The years 1947, 1948 and 1940 were the centennial years. They were the one hundredth anniversaries, of the origin and permanent foundations of Masonry among Negro-Americans in Ohio. These centennial years were milestones in the forward movement of Masonry within the State. The leadership of the Grand Masters and the Grand Lodge officers had begot to plan for this celebration and were determined that it would not pass without full consideration being given to these important years.
During the preceding periods, the Grand Officers and leaders of the Grand Lodge had taken the occasion to call attention to the need for a celebration which would came the Grand Lodge to look backward and then forward to the challenges of the future. They believed that there was a proud past and that upon the basis of the past, a more worthy future could he built. The one hundred years that had passed would be a basis for inspiration and encouragement not only for the continuance of the work in which they were interested, but as constant reminders of the larger service which could be rendered by the Grand Lodge, the subordinate lodges and their members, both for themselves and for the people whole they were serving.
The purpose of the planning was to pay tribute to the little band of seven men, residents of Cincinnati, Ohio, who left on March 3, 1847, for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They proposed to visit the St. Cyprian Lodge No. 13 located in that city. This Lodge had been authorized by the First independent African Grand Lodge of North America. Three of this band of seven were Master Masons, having been initiated, passed and raised in St. Cyprian Lodge, but the other four were not Masons. The latter Were initiated, passed and raised in St. Cyprian Lodge, and after this, the seven returned to the city of Cininnnati. This approach had been made to the St. Cyprian Lodge because it was the only Lodge composed of Negro Masons west of the Allegheny Mountains and thus Ohio became a channel and a gateway through which Masonry made its way into the Middle Nest and parts of the South. They would pay tribute also to the establishment of the first subordinate lodge, Corinthian Lodge No. 17 which received its warrant from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on January 16, 1848. On March 18, 1848, a second lodge was constituted, True American Lodge No. 26, subject also to the jurisdiction of the Grand lodge of Pennsylvania. On May 20, 1848, St. John Lodge received its warrant from the First African Independent Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
These lodges met and organized the Grand lodge known as "Grand lodge for the State of Ohio." A Constitution was adopted May 3, 1849, and Grand Officers elected. These years were to be reviewed by the Grand lodge and its membership. The centennial years were to emphasize the beginnings of Masonry among colored Americans in Ohio and from this celebration it was plumed that there would be a rededication to the cause represented by Freemasonry.
During this period when the centennial celebration was both under planning and in action, the question of the legitimacy and acknowledgment of the regularity of Prince Hall Masonry was also under discussion. The years from 1944-1945 and thereafter witnessed these discussions. The recognition of Prince Hall Masons and of their Grand Lodges bad not been granted by white Masonic bodies. It, had been the desire, hope and work of Prince Hall Masons that recognition from Masonic bodies could be secured, although this addition would bring no intrinsic and internal value to Masonry among Negroes. It would add to the brotherhood concept of American Masonry. Through the years, this has been more often on an individual basis, in that individual Masons had sometimes been granted recognition as Masons on the proof of themselves, but as a group there had been no recognition granted. Initial efforts were first made, as has been noted, in 1869, and this endeavor had been carried on through subsequent years in the United States, in which Ohio Masons of the Prince Hall Grand lodges had participated.
The acknowledgment of legitimacy and the regularity of Prince Hall Masons has been a primary step undertaken by Prince Hall Grand Lodges. It was during this period of the late 40's that steps were undertaken to bring about cooperation and tolerance within the Masonic fraternity. There was a background of several decades to the events which led to the latest consideration of this subject.
After investigation, there was the consideration of an "informal cooperation" extended by the Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, in session in Boston, Massachusetts, according to a release to the public press. This proposal of "informal cooperation" was made to the United Supreme Council, Prince Hall, Affliation, representing colored Masons in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. It was stated, "although no official recognition was adopted by the convention, the Supreme Council Voted its policy of cooperation after hearing a report of the legal aspects of the situation arising from the similarity in names of the two organizations which existed until recently. The United Supreme Council changed its name in order to distinguish it from the organization meeting here. In appreciation of this action and to put itself on record for racial toleration, the Council decided to adopt an attitude of cooperation which was generally felt would he advantageous both for Negroes and the community at large."
This issue arose again on May 19, 1944, after correspondance by Dr. Melvin M. Johnson, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, Will officers of the United Supreme Council, Prince Hall Affliation, Northern Jurisdiction. The conference which Dr. Johnson proposed was, "an adventure in understanding in which the areas of good will were sympathetically explored." This was to be an informal and unofficial meeting. Resides Dr. Melvin M. Johnson at this conference there were five other representatives with him. The Prince Hall Masons who appeared as representatives were Sovereign Grand Commander Sumner A. Furniss, Lieutenant Grand Commander George W. Crawford, Secretary General Conwell Banton and Harry E. Davis, Deputy for Foreign Relations. They met in the Grand Master's chamber of the Grand Lodge of New York. The entire day was occupied with the discussion of problems involving interracial relationships, and toward the end of the meeting the conference joined in a statement which indicated that it was desirable for both groups to continue their activities along parallel lines for the present and to acknowledge that there was value in cooperation and helpfulness as occasions would arise.
The full statement was as follows: "(1) It is recognized that the exigencies of the racial situation in this country are chiefly responsible for organic separation of white and colored Masons; (2) the same considerations indicate, for the present at least, that it is Advisable for the official and organized activities of white and colored Masons to proceed in parallel lines without mutually embarrassing demands or commitments: (3) within the above indicated limitations, informal cooperation and mutually helpfulness between the two groups, and upon appropriate occasions, are possible and desirable; (4) it is the opinion of the conferees that those colored Masonic lodges and their affiliates, which are legally descended from African Lodge, No. 459 in the Register of the Grand Lodge of England and charted in 1784, commonly known as bodies of Prince Hall origin or affiliation, have a legitimate Masonic tradition; (5) the good result from conference and discussion must, in the final analysis, depend upon the sound judgment and good sense of the leaders of the respective groups. It is fully realized that it, will take time to work out any satisfactory adjustment of existing problems and, also, that no question is finally settled until it, is settled right; (6) these informal and unofficial expressions are made in full appreciation of the difficulties of the problems necessarily involved as well as with full recognition that the final responsibility rest upon the Grand Dodges of Symbolic Freemasonry."
This statement was expanded in the Allocution of Dr. Johnson made to his Supreme Council in 1944. The Committee on Foreign Relations of the Council approved the action of its sovereign Grand Commander, Dr. Johnson, recommended and authorized further conferences. This report was approved unanimously. These conferences were Continued in 1945, when representatives of the two Supreme Councils met in New York, January 22. Matters referred to in the first meeting were considered more widely. This conference report, as made to both Councils, was received and approved. Two representatives who were present in these conferences in 1945, and 1946, were also from Ohio Illustrious Leland D. French, then Grand Minister of State and Illustrious Harry E. Davis, Special Deputy for Foreign Relations and Historian.
One of the results of this conference was the proposal that a third conference could he held in Boston where the white conferees might have an opportunity to see and examine the original warrant to African Lodge No. 459, which was basic to the claims of Prince Hall Masonry, from the Grand Lodge of England. This meeting was held in Foston, January 21, 1946. Grand Master Morris J. Hicks of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts accompanied by a Custodial Committee of his Grand Lodge, and under police escort, brought front the safe deposit vault, for the inspection of the conference, the original warrant front England. This document was well-preserved and was examined along with the early minutes of African Lodge No. 459 and Prince Hall's Letterbook. There could be no doubt about the authenticity of these historic documents.
Grand Master Samuel H. Rigg of Massachusetts appointed a special committee on March 22, 1946, comprised of six Past Grand Masters, to investigate the subject and make a report. This report, when concluded, was, sent to each voting member of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and to the secretary of each lodge in the Jurisdiction. Action upon the report was deferred for a Year.
On March 12, 1947, this report of this special committee was lead and adopted unanimously as follows and as originally submitted colder date of November 25, 1946:
"To the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts:
The Committee appointed by you to consider and report on the subject of Freemasory in Massachusetts, begs leave to submit the following report:
It has been a full half century since our Grand Lodge has considered the subject of a Negro Freemasonry. Then, and in all previous studies of the subject, attention was directed primarily, if not solely, to the question of the technical regularity of the origins and early history of Negro Freemasonry. In the light of the evidence then available, it was believed that it could not, according to Masonic Law, he regarded as legitimate Freemasonry. On the same evidence the wine conclusion would presumably have been reached - and perhaps even more emphatically - if the individuals and lodges in question had been white instead of colored.
In the intervening half century, Masonic historical research has made much progress, and the emphasis has changed considerably in Masonic thinking with respect to some of the factors involved in any such inquiry. The legality and regularity of each organizational act is now tested according to the law and customs of its date rather than by those of the present.
Your Committee finds that according to the then prevailing Masonic law and custom, the origin, early procedures and subsequent development of the so-called Prince Hall (Negro) Freemasonry in this Commonwealth have been, and are, regular and legitimate. Moreover, there is reliable and uncontradictory documentary evidence, dated June 30, 1784, that African Lodge, of which Prince Hall was Master, was, in 1776, granted a "Permet" by John Rowe of Boston, (Then Provincial Grand Master over North America where no other provincial was appointed), "To walk on St. John's Day and bury our dead in form," etc. Rowe Succeeded Henry Prince in 1786.
Thus for 170 years, African Lodge and its successors have been functioning in Massachusetts in good faith and with the justifiable belief that their origin and procedure was as regular and legitimate as we have thought ours to be. Obviously, we do not presume to pass upon conditions prevailing in any other Jurisdirtions.
It is understood that there are other groups of Negroes who claim to be Masons but we have found no evidences in support of such claims, and our conclusion thus far is that the so-called Prince Hall (Negro) Freemasonry is, alone, entitled to any claim of legitimacy among Negroes in this Commonwealth.
Member's of this Committee have inspected the original charter of African Lodge No. 459, granted by authority of H. R. H. , the Duke of Cumberland, Grand Master of our own Mother Grand Lodge of EngIand, dated 29th September, 1784, appointing Prince Hall (A Negro resident of Boston) to be it, Master. This is the source of all "duly constituted" Prince Hall Freemasonry and is now in the possession of the M. W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F. and A. M. of Massachusetts. Hall Grand Lodge traces its history as a "duly constituted" organization to 1733, and Prince Hall (Negro Freemasonry) in 1787 when African Lodge began to function under its Charter. Thus for more, than a century and a half, these two branches of Freemasonry have existed side by side in this Commonwealth, each by its own preference adhering strictly to its own racial sphere of activity and without intervisitation.
There is need for unifying and strengthening all influences for the improvement and uplifting of mankind. Freemasonry seeks to build character and promote brotherhood among all men. These objectives have nothing to do with race or color or social or economic status. In this country, the welfare and the future of the white and colored people are interdependent and largely identical. Each has it, own schools and colleges and churches and societies, but both have the same ultimate hopes and aspirations; both make common sacrifices in defense of their single country both read the same periodical, hear the same radio programs and enjoy or suffer together the triumphs or failures of our national well being; and each is affected by the material and spiritual welfare of the other.
In conclusion, your Committee believes that in view of the existing social conditions in our county, it is advisable for the official and organized activities of white and colored Freemasons to proceed in parallel lines, but originally separate and without mutually embarrassing demands or commitments.
However your Committee believes that, within these limitations, informal cooperation and mutual helpfulness between the two Groups upon appropriate occasions are desirable.
Your Commmittee makes no recommendation except that this report he accepted, approved and recorded.
Fraternally submitted.
Joseph Earl Perry, Chairman
Claude L. Allen
Arthur W. Coolidge
Melvin M. Johnson
Arther D. Prince
Albert A. Schaefer
This report was adopted unanimously by the Grand lodge. This action by the Grand lodge of Massachusetts was one of the most important undertaken in the History of Freemasonry. Confirmation was given through it to the findings of the Ohio Committee of 1876 and the Washington Committee of 1898. This was the third time in the history of Ohio Freemasonry that the matter had been investigated and conclusions reached upon it. The interest was widespread and so many requests were made for the report that the Grand lodge of Massachusetts printed separately its minutes which related to its action on Prince Hall Masonry. Such an action was taken not only to meet the demand for information, but to prevent the circulation of any misstatents.
On the same day, Past Grand Master Melvin M. Johnson made the following statement which is of marked historical significance to the Grand Lodge of Masons of Massachusetts:
There exists in the United States a completely organized and functioning Masonic world of which we have tong pretended to be ignorant although it descends directly front the Mother Grand Lodge of the world, that of England.
I refer to the Negro Freemasonry which, in order to distinguish it from the Freemasonry of our own technical recognition has been differentiated by itself as of 'Prince Hall Affiliation.' One out of every eight Freemasons in the United States belongs to its bodies which are as legitimate and as regular and duly-constituted as our own....
AFRICAN LODGE NO. 1
On March 6, 1775, a Freemason by the name of Prince Hall, and fourteen other free colored men, were initiated in Boston by Army Lodge, No. 441 of the Irish Constitution.
The claim has been made that an Irish military lodge had no right to in it into civilians. From 1768, that was the Irish rule where, and only where, there was an Irish 'Town Lodge.' There was none such in Boston. Even if there had been, it would not have affected the status of the Candidate although the lodge which violated the rule aright have been punished. There was no such English rule until 1815.
On July 3, 1776, African Lodge No. 1 was organized in Boston by authority from that Army Lodge. Its 'Regulations' (By-Laws) were adopted January 14, 1779.
There were then no independent Grand Lodges in the whole Western Hemisphere. Moreover, there were then only four Provincial Grand Lodges which, with their descendants, persist today, vis: - Massachusetts, Georgia, South Carolina rind Pennsylvania.
Official acknowledgment, of the legitimacy of African Lodge No. 1 was almost immediately made by John Rowe, of Boston, Provincial Grand Master for North America, bolding authority from the premier Grand Lodge of the world, that of England. He issued a permit authorizing the lodge to appear publicly as a Masonic body in procession for the purpose of celebrating the Feast of Saint John and to bury its dead.
(In almost identical fashion, Union Lodge of Albany, now Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 3, under the Grand Lodge of New York, was born.)
It has frequently been claimed that the organization of this African Lodge No. 1 and the subsequent development of Negro Freemasonry of the Prince Hall Affiliation, violated the exclusive jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. As I shall shortly point out, while this Grand Lodge of our, has repeatedly asserted the doctrine of exclusive territorial Jurisdiction over symbolic Freemasonry in Massachusetts, the fact is that it has never possessed such exclusive Jurisdiction, and does not now.
AFRICAN LODGE NO. 459
On both March 2 and June 30, 1784, African Lodge No. 1 applied to the Grand Lodge of England for a charter. This is the same Grand Lodge which founded the first 'duly-constituted' Freemasonry in the Western Hemisphere in 1733....
On May 6, 1757, African Lodge No. 459 was formally organized in Boston under the charter with Prince Hall as Worshipful Master. That charter is in existence today in a sale deposit vault in the City of Boston, Massachusetts, and has been inspected by members of your committee. There is no question of its authenticity. Moreover, it is believed to be the only original charter issued from the Grand Lodge of England which is now in possession of any lodge in the United States...
African Lodge thereafter functioned as a Mother Lodge; that is to say, it assumed authority to establish other lodges much as, indeed, it had itself been founded by the Irish Army lodge in 1776.
Where Grand Lodges exist, the chartering of new lodges by other existing lodges would not he recognized today. It, however, was common in the Eighteenth Century, as every Masonic historian knows. In other words, at the time African Lodge functioned as a Mother Lodge, what it did was then a lawful practice of the Fraternity.
In the heat of argument, some have claimed that the Grand Lodge of England later revoked or annulled the charter of African Lodge. It is correct that at, the union of 1813, the Grand Lodge of England revised its roll of particular lodges and omitted those which had gone out of existence or become attached to some other Grand Lodge. This had no effect upon the legitimacy of standing of any erased lodge. Some seventy lodges located in the United States, which had at some time been carried on the English roll, were dropped from the roll in revision. African Lodge No. 459 (Later No. 370) was one of them. So was St. John's Lodge in Boston, constituted in 1733, the oldest ledge of continuous existence in all the American.
PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE
On June 24. 1791, African Lodge and two others which it had founded, organized a Grand Lodge. Note that this was one year before our, present United Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was organized, and at a tune when the St. John's Grand Lodge (English, 1733-1792) and the Massachusetts Gand Lodge (Scottish, 1769-1792) were both exercising jurisdiction in Massachusetts, and the Lodge of St. Andrew was working independently under its Scottish charter.
Upon the death of Prince Hall, this (Negro) Grand Lodge changed its name to that which it uses today: 'Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F. & A. M.'
In 1791, when this first Negro Grand Lodge was organized, there were only eleven other existing Grand Bodies of Symbolic Freemasonry in the whole Western Hemisphere which today exists. They were located in Massachusetts. Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, North Carolina, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. The Grand Lodge of Rhode Island was organized the next day. (1915 Mass. 281-2.) This Negro Grand Lodge was not organized with any prescribed territorial jurisdiction. The lodges of its jurisdiction were, like the old German lodges, those of it obedience, wherever located.
TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION
It has been urged and is still believed by many that the formation of African Lodge No. 1 and of its successor, African Lodge No. 159, violated an already acquired exclusive territorial jurisdiction.
Often an existing rule of law is cited to show the illegality of something which took place before that law was established. In that connection, it should be remembered that whatever effect that doctrine of exclusive jurisdiction may have, it is purely an American doctrine which came to be regarded as fundamental law only after it had been claimed and successfully asserted for a sufficient period of time to have become dominant. As I have already stated, it does not apply to make Prince Hall Freemasonry illegal or irregular. In fact, neither the Provincial Grand Master in 1733, nor this Grand Lodge, which is the successor of that Provincial Grand Lodge has ever had exclusive territorial jurisdiction in Boston or in Massachusetts.
The Grand Lodge of England assumed to plant lodges in the Colonies which subsequently organized the United States. If it had the jurisdiction, it had the right through its officers and acts to exercise that Jurisdiction as it saw fit. It did see fit, through John Rowe, to acknowledge the legitimacy of African Lodge No. 1, and it did see fit to charter that lodge as African Lodge No. 459. Moreover, since November 30, 1756, when the Grand Lodge of Scotland chartered the Lodge of St. Andrew in Boston, there never has been a moment when any one Grand Lodge has in fact exercised exclusive jurisdiction over Symbolic Freemasonry in Massachusetts. It is true that the Provincial Grand Lodge of Henry Prince and its successors have functioned Continuously since 1733, but it is also true that various Army Lodges functioned in Massachusetts under England, Scotland and Ireland prior to the evacuation of Boston. Moreover, the Lodge of St. Andrew continued after the union of 1792 to operate under its Scottish charter until 1809 when it united with this Grand Lodge.
It is somewhat interesting to note that although our Grand Lodge has been a party to proceedings in court to establish the illegitimate character of a number of irregular and clandestine operations, claiming to be Masonic, yet it never has proceeded against Prince Hall Freemasonry by tine Prince Hall Grand Lodge, our then Grand Secretary testified as a witness for the government.
At the present time, we recognize the York Grand Lodge of Mexico, and we also recognize Mexican Grand Lodges with concurrent territorial jurisdictions. In China, we have maintained lodges of our obedience since 1863 and yet we have acted in county there for many years with lodges of the obedience of the Grand Lodges of England, Scotland, Ireland, Austria and the Philippines.
In effect, our attitude toward exclusive jurisdiction is that we will oppose to the limit of our power the invasion of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Canal Zone by any other Grand Lodges than those already legitimately located therein.
There are some who say, "why do anything?" The fundamenental answer is that our present attitude belies our teachings.
Moreover, there is need of leadership in this day when, in the words of Bishop Pardue, 'The clash between the application of a democratic philosophy in the face of vast racial discrimination, is daily making new converts to the religion of communism.'
There was immediate reaction to this action of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts from various parts of the country of critical types. Grand Masters in several states treated the matter in their annual addresses. Some even went so far as to criticize this action and to describe it as an unwarranted recognition of Prince Hall Masonry. This was far front the fact for the report clearly differentiated recognition from an acknowledgment of legitimacy. It was exclusively a Massachusetts action and was not intended to involve other jurisdictions. Moreover, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge had taken no action nor initiative in this respect nor was there any petition for recognition. Several Southern lodges had even suggested severing fraternal relations with the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
A reaction from Ohio is shown in au excerpt from an editorial in the Lake Erie Zephyrs, a monthly publication of the Lake Erie Consistory (white) in Cleveland, Ohio:
"The fact that the Negro Masonry is authentic is apparent to very few because a large number of our Masonic brethren have neither the occasion nor the time to give much thought to Freemasonry of our colored brethren.
"Nevertheless, it is a fact that the Masonic tradition of the colored folk is as legitimate as our own and there exists today a large number of legitimate and recognized lodges of Negro membership in various parts of the world."
However, there was so much criticism of the action of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts that the same Committee which prepared the report recommended that the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts rescind its action of March 12, 1947. This action of rescinding was taken on June 8, 1948. Nevertheless, the committee, did not rescind its historical findings. The facts of history remained unchallenged.
Brother Harry E. Davis, who was a participant in these activities, made pertinent, observations on these incidents,
"To say that the Prince Hall Mason learned with pleasure of these most recent events regarding his cause is an understatement. When he heard that the most influential Masonic body in the world, The Supreme Council. Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rice Freemasonry, Northern Jurisdiction. U. S. A., had sympathetically and understandably considered his ease in the unbiased spirit which Masonry demands, it gave him extreme gratification. And when its action was followed by the historical findings of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, the colored Masons felt that the tenets of Masonry were not mere virtuous platitudes, but were vital meaningful things of the spirit.
"No small part of his satisfaction cane from the fact that the historical endorsement received gave him an efficient and powerful weapon in his fight against clandestinism among Negroes. Ever since the demise of the ill-fated National Grand Lodge, the Prince Hall Masonry has had to contend with a peculiar and despicable type of spurious Masonry. The land has been infested with a number of illegitimate bodies having no lawful derivation but springing from alleged 'organizers,' motivated solely by selfish, pecuniary aims. In times of industrial prosperity, these bogus exploiters have been active, especially in the large centers of population, and deceive, not only the ignorant and unsophisticated, but have often duped intelligent and well meaning citizens with their extravagant and unsupported claims. These degree peddlers have not been above claiming 'recognition' from Grand Lodges of respectability, both at home and abroad, assertions which were flagrant and mendacious, but the findings of two prominent Masonic bodies of unquestioned integrity helped immeasurably in exposing these shallodians and in their prosecution in court actions.
"Nor does the sudden recession by Massachusetts, no matter how regrettable it map seem, wholly destroy the high faith of the Prince Hall Mason. He knows very well that the Massachusetts of today is not the Massachusetts of Garrison and Charles Sumner. Also, he knows his South better than his New England fraters, the South whose religion is Negro phobia. His experience teaches him that this South is accustomed to saving its own way by using violence and threats whenever justice runs counter to its careful, cultivated prejudices, but this condition cannot prevail indefinitely.
"Truth has been put into the Masonic world with new emphasis and truth is immortal and its beneficent raps will inevitably penetrate the fog of error. So no word of condemnation nor reproach comes from the lips of the Prince Hall craftsman; instead he renews his patience and his faith and his determination to insist on his Masonic manhood. He is positive that the entire question will arise again just as it has, periodically arisen in the past, as to just how or when it will rise, he has not even the remotest idea, but that it will come, he has not the Slightest doubt. Perhaps the admonition of Bishop Parade so aptly used by Dr. Johnson in closing his discussion in the Massachusetts report will be a compelling influence, "The clash between the application of a democratic philosophy and vast racial discrimination, is daily making new converts o the religion of communism."
When the 99th Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, Free and Accepted Masons, assembled in Wilberforce, Ohio, at, the State College, the centennial celebration, in the light of the acknowledgment of legitimacy, was one of the high points of discussion. This Communication was held August 1-3, 1948. The usual divine services were held on Sunday evening, August 1, with Grand Master Lloyd H. Kimbrough and Grand Secretary Charles F. Casterman in charge, and Dr. Charles H. Wesley delivering, the annual message. On Monday morning, the lodge was opened in due form and the Grand Master was received. Among the greetings extended was one front Governor Thomas J. Herbert, addressed to "Grand Master Lloyd H. Kimbrough, Wilberforce State College, Wilberforce, Ohio." The Governor's greeting was as follows:
"As Caveman, I our happy to comend the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio, Prince Hall, F. and A. M. on its 99th year of Masonry. Our State recognizes the tremendous responsibilities which you as Masons have assumed in the field of charity, education and civic enterprises.
"There is still much progress to be made, and I know from your performance in the past years that it is the Bill of the 5,000 Prince Hall Masons in Ohio to add renewed vigor to the program which you adopt at this, the 99th Grand Lodge Convention.
"Probably the most significant contribution which the 99th Grand Lodge Convocation can make, is the reaffirmation of your Masonic, tradition.
"I extend to you the hest wishes of the people of this great Suite."
Thomas J. Herbert, Governor
The annual address of Grand Master Kimbrough was presented by him. He referred to it as unorthodox, that it would not have an excursion into the realm of oratory, and that it would be brief. He stated that in assuming the responsibility of the office, he had very definite understandings with the elected officers of the Grand Lodge and that they would be assigned specific administrative tasks. Deputy Grand Master A. J. Worsham was assigned the task of preparing a publicity campaign with the object of eliminating clandestine Masonry. Grand Senior Warden Russell L. Jefferson was made chairman of the Centennial Committee with Grand Lecturer Ralph M. Johnson as co-chairman. Grand Junior Warden Louis B. Henderson was given the job of code revision in conjunction with the Assistant Grand Secretary James B. Simmons, Jr.
A keynote in this address, which was referred to at various times in the convention, was the concern which he expressed with the program of, "Getting more Masonry into men rather than more men in Masonry." He stated that the adoption of such a policy would also have to come through the support of the subordinate lodges which had been instructed to tighten up the investigations on petitions for membership. In order to prevent his address from taking up too much time, he had this address prepared in lithographed form and copies were distributed.
This, First Centennial Grand Lodge of 1948 had authorized the signing of six charters to new lodges. The first of these was Harden Lodge, No. 113 at Kenton, Ohio. This lodge had been issued a dispensation to operate as a lodge on March 9, 1947, when the members assembled at Payne Chapel A. M. E. Church with Grand Master Clyde E. Moss in attendance, who also issued a dispensation for the lodge. On October 11, 1947, Grand Master Kimbrough, assisted by Masons from Samuel W. Clark Lodge of Lima, conducted the ceremonies for the presentation of the charter, the dedication of the Lodge and the installation of officers. These officers were: Worshipful Master, Samuel R. Richardson, Jr., Senior Warden, Charles W. Brown; Junior Warden, Robert Williams; Secretary, Thomas Williams; Treasurer, Wilber Brown, Chaplain, Fred Gaskins; Senior Deacon, Herbert Jackson; Junior Deacon, Dale Jackson.
The Pride of Hilltop Lodge, No. 110 of Columbus, Ohio, had been organized on September 5, 1946, when Past Grand Master Clyde E. Moss met a group of Masons at Oakley Avenue Baptist Church. The lodge was granted its charter at the 1947 Grand Lodge session, Toledo, Ohio. Grand Master Kimbrough dedicated this lodge on October 25, 1948. The J. B. Easley Lodge, No. 111 at Uhrichsville, was visited by Grand Master Kimbrough with the presentation ceremonies. The Worshipful Master of this lodge was Brother Sherman Jones. It is of interest to observe that the J. B. Easley lodge had as its motto, "Put more Masonry in men, than men in Masonry," which had been mentioned by the Grand Master.
Another Lodge, Fidelity Lodge, No. 114, of Oxford, Ohio, was granted its charter at this Grand Lodge as of August 3, 1948. There was some irregularity in its previous application and Gand Master Kimbrough had held up the establishment of the lodge until this had been cleared. This Lodge was established and began its work with the following officers: Worshipful Master, Benjamin Gibson; Senior Warden, Claude Bannister; Junior Warden, Luther Smith; Treasurer, Simon Miller; Secretary, James Ross; Chaplain, R. D. Murdock; Senior Deacon, Winfred Heard; Junior Deacon, Earl Kelley; Senior Steward, Archie White; Junior Steward, John Ross and Tyler, Samuel Jackson.
There were numerous visitations to lodges on special days, and official acts and dispensations were reported by the Grand Master. His visits to the Grand Master's Council, May 5-8, 1948, were described. This meeting was held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Washington, D. C. where welcome was extruded by Sovereign Grand Commander Willard W. Allen, who was also Grand Master of Maryland. Highlights of this meeting were a welcome extended by letter from President H. S. Truman in his capacity as Past Grand Master of Rituals, signs and degree work; the continued publication of a Prince Hall Masonic Yearbook; the elimination of clandestine Masonry, the annual Pilgrimage to Prince Hall's grave, and the observance of the anniversary of his birth on the Sunday nearest September 12. The Grand Master also reported that he had visited five jurisdictions in addition to official visitations in Ohio. In concluding, it was his considered opinion that Prince Hall Freemasonry was advancing toward a higher state of perfection since its organization.
Deputy Grand Master A. J. Worsham delivered his report which showed considerable activity in visitations as well as correspondence. He gave a great deal of time to a report on the investigation of clandestine Masonry which he found expanding its program. He recommended that proper court action in proper cases should be taken; that the Grand Lodge promote a publicity program concerning Prince Hall Masonry and that committees he formed in all subordinate lodges so as to advise Prince Hall Masons on how to approach and converse with non-Prince Hall Masons. One of the steps in this latter connection was the reading of the history of Prince Hall Masonry by Harry E. Davis, and he said, "This history should be studied by every Prince Hall Mason everywhere," for the found indications that other groups of Masons were better informed about our history than we were, ourselves.
Deputy Grand Master William O. Green of the Jurisdiction of Michigan was introduced and spoke briefly on the address of Deputy Grand Master Worsham relating to clandestine Masonry, Senior Grand Warden Russell L. Jefferson called attention to the approaching centennial and the Cooperation which he had secured from Associate General Chairman Ralph Johnson. He also reported on the souvenir program which was to contain a history of the Ohio Prince Hall Grand Lodge and Histories of the subordinate lodges. Cooperation of these lodges was requested. The recommendation was made that the Grand Lodge hold its session for three days in 1949, in Cincinnati where the Grand Lodge was organized, that the Grand Lodge underwrite the banquet, and a centennial medal be cast for all Prince Hall Masons who registered at the session. This address was referred to the Committee on Grand Officers Report as were other addresses.
Junior Grand Warden L. B. Henderson gave a detailed report on his visits which showed that there had been activity on his part and the assumption of duties and assignments from the Grand Master. Grand Secretary Charles F. Casterman report showed receipts of $26,543.78 and expenses of $10,864.86 with a balance of $15,678.92. Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence Donald A. Wray revealed that he had been in correspondence and contact with all jurisdictions throughout the year. He observed that many of these jurisdictions were obtaining Grand Lodge buildings here all records and businesses were centralized. He also reported that he had been appointed on a Committee to investigate and report on the question of non-Prince Hall Masonry and that this committee had met, studied the question seriously and a report would be given. The Grand Lecturers Ralph M. Johnson, Landon G. Davis, Marshall R. Cobb, Gayles M. Wonders, Jack L. Mixon, John L. Suddieth, and Roy L. Thomas made reports of their visitations to the lodges in their respectiive districts.
The Masonic Home Board made known the numerous improvements which lead been done on the interior and outside of the house, and an increase in produce. The report showed that there were only four residents and a fifth had remained at the Home for only forty days during the year and returned to his home in Xenia. Grand Master Kimbrough in his address had stated that consideration should be given to this question of the small number of persons who were residents at the Home. He said, "at present with its few residents, we are paying all enormous cost for its acquirement and we can no longer look for an increase in future admittance of applicants that utilize its full facilities."
A resolution was presented concerning this matter stating that, "the necessity for a fraternal home is long since past, and with the licensing and investigation of rest homes in and by the State of Ohio, we believe that those brothers who in the future will have to be cared for by this Grand Lodge can be more satisfactorily and happily cared for in such a rest home at a much less expense to the Grand Lodge." And it was, further stated that with "the increase of old age and social benefits, that a number of our brethren would rather remain in the city where they have been long residents and that the lack of applications for admittance to the Home was due also to the institution of social security and old age pension." The resolution was referred to the committee on Resolutions.
This Committee reported several resolutions which were adopted as follows: that the Grand Lodge underwrite the banquet at the Centennial Celebration in 1949; that appreciation be extended to the President and officials of the College of Education and Industrial Arts for the use of their facilities; that the Grand Lodge contribute $100.00 to the Student Loan Fund for the use of worthy Students; that the advertised "Prince Hall Book in Plain English" was a direct violation of the Masonic Code for Ohio; that the Grand Lodge invest $7,500.00 in government bonds, which was referred to the Grand Trustees; that the Prince Hall Masonic Infomer be adopted as the official organ of the Grand Lodge for the State of Ohio, but the Committee on Resolution disapproved of this and referred it to the Grand Trustees.
The Committee on Grand Officers Report recommended that a committee be appointed to investigate the possibilities of a more and fuller use of the Masonic Home, or the alternate consideration of disposal of the building with the view of the erection of a commercial building for Grand Lodge use. This committee also recommended that an educational committee be appointed "to establish a Prince Hall Scholarship fund for high school." The Committee approved court action and interest in the case against Titus Grand Lodge, that publicity be used, a committee formed and the plans approved for the celebration of the Centennial. The issuance of fifty year service medals were approved to four brothers of the Grand Lodge by the Committee on Fifty Near Service Medal.
During the rest of the year 1948 and 1949, prior to the Centennial Celebration The Centennial Brochure, occupied a considerable amount of time of Grand Master Lloyd H. Kimbrough and Brothers Russell L. Jefferson and Ralph M. Johnson. The booklet contained 172 pages with I foreword by the Grand Master and photographs of the active Past Grand Masters and the elective and appointive Grand Lodge Officers for 1949. A brief history of the Grand Lodge for Ohio was written by Brother Hartford Jennings, covering four pages. Following this there were brief histories and pictures of several subordinate lodges, but some of these lodges had not sent in their histories and photographs of their officers. There were 65 lodges which submitted some brief description of the organization and the first lodge officers and their rosters.
Congratulatory pages were included from the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, the Ohio Grand Commandery Knights Templar, the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters Ohio Cryptic Branch, the Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, with brief page-histories of Eastern Star Chapters. Twenty-three chapters with brief historical mention and pictures were included. Greetings and comments were included from the Jurisdictions of Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Colorado and Nebraska. The entire Brochure was compiled and edited by Brothers Ralph M. Johnson and Ralph D. Taylor.
The problem of the legitimacy of Prince Hall Masonry was given consideration on April 22, 1949, when Dr. M. H. Lichliter Grand Prior of the Supreme Council of Scottish Rite for the Northern Jurisdiction referred to it in an address in Columbus on the subject, "Facing Unfinished Tasks." In directing attention to colored Masonry, Dr. Lichliter said, "in all fairness, it ought to be said that wherever there is a lodge of Prince Hall Masons, there is a stout bulwark against the infiltration of communism into Negro groups; and in addition, it must be said that these Prince Hall Masons are fighting all irregular, wildcat Negro lodges which misrepresent genuine Masonic ideals and purposes." This was an unsolicited approval of the legitimacy and the loyalty to the Nation and to Masonry of Prince Hall Masonry.
The One Hundredth Annual Communication of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio began on Sunday, August 7, 1949, in the auditorium of Walter Hill High School, Cincinnati. There was a grand procession which assembled in the auditorium of Douglass High School, and proceeded to the place of meeting. Brother Ralph M. Johnson, Grand Lecturer, was in charge for the opening session. The program included Brother Jesse D. Locker, Cincinnati Councilman and later Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia; Royal Grand Matron, Ida M. Williams of the Order of the Eastern Star; Grand Master Lloyd H. Kimbrough and Dr. Charles H. Wesley, President of Central state College who delivered the annual sermon, entitled "The Challenge of the Past." Music was furnished by the Cincinnati Masonic Chorus under the direction of Brother K Clinton Gibbs.
The sessions continued from August 7, to August 10, 1949. There were greetings and congratulations from most of the jurisdictions with which Ohio was in communication. Grand Master Lloyd H. Kimbrough welcomed the visitors who were present and honored guests, and then submitted his annual report. It was prepared and passed out in pamphlet form with the Grand Master reading a supplementary report.
Emphasis was placed by him upon the, Centennial Celebration, its importance in the history of the Grand Lodge, and the Masonic progress which had been made since its origin. He called attention to the publication of the most comprehensive account of the origin and history of Prince Hall Masonry which had been published to date. He said, "As Ohioans, we are fortunate that the author and publisher of the History of Freemasonry Among Negroes in America is one of our own fraters and the favorable reaction that followed the publication of this work has been of incalculable value in the promotion of the more tangible fraternal spirit between the Caucasian group and Prince Hall Freemasonry."
This volume has as its main thesis, according to the author's statement, "the historical legitimacy of Prince Hall Masonry." He made, as he said, no attempt "to give an account of the establishment of Prince Hall Masonry in each of the several states." However, the volume gave a full account of Prince Hall, his endeavors, his followers, the recognition which the lodge had received and failed to receive, the early activities of colored Masons, the higher degrees, the Scottish Rite and the relationships between colored and white Masons.
In order to fill the gap occasioned by the lack of attention to the history of Prince Hall Masonry in Ohio, the project of the Centennial Committee was to include a brief summary in the Centennial brochure. Under the direction of Grand Senior Warden, Russell L. Jefferson and Grand Lecturer Ralph Johnson, Brother Ralph Taylor and Mrs. Taylor, an efficient stenographer, the material for the brochure was prepared and completed. This Brochure was referred to in a very commendatory way by the Grand Master.
Grand Master Kimbrough's report was that the Order was in a high state of development in this on, hundredth year. He said that the morale and efficiency in the degree work was of the highest calibre and that there was every reason to he proud of Freemasonry as it was practiced by Ohio Prince Hall Masons. His recommendation was that the Ohio Grand lodge acquire the necessary legal information for the purpose of "aggressive legislation by its subordinate lodges against local clandestine organizations.'' The reference here was especially to appearances in parades and occasions. The Grand Master also urged a step-up in the publicity and educational campaign for Prince Hall Masonry, the reactivating of the youth organization known as the Pythagorans and the completion of the revision of the constitution and code.
Deputy Grand Master A. J. Worsham informed the Grand Lodge about his visitations and activities and the work of the Committee on Grand Lodge Publicity. He said that there had been articles in the Pittsburgh, Courier and the Cleveland Call-Post covering the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, and the reprint of the original charter and the report of the Masters' Committee. In second issues of these newspapers there were descriptions of the Scottish Bite, the Capitular and Cryptic brunches of Masonry and the Shrine. He said, "Every Prince Hall Mason ought to be an informed Mason, schooled in his own history and tradition as well as in his rituals. We discovered in this effort that the rank and file of our membership knew very little about Prince Hall in particular or about the facts of our history in general." In this connection, the three lodges in Columbus, St. Mark No. 7, Glory No. 10, and Hilltop, No. 10 published a two-page spread in the Ohio State News about Prince Hall Masonry in Columbus.
Senior Grand Warden, Russell L. Jefferson,
began his report by stating that Prince Hall Masonry was on the
increase and that every year since 1849, the Grand Lodge had
increased in numbers and influence. He urged that every Mason
in Ohio should secure a Centennial Brochure since it contained
a complete history of Ohio Prince Hall Masonry. He said that if
we would teach young Masons "our history, what Masonry is,
and the original meaning and intent of the Craft," then "this
Grand body will be as secure in the future as it has been in the
past." Junior Grand Warden, L. B. Henderson reported on the
meeting of the Grand Trustees and his response to invitations
to subordinate lodges, his attendance at district meetings, and
the performance of the duties of his office. One of the matters
referred to in his report was that a committee of four had presented
two copies of Brother Harry E. Davis' history to the Carnegie
Library of Steubenville.
The report of Grand Secretary Casterman showed total receipts of $28,227.80 and total expenses of $20,098.68, leaving a balance of $8,129.12. Grand Treasurer Charles E. Nelson's report showed that there was $11,475 in government bonds. Grand Historiographer Hartford Jennings made a report which was more complete than most of those which had been submitted by Grand Historiographers. This report included a historical sketch of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, describing the origin of Prince Hall Masonry, the Mother Lodge, the establislment of the Ohio Grand Lodge, the establishment of other Grand Jurisdictions, the question of recognition by Grand Lodges, (white), local and foreign.
Among the matters presented in his report was the statement that from the beginning in 1849, when the Ohio Prince Hall Grand Lodge had a membership of three lodges, it had growls until, in this centennial year, 1949, it numbered 71 charter lodges with a membership of approximately 6,000 Master Masons. He said that during this century of history, there had been twenty-eight Grand Masters, sixteen Grand Secretaries, and ten Grand Treasurers. Similar material in this report appeared in the Centennial Brochure. The reports of Grand Lecturers Ralph M. Johnson, Gayles M. Wonders, Marshall R. Cobb, James F. Hewlett, John L. Suddieth and Roy L. Thomas, described their contacts with the subordinate lodges with emphasis always upon the centennial.
The Centennial Banquet was held with an extensive program in which Past Grand Masters Cory Adams, Everett J. Gatliff, Homer H. Collins, Charles F. Casterman and Clyde E. Moss participated, with distinguished guests from Prince Hall Jurisdictions, Grand Master George A. Howe, Kentucky, Grand Master Ashby B. Carter of Illinois, Grand Master Melvin J. Key of the District of Columbia, Past Grand Master John Edgar Smith of the District of Columbia, Grand Master Edward Boyer of New Jersey, Deputy Grand Master Aldridge Cooper of New Jersey and District Grand Lecturer Henry M. Baymore of Pennsylvania. This was a gala affair and helped to instill in those in attendance at the Grand Lodge the merits of History and tradition in Masonry.
As the sessions continued the Committee on Grand Lodge Centennial Brochure reported through Brother Ralph M. Johnson, co-chairman of the committee, stating that brochures were available, that they would be mailed to each subordinate lodge in the Jurisdiction, and that the brochures would sell for $1.00. The Committee on Fraternal Greetings of the Order of the Eastern Star was admitted and Sisters Dorothy M. Johnson, Ada H. Hankies, and Johnie Dent extended greetings from Amaranth Grand Chapter to the Grand Lodge on its 100th Anniversary and Centennial. The Committee on Grand Officers commended the official staff and the Committees for the labor which they lead performed in bringing about the successful completion of the Centennial Communication and celebration. In connection with historical presentations, the Apron, Collar and Sash of Brother Griffin Taylor Watson, charter member of Corinthian Lodge, No. 1, and second Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, were presented to the Grand Lodge on this occasion. These Masonic relics were placed in the Archives.
The term of office of Grand Master Lloyd Holsey Kimbrough had come to an end at this Grand Lodge. It was agreed by Grand Lodge members that he had rendered significant service. He was born in Richmond, Ray County, Missouri, January 3, 1892, and was educated in the Richmond public schools, graduating from Lincoln University.
Jefferson City, Missouri, in 1912. He was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, Lay-Reader and Treasurer and Executive Officer of the Episcopal Laymen's Organization of Toledo the first Negro to serve in this office. For over twenty years he was mail clerk for the Merehant's Credit Bureau and subsequently Textile Inspector for Lancer's Textile Corporation.
His Masonic career began with his raising to Master Mason in May, 1920, in Amazon Lodge, No. 4, in which he became Secretary and served from 1920 to 1923. Successively he served as Senior Deacon, 1923-1924 Senior Warden, 1926-1928 Worshipful Master, 1926-1928; High Priest for Maumee Chapter, No. 6 of Royal Arch Masons; Illustrious Master for three years of Zabud Council No. 2 of Royal Select Masters; Most Eminent Grand Commander of the Ohio Grand Commnandery of Knights Templar; Eminent Commander of St. John's Commandery No. 5 of Knights Templar; Illustrious Potentate of Mecca Temple No. 43; Commander-in-chief of St. Matthews Consistory No. 24; Illustrious Master for three years of the Ohio Grand Council Royal and Select Masters; Grand Master of Prince Hall Grand Lodge; Secretary of Ohio Grand Chapter, R. A. M.; Recorder Ohio Grand Council, R. A. M.; member of the United Supreme Council, 1948. The officers elected for the ensuing year were: Grand Master Alfred J. Worsham, Columbus, Ohio; Deputy Grand Master, Russell L. Jefferson, Cleveland, Ohio; Senior Grand Warden, Louis B. Henderson, Steubenville, Ohio; Junior Grand Warden, James B. Simmons, Jr., Toledo, Ohio; Grand Treasurer, Charles E. Nelson, Springfield, Ohio; Grand Secretary, Charles F. Casterman, Cleveland, Ohio.
The membership of this Centennial Communication left the Grand Lodge sessions inspired and determined to build more worthily in the future than had been done in the past. It was felt by all that this was not only the celebration of a historical event and a memorial to those who had blazed the trail so effectively in the past, but that it was also a challenge to them to carry forward the Masonic tradition, which had been passed down to them, in more effective ways in the future. As Grand Master Kimbrough phrased it, "by strict adherence to the Masonic principles that have brought us to our 100th milestone, our future is secure in the generations that are to come."
This ideal was dominant in the minds of Prince Hall Masons when they assembled in special sessions at the call of Grand Master A. J. Worsham at Columbus, Ohio, November 19, 1949. The Committee on Credentials reported that the following lodges were represented: Corinthian No. l, True American No. 2, St. Johns No. 3, Amazon No. 4, Ionic No. 6, St. Marks No. 7, Wilberforce No. 21, Trinity No. 9, Excelsior No. 11. The Lodge having been opened in due form and committees appointed, the immediate business of the special session was presented. This involved the purchase of property for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge in Columbus, Ohio. Brother Ray E. Hughes was recognized by the Grand Master and offered a resolution as follows:
"Be it resolved that this Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Ohio and Jurisdiction purchase, the following described real estate for the sum and upon the terms hereinafter set forth:
"Said premises are located in the County of Franklin, State of Ohio, the city of Columbus and bounded and described as follows:
"Being a three story brick building, together with four car brick garage located at and known as 50 Hamilton Park, Columbus, Ohio and further described as follows: being Lots No. 34 and 35 of East Park Place addition, as the same unnumbered and delineated upon the recorded Plat thereof of record in Plat Book 2, pages 61 and 62, Recorders Office of Franklin County. Ohio.
"The consideration price of said premises is $40,000, payable as follow: $10,000 in cash. $30,000 notes secured by first mortgage to the seller, upon the, above described premises, payable $300.00 or more per month, interest at 5% per annum, principal to be adjusted monthly; note to include prepayment privilege and proportionate deduction of monthly payment upon reduction of principal to $25,000 and $10,000 if desired.
"The purchase of said premises to be completed and consummated on or before June 1, 1950. The Grantor or Owner of said premises to convey to this Grand Lodge the above described premises by good and sufficient warrant deed, free from all cumbrance thereon, except zoning ordinances, or other restrictions of record, if any, and release of dower and with all the other factors and elements incident to ordinary real estate transaction.
"The Warranty deed to said premises, to be in the name of the 'Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Ohio and Jurisdiction'."
A second resolution was introduced also for consideration in brother Ray E. Hughes:
"Whereas, this Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Ohio and Jurisdiction has this day passed a resolution to purchase certain real estate located in the city of Columbus. Ohio, and known and numbered as 50 Hamilton Part, for a consideration of $40,000 payable $10,000 in cash and the balance of $30,000 evidenced by promissory Note and mortgage to secure the same: and payable at the rate of $300.00 per month;
"Whereas, it will be necessary to enter into a purchase contract and other factors and elements, incident to the purchase of real estate;
"Now, therefore, in order to effectuate and consummate the transaction, authority is hereby given to the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer, to sign and emote the necessary contract, promissory notes and mortgages and any other instrument, necessary and pertinent to the purchase of said premises, for, and on behalf of, in the name at, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Ohio and Jurisdiction, and to receive and accept for, on behalf of this Grand Lodge, a Warranty Deed, from the owner of said premises conveying the title thereto to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Ohio and Jurisdiction.
Those two resolutions were referred to the
Committee on Jurisprudence which had been previously named by
the Grand Master. There was lengthy debate upon them as the sentiments
were expressed for or against the issues. Both resolutions were
adopted as presented. This purchase was a great moment in history
for the Ohio Grand Lodge, for it provided a headquarters home
for the first time in its historical development.
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