M.W. KENNETH SWANIGAN

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER

Greetings:

Langston Hughes wrote I Wonder As I Wonder”, I feel as if an intricate part of that wonderment is the integration of fellowship and harmony posed today in this format. I look around me and feel ingratiated and humble. I see the working of our history enveloped in the membership’s efforts of today. It is with a great sense of pride that I find myself a part of this brotherhood and a component of the fruitfulness of our deliverance. I see the unfolding of yesterday’s trials, tribulations and participation as well as the development of tomorrow’s dreams. My commitment to this fellowship is overwhelming and steadfast. Your commitment to this fraternal order is crystallized by your interaction and dedication. It is more than obvious that we have captured an era of advancement. Together we are approaching the mountain top. Together we are overcoming the idiosyncrasies of the past to embrace the contributions and achievements of tomorrow. We need to actively rejuvenate our position in the community, passionately reach out to our neighbors and with determination and foresight, reclaim our posture as Leaders.

The profile of the world is changing dramatically. We are inundated with negativity. Drugs and crime are misdirecting the gallant and positive efforts achieved. Our children are having children; America has the highest birth mortality rate in the world. We are surrounded by illiteracy; the reading comprehension of many of our high school graduates is deplorable. Laws are at this very time in history reversing the efforts of men like Adam Clayton Powell, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. We can no longer feel comfortable where we are. Our children can be arrested for merely standing on street corners; they are not guaranteed long prosperous lives. We no longer have to empathize with South Africa- WE ARE SOUTH AFRICA.

With the advancement of communication the world has become global in nature. We see around us the progress of the third world, the walls of injustice crumbling, the curtain of prejudice wavering, the veil of disparity, hunger and other inhumanities lifting. Yet, we the symbol of justice, equity, harmony, and brotherhood are continuing to implore the tools of oppression and injustice in relationship to each other.

On this our 87th Annual Grand Communication, I challenge each of us to rise above our differences and join forces for the betterment of our Order and the World.

NECROLOGY

The mystery of death is ever perplexing, for our understanding of it is limited. We are never prepared for this type of departure. With sorrow I joined with the bereaved lodges and family members in saying our final farewells to those we have grown to love and know.

In sustaining these losses we shall miss the smiling faces, kind expressions and acts of helpfulness which we shared with these brethren. We are comforted with the assurance that their memories will always be in our hearts and minds. We pray that the Great Architect of the Universe will provide these brethren a Divine Ark to waft them safely over the tempestuous sea of trouble and an anchor to safely moor them in a peaceful harbor where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.

§         Fred P Woodson                                                                    Hercules 17

§         Ore Walker                                                                             Hercules 17

§         Jesse T Willis                                                                         Abiff 37

§         James W Livingston                                                               Cassia 5

§         Jerry K Smith                                                                          MLK 65

§         Walter Kesee                                                                          Abiff 37

§         L J Berry                                                                                 Corinthians 66

§         Harry Leggett                                                                          Pride of the Orient 55

§         Eual Davis, Sr                                                                         Cassia 5

§         George Simmons, Sr                                                              Union 43

§         Frank Harding, Sr                                                                    Union 43

§         McKinley Yates                                                                        Guiding Star 6

§         James E Stems                                                                      True Resolution 16

§         Jimmy C Kelly                                                                         Arthur Ury 73

§         James E Johnson                                                                   Pioneer 39

§         Leonard Beckton                                                                    Abiff 37

§         Samuel Brown                                                                       Abiff 37

§         Belford Hassen                                                                      Abiff 37

§         Thad L Elizey                                                                         Pioneer 39

§         Roy L Kerney                                                                         Abiff 37

§         Walter Jimmerson                                                                 Union 43

§         Gilbert L Payne                                                                      True Resolution 16

§         Roy McCoy                                                                            Harmony 2

§         David L Harris                                                                         Cassia 5

STATE OF CRAFT

My observation and reports from the District Deputies demonstrates the progress is being made throughout the Jurisdiction. These reports continue to indicate an increase in the participation of the membership at the local lodges. We have two U.D. lodges in Western Europe, Rising Sun lodge U.D. and Divine Prince lodge, U.D.

I have learned that few organizations have progressed without its share of discord, envy and strife. As with any organization, we have and are suffering minor discords and confusion. I reiterate minor because it is something that jointly we can correct. United we stand...divided we fall. We can ill afford to allow negativity to perpetuate the harmony, fellowship and unity we have strived so diligently to achieve. Each of us has invested a great deal of energy, time and labor for the betterment of the fraternal order. It is time we set aside the differences that separate and infringes on our progress. We must capitalize on the achievements of the past, consolidate the aspirations of today and focus on the goals of tomorrow. We can not afford to allow one separate entity, select or special interest group to distract the Craft as a body from its mission or purpose. We are at the threshold of new technologies and can ill afford to be stagnant in our approach to solving today’s problems. We must be creative, innovative and progressive in our thinking. We have the responsibility to elect a Grand Master who is accountable for the progress of this Grand Lodge. He should be accorded the opportunity to exercise all the powers entrusted in that position without fear or threat.  To abandon the needs, philosophy or the mission of the Grand Body is both irresponsible and counterproductive.

I charge each of you to remember your several obligations. In the decision of trespass against our rulers, you are to judge with candor, admonish with friendship and reprehend with justice.

SPRING CONFERENCE

The Annual Spring Workshop was held in District No 1, Seattle, WA. It was well attended and the instructions were enlightening and educational. The subject matter generated stimulating interaction among the participants. I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to the Chairman and the members of the Grand Lodge committee.

DISTRICT VISITATION

We chartered Fellowship Military Lodge #82 in Turkey. We visited the lodges in England and had our District session in Frankfurt, Germany. The District session was well attended, fruitful and educational. The District raised 83 Fellow Craft to Master Masons. We wish the thank the District Deputy and his staff for a successful District session. Also a special thanks to R. W. Deputy Grand Master Daniel L. Lunsford.

The twentieth District session for Districts #6, 7, and 8 was held in Guam. It was very successful. However, hosting the District session on Mainland Japan or Guam is no longer cost effective. Therefore I have granted permission for the twenty—first district session to be held in Korea.

I have requested and was granted permission from M.W.G.M. Deary Vaughn, Oklahoma Jurisdiction to operate in Korea.

CONFERENCE OF GRAND MASTERS

I attended the Grand Master’s Conference held in Boston, MA. I had the opportunity to be the guest of Grand Master Chester R. Isles and to attend a number of affairs and lodge meetings. We witnessed the public installation of the lodge. I met with M.W.G.M. Dobbins (OR), M.W.G.M. Davis (AK), and M.W.G.M. Kennison (CA) to discuss the difficulties California is experiencing with the jurisdiction of Texas. Another subject of concern was the recognition of Prince Hall Grand Lodges by other Grand Lodges. There appeared to be some concerns expressed that we, Prince Hall Masons, should be making more progress toward bringing Afro-American Non-Prince Hall Masons into the fold. While I support the concept of total fraternal relationship and brotherhood, it is clear that the wounds that separate us as Prince Hall and Non—Prince Hall Masons are deeper, infectious and will require more time to heal. The issue of admitting women into the Order without having Masonic ties has again surfaced. A populace of potential candidates is being neglected and/or overlooked.

The highlight of the conference was reviewing the original charter issued to Prince Hall.

IMPERIAL COUNCIL

A. E. A. O. N. M. S. INC

NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA AND JURISDICTION

It was a honor and pleasure to represent this M.W.P.H.G.L. at the Imperial session held in Miami, FL. The excitement of meeting old friends and new nobles was a pleasure. Imperial Deputy James E. West is to be commended for his support and efforts extended to me.

UNITED SUPREME COUNCIL

A. A. S. R. OF FREE MASONRY (PHA)

NORTHERN JURISDICTION, U.S.A. INC.

I attended the Supreme Council session held in Denver, CO. It was both stimulating and informative. It was a relief to realize that this is the place where indebtedness became vogue. It was good to fellowship with Ill. James W Davis, Deputy of Washington and other brethren. There was a concern expressed by the Grand Masters as to the treatment they received from some of the official delegation. A meeting of the Grand Masters was held with M.W.G.M. Billy J Ganaway, Colorado, to address these concerns. Some issues will be addressed at the Imperial Council session in Detroit, MI.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

I want to thank you for the core of Officers who have worked with me. I have been surrounded with their positive attitudes and brotherly love. It is a pleasure to report that all Officers and Departments are operating effectively. I pray that you will find favor in their work.

THE JAMES B. SLOAN EPISODE

I have carried out the verdict/recommendation of the Trial Commission in the unmasonic conduct charges against Bro. James B. Sloan. The Commission found Bro. Sloan guilty of Charge #1, Unmasonic Conduct (being intoxicated in public, creating a disturbance and using profane language), dismissed him on Charge #2 (Harassment of a female member of the Order of the Eastern Stars) and sustained the suspension.

GRAND MASTER’S RECOMMENDATIONS

1.      The M.W.P.H.G.L. of Washington adopt the resolution granting recognition and right of visitation to the M.W.G.L of Washington.

2.      The by-laws which were amended and distributed for review in 1989 be acted upon and adopted at this annual session.

3.      Grand Lodge place a one-time $25.00 assessment on each member currently on the rolls and all new members. These monies should be placed in an education trust fund for the purpose of administering a scholarship by Education Department.

4.      The Grand Lodge, by name and title, establish an Education Department to design, distribute and develop policies and regulations governing the scholarship program.

5.      That the Financial Investment Planning Committee continue to work throughout the next masonic year and develop the process and procedures and report back at the next Annual Communication.

6.      The following brothers be granted life-membership in the M.W.P.H.G.L. of Washington.

Levi Townsend, Martin L King #65

Frank Massey, Hercules #17

Emanuel J. Taylor Sr., Hercules #17

Henry A. Smith, Hercules #17

7.      That the Grand Lodge confirm the appointment of PM Isaiah Edwards to the Comptroller Board to fill the unexpired term of Alonzo D. Foote Sr.

CONCLUSION

I feel that we must approach the future in a positive manner. We can not allow the past achievements to impede our progress and leadership. Today, not tomorrow, we must join hands in our efforts to overcome ignorance, fear or insecurities of the future. We must now put the pep back into our steps.

If we believe in it then we must do it for all its worth. Today, we have to GET BUSY!

Let me reiterate, I again ask you for your diligence, thoughtfulness, integrity and perseverance to lead us into the future. We can cement the pathway to success by our determination and cooperation as a group. I pray that the Grand Architect will guide us through the darkness, past the turmoil and into the light of brotherhood and success.

Fraternally submitted,

/s/Kenneth Swanigan