M.W.
BILLY V. MORRIS
MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND
MASTER
Greetings:
One of the first things we are taught in this noble fraternity is that no
man should begin any great or important undertaking without first invoking
the aid of Deity. Worshipful Brother Chaplain, would you lead us in prayer?
Approximately three years ago I was elected to the most honorable office of
Most Worshipful Grand Master of Prince Hall Masons for the State of
Washington and its Jurisdiction. I was told during my installation, in so
many words, that I should serve this office honorably so as to bring credit
upon this outstanding fraternity. This I have tried to do and I hope that
your perception of my service is that I have to some degree succeeded. I
believe -- I repeat -- I believe no man should accept this office for
personal gratification, without his first priority being to serve those who
foot the bill -- the Craft of this outstanding Jurisdiction.
My appreciation of you for tolerating me for three long years cannot be
underestimated. Anyone thinking he is so great as to be fully deserving of
such an honor is fooling himself. Each day I have prayed “God, make today
better than yesterday -- help me to lead this organization of friends and
brothers in the direction you would want us to go.” I know God lives and He
will help you when you ask. I know it because when troubled times arose, I
didn’t have to get angry, I just had to call upon Him to help me use the
talents He had given me -- whether that was mine personally or those of
yours, which I used frequently. He provided me with assistance when I needed
it most, counseling when it was necessary, strength when I felt my weakest,
love when I felt hate about me, hope when I felt despair and cheer when I
felt saddened. And most of all He provided me with you, the Craft, who
willingly gave your wholehearted support -- your time, your money, and your
knowledge. For this I thank each of you individually and collectively.
To each of my officers, my committee persons, my Past Grand Masters, I have
enjoyed working with you and thank you for the support rendered this Grand
Lodge during my tenure as Grand Master.
I quote these few words from an unknown poet, as I close this portion of my
address:
“Lord, in this race we call life;
Loaded with
trouble; pock—marked with strife;
We ask no advantage; no head start;
Just give us the
boon of an Educated Heart.”
NECROLOGY
“When those we love are snatched away,
By Death’s relentless hand,
Our hearts the mournful tribute pay
That friendship must demand.”
This past Masonic year the Master of the Universe called the following to
rest from their labors; in all, a total of 19.
Willie T. Johnson Leon Ross
Stevenson Holbrook L. Garrett
O’Misawa Lodge #54 Harmony Lodge #2
Abiff Lodge #37
July 4, 1986 October 24,
1987 January 3, 1988
William M. Charles, Sr. John J. Story
Bennie Allen
Cassia Lodge #5 Pride of Orient
#55 Cassia Lodge #5
June 26, 1987 November 19,
1987 January 5, 1988
Rodney K. Ford Robert R. Hite
Leon T. Winston
King Solomon Lodge #62 Union Lodge #43
Cassia Lodge #5
June 30, 1987 December 8,
1987 January 24, 1988
Samuel R. Jones Sr. Willie Coley
Walter W. Simmons
Harmony Lodge #2 Union Lodge
#43 Hamma Hamma
Lodge #35
July 28, 1987 December 10,
1987 March 9, 1987
Charles P. Dones Cornell B. Archie
Sr. Winfred Camp
Hercules Lodge #17 Harmony Lodge
#2 Evergreen Lodge
#9
August 6, 1987 December 10,
1987 April 3, 1988
Amos E. Gentry D. Maurice
Jackson Paul Jones, Jr.
Harmony Lodge #2 Harmony Lodge
#2 Cassia Lodge #5
September 12, 1987 December 24,
1987 April 27, 1988
Lewis 3. Martin Sr.
Harmony Lodge #2
April 29, 1988
“Servant of God, well done,
Rest from thy labor;
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter thy Master’s kingdom.”
Let us pray, Brother Chaplain.
STATE OF THE NATION
It is a dismal situation for blacks in America, as we listen to the world
news describing the large number of our black children who do not attend
school. Instead, many are running or selling various types of drugs. It
leaves no doubt there is a task for each of us. Giving scholarships to
deserving students is a noble gesture of our civic duty, but it will not
save the majority of black grade school children who are being recruited by
other children to sell drugs. What can we do, or better yet, what will we do
is the question which has to be answered by each of us, individually. I pray
for our off—spring and for us, Prince Hall Masons, that we will be a part of
the solution and not the problem itself.
However, in spite of this gloomy situation there was still a bright and
happy moment that lasted, and lasted and lasted a long time -- too long for
some Americans but not long enough for others of us. Didn’t Jesse run, and
run well. He scared a nation so bad that it took the news media and millions
of dollars to stop him. Isn’t it something when a so -- called free nation,
such as America, has to continually ask itself “Are we ready for a black
President?” And then answer “No” in order to stop a black man with only
“pennies” to run in relation to those running against him. We should be
proud that he was big enough to over look the weakness of this nation -- its
racial prejudice. Certainly, for almost every black in America, Jesse
Jackson is a hero.
STATE OF THE CRAFT
As a whole, the Craft is fairing well. We do have problems with some lodges
paying their taxes on time. Worshipful Masters have to learn to set their
priorities in the correct precedence. Management of resources is as
important as obtaining resources. Many lodges do not -- repeat, do not --
keep track of the amount of “Grand Lodge Assessment” which they have
collected and end up spending that money as part of the lodge resources,
instead of treating it as what it is, “Grand Lodge resources.” A few of our
lodges do not think of paying their taxes until they receive correspondence
from the Grand Master or correspondence from the Grand Secretary telling
them that they are behind or threatening action. Accordingly, many of the
leaders of this organization, Including myself, feel we have been too
lenient in the Grand Lodge session, allowing those lodges who are delinquent
to vote the same as those who are paid up. Therefore, those lodges who are
delinquent in their taxes, without excuse, will not be allowed a vote in
this session.
In some areas where we have two or more lodges, some lodges are not growing.
Of course, this can bring disappointment to the members and especially to
the leader of that organization. Additionally, If the few members do not
assist in making the program of the lodge successful or help create a
program where necessary, the lodge will fail. No one person can do it all.
Health permitting, we should be active In our local lodges.
We have, in the Jurisdiction, a total of 42 lodges, with a membership of
2,251. We also have two U.D. lodges, which will be recommended for a Charter
during this address. They are Trowel Lodge, U.D. and James E. Chase Lodge,
U.D., both in District 9, Western Europe. RW Brother Andrew Morgan continues
to spread light over Europe, for which we are very thankful.
FRATERNAL RELATIONS
We have had a very good relationship with our sister jurisdictions
throughout 43 Prince Hall Families. Our ties to these bodies and my personal
relationship with the Grand Masters has been a wonderful experience for me.
I have gained personal friends whom I feel that I can call on at any time,
to assist this Grand Lodge in any worthwhile endeavor.
Our relationship within the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Washington
appears to be getting stronger. I think that our respective commissions have
done an outstanding job and are to be complimented. We have enjoyed a warm
relationship in an atmosphere of brotherhood. May it continue.
Our relationship with the Order of the Eastern Stars and Grand Worthy Matron
Susie Simmons and the Heroines of Jericho and Most Ancient Grand Matron
Lessie Laris has been outstanding. Only the highest respect has been shown
on all occasions.
UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND
Each year we have asked for donations for the United Negro College Fund.
This year we put them in our budget in the amount of $500.00, which was
contributed in December, 1987. For those of you who would still like to make
your contribution through the Grand Lodge, you may do so by sending your
donation to the Grand Secretary, plainly marked for the United Negro College
Fund. The more we give, the more we help ourselves.
IMPERIAL COUNCIL SESSION —
ATLANTA
During the period 15 August through 21 August, I attended the Imperial
Council Session. I wish to express my sincere thanks to the Washington
delegation for their hospitality. Several special events of interest
happened during this session.
Among them was the making of Jesse Jackson a Shriner and the visit of the
Imperial Potentate, his officers and the Grand Masters with Mrs. Correta
Scott King at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation, where the
Imperial Potentate made a sizable donation on behalf of the Prince Hall
Shriners. We also had a marching unit from Seattle- in the parade, of which
we should be very proud. Please recognize this group with a round of
applause at this time.
WESTERN EUROPE DISTRICT SESSION
As always, my trip to Western Europe was a very splendid and uplifting trip.
The program outlined by the District Deputy Grand Master, RW Andrew Morgan,
and his cadre of officers was outstanding. The meeting was well attended
even though many of the brethren had to be in the field during most of the
week.
My thanks to the Grand Senior Warden for accompanying me on this trip. His
assistance on the Western Europe trips for the past two years has been no
less than outstanding.
As many of you are aware, this was the second year in a row that while I was
in Europe a family emergency occurred. It was certainly a blessing to have
individuals such as R.W. Brother Morgan and RW Brother Lunsford to assist in
absorbing the shock. God bless all of you who shared my sorrow and my
blessings. Out trip to Western Europe extended from 2 September through 10
September, 1987.
THE DEDICATION AND PRESENTATION
OF THE GEORGE WASHINGTON STATUE
On September 12, 1987, the M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons and the MW Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons (white), both of
Washington State, performed a joint dedication and presentation of a statue
of George Washington -- which is a replica of the statue at Valley Forge,
PA.
I would like to again extend my deep appreciation to Deputy Grand Master
Kenneth Swanigan for stepping in and assuming my part of this program. Most
of you are aware of the tragedy which occurred in my family preventing me
from attending this historical event. However, I was well represented by the
Deputy Grand Master. Again, thank you.
The ceremony performed in dedicating this statue was very impressive. The
dedication In Olympia was filmed by a number of our brothers, such as WM
McCall Smith Jr., for one. Those videos are available.
On September 19, 1987, these same two organizations again assembled together
to present to the city of Spokane a marker, which is placed In a very
strategic place near the Post Office and across the street from the downtown
Masonic Temple and the c1ty~s main library. A very impressive ceremony was
presented here also.
Additionally, on January 30, 1988, the two organizations again assembled in
the city of Olympia to place the statue in its permanent resting place. This
was a brief, but very nice, ceremony which was performed outdoors on a very
cold Saturday morning. Even though the weather was bad, we were very well
represented. I would like to express my deep appreciation for all who braved
the elements to attend this event. Thank you to all who participated in each
of the history— making events during the year. Also, we must express our
appreciation to the Grand Lodge of Washington and MW Grand Master Marks L.
Ewing and his Craft.
With this address I have included the speeches given at the original
dedication in Olympia and the dedication in Spokane, along with articles
from various papers concerning them. I hope they will be filed in our
archives so that these events will be preserved.
STAFF MEETINGS
I held my regular semiannual staff meetings plus three advisory or Past
Grand Masters’ meetings. If they are any indication of the status of the
Craft, then we are in good shape.
My staff meetings were both pleasant and informative. We had what I would
term “happy” staff meetings with a great exchange of ideas on improving or
making a successful program. The attendance was very good, with a number of
Worshipful Masters, Wardens and brothers in attendance.
My meetings with the Past Grand Masters have been some of the most
informative sessions, I believe, a Grand Master can have. They have turned
out to be teaching sessions with each one having a turn at being the teacher
and the student. Some have been “hot” without malice -- what I would term a
“labor of love.” To each of you Past Grand Masters, my staff and the
brothers -- thank you for your time, talent and your love.
HONORS FOR THE GRAND MASTER
On October 3, 1987, District #4 gave a reception for my wife and me to
celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary. It was a very, very nice affair
which we appreciated very much. Thank you again, District #4. Thank you also
to those of you who took the time out of your busy schedule to drive to
Spokane and share those happy moments with my wife and me. We are truly
grateful.
March 5, 1988. Many of you are aware of and were in attendance at the
banquet given in my honor by the Special Events Committee. The event
spoke for itself. It was simply outstanding and deeply appreciated by your
Grand Master. Again, I must express my deepest appreciation to the
outstanding committee. Not many of us are as unselfish and unrelenting as
this committee -- chaired by RW Brother Denmark. Additionally, I want to
say how pleasant it was to have the Imperial Potentate, the Honorable Earl
Gray, to return to Washington and be the keynote speaker. A further honor
was to have Most Worshipful Grand Master Marks L. Ewing and members of his
Craft, the Governor, Honorable Booth Gardner, and several mayors or their
representatives in attendance. My appreciation for all this cannot be
expressed in this report. Also, thanks to all of you here who willingly gave
up your time and money to be there for it is you who put me where I am
today.
COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION
During the period October 10, 11, 1987 I attended the Council of
Deliberation. I would like to say “thank you” again to Illustrious Levi
Townsend for his hospitality. I would also congratulate Brothers Willie
Dunn, William Spenser, Willard De Rouen and James Troutt on being selected
to receive the 33rd degree.
WORKSHOPS
We had two workshops this past Masonic year. You may remember that I
indicated last year that our workshops would be held at our Masonic Temple
in Seattle. That is where we had the workshop on January 23, 1988 for
Worshipful Masters, Wardens, Secretaries and Treasurers. Unfortunately, my
regular vocation had a task for me at the same time the workshop occurred. I
had to go to Las Vegas for a conference. It is difficult for me to stand
here and tell you with a straight face that I hated to leave that zero and
below weather in Spokane and go to that 60 degree weather in Las Vegas, even
though it interfered with my schedule. However, my staff carried on the
plans that were laid down for them, in an excellent fashion. From all
reports the workshop was a great success. Thanks to each one who
participated.
On April 23, 1988 we held our annual workshop of which Grand Senior Warden
Daniel Lunsford designed and put into effect. Of special note was the
participation of the Knights of Pythagoras, who presented a paper on “Drug
Abuse.” All of the participants performed in an excellent manner, of which
I am very grateful. Thank you.
GRAND MASTERS’ CONFERENCE
During the period of May 2 - 7 1988 I attended the Grand Masters’ Conference
in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The conference was enjoyable as it is always
nice to be amid brothers from various walks of life who enjoy spreading
light for the benefit of the order. Grand Master Jesse Watkins and his Craft
had prepared graciously for us. They are to be complimented.
The Grand Lodge of Washington State is to be the host of the Grand Masters’
Conference in 2002. We will also be an alternate site for any year up
through that date which a scheduled Jurisdiction cannot hold.
One of the recommendations to come out of the conference was that “if a
Grand Lodge does not participate for three (3) consecutive years, then the
Grand Chapter of that Jurisdiction will not be able to participate in the
Conference of Grand Chapters.
Many of you are aware that I had written a procedure for “Demits”, which we
adopted last year and was hopeful that the Conference of Grand Masters would
adopt (as amended to meet their needs), so that we would know how to get a
brother demitted. However, many of us as Grand Masters are so sensitive to
the fact that each Jurisdiction is sovereign in its own right, that
agreement on anything is almost impossible. I am happy to say that I have
heard from a few Jurisdictions who agree with the concept and have adopted
it in whole or in part.
We do have a new steering committee chairman; Most Worshipful Grand Master
Morris Miller of Minnesota replaced Most Worshipful Grand Master Earle
Bradford of Louisiana.
Sovereign Grand Commander I.H. Clayborn, of the Southern Jurisdiction,
reported that two African Nations who operate under the Grand Lodge of
England have applied for release so that they could affiliate with the
Prince Hall family. They are Nigeria and Serria Leone.
Some Jurisdictions have adopted a rule whereby the Grand Worthy Patron is
appointed by the Grand Master. They are also toying with the idea whereby
male members of female organizations will not have a vote.
SUPREME COUNCIL
I attended the Supreme Council Session from May 14 - 17, 1988. I was glad to
see all of the brothers from the Jurisdiction of Washington receive the 33rd
degree. There were a number of brothers from the Far East as well as from
the State of Washington who were in attendance. PGM James W. Davis provided
a place for the hospitality, which was enjoyed by all. Congratulations to
each one of the recipients.
FAR EAST DISTRICT SESSION
I arrived back in Spokane from the Supreme Council in time to repack my bags
and head for Tokyo, Japan -- one day in between my return and my departure,
but it was well worth the efforts. RW Brother Archibald and RW Brother Sloan
accompanied me and RW Brother Denmark out - ran us to Tokyo in order to help
pave our way. I cannot express how much I appreciated having these three
brothers with me. By their actions you know they were there to assist the
Grand Master.
District Deputy Grand Master Orland Steele and District Deputy Grand Master
Clifton Mitchell have made a tremendous difference in their respective
locations. The high respect developed between Worshipful Masters and
District Deputies is, simply stated, “Outstanding.” The lodges in Japan
which were just holding on are now doing very well or progressing
satisfactorily. Each has an excellent relationship with the base on which it
resides. Worshipful Masters have positive outlooks for the future.
We had an excellent program to follow and the hospitality was just great. It
was very nice to visit the lodge where I served as Worshipful Master my
first tour. Even more exciting was being made an honorary member of Cherry
Blossom Lodge #42, for which I truly want again to express my deepest
appreciation. Our trip to the Far East extended from May 19 through May 26,
1988.
OREGON GRAND LODGE
I attended the Grand Session of Oregon during the period of 24-27 June 1988.
There were 13 brothers from the Washington Jurisdiction at the Oregon Grand
Session. The hosts were gracious and treated us with the utmost courtesies.
I wish M.W. P.G.M. Joseph L. Harvey the best in all his future endeavors. I
congratulate the new officers of the Grand Lodge of Oregon and pray for
their continued success. On behalf of the brothers present, we thank them
for their kindnesses and courtesies.
LIBRARY
The Library has been a dead issue since my first year in office. However,
the desire of many individuals within this Grand Lodge was not forgotten.
Many of you stated that although you did not support the Library, you did
support the idea of a Senior Citizens’ Home in which we might be able to
place a library. We have quietly, but steadily, pursued this course. The
Building Chairman, initially RW Bro. Harold Bond and now RW Bro. Leroy
Trent, is attempting to obtain a structure that will meet our needs.
CONCLUSION
“Life is like a journey taken on a train,
With a pair of travelers at each window pane,
I may sit beside you the whole journey through,
Or I may sit elsewhere, never knowing you;
But, if fate should mark me to sit by your side,
Let’s be pleasant travelers, its so short a ride.”
In conclusion, as a boy growing up, I watched a group of men, who by their
actions caused me to want to be similar to them, one being my father. Though
formally uneducated, brought up under situations which today would cause us
to be under great stress, drink to excess, or use drugs to ease the pain of
living. Yet, these men did none of this, instead inspired many youth to want
to be like them. It was many years later that I learned that most of them
were Masons. I wonder if you realize how many young men are watching your
actions, the same as I watched theirs. We have taken Masonry out of hiding
but are our actions such that we should put it back into obscurity?
Throughout our various communities there are people who know that you are a
Mason or wear the paraphernalia as such. Likewise, they know what Masonry
was all about. Therefore, let your life and deeds be such that men will want
to be of your society and want to follow you for your good and worthwhile
activities.
Let me quote what one Grand Master from another Jurisdiction said some years
ago concerning this same subject: “Let us reflect for a moment upon the line
of least resistance. Here, one may want to receive all for himself and never
dream of giving. He may feel safe in the sanctuary of the Order and fail to
realize that his spiritual and moral values must be revitalized and kept
alive. Here, also, as a citizen, one may become a drifter and join the ranks
of those who feel the world owes them.
“The principles of our Order removes us, by far, from this line of least
resistance. We are admonished to be aware of the duties to ourselves and to
our families. We are called upon to keep within due bounds of all mankind.
“Being clothed in the remnants of Freemasonry is not enough. We must keep
fighting for the right of strength of character; for spiritual fortitude
whereby we may withstand the many evils and life’s great temptations.”
Lastly, allow me again to express my sincere appreciation to all of you. To
the members of this Grand Lodge, the officers and members of the subordinate
lodges who have been so kind and considerate in finding the time to assist
in the administration of this Grand Lodge to make it run smoothly, I again
say “Thanks”; without your help and assistance the office of Grand Master
would have been a much more difficult task.
“There’s a comforting thought at the close of the day —
When we’re weary and lonely and
sad,
That sort of grips hold of our crusty old hearts,
And bids them be merry and glad;
It gets in our souls, and drives out the blues,
And finally, thrills through and
through —
It’s just a memory that chants the refrain,
We’re glad we touched shoulders
with you.”
RECOMMENDATIONS
1.
That the $100.00 Assessment now collected in the
following manner: $50.00 prior to receiving the 3rd degree and $50.00
within the first year after receiving the 3rd degree, be changed to “$100.00
GLA will be paid by the candidate for Masonry prior to receiving the 3rd
degree.”
2.
Recommend that Joseph Harvey, M.W. P.G.M. of
Oregon and its Jurisdiction become an Honorary member of the Grand Lodge of
Washington.
3.
I further recommend that a committee be appointed
within 60 days after the close of this Grand Lodge Session to
establish criteria that an individual from another jurisdiction
must meet prior to being recommended and approved as an honorary member of
this Jurisdiction, which includes the courtesies to be extended to such
member.
4.
Recommend that a van be purchased for the Grand
Lodge for official business.
5.
Recommend that Trowel Lodge be chartered
and given the number 80 and that James E. Chase Lodge be chartered and
given the number 81.
SPEECHES DELIVERED AT THE
BICENTENNIAL DEDICATION CEREMONIES.
SPOKANE DEDICATION CEREMONY
Distinguished Guests, members of the Fraternal Orders, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Greetings on behalf of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free
and Accepted Masons for the State of Washington and its Jurisdiction.
This week marks the beginning of a long celebration of what is probably the
most important document in the history of this nation, as it effects the
citizens of these United States, the United States Constitution.
This document, or the celebration thereof, has caused mixed emotions or
mixed sentiments among various segments of our society; yet, it remains a
forceful and Important element in the lives of each citizen of this great
country, in preserving and protecting the rights that each of us enjoy
today.
Many lives have been lost to protect and preserve this document. Many court
battles have been waged over its interpretation as it affects the rights and
privileges of various segments of our nation and many more will be waged in
the future. It has taken many years and quite a few amendments of this
Constitution in order that It would be applicable to all the people of
America.
It was not perfect on its inception and is not perfect now, but It is by far
the greatest document produced by the minds of men which represents such a
vast cross -- section of people, their various cultures and the preservation
of a nation. It has proven itself to be worthy of the efforts and strife put
forth to create and preserve it. It has withstood the test of time which is
the sternest test of mankind. America will always hold the framers of this
document in high esteem, placing them as leaders in the quest for freedom of
our nation.
The story of our Constitution is a remarkable story of 200 years of
controversy, liken unto that of “slave against master,” “atheist against
God,” “unborn child against mother,” or the “haves against the have --
nots.” It is a powerful drama of a document and its quest for survival. This
document is a legacy which will continue to affect our lives forever.
Therefore, I deem it an honor and a pleasure to share in the dedication and
presentation of this memorial as we celebrate the two hundredth anniversary
of the constitution of the United States of America. On behalf of the Most
Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Washington and its
Jurisdiction, we are grateful for the opportunity to share this moment with
the City of Spokane and the joys of this occasion.
Thank you.
SPOKANE DEDICATION CEREMONY
It is a special honor and privilege during this constitutional celebration
that we, the Prince Hall Masonic Family, are able to share in the
presentation of this statue of George Washington. Those of us who have read
the history of this man are aware he has been revered by men of all ages
since his time. He was a man of peace, a many of war, a religious man, or
should I say a devout Christian, and a man who lived by the principles of
this great fraternity of Freemasons. History relates to us that he not only
was the first President of these United States, but was elected unanimously
to that position. Furthermore, he was the only president known to serve as
President of the United States and Worshipful Master of a Lodge at the same
time -- Alexandria Lodge #22 of the State of Virginia -- of which he was the
chartered Worshipful Master. His many accomplishments are not to be
articulated here for I believe that most of you are aware of them. George
Washington certainly deserves the revered place in the history of this
country which has been given to him.
Likewise, this constitution which we celebrate today in making this
presentation Is another element in American history which was unprecedented
before it’s time. The 55 men who created this remarkable document thought
the celebration has caused some confusion among certain cultural elements
within our society -- will forever remain, in the minds of many Americans,
in freedom’s “Hall of Fame.” Some of us would wonder why some men/women
would question the integrity of such a document. According to a book titled
“Irony of Democracy,” the Constitution was written by professional, well --
educated, elite and rich men who did not represent the majority of the
people of that time who were farmers, debtors, trades people, frontier
dwellers, servants and slaves. Therefore, in order to see the positive side
of this document, one must look beyond social elements of that period. The
basic document was so well written that through the same type of intelligent
men and women in the congress and the courts today, changes have been made
to incorporate all people of America. Today I find that the basic document
-- the Constitution of the United States -- has passed the sternest test of
mankind -- the test of time -- and Prince Hall Masonry, like the
Constitution, has passed that same test. Beginning in America at Boston,
Mass., in March, 1775 and chartered by the Grand Lodge of England in
September, 1784. Freemasonry among men of color was organized in the State
of Washington at Roslyn, Washington in May, 1889. It remains stable and
progressive today and proud to be here as a part of this historic moment.
It has been an honor and privilege to share in this historical event. Thanks
to the Grand Lodge of Washington for inviting us. Thank you.
Fraternally Submitted,
/s/BILLY V. MORRIS
Most Worshipful Grand Master
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
of Washington and Jurisdiction
