M.W. JOSEPH I. STATON

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER

To the officers and members of the M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington and its Jurisdiction:

Brethren:

Your Grand Master extends a hearthy welcome to you, this Fifty-third Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Washington.

During the year the craft has worked diligently, and measured by the results achieved, the work has been well done.

There have been occasions where a little more brotherliness and consideration could have been the rule, thereby leaving a more Christian like feeling among our members.

Let us thank God f or our many blessings and entertain a hope that each succeeding year will brine us nearer perfection and more acceptable in His holy sight.

NECROLOGY

The Grand Architect of the Universe has seen fit to call to his side brothers from our Jurisdiction, namely, Bro. William Bagley, Hercules Lodge #17; Bro. Earnest Cooper, Abiff Lodge #37; Bro. Robert Leo Benton, Ureka Lodge #41; Bro. Robert Crump, True Resolution Lodge #26 and Bro. Isaac Benford, True Resolution Lodge #16.

Those Brothers were tried and true, now they may rest and enjoy the feast prepared for them at the Master’s Table.

May we bow our heads in prayer in memory of our departed Brothers.” Amen.

The rest year has been a busy one for me and full of surprises, good and bad, but it must be said that in most cases our Jurisdiction has shown it can be as big as any in the world.

JULY 1955:  Reminded a L0dge that vacations con be had if the Grand Master gives permission.

Received a congratulatory letter from E.J. Brown, P.G.M., stating he wished a peaceful and harmonious year and that he would aid me in my office in any way possible.

A letter from our Grand Worthy Matron, offering congratulations and asking for the list of Grand Chapter Directors for 1954-55 of the Temple Association. A wonderful message of encouragement from W.B. Leon C. Jones, then the W.M. of Abiff Lodge #37.

Issued a directive to all District Deputy Grand Masters to take good care of their offices and sent each a communication to be read in their Lodges.

AUGUST 1955:  Issued a Dispensation to Guiding Star Lodge #6 to raise a Mason out of time.

Represented the Grand Lodge at Abiff Lodge #37 1st Anniversary Dinner. A Wonderful affair,

A dispensation to Pioneer Lodge #40 to carry three candidates to Yakima to be raised by Guiding Star Lodge #6.

A dispensation to Enterprise Lodge #1 to call off for a vacation the months of July and August.

Represented the Grand Lodge at the Reception for the Grand Matron of California in Portland, Oregon. One of the most impressive and outstanding affairs one could over attend,

RECOMMENDATION:

1.      That we, establish a precedent, that the Grand Master must be qualified to teach Masonic Law or to appoint a Special Deputy  and see that the work is accomplished.

2.         That a Committee be appointed to investigate the feasibility of additional Insurance benefits.

1.      Such a Committee will study the various topics of Insurance, Burial Plans, their rates and make a detailed report, along with their recommendations a the next Grand Session.

2.      That this same Committee, study and make recommendation on any other program that they think will strengthen Masonic Brotherhood and raise the prestige level of Masonicism in the eyes of non-Masons, where ever disbursed around the globe.

3.      That this Committee will Study the feasibility  and endeavor to outline a basic a definite standard program, whereby, every brother can see the value of remaining active in membership and that by the actions and the manner of walk, other good men of character, reputation and position will be attracted to Masonry.  We must be able, as Master Masons, to show other members and citizens that reside in our Jurisdiction, that to be a Master Mason, is to be something worthwhile.  To say this is not enough.  It must be seen and witnessed by our enemies as well as our friends. 

4.      I recommend that the Grand Lodge purchase more stock in the Temple Association.

5.      That there should be a penalty imposed on members who do not attend St. John’s Day services and do not have a legitimate excuse.

6.      That the Grand Secretary always accompany the Grand Master when visiting Particular Lodges, so that a detailed account of all business transacted can be submitted for a matter of record in this Grand Lodge.

7.      That the District meetings be a standard form for the Grand Officers Annual Visitations.

8.      That the Scholarship and Educational Committee become and be known as one and the same. 

9.      That all our purchasing of standard supplies be through the, office of the Grand Secretary, thereby insuring uniformity of our material. 

10.  That the Grand Master be permitted, by this Grand Lodge to make trips to increase membership, when it is known that a Lodge can be formed by such actions and that he be permitted to commission the proper assistance in order to carry on the work necessary, and that the money advanced by the Treasurer of our Grand Lodge to be used by the Grand Master on such trips be refunded from the fee that said Grand Master shall receive in charging the Candidates.   

In closing, may I say, that God has been my guide and any error that I might have made, was unintentional.  May our Masonic work go on and may our Jurisdiction remain on the upward trend and may I be included in the prayers of all.    Amen.

Joseph I. Station