Greetings:
Pursuant to, and in conformity with, the Constitution and general regulations of the United Supreme Council, A.A.S.R. of Freemasonry, P.H.A., Northern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., Inc., and by the authority of the Sovereign Grand Commander, Illustrious Melvin J. Bazemore, 33°, I hereby direct and proclaim that the 98th Session of the New York State Council of Deliberation will convene on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 6:00 P.M. (Hospitality), through Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the Holiday Inn Downtown, 2-8 Hawley Street, Binghamton, New York, 13901.
The Annual meeting of the New York Commanders of the Rite will rendezvous on Friday evening, October 20, 2023, precisely at 6:00 P.M. with S.G.I.G. John J. Phillips, 33°, President, presiding.
On Saturday morning, October 21st, the host Consistory, King David #3, with Illustrious Commander-in-Chief Hondri Spears 32° presiding, will open the meeting in the Thirty Second Degree, promptly at 8:30 A.M. He will then receive the Illustrious Deputy, S.G.I.G. Hermon J. Simpson, 33°, who will open the session promptly at 9:00 AM. The Deputy will recognize the Illustrious Commanders-in-Chief, elected and appointed officers, the S.G.I.G.’s and G.I.G.’s of the Thirty-Third Degree of the New York State Council of Deliberation. Immediately thereafter, Deputy Simpson will recognize the elected officers of the United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction, and the Sovereign Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council, Illustrious Melvin J. Bazemore, 33°, or his designated representative. Official recognition of visitors will conclude with the recognition of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of New York, M⸫W⸫ Gregory R. Smith, Jr., 33°, or his representative.
BE ADVISED AS FOLLOWS AND GOVERN YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY:
• That the Constitution and General Regulations provides, and I, as Deputy, expect the participation of all Sovereign Grand Inspector Generals as well as all Grand Inspector Generals of the Orient of New York.
• All Sovereign Grand Inspector Generals and Grand Inspector Generals are required to register for the session whether participating or not. All Sublime Princes of Royal Secret are encouraged to attend.
• That there will be a roll call of all Sovereign and Grand Inspector Generals by Consistories on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
• In the event you are unable to participate in this session, due and timely notice must be submitted to Deputy Simpson at 646-600-9897 or [email protected] stating the reason for your exception.
LADIES OF THE GOLDEN CIRCLE:
The State Grand Assembly, Order of the Golden Circle, will convene on the same date at 11:00 AM and continue to 1:00 PM. Their Agenda will be developed and circulated in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Order.
ONLINE REGISTRATION:
All Fraters (SGIG, GIG, and Officers of each Consistory) must pre-register early. The fee is $155.00 (One hundred and Fifty-Five dollars). The deadline for Online Pre-Registration is Monday, October 9, 2023. Afterward, on October 10th Late Registration Fee will be $175.00
REGISTRATION PROCESS:
1. Preferred Option:
Open your browser, go to https://www.nyscod.org/cod, and select option (2).
If needed, you may register one or more Frater. Please make sure your complete all the information for each Frater during checkout.
2. Manual Option:
Open your browser, go to https://www.nyscod.org/cod, and select option (3).
Complete the form, print it out, and mail it with your registration fee of $155.00 to GIG Richard Gilliard, 188 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.
Registration includes the following:
1. Badge
2. Kit
3. Friday Evening's Hospitality
4. Awards Banquet Ticket
5. Sunday morning Breakfast Ticket
HOTEL RESERVATIONS:
Hotel room reservations are to be submitted by telephone only to the hotel. The hotel rate is $129.00 (plus tax) per night. The deadline for hotel reservations is Monday, September 25, 2023. One night’s deposit is required with all reservations. This may be expedited by submitting a check or major credit card number. This includes FREE Parking.
Holiday Inn Downtown, 2-8 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY 13901 Telephone: 607-722-1212 (Code: COD)
ADDITIONAL TICKETS:
Any person desiring additional banquet or breakfast tickets may purchase them at a cost of $25.00 each. The banquet and $25.00 for Breakfast, respectively. Please be advised, that no Banquet Tickets will be sold at the door.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please email us at [email protected]
The deadline for Online registration is Monday, October 9, 2023.
REPORTS:
All reports are to be given in written form. A copy must be emailed to the Secretary at: [email protected] including the reports of the Illustrious Commanders-in-Chief, and submitted to me by September 25, 2023, prior to this session. Additionally, the Council of Deliberation will transact all other business pertinent to the Rite's general welfare.
Given under my Hand and Seal of the New York Council of Deliberation this 1st day of July 2023