As the years advanced, it was increasingly evident that Prince Hall Masons in Ohio were determined to become builders, in their day and generation as had been true of the founder, Prince Hall, of Freemasonry among colored Americans in the United states. The recurrence of reference to Prince Hall in addresses on the anniversary occasions, the banquets, the Prince Hall and Americanism Days, all pointed toward the past with reverence but to the future for action. They would not merely rever the founder and pay tribute to him, but they wanted his soul to go marching on in them in the building of Masons for the challenges of their times.
They were aware of the material developments of the Grand Lodge and the subordinate lodges in the building, acquisition, and reconstruction of homes and the ownership by the Grand lodge of the Urbana Home and 50 Hamilton Park. Their concept of building was not in connection with increases in membership because Prince Hall Masonry was becoming more established and more practical and therefore attracted the interest of larger numbers. The idea and project of building more Masonry in men was the motivation of the Grand Lodge officials and members in these years of the 50's. Their problem was to vitalize the growth, the vitality and perpetuity of Prince Hall Masonry. There was continuous urging that there should be a careful selection of members and then the inculcation of the fundamentals in principles and tenents which Prince Hall Masons had vowed to maintain. It was their purpose in building to become acquainted with the deeds and glories of the past as represented in the distinguished record of Prince Hall and his followers so that Masons of their day would achieve in the coming years.
All of this was evident when the 105th Annual Communication of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio assembled at Central State College, August 8-10, 1954. Following the usual opening of the Grand Lodge and the appointment of committee, the most important business was the rendition of the annual address of Grand Master Louis B. Hinderson. The first important reference in this address was his announcement of the building of a sound long range program on which he had set his sights. In this program there were three particular objectives:
First, the attainment of absolute uniformity of Masonic work in the Jurisdiction; two, the adoption of a standardized business system in the Grand Lodge that will not be adversely affected by changes in administration, and three, the establishment of a public relations department within the Grand Lodge which will endeavor through the medium of the press, radio and other means to publicize our activities and refine unjust criticisms which in times are leveled at the Order.
The Grand Master also referred to the supervision and teaching of the Ritual, its forms and ceremonies under the Grand Lecturer and the seven Deputy Grand Lecturers. It was his opinion that these Masonic officials could focus their attention upon the problems of the subordinate lodges with resemble expectation of success in the building of Prince Hall Masonry. He said that the Grand Lodge was now big business and that it could only be operated as such and that he had drawn up and diributed organization charts which showed the structure of the Grand Lodge.
In public relations, he found that the Grand Lodge was lagging behind. He looked upon this department as of great value, not only in combating bogus Masonry but also as a means of keeping the Craft informed of the various activities of the Grand Lodge, subordinate lodges and of Prince Hill Masonry in general. In this connection, there had been a series of ten articles sponsored by the Grand Lodge and written by Brother Harry E. Davis, with the first article appearing in the Pittsburgh Corrier, January 15, 1954. In association with him the Committee on Publicity which had been appointed at the 104th Annual Communication had gone forward with their assignment. The series of articles had explained the incention of Prince Hall Masonry, its lineage, growth and development through the years. They had met at 50 Hamilton Palk, October 24, 1953 and considered the ten articles. Arrangements were made with the Pittsburgh Courier for the publication of these articles. These were published in the edition for Ohio and in the seventeen editions of this news.
Interest in the past was also shown by the emphasis which was given by Grand Master Henderson upon the need for a Grand Lodge History. He stated that the last, history of the Grand Lodge was published in 1904 and that it was considered to be a most complete work of its kind published by a Prince Hall Jurisdiction and that in 1950, Grand Master Worsham commissioned Brother Harry E. Davis to bring the History up to date. He added that for some reason it was difficult to get all the subordinate lodges to submit their respective unit Histories. He regarded this as an unfortunate delay because the Grand Lodge was unwilling to publish an incomplete history. He therefore asked that each subordinate lodge which had not sent in its history should send it to the Grand Secretary so that the work could he made ready for publication in 1955.
Clandestine Masonry also received attention. Grand Master Henderson observed that it could not be entirely wiped out but that legitimate Masonry lost a number of men who did not understand the differences, mainly because the Prince Hall lodges were not willing to proselyte but would rather place their requirements upon mental, moral and physical qualifications. He said that education, legislation and litigation were the methods best used to fight this situation. At the time of the Grand Lodge he said that one of these bogus groups was meeting at a church in Xenia, and some of its members were reported to be staying in the buildings of a nearby institution. He believed that extreme caution should be manifested by Prince Hall Masons so that they would leave no doubt whatsoever that they were tine Masons.
Some of the sentiments which were expressed by Grand Master Henderson were observed at the Grand Masters' Conference which had met in Los Angeles, California, May 1922, 1954. This was the largest session held of the Grand Masters and was regarded as a very constructive one. Prince Hall Grand Lodge was represented by Grand Master Louis B. Henderson, Grand Secretary Charles F. Casterman, Past Grand Master A. J. Worsham and aud Attorney Ray E. Hughes, with Grand Master Amos T. Hall of Oklahoma presiding. The Conference was a most influential body in America. Grand Secretary Charles F. Casterman read a paper under the title "How to Develop and Maintain Proper Relations Among Prince Hall Grand Lodges," and Grand Master Henderson responded to the welcome address by Grand Master Starling J. Hopkins of California. At the banquet where 700 were present, Past Grand Master A. J. Worsham of Ohio delivered an inspiring address entitled "God Give Us Men."
The work of this conference became more important because of the unaniamous decision of the Supreme Court on May 17, 1954, which banned segregation in public schools in the United States. Chief Justice Warren in issuing the decision said that the doctrine of segregation had no place in the field of public education and declared such separate facililies as inherently unequal. His ruling was based on the Fourteenth Amendment which provided that no state shall "deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." The decision applied to public school systems in twenty-one states and the District of Columbia where segregation was mandatory by law. Opinion on this decision varied from disagreement; to peaceful adjustment. The disagreement bordered in some cases in open defiance. On the other hand, members of Congress from the North and almost all northern educators of prominence and the nations of Western Europe, Asia and Africa praised the decision.
ln referring to this decision, Grand Master Henderson said that it has been hailed throughout the nation as the greatest happening since the Emancipation Proclamation. And thou he added thoughtfully, "We are reminded however that it will take ninty years of litigation and education before segregation will entirely disappear from our national scene." Attention was called to the Prince Hall Legal Research Fund headed by Brother Thurgood Marshall. White the Grand Lodge had contributed to this fund for the first time, its contributions must continue to he made, he said, for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund was making ready for the next series of cases. The lodges were urged to send their contributions for this project and they were requested to donate the next receipts of programs given on Prince Hall Americanism Day or to send in a minimum donation of $10.00 per lodge to the Grand Secretary for this fund.
While presenting situations outside of the Grand Lodge to which the Grand Lodge was a party or interested, the Grand Master called attention to the Ohio Masouic Home at Urbana and again referred to the unsound condition of having a Home with only four residents. Although the property at 50 Hamilton Park, Columbus, was, in his opinion, a good investment, more interest money was being paid as a result of the failure to pay off the mortgage at one tune. The Phythagoran Movement was praised and the fact was deprecated that there had not been more encouragement given to it. He said, "Too many of us think of this Movement as a Boys' Social Club and no more, when in reality it means much to both the future of Masonry and to that of our great country."
A large part of the address was devoted to the Shrine and the problems connected with its relationship to Prince Hall Masons. Grand Master Henderson informed the Grand Lodge of the strange relation over a number of years resulting from the encroachment of the Imperial Potentate of the Shrine upon the Constitution, Laws and Usages of Masonry. He said that following the Pilgrimage to Boston by Prince Hall Masons in 1950, Prince Hall Masons in Ohio who were members of the Shrine expressed dissatisfaction with the irregularities in the Shrine. He stated that without authority of law the Imperial Potentate had suspended the Charter of the Daughters of Isis in 1953 which caused much confusion between Masons, the Temples and the Courts. Many Masons had written him expressing dissatisfaction, allot after consulting with influential Masons be issued an edict on November 17, 1953, to the immediate effect that "No Master Masons in the Jurisdiction of Ohio shall participate in anything pertaining to the Shrine until further notice from the Grand Master of Prince Hall Masons of Ohio or from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, F. & A. M. except that the Master Masons in the Temples of the State may meet and continue to collect dues which shall be deposited in some bank or trust company until the entire matter is cleared.
As a result of further inquiries, he sent a letter to the Worshipful Masters and subordinate lodges in Ohio stating that on December 19, 1953, thirty-two Grand Masters of thirty-eight in the United States had met in Chicago and discussed the Shrine matter and that the great majority of them had acted along the lines of his edict of November 17. He then, added, effective immediately, "That no Master Masons in the Jurisdiction of Ohio shall participate in anything pertaining to the Shrine until further notice from me or from our Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio, other than to meet and collect dues and carry on their ordinary local Shrine activities in the Temple; but under no circumstances to have any communications or relations with the Imperial Potentate and Imperial Divan or to perform any act or engage in any activity that requires a dispensation, authorization or supervision from the Imperial Potentate, the Imperial Divan or any of his or its representatives or to communicate with or acknowledge of recognize any orders, edicts, communications, anthoizations or interference from the Imperial Potentate, the Divan or their representatives.
"All monies raised from any source or from any purpose shall be deposited in some bank or trust company until the entire matter has been cleared, except such expenses as are necessary for the maintenance and Operation of your Temples. This means that of any Shrine activities that require a dispensation authorization, order of any kind of supervision from the Imperial Potentate or any or all members of the Divan or any of their representatives, then the same cannot be engaged in or undertaken. It is therefore ordered that you follow these instructions to the letter until this situation with the present regime of the Imperial Council has been completely rectified and cleared up in accordance with the fundamental principles for which all Prince Hall Masons stand and are firmly committed."
Grand Master Henderson advised that on December 5, 1953, he received a form letter from the Imperial Potentate with the title "A Statement of Policy" and that he had stated in this document that the Shrine was separate and distinct from Masonry. This was a climax of the position which the Imperial Potentate had assumed of independence from any bodies of Masonry and resulted in the bringing of an action in the District Court of Illinois against the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge there to enjoin the operation of the edict of the Grand Master which had been addressed to the Master Masons and subordinate lodges in his Jurisdiction. The Illinois Court accepted the position of the Imperial Potentate and his Divan that the Shrine was separate, independent and autonomous from Masonry. The Grand Master was of the opinion that this decision would be used by the Imperial Potentate to threaten legal action against all Grand Masters and Grand Lodges.
At the Grand Masters' Conference, twenty-five Grand Masters, including the Grand Master of Ohio had pledged their support to the Illinois Grand Lodge. He said that he, Deputy Grand Master James B. Simmons, Jr., Grand Attorney Ray E. Hughes and representatives from Shrine Temples from Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo were in attendance as guests of Arabic Temple No. 44 in Chicago, Illinois, 23-24, 1954. Fifteen Grand Masters among those present pledged $4,500.00 toward the expenses of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, with the entire cost approximating $15,000.00. Grand Master Henderson stated that he had pledged a minimum contribution of $250.00, from the Ohio Grand Lodge. He said that in issuing his edict his sole intention eras to portect Prince Hall Masonry and that he now presented the matter for the consideration and action of the Grand Lodge and he requested that it be referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence for consideration and recommendation for action by the Grand Lodge.
In the meantime, the Imperial Deputy of the Desert of Ohio sent a letter to the Illustrious Potentates, Rabbans, and Nobles advising that the programs and activities were to continue as scheduled throughout Ohio. This order was writ under date of December 7, 1953. Grand Master Henderson on receiving this Order sent a letter in reply under date of January 22, 1954, stating that he regarded this letter as an act of disobedience, and open defiance committed in full knowledge of Masonic Law. He stated that this was contumacious conduct in not complying with the edict, and declared "Therefore, you are suspended from all rights and privileges of Masonry until the next annual Communication unless this office sees fit to lift this suspension at an earlier date. Further, your Worshipful Master has been instructed to send notices to the secretaries of all the organizations whose membership are based on Masonic affiliations apprising them of this act."
When a Shrine official declined to abide by the declaration of Grand Master Henderson, he recommended that the correspondence in this matter be referred to the Committees on Appeals, and Grievances and Jurisprudence sitting jointly, with the power to Select the Chairman thereof for final disposition as a result of the report to the Grand Lodge.
The reports of Deputy Grand Master James B. Simmons, Jr., and Grand Senior Warden Guy R. Taylor, had no additional information to present concerning the Shrine matter. They had continued to carry out their duties most efficiently in relation to the subordinate lodges. The performance of Activities was reported by Junior Grand Warden Carl L. Wilson and the Grand Lecturers A. J. Worsham, Bruce E. Palmer, Edgar H. Norman, George E. Gentry, H. L. Haithcock, John L. Suddieth, William E. Burke, and Games Hewlett.
The report of the Joint Committee can appeals and Grievances and jurisprudence declared that an appeal from the Grand Master's decision concerning the Shrine had been received asking relief from suspension by the Grand Master for the violation of his edict. The Committee found that the Grand Master had ample authority in suspending the brother for contumacious action and disobedience in violating, the edict. The Committee then recommended that the Grand Lodge affirm and uphold the action of the Grand Master, and it was recommended that the Grand Lodge suspend the brother as provided by the Masonic Constitution and Code. On motion of Past Grand Master Lloyd Kimbrough, seconded by brother James Jones, the report was adopted.
The Committee on Jurisprudence took up the same matter and recommended the adoption of a statement reaffirming the attitude of the Grand Lodge toward the Shrine and other Masonic orders as follows: "The Grand Master of Ohio is not only the Grand Master of Prince Hall Grand Lodge but he is also the Grand Master of Masons of Ohio. As such, he is the conservator of Masonry in this Jurisdiction. He is charged with the duty of protecting the ancient institution in his Jurisdiction from any encroachments on its privileges, prerogatives and discipline in his capacity as Grand Master, he is obligated to protect the peace and harmony of the Craft from any activities which might impair, or tend to impair the prosperity of ancient Craft Masonry; to protect its dignity from subversive actions which tend to destroy the fundamentals of our Order, as to bring dishonor or discredit to it. Acting as interim the Grand Master must exercise a sound discretion as to what these subversive of degrading influences are, and it is the duty of the Grand Lodge to support the Grand Master on all occasions when he acts in good faith in the exercise of these fundamentals.
"Therefore be it resolved:
"'That we approve and confirm the Action of the Gand Master in issuing the edict appearing in the Grand Master's Address prohibiting Masons in this Jurisdiction from engaging in any Shrine activities, and
"Resolved that the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio does hereby sever all fraternal relations with, and recognition of the Ancient Egyptian Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdictions, Inc., and commands all Prince Hall Masons of Ohio to cease from all participation in the activities of said Shrine until fraternal relations and recognition are restored.'' The committee consisted of Brothers Ray E. Hughes, Harry E. Davis and A. J. Worsham. On motion of Brother Leland French, seconded by Past Grand Master Clyde Moss, the several items were ordered, considered and adopted.
This Committee also recommended that the Masonic Code be amended by adding, a new section as follows:
"Any person who is a member of, or holds allegiance to Communistic or any other organization which advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States of America by force or violence, or illegal means shall be ineligible to membership in this fraternity. All investigating committees are charged with the duty of ascertaining this fact at the time of the original investigation. It was further added that such conduct on the part of an individual would show that he was guilty of unmasonic conduct and should be expelled upon Masonic trial and conviction." In accordance with the recommendation of the Grand Master; this Committee adopted the new section and also that the American Flag should the appropriately displayed at all Communications of the Grand Lodge and its subordinate lodges. These actions dealing with Communism were adopted by the Grand Lodge on motion of Past Grand Master A. J. Worsham and seconded by Brother William Culpher.
The report of the Publicity Committee showed that its chief duty had been carried out in the series of articles explaining the History of Prince Hall Masonry. These articles were explained in more detail in this report. The first of these articles, in referring to clandestine Masonry, told of the growth of Freemasonry in the United States through Prince Hall and its relationship to the Grand Lodge of England together with the growth which it had manifested and then this was added, "But the very respect which Masonry has commanded has made it attractive to the unscruplous, the greedy, the unprincipled and the venal. These are brazenly projected organizations which they falsely hold out to be regular Masonic, and by the arts and wiles of the trickster and the swindler, have lured many innocent, unwary, gullible and credulous dupes into their alleged lodges under the specious pretext of making, them Masons. They have also gathered into their fold many others who would have extreme difficulty in gaining admittance to a legitimate lodge but who want to assume a badge of respectability they do not possess.
Other articles delineated the beginnings of Masonry, the subsequent history of this movement giving the Masonic lineage of Ohio and stating that it was the only body of colored Masons in Ohio who claim the unique and honorable distinction of being true Masons. These articles culminated in giving the report of the investigation of Negro Masonry by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts with the remarks of Past Grand Master Melvin M. Johnson who declared that the lodges of Prince Hall derivation were "As legit innate anti as regular and duly constituted as our own.
The work of the Order of Pythagorans was described in reports by Past Grand Master Russell L. Jefferson, Director of Youth Activities. Brother Jefferson reported that the annual meeting of the Ohio Grand Council, Order of Pythagorarns was held on July 24, at Central State College with all the elected officers in attendance. The reports were received from the officers; workshops had been held for the preceptors and the organization was stronger and was moving forward. A working program had been developed with the Girls' Assembly under the Order of the Eastern Star.
The officers elected at this Grand Lodge were: Grand Master Louis B. Henderson, Steubenville; Deputy Grand Master James B. Simmons, Jr., Toledo; Senior Grand Warden Guy R. Taylor, Canton; Junior Grand Warden Carl L. Wilson, Dayton; Grand Treasurer Charles W. Bryant, Columbus, and Grand Secretary Charles F. Casterman Cleveland.
The question of the Shrine continued to occupy the attention of the leadership of the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio. Prior to the Grand Masters' Conference of 1955, the Deputy lmperial Potentate of the Shrine was invited by Grand Master Hall, President of the Conference, to attend a meeting in the Masonic Temple at Atlanta, Georgia on May 1955. Grand Attorney Ray E. Hughes represented the Grand Master of Ohio at this meeting. From the larger group present a committee consisting of Grand Masters Amos T. Hall. Past Grand Master Porter of Tennessee, Grand Attorney Ray E. Hughes of Ohio, were selected to meet with Deputy Imperial Potentate Booker T Alexander and Imperial Legal Advisor Levi Morris to discuss ways of restoring peace and harmony between symbolic Masonry and the Shrine. A statement was draw up by this Committee and approved in its entirety by 27 of 29 Grand Masters present with consent from Grand Master DuBois of New York and Stephenson of Michigan on May 3, 1955.
The agreed statement of the Committee and the Shrine representatives was that there would be a change in the Imperial Potentate at the Annual Session of the lmperial Council in August, 1955; that they would reaffirm the fact that the Shrine was an appendent Branch of Masonry; the dismissal of legal action against the Grand Lodge of the state of Illinois and of Georgia; the call of a special session within ninety days after adjournment of the Imperial Council in August. 1955, at which there would be proposals made for a committee to revise the Constitution, Laws and By-Laws; to discontinue the patrol tax and other assessments with the purpose of reducing the same as a matter of economy and the restoration of all Temples and members upon the payment of their 1955 dues.
The Conference of Grand Masters was being held during this period, May 2-5, 1955, meeting in Sage Hall on the campus of Atlanta University. Grand Master Louis P. Henderson and Grand Attorney Ray E. Hughes and Deputy Grand Master James B. Simmons, Jr., represented the State of Ohio. While attention was givens to the subjects presented in previous rears, including the Prince Hall Legal Defense Fund, the main action and thought of this Conference dealt with the Shrine situation.
A part of the successful termination of the Shrine controversy was clue to the leadership and cooperative activity of Grand Master Louis B. Henderson, who had had a career in Masonry which had given him a basis for the forthright action which he had taken during his administration and the outstanding leadership which he gave to Prince Hall Masonry. Quiet and unassuming, he was courageous and thorough in his activity as Grand Master. He was born in Maysville Kentucky, October 2, 1904, educated in the Springfield High School and in Chemical Engineering at the Case institute of Technology. He was a member of Quinn A. M. E. Church, Steubenville and an active member in all civic affairs. He had been employed in the Metallurgical Department of the Weirton Steel Company, Weirton, West Virginia, for a number of years. His Masonic history began with his being raised as Master Mason in Eastern Light Lodge No. 64 in 1930, and served later as Grand Marshal 1939-1941, Grand Lecturer 1941-1947, Junior Grand Warden 1947-1949, Senior Grand Warden, 1949-1951, Deputy Grand Vaster 1951-1953, and Grand Master 1953-1955. He took the Consistory degrees in Bezaleel No. 15 in 1950 and entered Le Hasa Temple No. 28 in the same year and was awarded the 33rd degree by the United Supreme Council in 1952.
During the year 1955, the Pythagorans celebrated their 10th anniversary as an Order in Ohio. On July 23-24, their 10th anniversary was celebrated on the campus of Central State College with seminars, workshops, field events, baseball and swimming. The assembly was addressed on July 24, by Dr. Charles H. Wesley. While this year was regarded as the 10th anniversary, the Pythagorans had been active only during the period 1945-1947 and 1950-1955. For a period of three years there was no activity in this Youth Order. It was reported that there were now seventeen chapters with 350 boys who were members. Two new chapters had been reinstated. In December, 1954, the Ohio Grand Council of Pythagorans was chartered in Columbus, Ohio, giving the Pythagorans the privilege of printing their own ritual, Constitution and needed materials. Brother John Payne was in charge of the Pythagorans while the Girls Assembly of the Order of the Eastern Star was under the direction of Sister Florence H. Brown, Grand Advisor and other officers in this annual meeting.
The theme of the meeting was "Youth Can Mold The future." An address was also given by Brother J. Hobart Hale, President of the West Virginia Grand Council. Order of Pythagorans. Brother Walter Sellers assisted in the conduct of the athletic events on the playing field. Workshops followed the morning sessions and as a whole this was regarded as one of the best sessions of the Pythagorans. It was reported that they had contributed over $70.00 to the March of Dimes campaign.
On August 7-9, 1955, the 106th Annual Communication of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio met at Central Stale College. Following, the traditional opening of the Grand Lodge and the appointment of committees the Annual Address of the Most Worshipful Grand Master Louis B. Henderson was delivered. He stated, "For the sixth consecutive year, we have congregated in Beacom Gymnasium on this picturesque and historic campus to delineate and deliberate on matters pertaining; to the future progress of the Craft." It had become a usual event for the Grand Lodge to assemble of the campus of Central State College rather than to go to the various cities according to an older custom because it was better in various ways for the lodge to be located in a single place. It was easier for the members to attend sessions due to the conveniences of the College, and the atmosphere and environment were all conducive to a pleasant and profitable Grand Session.
In connection with necrology among those reported as having passed to the Great Beyond were Brothers Harry K Davis and Rolla S. Heston. Both of these Masons had served the Grand Lodge with distinctive interest in its history and in other capacities. Brother Davis had had a long time history in the State of Ohio in his City of Cleveland, haying been educated at Viral College and was a lawyer of distinction. He served as a member of the Cleveland Civil Service Commission, having been first appointed in 1928, and as a member of the Ohio Senate. He was the author of "The Prince Hall Sodality" which was a first sketch of Prince Hall Masonry. His greatest contribution was his volume, "A History of Freemasonry Among Negroes in America," published in 1946, under the auspices of the United Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Hite of Freemasonry Northern Jurisdiction, U. S. A. (Prince Hall affiliation Inc.). This is a bound volume of 334 pages. He was a member of the Jurisprudence Committee of the Ohio Grand Lodge and one of its honorary Past Grand Masters. He also served the United Supreme Council as Special Deputy for Foreign Relations.
Brother Huston had served as Last Grand Historian, and in this capacity made periodic reports to the Grand Lodge. He also served as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence. The past year was described as one of unusual accomplishments throughout the Jurisdiction with morale fund confidence being exceptionally high and the membership of the Order showing some gains.
The official acts and dispensations of the Grand Master were numerous, and these revealed considerable activity in the leadership of the Grand Lodge. He reported that the Ohio Grand Lodge was the first Prince Hall Jurisdiction to use a coded Ritual. It was necessary that the work should be uniform throughout the Jurisdiction and for that reason he decided that a written Ritual would be the solution. Permission had been granted by the last Annual Communication for Grand Master Henderson to appoint a committee of three to prepare a written or Master Ritual to be kept in a fireproof, safe under the supervision of the Grand Lecturer. The appointment of Grand Lecturer A. J. Worsham to be Chairman of this committee with the seven deputies and associated with the Grand Master and Grand Secretary constituted this committee. The report was that the committee had worked diligently and completed the assignments. His congratulations and appreciation were expressed to Brother A. J. Worsham for the systematic manner in which he had correctly worded the Ritual.
Another committee was appointed also to draft a suitable Ritual for the Past Master's degree. His interest was devoted to this project because he said "The ceremonies of the Grand Lodge must adhere closely to ancient forms, not to exalt individuals but rather to give each Masonic office the ceremonial tribute which is properly a part or symbolism of the Craft. Only as we observe and execute the forms and ceremonies faithfully, and with perfection, then will they serve their symbolic purpose."
As to the properties of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master reported that the Home Board Under the able leadership of Brother B. F. Cann was continuing to manage the Home in all excellent way. Four residents were living in the Home and again the Grand Master announced that the project was unsound from the economic point of view. At 50 Hamilton Park, Columbus, the building had been used for numerous purposes by the Committees of the Grand Lodge. Both the interior and exterior were taken care of in a satisfactory planner as was shown by the report of the Chairman of the Committee of Management.
The announcement was glade of the holding of the 10th anniversary of the Pythagorans, and that $1,200.00 had been contributed by Prince Hall lodges toward the restoration of the steeple of Old North Church, Boston, Massachusetts. This steeple was blown down by a hurricane. Brother Worsham gave reasons why Prince Hall Masons should make a contribution. One was, it was a landmark in American liberty to which Prince Hall Masonry subscribed. Others were that Boston was the birthplace of Prince Hall Masonry, there was all annual pilgrimage to Boston scheduled for every ten year's to the burial ground of Prince Hall and Prince Hall's grave was in the shadow of the church, in which also Prince Hall services have been held.
Reference was made to the project fur securing deposits in the Tri-State Bank of Memphis. Opposition had developed in this southern state area to the grant of loans to Negro farmers, storekeepers, professional men and businesses. In order to aid this group, a program had been initiated to induce increased deposits in this bank so that aid could be given to Negro citizens who were in need of loans. The NAACP had deposited $20,000.00 of its reserve funds as a, letter from Roy Wilkins, Secretary of the NAACP had stated. Insurance companies, banks, lodges, and business organizations were making deposits. The Grand Trustees of the State of Ohio unanimously agreed to to transfer $5,000.00 of the Grand Lodge funds to a savings account in the Tri-State Bank of Memphis. Grand Master Henderson suggested that an additional amount might be transferred if this seemed advisable.
A section of Grand Master Henderson 's report for 1955, was devoted to the Shrine situation and the closing of this breach with the election of Imperial Potentate Booker T. Alexander. Reference was made to the holding of raffles by Masonic organizations and that white Masons in Ohio had been suspicious of the participation of Masons in these activities. He urged that this activity should be changed and suppressed.
Grand Master Henderson was pleased to report that Grand Lodges everywhere and Grand Bodies in Masonry were "In universal agreement on the basic power of the Grand Lodge to exercise complete control over Masons in Masonic matters. When the actions or proceedings of any of the Rites are considered injurious to Masonry, this basic power may be invoked to prohibit membership or participation in the affairs or activities of the offending Rite or organizations whose membership is predicated on Masonic affiliation."
Deputy Grand Master James B. Simmons, Jr., delivered his report manifesting cooperation, loyalty and activity in various parts of the Jurisdiction. He devoted special interest to clandestine Masonry as he had seen it in several areas. He described the conference of the Grand Masters in Atlanta. Georgia where he had attended these sessions, and he also praised the Pythagoran Movement. His report was very well received.
Senior Grand Warden Guy R. Taylor had served the Grand Lodge on many occasions and reported his attendance at district meetings, visitations to subordinate lodges, official acts and duties. He had also visited other branches of Masonry and had devoted himself assiduously sly to his duties. Junior Grand Warded Carl L. Wilson reported on his activities in visitations, district meetings, the Pythagorans and Girls Assemblies and special committees to which he had been appointed by Grand Master Simmons. Grand Lecturer A. J. Worsham gave a report with special reference to the preparation of the Ritual which required 121 pages of longhand to write the 62 pages of code. He had met 33 times with the members of the committee. He recommended that the corrected work he promptly coded and printed, that the metal plates used in the printing be preserved and purchased and that charges for the Ritual be based upon the original costs of printing. The Grand Trustees had purchased a fireproof safe for its keeping in the vault at 50 Hamilton Park.
"I do declare that the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine is a fraternal charitable organization, whose members are now, and of right, should forever be, Prince Hall Freemasons, in good standing, who trace their lineage from Alpha Lodge 459 of Boston, Massachusetts, and no others; and further, that being so constituted, its affairs are now and should forever be, conducted in conformity with the established standards of Freemasonry."
A dismissal of the legal action against the Grand Lodges of Illinois and Georgia was recommended by the Grand Masters. The Grand Masters also were of the opinion that the code revision should be undertaken by the Shrine. The Imperial Potentate stated that it would be the policy of his administration that all business should be transacted in open session and an audit of the books and records of the Shrine would be made by a, Certified Public Accountant and this audit would be made public.
After consultation with Grand Attorney Ray E. Hughes, Grand Master Simmons issued a Proclamation under date of October 17, 1955, stating that as a result of these changes he proclaimed "That the mandate of the Grand Lodge hereinabove referred to is hereby lifted and withdrawn and that the Master Masons of this Jurisdiction are hereby authorized to reestablish all fraternal relations with the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and that, the Masons of this Jurisdiction, members of the respective Shrine Temples of the State of Ohio, are at liberty to engage in all activities and functions as such members of the Mystic Shrine, consistent with its laws and usages and this Masonic Jurisdiction." This order was to remain in force until the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge for its approval.
The Conference of Grand Masters met in Boston, Massachusetts in May, 1956, and Ohio was represented by Grand Master Simmons, Deputy Grand Master Taylor, Grand Secretary Charles F. Casterman, Past Grand Masters Louis B. Henderson and A. J. Worsham, and Leland B. French, Puissant Lieutenant Grand Commander of the Supreme Council Northern Jurisdiction, and Grand Attorney Ray E. Hughes. Grand Master Simmons presided at a symposium, Grand Lecturer A. J. Worsham led a discussion on "Proper Methods of Organization of the Pythagorans and its Values," Past Grand Master Louis B. Henderson was a member and secretary of the Committee on Program of the Conference. Ohio was thus represented at the Conference and was lending its influence to the building of Prince Hall Masonry and these men were becoming Prince Hall builders in their times.
An important report at this Grand Masters' Conference in which Prince Prince Hall Masons of Ohio were interested was given by Brother Thurgood Marshall for the Prince Hall Legal Research Department of the NAACP. This was the fifth annual report made at the Grand Masters' Conference and covered live years in review, 1951-1956, with emphasis upon and also with special consideration of the year 1955-1956. These years represented five years of planning and research in final rulings which have outlawed racial segregation in education and recreation, in housing" in interstate transportation, including waiting rooms and other transportation facilities in depots as well as on buses and railroad coaches.
As a whole, Brother Marshall said, "We have won other decisions which have sounded the death knell of segregation in interstate transportaton and legislation designed to frustrate non-segregated public education." He said that Negroes were now attending unsaggregated schools in West Virginia, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky, Maryland and Delaware, and that these beginnings ranged in effect from in West Virginia to 10% in Texas, with important beginnings in Arkansas, Tennessee and Louisiana. He stated that these gains had been made with a minimum account of litigation and relatively little loss of employment in the ranks of Negro teachers.
On the other hand, there were, determined efforts by state authorities to resist the movement and some 46 private organizations were seeking to frustrate the anti-segregation decisions and suppress the efforts of Negro organizations. According to his statement, the policy of the Legal Defense and Educational Fund was based solidly on the foundation of basic research. This was of two tasks, one, Basic Legal Research and two, Basic Social Science planning. To support this program last year the Prince Hall Masons had given donations from twenty-two individual Jurisdictions, totaling $21,000.00, and none of this had been used for overhead or operational expenses but was devoted to exclusively basic research in connection with litigation and implementation projects.
On August 5-7, 1956, the 107th Annual Communication
of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio was held at Central State
College. Following the formal opening of the lodge, the
appointment of Committees, the Grand Master was presented and
read his annual report. He spoke of the passing of the old order
in international and national relationships and the dawn of new
developments. He devoted particular attention to the double standard
of citizenship established on the false doctritnes of segregation
and discrimination through the action of the Supreme Court and
spoke proudly of the part that the Prince Hall Grand lodge of
Ohio had played in bringing about the new freedom. This part was
noted materially in the contribution to the Prince Hall Legal
Research Fund and the deposit in the Tri-State Bank, Memphis,
Tennessee.
Spurious Masonry received the attention of Grand Master Simmons as he stated that there were at least nine or ten illegal organizations in the State of Ohio. He appointed a committee to develop a policy on clandestine Masonry composed of twenty-one brothers with Past Grand Master A. J. Worsham as Chairman. He also proposed a Budget and Finance Committee to study the future program of the Grand Lodge from the financial point of view; a Masonic Library and the writing, editing, and compiling of a Masonic History of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. He stated, "This Grand Lodge will give thought and take action on the amount of money needed in the History Writing Fund. The ciphering of the revised Ritual, the Masonic Home at Urbana, the Masonic Legal Defense Fund and the statement that $590.00 had been collected from the subordinate lodges this year for this purpose, the Pythagorans, official acts, visitations and dispensations embraced subjects presented in his report.
Considerable attention was given to the Shrine Situation in reporting the events which had led to its solution and leading up to the Proclamation of the Grand Master on October 7, 1955, restoring the severed relationships. A second matter was the heritage of the Grand Lodge with its emphasis upon Prince Hall. He suggested that there were certain dates in the calendar relating to Prince Hall which should be remembered by every Prince Hall Mason. In fact as he said, it should be "burned into his mind and heart." The series of dates were presented in his report and he concluded, "I submit that every Master Mason at the time he is raised should be required to recite this story; should be able to trace accurately this meandering but continuous stream of Masonic lineage. I further submit, brothers, that this knowledge on the lips and heart of every Prince Hall Mason will be the greatest and most damaging antidote against spurious Masonry than all the tirades against this Masonic octopus could do in the next fifty Years."
The report of Deputy Grand Master Guy R. Taylor stated that the year had been a busy one for him. He had attended many meetings of lodges and other Masonic bodies. As he reported these meetings it was evident that he had traveled over the State with lodge anniversaries and banquets and together with his official duties and district meetings as well as visitations on stated occasions to meetings of subordinate lodges. The Senior Grand Warden Carl L. Wilson had carried out his duties in effective ways and briefly summarized his activities. He had also served on the committees to study spurious Masonry and the Grand Lodge Library. The same was true of Junior Grand Warden Hartford Jennings who was pleased to make his report because he said that this was the first time he had come before the Grand Lodge as an elected officer, for on previous occasions he had served as effectively as an appointed one.
The report of the Pythagorans given by Past Grand Master Russell L. Jefferson stated that there were 18 chapters on the roster and that the work was continuing to spread and advance, and there was a proposal also for a Pythagoran Day in Ohio. Brother Herbert Mitchell, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, reported the maintenance of good fraternal relations both within the State and outside of it.
In reporting on Bogus Masonry, Past Grand Master A. J. Worsham, Chairman of the Committee stated that he regarded legislation as an unsound approach and that the most important step that could be taken was that of education at this time and that this could begin even with Prince Hall Masons. He said, "And, sometimes we are mistaken when we presume that all Prince Hall Masons are acquainted with their own history. Many are ignorant of whence they came or whither they go. All of us could be improved by an active system of education.'' Grand Orator George Ingram gave an oration on the degrees in Masonry which was an aspect of the type of education a Mason should have, and it was well received. The report of the Budget and Financial Committee was made by Brothers Thomas W. Hall, Herbert H. Bracken and Robert E. Jones suggesting improvements in the financial system which they regarded as sound.
The Committee on Grand Officers, addresses reported the adoption of most of the recommendations. The reports the Grand Secretary Charles F. Casterman showed a balance brought forward and receipts of $42,129.17, with disbursements of $24,386.59, and a balance as of June 30, 1956 in the National City Bank and Trust Company of $17,742.58 with $5,157.80 in the Tri-State Bank of Memphis and $4,500.00 it United States Savings Bonds. The recommendation of the Grand Master concerning the establishment of the Library and Masonic History Comission of nine Past Master Masons with a Chairman and Secretary, was reported and amended to expand the Commission to fifteen Past Master Masons, and was adopted. The reports of the District Lecturers, Past Grand Master A. J. Worsham Grand Lecturer and the Deputy Grand Lecturers Floyd Black, Russell W. Pace, Sr., John L. Suddieth, Samuel Brogdon, Jr., James F. Hewlett, were adopted and the reading, of these reports indicated how good results had been coming to the Grand Lodge bringing it to a high state of operation. The report of the Grand Lodge Library Commission proposed that a Conimission of five or more brethren be selected to assume specific jobs of research based on a timetable and that a statewide campaign be started to encourage every Mason to collect material of a historical nature dealing with Masonry so that there would be the basis for compiling a complete and accurate history.
This was one of the largest attended Grand Lodges. The credential Committee reported the presence of 328, including, 30 Grand Officers, 13 Past Grand Officers, 117 Past Masters and 168 representatives of subordinate lodges. The Grand Officers elected and appointed for 1956-1957 were: Grand Master James B Simmons; Deputy Grand Master Guy R. Taylor; Senior Grand Warden Carl L. Wilson; Junior Grand Warden, Hartford Jennings; Grand Treasurer, Charles W. Bryant, Grand Secretary Charles F. Casterman, and Assistant Grand Secretary William W. Browning.
The continuing interest of Grand Master Simmons in the History of Prince Hall Masonry was demonstrated by the manner in which the followed up the recommendations and discussions of the Grand Lodge of 1956 in reference to the history. He appointed Past Master Leland D. French, the Lieutenant Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction, as Director of Prince Hall Day celebrations for the Jurisdiction of Ohio. Past Grand Master A. J. Worsham was appointed by him as Director of the Commission on History, Library and Research and Deputy Grand Warden Carl L. Wilson was appointed chairman of the Committee on Library, History and Research. He wrote to the Grand Master of Mississippi, Brother James C. Gilliam, requesting, him to forward any historical and personal data which he might have of first Grand Master Thomas W. Stringer of Ohio who later served as a Grand Master in Mississippi.
These appointments were followed by other appointment dealing with the program of History and spurious or bogus Masonry. In December he commissioned Brothers Hartford Jennings, A. J. Worsham and Ray E. Hughes to contact publishing houses for bids on reprinting copies of the History of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge published in 1906. He appointed a Committee on Irregular Masonry which met in Toledo, Ohio, on November 25, and undertook a study of a program for this purpose. This program was one of absorption where petitions of irregular lodges were presented. Then a period of training in Prince Hall Masonry would follow. Full discussion of the proposal of Grand Master Simmons was had, with the plan of accepting; such a lodge in Dayton being Uppermost in the plan.
The Grand Masters' Conference was held in St. Pant. Minnesota, May 20, 21, and 22, 1957, with its President presiding, Most Worshipful Amos T. Hall, Grand Master of Masons of Oklahoma. In making his opening address, President Hall stated that wherever a fight was being waged for the progress of the Negro for national security, for peace and justice for all peoples of the nation, Prince Hall Masonry was making its contribution. Brother Thurgood Marshall, Director and Counsel for the Prince Hall Legal Research Department presented a report covering the past six years and treating the past year with some detail. Grand Secretary, Charles F. Casterman, and Grand Master Summons attended this meeting as representatives of Prince Hall Grand lodge of Ohio. The conference voted to hold the next Grand Master's Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, as guests of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio with Excelsior Lodge No. 11, Eureka Lodge No. 52, and William T. Boyd Lodge No. 79 serving as the local hosts.
The annual sessions of the Order of Pythagorans and the Girls' Assembly were held at Central State College on July 20-21, 1957. There were in attendance over 300 Pythagorans and approximately the same number in the Girls' Assembly. They engaged in activities outlined by the official staff of these two groups and attended discussions on the general subject "The Forward Look-Freedom." The program embodied discussions in the development of health, art, science and music.
The 108th Annual Communication of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio met at Central State College, August 11-13, 1957, in the Beacon Gymnasium. The session was opened in a lodge of Master Masons, then in due form the Grand Lodge session was opened and the Grand Master undertook to deliver his address. Grand Master Simmons spoke of the events of the past year, the debate on civil rights in the Congress of the United States, the developments on the international scene and urged the intelligent use of the ballot in the struggle for first class citizenship. Subjects at his discussion in eluded the Masonic Library and the writing of a second volume of the history, with the Commission on library, History and Research serving as an agent and a laboratory to assemble information. He stated that the second volume of the History had peen undertaken by Past Grand Master A. J. Worsham and he had not been able, however, to bring the volume to completion because of several circumstances which were surrounding his interests and career. He, however, announced that there had been a reprinting of the first Masonic history to the extent of 2,000 copies, and that there was an urgent need for a wide circulation of this volume.
Grand Master Simmons was impressed wills the fact that the program of education in Masonry would be one of the ways of eliminating irregular Masonry in this Jurisdiction and that the History should be read not only by Prince Hall Masons but by irregular Masons. He proposed that every brother who was being raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason should be required to secure a copy of the history. He added, "The truth is the most powerful and effective weapon known to mankind and reading this volume buts the Masons with the truth on Prince Hall Masonry in America and in Ohio during its first 131 years."
As to the Masonic Home at Urbana and its future use, the proposal of the city of Urbana to include this property in its corporate boundary led the Grand Master to state when this was done the Trustees could then construct plans for sub-dividing the area into lots for private homes.
The development of a policy on irregular Masonry continued to be proposed by the Grand Master through a special committee for the development of a plan to be instituted in each community where such problems have been raising. He referred to his attendance at the Grand Masters' Conference, the observance of Prince Hall's birthday, decisions of the Grand Master, his dispensations, official acts, official visits and the official family who were each praised for his cooperation in continuing the work of Prince Hall Masonry in Ohio so that it world become a most creditable endeavor.
Deputy Grand Master Guy R. Taylor had worked very hard with carrying out his official duties, visitations to other branches and jurisdictions and his attendance on lodge anniversaries, and he had found the fraternity increasing in spirit and interest. Grand Senior Warden Carl L. Wilson followed through on his duties and services in most effective manner. Junior Grand Warden Hartford Jennings was grateful for the opportunity to serve the Grand Lodge in his capacity, both as an individual officer and as a, number of committees. He had endeavored to uphold the dignity of the office, to conduct it with loyalty toward his superiors and toward the Craft and reported successes in all of his activities. Grand Lecturer Edward Dugger had worked assiduously exemplifying Prince Hall Masonic ideals and had been active in the fight against clandestine Masonry. He had worked with one Lodge, Unity U. D. which had been placed under dispensation by the Grand Master with the purpose of raising it to the Standards of Prince Hall Masonry. He was able to recommend that this lodge be granted a Warrant based on its developments. The Grand Lecturers Floyd Black, Edgar H. Norman, Russell W. Pace, John L. Suddieth, Samuel Brogdon, Jr., and James Hewlett had carried out the duties of their offices and found them rewarding and interesting so far as the Grand Lodge was concerned. The Committee on Charters and Dispensations recommended that Unity Lodge be granted a Charter as a subordinate lodge of the Ohio Jurisdiction.
Grand Secretary Charles F. Casterman gave all excellent report showing the conduct of his office in an effective manner. The balance brought forward and receipts from July 1, 1956 to June 30, 1957 totaled $50,288.15, and disbursements $40,346.19, leaving a balance of $9,941.96, which with bank deposits, U. S. Savings Bond and the Tri-State Bank deposit totaled a balance in all accounts of $19,712.39. The Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence Herbert Mitchell gave consideration to the fraternal relations between the Prince Hall Grand Lodges and reported correspondence with the Sister Jurisdiction in all states of the nation and in foreign lands. His report also gave an exposition of Prince Hall and his career and Masonic interest.
The Committee on Management of 50 Hamilton Park, Columbus, reported that the mortgage on the property was paid in full on March 1, 1957, in the sum of $13,481.38, leaving title to the property free and unencumbered. It was also reported that for the first time the building was 100% occupied with the current rental of $691.50 per month. This report was made by Chairman A. J. Worsham of the Committee. Grand Historiographer Ralph Johnson gave a good report of this task and a description was given of his attendance at the 100th Annual Communication of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge for the State of Ohio.
These results were achieved under Grand
Master James B. Simmons, Jr., who was born in Hampton. Georgia,
August 29, 1898. He was educated in the grade schools of East
Point, Georgia, at Tuskegee Institute, graduating in 1921, and
from Lincoln University, Pennsylvania in 1925, from the University
of Toledo Law School in 1949 and passed the Ohio Bar in the same
year.
He held membership in Warren A. M. W. Church, Toledo, and served
as Director of the Choir, trustee and member of the Steward Board.
He was an active civic worker. He had also served not only as
a lawyer but with interest in life insurance and in the newspaper
business.
His Masonic career began with his initiation and raising in Composite Lodge No. 108, Toledo in 1935. He served as Worshipful Master of this lodge in 1943 and 1944. His membership included Royal Arch Degrees 1940, St. Matthews Consistory in 1950 of which he served as Commander in Chief in 1955 and 1956; the United Supreme Council in Northern Jurisdiction in 1956, serving the Grand Lodge of Ohio as Assistant Grand Secretary 1944-1949; Junior Grand Warden in 1949, Senior Grand Warden, 1951; Deputy Grand Master, 1953, and Grand Master 1905-1957.
The Committee on Finance and Budget of the Grand Lodge recommended that $500.00 be contributed to the Central State College Student Fund for the next academic year on the basis of the recommendation of Grand Master Simmons. A quarterly bulletin was also approved by this Committee to be published by the Grand Lodge with the Grand Master selecting the Editor and members of the Committee for this purpose. A Masonic Yearbook was also authorized to be published once each Masonic year. Grand Counselor Ira C. Mason of the Order of Pythagorans gave his report showing the progress of the organization and its work. He stated that Pythagoran Day was celebrated on May 25, 1957, by several lodges. He recommended that the entire Pythagoran program be reevaluated so that the Grand Lodge may take action in assisting the project. A similar report was given by Grand Director of Youth Activities James W. Berkley. The Committee on Credentials reported a grand total of 354 in attendance including 33 Grand Officers, 16 Past Grand Officers, 137 Past Masters and 168 representatives of subordinate lodges.
The officers elected were Grand Master Guy R. Taylor; Deputy Grand Master Carl L. Wilson; Senior Grand Warden Hartford Jennings; Junior Grand Warden, Braxton F. Cann, Grand Treasurer Russell Jefferson, Grand Secretary Charles F. Casterman, and Assistant Grand Secretary, William W. Browning.
The newly elected Grand Master Guy R. Taylor was born at Glouster, Athens County, Ohio, on October 31, 1903, the son of Robert L. and Florence Taylor. He attended the public schools at Glouster, Ohio; entered Ohio State University College of Dentistry and was graduated in 1928 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. He then began his Dental practice in Columbus, Ohio in 1929, and served as Assistant School Dentist 1930-1932 and practiced Dentistry in Canton. He served as President and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Canton Urban League and as a National Delegate to the Urban League Annual Conference. He had served on numerous committees and boards in Canton and was a public spirited citizen.
Dr. Taylor was made a Master Mason in Hiram Abiff Lodge No. 72 F. & A. M., Carlton, in 1944, and served as Master of this lodge, 1946-1950. He was Patron of New Dawn Chapter No. 80, Order of Eastern Star. He became a member of each of the bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Valley of Cleveland in 1944, and served as Commander-in-Chief of Bezaleel Consistory No. 15, Cleveland, Ohio for four years. He was inducted into the Ceremonies of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order, Noble Mystic Shrine, El Hasa Temple No. 28, Cleveland, in 1944. In 1948, be was elected and served as 2nd Lieutenant Commander of the Ohio Council of Deliberation. He was crowned an honorary member of the Supreme Council 33º at Chicago in 1944 and appointed a member of the Auditing Committee in 1950.
He was made a Royal Mason in Zurrubbel Chapter No. 40 in 1947. He later demitted to St. Luke Chapter No. 33, Massilon, to help reactivate the Chapter and was elected High Priest in 1949. He was elected Grand Treasurer of the Most Excellent Prince Hall Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio in 1954. After serving on a number of Grand Lodge Committees, he was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1951; Senior Grand Warden in 1953; Deputy Grand Master in 1955 and in 1951 was elected Most Worshipful Grand Master of Prince Hall Masons of the State of Ohio.
The 109th Annual Communication of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge assembled at Central State College, August 10-12, 1958. Following the opening of a lodge of Master Masons the presentations were made and the Most Worshipful Grand Master Guy R. Taylor was escorted to the blast. After roll call and the appointment of the various committees, there was the annual report of the Grand Master. The report dealt with Necrology, visitations, the Grand Lecturer and Deputy Lecturers, Inspection Reports, District Meetings, official communications from the office of the Grand Master, Directives, Dispensations, the Ritual, the Order of Pythagorans, the Urbana Masonic Home, the Prince Hall Day Celebration, official visits and acts, a new lodge constituted, cornerstone laying, the constitution and code, Past Master Degree Ritual, clandestine Masonry, absorption outlined for U. D. Lodges, Masonic History, 50 Hamilton Park, The Lamp, Grand Masters Testimonial Banquet, the Grand Masters' Conference, the official family, the Grand Secretary, the state of the Order and Recommendations.
One of the communications from Grand Master Taylor confirmed the action of the Grand Lodge at its 106th Annual Communication and the enforcing of this action as it relate to lotteries and gambling. The letter of information was deemed sufficient notice to all lodges and organizations basing their membership on Masonic affiliation. Additional directives dealt with subordinate lodge programs of action.
Another of these actions dealt with the Prince Hall Day Celebration. It was urged that all subordinate lodges continue this observance, because it kept before the Craft the memory of the Great Masonic Benefactor and first Grand Master, and it gave the opportunity to share with the public this program of Masonic heritage. As a result of these meetings there had been the possibility this year of the Grand Lodge contributing $2,106.48 to the Prince Hall Legal Research Fund of the Conference of Grand Masters. The Grand Master set aside the period between September 12 and November 12, for the observance of Prince Hall Day. It was announced that there had been held the mortgage burning ceremonies at 50 Hamilton Park, the celebration being held at the C. M. E. Church in Columbus, and a public reception followed at 50 Hamilton Park. On June 4, 1958, Grand Master Taylor issued a release on clandestine Masonry in which he impressed upon each Mason the seriousness of the threat of the continuance of clandestine lodges. He proposed the financial support of the Prince Hall Commission on Clandestine Masonry. However, he said the program of education and absorption was still in progress and that several overtures had been made by clandestine groups to join Prince Hull ranks. He said, "It is our duty to use every effort within the framework of legitimate Masonry to cooperate in such action." In this connection, he proposed an outline for the absorption of U. D. lodges.
As to the Masonic History, Grand Master Taylor stated that he had authorized Brother Charles H. Wesley of Central State College to pursue work upon the second edition of the history of the Grand Lodge. He stated that he had reviewed some of the contents of the edition and was assured that it was both "interesting and fascinating." In referring to The Lamp he said that the first quarter issue was an accomplished fact and had been received by the membership, and that it was a fine job and deserving of support of the Grand Lodge. The Committee had as it, Chairman, Deputy Grand Master Carl L. Wilson and the Grand Master said that he should be commended for the splendid publication.
Grand Master Taylor reported that the Grand Lodge was "numerically and financially stronger than last year," and also that there was peace and harmony between the appendent bodies and subordinate lodges. His recommendations dealt largely with building up the lodges from within and the establishment of stronger programs of degree work and the building of Masonic principles into the membership.
The report of the Grand Master's Conference which had met for the first time in Ohio was made by Deputy Grand Master Carl L. Wilson. The Conference met in Cleveland. Ohio at the Masonic Temple, 1624 E. 55th Street, May 14-16, 1958 with Grand Master Amos, T. Hall of Oklahoma, the President of the Conference presiding. There were thirty-four Grand Lodges represented with thirty-two Grand Master, in attendance. This was the largest attendance in the history of this Conference. Praise was given to the Conference Committee of which Grand Secretary Charles F. Casterman was the Chairman, for this committee had planned well for the entertainment and comfort of the representatives. The Conference authorized the publication of a new edition of the Prince Hall Masonic Yearbook.
The Prince Hall Legal Research Bureau had received the contribution from Ohio of $2,100.00, and Ohio had also contributed between 1951 and 1958, $3,019.55. A detailed report was made upon clandestine Masonry. A public program was held at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church in which Past Grand Master A. J. Worsham was the Master of Ceremonies and in attendance were Grand Master Taylor and Grand Matron Amanda P. Transuc of the Order of Eastern Star, both of whom extended greetings on behalf of their Jurisdictions. Brother Thurgood Marshall was the speaker who shared the occasion with brother Wylie Brenton, Deputy Grand Master of the Jurisdiction of Arkansas.
At the banquet, Grand Secretary Charles F. Casterman served as Master of Ceremonies and the speaker was Illustrious George W. Crawford, Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council Northern Jurisdiction. This was a very important Conference and the daily newspapers gave excellent coverage while the Ebony Magazine for September carried pictorials accounts of this Conference and a historical treatment of Prince Hall Masons. The Conference was interested in several movements, The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, the United Negro College Fund, the Order of Pythagorans and Youth Movements, the purchase of United States Savings Bonds.
Deputy Grand Master Carl L. Wilson had been busy with numerous activities relating to the Grand Lodge, attending various committee meetings and assisting the Grand Master. The Senior Grand Warden, Hartford Jennings, served on numerous committees and gave a listing of his year's activities which indicated a busy year for him. He added, "As the years pass we become more and more impressed with the privilege and honor of being a Prince Hall Mason," which indicated his sincerity in this respect. Junior Grand Warden Braxton F. Cann expressed his gratitude and humility in staking his report and expressed appreciation for the trust which the Grand Lodge had had in him. In spite of his busy career as a Physician, he gave a report that indicated several types of activities during each month of the calendar year since the last Grand Lodge. He had served on committees and also as Chairman of the Home Board, had cooperated with the Grand Master in all of his activities, and had worked actively for the advancement of the Grand Lodge.
The Amaranth Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star sent a committee to the Grand Lodge to express greetings. Worthy Grand Matron Amanda P. Transue, Grand District Deputy Dorothy Wynn, and Brother Perry Henderson, Associate Grand Patron, constituted this committee. The Grand Orator George Ingram responded on behalf of the Grand Lodge to the greetings of these representatives.
Grand Lecturer Edward Dagger gave a good report of his work during the year and his relationships with the District Grand Lecturers who also, each in his district, gave detailed reports concerning the work in their respective areas. These lecturers were Brothers Floyd Black, Edward H. Norman, Russell W. Pace, Sr., Robert S. Martin, John L. Suddieth, Samuel Brogdon, Jr., and Forrest W. Thomas, Grand Treasurer Bussell L. Jefferson gave his report showing the total balance brought forward and receipts of $29,248.81, disbursements of $15,305.84, and a balance of $13,942.97 as of June 30, 1958, with $5,460.79 in the Tri-State Bank of Memphis and United States Bonds $4,500.00, making a total in all funds of $23,907.76.
A report was given by Historian Charles H. Wesley concerning the new edition of the Masonic history. A chapter of this History was read. He stated, "My aim and purpose will be to produce a single volume History from 1847 to 1959 which will be both reliable and readable.'' He listed the six chapters which had been completed to the time of the Grand Lodge. The Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, Louis B. Henderson, read a report showing contacts with all branches of Masonry and all Grand Lodges in the United States as well as various parts of the world where these relationships were maintained.
The Committee on 50 Hamilton Park reported that it had been reorganized with Brother A. G. Berry, St. Mark's Lodge No. 7 as Chairman to replace Past Grand Master A. J. Worsham who had resigned. On March 1, 1958, the Committee placed Brother Charles Porter as Custodian. Plans for the Library and for continuing with improved rental conditions were submitted. The cash received from rent was $6,696.56, and expenses $4,041.47, and the balance of $2,655.09 was turned over to the Grand Secretary. The value of the main building was placed at $45,800.00 and the garage and apartment at $6,000.00, the land at $4,500.00 and the building furnishing at $3,000.00 with a total valuation of $59,300.00.
Tho Committee on Charters and Dispensations approved the request of King David Lodge U. D. for a Charter and this Charter was issued. This approval for this lodge was stated by Past Grand Master Simmons as "treading new ground and exploring new territory.'' The action of taking over this lodge had been initiated by Past Grand Master Worsham, members of St. Mark's, Gloria and Hilltop Lodges. Past Grand Master Worsham gave a lecture on Prince Hall Masonry and received from the candidates answers to five important questions concerning it. This ceremony was regarded as a pattern which could be followed in the future in the eradication of irregular Masonry in the Jurisdiction. The report was made that King David Lodge U. D. was organized in St. Mark's Temple July 19, 1957, the petition being presented by thirteen Masons.
The Grand Director of Youth Activities, James W. Berkley, gave a report showing continued advance in the Order of Pythagorans in Ohio. The 12th Annual Meeting of the Grand Council of Order of Pythagorans and Ohio Grand Assembly of Girls was held at Central State College, July 26-27, 1958 Brother James Day Grand Council President was in charge in association with Sister Dorothy Moore, Grand Advisor of the Girls' Assembly. There were 205 Pythagorans and over 300 girls present at this session. Panel discussions were on "Youth and the Three R's" (Responsibilities, Rights and Religion). There were twenty-one active chapters reported and four were chartered during the past Masonic year. Similar activity was reported by Grand Counselor Ira C. Mason of the Order of Pythagorans with emphasis being, placed upon the celebration of Pythagoran Day.
Grand Orator George Ingram gave a lecture which was appreciated by the Grand Lodge under the title "The Unfinished Temple." Grand Historiographer Ralph Johnson reported noteworthy events which had taken place during the near, the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Eureka Lodge No. 52 of Cleveland; the chartering of Unity Lodge No. 115, Dayton; and the entertainment of the Prince Hall Grand Misters' Conference in Cleveland. One of the pertinent sections of his address was "We as Prince Hall Freemasons should be greatly concerned about the many events that are now coming to pass among the nations of the Middle East. The very foundation of our organization was laid among these nations. For many of these peoples have existed among placid surroundings but now they find themselves in the very center of the turmoil existing in this world. May we in our devotions to the everlasting God entreat Him to guide these peoples as He so did in the days of that great patriot Moses."
In reference to clandestine Masonry a resolution was read by Brothers L. B. Henderson, Carl L. Wilson, Russell W. Pace, James B. Simmons, Kenneth Williams, and Ralph Taylor providing "that the Grand Lodge adopt a special tax to be paid at the rate of fifty cents for each Master Mason for a period of five years and that the Grand Trustees shall have discretion in the use of the fund created with specific precept that this money should be used solely for research, dissemination of truth and necessary litigation where deemed necessary."
The Committee on Works and Returns showed that there were 6,063 members in the present membership and that the Grand dues were $16,087.50 with 891 degrees conferred, the value of real property exclusive of encumbrances was $245,073.90 and the total assets including, furniture, fixtures and paraphernalia was $310,866.56. These figures show the amount in material property values which were owned by the Grand Lodge and subordinate lodges for the year 1957-1958, for which returns were made. Sixty-nine lodges reported with one omitting a report. However, these figure do not tell the story of the growth of the principles of Masonry in the hearts and minds of Master Masons.
The 110th Annual Communication was one of the largest and most enthusiastic in Grand Lodge history. Grand Master Guy R. Taylor rendered a report of his activities which was received with enthusiasm. His associate Grand Officer followed with similar results. The sessions were conducted with complete harmony and the cooperation of all members of the Grand Lodge. Grand Master Amos T. Hall delivered the opening address on Sunday evening. August 9, 1959, in the Central State College Stadium. The reception given to him was as much for the high quality of his address as for his leadership over the years of the Grand Masters of Prince Hall Masons of the United States.
The officers elected at this Grand Lodge of 1959 were Carl L. Wilson, Dayton, Grand Master; Hartford Jennings. Deputy Grand Master; Braxton F. Cann, Cincinnati, Senior Grand Warden; Edward Dugger, Dayton. Junior Grand Warden; Russell L. Jefferson, Columbus. Grand Treasurer William Browning, Jr., Columbus, Grand Secretary, and Hunter S. Hopson, Assistant Grand Secretary.
The newly elected Grand Master for 1959-1960 was Carl L. Wilson who had been elected from the office of Deputy Grand Master. Grand Master Wilson was a native Ohioan, born at Warren, Ohio. December 24, 1921. The Wilson family moved to Sandusky, Ohio, in 1922, where he attended the public schools and was graduated from the Sandusky High School in 1939. With the outbreak of World War II, he enlisted in the Armed Forces of the United States and served forty-four months in the American and European Theaters of Operations. In 1946, he was admitted to Ohio State University and was graduated from its College of Engineering in 1951, with the degree of bachelor of Science in Arhitecture. He is a registered architect and is connected with the Corps of Engineers, United States Army. He is married to Doris H. (Bass) Wilson, and they reside in Dayton.
His Masonic life began in Progress Lodge
No. 85, Sandusky in June, 1946, his father having been a Past
Master of this lodge with fifty years of service in Prince Hall
Masonry. Carl Wilson served as Worshipful Master of Progress Lodge
in 1949. During the Centennial Session of the Prince Hall Grand
Lodge of Ohio, he was appointed Junior Grand Steward: in 1953,
he was elected Junior Grand Warden, in 1955, he was elected Senior
Grand Warden: in 1957 he was elected Deputy Grand Master and in
1959 he received unanimous election as Grand Master. Grand Master
Wilson brought to the Grand Lodge leadership a Masonic heritage
and experience which are valuable assets in the planning and conduct
of the Grand Lodge program for 1960-61. The years ahead were filled
with great promise as qualified leadership continued to manifest
itself in the succession of officers on the listed roles of the
future.
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