135th State Session started with opening ceremony hosted by State Councilor Dick Myers.
County Commissioner Joel Tuttle gave a warm welcome on behalf of Morgan County.
Entertainment for the evening was the gospel duet "Hymns for Him". The two closed the evening with a moving version of Lee Greenwoods "Proud to be an American".
There were 47 in attendance for the opening session.
Several first timers were there including our Past Councilor Bob Gibson and Councilor Teresa Gibson.

The 2024 State Session will be held August 8-10 at the Country Inn in Berkeley Springs.
 The Country Inn room rate will be $ 130.49 plus tax per night.  They are holding a block of rooms for the Junior Order until July 1.  
To make your reservations call the Country Inn at 304-258-1200 and be sure to let them know you are with the Junior Order United America Mechanics to get our special room rate.
 
        Ads for the program booklet - full page ad is $50.00, a half page is $25.00 and a quarter page is $15.00.  Boosters page in the program, a name can be included for $1.00.  

​Your Council and individual ads, booster lists and payment should be sent Joyce Everett.  Checks should be made payable to the District 2 Boosters Association.    If you are emailing ads, please be sure they are in the PDF format.   Ads, booster lists and fees all need to be sent to Joyce no later than JULY 1 so that the program booklet can be completed on time.
 
        We are hoping to have some new attendees at this year’s  State Session so be sure to let your members know that in accordance with the approved 2023 Resolution No. 10, each eligible voting member will be reimbursed $50.00 provided they attend the Friday and Saturday business Sessions in their entirety.  Also 2023 Resolution No. 9, approved that the State Council pay for the banquet dinner for each voting member attending the entire business session on Friday.  The cost of the banquet for visitors and non-voting members will be $35.00 per person.   Approved 2023 Resolution No. 11, approved mileage reimbursement to eligible voting members who attend the entire business session.  If members carpool, only person providing transportation will be reimbursed.

COUNCIL #123 can send two representatives. Contact Gary Vance if you are interested.

St. Albans Council #123 has traditionally closed the meeting hall during the winter months to save expenses and potential water freezing. During these months, dispensation is obtained from the State Councilor to hold meetings once per month instead of twice, particularly since the second meeting of the month usually occurs on or near a holiday.

February 8, 2024 is our final "Informal Dinner Meeting" for the winter. The dinner meeting will take place at Tammy's Restaurant on US 817 starting at 5:30 PM.  Tammy's Thursday special is Chicken and Dumplings.

Our theme for the meeting tonight is "Happy Birthday Wishes". Council #123 was born on February 16th, 1916. Come and join us in wishing our Council a Happy Birthday!

We will resume regular meeting at our Lodge Hall in March. The regular meetings are on the second and forth Thursday of each month starting at 7:00PM.

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Council #123 had a wonderful meeting on June 8.
Three new members were inducted. 
Cynthia Hale, Randy Rhodes, and Theresa Gibson took their obligations. We are delighted to have these three.

This being the first time we have conducted inductions in quite some time, it was a delightful experience for all present. Though embarrassingly rusty, we managed to get through the process and there was a lot of laughter and well taught messages.

Fidelity Councils Councilor David Dolin assisted with the induction activity, Thank You Brother David!

Information was shared regarding the State Session for August 10, 11, and 12,
Our charter was undraped after a month in memory of Brother Charles Henley, our only Life Member.
We have a few items available to show support of our council. Available while supplies last.  

​In Loving Memory, David G. Frye, State Councilor of West Virginia.

David Gregory Frye, 58, newly elected State Councilor of  West Virginia went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 8, 2022 from Berkeley Medical Center.

He is the son of Past National Councilor, Greg Frye and Donna Frye.
He is also survived by his wife, Aimee Lynn Frye; daughter, Kayla Mercedes Frye; and son, Jacob Bare;  granddaughter, Angeli Watkins; and his sister, Amy Jo Robertson and her husband Chris. 

Brother David was a member of Back Creek Valley Council #15, WV and was currently serving as Councilor.  In August he was elected as State Councilor of West Virginia.  Brother David also had many friends on the National level from when he attended the National Golf Outings.
 David was a member of Central Chapel Church where he sang in the Adult Choir and the Praise Band. . . . and he enjoyed riding his Harley.

The Junior Order held a memorial service on Sunday, September 11, 2022 at Central Chapel Church.
The Funeral service was held on Monday, September 12, 2022, and Interment was at Central Chapel Cemetery.
Brother David Frye came from a  strong Junior Order family, and he will be missed by all that knew him.
His family would appreciate your prayers at this time.

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Linda Kay Collins, 68, of Hurricane West Virginia left to be with our LORD on July 13, 2022.
A 1971 graduate of Dunbar High School. Linda was a long time member of the Junior Order United American Mechanics and the Mountain Lodge of West Virginia .
Tyler Mountain Funeral Home is handling the service.

Visitation is a 1:00PM and the funeral at 2:00PM on Sunday July 17, 2022 at 5233 Rocky Fork Road Cross Lanes, WV.

Brother Jerry Frye, Past State Councilor and Current State Treasurer passed due to complications of COVID.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 2nd, 5PM to 8PM at Central Chapel Church located at 2546 Back Creek Road in Hedgesville, WV 25427
JROUAM Memorial Service will be conducted at 5:00PM.
Funeral Service will be Thursday, March 3rd at 11:00AM at Central Chapel Church.