Minutes of the Weekly Convocation of The Order of the Great Fifth Sea
Date: 10 September, 2025
Location: Rawley Chapter House, Map Room
Presiding: Alistar Corvus, Presiding Concordant and First Keeper of the Hollow Compass
Recorder: K.N., Deputy Archivist
1. Call to Order
The ceremonial brass ship’s bell was struck at precisely 19:03 hours. Members signed the attendance ledger in waterproof ink.
2. Old Business
2.1. The Rawley Point Affair
The Recorder summarized prior findings from the August gale survey. The Order reaffirmed its standing principle that logs and field notes are of higher value than loose artifacts. The committee will prioritize transcription and digitization of notebooks, sketches, and bearings before seeking physical recovery of any items under dispute.
2.2. Archive Cataloging Continuity
Accession numbers for Map Room cases and the cabinet of artifacts are being standardized. A cross-index between “Chronometry” and “Mechanisms” is to be completed to reduce misfiling risk. Progress will be reported monthly until the backlog is cleared.
2.3. The Little Concord, Maintenance Log
Routine checks on bilge, batteries, and radios are current. A short fall service interval was scheduled to prepare for colder water operations. Any noncritical cosmetic work will be deferred until spring.
3. New Business
3.1. The USS Cobia in Transit
Reports were read regarding the relocation of the WWII submarine Cobia for renovation and hull maintenance in Sturgeon Bay.
Members noted the vessel’s symbolic kinship with the Order’s “Little Concord.”
Motion carried to draft a short congratulatory communiqué recognizing the preservation effort as a vital act of memory keeping for the inland seas.
3.2. The Case of the Missing Watchman’s Clock
Gerald “Charts” Whitcomb noted the disappearance of the brass Watchman’s Punch Clock, last logged in the cabinet of artifacts after midsummer.
Discussion covered likely misfiling under “Chronometry” or “Mechanisms.”
Dr. Cartwright proposed a targeted inventory review with cataloging lanterns.
Resolution: enter a temporary status of “misaligned in custody” while the search proceeds.
3.3. Sturgeon Bay Shipwreck Conference
The Chair highlighted the upcoming maritime archaeology gathering in Sturgeon Bay.
Hugh Pembroke outlined expected sessions on freshwater preservation, seiche-driven sediment exposure, and sonar cartography.
Motion carried that an Order delegation will attend. Eleanor Price will carry a Field Ledger for proceedings.
4. Announcements
The Treasurer reminded members that annual dues are now payable. Funds support archival supplies, chapter house upkeep, and field equipment. Members were urged to remit before the close of the quarter to maintain good standing.
Tom Ashford reported progress on oiling the hinges of the Map Room’s northern case, which had developed a squeak during August humidity.
5. Adjournment
The Convocation was closed at 20:21 hours with a single strike upon the brass bell, followed by the customary silence in honor of all mariners who keep watch.
Assignments of Custody and Obligation
Communiqué on Cobia Renovation: Presiding Concordant Corvus to draft and circulate for signatures before month’s end.
Watchman’s Clock Search: Dr. Cartwright to lead Whitcomb, Ashford, and Price in a focused cabinet review and to report findings at the next Convocation.
Shipwreck Conference Delegation: Pembroke to confirm the attendance list. Price to maintain the Field Ledger and record proceedings.
Dues Collection: Treasurer Fielding to compile payments and present an accounting at the close of the quarter.
Recorded in fidelity,
K.N., Deputy Archivist