Masonry has declared that there was one "Grand Architect," and that all Masons were brothers. This concept has been basic in Masonic history. However, men of color were made Masons, they had to light for the rights of Freemasonry and for the right to transmit it to their successors. There were those who sought to use legal technicalities to deprive them of their fraternal rights which had come to them from the same source - the Mother Lodge of England.
For decades this contest had gone on in Ohio. From 1849, when Freemasonry was introduced among colored Americans and lodges were organized with them as members there was continuous necessity for the defense of their Masonic rights. They were said to be irregular, clandestine and spurious. Demands were not unusual for proofs of their Masonic knowledge, as well as their legitimacy by individuals and by the lodges. These demands and rumors led to the movement to make the foundations of Masonry among colored men more permanent by every Masonic and legal action.
There were two Grand Masters and their associate officers who were contributors to the building of these permanent foundations of Prince Hall Masonry during the first decades of the nineteenth century. They were Grand Master Samuel W. Clark, who completed his first term from 1879 to 1888; Jeremiah A. Brown, the Grand Secretary from 1881-1888 became Grand Master in 1888 and continued to 1898. In this year, Samuel W. Clark was re-elected for a second period as Grand Master, serving from 1898 to 1902. These Masonic leaders serving from 1879 to 1902 were also active in education, Masonic publication, public affairs, and they helped to lay permanent foundations for the Order. Their continuing service was an evidence of the appreciation which was had for them by the Grand Lodge for Ohio and the challenge which was accepted by them in continuing their years of service.
Jeremiah Arthur Brown, who began his term as Thirteenth Grand Master in 1888 was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 14, 1841. His education was undertaken in the Pittsburgh public schools and at Avery College, Allegheny, Pennsylvania. As a youth, he worked on the steamboats plying the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and returned to Pittsburgh in 1858 to work as a carpenter and pioneer. His parents moved to Chatham, Ontario, Canada, where they decided to live, as a result of the racial situation in the United States. Fugitive slaves and free Negroes migrated to Canada through the Northern states in particular of Ohio and Pennsylvania, as a result of the legal, economic, and social restrictions placed upon them in these states.
Brother Brown returned to the United States and located in St. Louis, Missouri, again following work on the steamboats. Later he located in Cleveland, Ohio, where he engaged in carpentry. It was during this period that he became a Mason. He was initiated in 1868 and raised in 1869 in St. John's Lodge No. 9 of Chatham, Canada. His appointment as a Bailiff of the Probate Court of Cuyahoga County in 1878 began a career in government service which also included service as Deputy Sheriff and Turnkey for four years, as Clerk of the City Board of Equalization and Revision and as a U. S. Government Letter Carrier. Brother Brown was elected to the Sixty-eighth General Assembly as Representative and was associated with Bishop Benjamin W. Arnett in the light to remove the Black Laws from the Statute books of Ohio.
In the meantime, Brown had joined Excelsior Lodge No. 11, Cleveland, Ohio in 1872, was a member of the Grand Lodge for the State of Ohio in 1876, and was an ardent worker and capable leader in Masonry. His service to the Grand Lodge was as Sword Bearer in 1877, Grand Marshal and Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence in 1879, General Secretary 1880 to 1887 and Grand Master in 1888. He served as a Trustee of the Combined Normal and Industrial Department of Wilberforce, Ohio, now Central State College and was interested in its establishment as a state department in 1887.
As Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, Grand Master Brown was ably assisted by Deputy Grand Masters, James A. Guy, George S. Bowles, Charles E. Nichols, J. H. Bowles, and William H. Lucas. His Senior Grand Wardens were John Wilborn, J. R. Jackson, William H. Lucas, John H. Bowles, J. Henry Lewis, and William E. Clemens. His Junior Grand Wardens were James E. Jackson, J. H. Hunley, R. M. Murray, W. H. Griffin, D. J. Galloway, J. H. Lewis, John Dickerson, Charles Marshall, and George A. Weaver. The Grand Treasurer was George Fields, who served from 1886 to 1898, and the Grand Secretaries were A. R. G. Guy, 1888-1889; C. L. Maxwell, 1889-1892, and William Buckner, 1892 to 1913.
These men were well-qualified for their services in their respective capacities and were builders of the permanence of Prince Hall Masonry. Several were outstanding citizens and worthy Masonic leaders. James A. Guy, Deputy Grand Master, was a school teacher in Zanesville and had served his subordinate lodge as Secretary and Worshipful Master. He had served as Junior Grand Warden, as Deputy Grand Master in 1874 and 1876, was re-elected eight times as Deputy Grand Master between 1876 and 1894 and was elected Grand Treasurer in 1899.
Another Deputy Grand Master of the unusual type was Charles E. Nichols of Xenia, Ohio. Born in Virginia he came to Ohio, worked in Dayton and Xenia as a waiter and barber, enlisted in the United States Army in 1865, and was honorably discharged in 1866. He was initiated and raised in Wilberforce Lodge No. 21, served the Lodge as Senior Warden and Worshipful Master and was chosen Deputy Grand Master in 1891 and 1892, and later as Grand Historiographer.
A third member of this prominent group was John H. Bowles, Senior Grand Warden and Deputy Grand Master. He was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, educated there and in Albany Enterprise Academy, of which later he had charge, Brother Bowles taught school in Marietta and was appointed a railway mail clerk and served in this capacity for over two decades. His Masonic life began with initiation and raising in Corinthian Lodge No. 1 and continued in St. Mark's Lodge No. 7, where he served as Secretary, Senior Warden and Worshipful Master. Serving the Grand Lodge first as Senior Grand Warden, he was also Grand Lecturer, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Representative.
Among these progressive leaders was William H. Lucas, who moved to Ohio from Virginia where he was born. He attended school in both states and during 1876-1877 taught school in Eastern Virginia. In spite of prejudice, he succeeded in entering high school in Cadiz, was graduated in 1873, while teaching in the elementary school and was advanced to principal of the Cadiz Colored School. Brother Lucas was an active church worker and community worker and was elected in 1898 as Town Clerk. His Masonic career began as a Charter Member of Mystic Lodge No. 20 and he was finally its Worshipful Master for over two decades. His service in the Grand Lodge included Grand Senior Warden, Grand Chaplain and Deputy Grand Master.
With such Masonic leaders as these in subordinate lodges and state Grand Lodge service, Grand Master Samuel W. Clark and Jeremiah A. Brown, in association with them, built the foundations so that they could not be razed. One of their first steps toward permanence, previously mentioned, was the incorporation in 1871 of the Grand Lodge by the State of Ohio with Samuel W. Clark as Grand Master and Jeremiah A. Brown as Grand Secretary.
Another of these evidences of contributions to permanence was the appearance of a publication by Grand Master Samuel W. Clark. This was his Negro Mason in Equity, which was published in the 1886 Proceedings and later was issued as a pamphlet. This publication was a plea for the recognition of Negro Masonry. As a man of scholarly inclinations and as a practicing attorney, Brother Clark probed deeply and investigated subject from the judicial and historical points of view. It appeared in print at the time of the Centennial Celebration of African Lodge No.459 in 1887.
This brochure was an outgrowth of a publication by a white Mason, John D. Caldwell, Grand Secretary of Ohio (white), who prepared a brochure under the title, New Day and New Duty. This was a publication concerning the development of Negro Masonry and was first included in the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Ohio (white) for 1876, with later publication as a pamphlet. Masonic Historian, Harry Davis, describes the publication as "an exhaustive and critical study of colored Masonry from the standpoint of both history and jurisprudence and is an excellent reference work."
After describing Prince Hall Masonry, Caldwell wrote of the current status of this Lodge as follows:
"In the state of Ohio, it may be observed, there has been no complaint as to the character, in the main, of the colored men who have controlled the colored Grand Lodge for a quarter of a century. The colored organization has been incorporated by the State, and is an actuality. Take its active Grand Officers, and they will stand well. William H. Parham is a graduate of the Cincinnati Law School and a member of the Cincinnati Bar. He is a Superintendent of the Colored District Schools of Cincinnati, and was recently elected Grand Master of the colored Grand Lodge. Peter H. Clark of Cincinnati, Superintendent of the Colored High Schools in Cincinnati, has been Deputy Grand Master. Samuel W. Clark, a Principal of the Western District of the same colored schools, is Grand High Priest of their Chapter. For some time William M. Wilson of Cincinnati has been their Grand Commander. Past Grand Master W. T. Boyd and Tustin Holland, present Deputy Grand Master of Cleveland have marked ability. They have their charters and constitution selected to suit themselves. We know most of them, in the ordinary walks of life, to be proper persons and believe they are pursuing Masonry in an orderly fashion and should be encouraged."
Samuel W. Clark, the Grand Master, decided to prepare a more extensive work than the Caldwell brochure. He was permitted free access to the libraries of Enoch T. Carson and John D. Caldwell, white Masons. On August 12, 1884, he recommended the appointment of a Committee by the Thirty-fourth Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge to issue an address on the position and legality of colored Masonry so that, with the approach of the centennial year, "we must tear away the flimsy mask behind which the white American Mason takes refuge from the penetrating eye of Truth and Justice." The resolution for this Committee was reported by the Committee on Grand Master's Address and was approved. In 1886, Grand Master Clark published the result of his study and research. It was printed in the Proceedings, published as a brochure, and was given wide distribution. As a lawyer and man of high intellectual ability, Grand Master Clark gave to his work careful scholarship and research. Brother Harry Davis stated that it "almost immediately became a classic," and when Grand Master William H. Upton of the State of Washington was preparing his study of Negro Masonry, "he followed the plan of presentation adopted by Grand Master Clark." These publications were defenses of Masonry for Negroes and contributed greater permanence to the foundations already laid by the founding fathers.
Grand Master Clark gave two reasons for the belief that Negro Masonry was "spurious, clandestine, irregular and everything else but a true and regular Mason." One of these was the general ignorance of American Masons concerning the origin and history of Negro Masonry. The prejudice which so many white Americans had against the Negro. He stated in the Introduction that he had chosen the title "Negro Mason" because "Colored Mason" could be applied to "the Mongolian, the Malay, the Indian or the Australian, as to African or the American of African descent, and we desire the title to indicate with certainty the party at bar; secondly we are loyal to our African blood."
In spite of the withdrawals of lodges in this period of the history of Prince Hall Masonry, its consolidation was continued because of the sincere and capable leadership of Samuel W. Clark, his pre4ecessor William H. Parham, and his successor, Jeremiah A. Brown. Their idealism, zeal, and loyalty to Masonry placed the Grand Lodge and its subordinate lodges in the leadership of lodges in the field of Prince Hall Masonry.
During this period, there were subordinate lodges established. Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 53 was established at Bellaire, Ohio in 1892. No lodge had been set up since 1888. The first officers of this lodge were M. M. Ponton, Worshipful Master; T. E. Kerns, Senior Warden W. H. Redman, Junior Warden V. Brown, Treasurer, and T. A. Myers, Secretary. Norfolk Lodge No. 54 was granted a dispensation on September 4, 1891, following its recommendation by True Craftmen Lodge No. 36, then located at Richmond, Ohio. Grand Master Jeremiah Brown granted the dispensation, and lie appointed Brother John R. Jackson, Past Senior Grand Warden to organize the lodge. The original officers were George Davis, Worshipful Master; George Malden; Senior Warden; John Burrell, Junior Warden; P. Alexander, Treasurer, and J. E. Jackson, Secretary. Valley Lodge No. 55 was organized and established at Rendville, Ohio, in 1892. Its original officers were D. D. Williamson, Worshipful Master; M. Vance, Senior Warden; Horatio Miller, Junior Warden; W. B. Tolliver, Treasurer, and F. H. Jackson, Secretary.
Only one lodge was established in 1893. This was Sumner Lodge No. 56, Latty, Van Wert, Ohio. Its dispensation was issued to James Rickman, Worshipful Master; Hiram Lamb, Senior Warden; Lewis Borden, Junior Warden; Joseph Turner, Treasurer, and Fred Lamb, Secretary.
In 1894, one Lodge, LaBelle Lodge No. 57, was chartered at Bellefontaine, Ohio by the Grand Lodge, December 20. This charter was issued to McShack M. Jackson, Worshipful Master; John W. Alexander, Senior Warden; and Frederick L. Archer, Junior Warden. In 1895, its officers were McShack M. Jackson, Worshipful Master; R. L. Goins, Senior Warden; F. L. Archer, Junior Warden; L. A. Mason, Treasurer; and T. G. Calloway, Secretary.
The issue of a dispensation by the Grand Lodge for the State of Ohio to Tuscan Lodge No. 58 at Louisville, Kentucky, was the cause of controversy with the Grand Lodge for the State of Kentucky. John H. Bowles was among the leaders who defended the Grand Lodge for Ohio and its jurisdiction for this action. Tuscan Lodge No. 58 was established in 1895 with its original officers as follows: James May, Worshipful Master; Edward Bowman, Senior Warden; P. A. Rankin; Junior Warden; John May, Treasurer, and E. H. Willis, Secretary.
The year, 1896 witnessed the organization of one lodge. This was the Covenant Lodge No. 59 of Youngstown, Ohio. The original officers were A. V. Page, Worshipful Master; Charles S. Smith, Senior Warden; James Amos, Junior Warden; Hanson Clark, Treasurer, and William Burk, Secretary.
There was no lodge established in 1897, but in 1898, Pride of Solomon Lodge No. 60 was organized, its charter having been issued on August 19. Its first officers were Watt W. Settles Worshipful Master; G. H. Clark, Senior Warden; William Hill, Junior Warden; Edward Davis, Treasurer, and A. C. Smith, Secretary. Lily Lodge No. 61 was also established at Findlay, Ohio in 1899, with officers as follows: Cory Adams, Worshipful Master; W. Woodson, Senior Warden; M. R. Powell, Junior Warden; C. H. Johnson, Treasurer and F. D. Adams, Secretary.
In 1899, Carbon Lodge No. 62 was established on August 16, at Nelsonville, Ohio. The Charter was issued during the second term of M. W. Grand Master Samuel W. Clark. The first officers were John M. Hale, Worshipful Master; C. H. Hargrove, Senior Warden; Walker Newell, Junior Warden; Simon Brown, Treasurer, and George E. Chapman, Secretary.
A year passed before another lodge was established in 1900, Terrace Lodge No. 63 was warranted and was established in 1901 at Salem, Ohio. Its original officers were: Felix H. Williams, Worshipful Master; Samuel Alexander, Senior Warden; Job Jones, Junior Warden; Albert Gaines, Treasurer, and T. H. Cyrus, Secretary. Eastern Light Lodge No. 64 was established in 1901 with the following officers: Mose F. Walker, Worshipful Master; Nelson Howard, Senior Warden; J. A. Goode, Junior Warden; J. W. Burke, Treasurer, and James Howard, Secretary. Prosperity Lodge No. 65 was established in 1901. Its original officers were James Powers, Worshipful Master; David H. Young, Senior Warden, Edward Jones, Junior Warden; William Kittipell, Treasurer, and A. F. Donaldson, Secretary.
These developments in subordinate lodges were parts of the permanent foundation which the Masonic brotherhood erected. In addition, the incorporation, the struggles for recognition, and the writings of Masonic leaders were foundation stones in the building of Prince Hall Masonry. They were the culminations of the years since 1847.
The question of recognition of Negro Masonry remained a prominent one as the years passed and developed into a widespread public issue in the last decade of the Nineteenth Century. This development arose in the Grand Lodge of the State of Washington in 1898. Two Ohio Masons, C. A. Rideout and Gideon S. Bailey, had become residents of the State of Washington. Finding that there were no Prince Hall Masonic Lodges in the state, they sent a petition to the Grand Lodge of the State of Washington to inquire if they could be brought into fraternal relationship. This Grand Lodge had not considered Negro Masonry as a question until this time. Their request was not referred to a local lodge but was considered by the Grand Lodge. It was referred to a special committee with William H. Upton as chairman. He described the results of this incident in his Light on a Dark Subject, published in 1899, as a report to the Grand Lodge of the State of Washington, and in his Negro Masonry, Being A Critical Examination of Objections to the Legitimacy of the Masonry Existing Among the Negroes of America, published in 1902. This book of 264 pages was published by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
The Upton Committee report which was made to the Grand Lodge in 1898 expressed the opinion that Prince Hall Masonry was legitimate, limiting this recognition to Negro Lodges holding their charters from the Grand Lodge of England. It was the Committee's report that race and color were not the proper tests to apply to Masonry and that subordinate lodges had the right to recognize as Masons those of Prince Hall descent. It was stated also that if Negro Masons established lodges in the state and organized a Grand Lodge under Masonic law, this would be regarded as an invasion of the jurisdiction by the Grand Lodge of Washington.
This report was attacked by Grand Lodges of white Masons in various states. Sixteen Grand Lodges severed relations in 1899 with the Grand Lodge of Washington, with six of these in the northern and western areas. The Grand Lodge of Ohio (white) called this action "the un-Masonic action of the Grand Lodge of Washington at its last session which was in effect the recognition of Negro lodges and their authority to confer degrees," and it was added, "This is the first and only recognition of Negro Masonry by any jurisdiction in the United States." At the same time, this Ohio Grand Lodge of white Masons stated that the Negro lodges had been declared "clandestine and irregular in Ohio, Massachusetts, and elsewhere."
Abuse and invective were turned against the Upton Committee and the Grand Lodge of Washington, which finally issued an explanation of its action stating that it was not one of recognition but of maintaining the original view of coordinate jurisdiction for a Grand Lodge of Negro Masons in the State. The Grand Lodge of Ohio (white) then seemed to be satisfied, for its Committee on Foreign Correspondence reported in 1899, on the action of the Grand Lodge of Washington and recommended that as this Grand Lodge, "now claims it has reconsidered its un-fraternal conduct, no further action was necessary on behalf of this Grand Lodge."
William Upton continued to write on this subject with conviction. His work on Negro Masonry was an important chapter in Masonic history. The publication rights of this volume were turned over to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. His death on November 3, 1906, at Walla Walla, Washington, not only directed attention to his great work, but called forth many expressions of appreciation and regret from Prince Hall Masons. Upton's sincere interest was demonstrated by a provision in his will that no monument should be erected over his grave until both colored and white Masons could stand over it as brothers. His will showed the character and firm convictions of this champion of human rights, as it carried the words, "I desire no monument except the most simple headstone to mark my grave until such time as the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington or some other Masonic Lodge now recognized by it, shall unite with some organization of those Masons commonly known as Negro Masons-or at least with representative members of some such organization in erecting near my grave a monument to myself and my late wife."
However, Prince Hall Masons were not too concerned about a unification which would absorb or obliterate them, for it was believed as Historian Harry Davis wrote, "It would inevitably destroy his historic independence by ultimate absorption into the dominant body of the craft, or by subordination to it." Davis also added that the Prince Hall Mason was "rightly indignant at being termed clandestine and spurious" and that "historical recognition of legitimacy convincingly disposes of these opprobrious terms."
It was during the administration of Grand Master Jeremiah A. Brown that the Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star was formed. It had been first organized in Ohio in 1878, and was begun with the initiative of women in Springfield and Xenia, who secured materials and information from Illustrious Robert McCoy, Supreme Grand Patron of New York. After the organization of Golden Star Chapter No. 1 in Springfield, Eastern Star Chapter No. 2 in Xenia and Esther Chapter No. 3 in Columbus, Brother E. L. Eslick of Springfield was deputized as Deputy Grand Patron for Ohio. After his removal from the state, Brother John Wilborn became Deputy Grand Patron, receiving his credentials from Illustrious McCoy who empowered him to act. The reports of these three Chapters were made through the Deputy Grand Patron to Brother McCoy. A third Deputy Grand Patron, Brother J. J. Sparrow, was made by him. As a result of his work eight chapters were organized. As a representative of Ohio, Brother Sparrow was sent to the meeting of the Tennessee Grand Master, Order of Eastern Star, at which I was made a District Grand Patron for Ohio.
On August 3, 1887, with District Grand Patron Sparrow in the East and representatives from Springfield, Xenia, Columbus, Chillicothe, Gallipolis, London, Ironton and Newark, a Grand Chapter for Ohio was organized and styled, "The Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star for Ohio and Jurisdiction." There were twenty-eight members in attendance. Deputy Grand Patron, J. J. Sparrow, appointed temporary officers.
After business was transacted, the following officers were elected: Grand Patron, J. J. Sparrow, Columbus; Deputy Grand Patron, George Shaffer, St. Louis, Missouri; Grand Matron, M. A. Mozee, Xenia; Grand Matron, Marie Vaughn, Chillicothe; Grand Secretary, E. D. Webster, Gallipolis; Grand Treasurer, M. E. Gregory, Springfield; Conductress, R. A. Alexander, Newark; Conductress, Susie Cane, London; Adah, N. Lucas, Xenia; Ruth, A. Henson, Columbus; Esther, M. W. Spencer, Columbus; Martha, M. Buchner, Columbus; Electra, M. Dickerson, Springfield; Warder, Frankie Lane, Columbus; Sentinel, A. Christy, Gallipolis; Organist, B. Crowley, Ironton. The next session was to meet at Gallipolis with Electra Chapter No. 16 as hostess on July 25, 1888.
There was rapid progress in the development of this organization. Between 1890 and 1894, chapters were established in Pennsylvania and Kentucky in addition to Missouri. In the same way as the Masons of Ohio had done in organizing out-of-state chapters, the Eastern Star was also the Mother of Chapters beyond their own state. With the organization and expansion of the Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star and the close of the Washington affair, both of which were important in the history of Prince Hall Masonry in Ohio, the work which had been accomplished by Grand Masters Clark and Brown began to manifest results.
The passing of Grand Master Samuel Wilcox Clark, devoted leader in Prince Hall Masonry in 1903, marked the close of a life with a rare personality which had brought brilliant talents and capacities to bear upon the literature and procedures of Masonry. Grand Master Clemens said that, "to Brother Clark, more than to any other man are the colored Masons indebted for the acknowledgment of their legitimacy by the white Masons. That matchless book 'Negro Masonry in Equity' traces the origin of the colored Mason in this country and is a recognized historical work and occupies a prominent place in libraries not only of colored Masons but of whites as well.''
The death of Past Grand Master William H. Parham in 1904 was another mark of the termination of an era and the dawn of another. He was the first colored man to graduate from the Cincinnati Law School and the first colored man to be nominated for the State General Assembly. At the time of his death, he was serving as Grand Lodge Historiographer and was preparing a history of the Grand Lodge of Ohio and its Jurisdiction to 1904.
As the years passed recognition by white lodges did not loom so largely in the forefront of Grand Lodge or local lodge ambitions. Their acknowledged purposes were to build a Grand Lodge and subordinate lodges which would be worthy Masonic bodies. Masons in all stations were called upon to know their work and all Masons were to be ready and willing to give reasons for the faith which was in them.
While this spirit continued to grow and abound, the time for the annual session of the Grand Lodge approached. The 55th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge for Ohio and its Jurisdiction met in Odd Fellows Hall, Troy, Ohio, August 16, 1904. After the opening which was conducted by Deputy Grand Master W. W. Cordell, the session began with Grand Master William E. Clemens presiding. Under the auspices of Miami Lodge No. 48 the craft and citizens participated in the ceremonies of welcome. An address welcoming the Grand Lodge was given by Brother W. E. Harrison, Worshipful Master of Miami Lodge and a welcome on behalf of the citizens by Honorable Thomas G. Kyle the response was delivered on behalf of the Grand Lodge by Grand Master Clemens.
On assuming charge of the craft for business, The Grand Master appointed the committees. The Grand Officers present were William E. Clemens, Grand Master; W. W. Cordell, Deputy Grand Master; William M. Hunnicutt, Senior Grand Warden; Robert F. Jones, Junior Grand Warden; James A. Guy, Grand Treasurer, and William H. Buckner, Grand Secretary. There were 31 lodges represented at this Grand Lodge of 44 active lodges, with 19 Past Grand Officers present and one Past Grand Master. The total membership reported on June 24, 1904 was 1,173. The amounts received from the lodges at this Communication totaled $1,180.00.
Grand Master Clemens delivered his annual address embracing Necrology, Special Dispensations, New Lodges, General Conditions of the Craft, Order of the Jurisdiction, John G. Jones' Expulsion, Masonic History, Masonic Congress, Brother Stettegast's Anniversary, Masonic Courtesies, Suspension of Members, Posting Candidates, Foreign Affairs, Reception of Foreign Representatives, Order of Election, and Conclusion.
The address gave emphasis to the necessity for Masons to have a knowledge of their work and of sincere application to the duties of a Mason. After two years in office, the Grand Master could report in 1904 that he found "marked improvement with almost every lodge of our Jurisdiction."
The lodges were congratulated by him and he added that "at the head of our several lodges are efficient, capable masters and officers, who are instructing in the light of Masonry." His opinion was that the Masters, on the whole, were more intelligent and that they loved the cause of Masonry and were "doing in good faith more things for the betterment of the craft."
Grand Master Clemens was the Fifteenth Grand Master, and was born in Ohio in Long Darke County, October 15, 1865. His family moved to Toledo where he attended the elementary and the high schools and the Ohio Business University. Clemens began work with a jeweler and was for fifteen years a trusted employee. He then entered the County Treasurer's Office as an employee. His Masonic life began with his initiation in Amazon Lodge No. 4 in 1887; and he was passed and raised in 1888. He served his local lodge in nearly every office. The Grand Lodge soon recognized his ability and made him Deputy Grand Master from 1898 to 1902. In the latter year he was elected Grand Master.
It was upon this background that Grand Master Clemens had worked his own way forward and perhaps for this reason he expected efficiency in Masonry by its leadership. The lodges were asked to rise above pettiness and personal antagonism. Several eases occurred in the lodges in 1904 concerning the black ball. All members were urged to exercise the privilege of the ballot, "to give his vote perfectly free from any influence from either the officers of the lodge, or from private or personal motives," and "to remember that this privilege is given to men who ought to think and act for themselves with the one sole object in view; viz. the credit, honor and welfare of the craft in general and of his own lodge in particular." In his opinion, the ballot was not "to injure the candidate by stabbing him in the back, but to protect the intrusion of those who are unworthy." His address was concluded with the respect that the ballot should be exercised with care and he observed that the rejection of a candidate stigmatized him "as a man of ill repute" and placed "a blot before his name, difficult to erase."
These were well chosen words of advice in the use of the ballot. Such advice was of value not only in Masonry but also in civic life. The Grand Master took the opportunity to use his office to call attention to the misuse of this valuable opportunity by Masons and citizens. The political election of 1896 and 1900 had been of high interest to all Americans and for all Americans. The National Afro-American Council had declared in 1903 that "a systematic effort has been inaugurated on the part of the South which has for its object the withdrawal of the franchise from the Afro-Americans of that section and their reduction to a position of absolute subservience in all the relations of life." The references to the ballot were basic to elections as well as to Masonic interests.
It was during this period that the valuable History of Freemasonry Among the Colored People in North America by William H. Grimshaw of Washington, D. C. was established. After presenting a history of the origin of Masonry among colored men, the writer presented a history of each Grand Lodge Jurisdiction. Grand Master Clemens called attention to the publication and to Upton's Negro Masonry published in 1902 and said that they should be in the possession of every colored Mason. He declared, "it is important that we should know more of ourselves."
He also referred to the receipt of a book by Major Martin B. Delaney, entitled The Origin and Objectives of Ancient Freemasonry, Its Introduction into the United States and Legitimacy among Colored Men. This book was regarded by him as worthy of consideration, that the reading of it would enhance interest and would inspire them to "more noble manhood." The Grand Master reported that the history of the Grand Lodge of Ohio and its Jurisdiction would soon be ready for distribution. The Committee on Grand Master's Address commended Grand Master Clemens on his administration of the affairs of the Grand Lodge and for "his excellent ability, zeal and fidelity to the craft." Later in this session Past Grand Master Jeremiah A. Brown was named Historiographer in the place vacated by the death of Past Grand Master William H. Parham.
A major object of discussion at this session was the case of the expulsion of John G. Jones of Illinois for affiliating with a clandestine lodge. The case came to the attention of Grand Master Clemens through a communication from Grand Master Henry E. Burris of Illinois, November 3, 1903. Jones was tried on a charge preferred by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for affiliating with clandestine, suspended and expelled Masons in lodge formation and in a public parade in the city of Boston. The result of his trial was that he was found guilty as charged by unanimous vote on October 13, 1903 and was given an indefinite suspension by the Grand Lodge of Illinois.
Jones then spread information to Grand Lodges and other sources in the association that there was a split in the Grand Lodge of Illinois, which vehemently denied the charge. It was also reported he was working under a Scottish Rite authority, but without a single warranted lodge. William Gray was the Grand Master and John G. Jones was the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge. They were also seeking to organize the women into the "Order of the Daughters of the Sphinx." Associated with Jones and Gray was F. S. Campbell who was termed "an old Masonic disgrace from the State of Tennessee.'' Charges were again referred against the two and they were expelled by the Grand Lodge of Illinois and the Grand Lodge for Ohio and its Jurisdiction with other lodges was notified of this expulsion.
Grand Master Clemens commended Grand Master Burris and the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois for bringing Jones to justice and removing him from the craft. A resolution was adopted later in the session prohibiting the Grand Lodge members and members of the subordinate lodges from affiliating or fraternizing with the members of the John G. Jones Lodge or subordinates under that so-called Jurisdiction. This action constituted itself into a precedent which was to be followed through the years by Prince Hall Masonry of Ohio.
The Grand Officers elected by this Grand Lodge were William E. Clemens, Toledo, Grand Master; W. W. Cordell, Cincinnati, Deputy Grand Master; W. M. Hunnicutt, Zanesville, Senior Grand Warden; Edward J. Berry, Cincinnati, Junior Grand Warden; James A. Guy, Zanesville, Grand Treasurer and William H. Buckner, General Secretary.
During 1903, a lodge was organized at Alliance, Ohio, on August 6 by Brother M. F. Walker, Worshipful Master of Eastern Light Lodge No. 64, as Proxy for the Grand Master. Associated with him were members of his lodge and of Terrace Lodge No. 63 of Salem. Twenty-three candidates were passed and raised. Brother Walker reported that this lodge "will be in the front ranks before many months is our belief.'' The charter for the Alliance Lodge was issued at the 1904 Grand Lodge Communication. The original officers were William Mosby, Worshipful Master; William Wright, Senior Warden; Thomas McPherson, Junior Warden; L. Jackson, Treasurer, B. Johnson, Secretary; William Cisco, Senior Deacon; J. Minor, Junior Deacon; H. Kelley, Senior Steward; L. Ellis, Junior Steward and H. H. Cisco, Tyler-Mt. Olive Lodge.
Another lodge was organized at Cambridge on recommendation of Golden Rule Lodge No. 30 at Zanesville. There were Masons in Cambridge who had been members of St. Peter Lodge No. 25 at Barnesville which had ceased its work in 1883. Other Masons joined this group in seeking the organization of a new lodge. The affiliation was received by the Grand Master, March 2, 1904, and a dispensation was issued to Brother W. H. Pinn as Proxy for the Grand, Master to open and hold the lodge. The charter was granted to Morning Star Lodge No. 70 by the Grand Lodge Annual Communication in 1905. The charter was issued and the first officers were Fred M. Logwood, Worshipful Master; J. M. King, Senior Warden F. C. Clark, Junior Warden; W. E. Quails, Treasurer; R. G. Garnes, Secretary; J. C. Williams, Senior Deacon; J. Payne, Junior Deacon; Isaac Archer, Senior Steward; Joseph James, Junior Steward and S. Chambers, Tyler.
A third lodge request was made and an application was received by Grand Master Clemens, June 7, 1904, for a new lodge at Lorain, which was recommended by Eureka Lodge No. 52 at Cleveland. A dispensation was issued, and the proxy was given to Brother A. M. Clemens to open awl hold the lodge. This meeting was held on July 16, 1904, awl the charter was issued to Buckeye Lodge No. 68 by the Grand Lodge of 1905.
A fourth dispensation for a new lodge at Lima, Ohio, was requested in an application received by Grand Master Clemens on July 25, 1904. The Proxy was issued to Brother W. E. Harrison, Worshipful Master, Hiram Lodge No. 48. He established the lodge on July 28, 1904 to be known as Samuel W. Clark Lodge, named after the first illustrious Grand Master to serve two separate terms. Fifteen candidates were raised, two of them were National Compact Masons who denounced their former membership. The original officers were Claude D. White, Worshipful Master; General L. Hicks, Senior Warden; L. L. Ramer, Junior Warden; Ulysses S. Beam, Treasurer; Paul Cumberland, Secretary; E. M. Curtis, Senior Deacon N. White, Junior Deacon; J. Laws, Senior Steward; T. M. Clove, Junior Steward; E. McCray, Tyler and C. S. Hicks, Chaplain.
On October 15, 1904, Grand A taster Clemens received an application for a dispensation to open a new lodge at Massillon which was recommended by Mt. Olive Lodge No. 66 of Alliance. On November 3, the Grand Master opened the Lodge, and it became Doric Lodge No. 69 with the issuance of its charter at the Commutation of 1905. Grand Master Clemens reported that the Lodge was very favorably located, fully equipped, and in excellent shape to perform the rites and ceremonies of Masonry. The first officers were Justin R. White, Worshipful Master; Charles H. Crump, Senior Warden; James Goins, Junior Warden; John G. Allen, Treasurer Charles C. Robinson, Secretary; James H. Myers, Senior Deacon; Fred Scott, Junior Deacon Wesley Edmondson, Senior Steward ; Charles Hall, Junior Steward and Adam J. Johnson, Tyler.
One of the significant events of 1904 was the laying of the cornerstone of the Carnegie Library at Wilberforce University. The invitation from Bishop B. W. Arnett was received by Grand Master Clemens who requested Brother Charles E. Nichols, Worshipful Master of Wilberforce Lodge No. 21 to officiate. This Lodge conducted the ceremony with representatives from Champion Lodge No. 15, White Sulfur Lodge No. 10, Mountain Lodge No. 35, Ancient Square Lodge No. 40, Silver Urn Lodge No. 29, and Norfolk Lodge No. 54. The oration was delivered by Bishop E. W. Lampton of Mississippi, and the ceremonies were reported to have been characterized "the reverence and impressiveness demand by the occasion."
The 56th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio was held at Springfield, Ohio, August 15-16, 1905, in the Hall of Champion Lodge, No. 15. The welcome was given by Brother Arthur Riggs, Worshipful Master of Champion Lodge, mid for the citizens of Springfield the welcome was given by Brother Stewart L. Tatum, City Solicitor. The response was made by Grand Master Clemens. The Grand Lodge was opened in due form The Deputy Grand Master W. W. Cordell. After devotions by Grand Chaplain I. L Strother, Grand Master Clemens was presented. The Grand Officers were: William E. Clemens, Grand Master; W. W. Cordell, Deputy Grand Master; W. M. Hunnicutt, Senior Grand Warden; Edward J. Berry, Junior Grand Warden; James A. Guy, Grand Treasurer, and William H. Buckner, Grand Secretary. There were thirty-one lodges represented at this Grand Lodge, with thirty-three representatives, twenty Grand Officers, fourteen Past Grand officers, and one Past Master present. The number of members in good standing was reported at 1,191.
The Grand Master's annual address dealt with Necrology, Official Acts, New Lodges, Commissions, Laying Cornerstones, Special Dispensations, Condition of the Order, Order of the Jurisdiction, Our History, Honoring our First Most Worshipful Grand Master and Recommendations.
The Historiographer, Jeremiah A. Brown, submitted a report in which he stated that as a result of the death of Brother William H. Parham, with the historical work in his hand unfinished, he "aid undertaken by appointment to continue and complete the work. He found that personal histories of the past general Officers could not be found and had to be replaced. He stated that he expected to keep the cost of the history at a minimum with the plan of having each member to have a copy for reference.
The Committee on Grand Master's Address was pleased with the healthy condition of the lodge as shown by the Grand Master's report and other reports. The Committee also gave approval to the recommendations of the Grand Master commending him on the Address "as being one of the strongest and ablest in late years." The Committee said that the Grand Master had by his very able and illustrious work endeared himself to the members of the Grand Lodge.
One of the events reported to the Grand Lodge was a tribute to the memory of Prince Hall Grand Master Clemens said that he had requested Grand Secretary W. H. Buckner to forward to Grand Master Frederick S. Monroe of the State of Massachusetts an appropriate sum for a floral tribute to be placed on the grave of Prince Hall, May 30. Brother Buckner sent a check for $15.00 to purchase a floral tribute sent from the Grand Lodge to decorate the grave of Prince Hall who was referred to as "the pioneer of Negro Masonry in America."
In sending the sum, Brother Buckner stated, "Prince Hall builded wiser than he knew and today at every altar of Negro Masons, his memory is held in bends of love, honor and esteem. When we contemplate the thousands of Negro men who today are members of this - the grandest and noblest organization ever established by roan, we can but think of that noble man and Mason, Prince Hall, who planted the seeds of this gigantic fraternity and can but exclaim 'how wonderful are the works of God.'" The ceremonies held in Copp's Hill Burying Ground were reported as being appropriate to the occasion. Ohio was represented by Brother William L. Reed, Past Grand Master. Grand Master Alonroe of the Grand lodge of Massachusetts in eomunenting upon his participation, stated that the Grand Lodge of Ohio "has certainly established a beautiful precedent for our sister jurisdictions to follow in years to come."
The 57th annual Communication of the Grand Lodge for Ohio and its Jurisdiction assembled at Lima, Ohio, August 14, 1906. There was general opinion among the members of the Lodge that considerable progress had been made in Masonry during the year. The session opened with the program of welcome and an address by Major Theodore L. Robb and a response on behalf of the Grand Lodge of Ohio by Grand Master W. E. Clemens. These addresses were appreciated by the members of the Grand Lodge of Ohio and its Jurisdiction. The lodge was so impressed with the welcome of the Mayor that it was requested that it be printed in the transactions of the Grand Lodge. The business of the Lodge was conducted in the Odd Fellows Hall in the Public Square in Lima and was opened in due form by Deputy Grand Master W. M. Hunnicutt. After devotional exercises conducted by Grand Chaplain I. L. Strother, Grand Master William E. Clemens assumed the chair and appointed the Committees.
The Grand Officers elected by the Grand Lodge were William E. Clemens, Grand Waster; W. M. Hunnicutt, Deputy Grand Master; Edward J. Berry, Senior Grand Warden; Joseph J. Lee, Junior Grand Warden; James A. Guy, Grand Treasurer and William H. Bnckner, Grand Secretary. There were thirty-seven of the total number of forty-seven lodges represented with thirty-eight representatives, nineteen Grand Officers, nine fast Grand Officers, and one last Grand Master present at the sessions. Nineteen representatives of foreign bodies were present in the Grand Lodge sessions. These officers and lodges represented a total membership on June 24, 1906, of 1264 Masons.
Grand Master William E. Clemens began his annual address by congratulating the members of the lodge on their assembly in the 57th Annual Communication. He expressed the honor which he had in having served the Grand Lodge for four years, and having given to him a station more honorable titan any other that could be given a citizen of "this great commonwealth, be it Masonic or civil." Following the devotional exercises, his address covered Necrology, New Lodges, Permission, the Laying of Cornerstones, Official Visits, Special Dispensations, the Condition of the Order, Order of the Jurisdiction, Our History, Honoring the First Grand Master, Prince Hill, the Recognition of Negro Masonry, St. John's Day, Foreign Affairs, Reception of Foreign Representatives, the Order of Election, Courtesy and Conclusion.
The application of a number of persons at Madisonville, Ohio was reported to have been received on August 3, 1906, by Grand Master Clemens requesting a dispensation to open a new lodge on recommendation of St. John's Lodge No. 3 of Cincinnati. A Proxy was issued to Brother L D. Easton for this assignment. An interesting comment inn this connection was to the effect that bogus Masons had been quite active in this vicinity and had been having some success hut that Brother William Copeland had prevented these persons from carrying out their objects.
The Grand Master described the laying of the cornerstone for Galloway Hall at The Combined Normal and Industrial Department, now Central State College. The proxy in this instant was issued to W. M. Hunnnicutt, Deputy Grand Master, who attended the laying of the cornerstone on June 20, 1906. A second Proxy was issued to W. H. Norman, Worshipful Master of Toussaint Lodge No. 19 to lay the cornerstone of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Coke Otto, and this was carried out in due form in accordance with the rules and forms covering the honored institution of Masonry.
The Grand Master observed that the condition of the Order according to reports from nearly all Lodges showed progress, and the financial conditions were very satisfactory. Another observation which he made wan that while there were well-equipped lodge rooms, there was not one that reported the owning of a lodge hall of its own. He said that many lodges could own their own halls, and it would be more credit to them if they could own not only the lodge rooms but also their own halls and added that: "Our people are wakening to the fact of owning their homes, possessing beautiful church edifices in which to worship, then why not the secret orders erect monuments to their own credit in the form of their own halls.''
The emphasis continued to be placed by Grand Master Clemens upon the necessity to know Masonry and to act in the Masonic spirit. Reference was made to a happening in the city of Wheeling, West Virginia where a public-spirited white man who had made liberal contributions to all the churches, had given a beautiful thirty-second degree charm to Rev. M. A. Dyer. Recognitions of this type were reported by the Grand Master as few and especially coming from this city he also said that this encouraged him to believe that there were many friends among white Masons. Such results placed a responsibility ''upon us to be Masons, good and true, remembering that just as we observe and practice those beautiful tenets so will our influence be felt among the members of the white Masonic Order."
Grand Master Clemens urged in his conclusion, that the world would judge them as Masonic members and if a mason fails, he casts a shadow upon the whole fraternity. The admonition was made that the lodges should not "allow their zeal to increase their new members numerically, to lead them to unwarranted and un-Masonic action, or to take in unworthy members.'' This address was regarded "as a masterly effort and it was reported that it contained ''Good solid Masonic advice and logic, which would never at any time be forgotten by all true Masons.''
These statements were approved and emphasized by Deputy Grand Master William M. Hunnicutt who served in this office from 1905 to 1910, a longer term than any previous Deputy Grand Master. Brother Hunnicutt was a product of Golden Rule Lodge No. 30 serving as Master of that Lodge for two years. He was an expert shoemaker and was employed as instructor in shoemaking in the Combined Normal and Industrial Department at Wilberforce.
Additional comment was made by the Grand Lecturer Louis D. Easton concerning unscrupulous and clandestine Masons who were making Ohio, "a field for dishonest and shameful peddling of Masonic degrees.'' It is interesting to observe that this is an early period, Masonry was plagued by in this type of clandestine operation and that it's appearance is not new in the history of Prince Hall Masonry as in the older American Masonry.
One of the events of this Grand Lodge which
was indicative of the concept of permanent foundations was the
presentation of the punished history of the Grand Lodge from its
organization in 1849 to 1904. This history was be gun by Past
Grand Master Samuel
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge W. Clark, was continued by Past Grand
Master William H. Parham, and completed by Past Grand Master Jeremiah
A. Brown. The Grand Master, in presenting this work to the Grand
Lodge stated, "This excellent work should occupy a place
in every lodge library and be in the home of every Mason. Permit
me to urge every Brother here to have a copy, the Worshipful Master
to insist on the members of their respective lodges to purchase
copies. In presenting this work, Ohio again takes lead. The Grand
Lodge of and white Masons of this state took initiative steps
in their last; Annual Communication, looking forward to the publication
of a history of their Grand Lodge.''
Grand Historiographies Jeremiah A. Brown made a report of this project stating that one thousand copies had been printed and were now the property of the Grand Lodge. It was reported by him that there were perplexing difficulties which had to be met and overcome and that the conclusion of the work had been made within reasonable limits, but that the number of pages, which were 340, and the tables greatly exceeded his estimate. He advised that there should be a careful distribution of the monies so that a majority of the cost could be recovered through sales.
The expenditures for the history for one thousand copies were one thousand and eight dollars and seventy cents. This was an accomplishment of considerable significance. When it is realized that the history had passed through several competent hands and when the difficulty of acquiring and using records is taken into consideration, the completion of the history represented a triumph for the Grand Lodge. Its duplication was a definite indication of the beginning of a new era the progress of the Grand Lodge. Masons could read the history and learn more of their past and of the foundations upon which they were standing. The personal histories of the individuals who had left the imprint of their personalities and their work in the historical pathway of the Grand Lodge would become monuments and landmarks for new members who undertook to learn of Masonry in Ohio.
Another indication or the new development was the appointment of a committee to revise the present constitution. Since the supply had been exhausted and there were frequent demands for copies of the constitution and code, the appointment of a new committee was a great step toward making more firm the foundation of the Order. This, in association with the connection of this history, was a step of marked value in the building of the new period of development.
It was reported by Grand Master Clemens that the Ohio Grand Lodge was the first lodge outside of Massachusetts to pay tribute to Prince Hall Grand Master Frederick L. M. S.
Monroe of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, in acknowledging this tribute stated, "Ohio has been magnificent in her generosity this year for in addition to the tribute front the Grand Lodge, three of the subordinate lodges in Cincinnati and two in Cleveland have sent an offering to be placed upon his grave at this time. In addition to this, the Grand Lodges of California and Pennsylvania will also place flowers of thought and remembrance and we should do all in our power to fitting commemorate the name and worth of Prince Hall."
The Grand Master of Michigan, Brother R. C. Barnes, was a visitor to the Grand Lodge, congratulating it "for the high standing that it had in the Masonic bodies of America." His three degrees in Masonry were received in Lima, Ohio at Occidental Lodge No. 14.
Efforts were made at this Grand Lodge session to approve the formation of a Mutual Benefit Association to be composed only of the subordinate lodges in good standing. It was to be required that each member of the Association would be assessed fifty cents for the death of any member, and the membership was to be optional. The offices of the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and a board of directors of six were to be organized. The Association would make an annual report to the Grand Lodge, but that no officer of the Association should be an officer of the Grand Lodge. When the Grand Lodge had given its approval to the association and its selection of officers, it would become effective on and after January 1, 1907. The Committee on Jurisprudence gave its report that they did not discover anything in the proposed plan of a mutual Benefit Association which would conflict with the constitution, rules, and usages of the Grand Lodge; therefore, they resolved that the promoters of the proposition had leave to organize such an Association.
This was one of the efforts to create a
permanent foundation for the benefit of the lodges, but it failed
finally to become a continuous part of the structure of the Grand
Lodge organization. However, permanent foundations had been laid
in the character of lodge leadership, the standards required of
Masons and the expansion of Masonry among Ohio's colored Americans.
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