While the gathering clouds of war were still over the nation and the state of Ohio, the Grand Lodge faced new era of progressive development. The activities of the lodge had been curtailed and restricted as a result of the rumors and expectations of war, even to the cancellation of the Annual Communication in 1943. However, there were new developments and changes beginning in 1944 which constituted the dawn of a new phase of development for the Grand Lodge. There were several events which gave characterization to this period of the War's closing as "The Dawn of a New Era."
The International Conference of Grand Masters and Grand Secretaries of which Brother John Wesley Dobbs was then the President held its session at Hot Springs, Arkansas, in January, 1944. There were nine Jurisdictions represented at the Conference. The Grand Masters and their states were: Ellis U. Reed, Arkansas: John L. Webb, Mississippi; John W. Moore, Michigan; Charles F. Casterman, Ohio; Cornelius R. Richardson, Indiana; John G. Lewis, Jr., Louisiana; Lewis F. Fair, Jr., New York; John W. Dobbs, Georgia; John W. Barnes and Bishop H. C. Plummer, Virginia. The Grand Secretaries presented were Sol C. Johnson, Georgia and R. U. Clark, Louisiana.
There were two important actions at this conference of relationship to Masonry in the State of Ohio. One of these was action concerning bogus Masonry, for as Brother John Dobbs phrased it, "clandestine Masonry and degree peddlers make up the biggest. Masonic problem confronting us today and he described it picturesquely in these words, "We find this hydra-headed monster raising his venomous head in Massachusetts and shaking his devastating tail in California. All Jurisdictions in between suffer front his diabolical claws and fangs. We agreed that it was a hard job to fight him ill the civil comas. After a long and interesting discussion we agreed to recommend a long range program to tie up this monster in the arms of public opinion and expose him to Gods eternal attribute - truth. It will work if we make it work."
It was also agreed to ask all the Grand Lodges to become incorporated under the name and title of "Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of ……………. (state).'' This request was based upon the fact that after the death of Prince Hall in 1807 the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts changed its name later to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Massachusetts. The Grand Masters' Conference decided that it was desirable that all Jurisdictions should he so incorporated. The Ohio Grand Lodge had heels using the designation "Prince Hall Affiliation."
The Grand Master said that this was not enough for it was similar to the title, of the bogus bodies such as "Prince Hull Origin" and "Prince Hall Descent.'' In making this request Grand Master Dobbs said that he realized that many of the lodges would not want to give up the old name because they loved it so much, but he fell that the result was worth the sacrifice. All of the Grand Master agreed to recommend this change to their Grand Lodges at the next annual session. It was also agreed that they would adopt the F. & A. M. instead of the A. M. This was due to the fact that African Lodge No. 459 was warranted F. & A. M. and the Grand Lodge of England which granted this warrant was also F. & A. M. All Prince Hall American Lodges had emanated front African Lodge No. 459 F. & A. M. On the other hand most of the bogus or clandestine lodges used A. F. & A. M.
The second proposal was the publishing of a Masonic Yearbook. This proposal was made by Brother Harry E. Davis of Cleveland, Ohio. It was agreed that the publication of this Masonic Yearbook would begin in 1945 and that it would be revised every five years thereafter. This historic action would provide an additional channel of contact and relationship between the Grand lodges.
Ohio followed a contact of similar pattern in reference to its lodges. In order to maintain the efficiency of Masonic work in the state, Grand Master Casterman was insistent upon annual inspections of subordinate lodges. He issued a letter under date of February 26, 1944, stating that the Jurisdiction had been divided into five Masonic districts for this purpose and it was not only a requirement of the Grand Lodge but an excellent opportunity for the lodges to improve themselves. They were to he notified at least seven days prior to the inspection. It was his opinion that not only books should he kept in shape but also that Masonic instruction was important and that adherence to ritualistic form should be accompanied with intelligent understanding. He advised that he looked upon the year 1944 as the one in which to build the Jurisdiction up to its 1928 mark and urged that the Grand Officers and Grand lecturers should see if they could get old lodges reinstated or a new one started. The challenge was made of the Grand Lodge with, "we have a big job before us, let us do it well."
Since the close of the Grand Lodge of 1943 considerable progress had been made by various lodges in developing their status and properties. St. Mark's Lodge No. 7 celebrated the burning of its $30,000.00 mortgage on October 1, 1943. It had been a long struggle for this lodge to reach this point in its history, the building having been dedicated on January 15, 1927, by Grand Master Frank A. H. Hall. It was with some rejoicing that this victory announcement was made by this lodge under the leadership of its Worshipful Master Geneway S. Fields.
The Ninty-fifth Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliation for Ohio and its Masonic Jurisdiction assembled in Columbus, Ohio, August 13-15, 1944, with Grand Master Charles F. Casterman and Deputy Grand Master Clyde Moss, Grand Secretary A. J. Worsham and Grand Treasurer Charles E. Nelson engaging in the administration of this session. This was the first Grand Lodge that had been assembled since 1942 due to the war conditions which made it difficult for a session to be held in 1943. The Committee on Credentials reported that there were 18 Grand Officers, 10 fast Grand Officers, 89 Past Wasters and 127 representatives of subordinate lodges with a grand total of 244 Masons who were in attendance at this Grand Lodge. When it was established that a constitutional number of subordinate lodges were represented the Grand Lodge was opened in due form.
Grand Master Casterman delivered his address stating that he had served the Grand Lodge for four years and retarded it as a distinguished honor to be able to render this Service. One of the factors which contributed to the consideration of these years as the beginning of a new era was him Statement that he presented to them "a Grand Lodge free from debt." The said Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star had made the last payment of $997.00 on the Masonic Home mortgage June 14, 1944. All the expense of the Grand Lodge had been paid to date. He said that four years ago there had been a remaining indebtedness on the Masonic Home mortgage of $9,000.00. At that time the membership was at a low tide and they had not recovered fully from the depression. Many of the lodges then were unable to meet their obligations to the Grand Lodge. However, the reports now showed that the lodges had caught up and were paving their current obligations regularly. He said that the completion of this task crowned the labor of many hands and that "l here is a new order impending and much more will be demanded of us." He added "the present war with all its destruction and human suffering is presenting a new way of life for the members of our group in America.'' The question arises, "will there be a place in this new way of life for the fraternal organizations?"
Grand Master Casterman later answered this question himself by stating that the Craft throughout the Jurisdiction had been growing numerically and financially and that the organization was making considerable progress, and he felt that "today, we must formulate new plans for a new program to the end that our beloved Jurisdiction may go inward filling its honored place in the Masonic Sun." The watchword of his administration continued to be "go forward."
The report of the Deputy Grand Master showed that he had been working arduously during the Fear and had cooperated with the Grand Master assiduously. He had visited every lodge in the two districts, acted as Director General of the financial efforts in the second and third Masonic districts, and marked success had attended his efforts. He stated in his report, "I am always happy to promote the interest of the Grand Lodge and am glad that I have been able to do what I have been called upon to do. If I have made mistakes they have been made through my zeal for the institution, and in my desire to be of service." The applause which attended the presentation of his report showed the appreciation of the Grand Lodge for his endeavors. The Senior Grand Warden Brother H. G, Emerson, gave a report stated, that due to war conditions there had been very little travel to Lodges in the Jurisdiction, but, that consideration correspondence had been conducted. He had worked with the new movement, known as the Youth movement or the Order of Pythagorans Which would select the most promising, hors under the age of 21 years to learn to prepare their lives as future citizens and Masons. He recommended that the organization of youth chapters would teach the virtues of upright, clean, respectable and patriotic living and that a committee he appointed to complete this organization ill the various sections of the Jurisdiction. This was another historic milestone.
The Junior Grand Warden Albert E. Blackburn reported that all of the lodges in his districts had been making, great strides in rehabilitating their lodges and had added a number of members. The Grand Lecturer Brother Roscoe C. Jones found it impossible on account of travel restrictions 1o visit the subordinate lodges in his district as he had planned. The salve was true of the other district lecturers, Brothers George P. Palmer, Luther Jackson, J. L. Suddieth and L. B. Henderson.
The Committee on Grand Master's Report declined to approve the recommendation for the establishment of the Masonic Burial Fund slating that "they did not believe Prince Hall Masonry would be served by the establishment of such a, fund." The report on the Youth Movement was approved and the Grand Lecturers were praised. However, there was praise also for the report of the Detour - Grand Master "and the Masonic spirit displayed while carrying on his work."
Approval was given to the amending of the Charter of the Grand Lodge granted June 26, 1871, so as to change the official and corporate name to "The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Tree and Accepted Masons of the State of Ohio." Another resolution was adopted authorizing and directing the execution and delivery of a deed to Amaranth Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, conveying to it approximately 3/4 of an acre of the real estate known as the Masonic Home at Urbana, now owned by the Grand Lodge. This deed was to be subject to the conditions, first, that the Grand Chapter would faithfully path in full a soul agreed to be paid on the mortgage indebtedness of the premises that the deed contain a restriction that the premises conveyed should be Used for Masonic purposes and should not he sold or transferred without the consent of the Grand Lodge: and that the Grand Lodge would reserve for the entire premises all easements on the premises for ingress, egress and public utilities lines. A third resolution was adopted authorizing a change in the constitutional meeting time of the Grand Lodge from Sunday preceding, the third Thursday to Sunday preceding the second Wednesday.
The Grand Lodge resolved its loyalty to the government of the United States stating "our government is now engaged in the greatest struggle of its existence and thousands of young men have answered the call to the colors. Many of them had they not answered that call would have become Masons before now; the service they are rendering it less we take cognizance will unfit them physically for our fraternity." It was then resolved that the Grand Master be empowered to waive the physical qualifications for initiation by the Masonic lodges of the Jurisdiction of Ohio where such qualification was incurred as a result of honorable service in the Armed Forces. It was also resolved that instead of placing the pictures of the Grand Masters in the Home at Urbana, that all honor roll instead should be placed so as to save wall space.
The reports of membership progress, showed that in 1943 there were 1,806 members and in 1944, 2,396. It was reported that a $500.00 bond of the Fourth Bond Campaign had been purchased. The Grand Treasurer's report showed total receipts of $6,993.42 and expenses of $4,740.03, leaving a balance of $2,253.39 These gains in membership and in increased income showed that there had not only been progress through these increases but also the beginning of that which seemed to be a new era in the history of the Grand Lodge.
The elected officers were: Clyde E. Moss, Chillicothe, Grand Master; Harrison L. Adams, Cleveland, Deputy Grand Master; Lloyd H. Kimbrough, 'Toledo, Senior Grand Warden; John L. Suddieth, Akron, Junior Grand Warden, Charles E. Nelson, Springfield, Grand Treasurer and Charles F. Casterman, Cleveland, Grand Secretary.
One of the appearances at this Grand Lodge was made by Dr. Charles H. Westey, then President of Wilberforce University and the College of Education and Industrial Arts, later Central State College, who addressed the Grand Lodge and then extended an invitation to it to hold its next convolution on the campus of the College. This invitation was received with hearty applause and was accepted. This action foreshadowed a. relationship of the Grand Lodge and the College which was to continue through the years.
There was also progress made by the subordinate lodges during the year. Several lodges had mortgage burning exercise, following the full payment: of their mortgage obligations oil their lodge buildings and the beginning of the period of lull ownership for the lodges. On November 6, 1944, the Masonic Temple at 8932 Quincy Avenue, Cleveland, was purchased through the joint action of the three lodges. The building was dedicated by the Grand Master, assisted by Brothers H. G. Emerson, R. W. Harrison, L. Adams, J. L. Nixon and the officers of the lodges.
As Grand Master Clyde E. Moss assumed office in the midst of the continuation of war, it seemed that the Grand Lodge would not be able to hold its annual meeting. Grand Attorney A. J. Worsham received a letter from Grand Master Clyde E. Moss asking him as Grand Attorney to give his legal opinion concerning the holding of the Grand Lodge session. On June 4, 1945, Brother Worsham stated that it was his understanding that the Director of War Mobilization and Reconversion had issued instructions for the cessation of group meetings not necessary to the war effort. He suggested that the necessary business might be transacted in a special meeting of the Trustees and that it was the patriotic duty of all to cooperate with the war effort in curtailing un-necessary meetings.
On June 9, Frank Perrin, Secretary of the War Committee on Conventions, wrote stating that the request made by Grand Master Moss to hold a meeting at Wilberforce, Ohio. August 5-7 had been reviewed by the Committee and the request had been denied. With persistence Grand Master Moss wrote Mr. Perrin again, tinder date of June 11, asking for further consideration of holding a small Grand Lodge sessions. He stated that the lodge would be kept small by proclamation with only one delegate front each lodge and that there were 55 active lodges in Ohio. He said that the convention would he held at Wilberforce which was not a city but rather a "country town and that the school located there would have its halls and rooms idle and there was no hotel space available with most delegates traveling by auto using their ration cards. On June 14, the reply came front Mr. Perrin stating that he might hold "an exempt type of meeting consisting of not more than 50 persons drawn front beyond the suburbs of Xenia, plus duty number of persons residing with Xenia and it immediate suburbs or local trading area.'' It wars upon this basis that the Grand Master then issued a proclamation calling the special session of the Grand Lodge at Wilberforce, Ohio, August 5, 1945.
While Clarks Franklin Casterman went out of office as Grand Master, he was still destined to do great work for Prince Hall Masonry in Ohio. His Masonic background prior to service as Grand Master had been the foundation for his, success as a Masonic leader and His service as Grand Master was a prophetic indication of his future service. He was born in Harrisburg, Louisiana, and attended Ruston Normal School, Ruston, Louisiana, graduating in 1919 From Tuskegee Institute. He carte to Ohio and joined Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and was assistant Teacher of the Titus Bible Class of the Church Sunday School. He was employed in the United Slates, Post Office and retired from this employment in 1954.
During his career as a Mason, he had served in all offices of his subordinate lodge and of the Grand Lodge. After his service as Grand Master, he served as Grand Secretary, and as Right Excellent Grand Lecturer of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. He was Past Grand High Priest of the Ohio Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and Grand Thrice Illustrious Grand Master of Royal and Select Masters, District Organizer and Past Eminent Grand Commander of the Knights Templar. He was Illustrious Deputy of Ohio for the United Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Northern Jurisdiction.
This Grand Lodge in Executive Session, the second of its type to be called, assembled on Sunday at 10:00 A. M., August 5, 1945 in the gymnasium of Central State College with Grand Master Clyde E. Moss presiding, and Charles F. Casterman as Grand Secretary. After the Grand Lodge was opened in the order the Grand Master presented his address which was a detailed presentation of his year's work and of the prospects for the new year. He detailed the reasons for the Executive session and for not being able to call a regular initial Communication. This however, was regarded as the Ninety-sixth annual Communication.
He said that he came up "From a Private in the ranks of Freemasonry - having passed through the same trials, labor, and difficulties that von have, as a hearer of burdens, I have sustained the same ponderous loads. Yet through your suffrage, I have been elevated to the most coveted position - the highest in the gift of Free and Accepted Masons for which act, I feel thankful to the almighty God and to my fellow Masonic brethren." This appreciative statement was given with sincere expression and was deeply appreciated by the Grand Lodge.
Grand Master Moss gave a complete summary of his official acts as Grand Master which showed a busy correspondence. His decisions on questions that were issued were numerous and effective. A number of dispensations had been issued by him to lodges to carry on their work and he had made a large number of official visits. With the travel limitations placed upon him it was unusual for the Grand Master to have been able to spread his visits to lodges so sully throughout the state. During these travels he had revived lodges, engaged in rehabilitation programs, assisted lodges in securing meeting, places and in reinstating old members. He had conferred Grand Attorney A. J. Worsham concerning the change of the name of the Grand Lodge and the transference of the deed to the Amaranth Grand Chapter of the brick structure at Urbana according to the resolution passed by the Ninety-fifth Grand Lodge.
In one case when he visited Pride of Solomon Lodge No. 64 of Milford, Ohio, he reported "this lodge is down and is having a hard time bolding their meetings, hut owing to the Grand Master's coming on this night, they managed to have more than a quorum." He stated "I outlined by rehabilitation program to there and all present pledged themselves to slick to the lodge and attend their lodge meeting regularly and to work out the rehabilitation program outlined for them." Similar methods were used by Grand Master Moss in various parts of the state as he traveled carrying the message of revival. In another case, lie revived St. Luke's Lodge No. 32 which had not reported to the Grand Lodge since 1929. He stated "we are all happy over the success of resurrecting St. Luke's Lodge. Past Grand Master Homer H. Collins and Past Grand Lecturer W. E. Johnson were present." He had sent a letter stating that he was putting on this rehabilitation program and urged the lodge to have open meetings, inviting everyone to the meeting who ad ever been a Mason and that he himself would attend or if he could not, he would send some other Grand Officer. He made a total of 79 visits traveling over 11,150 miles by automobile and by train. A total of 44 visits were made for which he did not receive refund of expenses.
Deputy Grand Master Harrison L. Adams reported that the Grand Lodge had passed through, and was not looking back upon, four years of war. He said that the enemy in Europe had been defeated on the battlefield and now they were looking forward to working out the peace. As Masons there was a definite contribution which they laid to make to the Social order which would follow. He had carried on considerable correspondence with the lodges and had engaged in some travel. In speaking to the Masons of Cleveland on St. John's Day he declared, "June 15, 1945 is destined to become one of the important dates in the history of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, for on that day the Order of Pythagoreans was born to us."
He felt that the brothers should get behind this movement and push it with all their might because there was nothing wrong with our boys. They were the products of circumstances and of environment and they must have opportunity and guidance. He expressed confidence in the fraternity and in the hope that this Grand Lodge would allocate funds for the establishment of university scholarships to be won by deserving boys of the Order of Pythagoreans in open competition.
A Benefit Association was described which had peen established in Cleveland under the title "The Prince Hall Masonic Mutual Benefit Association," with Brother Leland D. French as President, Brother Charles F. Casterman, Vice President and himself, Harrison L. Adams as secretary-Treasurer. This Association was to draw its membership from the three Masonic lodges of Cleveland. The entrance fee was $2.00. At the death of a member each member was assessed $1.20 and they agreed to pay $150.00 to the beneficiary.
The Treasurer of the Grand Lodge showed total receipts for the year of $9,260.40. Total expenses of $5,741.52 and a balance of $3,518.88. This was an unusual balance for a war period.
An honor roll of the Sons of Masonry who had given their lives was reported. It was as follows:
Honor Roll 1941-1945
Masonry, her brave sons and high ideals ever stand at the Cross Roads of Freedom ready to sacrifice their lives that our country. might be free, the brothers on this Honor Roll answered their country's call in the hour of need and to their memory this Houor Roll and expression of our love and esteem for them is dedicated.
Ionic Lodge No. 6 - Carl Banks, Juey Bennette,
Richard Cole. Myron Morehead.
Excelsior Lodge No. 11 - Jolie C. Nolan
Mystic Lodge No. 20 - Charles N. Jordan, Robert Ballard, James
W. Johnson.
Wilberforce Lodge, No. - 21 Charles R. Smith, Medford Phillips,
R. H. Upton, Horace Raines, Kenneth L. Johnson.
Golden Square Lodge, No. 23 - Edmond Stokes, Charles Jackson,
Homer Ransom, Eugene L. Walker.
Ancient Square Lodge No.40 - Donald Taylor, Alexander Green, Alva
Smith, Jr., Albert McDonald, James Cooper, Paul Moore, Howard
Berry.
Vernon Lodge No. 43 - Robert Blake, Samuel Little
Eureka Lodge No. 52 - Edwin Blakemore, Benin Harris, James .A.
Ruffin, James D. Johnson, William Hayden, Clarence Adams.
Buckeye Lodge No. 86 - Matthew Crisp
Morningstar Lodge No. 70 - Samuel Spear, Charles F. Williams,
William Payton, Lester Payton, Dalles K. Betts, Kenneth Quarrel,
David Early.
Hiram-Abill Lodge No. 62 - Raymond Powell, Shellie Powe, Charles
Barber.
Simon of Cyrene No. 101 - Obed Ruffan
Harmony Lodge No. 77 - Bernice Dickson, John Grayson, Ralph Henderson.
Benny Ingram. Cheshire Jackson, Russell Craig, Robert Rice, Samson
Wright, Walker Williams
Booker T. Washington Lodge, No. 78 - Lewis F. Brown, Frank W.
Bryant, William R. Smith, Welmon J. White, Esau Williams, Jacob
Williams; James A. Brown.
Wesley Smith Lodge No. 107 - A. Alcorn, L. Jameson. M. Baker,
J. Ballan, J. Ellis.
Composite Lodge No. 108 - James Hunter
William T. Boyd Lodge No. 79 - Milage R. Hall, Saul Lucas D. G.
McCloran, Morris Fox, Lloyd D. Crabel, Lee E. Green.
Progress Lodge No. 58 - Albert Alexander, William Arnold, Gordon
Clemmons, Samual Duball, Earl King, John B. Whittner, William
Carrmon.
Of particular intersest to us and for which we give thanks to Almighty God is the small number of casualities suffered by these valiant brethren. Brother James A. Ruffin of Eureka Lodge paid the supreme sacrifice meeting death in south American waters while a member of the U. S. Merchant Marine service. He was a young but ardent mason and visited many lodges in his travels about the world. In these travels he collected much Masnoic data and aided materially in establishing relations with the Grand Lodge of Chili and of Columbia, South America. May God rest his soul and peace be to our others heroes and bring them safely home.
The report of Brother Rolla Huston, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence shoved fine relationships between the Ohio jurisdiction and other Jurisdictions. The report of Grand Attorney A. J. Worsham gave numerous opinions which had been rendered in cases which had been presented to him. One of these opinions was concerning, the Charter. This opinion was rendered to the Grand Master. Grand Attorney Worsham reported that information at his office slowed that the Charter was referred to in the Constitution of 1927, which is indicated on Page 10, that on June 26, 1871, the Grand Lodge became a body corporate under the statutes of Ohio. He also recommended that the deed of the Order of the Eastern Star he deferred until the proceedings of the last Grand Lodge were available in order that proper proceedings should show in the deed itself. However, the deed was executed and delivered to the Grand Trustees of the Home at Urbana.
Grand Lecturer Louis B. Henderson gave reports some difficulty in traveling due to war conditions. It was reported by the Home Board that a Burial Plot of twenty lots in Oakdale Cemetery had been purchased as the final resting place for the residents of the Home who desired to be buried in Urbana. This was a forward step because the residents who died had been buried previously in Potters Field. The fund, for the purchase of these lots had been raised by popular subscription among various lodges. The report of the Treasurer of the Home Board showed receipts of $2,054.00 with a balance of $26.80.
This first meetings at the College of Education and Industrial Arts, later Central State College, Wilberforce, Ohio, inaugurated a new era in the history of the Grand Lodge dating from 1945. Instead of meeting in cities and towns around the state with the inconveniences which were attached to lodging place, and assembly halls, the Grand Lodge now found the assembly in such a location as the college at Wilberforce as a whole was more conveniently housed and assemblies could be started on time and the inconveniences of traveling from far away homes to the sessions at early morning or late evening periods would he avoided.
An important development of 1945 was the establishment of the first chapter of the Order of Pythagorans. This historical event took place on June 15, 1945, when 41 boys were initiated into Erie Chapter No. 1. Visitors were present for this occasion from Sandusky, Toledo, Canton, Dayton and Lorain. Chapters were subsequently established in Cleveland, Toledo, Canton, Sandusky, Dayton, Lorain, Columbus, Cincinnati, Steubenville, Piqua, Troy, Marietta, Warren, Newark and Lima. This organization had been approved by the Grand Lodge of 1944, and on October 23, 1944, the Grand Master commissioned Brother Harrison L. Adams to have charge of this work. He began correspondence with the President of the Supreme Council of the Order of Pythagorans, Brother James A. Revallen, Deputy Grand Master of the State of Massachusetts. Out of this correspondence there developed the plan for the initiation of this first chapter.
On April 6 and 7, 1946, the Pythagoran Chapters joined in holding a convention in Columbus. There were representatives from 35 chapters who came from most sections of the State. Grand Master Moss was present on this occasion and two Past Masters and Grand Officers. Brother J. A. Revallen, Founder of the Order and Deputy Grand Master of Massachnsetts was present and addressed the assembly which met in the Temple of St. Mark's Lodge No. 7. A permanent organization was formed, a constitution was adopted and officers were elected. Brother Edward Dugger of Harmony Lodge No. 40, Dayton, Ohio was elected President. Brother Herbert Mitchell of William T. Boyd Lodge No. 79 in Cleveland, Vice President; Brother W. C. Anderson of St. Mark's Lodge No. 7 in Columbus, Treasurer; Brother Louis B. Henderson of Eastern Light Lodge No. 64 of Steubenville, Secretary.
This Youth Movement was regarded as one of the inportant developments of the Grand Lodge work. It was reported by Brother Adams that "the enthusiasm was high and very much was accomplished.'' They were proud to have a part in this Movement associated with the Greek philosopher, Pythagoros, who was born 582 B. C., at St. Samos, Greece. He was a student and athlete in his youth, won a prize in wrestling which was one of the popular Grecian sports. He abandoned this sport later in life and devoted himself to studies in philosophy and opened a school to which students came from Europe, Asia and Africa.
One of the valuable outcomes of this Convention was the adoption of a resolution to petition the Grand Lodge to allocate $500.00 to establish university scholarships to he awarded annually for outstanding boys in the Order of Pythagorans. It was said that the time was not far distant when the lodge that did not have a Chapter of Pythagorans would be classed as a back number. The order of Pythagorants of Ohio was set to work under a Charter front the Supreme Council, Order of Pythagorans.
A second important step of this period was the publication of a bulletin to he distributed among Masons of the Mate. It was called the Prince Hall Masonic Bulletin. It was to be published monthly and subscriptions were to be taken at the rate of $1.00 per year. The Masonic lodges of Cleveland financed the first issue. Brother Russell C. Fox of Cleveland was the Editor-in-Chief. This publication and the announcement of its future issues was regarded "as another milestone in our marsh for progress."
In January of this year, Grand Master Moss made a visit to Wilberforce in order to consult with the officials of the College of Education and Industrial arts at Wilberforce concerning the holding of the Grand Lodge session there during the year 1946. He met with President Charles H. Wesley and a special committee and went over prospective dates and plans for the coining session. Satisfactory results were had at this conference and it was decided to hold the next, session, the Ninety-seventh Annual Communication, on August, 5, 6 and 7, 1946 on this campus.
This Ninety-seventh Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Dodge of Ohio, Free and Accepted Masons opened its session in what was called "the massive Beacom Gymnasium" on August 5, 1946. Grand Master Moss was received with honors and the Grand Assistant Secretary, Brother James R. Simmons, Jr, was ordered to call the roll of the Grand Lodge Officers. The Committees were appointed and the Committee on Credentials made a report stating that a constitutional number of subordinate lodges were represented and the Grand Lodge was declared open for business. There were 361 representatives of the Grand Lodge present. Twenty-three of these were Grand Officers, eleven were Past Grand Officers, one hundred and fifty-six were Past Masters and one hundred and seventyone were representatives of subordinate lodges.
Grand Master Moss in addressing the Grand Lodge slated that "the world today was in the process of readjustment, net, conditions are to be met and those individuals or races who are not on the inert and preparing to meet these condition, will suffer." This was apparent as the year moved onward for on August 14, 1945, President Trunlan had announced that hostilities had ceased. General Douglas MacArthur was named Supreme Allied Commander for Japan and on August 29, the occupation of the Japanese Islands began. Three days afterward, the Japanese signed the surrender on the Battleship Missouri with representatives present from nine members of the United Nations. By the close of 1945, fifty-one nations had signed the Charter of the United Nations and its first meeting was held on January 10, 1946 in Loudon. Subsequent meetings of the General Assembly in New York its and of the Security Council showed that there were still conflicts and uncertainties between the nations of the East and the West.
It was with this awareness that Grand Master Moss made his address to the Grand Lodge of Ohio, for he also declared. "the close of World War II has not brought us all that we hoped it would." Tip stated that during the opening days of the War, they had heard much of democracy, our young men had responded to the call and the supreme price had been paid but these men had returned, as he said "to find that for them and their people democracy is only a name and a dream." His conclusion was that it was then up to Masons like themselves and men everywhere to begin a new march forward making more practical the ideals of the Republic.
Numerous official visits were described by the Grand Master to all parts of the state where he met with Grand Officers, lodges and individual Masons. There were 59 dispensations issued by him and special mention was made of the rehabilitation program and his special interest in the smaller lodges. He said that since his appointment to his first Grand Lodge office in 1931 he had been interested in small lodges and that he had gone to the smaller cities to help these lodges. He had also made special visits to foreign Jurisdictions as representative of the Grand Lodge. As a whole he reported that he made 54 trips in Ohio traveling an estimated total of 19,160 miles by automobile and train. Outside of the State he had visited Kentucky, Indiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, The District of Columbia, West Virginia Grand Lodges, the St. Louis Shrine and to Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Deputy Grand Master Harrison L. Adams in his report referred to the "thousands of young men who had given their lives for victory in the most terrible war in history." He said that he looked forward to a time when the false doctrine of race superiority would be terminated and then added, "the dawn that we Masons are looking forward to, is the time when the sun shall arise on the day when white and black Masons can take each other by the right hand and call each other brother, as they acknowledge God to be their Father."
He presented the report on the Order of Pythagorans stating, "The Order of Pythagorans working under the Charter of the Supreme Council, Order of Pythagorean, is now an accomplished fact in a completed organization. I take great pleasure for myself and those loyal brothers who assisted so ably in its organization, in presenting it to this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge at this time and asking for its formal adoption in the Masonic family of Ohio."
One of the special features to which Deputy Grand Master Adams referred was the Prince Hall Masonic Mutual Benefit Association of Cleveland which had been in operation for 19 months prior to the Grand Lodge. All Master Masons of the three lodges of Cleveland were eligible for membership on an entrance fee of $2.20. Upon the death of each member, the Association was assessed $1.10 and paid to the beneficiary the sum of $150.00. During the past 19 months, he said that there had been six deaths and they had paid off all claims. He stated that the plan could be successfully operated by the Grand Lodge on a voluntary basis or by several lodges located near each other through the formation of an Association.
The reports of the Senior Grand Warden L. H. Kimbroragh and the Junior Grand Warden John L. Suddieth showed correspondence contacts and progress of value to the Grand Lodge. Grand Treasurer Charles E. Nelson reported total receipts of $16,021.44 and expenses of $4,512.74, leaving a total balance of $11,508.70. This was the largest balance in the history of the Grand Lodge. It marked also the beginning of a new cra.
There was reported a Certificate of Amendment to the Incorporation first secured on June 26, 1871. This Amendment was authorized by Clyde E. Moss, Grand Master, and Charles F. Casterman, Grand Secretary, and a vote of the members present. It provided that the Grand Lodge should continue to be known as "The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of the State of Ohio," and that the principal office of this Corporation was changed from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Cleveland, Ohio.
Subsequently, a statement of Continued Existence, as of December 9, 1958, was secured, dating back to June 26, 1871, by Grand Attorney Ray E. Hughes for the most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. The principal office of the Grand Lodge was again changed from Cleveland to Columbus. This was a second step in the legal history of the Grand Lodge.
The Grand Lecturers gave reports concerning visits and contacts with the Lodges in their Jurisdiction. They were brothers Landon G. Davis, D. A. Nelson, L. B. Henderson and Grand Orator, George Ingram. The Masonic Home Board report showed total receipts of $2,303.57 and disbursements of $1,269.61. The Historiographer, Brother William R. Brown, reported progress in the Compilation of the History of the Grand Lodge since 1904. He said there was Masonic difficulty in getting reports from the subordinate lodges and o11 his recommendation, the committee was enlarged. Brother Harry Davis spoke on the progress being made between white and colored Masonry in the United States. He Stated that a number of leading Masons throughout the north were anxious to give Prince Hall Masonry recognition and its rightful
place in Masonic History. The Fifty year Medal Membership Committee made its report listing, members who were eligible for awards.
The Grand Officer, for the news year were elected as follows: Grand Master, Clyde E. Moss, L. H. Kimbrough, Deputy Grand Master; A. J. Worsham, Senior Grand Warden; Bussell Jefferson Junior Grand Warden; Charles F. Nelson, Grand Treasurer and Charles F. Castermarn, Grand Secretary.
Resolutions were passed expressing appreciation to the College and to its President for the cordial hospitality which had been extended to the Grand Lodge. A resolution was introduced extending an invitation to have the next Annual Communication at Toledo, Ohio.
On September 23, 1946, Grand Master Clyde E. Moss presented Pride of Hilltop Lodge, Columbus, Ohio, with a dispensation and a letter of authorization to initiate members, and in August, 1947, its Charter was approved and assigned the Number 110. The first officers were: George R. Gentry, Worshipful Master; Herbert M. Betts, Senior Warden; Paul W. Cook, Junior Warden; Ira W. Newsome, Treasurer and Raynond E. Lowry, Secretary. Another lodge worked under dispensation in 1946 to August, 1947 when its Charter was granted. This was J. E. Easley Lodge No. 111. Its first officer's were: Sherman W. Jones, Worshipful Master, Major Huston, Senior Warden; John W. Truman, Junior Warden; Clark Haselrig, Treasurer and Perry Henderson, Secretary.
In the early part of 1947, the relationships between the Northern Jurisdiction of the limited Supreme Council and the Grand Lodges of time states within this Jurisdiction were cemented closer by a joint session which took place at the Masonic Cathedral in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 10. This had been planned for a long period in advance so that it would have the best benefits. Dinner was served in the dining room of the Cathedral and after dinner there was retirement to the Sovereign Chamber where addresses of welcome find responses were delivered. The main address was given by Illustrious George W. Crawford of Hartford, Connecticut who was then Puissant Lientenant Grand Commander of the Northern Jurisdiction in association with the Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander Sunnier A. Furniss of Indianapolis. The Ohio Grand Lodge was represented by brother Charles F. Casterman, Past Grand Master and Grand Secretary.
Illustrious Crawford in his address stated that there was no branch of Prince Hall Masonry which could be unto itself. He spoke of the relationships existing between the Grand Lodges and the Northern Jurisdiction of the United Supreme Council. He also referred to the report which had been made concerning Prince Hall Masonry and that its recognition was not too far away. There was need, he said, for maintaining standarards by Prince Hall Masonry as it reached this new status. Other speakers were Grand Master John W. Dodds the State of Georgia, who, with Most Pruissant Soverring Grand Commander Willard W. Allen of the United Supreme Council of the Southern jurisdiction, and others present were called upon for remarks.
There was also the beginning of a new publication 1947, Prince Hall Mazsonic Information, with Brother James Z. Garrett as Editor, Otto G. Johnson as Associate Editor, Harry L. Davis and Ham A. Williamson as contributing Editors. It was a publication which was intended to be an official organ and to be sent to the different lodges, although it had started in Cleveland as a publication of the Prince Hall Masonic Bodies of Cleveland. It was expanded to eight; pages during this year and attracted the notice of many Masons in the State.
The Ninety-eighth Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio assembled in Toledo, Ohio, August 10-12, 1947 with Grand Master Clyde E. Moss presiding and Charles F. Casterman as Grand Secretary in the auditorium of the Frederick Douglass Community Association. After devotional exercises, the lodge of Master Masons and then the Grand Lodge were declared opened. The standing, committees were announced and the Grand Master gave tin account of his stewardship during the year. He called attention to the readjustment and reconstruction which were going on at this time and that Masonry Could add stability and progress to this condition. He had had the opportunity of visiting the lodges and cities in the state of Ohio in the past three years which he regarded as one of the supreme moments of his life. He pointed steadfastly forward in his address to the necessity for steady growth and prosperity for Prince Hall Masonry in Ohio and said, "When we reach our goal of 10,000 Prince Hall Masons in Ohio, clandestine Masonry would totter and fall from its foundation." His report was, that already there were astounding accomplishments and that Masonic history had been made in Ohio, for the membership had been increased and more than doubled than it was three years ago when he took office. There were 111 official visitations made by him to lodges in towns and cities and he had issued 111 dispensations. Dispensations had been issued to form new lodges in Fostoria, Columbus. Cincinnati, Urichsville, Kenton, Akron and Oxford.
The Grand Lodge later approved the report of the U. D. Lodges, Pride of Hilltop, Columbus; Harding of Kenton; Fidelity of Oxford; Phoenix of Akron, Easeley of Urichsville and Porter of Fostoria. The Grand Master stated that he thought he had resurected all the lodges which went down during the depression, and that he was informed that there was a lodge in Berea, Ohio. He had sent a message that he would go there and reinstate the Lodge. The Prince Hall Masonic Informer was given his endorsement and approval, and he stated that it was a needed publication which could become statewide and should be supported by every lodge in the state.
The Grand Master recommended that in view of the fact that the Grand Lodge would have its centennial in 1949 two years hence, that invitations be accepted at this Grand lodge so that it could decide where the meeting would be held in 1949. He also recommended that the Grand lodge publish a souvenir program through the Office of the Grand Secretary in commemoration of the Centennial.
As he concluded his report, Grand Master Moss could look back upon a considerable amount of work which had been done under his leadership and in his administration. When be came into office there were lodges which were inactive and had ceased to function, some extending over a number of years. Others had given up their Charters and returned them to the Grand Lodge. There had not been a U. D. Lodge organized in Ohio since Past Grand Master Frank A. B. Hall went out of office and the one lone lodge was Composite Lodge No. 108 which was the host for the grand session. The rehabilitation program which he had put on had been of great help to the smaller lodges and his travels, contacts and correspondence had been manifested in the growth and prosperity of the Grand Lodge. He stated that he had driven a total of 23,230 miles and that he had been away from home on these visits a total of 189 days.
Deputy Grand Master Lloyd H. Kimbrough had also engaged in considerable activity during the Year, both in correspondence and in travel. He had served as Executive Officer in every branch of Masonry and realized the value of the duties of his assignment. He undertook with devotion to carry out these duties, for which the Grand Lodge was appreciative. Brother Russell T, Jefferson. Junior Grand Warden, submitted a similar report which showed that there was progress in the lodges with which he had been in contact. The Grand Secretary Charles F Casterman's report gave total receipts of $25,961.31 and total expenses of $18,417.97, leaving a balance of $7,543.34. Fraternal greetings were brought to the lodge by a committee of Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star. Each member of the committee brought impressive greetings to the members of the Grand Lodge. A fitting response was made by Past, Grand Master Homer H. Collins. Brother Hartford Jennings, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence made a report showing activity in contacts with lodges outside the Jurisdiction of Ohio. The reports of the Grand Lecturers were made, each of which contained descriptions of their contacts with lodges by visits and by correspondence. Fifty year service pins were authorized for award by several lodges. The Committee on Grand Master's report gave tribute to Grand Master Moss stating that the treasury had grown from a few thousand dollars during his period of office to over $16,000.00, with $10,000.00 invested in U S. Government Bonds. The report stated that he had rehabilitated many lodges, reinstating some that lead been dormant for years and that he had set up several U. D. Lodges, the first in many years in the Jurisdiction of Ohio. The Committee commended his report and recommendations and agreed that the plans should be made for the Centennial Celebration of the Grand Lodge in Cincinnati, where it lead been organized in 1849.
Grand Master Moss had given to the Grand Lodge the beginning of an era of growth. His emphasis upon lodges and membership and his activity in organization and reactivation were factors of great importance in the history of the Grand Lodge. He was a native Ohioan, born at Richwood, Ohio, August 22, and was graduated from Richwood High School. He was a member of Quinn Chapel A. M. E. Church, Chillicothe, Ohio, and had been the Superintendent of the Sunday School and a Steward. His Masonic history began in Ionic Lodge No. 6 and continued as Past Master of this Lodge: Past High Priest, Lansing Chapter No. 11; Past Grand Lecturer Ohio Royal Arch Masons; Past Grand Leeturer Prince Hall Grand Lodge; member of L. D. Easton Consistory No. 21; Junior Grand Warden, Senior Grand Warden, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Master.
The Grand Officers elected at this Grand Lodge of 1947 were: Grand Master L. H. Kimbrough, Toledo; A. J. Worsham, Columbus, Deputy Grand Master; Russell L. Jefferson, Dayton, Senior Grand Warden; L. B. Henderson, Steubenville, Junior Grand Warden: Charles Nelson, Springfield, Grand Treasurer and Charles F. Casterman, Cleveland, Grand Secretary.
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