The Winter Bulletin
Published by the Cathedral; Washington, D.C.
Winter 2009
Vol. 1
Sovereign Grand
Commander’s Message
Sovereign Grand
Commander’s Allocution
Passages
123rd Annual Session
Historical Session
Portriats Unveiled
New Sovereigns
The Doctor Speaks
Break It On Down
Commentary
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Official Organ of the United Supreme Council, 33°
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
Prince Hall Affiliation
Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America, Inc.
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Monday, February 15, 2010 11:54:53 AM
The Winter Bulletin
Sovereign Grand
Commander’s
Message
My Illustrious Brothers:
As always, I pray that God has been gracious unto
each of you. Remember, our first duty is to honor
and obey Almighty God and live according to God’s
Immutable Laws.
During the past year ninety‐five of our
distinguished Brothers crossed‐over in homegoings
and now reside in that “celestial kingdom on high.”
I was deeply saddened at the passing of my
mentor, our beloved Sovereign Grand Commander
Emeritus Edgar Bridges, Sr. Notably Sovereign
Grand Inspector General Howard L. Woods
(Arkansas) and Grand Inspector General (Dr.)
Emerson Walden, MD (Maryland) departed our
ranks. Dr. Walden often assisted our Medical
Director and team. They as well as all of our
Brothers were and are loved by us. Hold on to the
memories and remember we promised and swore
in our obligations to care for their widows and that
this duty is never to be taken lightly. We promised;
we swore.
During our October 2009 session, Sovereign Grand
Inspector General Alvin K. Wilkins, Sr. was elected
Grand Minister of State for our United Supreme
Council. We congratulate him and those Grand
Inspectors General who were coroneted as
Sovereigns. They are listed in this edition. We are
grateful for their past service and look forward to
working with them in the future. We cannot thank
Sovereign Grand Inspector General Emeritus
Wilbur F. Fernander enough for his many years
service. Thank you brother Fernander and may our
God continue to bless and keep you.
In my allocution (printed in this edition) I have
expressed my concern about discord within our
masonic family and my hope for reconcialiation. I
have issued a “call for unity” throughout our Prince
Hall family. We must be united and work together
at every level if we are to remain strong. Our
existence depends upon it for “unity is strength.”
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This is not a time to “lay blame” but a time to work
together for the betterment of all. I have directed
our Illustrious Minister of State to implement a
series of written pamphlets to ensure openings and
closings of our several houses are uniform
throughout our Supreme Council Orients and
Valleys. We will publish them as fast as possible.
This is essential for growth and education, and
must be accomplished with a sense of urgency.
Finally, thank you for your dedication, zeal and
support during the past year. We could not and
cannot do it without you. Remember, “We are
only as strong as our weakest link.”
“God and My Right.”
DEARY VAUGHN, 33o
Sovereign Grand Commander
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The Winter Bulletin
United Supreme Council, 33°
Ancient and Accepted Scottish
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
Prince Hall Affiliation,
Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A.
1924 - 14th Street, Northwest - Washington, D.C. 20009-9998
S.G.I.G. DEARY VAUGHN, 33°°
SOVEREIGN GRAND COMMANDER
S.G.I.G. MARVIN CHAMBERS, 33°°
GRAND SECRETARY -GENERAL, H. E.
TO: Sovereign Grand Commander Solomon Wallace, Lieutenant Grand Commander Jones, Elected Officers, Sovereign
Grand Inspectors General, Officers and Members of this United Supreme Council, Most Worshipful Grand Masters, to
the leadership of the General Grand Conference of Royal Arch Masons, the General Grand Council of Royal and Select
Masters, the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
Sublime Princes, and to guests one and all, Good Morning.
INVOCATION: First giving honors to Almighty God—Creator of the Universe—thanking Him for all the great things He has
done and asking for His blessing as we deliberate during this session. Each year as we assemble, missing faces reminds
us of our mortality. Yesterday evening we paused in tribute to those Illustrious Sirs who have crossed the great divide.
The list is long—every name called struck a personal cord with someone in this session. The list has no end, for even as
we speak names are being added to the roll. We have suffered a great loss in the passing of our beloved mentor and
leader, Sovereign Grand Commander Emeritus Edgar Bridges, Sr. We know that the nature of things tells us that some of
us will not be here next year. God is gracious and He has granted each of us here another sunrise. We cherish this day,
but tomorrow is not promised—therefore we must always take time to thank Him for the life He has given us. Because
we know not the time or place, it is our solemn duty to make the most of whatever time we have left. We learned early
on to never enter into any great and important undertaking without first invoking the aid of Deity. As our Illustrious
Grand Prior comes forward to lead us to the Throne of Grace, I want our Grand Organist to lead us in song as we praise
God. Following the song, our Illustrious Grand Prior will lead us in prayer. And let us pray for those Brothers and Sisters
who have gone on before us—let us pray for the widows—for the families, and let us pray for ourselves, that what we do
in our daily lives will be pleasing to Almighty God. Do not forget those thousands of men and women in uniform who are
overseas in dangerous places—in service to us and to our nation.
I want to briefly speak to you this morning in the hope that during the coming year we will be of One Mind, One Heart
and One Purpose. As we celebrate this Tri‐annual Session, I am reminded of Frankie Beverly’s song, “We are One.” In
his song he reminds us that “We have our love, and no matter how it’s said or done, we are one no matter what we
do—we are one—love will see us through and we are one and that’s the way it is.” America is in deep trouble. I wish I
could tell you the State Of Our Nation is soon to recover, but the sad truth is we are facing some difficult months
ahead—even years before recovery. As we examine the STATE OF THE NATION, it is important that we as a people be
of One Mind—a mind that tells us, “to love thy neighbor as thyself.” This means we must not be divided as a nation as
we seek solutions to America’s problems. The state of our national and world economy has been and is especially hard
on minority America and minorities all over the world. Black Americans represent a large part of the unemployed.
Americans are suffering foreclosures on our homes—student loans to educate our children are extremely hard to come
by—millions of our citizens are without healthcare—America continues to incarcerate minorities disproportionately. As
our income decreases based on inflation, the prices for food, medicine, gasoline and services continue to rise. The
richest nation in the world can spend trillions on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but Congressional leaders do not want to
create a healthcare program to take care of our own citizens. Grandma used to say, “Charity begins at home and then
spreads abroad.” Corporations are continuing to send raw good overseas to be assembled thus saving them money in
manufacturing costs, yet still sell those products to us at high prices. They continue to move operations overseas to
escape our taxes and to hire low wage employees rather than hire Americans. We are still not satisfied with the way the
Veterans Administration is treating our veterans. Our retirement savings and 401K monies have disappeared. Where
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The Winter Bulletin
did the money go? How is it that America—working class America lost most of our savings while corporate CEO’s still get
huge bonuses? Some of us in the black community are doing well and probably in six figures or more. But the truth is
we are not doing well until all of us are doing well. This does not mean everybody should be in six figures. But when
Americans work all their lives and pay taxes and Social Security, all our lives—we should be entitled to healthcare,
education, safe neighborhoods, and a secure and decent retirement. We are a nation in crisis, but we are a nation that
has withstood many storms and challenges. We must be of One Mind—a nation united in our efforts and we must let
our voices be heard. If Congress continues to bicker and argue, we must adopt a mind‐set to change the face of
Congress through our vote. We must support the programs of President Obama—not because he is black, but because
he is the President trying to bring change for the good of America. We must let our elected leaders know how we feel
and where we stand on issues. The NAACP, Rev. Al Sharpton, Tavis Smiley and Bill Cosby cannot do it alone. We must
add our voices to theirs. Call your leaders—email them and for those of you who are not computer smart—your
grandchildren can send the email for you, but we must speak‐up now. Let them know we want them to stop bickering in
Washington and come to the table and craft a healthcare bill which will be good for all Americans. It does no good for us
to look back and cast blame on President Bush, Vice President Cheney or anyone else. It does not matter how and when
we arrived at this sad state. What is important is how we are going to turn things around. If you have never written
your Congressman or US Senator, now is the time. The address is simple. Write his or her title and name, Washington,
DC and Zip Code 20001—it will get there.
Last year I spoke to you about the myth we were telling our children for years—telling them they can grow‐up and
become President. The myth is now truth. I never dreamed that in my lifetime, I would see a man or woman of color as
President of the United States of America. This country was built with the calloused hands of minority citizens and
immigrants—World Wars were fought and won with the spilled blood of Americans of many different races, ethnic
backgrounds and religious creeds. Roads, bridges and buildings have been erected in the sweat of the melting pot of
Americans. At every level in our society, contributions of black Americans are evident. We are present on the tennis
courts and the Supreme Court—and to use some of Jesse’s words—we are present from the warehouse, smoke house,
pump house and outhouse to the White House. We are present and moving ahead in society’s arena, but all of this is of
little importance unless we use our influence and strength as a people to support whoever is in the White House
because America must not fail in our efforts to recover our economy. We can do it if we are of One Mind and also of
One Heart—a heart dedicated to doing everything we can at every level—working in our neighborhoods and
communities to further the President’s aims and goals. Do not listen to former Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele of
Maryland—listen to the voice of your conscious and listen to the voice of the man at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in
Washington. Remember the words of that champion for civil right, Senator Ted Kennedy. “Keep the dream alive.”
I stand here today to tell you the STATE OF PRINCE HALL MASONRY is on shaky ground and we need to “shore‐up” our
foundation. We have a proud history from African Lodge 459 to the present. Down through the ages there were
elements devoted to destroying Prince Hall Masonry. Tall Cedars in our forest sustained our fraternity. Willard Allen,
Jno G. Lewis, Amos T. Hall, Thurgood Marshall, Joseph L. H. Smith, Booker T. Alexander, X. L. Neal and Prince Hall and a
host of others devoted their lives to our fraternity. Our fraternity survived some very difficult times—times when society
did not trust us to meet in secret—times when Prince Hall Masons were accused of plotting against society—times when
we were accused of being a cult and plotting against our churches—and more importantly, times when our leaders of
the past were the voices against bigotry and injustice. External forces tried to destroy us, but we prevailed. Our leaders
of old left us a legacy built out of determination and dignity. And now we fight within. To borrow the words from a
famous comic strip from some years ago, “I have seen the enemy and it is us.” Let me say that again, “I have seen the
enemy and it is us.” How much longer will we see discord, distrust, discontent and disharmony within our fraternal
family? Again I appeal to the heads of all our national fraternal bodies—the leaders of our Grand Jurisdictions and the
Shrine to come to the table and reestablish our unity of One Purpose. The discord we are experiencing is detrimental to
the growth and future welfare of all Prince Hall fraternal bodies and the impact of that discord is being felt at every level
and in every house. Our strength through the ages has always been our unity—not our numbers.
The STATE OF SCOTTISH RITE Masonry is indeed affected by the discord within our Masonic family. Our membership
traditionally comes from “Blue Lodge Masons.” For many years the shrine’s membership has traditionally come by way
of Thirty‐second Degree Masons and Fourteenth Degree Knights Templar. Now this system is in jeopardy. I hope and
pray that all our difference can be resolved peacefully and meaningfully through dialogue and not by way of legal
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The Winter Bulletin
actions. I have said before, the life‐blood of our fraternal family is our ability to attract young men and young women
and induce them to join our ranks. We have learned through the years, that the best way to accomplish this is by the
example we set and not by what we say. Our actions must speak louder than our words. We are being watched and the
picture we paint –a picture reflecting internal strife is the worst example we can show. Three years ago I penned a
letter outlining the duties and responsibilities of a Grand Inspector General. To the Class of 2009, you will find it in your
Class Book. Read it—show it to members in your Consistory. We must hold ourselves to high standards. Those of us in
this chamber are here because we love freemasonry—it is in our hearts. We are of One Heart. We must conduct
ourselves with dignity. Do the right things in private as well as in public. Remember one of our purposes is to make
good men better. We can accomplish this as we search for divine truth and as we extend our hands to help our
fellowman. We must continue to be a positive influence throughout our communities as we seek ways to better the
condition of mankind.
As always, I must remind you of our duty to visit the sick and shut‐in. Take care of our widows. I ask you to do three
things—nothing new—nothing difficult—I am asking you to Lead, to be Dedicated and to be Committed. Lead by
example—not simply within our fraternity, but lead within our communities and especially within our churches. This is
the absolute best way to impress and teach our youth. Let your conduct and habits speak for you. You accepted the
mantle of leadership when you accepted the rank and title Grand Inspector General. Stay dedicated. Maintain your zeal
for the institution of freemasonry and work to eliminate discord and disharmony. Strive to be a part of the solution and
not a part of the problem. Work to strengthen our Blue Lodges and actively participate in all houses in which you hold
membership. Sustain your commitment. Say what you will do and do what you say. Our word must be our bond. Stay
strong in the faith that our fraternity will last. Help it survive and grow by bringing in a new member each Masonic year.
Participate in meetings—not simply to be there but participate as a worker. The more you work, the more pleasure you
will have. Roll up your sleeves.
As we depart from this session, let us return to our respective Consistories and reinforce the theme: One Mind, One
Heart and One Purpose. Be of one mind as we labor in the pursuit of good and the destruction of evil. We have one
heart and the cause of human condition is our cause. The brotherly love which cements us binds our hearts together.
We are of one purpose—service to Almighty God and to our fellowman. John Wesley reminds us of our purpose with
these words:
“A charge to keep I have,
a God to glorify,
a never‐dying soul to save,
and fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powers engage
To do my Master’s will!”
I am truly grateful to all of you for the support you have shown me this year. It has been a very difficult year for the
Vaughn family. We will never be able to adequately express to you how thankful we are for your cards, prayers and the
outpouring of sympathy to help us during the devastating loss of our grandson. Thank you so much for caring. Continue
to pray for us that we will be able to enjoy a few more days and that we will do the right things. As I close I want you to
ponder this thought, someone said, “It is not what we get in this life, but it is what we give.” Thank you and I pray that
our Heavenly Father will continue to bless our United Supreme Council and each of you individually.
DEARY VAUGHN, 33o
Sovereign Grand Commander
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The Winter Bulletin
Elected Officers
United Supreme Council, 33o
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
Prince Hall Affiliation,
Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A.
The United Supreme Council Elected Officers
2009 - 2012
Illustrious William O. Jones, 33
Lieutenant Grand Commander
Illustrious Deary Vaughn, 33 °
°
Sovereign Grand Commander
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Illustrious Alvin K. Wilkins, 33°
Grand Minister of State
Illustrious Gilbert S. Reddings, 33
Grand Treasurer General, Holy Empire
Illustrious Ralph Slaughter, 33
Grand Chancellor
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Illustrious Marvin D. Chambers, 33
Grand Secretary General, Holy Empire
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Illustrious Wilbert M. Curtis, 33
Grand Auditor General
°
Illustrious William A. Marsh, Jr., 33
Grand Attorney General
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Illustrious Benjamin L. Hooks, 33
Grand Prior
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“God and My Right”
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The Winter Bulletin
Passages
In Memorium
o
Edgar Bridges, Sr., 33
Sovereign Grand Commander Emeritus
August 12, 1918 – September 7, 2009
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The Winter Bulletin
Passages
Edgar Bridges, Sr., 33o
Sovereign Grand Commander Emeritus
“In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread,
till thou return unto the ground; for out of it
wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto
dust shalt thou return.”
He was a man of remarkable courage as
exhibited during and before the civil rights
movement. He traveled the dangerous roads of
Mississippi in the fight for equality. He sought
change for a better America and had a vision
that one day, schools would be desegregated.
He epitomized the words of Dr. King, “He was a
Drum Major for Justice.”
Edgar Bridges, Sr.,
Illustrious leader and
mentor to thousands crossed over the calm sea
of life on September 7, 2009 destined to take his
rightful place in the presence of Almighty God.
He fought the good fight; he funished his course.
Our beloved Brother came into this world on
August 12, 1918 in Mississippi to proud parents
Kelly and Bessie Lewis Bridges. He knew God
and Christ at an early age and embraced the
teachings of the Holy Bible throughout his life.
His faith never wavered.
His masonic career is unparalleled. He served as
Lieutenant Grand Commander, Ancient and
Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction
and later as Sovereign Grand Commander
providing leadership and guidance to thousands
of Grand Inspectors General and Sublime
Princes, throughout the United States, Europe,
Asia and the Middle East. To sit and listen to
him was to learn, for he was a great teacher who
was uncanny in his ability to simplify life’s
lessons. He devoted many years service to the
Most Worshipful Stringer Grand Lodge, F&AM
(PHA) of Mississippi in numerous leadership
positions and subsequently as Most Worshipful
Grand Master. He was Grand Joshua Emeritus,
Heroines of Jerico and he was a distinguished
member and Lecturer for the Odd Fellows of
America.
Many of us are old enough to know that as we
travel our faith journey, we sometime encounter
people who leave a lasting imprint on our lives.
Through our interaction with them, we become
stronger, more spiritual and sometimes wiser.
Brother Bridges was such a man. He touched
many lives and mentored thousands. He was a
man of great character and dignity and carried
himself in a way that set the example for Sisters
and Brothers, not only within the masonic
family, but throughout society at large. To some
extent, he was a self-educated man who learned
from people and was endowed with tremendous
common sense. His passion for education and
community service was always evident and he
worked tirelessly, not only within his
community, but throughout the world spreading
the message that we must help others. Brother
Bridges knew that one of his purposes in life
was to help and support those in need, and he
knew that when he emptied his cup, helping
those in need, God was ever faithful in re-filling
the cup.
He was a devoted family man. His wife, Willie
Mae Newman Bridges and son Thad S. Bridges,
Sr. preceded him in death. However, his legacy
lives on through his sons, Alvin, Carvin, Edgar,
Louis and Amos and daughters Erma, Golda,
Eleanor, Carolyn, Ann and Betty as well as
through thirty-nine grand-children, fifty greatgrand-children and two great, great-grandchildren.
We loved him dearly and we will be telling his
story for many years to come.
Masons
throughout the world join with his family, his
friends and his community in celebrating his
“crossing the great divide.” The winds will
slowly erode his footprints in the sands of time,
but his imprint on our lives is indelibly etched in
our hearts and minds.
He attended a number of educational
institutions: Lawrence County Public Schools,
Prentiss Normal and Industrial Institute,
Waterman School of Technicians (Mobile, AL)
and Pacific Training School (Los Angeles, CA.)
He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in
Religious Education and Theology, and studies
in Systematic Theology from Mississippi Baptist
Seminary.
Farewell Edgar Bridges, Sr., Servant of God.
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The Winter Bulletin
Passages
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of
Arkansas, Prince Hall Affiliation. He was a
Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the
United Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall
Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., and
served as Grand Orator. In addition he was a
Past Master, Past District Deputy Grand Master,
Past
Grand
Secretary,
Past
Eminent
Commander, Past Eminent Grand Commander
and a Past Potentate. He was an Honorary Past
Grand Master in five Jurisdictions—Oklahoma,
Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas and Florida. He
was a walking Who’s Who and Encyclopedia in
Freemasonry. He truly spent his day—part in
prayer, part in labor and part in serving a friend
or Brother in time of need and his hands being
an engineer were always prompt to execute the
design. Brother Woods was a man possessing
great wisdom and he was extremely tactful when
interacting with Sisters and Brothers.
Rev. Howard L. Woods, 33o
Sovereign Grand Inspector General
“And I heard voices from heaven saying unto
me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in
the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit
that they may rest from their labours; and their
works do follow them.”
It has been said that the one certainty in life is
death. Each of us must return to the dust from
whence we came—we know not the time or
place. So it was that God’s faithful servant
Reverend Howard L. Woods “crossed-over” to
receive his heavenly reward on January 2, 2009.
Brother Woods was born to Chester A. (Sr.) and
Irene Elizabeth Colding Woods on February 2,
1931 in Natural Springs, Arkansas. He was
reared in Chicago and graduated from DuSable
High School and attended Philander Smith
College.
Sisters and Brothers, far and near, join his
family in lamenting his “crossing.” We are in
prayer with his wife, Tollye Woods, sons, Simon
and Michael, daughters, Anne Lorri, Neva,
Michelle, Zana and Robin and his mother Mrs.
Elizabeth Macklin, seventeen grandchildren,
eighteen great-grand-children and many
relatives and friends.
We have lost a Brother—a giant in Freemasonry
which should kindle within us a spirit of
gratitude and respect and we should strive to
imitate the virtues of his mind and heart and
keep his memory a pleasant remembrance.
Freemasonry does not sit in judgment of the
departed; however, one of Freemasonry’s
greatest divine attributes teaches us that one
great lesson, that even if we have judged, we
should at all times remain silent for the true
motto of the Craft is, Audi, Vide, Tace (Hear,
See and be Silent.) Brother Woods taught us
this valuable lesson by example. We are
convinced that Sovereign Grand Inspector
General Ho ward L. Woods has earned a
rightful place in that Celestial Kingdom on high.
May he enjoy his heavenly rewards and “bask”
in the light, bliss and grace of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ
Upon his return to Little Rock, Brother Woods
eventually united with St. Paul United Methodist
Church. He discovered that he had been gifted
with a voice and something to say, which led
him to the ministry. He was a teacher, speaker,
lecturer, and last but not least, a preacher of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. Following his retirement
as a Purchasing Agent with a realty firm in
1993, he continued his ministry and served
faithfully at St. Paul as the Associate Pastor. He
served on numerous boards and commissions,
notably as Chair, Arkansas State Police
Commission and as Troop Chair, Boys Scouts of
America.
MWGM Woods distinguished himself as a
“Mason among Masons” and leader having
served as Most Worshipful Grand Master for the
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The Winter Bulletin
123rd Annual Session - Washington, DC
Washington, District of Columbia
Washington Capitol Hyatt Capitol Hill
To Dr. Watkins and the staff, thank you for what you do to
accommodate us. Class presidents were busy informing and
organizing class reunions. The Sovereign Grand Commander
convened an Executive Session. The Saturday night concert
was more than we anticipated. Ms. Dorothy McClung Lewis,
from Mississippi, billed as “The Songbird of the South,”
presented songs in a vibrant voice that is truly a gift from God.
Some of her songs were reminiscent of her childhood.
Sovereign Grand Commander Vaughn heard her on one of his
visits to Mississippi and invited her to come to our session.
What a treat. She was given a standing ovation and was
followed by the Howard University Chorus which was as
expected, near flawless. Brothers and Sisters continued well
into the night visiting hospitality suites.
Dateline, Washington, D.C. Friday, October 9, 2009. I
arrived by air as did others. I encountered SGIG Charles
Davenport (South Carolina) and we rode to the hotel
together. We seem to always meet in the airport each year as
we come to the sessions. It was a very nice day in
Washington with a slight breeze blowing and a clear sky.
Upon arrival at the Capitol Hyatt, SGIG Willie Rucker, Jr.,
(Texas) Transportation Coordinator was busy assisting
Sisters and Brothers. The Rev. Dr. Paul Lowe (North
Carolina) was also outside greeting arrivals. SGIG Hubert
L. Reece (Texas) as usual, had done a remarkable job
coordinating rooms with the hotel staff, There were a few
minor “glitches.” All-in-all registration was fairly swift and
the hotel staff was very accommodating and courteous. The
hotel lobby was full as Sisters and Brothers used this time to
greet old friends, meet new one and get a bite to eat.
Unfortunately, one hotel cannot accommodate all of us and
Sisters and Brothers were registered in other hotels, but
many came to the Hyatt to fellowship.
Sunday, October 11, 2009.
The morning began with
breakfast for Actives, the Northern Jurisdiction, the Shrine
Delegation and invited guests. The second Executive Session
was held prior to church services. During the Sunday
morning worship service, Rev. Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks
(Tennessee) the Illustrious Grand Prior gave us a “soulstirring” sermon. A special treat was that Ms. Dorothy
McClung Lewis sang with the Scottish Rite Choir. The
Illustrious Grand Minister of State, SGIG Alvin K. Wilkins,
Sr., (Korea) conducted a special elevation for the special
dignitaries of the United Supreme Council following church
services. Also during the afternoon, SGIG Wilkins, assisted
by members from the Orient of Korea, unveiled beautiful
portraits of three of our beloved deceased Brothers--Amos T.
Hall, Thurgood Marshall and Dr. Charles H. Wesley. More is
said about them in this issue. SGIG Wilkins Assisted by
Saturday, October 10, 2009. Sisters and Brothers
continued to arrive throughout the day. SGIG Dr. Allen
Stewart (Mississippi) President Of our Charitable
Foundation convened a meeting and presented a very
comprehensive report detailing our charitable contributions
for this year. A lot of things were ongoing at the same time.
SGIG Calvin Miller, II (Alabama) was organizing the Class
of 2009. SGIG Dr. Ulysses W. Watkins, Jr. (Texas) and his
medical team were medically screening Brothers. Don't
even think about what it would cost if we were to
compensate these fine doctors for their services.
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The Winter Bulletin
123rd Annual Session - Washington, DC Continued
SGIG William J. L. Crisp (Maryland) and GIG Robert H.
Taylor (Maryland) conducted an Educational Symposium
which was well received as indicated by numerous favorable
comments. As usual the Divine Service on Sunday evening
was sad but inspirational as we heard the names of those who
have “gone on before us.” Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr.
(AME) delivered a stirring sermon befitting the occasion.
By MWGM McWilliams, MWPHGL of DC, MWGM Kwami
Acquash, AF&AM of DC, Sovereign Grand Commander
Ronald A. Seale, Southern Masonic Jurisdiction, AASR,
Sovereign Grand Commander, John Wm. McNaughton,
Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, AASR and our own Sovereign
Grand Commander Solomon Wallace, Northern Jurisdiction,
PHA, spoke briefly.
Monday, October 12, 2009. We began breakfast very early
but after having visited several hospitality suites on Sunday
night, I had some difficulty with early rising and I am
reasonably sure and probably right in suggesting some
Brothers were in the same “sleepy-headed” mode as I.
Nevertheless the breakfast was hosted by Most Worshipful
Grand Master, David A. McWilliams, Sr., host Grand Master,
MWPHGL of the District of Columbia. After breakfast the
United Supreme Council convened in full ceremonial.
Following the reception of various delegations and dignitaries
and remarks, because of time constraints, Sovereign Grand
Commander Vaughn decided to forgo his allocution and
directed that it be included in its entirety in this edition of the
bulletin. The Thirty-third Degree - We immediately
prepared for degree work and The Edgar Bridges, Sr. Class of
2009 was escorted into the chambers where the Thirty-third
and last degree was conferred upon them by a degree team
from the Samuel T. Daniels Council of Deliberation, Orient of
Maryland. This was the highlight of Monday's session. The
team was headed by GIG Michael B. Allen, First
Four Sovereign Grand Commanders were assembled
together. This was an historical first. Wow!! Renown U.S.
Congressman John Lewis (Georgia) addressed the banquet
audience. We were also honored to have with us during the
banquet U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop, Jr. (Georgia) and
U.S. Congressman Al Green (Texas) both whom I was able to
talk with after the banquet. All three congressmen are Thirtythird Degree Masons with the degree having been conferred
upon Congressman Lewis during this session. It was an
enjoyable evening for all and a fitting culmination of a very
long day.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009. The Council reconvened during
the morning and Sovereign Grand Commander Vaughn called
for reports from committees. Some Sisters and Brothers had
already departed but there was still a very sizable crowd
attending the morning session. Sovereign Grand Commander
Vaughn expressed his gratitude for the support given him
during the year and especially thanked all dignitaries for
joining us during this 123rd Annual Session. He especially
thanked Sovereign Grand Commanders Seale, McNaughton,
Wallace and the Imperial Potentate, Oliver Washington, Jr.,
AEAONMS, Inc., and national heads of other masonic bodies
for their support. We then closed the session with our “Chain
of Union.” Conspicuously absent was our beloved Brother,
Illustrious Grand Minister of State, Emeritus, SGIG Wilbur
Fernander (Florida.) Sir, we miss you and wish you well and
God speed. (SGIG William J. L. Crisp)
Lieutenant Commander, Maryland COD. It was evident
the team prepared quite well. They did a superb job and
their Grand Master, MWGM Shelton D. Redden,
Illustrious Lieutenant Grand Commander Emeritus and
the Illustrious Deputy for Maryland, SGIG LeRoy A.
Lassiter were beaming with pride. I was also extremely
proud since several members of the degree team were my
protégés during my years in Maryland prior to moving to
North Carolina in 2003. The Sovereign Grand Commander
expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the degree team
and commended them for “a job well done.” He then issued
the challenge for other Orients to “step-up” with a team
prepared to confer the Thirty-third degree.
United Supreme Council,
Southern Jurisdiction Sessions Schedule
California has conferred the degree several times and this was
the first time for Maryland. Obviously California and
Maryland are ready and prepared to again confer the degree.
Following another Executive Session, we then prepared for
the evening banquet. The ladies were in their “finery” and the
Brothers did not look bad either. One of the highlights of the
evening was the announcement by the Sovereign Grand
Commander of Deputy of the Year. This honor and distinction
was garnered by the Illustrious Deputy for Louisiana, SGIG
William Moore, Jr. We congratulate you Illustrious Sir. The
Edgar Bridges, Sr. Class of 2009, led by their class leader, GIG
Sanchez A. Briscoe (North Carolina) presented a sizable
donation to our Charitable Foundation. In addition to remarks
Year
Dates
Place
2010
October 8 12
TBA
100
2011
October 7 11
South Carolina
95
2012
October 5 9
Washington, DC
2013
October 11 - 15
75
North Carolina
25
2014
October 10 - 14 Texas
5
0
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123rd replacement page
Monday, February 15, 2010 12:48:29 PM
The Winter Bulletin
An Historical Session
The 123rd Annual Session was unlike any
other in the history of our United Supreme
Council. For the first time in the history of
Scottish Rite Freemasonry, four Sovereign
Grand Commanders were together in
Washington, D. C. Just prior to our annual
session, the Sovereign Grand Commanders,
Northern and Southern Supreme Councils,
The Honorable John Wm. McNaughton ,
Northern Masonic Jurisdiction and The
Honorable Ronald A. Seale
, Southern
Masonic Jurisdiction invited and hosted our
Sovereign Grand Commanders, Illustrious
Solomon Wallace and Dr. Deary Vaughn
at their session. All four distinguished
leaders were present throughout our 123rd
Annual Session. Our distinguished visitors
“from across the aisle,”
were warmly
received including their wives. Sovereign
Grand Commanders Vaughn and Wallace
expressed their profound pleasure and
gratitude that freemasonry is changing and
someday we will realize a masonic family
wherein barriers such as race and color will
no longer matter.
Sovereign Grand
Commander Seale spoke of us coming
together from all walks of life. He stated
that although we have “come together” there
are still questions to be answered, alluding
to existing division which we must
overcome to realize full and total acceptance
by all subordinate bodies. It is enough to
say the wall is coming down, slowly but
surely.
Sovereign Grand Commander
McNaughton told the class they are the
future of freemasonry and it is an honor to
be a mason.
Both Sovereign Grand
Commanders Seale and McNaughton
pledged and generously donated to our
Charitable Foundation.
It was also mentioned and noted that there
will be a conference in Canada convened
sometime in the next year in which all
Sovereign Grand Commanders the world
over will attend. Sovereign Grand
Commanders Seale and McNaughton
extended invitations to our Sovereign Grand
Commanders to join them during this
forthcoming conference. Sovereign Grand
Commanders
Vaughn
and
Wallace
graciously accepted the invitations.
More History - Welcome from Two
Grand Masters
We were more than happy to have the host
Grand Master, Most Worshipful Grand
Master David A. McWilliams, Sr., Most
Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free
and Accepted Masons, P.H.A., officially
welcome us to the District of Columbia.
Most Worshipful McWilliams was with us
throughout the session. Again another first
occurred during our banquet. In addition to
Most Worshipful Grand Master McWilliams
officially welcoming all to the banquet,
Most Worshipful Grand Master Kwame
Acquaah, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons, Jurisdiction of the District of
Columbia also brought greeting and
welcomed us in behalf of his Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge.
To our
knowledge, Most Worshipful Grand Master
Acquaah holds the distinction of being the
first black person ever elected Most
Worshipful Grand Master of an AF&AM
Jurisdiction.
He is an attorney and
originally hails from Gyana. Yes the walls
are slowly but surely coming down. (GIG
Robert Taylor)
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The Winter Bulletin
Portraits of our Leaders
Several years ago, the Council of Deliberation,
Korea, embarked upon a monumental task of
preserving the history of our United Supreme
Council, Southern Jurisdiction, by capturing our
past leaders in oil paintings. Our aim is not only
to preserve our history, but to enhance
understanding and appreciation for what these
great men did not only for freemasonry, but
within their communities and our nation. Each
of our past leaders has a history as brave
pioneers who were unwilling to settle for the
status quo and who worked tirelessly and
diligently to change America from a nation of
segregation and “Jim Crowism” into a nation
wherein men and women of color could enjoy
equal opportunities and equal rights. We feel it
is important to preserve our heritage and
sustain our linkage to our glorious and
distinguished past. While I am no longer the
Illustrious Deputy for Korea, I do sincerely hope
the Council of Deliberation, Korea will continue
this honorable and noble project and continue
to appreciate this project as a “labor of love.”
Prior to our 123rd Annual Session, we presented
six portraits to our United Supreme Council. I
will not endeavor to express the history of each
for their accomplishments and dedicated
service to the Scottish Rite and Freemasonry in
general would require hours. While we have
not “captured” or unveiled Sovereign Grand
Commander Dr. Willard Wallace Allen, we
would be remiss if we did not remind you that
Dr. Allen holds the distinction as the longest
serving Sovereign Grand Commander having
held the position from 1929 until his death on
October 2, 1961. Dr. Allen also served as Most
Worshipful Grand Master of Maryland for
thirty‐eight consecutive years.
Sovereign Grand Commander Jno Gideon
Lewis, Jr., followed Dr. Allen and served from
October 1961 until his passing on April 1, 1979.
He was also Most Worshipful Grand Master of
the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of
Louisiana for many years and was often
described as “The Mason’s Mason.” Sovereign
Grand Commander Lewis was regarded in very
high esteem throughout the Prince Hall family.
The Illustrious Isadore Huddleston Clayborn, as
Lieutenant Grand Commander, succeeded
Brother Lewis as Sovereign Grand Commander.
He was also Most Worshipful Grand Master,
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of
Texas. Sovereign Grand Commander Clayborn
served in this capacity from April 1979 until his
peaceful and final rest on April 4, 1994. He was
a strong and forceful leader with great
compassion and empathy.
As Lieutenant Grand Commander, Sovereign
Grand Inspector General Samson Julius Bennett
succeeded Sovereign Grand Commander
Clayborn and served as Sovereign Grand
Commander from April 1994 until his eternal
rest in 1999. Like his predecessor, Brother
Clayborn, he also served as a Grand Master‐‐
Most Worshipful Grand Master, Most
Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama.
In 1999, Sovereign Grand Inspector General
Edgar Bridges, Sr. transisted from Lieutenant
Grand Commander to Sovereign Grand
Commander, upon the death of our beloved
Brother S. J. Bennett. He served as such until
October 2003. He too was a distinguished
Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Stringer
Grand Lodge of Mississippi, P.H.A. He was a
“freedom fighter” and traveled the rural roads
of Mississippi, at a dangerous time in our
history, often putting the welfare and safety of
his family at risk for civil rights.
In October 2003, our current Sovereign Grand
Commander, Sovereign Grand Commander Dr.
Deary Vaughn, succeeded Sovereign Grand
Commander Emeritus Edgar Bridges, Sr. Much
can be said about Dr. Vaughn and his masonic
journey, but his legacy is still being written.
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The Winter Bulletin
Portraits of our Leaders
Continued
In addition to the five Sovereign Grand
Commanders above, we believed that Sovereign
Grand Inspector General James Alexander
Mingo’s many years service as our Illustrious
Grand Secretary General of The Holy Empire
warranted special recognition and so we
honored along with our distinguished
Soverweign Grand Commanders. Brother
Mingo followed Dr. Charles H. Wesley as
Secretary General and served under two
Sovereign Grand Commanders—SGC Jno G.
Lewis, Jr. and SGC I. H. Clayborn. James
Alexander Mingo “went to higher ground” on
September 3, 1993.
During our 123rd Annual Session, we unveiled
three additional portraits of Scottish Rite
leaders who left their lasting imprint upon our
fraternity and who are and will continue to be
admired and respected for many years to come
by masons far and near and citizens of our
nation.
Dr. Charles H. Wesley
It was our distinct honor and privilege to
present Dr. Charles Harris Wesley, PhD. Dr.
Wesley was a noted African‐American historian,
educator, writer and author. Born in Louisville,
Kentucky, he graduated from Fisk University in
1911. He was awarded a graduate fellowship to
Yale where he waited
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on tables to earn his board while completing his
Master’s Degree in 1913. He received his
doctorate from Harvard and accepted a position
at Howard University where he served as Dean
of the Liberal Arts College and subsequently as
Dean of the Liberal Arts Graduate School. In
1942 he became President of Wilberforce
University (now Central State) from 1942 to
1947 then as President of Central State from
1947 until 1965 when he ended his teaching
career. Dr. Wesley was the fourteenth and a
five term General President and National
Historian for seven decades of Alpha Phi
Alpha—the first Greek‐letter fraternity
established for African‐Americans. As one of
the nation’s most eminent black scholars, he
wrote numerous works that broke ground in
preserving black history. His doctoral
dissertation, “Negro Labor in the United States
1850 to 1925: A Study in American Economic
History,” was considered the first scholarly
examination of the black labor force in the
period after slavery. Published in 1925, the
New York Times called it “a valuable
contribution to the economic history of the
United States.”
Dr. Wesley was an ordained minister in the AME
Church and Presiding Elder of the AME
Churches in Washington, D.C. He was also a
candidate for Bishop. He was a Prince Hall
Mason in the Jurisdiction of the District of
Columbia and a member of the United Supreme
Council, Southern Jurisdiction, Scottish Rite. He
authored several books on Prince Hall
Freemasonry, including “Prince Hall: Life and
Legacy” and wrote a dozen books on black
history. In 1974, at the age of 82, Dr. Wesley
came out of retirement to become the first
Director of the Afro‐American Historical and
Cultural Museum in Philadelphia. Dr. Charles
Harris Wesley accepted his reward of eternal
life on August 16, 1987 in Washington, D.C. and
is buried in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery,
Suitland, Maryland.
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The Winter Bulletin
Portraits of our Leaders Continued
Judge Hall was very active in Prince Hall
Freemasonry and served as Most Worshipful
Grand Master, Most Worshipful Prince Hall
Grand Lodge of Oklahoma from 1941 to 1971.
He was a pioneer who “dispatched” Prince Hall
Freemasonry abroad by establishing lodges in
Germany, Korea and Alaska. In April 1963,
Worshipful Master Ernest W. Armstrong (PHML
No. 140) wrote a letter to Sovereign Grand
Commander Jno G. Lewis requesting a
Consistory in Germany. The Sovereign Grand
Commander granted the request and in April
1963 sent Lieutenant Grand Commander,
Sovereign Grand Inspector General Amos T. Hall
to Germany to confer the required degrees and
constitute Prince Hall Military Consistory No.
304.
Judge Hall was very active in his church—
Morning Star Baptist Church of Tulsa and later
in the First Baptist Church of North Tulsa. For
his public service of more than forty years, he
received many honors and citations from civic
organizations including honorary doctoral
degrees from Wiley College and Langston
University. This quiet, peace‐loving and humble
man was a leader in the fight for desegregation.
Judge Amo T. Hall went to his final reward on
November 12, 1971 in Tulsa. He would have
been impressed by the list of distinguished
citizens who attended his funeral. Present were
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall
(one of his closest friends) Roy Wilkins, National
Director, NAACP, Oklahoma Govenor, The
Honorable David Hall, and the Mayor of Tulsa,
The Honorable Robert LaFortune among the
more than fifteen hundred who came to mourn
his death, extol his memory and hear the
seventy‐five year old jurist eulogized. In tribute,
Justice Marshall said, “He led the fight (for
desegregation) here and around the country in
the days when it was a little rough—and to say
a little rough is putting it mildly. It takes
strength to stand up quietly, lawfully, peacefully
and say, I will not be moved. I am going down
that road and nobody’s going to stop me. Amos
T. Hall did just that and he carried so many with
him.”
JudgeAmos T. Hall
Renown Prince Hall Mason, Lawyer and Judge,
Amos T. Hall became one of Oklahoma’s most
significant civil rights lawyers. Born October 2,
1896 in Bastrop, Louisiana he was educated
locally and graduated from Rust College in
Mississippi and Gilbert Industrial College in
Baldwin, Louisiana before moving to Tulsa,
Oklahoma in 1921. While working as a church
janitor, he acquired an old set of law books and
developed an interest in law. He became a
Justice of the Peace—which did not require a
law degree, and continued to study law at night.
A self‐taught lawyer, he passed the bar in 1925
and was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar
Association and the Tulsa County Bar
Association. Although soft‐spoken, he was a
dynamic advocate and articulate trial lawyer.
As the attorney for the Oklahoma Association of
Negro Teachers, he led the fight for equal
salaries for teachers via the case, “Freeman v.
Oklahoma City School Board, 1948.” He was
very active as a member of the NAACP and
served as the attorney for the Oklahoma NAACP
and was President of the Tulsa NAACP. For a
number of years he served as attorney for the
State Conference of Branches of the NAACP and
as a member of the National Legal Committee
of the NAACP. Brother Hall was appointed
Special Judge, District Court of Tulsa County in
1969. In 1970 he became the first African‐
American elected to a judicial position in
Oklahoma.
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The Winter Bulletin
Portraits of our Leaders Continued
emerging nations—Ghana and what is now
Tanzania.
After amassing an impressive record of
Supreme Court challenges to state‐sponsored
discrimination, including Brown v. Board
decision in 1954, President John F. Kennedy
appointed Marshall to the U.S. Court of Appeals
for the Second Circuit. While on this court he
wrote over one hundred and fifty decisions.
Biographers Michael Davis and Hunter Clark
noted that, “none of his ninety‐eight majority
decisions was ever reversed by the Supreme
Court.”
By 1948 Marshall was well known and was
deeply involved in a series of cases to help
blacks gain admission to law schools in Texas
and Oklahoma. These efforts had emptied the
treasury of the NAACP. Amos T. Hall, the
NAACP lawyer in Oklahoma, was President of
the Prince Hall Conference of Grand Masters
and suggested to Marshall if he joined the
lodge, he (Hall) could get some money for him.
He joined and from then on received substantial
contributions from the Masons. He became a
staunch mason and supporter of Freemasonry
and received many awards over the years. He
was coroneted an active member of the United
Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction, Scottish
Rite in October 1951. In 1961, when he was
appointed a Federal Judge, he was also elected
Grand Minister of State for the United Supreme
Council, Southern Jurisdiction. In 1965
President Lyndon Johnson appointed Judge
Marshall U.S. Solicitor General. In this capacity
he successful won fourteen of the nineteen
cases he argued before the Supreme Court on
behalf of the government. In 1967 he became
the first African‐American appointed as an
Associate Justice, United States Supreme Court.
He was a champion for justice and a voice for
voiceless Americans and a man of great
sensitivity toward racial injustice. Associate
Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, one
of the greatest jurist of this century, “closed his
book of life” on January 24, 1993. (SGIG Alvin K.
Wilkins, Sr.)
Justice Thurgood Marshall
We were delight to pay tribute to Thurgood
Marshall (the grandson of slave) who was born
in Baltimore, Maryland on July 2, 1908. Early on
his father instilled in him an appreciation for the
constitution and the rule of law. After high
school in 1925, he followed his brother to
Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. His
classmates included a distinguished group of
future black leaders such as poet and author
Langston Hughes, the future President of
Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah and musician Cab
Calloway. In 1930 he applied to the University
of Maryland Law School but was denied
because he was black—an event that was to
haunt and direct his future professional life.
That same year he was accepted in the Howard
University Law School and was influenced by
Dean Charles Hamilton Houston. Paramount in
Houston’s outlook was the need to overturn the
1898 Supreme Court ruling, Plessy v. Ferguson
which established the legal doctrine “separate
but equal.” His first major case came in 1933
when he successful sued the University of
Maryland to admit a young African‐American
named Donald Gaines Murray. Author H. L.
Mencken lauded him and at the same time
chided the University’s denial of blacks into the
law school as “brutal and absurd.” Thurgood
followed his Howard University mentor
(Houston) to New York and later became Chief
Counsel for the NAACP. During this period he
was asked by the United Nations and the United
Kingdom to help draft the constitutions of
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The Winter Bulletin
Constitutional Matters
Constitutional Changes and Ritualistic Matters
The Committee on Ritual and Ritualistic
Matters is reviewing and addressing
concerns, making corrections and making
changes as they pertain to the ritual and
ceremonies of the Rite. During the 123rd
Annual Session, this committee presented
some significant recommendations. One is
the revision of the Opening and Closing
Ceremonies for the Consistory. Note there
are no changes to the actual ceremony, but
more definitive instructions on how to set-up
and move about the Consistory. In additon,
more information will be included in the
revised pamphlet such as duties of officers
and motions according to Robert’s Rules of
Order. The recommended revision was
adopted and will be forthcoming soon.
AASR Houses during the opening and
conferring of all degrees.
A dispensation was approved and issued for
a Consistory and other houses in Iraq. We
wish our Brothers in arms well and pray this
Consistory will grow. Remember to keep
praying for the safety of our Sisters and
Brothers serving “in harms way.”
Lodge of Perfectio n – 2 Chronicles,
Chapter 3, Chapter of Rose C
roix –
Isaiah, Chapter 53, Council o f Ka dosh –
Isaiah, Chapter 6:8, Consistory – John,
Chapter 15:13.
Official notification of
adopted changes will be forthcoming from
the office of the Illustrious Grand Secretary
General and this information should be
passed to all AASR bodies in all Orients.
Research by the committee revealed that by
direction of Sovereign Grand Commander I.
H. Clayborn, the late Rev. (SGIG) Howard
L. Woods had previously researched and
provided biblical scriptures for each house
and these scriptures were accepted and
approvel by Sovereign Grand Commander
Clayborn. They were published in the
United Supreme Council’s “Quarterly” in
1981. The following biblical scriptures will
be used in all Orients of the United Supreme
Council, 33o, Ancient & Accepted Scottish
Rite of Freemasonry,
Prince Hall
Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction, USA:
Another recommendation which was
adopted is that the bible will be open in all
(SGIG A. K. Wilkins, Sr.)
Annual Educational Symposium
Each year during our annual session, we conduct an Educational Symposium. We present
lectures pertaining to Scottish Rite and time permitting, answer questions from the floor. We
present topics of historical and philosophical relevance to the Rite and Freemasonry. This forum
is open to all grades in the United Supreme Council and we encourage all to attend. While some
members may feel this forum is only for the class, I assure you this is not the case.
(SGIG A. K. Wilkins, Sr.)
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The Winter Bulletin
Editorial Staff
Efforts of worthy Sublime Princes, Grand Inspectors General and Loyal Ladies
We are more than willing to highlight efforts of worthy Sublime Princes, Grand
Inspectors General and Loyal Ladies who have distinguished themselves through
community service and other significant endeavors. We do ask that you “channel”
your articles and pictures through your Illustrious Deputies. Please caption
pictures on the reverse sides or at the bottom if transmitted via email. We, the staff
do reseve the right to edit articles, but we will always endeavor to maintain the
context and content befitting our Illustrious Brothers’ and Sisters’
accomplishments.
We prefer you email articles and pictures to us at
[email protected] or
[email protected] or mail to William J. L.
Crisp, 3804 Sunchase Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28306, and when in
doubt, call me at (H) 910-864-1669, (C) 910-818-5892.
The United Supreme Council, 33o
of the
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
Prince Hall Affiliation
Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America
The Bulletin Staff
Printed twice each year by The United Supreme Council, 33o
of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry,
Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A.
Editor-in-Chief: Ill. Deary Vaughn, 33o Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Ill Alvin K. Wilkins, Sr, 33o
o
Senior Editor and Staff Writer: Ill. William J. L. Crisp, 33
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Assistant Editors: Ill. Marvin D. Chambers, 33o Ill. Robert H. Taylor, 33o Ill. Michael B. Allen, 33o
Pictorial Editors: Ill. Alvin R. Kirk, 33oand Ill. Danny A. West, 33o
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The Winter Bulletin
New Sovereigns
Congratulations New Sovereigns
On Saturday, October 10, 2009, The
Illustrious Grand Minister of State,
Sovereign Grand Inspector General Alvin K.
Wilkins, Sr., (Korea) assisted by several
Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, in
ceremony coroneted two Grand Inspectors
General to the rank and title Sovereign
Grand Inspector General (Active.) We
congratulate Arvin W. Glass, Illustrious
Deputy for the Orient of Tennessee and
Pink J Garner, the Illustrious Deputy for
the Orient of Kentucky.
Orient of Korea, Jessie Smith, Orient of
Nevada, Dr. Donald R. Ware, MD, Orient
of California, Dr. Jackson L. Davis, III,
MD, Orient of the District of Columbia,
Anthony Ackwood and Anthony Bowen,
Orient of Oklahoma. On Sunday, October
11, 2009, the Illustrious Grand Minister of
State coroneted Robert M. L. Walker and
Wade Parham, Orient of North Carolina to
Sovereign Grand Inspector General (Active
Emeritus.) To each of you we offer our
congratulations and hope that you and the
members of your Orients are pleased with
your distinguished perferment.
We
anticipate that you will acquit yourselves in
demeanor and acumen befitting the rank and
title bestowed upon you. (SGIG William Crisp)
Also on Saturday, six Grand Inspectors
General were coroneted to the rank and title
Sovereign Grand Inspector General (Active
Emeritus.) They are Charles L. Perkins,
New Deputies Appointed
During our 123rd Annual Session, SGIG
Charles Alexander, Deputy for Missouri,
recommended to the Sovereign Grand
Commander that he be replaced. Based on
SGIG Alexander’s recommendation, the
Sovereign Grand Commander appointed
Grand Inspector General John L. Bogan,
Deputy for the Orient of Missouri. To
Brother Bogan, we congratulate you and
pray that you will do well in your new
assignment. We cannot possibly thank
SGIG Alexander enough for his many years
of dedicated service to our United Supreme
Council. He has been a tremendous asset to
his Orient but also a valuable contributing
citizen to his state. Although he has
stepped-down, we are confident he will still
be a voice of reason. Thank you Brother
Alexander for the man you are and for the
example you set in conduct and character.
Sovereign Grand Inspector General Jessie
Smith was appointed Deputy for Nevada.
We have known Jessie for many years and
we have always been impressed with his
ability to interact quietly but forcefully with
Sisters and Brothers.
Congratulations
Brother Smith.
Sovereign Grand Inspector General
Charles L. Perkins was appointed Deputy
for the Orient of Korea. Brother Perkins
now heads an Orient, primarily of military
members and an Orient which will challenge
him because of constant changes, as many of
his members leave Korea for other military
assignments.
Although the constant
“rotation” of Brothers ans Sisters presents
unique problems, Korea remains a strong
Orient.
We congratulate you Brother
Perkins. (GIG Robert H. Taylor)
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The Winter Bulletin
Special Degree Work Conducted
SGIG Wilkins was more than busy on
Saturday and Sunday conducting degree
work for a special class of distinguished
persons and was ably assisted by GIG Gale
M. Collins (North Carolina) and GIG
Nicholas Padilla (Maryland) and others.
Advanced to the Thirty-second degree were:
George E. Dickerson, Sr., Jacob Gillison,
Derrick A. Humphries, Bishop Samuel L.
Green, Sr. and Tim Smith.
Following the advancement, SGIG Wilkins,
in a special ceremony, elevated seventeen
Sublime Princes to the rank and title of
Grand Inspector General. Perhaps many of
you will recognize names as some are well
known within their respective Orients and
even nationally. Elevated to the Thirty-third
degree were: Illustrious John Lewis, U.S.
Congressman,
Georgia,
Illustrious
Barrington D. Scott, Illustrious Kenneth
Brewer, Sr., Illustrious Monroe Murdock,
Illustroius Carl Redus, Jr., Mayor of Pine
Bluff, Arkansas, Illustrious Jacob Gillison,
Illustrious Derrick A. Humphries, former
Attornye for the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Illustrious Rev. Dr.
William J. Barber, II, President of the
NAACP State Conference, North Carolina,
Illustrious Mike Espy, former U.S.
Secretary of Agriculture, Illustrious Bishop
Samuel L. Green, Sr., AME Bishop for
Arkansas and Oklahoma, Illustrious
Herman W. Young, Illustrious Louis
Smitherson, Illustrious James V. Blake,
Jr., Illustrious Tim Smith, Illustrious
George E. Dickerson, Sr., Illustrious Dr.
Ivan T. Moseley, Sr., PhD and Illustrious
Dr. Robert P. Brissett, DPM.
We
congratulate each of you and hope you will
associate with well informed Scottish Rite
Masons in your endeavors to learn. Well
done and well deserved.
The annals of the U.S. Congress are filled
with contributions to our nation made by
members of the Masonic Fraternity. Over
the years Prince Hall Masons have played a
prominent role. In recent years several
Prince Hall Brothers have continued to serve
our nation well. Among those in the 1990’s
have been Congressmen Jim Clyburn, South
Carolina, John Conyers, Jr., Michigan, Al
Green, Texas, Sanford Bishop, Georgia,
Charles Rangel, New York, G.K.
Butterfields, North Carolina, William Lacy
Clay, Jr. and Emmanual Cleaver, Missouri
just to name a few. As previously stated,
during our 123rd Annual Session,
Congressman John Lewis received the
Thirty-third degree. GIG Lewis has a
distinguished history. He was born the son
of a sharecropper on February 21, 1940
outside Troy, Alabama and grew up on his
family’s farm and like many of us born to
that era, he attended segregated public
schools. As a youngster, he witnessed the
Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the words of
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired
him to become active in the Civil Rights
Movement.
He
was
active
in
demonstrations from Fisk University to the
infamous Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma,
Alabama. It is enough to say he has
dedicated his life to equal rights and equal
opportunities for all people. He was elected
to Congress in 1986 and has served the
people of Georgia and the nation
continuously since then. John Lewis is a
legend and we are more than proud to
acknowledge him as a Prince Hall Brother.
We thank you Congressman Lewis, for your
unblimished service to the people of our
nation. May God continued to bless you.
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(SGIG William Crisp)
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The Winter Bulletin
The Doctor Speaks
telephone directories. Other sources of
information include testimonials, quack
doctors, and advertised amazing “cures”
available on money-back guarantees.
The fact that a person has a medical degree
does not, by itself, mean that he or she is
competent to practice medicine. First of all,
a physician must have a valid, current
license to practice. Second, physicians
should be expected to observe the ethical
standards of their profession, whether or not
they happen to be members of local medical
societies. Finally, in order to provide
patients with the best possible care, a
physician must continue to study and learn
the most accurate scientific knowledge
available and the most recent improvements
in medical techniques.
Sovereign Grand Inspector General
Dr. Ulysses W. Watkins, Jr., MD
Illustrious Grand Medical Director and Minister of Health
FINDING A FAMILY PHYSICIAN
Eighty percent of the medical services
needed by a family can be provided by a
family physician.
Annual medical
examinations can give the physician vital
information needed at the time of an
emergency.
If medical specialists and
hospital care are needed, the physician can
arrange for them.
The detection and
treatment of most diseases by the family
physician can result in complete cures.
Early diagnosis of a chronic health condition
can save a person’s life. The physician’s
knowledge of each family member’s health
can save unnecessary treatment, time,
money, and frustration. There are both
reliable and unreliable sources of
information about selecting a physician.
The reliable sources include county medical
societies, hospitals registered with the
American Medical Association, and
accredited local hospital departments.
Medical schools, as divisions of accredited
universities, can also assist in the selection
of a physician.
Unreliable sources of
information may be rumors and listings in
PRESCRIPTION AND OVER-THECOUNTER DRUGS
All medicines are “drugs” under the federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Under this
law, drugs are divided into two classes,
prescription drugs and over-the-counter
drugs. Prescription Drugs can be used
safely and effectively only under a
physician’s supervision. It is a violation of
federal law to sell such a drug without a
prescription from a physician. Medical
doctors and dentists are licensed to prescribe
drugs for human use.
Registered
pharmacists fill prescriptions and a
prescription is as personal as your name. It
is designed for one person and is based on
that person’s age, height, weight, condition
of health, illness, and other factors. No one
should ever take a drug prescribed for
someone else. When taking a prescription
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The Winter Bulletin
The Doctor Speaks (Continued)
HEALTH MISCONCEPTIONS
drug, you need to know: 1) How much to
take each time, 2) How often and when to
take the drug, 3) When to check back with
your physician on the drug’s effects, and
4) How to follow special instructions if the
physician has any.
The label of the
prescribed drug also will give instructions.
For example, the label may read, “Take
before meals.” If the person thinks the
prescribed drug is not doing what his
physician intended, the person should check
with the physician immediately.
The
original prescription may specify whether
refills are permitted. If not, your physician
should be asked whether the prescribed drug
can be refilled. Over-the-Counter Drugs
are safe and effective if used according to
instructions on the label. These drugs can
be sold legally without a physician’s
prescription. The law requires that over-thecounter drugs labeling which tells the person
how to use the drugs for specific conditions
and what to avoid. The label indicates the
specific conditions for which the drug will
bring relief. Also, the label tells you how to
use it safely and when not to use it. Typical
warning may be: “Do not drive while taking
this medicine,” or, “Discontinue use if rapid
pulse, dizziness, or blurring of vision
occurs.” All labels should be read and
followed exactly. The amount of the drug
given to children differs from the amount for
teen-agers and adults. Over-the-counter
drugs are used for minor illness which lasts
a short while. No one should become a
“steady user” of over-the-counter drugs
except at the physician’s order. The most
common over-the-counter drug is aspirin.
Other over-the-counter drugs which are
popular are drugs for colds, coughs, sore
throats, and constipation. If you are in doubt
about any over-the-counter drug, contact
your physician.
There have been numerous research studies
concerning health misconceptions of
Americans.
The number of health
misconceptions is far greater than the
average consumer may imagine.
These
misconceptions are the results of beliefs
passed from generation to generation, claims
made by faddist, misinformation obtained
from various sources, fear campaigns
sponsored by groups opposing efforts to
improve
community
health,
biased
propaganda distributed by cultists, and
publications prepared by persons not
qualified to write on particular health
problems.
MISCONCEPTIONS – VITAMINS
¾ Taking vitamin pills will ensure
good health.
¾ Vitamin pills can cure most diseases.
¾ If one vitamin pill a day is good, two
or three vitamin pills are better.
¾ Vitamins need not be prescribed by
physicians.
¾ Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is stored in
the body.
¾ Potatoes have no vitamins.
¾ Vitamins provide the human body
with sufficient calories.
¾ Vitamins rebuild blood.
¾ Vitamins take the place of iron in the
human body.
(Summer Edition – Quackery and more
misconceptions)
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The Winter Bulletin
Orients on the Move
Orients on the Move - Virginia
GIG Robert C. Jacobs, KCCH, Venerable Master, SP Wayne K. Rachel, Sr., Commander-in-Chief of
our Richmond Consistory 22A, GIG Robert Carpenter, General Secretary, SGIG George M. Ellis, Jr.,
and GIG Malcolm R. Holley, Jr., Junior Warden, Lodge of Perfection.
COD will hold its 85th annual session in
March 19-22, 2010 at the Hilton Garden Inn,
South Park Drive in Colonial Heights,
Virginia.
The Illustrious Deputy for Virginia, SGIG
George M. Ellis, Jr. and members of the VA
COD accomplished a historic first in May
2009. Members of our PHA Scottish Rite
and Scottish Rite Masons, AF&AM held a
fellowship dinner at the Scottish Rite
Temple in Richmond, Virginia to discuss
future relations between the two entities.
The occasion drew 110 participants with
several guest speakers from both “sides of
the aisle.” Speakers included GIG Robert
Carpenter, General Secretary, GIG Robert
C. Jacobs, KCCH, Venerable Master, GIG
Malcolm R. Holley, Jr., Junior Warden,
Lodge of Perfection, our own SGIG George
M. Ellis, Jr. and SP Wayne K. Rachel, Sr.,
Commander-in-Chief of our Richmond
Consistory 22A.
Future meeting are
expected to take place between the two
Scottish Rite bodies. As expected, we were
well represented by our Loyal Ladies and at
the conclusion of the dinner, email addresses
and telephone numbers were exchanged.
SGIG George M. Ellis, Jr. has served as the
Illustrious Deputy since 2002.
Great
progress has been demonstrated in the
Orient due to his leadership and innovative
ideas.
During our annual session in
Washington, DC this past October, George
announced he intends to “step-down” as the
Illustrious Deputy following Virginia’s
forthcoming session. He has recommended
SGIG Michael Parris to be his successor.
Our
Illustrious
Sovereign
Grand
Commander, Dr. Deary Vaughn has
commented numerous times in praising
Brother Ellis for the fine work he has done
and for the progress made within the Orient
of Virginia. The May gathering of Eagles
and Doves is but another example of
George’s dynamic leadership and how
Virginia Scottish Rite Masons are working
to further relations between the two Scottish
Rite bodies. Yes, the “walls are slowly but
surely coming down.” (GIG Robert H. Taylor)
Our Virginia COD consists of nine
Consistories. Seven Assemblies comprise
the State Grand Assembly. The Virginia
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The Winter Bulletin
Orients on the Move (Continued)
Orient on the Move – District of Columbia
L to R: Grand Secretary General Chambers,
Grand Treasurer General Reddings, SGLLR
Ruth C. Smith (DC) and Soivereign Grand
Commander Dr. Deary Vaughn
Visitation to DC State Grand Assemblies – Deputy
Robert E. Wheeler with Council of Deliberation
Officers and Commanders‐in‐Chief
A few years ago, the Sovereign Grand
Commander decreed that each Orient must
have a minimum of three Consistories. The
Orients of England and the District of
Columbia immediately began organizing
additional Consistories. At the time of the
decree, Washington, D.C. had one
Consistory—Johnathan Davis Consistory
No. 1 and one Assembly--the Richard
Howard Gleaves Assembly No. 2, OGC.
The late SGIG Bert A. G. Overby, then
Deputy for the Orient of D.C., successfully
expanded his Orient in a very short period of
time.
In addition to Jonathan Davis
Consistory, the Orient now has three
additional Consistories—James W. Banyard
No. 11, Henry A. Dove No. 15 and Johnnie
L. Doctor No. 18.
Henry A. Dove
Consistory was opened under the leadership
of the current Deputy, SGIG Robert E.
Wheeler. SGIG Wheeler also opened four
Assemblies and constituted a State Grand
Assembly, OGC. The S. Matthew Ellis
State Grand Assembly, OGC consists of the
James W. Banyard Assembly No. 11,
Henry A. Dove Assembly No.15, Edward E.
Marshall Assembly No. 18 and of course the
Richard Howard Gleaves Assembly No. 2.
The S. Matthew Ellis State Grand Assembly,
OGC celebrated their third anniversary in
November 2009, and Sovereign Grand
Commander Deary Vaughn visited with
them.
He was accompanied by the
Illustrious Grand Treasurer General of The
Holy Empire, SGIG Gilbert S. Reddings and
the Illustrious Grand Secretary General of
The Holy Empire, SGIG Marvin D.
Chambers. The anniversary program was
followed by a reception and cake cutting
ceremony.
The Sovereign Grand
Commander was gracious in his praise and
confidence in the Illustrious Deputy Robert
E. Wheeler and the State Grand Loyal Lady
Ruler, Ruth C. Smith. This was his first
visit with this State Grand Assembly and he
assured them he will return for future visits.
(GIG Robert H. Taylor)
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The Winter Bulletin
123rd Annual Session Pictorials
Special class elevated to 330
Grand Minister of State A.K. Wilkins and
Special Degree Team
Newly Coroneted Sovereigns
Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr.
Sunday morning service
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Scottish Rite Choir
with Ms. Dorothy McClung Lewis
Sunday morning service
Rev. (Dr) Benjamin L. Hooks
Divine Service
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The Winter Bulletin
123rd Annual Session Pictorials
Class of 2009 attend Divine Service
Loyal Ladies and Guests
Divine Service
Divine Service
Grand Secretary General Chambers
calling the rolls of departed Brothers
L to R: SGC McNaughton, SGC Vaughn,
SGC Seale and SGC Wallace
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Educational Symposium
SGIG William Crisp
Educational Symposium
Grand Minister of State A. K. Wilkins, Sr.
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The Winter Bulletin
123rd Annual Session Pictorials
Receiving SGC Wallace and
Northern Delegation
Receiving SGC McNaughton Northern
Masonic Jurisdiction
Receiving Host Grand Master
MWGM David A. McWilliams, Sr. (DC)
and MW Grand Masters
SGC Vaughn preparing to escort
MW Grand Masters to East
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MWGM McWilliams (DC) gives
official welcome
MWGM Redden (MD) responds to
welcoming for Grand Masters
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The Winter Bulletin
123rd Annual Session Pictorials
Welcoming
MWGM Acquaah, AF&AM (DC)
Remarks by SGC Seale Southern
Masonic Jurisdiction
Remarks by SGC McNaughton
Northern Masonic Jurisdiction
Congressman John Lewis (GA)
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Congressman (GIG) Al Green (TX)
Congressman Sanford Bishop. Jr. (GA)
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The Winter Bulletin
123rd Annual Session Pictorials
GIG Michael B. Allen (MD) and the
Maryland Degree Team that conferred
the 33o Degree
Remarks by Class President
GIG Sanchez A. Briscoe (NC)
Rapt attention Saturday Evening Concert
Ms. Dorothy McClung Lewis
featured performer during the
Saturday evening concert
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Grand Minister of State A. K. Wilkins, Sr.
and members from the Orient of Korea
presenting portraits
GIG Robert H. Taylor Educational
Symposium presentation
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The Winter Bulletin
BREAK IT ON DOWN
Yisrael Synagogue believes that we can
best learn who God really is by learning
God’s names as God has revealed to us
in the Holy Scriptures. God has many
names and each name reveals a portion
of God’s character, such as strength,
might, power, compassion and so on.
This gives us a little insight into why our
ancestors and our parents gave my
generation biblical names—names
which had meaning. For example,
Moses means “the man of God. “ (Deut
33:1.) Today, children have names like
Jo‐wan‐da. What does it mean?
God has many names, but we have
learned that the true name is ineffable.
That is, God’s name is incapable of
being expressed in words, and according
to the Jewish faith, His true name is not
to be uttered. The Jewish people
stopped saying God’s name by the third
century AD. Thus the true
pronunciation is no longer known. The
true word was lost—sound familiar?
Our introduction into the Scottish Rite
revealed to us the Ineffable Degrees—4
through 14. Each of these degrees
teaches us important lessons, which
point to attributes in character. Each of
these attributes such as fidelity (4th
degree) loyalty (6th Degree) honor, love
and humility (8th Degree) can be directly
linked and attributed to one or more of
the many, many names of God.
In the Tenach (Old Testament) Elohim is
the first name for God. In Genesis 1:1,
the third word (in the Hebrew Scripture)
is, “In the beginning Elohim (God)
created the heaven and the earth.” In
Sovereign Grand Inspector
General
William J. L. Crisp
Staff Writer
Senior Editor and
The Ineffable Names of God
The Jewish Congregation, Shema Yisrael
has written a very thorough and
comprehensive article on, “The Names
and Titles of God,” some of which I have
extracted and included herein. I think
most of you will agree that in the last
thirty or forty years, society’s
knowledge of God has declined. God is
forbidden in our schools, in our
government agencies, in our businesses
and in our communities. I don’t know
where to lay the blame, but what is
evident is that as our knowledge of God
and the presence of God decreased
within our society, there appears to
have been a corresponding increase in
crime. Also, if you examine our youth as
they stroll through the shopping malls,
we are able to witness moral decay.
They exhibit little respect and human
dignity.
Remarkably, as we teach our children,
our grandchildren and ourselves about
God, we can see changes in their
character as well as in own. Shema
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The Winter Bulletin
(Continued)
BREAK
IT
ON
DOWN
the Hebrew Scripture, Elohim is used
burning bush. “And God said to Moses,
more than 2300 times to refer to the
God of Israel. The Hebrews often
combined Elohim with other words to
define the different attributes of God.
For example, Elohay Kedem – God of
the Beginning (Deut 33:27.) Elohay
Mishpat – God of Justice (Isaiah 30:18.)
Elohay Kedoshim‐‐Holy God (Leviticus
19:2 and Joshua 24:19.) Most
importantly, Elohay Elohim – God of
Gods (Deut 10:17.)
El is another name for God. It is a
simple form and relates to Elohim.
When combined with other words,
again attributes of God as revealed. El
Rah’ee – The God Who Sees (Genesis
16:13) meaning The Powerful One sees
and knows all. El Sali – God Of My Rock
(Psalm 42:10) meaning The Mighty One
is my defender, my stronghold, my
protector from all attacks. El Shaddai –
God, The All Sufficient (Genesis 17:1.)
“Shad” means breast in Hebrew. Thus,
like a nursing mother, God completely
nourishes and satisfies His people and
takes care of all our needs. Notice in
each of these examples given, I have
underscored certain words which are
attributes belonging to God.
In the 13th Degree, we are invested with
the Tetragrammaton. Therefore, with
your prior knowledge, I will simply
remind you that Tetragrammaton
means “The Four Letters” because it
comes from letters in the Hebrew
alphabet—Y‐‐, H‐‐, V‐‐, H‐‐, which we
were directed to refer to simply as
YHVH. YHVH is a name that translates
as “Lord.” It is used approximately 7000
times in the Tenach (Old Testament)
and is the name most used than any
other name for God. The root of the
Tetragrammaton is the special memorial
name that God revealed to Moses at the
“I AM WHO I AM,” and He said, “thus
you shall say to the sons of Israel, I AM
has sent me to you…this is my eternal
name and this is how I am to be recalled
for all generation.” (Exodus 3:14‐15.)
Even though the name YHVH appears in
Genesis 2, God did not reveal Himself as
YHVH until Genesis 3. YHVH is from a
Hebrew verb meaning, “to be.” This
emphasizes God’s absolute being, all
reality, and all existence. Everything
else derives its being from Him.
Therefore, God (YHVH – Lord) is beyond
His creation. Therefore, God (YHVH –
Lord) is without beginning and without
end because He always is. Since God is
before the beginning and without end,
we understand how God is the Alpha
and Omega. Although some pronounce
YHVH as Jehovah or Yaweh, we no
longer know the true pronunciation. As
I earlier stated, the Hebrews stopped
saying this name by the third century
AD. for fear of mispronouncing God’s
name
and
of
violating
the
commandment, “You shall not take the
name of YHVH your God in vain.”
(Exodus 20:7.) According to the Rabbis,
the Tetragrammaton may not be
pronounced under any circumstance.
Adonai (Add‐dough‐nye) is another
name usually substituted in place of
YHVH. Again, when YHVH is combined
with other words the Lord’s different
attributes are emphasized. For
example, YHVH Elohim‐‐Lord God; YHVH
Yireh‐‐The Lord Who Sees (Genesis
22:14.) Adonai is all seeing and aware
of our problems and our needs. YHVH
Shalom ‐ The Lord Of Peace (Judges
6:24.) Shalom means wholeness,
completeness, peace. Adonai is
complete in and of Himself. Adonai is
the rabbinical substitute for the
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The Winter Bulletin
BREAK IT ON DOWN (Continued)
Lord, that will I seek after; that I may
dwell in the house of the Lord all the
days of my life, to behold the beauty of
the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.”
Seek ye the kingdom of God, my
Brothers—now, in this life that we may
come to know God’s temple. The over‐
riding lesson in the Lodge of Perfection
is that we must forever strive to be God‐
like in our quest to become perfect
beings and that we are forever
“married” to God and MUST live
according to God’s Immutable Laws.
(Disclaimer: The text of this article
although compiled by me, is a
complilation of information “gleaned”
from more than forty years in
Consistory. It is intended to engender
thought and speculation and is
information, some of which was passed‐
on to me by sage and august Brothers
and some gained by painstaking
research.. (SGIG William J. L. Crisp)
Tetragrammaton and translates as “My
Lords.” It is an emphatic form of the
word “Adon,” which means Master or
Lord.
We now understand the implications
inherent in the several passwords or
sacred words given to us in the Ineffable
Degrees. Each of the degrees in the
Lodge of Perfection teaches us
important lessons such as fidelity, honor
and humility, to name a few. From
these lessons, perhaps we can conclude
that the over‐riding lesson is that the
substitute names for God are to remind
us to continuously try and cultivate
God‐like attributes in ourselves. Each
time we traverse the several degrees
within the Lodge of Perfection, be
mindful of: Adonai, Jehovah, Shekinah,
Jah Hua Yevay Shekinah, Gaborai Khayil,
Alkhanan, Adonai, El Shadi, YHVH and
Adonai YHVH.
The 4th Verse of the 27th Psalm of David
tells us, “One thing have I desired of the
Winter Bulletin 2008 – Question Answered
The cover of the Winter Bulletin 2008 asked readers to identify the portraits on the cover. GIG
William C. E. Sayles (WE) correctly identified the portraits of SGC Edgar Bridges, Sr., SGC Jno G.
Lewis, Jr., SGC Isadore H. Clayborn and SGC Samson J. Bennett. GIG Sayles also provided the
dates each of our distinguished leaders served our United Supreme Council as Sovereign Grand
Commander. Congratulations GIG Sayles.
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The Winter Bulletin
Commentariolum
(Latin for Commentary)
Even in his last days, he continued his
efforts on the national level. He was quick
to voice his support and campaign for then
Senator Obama. Now we are confronted
with a disturbing trend. I believe President
Carter was and is absolutely correct in his
assessment concerning racism and bias
toward President Obama. This gentleman
knows the people of America. What is most
disturbing is that there are millions of
Americans, as well as members of Congress,
who would rather see President Obama’s
economic programs fail than for America to
successfully emerge from our recession.
The opposition simply does not want him to
succeed. The question is why? To me the
answer is evident—racial prejudice. Never
in our history have we seen such open
disdain for a sitting President. Have you
listened to the young lady on “The View?”
She is in essence a “poster child” for the
“poisonous” opposition. No matter how
much it is denied, there is much resentment
that a “black” family is in the “White
House.” It is amazing that nations abroad
have embraced President Obama and are
willing to work with him on world affairs,
while at home every decision he makes and
every action he takes is unjustly criticized.
Millions of us sat home and watched the
eulogy for Senator Ted Kennedy on
television. We watched and admired the
poise and grace of his wife Victoria as she
held her composure at probably the most
difficult time in her life. We watched his
children as they witnessed the distinguished
citizens and elected officials laud the
accomplishments of Senator Kennedy. Then
we watched as he was flown to our nation’s
capitol for his congressional staff and others
to say farewell. Much was said and printed
about his many years in public service as a
congressman and senator. For me, it was
much more personal. Like many of you, I
am old enough to remember the civil rights
era and could not help but focus on Senator
Kennedy’s life as a civil rights advocate
rather than his legendary feats in Congress.
His demise brought to mind that this was
one of the most courageous men of my time.
He lost his fight with cancer, but cancer did
not conquer his spirit or his soul. During it
all, I could not help but reflect on the
Kennedy family’s role in helping to fight for
equal rights for all people. Even after the
deaths of his brothers, Ted continued to
sponsor
legislation
and
speak-out
contesting racism and bias whenever and
wherever he saw it and heard it. He was
forever steadfast in his belief that every
American was constitutionally entitled to
equal rights and equal justice. No other
family in America has given as much as the
Kennedy clan to change the face of
America. As I watched the honor guard
bringing his casket from the cathedral to the
hearse, it was pouring rain and I thought,
how fitting that a driving rain, like many
obstacles placed in his path over the years
could not stop him. More importantly, I
thought here is a man who can never be
replaced. I hope I am wrong and that God
will give us another champion of his caliber.
The world is seeing the ugly side of America
and nations are shaking their heads at the
devisiveness which is evident in our society.
January 2010 will mark his first year in
office and already many are “branding” him
a failure. Need I remind you he did not
create the national debt. He did not start the
wars in Iraq and Afghanistan but he has
accepted these challenges. Yet, plotting is
already underway to “oust” him during the
next elections. How will it end? I do not
know, but I am just as afraid now as I was in
the sixties. (SGIG Marvin D. Chambers, Grand
Secretary General, The Holy Empire)
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The Winter Bulletin
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The Winter Bulletin
UNITED SUPREME COUNCIL
ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE FREEMASONRY
SOUTHERN JURISDICTION, PRINCE HALL AFFILIATION
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS - UNITED SUPREME COUNCIL
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., Prince Hall Affiliation
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Permit No. 23
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