

900.00

Total Purchases 357.45

537.99

900.00

Reconciliation Discrepancies 0.00

-0.01

0.00

Travel

Grand Illustrious Master 1,500.00

1,500.00

1,500.00

Triennial -600.00

300.00

900.00

Grand Recorder 0.00

117.58

250.00

Total Travel 900.00

1,917.58

2,650.00

U1 Tax

LA Workforce Commission 11.20

Total U1 Tax 11.20

Uncategorized Expenses 0.00

0.00

0.00

Total Expense 14,448.99

17,428.08

17,977.04

Net Ordinary Income 4,925.63

-1,407.78

0.00

Net Income

4,925.63

-1,407.78

0.00

Credentials and Registration Committee Report

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

We, your Committee on Credentials and Registration, wish to submit our report on attendance for the Annual Assembly of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana.

3/4/2017

Grand Officers Present:

13 Past Ill. Grand Mastes Present: 16 Out-of-state Visitors present: 28 Dist. Dep. Ill. Grand Masterst Present: 0 Dist. Dep. Ill. Grand Lectures Prese 5 Councils Represented: 20 Councils Not Represented: 0 Illustrious Masters Present: 9 Ballots Issued 134 Member’s Present: 100

Chairman: Dale Johnson

81

Proceedings of the Order of the Silver Trowel of the State of Louisiana 2016-17

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.

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Illustrious Masters Year Name City

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 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

Year Name City 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 2016 John E. Belanger Franklin

* Deceased

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The Order of the Silver Trowel of Louisiana Minutes

The 67th Annual Assembly of the Order of the Silver Trowel of Louisiana was opened at 5:36 PM in Alexandria, Louisiana, on March 3, 2017 by the Illustrious Master, Companion John Belanger The following Officers were present:

John Belanger ............................................. Illustrious Master Donald Sonnier ............................................... Senior Warden Michael Lawrence............................... Junior Warden (Acting) Gerald H. Houston ................................................... Treasurer Ed L. Horton, Jr. ...................................................... Recorder Michael Watts ............................................................ Steward Keith Powell .................................................. Sentinel (Acting)

The Assembly was opened with prayer. Eight petitions were read by the Recorder, referred to ballot and elected to receive the Order of The Silver Trowel, which was conferred on the following candidates by Timothy J. Riley, Jr. as King David, Donald Sonnier as Senior Warden, Michael Lawrence as Junior Warden, and W. Keith Powell Stewart (Beniah)

Name .................................................................................... Council Levi Chad Koelling ........................................................... Summit 12 Tom Boggan ..................................................................Calcasieu 19 William “Jim” Hill, III ..................................................... Shreveport 23 Terence D. Macon .......................................................... Istrouma 33 Kenneth K. Bell, Jr. ....................................................... Sts. John 41 Doyle Waddle .................................................................. Winfield 43 Craig R. Caskey .............................................................. Winfield 43 Steve E. Hester ............................................................ Red River 52

Minutes

A motion was made and duly seconded that the minutes of the 66th Annual Assembly as printed in the proceedings be adopted as the official minutes of the Order of the Silver Trowel of Louisiana. The motion was seconded and passed.

Old Business

Motion were made by Gene Dawson, duly seconded by John Sharlow, and passed that the Order purchase the incoming Illustrious Grand Master’s apron and case, that we pay $100 for the Grand Council Website again, and to send $100 to the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation and the Council Chapter Foundation.

New Business

The Recorder was ordered by IM Don Sonnier to order 12 Degree Books so that the officers could study and learn their positions for a better conferral of the next degree. IC John Belanger spoke about conferring the Order of the Silver Trowel degree 2 other times throughout the year, one in

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Shreveport and the other in Baton Rouge, to help increase the excitement of the degree for those, who perhaps, are unable to attend the Grand Sessions. All of the officers reacted positively to this idea.

Honorary Membership

A motion was made, duly seconded and passed that all visitors who were not honorary members of this body be so made.

Election of Officers

The next order of business was the election of Officers. A motion was made by Gene Dawson to advance all officers by 1 position, except the Recorder & Treasurer and they be maintained was made, seconded by Jim Hill and passed unanimously. Then IC John Belanger arose and moved that Carle Jackson be elected to the position of Sentinel. It was seconded by several Companions and passed. The following officers were elected to serve for 2017.

Donald Sonnier ............................................ Illustrious Master Oma Frank Lee. ............................................. Senior Warden Michael Watts .................................................. Junior Warden Gerald H. Houston ................................................... Treasurer Ed L. Horton, Jr. ...................................................... Recorder Michael Lawrence...................................................... Steward Carle L. Jackson. ....................................................... Sentinel

The Officers were duly installed and since there was no further business, the Illustrious Master closed the Order of the Silver Trowel, following prayer, at 6:35 PM. Attested: Ed L. Horton, Jr. Recorder Approved: Vernon “Gene” Dawson, Jr., Illustrious Master

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Order of the Silver Trowel of Louisiana Membership Roster 1959 Frederick C. Jung, Jr. 1959 George A. Haydel 1961 Charles G. Clauss, Jr. 1961 Clifford A. Bradley 1962 Harold H. Young 1964 W. A. Morris 1966 Joseph A. D. Loftin 1967 Joe W. Moore 1967 Nicholas G. Koutroulis 1971 Edward . Burt 1971 Merit S. Pilcher, IV 1971 Troy B. Corkern 1972 Melvin G. Russell 1973 Hansel A. Nugent 1973 Woodruff W. Box, Jr. 1975 Bowdre . McDowell 1975 Jack A. Bankston 1976 Marvin A. Davis 1976 Raymond E. Powell 1976 Warren R. Hicks, Sr. 1978 Ernest R. Roll 1978 Louis W. Smith 1978 Oma F. Lee 1978 Richard L. James 1978 Stuart M. Pearson 1979 Earl D. Wright 1979 Frank L. Messinger, III 1979 Freddie . Altman 1980 Billy B. West 1980 Charles S. G. Boone 1980 Finly S. Stanly 1980 Homer R. Moseley 1980 John L. Belanger 1981 Jack L. Foil 1981 James G. Moore 1981 Larry P. Rice, Jr. 1981 Terry F. Tranchina 1981 Thomas L. Alfano 1982 Ray L. Durbin 1982 Raymond E. Cantrell 1983 Earl J. Durand 1983 Jack . Crouch 1983 James C. Ward 1983 Morris C. Jernigan 1983 Otis R. Free 1984 Blaise W. Smith 1984 Thomas E. Harper 1984 Walter R. Freeman 1984 William R. Laurents 1985 Archie M. Husser 1985 Basil J. Endsley 1985 Clyde . Strout 1985 Dale F. Johnson 1985 Earl R. Angelo, Jr. 1985 Harles I. Creech 1985 Herman B. Wilson 1985 James H. de Cordova 1986 Archie A. Cline, Jr. 1986 Bobby R. Edens 1986 Gilbert H. Morrison, Jr. 1986 Harold E. Elliott 1986 James D. Parker 1986 Joseph W. Sargent 1986 Leslie F. Tanner, Jr. 1986 Randolph . Coffman 1987 Allen G. Tidwell 1987 Emanuel B. Geiger 1987 James C. Stuart 1987 James H. Cogswell 1987 Lloyd A. Hebert 1987 Rev. G. Larry Maxwell, Sr. 1987 Roy B. Tuck, Jr. 1988 Alton C. Reeves 1988 Bill F. Cable

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1988 Howard F. Entwistle, Jr. 1988 John H. Martin 1988 Norman D. Sims 1989 Harold F. Carlisle 1989 James W. Sutton 1990 Andrew J. Helffrich 1990 Carlton H. Conaway, Jr. 1990 Edward W. Brabham, Jr. 1990 James B. Tuck 1990 John . Juneau 1990 Louis J. Caruso 1991 Blane M. Sutton 1991 E. Dwight Jeffries 1991 Elbert B. Clower 1991 James W. Porter 1991 Lillard E. Payne 1991 Timothy W. Tuck 1992 Donald E. Park 1992 Earle S. Ingram 1992 Edgar J. George 1992 Jackie L. Smith 1992 Micheal F. Harrelson 1992 Richard B. Smith 1992 Stephen C. Eyre 1992 Thomas P. Brown 1993 Charles H. Penn, III 1993 Curtis P. Moore 1993 Theodore R. Arthur 1993 Thomas P. Knight 1994 Charles G. Callahan 1994 Charles L. McCarty 1994 E. M. Brown 1994 John W. Walker 1994 Larry J. Plaisance 1994 Rev. Gary L. Van Horn 1994 Richard J. Trahan 1994 Robert V. Roberts, III 1995 Darrell G. Durand 1995 David C. Hall 1995 Lem C. Jones 1995 Roy E. McGraw, Jr. 1996 Herschel . Guillott 1996 Homer V. Bailes 1996 Wayne J. Trouard 1997 Clarence L. Callihan 1997 Clayton A. Wolfe 1997 Larry B. Ledbetter 1997 Leonard J. Hinds 1997 Roy C. Bagwell 1997 Timothy J. Riley, Sr. 1997 Verne E. Cox 1997 Waldemar D. Stopkey 1998 John M. Dark 1998 John T. Ed Smith 1998 Joseph H. Baker, Jr. 1998 Michael L. Laurence 1998 Norman M. Currier 1999 Beverly J. Guillot 1999 Billy R. Foley 1999 Charles A. Songe 1999 Frank N. Du Treil 1999 George H. Jones, Jr. 1999 George L. Mitchell 1999 Issac E. Broussard 1999 Jack E. Giles 1999 Jay S. Hambacher 1999 Percy W. Lee 1999 Stephan M. Selby 1999 Timothy J. Riley, Jr 2000 Clayton A. Wolfe, Jr. 2000 Franklin D. Bianchini, Sr. 2000 Murvin L. Mott 2000 Vincent J. Ogrinc 2001 Carle L. Jackson 2001 Elmer W. Guimbellot, Sr. 2001 George W. Barker 2001 Harold E. Hodges 2001 James Robert Tomlinson 2001 Larry J. Vincent 2001 Randall F. Barron 2001 Robert E. Bazzell 2002 Carey P. Kimball 2002 Charles R. Smith 2002 Dale L. Spires

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2002 David Morris Andrews 2002 Edward A. Reine 2002 James R. Vice 2002 John T. Lee 2002 Jules Hillard Tucker 2002 Thomas P. Dickson 2002 William E. Wallace 2003 Alfred L. Pedneau, Jr. 2003 Donald J. Sonnier 2003 Gilbert H. Morrison, III 2003 James H. Diggs, Jr. 2003 Patton D. McHenry, Jr. 2003 Rufus E. Wilson 2003 Salvador . Catalano, Sr. 2003 Vernon R. Atkinson 2004 David Glen Hunt 2004 Gerard J. Burg, Jr. 2004 William J. Mollere 2006 Ion . Lazar 2006 Kenneth F. Streater, Jr. 2006 Paul S. Abbott, Jr. 2006 Richard L. Fox 2006 Sidney W. Felps 2006 William R. Richards 2007 Gerald H. Houston 2007 John T. Dark 2007 Jules "Jeff" F. Webb 2007 Leon T. Roberts, Sr. 2007 William B. Powell 2007 Wilson Otho Cook 2008 Alva Lincoln Holton 2008 Cecil Paul Dufrene 2008 Fred M. Sullivan 2008 Jerry Wayne Wicker 2008 Kim . Smith 2008 Michael Jay Huff 2008 Tommy Clayton Dyson 2008 Vernon E. Dawson, Jr. 2008 William Jennings Cleveland 2009 Andrew H. Stevenson 2009 Daniel F. Thomas 2009 Harvey W. Goodwin 2009 Henry George Scanlan, Jr. 2009 James R. Corry, Jr. 2009 Richard . Chargois 2009 Willis Winton John Couch, 2010 Anthony Nicholas Auck 2010 Elbert A. Kelly 2010 James David Marze 2010 Kimball Donald Bonner 2010 Richard J. Shaw 2010 Robert Caley Joyner 2010 Troy D. Liner 2011 Robert W. Howard 2011 W. Bryan Price 2011 Edward A. Reine, Jr. 2011 Freddie J. Touchet 2011 John E. Vines, II 2012 Rory A. Bozeman 2012 Darryl C. Brown 2012 Conrad C. Gauthier 2012 Wm. David McCoy 2012 John T. Dark 2012 Adib Shahla 2013 Edwin L. Horton, Jr. 2017 Levi Chad Koelling 2017 Tom Boggan 2017 Steve E. Hester 2017 William “Jim” Hill, III 2017 Terence D. Macon 2017 Kenneth K. Bell, Jr 2017 Doyal Waddle 2017 Craig R. Caskey