The Winter Bulletin

Published by the Cathedral; Washington, D.C.

Winter 2009

Vol. 1

Sovereign Grand
Commanders Message
Sovereign Grand
Commanders Allocution
Passages
123rd Annual Session
Historical Session
Portriats Unveiled
New Sovereigns
The Doctor Speaks
Break It On Down
Commentary

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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95

75

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blank page 2
Monday, February 15, 2010 11:54:53 AM

The Winter Bulletin

Sovereign Grand
Commanders
Message
MyIllustriousBrothers:

Asalways,IpraythatGodhasbeengraciousunto
eachofyou.Remember,ourfirstdutyistohonor
andobeyAlmightyGodandliveaccordingtoGods
ImmutableLaws.

During the past year ninetyfive of our

distinguishedBrotherscrossedoverinhomegoings
andnowresideinthatcelestialkingdomonhigh.
I was deeply saddened at the passing of my
mentor,ourbelovedSovereignGrandCommander
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
Brotherswereandarelovedbyus.Holdontothe
memories and remember we promised and swore
inourobligationstocarefortheirwidowsandthat
thisdutyisnevertobetakenlightly.Wepromised;
weswore.

DuringourOctober2009session,SovereignGrand
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.Theyarelistedinthisedition.Weare
grateful for their past service and look forward to
workingwiththeminthefuture.Wecannotthank
Sovereign Grand Inspector General Emeritus
Wilbur F. Fernander enough for his many years
service.ThankyoubrotherFernanderandmayour
Godcontinuetoblessandkeepyou.

In my allocution (printed in this edition) I have

expressed my concern about discord within our
masonicfamilyandmyhopeforreconcialiation.I
haveissuedacallforunitythroughoutourPrince
Hallfamily.Wemustbeunitedandworktogether
at every level if we are to remain strong. Our
existencedependsuponitforunityisstrength.

Thisisnotatimetolayblamebutatimetowork
togetherforthebettermentofall.Ihavedirected
our Illustrious Minister of State to implement a
seriesofwrittenpamphletstoensureopeningsand
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
mustbeaccomplishedwithasenseofurgency.

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
onlyasstrongasourweakestlink.

GodandMyRight.

DEARYVAUGHN,33o
SovereignGrandCommander

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
theleadershipoftheGeneralGrandConferenceofRoyalArchMasons,theGeneralGrandCouncilofRoyalandSelect
Masters, the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
SublimePrinces,andtoguestsoneandall,GoodMorning.

INVOCATION:FirstgivinghonorstoAlmightyGodCreatoroftheUniversethankingHimforallthegreatthingsHehas
doneandaskingforHisblessingaswedeliberateduringthissession.Eachyearasweassemble,missingfacesreminds
usofourmortality.YesterdayeveningwepausedintributetothoseIllustriousSirswhohavecrossedthegreatdivide.
Thelistislongeverynamecalledstruckapersonalcordwithsomeoneinthissession.Thelisthasnoend,forevenas
wespeaknamesarebeingaddedtotheroll.Wehavesufferedagreatlossinthepassingofourbelovedmentorand
leader,SovereignGrandCommanderEmeritusEdgarBridges,Sr.Weknowthatthenatureofthingstellsusthatsomeof
uswillnotbeherenextyear.GodisgraciousandHehasgrantedeachofushereanothersunrise.Wecherishthisday,
buttomorrowisnotpromisedthereforewemustalwaystaketimetothankHimforthelifeHehasgivenus.Because
weknownotthetimeorplace,itisoursolemndutytomakethemostofwhatevertimewehaveleft.Welearnedearly
on to never enter into any great and important undertaking without first invoking the aid of Deity. As our Illustrious
GrandPriorcomesforwardtoleadustotheThroneofGrace,IwantourGrandOrganisttoleadusinsongaswepraise
God.Followingthesong,ourIllustriousGrandPriorwillleadusinprayer.AndletusprayforthoseBrothersandSisters
whohavegoneonbeforeusletusprayforthewidowsforthefamilies,andletusprayforourselves,thatwhatwedo
inourdailyliveswillbepleasingtoAlmightyGod.Donotforgetthosethousandsofmenandwomeninuniformwhoare
overseasindangerousplacesinservicetousandtoournation.

IwanttobrieflyspeaktoyouthismorninginthehopethatduringthecomingyearwewillbeofOneMind,OneHeart
andOnePurpose.AswecelebratethisTriannualSession,IamremindedofFrankieBeverlyssong,WeareOne.In
hissongheremindsusthatWehaveourlove,andnomatterhowitssaidordone,weareonenomatterwhatwe
doweareonelovewillseeusthroughandweareoneandthatsthewayitis.Americaisindeeptrouble.IwishI
could tell you the State Of Our Nation is soon to recover, but the sad truth is we are facing some difficult months
aheadevenyearsbeforerecovery.AsweexaminetheSTATEOFTHENATION,itisimportantthatweasapeoplebe
ofOneMindamindthattellsus,tolovethyneighborasthyself.Thismeanswemustnotbedividedasanationas
weseeksolutionstoAmericasproblems.Thestateofournationalandworldeconomyhasbeenandisespeciallyhard
on minority America and minorities all over the world. Black Americans represent a large part of the unemployed.
Americansaresufferingforeclosuresonourhomesstudentloanstoeducateourchildrenareextremelyhardtocome
bymillionsofourcitizensarewithouthealthcareAmericacontinuestoincarcerateminoritiesdisproportionately.As
our income decreases based on inflation, the prices for food, medicine, gasoline and services continue to rise. The
richestnationintheworldcanspendtrillionsonwarsinIraqandAfghanistan,butCongressionalleadersdonotwantto
createahealthcareprogramtotakecareofourowncitizens.Grandmausedtosay,Charitybeginsathomeandthen
spreadsabroad.Corporationsarecontinuingtosendrawgoodoverseastobeassembledthussavingthemmoneyin
manufacturing costs, yet still sell those products to us at high prices. They continue to move operations overseas to
escapeourtaxesandtohirelowwageemployeesratherthanhireAmericans.Wearestillnotsatisfiedwiththewaythe
VeteransAdministrationistreatingourveterans.Ourretirementsavingsand401Kmonieshavedisappeared.Where

The Winter Bulletin

didthemoneygo?HowisitthatAmericaworkingclassAmericalostmostofoursavingswhilecorporateCEOsstillget
hugebonuses?Someofusintheblackcommunityaredoingwellandprobablyinsixfiguresormore.Butthetruthis
wearenotdoingwelluntilallofusaredoingwell.Thisdoesnotmeaneverybodyshouldbeinsixfigures.Butwhen
Americans work all their lives and pay taxes and Social Security, all our liveswe should be entitled to healthcare,
education,safeneighborhoods,andasecureanddecentretirement.Weareanationincrisis,butweareanationthat
haswithstoodmanystormsandchallenges.WemustbeofOneMindanationunitedinoureffortsandwemustlet
our voices be heard. If Congress continues to bicker and argue, we must adopt a mindset to change the face of
Congressthroughourvote.WemustsupporttheprogramsofPresidentObamanotbecauseheisblack,butbecause
heisthePresidenttryingtobringchangeforthegoodofAmerica.Wemustletourelectedleadersknowhowwefeel
andwherewestandonissues.TheNAACP,Rev.AlSharpton,TavisSmileyandBillCosbycannotdoitalone.Wemust
add our voices to theirs. Call your leadersemail them and for those of you who are not computer smartyour
grandchildrencansendtheemailforyou,butwemustspeakupnow.Letthemknowwewantthemtostopbickeringin
WashingtonandcometothetableandcraftahealthcarebillwhichwillbegoodforallAmericans.Itdoesnogoodforus
tolookbackandcastblameonPresidentBush,VicePresidentCheneyoranyoneelse.Itdoesnotmatterhowandwhen
wearrivedatthissadstate.Whatisimportantishowwearegoingtoturnthingsaround.Ifyouhaveneverwritten
yourCongressmanorUSSenator,nowisthetime.Theaddressissimple.Writehisorhertitleandname,Washington,
DCandZipCode20001itwillgetthere.

Last year I spoke to you about the myth we were telling our children for yearstelling them they can growup and
becomePresident.Themythisnowtruth.Ineverdreamedthatinmylifetime,Iwouldseeamanorwomanofcoloras
President of the United States of America. This country was built with the calloused hands of minority citizens and
immigrantsWorld Wars were fought and won with the spilled blood of Americans of many different races, ethnic
backgroundsandreligious creeds.Roads,bridgesandbuildingshavebeenerectedinthesweatofthemeltingpotof
Americans.Ateverylevelinoursociety,contributionsofblackAmericansareevident.Wearepresentonthetennis
courtsandtheSupremeCourtandtousesomeofJesseswordswearepresentfromthewarehouse,smokehouse,
pumphouseandouthousetotheWhiteHouse.Wearepresentandmovingaheadinsocietysarena,butallofthisisof
little importance unless we use our influence and strength as a people to support whoever is in the White House
becauseAmericamustnotfailinoureffortstorecoveroureconomy.WecandoitifweareofOneMindandalsoof
One Hearta heart dedicated to doing everything we can at every levelworking in our neighborhoods and
communitiestofurtherthePresidentsaimsandgoals.DonotlistentoformerLieutenantGovernorMichaelSteeleof
Marylandlisten to the voice of your conscious and listen to the voice of the man at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in
Washington.Rememberthewordsofthatchampionforcivilright,SenatorTedKennedy.Keepthedreamalive.

IstandheretodaytotellyoutheSTATEOFPRINCEHALLMASONRYisonshakygroundandweneedtoshoreupour
foundation. We have a proud history from African Lodge 459 to the present. Down through the ages there were
elementsdevotedtodestroyingPrinceHallMasonry.TallCedarsinourforestsustainedourfraternity.WillardAllen,
JnoG.Lewis,AmosT.Hall,ThurgoodMarshall,JosephL.H.Smith,BookerT.Alexander,X.L.NealandPrinceHallanda
hostofothersdevotedtheirlivestoourfraternity.Ourfraternitysurvivedsomeverydifficulttimestimeswhensociety
didnottrustustomeetinsecrettimeswhenPrinceHallMasonswereaccusedofplottingagainstsocietytimeswhen
wewereaccusedofbeingacultandplottingagainstourchurchesandmoreimportantly,timeswhenourleadersof
thepastwerethevoicesagainstbigotryandinjustice.Externalforcestriedtodestroyus,butweprevailed.Ourleaders
ofoldleftus alegacybuilt outofdeterminationanddignity.And nowwefight within.Toborrowthewordsfroma
famouscomicstripfromsomeyearsago,Ihaveseentheenemyanditisus.Letmesaythatagain,Ihaveseenthe
enemy and it is us. How much longer will we see discord, distrust, discontent and disharmony within our fraternal
family?AgainIappealtotheheadsofallournationalfraternalbodiestheleadersofourGrandJurisdictionsandthe
ShrinetocometothetableandreestablishourunityofOnePurpose.Thediscordweareexperiencingisdetrimentalto
thegrowthandfuturewelfareofallPrinceHallfraternalbodiesandtheimpactofthatdiscordisbeingfeltateverylevel
andineveryhouse.Ourstrengththroughtheageshasalwaysbeenourunitynotournumbers.

TheSTATEOFSCOTTISHRITEMasonryisindeedaffectedbythediscordwithinourMasonicfamily.Ourmembership
traditionallycomesfromBlueLodgeMasons.Formanyyearstheshrinesmembershiphastraditionallycomebyway
ofThirtysecondDegreeMasonsandFourteenthDegreeKnightsTemplar.Nowthissystemisinjeopardy.Ihopeand
pray that all our difference can be resolved peacefully and meaningfully through dialogue and not by way of legal

The Winter Bulletin

actions.Ihavesaidbefore,thelifebloodofourfraternalfamilyisourabilitytoattractyoungmenandyoungwomen
andinducethemtojoinourranks.Wehavelearnedthroughtheyears,thatthebestwaytoaccomplishthisisbythe
examplewesetandnotbywhatwesay.Ouractionsmustspeaklouderthanourwords.Wearebeingwatchedandthe
picture we paint a picture reflecting internal strife is the worst example we can show. Three years ago I penned a
letteroutliningthedutiesandresponsibilitiesofaGrandInspectorGeneral.TotheClassof2009,youwillfinditinyour
ClassBook.ReaditshowittomembersinyourConsistory.Wemustholdourselvestohighstandards.Thoseofusin
this chamber are here because we love freemasonryit is in our hearts. We are of One Heart. We must conduct
ourselves withdignity.Dotherightthingsinprivate aswellasin public.Rememberoneofourpurposesistomake
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
conditionofmankind.

Asalways,Imustremindyouofourdutytovisitthesickandshutin.Takecareofourwidows.Iaskyoutodothree
thingsnothing newnothing difficultI am asking you to Lead, to be Dedicated and to be Committed. Lead by
examplenotsimplywithinourfraternity,butleadwithinourcommunitiesandespeciallywithinourchurches.Thisis
theabsolutebestwaytoimpressandteachouryouth.Letyourconductandhabitsspeakforyou.Youacceptedthe
mantleofleadershipwhenyouacceptedtherankandtitleGrandInspectorGeneral.Staydedicated.Maintainyourzeal
fortheinstitutionoffreemasonryandworktoeliminatediscordanddisharmony.Strivetobeapartofthesolutionand
notapartoftheproblem.WorktostrengthenourBlueLodgesandactivelyparticipateinallhousesinwhichyouhold
membership.Sustainyourcommitment.Saywhatyouwilldoanddowhatyousay.Ourwordmustbeourbond.Stay
stronginthefaiththatourfraternitywilllast.HelpitsurviveandgrowbybringinginanewmembereachMasonicyear.
Participateinmeetingsnotsimplytobetherebutparticipateasaworker.Themoreyouwork,themorepleasureyou
willhave.Rollupyoursleeves.

Aswedepartfromthissession,letusreturntoourrespectiveConsistoriesandreinforcethetheme:OneMind,One
HeartandOnePurpose.Beofonemindaswelaborinthepursuitofgoodandthedestructionofevil.Wehaveone
heartandthecauseofhumanconditionisourcause.Thebrotherlylovewhichcementsusbindsourheartstogether.
WeareofonepurposeservicetoAlmightyGodandtoourfellowman.JohnWesleyremindsusofourpurposewith
thesewords:
AchargetokeepIhave,
aGodtoglorify,
aneverdyingsoultosave,
andfititforthesky.

Toservethepresentage,
Mycallingtofulfill;
Omayitallmypowersengage
TodomyMasterswill!

Iamtrulygratefultoallofyouforthesupportyouhaveshownmethisyear.Ithasbeenaverydifficultyearforthe
Vaughnfamily.Wewillneverbeabletoadequatelyexpresstoyouhowthankfulweareforyourcards,prayersandthe
outpouringofsympathytohelpusduringthedevastatinglossofourgrandson.Thankyousomuchforcaring.Continue
toprayforusthatwewillbeabletoenjoyafewmoredaysandthatwewilldotherightthings.AsIcloseIwantyouto
ponderthisthought,someonesaid,Itisnotwhatwegetinthislife,butitiswhatwegive.ThankyouandIpraythat
ourHeavenlyFatherwillcontinuetoblessourUnitedSupremeCouncilandeachofyouindividually.

DEARYVAUGHN,33o
SovereignGrandCommander

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

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

Illustrious Marvin D. Chambers, 33

Grand Secretary General, Holy Empire

Illustrious Wilbert M. Curtis, 33

Grand Auditor General

Illustrious William A. Marsh, Jr., 33

Grand Attorney General

Illustrious Benjamin L. Hooks, 33

Grand Prior

God and My Right

5

The Winter Bulletin

Passages

In Memorium

Edgar Bridges, Sr., 33

Sovereign Grand Commander Emeritus
August 12, 1918 September 7, 2009

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 lifes
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.

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 JurisdictionsOklahoma,
Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas and Florida. He
was a walking Whos Who and Encyclopedia in
Freemasonry. He truly spent his daypart 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 camewe know not the time or
place. So it was that Gods 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 Brothera 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 Freemasonrys
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

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.
9

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
protgs 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

10

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)

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,SouthernJurisdiction,bycapturingour
pastleadersinoilpaintings.Ouraimisnotonly
to preserve our history, but to enhance
understandingandappreciationforwhatthese
great men did not only for freemasonry, but
withintheircommunitiesandournation.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
equalopportunitiesandequalrights.Wefeelit
is important to preserve our heritage and
sustain our linkage to our glorious and
distinguished past. While I am no longer the
IllustriousDeputyforKorea,Idosincerelyhope
theCouncilofDeliberation,Koreawillcontinue
this honorable and noble project and continue
to appreciate this project as a labor of love.
Priortoour123rdAnnualSession,wepresented
six portraits to our United Supreme Council. I
willnotendeavortoexpressthehistoryofeach
for their accomplishments and dedicated
servicetotheScottishRiteandFreemasonryin
general would require hours. While we have
not captured or unveiled Sovereign Grand
Commander Dr. Willard Wallace Allen, we
wouldberemissifwe didnotremindyouthat
Dr. Allen holds the distinction as the longest
serving Sovereign Grand Commander having
held the position from 1929 until his death on
October2,1961.Dr.AllenalsoservedasMost
Worshipful Grand Master of Maryland for
thirtyeightconsecutiveyears.

Sovereign Grand Commander Jno Gideon

Lewis, Jr., followed Dr. Allen and served from
October1961untilhispassingonApril1,1979.
He was also Most Worshipful Grand Master of
theMostWorshipfulPrinceHallGrandLodgeof
Louisiana for many years and was often

described as The Masons Mason. Sovereign

Grand Commander Lewis was regarded in very
highesteemthroughoutthePrinceHallfamily.

The Illustrious Isadore Huddleston Clayborn, as

Lieutenant Grand Commander, succeeded
BrotherLewisasSovereignGrandCommander.
He was also Most Worshipful Grand Master,
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of
Texas. Sovereign Grand Commander Clayborn
servedinthiscapacityfromApril1979untilhis
peacefulandfinalrestonApril4,1994.Hewas
a strong and forceful leader with great
compassionandempathy.

As Lieutenant Grand Commander, Sovereign

GrandInspectorGeneralSamsonJuliusBennett
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
WorshipfulPrinceHallGrandLodgeofAlabama.

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,oftenputtingthewelfareandsafetyof
hisfamilyatriskforcivilrights.

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,buthislegacyisstillbeingwritten.

12

The Winter Bulletin

Portraits of our Leaders

Continued

In addition to the five Sovereign Grand

Commandersabove,webelievedthatSovereign
Grand Inspector General James Alexander
Mingos 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 CommandersSGC Jno G.
Lewis, Jr. and SGC I. H. Clayborn. James
Alexander Mingo went to higher ground on
September3,1993.

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
admiredandrespectedformanyyearstocome
by masons far and near and citizens of our
nation.

Dr.CharlesH.Wesley

It was our distinct honor and privilege to

present Dr. Charles Harris Wesley, PhD. Dr.
WesleywasanotedAfricanAmericanhistorian,
educator,writerandauthor.BorninLouisville,
Kentucky, he graduated from Fisk University in
1911.Hewasawardedagraduatefellowshipto
Yalewherehewaited

13

ontablestoearnhisboardwhilecompletinghis
Masters Degree in 1913. He received his
doctoratefromHarvardandacceptedaposition
atHowardUniversitywhereheservedasDean
oftheLiberalArtsCollegeandsubsequentlyas
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
Alphathe first Greekletter fraternity
established for AfricanAmericans. As one of
the nations 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
UnitedStates.

Dr.WesleywasanordainedministerintheAME
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
ColumbiaandamemberoftheUnitedSupreme
Council,SouthernJurisdiction,ScottishRite.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 AfroAmerican Historical and
Cultural Museum in Philadelphia. Dr. Charles
Harris Wesley accepted his reward of eternal
lifeonAugust16,1987inWashington,D.C.and
is buried in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery,
Suitland,Maryland.

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.
HewasapioneerwhodispatchedPrinceHall
Freemasonry abroad by establishing lodges in
Germany, Korea and Alaska. In April 1963,
WorshipfulMasterErnestW.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,
SovereignGrandInspectorGeneralAmosT.Hall
toGermanytoconfertherequireddegreesand
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.Thisquiet,peacelovingandhumble
manwasaleaderinthefightfordesegregation.
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
citizenswhoattendedhisfuneral.Presentwere
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall
(oneofhisclosestfriends)RoyWilkins,National
Director, NAACP, Oklahoma Govenor, The
Honorable David Hall, and the Mayor of Tulsa,
The Honorable Robert LaFortune among the
morethanfifteenhundredwhocametomourn
his death, extol his memory and hear the
seventyfiveyearoldjuristeulogized.Intribute,
Justice Marshall said, He led the fight (for
desegregation) here and around the country in
thedayswhenitwasalittleroughandtosay
a little rough is putting it mildly. It takes
strengthtostandupquietly,lawfully,peacefully
andsay,Iwillnotbemoved.Iamgoingdown
thatroadandnobodysgoingtostopme.Amos
T.Halldidjustthatandhecarriedsomanywith
him.

JudgeAmosT.Hall

Renown Prince Hall Mason, Lawyer and Judge,

Amos T. Hall became one of Oklahomas most
significantcivilrightslawyers.BornOctober2,
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,heacquiredanoldsetoflawbooksand
developed an interest in law. He became a
Justice of the Peacewhich did not require a
lawdegree,andcontinuedtostudylawatnight.
Aselftaughtlawyer,hepassedthebarin1925
and was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar
Association and the Tulsa County Bar
Association. Although softspoken, he was a
dynamic advocate and articulate trial lawyer.
AstheattorneyfortheOklahomaAssociationof
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
servedastheattorneyfortheOklahomaNAACP
and was President of the Tulsa NAACP. For a
number of years he served as attorney for the
StateConferenceofBranchesoftheNAACPand
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.
14

The Winter Bulletin

Portraits of our Leaders Continued

emerging nationsGhana and what is now

Tanzania.

After amassing an impressive record of

Supreme Court challenges to statesponsored
discrimination, including Brown v. Board
decision in 1954, President John F. Kennedy
appointedMarshalltotheU.S.CourtofAppeals
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 ninetyeight 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)couldgetsomemoneyforhim.
Hejoinedandfromthenonreceivedsubstantial
contributions from the Masons. He became a
staunch mason and supporter of Freemasonry
and received many awards over the years. He
wascoronetedanactivememberoftheUnited
SupremeCouncil,SouthernJurisdiction,Scottish
Rite in October 1951. In 1961, when he was
appointedaFederalJudge,hewasalsoelected
GrandMinisterofStatefortheUnitedSupreme
Council, Southern Jurisdiction. In 1965
President Lyndon Johnson appointed Judge
MarshallU.S.SolicitorGeneral.Inthiscapacity
he successful won fourteen of the nineteen
cases he argued before the Supreme Court on
behalf of the government. In 1967 hebecame
the first AfricanAmerican appointed as an
AssociateJustice,UnitedStatesSupremeCourt.
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
ofthegreatestjuristofthiscentury,closedhis
bookoflifeonJanuary24,1993.(SGIGAlvinK.
Wilkins,Sr.)

JusticeThurgoodMarshall

We were delight to pay tribute to Thurgood

Marshall(thegrandsonofslave)whowasborn
inBaltimore,MarylandonJuly2,1908.Earlyon
hisfatherinstilledinhimanappreciationforthe
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.In1930heappliedtotheUniversity
of Maryland Law School but was denied
because he was blackan event that was to
haunt and direct his future professional life.
ThatsameyearhewasacceptedintheHoward
University Law School and was influenced by
DeanCharlesHamiltonHouston.Paramountin
Houstonsoutlookwastheneedtooverturnthe
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 AfricanAmerican
named Donald Gaines Murray. Author H. L.
Mencken lauded him and at the same time
chidedtheUniversitysdenialofblacksintothe
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
wasaskedbytheUnitedNationsandtheUnited
Kingdom to help draft the constitutions of

15

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 Roberts 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 Councils 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.)

16

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
WJLCRISP@aol.com or RTAYLOR667@nc.rr.com 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

Senior Editor and Staff Writer: Ill. William J. L. Crisp, 33

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

17

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 Alexanders 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)

18

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 1990s
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
familys 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.

(SGIG William Crisp)

19

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.

SovereignGrandInspectorGeneral
Dr.UlyssesW.Watkins,Jr.,MD
IllustriousGrandMedicalDirectorandMinisterofHealth

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 persons life. The physicians
knowledge of each family members 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
physicians 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 persons 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

20

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 drugs 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 physicians
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 physicians 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
Taking vitamin pills will ensure
good health.
Vitamin pills can cure most diseases.
If one vitamin pill a day is good, two
or three vitamin pills are better.
Vitamins need not be prescribed by
physicians.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is stored in
the body.
Potatoes have no vitamins.
Vitamins provide the human body
with sufficient calories.
Vitamins rebuild blood.
Vitamins take the place of iron in the
human body.
(Summer Edition Quackery and more
misconceptions)

21

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 Virginias
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
Georges 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

22

The Winter Bulletin

Orients on the Move (Continued)

Orient on the Move District of Columbia

LtoR:GrandSecretaryGeneralChambers,
Grand Treasurer General Reddings, SGLLR
Ruth C. Smith (DC) and Soivereign Grand
CommanderDr.DearyVaughn

Visitation to DC State Grand Assemblies Deputy

Robert E. Wheeler with Council of Deliberation
OfficersandCommandersinChief

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
ConsistoryJohnathan 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 ConsistoriesJames 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)

23

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

Scottish Rite Choir

with Ms. Dorothy McClung Lewis
Sunday morning service

Rev. (Dr) Benjamin L. Hooks

Divine Service
24

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

Educational Symposium
SGIG William Crisp

Educational Symposium
Grand Minister of State A. K. Wilkins, Sr.

25

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

MWGM McWilliams (DC) gives

official welcome

MWGM Redden (MD) responds to

welcoming for Grand Masters
26

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)

Congressman (GIG) Al Green (TX)

Congressman Sanford Bishop. Jr. (GA)

27

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

Grand Minister of State A. K. Wilkins, Sr.

and members from the Orient of Korea
presenting portraits

GIG Robert H. Taylor Educational

Symposium presentation
28

The Winter Bulletin

BREAK IT ON DOWN

Yisrael Synagogue believes that we can

bestlearnwhoGodreallyisbylearning

GodsnamesasGodhasrevealedtous
in the Holy Scriptures. God has many
namesandeachnamerevealsaportion
of Gods character, such as strength,
might, power, compassion and so on.
Thisgivesusalittleinsightintowhyour
ancestors and our parents gave my
generation biblical namesnames
which had meaning. For example,
MosesmeansthemanofGod.(Deut
33:1.) Today, children have names like
Jowanda.Whatdoesitmean?

God has many names, but we have

learnedthatthetruenameisineffable.
That is, Gods name is incapable of
beingexpressedinwords,andaccording
totheJewishfaith,Histruenameisnot
to be uttered. The Jewish people
stoppedsayingGodsnamebythethird
century AD. Thus the true
pronunciation is no longer known. The
truewordwaslostsoundfamiliar?

Our introduction into the Scottish Rite

revealedtoustheIneffableDegrees4
through 14. Each of these degrees
teaches us important lessons, which
pointtoattributesincharacter.Eachof
these attributes such as fidelity (4th
degree)loyalty(6thDegree)honor,love
andhumility(8thDegree)canbedirectly
linkedandattributedtooneormoreof
themany,manynamesofGod.

IntheTenach(OldTestament)Elohimis
the first name for God. In Genesis 1:1,
thethirdword(intheHebrewScripture)
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

TheJewishCongregation,ShemaYisrael
has written a very thorough and
comprehensive article on, The Names
andTitlesofGod,someofwhichIhave
extracted and included herein. I think
most of you will agree that in the last
thirty or forty years, societys
knowledgeofGodhasdeclined.Godis
forbidden in our schools, in our
governmentagencies,inourbusinesses
and in our communities. I dont know
where to lay the blame, but what is
evidentisthatasourknowledgeofGod
and the presence of God decreased
within our society, there appears to
have been a corresponding increase in
crime.Also,ifyouexamineouryouthas
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

29

The Winter Bulletin

(Continued)
BREAK
IT
ON
DOWN
the Hebrew Scripture, Elohim is used
burningbush.AndGodsaidtoMoses,

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
MishpatGodofJustice(Isaiah30:18.)
Elohay KedoshimHoly God (Leviticus
19:2 and Joshua 24:19.) Most
importantly, Elohay Elohim God of
Gods(Deut10:17.)

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
Rahee The God Who Sees (Genesis
16:13) meaning The Powerful One sees
andknowsall.ElSaliGodOfMyRock
(Psalm42:10)meaningTheMightyOne
is my defender, my stronghold, my
protectorfromallattacks.ElShaddai
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
attributesbelongingtoGod.

Inthe13thDegree,weareinvestedwith
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
alphabetY, H, V, H, which we
were directed to refer to simply as
YHVH. YHVH is a name that translates
asLord.Itisusedapproximately7000
times in the Tenach (Old Testament)
and is the name most used than any
other name for God. The root of the
Tetragrammatonisthespecialmemorial
namethatGodrevealedtoMosesatthe

I AM WHO I AM, and He said, thus

youshallsaytothesonsofIsrael,IAM
has sent me to youthis is my eternal
nameandthisishowIamtoberecalled
forallgeneration.(Exodus3:1415.)

EventhoughthenameYHVHappearsin
Genesis2,GoddidnotrevealHimselfas
YHVH until Genesis 3. YHVH is from a
Hebrew verb meaning, to be. This
emphasizes Gods absolute being, all
reality, and all existence. Everything
else derives its being from Him.
Therefore,God(YHVHLord)isbeyond
His creation. Therefore, God (YHVH
Lord) is without beginning and without
endbecauseHealwaysis.SinceGodis
before the beginning and without end,
we understand how God is the Alpha
andOmega.Althoughsomepronounce
YHVH as Jehovah or Yaweh, we no
longerknowthetruepronunciation.As
I earlier stated, the Hebrews stopped
saying this name by the third century
AD. for fear of mispronouncing Gods
name
and
of
violating
the
commandment, You shall not take the
name of YHVH your God in vain.
(Exodus20:7.)AccordingtotheRabbis,
the Tetragrammaton may not be
pronouncedunderanycircumstance.

Adonai (Adddoughnye) is another

name usually substituted in place of
YHVH. Again, when YHVH is combined
with other words the Lords different
attributes are emphasized. For
example,YHVHElohimLordGod;YHVH
YirehThe 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
30

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
daysofmylife,tobeholdthebeautyof
theLord,andtoenquireinhistemple.
Seek ye the kingdom of God, my
Brothersnow,inthislifethatwemay
cometoknowGodstemple.Theover
riding lesson in the Lodge of Perfection
isthatwemustforeverstrivetobeGod
like in our quest to become perfect
beings and that we are forever
married to God and MUST live
accordingtoGodsImmutableLaws.

(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,someofwhichwaspassed
on to me by sage and august Brothers
and some gained by painstaking
research..(SGIGWilliamJ.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
sacredwordsgiventousintheIneffable
Degrees. Each of the degrees in the
Lodge of Perfection teaches us
importantlessonssuchasfidelity,honor
and humility, to name a few. From
theselessons,perhapswecanconclude
that the overriding lesson is that the
substitutenamesforGodaretoremind
us to continuously try and cultivate
Godlike attributes in ourselves. Each
time we traverse the several degrees
within the Lodge of Perfection, be
mindful of: Adonai, Jehovah, Shekinah,
JahHuaYevayShekinah,GaboraiKhayil,
Alkhanan, Adonai, El Shadi, YHVH and
AdonaiYHVH.

The4thVerseofthe27thPsalmofDavid
tellsus,OnethinghaveIdesiredofthe

WinterBulletin2008QuestionAnswered

ThecoveroftheWinterBulletin2008askedreaderstoidentifytheportraitsonthecover.GIG
WilliamC.E.Sayles(WE)correctlyidentifiedtheportraitsofSGCEdgarBridges,Sr.,SGCJnoG.
Lewis,Jr.,SGCIsadoreH.ClaybornandSGCSamsonJ.Bennett.GIGSaylesalsoprovidedthe
dateseachofourdistinguishedleadersservedourUnitedSupremeCouncilasSovereignGrand
Commander.CongratulationsGIGSayles.

31

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 Obamas
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 evidentracial 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 nations
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
Kennedys 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 familys 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)

32

The Winter Bulletin

33

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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