York Rite Bulletin Online Edition

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1 York Rite Bulletin Online Edition National Masonic Newsletter ISSUE 2 APRIL 2010 Who Will Govern Our Lodge, Chapter, and Grand Lodge? Written By: National Grand Master Clyde Shepard 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 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 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, 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

2 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 3 Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge Teams Up for Haiti Relief Herschel J. Grangent, Jr. Georgia State Editor 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 nonperishable 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.

4 4 Dorcas Grand Chapter Canned Food Drive Kimberly Tripps Texas State Editor 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!

5 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 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 3 rd 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 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 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 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 7 Pennsylvania Member Appointed to State Board of Nursing Grace Bufford-Boone Pennsylvania State Editor 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 et seq., and the Governor s Code of Conduct, Executive Order 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.

8 8 Georgia High School Works with Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge for Haiti Herschel J. Grangent, Jr. Georgia State Editor 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,

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10 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 11 Virginia Celebrates Service of Past Grand Master Sylvia Scott Virginia State Editor 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.

12 12 OES Chapter Initiations Vonderia Yeldell Alabama State Editor 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. 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 13 Maryland Grand Lodge Fundraiser James Pope Maryland State Editor 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

14 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, 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 15 OES Chapters Visit Local Nursing Homes Vonderia L. Yeldell Alabama State Editor 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.

16 16 Go Red for Women Night Amber Greene New York State Editor 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.

17 17 Go Red for Women Night Continued 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.

18 18 Lydia Grand Council Annual Weekender Vonderia L. Yeldell Alabama State Editor 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, 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.

19 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 17 th 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 16 th 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 20 ESTHER DAY CELEBRATION IN ARKANSAS Demetrick Williams, Arkansas State Editor The Order of the Eastern Star, Arkansas Compact District hosted its Annual Esther Day Celebration on April 3, 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.

21 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 November 23, 2009 Greetings Honorable William S. Conyers 32, Grand Master 13 Keewadin Ave, Hopatcong, NJ (973) 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 151 st Grand Masters Council and Department Heads Workshop. The session is July 8 th through July 15, 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, If you have any question you may contact PGM Herbert L. Williams at or herbwilli@verizon.net. Fraternally Yours Herbert L. Williams PGM Herbert L. Williams 32 0 Please send all ads to: Brother Herbert L. Williams 28 Schofield Street Newark, NJ Cc: Williams S. Conyers 32 0 Most Worshipful Grand Master Sister Mollie Conyers, Grand Worthy Matron, O.E.S. Ali Cottrell 32 0, Deputy Grand Master Gildron Turner 32 0, Grand Secretary

22 22 ST JOHNS GRAND LODGE STATE of NEW JERSEY FREE AND ACCEPTED ANCIENT YORK RITE MASONS PRINCE HALL ORIGIN NATIONAL COMPACT, USA 151 st Grand Masters Council and Department Heads Workshop AD APPLICATION Name : Phone # Back Cover $ Full page Color $ Full page Black and White $ 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 your ad to Herbwilli@verizon.net. Please confirm your order to: Telephone (973) Cell Phone (973) Brother Herbert L. Williams 28 Schofield Street Newark, NJ We thank you in advance for your Support

23 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 Junior Warden Allen Warden Grand Treasurer Herbert Williams Grand Senior Warden Jay B. King Grand Secretary Gildon R. Turner Grand Chaplain Isaac DeShields Honorable William S. Conyers 32, Grand Master 13 Keewaden Ave, Hopatcong, NJ (973) Wsc15@verizon.net 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) or (609) 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 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 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, :00 P.M. -12:00 A.M. at MARTIN S WEST 6817 Dogwood Road Baltimore, MD 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 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, Ill. Grand Potentate Ill. Commandress Noble James O. Pope Noble Robert L.Wade Dtr. Sheila Jordan Committee Chrm

26 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 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 The Honorable James O. Pope, Sr. 33, Grand Master

27 27 Friday June 4, 2010 KHEDIVE 2010 GALA AGENDA June 4-5, 2010 Motel 6 Hotel 2705 East South Blvd Montgomery, AL ZOBAH 10:00am 5:00pm 11:00am 12:00pm 12:00pm- 1:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm Registration Deputy Potentate and Local Potentates Lunch Grand Divan Meeting 1:00 2:00pm Daughters of Isis 3:00pm 2:30pm 3:30pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 4:30pm 6:30pm 8:00pm Midnight 12:30am 2:00am Candidates Report Joint Divan Meeting Degree Team Meeting Hospitality Room Open Dance Hospitality Room Open Saturday June 5, :00am 12:00pm 9:00am - 9:45am 10:00am 1:00pm 1:00pm 3:00pm 3:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm -1:00am Registration Open Session/ Welcome Program Meeting / Creation Lunch and Leisure Hospitality Room Open Banquet and Ball 1:10 until Hospitality Room Open

28 28 37 th Grand Conclave Khedive Grand Council of Shriners & Zobah Grand Court of Daughters of Isis AAONMS Registration Form Desert of Alabama Oasis of Montgomery June 4 th 6 th, 2010 NAME Last First ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP TITLE Grand Council/Court: TITLE Subordinate Temple/Court: Registration Deadlines: Postmarked On or Before April 30, $45.00-Members After April 30, 2010 and Onsite - $ 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, Make Checks Payable to: Khedive Grand Council of Shriners Mail Checks: Vonderia Yeldell MAIN HOTEL 9580 Eastpointe Circle Motel 6 Birmingham, AL East South Blvd Montgomery, AL (334)

29 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 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 to register for Gala Day and make hotel reservations. Remember, the cutoff date for room reservations at the Hilton Hotel is July 26, Attached is a tentative schedule of events planned for our weekend of August 26 29, Once again, we look forward to each of you celebrating Gala Day 2010 Under the Stars we us. Fraternally, Noble Willie T. Goins Illustrious Potentate Noble Kenith Salley Illustrious Grand Potentate Daughter Angela Evans Illustrious Commandress Daughter Loretta Brown Illustrious Grand Commandress

30 30 Gala Day 2010 Under the Stars Date Event Place Friday, August 27, :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, :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, :00 am 11:00 am Executive Meeting Hilton Hotel

31 **Friday Night Celebration** **Saturday Lunch Menu ** Pig Pickin Fried Chicken BBQ Rice w/hash Baked Beans Cole Slaw Peach Cobbler Lemonade Spaghetti and Meatballs Chicken WIngs Potato Salad Mixed Salad Banana Pudding Chilled Tea Soft Drinks MUSIC, FOOD, & DRINKS ***INCLUDED in Registration*** Non-Registered Guest Friday Night Celebration $25.00 Saturday Lunch $10.00

32 32 Saturday Night August 28, :00 PM 1:00 AM COLUMBIA CONVENTION CENTER BALLROOM ADMISSION IS FREE WITH YOUR GALA DAY REGISTRATION TICKETS $ FOR NON-REGISTERED GUEST DJ World Famous Johnny Green FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT SEMI-FORMAL TO FORMAL ATTIRE Brought to you by

33 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 (803) Room Rates $ 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 or register at

34 34 Meet the York Rite Editors No Picture Available No Picture Available No Picture Available Vonderia Yeldell Ntl.YRB Editor/Alabama Demetrick Williams Arkansas Lena Simmons California Grand Master Delaware Byron Wheeler Florida No Picture Available No Picture Available No Picture Available No Picture Available Henry Tyler Florida Herschel Grangent Jr. Georgia Grand Master Illinois Grand Master Indiana Janet Taylor Louisiana No Picture Available No Picture Available No Picture Available No Picture Available No Picture Available James Pope Maryland Lavell Sanders Michigan LaShunda Blake Mississippi Grand Master Missouri Herbert Williams New Jersey No Picture Available Amber Burgess-Greene New York Charles Green Jr. New York Daisy Wright-Bryant North Carolina Curtis O. Williams Grand Master Ohio James Thompson Oklahoma

35 35 Meet the York Rite Editors No Picture Available Grace Bufford-Boone Pennsylvania Sandra Mckie South Carolina Kimberly Tipps Texas Sylvia Scott Virginia Richard James West Virginia

36 s Announcements Sickness 36 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 She can be reached at 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 The book is priced at $ $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) 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. Marriages Births In Remembrance The husband of our Past National Grand Musician, Sister Ellie Mackie, passed on Wednesday, February 10, Brother Clemmie Trotter, the Past Grand OES Patron of Queen Esther Grand Chapter, Alabama, passed on February 13, Sister Eva Mae Walton, a faithful member of Mary Chapter #34, Lanett, Alabama passed on February 13, 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, Funeral Services were held on Monday February 15, 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

37 37 Upcoming Events Morning Star Chapter #4 Order of Eastern Star Celebrating 60 th Anniversary Saturday April 24, 2010 Imperial Council of Shriners 105 th Imperial Conclave Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel May 13-16, 2010 For more info visit: or Alabama Khedive/Zobah Grand Temple and Court Gala Weekend Quality Inn Hotels and Suites Montgomery, AL June 1-3, 2010 More information upcoming. 5 th Annual National Northeast Regional Matron s Council Workshop, OES Hosted by The State of New York June 5, :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. 151 st Grand Masters Council & National Department Workshops Clarion Hotel and Convention Center July 8-15, 2010 For more info visit: or Georgia 145 th Grand Lodge Session Renaissance Concourse Hotel Atlanta Airport September 17-22, 2010

38 38 Upcoming Events Islam Grand Temple and Court South Carolina Gala Day Under the Stars August 26-29, 2010 Columbia, SC Need to register to receive your online York Rite Bulletin? Go to