York Rite Bulletin – Online Edition National Masonic Newsletter ISSUE 2 APRIL 2010 In this issue Who Will Govern Our Lodge… pg 1 Smooth Ashlar GL teams up …. pg 3 Dorcas Grand Chapter Canned… pg 4 What’s is in a Name pg 5 Pennsylvania Member Appointed…pg 7 GA High School works with SA GL. pg 8 In Honor of Black History Month pg 9 Reading Across America pg 10 Virginia Celebrates Service of… pg 11 OES Initiations pg 12 Maryland GL Fundraiser pg 13 Mercedes Kids Race pg 14 OES Visit Local Nursing Homes pg 15 Go Red for Women Night pg 16 Lydia GC Crusaders Weekender pg 18 Brothers at Michael Baisden… pg 19 Esther Day Celebration in AR pg 20 Info/Announcements pg 21-35 Upcoming Events pg 36 Message from NYRB Editor Thanks to all for your continued support of the York Rite Bulletin. In order to keep this bulletin informative and interesting, I am asking for ALL members to be more aggressive in getting your articles to your State Editors in a timely manner. The next issue of the York Rite Bulletin will be distributed at the end of August. So please ensure that you State Editor has all of your articles no later than August 5, 2010. This gives you ample time to write your articles and provide pictures for the next issue. Thanks in advance for your cooperation in this manner! Vonderia L. Yeldell National YRB Editor Who will govern our Lodge, Chapter, and Grand Lodge is a question that has been on my mind for several years. It is a great concern of mine. I ask this question? Are we putting qualified leaders in positions of authority in our Lodges, Chapters, Departments, and Grand Lodges? In my Masonic travel, I have seen the elected officers who have sat in the south and west for years. When elevated to the East, they seem lost. Are we being fair to our Brothers and Sisters by electing them to positions they cannot succeed in? Are we doing our job when we don’t hold them accountable to the position in which they were elected to govern? My answer would be no we are not. Instead we wait until it is too late, a year or two or three. In the meantime, our attendance is dropping, no work is on the trestle board, and we are sitting around looking for someone else to blame. Surely the East isn’t the place for OJT (on the job training).Is it fair to our Lodge, Chapter and our organization? Sooner or later you may see this Brother or Sister on the Grand Lodge level where they will wait to become a Department Head or Grand Master and not perform acceptably. This problem is not new, regardless of what jurisdiction you are in. Maybe you are a NIMGL Brother or Sister. (Not in my Grand Lodge)? We should know the Brother or Sister we are electing to lead us. However, we tend to make our elections more personal rather than what’s best for the organization. Past National Grand Master Norman Woodard stated, “Friendship for leadership is a sinking ship.” We choose not to hurt the person’s feelings by electing them, or we conclude that he/she has served in that position for years and we should give them a chance when we know he/she may be incapable of performing the duties required. Just being a good Brother or Sister alone can longer be the prerequisite for electing our leaders. Too many instances, I am seeing elected officers who can’t carry a motion and are unfamiliar with the procedures it takes to get the members up or sit them down. If any organization is going to survive, members must elect capable persons to serve in positions of authority. We, as members, must demand that our officers do a better job. If not, our lodges, Chapters, etc., will die out. We must begin to seriously look at who we placing in Who Will Govern Our Lodge, Chapter, and Grand Lodge? Written By: National Grand Master Clyde Shepard
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Transcript
York Rite Bulletin – Online Edition
National Masonic Newsletter
ISSUE 2 APRIL 2010
In this issue
Who Will Govern Our Lodge… pg 1
Smooth Ashlar GL teams up …. pg 3
Dorcas Grand Chapter Canned… pg 4
What’s is in a Name pg 5
Pennsylvania Member Appointed…pg 7
GA High School works with SA GL. pg 8
In Honor of Black History Month pg 9
Reading Across America pg 10
Virginia Celebrates Service of… pg 11
OES Initiations pg 12
Maryland GL Fundraiser pg 13
Mercedes Kids Race pg 14
OES Visit Local Nursing Homes pg 15
Go Red for Women Night pg 16
Lydia GC Crusaders Weekender pg 18
Brothers at Michael Baisden… pg 19
Esther Day Celebration in AR pg 20
Info/Announcements pg 21-35
Upcoming Events pg 36
Message from NYRB Editor
Thanks to all for your continued
support of the York Rite Bulletin.
In order to keep this bulletin
informative and interesting, I am
asking for ALL members to be
more aggressive in getting your
articles to your State Editors in a
timely manner. The next issue of
the York Rite Bulletin will be
distributed at the end of August.
So please ensure that you State
Editor has all of your articles no
later than August 5, 2010. This
gives you ample time to write your
articles and provide pictures for
the next issue. Thanks in advance
for your cooperation in this
manner!
Vonderia L. Yeldell
National YRB Editor
Who will govern our Lodge, Chapter, and Grand Lodge is a
question that has been on my mind for several years. It is a great concern
of mine. I ask this question? Are we putting qualified leaders in positions
of authority in our Lodges, Chapters, Departments, and Grand Lodges? In
my Masonic travel, I have seen the elected officers who have sat in the
south and west for years. When elevated to the East, they seem lost. Are
we being fair to our Brothers and Sisters by electing them to positions
they cannot succeed in? Are we doing our job when we don’t hold them
accountable to the position in which they were elected to govern? My
answer would be no we are not. Instead we wait until it is too late, a year
or two or three. In the meantime, our attendance is dropping, no work is
on the trestle board, and we are sitting around looking for someone else
to blame. Surely the East isn’t the place for OJT (on the job training).Is it
fair to our Lodge, Chapter and our organization? Sooner or later you may
see this Brother or Sister on the Grand Lodge level where they will wait to
become a Department Head or Grand Master and not perform
acceptably. This problem is not new, regardless of what jurisdiction you
are in. Maybe you are a NIMGL Brother or Sister. (Not in my Grand
Lodge)?
We should know the Brother or Sister we are electing to lead us.
However, we tend to make our elections more personal rather than
what’s best for the organization. Past National Grand Master Norman
Woodard stated, “Friendship for leadership is a sinking ship.” We choose
not to hurt the person’s feelings by electing them, or we conclude that
he/she has served in that position for years and we should give them a
chance when we know he/she may be incapable of performing the duties
required. Just being a good Brother or Sister alone can longer be the
prerequisite for electing our leaders. Too many instances, I am seeing
elected officers who can’t carry a motion and are unfamiliar with the
procedures it takes to get the members up or sit them down.
If any organization is going to survive, members must elect
capable persons to serve in positions of authority. We, as members, must
demand that our officers do a better job. If not, our lodges, Chapters, etc.,
will die out. We must begin to seriously look at who we placing in
Who Will Govern Our Lodge, Chapter, and Grand Lodge? Written By: National Grand Master Clyde Shepard
2
positions of authority. Is the person qualified, and does he/she have the ritualistic and administrative
ability to do the job?
When I served as Grand Master for the Most Worshipful Palmetto Grand Lodge, my four years
were very rewarding. I had the opportunity to visit many Lodges. I put emphasis observing the opening,
seeing if there was an agenda present, attending to what was on the trestle board, and how the
meeting was being conducted, to help me understand whether the WM was following procedures. I
also attended to the line officers to see how they conducted themselves. All of these observations gave
me insight as to how the Lodge was growing.
Brothers and Sisters, take time to prepare yourselves. Have your plans together before you
consider taking a position. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in the East. Whatever position it is, be the
best you can be in it.
Some suggested readings that will help improve your leadership skills are: The Servant by James C.
Hunter, The Leadership Compass by Ed Ruggero and Dennis F. Haley, The four Obsessions of an
Extraordinary Executive by Patrick Lenncioni and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader by John C.
Maxwell.
3
The devastation of the earthquakes in Haiti is no longer breaking news to the citizens of the United States.
The images of suffering that the men, women and children of that island nation have been forced to endure have
been a constant reminder that something must be done.
Many have stepped up to that call for action, offering their time, talent and resources, and Georgia’s Smooth
Ashlar Grand Lodge has joined the fight as well.
January 29 and 30, 2010 brothers and sisters of the organization met at grand lodge headquarters and at the
House of Faith Prayer Ministry in Decatur, Georgia to gather water, personal hygiene items, clothing and non-
perishable food items to send to the people of Haiti. The items were generated by local lodges and chapters as well
as from donations from citizens.
The effort of the brothers and sisters resulted in two truckloads of goods to be delivered in the following
days. “We thank everyone for doing their part, but there is a lot more that needs to be done,” said Bro. Clarence
Hayes, Jr., Grand Master. “We plan to continue this effort and collect items at our upcoming workshop in March
(5-6).”
Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge partnered with the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless organization to
ensure the donations were delivered to where they are needed. Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless was
founded in 1971 by civil rights leaders Hosea Williams and his wife Juanita T. Williams. Rooted in the principals
of the Civil Rights Movement, the organization’s mission is to ensure that people have meals for their bodies,
education for their minds and dignity for their spirits.
Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge Teams Up for Haiti Relief
Herschel J. Grangent, Jr. – Georgia State Editor
4
On March 6, 2010, Dorcas Grand Chapter
committed to having a canned good drive for the
Dallas Area. The collected items were donated to
the North Texas Food Bank. The North Texas Food
Bank distributes donated, purchased and prepared
foods through a network of feeding programs in 13
North Texas counties. Due to our commitment to
serve the Dorcas Grand Chapter provided over 650
cans/dried good items to the North Texas Food
Bank! Super huge hugs and congrats to all the
Chapters that make up Dorcas Grand Chapter of
Texas!
Dorcas Grand Chapter Canned Food Drive
Kimberly Tripps – Texas State Editor
5
What Is In A Name
Written by: Cedric Lewis – GM, MW PHGL Mississippi
Prince Hall Origin - National Compact
LaShunda Blake – Mississippi State Editor
Free & Accepted Ancient York Masons, Prince Hall Origin- National Compact; this is the title affixed
to all Compact Grand Lodges. I think some degree of explanation should be given to all members so they
will now know from whence our title came.
We must go back to the British Isles in the late 1700’s when a split occurred in the Grand Lodge of
England. The split occurred because the Grand Lodge while in session was forcing a hand to eradicate the
Royal Arch degrees as a part of the degree work. Most Masonic work in that era took place in the Fellow
Craft degree. As a matter of fact, “Fellows” were full members of the lodge, and entitled to all rights and
privileges. The Master’s degree was rarely conferred, and was then acclaimed as much as the thirty-third
degree is today. A great unrest existed as a result of the Grand Lodges proposed action, and lodges
started claiming their independence and reorganized themselves in England, Ireland and Scotland as
“Ancient” Grand Lodges. The Grand Lodge of England became known as the “Modern” Grand Lodge
because of the innovations they enacted to the ritual.
All Ancient Lodges conferred the Royal Arch degrees in the Master Masons degree. The Modern
Grand Lodge did not recognize the Royal Arch degrees at all. The split took place in 1773, and a union did
not take place until 1813.
Prince Hall was made a mason in a lodge under the auspices of the Ancient Grand Lodge of Ireland.
With that in mind, Prince Hall was in fact a Royal Arch mason. Many go as far as to say that part of the
legend of the 3rd degree at that time was to be dubbed to the Knights Templar degree.
What is interesting is that when Prince Hall decided to request a charter, he initially requested it
through the Grand Lodge of Ireland, of which the Irish Lodge #441 was chartered from. This is the lodge
Prince Hall was Entered, Passed and Raised in. The original request to the Grand Lodge of Ireland
(Ancient) never made it to the Grand Lodge; had it, we could all very well be Prince Hall Masons beholding
to Irish Constitution. Prince Hall sent a request to the Grand Lodge of England (Modern) and received a
charter (warrant) for African Lodge #459. That is equivalent to one of us asking the International Masonic
Body for a charter to establish a Masonic lodge. How would the Internationals know for certain that we
were already Masons if they were not privy to any of the records of our Grand Lodges? They wouldn’t! But
at any rate, this was the action Prince Hall took.
When we call ourselves Ancient York Rite, we are in essence stating that we acknowledge the
original workings of the degrees; Blue, Royal Arch, Knights Templar. Part of this was our forefathers
thumbing their noses at the Grand Lodge of England for not acknowledging them for the many years that
African Lodge attempted to communicate with the Grand Lodge of England. The Ancient’s thumbed their
noses at the Grand Lodge of England in a similar fashion when they reorganized themselves into Grand
Lodges styled Ancient Free & Accepted Masons.
6
The White Grand Lodges have a host of different letters affixed to their Grand Lodge titles; F&AM,
AF&AM, F&AAM, AYR. Those who claim F&AM are in essence stating that their origins are from the Modern
Grand Lodge of England. Those with AF&AM are in essence stating that their origins are from one of the
Ancient Grand Lodges. The F&AAM Grand Lodge is claiming an Ancient Grand Lodge origin.
The White Grand Lodges also attempted to form a National Grand Lodge as early as 1842. Had they
done so, who knows what combination of letters would be affixed to their Grand Lodge names. It was much
easier for our brothers of color to follow through with creating a National Grand Lodge because
overwhelmingly, we were all introduced to the Order through the lineage of African Lodge #459.
The existing Prince Hall Grand Lodges (PHA) has all affixed F&AM to their titles. This did not take
place with them until after the year 1944. Prior to that year the PHA Grand Lodges had a host of titles
affixed to their Grand Lodge titles, including F&AAYM. Because African Lodge #459 was a lodge chartered
by the Modern Grand Lodge of England (F&AM), part of this is accurate. However, the ritual that most PHA
and PHO Grand Lodges use is derived from an Ancient practice of the work. Prince Hall masons (National
Compact included) are legal/regular by the charter issued by the Modern Grand Lodge of England, but we
overwhelming practice the use of an Ancient Grand Lodge ritual.
In summary, Prince Hall masons origin of introduction to freemasonry is through Ancient
Constitutions, usages and customs. Our legitimacy is through what was known as the Modern Constitutions.
7
The Governor of the State of Pennsylvania, Edward G. Rendell, nominated Sister Paulet
E. Washington of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to a member of the State Board of Nursing. On
June 15, 2009 the Senate confirmed her appointment. Sister Washington oath of office is being
prepared by the Department of State. The commission was issued under Governor Edward G.
Rendell’s signature and under the Great Seal of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, memorializes
her appointment. As a member of the State Board of Nursing, Sister Washington is subject to the
Public Official and Employee Ethics Act (Ethics Act), 66 Pa. C.S. 1101 et seq., and the Governor’s
Code of Conduct, Executive Order 1988-18 Amended. Sister Washington is the daughter of the
late Daughter Constance Washington, who was the Grand Illustrious Commandress of the
Daughter of Isis for the State of Pennsylvania for many years. Sis. Paulet Washington has been a
nurse for over 30 years. She retired from her job16 years ago but not from Nursing. Sister
Washington has been a member of Adah Chapter Order of Eastern Star of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania for 47 years. Sister Washington was the secretary of her chapter for over 10 years
and now she is serving as the Worthy Matron. She also has held the position of the Chairperson
of the Grand Nursing Committee for the State of Pennsylvania for several years. Please, along
with the members of the State of Pennsylvania, congratulate Sister Paulet E. Washington on her
appointment by the Governor of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Member Appointed to State Board of
Nursing
Grace Bufford-Boone – Pennsylvania State Editor
8
Over the past months, many have answered the call for the earthquake victims of Haiti. But it hasn’t
just been the adults leading the charge.
Jackson High School in Jackson, Ga has proven a leader in the effort as they teamed with Georgia’s
Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge to gather much-needed items for those in need following the tragedy.
Throughout the month of January, the “Red Devil” nation came together gathering bottled water,
clothing and other goods to send to Haiti.
“At first it was a contest to see which classroom could gather the most bottled water, and the winner
was supposed to get a pizza party” said Bro. Lester Clark, Worshipful Master of St. Mark Lodge #406 in
Jackson. “It wound up being so much that the whole school is going to get a party.”
Jackson High Graduation Coach Dary Myricks was the catalyst in getting the students motivated to
gather donations.
The efforts of the students translated into more than 200 cases of water and countless articles of
clothing. All items were pooled with the donations gathered by Smooth Ashlar and transferred to the Hosea
Feed the Hungry and Homeless foundation to be delivered to Haiti.
“We thank everyone for doing their part, but there is a lot more that needs to be done,” said Bro.
Clarence Hayes, Jr., Grand Master for the State of Georgia.
“We plan to continue this effort and collect items at our upcoming workshop in March (5-6).”
Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge partnered with the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless organization to
ensure the donations were delivered to where they are needed. Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless was
founded in 1971 by civil rights leaders Hosea Williams and his wife Juanita T. Williams. Rooted in the principals
of the Civil Rights Movement, the organization’s mission is to ensure that people have meals for their bodies,
education for their minds and dignity for their spirits.
Georgia High School Works with Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge for Haiti
Herschel J. Grangent, Jr. – Georgia State Editor
9
10
Reading Across America Written by: Demetrius Gordon Vonderia Yeldell– Alabama State Editor
During the month of March, Damascus Lodge #2 took on the task of participating in the Reading Across
America Program at Booker T. Washington K-8 School, in Birmingham, Alabama. This program idea stemmed from
the collaboration of Brother Demetrius Gordon and his wife Chandra Gordon who is on the faculty at Washington
school. The brothers in participation for this program included: Brother Jacob Bell, Worshipful Master, Brother
Demetrius Gordon, Secretary, and Brother Kejuan Mitchell, Tyler. They read to all the elementary students in grades
K-5. The feedback received from the students was amazing! They were very energetic and had lots of questions for
us. The teachers were also happy to see us take time out for their students and answer questions and interact with
them the way we did. We will continue to serve our communities, especially focusing on the youth, elderly, and
providing ways and examples for the African-American Communities to empower their lives. Our next project will be
the Sickle Cell Walk on May 1, 2010 at Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham, AL.
11
ON MARCH 19, 2010, MEMBERS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS CAME
TOGETHER AT THE HOLIDAY INN – TANGLEWOOD, IN ROANOKE VA TO
CELEBRATE YEARS OF SERVICE. PRIOR TO BEING GRAND MASTER FOR SIX
YEARS, HE HAS ALSO SERVED AS GRAND POTENTATE FOR STATE OF
VIRGINIA AND GRAND SECRETARY, WHICH HE SERVED EACH OFFICE WELL.
A DELICIOUS BANQUET WAS SERVED, MANY ACCOLADES, TOKENS OF
APPRECIATION WERE GIVEN. FOOD, LAUGHTER AND FUN WAS ENJOYED.
CITY ____________________________ STATE _________ ZIP ___________
TITLE – Grand Council/Court:
TITLE – Subordinate Temple/Court:
Registration Deadlines:
Postmarked On or Before April 30, 2010 - $45.00-Members
After April 30, 2010 and Onsite - $55.00 -Members
Non-Members - $40.00
Hotel Fees/Deadlines:
Motel 6 – Montgomery, AL
Courtyard Rooms - $69.00 per night
When making reservations ask for Khedive Grand Council of Shriners Group Rate!
To receive discounted rates, all room reservations must be received by April 30, 2010.
Make Checks Payable to: Khedive Grand Council of Shriners
Mail Checks: Vonderia Yeldell MAIN HOTEL
9580 Eastpointe Circle Motel 6
Birmingham, AL 35217 2705 East South Blvd
Montgomery, AL 36116
(334) 288-2800
29
ISLAM SHRINE TEMPLE No. 1
&
ISLAM COURT No. 1, DOI
Oasis of Columbia, Desert of South Carolina
proudly present
GALA DAY 2010 “Under the Stars” August 26 – 29, 2010
Greetings, The Nobles and Daughters of Islam Shrine & Court No.1 would like to welcome each of you to the Oasis of Columbia as we celebrate Gala Day 2010. We know each of you will have a great time while visiting our city. Each committee is diligently working to cover all bases to insure your visit is enjoyable and memorable. We will not leave any stone unturned. As your host, your comfort and satisfaction is our top priority. You can go to www.islamshrinetemple1.com to register for Gala Day and make hotel reservations. Remember, the cutoff date for room reservations at the Hilton Hotel is July 26, 2010. Attached is a tentative schedule of events planned for our weekend of August 26–29, 2010. Once again, we look forward to each of you celebrating Gala Day 2010 “Under the Stars” we us. Fraternally, Noble Willie T. Goins Daughter Angela Evans Illustrious Potentate Illustrious Commandress Noble Kenith Salley Daughter Loretta Brown Illustrious Grand Potentate Illustrious Grand Commandress
In September, Sister LaKesha Shahid opened up her firm Baker
Shahid LLC. Her office is located at 4200 Carmichael Court N,
Montgomery, AL 36106. She can be reached at 334-279-5399.
Attorney Shahid specializes in:
Domestic Relations
Personal Injury
Adoptions
Estate Planning
General/Civil law
Employment Law
Guardianship/Conservatorship
If you are in need of an attorney, please feel free to contact Attorney
Shahid.
Book Publication
Kudos to Brother Richard L. James. Grand Master of West Virginia
on his recent publication of a book titled “In the Hollow one mile
from here”. Check out his link for more information by visiting his
website at www.inthehollow.net . The book is priced at $19.95 +
$1.20 sales tax + $2.38 postage and can be purchased by sending
a check or money in the amount of $23.53, made payable to
Richard L. James, P. O. Box 7248, Cross Lanes, WV 25356, or by
calling (304) 543-0034. Please allow 4 to 7 days for delivery.
Also, the book can be purchased at Waldenbooks, Barns and Noble
and Baker and Taylor Distributors. Please enjoy.
Sickness
Marriages
Births
In Remembrance
The husband of our Past National
Grand Musician, Sister Ellie
Mackie, passed on Wednesday,
February 10, 2010.
Brother Clemmie Trotter, the Past
Grand OES Patron of Queen
Esther Grand Chapter, Alabama,
passed on February 13, 2010.
Sister Eva Mae Walton, a faithful
member of Mary Chapter #34,
Lanett, Alabama passed on
February 13, 2010.
The passing of the youngest
Brother of Past National Grand
OES Patron, Brother Walter
Robinson.
Little Bonnie, Granddaughter of
Bonnie Clark from the state of
California, passed away on Friday
April 2, 2010 at 2:45 PM. She
was a 2008 Scholarship recipient
from the National Supreme Court
Daughters of Isis.
The Honorable Louis C. Mackie,
Sr., Past Grand Master of
Palmetto Grand Lodge in South
Carolina passed away on
Wednesday, February 10, 2010.
Funeral Services were held on
Monday February 15, 2010.
The passing of Rebecca P. Whte, mother of Hon. Roland White, Jr, PGM of NY and NGP. Letters and Cards of Condolence can be sent to: Hon. Roland White, Jr. 962 E. 39th Street Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201