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The York Rite of Freemasonry Of South Carolina

Annual Proceedings

Two Hundred Eighth Annual Convocation of

The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina Organized April 20, 1811

One Hundred Fifty Ninth Annual Assembly of

The Grand Council of Royal and Select Master of South Carolina

Organized February 15, 1860

One Hundred Twelfth Annual Conclave of

The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina

Organized January 19, 1826

March 10 - 12, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton

Myrtle Beach SC

Our Mission

The Mission of the South Carolina Grand York Rite is to support The Grand Lodge AFM of South Carolina, to adapt and develop leadership and education; Inspire charity, fellowship and

quality of the craft.

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AGENDA Sunday March 10, 2019

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Sign in; (Preliminary Conference Center 2nd Level Reports Available) Carolina Pre-function area 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Chapter Education Session Osprey Conference Room 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Council Education Session Live Oak 1st Floor 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Commandery Education Session 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Annual Banquet (Pre-registration required) Conference Center 1st Level Atlantic Ballroom

Monday March 11, 2019 NOTE: All times are approximate and if time allotted is not totally used the next Grand Body Session may start earlier. 7:30 AM – 8:15 AM Breakfast Buffet (included with Room) Hotel Restaurant 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Sign in; (Preliminary Conference Center 2nd Level Reports Available) Carolina Pre-function area 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM KT Religious Service Conference Center 2nd Level Carolina Ballroom 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM Grand Chapter Opens Conference Center 2nd Level Joint Sessions & Introductions Carolina Ballroom of Distinguished Guest 10:15 AM – 12:00 PM Grand Chapter Opens continues 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM Lunch (Pre-registration required) Conference Center 1st Level Atlantic Ballroom 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Grand Council Opens Conference Center 2nd Level Carolina Ballroom 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Grand Commandery Opens Conference Center 2nd Level Carolina Ballroom 4:45 PM Life Membership Committee Osprey Conference Room Live Oak 1st Floor 5:30 PM Todd Fund Directors meeting Osprey Conference Room Live Oak 1st Floor

Tuesday March 13, 2019

7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast Buffet (included with Room) Hotel Restaurant 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Joint Public Installation Conference Center 2nd Level Carolina Ballroom

Pictures and Officer meetings immediately following Installation

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Joint Session The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina will be opened in ample form; The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of South Carolina and The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina will be declared open for reception of Distinguished Guest and Joint Committee Reports.

Distinguished Guests – Out of State Alabama

SK Thomas H Nesbitt, RE Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Alabama; Past Illustrious Grand Master; Past Grand High Priest of Alabama SK James C McGee, Southeastern Department Commander of the Grand Encampment Knights Templar, USA

Florida ME Harry V Eisenberg, Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Florida RP Larry Gillispie, Right Puissant Southeastern Regional Deputy Grand Illustrious Master General Grand Council Royal and Select Masters International.

Georgia RI James Bard, Right Illustrious Grand Captain of the Guard of the Council, Grand Council of Georgia MI Larry C Bennett, Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Georgia SK Carl J Gamel, Eminent Grand Captain General of the Grand Commandery of Georgia SK Mark Johnson, Eminent Grand Generalissimo of the Grand Commandery of Georgia SK Steve Kirk, RE Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Georgia

Indiana MI Gary G Wyne, Executive Secretary Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation; Past Most Illustrious Grand Master, Right Eminent Grand Master General Knights York Cross of Honor.

Montana SK Jeffrey A Bolstad, Right Eminent Grand Captain General Grand Encampment of Knights Templar represent Jeffrey N Nelson Most Eminent Grand Master Grand Encampment of Knights Templar

North Carolina MI Russell Bridges, Past Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Council of North Carolina; General Grand Captain or the Guard General Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters International; Very Eminent Grand Steward Grand Council Knight Masons, USA MI J. David Cashion, Past Most Illustrious Grand Master, Grand Council of North Carolina and Right Eminent Grand Scribe Grand Council Knight Masons, USA ME Derek Cheek, Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of North Carolina MI Billy W Canupp Jr, Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of North Carolina RE David C Ladd, Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of North Carolina

New Mexico RP Stephen A Balke, Grand Recorder General Grand Council Royal and Select Masters International representing Most Puissant David Grindle General Grand Master General Grand Council Royal and Select Masters International

Ohio RI Thomas Logan, Grand Aide to Most Illustrious Grand Master of Ohio; Grand Chaplin Grand Council of Ohio; Grand Representative of the Grand Council of South Carolina near the Grand Council of Ohio

Tennessee RI Bobby C Blankenship Jr, Illustrious Grand Master’s Personal Representative Grand Council of Tennessee MI David Lacy, Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Tennessee

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Virginia RE James H Pate, Grand Marshall of the Grand Chapter of Virginia ME&MI Floyd “Byron” Goodwin, Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Virginia; Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Virginia

Distinguished Masonic Leaders in South Carolina Allied Masonic Degrees

Comp. Grenfell Leonard Grand Superintendent of work in South Carolina MI Doug Knauer Right Venerable Grand Director of Ceremonies, AMD USA

SC College Societas Rosicruciana Civitatibus Foederatis ME G Kent Elkins, Chief Adept South Carolina Societas Rosicruciana Civitatibus Foederatis

General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International ME Robert J Bean Sr, Right Excellent Ambassador and Eastern Region Coordinator RARA, representing James H Hodge, General Grand High Priest, General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International

Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest ME Dana P Rickards, Most Excellent President Grand Council Order of High Priesthood Very Eminent Preceptor Cana Tabernacle

Knight York Cross of Honor ME Michael E Copeland, Eminent Prior Palmetto Priory No 54 in SC; Grand Governor SC York Rite Colleges

Knight Crusaders of the Cross RE Richard W Sealy, Knight Crusader of the East

Red Cross of Constantine ME Lloyd F Christopher, Intendent General, Red Cross of Constantine in SC

The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge AFM of South Carolina

RW Stephen Hiott, District Deputy Grand Master 1st District RW Larry Nicodin, District Deputy Grand Master 2nd District RW Larry Jackson, District Deputy Grand Master 6th District RW Robert J F Elsner, District Deputy Grand Master 11th District RW Bobby Joe Albert, District Deputy Grand Master 23rd District RW Joseph T Kelly Sr, District Deputy Grand Master 26th District MW Jay Adam Pearson, Past Grand Master MW David DeChant, Past Grand Master MW G Kent Elkins, Past Grand Master MW D Sam Tennyson, Past Grand Master RW Rev. Dr. A Robert Nix, Grand Chaplain MW Gerald L Carver, Grand Secretary and Past Grand Master MW Jack A. Marler, Grand Treasurer and Past Grand Master RW Steven D Hames, Junior Grand Warden RW OB Smith, Senior Grand Warden RW Walter Cal Disher, Deputy Grand Master MW & Illustrious Michael D Smith, Grand Master of Masons in South Carolina & Sovereign Grand Inspector General of SC Ancient & Accepted Scottish

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MEMORIUM

Glenn R Watts Right Eminent Grand Commander

1984 - 1985 Glenn R. Watts is the son of Richard A. Watts and Queen Baker Watts, both of whom are deceased. He was born on July 1, 1929 and died October 5, 2018 in Lancaster County, South Carolina. His wife is the former Peggy Rowell Watts of Lancaster. They have two sons, Richard and Philip, deceased. Glenn had 4 grandchildren. Glenn was a member of Tabernacle United Methodist Church, where he served as co-teacher of an adult bible class, and as Lay Leader.

Glenn was educated in the Lancaster County public schools. He was in the life insurance business.

Glenn was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Wannamaker Lodge No. 329 at Tradesville, S.C. on July 16, 1955. He served that lodge as Worshipful Master in 1959. In 1969 he was appointed and served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 24th Masonic District.

He was a Past High Priest of Keystone Chapter No. 19, Royal Arch Masons, Past Illustrious Master of Witherspoon Council No. 33, and Past Commander of Lancaster Commandery No. 19, Knights Templar. He also served as District Deputy (5th District) to the Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of South Carolina.

Glenn was a member of the Grand Convention of Anointed High Priests of South Carolina; Palmetto Priory No. 54, Knights of the York Cross of Honor; Thrice Illustrious Masters Council of South Carolina; South Carolina Council No. 20, Knight Masons; Palmetto York Rite College No. 70; Cana Tabernacle No. 49, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests; and Lancaster Council No. 146, Allied Masonic Degrees.

He served the Grand Commandery of SC as the Right Eminent Grand Commander in 1984-1985.

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MEMORIUM Sam McJunkin

M. E. GRAND HIGH PRIEST 1987-1988

Sam D. McJunkin was born in Seneca, Oconee, S.C. on December 28, 1929, the son of the late J.C. and Maybell Dyar McJunkin. After graduating from Seneca High School in 1950, he was employed by Wunda Weave Carpets, Greenville, S.C., where he worked for 44 years. 32 in management). He retired June 30, 1994.

Sam joined the South Carolina Guard in October of 1947 and served with the 1st Brigade Headquarters of 108th Training Division, Charlotte, N.C. as Food Service Supervisor. He completed Mess management and Food Service Schools in Fort Lee, Va. Finished the Emergency Preparedness School in Emmitsburg, Maryland in 1987. Joined the Emergency Staff in Oconee County as Shelter Manager in 1985. Retired with the rank of Sergeant Major in December 1989. During this tenure he received several service awards. He served a second three-year term as a member of the Emergency Preparedness Commission, Seneca District of Oconee County. He was also a member of the American Legion.

Sam is married to the former Jewel. He is a faithful member of Corinth Baptist Church, Seneca, having united with this church in 1951. He is past chairman of the Deacons, former music director, Sunday school teacher of youth and adult classes, and served on the Trustee Board. He served on the building committee for the social hall and educational building.

Sam was actively involved in the Credit Union since 1969. He served on the credit committee until elected as chairman of the Board for Wunda Weave FCU in 1974, which he continued in until this CU merged with SC Telco July 1991. Since the merger, he served as a Board Member of SC Telco and secretary of the Board of Directors.

He was raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on January 5, 1952 in Courtenay Lodge No 249 A.F.M. in Newry, S.C., served as Junior Deacon in 1953, Senior Warden 1954-1955, Master in 1956, 1962, 1963, and 1964 and as Secretary 1965. He was exalted to the Degree of Royal Arch Mason in Living Arch Chapter #21 Clemson and the Living Arch Council #32 in Clemson in the Spring of 1952 and continued to the Anderson Commandery #11, Anderson in the Fall of 1952. He was a member of Hejaz Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Noble of the Mystic Shrine, Greenville, S.C.

Sam was a charter member of S. Maner Martin Commandery #17 Clemson as of March 5, 1956. He served as High Priest of Royal Arch Chapter #21, Clemson; Illustrious Master of Living Arch Council #32, Clemson; and Commander of S. Maner Martin Commandery #17, Clemson. In March of 1956 he received the Order of High Priest and in March of 1967 he received the Order of Thrice Illustrious Master, and in November of 1967 he received the Order of the Super Excellent Master, Council #5.

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On November 9, 1967 he joined the Knights Templar Eye Foundation and in 1969 received the Order of Knights York Cross of Honor.

He was a member of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Bodies of Greenville; Knight Masons of S.C. Council #20; Joel R. Poinsett Allied Masons; Piedmont York College #84.

Sam served as District Deputy Illustrious Grand Master, Third District in 1974, Grand Marshall of the Grand Council of South Carolina in 1976, Grand Standard Bearer of the Grand Commandery in 1977, Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Commandery in 1978, and District Deputy Grand High Priest of the 3rd District in 1991. He is Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of S.C. to the Grand Chapter of Rhode Island.

He was a member and served as Worthy Patron of Courtenay Chapter #184, Order of Eastern Star.

He was elected Grand Scribe in March 1994, Grand King in March 1995, Deputy Grand High Priest in 1996 and on March 11, 1997 elected as Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina.

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MEMORIUM Norman Haskell Brabham

Right Eminent Grand Commander 2004 - 2005

Norman Haskell Brabham was born June 5, 1934 the older child of Norman and Carolyn Brabham. He lived his entire in the Columbia area. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951. After basic training h in San Diego CA he completed class A engineman school and later advanced to C diesel school. He was then assigned to the USS LSM 58 for two and one-half years.

During his time the Korean War was being fought while in Korean waters his ship rescued hundreds of North Koreans fleeing communism one downed aircraft pilot and ferried troops and supplies up and down the Korean coast. During this time, he received the National Defense Medal, the United Nations Defense Medal, The Korean Service Medal with one battle star and the Good Conduct Medal. The last18 months he served aboard the heavy cruiser the USS Bremerton as the Admiral’s Barge Engineer. The Bremerton was the flagship for Admiral Tyree Commander of cruiser division one. In 1955 his tour of duty completed he left the Nave as Second-Class Petty Officer and attended Midland Tech College.

Funeral services for Norman Haskell Brabham, 84, was conducted at 3:00 p.m. Friday, February 8, 2019 at Red Bank Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Southland Memorial Gardens with Military and Masonic Rites. Visitation was held from 1-3:00 p.m. at the church before the service. Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel, is assisting the family.

In 1955 he was employed by the largest automatic transmission shop in the state. For 31 years he was transmission rebuilder and shop foreman.

Brother Brabham started his Masonic career on July 13, 1959 when he was initiated, on August 17 he was passed to a Fellowcraft and on September 18, 1959 he was raised to the Sublime degree of Master Mason. He served as Worshipful Master in 1967 and secretary of the Masters and Wardens Club the following year. In the early seventies he was DeMolay Dad at Eau Claire Lodge. In 1996 he received his York Rite degrees and orders. In 1970 he received the Super Excellent Master’s degree. He was High Priest of Columbia Chapter Illustrious Master of Union Council and Eminent Commander of Columbia Commandery

Mr. Brabham passed away Sunday February 3, 2019. Born in Columbia, SC, he was the son of the late Norman Lloyd and Carolyn E. Jones Brabham. He was a member of Red Bank Baptist Church, a Navy Veteran, past Master of Eau Claire Masonic Lodge #344, member of Lexington Masonic Lodge #152 and Past Grand Commander of SC. He served in multiple offices both appointed and elected and was elected Right Eminent Grand Commandery of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina in 2004

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Elinor Louise Neeley-Brabham; sons, Russell Brabham and Dr. Gary William Neeley (Patti); daughters, Michelle Renee’ Brabham and Vicki Lynn Watton (Clifton); sister, Helen B. Looney (Charles); 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a brother, Jerry D. Brabham.

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MEMORIUM Eric Andrew Meace

M. E. GRAND HIGH PRIEST 2002-2003

Eric Andrew Meace was born September 1, 1932. The eldest son of Harry Pickup Meace and Bertha Hartley Meace. Eric was married to the former Betty Jean Powers and resided in Myrtle Beach SC. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of London England and graduate degree from McGill University in Montreal, Canada and Columbia Graduate School of Business NY. He was employed successively by Canadian Pratt and Whitney Aircraft where he was a member of the original design team which produced the PT-6 and JT-12 jet engines; by Bendix Aerospace for ten years, the last four as Asst. Chief Engineer before moving to Société National Elf Aquitaine of Paris, France where he spent the last twenty-one years of his career in various capacities within the Specialty Chemicals Groups. After serving first as Division General Manager, North America and then Division Chairman and CEO Europe, he retired as Senior Vice President for the Far East and South America in 1991 Eric was a life member and ritualist in the Myrtle Beach York Rite Bodies and served as REDDGHP (1971) and RIDDGM (1998) for the sixth district. He was an honorary member of the Charleston and Conway bodies and was honored with the Ish Sodi Award in 1999. He was an active ritualist in the Charlestown 113 Sovereign York Rite College; the Saints John Conclave, Charleston Red Cross of Constantine and the Columbia Thrice Illustrious Master’s degree team. He strongly supports the three York Rite Charities and was a member of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Grand Master’s Club; the General Grand High Priest Keystone Club and a multiyear Life Sponsor of the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation. In 1999 he was elected to the Office Right Excellent Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter, Right Excellent Grand King in 2000, Right excellent Deputy Grand High Priest in 2001 and Grand High Priest in 2002.

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The Lucius A. and Margret B. Todd Fund, Inc. The Nineteenth (19th) Annual Meeting of the Lucius A. and Margaret B. Todd Fund, Inc. was called to order at 1:15 p.m. on March 11, 2018. by the President; prayer was given by Mike Copeland, pledge of allegiance was given, and the President declared the meeting open for the annual business session and welcomed everyone present. The following twenty-one (21) members were present:

Gary Sowell President (2019) Tony Bizakis (DGHP) Member J. Gordon Cartrette Vice-President (2020) Jerry Willard (DIGM) Member Robert J. Bean Sr. Secretary (2019) Ron Elsner (DGC) Member Howard T. Burgess, Sr. Treasurer (2019) Jeffery Hall (G Gen) Member Jerry Owens Director (2018) Ricky Freeman (G Scr) Member Mike Copeland Director (2018) Ronnie P Richards (G CoG) Member Deceased (C Truesdale) Director (2020) Mike Kirk (GCG) Member Hal Gregory Director (2019) John Marcucci Member Ron Elvis - Absent Director (2019) Dean Tollison Member James M Lyle (MEGHP) Director Doug Knauer Member James Barr (MIGM) Director Wm Martin III (REGC) -Absent Director G Buck Jolley (G Sec/Rec) Director A Glenn Greene III (G Tr) Director

A motion was made by J Gordon Cartrette to approve the minutes of the meeting on March 12, 2017 as printed. – approved. The Treasurer’s Report was read by Ted Burgess and adopted. Copies of all were available to those present. Mike Copeland read the Audit Report which was adopted. Ted Burgess moved that $1,063.91 be dispersed to each of the three York Rite Charities (RARA, CMMRF and KTEF) – adopted. Ted also recommended that the corpus be allowed to continue to grow. He also noted that the Form 990 and Secretary of State forms had been filed. It was noted that there were four (4) Directors that needed to be filled. One (1) to fill the chair of Carl Truesdale through 2020, and three (3) for the new terms ending in 2021. John Marcucci was nominated by Doug Knauer to fill the vacant 2020 chair. He also nominated Jerry Owens, Mike Copeland and S Hal Gregory to succeed themselves for the 2021 terms. There being no further nominations, they were elected unanimously by the Members present. The business next turned to the election of Officers of the Board of Directors for the ensuing year. Gary Sowell was nominated by Ted Burgess to succeed himself as President. Doug Knauer nominated Gordon Cartrette as Vice President, Robert J Bean Sr as Secretary and Ted Burgess as Treasurer. There were no further nominations, all were elected unanimously. The President opened a discussion for raising funds. Numerous suggestions were made including holding a special degree, fundraising dinners, estate donations, recognition pins, recognition certificates, insurance policy distribution sand participation in programs such as Smile.Amazon.Com. There being no further business to come before this Board, the meeting was adjourned with prayer at 1:49 p.m. by Mike Copeland. Gary C. Sowell President Attest: Robert J. Bean, Sr. Secretary

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The Lucius A. and Margaret N. Todd Fund, Inc.

Treasurer’s Report

The following report of the year 2018 is herewith submitted to the Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter; The Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters; and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina.

Fund Balances

Checking Account – BB&T Opening Balance – January 1. 2018 $ 4,680.68 Deposits – Donations $ 639.87 Deposits – Edward Jones Invest. $ 4,151.93 Check – RARA $(1,063.91) Check – CMMRF $(1,063.91) Check – KTEF $(1,063.91) Check – Edward Jones $(1,573.53) Ending Balance – December 31. 2018 $ 4,707.22 Investments – Edward Jones (Cost Basis) $ 158,611.57 Deposits – Checking $ 1,573.53 Ending Balance – December 31. 2018 $160,185.10 Total to account for January 1, 2018 $163,292.25 Total to account for December 31, 2018 $164,892.32 Respectively submitted, Howard T Burgess Sr. PGC Treasurer

The Lucius A. and Margaret N. Todd Fund, Inc.

Audit Report

We the Todd Fund Audit committee certify that we have examined the books and records of the Todd Fund Treasurer and find the neatly and accurately kept. All funds have been accounted for.

Fraternally submitted

Douglas R Knauer, Chairman, Michael E Copeland, Richard Sealy

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Perpetual Life Committee Minutes

March 11, 2018 Glenn Greene opened the meeting and passed out minutes from the prior year. Motion made for minutes to be approved as read & presented was seconded. Approved unanimously. Return for the fund was 6.3%, from investments & the CRE fund that Bill Logan had spearheaded years ago. All payout checks would be given out during tomorrow’s sessions. Checking account for last year was at Bank of America but Chairman Greene moved to Anderson Brothers bank, where he works to be more convenient. The incoming Grand Heads-Tony Bizakis, Jerry Willard & Robert Elsner were asked to appoint new members to the committee. These new members would be notified by the grand heads or after today’s meetings. There was discussion concerning approximately 65% of the fund balance being in annuities as opposed to equities. Many comments were made but no action was taken at this time. Ted Burgess was elected as the new chairman of the committee starting this year. Chairman Greene thanked the committee for their help and cooperation during his tenure as chairman since 2010. He appreciated the faith shown by Bill Logan in selecting him for this position. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Signed by the following present:

G Buck Jolley Mike Kirk Gordon Cartrette Hal Gregory James Barr, MIGM Albert Wyatt Scott Goodwin Ricky Freeman Ronnie Richards Jerry Willard James W Lyle, MEGHP Tony Bizakis Dean Tollison Jeff Hall Ted Burgess Rob Elsner Glenn Greene William Martin, II, REGC

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Report of the Life Membership Fund Committee Treasurer’s Report December 31, 2018

To: The Grand York Rite Bodies of South Carolina From: Perpetual Life Membership Fund Committee We your Life Membership Fund Committee, submit the following report for the period of January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018. Checking Account: Anderson Brothers Bank

- Cash Beginning Balance January 1, 2018 $42,421.58 - Income (Deposits):

o Dues received from Members $4,700.00 o CRE Strategic Opp. Fund Earnings $3,374.70 o Total Deposits: $8,074.70

- Expenses (Checks) o 2018 Life Membership Payouts ($28,145.12) o Total Expenses: ($28,145.12) o Checks Not Cleared – Voided and added to

December balance $5,500.60 $5,500.60 - Ending Balance December 31, 2018 $27,851.76

2018 Investment Fund Balance:

- Merrill Lynch Wealth Management (Cost Basis) $438,228.01 - 5.0Units CRE Strategic Opportunity Fund(Cost Basis) $25,000.00

o Total Investment Balance (Cost Basis) $463,228.01 Total Fund Asset Balance, December 31, 2018 $491,079.77 NOTE: Approximately ($48,214.00) in unrealized losses Please note that checks paid to constituent bodies in January 2019 for 2018 earnings totaled $21,561.21. They were based on a 5.5% return on cost of funds invested. Also paid in January 2019 were replacement checks for 2016 earnings to Lancaster (Cheraw earnings), Laurens, and Newberry, and replacement checks for 2017 earnings to Camden, Georgetown, Lancaster, Laurens, and Newberry. These replacement checks totaled $4,169.12. A list of the assets and current values held EOY 2018 in the name of the Grand York Rite Bodies of South Carolina Life Membership Fund is attached to and is part of this report. We are pleased to report that there are 1,510 participants (214 multiple buy-ins are only counted once) in the program payouts for 2018. We will add five (5) new participants and additional monies from one (1) participant for the 2019 earning year. Respectively submitted, Howard T. Burgess, Chairman-Treasurer

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Life Membership Fund Assets December 31, 2018

Estimated Unrealized Estimated Current

Cost Basis Market Value Gain/(Loss) Ann Income Yield Money Market $73,725.00 $73,725.00 $1,172 1.59% Cash $511.66 $511.66 Bank of America $10,486.16 $4,928.00 ($5,558.16) $120 2.43% Energy Transfer LP $26,010.51 $54,940.39 28,916.67 $5,076 9.23% Hospitality PPTYS Trust $36,083.21 $21,157.68 ($14,925.53) $1,879 8.87% Kinder Morgan Inc DEL $30,029.81 $11,119.74 ($18,910.07) $579 5.20% RMR (THE) Group Inc SHS $166.46 $743.12 $576.66 $20 2.63% SCANA Corp New Com $18,854.59 $23,890.00 $5,035.14 $247 1.03% Suburban Propane $31,963.25 $13,489.00 ($18,474.25) $1,680 12.45% Thornburg Mortgage Inc $24,092.54 TravelCenters Amer LLC $1,728.89 $330.88 ($1,398.01) EatonVance TaxManaged $43,079.17 $48,528.00 $5,448.83 $4,785 9.85% Franklin Income $92,998.32 $90,311.06 (2,687.26) $4,454 4.93% Fund CL C 1.68 1.64 .04 $1 4.93% Nuveen Preferred $30,109.51 $16,560.00 ($13,549.51) $1,344 8.11% Putnam Premier Income $18,387.25 $10,697.89 ($7,689.36) $959 8.95% TOTALS – Adjusted Tot Cost Basis $438,228.01 $370,934.06 ($43,214.62 $22,316 6.02% 5.0 Units CRE Strategic Opportunity Fund (Cost Basis) $25,000.00 Anderson Brothers Bank $27,851.76 $27,851.76 GRAND TOTALS $491,079.77 $418,785.82 ($48,214.62) NOTE: Current Yield % based on Estimated Market Value. Will be lower based on what was invested (Cost) to achieve the Estimated Annual Income.

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Report of Finance Committee To: The Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina; The Grand Council Royal and Select Masters of South Carolina; Grand Commandery Knights Templar of South Carolina: We are pleased to announce that again this year we are not recommending any changes in per capita. The Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary have worked to improve accounting and reduce expenses and balance the budget. We recommend approval of the Annual Reports referred to this Committee by the Grand Treasurer and Grand Recorder which can be found in the preliminary reports. We recommend that the Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary be authorized to invest funds at their discretion. We recommend continued assistance to RARA, CMMRF and KTEF funded as usual through contribution from Local Bodies and/or fund-raising projects. We recommend the continued support of youth groups as contained in the Grand Chapter budget. We recommend continued support of the Lucius A. and Margaret B. Todd Fund of South Carolina, Inc., funded as usual through contributions from local bodies, individuals, and/or fund-raising projects. We recommend approval of the 2019 – 2020 annual budget as printed below

Grand Chapter Budget 18-19 Actual 18-19 Budget 19-20

Income Per Capita Assessments + Bond 20,900.00 21,008.95 20,900.00 Surety Bond Assessment 230.00 230.00 Ritual Sales + Shipping 707.93 Ann Mtg. Meals 2,000.00 1,820.00 1,700.00 Web Fees 90.00 126.67 100.00 Magazine Ads & Misc. 595.00 Total Income 22,990.00 24,288.55 22,930.00

Expenses Salaries & Related Expenses Grand Secretary 6,900.00 6,900.00 6,900.00 Grand Treasurer 1,350.00 1,350.00 1,350.00 Payroll Taxes 635.00 631.13 635.00 Employment Taxes 55.00 56.46 60.00 Contract Services Accounting Fees (CPA) 520.00 422.00 423.00 Annual MMS Maint. Fees 250.00 264.59 265.00 Non-Personnel Office Consumables 200.00 303.22 275.00 Telephone & Web host fees 400.00 386.07 400.00 PO Box /Postage 100.00 108.92 110.00 Bank Svcs / Fees 70.00 47.17 50.00 Reimbursements MEGHP Travel & Misc. 1,900.00 1,900.00 1,900.00

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MEGHP Apron 350.00 350.00 350.00 Grand Recorder Travel & Misc. 400.00 400.00 400.00 Meeting Expenses Printing & Copying 350.00 829.01 500.00 Annual Meeting Expenses 3,900.00 3,356.34 5,000.00 Hospitality Room 100.00 0.00 0.00 Other Surety Bond 135.00 133.33 135.00 General Grand Chapter Per Capita 5,532.00 5,148.00 5,100.00 Contingency Fund 650.00 150.00 700.00 DeMolay 150.00 150.00 150.00 Rainbow 150.00 150.00 150.00 Regalia & Repair 50.00 0.00 0.00 Replenish Savings 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total Expenses 24,121.24 22,986.24 24,852.24 Projected Net Gain / (Loss) (1,131.24) 1,502.32 (1,922.24)

Grand Council Budget 18-19 Actual 18-19 Budget 19-20

Income Per Capita Assessments + Bond 20,600.00 20,944.95 20,900.00 Surety Bond Assessment 230.00 230.00 Ritual Sales + Shipping 324.33 Ann Mtg. Meals 2,000.00 1,820.00 1,700.00 Web Fees 90.00 126.67 100.00 Magazine Ads & Misc. 895.00 Total Income 22,690.00 24,340.95 22,930.00

Expenses Salaries & Related Expenses Grand Secretary 6,900.00 6,900.00 6,900.00 Grand Treasurer 1,350.00 1,350.00 1,350.00 Payroll Taxes 650.00 631.13 635.00 Employment Taxes 55.00 56.46 60.00 Contract Services Accounting Fees (CPA) 520.00 422.00 423.00 Annual MMS Maint. Fees 310.00 263.15 265.00 Non-Personnel Office Consumables 200.00 303.22 275.00 Telephone & Web host fees 400.00 386.07 400.00 PO Box /Postage 100.00 95.27 110.00 Bank Svcs / Fees 70.00 47.17 50.00 Reimbursements MIGM Travel & Misc. 1,900.00 1,900.00 1,900.00

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MIGM Apron 350.00 350.00 350.00 Grand Recorder Travel & Misc. 400.00 400.00 400.00 Meeting Expenses Printing & Copying 350.00 829.01 500.00 Annual Meeting Expenses 3,900.00 3,356.34 5,000.00 Hospitality Room 100.00 0.00 0.00 Other Surety Bond 135.00 133.33 135.00 General Grand Chapter Per Capita 5,532.00 0.00 5,100.00 Contingency Fund 650.00 153.50 700.00 DeMolay 150.00 150.00 150.00 Rainbow 150.00 150.00 150.00 Regalia & Repair 50.00 0.00 0.00 Replenish Savings 4,000.00 4,000.00 3,000.00 Total Expenses 22,614.24 21,876.65 22,752.24 Projected Net Gain / (Loss) 75.76 2,464.31 177.76

Grand Commandery Budget 18-19 Actual 18-19 Budget 19-20

Income Per Capita Assessments 48,000.00 46,417.95 46,400.00 Holy land Pilgrimage Fund 2,084.02 1,000.00 Surety Bond Assessment 230.00 230.00 Ritual Sales + Shipping 376.14 Ann Mtg. Meals 2,000.00 1,820.00 1,700.00 Web Fees 90.00 126.67 100.00 Magazine Ads & Misc. 595.00 HLP&KT Ed Ck Acct closeouts, Trfs from Savings 9,260.35 Transfer from Savings 9,260.35 8,500.00 Total Income 50,090.00 60,910.13 57,930.00

Expenses Salaries & Related Expenses Grand Secretary 9,200.00 9,200.00 9,200.00 Grand Treasurer 1,350.00 1,350.00 1,350.00 Payroll Taxes 810.00 807.08 810.00 Employment Taxes 57.00 56.42 60.00 Contract Services Accounting Fees (CPA) 925.00 1,117.00 1,120.00 Non-Personnel Office Consumables 200.00 303.22 300.00 Telephone & Web host fees 400.00 388.07 400.00 PO Box /Postage 130.00 95.62 110.00

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Bank Svcs. / Fees 70.00 47.17 50.00 Reimbursements REGC Travel & Misc. 1,900.00 1,900.00 1,900.00 PGC Regalia 350.00 350.00 350.00 Grand Recorder Travel & Misc. 400.00 400.00 400.00 Meeting Expenses Printing & Copying 350.00 829.01 500.00 Annual Meeting Expenses 3,900.00 3,356.34 5,000.00 Hospitality Room 100.00 Other Surety Bond 160.00 267.43 135.00 Grand Encampment Per Capita 27,000.00 26,516.16 25,000.00 Contingency Fund 650.00 100.00 700.00 DeMolay 150.00 150.00 150.00 Rainbow 150.00 150.00 150.00 Holy land Pilgrimage Expenses 8,471.60 8,500.00 Regalia & Repair 60.00 0.00 0.00 Replenish Savings 1,500.00 1,500.00 0.00 Total Expenses 49,786.22 57,353.12 57,759.22 Projected Net Gain / (Loss) 303.78 3,557.01 170.78 Fraternally submitted, H. Ted Burgess, PGC, Marcus Burdette, PGHP, John T Dickson, PIGM

Audit Committee Report

To: The Grand Chapter, Grand Council and Grand Commandery of South Carolina: We herewith submit our report. We have examined the Records and Accounts of the Grand Treasurer and the Grand Secretary-Recorder and find them neatly and correctly kept and all funds accounted for.

Fraternally submitted, Dana Rickards PGHP, PGC, Dean Tollison, PIGM, Lee Roy Bruce, Sr. PGC

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South Carolina Grand York Rite Webmaster’s Report

February 25, 2019

Active Sites – 15 of 23 • Aiken • Anderson • Camden • Charleston • Clemson • Columbia • Conway • Florence • Greenville • Greenwood • Lancaster • Orangeburg • Spartanburg • Union • York No Site – 8 of 23 • Gaffney • Georgetown • Hampton • Latta • Laurens • Newberry • Richburg • Sumter

Appendant SC Masonic Bodies AMD – Allied Masonic Degrees Councils Active Sites – 12 of 21 Aiken 140, Camden 148, Columbia 157, Horry County 433, JD Penley 131, Joel R Poinsett 166 Masters of Tyre 547, Orangeburg 294, Piedmont 440, SA Banister 336, Spartan 153, Sumter 188 No Site – 9 of 21 Charles Towne 195, ESC Barker 514, George D. Bell 257, Golden Corner 361, Hampton 289 Lancaster 146, Palmetto 451, Pee Dee 555, Pelham 263

Chair Degrees • Order of High Priesthood, • Thrice Illustrious Master • Knight Crusader of the Cross Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest - Cana Tabernacle No. XLIX

Knight Masons • SJ Womack Council No. 20 • JW Frampton Council No. 85

KYCH Palmetto Priory No. 54 Knight of the York Cross of Honor

Red Cross of Constantine • All Saint’s • Carolina • Saints John

SRICF South Carolina College Societas Rosicruciana In Civitatibus Foederatis

York Rite Colleges • Palmetto No. 70 • Piedmont No. 84 • Charles Towne No. 113 • Chicora No. 200 If your local body does not have an active site, please contact the Webmaster to find out how to have one added. Your cost for the site maintenance is $10.00 per year (a Constituent York Rite Body is counted as one) paid to the SC Grand York Rite. Check with the Grand Secretary- Recorder to see if you are paid up through 2019. Fraternally submitted, Howard T. “Ted” Burgess, Webmaster

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The Report of Time and Place Committee To: The Grand York Rite Bodies of South Carolina:

Your time and place committee has chosen the Scottish Rite of Columbia for the location or our 2020 Annual Meeting location. Fraternally submitted Acy Flora W Tom Corbin Jeff Hall A motion was made and seconded to approve all Joint Committee Reports as printed. Motion was approved.

The reception of Distinguished Guest and Joint Session Committee Reports having been concluded, The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina and the Grand

Council Royal and Select Masters of South Carolina were declared closed and the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina continued its Annual Convocation

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Annual Proceedings of

The Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter

of South Carolina

Two Hundred Seventh Annual Convocation of

The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina Chartered April 20, 1811

March 10 - 12, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton

Myrtle Beach SC

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MOST EXCELLENT GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Elected Officers Tony Bizakis ........................ M. E. Grand High Priest Acy Flora ................. R. E. Deputy Grand High Priest Ricky C Freeman ............................. R. E. Grand King Dean Strickland ........................... R. E. Grand Scribe A Glenn Greene, III ............... R. E. Grand Treasurer G Buck Jolley ......................... R. E. Grand Secretary

Appointed Officers 2018 - 2019 Larry R Jackson ......... E. Grand Captain of the Host Jonathan E Godfrey ... E. Grand Principal Sojourner Michael Dee Keen…. ... E. Grand Royal Arch Captain Kenneth Miles ............ E. Grand Master of Third Veil Stanley B Cheek ..... E. Grand Master of Second Veil Patrick J Mulligan Sr. E. Grand Master of First Veil Charles Daniel Welch ..................... E. Grand Sentinel Haywood Fowler .......................... E. Grand Chaplain

R. E. District Deputy Grand High Priest

Patrick Brian Lerch .............................. First District Brian Andrew Armstrong ................. Second District Ronald Lee Dodson .............................. Third District Thomas Henry Martin Jr. ................. Fourth District Thomas Robert Gordon .......................... Fifth District Kenneth Ray Brackens Sr. ................... Sixth District

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M. E. Tony Bizakis Most Excellent Grand High Priest

2018 - 2019

Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina

Officers ~ 2018 – 2019

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Report on Credentials To the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina There are 19 of 20 Grand Officers 15 of 28 Living Past Grand High Priest and Representatives of 23 of 23 Subordinate Chapters registered. A total of 87 Companions are registered and entitled to vote in this 2019 Annual Convocation. Fraternally Submitted G Buck Jolley, Grand Secretary

Address of the Grand High Priest of South Carolina M.E. Anthony Bizakis

Most Worshipful Grand Master, Most Excellent Sirs, Most Illustrious Sirs, Right Eminent Sirs, Right Worshipful Sirs, Distinguished Guest, and Companions all,

It is my pleasure to greet you as the Most Excellent Grand High Priest and an honor to welcome you to this our Two Hundred and Eighth Annual Convocation of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina.

To our Distinguished Guest, I thank you for honoring us with your presence, and trust your stay will be an enjoyable one. If we can be of assistance in making this Convocation more comfortable for you, please don’t hesitate to ask.

To my Grand Officers, elected, appointed, and to my committeemen, I want to thank you for a job well done. You have performed the duties of your office faithfully and promptly, and I am thankful for having the opportunity to serve with you.

To all Past Excellent Grand High Priests, Past Illustrious Grand Masters, and Past Right Eminent Grand Commanders, I thank you for the friendship, support, guidance, and words of encouragement. Although you are labeled Past, you remain the catalyst of progress in this Grand York Rite Organization and I thank you for the inviolable foundation you have constructed.

To our Grand Secretary, Gary B. “Buck” Jolley, I thank you for your support throughout the past four years. Updating me and my statistics, membership lists, oldest to youngest - youngest to oldest, districts, tenures, morning, noon and night. Make them this way, make them that way, and the questions, why this way, why that way and then why not. I’m certain you thought it was never going to stop. Guess what, it’s stopping. I couldn’t have asked for a better Companion to see me through this endeavor. But more than that, I couldn’t have asked for a better Brother and Friend.

To the Most Illustrious Grand Master Jerry A. Willard Jr., and Grand Commander, Right Eminent Sir Knight Robert J.F. Elsner, We have performed what we purposed. A Vision and a united effort to support the same. True servants of the Craft. I thank you for the support and companionship and I will always cherish these memories. “I am” your Brother.

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To all the Chapters across the state; Thank you for the hospitality, fellowship and courtesy you bestowed. Your zeal and dedication truly depict the meaning of Masonry. You make me so proud to be a part of this esteem Order.

To my home Body, Mackey Chapter #15, I cannot thank you enough for all your support. It was in my home Body where I found the inspiration to take this journey. There, I discovered the true meaning of York Rite, there I witnessed dedication and determination to succeed. And there, I developed my passion for the Rites. I look forward too many years of continued service and hope to someday inspire others as you have me.

To our esteemed Grand Lodge officer’s past and present, I thank you for your continued support of these York Rite Bodies. It is your Vision that we rely upon to exist. And for that, I remain deeply grateful.

To the Grand Master of all Masons in South Carolina, Most Worshipful Michael D. Smith, I thank you for the support and encouragement you offered throughout the year. It is always an honor to be in your presence. I am so thankful for all the opportunities to labor in the quarries with you and look forward too many more years of service in this glorious Fraternity.

To my wife Marcia, words cannot express how lucky I am to have you for my own. You have supported my ambitions during many years of service. Through the travels, the long nights and the hours of preparation, you never complained. You have taught me patience, kindness, understanding and unselfishness. All by example. Always positive and optimistic, how you ended up with me, only Good knows.

State of the Craft Companions, York Rite in South Carolina is nothing shy of spectacular. One of my focuses throughout the year has been to study the numbers driving our membership loss and to find a means of stopping the trend. I spoke of these numbers during my Visits. If you recall, retention was a key issue. More especially the significance of new member loss. I talked about members with less than 10 years tenure accounting for 67% of our NPDs. Can it be that we were not what these men were looking for? I tend to favor “not”. The disconnect is common and is challenging businesses and organizations alike.

Companions, we are experiencing what is called a generational shift. The Men we seek to carry that baton through the next 50 years are between the ages of 22 and 38 and are identified as Millennials. And they are looking for organizations that suit their needs. These needs differ from the preceding generations. Digital technology, E-learning, an opportunity to collaborate and a strong sense of Mission and Values are a few of the aspects that are necessary to retain their interest.

We must insure that their need is satisfied.

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The good news is that we are strong with Mission and Values. What remains is simply to satisfy a preference of communication and a desire to be engaged.

Let’s start with communication.

Can it be that we are not communicating in a method intelligible to these younger Brethren? I have a lot of experience in communication breakdown. It is frustrating and often unnoticed. What we know as reliable, may not be enough.

We must strive to stand on their level, particularly on their social level. Society is changing. I have co-workers that never wrote a check. They never had a home phone. These young men have found convenience in technology and in like manner we must conform or loose the opportunity of their membership. And these young men want to be involved immediately. Patience is not their virtue, it may not even be in their vocabulary. Give them responsibilities and tasks or they will go elsewhere in search of the same. I am asking that you give this some thought. The future is now. The numbers I have been tracking has also yielded good news, from the years end totals we showed a significant improvement. Our net loss last year was 17% smaller than those in 2017. I would like to thank all Companions for a job well done. And when we stop the newer members from dropping, we will begin to see growth instead of decline. From my personal experiences across the State. I found the local Chapters to be firmly rooted and devoted. It was a great pleasure to experience all the Brotherly Love and Affection. After each visit I found myself feeling thankful for being a part of something so good, so true and so square. Companions, you are the treasure that good men seek. Never change that. York Rite in South Carolina will survive, and it will grow. Returning to the size and strength that many of us have only heard about in the stories from our eldest Companions.

Necrology Companions, I am saddened to report that 122 companions have laid down their working tools in 2018. May our Lord give rest to their souls in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, where all sickness, sighing, and sorrow have fled away. Amen

Dispensations Dispensations were of a routine nature, and copies are on file in the Grand Secretary’s Office.

The General Grand Chapter Medal The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina presents the General Grand Chapter Medal, issued by the General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International, each year to one Companion who has been recognized for outstanding service to his Chapter. This is the highest honor any Royal Arch Mason can receive. This year that honor goes to a well deserving Companion Andrew Thomas Herman Congratulations Andrew, keep up the good work, we are all proud to have you in our midst.

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The Burger Ring I was an honor to receive the Burger Ring, one of our Ancient Artifacts from Most Excellent Glenn Green III last March after I was installed as Grand High Priest. William L. M. Burger was born in New York in 1833, rose to the rank of Colonel in the Union Army and was appointed to a judgeship in Charleston. He had the ring made and donated it to the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of South Carolina in 1870, to be worn by the Grand High Priest during his term in office. I have guarded it carefully and am pleased to hand it over to the incoming Grand high Priest as dictated by our tradition.

Royal Arch Research Assistance Royal Arch Research Assistance supports research on Central Auditory Processing Disorder. CAPD is a hearing disorder where the brain does not properly translate the signals it receives from the ear. This assistance supports Autism Speaks, the Hearing Health Foundation, and Dr. Frank Musiek of the University of Arizona.

This year I continued the tradition of carrying the “P” pot on our official visits to each of my twenty (20) visits. I am happy to report $1,048.20 was collected this year. Each philanthropy chairman received $349.40. I would like to thank all the contributing Companions for their donations.

The Grand Chapter Education Program We attempted to promote District Education Meetings throughout the State. This endeavor yielded mixed success. There was additional education offered yesterday afternoon, reviewing the standard opening and closing along with grips and words. I would like to thank our Grand Scribe Dean Strickland for conducting this effort. Your Grand Line recognizes the need to review the basics and will work on a means to offer this system to the local Bodies.

Visits It was a pleasure for me to travel this year and represent the Grand Royal Arch of South Carolina. I was able to meet with all twenty-three (23) Chapters in our Grand Jurisdiction.

Below is a list of my visits for both in and out of state along with visits to Appendant Bodies and Degrees.

March 10-13, South Carolina Grand York Rite, Myrtle Beach March 19, North Carolina Grand York Rite March 26, Official Visit, Conway March 27, Official Visit, Georgetown March 28, RA, Columbia April 16, MM-PM, Chester April 21, Chair Degrees, Columbia April 21, KYCH, Columbia April 25 - 27, Grand Lodge of South Carolina, Columbia May 8, Official Visit, Orangeburg

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May 12, Super Excellent Master’s Degree, Aiken May 15, Official Visit, Charleston June 8-9, Southeastern, Jackson Mississippi June 19, Official Visit, Camden June 26, Joint Official Visit - District 3, Anderson July 17, Official Visit, Lancaster July 21, DeMolay Banquet, Columbia August 7, Official Visit, Aiken August 14, Official Visit, Sumpter August 16, Official Visit, Hampton August 24, MM-PM-MEM, York August 25, RAM-RM-SM, York September 10, Official Visit, Newberry & Greenwood October 11-13, Grand York Rite, Virginia November 1, Official Visit, District 4, Gaffney November 12, Official Visit, Florence November 14, Official Visit, Columbia November 17, IORC-OM-OOT, York November 20, Visit, Latta

Honorary memberships I was presented Honorary Memberships and Chapter Pennies from the following Chapters in this Grand Jurisdiction and Honorary Memberships to the Grand Chapters of North Carolina and West Virginia.

Carolina #1 Rising Star # 4 Columbia # 5 Burning Bush #7 Poinsett # 16 Living Arch # 21 Franklin #9 Signet # 18 Horry # 48 Gaffney #55 Eureka # 13 Keystone # 19 Beulah # 25 Mackey # 15 Delta # 20 Campbell # 31 Kadoshlayah # 41

I am in deep appreciation and will always guard these presentations. And when my travels become limited and my visits few, I will break open the box holding these treasures and remember each of you and the pleasures of a life rewarded beyond what it deserves.

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Recommendations I recommend: 1. That the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina continue To Support RARA. 2. That each Chapter open and close in due-form four times yearly and that Chapters not go dark during the year. 3. That all Grand Royal Arch Chapter activities support its Mission Statement. 4. That the Grand Royal Arch Chapter continues to support the Rainbow Girls and DeMolay. 5. That we strive to improve educational meetings in District or State levels at a frequency of a minimum once per year. 6. That we continue to use the MMS system of Membership tracking. 7. That the Grand Secretary maintains a “Virtual Office” at or near his residence. 8. That the South Carolina magazine be continued.

Conclusion Companions, As I finish this, my year as your Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina I am filled with thanks for the many Blessing I have been bestowed.

To God for his many Mercies and for the safe travels of all who took to the road this past year to attend Meetings.

To my Wife for her unwavering support.

To your Grand Line Officers for their dedication. With them, I leave you in the best of hands.

To Jerry and Robert, serving with you was a pleasure. I wish you each continued success in all your future endeavors. “I am…… Past”

To the Companions all, you are a Blessing to me. I cannot imagine how empty my live might have been without your Friendships.

May god Bless each one of you, May he Bless this Grand York Rite and May he Bless these United States.

Respectfully Submitted, Tony Bizakis Most Excellent Grand High Priest Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina

Motion was made, seconded and approved to adopt the Address of the ME Grand High Priest

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Proposed changes to the Constitution At the 2018 Annual Convocation a motion was presented to amend the Constitution of the SC Grand Chapter and a motion requesting unanimous consent was presented. There being an objection to the unanimous consent question the Motion to change the Constitution was held over to this Annual Convocation. The question was called, and the Motion passed and the Proposed change to the Constitution was approved.

Grand Chapter Referendum Question The following question was proposed in the form of a motion properly signed by five members of the Grand Chapter: Shall each Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, in this Grand Jurisdiction be assessed three dollars ($3.00) for each dues paying member to be paid along with the Annual Returns and be allocated to pay the Annual Return fees for membership in The General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International and Permit the Grand Chapter of South Carolina to remain a member of the General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International. NO YES

(Circle One) A NO vote is a vote not to approve the assessment and will necessitate the withdrawal from the General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International.

A YES vote will begin the process of making changes to the Constitution of the Grand Chapter of SC to include per capita increase and eliminate this assessment and will permit the Grand Chapter to remain a member of the General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International.

After a brief discussion the question was called, and a vote was held by secret ballot. The majority of voting delegates present voted NO rejecting the assessment and necessitating a withdrawal from General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International.

Constitution Amendment A Motion was presented: That the Grand of Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina Constitution Section XIV (2014 version) or Article XI (2018 proposed version) be amended as follows: Currently reads: And that any Companion who has been in good standing for a period of forty years, ether consecutive or accumulative, shall be designated a “Life Member” and be exempt from the payment of dues. Proposed to read: Any Companion who has been in good standing for a period of sixty years, ether consecutive or accumulative, shall be exempt from the payment of per capita to the Grand Chapter. A Motion was made requesting unanimous consent and without objection the Question was called and unanimously approved.

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Grand Secretary’s Report To: The Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina: I hereby submit my annual report covering the period March 1, 2018 through February 28, 2019.

RECEIPTS

Annual per capita $21,008.95 Surety Bond Assessment $ 230.00 Ritual sales + Postage $ 707.93 Banquet/Meal Ticket Sales $ 1,820.00 Web Fees $ 126.67 Magazine Ad Sales & Misc. $ 595.00 Transfer from Savings $ 0.00

Total Receipts $24,488.56

DISBURSEMENTS Deposits to General Fund Wells Fargo $24,488.56

Total Disbursements $24,488.56

Annual Statistical Report Start: 1/1/2018 End: 12/31/2018 Grand Chapter of SC

Total Working Chapters 23

Total number members last return = 3,034 Exalted = 86 Affiliated = 103 Reinstated = 36 Add Adjustment = 0

Total Gain (+) 225

Demitted = 100 Suspended = 124 Deceased = 122 Expelled = 0 Delete Adjustment = 1

Total Loss (-) 347 Net Gain (Net Loss) (122)

Total number of members (including Dual on this report) = 2,912 Fraternally submitted, G Buck Jolley, Grand Secretary

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GRAND CHAPTER ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF SOUTH CAROLINA GRAND TREASURER'S REPORT February 28, 2019

To: The Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina, I hereby submit my annual report covering the period March 1, 2018 through February 28, 2019

March 1, 2018 Balances Wells Fargo Checking $ 26,110.00 Wells Fargo Savings $ 25,769.88

Edward Jones Investments $ 60,127.30 Merrill Lynch WCMA $100,000.00 Total Accounts $212,007.18

RECEIPTS Grand Secretary $ 24,488.56 Wells Fargo Savings (Interest) $ 48.04

Merrill Lynch WCMA $ 999.55 Total Receipts $ 25,536.15

Total Accounts + Receipts $237,543.33

DISBURSEMENTS

Budgeted Expenditures $ 22,986.24 Total $ 22,986.24

Total to Account For $214,557.09 (Accounts + Receipts – Disbursements) February 28, 2019 Balances

Wells Fargo Checking $ 27,613.89 Wells Fargo Savings $ 26,919.09 Edward Jones Investments $ 60,024.11 Merrill Lynch WCMA $100,000.00

Total Accounts $214,557.09 Fraternally Submitted A, Glenn Greene III, Grand Treasurer

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Report of the Committee on

Royal Arch Research Assistance

To: The Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of South Carolina:

Your Committee on Royal Arch Research Assistance makes the following report for the period of March 1, 2018 through February 28, 2019.

Royal Arch Research Assistance (RARA) is a not for profit 501c-3 tax exempt organization incorporated in the state of Kentucky in 1974. It is the philanthropy of the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International. Seven years ago, the charity moved from support of one researcher and one office working on Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) to support of three organizations, all working on CAPD research with direct researchers at the University of Arizona together with Autism Speaks and The Hearing Health Foundation offering national services and with opportunities for local involvement. RARA is expanding its research service to our country and indeed, the world. A pamphlet on RARA has been updated which explains more fully the new direction our charity has taken in its support of research into CAPD. There is an updated power point presentation being prepared on RARA, a newsletter on Hearing Health research and a DVD on Autism Speaks available that can be made available to any chapter for use as an educational program.

For the current Triennial the RARA Board of Directors consists of James H, Hodge. GGHP, President, Steven Tyner, GGK, Vice President, Teko Foley, G Scribe, Larry Gray, PGGHP, G Sec, Bryce Hildreth, PGHP (IA), C David Williams, PGHP (KS) and William Riggs, PGHP (KY) Secretary. Robert J Bean, Sr. (SC) continues to serve as Eastern Region Coordinator. The Coordinators for the Central and Western Regions are Ron Newton (FL) and Henry Adams (FL).

Yvette Keel of Hinesville, GA has retired as Interim Executive Director for Royal Arch Research Assistance. The duties include providing information that will be beneficial to promoting RARA. The position will be filled soon.

The Autism Speaks Royal Arch Mason’s Fellowship, which was established two years ago, supports the dissertation research project of Sophie Schwartz and her training as an autism researcher. Her doctoral research training has been devoted to the study of how children and adolescents with and without autism develop the ability to organize sounds in their environment as “auditory objects.” We know that infants and young children need to be able to hear one clear source of speech in order to learn the rules and patterns of the language around them. For some children with autism, difficulties in learning to speak may arise because of difficulties they have in filtering and segregation sounds. This is where Sophie’s next project, funded by the Royal Arch Masons and Autism Speaks, comes in.

Many chapters have experienced benefits from public exposure and have exalted new companions as a result of participation in their fund-raising walks. Currently there are not any walks set for South Carolina, so why doesn’t your chapter organize one for your area? There is now a banner available for use at these walks proclaiming support of Royal Arch Masons for Autism Speaks.

Dr. Musiek of the University of Arizona, the fifth largest research university in the country, is one of the leading authorities in the field of CAPD and is the author of several medical texts which are considered the Bible of CAPD by many in the medical profession. He is now working on research in conjunction with the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky.

The Hearing Health Foundation publicly recognizes Royal Arch Masons for supporting their research efforts on behalf of CAPD. Each year there are four (4) emerging research grants for CAPD research funded by RARA through the foundation. Companions, we would like to once again take this opportunity to thank you for the support you have shown for our philanthropy since our last Annual Convocation. As well as commending your Grand High Priest in promoting our charity.

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It is of great concern that donations are down internationally. Our Grand High Priest recommended in his address that each Chapter continue to support R. A. R. A. and, in addition, hold a fundraiser for our charity. Your committee highly approves these recommendations and implores your aid in supporting this worthy charity.

We would also like to announce that the Southeastern Region led the world for donations to Royal Arch Research Assistance.

During the year the number of South Carolina chapters donating through your committee chairman decreased by one (1) for a total of fourteen (14). This may be due to the consolidation of Chapters. South Carolina continues to rank eighth internationally and third in the region in total contributions.

During the year, one memorial totaling $20.00 (down 67%) was received in memory of Companion George Marion Smith. Companions, Memorials are an excellent way to honor our companions that have passed on to that undiscovered country from whose borne no traveler ever returns and we urge all chapters to join the Orangeburg Bodies in adopting this practice. South Carolina continues to rank fourteenth internationally in total memorials.

Total donations recorded during the year increased by 145% to a total of $6,160.91. The P-Pot donations from 2017 of $400 were turned in as well as $548 for 2018. Your committee thanks the Grand Heads for their efforts.

Certificates are available for donations of $25 or more. However, they cost money to RARA so, please specify when sending your donations whether certificates are being requested.

There were eleven (11) chapters (same as last year) that earned Gold certificates for giving at the $100 or more level: Carolina No. 1, Burning Bush No. 7, Eureka No. 13, Mackey No. 15, Poinsett No. 16, Keystone No. 19, Delta No. 20, Living Arch No. 21, Campbell No. 31, Chicora No. 33, and Gaffney No. 55.

Eight (8) chapters qualified for 100% certificates (27% decrease) with donations totaling at least $1 per member: Burning Bush No. 7, Mackey No. 15, Poinsett No. 16, Delta No. 20, Campbell No. 31, Chicora No. 33, Horry No. 48 and Gaffney No. 55.

Chicora No. 33 once again earned one of the distinctive R.A.R.A. Lapel Pins with one diamond added for making a single contribution of $500.00 or more, as did our Grand High Priest. Additional diamonds may be added to an existing pin by returning the pins to RARA.

Mackey Chapter No. 15 in York led the way in total contributions with $600.00. The top chapter in donations per member was also Mackey No. 15 with $4.08 per member.

The Lucius and Margaret Todd Fund donated $1,063.91. Other donations were received from the Square & Compass Club of the Midlands, the South Carolina Convention of Anointed High Priests and Piedmont York Rite College.

Thanks to the efforts of Becky Bean though her sale of bibs, over $2000 has been raised this year. They are available in red/purple, black/green, Masonic, Eastern Star, Carolina, Clemson, Tar-heel and Wolf Pack. The line has been expanded to include many other Division 1 schools, as well as NFL and MLB teams and the five branches of the military. The committee wishes to extend they’re thanks to her for her continued hard work on behalf of Royal Arch Research Assistance.

Fraternally submitted:

Robert J. Bean, Sr., (31 & 48) PGHP Chairman

Acy Flora (5 & 18) DGHP Ricky C Freeman (31) GK Dean Strickland (5) GS

Motion was made, seconded and approved to adopt all committee reports as printed in the Preliminary reports.

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Election of Officers The Business of the Grand Chapter having been concluded the chair was turned over to MW & RE D Sam Tennyson to conduct the elections of Officers. The floor was opened for nomination of Officers and the following were elected for 2019-2020.

M.E Grand High Priest Abram Cline Flora IV R.E. Deputy Grand High Priest Ricky C Freeman R.E. Grand King James Dean Strickland R.E. Grand Treasurer A. Glenn Greene III R.E. Grand Recorder G Buck Jolley

The floor was opened for nominations for the Office of R.E. Grand Scribe. James Ralph Humphreys Jr was elected to serve the Grand Chapter as Grand Scribe 2019-2020.

Most Excellent Grand High Priest

2019 - 2020

Acy Flora

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MEGHP Appointments for 2019 – 2020

Appointed Officers 2019 - 2020 Richard T S Valentine E. Grand Captain of the Host Robert L Wessinger .... E. Grand Principal Sojourner James L Chubb…. ....... E. Grand Royal Arch Captain Stanley B Cheek ......... E. Grand Master of Third Veil Donnie E Richards . E. Grand Master of Second Veil Wallace Hudson Jr ...... E. Grand Master of First Veil Charles Daniel Welch ..................... E. Grand Sentinel Haywood Fowler .......................... E. Grand Chaplain

R. E. District Deputy Grand High Priest

K Joe Hill ............................................... First District G Walker Moore ................................ Second District Scott D Gordon ..................................... Third District Kenneth Miles ................................... Fourth District W Larry Holloman ................................. Fifth District Michael D Keen ..................................... Sixth District

Grand Chapter Committees & Members for 2019 – 2020

Audit Dana P Rickards (2020) Finance Marcus Burdette (2020) Jurisprudence All Past Most Excellent Grand High Priest RARA Robert J Bean Sr (C) Acy Flora, Ricky Freeman Dean Strickland, James Humphreys

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Annual Proceedings

of The Most Illustrious Grand Council

Royal and Select Masters of

South Carolina

One Hundred Fifty Seventh Annual Assembly of

The Grand Council of Royal and Select Master of South Carolina

Chartered February 15,1860

March 10 - 12, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton

Myrtle Beach SC

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MOST ILLUSTRIOUS GRAND COUNCIL OF ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS

OF

SOUTH CAROLINA

The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of South Carolina was opened in ample form at the DoubleTree Hotel in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for the Annual Assembly:

Elected Officers

Jerry A Willard... ......................... M. I. Grand Master William T Corbin ............... R. I. Deputy Grand Master

Ronnie P Richards... R. I. Gr Principal Conductor of Work John R Bowker ..... R. I. Grand Captain of the Guard A Glenn Greene, III ................ R. I. Grand Treasurer G Buck Jolley ........................... R. I. Grand Recorder Rev Dr. A Robert Nix ............... R. I. Grand Chaplain

Appointed Officers 2018 – 2019

Scott David Goodwin I. Grand Conductor of the Council F. Dean Tollison ............................. I. Grand Marshal Roger W Gregory …. ....................... I. Grand Steward Charles Daniel Welch .................... I. Grand Sentinel

R. I. District Deputy Grand Masters

V Joe Hill ............................................... First District Edward Eugene Smith Jr ................. Second District Robert H Krause .................................. Third District Robert Anthony Lawson ................... Fourth District Thomas E Morgan .................................. Fifth District Mark A Mann ........................................ Sixth District

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M. I. Jerry Arnold Willard Jr. Most Illustrious Grand Master

2018 – 2019

Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters

of South Carolina Officers

Report on Credentials

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There are 17 of 17 Grand Officers 8 of 31 Living Past Grand Illustrious Masters and Representatives of 23 of 23 Subordinate Councils registered. At total of 80 Companions are registered and entitled to vote in this 2019 Annual Assembly. Fraternally Submitted G Buck Jolley, Grand Recorder

Address of Most Illustrious Grand Master of South Carolina

M.I. Jerry Arnold Willard Jr. To: The Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of South Carolina I would like to welcome all my Companions to the One Hundred Fifty-Ninth Grand Assembly of The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters. I hope your stay with us has been an enjoyable and memorable one. To my Companions of the Grand Jurisdiction, thank you for the trust and support you have shown me during the past four years, in which you allowed me to serve you. To our Distinguished Guests from our own Jurisdiction, you honor us with your presence and thank you for taking your valuable time to be with us. To the Grand Council Officers, Grand Representatives, and Subordinate councils, thank you for being here and for all your support in making this one of the grandest jurisdictions. To our distinguished out of state guests, thank you for coming to our Grand Assembly. I hope you enjoyed your stay in Myrtle Beach and felt our true southern hospitality. To the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of South Carolina Michael D. Smith, thank you, sir, for your support to York Rite Masonry and we are honored with your presence with us today. It has been my pleasure to be accompanied by you in many of my travels. To Most Excellent Grand High Priest Tony Bizakis, and Right Eminent Grand Commander Robert Elsner, I would like to thank you for the great time I have had serving with you this year and most of all for the friendship that we have. I also send a great big Thank You to Buck Jolley for all the advice and support you have given me during my service for the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of South Carolina.

STATE OF THE CRAFT

As I traveled over this great state, I have found peace and harmony in the York Rite Bodies. I would like to thank all the Councils for the way I was received and for all the honorary memberships that I received. It means more to me than words can express. However, with all the unity so widely demonstrated, we continue to decline in membership. Albeit at a slower rate than previous years. I urge Councils to use the York Rite Education Presentation as often as possible in their area to recruit new members.

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BROKEN TRIANGLE Companions, it saddens me to report that 122 Companions have passed on to the celestial lodge above where the supreme architect of the universe forever presides. Let us remember the families and friends of these departed Companions.

FINANCES

Companions, our financial situation is improving. I commend the Grand Recorder, The Grand Treasurer, and the Finance Committee on doing a good job managing our money. They have cut expenses where possible, but the fact is that expenses are climbing and revenue is declining. The Grand Treasurer will give you a full report later.

VISITATIONS WITHIN THE STATE

It is my pleasure to report that I attended all the in state official York Rite visitations this year.

OUT OF STATE VISITS I received many invitations to attend other Grand Jurisdictions. Unfortunately, due to conflicts with my employment, I regret I was not able to attend any out of state Grand Assemblies.

DISPENSATIONS Dispensations were of a routine nature, and copies are on file in the Grand Recorder’s Office.

BY LAWS The following Council By-Law Changes were approved:

Union No. 5 Pinckney No. 27

GRAND REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENTS

It was my pleasure to recommend the following Companions to serve as Grand Representative to other Grand Jurisdictions near the Grand Council of South Carolina.

James Dean Strickland Arizona Abram Cline Flora Arkansas

SUPER EXCELLENT MASTER’S DEGREE

It was my pleasure to attend the Super Excellent Master’s Degree in Aiken, SC. I have attended this degree several times. As always, the Degree Team provided an outstanding performance and the Aiken York Rite Bodies did an excellent job hosting the event.

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GRAND MASTER’S BANQUET Banquet was held in Columbia, SC this year and it was my pleasure to attend with my wife Jeanne. I would like to thank Most Worshipful Michael D. Smith for inviting us and for the support he has given the Grand York Rite this year.

CRYPTIC MASON OF THE YEAR AWARD The Cryptic Mason of the Year is the highest award that the Illustrious Grand Master can give. I am awarding this to a Companion that has served his Council in wide and varying capacities and worked to advance Cryptic Masonry not only in his home Council but in other Councils At this time, I would like to announce Joseph Austin Terry as the 2019 recipient of this award.

ISH SODI AWARDS I would like to also present the Ish Sodi Awards to

Grand Elected Officer: William Tom Corbin Grand Appointed Officer: Roger Gregory

RECOMMENDATIONS 1. That we continue to Make decisions that are in the best interest of the financial viability of

our organization 2. That we continue to support CMMRF 3. That we continue to support the Perpetual Life Membership program 4. That we continue to promote education to recruit new members

CONCLUSION It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of South Carolina. I would like to thank all the Companions for their support and I hope that I have served you well. I had a lot of fun traveling over this great state and made many new friends. It has been a pleasure serving with Most Excellent Grand High Priest Tony Bizakis and Right Eminent Grand Commander Robert Elsner. I would like to thank all the Grand elected and appointed officers for their support. To Buck Jolly, I want to thank you for all the hard work you do to make our Grand York Rite bodies work so well. You always have the answers, no matter what the questions. I will always cherish your friendship. I want to thank the Marion Militia for the spectacular hat that you gave me. I thank God for watching over us and giving us safe travels. To my loving wife, Jeanne, I want to thank her for all the support and prayers, and words of encouragement and all the little things she did to make me look good. I love you. Fraternally Submitted Jerry Willard Most Illustrious Grand Master

Motion was made, seconded and approved to adopt the Address of the MI Grand Master

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Grand Council Referendum Question

The following question was proposed in the form of a motion properly signed by five members of the Grand Council: Shall each Council of Royal and Select Masters, in this Grand Jurisdiction be assessed two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) for each member on the rolls to be paid along with the Annual Returns and be allocated to pay the Annual Return fees for membership in the General Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters International and permit the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of South Carolina to Rejoin the General Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters International. NO YES

(Circle One) A NO vote will be a vote not to approve assessment and not to rejoin the General Grand Council Royal Arch Masons International

A YES vote will begin the process of making changes to the Constitution of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of South Carolina to include the per capita increase and any future increases as and when approved by General Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters International.

After a brief discussion the question was called, and a vote was held by secret ballot. The majority of voting delegates present voted NO rejecting the assessment and not to rejoin the General Grand Council Royal and Select Masters International.

Constitution Amendment A Motion was presented: That the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of South Carolina Constitution Article XVIII Section III be amended as follows:

Currently reads:

Any Companion who has been in good standing for a period of forty years, ether consecutive or accumulative, shall be designated a “Life Member” and be exempt from the payment of dues.

Proposed to read:

Any Companion who has been in good standing for a period of sixty years, ether consecutive or accumulative, shall be exempt from the payment of per capita to the Grand Council.

A Motion was made requesting unanimous consent and without objection the Question was called and unanimously approved.

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Grand Recorder’s Report To: The Most Illustrious Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of South Carolina: I hereby submit my annual report covering the period March 1, 2018 through February 28, 2019.

RECEIPTS

Annual per capita $ 20,944.95 Surety Bond Assessment $ 230.00 Ritual sales + Postage $ 324.33 Banquet/Meal Ticket Sales $ 1,820.00 Web Fees $ 126.67 Magazine Ad Sales & Misc. $ 895.00 Total Receipts $24,340.95

DISBURSEMENTS

Deposits to General Fund Wells Fargo $24,340.95 Total Disbursements $24,340.95

Annual Statistical Report Start: 1/1/2018 End: 12/31/2018

Grand Council of SC Total Working Councils 23 Total number members last return = 3,020 Greeted = 91 Affiliated = 103 Reinstated = 35 Add Adjustment = 0 Total Gain (+) 229 Demitted = 100 Suspended = 125 Deceased = 122 Expelled = 0 Delete Adjustment = 0 Total Loss (-) 347 Net Gain (Net Loss) (118) Total number of members (including Dual on this report) = 2,902

Fraternally submitted, G Buck Jolley, Grand Recorder

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GRAND COUNCIL ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS OF SOUTH CAROLINA GRAND TREASURER'S REPORT February 28, 2019

To: The Grand Council Royal and Select Masters of South Carolina, I hereby submit my annual report covering the period March 1, 2018 through February 28, 2019

March 1, 2018 Balances

Wells Fargo Checking $ 19,399.43 Wells Fargo Savings $ 18,901.02 Merrill Lynch WCMA $100,000.00

Total Accounts $138,300.45 RECEIPTS

Grand Secretary $ 24,340.95

Wells Fargo Savings (Interest) $ 50.12 Trf from General Fund to Savings $ 4,000.00

Total Receipts $ 28,391.07

Total Accounts + Receipts $166,691.52 DISBURSEMENTS

Budgeted Expenditures $ 21,871.65

Total $ 21,871.65 Total to Account For $144,814.87 (Accounts + Receipts – Disbursements) February 28, 2019 Balances Wells Fargo Checking $ 21,865.81 Wells Fargo Savings $ 22,949.06

Merrill Lynch WCMA $100,000.00 Total Accounts $144,814.87 Fraternally Submitted A, Glenn Greene III, Grand Treasurer

Motion was made, seconded and approved to adopt all committee reports as

printed in the Preliminary reports.

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Election of Officers The Business of the Grand Council having been concluded the chair was turned over to MW & RE D Sam Tennyson to conduct the elections of Officers. The floor was opened for nomination of Officers and they were elected for 2019-2020.

M.I. Grand Master William “Tom” Corbin R.I. Deputy Grand Master Ronnie P Richards R.I. Grand Principal Conductor of Work John R Bowker R.I. Grand Treasurer A. Glenn Greene III R.I. Grand Recorder G Buck Jolley R.I. Grand Chaplin Rev Dr A Robert Nix

The floor will be open for nominations for the Office of R.I. Grand Captain of the Guard. Robert Myrl Saverance was elected to serve the Grand Council as R.I. Grand Captain of the Guard 2019-2020.

William Thomas Corbin

Most Illustrious Grand Master 2019 - 2020

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MIGM Appointments for 2019 - 2020

Appointed Officers 2019 - 2020 Dale W Usery .............. I. Grand Conductor of the Council Michael D Keen ..................................... I. Grand Marshal Bobby E Pennington Jr …. .................... I. Grand Steward Charles Daniel Welch ........................... I. Grand Sentinel

R. I. District Deputy Grand Masters

Ronald W Quattlebaum ............................... First District Edward Eugene Smith Jr ......................... Second District Scott David Goodwin .................................. Third District Michael O’Neil Troutman ......................... Fourth District John Douglas Broadway ............................... Fifth District Jimmie Truluck Graham .............................. Sixth District

Grand Council Committees & Members for 2019 – 2020

Audit Dean Tollison (2021) Finance Ron Elvis (2022) Jurisprudence All Past Most Illustrious Grand Masters

CMMRF James W Barr (C), Ton Corbin, Ronnie Richards John Bowker, Robert Saverance

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49

Annual Proceedings of

The Grand Commandery Knights Templar

of South Carolina

One Hundred Tenth Annual Conclave of

The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina

Chartered March 25,1907

March 10 - 12, 2019

DoubleTree by Hilton

Myrtle Beach SC

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GRAND COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Elected Officers Robert J F Elsner ............... R. E. Grand Commander Jeff L Hall .............. V. E. Deputy Grand Commander Mike W Kirk ......................... E. Grand Generalissimo

Christopher Mark McDonald E. Grand Captain General A Glenn Greene, III ..................... E. Grand Treasurer G Buck Jolley ............................... E. Grand Recorder

Appointed Officers George E Graham .............. E. Grand Senior Warden Steve Whitaker ................... E. Grand Junior Warden Charles Andrew Colling Jr ............ E. Grand Prelate David J DeChant Sr …. ... E. Grand Standard Bearer Richard L Turner .................. E. Grand Sword Bearer Ted C Thomas ................................ E. Grand Warder Charles Daniel Welch ..................... E. Grand Sentinel

District Deputy Grand Commanders Ronald W Quattlebaum ........................ First District G Walker Moore ................................ Second District David Lee Watkins ............................... Third District Nelson D Horton ................................ Fourth District Christopher M Davis .............................. Fifth District Victor D Phillips ................................... Sixth District

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S.K. Robert J F Elsner R.E. Grand Commander

2018 – 2019

Grand Commander

Grand Commandery Knights Templar of South Carolina

Officers ~ 2018 – 2019

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Report of Committee on Credentials and Returns To the Grand Commandery of Knights of South Carolina There are 15 of 19 Grand Officers 11 of 29 Living Past Grand Commanders and Representatives of 23 of 23 Subordinate Commanderies registered. At total of 125 Sir Knights are registered and entitled to vote in this 2019 Annual Conclave Fraternally Submitted G Buck Jolley Grand Recorder

ADDRESS OF THE RIGHT EMINENT GRAND COMMANDER S.K. ROBERT J.F. ELSNER

To the Grand Encampment of The United States of America, The Grand Commandery of South Carolina, distinguished out-of-state guests, and to all Sir Knights present, I welcome you to the 112th Annual Concave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina being held here in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I extend a special welcome to Most Excellent Companion Tony Bizakis, the Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of South Carolina, Most Illustrious Companion Jerry Willard, the Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of South Carolina, Jeff Bolstad, the Captain General of the Grand Encampment, and all other dignitaries present. First and foremost, I need to thank our Lord and Savior for His grace and blessings during this amazing year. Non nobis, Domine. I must also thank all the Past Grand Commanders and members of the elected Line for their help, advice, and shared wisdom as I have tried to fight the good fight as your Grand Commander this year.

STATE OF THE ORDER I am pleased to announce that Peace and Harmony prevails within this Grand Commandery. God be praised in our life and our work! As in the past several years, the three Grand Bodies have worked closely with each other this year and unity is strong between all three bodies. Throughout the craft, Templary is being represented well, and the elected officers of the three Bodies have worked together to ensure that we are being prayerful, efficient, and careful in our decisions. We are attracting Brethren from many different backgrounds who share the love of Christ and Fraternity. Several Commanderies are doing exemplary work, both in recruiting and in beautiful degree work. I cannot express the honor I have received being asked to knight so many excellent Masons as they join our ranks and wield their swords in Christian Love.

MEMBERSHIP While our overall membership figures continue to decline, death is now the primary cause of loss of membership. Although the NPD’s and deaths are more numerous than the new members coming in, I am encouraged with the new commitment I see in our local bodies. I encourage each Commandery to take the time to contact those who are going NPD. If a member is going NPD, then there must be a reason he is doing this. I feel that we must have failed them in some way

53

for them to go NPD. There is such great energy among the new members, that hopefully we are on that upbound direction in quality and quantity.

DUAL MEMBERSHIP No requests for dual memberships came before me this year.

CHARTERS AND DISPENSATIONS As it saddens me to say, no charters for new Commanderies were issued, but neither were any surrendered. All dispensations were of a routine nature and are on file in the Grand Recorder’s office. It is worth noting that a Sir Knight requested approval to wear his Commandery uniform to be married in and have Sir Knights from Lancaster Commandery present for an arch of steel.

BY LAWS CHANGE I encourage each Commandery to review their by-laws on an annual basis and submit changes. The following Commandery By-Law Changes were approved:

Columbia No. 2 Union No. 16

HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE

The Holy Land Pilgrimage is one of the foundational charities we have, focusing our historical function to the modern world and serving God through His ministers. We are sending two ministers this year and are budgeting for at least two next year. I would challenge you to see how many we can send through partnerships or the fundraisers I have talked about this year, seeking out OPM: “Other People’s Money”. Thank you to everyone who donated or hosted fund raisers for this great work. Our Grand Prelate, the Rev. S.K. Drew Collins was phenomenal in speaking to this issue at meetings and leading the selection committee.

CHRISTMAS DAY OBSERVANCE I had the pleasure of visiting several Commanderies for their Christmas Observances. Thank you for the invitations. I encourage all Commanderies to hold these observances annually and open them to the public. This is another positive way to let non-masons see the true picture of our fraternity. We as Christian Masons should take advantage of this opportunity to put Christ before the public and let them know who it is, we serve.

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR EYE FOUNDATION Like all recent Past Grand Commanders, I am promoting 100% participation in this program. The Knights Templar Eye Foundation has changed somewhat over the past several years with our contributions going totally toward research. I was once a young researcher, and starter grants helped me to become successful for many years in medical research. These new researchers have demonstrated exceptional ability and potential, and we are setting them on a

54

path to greatness and possible cures of ophthalmic diseases. I thank each Commandery for your support.

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE My wife and I had the pleasure of traveling to Washington D.C. to attend the Easter

Sunrise Services at the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. The banquet was wonderful in the fellowship. While I marched alone up Shooters Hill representing our Grand Commandery, there was a sense of appreciation that we were represented on that Easter morning. It sent a message that while other South Carolinians could not make it, we are not ashamed of the Gospel and are willing to stand up for Christ. At the top of the hill, to see Bro and Sir Knight Robert Saverance and his family near my family strengthened this joy at representing our great State. I would encourage each Sir Knight to make the trip to Washington D.C. and participate in the Easter Sunrise Service. It is an experience you will never forget.

SOUTHEASTERN YORK RITE CONFERENCE

The Southeastern York Rite Conference was held in Jackson, Mississippi, and again provided an opportunity to many leaders of York Rite in the Southeast and in the Grand Encampment. All elected Officers of the Grand York Rite are required to attend this meeting. I would encourage all Sir Knights to attend this meeting and to learn ways to improve yourself to lead your local bodies and your State. If you would like to enroll in the Emerging Leaders program, I would encourage you to pursue this excellent opportunity held at these meetings. The trip down there was a great bonding experience and left us with many jokes that none of us will forget, even as an elephant in the room.

GRAND LODGE Sir Knights I had the privilege of representing our Grand Commandery at the Grand Master’s Banquet on Wednesday evening and enjoyed the fellowship and great entertainment. Unfortunately, my work situation did not allow me to attend the opening day of the 279th Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina, but we were well represented by Sir Knight Jeff Hall, VEDGC for the opening. I was able to attend the next day and was installed as DDGM for the 11th District, another honor I cannot expound upon enough.

VISITATIONS IN SOUTH CAROLINA Under God’s grace I was able to attend all the Official Visits. The new District combined meetings seem to be a good thing for all involved, and area increasing cooperation among the various Bodies. In all these visits, I was overwhelmed by the honor of genuine hospitality, and kindness as I spoke of issues that weigh heavily on my heart, that of scriptural education in the Commandery. While several times I had to apologize for speaking at too great a length, I was often still thanked because the Sir Knights are hungry for such information and passion for our Lord.

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OUT OF STATE VISITATIONS I was honored to represent this Grand Commandery at the NC York Rite Annual Meeting in Greensboro, NC, at the Southeastern York Rite meeting in Jackson, MS., at the Sunrise Service in Washington DC, and at the Maggie Valley Summer Assembly in NC.

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR CROSS OF HONOR The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America awards

this singular Honor to one Sir Knight each year. Every Commandery is responsible to nominate one Sir Knight for this honor each year. It is my pleasure to present the Knights Templar Cross of Honor to Sir Knight Herman Lindy Resch.

KNIGHT COMMANDER OF THE TEMPLE

No nominations were received for this honor. I encourage the Sir Knights to examine who among them is worthy and please nominate those who should receive honors for their hard work in Templary.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS District Instructional meetings were held in several of the Districts. The heads of all three bodies along with their District Deputies need to schedule Educational meetings within each of their Districts. While these meetings have traditionally provided officers and members reinforcement for opening and closing their bodies and instruct them the various signs of the Orders, this year we also focused on how to prepare education on scripture salient to the degrees.

RECOMMENDATIONS I recognize that I am standing on the shoulders of giants: men who worked unimaginably hard to build and sustain this Grand Commandery and serve God. Their recommendations should be heeded. I would ask that the Sir Knights consider the following recommendations:

1. That the Grand Recorder and the elected line of all three Grand York Rite Bodies continue to hold the highly effective planning meetings to continue to promote unity and efficiency.

2. That the Elected line of all three bodies continue to work on consolidating the Official Visits.

3. That we continue to contact those Sir Knights that are in danger of suspension for NPD. We need to find out why they are not paying their dues and what we can do to help or keep their interest in York Rite alive.

4. That educational sessions be increased to allow for new brethren to learn more about the connections of Scripture to our ritual and workings.

5. That a new Leadership program be set up in this State, in collaboration with the Grand Lodge, to help develop new leaders among even the newest Sir Knight. Such a leadership program should be in an online, cohort format to increase our service to the Blue Lodge and increase bonds of brotherly love and friendship. Finally,

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6. That plans be made to encourage Sir Knights to attend some of the out-of-state events, especially the Easter Sunrise Service, Maggie Valley Assembly, and Southeastern York Rite Meeting.

CONCLUSION

I thank God for this experience and His blessings on our safe travels and wonderful time together. I have kept all of you in my prayers this year, through times of extreme joy and extreme sorrow. God has been gracious with me, and the support I received from Sir Knights during the death of my mother was overwhelming. I cannot thank you enough for giving me the honor and privilege to serve as your Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina for 2018-2019. As I have reminded many of you, these cords around my neck are to remind me and other Grand Commanders that we are the principle servants of the Craft. It is my joy to be a servant of Christ, and Him crucified, resurrected, and ascended. I want to thank all the Sir Knights for the friendship and brotherly love that you have shown me during my visits. To Most Excellent Companion Tony Bizakis and Most Illustrious Companion Jerry Willard, thank you for the collaboration and support this year. Brethren, I cannot ever thank Sir Knight Gary “Buck” Jolley our Grand Recorder enough for all his help. To all the elected and appointed officers of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Carolina who served with me this year, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the support and guidance you have provided me during the year. Greenwood Commandery No. 5 supported me throughout my year as Grand Commander and understood as I missed so many of our local meetings. To my wife, Betsy, and our children, Lily and Sam, I can only say that your love has propelled me forward to do good things for great causes. I could not have accomplished these things without you. I love you.

Respectfully Submitted S.K. Robert J.F. Elsner R. E. Grand Commander

Motion was made, seconded and approved to adopt the Address of the RE Grand Commander

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Grand Recorder’s Report To: The Grand Commandery Knights Templar of South Carolina: I hereby submit my annual report covering the period March 1, 2018 through February 28, 2019.

RECEIPTS Annual per capita $ 46,417.95 Surety Bond Assessment $ 230.00 Holy Land Pilgrimage Fund $ 2,084.02 Ritual sales + Postage $ 376.14 Banquet/Meal Ticket Sales $ 1,820.00 Web Fees $ 126.67 Magazine Ad Sales & Misc. $ 595.00 Closeout balance from KT Ed & HLP Accts $ 9,260.35 Total Receipts $60,910.13

DISBURSEMENTS

Deposits to General Fund Wells Fargo $60,910.13 Total Disbursements $60,910.13

Annual Statistical Report Start: 1/1/2018End: 12/31/2018

Grand Commandery of SC Total Working Commanderies 23 Total number members last return = 2,817 Knighted = 73 Affiliated = 93 Reinstated = 36 Add Adjustment = 0

Total Gain (+) 202 Demitted = 88 Suspended = 145 Deceased = 106 Expelled = 0 Delete Adjustment = 2

Total Loss (-) 341 Net Gain (Net Loss) (139)

Total number of members (including Dual on this report) = 2,678 Knights Templar Eye Foundation Living/Active Life Sponsors = 1834 Living/Active Associate Patrons = 6 Living/Active Patrons = 1

Total Deductions = 1834 Note: A “Living/Active” member may be counted only once for an Eye Foundation deduction even if the member has purchased multiples within a level or across levels.

Fraternally submitted, G Buck Jolley, Grand Recorder

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GRAND COMMANDERY KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF SOUTH CAROLINA GRAND TREASURER'S REPORT

February 28, 2019 To: The Grand Commandery Knights Templar of South Carolina, I hereby submit my

annual report covering the period March 1, 2018 through February 28, 2019 March 1, 2018 Balances Wells Fargo Checking $ 62,789.11

Wells Fargo Savings $151,322.55 Edward Jones Investments $396,373.76 Total Accounts $610,485.42

RECEIPTS Grand Recorder $ 60,810.13 Wells Fargo Checking to Savings $ 1,500.00

Wells Fargo Interest $ 48.07 Wells Fargo KT Ed Checking Closeout Bal $ 735.46 Edward Jones Investment Income $ 7,939.25

Total Receipts $ 71,439.68 Total Accounts + Receipts $680,925.10

DISBURSEMENTS

Budgeted Expenditures $ 57,353.12 Wells Fargo Savings to Grand Encampment KTEF $ 58,000.00

Total $115,353.12

Total to Account For $565,571.98 (Accounts + Receipts – Disbursements) February 28, 2019 Balances Wells Fargo Checking $ 67,846.13

Wells Fargo Savings $100,677.06 Edward Jones Investments $397,048.79 Total Accounts $565,571.98

Fraternally Submitted A, Glenn Greene III, Grand Treasurer

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Knights Templar Educational Foundation Minutes – June 22, 2018

The Education Committee met at 10:00 am on June 22, 2018 at the Grand Lodge of SC in Lexington, South Carolina. The meeting was opened with Prayer by Robert Elsner. Board Members: Present: Ted Burgess, Chairman, Harvie B Bailey, John R Marcucci, James J Holmes G Buck Jolley Secretary-Treasurer Absent: Gary Sowell Others Present: Robert J. F. Elsner, RE Grand Commander Minutes from July 14, 2017 were reviewed and approved. The Secretary-Treasurer reported that One scholarship Was given in 2017 to Miss Elizabeth Brook Albert for $2,000.00.

Knights Templar Educational Foundation Financial Report January 1, 2017 – December 31, 2017

Beginning Balances Wells Fargo – Checking $ 639.17 Pro Equities Acct 5EQ-492923 $56,893.92 Total $57,533.09

Receipts Pro Equities dividends, interest, other $ 3,208.98 Bankers Life dividends, interest, other $58,000.00 Total $61,208.98

Disbursements Grand Encampment Annual Report $ 286.73 Univ. SC (scholarship Albert) $ 2,000.00 Pershing LLC (acct close Fees) $ 90.50 Wells Fargo – Checking $ 96.29 Total $ 2,473.52

Ending Balances Wells Fargo Checking $ 735.46 Wells Fargo Savings $58,000.00 Total Assets $58,735.46

The Secretary/Treasurer withdraw all funds from Bankers Life and placed them in the General fund money market account, in preparation to transfer to Grand Encampment if approved at the Annual Conclave. That transfer was approved at the 2018 Annual Conclave and the funds were transferred to the Grand Encampment Education Foundation on March 18, 2018. The financial report does not reflect this transfer in the financials as it is based on a yearly accounting. The Right Eminent Grand Commander, Robert J.F. Elsner re-appointed James J Holmes for a five-year term (2023). Scholarship selection: The 2018 scholarship was awarded to Grayson Lancaster and Samuel Elsner in the amount of $1000.00 each. There being no further business to come before this Committee a motion was made, seconded, and approved to adjourn. G Buck Jolley Secretary-Treasurer

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Motion was made, seconded and approved to adopt all committee reports as printed in the Preliminary reports.

Election of Officers The Business of the Grand Commandery having been concluded the chair was turned over to MW & RE D Sam Tennyson to conduct the elections of Officers. The floor was opened for nomination of Officers and the following were nominated and elected for 2019-2020

Right Eminent Grand Commander Jeffery L Hall V.E. Deputy Grand Commander Michael W Kirk Eminent Grand Generalissimo Christopher Mark McDonald Eminent Grand Treasurer A. Glenn Greene III Eminent Grand Recorder G Buck Jolley

The floor was opened for nominations for the Office of Eminent Grand Captain General. Daniel Lee Brock was elected to serve the Grand Commandery as Grand Captain General 2019-2020.

SK Jeffrey Hall RE Grand Commander

2019 – 2020

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REGC Appointments for 2019-2020

Appointed Officers 2019 – 2020 Victor Dewy Phillips ................... E. Grand Senior Warden David L Watkins ......................... E. Grand Junior Warden Rev. H Haywood Fowler ........................ E. Grand Prelate Garland Ray Harman …. ......... E. Grand Standard Bearer Emerson Randall Couch ............... E. Grand Sword Bearer John Andrew Martin ............................. E. Grand Warder Charles Daniel Welch ............................ E. Grand Sentinel

District Deputy Grand Commanders

K Joe Hill ..................................................... First District Michael James Broom ............................... Second District Ted Cox Thomas ......................................... Third District Thomas Henry Martin Jr........................... Fourth District William Spencer Ghent ................................. Fifth District George Edwin Graham ................................ Sixth District

Grand Commandery Committees & Members for 2019 – 2020

Audit James Jack Holmes (2022) Finance H Ted Burgess (2021) Jurisprudence All Past Right Eminent Grand Commanders Knight Templar Education H Ted Burgess (C) (2022), Gary Sowell (2021), Harvie “Pete”

Bailey (2020), John Marcucci (2019), Jack Holmes (2023), G Buck Jolley Secretary/Treasurer (Non-Voting)

Holy Land Pilgrimage Haywood Fowler (C), Robert Nix, Pete Bailey, Jeff Hall G Buck Jolley Secretary/Treasurer