News Briefs

Robertson Installed as State Master Councilor at Conclave 2010

CARROLLTON, GA

The weekend started with a business session on Friday morning which started the process of elections for the next state officer team. After nomination remarks and several minutes of caucus questions on membership initiatives, Masonic relations, and similar topics, votes were called for the state's elected Councilor positions. Bro. Donald Robertson of Mountain Park chapter was elected as the 2010-2011 State Master Councilor. Joining him were Bro. Jacob Somers of Samuel S. Lawrence chapter as State Senior Councilor, and Bro. Hunter Sullivan of Peachtree City chapter as State Junior Councilor.

Also presented at this session was a report on the 2010 DeMolay International Congress session, held in Dallas earlier this month. At that session, Bro. Michael Benedetti of Peachtree City chapter was elected as DeMolay's 44th International Master Councilor. In addition to serving as Georgia's 2009-2010 State Master Councilor, he is the third IMC to hail from Georgia in the last six years. Finally, it was reported that Georgia once again remains an international leader in membership growth, having made positive growth for the fourth consecutive year, something Executive Officer Marc Bohn calls, "...a trend we'd like to continue."

Later on Friday, the annual sweetheart competition and election was held. Georgia DeMolay's state sweetheart works with the chapter sweethearts throughout the year to raise funds for the Jenny Lind Pettys Scholarship Fund, and to provide general support to the state association and chapters. After a time for speeches and a question and answer session, Miss Emily Propes of Mountain Park chapter was elected as Georgia's 2010-2011 sweetheart.

Friday evening is the time set aside to recognize many who are dedicated leaders in Georgia DeMolay, and those who are receiving their majority and becoming Senior DeMolays. This year, Georgia was proud to confer the Degree of Chevalier to Stuart Hendry, Hunter Sullivan, and Mikel Laurita of Clayton, Peachtree City, and Middle Georgia chapters. Inducted into the Legion of Honor were Past Georgia Grand Master Ted Collins, current Grand Master Leonard Buffington, and Clayton Chapter's James Webster. Paul Hunt of Mountain Park chapter took part in the Majority Service, marking the end of a successful career as an Active DeMolay.

Saturday was a somewhat more relaxed day, with several opportunities to develop leadership and personal skills and bond with brothers from throughout Georgia. The day started with several educational breakout sessions, ranging from a presentation about careers with the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and Department of State, to what to do on a date. That afternoon, members and friends had the opportunity to enjoy a Georgia snowball fight in UWG's Love Valley. Our famed snowballs are the result of some clever uses of flour.

Saturday evening brings Conclave's Grand Banquet, considered in some respects to be the highlight of the weekend. At this event, several awards are presented in addition to the installation of the new state officers. Leaders from Georgia's Masonic bodies are also invited to speak. Among the visitors this year were Grand Master Leonard E. Buffington of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Grand Worthy Matron Beverly Klenke of the Order of the Eastern in Georgia, and Grand Royal Matron Ruth Ann Sprague of the Order of the Amaranth in Georgia.

Several awards for individual and chapter achievement are also given out during the Conclave banquet each year. Retiring SMC Benedetti was named DeMolay of the Year, and Dad Dana Schwarz received Advisor of the Year/Guild of the Leather Apron. Middle Georgia, Mountain Park, and Peachtree City chapters received silver Chapter of Excellence honors in recognition of effective program planning and chapter management over the last year. Additionally, Middle Georgia chapter received honors for being the state's Most Improved Chapter.

Georgia's Guy of Auvergne award is presented by the retiring SMC to an active member of his choice who has made significant contributions to their DeMolay experience. This year, Christopher Benedetti of Peachtree City chapter received the honor.

At the end of the banquet, Georgia's state officers retired with a special video presentation highlighting some of the great memories made over the last year. Immediately following the retirement ceremony was the installation of the new state officers. In addition to Councilors Robertson, Somers, and Sullivan, appointed officers James Hawkins of Mountain Park chapter, Kyle Tew of Samuel S. Lawrence chapter, and Ronnie Kent of Middle Georgia chapter were installed to the offices of State Marshal, State Chaplain, and State Senior Deacon, respectively.

Sunday morning brought Conclave's closing session, where newly installed SMC Robertson presented his plans for the upcoming year. The 2010-2011 theme will be, "A Band of Brothers," reflecting a new focus on not simply raising membership numbers, but ensuring these new members remain active and embrace what DeMolay stands for. "When we support a petition, we need to understand that it's not just an administrative matter, but a commitment to make that new DeMolay into a brother," said Robertson. Additional focus areas for the upcoming year will be on communications and outreach, with particular efforts to take advantage of social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

The State Officers show their spirit!