PRESS RELEASE The 128th annual convention of the West Virginia Junior Order United American Mechanics (Jr. O.U.A.M.) was held July 21-23, 2016 at the Comfort Inn Suites in Mineral Wells, WV.
The convention opened Thursday evening with a reception, hosted by State Councilor John Ditto. State and National officers were introduced, a time of fellowship and refreshments were shared by all Bill Hess and Kevin Evans shared their instrumental and musical talents with the group by preforming praise and uplifting music. An enjoyable time was had by all. Prior to the opening of the business session on Friday morning, a memorial service was conducted to recognize and honor those deceased members from the past year. State Chaplain B.J. Ruppenthal gave the memorial address and a song was provided by the Frye Family. The deceased members were honored by the lying of red and white carnations across the Bible. After the opening of the business session, Past National Councilor Greg Frye delivered the keynote address, focusing the members’ attention to V-I-R-T-U-E. The business of the convention was then conducted. Thirteen proposals for resolution were presented and voted on. Nominations for officers were received. In attendance, representing the National Council, was Past National Councilor Roger Sullivan, from Kentucky. He addressed the members concerning the erosion of the United States Constitution. The business session recessed at 3:30 pm. A fellowship banquet was held at 6:00 pm. The master of ceremonies, Past State Councilor Chuck Petro introduce the national officers in attendance and a fine meal was enjoyed by all. The members enjoyed music provided by DJ Phil Chapman, who played and sang a variety of oldies music. Door prizes were awarded and a Chinese auction was held. The business session was reconvened on Saturday morning. Officers were duly elected and were installed by Past National Councilor Roger Sullivan. The State Council officers for 2016- 2017 are: Past State Councilor John Ditto; State Councilor Dale Dailey; State Vice Councilor Gary Vance ;State Secretary Joyce Everett; State Treasure Jerry Frye; State Chaplain B.J. Ruppenthal; State Conductor Barbara Hewett; State Warden Virgil Ruppenthal; State Inside Sentinel Pat Masco; State Outside Sentinal Jennifer Dailey;. The 2017 State Convention will be held July 20-22 in Martinsburg, WV Photos from WV State Session held at Mineral Wells July 21-23, 2016
STATE OFFICERS FOR 2016-2017
State Councilor Dale Dailey Berkeley Springs #117 State Vice Councilor Gary Vance St. Albans #123 State Secretary Joyce Everett Berkeley Springs #117 State Treasurer Jerry Frye Back Creek Valley #15 State Chaplain B. J. Ruppenthal Berkeley Springs #117 State Conductor Barb Hewett Berkeley Springs #117 State Warden Virgil Ruppenthal Berkeley Springs #117 State Inside Sentinel Patricia Mosco Berkeley Springs #117 State Outside Sentinel Jennifer Dailey Berkeley Springs #117 Past State Councilor John Ditto Berkeley Springs #117 NATIONAL OFFICERS National Board of Control - Greg Frye Back Creek Valley #15 National Councilor - Dennis Everett Berkeley Springs #117 National Deputy Councilor for WV – Dan Collis Back Creek Valley #15 (2015-2017) NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES National Representative (3 Yr. Term) - James Pritt St. Albans #123 National Representative (2 Yr. Term) – David Kendig Berkeley Springs #117 National Representative (1 Yr. Term) – Eugene French Mound City #6 DISTRICT DEPUTY STATE COUNCILOR Harry Vance, District #1 St. Albans #123 David Puffenburger, District #2 Back Creek Valley #15 July 21-23, 2016, Mineral Wells, WV
Comfort Suites, 167 Elizabeth Pike, 304-489-9600 (Reservations) For State Session Details or Questions, Contact Past State Councilor Chuck Petro, 304-633-3244 West Virginia, the Mountain State, was introduced to the Jr Order United American Mechanics in Wheeling WV in the year of 1870.
West Virginia, with one council, under the jurisdiction of the National Council, Roger Sherman Council #1, was represented at the 1870 National Council Session in Camden, New Jersey. Brother John T. Cowl is of record as the Councilor representing West Virginia. It is said that Brother Cowl made favorable impression on those in attendance and was elected as Vice Councilor. The following year he was elevated to National Councilor. Roger Sherman Council # 1 entered with 20 applicants in 1870. In 1871, Eagle Council #2 and Jefferson Council #3 were entered onto the books. The State Council of West Virginia was instituted in February of 1872. For reasons unknown, these three councils were abandoned prior to the National Council Session of 1873, held at Wilmington, Delaware. This was a tragedy, because as the National Councilor, Brother Cowl did not show up, nor were any reports submitted to the National Council. As a result, the State Charter was revoked and West Virginia was dropped from the Order. In 1887, West Virginia once again entered into the National Council with the institution of Wheeling Council #1. The following year, Benwood Council #2 and Cumberland Council #3 were introduced. Sixteen West Virginia Councils were represented at the National Council Session held at Hoverhill, Massachusetts on June 10, 1889. At this meeting, and on that date, the State Council of West Virginia was instituted. At the fourth annual West Virginia State Council Session, held in Fairmont, WV, July 19-21, 1892 there was recorded 70 councils with a membership of 2,907. The fifth annual West Virginia State session, difficulties arose with report that the State Secretary failed to turn over a sum of $1,116.00 and had not paid the National per capita tax, placing the State Council in jeopardy. A special session was held in February to adjust the matters. The Jr. Order continued to grow with 157 Council reported at the 1898 State Session held in Huntington, West Virginia with a total membership of 6,482. Discord appeared in the early 1900's causing a rebellion of sorts directed to the National Council by some State Councils. West Virginia, true to her old-time principles, remain loyal to the banner on the Order throughout these years. 1938 reported 132 councils active. From that point forward, the membership has dwindled. At the 90th State Session of West Virginia, held in Harpers Ferry on August 17-19, 1978, the membership was down to 1,638 with 23 Councils. During this session, Past State Councilor Richard Daughtery of Mineral Wells was keynote speaker. His topic was "Let us share our Fraternalism". At this time he show a graph that revealed a loss of a little over 1300 members in a short ten year span. Source on information from recordings generated in part by the late brother Paul B. McCallister of St. Albans Council #123. National Vice Council Charles Riehs, North Carolina
and Our National Councilor Dennis Everett, West Virginia |
ContactGary Vance, State Secretary Archives
December 2023
Categories2019-2020 WV State OfficersPast Councilor John Mason
Councilor Jennifer Dailey Vice Councilor Secretary Gary Vance Treasure Joyce Everett Chaplain Dan Collis Conductor Dick Myers Warden Jeanne Dolin Inside Sentinel David Bailey Outside Sent. Brenda Petro |
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