William Penn Life, 1983 (18. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1983-10-01 / 4. szám
V. THE WILLIAM PENN ASSOCIATION • PITTSBURGH, PA. 15222 • PHONE (412) 281-8950 VOLUME 18FALL 1983 NUMBER 4 The 30th General Convention of The William Penn Association John Jordan Upchurch Award—1983 ELMER CHARLES The John Jordan Upchurch Award is a recognition by the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress for distinguished and exemplary service to the fraternal benefit system. The person selected for this honor in 1983 was Mr. Elmer Charles, National President of the William Penn Association. John Jordan Upchurch is the Father of the Fraternal Benefit System, having organized the first lodge of a fraternal benefit society on October 27, 1868 in Meadville, Pa. The Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress established this awatd in June 1977. To date, there have been six recipients. The award is granted by a committee selecting a person who has not only served his society, but more importantly, is selected for services rendered to the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress, other State Congresses and the fraternal system as a whole. Mr. Charles was recognized by the Pennsylvania Fraternal Congress on A new era in the life of the William Penn Association began September 12, 1983 with the opening of the society's 30th General Convention held in Pittsburgh, Pa. During the next three days, the Association would say good-by to six of its long-time leaders and elect several much younger replacements; it would welcome into its fraternal family 37,500 new members from a recent merger; and, it would honor the memory and words of one of its most beloved members. When the convention adjourned September 14, it was clear the Association's future rested in the challenge and promise of two words — Change and Unity. The message of unity was stressed in the invocation delivered by Rev. Imre Kovács, pastor of the United Church of Christ located in Springdale, Pa. Quoting from a Monday, October 24, 1983. We congratulate him on this award which he has so deservedly earned and welcome him to this select group. prayer written by the late Louis L. Varga, former Vice President, Rev. Kovács told the 122 convention members, "If we hope to continue a persuasive Hungarian Society force, we will have to maintain a unified front —and while differences may exist among friends, they should always be set aside for the common good." National President and Convention Chairman Elmer Charles led a demonstration of this unity when he and everyone present joined hands and greeted one another with "Isten Hozott" ("God has Sent You"). This was to be Chairman Charles' last convention as President of the Association as he and five fellow officials retired to accept seats on the Association's Advisory Board. Among those retiring were National Vice President John P. Balia and National Directors, Frank Bero, Stephen Danko, Joseph Toma and Frank J. Wukovits, Sr. Again in the spirit of unity. Convention Secretary Frank J. Radvany cast the unanimous ballot electing (Continued on Page 3) Official Notice To All Members The By-Laws of the William Penn Association Chapter XI — Section 5, Page 30 provides that at the November Branch Meeting, the Branch President is to appoint a Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee must then make its report to the Branch Meeting in December. Chapter XI, Section 6 of the By-Laws further provides that election of Branch Officers shall be installed into their respective offices at that same meeting. All beneficial members of the Association are cordially invited to attend their respective Branch Meetings, take an active part in the affairs of the Branch and if called upon to serve or to assist, be willing to do this for the good of the Branch, its members and the Association. With everyone cooperating, we can achieve wonders as a Fraternal Benefit Society.
