The Convocation was honored to have Most Worshipful John L Cook, Jr. Grand Master of Masons of Minnesota in attendance. Most Worshipful John was exalted this last year at the Tristate Festival in Duluth and holds membership in Ark Chapter No. 53. Distinguished Guests representing General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, International included: Grand High Priest, Emory (Smokey) Ferguson and the Deputy General Grand High Priest for the North Central Region, REC Jack M Colenutt (Saskatchewan - CANADA); and Past Deputy General Grand High Priests for the North Central Region, REC Jim Hall (Saskatchewan-CANADA) and REC John C James (Manitoba-CANADA). The Grand High Priests and First Grand Principals in attendance from other jurisdictions were: MECs Roderick W Anderson – Wisconsin, Roger L Kehm – South Dakota, Jeffery N Nelson - North Dakota, Dean O Hawes - Manitoba, and PGHP Robert Anderson, Jr. -personal Representative of GHP C. C. McLemore, III of Missouri. Other Grand Officers visiting included REC’s Richard D Hansen - Grand King of North Dakota, Billy Joe Hildreth - Grand Scribe and Maynard J Smith - Grand Royal Arch Captain of Iowa, and Past Grand High Priests Harold Freid of Wisconsin, James Fischer of Iowa, Douglas McFarland of South Dakota, and Lawrence O Weaver of Oregon.

             Twenty-one (23) Chapters, in addition to King Solomon #133 U.D. answered the roll call with Winona #5, Tyrian #6, Washington #17, Albert Lea #30, Pierson #41, Fairmont #50, Triune #51, Bemidji #70, Northern #82, being absent.

             Due to an accident that occurred just prior to the Convocation EC Terrence Becker, the Grand King - Grand High Priest-Elect, was unable to attend the installation of Officers in Willmar. Past Grand High Priest David S. Bouschour was directed to install MEC Terry in Duluth at the same time the officers were being installed in Willmar. The installation was done at Companion Becker’s home with witness from Keystone Chapter.

             There where twelve (12) High Priests fr60 the thirty three chapters in attendance with twenty-six (26) PGHP. Total Minnesota companions registered for the convocation numbered seventy-seven (77)., with an additional eighteen (18) companions from other jurisdictions.

             Minnesota membership, as of January 1, 2010 was 2,623, a net loss of <98> over the previous year. It was a good year for new and restored members with a gain 125 companions and losses of 223.

              A resolution in several parts was presented at this convocation for updating the Constitution and General Regulations. The changes were accepted and are will be incorporated into the next publication of the Document. [anticipated date- 1 August 2010]
       
             The following Minnesota Grand Officers were elected for the ensuing year GRAND HIGH PRIEST - Terrence J Becker (20); GRAND KING - Gary A Odegard (53); GRAND SCRIBE - Allan F. Kauppi (1); GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE HOST - James F Edgar, Sr. (20) GRAND TREASURER/ SECRETARY - Dexter C Pehle (53/77); GRAND TRUSTEE (2013) – John R. Wentworth, GTE (22).

             Appointed officers are: Grand Chaplain – Alan Adams (20); Grand Principal Sojourner - Adam T Stevenson (20); Grand Royal Arch Captain - Bruce V Brendal (53);  ); Grand Masters of the Veil - 3rd Veil – Marvin Schendel (60); 2nd Veil- Greg Schultz (15); 1st Veil Cliff Isley (22); Grand Sentinel - James McNeely, IV (15/2); Grand Organist - William T Hubbard (8); and Grand Lecturer - Mark A Anderson (9/33).

             The recipient of the BRONZE MEDAL from the General Grand Chapter for his distinguished service to Royal Arch Masonry was EC John R Wentworth, Grand Treasurer Emeritus.  Triple Tau awards for membership went to the following companions: Greg Schultz (5), Sean Gardiner (2UD), Stephen Leinen (1), Steve Partridge (15) and James McNeely (2UD) both with a Star device attached. Stars were awarded to Todd Jovonovitch (1), James Turner (10 and Marvin Schendel (60).

A Knight of Royal Arch was awarded to Vernon Schwalbe  (22).

             Retiring Grand High Priest Douglas A Nygard received his Past Grand High Priest plaque and pin on behalf of the General Grand Chapter from General Grand High Priest Emory Ferguson assisted by Deputy GGHP Jack Colenutt.

             The Grand Chapter will hold its 149th Annual Grand Convocation on June 23, 24, 25, 2011 as part of the combined York Rite Grand Sessions at the Holiday inn Conference Center in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Grand High Priest
Terrence J. Becker

Attest:
Dexter C Pehle
Grand Treasurer/Secretary