M.W. SYLVESTER J. LAKE

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER

Greetings:

We assemble this morning in the beautiful City of Vancouver, British Colum­bia, in due conformity with the spirit and law of our Constitution, and with accord with our fraternal custom, for our Sixty—Second Annual Communication. We bring our wares to the scales of justice and equity to be weighed and measured according to our labor. We evaluate the quality of that which we bring, for it is here in general assembly, that we may revise or alter our materials and efforts, directed towards a better quality-control.

We are here to disseminate fraternal sentiment which may influence the un­folding of our lives in a fashion to lift us, and inspire our fellowman to higher standards of life and of living. Beecher said, “All higher motives, ideals, conceptions, sentiment in a man are of no account if they do not come forward to strengthen him for the better discharge of his duties which devolve upon him in the ordinary affairs of life.”

Ideals in Masonry comprise useful acts and practices and not only speculative thought. By examining ourselves we may find that what we disapprove in others - - outstanding faults in ourselves. “The tallest and the smallest ore so alike, and diminutive, and pitifully base, it is a meanness to calculate the difference.

May peace and harmony prevail in all our deliberations, and may we set our mind to the thought, and point our way towards the upwards in this Grand Session.

NECROLOGY

‘There is a Reaper, whose name is Death,

And with his sickle keen

He reaps the bearded grain at a breath,

And the flowers that grow between.’

The Reaper, whose name is “Death” has been active in our jurisdiction this year. The Reaper, as always, tends to make each of us more aware of the fleetness of time and of the value of the meaning of the “Square”

Were I to attempt to speak here of the qualities of these stalwarts of Masonry, whose passing we mourn; of their labors in our Craft; of their contribution to society; of our love and admiration for them, I would but trench upon the field of those who undertake the preparation of their eulogies. I shall say only as Markham said of Lincoln:

“And when he fell in whirlwind, he went down

As when a lordly cedar, green with boughs

Goes down with a great shout upon the hills

And leaves a lonesome place against the sky.”

These brethren all “leaves a lonesome place against the sky.”

To review and report to you of the State of our Order is, to a degree, relat­ing to you conditions of our country and of our fraternal relations with all concordant bodies.

Our Grand Jurisdiction has made giant strides in numerical growth; has given complete support to all worthy community efforts and projects; we have striven to broaden our interest in youth and education; we hove maintained a full awareness of the fact that we ore a part of each community and its problems, and should be a port of all its (community) efforts towards a solution of these problems. We as masons and citizens of this Great Republic, must fit ourselves into all the complexities of our way of life, as did the founding ‘Greats of the American Shores’, masons all. We are not without a challenge. We hove challenges to the right and challenges to the left, each gesturing to us for an all out effort to promote and maintain our great fraternity and to help promote and maintain this greatest of countries, the United States of America

This office is again most pleased to announce that all arms of the Prince Hall Masonic Family of Washington & Jurisdiction are laboring together with togetherness and we do partake of the hours of refreshments and recreation together with togetherness. This same relationship exists between us and all our sister jurisdictions.

Our hearts are joyous in reporting to you of the goad will, goad intent, co­operation and progress of our various departments. We do not lightly take these in­stances for granted, they don’t just happen, efforts maintain them.

United Supreme Council

A. A. Scottish Rite of Freemasonry

Northern Jurisdiction, Inc.

It was on to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the setting of the Supreme Council. To attend this session gives me another treasure to be retained. We were very grateful for the opportunity to be present for the elevation to the 33rd Degree of Right Worshipful Brother Jimmy Simmons, Grand Trustee. This was indeed an historic Supreme Session with the retirement of the Sovereign Grand Commander,

Ill.  George Crawford and the election or advancement of Ill. Leland French to the Supreme East. A most pleasant observance experienced was the advance of Ill. Russell S. Gideon, Deputy of State of Washington, to the third highest office in the Northern Jurisdiction -- Grand Minister of State. It prompts us to say again and again, “Congratulations, III. Gideon, on your elevation. “The Pacific Northwest was well represented in the City of Philadelphia. As Grand Master of this jurisdiction we were elated in Having the Ill. Peers and wives in attendance.

They were the Gideons, the Douglasses, the Purnells, the AlIens, the Grand Worthy Matron and Ill. Jimmy Simmons.  Our delegation adopted Ill. and Mrs. Simmons, from Toledo, Ohio. These Ohioans send special regards to Seattle Friends.

CONFERENCE OF GRAND MASTERS

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Conference meeting for the first time under the new structure was well attended by twenty-six grand masters. The conference laboured to level—off under the new structure with caution and respects far the prerogatives of each attending grand master.  This respect, we feel, is the great reason why this conference has been able to meet in annual session for forty—six consecutive times. We received a lesson from these annual sessions of grand masters as we view the setting of the heads of many jurisdictions, all sovereign and independent, work out and try to solve many, problems of common interest.

The conference afforded us the pleasure of attending the Session—Centennial Banquet of the M. W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The Honorable William Scranton, Governor, was the speaker for the occasion.

The conference was host to many learned men who, by their presence, brought much to the conference. Among these were Honorable Hawkins, Congressman from California, Honorable George Bundy, P. G. M., Colorado Jurisdiction and Special Assignee of President Johnson, Honorable Jack Greenburg, Legal Defense Dept., N.A.A.C.P., Len Foster, U. S. Treasury Department and others of similar capabilities and repute.

The most treasured memory of ours at the conference was the awarding of an ‘Honorary Life Membership’ to Most Worshipful Amos T. Hall, Grand Master of Oklahoma Jurisdiction. This gesture of respect and gratitude to M. W. Brother Hall was graciously received by him at a noon lunch with all the delegation from Washington assembled. We feel that this New Honorary Member of our jurisdiction is most deserving of this “widows mite” as our appreciation for the outstanding services he has rendered this jurisdiction. It is again that we say to him — — thank you.

We must here insert a remark of appreciation to R.W. George Jorden, Chairman of the Clandestine Commission for having a splendid report prepared for me to take to the conference and to our Director of Youth and Education for a brief summary of the activities of his department, as requested by P.G. Porter, Supreme Master Knight of the Knights of Pythagoras.

1964 - 1965 IMPERIAL COUNCIL (A.E.A.O.N.M.S.)

The Shrine Convention, meeting in St. Louis, Mo., August 15th — 21st, afforded us a second time within the same year, to meet with many fellow grand masters concerning pertinent matters relative to our several jurisdictions. The convention also afforded me the opportunity for advancement to the degree of Past Potentate.

There were many highlights of the convention, among them were the Drill teams, Scholarship Awards, Talent Night and Shrine Parades. We were extended every courtesy by the nobility that was befitting a grand master.

PRINCE HALL AND AMERICANISM DAY

Our trek to Roslyn, Washington, our birth—place, in September, was indeed a memorable occasion, comparable to the honor due our founder and first Grand Master, Prince Hall. We have so very many brothers, sisters and children to whom we are indebted for the success of this historical affair that we must refrain from at­tempting to call their names, however, we do compliment the chairman, R.W. Elbert Timmes, Junior Grand Warden, P.G.M. Johnny Allen, Director of Public Relations and Worshipful Brother Ira Simons, Youth Director, for a most beautiful arrangement and coverage of this very timely day—of—many—events. We feel certain that these officers will bring a more detailed report to you concerning this affair.

YOUTH DEPARTMENT

Our State Director reports to this office that Cassia Council No. 5, Tacoma, Washington, is most active with a group of loyal and interested boys. The interest and concern in this council is so very keen that each of us could be prompted to emulate their dedication.

PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

It is here that we must mention a gratitude to this department for a job well done in the publication of ‘The Square’ dedicated to R.W. W.B. Foster, a former Director of this department.  All the work and efforts of this liaison department has our every blessing and heart—felt interest.

GROWTH

Over - there and Over - here — 1964 - 65

A desire to practice masonry prompted several Prince Hall Masons on the Island of Guam, led by Brother John S. Beverly, a member of Electric City Lodge, of this jurisdiction, and a Special Representative of this office, to seek ways and means to communicate as regular masons.  Permission was granted the formation of a masonic club preceding a Dispensation to form a lodge. This U.D. lodge has made outstanding strides towards its primary goals.  We welcome these dedicated men and reasons to our ranks of affiliation.

R.W. James E. Lockhart, District Deputy Grand Master of District No. 1 has led in and towards the erection of J.C. Logan Lodge U.D., Seattle, Washington. This group of men, comprising the membership of this lodge, was organized as a club preceding the formation of a lodge. We are grateful to all brethren in the Seattle area who assisted in the degree work.

Towards the North has been the center of our attention for several weeks. Our brethren there, in Alaska, having chosen to affiliate with us and become a part of the M.W. Prince Hall Jurisdiction, are most welcomed by us in the exercise of their choice of affiliation.

Our decision for concern in the petition of these several units of Prince Hall Masonry is prompted in the behalf of the contentment, peace and harmony of all masonry and for the general good of the Craft in its continued efforts of perpetuity.

SPECIAL DAYS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Our hearts have been warmed and overjoyed on several occasions this year by expressions coming in our behalf by many brothers, sisters and friends.

A. Prince Hall Day Celebration at Roslyn, Washington carved a niche in memories with a gala outing and picnic filled with games, marches, drills, food and o general reminiscing of our history, as we visited the cradle of our masonic infancy.

B. We warmly acknowledge the many greetings or congratulations upon our being Honored with a banquet in Seattle, Washington by District #1. The Worshipful Masters, wardens and brethren of Seattle went to no end in the preparation of this event for us. We shall long remember the setting of this banquet, our guests, the speaker and the many friends in attendance.

C. The brethren of Inland Empire Lodge No. 3, my lodge, promoted a Dinner—Soiree in my behalf. The speaker for the evening was King Cole, Director of Civic Betterment Group.  Delicious food was served and dancing followed.

D. We must insert in our message mention of the kindness shown to us throughout our many travels as Grand Master. Our travels to Washington, D. C., company with the Grand Worthy Matron, was mast enjoyable as we received every courtesy and comfort by the very kind brethren of the District. We were met at Dulles Airport by P.G.M. Broaks and Past Master Bailey Jones and wife.

E. Brother Jones and wife received the Grand Matron and me in their home and offered us their- full hospitality. He also drove P. G. M. Allen and Sister Allen, the Grand Matron and me on an extensive tour of the whole city of Washington.

F.  The consecration of Electric City Lodge, Great Falls, Montana, was a high point of this masonic year. We were most grateful for the full support of our Grand Team—Mates for assistance in this noble work. Brethren present: Louis R. Solomon, DG M, Frank Russell, G.S.W. George Jorden, G. Treas., E. A. Douglas, G.Lecturer, M.W. Theodore Spearman, PGM, Ira Simons, Director of Youth, Isiah Simon, G. Trustee, S. P. D. Wilson, P. M., Brother Arnold, Acting Grand Chaplain, Worshipful Brother Clyde Joe, Grand Worthy Patron, O. E. S. We were entertained with a sight—seeing trip and with a wonderful fellowship at the home of Brother and Mrs. Young.

G.  We were entrusted with the proxy vote of Beni Hassan Temple No. 64 at the Shrine Convention in St. Louis, Mo.

H. The experiences of traveling, over this masonic year, have been very educational to us. We have learned to evaluate the merits of other jurisdictions; we have had the chance to compare other jurisdictions with our own, in all laterals of comparison and find that we ore only smaller than some, in numbers only. We make these statements, not boastfully, but with only the thought of stirring us to even greater heights.

I.  We were one of the six grand masters selected from the Nobles at the Shrine Convention to represent that convention at the exchange of fraternal greet­ings with the International Conference of Grand Worthy Matrons, meeting in St. Louis, Mo. also.

J.  We served the Conference of Grand Masters on its Audit Committee.

K.  We received eight votes in that conferences election of Conference Committee.

RECOMMENDATIONS

I offer the following recommendations for your consideration:

1. That all lodges working under dispensation of this grand lodge be issued charters.

2. That appropriate and regular aprons and collars be purchased for the office of all District Deputy Grand Masters.

3. That we request the Governor of the State of Washington to issue a proclama­tion declaring Prince Hall — Americanism Day —— said day to be set by the Grand Master.

4. That a committee be appointed to study the need and cost of having our vital records micro—filmed or photostatically recorded for storage. That this com­mittee report be submitted with recommendations.

5. That this Grand Jurisdiction donate to the support of the Grand Masters Con­ference a sum equal to ten cents (0.10¢) per member on our membership rosters. This sum to be submitted to the conference by the close of its annual session.

6. That each lodge be required to buy two copies of “Prince Hall Counsellor”, A Manual of Guidance, prepared and published under the auspices of the P. H. Conference of Grand Masters.

7. That we adopt, pursue, utilize and engage in the Federal Housing Program, under the Federal Housing Acts, which this Grand Lodge has been certified and approved to participate in, and as per Special Committee report and recommendation.

8. That Mast Worshipful Brother Theodore Spearman, P. G. M. be honored from this day forwards, for his many services, loyalty and general contributions, by being declared “A Life Member of this Grand Lodge”, free from all encumbrances of this grand lodge and his local lodge.

9. That an historical data book, giving pertinent facts regarding each Master Mason and his family, be printed and issued to every Master Mason in this jurisdiction. That a committee set the cost, etc., of the book, as well as compile the information.

10. That the Grand Entertainment Committee become a permanent committee or a standing committee.

11. That we give every encouragement to the Prince Hall Temple Association in its plans to remodel the grand properties at 29th and E. Cherry Streets, Seattle, when said plans are formally adapted.

12. That we continue to support and encourage all approved organizations seeking the just rights of all citizens.

The Jewel of Office, the Covering and the Gavel, which you entrusted to me and my care mare than a year ago, are to be placed in position to be returned to you. The election to the high office of Grand Master of Masons Has placed me in a select group of men whose number in this jurisdiction does not exceed twenty—five, over the period of 62 years. We love and cherish these memories, memories which not even time con erase. Our love and loyalty for this wonderful way of life, which we call masonry, has been doubled and re-enforced for and against greater trials of tests than we have ever been subjected to.

We offer the following suggested thoughts for your consideration and appraisal:

1. Always endeavor to drive safely on the highways and streets.

2. Refrain from the excessive use of alcohol

3. Refrain from the excessive use of tobacco.

4. Consider fitting ourselves into Adult Education Programs, if time permits.

5. Endeavor to keep the idea of education being a must before our youth of today.

6. Adopt a pet project for neighborhood betterment, if time permits.

7. Strive to keep abreast with all current events and activities.

8. Pledge to continue to read and learn all you can about our great Order.

9. Support your local lodge, regardless of previous office held.

10. Encourage the use of soap and water wherever the need of it may be, of self, in home, in neighborhood and in general life. (We take this statement from remarks made at the Supreme Council, Philadelphia, Pa. by Ill. and Honorable Thursgood Marshall.)

11. Be loyal, sincere and love masonry fully.

12. Be masons always, be alert, vote in every election, be minutemen, be Christians, be steadfast, prompt in attendance at every occasion and be good hus­bands, brothers and fathers.

These remarks may seem juvenile to some of you but we quote them nevertheless, as the spirit prompts us to do.

May GOD continue to keep and bless you and heap abundant life upon you and your families.

I remain,

Fraternally yours in bond,