Sacramento – This past May, the 159th Session of Grand Lodge and the 121st Session of the Rebekah Assembly took place for the first time at the Double-Tree Hotel in Sacramento, California.
Members of the Double-Tree family worked hard to provide for all of the needs of the members and met and worlred with the Diana Caranza and Ray Link, Committee Members, to solve, each challenge that came up.
The week began with Opening of sessions and banquet dinner. Master and Mistress of Ceremonies Gene Raaor, PGM and Judette Rippetoe, PPRA presided.
The evening began with the Memorial Service to honor those we have lost this past year and included a special rememberace for long time Odd Fellow and Board Member, Robert Gennaria and Andrew Lamphere. The Lamphere family was invited to place a single pink rose in honor of their son and brother. Many of you will remember that Andrew was taken from us last August at the young age of 11. Andrew was the Chief Ruler of Mountain Pines Jr. Lodge #112 and was very involved in the Order.
The Invocations and Benedictions were done by Jovita Thomas end Tim Brown. Special guests included Sister Vickie Beaver, President of the lARA and Brother Charles Renninger, Sovereign Grand Warden of the Sovereign Grand Lodge.
Brother Gene Breeland and Sister Caroline De Boer were eager to begin their sessions! The week. included special social activities including a golf tournament, dinner for the Dedicated Members for Chaoge, Friendship/Socials and the week ended with the installation of the new 2Oll-20l2 Officers. Congratulations to Brother Paul Pike our new Grand Master and to Sister Betty Rasor, this year’s Rebekah Assembly President.
This year’s sessions held many bills, resolutions and general business. They were very productive and
much was accomplisbedl Special thanks to the Convention Committee for putting together another wonderful week! Next year’s Gnmd Lodge and Rebekah Assembly Sessious will again be held in Sacramento.
We look forward to seeing you there!
