Commandery-in-Chief
Journal of Proceedings:
126th National Congress,
October 15, 2011,
Union League, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States
Commandery-in-Chief
Journal of Proceedings:
126th National Congress,
October 15, 2011,
UNION League, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
______NATIONAL COMMANDERS-IN-CHIEF______
Major General George Cadwallader, PA...... 1865-1879 Lt. General Nelson A. Miles, DC...... 1919-1925 Colonel Joseph B. Daugherty, IN...... 1975-1977 Major General Winfield S. Hancock, PA. (Acting)…... 1879-1885 Rear Admiral Purnell F. Harrington, NY...... 1925-1927 Thomas N. McCarter III, NY...... 1977-1981 Major General Winfield S. Hancock, PA ...... 1885-1886 Master Robert M. Thompson, DC...... 1927-1930 Lt. Colonel Philip M. Watrous, PA...... 1981-1983 Bvt. Major General Rutherford B. Hayes, OH...... 1886-1886 Brigadier General Samuel W. Fountain, PA…….…… 1930-1930 Alexander P. Hartnett, PA...... 1983-1985 Lt. General Philip H. Sheridan, DC...... 1886-1888 Bvt. Major George Mason, IL...... 1930-1931 William H. Upham, Jr., WI...... 1985-1989 Bvt. Major General Rutherford B. Hayes, OH...... 1888-1893 Captain William P. Wright, IL...... 1931-1933 Lowell Varner Hammer, DC...... 1989-1991 Rear Admiral John J. Almy, DC...... 1893-1893 Colonel Hugh Means, KS...... 1933-1935 Henry Nathan Sawyer, MA……………... 1991-1993 Brigadier General Lucius Fairchild, WI...... 1893-1895 Colonel William Innes Forbes, PA...... 1935-1940 Colonel Scott W. Stucky, DC...... 1993-1995 Major General John Gibbon, OR...... 1895-1896 Major General Malvern-Hill Barnum, MA...... 1940-1941 Dr. Robert Girard Carroon, CT...... 1995-1997 Rear Admiral Bancroft Gherardi, PA...... 1896-1899 James Vernor, Jr., MI...... 1941-1947 Hon. Michael Patrick Sullivan, WI…..…. 1997-1999 Lt. General John M. Schofield, DC...... 1899-1903 Rear Admiral Reginald R. Belknap, NY...... 1947-1951 Lt. Colonel Robert J. Bateman, DC…… 1999-2001 Bvt. Major General David McMurtrie Gregg, PA…...... 1903-1905 Donald H. Whittemore, MA...... 1951-1953 Gordon R, Bury II, OH...... 2001-2003 Major General John R. Brooke, PA...... 1905-1907 Commander William C. Duval, OH...... 1953-1957 Douglas Reed Niermeyer, MO...... 2003-2005 Major General Grenville M. Dodge, NY...... 1907-1909 Major General Ulysses S. Grant III, DC...... 1958-1961 Benjamin Charles Frick, PA...... 2005-2007 Lt. General John C. Bates, ME...... 1909-1911 Lt. Colonel Donald M. Liddell, Jr., NY...... 1961-1962 Karl Frederick Schaeffer, OH...... 2007-2009 Rear Admiral George W. Melville, PA...... 1911-1912 Lt. Colonel H. Durston Saylor II, PA...... 1962-1964 Keith Graham Harrison, MI……...... 2009-2011 Lt. General Arthur MacArthur, WI...... 1912-1912 Major General Clayton B. Vogel, DC...... 1964-1964 Colonel Arnold A. Rand, MA...... 1912-1913 Colonel Walter E. Hopper, NY...... 1964-1966 Bvt. Brigadier General Thomas H. Hubbard, NY….... 1913-1815 Lt. Colonel Lenahan O’Connell, MA...... 1966-1971 Rear Admiral Louis Kempff, CA...... 1915-1915 Colonel Brooke M. Lessig, PA…………. 1971-1973 Lt. General Samuel B.M. Young, DC...... 1915-1919 Charles Allan Brady, Jr., IL...... 1973-1975 Commandery-in-Chief Journal of Proceedings: 126th National Congress, October 15, 2011, Union League, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Proceedings Editor Keith G. Harrison, PCinC
© 2011 Commandery-in-Chief, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Table of Contents
Meeting Minutes 126th National Congress...... 1 Elected and Appointed Officer Reports...... 7 Commander-in-Chief...... 9 Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief ...... 15 Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief ...... 17 Recorder-in-Chief...... 19 Registrar-in-Chief...... 20 Chancellor-in-Chief...... 21 Treasurer-in-Chief...... 22 Judge-Advocate-in-Chief...... ** Chaplain-in-Chief ...... 28 Surgeon-in-Chief...... ** Editor-in-Chief ...... 29 National Quartermaster ...... 30 National Membership List Coordinator...... 31 National Historian ...... ** National Webmaster...... 31 National Membership Contact...... 33 Washington DC Representative...... 34 Standing and Special Committee Reports ...... 37 Audit...... 39 Finance and Budget...... (See page 22) Membership...... (See page 17) Constitution and Bylaws ...... ** History...... ** Historic and Preservation Grants ...... 40 Lincoln Death Day Observance ...... 41 National Meetings ...... (See page 17) Internet...... (See page 66) Library and Museum...... (See page 15) Fraternal Relations...... 42 Loyal Legion Memorial Fund...... (See page 22) Civil War Library and Museum...... (See page 15) Civil War Sesquicentennial ...... *** Nominations ...... 43 Commandery Reports ...... 45 California ...... 47 Connecticut ...... 48 District of Columbia...... 49 Iowa...... 51 Illinois...... 52 Indiana ...... 55 Kansas ...... 55 Kentucky...... 56 Massachusetts ...... 57 Michigan ...... 59 Missouri ...... ** Nebraska...... ** New York...... 63 Ohio...... 64 Pennsylvania ...... 65 Rhode Island...... 66 Texas...... 76 Virginia...... 77 Wisconsin ...... *** Congress Photographs (Courtesy, Companion Tee Adams) ...... 79 ______** = No report, *** = Verbal Report
Minutes 126th National Congress Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Philadelphia, Pennsylvania October 15, 2011 Commander-in-Chief (CinC) Keith G. Harrison called to order the 126th National Congress of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States at 8:40 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at the Union League Club in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He then declared that a quorum was present. INVOCATION: Chaplain-in-Chief Past Commander-in-Chief (PCinC) Robert G. Carroon gave the invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief (SVCinC) Jeffry C. Burden led the Pledge of Allegiance. READING OF THE PREAMBLE AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ORDER: Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief (JVCinC) Waldron K. Post read the Preamble and Principles of the Order. ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS AND COMMANDERIES: Conducted by Recorder-in-Chief John K. Kane II. Elected Officers CinC, Keith G. Harrison: Present SVCinC, Jeffry C. Burden: Present JVCinC, Waldron K. Post: Present Recorder-in-Chief, John K. Kane II: Present Registrar-in-Chief, Adam P. Flint: Present Chancellor-in-Chief, James Simmons: Present Treasurer-in-Chief, Lee A. Tryon: Present Judge Advocate-in-Chief, J. Baldwin Siedlarz: Absent Chaplain-in-Chief, PCinC Robert G. Carroon: Present Surgeon-in-Chief, Gerald Hoeltge: Absent Council-in-Chief Councilors Richard Bishop: Present Bruce B. Butgereit: Present Peter Arrott Dixon: Present Paul Kinyon: Absent Gregg Mierka: Absent Eric Rojo: Present Appointed Officers Loyal Legion Historical Journal Editor-in-Chief, Robert Rock: Present National Quartermaster, Adam P. Flint: Present National Membership List Coordinator, CinC Keith G. Harrison: Present National Historian, PCinC Douglas Niermeyer: Absent National Webmaster, CinC Keith G. Harrison: Present National Membership Contact, Larry Converse: Excused Absence Washington DC Representative, Eric A. Rojo: Present
1 Commanderies California: Present Kentucky: Absent Rhode Island: Present Connecticut: Present Massachusetts: Present Texas: Present District of Columbia: Present Michigan: Present Virginia: Present Illinois: Absent Missouri: Absent Wisconsin: Present Indiana: Present New York: Present Iowa: Present Ohio: Present Kansas: Absent Pennsylvania: Present APPROVAL OF 2011 MID-WINTER MEETING MINUTES CniC Harrison stated that the Commandery-in-Chief Journal of Proceedings, which includes the minutes of the 2011 Mid-Winter Meeting, has been posted on the National Website since Spring 2011. It was noted by Recorder-in-Chief Kane that copies of the minutes, minus of any of the accompanying reports, were present at the meeting and available for review. should anyone wish to do so. MOTION: Approve the minutes as contained in the Proceedings of the 2011 Mid-Winter Meeting as posted on the Order’s National Website MOVED: PCinC Robert G. Carroon, SECOND: DC Commander Eric Rojo MOTION PASSED REPORTS OF ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICERS Elected Officer Reports CinC Harrison: His final written report as Commander-in-Chief was read to the meeting discussing the various initiatives that were accomplished during his term of office such as; development of Commandery-in-Chief Proceedings for the National Congresses and Mid-Winter Meetings, Updating the Constitution and Bylaws and job descriptions, and insuring the Order’s property. His report also discussed the initiatives that were either not accomplished or were still on going. He noted that the attendance of the newly Honorary Companion and Secretary of Education Luis Maldonado Venegas of the Mexican State of Puebla at the 2011 Lincoln Birthday banquet in his first official visit to participate in the Abraham Lincoln Birthday Celebrations and the victorious Mexican Battle of Cinco de Mayo which greatly aided the Union cause. His report listed several pages of the 2010-2011 activities that he attended for the Order (Attached). SVCinC Burden: He discussed his written report enumerating the public activities that he attended. He noted that Peter Arrott Dixon was named recipient of the Hayes Cup in recognition of his years of dedicated service to the Order. His report also stated that there were no nominees for Meritorious Service Medal award. His report gave a brief update on the Civil War Library and Museum situation and that negotiations that were ongoing with the Union League on housing and conservation of the Order’s applications and other documents (Attached). JVCinC Post: He summarized his report discussing his activities as JVCinC since the Mid- Winter Meeting. His report listed the upcoming Annual Congress locations. Attached to his report is list of the recommended grants to be made by the Commandery-in-Chief in support for battlefield preservation/historic sites/archives and museums (Attached). Recorder-in-Chief Kane: He summarized his written report. Essentially, insignia assignments and recordings are current (Attached).
2 Registrar-in-Chief Flint: He submitted a written report listing all new Companions and Associate Companions since the last Congress (Attached) Chancellor-in-Chief Simmons: He summarized his written report noting we had welcomed 21 Hereditary Companions, 6 Associate Companions, and 1 Honorary Companion. Included with his report was a listing of all the new Companions since the last Congress (Attached). Treasurer-in-Chief Tryon: He presented a detailed written financial report discussing the MOLLUS Commandery-in-Chief Profit and Loss Statement, Memorial Fund Profit and Loss statement, MOLLUS Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2011 with previous year comparison, Value of Memorial Fund Securities, State Commandery Dues Status, and MOLLUS Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual, October 2010 through September 2011 (Attached. MOTION: Approve the proposed budget. MOVED: Virginia Commander Richard Bishop, SECOND: Companion Robert Pollock MOTION PASSED Judge Advocate-in-Chief Siedlarz: Absent, no report. Chaplain-in-Chief PCinC Carroon: He presented a list Companions who had passed away since the 2010 Congress (Attached). Surgeon-in-Chief Hoeltge: Absent, no report. Appointed Officer Reports Loyal Legion Historical Journal Editor-in-Chief Rock: He discussed his written report noting the various activities in which he participated on behalf of the Order. He invited Companions to submit articles for the Journal relevant to the Order (Attached. Quartermaster Flint: He submitted a listing of merchandize sold since the 2010 Congress. He noted the supply of blazer buttons and automobile plaques was low (Attached). National Membership List Coordinator CinC Harrison: He summarized his detailed written report presenting updates the membership list and noting there were 25 address changes (Attached). Historian PCinC Niermeyer: Absent, no report. Webmaster CinC Harrison: He listed the current updates to the website in his written report (Attached). National Membership Contact Converse: Absent. The Committee Chairman noted in his written report, which was read by CinC Harrison, that 34 referrals have come through the Internet (Attached). DC Representative DC Commander Rojo: In his written report, he reaffirmed the need to work together to establish a line of communication with our congressional delegations to ensure there is a clear awareness of the hereditary societies. He also enumerated the activities in which members of the DC Commandery have been participating. Especially noted was the hosting of the Secretary of Education of the State of Puebla, Mexico and his delegation at the 2011 Mid- Winter Lincoln Birthday activities (Attached).
3 REPORTS OF STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES Standing Committee Reports Budget Committee: This was covered under Treasurer-in-Chief Tryon’s earlier report (see the attached Treasurer-in-Chief Report). Audit Committee: Committee Chairman Bishop and Treasurer-in-Chief Tryon recommend that full audits should be performed for the MOLLUS Memorial fund and Commandery-in-Chief finances in the interest of good governance and to protect MOLLUS and Treasurer-in-Chief. CinC Harrison referred this to the incoming Commandery-in-Chief Executive Committee for follow-up (Attached). Membership Committee: This report was discussed in JVCinC Post’s earlier report (see the attached JVCinC Report). Constitution and Bylaws Committee: No report since the Constitution and Bylaws were just updated. History Committee: No report. CinC Harrison expressed disappointment and concern about the lack of this report given the significance of this what this committee should be doing for the Order. Historical Sites and Preservation Committee: JVCinC Post submitted a list of recommended grants to be made by the Commandery-in-Chief in support for battlefield preservation/historic site/archives and museums. The amount of grants totaled $5,000 (Attached). MOTION: To accept the list of grants as proposed. MOVED: JVCinC Post, SECOND: PCinC Michael Sullivan MOTION PASSED Lincoln Tomb Committee: Chairman Richard Orr’s report was read by CinC Harrison (Attached). National Meetings Report: This was covered under JVCinC Post’s earlier report. He re- emphasized that the 2012 Congress will be held in Rhode Island on October 19, 20, 21, 2012 at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Warwick, Rhode Island (see the attached JVCinC Report). Internet Committee: The Internet Committee report is contained in Rhode Island Commander Gregg Mierka’s Rhode Island Commandery report (see the attached Rhode Island Commandery Report). Fraternal Relations Committee: Chairman Adam Gaines submitted a written report identifying various Civil War Hereditary Societies the heads of which were sent invitations to the National Congress in Philadelphia. The Committee has also identified societies composed of descendants of other wars (Attached). Special Committee Reports Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee: Chairman PCinC Gordon R. Bury discussed briefly what the Ohio Commandery plans for the Sesquicentennial activities in Ohio. His remarks were included in the Ohio Commandery report. Virginia Commander Bishop also made a few comments on Sesquicentennial activities in North Carolina (Verbal Report). Civil War Library and Museum Committee: Updates on the status were included in SVCinC Burden’s earlier report (see the attached SVCinC Report).
4 COMMANDERY REPORTS California: Commander Richard Breithaupt submitted a written report on his Commandery’s activities (Attached). Connecticut: Commander William Chase submitted a written report that was read by Treasurer-in-Chief Tryon (Attached). District of Columbia: Commander Eric Rojo paraphrased his Commandery’s written report (Attached). Illinois: Commander Donald Sherman’s written report was summarized by CinC Harrison (Attached). Indiana: Commandery Recorder George Haerle submitted an email indicating that the Commandery had no meetings during 2010-11 and therefore had no report. CinC Harrison expressed disappointment and concern about the lack of any meeting and recommended that the incoming Commandery-in-Chief Executive Committee look into this since this could result in the loss of the Commandery Charter if not corrected very soon (Attached). Iowa: Commander William Corbin submitted a report stating the Commandery has three members and has been inactive during the past year. CinC Harrison also referred this to the incoming Commandery-in-Chief for follow up, again since this could result in the loss of their charter if not corrected very soon (Attached). Kansas: Commander Alan Russ submitted an email stating that the Commandery had nothing to report. CinC Harrison also referred this to the incoming Commandery-in-Chief for follow up, again since this could result in the loss of their charter if not corrected very soon (Attached). Kentucky: Commander Timothy Downey submitted a written report indicating the Commandery’s activities during the past year (Attached). Massachusetts: Commander Fred Stevens submitted a written report that was summarized by his representative at the Congress, Commandery Treasurer David Whittemore (Attached). Michigan: Commander Bruce Butgereit read his Commandery’s written report (Attached). Missouri: No report. CinC Harrison also referred this to the incoming Commandery-in-Chief for follow up, again since this could result in the loss of their charter if not corrected very soon Nebraska: No report. CinC Harrison also referred this to the incoming Commandery-in-Chief for follow up, again since this could result in the loss of their charter if not corrected very soon New York: Commandery Recorder Donald Twiss submitted a written report that was summarized by New York Commandery Commander Fisher (Attached). Ohio: Commandery Recorder PCinC Gordon R. Bury summarized his Commandery’s written report (Attached). Pennsylvania: Commander Adam Flint summarized his Commandery’s written report (Attached). Rhode Island: Treasurer-in-Chief Tryon summarized Rhode Island Commandery Commander Gregg Mierka’s lengthy and comprehensive report. This report also included an update on the National Committee on the Internet (Attached).
5 Texas: Chancellor-in-Chief Simmons paraphrased Texas Commandery Commander John Schneider’s written report (Attached). Virginia: Commander Richard Bishop summarized his Commandery written report (Attached). Wisconsin: PCinC Michael Sullivan presented a verbal update on the Wisconsin Commandery. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. NEW BUSINESS For the 2016 Meeting, the MOLLUS has been invited to participate with the SUVCW to commemorate the founding of the GAR. This issue was referred by CinC Harrison to the incoming Commandery-in-Chief Executive Committee for review and follow up. DC Commander Rojo discusses Cinco de Mayo activities in Puebla, Mexico and our involvement. Ohio Commander Keith Ashley discussed the subject of “Colonels in Blue”. Companion Tee Adams informed the meeting that 49 persons were registered for the banquet with a total registration of 58 persons. Nomination Committee: PCinC Carroon presented the slate of elected Officers and Councilors for 2011-2013 (Attached). MOTION: To accept the slate of elected officers and councilors as presented. MOVED: PCinC Carroon, SECOND: PCinC Bury MOTION PASSED The newly elected Officers and Councilors and the appointed Officers for 2011-2013 were invested by PCinC Harrison. The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 AM by new Commander-in-Chief Jeffry C. Burden. Respectfully submitted,
John Kent Kane II Recorder-in-Chief
6 Elected and Appointed Officer Reports
7 8 Keith G. Harrison Commander-in-Chief National Webmaster & Membership List Coordinator Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States 4209 Santa Clara Drive Holt, Michigan 48842-1868 517-694-9394 (Home) [email protected] (E-Mail) http://suvcw.org/mollus.htm (Internet)
Report of the Commander-in-Chief 126th Annual Congress Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 15, 2011
Companions:
As I end my term as your 58th Commander-in-Chief, I am pleased to report that we were able to make great strides in several areas of our Order. First, Commandery-in-Chief Proceedings for our National Congresses and our Midwinter Meetings are now available to our membership. Over the years, we have forgone the production of these documents for sketchy meeting minutes that only a few Companions would ever get an opportunity to see. Consequently, we created a situation whereby our membership was left totally in the dark in terms of what our Order was doing. With the resurrection of the proceedings and the making of these publications available on the website, our members again have an opportunity to examine the programs and progress not only of the Commandery-in-Chief, but also of our individual Commanderies. The Proceedings are available at http://suvcw.org/mollus/resources/index.htm
In addition to the above, our Commandery-in-Chief’s Constitution and Bylaws were brought into the 21st Century and updated in order to reflect better on how our Order actually operates. In addition, job descriptions for all elected and appointed officers and for all standing and special committees of the Commandery-in-Chief were created to inform (finally) the officers and committees what it is they are suppose to be doing. All three governing documents also are available at the same location on our website as the Commandery-in-Chief Proceedings for everyone to see and refer to. I would strongly encourage every Commandery-in-Chief officer to always - always - consult these documents before making decisions for if do not and you rely on your recollection, you most likely will make decisions that will either not be consistent with or not be in compliance with these documents. The lack of consulting our governing documents is what has gotten this Order into several problems in the past. Taking the few minutes to consult these readily available and easily accessible documents will save you and the Order from a lot unnecessary headaches in the future.
A third initiative was to begin programs that would both document what this Order owns and ultimately protect the property of this Order. During my two years, we took inventory and then insured our most valued property. We now know where this property is (which will allow for easier transfer with a change in Commandery-in-Chief administrations) and if, God forbid, something should happen to this property, provide funds in order to replace the property. Also under this initiative, we began a program that will ultimately result in the trade marking of our Order’s Insignia. We have gone on far too long in allowing other organizations and individuals to use without our permission and/or misuse our Insignia.
9 Report of the Commander-in-Chief October 15, 2011 Page 2
There were several initiatives in particular that we were unable to complete. The first was resolution of an agreement with the Abraham Lincoln Foundation and the Union League to house and care for our various records. I had hoped that this would be finalized before the end of my term. However, an insistence on the part of the other parties to take control of and ultimately own our property has temporarily stopped negotiations. Our providing them with unfettered access to our records for scholarly and research purposes in return for their housing and care of our records is more than sufficient. We are not in such a position that we need to enter into any agreement with any entity whereby we would provide that entity with even the remotest possibility of their ever gaining ownership of our corporate and membership records. To do so would, in my opinion, violate a trust that we have with this Order and with all Companions who have come before us. What ever else we do, we need to protect our ownership of and our rights to our records.
A second initiative that was not completed is the computerization of our Order’s past and present membership. We currently have a computerized listing of our current membership and over 12,000 names of Original Companions in a database. This, however, is a drop in the bucket in terms of the total membership of this Order. We have paper records in the form of past Commandery-in-Chief Registries, which are located in various locations, and we have our original applications. The program that I wanted to complete was the scanning of all our membership applications and the development of a database that has our complete membership (past and current) that would then be capable of being added to as new members come into the Order. This information would be invaluable to the operation of this Order and even more important, it would represent a means to help ensure the protection of this information by having it in both a paper and electronic format. I would strongly recommend that the incoming Commandery-in-Chief administration create a special committee composed of the Recorder-in-Chief, Registrar-in-Chief, Membership List Coordinator, and National Historian to get this work done during the next two years.
Finally, the third initiative that was started but did not come anyway near to being successful was the push to get new members. Again, this year, the Order has had a net decrease in membership. I have come to the conclusion that no matter what the Commandery-in-Chief does in terms of advertisement, promotion, and activity, if the local Commanderies do not follow through with the referrals provided and do not go out among the citizenry and recruit new members, we will continue to decrease in membership. Membership is a local program and it cannot be a passive activity. Other organizations have continued to grow despite the poor economic times. There is no legitimate or acceptable excuse why this Order cannot be do the same. I have been delighted to see some Commanderies try and, for the most part, be somewhat successful with their local membership programs, but I have been totally dismayed and disappointed with most of our other Commanderies. The Commandery-in-Chief needs to continue all of it national membership programs and it also needs to work more closely with the local Commanderies. However, the local Commanderies need to have participated in since the last Congress. In particular, during the last two years we continued our participation in the annual Remembrance Day program and parade in Gettysburg, the annual Abraham Lincoln Birthday Commemoration in Washington, DC, and the annual Abraham Lincoln Death Day Commemoration in Springfield, Illinois. In addition, I also have participated in since the last Congress. In particular, during the last two years we continued our participation in the annual Remembrance Day program and parade in Gettysburg, the annual Abraham Lincoln Birthday Commemoration in Washington, DC, and the annual Abraham Lincoln Death Day
10 Report of the Commander-in-Chief October 15, 2011 Page 3
Commemoration in Springfield, Illinois. In addition, I also attended and brought greetings to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) at their National Encampments that took place in Kansas in 2010 and Virginia in 2011. I hope that this latter practice is continued. The SUVCW is one of the single largest sources of new members into this Order.
One of the highlights during my term of office included the attendance of the Secretary of Education Luis Maldonado Venegas (and his delegation) from the Mexican State of Puebla at the 2011 Lincoln Birthday Banquet. During the banquet, the Secretary was presented with a MOLLUS medal in recognition of his first official visit to participate in the Abraham Lincoln Birthday Celebrations, and to help commemorate Sesquicentennial of the Civil War and the important Mexican victory at the Battle of Cinco de Mayo (for those who do not know, that battle proved to be key to the Union cause by helping to deny the French under Napoleon III the opportunity to resupply the Confederacy). The Secretary presented a letter from the Governor of the Mexican State of Puebla acknowledging the significance of that battle and inviting the MOLLUS to attend and to coordinate the attendance of a Civil War uniformed contingent to march in the May 2012 celebration and parade commemorating the Sesquicentennial of the Battle of May 5, 1862 in Puebla, Mexico. I already have issued formal invitations to the SUVCW and select Civil War reenactment organizations to participate with us next year in Mexico.
Finally, as I have emphasized many times before in my messages, the Civil War Sesquicentennial is upon us. I am hope that all Commanderies are actively participating in this commemoration. Our whole existence is premised on the Civil War and for any Commandery not to be doing something is unthinkable. It is up to your Commandery to get involved. You will not have another opportunity like this in your lifetime to be involved in such a historical time and also to recruit members into this Order. The Commandery-in-Chief cannot do this for you. It is up to your Commandery to take the initiative.
Thank you for all your ideas and suggestions and for all the support and camaraderie afforded me these last two years. It truly has been an honor to serve.
Loyally, Keith G. Harrison National Commander-in-Chief National Webmaster & Membership List Coordinator Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States
11 2010-2011 Activities and Travelogue Commander-in-Chief Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States
2010 October 10: 125th MOLLUS National Congress, Grand Rapids, Michigan October 30: Meeting of the Michigan Commandery, Dearborn, Michigan November 6: Veterans Day Parade, Detroit, Michigan November 7: Massing of the Colors and Veterans Day Program, Lansing, Michigan November 11: Veterans Day Parade, Mason, Michigan November 13: Meeting of the First Michigan Civil War Sesquicentennial Conference, Lansing, Michigan November 19: Meeting of the Pennsylvania Commandery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania November 20: Remembrance Day Parade, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania November 20: Remembrance Day Wreath Laying, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania November 20: Rededication of the 21th Michigan Volunteer Infantry monument on the Gettysburg Battlefield, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania November 30: Meeting of the SUVCW Curtenius Guard Camp #17, Sunfield, Michigan December 14: Meeting of the 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Company B, Inc., Board of Directors, Eaton Rapids, Michigan 2011 January 8: Attendance and MOLLUS Display at the Crosswhite Case Presentation sponsored by the Lansing Area African American Genealogical Society, Lansing, Michigan January 25: Meeting of the SUVCW Curtenius Guard Camp #17, Sunfield, Michigan February 11: Midwinter Meeting of the Commandery-in-Chief, Washington, DC February 11: Lincoln Birthday Dinner, Washington, DC February 12: Lincoln Memorial Program Wreath Laying and Presentation of the annual Frederick Talley Drum Award, Washington, DC February 12: Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Luncheon, Washington, DC February 14: Meeting of the Friends of Michigan History, Inc., Lansing, Michigan February 19: 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Company B, Inc., B Drill, Leslie, Michigan February 20: Meeting of the 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Company B, Inc., Eaton Rapids, Michigan February 22: Civil War Seminar, Sunfield, Michigan February 26: Meeting of the Michigan Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Dearborn, Michigan February 29: Presentation on Post Civil War Organizations, Lansing, Michigan March 3: Presentation on Post Civil War Organizations, Grand Ledge, Michigan March 12: Meeting of the 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Company B, Inc., Drill, Leslie, Michigan March 14: Meeting of the Friends of Michigan History, Inc., Lansing, Michigan March 20: Meeting of the 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Company B, Inc., Eaton Rapids, Michigan March 29: Meeting of the SUVCW Curtenius Guard Camp #17, Sunfield, Michigan April 11: Meeting of the Friends of Michigan History, Inc., Lansing, Michigan April 12: Radio Interview – Civil War Sesquicentennial, Lansing, Michigan April 15: Presentation and Wreath-laying at the Annual Lincoln Death Day program, Springfield, Illinois 12 April 18: Army ROTC Presentation Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan April 20: Radio Interview – Civil War Sesquicentennial, Lansing, Michigan April 20: Presentation on Post Civil War Organizations: Charlotte, Michigan Aril 21: Air Force ROTC Presentation Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan April 27: Meeting of the Michigan Civil War Sesquicentennial History Partners, East Lansing, Michigan April 30 – May 1: Civil War Living History and Drill, Historic Fort Wayne, Detroit, Michigan May 9: Meeting of the Friends of Michigan History, Inc., Lansing, Michigan May 12: Civil War School Presentation – Ovid Elsie Middle School, Elsie, Michigan May 21: Michigan Department of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Encampment, Lansing, Michigan May 23: Meeting of the Friends of Michigan History, Inc., Lansing, Michigan May 26: Michigan Senate Memorial Day Program, State Capital, Lansing, Michigan May 28: Memorial Day Program, Mount Hope Cemetery, Lansing, Michigan May 29: Memorial Day Program, Oakwood Cemetery, Lowell, Michigan May 30: Meeting of the SUVCW Curtenius Guard Camp #17, Sunfield, Michigan May 30: Memorial Day Program, Sunfield Cemetery, Sunfield, Michigan June 1: Friends of Michigan History Civil War Concert, State Capital Lawn, Lansing, Michigan June 4: “Be a Tourist in Your Own Community” Civil War Living History, Lansing, Michigan June 5: Rose Parade, Jackson, Michigan June 7: Civil War Seminar, Sunfield, Michigan June 11: Civil War Grave Rededication, St Johns, Michigan June 12: Flag Day Parade, Three Oaks, Michigan June 13: Meeting of the Friends of Michigan History, Inc., Lansing, Michigan June 14: Meeting of the 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Company B, Inc., Board of Directors, Eaton Rapids, Michigan June 22: Meeting on Sunfield GAR Book, Sunfield, Michigan June 25: Annual Meeting of the Michigan Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Detroit, Michigan June 29: Meeting of the Michigan Civil War Sesquicentennial History Partners, East Lansing, Michigan July 11: Meeting of the Friends of Michigan History, Inc., Lansing, Michigan July 22 – 24: 150th Anniversary Reenactment of the Battle of Manassas, Manassas, Virginia July 26: Meeting of the SUVCW Curtenius Guard Camp #17, Sunfield, Michigan August 12 – 14: SUVCW National Encampment, Reston, Virginia August 12: Presentation of Greetings from the MOLLUS to the SUVCW National Encampment and presentation of framed picture to the SUVCW Commander-in-Chief, Reston, Virginia August 13: Address to the Annual Banquet of Allied Orders of the Grand Army of the Republic, Reston, Virginia August 20: Meeting of the 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Company B, Inc., Lansing, Michigan August 26 - 28: 27th Annual Jackson Cascades Civil War Muster, Jackson, Michigan September 11: September 11th Week Remembrance, Historic Fort Wayne, Detroit, Michigan
13 September 12: Meeting of the Friends of Michigan History, Inc., Lansing, Michigan September 16 – 18: Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster, Holland, Michigan September 20: Meeting of the 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Company B, Inc., Board of Directors, Eaton Rapids, Michigan September 24: Parade –City of Leslie 175th Anniversary, Leslie, Michigan September 27: Meeting of the SUVCW Curtenius Guard Camp #17, Sunfield, Michigan September 30: Meeting of the Jackson Civil War Muster Committee, Mason, Michigan October 10: Meeting of the Friends of Michigan History, Inc., Lansing, Michigan October 10: Presentation to Blue Star Mothers, Lansing, Michigan October 11: Civil War Event for Michigan Military Veterans, Michigan Historical Center, Lansing, Michigan October 14 – 16: 126th MOLLUS National Congress, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
14 The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States
Office of the Senior Vice-Commander-in-Chief 8 October2011
Commander-in-Chief Harrison and Companions:
I ampleasedtomake this report tothe2011AnnualCongressonmy activities,sincethe2010 Congress,asSeniorVice-Commander-in-Chief.IalsoincludethereportsoftheStanding Committee on Membership, and of the Special Committee on the Civil War LibraryandMuseum,onwhichI haveservedasChairman.
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief:
I participated in the following public events:
19 November 2010: the annual Remembrance Day events at Gettysburg National Military Park. I marched in the parade event, and supported the Commander-on-Chief in his official duties.
30 May 2011: the annual Memorial Day ceremony organized by the National Park Service at Fort Harrison National Cemetery near Richmond. As a featured speaker, I brought greetingsfromtheLoyalLegionandhelpedplaceawreathatthegravesiteofaMedal of Honor recipient.
August 2011: the National Encampment of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Allied Orders. I brought greeting from the Legion to Brothers of the Order, and recruited potential new Companions.
Quartermaster Adam Flint, Recorder-in-Chief Jack Kane and I responded to the request of the Army ROTC battalion at Idaho State University to have the Loyal Legion award an ROTC Medal ofMerit.TheawardwasmadetoCadetGregoryArmstrongatthe battalion’s annual award day in April, in the name of the Commandery-in-Chief.
InFebruary2011,I contactedbyletter theVirginiaStateSenateFinanceCommittee,urgingits memberstojointheLoyalLegioninsupportingsupportpassageofbudgetamendmentsthat wouldenhance fundingfor threeCivil war-relatedstateparks:High Bridge Trail, Sailor’s Creek Battlefield, and Staunton River Bridge Battlefield.
1815 Harvard Road Richmond, Virginia 23226 804.285.7310 [email protected] 15 The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States I continue to represent the Loyal Legion by serving as a member of the Advisory Committee for the Virginia Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, and as a member of the Lincoln Bicentennial Subcommittee of the Virginia State Senate’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission.
Beginning in March, I have led an organized effort to mark all unmarked military graves in Richmond’s historic Shockoe Hill Cemetery.
Membership Committee: Life Member Payments: LifeMemberreimbursementstoCommanderieswerepaidinMay2011, basedon2010membershipreports,inaccordancewithprocedures developed by the Committee and adopted at the 2009 Fort Knox Congress.
Rutherford B. Hayes Cup and Meritorious Service Medal (MSM): TheCommitteesolicited nominations for these two awards during the year. (As of 2010, the Hayes Cup recognizes “conspicuously outstanding achievement by a Companion that has advanced the mission of, and reflects great honor on, the Order.” Awarded once annually, it is the highest award the Commandery-in-Chief can bestow. The MSM recognizes significant achievementbyaCompanioninanareaofinteresttotheLegion,andmaybeawardedasoftenas deemedappropriate.)
PeterArrottDixonhasbeennamedtherecipientoftheHayesCupinrecognitionofhis years of dedicated service, most especially for his leadership of the annual Lincoln Birthday ceremony. There were no nomineesforawardoftheMSMatthisCongress.However,theMSMmayalsobe awardedattheWinter Meeting,andtheCommitteewelcomesnominations for immediate consideration. It requires that future nominations be written andstatespecifically,indetail,whythe nominatedCompanionshouldbeconsideredforaward oftheHayesCup,ortheMSM,asthecase maybe.
Recruiting: IaskthattheCommitteechairmanbeadvisedwhenCommanderiesorindividuals undertake recruiting activities, and that results be reported.
Civil War Library and Museum Committee: Artifacts: Various artifacts from the Museum collection are now on display at Gettysburg N.M.P. undera three-yearloanarrangement,andtheremainderare instorageawaiting reorganization of the Museum. The Civil War Museum of Philadelphia (successortotheCivil WarLibrary andMuseum)has placedanoffer onanexistingbuilding next to the Betsy Ross house in which to house the collection.
Library items: Negotiationscontinueonhousingandconservationofbooks,applicationsand other paper items with Union League and the Abraham Lincoln Foundation (ALF). The collection is housed at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. The ALF is now reviewing and cataloging the collection, a process that is expected to take until mid-2013.
Respectfully submitted, Jeffry C. Burden Senior Vice-Commander-in-Chief Chairman, Membership Committee Chairman, CWLM Special Committee
16 Waldron Kintzing Post, II Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States 675 Zena Highwoods Road Kingston, New York 12401 845-679-6403 (Home) [email protected] (E-Mail) http://suvcw.org/mollus.htm (Internet)
15 October 2011
Commander-in-Chief Harrison and Fellow Companions:
The following report will be a combination of several reports. Part of my duties as Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief has included the chairmanship of two committees: the Committee on National Meetings and the Committee on Historic and Preservation Grants.
The committee on meetings is here to offer help, advice and support, to all of the parties who will be hosting upcoming meetings. At the present time everything is running smoothly with DC, RI and OH (TN). MA hit a slight bump in that the ownership of the hotel they were planning on using was sold and negotiations are back on the table. PA is now in the middle of another well run event and their excellent work will, as always, carry over to 2014. I am sure that more detailed reports on these events will be presented by the respective commanderies during their annual report. The upcoming schedule for Annual Meetings is as follows : DC—every year 2012 RI 2013 TN 2014 PA 2015 MA 2016 IL (The possibility of this event is still in a very early stage)
We also have revised the guide for running a meeting which is now on our web page along with templates. I recommend that all upcoming hosts peruse this guide.
The Committee on grants has compiled a list (which is attached) of organizations to which we recommend granting money and/or joining, for your approval.
As a member of other committees, I have been kept busy as those reports will show.
Now, as Jr. Vice Commander-in-Chief, during this early part of the sesquicentennial years, I have taken part in several events: 1. On 19 April of this year, I participated in a ceremony in Binghamton, NY commemorating Gen. Edward Jones who commanded the 6th Mass.—the first regiment to respond to President Lincoln’s “call to arms. 19 April was 150 years to the day when the 6th answered the call.
17 2. On 15 May of this year, I went to Mechanicville, NY and participated in the reenactment of the funeral of Col. Elmer Elsworth, the first officer to die during the war, laying two wreaths, one on behalf of National and one on behalf of the NY Commandery, along with two of my grandsons, Jr. members, Connor and Ian Killane. 3. On 2 July I went to NY State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs, NY where I attended a dinner hosted by The Friends of the NY State Military Museum, The NY Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee and The Friends of US Grant Cottage.
Respectively submitted, Waldron K. Post II
18 Report of the Recorder-in-Chief
RROM:Recorder-in-Chief 12October2011 TO: Commandery-in-Chief SUBJECT: Recorder-in-Chief Report to the 2011 MOLLUS Congress 15 October 2011
Insignia assignments and recordation’s are up to date.
In the Spring of 2011 the rosettes, booklets, Prominent Companions and the 2010 Roster were turned over to the Chancellor-in-Chief to be sent to all new Associate and Hereditary Companions.
Since the 2010 Congress this Office has produced 8 Hereditary and Associate companion certificates, 33 ROTC certificates (PA-14,VA-6,MI-6,MA-5,OH-2) and 5 trophy certificates.
The office of the Recorder-in-Chief since the 2010 Congress has incurred mailing expenses of $145.04 and office supply expenses of $43.87 for a total of $188.91. These expenses have been assumed by the Recorder-in-Chief as a donation to the Order.
Respectfully submitted,
John Kent Kane II Recorder-in-Chief
19 THE MILITARY ORDER OF THE LOYAL LEGION OF THE UNITED STATES 1865 126th National Congress Meeting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania October 15, 2011 REPORT OF THE REGISTRAR-IN-CHIEF
The following Companions have been accepted for membership since the 2010 Congress:
Name / Insignia # / Commandery / Name of Proposer
HEREDITARY 1. Joel A. Dewey 22542 Washington, DC, John D. Moore 2. Robert D Pollock 22543 Washington, DC, Peter A. Dixon 3. Jefferson Davis Lilly 22544 Indiana, Robert D. Robinson 4. Wayne T. Bickley 22545 Connecticut, Lee A. Tryon 5. Lloyd L. Craighill 22546 Virginia, Robert G. Carroon 6. Kenneth R. Walker 22547 California, Jerry R. Sayre 7. Linn W. Malaznik 22548 California, Tad D. Campbell 8. John L. MacConnell 22549 Virginia, David P. Penhallow 9. Donald B. Schall, Jr. 22550 California, Richard Breithaupt, Jr. 10. Maj. Thomas Taylor 22551 Connecticut, Robert G. Carroon 11. David M. Loomis 22552 Ohio, Gordon R. Bury, 12. Theodore R. Legler, II 22553 Virginia, Maj. Richard D. Bishop 13. Paul T. Davis 22554 Michigan, Keith G. Harrison 14. Frederick G. Scott 22555 Pennsylvania, James W. W. Loudon 15. Bruce D. Paulson 22556 New York, Waldron K. Post 16. Robert M. Albert 22557 California, Richard H. Breithaupt, Jr. 17. Paul H. Johnson 22558 Wisconsin, Murray D. Beckford 18. William M. Kennedy, III 22559 Virginia, Jeffry C. Burden 19. Luis Maldonado Venegas 22560 C-in-C, Keith G. Harrison 20. Walt L. Michener, IV 22561 California, Richard H. Breithaupt, Jr. 21. John C. Gilbert 22562 Virginia, Internet referral 22. Peter J. Hritsko, Jr. 22563 Ohio, Gordon R. Bury
ASSOCIATE 1. John C. Darrow A247 New York, Waldron K. Post 2. Jon C. Sirlin A248 Pennsylvania, Joseph T. Coleman 3. Donald W. Shaw A249 Michigan, Keith G. Harrison 4. Robert J. Wolz A250 Ohio, Gordon R. Bury 5. Timothy M. Daley A251 Ohio, Gordon R. Bury
Respectfully submitted, Adam P. Flint
20 Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Office of the Chancellor-in-Chief
15 October 2011
Dear Commander-in-Chief Harrison,
I am pleased to make this report to you and the Companions attending the 126th Congress of the Loyal Legion. Between 1 October, 2010 and 30 September, 2011, the Loyal Legion welcomed twenty-eight (28) new Companions, including twenty-one (21) Hereditary members, six (6) Associate members, and one (1) Honorary member. The new Companions are from eleven (11) different Commanderies, with the top three producers being; Virginia (6), California (5), and Ohio (4). All of the Companions who have recruited new members should be applauded. Last year we had thirty-nine new Companions, from twelve different Commanderies. Hopefully our noble organization will continue to grow and prosper.
All new members received a welcome mailing, including a personalized welcome letter, membership card, rosette, 2010 membership roster booklet, and the 2003 MOLLUS history booklet. By the direction of the Commander-in Chief, the Chancellor-in-Chief now sends both the membership card, and the rosette, with the welcome letter. Up until this year, the Recorder- in-Chief was mailing the rosette with a welcome letter, and the Chancellor-in-Chief was mailing the membership card with a welcome letter. The five items can be mailed in one 6x9 inch envelope, and the postage is $2.39. I am gifting my postal expenses of the past two years as Chancellor-in-Chief. The inventory on hand is a decade worth of embossed membership cards, ten (10) Hereditary rosettes, twenty (20) Associate rosettes, and thirty-one (31) each of the two booklets. I will brief the incoming Chancellor-in-Chief, and turn over the items mentioned above. I am excited about the Sesquicentennial, and very pleased about the positive direction of our organization.
Respectfully submitted, Captain James Alan Simmons
21 Treasurer-in-Chief Report Commandery Percapita Payments
Oct '10 - Sep 11 California Commandery, MOLLUS 480.00 Connecticut Commandery, MOLLUS 504.00 D.C. Commandery, MOLLUS 732.00 Illinois Commandery, MOLLUS 204.00 Indiana Commandery, MOLLUS 396.00 Iowa Commandery, MOLLUS 36.00 Kentucky Commandery-MOLLUS 60.00 MA Commandery, MOLLUS 564.00 Michigan Commandery, MOLLUS 240.00 Ohio Commandery, MOLLUS 720.00 PA Commandery, MOLLUS 1,908.00 Texas Commandery, MOLLUS 204.00 Virginia Commandery, MOLLUS 900.00 Wisconsin Commandery, MOLLUS 300.00
TOTAL 7,248.00
Commandery Memo Amount Due +/- 2010 CA CA-'11; 40 @ $12 $ 480.00 $ - CT CT-'11; 42 @ $12 $ 504.00 $ - DC DC-'11; 61 @ $12 $ 732.00 IL IL-'11; 17 @ $12 $ 204.00 $ - IN IN-'11; 33 @ $12 $ 396.00 $ - IA IA-'11; 3 @ $12 $ 36.00 $ - KS KS-'11; 0 @ $12 $ - $ 144.00 12 KY KY-'11; 5 @ $12 $ 60.00 $ - MA MA-'11 47 @ $12 $ 564.00 $ - MI MI-'11; 20 @ $12 $ 240.00 $ - MO MO-'11; 0 @ $12 $ - $ 564.00 47 NE NE-'11; 0 @ $12 $ - $ 36.00 3 NY NY-'11; 0 @ $12 $ - $ 708.00 59 OH OH-'11; 60 @ $12 $ 720.00 $ - PA PA-'11; 159 @ $12 $1,908.00 $ - RI RI-'101 0 @ $12 $ - $ 120.00 10 TX TX-'11; 17 @ $12 $ 204.00 $ - VA VA-'11; 75 @ $12 $ 900.00 $ - WI WI-'11 25 @ $12 $ 300.00 $ - 604 Paid Hereditary & $7,248.00 $1,572.00 131 Associate $8,820.00 735
22 National Membership 2002 - 2011
COMMANDERY 2011 2011 2010 2010 2009 2009 2008 2008 2007 2007 2006 2006 2005 2005 2004 2004 2003 2003 2002 2002 REP PD REP PD REP PD REP PD REP PD REP PD REP PD REP PD REP PD REP PD California 40 40 37 37 34 34 34 34 30 30 41 41 35 35 34 34 41 41 41 41 Connecticut 42 42 39 39 45 45 48 48 47 47 50 50 44 44 48 48 51 51 64 64 DC 61 61 57 57 51 51 50 50 50 50 54 54 62 62 61 61 64 64 77 77 Illinois 17 17 17 17 19 19 19 19 17 17 20 20 18 18 21 21 18 18 17 17 Indiana 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 35 35 36 36 37 37 37 37 38 38 Iowa 333333 3 3333333222233 Kansas 0 0 12 12 13 13 13 13 11 11 9 9 9 9 8 8 7 7 0 0 Kentucky 5 5 6 6 5 5 7 7 5 5 9 9 8 8 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Massachusetts 47 47 50 50 54 54 54 54 56 56 56 56 55 55 53 53 57 57 56 56 Michigan 20 20 22 22 22 22 21 21 21 21 20 20 21 21 18 18 15 15 17 17 Missouri 0 0 47 47 44 44 42 42 40 40 43 43 42 42 46 46 52 52 45 45 Nebraska 0 03322 2 22222 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 New York 0 0 59 59 59 59 58 58 55 55 53 53 54 54 52 52 61 61 61 61 Ohio 60 60 61 61 61 61 63 63 62 62 63 63 70 70 71 71 68 68 60 60 Pennsylvania 159 159 175 175 172 172 181 181 180 180 219 219 233 233 229 229 223 223 231 231 Rhode Island 0 0 0 0 12 12 10 10 10 10 11 11 6 6 6 6 4 4 N/A N/A Texas 17 17 17 17 12 12 10 10 10 10 19 19 20 20 21 21 26 26 25 25 Virginia 75 75 68 68 63 63 60 60 52 52 45 45 38 38 37 37 29 29 24 24 Wisconsin 25 25 26 26 23 23 30 30 31 31 32 32 32 32 25 25 22 22 21 21 TOTAL 604 604 732 732 727 727 738 738 715 715 784 784 788 788 772 772 780 780 783 783 Budget vs Actual Oct '10 - Sep $ Over % of 11 Budget Budget Budget Income Appl. Fees 540.00 1,000.00 -460.00 54.0% Book Revenues 100.00 0.00 100.00 100.0% Dues 7,248.00 9,000.00 -1,752.00 80.5% Gifts 6,523.00 6,000.00 523.00 108.7% Invest. Income 7,809.19 7,500.00 309.19 104.1% Life Membership -425.00 -900.00 475.00 47.2% NOW Interest 269.69 400.00 -130.31 67.4% Sales 7,644.45 6,000.00 1,644.45 127.4% Total Income 29,709.33 29,000.00 709.33 102.4% Expense Ads 356.00 500.00 -144.00 71.2% Bank Chrg 0.00 50.00 -50.00 0.0% Commem. Observ. 2,100.00 2,100.00 0.00 100.0% Donations 6,000.00 11,500.00 -5,500.00 52.2% Insurance 500.00 500.00 0.00 100.0% Journal 14,187.00 15,000.00 -813.00 94.6% Meetings Expens 0.00 500.00 -500.00 0.0% Mem. Wreaths 459.95 500.00 -40.05 92.0% Merchandise 5,561.19 5,000.00 561.19 111.2% Misc 0.00 900.00 -900.00 0.0% MOLLUS Support 4,639.39 2,000.00 2,639.39 232.0% Office 67.83 100.00 -32.17 67.8% Organizations 0.00 100.00 -100.00 0.0% Postage 673.34 600.00 73.34 112.2% Printing 0.00 500.00 -500.00 0.0% Service Charges 0.00 150.00 -150.00 0.0% Total Expense 34,544.70 40,000.00 -5,455.30 86.4% - Net Income -4,835.37 11,000.00 6,164.63 44.0%
24 Proposed Budget $ Variance % Variance Actual Proposed Actual '11 Actual '11 from '12 10/01/10 - 09/30/11 Budget '11 Budget '12 Budget vs. '12 Budget Income Appl. Fees 540.00 1,000.00 600.00 -60.00 111% Book Revenues 100.00 - - 100.00 0% Dues 7,248.00 9,000.00 8,700.00 -1,452.00 120% Gifts 6,523.00 6,000.00 6,200.00 323.00 95% Invest. Income 7,809.19 7,500.00 7,000.00 809.19 90% Life Membership (425.00) (900.00) (500.00) 75.00 118% NOW Interest 269.69 400.00 300.00 -30.31 111% Sales 7,644.45 6,000.00 6,700.00 944.45 88% Misc. Income - - - 0.00 0% Total Income 29,709.33 29,000.00 29,000.00 709.33 98% Expense Ads 356.00 500.00 500.00 -144.00 140% Bank Chrg - 50.00 - 0.00 0% Commem. Observ. 2,100.00 2,100.00 2,100.00 0.00 100% Donations 6,000.00 11,500.00 5,000.00 1,000.00 83% Insurance 500.00 500.00 500.00 0.00 100% Journal 14,187.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 -813.00 106% Meetings/C-in-C Discretionary - 500.00 500.00 -500.00 0% Mem. Wreaths 459.95 500.00 500.00 -40.05 109% Merchandise 5,561.19 5,000.00 6,000.00 -438.81 108% Misc - 900.00 500.00 -500.00 0% MOLLUS Support 4,639.39 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,639.39 43% Office 67.83 100.00 100.00 -32.17 147% Organizations - 100.00 100.00 -100.00 0% Postage 673.34 600.00 700.00 -26.66 104% Printing - 500.00 500.00 -500.00 0% Service Charges - 150.00 - 0.00 0% Special Projects - - - 0.00 0% Total Expense 34,544.70 40,000.00 34,000.00 544.70 98% Net Income (4,835.37) (11,000.00) (5,000.00) 164.63 103% $ % Balance Sheet 9-30-11 Sep 30, 11 Sep 30, 10 Change Change ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings C-in-C SAVINGS 64,637.37 54,367.68 10,269.69 18.89% New C-in-C 16,897.94 18,479.85 -1,581.91 -8.56% New Mem. Fund 1,623.41 10,042.24 -8,418.83 -83.83% Total Checking/Savings 83,158.72 82,889.77 268.95 0.32% Accounts Receivable - Receivables -24.00 1,680.00 -1,704.00 101.43% - Total Accounts Receivable -24.00 1,680.00 -1,704.00 101.43% Other Current Assets Securities 169,602.02 169,425.94 176.08 0.1% Total Other Current Assets 169,602.02 169,425.94 176.08 0.1% Total Current Assets 252,736.74 253,995.71 -1,258.97 -0.5%
TOTAL ASSETS 252,736.74 253,995.71 -1,258.97 -0.5% LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Current Liabilities Accounts Payable Payables 0.00 235.00 -235.00 -100.0% Total Accounts Payable 0.00 235.00 -235.00 -100.0% Other Current Liabilities Advance Payments 2.00 2.00 0.00 0.0% Prepaid Expense -1,486.26 -2,930.77 1,444.51 -49.29% Total Other Current Liabilities -1,484.26 -2,928.77 1,444.51 -49.32% Total Current Liabilities -1,484.26 -2,693.77 1,209.51 -44.9% Total Liabilities -1,484.26 -2,693.77 1,209.51 -44.9% Equity MD Funds 1,170.75 1,170.75 0.00 0.0% Open Bal Equity 147,771.00 147,771.00 0.00 0.0% Retained Earnings 106,193.81 93,187.61 13,006.20 13.96% VT Funds 1,553.92 1,553.92 0.00 0.0% - - Net Income -2,468.48 13,006.20 15,474.68 118.98% Total Equity 254,221.00 256,689.48 -2,468.48 -0.96% TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 252,736.74 253,995.71 -1,258.97 -0.5%
26 CinC Balance Sheet Oct '10 - Sep 11 Income Appl. Fees 540.00 Dues 7,248.00 Life Membership -425.00 NOW Interest 269.69 Sales 7,644.45 Total Income 15,277.14
Expense Ads 356.00 Bank Chrg 0.00 Insurance 500.00 Merchandise 5,561.19 Office 67.83 Postage 673.34 Total Expense 7,158.36
Net Income 8,118.78
Memorial Fund Balance Sheet Oct '10 - Sep 11 Income Book Revenues 100.00 Gifts 6,523.00 Invest. Income 7,809.19 Total Income 14,432.19
Expense Commem. Observ. 2,100.00 Donations 6,000.00 Journal 14,187.00 Mem. Wreaths 459.95 MOLLUS Support 4,639.39 Total Expense 27,386.34
Net Income -12,954.15
27 Chaplain-in-Chief Report Necrology
California: EdwardOrd
Indiana: DavidWatermanWiley
Massachusetts: JohnR.Taft
Michigan: Wiliam Edwin Petz
Ohio: ThomasO.YoutzeyJr.
Pennsylvania: John Child, Bruce Cogwell Flint, John Koltes, Lee Frederic Quinn
Texas: Paul Adam
28 Report of the Editor in Chief for the Loyal Legion Historical Journal October 15, 2011 To the Officers and Members attending the 126th National Congress for The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States at the Union League in Philadelphia, PA, October 14 & 15, 2011:
I was honored to continue with my appointment as the MOLLUS Historical Journal Editor this past year. Throughout the year I have attended many 150th Civil War Anniversary Events with my wife, Elizabeth, without whose help the completion of the Loyal Legion Historical Journal would have proven more difficult.
In January 2011, we had the pleasure to represent MOLLUS at the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum in Canton, OH. In February, we attended a program on Civil War history in Northern Ohio at the Oberlin College in Oberlin, OH sponsored by The Oberlin Heritage Center and AmeriCorps Ohio History Service Program. In April, we attended the kick off to the Civil War Sesquicentennial in Columbus, OH with other Ohio MOLLUS and DOLLUS members, re-enactors and spectators. On May 7th, the Ohio Commandery sponsored a mini symposium which was open to the public that included several guest speakers and a historical walking tour of the Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, OH. In June, we attended the reenactment of the first land battle of the Civil War anniversary event in Philippi, WV representing MOLLUS and DOLLUS. In July, I attempted participation in the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run, near Manassas, VA, alongside Commander-in-Chief Keith Harrison. In September, the Ohio Commandery hosted their fall meeting at “Lawnfield,” the summer home of Companion and President James A. Garfield. The year has been a busy one, and we plan to continue our travels representing MOLLUS and DOLLUS in order to provide the best coverage for the Journal.
As your Editor for the MOLLUS Historical Journal I invite you to submit any MOLLUS news relevant to our organization. I hope that you can see the direction that we are taking the Journal during the Anniversary years and invite you to submit articles that coincide with the war years. We sincerely appreciate any and all submissions from any of our membership. Please take the time to share any information or articles in doc or txt format as this is the best way for me to manage and place the information. Also, while we appreciate the many ways that the internet allows for picture sharing, we find it very difficult to subscribe to every picture sharing site and would prefer a more direct approach of receiving them directly from you in jpg format.
I would also like to apologize for the minor delays experienced in getting this last issue of the Journal out in a timely fashion. It seems that there were some email snafus between our printing house and our treasurer. I can assure that these issues have been remedied and will not be a cause for delay in the future.
I sincerely look forward to continuing my service to the National Organization of MOLLUS in the capacity of Editor in Chief for the Loyal Legion Historical Journal.
Respectfully Submitted, Robert Rock
29 REPORT OF NATIONAL QUARTERMASTER
The following merchandise items have been sold since the 2010 National Congress:
LargeHereditaryInsigniaMedal: 14 MiniatureHereditaryInsigniaMedal: 8 14KGoldMiniHereditaryInsigniaMedal: 1 LargeAssociateInsigniaMedal: 4 Miniature Associate Insignia Medal: 0 ReplacementRibbonforLargeHereditaryMedal: 2 Replacement Ribbon for Miniature Hereditary Medal: 1 ROTC Medal & Ribbon Bar: 45 OfficerNeckRibbon: 4 Necktie(long): 5 Bow Tie: 1 BlazerPatch: 12 BlazerButtons(setof9): 2 LargeHereditaryMembershipCertificate: 0 SmallHereditaryMembershipCertificate: 6 AssociateMembershipCertificate: 2 HereditaryRosette: 5 Associate Rosette: 0 Commander Rosette: 0 Tee Shirt: 7 Ball Cap: 6 Challenge Coin: 11 Decal: 10 AutomobilePlaque: 3 NoteCards(packof25): 5 PostCards(packof10): 3 Book: Union Blue: 4 PastCommanderStar: 1 Booklet: Prominent Companions: 0 RecruitingBrochures(packof10): 3
Respectfully submitted, Adam P. Flint
30 Keith G. Harrison Commander-in-Chief National Webmaster & Membership List Coordinator Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States 4209 Santa Clara Drive Holt, Michigan 48842-1868 517-694-9394 (Home) [email protected] (E-Mail) http://suvcw.org/mollus.htm (Internet)
Report of the National Webmaster and National Membership List Coordinator 126th Annual Congress Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 15, 2011
Companions:
I am pleased to present my reports as National Webmaster and National Membership List Coordinator.
National Webmaster Report Presented below is a listing of the changes that have been made to the Website since the last Congress:
Placement of another complete volume of an original MOLLUS Commandery War Papers to the Website resulting with the following 28 complete volumes now on-line: Illinois Commandery - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8; Indiana Commandery - Volume 1; Kansas Commandery - Volume 1; Maine Commandery - Volume 1; Massachusetts Commandery - Volumes 1 and 2; Michigan Commandery - Volumes 1 and 2; Minnesota Commandery - Volumes 3 and 4; Missouri Commandery - Volume 1; Nebraska Commandery - Volume 1; New York Commandery - Volumes 1, 2 and 4; Ohio Commandery - Volumes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6; and Wisconsin Commandery - Volumes 2, 3 and 4. Placement of an updated listing of Commandery-in-Chief elected and appointed officers and committee appointments for 2009 – 2011 onto the Website; Continual updating of the Commandery-in-Chief Annual Award Recipient List; Placement of the Journal of Proceedings from the 2010 125th National Congress of the Commandery-in-Chief on the Website; Placement of the 2010 Amended National Bylaws and Constitution onto the Website; Placement of an updated (2011) National Congress Planning Guide for Commanderies - with Examples (2003- 2010);
31 Report of the National Webmaster and National Membership List Coordinator October 15, 2011 Page 2
Continued placement of all Commandery-in-Chief meeting notices (Congresses and Midwinter meetings) onto the website Continued placement of Lincoln Birthday and Tomb Ceremony announcements onto the Website; Continued placement of all Loyal Legion Historical Journals onto the Website; Continual updating of the Commandery-in-Chief Annual Award Recipients List; Continual updating of the MOLLUS Merchandise Price List; Continued placement of the most recent Commandery newsletters onto the Website; and Continual updating of the National DOLLUS Website; Continual updating of all Commandery Web pages; and Continual updating of all Commandery-in-Chief Web pages.
National Membership List Coordinator Report There have been 18 Loyal Legion Historical Journals returned and 25 address change notifications from the U.S. Post Office since the last Congress. The cost associated with the returns was $26.54, (18 Journals at $0.78 = $14.04 plus 25 address changes at $.050 = $12.50). As in previous years, I have absorbed these costs as a donation.
Per the requirement of Commandery-in-Chief Officers and Committees Job Descriptions, the National Membership List Coordinator is to assist in the creation of a new membership roster every five years. A new 2010 Roster of the MOLLUS and DOLLUS was produced and sent along with the Commander-in-Chief’s annual request for donation to the Loyal Legion Memorial Fund were mailed to the membership in December 2010.
Per Article VI, Section 7 of the Commandery-in-Chief Constitution, Commanderies are to provide to the Commandery-in-Chief with a report of their membership as of April 30th each year. For the last 10 years, the National Membership List Coordinator has been providing each Commandery with a listing of its membership as of April 30th. Such a report was again sent to each Commandery on May 3, 2011. This service is provided to each Commandery to help ensure that their membership records correspond to that of the Commandery-in-Chief and to help reduce to cost of mailing of the Commandery-in-Chief Loyal Legion Historical Journal due to address changes, deaths, etc. that take place throughout the year.
Loyally, Keith G. Harrison National Commander-in-Chief National Webmaster & Membership List Coordinator Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States
32 MILITARY ORDER OF THE LOYAL LEGION OF THE UNITED STATES
OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP CONTACT
October 2, 2011
To the Commander in Chief Keith G. Harrison and the National Commandery in Chief:
Report of online contacts regarding Membership applications.
Since the last report 35 referrals have come through the internet: Indiana Commandery two hereditary, Pennsylvania Commandery six Hereditary, Ohio Commandery two Hereditary, Washington D.C. Commandery two Hereditary, Illinois Commandery three hereditary, California Commandery eight hereditary, Virginia Commandery five hereditary, one associate, Connecticut Commandery one hereditary, Wisconsin Commandery one hereditary, one associate, Massachusetts Commandery two hereditary, Rhode Island Commandery one hereditary.
Of those who indicated a source of contact, twenty-three indicated the MOLLUS website, four indicated the SUVCW.
Respectfully submitted, Laurence A. Converse National Membership Contact Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States
33 Col. Eric Rojo USA (Ret) CinC Washington DC Representative Washington, D. C. Commandery Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States 4430 Tindall St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016 202-329-5853 [email protected]
FROM: CinCWashingtonDCRepresentative 7October2011
To: Commander-in-Chief SUBJ: 2011 Annual Meeting Report
As part of this year’s report it is important to reaffirm the need to work together to establish a line of communications with our congressional delegations to ensure there is a clear awareness of the hereditary societies, our role in the preservation of the memory and sacrifice of our predecessors and the role we need to play in the sesquicentennial activities. To this end I respectfully repeat the first two paragraphs of last year’s report before reporting on current activities.
1. A first observation is to ensure that through this CINC initiative, we establish and maintain communication with and among all allied orders and societies to ensure that as we approach the sesquicentennial of the Civil War and when the US Congress considers the establishment of events and committees, that we are included and we are part of the leadership, planning and execution to the extent practical. We should be vigilant in educating our members of Congress as to our existence and our role in preservation and memorializing the sacrifice and efforts of our ancestors. Of great importance is to note that when Congress mandated the Lincoln Birthday Bicentennial Committee there was no consideration of incorporating any of our Orders. This of course was an act of omission due to lack of our having a proper presence in Washington as it should be defined by contact with our respective congressional delegations. This action should ensure that we are properly and appropriately made official part of any and all committees and activities that are sponsored by congress.
2. I believe it is important that we task organize and lead an effort to identify all members of the US Congress who are members or are eligible for membership in MOLLUS and work jointly with the SUV to ensure as wide an effort as practical. This effort will ensure we have more advocates and we are better represented and accounted for in the future.
3. This year, for the first time the CINC was invited by the Military District of Washington to participate in the National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 2011. Given my absence from the city, Col. Robert Pollock, DC JVC represented the CINC ensuring that our presence is set for future ceremonies.
4. By invitation of Col. Robert Pollock, I had the opportunity to represent MOLLUS at the D.C. Society of the Sons of the American Revolution 59th annual commemoration of the life of Elbridge Gerry, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation,
34 Representative in Congress and Governor of Massachusetts, Vice President of the United States and the only Signer of the Declaration buried in Washington, D.C.
5. As reported by the CINC, during the Lincoln Birthday activities, we hosted the Secretary of Education of the State of Puebla, Mexico who brought an invitation from the Governor of the State for MOLLUS to participate in Puebla as part of the sesquicentennial of the battle of Puebla against the French invader. Details of the planned events and our participation will be given in detail at our meeting. The Secretary was a guest of honor at the formal banquet and at the Lincoln Memorial Ceremony. During the luncheon after the annual ceremony he added a one thousand dollar cash price to the winner of the Fred Hunt memorial history contest. He also announced that he will sponsor our planned college level Lincoln-Juarez scholarship providing funds for three level winners at five, three and one thousand dollars. Details will be announced at the annual event. Further, the CINC nominated Secretary Luis Maldonado as a CinC Honorary Member. Presentation of the membership certificate and medal will take place at our annual gala. The DC Commandery will nominate other personalities from Mexico to Associate or Honorary Membership as part of our anniversary activities.
Respectfully submitted, Loyally Col. Eric Rojo USA (Ret)
35 36 Standing and Special Committee Reports
37 38 Audit Committee Report
From: Richard Bishop Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2011 1:04 PM To: Lee Tryon Cc: Gregg Mierka; Eric Rojo. Col; KEITH HARRISON; Jack Kane Subject: Fwd: Re: Audit Committee
I determined that any need to place supervision over the means by which Lee Tryon accomplishes the annual audit (i.e., a CPA who reviews our financial business pro bono) was unnecessary. I informed all committee members of this and as a body they agreed. Keith also agreed. We would simply review Lee's written report and ask questions if necessary. It appears that back in the day, some oversight may have been advisable. Lee is doing a great job as out financial adviser and is a master bean counter. I sent him a message along with copies to all members of the committee so stating.
I am willing to remain as chair if you so desire. Dick Bishop
From: Lee Tryon Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2011 11:04 AM To: Richard Bishop Cc: Gregg Mierka; Eric Rojo. Col; KEITH HARRISON; Jack Kane Subject: Fwd: Re: Audit Committee
Before, the Tax filing of Form 990 for the Memorial Fund is prepared pro bono by CPA Harold Colvocorreses, a Companion of the Order from Connecticut. Neither a Compilation and Review or a full Audit are currently being performed for the Memorial Fund. The Commandery-in-Chief, because it has neither sufficient receipts or assets requiring an annual Form 990 tax return, should be given at least an annual Compilation and Review by a CPA as well. Currently, that task is not being performed. In the interests of good governance, full Audits of both entities (each have their own Taxpayer Identification Numbers and are different types of 501(c) organizations) should be performed annually. The time and cost involved could be substantial, but to protect MOLLUS, the Loyal Legion Memorial Fund, me and my successor, this situation calls for review and action.
Sincerely, Lee
39 Report of the Historical Sites and Preservation Committee Recommended Grants
Companions:
This is a list of recommended grants to be made by the Commandery-in-Chief in the area of support for battlefield preservation/historic site/archives and museums.
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center $ 500.00 GrantMonumentAssociation $ 500.00 Zellwood Historical Society Museum & Library $ 250.00 FriendsofU.S.GrantCottage $ 500.00 CivilWarPreservationTrust $500.00 National Trust for Historic Preservation (Anderson Cottage) $ 250.00 GAR Museum & Library $ 500.00 AbrahamLincolnMuseumatLMU $ 500.00 AbrahamLincolnPresidentialLibrary $ 500.00 USSMonitorFoundation $500.00 Life Time Membership—Lincoln Monument Association $ 500.00 TotalrecommendedGrants $5000.00
Loyally, Waldron K. Post II Chair
40 Report of the Lincoln Death Day Observance Committee
Commander-in-Chief Harrison,
The 2011 Lincoln Tomb Ceremony was a very successful and well attended event. During the past year a modification of the Memorandum of Understanding between MOLLUS and the SUVCW was successfully negotiated and approved by both organizations. The major change was a commitment by both MOLLUS and SUVCW to provide the master of ceremonies for the Tomb activities and the luncheon on an alternating year basis. In even numbered years MOLLUS will provide the master of ceremonies for the luncheon and in odd numbered years MOLLUS will provide the master of ceremonies for the wreath laying and other activities at the Lincoln Tomb.
Contracts have been signed for the years 2012 and 2013 with the Abraham Lincoln Hotel.
The information flyer and registration forms for 2012 are attached to this report as well as the financial report.
Richard D. Orr Chair
41 Fraternal Relations Committee Report
Fellow Companions:
The Committee identified the following Civil War Hereditary Societies:
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Sons of Confederate Veterans Military Order of the Stars and Bars Morgan's Men Association Inc. Auxiliary to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic Women's Relief Corps Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861-1865 National Society, Daughters of the Union 1861-1865 Dames of the Loyal Legion of the United States United Daughters of the Confederacy
The heads of the each of these Societies were sent invitations by the committee to the National Congress in Philadelphia.
Also as suggested at the 125th National Congress, the Committee has identified Societies composed of descendants of other wars in which the United States was involved in. They are:
General Society of the Cincinnati Military Society of the War of 1812 Aztec Club of 1847 Order of the Indian Wars of the United States Military Order of the Foreign Wars of the United States Military Order of the World Wars
All requisite arrangements were made for the Order's participation at the Annual Remembrance Day Commemoration Program at Gettysburg, Lincoln's Birthday in Washington, DC and the Lincoln Tomb Program in Springfield, Illinois.
Submitted Respectfully and Loyally, Adam Gaines, Chair Standing Committee on Fraternal Relations Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States
42 REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS For THE COMMANDERY-IN-CHIEF For 2011-2013
Companions:
The Standing Committee on Nominations met at Grand Rapids, Michigan and Washington DC and discussed nominations for officers of the Commandery-in-Chief for the ensuing term. Those whose names and offices are listed below have been contacted and agreed to serve if elected. Therefore, it is the Committee’s recommendation that the following Companions be nominated for the office indicated:
Commander-in-Chief JeffryChristianBurden VA Sr. Vice Commander-in-Chief Waldron Kintzing Post II NY/CT Jr.ViceCommander-in-Chief Capt.JamesAlanSimmons TX Recorder-in-Chief JohnKentKane VA Treasurer-in-Chief Lee Allan Tryon CT Registrar-in-Chief Adam P. Flint PA Chancellor-in-Chief Co. Eric Armando Rojo DC JudgeAdvocate-in-Chief GeraldFitzgeraldFisher,Esq NY Chaplain-in-Chief The Rev.Canon Robert G. Carroon CT/WI Surgeon-in-Chief DanielHenryHellerM.D. IN
Members of the Council-in-Chief:
Major Richard D. Bishop VA Bruce B. Butgereit MI PeterArrottDixon DC PaulJosephKinyon IL GregAnthonyMierka RI Colonel Robert D. Pollock DC
Loyally, Robert Girard Carroon, PCinC Chairman
43 44 Commandery Reports
45 46 Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Instituted April15, 1865 Commandery of the State of California RICHARDH.BREITHAUPT,JR. Commander 17220 Hemingway Street Van Nuys ,California91406 818-609-0800 mollus©walika.com
21 September 2011
To: Keith Harrison, Commander-in-Chief
Re: 2011 Annual Report
On behalf of the California Commandery I am pleased to make the following report.
Membership In our 2011 Annual Assessment form we reported that as of April, 2011 the Commandery had 40companions, 37 hereditary (3 life) and 4 associate, versus 37 the prior year, an increase in membership of 8.1%.
Membership recruitment remains a priority. We promptly responded to all inquiries forwarded by Laurence A. Converse, the National Membership Contact, and follow up to officer assistance to applicants.
Available on our webpage is information about the Loyal Legion, a list of resources, and downloadable brochure about our Commandery, application, and instructions for new members, and application for a son/nephew/grandson of a current member.
As an added touch, I personally write a congratulatory message welcoming each newly elected member.
Necrology Just this week, we learned that Companion Edward Ord (#22428) passed away on 25 May 2011. His name should be removed from the mailing list.
Leadership Team Commander: RichardHoagBreithaupt,Jr. ViceCommander&Recorder: WayneJ.Rogers Treasurer: RobertMalottFletcher,II
We participated in luncheons sponsored by other patriotic societies to foster fellowship and promote among others membership in the Loyal Legion.
Loyally, Richard Breithaupt, Jr. Commander
47 REPORT OF THE CONNECTICUT COMMANDERY MILITARY ORDER OF THE LOYAL LEGION OF THE UNITED STATES ANNUAL CONGRESS 15 OCTOBER 2011
Since the last Congress held at Grand Rapids, Michigan in October 2010, the Connecticut Commandery has recruited 2 new hereditary companions. We currently have 34 hereditary, 8 associate, 4 honorary, 1 junior Companion and 2 Senior National Life Members for a total of 49.
We continue to decorate the graves, in Cedar Hill Cemetery each Memorial Day, of departed Union Officers as well as Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles. As usual, we presented the outstanding cadet in military science in the third class at the United States Coast Guard Academy with the ROTC medal, certificate and $250 U.S. Savings Bond at the Annual Awards Ceremony at the Academy in New London. The 2011 presentation this weekend will mark the 20th consecutive year CT MOLLUS has participated in the program. The Commandery was represented at the Annual Massing of the Colors of the Hereditary and Patriotic Societies of Connecticut, held in Lebanon, CT on October 24, 2010, where the flags of over 40 participating organizations were carried in procession. The program included a patriotic service and address by the Town Historian of Lebanon, CT.
Companions of the Connecticut Commandery were present at the Lincoln Birthday Commemoration in Washington DC in February 2011.
Our Spring 2011 Meeting on April 2, was held at the Hawthorne Inn in Berlin, Connecticut. Guests included RI Commander Gregg Mierka, and a discussion of RI and CT co-sponsorship of the 2012 Annual Congress in Rhode Island.
The CT Commandery is an organizational partner, along with more than 40 other museums, historical societies and hereditary groups in CT for “Connecticut Commemorates the Civil War”; events marking the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. A three-day commemoration took place April 15-17, 2011 and included a re-enactors encampment, battle skirmishes and exhibits from historical organizations and museums, held on the campus of Central Connecticut State University. The CT Commandery was represented at the ceremonies held on April 16th, where Civil War re-enactors, the Governor’s Foot Guard, and National Guard Units marched through the center of campus with their Color Guards and encircled the area to salute the flag, fire a 21 gun salute, and hear the national anthem.
The Commandery was represented at the 125th Anniversary of the dedication of The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Hartford on 17 September, the anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. The first triumphal arch in the United States, it honors the 4,000 Hartford citizens who served in the Civil War and the 400 who died for the Union. The ceremony included a rededication ceremony with 21-gun salute by re-enactors, and presentations by Abraham Lincoln, Governor Buckingham and General Hawley interpreters.
Submitted on behalf of William G. Chase, Commander
48 Col. Eric Rojo USA (Ret) Commander Washington, D. C. Commandery Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States 4430 Tindall St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016 202-329-5853 [email protected]
FROM:DCCommander 7October2011
To: Commander-in-Chief
SUBJ: 2011 Annual Report
1. DC companions joined with the CinC and national officers in keeping the tradition of presenting wreaths and standing at the Memorial in observance of President Lincoln’s Birthday. Contrary to last year, the weather was mild and the ceremony had full participation of companions, guests and the general public.
2. The Commandery had the following accessions: Hereditary Companions: Father Charles Hart Nalls of Richmond, Virginia. DC No. 2011-01 Mr. Michael Bates of Belle Mead, New Jersey. DC No. 2011-02 We had two resignations due to infirmity and old age BGEN Michael Greene MAJ Roy Goodale
3. The Commandery is in the process of correcting its membership data base that has shown problems that have been compounding from old and incorrect data for a number of years. The Commandery is in the process of reconstructing the data base to ensure that the next report from the Recorder is correct and up to date. Attached is the report of the Junior Vice Commander and Registrar that speaks to the effort in process by all officers of the Commandery to bring our records to proper order. We expect to have all records up to date and report accordingly at the winter meeting.
4. The Commandery held its biannual election. The nominations committee suggested the reelection of the current officers, the officers where elected by acclamation. Current officers are: Commander, Col. Eric Rojo; Senior Vice Commander and Recorder, John Moore; Junior Vice Commander and Registrar, Col. Robert Pollock; Chancellor, Peter Dixon; Treasurer Ralph Miller; Assistant Treasurers. Eric Rojo and Peter Dixon.
5. The DC Commandery with the sponsorship by the Secretary of Education of the State of Puebla and Honorary member Luis Maldonado will send out an invitation for a scholarship contest for students of history or political science. The Lincoln-Juarez MOLLUS award will be granted to a currently enrolled student who submits an original academic paper on the subject of Mexican and USA civil or military affairs between 1858 through 1865. We expect to have full MOLLUS participation in structuring the scholarship committee. We shall present and discuss details at our business meeting in order to publish the rules in time to present the first awards next year in Puebla.
6. As it is tradition, Past Commander Peter Dixon presented the MOLLUS recognition ribbon to
49 one cadet each of Navy, Army and Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) enrolled in a College or University within the District of Columbia.
7. The Commandery is still in the process of designing a new website to be launched by the December meeting. The website includes an officer’s email account for the Commandery. It is intended to be available for all officers as they communicate with the national order, or the membership.
8. The DC Junior Vice Commander represented the CINC participated in the Annual Arlington Cemetery Memorial Day Sons of Union Veterans lead ceremony and presented the MOLLUS wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns of the Civil War.
9. We held 3 meetings this year, our Lincoln's Birthday meeting, a gathering in June, and a September luncheon. The June meeting featured a talk by COL Douglas Stuart on the respective generalship abilities of Generals Lee and Grant. The September meeting featured a talk by Army Historian Kim Holien on the histories of Fort Leslie J. McNair and Fort Meyer. He talked about the whole history of each fort, but emphasized the important role played by each in the Civil War. Companion Calvin Zon made a presentation of his book were he edits the letters of his ancestor, “The Good Fight The Didn’t End: H. P. Goddards Accounts of Civil War and Peace.
10. Our Treasurer Companion Ralph Miller requested to be relieved from his duties due to ill health. While the Commandery finds a volunteer and suitable replacement Chancellor Peter Dixon and Commander Eric Rojo have stepped in to act as Treasurers pro tem. Attached is copy of the latest Commandery Bank statement in lieu of a full treasurer’s report.
11. The Commandery has been working with Junior Vice Commander in Chief to ensure proper coordination of the Lincoln Birthday activities for the Commandery in Chief.
Respectfully submitted, Eric Rojo Col. USA (Ret)
50 Iowa Commandery Annual Report
October 8, 2011
Keith Harrison, National Commander-in-Chief Jack Kane, Recorder-in-Chief
The Iowa Commandery has three members and has been inactive during this past year.
Loyally, William E. Corbin, Commander Iowa Commandery
51 Donald W. Sherman, Jr. Commander Illinois Commandery Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States PO Box 2806 Des Plaines, IL 60017-2806 847-977-8907 [email protected] Oct. 6, 2011
Keith G. Harrison, Commander-in-Chief Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Grand Rapids, Michigan Dear Commander-in-Chief Harrison and Companions, The Illinois Commandery Officers are: Commander: DonaldW.Sherman,Jr. Treasurer DonaldW.Sherman,Jr. Recorder: JonN.Austin Chaplain: FatherScottL.Archer PastCommander: PaulJ.Kinyon Council: A. Bingham Seibold III John H. Kinyon David E. Upham With an effective date of Sept 1, 2011, Donald W. Sherman, Jr. has been named the new Commander of the Illinois Commandery, with Paul J. Kinyon moving to the role of Past Commander. Companion Jon N. Austin has taken over Commander Sherman’s former position of Recorder, while Commander Sherman will retain the position of Treasurer until a suitable replacement can be found. The new Commander and Recorder are active as officers in their SUVCW Camps and as Civil War reenactors. They are committed to revitalizing the Commandery in the Land of Lincoln. Commander Sherman has been in contact with the officers of the SUVCW Department of Illinois and the Department’s various camps, and will visit Camp meetings and Department Encampments in Illinois to promote the Loyal Legion. To date, two applications for Associate Membership have been received and several potential Hereditary Members have been identified. Planning is underway to re-establish Commandery meetings and to increase communications within the Commandery. The current membership of the Illinois Commandery comprises: one Life Companion, eighteen Hereditary Companions and one Associate Companion. One of the Hereditary Companions and the Associate Companion hold dual membership, with their primary membership in another Commandery. A primary focus of the Commandery’s new leadership will be to increase the number of Companions. The Illinois Commandery is financially sound, with a current bank balance of $746.90, and 2011 assessments have been submitted in a timely manner. The Officers and Companions of the Commandery continue to honor the memory of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln at events throughout the state of Illinois and the Midwest. A listing of the events since the last Annual Congress is attached. Most respectfully and loyally submitted,
Donald W. Sherman, Jr. Commander & Treasurer MOLLUS, Commandery of Illinois 52 Since the last Annual Congress Officers and Companions of the Illinois Commandery have participated in the following:
2 0 1 0 Oct. 15 thru 17, 2010 – Annual Civil War Reenactment in Minooka, Illinois
Oct. 30, 2010 – SUVCW Dept. of Illinois Mid-term Encampment in Bloomington, Illinois
Nov. 10, 2010 – Veterans’ Day Observance at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois
Nov. 11, 2010 – Veteran’s Day Observance at St. Johannes Cemetery in Bensenville, Illinois
Nov. 11, 2010 – Veteran’s Day Observance at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, Illinois
Dec. 11, 2010 –- Wreaths Across America Program at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, Illinois
2 0 1 1 April 15, 2011 – Annual Lincoln Deathday Association Observance in Springfield, Illinois
Apr. 16, 2011 – The 55th annual Lincoln Death Day Ceremony in Springfield, Illinois
Apr. 16, 2011 – Dr. Benjamin Stephenson GAR Memorial Ceremony in Petersburg, Illinois
May 6, 2011 – Civil War Living History Education Day in Pittsfield, Illinois
May 7, 2011 – JROTC “Change of Command” Ceremony at Marmion Academy in Aurora, Illinois
May 14, 2011 – SUVCW Dept. of Illinois Annual Encampment in Peoria, Illinois May 20 through 22, 2011 – Civil War Reenactment in Naperville, Illinois
May 21 and 22, 2011 – Conner Prairie Civil War Battle & Encampment Weekend in Fishers, Indiana
May 26 through 30, 2011 – Flags of Honor and Memorial Day ceremonies in Northbrook Illinois
May 29, 2011 – GAR Memorial Day Service in Aurora, Illinois
May 29, 2011 – Memorial Day Observance at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, Illinois
May 30, 2011 – GAR & Memorial Day Services at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois June 4 and 5, 2011 – Reclaiming our Heritage event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin June 4 and 5, 2011 – Civil War Reenactment in Pittsfield, Illinois
June 11 and 12, 2011 – Filming of “Civil War 3-D” television movie produced for the Discovery Channel – expected to be broadcast starting in November 2011. June 11 and 12, 2011 – Civil War Medical Reenactment at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois
June 17 through 19, 2011 – Civil War Living History in Evanston, Illinois June 24, 2011 – Civil War Veterans Memorial Services at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Wheaton, Illinois 53 June 30, 2011 – Independence Day Ceremony in Naperville, Illinois
July 4, 2011 – Independence Day Parades in Niles, Skokie and Morton Grove, Illinois
July 3, 2011 – Independence Day Parade in Bartlett, Illinois
July 8 through 10, 2011 – Civil War Reenactment in Wauconda, Illinois
July 9 and 10, 2011 – General Lew Wallace Home & Study Civil War Encampment in Crawfordsville, Indiana
July 22 thru 24, 2011 – Civil War Reenactment in Glenview, Illinois
Sept. 3 and 4, 2011 – Victorian Festival Steam Show, Civil War Battle Reenactment and Encampment in Jerseyville, Illinois
Sept. 10 and 11, 2011 – Civil War Reenactment in White Hall, Illinois Sept. 16 through 18, 2011 – Civil War Reenactment in Lake Villa, Illinois
Sept. 30 through Oct. 2, 2011 – Civil War Reenactment in Wheaton, Illinois
54 Indiana Commandery
Keith Harrison, Commander-in-Chief Jack Kane, Recorder-in-Chief
October 7, 2011
Indiana Commandery held no meetings during 2010-11 and therefore has no report.
George S. Haerle Recorder
Kansas Commandery
Subject: RE: 2011 Congress Report Reminder To: "'jack kane'" [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Date: Thursday, September 22, 2011, 5:56 PM
Kansas has nothing to report.
Alan Russ Commander
55 MILITARY ORDER OF THE LOYAL LEGION OF THE UNITED STATES
COMMANDERY OF KENTUCKY
27 September 2011
TO: The Commander in Chief and Companions assembled at the 126th Annual Congress FROM:Commander Timothy H. Downey SUBJECT: Report of the Kentucky Commandery
1. COMMUNICATIONS / MEETINGS Hosted Lincoln Day dinner in Lincoln County, KY in February. Commandery annual meeting held at Camp Nelson, KY in March. Participation in Memorial Day services, Elkhorn City, KY. Report to KY Department SUVCW Encampment, Louisville, KY in June. Participated in 9/11 services at Middle Creek National Battlefield.
2. MEMBERSHIP The 2011 Assessment has been completed. The Commandery currently has 4 Hereditary and 2 Associate Companions.
Timothy H. Downey Commander, Kentucky
Timothy Howard Downey Commander 174 Berry Lane Hustonville, KY 40437 606 346-3789 [email protected]
56 Massachusetts Commandery
Annual Report October 1, 2010 to October 1, 2011
Because of a commitment which prevents me from being in Philadelphia for the 126th Congress, our treasurer, David Whittemore, will represent the Massachusetts Commandery; along with companion Brendan O’Connell.
The Hingham, MA Lincoln Day observance in February continues to be a traditional event for our participation and part sponsorship. We also are regularly represented at the Lincoln Birthday celebrations in Washington, DC.
At our annual meeting in May the elected officers were: Commander – Fred Stevens Vice Commander – Bradford Blaser Treasurer – David Whittemore Recorder – Edward Welch Councilor – Joseph O’Connell Councilor – Mark Slayton
I presented, for its first use, our new replica banner. Also in May, I used the banner and spoke on the history of MOLLUS and explained the meaning of the symbols on the banner. At that same event, companion Douglass Knight spoke on “How to Research Your Civil War Ancestor”.
Regarding the Massachusetts Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, someone on Governor Deval Patrick’s staff did not do proper homework for the appointments. Both the Sons of Union Veterans and MOLLUS were omitted. I had selected companion Frederic Lincoln, Major General (ret), Massachusetts State Guard as an ideal representative and submitted his name, but as of this report we have not received notice of any action despite follow-up efforts.
Our membership is currently at 39 hereditary and 6 associate has suffered two losses by death. John Taft died in February and John McCauley died in September. In addition we received a resignation from Walter Cummings due to “old age, severely diminished health, and increasing financial considerations”. Also, we have had to drop from our rolls Alan Norris, who has moved to New Zealand. The only positive is that we have approved the membership application of Joel Rogers and will send it forward.
Treasurer Whittemore reported that the finances of the Commandery are in very good shape. Our investments were transferred to Vanguard with a goal of providing for a $10,000 yearly budget.
Companion Bayard Lincoln continued his presentations of medals and checks to outstanding ROTC cadets for the 38th year.
Our hosting plans for 2015 continue, only delayed by the change of ownership of our selected hotel, resulting in the need to re-negotiate for the room and facility rates.
The project to honor Col. Patrick Guiney of the 9th “Irish” Regiment has been led by Past Commander Lenahan O’Connell. Past Commander Warren Wells has agreed to assist.
Vice-Commander Blaser is leading the old banner restoration project. It is now in the early
57 stages and is expected to be completed in 2013. The current stage consists of removing the silk banner material from its current backing which was found to be a linen tablecloth. The banner will be remounted on a sheer polyester substrate, which will be further mounted on a semi-rigid adhesive film. The metal fringe, gold-like, will be cleaned and retained. We thank the Commandery-in-Chief again for the grant to assist in this project.
Frederick A. Stevens, Jr. Commander
58 Bruce B. Butgereit, Commander C o m m a n d e r y of the State of Michigan Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States
http://suvcw.org/mollus/mi/mollus.html
8 October 2011
Annual report from the Michigan Commandery
Greetings Commander-in-Chief Harrison, National Officers, and fellow Companions:
The Michigan Commandery held a mid-winter meeting on Saturday, 26 February in Farmington Hills and an annual business meeting on Saturday, 25 June at the Country Club of Detroit in Grosse Pointe Farms. We will have a general meeting on Saturday, 22 October in Dearborn.
The membership of the Commandery stands at twenty-six. We lost a great friend and Companion with the passing of Dr. Weldon Petz in April.
Our treasury stands at $327.66 in our savings account and $2,116.70 in a CD. The following officers were elected at our June business meeting –
Bruce B. Butgereit – Commander Walter F. Roberts – Senior Vice-Commander Adam W. Gaines – Junior Vice-Commander Bruce Butgereit, II – Recorder/Treasurer Paul T. Davis – Council Sigmund J. Reckline, Jr. – Council Colin B. Butgereit – Council
Other officers include – Keith G. Harrison – Registrar Charles DuCharme – Chancellor Jon D. Reed – Chaplain
The Michigan Commandery, through the guidance of Companion Walter F. Roberts and with the assistance of Companion Keith G. Harrison once again participated in the MOLLUS ROTC Medal of Merit program with the presentation of awards to cadets at Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan.
The Commandery is an active participant in the Michigan Civil War Sesquicentennial History Partners of the Michigan Historical Commission. Regular communication is sent out across the state promoting the creation of events honoring the 150th anniversary commemoration of the Civil War. Companion Keith G. Harrison serves as the webmaster for the History Partners and has uploaded information on over 178 Sesquicentennial events in just 2011 alone. On 12 November 2011, the Commandery and History Partners will sponsor our second annual Michigan Remembers the Civil War conference. The following list of events include presentations, living history programs, Civil War headstone dedications and/or rededications, Civil War memorial dedications and/or rededications, parades, and more that the Commandery either sponsored or was a participant in. Note: This list does not include all of those conducted or participated in by Companion Keith G. Harrison, Commander-in-Chief or other members of the Commandery. 59 2 March – Sesquicentennial presentation at the Grand Rapids Public Library. The presentation was titled, “In Their Words – The Story of Annie Etheridge, Civil War Nurse.”
15 March – Sesquicentennial presentation in Lowell, MI for the Lowell Historical Society. The event included comments on Annie Etheridge as well as the presentation titled, “Keeping Green the Memory – Post Civil War Legions, Armies, and Orders.”
9 April – Sesquicentennial living history event at the Kentwood (MI) Public Library. The event was titled, “1861: The Civil War Begins – Paris Township Answers the Call.”
12 April – Sesquicentennial event at City Hall Grand Rapids (MI). Accepted a proclamation from Honorable Mayor George K. Heartwell recognizing the beginning of the Civil War Sesquicentennial in Grand Rapids (Attached).
16 April – Sesquicentennial event at the Michigan Historical Center in Lansing (MI). Kick-off event of Michigan’s Civil War Sesquicentennial commemoration – “Michigan Remembers the Civil War.”
16 April – Memorial service in Springfield (IL). Lincoln Death Day ceremonies.
21 April – Sesquicentennial presentation at Grand Valley State University for the GVSU Local History Roundtable. The presentation titled, “Keeping Green the Memory – Post Civil War Legions, Armies, and Orders.” (The Commandery is one of the original members of the roundtable.)
7 May – Sesquicentennial event at Oakhill Cemetery in Grand Rapids (MI). Dedicated a new sign commemorating the Soldiers’ Cemetery that includes the first burial of a Civil War soldier on 8 May 1861.
22 May – Sesquicentennial living history event in Ada (MI) for the Ada Historical Society. The presentation was titled “Bedrolls & Bonnets – Life During the Civil War.”
25 May – Memorial service at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans in Grand Rapids (MI). Spoke at the placement of over 5,000 flags at the by Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts – of which 2,412 are Civil War soldiers.
28 May – Memorial services in Ottawa, Muskegon, and Kent Counties (MI). Conducted headstone dedications at five (5) different cemeteries for eleven Civil War soldiers who had been buried without a headstone.
30 May – Memorial Day parade and services at Veterans Memorial Park in Grand Rapids (MI).
30 May – Memorial service at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans in Grand Rapids (MI). Rededicated a 1929 bronze tablet and boulder that commemorated the Comrades of the John A. Logan GAR Post that met at the Home.
11 June – Sesquicentennial event at Cantonment Anderson in Grand Rapids (MI). Dedication of a new historical interpretive sign at Cantonment Anderson; Civil War training grounds in Grand Rapids.
60 12 June – Parade in Three Oaks (MI). Participated in what is billed as the largest Flag Day parade in the United States.
27/28 August – Recruiting event at the Cascades Muster in Jackson (MI).
17 September – Sesquicentennial event at White Swan Cemetery in Rockford (MI). A special ceremony was conducted commemorating the service and sacrifice of the twenty-four White Swan Civil War boys.
24 September – Memorial service at the Marne Cemetery in Marne (MI). Conducted headstone dedication for five Civil War soldiers who had been buried without a headstone.
24 September – Sesquicentennial event at the Michigan Women’s Historical Center in Lansing (MI). Spoke at the grand opening of the new sesquicentennial exhibit about the role of Michigan women in the Civil War.
Other events and presentations are scheduled each weekend until Thanksgiving of this year. Loyally submitted,
Bruce B. Butgereit, Commander 1691 Summerfield St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 Ph: 616-827-3369 Email: [email protected]
61 PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, on April 12, 1861, Confederate troops fired on the federal garrison at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina, and three days later, President Abraham Lincoln sent out a call for 75,000 men in response to the attack; and
WHEREAS, the 1,040 man Third Michigan Infantry Regiment left Grand Rapids June 13, 1861, having trained at Cantonment Anderson on the county fairgrounds at Hall, Jefferson and Division Streets; and
WHEREAS, over the course of the next four years, the Grand Rapids area had a total of 4,214 men who served in the defense of our great country with over five hundred and fifty men and women who suffered the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in the service of their country;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, George K. Heartwell, Mayor of the City of Grand Rapids, do hereby recognize the
SESQUICENTENNIALOFTHEAMERICANCIVILWAR and ask all citizens to use the period of April 12, 2011, through September 15, 2015, as a time for education, discussion, and preservation efforts to ensure the history of the Civil War is remembered today and preserved for the future.
62 New York Commandery
The New York Commandery held its annual meeting on 4 May 2011 at the Down Town Association in New York City. Reports were given on the Princeton ROTC award, the Commandery’s website, our support of the Grant Monument Association and the Tompkins County Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee and participation in the Grant Ellsworth and Edward Jones commemorations. We were honored to have Frank Scaturro, a recent candidate for the United States House of Representatives for Nassau County, speak to us about Sesquicentennial commemorative plans in New York State.
The New York Commandery continues to meet monthly for dinner at The 3 West Club, typically on a Monday or Wednesday evening. Guests are most welcome.
Donald L. Twiss Recorder
63 Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Commandery of the State of Ohio Office of the Ohio Recorder
To Commander-in-Chief Harrison, The Officers and Companions assembled at the 2011 Congress-Philadelphia, PA.
The Ohio Commandery continues to actively seek new Companions and strives to maintain those already on our rolls. Membership retention is a challenge in these economic times when so many of our Companions are retired on fixed incomes. On a more positive note, Ohio gained three (3) new Companions this past month and have one (1) additional outstanding application for membership sent to Robert Garfield, the grandson of Harry Augustus Garfield Insignia 3984 ( Inheritance of the First Class, as the son of James A. Garfield).
The Annual Spring Meeting of the Ohio is currently in development and plans are to have that meeting in Orrville, Ohio on April 14th to correspond with the April 12, 1862 capture of the Confederate Steam Engine The General by “Andrew’s Raiders which result in the First Congressional Medals of Honor being issued by Congress. Serial Number 0001 was issued to Jacob Parrott. Parrott joined fellow Raiders and Congressional Medal of Honor Winners Bessinger and Knight to reside in Wayne County Ohio after the war. Both Bessinger and Knight were both born South of Orrville, Wayne County, Ohio. Orrvile was a central point of members of the Andrew’s Raid participants and there were a number of Reunions held in Orrville after the War, thus our location for the 150th celebration of the Andrew’s Raid and the issuances of the first Congressional Medals of Honor. In 1962 President John F. Kennedy summoned the Parrott family to the White House and present Jacob’s grandson John with a medal commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Jacob Parrott has received the First Congressional Medal of honor. We are planning a Commandery Meeting along with community involvement and activities including: lectures, displays including the two Parrott medals (Congressional Medal of Honor and JFK 100th Commemorative Medal), reunion of any Andrew’s Raiders family members, and being another CW 150th event. The Ohio Commandery plans on a series of these public programs to reflect back on the 150th anniversary of the War of the Rebellion and our forefathers who fought to preserve the Union under President Lincoln.
Ohio is looking forward to hosting the 2013 Congress of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States at Lincoln Memorial University with the focus of that Congress being a 150- year tribute to President Lincoln and his Gettysburg Address.
Respectfully submitted, Gordon R. Bury Past Commander-in-Chief Recorder, Commandery of the State of Ohio
64 THE MILITARY ORDER OF THE LOYAL LEGION OF THE UNITED STATES Congress Meeting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania October 15, 2011 Report of the Pennsylvania Commandery
This has been a busy and productive year for the Pennsylvania Commandery. The Board of Officers and other members of the Pennsylvania Commandery have been active with the planning of its events and in perpetuating the memory of the Civil War officers who served during this country’s most challenging time.
Our membership stands at 176. Our net assets composed of primarily cash and investments are approximately $86,283.00 as of September 18, 2011.
Our annual event to commemorate the Gettysburg Address was held on November 19, 2010 at the Corinthian Yacht Club. The Commandery was honored to have our Commander-in-Chief, Keith Harrison join us for this special occasion. Our evenings’ speaker was MOLLUS member Herb Kaufman who gave an informative talk on Civil War medicine and medical practices.
We held our traditional Lincoln’s Birthday celebration at the Merion Golf Club on February 5, 2011. It was an evening of good fellowship and good food. We also held a summer picnic on July 17, 2011 to provide a more casual mid-year event for our members. The Commandery attended the Civil War Road Show, a traveling exhibit celebrating the Sesquicentennial.
The Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Commandery was held at the Merion Golf Club on June 1, 2011. The following officers were installed:
Adam P. Flint Commander Thomas R. Kellogg Senior Vice Commander F. Tee Adams, III Junior Vice Commander James W. W. Loudon Recorder Robert B. Krogstad Treasurer Timothy M. Zearfoss, Esg. Judge Advocate H. Mitchell Schmidt Chancellor Francis T. Adams, Jr. Chaplin Robert D. Lynch, Ph.D. Registrar John A. Koltes, M.D. Surgeon
Respectfully submitted, Adam P. Flint Commander
65 2011 RI MOLLUS Annual Report The 146th National Congress of the Commandery-in-Chief Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Presented to the National MOLLUS Commandery-in-Chief And Companion Keith G. Harrison, Commander-in-Chief Union League, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 9-12, 2011 By: Gregg A. Mierka, RI MOLLUS Commander, MOLLUS ID# 22108
RI Major General Ambrose E. Burnside RI Major General George Sears Greene
MOLLUS ID# 00889 MOLLUS ID# 05520 Greetings to Commander-in-Chief Harrison & to all MOLLUS Companions:
RI MOLLUS Companions are very pleased to convey our congratulations to Companion Keith G. Harrison for his great leadership on behalf of our Order as Commander-in-Chief. With equal respect and admiration, the Companions of RI MOLLUS also wish to congratulate National MOLLUS officers who have worked on behalf of the Order this past year under the guidance of our Commander-in-Chief. Please know your Companions of RI MOLLUS appreciate your service, dedication and leadership support. The years 2010 and 2011 have been a bit difficult for RI MOLLUS due to (hopefully) a temporary inability to recruit enough Companions “locally” to assist with the detailed administrative duties necessary for normal Commandery operations. As anyone might expect the results of this problem are holding back the progress of the Commandery. RI MOLLUS Commandery administrative functions have unfortunately fallen behind, to be performed in a timely manner. As Commandery Commander of RI MOLLUS the buck stops with me. Therefore I would like National MOLLUS to know steps are being taken to resolve these matters. Unfortunately when ever there is a shortage of people to perform such functions others available must do double duty. We will do our best to work these things out so RI MOLLUS is functioning properly as National MOLLUS must expect. We apologies to Companion Tryon and thank him for his patience.
We are pleased however to report RI MOLLUS is very close to concluding the planning of the 2012 National MOLLUS Congress to be held for the first time ever in Rhode Island. This event is a very big honor for our Commandery and we want to do the best we can for the Order so it might consider returning to our State some time in the future. With our limited staff we hope National MOLLUS can understand some things may happen causing RI MOLLUS to fall behind with other matters, however we believe hosting the 2012 Congress is being attended to about as efficiently as possible. (See Detailed Enclosure).
In summary, we have secured a down payment contract with the hotel in Warwick RI selected for the event. The hotel is very close to the main Rhode Island airport (Green State Airport in Warwick). The services and accommodations at the hotel are regarded as some of the best in the State. All normal MOLLUS activities which are the traditions of the Order have been
66 included in the agreement with the hotel, i.e. the Annual Banquet, meeting spaces for MOLLUS and DOLLUS, breakfast, lunch and dinner arrangements have been negotiated sufficiently with options to make minor changes if necessary. The hotel is very willing to work with us. We are currently focusing on the additional events of interest.
We have arranged a visitation to the Newport Naval War College US Navy Museum. They are very excited MOLLUS will tour their facilities. The hotel has recommended three shuttle services to Newport. We are currently deciding upon the one that offers the most but fits our needs. We have at this point two options for conducting a venue to welcome MOLLUS on its first ever visit to Rhode Island. Originally we wanted to hold a Friday night reception at the Governor Sprague Mansion in Cranston. However since the hotel is in Warwick to reduce overhead expenses we are currently working to see if we can do a short ceremony at the grave site of General George Sears Greene then go to Warwick City Hall for the reception to be greeted by Warwick Mayor Scott Avadesian and perhaps Governor Lincoln Chafee (a former Mayor of Warwick). Since RI MOLLUS has partly dedicated its Commandery to the memory of Greene and both the cemetery and City Hall are very close to the hotel we have decided this activity is preferable, just as meaningful, and a bit more practical, than trying to arrange to hold our Friday night reception in Cranston at the Sprague Mansion. MOLLUS would also be able to view the George Sears Greene memorabilia at City Hall.
RI MOLLUS Companion, former Chief Justice of the Rhode Island State Supreme Court and Chairman of the RI Sesquicentennial Commission Frank Williams has agreed to be guest speaker at the banquet on Saturday night at the hotel. We are also planning a farewell breakfast at the hotel on Sunday morning. We are asking the Providence Brigade Civil War Period Brass Band to play at the banquet and for the farewell breakfast and include their music history talk at the breakfast.
We have also asked for a State Legislative grant for this very special occasion in hopes that we can assure National MOLLUS we will be able to reimburse its funds dedicated on loan to assist RI MOLLUS with this event. We have reported our progress on all these matters to Jr. Vice CnC Post and hope to be able to forward a fee schedule and a conformed event schedule for the Journal very soon for advanced publication.
RI MOLLUS COMMANDER’S REPORT: Since the last National mid year report 2010 and 2011 I have had to try to delegate certain matters due to the passing of my mother and sister plus having to assist my father and recover from my own hospitalization due to an accident after Rhode Island and the Governor Sprague Mansion and Cranston Historical Society properties where my wife and I reside experienced the affects of a flood then a hurricane. No one could have planned for all such things happening in a short period of time. I am very proud to say that RI MOLLUS is still following through in good shape with its commitments to host National MOLLUS in 2012. We are all very excited and honored to be the State selected by National. During this time some of the Companions delegated to perform certain tasks found they were also stretched a bit far and we have fallen behind in submitting our annual assesments. A couple of the men have decided they just do not have the time to commit to these duties and one has declined further membership. I am addressing these issues to ensure RI MOLLUS remains active with National properly. We have also fallen behind with processing a few of our applications. Due to this situation our membership has changed a bit during this time as well. I and they want National to understand this is not due to disagreements or personal problems. It is a situation of a lack of time and commitment by some, otherwise RI MOLLUS remains solid. I suspect our small Commandery may experience these things from time to time until we are able to induct additional “Hereditary
67 Companions”, “who reside in Rhode Island”, and are willing to get involved with the administration of the Commandery on perhaps a bit more reliable basis. I am still very positive about our membership. They are all a great group working together to perpetuate the Order in our State.
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick, selected for 2012
I am also very pleased to inform National MOLLUS that I was asked by former RI State Supreme Court Chief Justice Frank Williams, our Governor and the Speaker of the RI House of Representatives to serve as an officer of the Rhode Island Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration Commission. We have held several meetings and MOLLUS is very much in the forefront of all discussions, policies and procedures thus far guiding all the functions the commission is performing. Rhode Island was the 25th State in the country to form a commission and I believe the 15th State to form a commission recognized officially by State Government. One of our objectives is to network with as many other commissions as possible, which I believe will also be good for MOLLUS, because I know other MOLLUS Companions are also involved with their States. All this is good for individual State Commanderies as well as National MOLLUS. RI MOLLUS has supported the commissions work to help endorse several activities such as Civil War Living History Encampments and lectures around our State and will continue to do so until the commission finishes its appointment in 2016.
Due to my recent accident I am extremely disappointed that I am not able to attend our annual Congress, because I had planned to speak and answer any questions concerning the 2012 Congress planning. I have conveyed the status of RI MOLLUS to CnC Harrison, Jr. Vice CnC Post and Treas.-in-Chief Tryon. But mostly I am sad that I will miss seeing everyone at the birthplace of MOLLUS. The Union League is in my opinion a Civil War Period shrine that instills the very essence of the meaning of our great Order. I always enjoy my visits there. But as I say I am mostly sad I will miss seeing all of you as friends and Companions. This bothers me very much. Due to my accident I am unable to drive, fly or even be a passenger, making a trip to Pennsylvania impossible. My sincere apologies Companions. Given the situation I am pleased to pass the leadership of RI MOLLUS at this year’s Congress to the experienced and very capable Companion Lee Tryon as representative of our Commandery in Philadelphia. He has assisted us before in this regard and performed his representation of us outstandingly. Thank you Companion Lee. As a faithful Dual RI MOLLUS Companion and the National MOLLUS Treasurer-in-Chief, Companion Lee understands the situation of our Commandery. We are sure he will speak frankly on our behalf and the measures we are taking to get caught up with all of our obligations.
The status of the RI Civil War Museum that RI MOLLUS has been supporting for the past few years has experienced a set back in terms of future usage of the Sprague Mansion Carriage
68 House for this purpose. The Cranston Historical Society which owns the structure has experienced some financial difficulty and decided not to insure the structure for public usage. In anticipation of this turn of events we started the process of changing the emphasis of our initiative to relocate the project to the Sprague Meeting House facility, which is owned by the Cranston Print Works and the Rockefeller family businesses. The Print Works Corporation, (a facility next to the Sprague Mansion and once owned by the Sprague Family) as well as the Mayor of Cranston, Alan Fung, are both interested in preserving the structure and our strategic plan to develop the building in to a museum. The Champlin Foundation is also interested in assisting with the necessary funding of this historic facility. However we must work out a new agreement as to our intentions and submit new proposals. Thus far we are very positive we can adjust to the new arrangement in a way that will accomplish all we set out to do. We do not want to lose momentum on the project, therefore this matter has taken up a great deal of my time. Hopefully the next time MOLLUS decides to visit Rhode Island, RI MOLLUS will be located in a facility that will help to insure its future and be a place of visitation. We will continue to keep National MOLLUS informed about our progress. Our goal is to resolve this matter and be up and running before the end of the Sesquicentennial.
In my end of the year report to the RI MOLLUS Commandery I plan to stress my opinion that the primary concern of the Commandery should focus on future leadership. Due to our circumstances our annual meeting has been postponed and will take place this year for the first time after the National MOLLUS Congress. I will again thank all RI MOLLUS Companions for selecting me to serve another term as Commander, but with the following caveat. After a decade as RI MOLLUS Commander, we still have not resolved the important issue of future Commandery leadership. RI MOLLUS has a well rooted foundation of members, but not a cadre of local men willing to step forward to assume leadership and administrative roles. This is due to the fact that most of our members still do not live within the State of Rhode Island. We are working hard to address this issue. RI MOLLUS has several outstanding applicants but the progress in this regard has been slow. While I continue to believe that a headquarters facility will help attract new members to the Order we must proceed to address this situation in a realistic manner that does not totally rely upon having our own facility. Although both are extremely important issues we must work harder and not rely on one issue to accomplish or resolve the other. I believe we will work these issues out over time and RI MOLLUS will grow to a point whereby it will not rely on any one issue or any single person to perpetuate its continued existence into the future.
GENERAL STATUS OF THE RI MOLLUS COMMANDERY: Currently RI MOLLUS has adjusted to hold its meetings in the Governor Sprague Mansion and due to the current situation we no longer meet in the Sprague Carriage House facility planned as the Civil War Museum as before. Due to my unforeseen circumstances recent meetings were cancelled, but officer discussions have continued. Sr Vice Commandery Commander Duchesneau was re-deployed once again with the military which further hampered the Commandery’s ability to conduct its business properly. Our Commandery Recorder and Registrar Ferrick is not equipped with a computer and these combined issues have slowed RI MOLLUS down.
This past year as Commander of RI MOLLUS I represented the Commandery not only as its representative on the Sesquicentennial Commission and the Civil War Museum project, I also attended a three day Rhode Island Tourism Council seminar, Memorial Day services, Cranston Historical Society Board of Directors meetings, a Civil War Living History event, several Cranston City Council meetings and meetings with the Mayor and Cranston and Printworks officials, I attended our annual February observance of the birth of Abraham Lincoln,
69 presentations at the RI Civil War Roundtable and organization I helped co-found back in 1991, a Cranston History curriculum school teacher’s conference, and I am pleased to announce I have made good progress on my new book entitled, “Burnside and the Rhodys of New England: Forgotten Patriots of the Civil War”. Two and possibly three publishers are interested in the book, which makes extensive reference to Rhode Islanders in MOLLUS. We are hoping to resolve its publication, marketing and distribution before the end of the Sesquicentennial.
COMMANDERY MEMBERSHIP STATUS - 2011: R.I. MOLLUS Membership Roster and Companion Status: 17 Total, 15 Hereditary & 2 Associates Note: 5 Hereditary Members are Dual MOLLUS Members and 10 are Primary RI MOLLUS Commandery Members
~Eugene T. Beales, Hereditary Companion, Dual Charter Member of R.I. MOLLUS, also Primary Member of IL MOLLUS & Dual Member of MO MOLLUS. # 22071 ~Henry L.P. Beckwith, Hereditary Companion, MA MOLLUS Primary Commandery, Dual Charter Member of R.I. MOLLUS. # 21626 *~John T. Duchesneau, Hereditary Companion, Primary Member of RI MOLLUS. # 22416 *~Henry C. Duquette, Associate Companion, Primary Member of RI MOLLUS. #A-237 (NOTE: Duquette discontinuing membership as of October 2011) *~Rev. Raymond J. Ferrick, Hereditary Companion, Primary Member and Charter Member of R.I. MOLLUS, also Dual Member of CT MOLLUS. # 22107 *~LTC Ian N. Greene, Hereditary Companion, Primary Member of R.I. MOLLUS. #22437 *~LTC John G. Greene, Hereditary Companion, Primary Member of R.I. MOLLUS. #22436 *~Gregg A. Mierka, Hereditary Companion, Primary Member and Charter Member of R.I. MOLLUS, also Dual Member of CT MOLLUS. # 22108 *~Robert J. Mierka, Hereditary Companion, Primary Member and Charter Member of R.I. MOLLUS. #22313 ~Douglas R. Niermeyer, PCnC, Hereditary Companion, CT. Primary Commandery, Dual Charter Member of R.I. MOLLUS. # 22018 *~Robert L. Renehan, Associate Companion, Primary Member of RI MOLLUS. #A-183 ~Robert W. Storm, Hereditary Companion, CT. Primary Commandery, Dual Charter Member of R.I. MOLLUS. # 22175 ~Lee A. Tryon, Hereditary Companion, CT. Primary Commandery, Dual Charter Member of R.I. MOLLUS. # 21857 *~James L. Veach, Hereditary Companion, Primary Member of R.I. MOLLUS. #22421 *~Bruce P. Watson, Hereditary Companion, Primary Member of R.I. MOLLUS. #22489 *~ Christopher P. Watson, Hereditary Companion, Primary Member of R.I. MOLLUS. #22490 *~ Justin M. Watson, Hereditary Companion, Primary Member of R.I. MOLLUS.
70 #22491 *~Frank J. Williams, Associate Companion, Primary Member of RI MOLLUS. # A-196
Additional Membership Note: * = Members who are Primary Commandery Candidates of RI MOLLUS as of December 2010 Hereditary Candidates still pending are: Thomas Casey Greene, Gordon Sharp-Bolster, Leonard R. Wood, Robert S. Cocroft, Robert W. Mierka, Robert Stetson Cocroft, and David R. Hines. Associates still pending are: John Hattendorf, David A. Proccacini and Reginald A. Centracchio, Lt. Gen. Ret’d.
Also Note: All future official RI MOLLUS Meetings and events are held at the RI GAR Civil War Museum & Library (Sprague Mansion Carriage House Facility), or the Governor Sprague Manson in Cranston, RI, unless otherwise specified by advanced communication.
RI MOLLUS Financial Status: To date most RI MOLLUS activities have been supported by membership donations and the collection of annual dues. As of September 1, 2011, the total finances in the RI MOLLUS Treasury are: $775.02. The RI MOLLUS 2011 dues notices are late this year, therefore this amount should remain about the same after the Commandery catches up with its annual assessment payments. All RI annual Corporation fees and reports were paid and filed for 2011 with the RI Secretary of State, under National MOLLUS for RI MOLLUS and the RI Soldiers and Sailors Historical Society and RI MOLLUS are registered as directed and report annually with the IRS by computer. The National MOLLUS funds received to assist the Commandery are earmarked and the down payment funds to reserve the hotel for the 2012 National Congress is secure. We are processing a Rhode Island State Legislative Grant proposal to also assist in this matter to try to insure the Commandery’s ability to repay National MOLLUS after the event. We are currently in the process of working out the final costs of the event and will produce a fee schedule soon for advanced publication in the MOLLUS Journal. All other normal Commandery bills and assessments are being corrected. Upon completion, the RI MOLLUS Commandery finances should remain stable.
RI MOLLUS Status on the Internet: The RI MOLLUS Website has by our request been removed from the Internet due to the changes made by the primary server Yahoo/Geocities. Work has been completed to repost the Commandery Website, however it is not complete. We just have not had the time. We hope to be able to repost our Webpages in 2012 in time for the up coming 2012 National Congress to be hosted by Rhode Island.
NATIONAL MOLLUS INTERNET COMMITTEE REPORT: Again I want to thank Companions Harrison, Niermeyer and several other Companions for all their hard work continuing to research and post MOLLUS War Papers on line. This effort and its educational value and accessibility to the general public are major ways MOLLUS can have an impact. Name recognition is very important and MOLLUS has great depth in ways it can assist educational programs and schools across the country, visa vie its internet program. I have informed CnC Harrison about the status of the RI MOLLUS Website, which needs attention and all I have been doing to contribute to the project. As chairman I have continued to expand my digitized image data base to a point whereby I have informed CnC Harrison I can provide images for the stories RI MOLLUS has to tell. I may be able to assist anyone wishing to publish their material in the Journal or on the Internet in this regard. I cannot say I will definitely have a particular image, however I informed CnC Harrison anyone wishing to publish may want to check with me first to see if I can indeed assist them. Many of the images I have
71 gathered have been re-rendered and/or enhanced to show the true intent of the original photographer. I also still have about 20,000 pages of copied material that need to be digitized, encoded and posted. At this time I want to continue my efforts to gather more images, but plan to return to assisting with the written material as soon as I have enough images to confidently be able to assist the Order in a more guaranteed manner. All these things take time, but we are making progress. Thank you again Companions.
NATIONAL MOLLUS COUNCIL in CHIEF—THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS: I want to congratulate CnC Harrison and my fellow members of the Council for their work to secure the records and memorabilia of MOLLUS. Of all the issues are critical to the Order. I believe this issue is most important, because it goes to the heart of our great organizations best traditions and its future ability to be a national leader in the overall process to educate America about the Civil War. From my vantage point I think the steps the Order has taken to understand the seriousness of this matter is correct and I agree with the outcome thus far. As a member of the Council I will continue to do all I can to stay involved to what ever extent the CnC and the Order feels necessary. I would however suggest that MOLLUS should think a bit more about staying out in front of some of these issues. Members of RI MOLLUS have asked me about a few articles published in “Civil War News” that tend to confuse these issues. I think it is very important the National MOLLUS should try to do its best to inform its Companions about the events which in some cases have been reported inaccurately in other media. In other words I think it might be a good idea to inform our own members about these things so if they read inaccurate material in other media outside of the Order all our own members will understand the true nature of all that is actually taking place, answering certain questions before they are asked. Having said this I want to also say I and the members of my Commandery want to congratulate CnC Harrison for a job well done.
“All For The Union” & “The Grand Old Fellows In Blue”
Loyally submitted to National MOLLUS & RI MOLLUS by:
G.A. Mierka, PCC, RI MOLLUS Commandery Commander, 2009-11 Natl. MOLLUS Council, and Chair, National MOLLUS Internet Committee
2011 RI MOLUUS Commandery Roster RI MOLLUS MEMBERSHIP AS OF 4/30 2011 = 18 (10 Primary Hereditary + 3 Primary Associate + 5 Dual Hereditary)
NOTE: Since we do not pay assesments on Dual Members therefore RI MOLLUS pays based on 13 Primary Members
All Primary Commandery Members = 13
John T. Duchesneau (ID# 22416) RI MOLLUS Sr. Vice Commandery Commander 4 Farewell Street, Apt # 146 Newport, R.I. 02840
Henry C. Duquette (ID# A-237) ------NOTE: This member has declined further membership after this report 64 Steere Street, Harrisville, RI 02830
72 * Rev. Raymond J. Ferrick (ID# 22107) 4430 Post Road (Appt # C-32) Warwick, R.I. 02818
LTC Ian N. Greene (ID# 22437) 47-657 Nukupuu Street, Kaneohe, HI 96744
LTC John G. Greene (ID# 22436) PSC 79 Box 229 R APO AE 09714
* Gregg A. Mierka (ID# 22108) RI MOLLUS Commandery Commander 1351 Cranston Street Cranston RI 02920 [email protected] (401) 944-9226
* Robert J. Mierka ID# 22313) 4826 St. Andrews Arc, Leesburg, FL 34748 7570
Robert L. Renehan (ID# A-183) 20 Crystal Drive, Warwick, RI 02889
James L. Veach (ID# 22421) RI MOLLUS Jr Vice Commandery Commander 93 Lesnyk Road, Goffstown, NH 03045
Bruce P. Watson (ID# 22489) 725 Shore Drive, Vero Beach, FL. 32963
Christopher P. Watson (ID# 22490 ) 725 Shore Drive, Vero Beach, FL. 32963
Justin M. Watson (ID# 22491) 725 Shore Drive, Vero Beach, FL. 32963
Frank J. Williams (ID# A-196) 300 Switch Road, Hope Valley, RI 02832
Total Dual Commandery Co-Founding RI MOLLUS Members = 5
* Eugene T. Beales (ID# 22071) * Henry L.P. Beckwith (ID# 21626) * Douglas R. Niermeyer (ID# 22018) * Robert W. Storm (ID# 22175) * Lee A. Tryon (ID# 21857)
* = Co-Founding Companion of RI MOLLUS—still members of the Commandery as of this report. NOTE: Approved as of the 2008 Annual Meeting of RI MOLLUS, all original Co-Founding Dual Members shall not be assessed annual dues in recognition of their devoted assistance helping to start the Commandery and shall be carried on the roster for life. This resolution shall not apply to all original Primary RI MOLLUS Commandery Co- Founding Members, only Dual Members = 5.
73 2012 RI Congress Preliminary Events Scenario
October 18, 2012, Thursday afternoon, Registration can begin on Thursday and will continue through Saturday morning in a designated area on the 1st floor lobby area of the hotel. Welcome to Rhode Island tokens will be given to all those registered. Note: An adjoining room (at the special rate of $119 per night) on each side of the a reception suite ($99 per night) has been arranged for the National DOLLUS President and National MOLLUS CnC use and also can be used for pre-congress committee preparation meetings or courtesies and conference administrative activity---very spacious and comfortable. Some refreshments available.
NOTE All reservations must be arranged directly through the hotel, i.e. length of stay and exact room needs. All fees are the lowest available anywhere else in the State: $119 standard room rate (rate available 3 days prior and 3 days after) with a cut off reservation date of September 18, 2012. Check in time: 3pm; checkout time: 11am. The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located 2.32 miles from TF Green Airport and also provides free shuttle service to and from the airport only. The airport also connects with airport Amtrak train services; cabs are available for those wanting extra transportation services if the hotel shuttle is not immediately available up guest arrival. Anyone wishing to take the train directly into Providence will have to take their own cab to/from the hotel. All other events scheduled for the Congress must be paid through the RI MOLLUS commandery including additional transporation to and from our events. RI MOLLUS contact people are Gregg A. Mierka and Mary V. Mierka, 1351 Cranston Street Cranston 02920 (401) 944-9226 [email protected] Hotel contacts are: Michelle Sartrys, Sales Group Director, Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossings, 801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick, RI 02886, (401) 732-6000 Rooms are blocked Thursday through Sunday. We will receive one (1) complimentary room per fifty (50) reserved rooms. [We have initially reserved 15 rooms for Thursday; 55 rooms for Friday and 55 rooms for Saturday.]
October 19, 2012, Friday, A brief ceremony at the General George Sears Greene Cemetery at 5 pm, then a gathering at Warwick City Hall for an Evening Welcome to Rhode Island Reception to be greeted by Warwick Mayor Scott Avedesian and Governor Lincoln Chafee. (The cemetery is a walkable distance to Warwick City Hall, although the cemetery is located upon a small hill area.) Both will welcome MOLLUS to Rhode Island and present the Commander-in-Chief with City and State Proclamations. Catered food and refreshments, plus the viewing of the George Sears Greene memorabilia at City Hall---Not as yet completely confirmed. Our back up plan will be to do something similar at the Governor Sprague Mansion Museum in Cranston. Both the Mayors of Cranston and Warwick are very close friends and our Governor is a former Mayor of Warwick, so we feel positive we can work out final arrangements very soon.
October 20, 2012, Saturday, Two spacious rooms with breakfast pastry and coffee are reserved for MOLLUS & DOLLUS at the hotel for meetings from 8 am to 1 pm. (Notation: If DOLLUS meeting attendance is small, the reception suite may be able to be used as their meeting space and eliminate the room held for their Saturday meeting next to MOLLUS room on the lst floor -- We can check with the hotel to see if this would be allowable.) There are 2 eateries on premises and we have preliminary arrangements to dine in one of the facilities for lunch, guests responsible for own lunch. The trip to the Newport Naval War College is
74 scheduled to depart at between 1:15pm-1:30 pm and will return to the hotel by shuttle by about 5:30 pm. We can arrange for a cocktail hour at approx. 6:30pm or 6:45pm; at approximately 7 pm or 7:15 pm one of the grand banquet rooms is reserved for the annual MOLLUS/DOLLUS banquet. We are asking the Providence Brigade Band (to be confirmed) to play a few period selections and former Chief Justice Frank Williams has already let it be known that he will be pleased to be our guest speaker about the RI Sesquicentennial Commission and RI Civil War History. A RI Civil War Period uniformed Color Guard will present and retire the Civil War colors of Batteries A&C 1st RILA and the 1st &2nd Infantry RIDM at the start and conclusion of the banquet.
October 21, 2012, Sunday, A 8:30 am farewell breakfast is scheduled at the hotel. We are asking the Providence Brigade Band (to be confirmed) to play once again and give their lecture about collecting period instruments and impart the knowledge about period music (to be confirmed). OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY for those planning to stay an extra day. We can arrange for a visit to the Governor Sprague Mansion Museum for those interested as well as a trip to Swan Point Cemetery in Providence where most of the notable RI Civil War Veterans are buried, cemetery tour provided by Companion John T. Duchesneau.
Exact fees and final activities schedule to be announced soon. HEREDITARY COMPANIONS SELECTED TO SERVE RI MOLLUS
BY THE COMMANDERY BOARD OF OFFICERS FOR 2010 – 2011 2011 Report
SELECTED OFFICERS FOR 2010—2011
Gregg A. Mierka, PCC, RI MOLLUS Commandery Commander John T. Duchesneau, Senior Vice Commandery Commander James L. Veach, Junior Vice Commandery Commander John G. Greene, LTC—USA ret., Commandery Chancellor Rev. Raymond J. Ferrick, Commandery Recorder-Registrar Commandery Treasurer Vacant: Duties assigned by the Commander Douglas R. Niermeyer, PCC/PCnC, Commandery Council No. 1 Lee A. Tryon, PCC, Commandery Council No. 2 Robert J. Mierka, Commandery Council No. 3
OFFICERS APPOINTED BY THE COMMANDER
Chief Justice Frank J. Williams, esq. retd., Acting Judge Advocate And Chairman of the RI MOLLUS Sesquicentennial Committee Robert L. Renehan, Acting Chaplain, assisted by Rev. Raymond J. Ferrick RI MOLLUS member also serving on the Board of Governors of the Rhode Island Grand Army of the Republic GAR Civil War Museum & Library Rev. Raymond J. Ferrick Duties of the Webmaster, RI MOLLUS biographies and War Papers shall be performed by the Commander And the new RI MOLLUS Internet Committee
75 Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Commandery of the State of Texas Office of the Texas Recorder
To Commander-in-Chief Harrison, The Officers and Companions assembled at the 2011 Congress-Philadelphia, PA.
The Texas Commandery continues its effort to increase its membership. While no new members have been added in the past year, the Commandery is working with several prospective members to help them complete their applications. We hope to report the addition of several new members at the 2012 Congress.
The Commandery continues to participate in Civil War commemorations around Texas and elsewhere. In addition to attending the annual Battle of Galveston memorial last January, several members of the Commandery attended the 150th Anniversary of Gen. Twigg’s surrender of the Department of Texas, a SUVCW Signature Event. Members of the Commandery made a special visit to Comfort Texas to see the Treue der Union Memorial. The memorial commemorates the killing of Union loyalists by Confederate forces as the Loyalists sought to reach Union lines. The Commandery was also represented at the Lincoln Memorial Service in Springfield and at last year’s National Congress.
Plans are underway to join the SUVCW Department of Texas at the rededication of the Treue der Union Monument next June as well as the Sesquicentennial Memorial of the Battle of Galveston in January 2013. The Commandery is assisting the Department of Texas with the planning of both events.
Respectfully submitted, John E. Schneider John E. Schneider Commander and Recorder, Commandery of the State of Texas Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States 4107 Walnut Pond Dr Houston, Texas 77059
76 The Military Order of the Loyal Legion ` Of the United States Commandery of the Commonwealth of Virginia Annual Report 8 October 2011
Commander-in-Chief Harrison and Companions:
As of this date, Virginia Commandery membership includes 92 companions (74 hereditary, 17 associate, and one honorary). All required reports and filings have been made.
The Commandery met twice in the year ending 30 September 2011. In that year, Virginia companions have represented the Loyal Legion at Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies, battle reenactments, and other events in Richmond, Lynchburg, Va., Wilmington, N.C., and elsewhere. In particular, I and Recorder Jeffry Burden attended the 150th anniversary memorial event at the Manassas National Battlefield Park on 21 July 2011.
In April, the Commandery awarded five ROTC Merit Medals to cadets at the University of Richmond, Christopher Newport University, the College of William & Mary, and Mary Baldwin College.
The Commandery has authorized cash donations to the project to place a Union Army monument at the Bentonville Battlefield in North Carolina; and to the Lynchburg, Va. POW Memorial project.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard D. Bishop, Major, U.S.A (Ret.) Commander
77 Virginia Commandery Addendum October 14, 2011
To: Commander-in-Chief Harrison Subject: Companion Activities in Florida from Congress 2010 to Congress 2011
Most Companions residing in Florida are members of the Virginia Commandery. Companions residing in Florida have conducted MOLLUS activities in Florida since the Grand Rapids Congress. Exploration of re-organizing a Florida Commandery has begun. This communication summarizes activities in Florida, and provides examples of activities a Florida Commandery (if re-organized) might conduct.
1. MOLLUS recruiting: Companion Ward and SUVCW Brother Miller accepted a Florida Historical Society invitation to man a table at the FHS May 2011 annual meeting in Jacksonville, Florida. Senior Vice C-in-C Burden sent MOLLUS brochures and these were distributed to attendees over a two-day period.
2. Monument proposal: Companions Monroe and Ward attended a Department of Florida, SUVCW August 2011 special meeting. A monument commission was established and Companion Monroe was elected its first president. The first project is to explore creation of a monument recognizing Union participants in the Battle of Olustee. Three Confederate monuments exist; no Union monuments exist.
3. Civil War 1861-1865 Sesquicentennial: Companion Ward, joined five SUVCW Brothers for the Sesquicentennial SUVCW 2011 Florida signature event commemorating the Battle of Santa Rosa Island and Fort Pickens next to Pensacola.
4. Military/Naval Science: Companions Hoover, Monroe and Ward, through SUVCW Camps, helped present JROTC Awards to Cadets in a number of Florida high schools.
5. Education outreach: Companion MacConnell has 14 Civil War muskets/rifles and makes them available for appropriate school class sessions.
6. Organizing: SVC-in-C Burden confirmed the Virginia Commandery would support creation of a Florida Commandery, and provided a list of Virginia Commandery Companions with Florida addresses. C-in-C Harrison provided a list of Companions with Florida addresses who belonged to other Commanderies. Companion Ward sent information to Companions with email addresses. More on the results will be communicated later. None were opposed to establishing a Florida Commandery.
In summary, the Virginia Commandery and MOLLUS as a whole have been well represented by Companions in 2011 activities in Florida.
Loyally submitted: James Ward Virginia Commandery
78 2011 Congress Photographs (Courtesy, Companion Tee Adams)
79 80 MOLLUS Reception
MOLLUS Meeting – Commander-in-Chief Keith Harrison and Recorder-in-Chief Jack Kane
81 MOLLUS Meeting
MOLLUS Meeting -Bruce B. Butgereit II, CinC Keith Harrison, Bruce B. Butgereit
82 MOLLUS Meeting – Swearing in of New Officers for 2011 – 2013
Meeting – Dames of the Loyal Legion of the United States
83 Banquet – Daugherty-Thompson Cup Award Winner – California and Virginia Commanderies
Banquet - US Grant Cup Award Winner – Indiana Commandery
84 Banquet – Rutherford B. Hayes Cup Award Winner – Peter Dixon
Banquet - Honorary Member Luis Maldonado and Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief James Simmons
85 New Commander-in-Chief Jeffry Burden and Past Commander-in-Chief Keith Harrison
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief and Past Commander-in-Chief Keith Harrison
86 Banquet – MOLLUS Members