This year I once again had the honor and privilege of representing California at the Sovereign Grand Lodge (SGL) Sessions held in Charleston, WV. Like usual there was much work to be done, but also great opportunities for seeing old friends and making new ones from all around North America and beyond. This convention had some great new features including a local lodge tour, historical lecture, membership roundtable, and two unofficial side degrees, the Muscovites and the Mariners. Three California members took the new Mariners Degree (see http://themariners.us) and are now looking into establishing a “Ship” here in the Bay Area.
California was represented in SGL this year by Peter Sellars and Mel Astrahan in addition to myself. We also had several members participate in the General Military Council (GMC), the highest body for the Patriarchs Militant. Our member Rod Metoyer was installed as Sovereign Grand Chaplain for our new Sovereign Grand Master Tom Calabrese and Diana Schmiegel was installed as Marshal for International Association of Rebekah Assemblies (IARA) President Pam Isenhower. California members Fred Dolling, Tony Pruitt, Ernie Albice, Tom Kopping, and Grand Master Rita Cooper received General-level positions in the GMC.
— by Michael Greenzeiger