The Light - Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland

THE MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
OF MARYLAND AND ITS JURISDICTION, INC.
“The Light” |
Maryland’s Prince Hall Family Newsletter
July 2013
64th Edition
A Message from MWGM Thorpe
M
y dear Brothers and Sisters, first
and foremost allow me to express my heartfelt appreciation for your
support of the Joint Juneteenth Seafood
Feast held on June 9, 2013, and the St.
Johns Day Service on June 23, 2013.
The Honorable Melvin M. Thorpe,
Most Worshipful Grand Master
“Remember, we are
Family in this
Great Jurisdiction”.
Your support and patronage resulted in
very successful events, both in attendance and financially. As previously
stated the funds garnered will be used
to counterbalance the cost of repairs to
our magnificent edifice.
Thank you, Thank you, and Thank
You.
In the past thirty months, this administration has brainstormed intensely to
develop initiatives to move our great
jurisdiction forward. A Strategic Planning Committee and a number of subcommittees have been appointed, a
new Board of Trustees has been
formed, extensive research, evaluations
and appraisals of our edifice has been
conducted, a number of planning discussions relative to building repairs and
maintenance of our edifice, Lodge of
Instructions, and specifically the forward progress of our Great Jurisdiction.
I continually state at our gatherings and
on my visitations that the Maryland
Masonic Family is a family, and in order to continue to grow as a family we
must interact, support, and love one
another as a family. Therefore, family,
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I implore each of you to embrace the
initiatives of the grand lodge, employ
your individual knowledge, expertise,
and skills, and assist the several committees in their research, planning, development and recommendations of
implementation to the grand lodge.
As always in closing, please keep our
brave service men and women in your
daily devotions, as they continually and
gallantly protect our way of life. Pray
for the families of those that have paid
the ultimate sacrifice so that we can
continue to enjoy our bountiful blessings.
My brother and sisters remember we
are family in this great jurisdiction.
Fraternally and sincerely,
Melvin M. Thorpe
Most Worshipful Grand Master
The Honorable Melvin M. Thorpe, Most Worshipful Grand Master
Vision Statement
“That the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge be uniformed ritualistically and administratively throughout the entire Jurisdiction. To bring the Jurisdiction financially solvent by the year 2013.”
Grand Lodge
Mission Statement
The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Maryland and its Jurisdiction,
Incorporated, is a fraternal organization dedicated to the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. Our
fraternal organization takes good men, builds and develops them, to be better men. We dispense charity, promote good and solid family values and endeavor significantly to aid in the uplifting of humanity.
Grand Lodge
Vision Statement
“Our vision is focused on community stewardship, activities to benefit society, and a commitment to building
Brotherhood making Prince Hall Masonry in Maryland sustainable while inculcating and exercising the Principle Tenets (Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth) by our words and actions for the betterment of our brothers and
all mankind.”
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Deputy Grand Master’s Corner
By RW Lee A. Taylor, Jr. DGM
“Upholding the Principles of Prince Hall
Freemasonry”
W
ithin the framework of the above frequently used Masonic words are contained very serious thought provoking messages that should remain with all masons until we
die. These words should also keep us grounded to the very principles contained in the obligations that we all took on our knees in triplicate (EA, FC, MM). When we took those very
solemn obligations “we became Ancient Craft
Masons.”
RW Lee A. Taylor, Jr.
Deputy Grand Master
“Let us rededicate our
actions to take the
fraternity to the
next level.”
The future of Prince Hall
Masonry is in our hands,
let us “Uphold the
Principles of Price Hall
Freemasonry.”
I submit to you that we cannot let insignificant,
irrelevant or immaterial subject matters destroy what those who came before us fought so
hard to acquire. To continue the rich history
of Prince Hall Masonry in Maryland, it is imperative we recommit ourselves to the four
principles of Masonry. Those principles are,
shake off our indolence or lack of activity, examine our past deeds, quit our sins, and start a
happy change.
We need to address three requirements which
ensure we “Uphold the Principles of Prince
Hall Freemasonry. We must teach, we must
train, and we must transfer.
The first action we need to undertake is to
teach. We must teach what Freemasonry is
about and what it isn't. We must teach what is
required to best present and represent Freemasonry in and about our communities. We must
teach that there is not time to sit back and wait
for someone else to do what needs to be done.
We must teach that all have a mission and play
a role in the success and failure of the fraternity.
I am sure you have heard the story of Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done and
Everybody was sure that Somebody would
do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody
did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it
was Everybody's job.
Everybody thought that Anybody could do
it, but Nobody realized that Everybody
wouldn't do it.
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It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody
could have done.
We must teach that those who have decades of
experience within the fraternity have a requirement and responsibility to teach (mentor),
those with less experience.
The second key is to train. We must train our
leaders and Brothers on three fundamental and
key tenets. We must train to “don't hate, appreciate.” We all have talents. Some have
one, some two and some three, but we all have
talents to serve. In the end, when all is said
and done, it is about the service we give.
Brother Charles H. Wesley said it best when
he wrote, “To serve the present age, my calling
to fulfill; O may it all my powers engage to do
my Master's will”.
We must train our leaders that, “We” always
achieve more than “I”. In the words of John
Donne, “No man is an island entire of itself;
every man is a piece of the continent, a part of
the main.”
We must train our leaders that “We are family”. We act, live and progress as a family
when we adopt a positive mindset. Bishop
Hezekiah Walker established that mindset in
the words of his song: “I need you, you need
me. We're all a part of God's body. Stand
with me, agree with me. We're all a part of
God's body”.
Our final point on transfer: if we master the art
of teaching and dominate the science of training, we easily implement the system of transfer. The concept of transfer ensures the life
and longevity of the organization. The concept of transfer allows us to build upon the
foundation laid by previous administrations
and leaders. The concept of transfer ensures
we teach and train our future leaders.
Brothers, let us never forget the efforts of
those who labored in the vineyards for us to
continue Prince Hall Freemasonry. Let us always recommit ourselves to the principles of
the fraternity, and let us rededicate our actions
to taking the fraternity to the next level. The
future of Prince Hall Masonry is in our hands,
let us “Uphold the Principles of Price Hall
Freemasonry.
Thanks “DT”
Lee A. Taylor,
Deputy Grand Master
Senior Grand Warden’s Corner
By RW Noel C. Osborne, Sr.
A
RW Noel C. Osborne, Sr.
Senior Grand Warden
“We must focus on
the complexity of
benevolence, (Brotherly
love, Relief and Truth)
within our communities
in support of our overarching mission, vision,
goals and objectives.”
s we transition
through
this
Masonic Year – I realize more and more
that the direction that
we are traveling in as
a grand body is simply profound. The Honorable Melvin M.
Thorpe has supported the efforts of the
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
of Maryland with class and professional
maturity and that, in of itself, is a lesson
learned. I was taught in the Military that a
true leader has the confidence to stand
alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the
needs of others. He doesn’t set out to be a
leader, but becomes one by the quality of
his actions and the integrity of his intent.
In the end, leaders are much like eagles...
they do not flock; you find them one at a
time. Quintessentially we have a leader
that embraces a jurisdiction of quality people, and that is to be commended.
The Elected and appointed Grand Lodge
Officers over the past 90 days were diligent
in refining the way ahead for the Jurisdiction of Maryland. They exhausted efforts
to establish programs, policies, processes,
procedures and systems to make us a more
efficient body. We realize that we are the
“Critical Link” for the permanence of this
time honored organization and we will
continue to strive toward professional excellence. Our efforts were not limited to
hence they included the following:
 We’ve spearheaded the provision of a pro-
fessional community with our Public Relations Strategic Planning Sub-Committee
Group.
 We refined and revamped our membership
directory and made it 100% accessible to
our males and female membership through
our Human Capital Sub-Committee Group.
 Led by our Leadership Sub-Committee
Group we’ve established discussions about
educational and training requirements for
our membership as a whole; spanning from
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the newest Master Mason through the
elected leadership which includes Myra
Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star.
 We have been diligently working and re-
searching our comprehensive solvency
factors to assist in meeting specific needs
for our Grand Body through our Financial
Solvency Sub-Committee Group. We have
researched operational risk, quantifying
economic capital and better governance
through a risk management process. This
particular task is personal to me because it
is our Grand Master’s vision to be Financially Solvent by 2013, and my brothers
that is “Now”. Our comprehensive risk
platform is identified and established. Our
tasks are plenty and our efforts are selfless
to attain this task, hence I assure you all
that we will continue to press forward to
achieve the goals and objectives that we
have set.
Although you may not see the actions
that’s associated with our efforts on a daily
basis, rest assure that there is work being
done constantly for the betterment of this
Jurisdiction. As the “Critical Link” we
acknowledge that we have an overarching
responsibility for the continuity of our Jurisdiction. I assure you all that I believe in
our efforts. Henry Ford stated, “Whether
you think you can or whether you think
you can’t, you’re right”. Bottom line – it
all boils down to what we believe.
In closing, I assert that my appreciation for
the opportunity to serve each of you as
your Senior Grand Warden has not
changed. I am forever committed to you
all and this great jurisdiction. I am proud
of the Grand Master that I have the opportunity to serve with, as well as the other
members within our elected line. I further
assert that we are all here to support the
way ahead of this jurisdiction. God bless
you all!
“One Mission, One Vision, the Jurisdiction!”
Respectfully,
RW Noel C. Osborne, Sr.
Senior Grand Warden
Junior Grand Warden’s Corner
By RW Philip S. Lewis, Sr.
M
RW Philip S. Lewis, Sr.
Junior Grand Warden
“When you see kids
having a good time, you
will feel just as good!”
y Brothers, it is that time of year
again when we, the Brothers of
the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand
Lodge must step to the plate and support the children of our communities.
The 2013 Prince Hall Day Cookout
event is a premier opportunity for you
to shine in your communities, with your
neighbors and in your churches by
demonstrating how Masons care about
our youth. We can give them more
than just our love but our support. We
have a clear responsibility as Men and
as Masons to mentor our children; to
teach, train and mold them to be our
future.
At our 165th Annual Communication
of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall
Grand Lodge, we approved hosting our
Annual Prince Hall Day Cookout for
at-risk children. We missed out two
years ago due to a storm called Irene
which washed out much of the area.
Last year we had limited success until a
major rain storm approached the area
and cut the event off early.
MWGM Melvin M. Thorpe has directed this year’s event will take place
at the Lamont’s Entertainment Complex, 4400 Livingston Road, in Indian
Head, MD on Saturday, September 7,
2013 from 1 PM to 5 PM. This event is
part of the Grand Lodge's Prince Hall
Day Weekend activities and gives our
members an opportunity to celebrate
our founding father, Prince Hall, in the
spirit of Masons while helping at-risk
children and those in need.
We are asking each lodge to support the
cookout by donating $100.00 per lodge.
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We are also soliciting support from outside organizations and individuals in
financing some of the entertainment
activities. If you have any special talents which may be of use at this event,
please let us know.
More importantly, we are asking that
each District also sponsor children from
their areas to enhance our community
service for this Masonic Year. Communicate with your churches to assist
in this endeavor. With pride some districts have brought busloads of children
previously from Baltimore. Others
from Western Maryland to the Eastern
Shore can do the same. We are asking
your lodge’s donations (checks made
payable to the MWPHGL of MD) also
with the number of children your District Lodges will be bringing to the
event be sent to my office by Saturday,
August 10, 2013.
Our Annual Prince Hall Day Church
Service and Observation will be at 3
PM on Sunday, September 8, 2013 in
the Samuel T. Daniels Sanctuary of the
Willard W. Allen Masonic Temple.
Masonic dress with regalia is required.
To accomplish this task we will need
firm commitments from you and the
parents of the children. We will also
need the Brothers, Sisters and parents
to support as chaperones. When you
see kids having a good time, you will
feel just as good! God Bless!
Respectfully,
RW Philip S. Lewis, Sr.
Junior Grand Warden
The 94th Conference of Grand Masters
65th Conference of Grand Matrons and Grand Patrons
May 14th – May 19th 2013
The Honorable Melvin M. Thorpe, Most Worshipful Grand Master led his delegation of
Maryland Masons to the 94th Conference of
Grand Masters/65th Conference of Grand Matrons and Grand Patrons, May 14th – May
19th 2013 in Columbus Ohio.
Amongst the attendees there were R.W. Lee
A. Taylor, Deputy Grand Master, R.W. Noel
C. Osborne Sr., Senior Grand Warden, R.W.
Phillip S. Lewis Sr., Junior Grand Warden,
R.W. William Davidson III, Grand Secretary,
R.W. Odell W. Wilson Jr., Assistant to the
Grand Master and R.W. Steven G. Collier,
Past Deputy Grand Master.
There were several members from Myra
Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star present as well
to include Sister Faye H. Williams Grand Worthy Matron,
Brother Herman I. Williams, Grand Worthy Patron; Sister
Carol D. Simon, Grand Associate Matron; Brother Kevin
Cunningham, Grand Associate Patron; Sister Tracy I.
Brown, Grand Conductress; Sister Juanita L. Clarke, Past
Grand Worthy Matron; Sister Joyce S. Venable, Past
Grand Worthy Matron, Sister Mary T. James, Past Grand
Worthy Matron; Brother Kenneth S. Turner, Past Grand
Worthy Patron; Sister Cynthia Henderson, Grand Treasurer; Sister Laverne P. Evans, Grand Secretary and Sister
Robbie Chrishon, Grand Financial Secretary.
The Jurisdiction of Maryland was well
represented...
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“It’s a Family Affair”
Ionic Lodge No. 112, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania conducts
3rd Degree on 25 May 2013
Submitted by RW Steven G. Collier, E. Jerry Williams Lodge #141
Philadelphia, PA; May 25, 2013.
I
t was a special day (a family
affair) in my masonic travels
when I witnessed my nephew,
Brother Ahmad Lawton being
raised to the sublime degree of
Master Mason as a member of
Ionic Lodge No. 112, Philadelphia, PA, Most Worshipful Prince
Hall Grand Lodge (MWPHGL) of
Pennsylvania. Ahmad’s plan to
become a Mason was decided on
November 30, 2012, after he attended the home going services
for his grandfather (my father,
William N. Collier, Sr).
He had observed Masonry in one
of its “finest” hours after witnessing the mass support of brothers
and sisters from the Prince Hall
jurisdictions of Maryland (MD)
and the District of Columbia (DC)
in attendance and the presence of
two Most Worshipful (MW)
Grand Masters; the Honorable
Melvin M. Thorpe, Grand Master
(MD) and the Hon. MacKinnon
W. Myers, Grand Master (DC).
MW Myers is now a Past Grand
Master.
Having finalized his positive motives of becoming a Mason, Ahmad asked me, “Uncle Steve I
want to become a Mason?” Having heard this wonderful question
which brought me great pride and
joy, I informed him that “you just
took the first step.”
I immediately called a close family friend and brother in “Philly”
and referred him. I have known
this good brother since I was a
very young man and I speak of
none other than M.W. Past Grand
MWGM Melvin M. Thorpe and Delegation March in the November 11 Veterans Day Parade.
Pictured: (L to R) Bro. Will Johnson 141, RW Carlos Tingle 141, Bro. David Roberson 141, RW Antonio Abney Jr. 141, Bro. Tony
Rogers 141, MW Past Grand Master Charles A. Bishop, Ionic #112, MWPHGL of PA, Bro. Linwood Files 141, RW Steven G. Collier, 141, Past Deputy Grand Master, Bro. Sheldon Brown 141, Bro. Esteban Gomez 141, RW Antonio Sturgis 141, Dir, THW
CHIP, Bro. Calvin Whitfield, Secty 141, Bro. Kevin McDonald, JW 141.
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Master Charles A. Bishop, Ionic
#112.
MWPGM Bishop has strong ties
to my Philadelphia family. So
close that I have always thought of
him as my Uncle. He informed
me that he would indeed petition
Ahmad and recommend him to his
lodge (Ionic Lodge #112).
Pictured: “Uncle and Brother” RW
Steven G. Collier (141) with his nephew: Bro. Ahmad Lawton, Ionic Lodge
112, Philadelphia, PA.
Pictured: L to R – E. Jerry Williams Lodge #141 Brother David Roberson, Asst.
Treas., Bro. Kevin McDonald, JW, Bro. Linwood Files (picture obscured), RW Antonio Abney Jr., 4th District Social Actions Officer, RW Steven G. Collier, Past DGM,
MWPHGL of MD, PM Adam Jones (acting) WM of Beacon Light Lodge #76 in New
York, WM Maurice Tolliver, Ionic Lodge #112, Phila., PA, PM Marvin Henry, Ionic
Lodge #112, Worshipful District Lecturer, MWPHGL of PA., Bro. Tony Rogers, Jr.
Stewart 141, Bro. Calvin Whitfield, Secretary 141, RW Carlos Tingle, Deputy Director, THW CHIP, and Bro. Esteban Gomez, Marshal 141.
Pictured: May 25, 2013, Philadelphia, PA. Ionic Lodge #112 newly obligated Master Mason Class of 13 brothers named “The
Firm” and WM Maurice Tolliver #112, Philadelphia (center). Brother Ahmad Lawton (RW Collier’s nephew is on upper row –
far right pointing inward)
Page 8 of 34
MW Bishop had stated that his
lodge is a very progressive lodge
and full of young men doing great
things in the jurisdiction and community. I replied this was fantastic knowing well that Ahmad had
a lot to offer any lodge in Pennsylvania.
The 3rd degree was conferred at
Mt. Pisgah Lodge #32 Masonic
“How good and pleasant it is for
brethren to dwell together in unity.” They travelled up from Maryland in support of this special
occasion and for the love of Masonry. Also in attendance were
several visitors from the jurisdiction of the MWPHGL of New
York to witness the outstanding
degree performed by Worshipful
Master Maurice Tolliver, Ionic
ure. I was permitted by Worshipful Master Tolliver as a Past Master to “raise” my nephew! A
“Family Affair” indeed, also in
attendance was Brother Ryan Tyler (my cousin – not pictured) of
Olive Branch Lodge #8, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
All of the brothers in attendance
for the raising were treated to a 1st
class repast and great fellowship
with the brothers of Ionic Lodge
and the visiting brethren. Return
invitations were extended to visit
us in Maryland and were cordially
received.
Being a native Philadelphian my
heart was filled to capacity with
pride by returning home to see
that Masonry will live on in my
Philadelphia family. I am also
very appreciative for the attendance and support by the brothers
of E. Jerry Williams Lodge No.
141 who made the trip up from
Maryland. They are a special
breed of Men and Masons.
Pictured: RW Steven G. Collier, EJW #141, Past Deputy Grand Master, MWPHGL of
MD and MW Charles A. Bishop, Past Grand Master, Ionic #112, MWPHGL of PA.
Hall in Norristown, PA. It was an
absolutely beautiful and sunny
day. As I pulled up to the lodge
and looked around I was in total
amazement and pleasantly surprised when I saw several cars
parked with familiar faces (“must
have been workmen from the temple”…) from my lodge E. Jerry
Williams #141, 4th Masonic District, Maryland standing outside
their parked cars.
Lodge #112 and the lodge degree
team. The class of 13 who chose
the name “The Firm” was raised
in an outstanding ritualistic performance. My nephew, Bro. Ahmad Lawton was the class treasurer and has already expressed an
interest in working in the
lodge….it must be in his blood!
Something else special occurred
that day that I shall always treas-
Page 9 of 34
I extend my personal congratulations to all the brothers of the
“The Firm” on achieving this
milestone in Masonry. All 13
brothers of the class “The Firm”
must return to their lodge in June
to prove proficiency in the 3rd Degree. I have no doubt that they
will do an outstanding job having
received all the rights and lights
they asked for and then some!
Let’s just say a “memorable” degree”.
After the raising I presented my
nephew with some memorable
keepsakes; a Masonic apron,
gloves, ball cap, emblem and a
wrist watch to commemorate this
special occasion.
VEILED IN ALLEGORY
Originally Written For
The William A. Jones Commanders of the Rite, 33º Orient of Maryland
By Grand Inspector General Emanuel J. Stanley, 33º
Dear Commander’s,
Good morning.
f for only a brief time, Commanders, I want to discuss a portion of our “Prince Hall” Scottish Rite
sacred history, I am begging your indulgence and
earnestly asking you to bear with me and open your
hearts and minds, for I wish to take us back to a time
before our people practiced the Ancient and Accepted Rite. By our people I refer to that branch of Freemasonry who styles itself “PHA or Prince Hall Affiliated.”
I
Actual history informs us that in the year 1775 significant events occurred which would forever impact
the future of this great country. Of particular interest
to us is the date of March 6, 1775, for it was on this
day that Prince Hall and 14 others were initiated into
Irish Military Lodge No. 441; months later the Continental Congress was created on June 14th, and on
June 15th George Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.
These two American heroes (Hall & Washington) are
named specifically because it is here that documented history walks hand in hand with a legend of
Prince Hall Scottish Rite Masonry.
Legend has it that during the winter months of 1775
General Washington and Richard Gridley met with
Prince Hall and other unnamed men of color to discuss the admittance of free men of color to serve as
regular soldiers in the Patriot Army.
Admittedly, the many lessons taught in the various
Scottish Rite degrees emblazoned my heart with the
beauty of its system of allegories; but without question it was this particular story that so caught my attention that I had to investigate its validity. So I
asked myself then as I am asking you now, “What
are the odds that Prince Hall did in fact meet with
George Washington?”
Many of you will say that the legend is correct in
everything with the exception of the accuracy of
what was actually discussed. But where is the evidence of such a meeting? What proof is offered to
substantiate this great story of the meeting of two
giants?
It is no secret that Washington was a slave owner
from Virginia; and it wasn’t until he took charge of
the armed forces that he faced the necessity to create
some kind of public policy regarding slaves, free
blacks and the recruiting policies of the Continental
army. Let us keep in mind that at age 11 Washington inherited 10 slaves and when he died there were
317 slaves at Mount Vernon. From youth to death he
was a slave owner. It’s interesting to note that as
President, he brought eight slaves to the executive
mansion. At that time the President resided in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and under state law slaves became free after six months. Washington rotated his
slaves between Pennsylvania and Virginia so that
they would not earn that right. Yes, he was a Freemason but make no mistake, Washington, as a slave
owner was like most southerners in that he had
strong objections to using blacks as soldiers.
Washington and the Continental Congress twice denied the enlistment of any blacks in the Continental
army. Ironically, it is a threat from Washington’s
own state of Virginia that would cause the decisions
of the “Patriots” to be rescinded. On November 7,
1775 Lord Dunmore, the governor of Virginia and
staunch loyalist to the British crown, in a bold and
calculated move issued the “Dunmore Proclamation”
which offered freedom to any slave who ran away
and joined the British Army.
We cannot truly fathom the fervor that such a proclamation made among the slave owners, free blacks
and those still in bondage. Word spread quickly
throughout the colonies; indeed a number of letters
from prominent men have been found; such men as
Edmund Pendleton, John Adams and Washington
Page 10 of 34
himself expressed grave concern over the Dunmore
initiative. John Adams is openly fearful that if the
British were to land in Georgia that 20,000 slaves
would join their ranks within a month time. The system of communication was not reserved to just the
“Patriots”, word also traveled among Blacks and no
doubt Prince Hall was fully aware of the anxiety of
the colonists.
had been previously admitted, these men were the
first for the colonies.
Washington was not only in deep trouble he was also
desperate! The Dunmore plan to enlist slaves and
offer them their freedom could have encouraged free
blacks to also side with the British. November 15,
1775 Dunmore, after a clear victory at Kemp’s
Landing near Norfolk, declared martial law and
freed “all indented servants, Negroes, or others…that
are able and willing to bear arms, they joining His
Majesty’s forces.”
We know that Prince Hall was a business owner and
that he used his position as the Master of African
Lodge to speak out against slavery and the lack of
schools for black children.
This action combined with failed recruiting policies
and massive desertions, forced Washington’s hand.
By 30 December 1775 George Washington had radically altered his views to accommodate and adapt to
the crisis; he issued orders that since “Numbers of
free Negroes are desirous of enlisting, he gives leave
to the recruiting officers, to entertain them, and
promises to lay the matter before Congress, who he
doubts not will approve of it.” And approve it they
did.
We know that Prince Hall was the most prominent
Black man in Boston and we know that he had the
financial means to travel by horseback or carriage to
Cambridge to meet with General Washington.
One must beg the question – Who are these “Free
Negroes who are desirous of enlisting?” Washington
is in Cambridge, what free Black men are near
enough to Washington to make known their desires?
While, there is no documented history to prove that
Prince Hall or any member of African Lodge physically met with George Washington.
What can we prove? What do we know about Prince
Hall?
What we know is that Cambridge was less than a
day’s ride by horseback from Boston.
What we do know is that in March 1775 Prince Hall
and 14 others accomplished the seemingly impossible; they were initiated into the Ancient and Honorable Society of Freemasons. Although men of color
We do know that in March of 1784 Prince Hall petitioned the Grand Lodge of England (Moderns) for a
warrant. And we know that on September 29, 1784
the charter was granted and that it was delivered on
April 29, 1787 and that it still exists today.
We know that it was Prince Hall with whom the
Grand Lodge of England corresponded with, to obtain accurate information on the activities of the
lodges and Freemasons in Boston.
It is true, today we cannot conclusively and decisively proclaim that the legend is accurate in its detail; I
would say that given the circumstantial evidence I
believe we can safely assert that Prince Hall had the
means, the motive, and the opportunity, and in Boston he was among only a handful of free Blacks that
could attempt such a feat and be successful.
However, in light of the lack of physical evidence
and leaning toward the possibility that there are always skeptics among us; I leave the final judgment
to you, the jury of my illustrious peers.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts
and research on an interesting subject.
Yours in the Rite,
Emanuel J. Stanley
Illustrious Emanuel J. Stanley, 33˚
President, Commanders of the Rite
Page 11 of 34
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Charity Raffle
R
affle tickets are available at a cost of $5.00
per ticket. Each Ticket offers
the purchaser three chances
to win. Tickets are available
at the Prince Hall Masonic
Lodges and its concordant
bodies in the jurisdictions of
Maryland.
If the winner elects not to accept the car, that person can receive a $20,000 cash payout. Second prize is $2,500 and third prize is $1,500. The seller of the first prize winning ticket will
receive $500.
The drawing will be held 2:00 PM, September 14, 2013, at the Most Worshipful Prince Hall
Grand Lodge, 1307 Eutaw Place, Baltimore, Maryland. You need not be present to win.
Page 13 of 34
William T. Wallace Lodge No. 134
supports Van Bokkelen Elementary School Overnight Camp
By Bro. Bryan Johnson
This article is a first-person narrative of Bro. Bryan
Johnson’s experience as a Chaperon and Facilitator for
the overnight event which focused on enhancing student
awareness of wildlife and the forest.
On 16-17 May 2013 there were approximately 50 students in 4th grade that attended the overnight field trip to
Arlington Echo. The students were broken into nine
groups. I mentored six students on Thursday and three
more on Friday morning. The Habitat Happenings Module is a scavenger hunt where the students explore wetlands, forests and native species. I was in charge of a few
parts to the big picture of the scavenger hunt. I had the
“Forest Around US” and I supervised three stations which
were Log, Roots, and Planting Project.
Log
I had the students
sit on benches in
the wooded area
and survey the area
around them. Then
ask them what was
significant
or
unique about this
section of the forest? (Dead, rotting
trees) Then I asked
“are these examples of living or
dead trees?” How
do they know?
(Missing
leaves,
branches, bark, or
was the tree hollow
with holes) What
are some things
that might live off
the trees? What are
some things that
might kill a tree?
ents), and in what ways do you think this process is helpful to the forest ecosystem? (Filtration of nutrients and
soil stabilization).
Then I showed students a sample carbon fish tank filter
and discuss filtration. I asked how many of them have a
fish tank at home. Next I asked who had seen the movie
Nemo. Then I explained the filter helps in the aquarium
and how NEMO broke the filter and algae started forming
and how algae affects the forest.
For the planting project we made a paper pot for the plant,
some dirt, and dropped some sun flower seeds in the dirt.
Roots Part-2
Part two of roots I told the students that trees not only
provide roots to stabilize soil and filter nutrients, but they
also provide other things as well. I asked what trees provide us. (Shade, shelter, oxygen, soil stabilizing, filtration,
and habitat).
For the next session I learned
something as well,
because I did not
know about the
human breathing
cycle. I asked the
students to guess
how many breaths
of oxygen they
think we take per
day on an average:
20,000 breaths per
day. Then I taught
them how to measure a tree’s circumference and figure
out how much oxygen that tree will
provide. Then using the measurements and a chart to figure out how the size of a tree
could determine its need to breath every day.
Roots Part-1
I explained what an Atlantic White Cedar is and let them
examine its roots or view the roots of the tree through an
acrylic glass and cedar planting box. I asked the students
describe what they saw, and then ask questions like “what
is the purpose of these roots.” (Absorb water and nutri-
At the end of each lesson I had a question or two to ask
the kids, based on what I’d just taught them. This answer
was used to help them at the end of the scavenger hunt to
figure out two secret words.
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Community Service
Fredericktonian Lodge No. 12 Sponsors CHIP Event
supporting the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Month of the Military Child
By WM Rodney M. James
On 27 April, 2013 Fredericktonian
Lodge No. 12 sponsored the Thomas
H. Wise Maryland Prince Hall Child
Identification Program (CHIP). This
event was just a part of the Let’s Move
Military Youth Health and Fitness Fair
as April was the month of the military
child. Having the proper audience it
only seemed fitting to conduct the program at that time and place.
ers when running future events. These
pointers are intended to assist any
lodge who is seeking to conduct their
own CHIP event. The first thing is a
list of items that the lodges should
have on hand. Clipboards for writing
surfaces. You never know when a table will be available as the parents are
filling out the forms. Extra scales,
preferably digital. This is a great help
when families with
two and three kids
are all up at the
same time and you
want to keep the
process
moving
along. We actually
ran three scales, and
weight tested them
against each other
for
comparative
accuracy.
Your
own tape measure.
As Fredericktonian was the overall
sponsor of the event there were a number of Brothers and a sister present
who belong to or are affiliated with the
lodge. However, it was made into a
district wide event as the remaining
two lodges all had representation at
the event, most notably each of the
three Worshipful Masters and the District Deputy Grand Master were in
attendance. We also had a sister from
Queen Esther Chapter No. 2, OES,
PHA.
Although the CHIP
coordinators have
this and the scale as
a part of their kit it
helps
to
have
enough to again run
multiple kids at the
same time. All of
these items are
stressed at the training, but this is just
to reiterate these
points that the coordinators are trying to
drive home.
There were a total of 19 families serviced in a four hour period. This is a
great milestone for the first CHIP
event ran in the 2nd Masonic District.
With these families we processed a
total of 36 children with the last child
coming up as we were breaking down
the setup. We were dedicated to serving the community and remained open
until that last family was taken care of.
During the conduct of the event a
number of notes were taken for point-
The next item has to do with crowd
control. Eventually, the greeters that I
posted, there were three at various
locations throughout the event, overwhelmed the processors with a large
number of families at once. This was
good, as parents were eager to get
their kids biometric data, however
even the best of data inputters can be
overwhelmed by sheer numbers. The
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longer the wait time the more frustrated parents can be.
We recommend utilizing the number
system that is already placed on the
parent’s packet for crowd control. Let
me explain. Each packet is given a
tracking number. This number is also
written on the CD the parents receive
and aid in keeping the right information together for each child. When
determining who was in place first for
crowd control purposes, it is easy to
do visually when there are three stations and three families. However as
the waiting line grows, visual accuracy
becomes less than ideal. As the packets are numbered starting with 001,
002, etc. this system should be used
from the start and throughout, regardless of how many families are waiting.
This will ease the burden of “I was
here first”.
Some parents may choose to leave
however to return when the booth is
less crowded; simply honor their
number when they return. Simple
kindness goes a long way with frustrated parents. These are just a few
pointers taken from our first CHIP
event and I hope they are able to assist
in further iterations of this great program.
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William T. Wallace Lodge No. 134 of the 10th Masonic District
Awards Murdock
Murdock--Price
Price--Lewis Scholarships
to Three Anne Arundel County Students
By Bro. Michael Bertty, II
FORT MEADE, MARYLAND, 19 June 2013 – William T. Wallace Lodge No. 134, under the auspices
of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of
Maryland, Free and Accepted Masons, awarded three
$1,000 scholarships to three well qualified Anne Arundel County students.
Award recipients:
Jaclyn Blickley of Meade Senior High School was
accepted to New York University. Ms Blickley received 1980/2400 on her SAT and performed in the
Symphony Youth Orchestra in Baltimore, Maryland
and Jacksonville, Florida.
Yigi “Yvette” Yu of Meade Senior High School was
accepted to University of Maryland – Honor College.
Ms Yu received 1990/2400 on her SAT, and for the
last three years has been a volunteer with the Happy
Helpers for the Homeless.
WM Steve C. Isom addresses the students and faculty of
Meade HS, offering words of wisdom on the importance of
scholastic achievement.
William T. Wallace Lodge No. 134 annually awards
scholarships to worthy students in memory of their
notable individuals: Ernest M. Murdock, George R.
Price, and Pamela W. Lewis (Murdock-Price-Lewis
Scholarship Award).
WM Steve C. Isom , RW Terrence McMillan and Bro. Michael Bertty II present award to Savannah Lawrence at Arundel HS.
Savannah Lawrence of Arundel High School was
accepted to Stevenson University, Hood College,
York College, and Salisbury University. Ms Lawrence received 1850/2400 on her SAT, and raised
over $30,000 for awareness of special needs students
as a part of the Polar Bear Plunge.
Community Service
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Let It Sink In!
“Life is short, live it. Love is rare, grab it. Anger is bad, dump it. Fear is awful, face it.
Memories are sweet, cherish it.”
~ Unknown
“Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will
finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with grace, strength,
courage, and confidence.”
~ Og Mandino
“You must constantly ask yourself these questions: Who am I around? What are they doing
to me? What have they got me reading? What have they got me saying? Where do they have
me going? What do they have me thinking? And most important, what do they have me becoming? Then ask yourself the big question: Is that okay? Your life does not get better by
chance, it gets better by change.”
~ Jim Rohn
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
~ 1 Corinthians 15:33
Be good, be kind, be thankful, do your best to help others. Know that God is always by your
side watching over you, protecting you, and blessing you each and every day with the gift of
life.
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The Light of MD
The MWPHGLMD Membership Directory & Online Collaboration Tool
By RW Gregory L. Ortegae
The Light of MD is the full functioned member’s community for the entire Jurisdiction. The
idea was to create a Membership Professional Directory that provides the jurisdiction a way to
list and view contact information. We also wanted the directory to be interactive enough to
allow members to connect with each other similar.
There are many public social media platforms that do this, so we modeled The Light of MD
after one of the most popular ones, Facebook. If you are familiar with how Facebook works,
then you will be familiar with the Light of MD. We have tried to mirror the functionality as
close as legally possible.
The Light of MD does have a feature that Facebook doesn’t have and that is the ability to video conference. This is especially useful for holding virtual staff or committee meetings. We
have tested this capability with our Lodge for a staff meeting and it works well. If your usual
vocation sends you on travel or if you are unable to attend various masonic staff or committee
meetings, this is an excellent way to stay connected and actively participate. (Note: we are not
advocating the use of this capability for our regular Lodge or Chapter Communications.)
While the online community is in a rough state, we continue to make improvements and updates. We are looking at a new feature that will add screen share, a collaborative whiteboard,
and a collaborative document. We want to add a chat function that will enable password protected video conferencing. These enhanced features would mirror virtual collaboration systems such as GoToMeeting and WebEx.
Here is a summary of features being planned:
 One on One Chat
 Newer one on one chat would replace current chat capability for all users.
 Allows for sharing desktop, files one on one, and have a one on one voice and video
chat.
 Group Chat
 Users can create public, invitation only and password protected chat rooms. This would
be good for Committee meetings, District, Lodge and Chapter Staff Meetings.
 Share screens, whiteboard, video conference, collaborative typing documents.
 Mobile
 Users can download a chat app to chat directly with users on the site.
 Announcements
 Announcements can be sent to all logged in users in real time.
 Chat Rooms
 Can be embedded into the site. Allocating a chat room in each organized group.
 Security
 Chat sessions could be logged and saved.
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By RW Gregory L. Ortegae
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MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE OF MARYLAND
BUILDING RENOVATIONS BRICK PROGRAM
I
would like to purchase a brick to be installed in the area checked below
Print Name
Platinum Area 500
Eutaw Street
Clipart
Lines
Gold Area 350
Eutaw Street
Clipart
3 Lines
Silver Area 250
Eutaw Street
Clipart
3 Lines
ron e Area 150
W. Lanvale Street
Clipart
3 Lines
All lines are 20 character per line maximum
I would like the following Clipart
Describe or use number from Clipart sheet
I would like the following wording please print clearly
Line 1
Line 2
Line 3
Line
Line 5
Line
Please complete the following:
Signature
Address
Phone
City
State
ip Code
Email
The MWPHGLMD reserves the right to accept or re ect any wording it deems unacceptable. Once the brick is purchased there will b e no
refunds. There will be a 35 fee imposed for any dishonored check.
Please complete this form along with your check or money order and mail it to:
MWPHGLMD
130 Eutaw Place
altimore, Maryland 2121
Attn: RW ill Davidson, Grand Secretary
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Maryland’s Prince Hall Family Newsletter
Article Submission Guidance
To All Maryland Prince Hall Masonic Family Members,
To facilitate the production of our newsletter, I respectfully offer the following guidance on submitting items for publication.
Purpose
The MWPHGL of MD and its Jurisdiction uses the Maryland PHA Family Newsletter to communicate historically
meaningful topics of interest to its constituent bodies, including:
 MWPHGL Initiatives
 Upcoming GL-sponsored Events
 Our Success Stories
 Historically significant items of interest
 Human interest stories of a Masonic nature
 Constituent Lodge and other Masonic Family Member events (e.g. anniversaries, celebrations, community
engagements, and galas).
Writing Style
 Whatever topic you choose for your article, there are some basic guidelines to follow:
 Try to include as much of the who, what, where, when, why, and how in your opening sentence.
 Keep sentences short and to the point – concise.
 Though it may be tempting to save the best for last, give the most interesting bits of information up front.
 Make the information interesting so your reader will want to read on.
Submission Constraints
 It is the responsibility of the submitter to follow any internal management requirements for submitting/
approving articles prior to their publication (local approval authorities include: DDGM, Worshipful Master,
Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Ill 1st Lieutenant Commander, High Priest, Potentate, etc.).
 Include the Point of contact (name, title, email address, phone number), organization and article approver.
 Copyrighted material must include written authorization or approval by the copyright holder.
Format



Microsoft Word with 12 point font is preferred, however PDF files are acceptable.
All photos must have captions and if practical, include the names of each person shown, as appropriate.
Photo file formats: JPEG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, and PDF.
Note
The Editorial Staff will endeavor to preserve the essence of an author’s original submission; however, we reserve the
right to abbreviate, append, delete, or otherwise edit all articles to enhance readability, or to engender clarity, succinctness, or suitability.
Please email your inputs directly to the Editor at [email protected].
Most Respectfully,
Bro. Steve C. Isom— Editor
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THE MASONIC FAMILY
GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD
Melvin M. Thorpe, MWGM
Lee A. Taylor, Jr., DGM
Noel C. Osborne, Sr., SGW
Philip S. Lewis, Sr., JGW
Wilbert Cooper, GT
William Davidson, III, GS
Faye H. Williams, GWM
Herman I. Williams, GWP
LeRoy A. Lassiter, Deputy of Orient (AASR)
Dawn Y. Harvey, SGLLR
Medford J. Campbell, MEGHP
Joan D. Campbell, MAGM
Samuel A. Henry, MWGJ
Richard V. Johnson, TIGM
Maryland A. Young, LOCOP
James F. Westcott, MEGC
Linza Harvey, MRGC
Fred L. Bennett, MRGCE
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
MWGM Melvin M. Thorpe, Editor-In-Chief
WM Steve C. Isom, Editor
RW Stanley R. Conyer, Deputy Editor
RW Willie A. Smith, Grand Photographer
Article Submission Deadlines: 15 Mar, 15 Jun, 15 Sep, 15 Dec
Inquiries should be sent to:
Newsletter Editorial Team
Email: web [email protected] or scisom35 @yahoo.com
130 Eutaw Place, altimore, MD 2121
Phone: 10- 9- 9 Fax: 10- 2- 22
“Let’s Finish What God Started”
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