THE MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS JURISDICTION OF GEORGIA

Transcription

1 THE MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS JURISDICTION OF GEORGIA Willie L. Williams Grand Master GRAND MASTER S ADDRESS rd Annual Conference UNITY JUNE 13 16, 2002 Deputy Grand Master Ramsey Davis, PG Masters Barksdale and McQueen, Elected and Appointed Grand Lodge Officers, Worshipful Masters, Past Masters, Wardens, and Brothers Grand Worthy Matron Belle Clark, Grand Worthy Patron Felton Hudson, Past Grand Matrons, Past Grand Patrons, Elected and Appointed Grand Chapter officers Good Morning Brothers and Sisters, By the grace and glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe, we have gathered together in the city of Augusta, for annual session. As stated in the scripture, it is good and pleasant to dwell together in unity. As we prepare to make plans and decisions for the improvement of Masonry in the Jurisdiction of Georgia, let us stay focus on the word unity and let it be our theme throughout the conference. One year ago, I stood before you for the first time as the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia. Throughout the year, we have traveled together and separately to arrive here in Augusta at another Annual Session. The Grand Architect of the Universe has been kind. He has continued to bless our jurisdiction with extraordinary progress. I have placed my trust and derived my strength from Him. I have asked that He guide my path; free my mind of vices and superfluities of life that I might have the strength to lead with wisdom and the courage to continue the fight for the good of the Order. STATE and NATION As I look back over the past year, there have been many events that have affected our lives but not more profound than the event of September 11, I could not give a State of the Nation message without addressing this event. It is said that the events of that day will change our lives forever. I agree that many things in this country will change because of the events. While I understand the necessity for changes to insure the safety of the American people, I am somewhat concerned that this country will use these events to redirect resources that are needed for the poor, the hungry, and the uneducated in this country. We see more and more that the government is moving far away from addressing the needs of the needy and seem to be focus more on assisting the greedy. I must stop and wonder if there will be positive changes that will benefit all or just a few. Our country spends billions of dollars in foreign aid in other countries while politician debate health care for the elderly and the poor. Student aid to help poor children attend college is being reduced in the name of national security. If a small percent of foreign aid was diverted to this country, health care, homeliness, and hungry could be eliminated overnight. This is an election year. In the State of Georgia, all 180 House seats and 56 Senate seats are up for reelection. The NAACP is reenergizing its Voters Registration campaign. Representatives made a presentation at the Grand Masters Conference to encourage Masons and Eastern Stars to play a lead role in the campaign. As Grand Master for the Jurisdiction of Georgia, I have pledged the full support of the Grand Lodge in assisting the NAACP in getting our people registered to vote. Brother Maynard Jackson, former Mayor of Atlanta, Movie Star, Business Man, and many other outstanding qualification including

2 Master Mason and grandson of Past Grand Master John Wesley Dobbs, is in the developmental stage of instituting the American Voters League. The purpose of this organization is to take the efforts of the NAACP to the next level by getting voters to the polls. I have pledged the support of the Grand Lodge to Brother Jackson to make this program successful. All voter registration efforts are wasted if registered voters do not vote. Prince Hall Masons and Easters Stars in this state are sufficient in numbers to be the deciding factors as to who will fill those 236 House and Senate seats. The time is the now for us to show our strength and unity. STATE OF THE STATE I commend Secretary of State Cathy Cox for her determination to improve the voting system is Georgia. The General Assembly has allocated funds to implement an electronic voting system. This is desperately needed in this state. The only reason Florida was in the news last election and not Georgia is because Florida votes were counted last. Georgia should have a system in place for the next major election that will insure that all votes are counted. This, however, does not change our mission. We must stay focus and continue our work of voter registration and getting people out to vote. I am asking every lodge and chapter to work closely with the NAACP chapters in their areas to get all of our people to register and vote. Governor Barnes continues to show his commitment to the people of this Jurisdiction. He has signed teen driving laws to protect teen drivers. He initiated a Shop Georgia tax holiday to help boost the economy and help parents to save on back-toschool purchases. He has pushed legislation to improve education in the state. He introduced legislation creating a statewide Child Advocate s Office to investigate and help prevent cases of child abuse and neglect. Governor Barnes is truly a governor for the people. He is attentive, responsive and knows how to get the job done. As last year, I again take my hat off to our Governor. STATE OF THE ORDER Show unity by ordering auto tag (sisters also) I stand here before you today and say that the Jurisdiction is in the best condition ever. As Grand Master, some have said I have chosen the road less traveled. I have chosen to address many issues that some say are best left alone. Why do we need to change things? We have been doing them this way for years is the question I am asked. My response is easy. Our Jurisdiction has been stagnant too long. We must begin to move to the next level and we must do it now. Remember, if you do the same thing every time, you will get the same results. If you have traveled throughout the Jurisdiction as I have and seen the things that go on in some lodges, you would understand why we must change. I have been amazed as to how much things are different within the same district. It makes me wonder where some lodges received their charter. I have a strong belief that Masonry in a lodge in Atlanta should be the same as a lodge in Boman, GA. We have developed many strange habits over the years. Many can be attributed to military personnel visiting our lodges and brothers from other jurisdiction demitting into Georgia. No longer can we do things as individual lodges in isolation. If we are born of the same mother we must be members of the same family. If we are members of the same family, we should eat from the same table and be governed by the same doctrine. The Back to the Basic program has shown success. Brothers and sisters are starting to discuss and debate Masonry in their lodges and chapters. Members who had rusted out are returning to the lodge. There are brothers and sisters who are thirsty for more knowledge. If you provide it, they will come. It is now time to tack Getting Back to Basics to the second level. We are one Jurisdiction and we must teach and learn from the same book. This is the main reason for the establishment of the Masonic Education and Standards Committee (MESC). As we continue our efforts to get back to the basic, we must be sure that we are all singing from the same page. Each lodge must teach the same basic lessons. I have visited many lodges and have found that information is not being disseminated, as it should. One of the reasons is that Past Masters were not properly trained before and during the time they were Masters. District deputies are lacking in knowledge. We left the training up to the individual lodges or the individual. While some lodges have been excellent in training candidate, there is a major void in training brothers and sisters to be leaders. For most of the past year, the MESC committee has met each Wednesday night with the purpose of developing standards for the Jurisdiction. We started with the most basic activities in the Jurisdiction and reviewed a variety of policies and ritualistic works. Out of this Committee has come the first set of standards for the Juris diction of Georgia. Once this information is released, every lodge will be required to adhere to these standards. If the procedure is not addressed in the standards, it is forbidden in this Jurisdiction. I am requesting that you adopted these standards as the official standards for the Jurisdiction of Georgia. Clandestine or bogus masonry is out of control in this Jurisdiction. These groups are giving us a bad name. Just recently, the head of the group in Putnam County was arrested for child abuse. Of course, people are confused and believe they are a part of us. After all, they called themselves Masons. As Grand Master, I must develop a plan to combat these groups and try to put them out of business. The best weapon is education. As soon as one of their me mbers gets the truth, they want to demit to PHA. We must get information about our order out before unsuspecting people join these groups. This is the reason I have established a relationship with the white Grand Lodge in Georgia. Mutual recognition will strengthen our position as the only 2

3 regular Masonic Order for blacks. I have also issued dispensation to WM Joe Snow to start the first Lodge of Masonic Research (I am told this is a first for Prince Hall Masons). This Research lodge will be an additional tool for educating our membership and the general public. It will also be in a position to dispel myths and lies by presenting facts. We will also seek recognition from other regular Masonic groups to include the United Grand Lodge of England. Many of you have said that we as a Masonic organization has power that we have not tapped into. I must agree. Based on our membership that consists of over 20,000 men and women from all backgrounds, education, and vocations. The next question I am asked is why have we not taken advantage of this power. To me, the answers to these questions are easy. We cannot take advantage of the power we have until: We define what power we have and how to use it. We make others aware of our power and our ability to use. First we mu st define what power we have: we have the power of numbers. For every one of you in this room, you have influence on at least four others (family, friend, coworker, etc.). This quadruples our numbers. Secondly, we must be united: Having numbers is not enough. We must develop positions and be united in getting the same message out. We must have committees to develop plans to take advantage of this power. These committees must work year round. Not just once a year during the annual sessions. You will receive the forms for a commemorative automobile tag for the Grand Lodge. We need you to complete a form and leave it with a check for $25.00 for each tag you wish to purchase. Make the check payable to: Grand Lodge Committee. We need 500 paid forms by July 1, 2002 to get the tag. We will collect all forms and send them to the state in batch. The Grand Lodge must submit all of these at once for approval. If for some reason we do not get 500 paid forms, we will return your check immediately. TIME AND PLACE This year is the first year we will meet on the weekend. This was a decision of the membership to give more members an opportunity to attend the sessions and to get better hotel rates. We have signed contracts with the Athens Convention Center in Athens for June 12 16, We are growing. We have outgrown most of the cities on our rotation list. We will accept the recommendation of the Time and Place Committee for 2004 but I must be free to select a site that can accommodate us at a reasonable cost. NECROLOGY O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15: Since we met last, lodges have reported 80 brothers who have departed this earth. We will memorialize these departed brothers on Sunday morning. Please stand in memory of deceased members of your lodge when their name is called. ENDOWMENT BUILDING FUND The Endowment Building Fund continues to be the most discussed activity we have engaged in over the past two years. It disturbs me that members from various districts ask: if the building is not in my district, how will I benefit from it? Brothers and Sisters, this confirms my belief that many brothers and sisters have not learned the true meaning of the Order. We are a body that is dedicated to services to the community. The building we are striving to build will give us the tool to fulfill our destiny to be the leaders in State by providing daycare assistant to single parents who are striving to make it every day, by feeding the hungry, by offering a variety of educational and recreational programs to develop our youth so they may become productive citizens. If these things do not motivate you then maybe keeping your cost of attending the annual session, Prince Hall Day, and other functions to a minimum will motivate you. Maybe keeping your annual assessments and tax to a minimum will motivate you. Whatever it takes, we must build this building. We must show the State and the Nation that we are an organization of substance and we are serious about improving the quality of life for our members and the community. Look around you brothers and sisters. You have a Republican President who believes that the government should be less involved in helping those who are less fortunate but does not hesitate to propose tax credits for the rich. I do not have a crystal ball that I can use to predict the future. I do not know what the makeup of the congress will be. I do know that it is time for us as a people to take our destiny into our hands and determine our future. We can do this. Some of you ask what will the building look like and where will it be located. The committee has finally narrowed the sites down to four (Augusta, Macon, Atlanta, and Savannah). I asked that they (committee) gather information about the communities such as the cost of land, community resources, city or county contribution such as reduced price of land, financial assistant with community programs, etc. The committee was to obtain a sketch of what our vision is for the building to present to you at this session. Since I did not receive a response from the committee, I, with the assistance of DGM Davis, employed architect Carl Trimble to draw the plans for the building. I asked that the design be in modules so we can build the building in stages. This is the architect s rendition of our building. 3

4 Issues of Waivers: Waivers issued by lodges and chapters were issued for the year in which the members requested them. To remain exempt, the member must reapply each year and update their financial status with the lodge/chapter. I have learned that some lodges/chapter issued waivers for the first year and assumed the waiver exempted the person from paying the building fund forever. This is incorrect. The waiver is good only for the year it was issued. A person s financial status can improve over a year. Effective immediately, all building funds waivers are void. Due to serious mis use and abuse, Lodges and Chapters no longer have the authority to waive the assessment. Based on a review of lodges and chapters records, it is clear that the authority, granted by the Grand Master, to waive the assessment is being abused. From this point forward, the authority to waive the assessments will be invested with a committee appointed by the Grand Master. Any member who feels they cannot pay, must complete the enclosed form and submit supporting documents to their lodge or chapter for a recommendation. The lodge/chapter must act on the request. If, by vote of the majority of the members present, the lodge/chapter feels a waiver should be granted, the lodge/chapter will forward all information to the Grand Master for approval. The Grand Master or his designee will notify the lodge/chapter of the outcome. The following options are established for members who have not made their first donation: o One donation of $195 (paid in full within 30 days) o Two donations of $100 per year (first donation due within 30 days. Second donation due within 6 to 8 months of the fist donation. Total paid within 12 months is $200). o Three donations of $70 per year (70@ 3 = $210). (Each donation due in January) o Two donations of $40 per year for three years ($40@ 6 = $240) each donation due in January and June for three years. o Four donations of $22 per year for three years ($21@ 12 = 252) each donation due in January, April, June, October. This payment plan is based on a three-year commitment of all members. (Reminder: All assessments must be paid before dues. The secretary must apply all payments to assessments first.) PRINCE HALL DAY Our Prince Hall weekend celebration was held in Milledgeville, former state capitol. This was truly a magnificent occasion and the Macon Dis trict should be commended. We had a record turnout and for the first time in recent years, there were as many brothers present as there were sisters. As we continue to grow, we will develop more activities for the family. My vision is that this becomes a weekend of unity where we review our history, strengthen our relationships and work for the good of the Jurisdiction. ST. JOHN'S DAY St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist are the two saints honored by Freemasonry. This Jurisdiction will celebrate St. John's Day on Sunday. June Please be reminded that the speaker for the occasion must be an ordained male minister or a Prince Hall Master Mason. EDITORIAL BOARD Article XXXIV of our Constitution states that "The "Grand Lodge shall publis h, periodically, an official organ to be known as the Prince Hall Masonic Digest. Section 2. Copies of the official organ shall be mailed to each financial lodge of this jurisdiction." To fulfill the requirement, each member makes an annual contribution to cover the cost. I am proposing that we establish a Grand Editorial Board that will be responsible for producing the publication. The Board will also have the authority to solicit advertising to generate funds to cover publication cost and to fund worthy projects. It is hoped that we can secure sufficient advertising to relieve the Brothers of this obligation. I am seeking brothers who have experience in Journalism and/or publishing and printing to help us accomplish this objective. CONCORDANT, APPENDENT, ADOPTIVE, AND AFFILIATED BODIES A house divided will not stand Membership in these bodies start with the Blue Lodge. As brothers become proficient in the Blue Lodge, they may chose to seek more light by progressing to the next level. This is the basic premise for additional Masonic houses. The Blue Lodge is the foundation and the rest of Masonry rests on the support on the Blue Lodge. It is without question that we must have a strong foundation. The Back to Basic program is beginning to strengthen our foundation. It is been made clear to me that our Jurisdiction is missing a link in the Masonic chain for men and women. This missing link is preventing those who wish to have complete affiliation, the opportunity to fulfill their Masonic quest. I am therefore, authorizing the establishment of the additional houses to complete the link. Meeting with Head of Houses: On May 18, 2002, I met with the Head of all houses to discuss how we can work together to make the Jurisdiction better. Everyone had an opportunity to express him or herself. We left the meeting with a commitment to meet often and seek ways to share resources, reduce the financial burden on our members, and move the Jurisdiction to the next level. 4

5 GRAND MASTERS CONFERENCE The Grand Masters Conference was held in Las Vegas, NV, May 7 10, This was the first conference that I have attended since I was Junior Grand Warden that grand Masters where able to reach conscientious of some very important issues. Copies of committee reports will be available on the web site when we receive them from the conference secretary. The committee on Recognition divided and defined Masonic Recognition as Social, Limited, and Full. The body approved a committee report that no Concordant, Adoptive, Appendent or Affiliated body within a jurisdiction could establish relationships with any non Prince Hall Masonic body in that jurisdiction without the express consent of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge in the Jurisdiction in which it operates. The body also approved the review and rewriting the Constitution and Bylaws and the policy and procedures of the conference to be more reflective of the conference s role. Other issues discussed included: standard emblem, Masons and religion, etc. OFFICAL ACTS AND VISITATIONS Established Masonic Education and Standards Committee Issued dispensation to establish the James E. Simms Lodge of Masonic Research Established a relationship with Grand Master Horne of the Grand Lodge of Georgia Developed official Protocol for receiving Grand Master and Past Grand Masters Established minimum standards for degree work Established guidelines for investigating candidates Annual Report Form revised the form to make it easier for lodges to follow Demit Form Revised the form and procedures that would allow the Grand Lodge to track demits to insure lodges are processing them correctly. Past Master Card developed card to identify Past Masters Revised Past Master s certificate Developed Worshipful Master s certificate Established requirement for receiving Past Master s Certificate (Master must have past the chair.) Implemented Worshipful Master certificate Proposal to Park Service OES Bloodline Revised Ritual Reinstated Brother Avery Stafford Removed worshipful master of St John lodge in Americus for condoning hazing in his lodge and filing false insurance claims. Developed and submitted proposal to the National Park Service to renovate Grand Lodge building June 7, 2001 met with SCLC to establish a relationship July 12, 2001 met with Positive Image to establish relationship for discounted printing July 12, 2001 met with DDGM Charles Truitt July 17, 2001 met with Grand Lodge staff July 27, 2001 met with Marcel Reed to discuss community service projects Aug. 11, 2001 Baxley District meeting Aug , 2001 Imperial Session Sept 7 9, 2001 Prince Hall Day Weekend celebration-milledgeville Aug , 2001 Royal Arch, Heroines convention, Augusta Sept. 29, 2001 Rebecca Chapter Centennial celebration, Thomasville Oct. 4, 2001 met with Grand Matron and Grand Patron Oct. 5-9, 2001 United Supreme Council Oct , 2001 Desert Conference Nov. 3, 2001 District Web Training, Atlanta Nov. 5, 2001 St. John Lodge, Americus Nov. 17, 2001 District Web Training Dec. 1, 2001 Reactivated Corncob Lodge, Atlanta Dec. 3, 2001 W C Thomas Lodge, Atlanta Dec. 7-10, 2001 Mass. Grand Lodge Dec 15, 2001 KOP meeting, Fort Valley Jan , 2002 Augusta planning meeting for Grand Lodge Jan. 13, 2002 Savannah district Meeting Jan. 30, 2002 meeting with OES Feb. 6, 2002 Feb. 13,

6 Feb. 20, 2002 Feb. 23, 2002 Waycross District meeting Feb. 23, 2002 Eastman Lodge Banquet Feb. 27, 2002 Mar. 6, 2002 Mar. 9, 2002 Brunswick District meeting Mar. 13, 2002 Mar. 16, 2002 Macon District meeting Mar. 20, 2002 Mar. 27, 2002 Mar 26, 2002 met with PGM Barksdale Apr. 3, 2002 Meeting with auditor Apr. 3, 2002 Apr. 10, 2002 Apr , 2002 Imperial Commandress Ball Apr. 17, 2002 Apr. 20, 2002 Build Endowment Committee for Grand East, Dublin Apr. 24, 2002 Apr. 27, 2002 Columbus District Meeting Apr. 31, 2002 May 1, 2002 May 2002 Met with Maynard Jackson to develop plans for the American Voters League May 7-10, 2002 Conference of Grand Masters, Las Vegas May, 18, 2002 Athens District meeting May 18, 2002 Meeting with Head of Houses June 5, 2002 met with auditor to discuss audit Jun. 6, 2002 Historical meeting with Grand Master Horne of the Grand Lodge of GA Jun. 7, 2002 Augusta planning meeting and Radisson Hotel MRA Revised procedures for submitting claims, which reduced the time for paying a claim to two weeks or less Paid over $17,000 in outstanding Death Claims. Installed new computer system and created new database structure. The web page is functioning and should be ready for lodges to have direct access by the end of the year. Brother Rogers has devoted a great deal of personal time to making this project a reality. I give him my sincere appreciation for all he has done and will do. RECOMMENDATIONS Change Grand Lodge fiscal year to July 1 to June 30. (See audit report) Change annual term of office to July 1 to June 30. (See audit report) Lower age to 18: Every state around us accepts applicants at age 18. This is the legal aid. If these 18-year-old masons demit to Georgia we must accept them. The age of a person does not determine his character. The Investigation Committee is responsible to determining an applicant s character and reporting to the lodge. Recognition - DGM Davis and I met with the GM and SGW of the GL of GA to discuss future relationships. This was an informal meeting. It went well. I am asking that this Grand Lodge give the Grand Master permission to proceed with establishing recognition. I have attempted to contact the PHO Masons to determine if they are open for discussion. I will continue to work, with your support, to unite all men of color (who claim to be Mason) under the PHA banner. Establish a scholarship that will pay four years of college to KOP who goes to college. Authorize $1000 (education saving bonds) for awards for KOP Summer Camp Actively participate in the NAACP Voters Registration campaign Adopt the protocol for lodges receiving a visit from the Grand Master or Past Grand Masters Adopt the Masonic College as the official source of Masonic Education, policies, and standards for the Jurisdiction of Georgia. Petition for Membership A petition can be received from an applicant and presented to the lodge by a brother who is not vouching for the petitioner. The brother must inform the lodge that he believes the petitioner to be of good character but he cannot vouch for him. If no one in the lodge can vouch for the petitioner, the Investigation committee must request at least three character references. Each reference must be a Georgia resident and must be contacted by the committee. This process should increase our ability to receive quality candidates who may not have had an opportunity to make friends with a Mason. 6

7 All petitioners for membership must be a legal resident of Georgia or a resident of one of the countries in our Jurisdiction. This is standard Masonic protocol. We cannot accept applications from another jurisdiction unless we receive a release from the applicants home Jurisdiction. Report of the Investigation Committee All reports of the Investigation Committee must be presented to the lodge and recorded in the lodge minutes. If the committee s report includes an unfavorable recommendation and the lodge accepts the report, there is no need to ballot on the applicant. The lodge secretary must notify the applicant in writing that he was not accepted. No reason is given. Opening the Lodge: o The Altar should be placed in the center of the lodge facing the Worshipful Master in the East. o The Altar should be equal distance from the Worshipful Master in the East and the Senior Warden in the West and equal distance from the Junior Warden in the South and an imaginary station that would be in the North. o Great Lights: o The Holy Bible must be place in the center of the Alter (equal distance from all edges). o The Square and Compass must be placed in the center of the page object the page with the start of the scripture. o These are the only objects to be placed on the alter o Lesser Lights: The Lesser Lights will be place in a triangular shape about the altar as follows: One in the North, East and South. In the meeting room, there should be nothing on the walls but the Charter and letter G. This includes charters of all Masonic houses that meet in the building. Term of Office The term limits for a Worshipful Master will be no more than 5 consecutive one-year terms. Lodges may establish policies that limit term of service to less than 5 consecutive one-year terms. The Grand master may make exceptions to this policy based on the circumstances of the lodge. Past Masters who demitted into this Jurisdiction There seems to be some confusion regarding the status of Past Masters who demit into this Jurisdiction. This Administration interpret the Constitution to imply that such Past Masters are entitled to all rights and honors of a Past Master who served as a Worshipful Master in this Jurisdiction with two exceptions: 1) He is not eligible for nomination for Worshipful Master in any lodge in this Jurisdiction until he has served as a Warden in a lodge in this Jurisdiction. 2) He is not eligible for nomination for any elected Grand Lodge office until he has successfully served as Worshipful Master in this Jurisdiction. He is entitled to the title PM He is eligible to be invited to sit in the East with other PM He has the right to represent his lodge as a voting delegate at the Grand Lodge Sessions. All other honors due a PM. Note: If the Past Mast successfully completes the Masonic College, he may become eligible for Worship Master. Demits Each lodge is required to complete the new demit form and follow the instructions on the form. Endowment Building Fund From this point forward, the authority to waive the assessments will be invested with the Grand Master of a committee appointed by the Grand Master. Any member who feels they cannot pay, must complete the form and submit supporting documents to their lodge or chapter for a recommendation. The lodge/chapter must act on the request. If, by vote of the majority of the members present, the lodge/chapter feels a waiver should be granted, the lodge/chapter will forward all information to the Grand Master for approval. The Grand Master or his designee will notify the lodge/chapter of the outcome. Assessment: The following options are established for members who have not made their first donation: One donation of $195 (paid in full within 30 days) Two donations of $100 per year (first donation due within 30 days. Second donation due within 6 to 8 months of the fist donation. Total paid within 12 months is $200). Three donations of $70 per year (70@ 3 = $210). (Each donation due in January) Two donations of $40 per year for three years ($40@ 6 = $240) each donation due in January and June for three years. 7

8 Four donations of $22 per year for three years 12 = 252) each donation due in January, April, June, October. This payment plan is based on a three-year commitment of all members. (Reminder: All assessments must be paid before dues. The secretary must apply all payments to assessments first.) Worshipful Masters and Eastern Star Chapters The Worshipful Master has overall responsibility for the chapter affiliated with the lodge. The patron serves as the liaison to the Worshipful Master. All chapters must be affiliated with a lodge. The Patron in a chapter must be an active member of the lodge that the chapter is affiliated. The Worshipful Master must receive the obligation of an Eastern Star. This will allow him access to the chapter without causing a disturbance. If the WM wishes to be a member of the chapter beyond his responsibility as Master, he must pay dues as other Masons who are members. This is strongly suggested. Lodge/Chapter Historian Masters and Matrons must provide a place to store all minute books and all his tory. The Master/Matron should appoint someone to be responsible for maintaining the history of the lodge/chapter. This history should be updated annually. Apron The apron for newly raised brothers is a plain white apron (same as for funerals). Master Masons raised after December 31, 2000 are authorized to wear a plain white apron only. Masters, Past Master and officers may continue to wear aprons corresponding to their station in the lodge. All brothers will continue to wear the plain white apron to Masonic funerals regardless of their station. Annual Reports Late Fee: Lodges whose report is not received in the Grand Lodge Office by March 1 st. must cease all Masonic activities until the report is received. The DDGM will notify the lodge and assist them in submitting their report. A $50 late fee must accompany all reports submitted after March 1 st. Audit Report: Each lodge and chapter must have an annual audit of its activities prior to the election of officers. If the audit report is not accepted by December 15 th, the Worshipful Master and/or Secretary must notify the District Deputy Grand Master. All lodge activities are suspended until the audit report is submitted and approved by the body. The DDGM may appoint a committee from members of the district to audit a lodge/chapter s records if the Audit Committee does not function or the lodge does not accept the report of the committee. Hazing is illegal, not acceptable, and will not be tolerated in this Jurisdiction. Worshipful Masters are responsible for what happens in their lodge. The Grand Master will be remove a Worshipful Master from the East and suspended him from Masonry if he allows any form of hazing in the lodge. Any brother found guilty of hazing will be suspended immediately. There will be no exceptions. This also applies to the sisters. CONCLUSION We have a lot of work ahead. The Masonic College will go into effect in the next six months. The first sessions will be for the district deputies and assistants. By March, we will have the first class for newly elected officers. We have put our dream building on paper. We should decide on a location by September. The next steps are to seek outside funding, develop fund-raising programs, and purchase land. I have asked the Grand Secretary to prepare detail reports to show who have paid and what they have paid. I had hoped to have these reports before this meeting. I will acquire the necessary resources to have these reports by Prince Hall Day. My accomplishments over the past year may be significant. However, I owe thanks to all of you for supporting my plans and working to make the vision a reality. PGM Barksdale has been a tremendous help. He has worked hard in finalizing the plan for the next years Grand Lodge in Athens. The brothers who attended the Masonic Education and Standards Committee deserve more thanks than I can give. Most of them came every Wednesday night and provided a tremendous amount of knowledge and feedback. Because of their dedication, this jurisdiction will have a ritual, standards, and policies and procedures that will make us the envy of all jurisdictions. Deputy Grand Master Davis has been there for me. He has represented the Grand Master on several occasions and shown his willingness to do what he can to help the Jurisdiction. The Grand Lodge and MRA staff is a hard working group. Brother Williams Rogers, Brother James Gantt, and Sister Francis Bennett are the lifeblood of 8

9 this organization. They work long hours and receive very little pay. Brother James Wright, Grand Custodian, is always ready to assist when and where he can. Deputies and Assistants continue to be an asset. There are others who have been supportive and have helped to move the Jurisdiction to the next level. I must also thank all of you for the trust you have s hown by reelecting me to serve you as your Grand Master. With your help and the grace of the Almighty, this Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter will progress. Fraternally submitted Willie L Williams Grand Master Let us keep our heads to the sky and our feet on the ground. It is ok: To dream the impossible dream To fight the unbeatable foe To bear the unbearable sorrow To run where the brave dare not go To write the unwritable wrong To be better far than you are To try when your arms are to weary To reach the unreachable star This is my quest, to follow that star No matter how hopeless, No matter how far To fight for the right Without question or pause To be willing to march into hell For a heavenly cause And I know if I ll only be true To this glorious quest That my heart will be peaceful and calm When I, laid to my rest An the world would be better for this That one man scorned and covered with scars Still strove with his last ounce of courage To reach the unreachable star (By Leigh/ Darion) If your mind can conceive it and your heart can believe it, we can achieve it. (Jessie Jackson) 9