DIGEST OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE 139th ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
M. W. GRAND LODGE OF F. & A. M. OF NEVADA
NOVEMBER 10th, & 11th, 2003

In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Nevada, the One Hundred Thirty-ninth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge was convened at the Boomtown Hotel-Casino, Verdi, Nevada.

The Public Opening was called to order by Everett L. Meyers, Worshipful Master of Benjamin Franklin Lodge No. 45 on Monday morning, November 10, 2003 at 8:30 A.M. Members of Dewitt Clinton Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar presented the Colors.

M.W. Rodger W. Denn, (45 & 34), Grand Master, gave a welcoming address. The Invocation was given by V.R. Dennis W. Casteel, Grand Chaplain.

The tribute to the Flag of the United States of America was delivered by Worshipful Brother Lewis E. 'Red" Kittell, P.M., (13) and then the Pledge of Allegiance was repeated. Worshipful Brother Mark L. Mancha, P.M. (32), gave the tribute to the Flag of Canada and Worshipful Brother Robert L. Duncan, P.M. (25 & 45) presented the tribute for the Flag of the State of Nevada. After the tributes to each Flag the appropriate anthem was sung by all present.

The Heads of Concordant and Appendant Bodies in Nevada were presented at the Altar. They were:

Illustrious David J. Morgan, P.G.M., Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Nevada.
Most Excellent Jerry B. Evans, Grand High Priest, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.
Most Illustrious Gerald L. Ogle, Grand Master, Grand Council Cryptic Masons.
Right Eminent Mark A. Marsh, Grand Commander, Grand Commandery Knights Templar.
Joseph "Jay" Dini, III, Illustrious Potentate, Kerak Temple Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
Craig Phillips, P.M., Executive Officer in Nevada, International Order of DeMolay.
William B. Berk, P.G.M., Intendent General, Red Cross of Constantine.
John E. Bower, Right Pre-eminently Distinguished Grand Governor, Sovereign York Rite College for Nevada.
Grand Master Denn welcomed all and the response was given by David J. Morgan, P.G.M., Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Nevada.
The National Officers were presented at the Altar. They were:
M.W. William G. Roberts, P.G.M., Commissioner of the Western Division, Masonic Service Association.
W. Lewis F. "Red" Kittell, P.M., State Chairman George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association.
David K. Baba, P.M., South West Department Commander Knights Templar.
W. George D. Seghers, P.M., Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association.
Grand Master Denn welcomed all and the response was given by Lewis E. "Red" Kittell, P.M., (13).

Leaders of the Ladies and Youth Groups were at this time introduced and each brought greetings and a short message to the Grand Lodge. Introduced were:

Mrs. Barbara Billington, Worthy Grand Matron, Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star.
Miss Katlin Holmen, Grand Worthy Advisor, International Order of Rainbow for Girls.
Miss Sharon Trochtenberg, Miss Nevada Job's Daughters, International Order of Job's Daughters.
Mr. Adam Wilson, State Master Councilor, Nevada DeMolay.

PRESENTATIONS

M.W. William G. Roberts, P.G.M., Commissioner of the Western Division, Masonic Service Association presented Most Worshipful Denn with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Masonic Service Association.

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

Most Excellent Jerry B. Evans, Grand High Priest, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons presented three checks, one to each of the Youth Group leaders in the amount of $225.00 from Stanley A. Gardner, Deputy Grand Commander of Colorado, as part of the proceeds from the Masonic Play "Sword of Bunker Hill".

Commissions for Grand Representatives were presented to:

Kenneth D. Smith, P.M. Grand Representative of Idaho near Nevada,
Aaron W. Harvey, P.G.M., Grand Representative of Nevada near Oregon,
W. Wayne Perkins, P.G.M., Grand Representative of Nebraska near Nevada.

The Grand Master thanked the guests for attending and then closed the public portion of the Grand Lodge Ceremony.

The Grand Lodge was formally called to order at 10:00 A.M. by Worshipful Richard P. Swanson, Master of Fernley Lodge No. 34. The Grand Lodge Officers entered and assumed their stations.

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

The roll of the Grand Lodge officers was called and all were present.

The roll of the Past Grand Masters was called and all who were not present were excused.

Grand Lodge was then opened in Ample Form.

Seven resolutions and one carry-over resolution were introduced by Grand Secretary Cronin who moved to dispense with reading of the published resolutions and that they be referred to the Jurisprudence Committee. It was Seconded and Carried.

The Past Grand Masters of Nevada were introduced and accorded Grand Honors and given a hearty welcome. Grand Master Denn and R.W. H. Wayne Kingsley, Deputy Grand Master welcomed all. M.W. John L. Buffington, P.G.M., (25) gave the response.

Distinguished Guests from other Jurisdictions were received and introduced under the direction of W. David O. Martinez, Grand Marshal. There were representatives from Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, England, Idaho, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Nevada and Jurisdictions, Inc., Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.

The Jurisprudence Committee moved to grant Honorary membership to the distinguished guests in attendance. Seconded and Carried. They then gave a preliminary report on the resolutions.

Tellers were appointed for the election of the 2003-2004 Grand Officers.

Officers were appointed to tally the votes on the resolutions.

The Credentials Committee gave a Preliminary report.

A motion was made by Brother J. R. Stahl, P.M., Secretary of Reno Lodge No. 13 that the 140th Annual Communication be held at Boomtown in Verdi, NV, on November 8 and 9, 2004 seconded and carried, It was accepted by R.W. H. Wayne Kingsley, D.G.M.

Ballot for the election of the 2003-2004 Grand Officers was opened.

M.W. Rodger W. Denn, Grand Master, delivered his message. It was received with a standing ovation and referred to the Committee on Distribution. The Committee on Distribution submitted its report as to the proper committees to which the Grand Master's message should be distributed.

The meeting was called to refreshment for lunch.

The Monday afternoon session was called to order by Worshipful Samuel Ruiz, Master of Nellis Lodge No. 46 at 1:30 P.M. The Grand Lodge officers entered and assumed their stations.

Attending Worshipful Masters were assembled West of the Altar and presented to the Grand Lodge, and Grand Master Denn and R.W. H. Wayne Kingsley, D.G.M. welcomed them. Robert A. Anderson, Master of Carson Valley Lodge No. 33, gave the response.

The Roll of the Grand Representatives was then called. Forty-five were present with two excused. They were welcomed by Grand Master Denn and R.W. Kingsley, D.G.M. M.W. W. Wayne Perkins, P.G.M., Grand Representative of Nebraska, gave the response.

V.W. Arthur K. Cronin, P.G.M., delivered the Grand Secretary's report. It was received and will be printed in the Annual Proceedings.

W. David J. Cormany, Grand Historian, gave his report. It was received and is to be printed in the Annual Proceedings.

W. Gerald L. Ogle, P.M., Chairman of the Charters delivered his report and moved that a Charter be granted to Logia Hispana de Nevada, formerly Benito Juarez Lodge U.D. Following discussion the vote was taken and carried to grant a Charter to Logia Hispana de Nevada.

The Grand Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshment.

The Grand Lodge was called to Order by Worshipful Brother Paul C. Theile, Master of Acacia Lodge No. 49. The Grand Lodge Officers were in their stations.

V.W. Michel P. Aurnague, delivered the Grand Treasurer's report. It was received and will be printed in the Annual Proceedings.

W. Carl L. Banks, P.M gave the Grand Trustee's report. It was received and will be printed in the Annual Proceedings.

M.W. David J. Guinan, P.G.M., Grand Lecturer presented his report. It was received and will be printed in the Annual Proceedings. He then presented the Ritual and Standard Work Committee Report. It was adopted and will be printed in the Annual Proceedings.

Grand Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshment.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2003

Grand Lodge was called to order by Worshipful Jacques Yammine, Master of Golden Lodge No. 50. The Grand Lodge Officers entered and assumed their stations.

Worshipful Reed R. Moseley, Grand Orator, presented his oration, which was received with a standing ovation.

Grand Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshment.

Grand Lodge was called to order by Worshipful J. Peter Van Alstyne, Master of Amity Lodge No. 4.

The Final Credentials Committee Report was presented by W. John C. Singleton, P.M.
A motion was made and seconded to be received and adopted. Carried.

M.W. William G. Roberts, P.G.M., gave the Final Report of the Jurisprudence Committee. Then he proceeded to present the Resolutions for the action of the Grand Lodge as follows:

RESOLUTION NO. 1-2003 WITHDRAWN
RESOLUTION NO. 2-2003 WITHDRAWN
RESOLUTION NO. 3-2003 CARRIED OVER
RESOLUTION NO. 4-2003 REJECTED
RESOLUTION NO. 5-2003 CARRIED OVER
RESOLUTION NO. 6-2003 ADOPTED
RESOLUTION NO. 7-2003 ADOPTED
CARRY-OVER RESOLUTION NO. 1-2002 ADOPTED

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

M.W. Denn declared the Ballot Box Closed.

Grand Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshment for Lunch.

Grand Lodge was called to order by Worshipful Ted Johnson, Master of Sandy Valley Lodge No. 57 for the afternoon session. The Grand Lodge Officers entered and assumed their stations.

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

The Final report of the Finance Committee was read and the proposed budget was presented. On motion, duly put and seconded, the proposed budget was adopted.

Grand Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshment.

Grand Lodge was called to order by Worshipful John E. Harney, Jr., Master of St. John Lodge No. 18.

The election of officers was conducted in regular form, following which the Grand Master-elect announced the Appointive Grand Officers.

The Grand Lodge was called from labor to refreshment until 7:00 P.M. to resume Labor for Installation of 2003-2004 Grand Officers.

M.W. Rodger W. Denn, Grand Master, called the Grand Lodge to order at 7:00 P.M. and welcomed the members, relatives and friends attending the Open Installation. He then introduced the Installing team as follows:

Installing Master: M.W. David J. Morgan, P.G.M.,
Installing Marshal: M.W. Arthur K. Cronin, P.G.M.,
Installing Assistant Marshal: M.W. William G. Roberts, P.G.M.,
Installing Secretary: M.W. William B. Berk, P.G.M.,
Installing Chaplain: M.W. George P. "Pat" Williams, P.G.M.
Keeper of the Jewels: M.W. Roy A. Wilson, P.G.M.

The Officers were installed into their offices according to Ancient Craft Ceremony with prayer and proclamation.

After a final motion authorizing the Grand Master and Grand Secretary to prepare and have printed the Annual Proceedings and to pay all outstanding expenses resulting from this Communication and with concluding remarks, the 139th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Nevada was closed in Ample Form at 9:00 P.M.

A reception followed which was hosted by M.W. H. Wayne Kingsley, Grand Master and his wife Barbara.

Fraternally,

Arthur K. Cronin, P.G.M.
Grand Secretary