Conclave 2023
Conclave began on August 26th at Rocky Hill School at 9:00AM as many DeMolays, Advisors and Parents came down to kick things off with our State Master Councilor, Daniel Harrison and his Suite of Officers. This weekend is the culmination of a year of events and successes with few failures. This is a celebration and a gathering to top off another great year of Rhode Island DeMolay.
Following the degrees in the morning was a day and night filled with athletics and games and the brotherhood and friendship which is the core of all that we do. To see all the brothers talking and laughing together during Gaga Ball and Dodge Ball or the friendly competitiveness that comes from Flag Football can only inspire anyone watching. Of course being Rhode Island we had to have some Iggy’s for lunch to refuel that day prior to the announcement of the 2023 – 2024 officers.
Wyatt Kempf was announced as our State Master Councilor, Jared Kempf as State Senior Councilor, and Robert Simmons III as State Junior Councilor. With these three very capable brothers were announced the appointed State Officers at large, Joe Maddix, Thomas Pickering, Robert Newton, and Keith Phaneuf. Congratulations to you all and we know you will help bring Rhode Island DeMolay to new levels this coming year.
Following lunch were the balance of the athletic events. The previously mentioned Flag Football resulted in the Out of State team, composed of many of our out of state DeMolays, winning the game. Of course we are planning a rematch for next year. To finish off the day at Rocky Hill was the annual Water Balloon toss at the State Suite. This is a tradition that all of our officers enjoy and look at as a right of passage as the year nears it end. This is as much fun for them as it is for the brothers on the other side tossing the balloons. Oh and the officers did get a few of their own shots in as well.
After the cleanup we packed up and headed to Cranston for a Lock In hosted by Fidelity Chapter. Burgers and Dogs were on the menu and everyone had a fantastic meal thanks to the efforts of our “Burger Bros”. Following dinner the lodge building had DeMolays everywhere playing board games and card, Cornhole, videogames and man hunt and watching movies. Our two new members were right in the middle having a fantastic time. Thankfully for the Advisors the guys decided on a lights out at 12:00AM to make sure that there was at least some sleep before Sundays Banquet and Installation. After what seemed like only a couple of hours of sleep breakfast was cooked and the lodge was cleaned up and before you knew it, everyone was out and off to get ready. Again it is an amazing thing how quickly it seemed to have transpired. The final act of our Conclave is our Banquet and Installation. So many friends and family and visiting dignitaries were present to celebrate Daniels year and to support Wyatt as he and his officers were elevated to their new positions. This is always a bittersweet day filled with laughter and some tears and this year was no different. There are the celebrations of those recognized by their peers for outstanding involvement and service. The State Master Councilor, Daniel Harrison, named the following brothers to be recognized. Brother T.J. Murray was awarded the Rookie of the Year Award and Brother Garrett Beaudreault, who joined just the day before, was named as the Conclave MVP. Both of these brothers have shown their desire to be involved and their enjoyment of what DeMolay has to offer. Congratulations brothers!!!
Once the Banquet was concluded we began the formal portion of the day. The outgoing State Master Councilor read his final report and received a standing ovation in support of all that he had accomplished. Danny, you had a great year and should walk away with great pride in all that you were able to accomplish together with your officers this past year. After completing his report the officers of the 2022 – 2023 year retired. This is always extremely emotional and shows the respect and love these brothers have for each other.
Danny, again congratulations on a fantastic year. Wyatt, we look forward to what you have planned for our jurisdiction and know that you will continue to do great things!
We also saw a transition for our State Dad as Dad Allen LaMoore steps up as Dad Ogilvie prepares for his other duties and own transition to PR in May. Dad LaMoore is excited to help guide and assist the State Officers and is already working with the SMC to get his year rolling.
Finally, Dad Michael Lawson, Executive Officer, closed out the afternoon with the collaring of three extremely hard working advisors with Rhode Island DeMolay gaining two new Deputy Members of the International Supreme Council and one Honorary Member. Dads Micky Torgan and Dad Bill Mott were made Deputy Members while Dad Bob Lyle was made and Honorary Member. These collars signify in no uncertain terms the absolute dedication these men have shown and continue to show to DeMolay and the young men they serve. Dad Lawson also bestowed upon Dad Lyle the Frank Allen Jr. Award which is an honor given out by the Executive Officer of Rhode Island DeMolay for exemplary service to the Order or Executive Officer. Congratulations Dad Lyle on this great distinction.
With all this accomplished, so ended our Conclave. With many pictures and laughs and tears and many friends and family there, we closed one year and opened another. As our brothers from other jurisdictions departed and brothers and friends slowly trickled out and back to their homes, we are reminded of the great light and love that DeMolay instills in all that it touches.
