•APPEALS AND GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
(Cont)• Case #39-2017, Grand Lodge v. Frank N. DuTreil, Jr.
FACTS: On June 7, 2017, Grand Master Will P. Gray issued a letter suspending Frank N. DuTreil, Jr., Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana, from Freemasonry for Unmasonic Conduct pursuant to the Handbook of Masonic Law, General Regulations, art. IV, § 1 (a), p. 24; the Handbook of Masonic Law, Digest of Edicts, Edict on “Suspension and Suspended Masons,”¶ 11, p. 109; and the Handbook of Masonic Law, Digest of Edicts, Edict on “Masonic Offences and Unmasonic Conduct, “ ¶ 4, p. 96. On June 30, 2017, said letter was personally served upon Frank N. DuTreil, Jr.
Whereas, Frank N. DuTreil, Jr., for several years perpetuated and widely distributed the notion that Woody D. Bilyeu, Grand Secretary and Past Grand Master, was a convicted felon both orally and in writing;
And Whereas, such notion is a falsehood, which could have been proved had Frank N. DuTreil, Jr., had he exercised due diligence in researching and investigating such a serious accusation;
And Whereas, Frank N. DuTreil, Jr.’s actions constituted “speaking evil” of a Brother Mason in violation both of the Master Mason’s Obligation and the Handbook of Masonic Law, Digest of Edicts, Edict on “Masonic Offences and Unmasonic Conduct, “ ¶ 4, p. 96;
AndWhereas, Frank N. DuTreil,Jr.,failed to surrender his dues card as he was ordered to do by Grand Master Will P. Gray in his suspension letter dated June 7, 2017;
And Whereas, Frank N. DuTreil, Jr.’s failure to surrender his dues card constituted insubordination to the Grand Master in violation of the Handbook of Masonic Law, Digest of Edicts, Edict on “Suspension and Suspended Masons, “¶ 11, p. 109;
And Whereas, Frank N. DuTreil, Jr., evaded personal service of the letter suspending him for almost three (3) weeks without sufficient justification:
RULING: Your Committee on Appeals and Grievances unanimously voted to sustain the actions of the Grand Master, found the respondent guilty, and recommended that the respondent be indefinitely suspended. At the July 1, 2017 session of the Annual Grand Communication, the ruling was moved as stated, was properly seconded, and was overturned by the duly registered delegates of the Grand Lodge.
On July 2, 2017, Grand Master Will P. Gray pubically reprimanded the respondent.
Most Worshipful Grand Master, we, the members of your Appeals and Grievances Committee, express our thanks for the opportunity to serve you and the Grand Lodge.
Respectfully and fraternally submitted, Travis M. Holley, P.M., Ad hoc Chairman Gary
L. Gribble, P.M.
H. Edward Durham, P.G.M.
Mark R. Holstead, P.M.
James E. “Jimmy” Steen, P.M.
Mitchell A. Reynolds, P.M.
M. Cash Melville, P.M.
M.W. Bro. Clayton J. “Chip” Borne, III, P.G.M.,
and W. Bro. Anthony Radosti, P.M