M.W.
WILLIAM C. RHEUBOTTOM
MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND
MASTER
Greetings:
If I were to ask you, Brethren, the question that is upper most in your
minds on this auspicious occasion, I think that I would be met with the
almost unanimous response that your presence here indicates your love and
zeal for Masonry.
From all over this broad Jurisdiction, and other Sister Jurisdictions, you
have come as proud representatives of one of the oldest and most highly
regarded fraternities known among men. An institution that peasant loves,
and the nobleman patronizes, one that knows no distinction, should practice
no deception, and has endured because of its worth and the blessings that it
has brought to the human family. If in life you have no other claim upon the
gratitude of men, if fame passes you by, if fortune does not linger but nods
carelessly and is gone, if you who have been the recipients of the arts and
mysteries of Masonry and the boon that it confers, and have lived up to its
magnificent teachings, have practiced its tenets, and tried to inculcate its
true Christian spirit and principles, you may boast proudly of the fact that
you are a Master Mason.
As Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons for the Most Worshipful Prince
Hall Grand Lodge of Washington and Jurisdiction, I extend to each and every
one of you a warm welcome. I am particularly pleased to welcome our
distinguished guests, who are visiting from other Grand Lodges and
Jurisdictions. We are honored that you have made it your priority to be with
us on this auspicious occasion. We appreciate the opportunity to return the
hospitality and friendship our representatives have received while visiting
your Grand Jurisdictions.
To the Brethren of Prince Hall Lodges in the Jurisdiction of Washington, I
am extremely pleased to see you here. My Brethren, we are at the crossroads
of a new era. What we do during the next two days will have a serious effect
on the direction this Grand Lodge will take, as we move closer to the new
millennium. We, as a Grand Lodge, must position ourselves to effectively
respond to changes forth coming in the next century.
My Brethren, at the 96th Annual Communication another page must be added in
our history book and new dimensions in the development and expansion of
Prince Hall Masonry, whenever disbursed around the globe, are due to the
successes that were accomplished this year.
I wish to thank the excellent staff of officers and each of you for your
prayers and support. I cannot say enough about the elected officers this
past year; they all worked overtime to bring credit to our great
Jurisdiction. Not once did I see or experience any unwillingness to meet a
new challenge placed before them. Each time I called upon their services,
the Deputy Most Worshipful Grand Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Grand
Lecturer, Grand Trustees, and the various committee chairmen and those
serving on those committees were always there and willing to take on another
task or project.
And, to the appointed Grand Officers, thank you for your excellent services
and support as well. I truly, truly appreciate each of you. A special thanks
to all my District Deputies for their hard work and support. And, to all our
Past Most Worshipful Grand Masters for their heads of wisdom and council.
It is indeed a pleasure for me to stand here today before you, with much
humility, and render to you an accounting of my stewardship for Masonic year
1998-99. First, I must say thanks to God for allowing me to serve you, my
Brethren, as your Chief Executive Officer. The Bible has always been my
guide in my everyday life. This protects me from being robbed of my
self-dignity, skills, mental, physical, and economic resources by wolves in
sheep’s clothing; or those who masquerade as Brother!
I wish to thank my wife, family and my very close friends who I talk to
daily for the support they gave me this past year. When the real test came,
the Bible and prayer were there to give spiritual and physical strength to
carry me through.
The earth is poor since they took their flight,
But Heaven is richer now that they are there;
And as their brows gleam with transcendent light,
Such grown as honest, upright one shall wear.
Unhappily, the names of some Brothers have been removed from the rolls of
this Jurisdiction, as we begin this historic 96th Annual Communication of
the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington. Silence will be
the answer as their names are called because they have finished their labors
here on earth and have gone on to that Celestial Lodge above, where, Job
said: “The wicked cease from troubling; and where the weary be at rest.”
Nineteen (19) of our Brothers came to the end of life’s toilsome journey and
dropped forever the working tools of life during 1998-1999. They were called
upon to answer the final roll call, which symbolizes “the purity of life”
and the “rectitude of conduct.”
We, the officers and members of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
of the Washington Jurisdiction, extend our heartfelt sympathy to the
families of our late brothers, who died during the current Masonic year.
They were respected and faithful members of the Craft, and those who knew
them best attest to the fact that they were men of integrity and high
standards. As we reflect on a well-spent life, we acknowledge their
contribution to the Craft.
We commend the hearts and minds of the grieving to the all-wise God, who can
heal all hurts, and we ask almighty God to put His arms of love and
protection around family members and give them peace. Though we may not
understand all of His actions, we do not challenge or question the
decisions of the all wise Master of the Universe. Our hearts are with the
families and we pray that God will give them happy memories, and a wealth of
love and sympathy. We bow our heads in reverence to the will of God.
NECROLOGY
1998-1999
George A. Williams Jr.
David Jacobs
Daniel Chappie James #72
Olympus #45
February 19, 1998
October 8, 1998
Frank Bascomb Sr.
Dan L. Ross
Hamma Hamma #35
Hamma Hamma #35
June 15, 1998
October11, 1998
James R. Franklin
John
Ross
Harmony #2
Lee
Grant Rogers #61
June 20, 1998
October 14, 1998
Ray C. Ford
Willie
A. Moore Jr.
Harmony #2
Egyptian
#44
August 4, 1998
October
28, 1998
Andy N. Weathersby
Hershell
Gill
Abiff #37
Cassia
#5
August 11, 1998
December
1, 1998
Leland E.
Halley
Roman
W. Fowler
Harmony #2
Egyptian
#44
August 18, 1998
January
7, 1999
Milton Green
Robert M. Canada
Egyptian #44
Cassia
#5
August 23, 1998
January 9, 1999
Joe E.
Benton
Ennis
W. Daye
Olympus #45
Harmony #2
September 11, 1998
February 23, 1999
Earl W. Metz
James A. Davenport
Harmony #2
Lee
Grant Rogers #61
September 28, 1998
May 26, 1999
Elisha Hunt
Egyptian #44
May 30, 1999
The Necrology Committee will conduct appropriate services at an appointed
time.
STATE OF THE NATION
The more I think of the condition of our country, the more I appreciate our
Masonic Orders. Our country is engaged in a wrenching debate who we are,
what we believe in, where we are going, and the role of government (local,
regional, state, or federal) in keeping our children and our nation healthy.
Our streets and jails are teeming with children and young people that nobody
wants or cares about. There has been a new industry introduced to the
American economy — that is the Prison Building industry. Today our country
is spending 3.65 billion dollars toward the building of new prisons. We have
our children in armed conflict with each other, whether it be at school,
public outings or at home. \~ cannot stand by as parents, leaders, teachers,
stewards and role models (good Masons are all of these) of our children’s
well-being and let them slip away because of ignorance or a failure of
courage or commitment.
Minority Health
The U.S. Office of Minority Health plans to contact Black organizations of
national stature — including the Conference of Most Worshipful Grand Masters
— regarding an upcoming Health and Human Services “Healthy People 2000”
American Progress Review. This is a review of the health status of African
Americans. The government is attempting to reach organizations that have not
traditionally been “at the table,” so to speak, when the topic of health and
community involvement is addressed.
The Conference of Most Worshipful Grand Masters is invited to work with the
agency in an attempt to upgrade health programs that could benefit our
citizens.
Enrollment for VA Health Care
Much has been said about the Veterans’ Administration’s proposals for the
future of VA health care. Questions have been raised about new eligibility
and enrollment rules for VA health Care. Misinformation has led some
veterans to wonder whether they will lose their eligibility for VA health
care services if they did not enroll at the VA by October 1, 1998. The
answer is, No. Veterans will not lose their eligibility, but in most cases
they do need to apply for enrollment by contacting their nearest VA medical
center.
Funding for Minorities in College
A bill has been introduced in Congress to prohibit affirmative action in
admissions for ~ institution of higher education that receives ~ federal
funding (Pell Grants, loans, etc.). This would end affirmative action in
every college and university in the United Stated! Rep. Frank Riggs (R-CA),
Chairman of the House Education Subcommittee on Children, Youth, and
Families, is planning to offer an Anti-Affirmative Action in Admissions
amendment. The amendment would prohibit all institutions of higher education
from using affirmative action in its admission decisions. If even one
student at the institution receives federal funds (i.e., Pell Grant or
student loan), they would be violating federal law under this proposal.
Affirmative Action would be illegal even if the school believes it is
necessary to insure a diverse student body, or to remedy past or present
discrimination.
THE CONFERENCE OF GRAND MASTERS
MISSION
The mission of the Conference of Most Worshipful Grand Masters Prince Hall
Masons, Inc. is to identify Masonic and Non-Masonic research subject's,
present the product of that research for use by Jurisdictions so disposed,
and publicize appropriate positions and issues at a press conference as
desired and necessary.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Conference of Grand Maters Prince Hall Masons, Inc.,
shall be to perpetuate fraternal harmony among Most Worshipful Grand Masters
of Grand Lodges of the Masonic Jurisdictions; to share constructive ideas,
to promote and encourage community involvement with the business sector, to
conduct educational workshops and seminars, to support charitable
organizations and agencies that assist those persons less fortunate than
ourselves; and, to extend strong educational support to our youth through
annual scholarships.
MEETINGS
The Conference of Most Worshipful Grand Masters usually convenes on the
first or second Thursday in May. The Host Jurisdiction of the Annual meeting
is determined by the Time and Place Committee. However, to commemorate our
founding father Prince Hall, next year’s Conference will be in Boston,
Massachusetts. The dates will be May 3-
7, 2000.
The Most Worshipful Grand Masters of the Jurisdictions that make up the
Prince Hall Masonic family have formed the Conference of Most Worshipful
Grand Masters, whose purpose is to foster progress and well-being for Prince
Hall Masons, wherever dispersed around the globe. It is an advisory body,
assuming no powers except those agreed upon by the Most Worshipful Grand
Masters when in attendance at any one meeting.
As a matter of tradition and law by the several Grand Jurisdictions, the
following bodies of Free Masonry are recognized as being either concordant,
appendant, adoptive, or affiliated:
1. Royal Arch Masons
2. Royal and Select Masters
3. Knights Templar Masons
4. Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons
5. Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine
6. Order of Eastern Star
7. Heroines of Jericho
8. Circle of Perfection
9. Cyrene Crusaders
10. Order of the Golden Circle
11. Daughters of Isis
The above organizations are rooted in symbolic Masonry through the Master
Mason or Symbolic Masonry, and by the right of recognition granted by the
Jurisdictions represented in the Conference of Most Worshipful Grand
Masters. They shall frame their constitutions and by-laws, and administer
and enforce such laws pertaining to the governance of their members as long
as those laws, rules and regulations, shall not be in conflict with those of
the Grand Masonic Jurisdictions in which they reside.
GRAND MASTERS VOTE ZERO TOLERANCE ON HAZING
By unanimous vote, all 39 Most Worshipful Grand Masters present voted to
have zero tolerance regarding hazing or any form of violence in any form,
when initiating, passing, and raising. It has been reported that there are
candidates being so brutalized that some are being hospitalized. There is no
way any Prince Hall Mason can justify brutality on a candidate. The Most
Worshipful Grand Masters were asked to issue Edicts, Proclamations, etc., so
that this terrible problem will be eradicated as soon as possible.
While the problems seem to stem from the military members, it is becoming
chronic in all areas where Prince Hall Masonry is found. There is a veiled
threat that if it is not curtailed on military bases and among military
personnel, Prince Hall Masons will be put on the subversive list. That would
be disastrous for all Jurisdictions that have military members. We do ask
for cooperation from all Most Worshipful Grand Masters in this matter.
The five topics discussed were:
1. Relationship between Prince Hall Masons and the church.
2. Membership (losses and gains)
3. Leadership Training
4. Outside Funding
5. Non-Prince Hall Masons
Overall, this was a very good conference.
FRATERNAL RELATIONS
We have established a very good relationship with most of our Sister
Jurisdictions with the other Prince Hall Grand Lodges. Our tie to these
bodies and my personal relationship with Most Worshipful Grand Masters has
been a wonderful experience for me. I have gained personal friends whom I
feel I can call on at any given time, to assist this Grand Lodge in any
worthwhile endeavor.
Presently, there is Jurisdictional dispute between our Grand Lodge and the
Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oregon. On July 10, 1999, delivered via Express
Mail from Most Worshipful Grand Master Scott of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge
of Oregon, was a letter informing me that at their 39th Annual
Communication, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oregon approved that they
suspend fraternal relationship with us.
I have appointed a special committee to review the document received from
Oregon and any other pertinent documents, and submit a report to this Grand
Lodge on Tuesday, July 13, 1999.
I am pleased to report that relations between our grand organization of the
Prince Hall Family of Washington are good and excellent.
Relations between the Grand Lodge and the Grand Chapter are good. What is at
issue is what are the duties, responsibilities, and authority of the Grand
Worthy Patron. I have met with both the Grand Worthy Patron and Grand Worthy
Matron several times, to resole the conflict.
Relations with the Prince Hall Grand High Court is excellent, and I have had
a cooperative working relationship this past Masonic year.
I must state than an excellent and harmonious relationship existed with
Sovereign Grand Inspector General Frank Russell, Deputy of Scottish Rite
Masonry, Orient of Washington. I also have similar working relationship with
Deputy of the Desert William Spencer and Grand High Priest Larry Williams of
the Holy Royal Arch Masons.
The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington and Jurisdiction
continues to enjoy a harmonious and productive relationship with the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge of Washington, F. & A.M. Contrary to some beliefs and
perceptions, Prince Hall Masonry has maintained its uniqueness, customs,
traditions, and its heritage. There has not been any attempt from either
Grand Body to merge, change, or infringe upon each other’s sovereignty and I
seriously doubt that there ever will be.
On September 8, 1998, DDGM Morgan and Dr. Hall, and I were received at the
United Grand Lodge of England’s quarterly meeting. The hospitality and royal
treatment we received was indescribable. We received a standing ovation by
the 1,500 plus attendees. Right Honorable Lord Farham, the Program Most
Worshipful Grand Master, made us feel very special.
The Grand Lodge of Japan allowed our 30th Far East District Session to be
held at their Grand Lodge, without cost to the District. We are deeply
appreciative to the warm and gracious hospitality shown to our Far East
members.
STATE OF THE CRAFT
I am pleased to report that the overall State of the Craft is excellent. It
has been said to me during my travels that the Prince Hall Masons of
Washington State and Jurisdiction are one of strongest, most cohesive groups
of Masons in the world. I am pleased to report that the true spirit of
Prince Hall Freemasonry prevails throughout the Grand Jurisdiction, and the
overall state of the Craft is excellent. However, in an organization such as
this, we always expect some problems as a normal part of our everyday
business. We meet those problems, make the necessary decisions, and move on.
I feel that I have been a Most Worshipful Grand Master that is sensitive to
the needs of those who I was put here to serve, yet mindful of the fact that
decisions are based on the needs of the whole, not the individual.
STATE OF DISTRICTS
We have, in the Jurisdiction at present, 64 chartered Lodges. As of this
report, our membership is at 2,467. It is a slight increase since last year.
But, not as much as our potential shows it should be. There are several
Lodges in Districts 1, 2, 5, and 11 that have added new members due to the
presence of the military bases in their Districts.
District #1
The District Deputy reports: This District seems to be on the upswing. He
has witnessed the coming together of the Brothers as men and Masons. The
District meetings still lack full attendance, however, they are more united
than he has seen them in the past. This District will continue to hold each
of their Brothers accountable for their actions -- wrong doers and wrong
doings will be dealt with.
District #2
The District Deputy reports: Though Lodge Visitations and District meetings
have been minimally attended; his concern has been focusing on developing
leadership, confidence, motivation, and pride, while educating the Warden
and assisting the Worshipful Master on Masonic teachings.
This District continues to do the things Masons should do: Community
involvement, works and acts of charity, and youth programs. At Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and Easter, the District is out in the community giving food
baskets for the needy and egg hunts for the youth. These are just a few of
the many acts of kindness they render.
Districts #3 & #4
Lodges in these two Districts have experienced a slight increase in
membership. The Lodges in Yakima and Walla WalIa are not functioning as well
as I would like them to. Hopefully, and soon, more military people will be
permanently stationed at the Yakima Firing Center. Pioneer Lodge #39 appears
to be the strength in District #3. In District #4, we hope to attract new
members from Fairchild Air Force Base.
District #5
This District includes Lodges located in Everett, Oak Harbor, and Vancouver,
B.C., all of whom are doing an excellent job in pursuing Masonry in its
truest sense — in ritualistic work, community outreach programs, and in the
furthering of true brotherly love and friendship.
District #6
These Lodges are Located in Japan and are doing very well. They are also
pursuing Masonry in its truest sense, through ritualistic work, community
involvement, and outreach programs and many charitable contributions.
Members of these Lodges are subject to short notice deployment to the hot
spots in the world -- often leaving the Lodges without their principle
officers.
District #7
This District is home to Torii Lodge #46 and Okinawa Military Lodge #68,
located in Okinawa, Japan. This District has shown a moderate increase in
membership. They are also doing very well in the ritualistic work and an
excellent job in its community outreach programs and charitable
contributions.
District #8
This District is home to Marianas Travelers Lodge #49, located in Guam. This
Lodge is doing very well keeping with the rich traditions of Prince Hall
Masonry, and is also excellent in their ritualistic work and community
outreach programs.
District #9
This District this past year, as in the previous three years, has found
their membership widely dispersed throughout the world in support of many
peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.
Currently, with the latest mission in Kosovo, at least six of their Lodges
are fully deployed along with 70% of their membership. Because of the
workload and the long hours members left are encountering, it is very
difficult for the Lodges to raise funds and meet in a timely manner. Most of
the Lodges in this District are meeting the challenge with a large degree of
success and are fulfilling all of their financial and administrative
obligations. However, some are not so fortunate due to being fully deployed.
The remaining Lodges are doing very well in their ritualistic work and in
their community outreach programs.
District #10
This District’s five Lodges, located in South Korea, are performing very
well considering the fast turnover of its members, long field training
exercises and the diversity of Masonic organizations operating in Korea.
District Deputy Shepard has instituted a campaign to simply get “back to
basics,” both ritualistically and administratively. They have automated and
simplified administrative procedures, assuring continuity throughout the
District, Training of leaders in those areas is ongoing, because of the
rapid turnover of members.
District #11
This District is located in Puyallup, Spanaway, Lacey, Olympia, and
Vancouver, Washington. Two of the Lodges have had a difficult time in
keeping some of its members on the rolls. One of the Lodges has lost some of
its members because of the Anthrax issue. Several members have optioned to
be discharged from the military rather than take the shots. This being said,
the remaining Lodges are performing their ritualistic work and community
outreach programs in an excellent manner.
District #12
This District is located in the Philippines, and is the home to Mabuhay
Lodge #59. This Lodge, although small in number, is very busy performing
community outreach programs. In fact, this Lodge was awarded the Lodge of
the Year at the 30th Far East District Session, held in Tokyo, Japan.
Headquarter Lodge
DAL Bro. Robert Tucker and WM Sidney Breckenridge have successfully helped
many brothers get reinstated in the fraternity. Give the over-whelming
number of inquiries about our reinstatement process, and the Headquarter
Lodge procedures, we can anticipate that the number of members on the rolls
of Headquarters Lodge will soon reach 80.
MASONIC EDUCATION & FRATERNAL
ACTIVITIES
In order to establish and maintain contact with our members stationed or
residing in other Jurisdictions, we have established study or social clubs.
The Deputy-at-Large or Liaisons are responsible for providing our members
with enlightening Masonic educational topics and provide informational
newspapers and maintain a communications link to the Grand Lodge. These hard
working brothers are:
v
DAL Mark Heath — covering Washington D.C.,
Virginia, and Maryland.
v
DAL/Liaison Willie Carter — covering Florida and
Alabama.
v
DAL/Liaison Thurman Jones — covering Tennessee,
Kentucky, Kansas, and Missouri.
v
DAL/Liaison J.C. Camper — covering Texas and
Louisiana.
These brothers are responsible for many of our members maintaining contact
with their Lodges. Please keep up the good work.
1998-1999 Significant Grand Lodge Programs
Listed below are the Grand Lodge Programs that a considerable amount of
human resources were devoted to, in carrying out the objectives of said
program.
v
3-5 Year Planning Committee
v
Scholarship & Investment
v
Roslyn Cemetery
v
Officer Training & Performance Evaluation
v
Membership Expansion Committee
v
Annual Spring Workshop
v
Black, White, & Red Ball
v
Committee of Sons of Haiti
v
Community Medical Awareness
v
Grand Historian
v
Knights of Pythagoras
v
Non-Prince Hall Masons
v
Grand Entertainment Committee
v
Special Projects
v
Building — Capitol Improvement
v
Prince Hall Community Development
STATE OF THE CRAFT CONCLUSION
For many, membership, pure numbers is important. Numbers and totals are
important because it is from this source that we derive revenue by which our
various charities, philanthropies, capital improvement projects, and other
programs are funded. Fewer members mean less revenue.
To overcome this reduction, additional funds must be sought from those who
remain dedicated to our principles and purposes, or we adjust our operating
budget with current and projected membership. Before the downsizing, or
shifting of resources from Europe in 1994-1 995, we had nearly 3,000 members
on our rolls.
Since the events in Europe, our strength had dropped to about 2,400 members,
thereby reducing our revenue base. While we were having a decrease in funds
generated, and once again while our income decreases, our expenses
increased. For example, as reported to this Body July 1997, for the
1996-1997 budget year, our income was $157,827.24, while our expenses were
$192,221.99. This resulted in a negative difference of $38,394.85. (You may
consider the same negative difference of $38,394.25 for budget year
1995-1996, 1997-1998, AND 1998-1999.) The deficit is attributed to a
decrease in membership, unexpected, unplanned capital expenditures, other
financial obligations, and unmet financial responsibility by a few Lodges.
In our overseas Districts, we have not been able to find a solution to our
age-old problem of maintaining a Brother’s interest once he returns to the
United States. We have suggested to the Lodges that they communicate with
these brothers by sending newsletters, copies of minutes, certified letters
and a host of other things. While there are some results, it does not reward
our effort. We must continue to attempt other methods of establishing and
maintaining control with our members.
The Grand Lodge voted, at our last Annual Session, to increase the Grand
Lodge tax. This increase is slowly taking effect; however, the negative
difference in each of these years has forced us to tap into our reserves.
Therefore, I believe this Grand Lodge should prepare to operate on a more
stringent budget for the next few years.
Grand Entertainment
Past Deputy Most Worshipful Grand Master Jesse P. Miller, while attempting
to reconcile the Grand Entertainment’s Financial Secretary and Treasury’s
1997-1 998 report, he discovered some unexplainable discrepancies.
He discovered that eight (8) checks had been written on the Grand
Entertainment account in the total amount of $2,950.00. He further
discovered that these checks were not written from their current checkbook
series.
An audit conducted by members of the Comptroller Board confirmed Past Deputy
Most Worshipful Grand Master Miller’s discovery. A Special Committee,
appointed by this office, discovered two additional checks were written for
$400.00 each.
A month ago, I was informed by Bro. Miller that the bank informed him of a
second account. I have subpoenaed the bank records of the second account.
This investigation remains open.
3-5 year Planning Committee
The 3-5 Year Planning Committee recently researched and documented
information relating to administrative upgrades, property maintenance,
building renovation and emergency building repairs.
One purpose of this Committee is to assist and inform the Most Worshipful
Grand Master and staff of the status of our physical, technical,
administrative, and communication facilities relative to this Grand Body.
WB Tommy Terry, the Committee chairman, will render a complete report during
this session.
Special Community Project
The Grand Lodge, in concert with Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic and the
Central Area Motivation Program (C.A.M.P.) sponsored, at no cost to the
Grand Lodge, the 1st Annual Seattle Celebration of African-American
Philanthropy. This event featured Ms. Ernestine Anderson.
We have been applauded by the community for becoming more visible and many
said we need to sponsor more, similar events.
MASONIC DISCIPLINE
Darius A. Burns — Worshipful
Master of Torii Lodge #46
A Trial Commission convened to consider the case against WM Darius A. Burns
of Torii Lodge #46 (located in Okinawa, Japan), who was charged with theft
in the amount of $5,000.00 from his Lodge’s Treasury.
There was a unanimous finding of guilty by the Commission.
Sentencing Recommendation:
WM Darius A. Burns be suspended from Masonry -- no time specific.
I, therefore, suspended WM Darius A. Burns for 10 years, with the provision
that if he completes restitution to his Lodge, he then may appeal to the
Most Worshipful Grand Master or Grand Lodge to reduce said sentence.
Homer D. Christopher III, Past
Master
A Trial Commission convened to consider the case against PM Homer D.
Christopher III, who was charged with unmasonic conduct (forgery and theft).
The Trial Commission found PM Homer D. Christopher guilty of an unmasonic
act. The Commission unanimously recommended that the punishment should be
expulsion.
I concur with the Commission’s recommendation and, by an Official Act,
expelled PM Homer D. Christopher Ill from Masonry.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. That the Grand Lodge affirm my decision to sign a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Grand Lodge of Washington, to allow
Lodges from both Grand Lodges to perform courtesy Degrees with and for each
other.
2. That funds received from the Lodges titled “Grand
Lodge Assessment” be placed in a special account, to be used exclusively for
capitol improvement projects for our buildings, thereby lessening the impact
of those funds not coming into the General Fund. The following formula may
be used:
v
1999-2000 Masonic year — 50% of Grand Lodge
Assessment funds received should be placed in the Special Account and the
other half in the General Fund.
v
2000-2001 Masonic year — 75% of Grand Lodge
Assessment Funds received should go to the Special Account, with 25% going
to the General Fund.
v
2001-2002 Masonic year — All funds received for
Grand Lodge Assessment are to go to the Special Account.
3.
That Guy J. Wickliffe be granted Emeritus Status
as Grand Pursuivant, with 50 years of faithful service.
4. That the following one U.D. Lodge be chartered at
this 96th Annual Communication Perseverance Lodge U.D.
CONCLUSION
And so, my Brothers, as I come to a close, I must offer you my personal
perception of how I view our organization. Free Masonry, our Free Masonry.
The Prince Hall Masons of Washington State emphatically say to its members,
“Act on the Square.” The assumption is that, just as a building is
unreliable and unsafe if not built on the square, so a man’s life will only
be to the community what it ought to be insofar as it is lived. “On the
Square.” Living on the square, to all devout and sincere Masons, means the
dedication of personal knowledge, acquirements, and possessions to the
highest purposes of life.
Some men are known for their knowledge; some for their eloquence and some
for their wealth, but Free Masonry does not measure men by these standards.
Unfortunately, some members of the Craft do, and find it very difficult to
stay with the truth and carry out their promises. Nevertheless, Free Masonry
measures men by the presence or absence of love in their souls, love for one
another and love for humanity. It endeavors to develop a fraternity of great
feats.
Let us not become what the author of the book called “Valley of the Dry
Bones.” A section of his book is devoted to our attitude toward each other.
He goes on to say that many of us are familiar with the crab complex or crab
attitude. This expression originated from the nature of crabs in a barrel.
If one crab will make an attempt to get out of the barrel, the other crabs
will invariably pull him back into the barrel. The crab attitude manifests
itself in many ways among some of us, and it can be defined as any negative,
unhelpful behavior in which people work against each other.
A true Mason is never knowingly guilty of rudeness, never selfish, never
resentful, never glad when other go wrong, but is always hopeful, always
patient, and always eager to believe the best.
He is generous, mild, and modest; his hand is ever ready to lift the fallen,
cheer the disheartened, help the widows and orphans, and give relief and
comfort to those in distress.
From my personal messages, my Brothers, I have represented this great Grand
Lodge as your Most Worshipful Grand Master not because of my ego. I serve
because of my love for this Grand Body. I have walked upright in all of my
endeavors in representing each of you in a manner that demonstrated to the
world the best side of Masonry and the image of our Brothers. I have always
tried to be a gentleman/brother, without any feelings of feeding ego. I have
always put into practice the words of President Kennedy -- what can I do for
the Grand Lodge, not what this Grand Lodge can do for me.
I have performed my duties consistent with our constitution, while not
requesting any funds above my authorized budget, although I have far
exceeded that amount.
I refused to be shackled by yesterday’s failures. What I don’t know, I will
no longer allow to intimidate me. I will, instead, view it as an
opportunity. I will not allow others to define my mood, my method, my image,
or my mission. I will pursue a mission greater than myself; by treating each
person I encounter with dignity and respect. I will not allow self-pity,
jealousy, or negativism from my self or others defer me from my goal of
being an upright Brother/Mason/Person.
Any, finally my Brothers, do not judge men by the swiftness of their tongue,
judge them by the content of their character and the deeds they have
performed in time. All that dwells in darkness will soon come to the light.
“Let your light so shine.”
My Brothers, the power in which you entrusted and turned over to me at the
close of our 95th Annual Session, I now return to you. Thank you for
allowing me to serve you.
Fraternally,
WILLIAM C. RHEUBOTTOM
M.W. Most Worshipful Grand Master
Prince Hall Grand Lodge
of Washington and Jurisdiction
