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York Rite Bulletin – Online Edition
National Masonic Newsletter
ISSUE 2 APRIL 2010
In this issue
Who Will Govern Our Lodge… pg 1
Smooth Ashlar GL teams up …. pg 3
Dorcas Grand Chapter Canned… pg 4
What’s is in a Name pg 5
Pennsylvania Member Appointed…pg 7
GA High School works with SA GL. pg 8
In Honor of Black History Month pg 9
Reading Across America pg 10
Virginia Celebrates Service of… pg 11
OES Initiations pg 12
Maryland GL Fundraiser pg 13
Mercedes Kids Race pg 14
OES Visit Local Nursing Homes pg 15
Go Red for Women Night pg 16
Lydia GC Crusaders Weekender pg 18
Brothers at Michael Baisden… pg 19
Esther Day Celebration in AR pg 20
Info/Announcements pg 21-35
Upcoming Events pg 36
Message from NYRB Editor
Thanks to all for your continued
support of the York Rite Bulletin.
In order to keep this bulletin
informative and interesting, I am
asking for ALL members to be
more aggressive in getting your
articles to your State Editors in a
timely manner. The next issue of
the York Rite Bulletin will be
distributed at the end of August.
So please ensure that you State
Editor has all of your articles no
later than August 5, 2010. This
gives you ample time to write your
articles and provide pictures for
the next issue. Thanks in advance
for your cooperation in this
manner!
Vonderia L. Yeldell
National YRB Editor
Who will govern our Lodge, Chapter, and Grand Lodge is a
question that has been on my mind for several years. It is a great concern
of mine. I ask this question? Are we putting qualified leaders in positions
of authority in our Lodges, Chapters, Departments, and Grand Lodges? In
my Masonic travel, I have seen the elected officers who have sat in the
south and west for years. When elevated to the East, they seem lost. Are
we being fair to our Brothers and Sisters by electing them to positions
they cannot succeed in? Are we doing our job when we don’t hold them
accountable to the position in which they were elected to govern? My
answer would be no we are not. Instead we wait until it is too late, a year
or two or three. In the meantime, our attendance is dropping, no work is
on the trestle board, and we are sitting around looking for someone else
to blame. Surely the East isn’t the place for OJT (on the job training).Is it
fair to our Lodge, Chapter and our organization? Sooner or later you may
see this Brother or Sister on the Grand Lodge level where they will wait to
become a Department Head or Grand Master and not perform
acceptably. This problem is not new, regardless of what jurisdiction you
are in. Maybe you are a NIMGL Brother or Sister. (Not in my Grand
Lodge)?
We should know the Brother or Sister we are electing to lead us.
However, we tend to make our elections more personal rather than
what’s best for the organization. Past National Grand Master Norman
Woodard stated, “Friendship for leadership is a sinking ship.” We choose
not to hurt the person’s feelings by electing them, or we conclude that
he/she has served in that position for years and we should give them a
chance when we know he/she may be incapable of performing the duties
required. Just being a good Brother or Sister alone can longer be the
prerequisite for electing our leaders. Too many instances, I am seeing
elected officers who can’t carry a motion and are unfamiliar with the
procedures it takes to get the members up or sit them down.
If any organization is going to survive, members must elect
capable persons to serve in positions of authority. We, as members, must
demand that our officers do a better job. If not, our lodges, Chapters, etc.,
will die out. We must begin to seriously look at who we placing in
Who Will Govern Our Lodge, Chapter, and Grand Lodge? Written By: National Grand Master Clyde Shepard
2
positions of authority. Is the person qualified, and does he/she have the ritualistic and administrative
ability to do the job?
When I served as Grand Master for the Most Worshipful Palmetto Grand Lodge, my four years
were very rewarding. I had the opportunity to visit many Lodges. I put emphasis observing the opening,
seeing if there was an agenda present, attending to what was on the trestle board, and how the
meeting was being conducted, to help me understand whether the WM was following procedures. I
also attended to the line officers to see how they conducted themselves. All of these observations gave
me insight as to how the Lodge was growing.
Brothers and Sisters, take time to prepare yourselves. Have your plans together before you
consider taking a position. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in the East. Whatever position it is, be the
best you can be in it.
Some suggested readings that will help improve your leadership skills are: The Servant by James C.
Hunter, The Leadership Compass by Ed Ruggero and Dennis F. Haley, The four Obsessions of an
Extraordinary Executive by Patrick Lenncioni and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader by John C.
Maxwell.
3
The devastation of the earthquakes in Haiti is no longer breaking news to the citizens of the United States.
The images of suffering that the men, women and children of that island nation have been forced to endure have
been a constant reminder that something must be done.
Many have stepped up to that call for action, offering their time, talent and resources, and Georgia’s Smooth
Ashlar Grand Lodge has joined the fight as well.
January 29 and 30, 2010 brothers and sisters of the organization met at grand lodge headquarters and at the
House of Faith Prayer Ministry in Decatur, Georgia to gather water, personal hygiene items, clothing and non-
perishable food items to send to the people of Haiti. The items were generated by local lodges and chapters as well
as from donations from citizens.
The effort of the brothers and sisters resulted in two truckloads of goods to be delivered in the following
days. “We thank everyone for doing their part, but there is a lot more that needs to be done,” said Bro. Clarence
Hayes, Jr., Grand Master. “We plan to continue this effort and collect items at our upcoming workshop in March
(5-6).”
Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge partnered with the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless organization to
ensure the donations were delivered to where they are needed. Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless was
founded in 1971 by civil rights leaders Hosea Williams and his wife Juanita T. Williams. Rooted in the principals
of the Civil Rights Movement, the organization’s mission is to ensure that people have meals for their bodies,
education for their minds and dignity for their spirits.
Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge Teams Up for Haiti Relief
Herschel J. Grangent, Jr. – Georgia State Editor
4
On March 6, 2010, Dorcas Grand Chapter
committed to having a canned good drive for the
Dallas Area. The collected items were donated to
the North Texas Food Bank. The North Texas Food
Bank distributes donated, purchased and prepared
foods through a network of feeding programs in 13
North Texas counties. Due to our commitment to
serve the Dorcas Grand Chapter provided over 650
cans/dried good items to the North Texas Food
Bank! Super huge hugs and congrats to all the
Chapters that make up Dorcas Grand Chapter of
Texas!
Dorcas Grand Chapter Canned Food Drive
Kimberly Tripps – Texas State Editor
5
What Is In A Name
Written by: Cedric Lewis – GM, MW PHGL Mississippi
Prince Hall Origin - National Compact
LaShunda Blake – Mississippi State Editor
Free & Accepted Ancient York Masons, Prince Hall Origin- National Compact; this is the title affixed
to all Compact Grand Lodges. I think some degree of explanation should be given to all members so they
will now know from whence our title came.
We must go back to the British Isles in the late 1700’s when a split occurred in the Grand Lodge of
England. The split occurred because the Grand Lodge while in session was forcing a hand to eradicate the
Royal Arch degrees as a part of the degree work. Most Masonic work in that era took place in the Fellow
Craft degree. As a matter of fact, “Fellows” were full members of the lodge, and entitled to all rights and
privileges. The Master’s degree was rarely conferred, and was then acclaimed as much as the thirty-third
degree is today. A great unrest existed as a result of the Grand Lodges proposed action, and lodges
started claiming their independence and reorganized themselves in England, Ireland and Scotland as
“Ancient” Grand Lodges. The Grand Lodge of England became known as the “Modern” Grand Lodge
because of the innovations they enacted to the ritual.
All Ancient Lodges conferred the Royal Arch degrees in the Master Masons degree. The Modern
Grand Lodge did not recognize the Royal Arch degrees at all. The split took place in 1773, and a union did
not take place until 1813.
Prince Hall was made a mason in a lodge under the auspices of the Ancient Grand Lodge of Ireland.
With that in mind, Prince Hall was in fact a Royal Arch mason. Many go as far as to say that part of the
legend of the 3rd degree at that time was to be dubbed to the Knights Templar degree.
What is interesting is that when Prince Hall decided to request a charter, he initially requested it
through the Grand Lodge of Ireland, of which the Irish Lodge #441 was chartered from. This is the lodge
Prince Hall was Entered, Passed and Raised in. The original request to the Grand Lodge of Ireland
(Ancient) never made it to the Grand Lodge; had it, we could all very well be Prince Hall Masons beholding
to Irish Constitution. Prince Hall sent a request to the Grand Lodge of England (Modern) and received a
charter (warrant) for African Lodge #459. That is equivalent to one of us asking the International Masonic
Body for a charter to establish a Masonic lodge. How would the Internationals know for certain that we
were already Masons if they were not privy to any of the records of our Grand Lodges? They wouldn’t! But
at any rate, this was the action Prince Hall took.
When we call ourselves Ancient York Rite, we are in essence stating that we acknowledge the
original workings of the degrees; Blue, Royal Arch, Knights Templar. Part of this was our forefathers
thumbing their noses at the Grand Lodge of England for not acknowledging them for the many years that
African Lodge attempted to communicate with the Grand Lodge of England. The Ancient’s thumbed their
noses at the Grand Lodge of England in a similar fashion when they reorganized themselves into Grand
Lodges styled Ancient Free & Accepted Masons.
6
The White Grand Lodges have a host of different letters affixed to their Grand Lodge titles; F&AM,
AF&AM, F&AAM, AYR. Those who claim F&AM are in essence stating that their origins are from the Modern
Grand Lodge of England. Those with AF&AM are in essence stating that their origins are from one of the
Ancient Grand Lodges. The F&AAM Grand Lodge is claiming an Ancient Grand Lodge origin.
The White Grand Lodges also attempted to form a National Grand Lodge as early as 1842. Had they
done so, who knows what combination of letters would be affixed to their Grand Lodge names. It was much
easier for our brothers of color to follow through with creating a National Grand Lodge because
overwhelmingly, we were all introduced to the Order through the lineage of African Lodge #459.
The existing Prince Hall Grand Lodges (PHA) has all affixed F&AM to their titles. This did not take
place with them until after the year 1944. Prior to that year the PHA Grand Lodges had a host of titles
affixed to their Grand Lodge titles, including F&AAYM. Because African Lodge #459 was a lodge chartered
by the Modern Grand Lodge of England (F&AM), part of this is accurate. However, the ritual that most PHA
and PHO Grand Lodges use is derived from an Ancient practice of the work. Prince Hall masons (National
Compact included) are legal/regular by the charter issued by the Modern Grand Lodge of England, but we
overwhelming practice the use of an Ancient Grand Lodge ritual.
In summary, Prince Hall masons origin of introduction to freemasonry is through Ancient
Constitutions, usages and customs. Our legitimacy is through what was known as the Modern Constitutions.
7
The Governor of the State of Pennsylvania, Edward G. Rendell, nominated Sister Paulet
E. Washington of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to a member of the State Board of Nursing. On
June 15, 2009 the Senate confirmed her appointment. Sister Washington oath of office is being
prepared by the Department of State. The commission was issued under Governor Edward G.
Rendell’s signature and under the Great Seal of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, memorializes
her appointment. As a member of the State Board of Nursing, Sister Washington is subject to the
Public Official and Employee Ethics Act (Ethics Act), 66 Pa. C.S. 1101 et seq., and the Governor’s
Code of Conduct, Executive Order 1988-18 Amended. Sister Washington is the daughter of the
late Daughter Constance Washington, who was the Grand Illustrious Commandress of the
Daughter of Isis for the State of Pennsylvania for many years. Sis. Paulet Washington has been a
nurse for over 30 years. She retired from her job16 years ago but not from Nursing. Sister
Washington has been a member of Adah Chapter Order of Eastern Star of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania for 47 years. Sister Washington was the secretary of her chapter for over 10 years
and now she is serving as the Worthy Matron. She also has held the position of the Chairperson
of the Grand Nursing Committee for the State of Pennsylvania for several years. Please, along
with the members of the State of Pennsylvania, congratulate Sister Paulet E. Washington on her
appointment by the Governor of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Member Appointed to State Board of
Nursing
Grace Bufford-Boone – Pennsylvania State Editor
8
Over the past months, many have answered the call for the earthquake victims of Haiti. But it hasn’t
just been the adults leading the charge.
Jackson High School in Jackson, Ga has proven a leader in the effort as they teamed with Georgia’s
Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge to gather much-needed items for those in need following the tragedy.
Throughout the month of January, the “Red Devil” nation came together gathering bottled water,
clothing and other goods to send to Haiti.
“At first it was a contest to see which classroom could gather the most bottled water, and the winner
was supposed to get a pizza party” said Bro. Lester Clark, Worshipful Master of St. Mark Lodge #406 in
Jackson. “It wound up being so much that the whole school is going to get a party.”
Jackson High Graduation Coach Dary Myricks was the catalyst in getting the students motivated to
gather donations.
The efforts of the students translated into more than 200 cases of water and countless articles of
clothing. All items were pooled with the donations gathered by Smooth Ashlar and transferred to the Hosea
Feed the Hungry and Homeless foundation to be delivered to Haiti.
“We thank everyone for doing their part, but there is a lot more that needs to be done,” said Bro.
Clarence Hayes, Jr., Grand Master for the State of Georgia.
“We plan to continue this effort and collect items at our upcoming workshop in March (5-6).”
Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge partnered with the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless organization to
ensure the donations were delivered to where they are needed. Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless was
founded in 1971 by civil rights leaders Hosea Williams and his wife Juanita T. Williams. Rooted in the principals
of the Civil Rights Movement, the organization’s mission is to ensure that people have meals for their bodies,
education for their minds and dignity for their spirits.
Georgia High School Works with Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge for Haiti
Herschel J. Grangent, Jr. – Georgia State Editor
9
10
Reading Across America Written by: Demetrius Gordon Vonderia Yeldell– Alabama State Editor
During the month of March, Damascus Lodge #2 took on the task of participating in the Reading Across
America Program at Booker T. Washington K-8 School, in Birmingham, Alabama. This program idea stemmed from
the collaboration of Brother Demetrius Gordon and his wife Chandra Gordon who is on the faculty at Washington
school. The brothers in participation for this program included: Brother Jacob Bell, Worshipful Master, Brother
Demetrius Gordon, Secretary, and Brother Kejuan Mitchell, Tyler. They read to all the elementary students in grades
K-5. The feedback received from the students was amazing! They were very energetic and had lots of questions for
us. The teachers were also happy to see us take time out for their students and answer questions and interact with
them the way we did. We will continue to serve our communities, especially focusing on the youth, elderly, and
providing ways and examples for the African-American Communities to empower their lives. Our next project will be
the Sickle Cell Walk on May 1, 2010 at Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham, AL.
11
ON MARCH 19, 2010, MEMBERS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS CAME
TOGETHER AT THE HOLIDAY INN – TANGLEWOOD, IN ROANOKE VA TO
CELEBRATE YEARS OF SERVICE. PRIOR TO BEING GRAND MASTER FOR SIX
YEARS, HE HAS ALSO SERVED AS GRAND POTENTATE FOR STATE OF
VIRGINIA AND GRAND SECRETARY, WHICH HE SERVED EACH OFFICE WELL.
A DELICIOUS BANQUET WAS SERVED, MANY ACCOLADES, TOKENS OF
APPRECIATION WERE GIVEN. FOOD, LAUGHTER AND FUN WAS ENJOYED.
SAINT JOHN GRAND LODGE MEMBERS ATTENDED FROM
CHARLOTTESVILLE, HOPEWELL, NORFOLK, PORTSMOUTH, RICHMOND,
ROANOKE, AND SUFFOLK VA. HE SAID HE MAY HAVE STEPPED DOWN BUT
HE IS STILL AROUND.
Virginia Celebrates Service of Past Grand Master
Sylvia Scott – Virginia State Editor
12
On March 4, 2010, Friendly
Sisters Chapter #26 of
Birmingham, Alabama,
conducted initiations and five
new sisters were welcomed into
the ever-growing chapter. The
new sisters are: Sister Anita
Barnes, Sister Dionetrenise
Bracy, Sister Monica Turner,
Sister Beverly Macon, and Sister
Jacqueise Hudson.
OES Chapter Initiations Vonderia Yeldell – Alabama State Editor
Pictured left to right: Sister Anita Barnes, Sister Jacqueise Hudson, Sister Dionetrenise Bracy,
Worthy Matron Nina Harvey, Sister Beverly Macon and Sister Monica Turner.
Alabama OES Chapter Initiations
Vonderia Yeldell – Alabama State Editor
The Friendly Sisters of Chapter #28, Order of the Eastern Star, Birmingham, AL,
where Sister DeVarius Dickson serves as the Worthy Matron are a unique group of ladies
that unite together to get things done. On March 5, 2010, the chapter initiated and
welcomed 4 new Sisters (Monica Craig, Latonya Knox, Sonya Dickerson, Nakieda Bonner,
(two Brothers received the Eastern Degree: Jacob Bell, and Joe ) to begin their journey
towards the East. Friendly Sisters Chapter #28 is not waiting to put their new Sisters to
work, in fact, the next day after initiations, they visited East Glen Nursing Home in
Birmingham, AL where Sister Beverly Walker is the Activities Director, and played bingo and
handed our token gifts to the residents. This Chapter is clearly on the move and will have
more events in the near future so look out!
13
Maryland Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc. sponsored a fundraiser on February
20, 2010 for the continued support for the community towards programs
for the needy.
The Officers of Maryland Grand Lodge Foundation Inc.
Back Row: Philip Stanley, Marvin Weaver, Catherine Butler, John Jordan, Ina Banks-Pope, Robert Wade, Willie Kahan, James
Pope
Front Row: Bathsheba Smithery, Cleveland Cosom, Sheila Jordan, Michael Jackson, Carolyn Robinson
Maryland Grand Lodge Fundraiser James Pope – Maryland State Editor
14
Mercedes Kids Race
Friendly Sisters Chapter #26 Charity Project Vonderia Yeldell - Alabama State Editor
Despite the inclement weather we experienced in
Birmingham, AL on February 12, 2010....The "show" had
to go on!!! The "show" that I am referring to is The
Mercedes Marathon. Friendly Sisters #26 served as
volunteers at this annual charitable event. Our job was to
set up and be prepared to hand out water and PowerAde
to the outstanding kids that chose to take part in this
spectacular event. It was indeed our pleasure to take a
few hours of our time and serve those who really did the
hard work running the race. Although the kids were tired
as they came to us for water and PowerAde, you could
see on their little faces the joy and great pleasure they had
in completing a marathon for such a worthy cause...Down
Syndrome.
Some of the many sponsors for this great event were:
Mercedes-Benz, Crown Automotive, PowerAde, Dasani,
Fox 6 News, Alabama Power, and St.Vincent’s Health
System just to name a few.
Written by: Monica Turner
15
Lucretia Dial and Celestine Chapters in Mobile,
AL united together to visit several nursing homes
in the Mobile Bay area. The homes that they
visited included: Garden Oaks Nursing Home,
Twin Oaks Nursing Home, Crownen Oaks Nursing
Home, Lynnwood Nursing Home, Eight Miles
Nursing Home, Homes for Battered Women, and
Little Sisters of the Poors Home. During each
visit, the Sisters dropped of clothing items, and
toiletry baskets including socks, lotions,
powders, toothpaste, and soap. All homes
visited were well received.
OES Chapters Visit Local Nursing Homes Vonderia L. Yeldell – Alabama State Editor
16
On February 5, 2010, The Officers and Members of Electa Chapter #1, Adah Grand Chapter,
O.E.S. and Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, F.A.A.Y.M, State of New York joined forces and
participated in the American Heart Association Initiative-“GO RED FOR WOMEN NIGHT”.
We are extremely proud to have joined the American Heart Association and organizations across
America in the fight against the #1 killer of Women-as well as of Men.
“GO RED FOR WOMEN NIGHT” gave us the opportunity to arm ourselves with knowledge about this
devastating disease and to raise funds that will help the American Heart Association advance its
research and education efforts.
The Event Chairperson-Sis. Rafiah Vitalis did an outstanding job. Chef Peter G. and Crew
prepared the “Heart Healthy Foods” and the dishes prepared were truly enjoyed by all in
attendance.
Hon. H. Anthony Williams 33°, Grand Master, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. , F.A.A.Y.M., State of
New York, Sis. Amber Burgess Greene, Grand Worthy Matron , Adah Grand Chapter, O.E.S. and
Hon. Lee Singleton 33°, National Deputy Grand Master, The Most Worshipful National Grand
Lodge , F.A.A.Y.M., PHO-National Compact brought greetings from each organization to the event
participants. Sis. Wanda Johnson, RN, MSN , American Heart Association Instructor conducted a
presentation on “The Risk Factors for Heart Disease and Stroke”. Informational Packets on
Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension were distributed by the members of Electa Chapter #1 to
all in attendance.
This was the First of many charity Projects to be done in the State of New York.
We commend the Team Efforts and Contributions of Electa Chapter #1 as well as the members of
New York State who contributed with great zeal. Contributions are listed on the American Heart
Association website for your perusal.
This charitable project has landed Electa Chapter #1 among the top 100 Teams in the NYC Area.
Go Red for Women Night Amber Greene – New York State Editor
17
The Officers and Members of Electa Chapter #1 are: Sis. Wanda Johnson-Worthy Matron, Bro. Lee
Singleton Worthy Patron, Sis. Gertrude Jenkins, Past Worthy Matron, Bro. John St. Hill, Past Worthy
Patron. Sis. Rebecca Saunders , Associate Matron, Bro. Willis Brown Associate Patron, Sis. Pamela
Knott-Conductress, Sis. Sharyn Smith, Associate Conductress, Sis. Velvet Sanchez, Treasurer, Sis.
Renee Alston, Secretary, Sis. Jalisa Hart, Warder, Bro. Michael Gladden, Sentinel, Sis. Lucille
Henderson, Sis. Lisa Jones, Sis. Kiara Giles, Sis. Venice Garner, Sis. Rafiah Vitalis, Bro. Angelo
Washington.
The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of NYS and Adah Grand Chapter salute Sister Johnson and the officers
and members of Electa Chapter #1 for their untiring work as they celebrate 56 years of Dedication To
Charity, Truth, and Loving Kindness.
Go Red for Women Night Continued
18
Lydia Grand Council of Crusaders held its annual Crusader Weekender on March 26-27, 2010 at
the Staybridge Suites in Montgomery, AL. During this session one Crusader, Princess Sandra Bailey, was
initiated on Friday March 26, 2010. The highlights of the workshop on Saturday consisted of Electronic
Jeopardy played in teams by all Princesses present and the skit “Seven Cries from the Mountain Side”.
Participants in this skit included: Princess Venitta Thomas, Princess Valerie Harris, Princess Rila Pickett,
Princess Marquita Kirkland, Princess Helen Coleman, Princess Cynthia Brown, and Princess Kirsti
Kimble. This weekender was a successful event and everyone is looking forward to next year’s meeting.
Lydia Grand Council Annual Weekender Vonderia L. Yeldell – Alabama State Editor
19
Brothers at Michael Baisden Mentoring Program Written by: Sean Macon
Vonderia Yeldell – Alabama State Editor
Nationally acclaimed radio personality Michael Baisden has created a campaign to encourage one million
Americans to sign up as mentors for children in need through a national outreach effort. The One Million Mentors
Campaign to Save Our Kids launched its first event in Dallas on February 17th and hit the road to visit 72 cities in
a campaign-themed bus. At each tour stop along the way, Baisden will host mentoring forums in partnership with
local mentoring organizations and affiliates of Big Brothers Big Sisters, National CARES Mentoring Movement and
100 Black Men.
On Tuesday April 13, 2010 the tour rolled into Birmingham, Alabama and set up shop at the historic 16th Street
Baptist Church. In attendance were Brothers Cordaro Green, Sean Macon, Dwight Williams, and Atai Usoro of
Sons of Light Lodge No. 1 F&AAYM ( In black and white dress) and some of the Brothers of McCeser Lodge No.92
F&AAYM.
“ As black men we have a duty and an obligation to raise responsible young men and women for the betterment
of society as a whole. For far too long we have turned a blind eye to the problems of our youth, especially within
the inner cities and urban areas where African Americans are usually the majority” says Sons of Light Community
Service Chairman Sean Macon.
In response to the crisis of gang violence and “at risk youth” The Sons of Light have begun setting up a youth
mentoring program specifically aimed at youth who are looking to get out of the gang lifestyle or who are at risk of
being recruited by gangs. They are also focusing on children who have one or both parents incarcerated.
Bro. Macon goes on to say that:
“When you take a young man or woman and lock him or her up for 20 or 30 years then you have effectively killed
that particular bloodline because by the time that person returns to society the chances of him/her producing any
offspring at that age are slim to none so you have ,in all actuality, destroyed several future generations of
potentially productive Americans. America’s juvenile justice/prison system has become a warehouse and its big
business. Modern day genocide is what it is and the only way to stop it is to get a hold of our children and give
them positive role models to follow, something more than rappers and athletes who don’t give back to the
communities from which they came.”
20
The Order of the Eastern Star, Arkansas Compact District hosted its Annual
Esther Day Celebration on April 3, 2010. The event was held at Madison Light
Missionary Baptist Church in Madison, Arkansas. The purpose of the event was
to honor the Heroine Esther, whom risked her life to save her people from
annihilation. This day should remind us all that we should live with courage and
compassion for others just as this great heroine.
The day was capped with the Compact Grand Lodge Annual Easter Egg
Hunt. Several community youths gathered for an afternoon of fun; hunting eggs,
creating Easter baskets and eating hamburgers and hotdogs.
ESTHER DAY CELEBRATION IN ARKANSAS
Demetrick Williams, Arkansas State Editor
21
ST JOHNS GRAND LODGE
Of NEW JERSEY FREE AND ACCEPTED ANCIENT YORK RITE MASONS
PRINCE HALL ORIGIN – NATIONAL COMPACT, USA
Deputy Grand Master – Ali Cottrell 32° Grand Senior Warden – Jay B. King
Grand Junior Warden – Allen Warden 32° Grand Secretary – Gildon R.Turner32°
Grand Treasurer – Herbert Williams 32° Grand Chaplain – Isaac DeShields 32°
Honorable William S. Conyers 32°, Grand Master
13 Keewadin Ave, Hopatcong, NJ 07843
(973) 770-7056
November 23, 2009
Greetings
We the Brothers and Sisters of St. Johns Grand Lodge greet you in the name of the One that Controls the entire Universe. We are
honored to be the host State for the 151st Grand Masters Council and Department Heads Workshop. The session is July 8
th through
July 15, 2010. This occasion is the culmination of your hard work as a National officer, State Officer, Lodge, Chapter, or Brothers
and Sister. To help commemorate this occasion, we are organizing a journal to immortalize this event. With your participation
we hope to give you a journal with life long memories.
We are asking for your timely support. I have included an order form for your convenience. Please make all checks or money
orders payable to St. Johns Grand Lodge.
The deadline for ads is May 15, 2010. If you have any question you may contact PGM Herbert L. Williams at 973 372-8270
Please send all ads to:
Brother Herbert L. Williams
28 Schofield Street
Newark, NJ 07106
Fraternally Yours
Herbert L. Williams PGM Herbert L. Williams 32
0
Cc: Williams S. Conyers 320 Most Worshipful Grand Master
Sister Mollie Conyers, Grand Worthy Matron, O.E.S.
Ali Cottrell 320, Deputy Grand Master
Gildron Turner 320, Grand Secretary
22
ST JOHNS GRAND LODGE
STATE of NEW JERSEY FREE AND ACCEPTED ANCIENT YORK RITE MASONS
PRINCE HALL ORIGIN – NATIONAL COMPACT, USA
151st Grand Masters Council and Department Heads Workshop
AD APPLICATION
Name :__________________________________________
Phone #__________________________________________
Back Cover $300.00
Full page Color $150.00 Full page Black and White $100.00
½ Page Color $75.00 ½ Page Black and White $50.00
Patron $5.00 Business card Color/B&W $20.00
Note: Full and half page Ads prices are for one single or one group picture.
Please Print or type all information. Please send a glossy Black & White or Color
picture.
PLEASE SEND A CHECK OR MONEY ORDER WITH YOUR AD BEFORE May 15,
2010, payable to: THE MOST WORSHIPFUL ST JOHNS GRAND LODGE
You may email your ad to [email protected]. Please confirm your order to:
Brother Herbert L. Williams
28 Schofield Street
Newark, NJ 07106
Telephone (973) 372-8270
Cell Phone (973) 219-4143
We thank you in advance for your Support
23
ST JOHN’S GRAND LODGE
of NEW JERSEY FREE AND ACCEPTED ANCIENT YORK RITE MASONS
PRINCE HALL ORIGIN – NATIONAL COMPACT, USA
Deputy Grand Master – Ali Cottrell Grand Senior Warden – Jay B. King
Grand Junior Warden – Allen Warden Grand Secretary – Gildon R. Turner
Grand Treasurer – Herbert Williams Grand Chaplain – Isaac DeShields
Honorable William S. Conyers 32°, Grand Master
13 Keewaden Ave, Hopatcong, NJ 07843
(973) 770-7056
April 16, 2010
Subject: Transportation
Greeting Brothers and Sisters,
Please reference the following information. All transportation needs will be addressed by the Atlantic Limousine Inc.
The following flyer has all the information you need to make reservations for pickup and delivery services. Please call
(800)-348-3484 or (609) 348-2683.
Thank You,
Ali B. Cottrell
RW Ali B. Cottrell
Deputy Grand Master/ Chair of Fund-raising
St. John’s Grand Lodge
State of New Jersey
24
THE MOST WORSHIPFUL MERIDIAN GRAND LODGE INC.
FREE AND ACCEPTED ANCIENT YORK MASONS
PRINCE HALL ORIGIN -NATIONAL COMPACT,USA.
JURISDICTION OF FLORIDA
M.W.G.M. HON. HENRY A. TYLER, JR.33°
Greetings to you in the name of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST! On April
24,2010 the M.W. Meridian Grand Lodge celebrate our 113 year Grand Session in Ocala, Fl.
The faithful have stood through strong winds, rains days and nights , and bad times. We've
been talked about and put down, but the faithful have endured. We've seen the proud look up,
only to see them fall down. We the MERIDIAN GRAND LODGE have a long haul to carry this
to the next level. Our Theme: “Restored and Renewed Meridian Grand Lodge” Nehemiah 8:1-
18.."Courage is not a lack of fear, but the ability to act while facing fear".
One of the big reasons the fraternity has all types of problems is because we want to
reward a “friend” or “good ole buddy”. Can we draw an analogy here with Freemasonry? Do
we promise our petitioners
and members anything? Are we taking them into lodges and chapters etc. where there is faulty
work?
Are we providing them with Masonic programs that are worthy of their time?
We find some that do not want to go along with the system and choose to devise methods
in which to circumvent the rules and regulations that were laid down by predecessors. They
choose to use the high offices of Masonry for their own devious means, seeking ways to create
disunity and dissatisfaction. There were some devious brothers in our states that choose to
disunite our lodges. It is these principals and sacrifices of those who have gone before us which
makes us as Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons, Prince Hall Origin National Compact.
We the MERIDIAN GRAND LODGE pledge to hold high the torch of freedom, to keep the
faith in God.
Written by: Honorable Henry Tyler, 33°
25
POTENTATE BALL
Pasha Grand Temple (A.A.O.N.M.S)
&
Sahara Court #1 From the Oasis of Baltimore and the Desert Of Maryland
Saturday May 1, 2010
8:00 P.M. -12:00 A.M.
at
MARTIN’S WEST
6817 Dogwood Road
Baltimore, MD 21244
Featuring
D J Music . Open Bar. Buffet
Tickets: $60.00
Tickets will not be sold at door. Deadline for ticket sells is April 17, 2010
Attire:Formal Wear
Overnight stay has been arranged at the Best Western Baltimore West located
next door at1800 Belmont Ave. Baltimore, MD 21244. Exit 17 off of 695
Beltway Rooms are $79.00 plus tax. Rooms are booked in the name of Pasha
Grand Temple or Sahara Ct. #1. Cutoff date is April 1, 2010.
Ill. Grand Potentate Ill. Commandress Noble James O. Pope
Noble Robert L.Wade Dtr. Sheila Jordan Committee Chrm.
410-812-5453 410-363-8622 443-691-0538
26
MARYLAND GRAND CHAPTER OF O.E.S.
Under the Jurisdiction of the
M W Maryland Grand Lodge
Free and Accepted Ancient York Rite Masons P.H.O. National
Compact . U.S.A.
is hosting
The Northeast Regional Esther Day
Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland
Sunday May 2, 2010
Ames Memorial United Methodist Church
617 Baker Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21217
Service will begin promptly at 3:30 p.m.
Dinner will be served following the service
For Information contact
Sister Ina Banks Pope, GWM Sister Sheila Jordan, G S Sister Jo Anne Ruffin, GAM
410-944-8147 410-363-8622 410-300-3512
The Honorable James O. Pope, Sr. 33, Grand Master
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KHEDIVE ZOBAH
2010 GALA AGENDA
June 4-5, 2010
Motel 6 Hotel 2705 East South Blvd
Montgomery, AL 36116
334-288-2800
Friday – June 4, 2010
10:00am – 5:00pm Registration
11:00am – 12:00pm Deputy Potentate and Local Potentates
12:00pm- 1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm – 2:00pm Grand Divan Meeting
1:00 – 2:00pm Daughters of Isis
3:00pm Candidates Report
2:30pm – 3:30pm Joint Divan Meeting
4:00pm – 4:30pm Degree Team Meeting
4:30pm – 6:30pm Hospitality Room Open
8:00pm – Midnight Dance
12:30am – 2:00am Hospitality Room Open
Saturday – June 5, 2010
8:00am – 12:00pm Registration
9:00am - 9:45am Open Session/ Welcome Program
10:00am – 1:00pm Meeting / Creation
1:00pm – 3:00pm Lunch and Leisure
3:00pm – 6:00pm Hospitality Room Open
7:00pm -1:00am Banquet and Ball
1:10 – until Hospitality Room Open
28
37th Grand Conclave
Khedive Grand Council of Shriners &
Zobah Grand Court of Daughters of Isis
AAONMS
Registration Form
Desert of Alabama
Oasis of Montgomery
June 4th – 6th , 2010
NAME Last First
ADDRESS
CITY ____________________________ STATE _________ ZIP ___________
TITLE – Grand Council/Court:
TITLE – Subordinate Temple/Court:
Registration Deadlines:
Postmarked On or Before April 30, 2010 - $45.00-Members
After April 30, 2010 and Onsite - $55.00 -Members
Non-Members - $40.00
Hotel Fees/Deadlines:
Motel 6 – Montgomery, AL
Courtyard Rooms - $69.00 per night
When making reservations ask for Khedive Grand Council of Shriners Group Rate!
To receive discounted rates, all room reservations must be received by April 30, 2010.
Make Checks Payable to: Khedive Grand Council of Shriners
Mail Checks: Vonderia Yeldell MAIN HOTEL
9580 Eastpointe Circle Motel 6
Birmingham, AL 35217 2705 East South Blvd
Montgomery, AL 36116
(334) 288-2800
29
ISLAM SHRINE TEMPLE No. 1
&
ISLAM COURT No. 1, DOI
Oasis of Columbia, Desert of South Carolina
proudly present
GALA DAY 2010 “Under the Stars” August 26 – 29, 2010
Greetings, The Nobles and Daughters of Islam Shrine & Court No.1 would like to welcome each of you to the Oasis of Columbia as we celebrate Gala Day 2010. We know each of you will have a great time while visiting our city. Each committee is diligently working to cover all bases to insure your visit is enjoyable and memorable. We will not leave any stone unturned. As your host, your comfort and satisfaction is our top priority. You can go to www.islamshrinetemple1.com to register for Gala Day and make hotel reservations. Remember, the cutoff date for room reservations at the Hilton Hotel is July 26, 2010. Attached is a tentative schedule of events planned for our weekend of August 26–29, 2010. Once again, we look forward to each of you celebrating Gala Day 2010 “Under the Stars” we us. Fraternally, Noble Willie T. Goins Daughter Angela Evans Illustrious Potentate Illustrious Commandress Noble Kenith Salley Daughter Loretta Brown Illustrious Grand Potentate Illustrious Grand Commandress
30
Gala Day 2010
“Under the Stars”
Date Event Place
Friday, August 27, 2010
8:00 am – 8:00 pm Registration Hilton Hotel Lobby
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm Hospitality Hilton Hotel Presidential Suite
5:00 pm -12:00 am Pig Pickin Party Music, Food, Drinks
Palmetto Grand Lodge (included in registration)
Date Event Place
Saturday, August 28, 2010
8:00 am – 5:00 pm Registration Hilton Hotel Lobby
7:00 am – 8:30 am Breakfast
8 am – 10:00 am Joint Welcome Meeting
Hilton Hotel
10:30 am – 1:00 pm Creation Palmetto Grand Lodge Lakeview Community Ctr
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Lunch Palmetto Grand Lodge (included in registration)
3:00 pm – 7:30 pm Free Time - Hospitality Hilton Hotel Presidential Suite
9:00 pm – 1:00 am Gala Day Ball Columbia Convention Center (included in registration)
Date Event Place
Sunday, August 29, 2010
9:00 am – 11:00 am Executive Meeting Hilton Hotel
31
2010
**Friday Night Celebration** **Saturday Lunch Menu **
Pig Pickin Spaghetti and Meatballs Fried Chicken Chicken WIngs BBQ Potato Salad Rice w/Hash Mixed Salad Baked Beans Banana Pudding Cole Slaw Chilled Tea Peach Cobbler Soft Drinks Lemonade
MUSIC, FOOD, & DRINKS ***INCLUDED in Registration***
Non-Registered Guest
Friday Night Celebration $25.00 Saturday Lunch $10.00
32
Saturday Night August 28, 2010
9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
COLUMBIA CONVENTION CENTER BALLROOM
ADMISSION IS FREE WITH YOUR GALA DAY REGISTRATION
TICKETS $ 30.00 FOR NON-REGISTERED GUEST
DJ “World Famous” Johnny Green FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
SEMI-FORMAL TO FORMAL ATTIRE
Brought to you by
33
Gala Day Under the Stars
hosted by
Islam Shrine Temple & Court #1 Desert of South Carolina, Oasis of Columbia
August 26 - 29, 2010
Host Hotel:
Hilton Columbia Center
924 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 744-7800
Room Rates $119.00 + Tax
Group Code: TEMPLE
***Room Block closes on July 26, 2010*** Name: ___________________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________
City:__________________ State: _______________________ Zip Code: ____________________
Temple/Court:________________________________ Office/Title: __________________________
Registration
$60.00 Islam Grand Temple Court Members
$50.00 Out of State / Non Affiliated Guest
**Registration includes ticket to ALL events**
Make checks payable & mail to:
Islam Shrine Temple #1
ATTN: Noble Elliot Rawls
PO Box 7486
Columbia, SC 29202
or register at
www.islamshrinetemple1.com
34
Meet the York Rite Editors
Vonderia Yeldell
Ntl.YRB Editor/Alabama
Demetrick Williams
Arkansas
Lena Simmons
California
Byron Wheeler [email protected]
Florida
Henry Tyler [email protected]
Florida
No
Picture
Available
No
Picture
Available
No
Picture
Available
Herschel Grangent Jr.
Georgia
Janet Taylor
Louisiana
No
Picture
Available
Lavell Sanders [email protected]
Michigan
LaShunda Blake [email protected]
Mississippi
Herbert Williams
New Jersey
Amber Burgess-Greene
New York
Charles Green Jr.
New York
Daisy Wright-Bryant [email protected]
North Carolina
James Thompson [email protected]
Oklahoma
James Pope
Maryland
No
Picture
Available
No
Picture
Available
No
Picture
Available
No
Picture
Available
No
Picture
Available
Curtis O. Williams Grand Master
Ohio
Grand Master
Missouri
No
Picture
Available
Grand Master
Indiana
Grand Master
Illinois
Grand Master
Delaware
No
Picture
Available
No
Picture
Available
No
Picture
Available
35
Grace Bufford-Boone
Pennsylvania
Sandra Mckie [email protected]
South Carolina
Kimberly Tipps [email protected]
Texas
Sylvia Scott [email protected]
Virginia
Richard James
West Virginia
No
Picture
Available
Meet the York Rite Editors
36
s
Announcements
Legal Services
In September, Sister LaKesha Shahid opened up her firm Baker
Shahid LLC. Her office is located at 4200 Carmichael Court N,
Montgomery, AL 36106. She can be reached at 334-279-5399.
Attorney Shahid specializes in:
Domestic Relations
Personal Injury
Adoptions
Estate Planning
General/Civil law
Employment Law
Guardianship/Conservatorship
If you are in need of an attorney, please feel free to contact Attorney
Shahid.
Book Publication
Kudos to Brother Richard L. James. Grand Master of West Virginia
on his recent publication of a book titled “In the Hollow one mile
from here”. Check out his link for more information by visiting his
website at www.inthehollow.net . The book is priced at $19.95 +
$1.20 sales tax + $2.38 postage and can be purchased by sending
a check or money in the amount of $23.53, made payable to
Richard L. James, P. O. Box 7248, Cross Lanes, WV 25356, or by
calling (304) 543-0034. Please allow 4 to 7 days for delivery.
Also, the book can be purchased at Waldenbooks, Barns and Noble
and Baker and Taylor Distributors. Please enjoy.
Sickness
Marriages
Births
In Remembrance
The husband of our Past National
Grand Musician, Sister Ellie
Mackie, passed on Wednesday,
February 10, 2010.
Brother Clemmie Trotter, the Past
Grand OES Patron of Queen
Esther Grand Chapter, Alabama,
passed on February 13, 2010.
Sister Eva Mae Walton, a faithful
member of Mary Chapter #34,
Lanett, Alabama passed on
February 13, 2010.
The passing of the youngest
Brother of Past National Grand
OES Patron, Brother Walter
Robinson.
Little Bonnie, Granddaughter of
Bonnie Clark from the state of
California, passed away on Friday
April 2, 2010 at 2:45 PM. She
was a 2008 Scholarship recipient
from the National Supreme Court
Daughters of Isis.
The Honorable Louis C. Mackie,
Sr., Past Grand Master of
Palmetto Grand Lodge in South
Carolina passed away on
Wednesday, February 10, 2010.
Funeral Services were held on
Monday February 15, 2010.
The passing of Rebecca P. Whte, mother of Hon. Roland White, Jr, PGM of NY and NGP. Letters and Cards of Condolence can be sent to: Hon. Roland White, Jr. 962 E. 39th Street Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201
37
Upcoming Events
Morning Star Chapter #4 – Order of Eastern Star
Celebrating 60th
Anniversary
Saturday April 24, 2010
Imperial Council of Shriners 105th Imperial Conclave
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
May 13-16, 2010
For more info visit: www.nationalorderofeasternstar.com/calendar.aspx or www.mwnationalgrandlodge.org
Alabama – Khedive/Zobah Grand Temple and Court Gala Weekend
Quality Inn Hotels and Suites – Montgomery, AL
June 1-3, 2010
More information upcoming.
5th Annual National Northeast Regional Matron’s Council Workshop, OES
Hosted by The State of New York
June 5, 2010 – 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
The Northeast Region includes the States of: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania
Sister Grace Boone – Coordinator
Sister Julia Small – Co-Coordinator
Sister Cathy Thomas – Secretary
For additional information please contact us.
151st Grand Masters Council & National Department Workshops
Clarion Hotel and Convention Center
July 8-15, 2010
For more info visit: www.nationalorderofeasternstar.com/calendar.aspx or www.mwnationalgrandlodge.org
Georgia 145th Grand Lodge Session
Renaissance Concourse Hotel – Atlanta Airport
September 17-22, 2010
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Need to register to receive your online York Rite Bulletin? Go to www.nationalorderofeasternstar.com/YorkRiteBulletin.aspx
Upcoming Events
Islam Grand Temple and Court – South Carolina
Gala Day – “Under the Stars”
August 26-29, 2010
Columbia, SC
