Fall 2010 Web Issue

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Masonic VoiceThe official publication of the Most worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Tennessee

The TennesseeFall Issue 2010

Man

Of the

Year


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The Most Worshipful Grand Master

Arvin W. Glass, 33

33

32

Contributors:

33

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0

0

0

Editor-In-Chief

Executive Editor

GL Photography Division

,Webmaster of MWPHGL of TN

Matthew A. Taylor, III, 33

Eric Dodson,Gary Brown

Tim Anderson

0

Eric BoydLamont Banks

Matthew R. Davis,

The Masonic Voice is the Official Publicationof the Most Worshipful Prince Hall GrandLodge of the State of Tennessee. Thisperiodical is authorized by the Grand Masterand all content is approved by his office andthe Grand Lodge.

We hold no liability for omissions, errors ormistakes during the printing process. Not allexpressions or opinions in this publication arethat of the Prince Hall Grand Master nor thePrince HallGrand Lodge ofTennessee.

We encourage you to submit photos, essays,and articles ofinterest that arefor the benefit ofthe Craft. This publication is to serve thegreatergood of the Brethren of this jurisdictionandall submissions shall be properly credited.

All submitted photos should be in JPEGformat, all written articles should be submitted

inMS Word format and canbe sentdirectlyto:

We will process all submissions as soon aspossible and email back confirmations. Welook forward to your contributing to this greatpublication and will strive to ensure a highst and ard o f p r ev i ou s M aso n ic Vo i cepublications.

[email protected]

Fall 2010

Grand Masters Message 2

Editors Message

Remembering MEGMG Adlai Coffee

What Is Freemasonry? What Is A Freemason? 10

The 2010 MV Man of the Year 14

40 under 40

On The Cover: The Contemplating Masonis the theme for thisissue. The Masonic Voice 2010 Man of the Yearof the Year: it isthe character of a Brother who contemplates the future of PHMasonry and is active in promoting andbuilding up our Order.

Our recipient has all the qualities that are good for the Order and

we think youll agree with years choice.

This issue is dedicated to PM Adlai Coffee


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PHA

1870

1

2010

Masonic VoiceMan of the Year

Bro. Andrew J. Jackson


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Recently, I listened to a sermon that spoke on the subject ofworkmanship. The Pastor gave examples of how Believers shouldalways put forth their best efforts no matter what, and that the efforts

should not be for fame and fortune,but to glorify a highercalling in our lives.

Workmanship in Prince Hall Masonry is a product of importance. Ourhigher calling of volunteerism and Brotherly Love should be a priority and amission in the result of theworkmanship.

I cannot tell you how many Brothers and Sistars have spoken about the 140thGrand Communication held in Knoxville, Tennessee. Praise and adulation

filled my ears for what was described to be the most successful Grand Lodgein modern times. At the Shrine Imperial Session, at the United Supreme Council; all the comments were about howgood the Session turned out. Members in the Order for nearly 50 + years, praised the organizers and it felt good forpeople to have such enthusiasm. We adjourned with a spirit that should carry us into the 141st; yet at the mid-term ofourMasonicYear, we arefacedwith a reality to look at measures that will sustain us into the next twenty years.

When we look at these measures, we clearly see the need to do business in a different way. That means the revampingof ritual to bring about consistency, taxation filings/collections process and the database of membership to know to theletter the number of Prince Hall Masons that we have in Tennessee. We are not talking about major overhaul: we aretalking about fine-tuning to make the Grand Lodge and Tennessee Prince Hall Masonry a better entity to serve themission.

Probably the worst kept secret was the Masonic Voices Man of the Year Award. In this issue, the staff of the MV

looked to honor the 2010 Man of the Year. An award meant for a Brother who showed fervor and zeal for the Craft andmade sacrifices for the good of the Order. In todays atmosphere of selfishness, title-seeking and an overall society ofinsensitivity towards one another, therehas been a loss in the desireto volunteer and serve.

Thus, the workmanship in a Brother was the measure for the Award and recognition. Workmanship that is the result ofhard labor, dedication and quality.At one time, America wasthe standard forgreat workmanship and all other countriesstrived to rise up to our level. Today, we see our workmanship being emulated by so many clandestine organizations,yet they seek to become PrinceHallMasons and see the quality of work wedo or capable of doing.

Therefore, we chose Brother Andrew Jackson, the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master of this jurisdiction. Notonly did he play a major role in organizing the 140th Grand Communications venue in Knoxville, he has stepped up tothe plate and hit home runs every time hes been tasked to lead this organization. Already, he has taken

Humility and poise are some of his strong suits, but it is his professional demeanor that has been at a level aboveexpectations. Let us take time to applaud Brother Jackson and supporthis endeavorsto build up this jurisdiction.

On a personal note, I thank you Brother Jackson for your words of wisdom and encouragement. Your actions defineyour choice.

it to the next

level.

BrotherMatthewTaylor, 33ExecutiveEditor

0

3

From the Editors desk


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District News

Nashville Feed The Homeless

4

Nashville Distr ict Feeds the HomelessPhotos Submitted by Bro. Eric Boyd, WM (104)

How wonderful it is for us to dwell with one another achieve something goodfor our communities.

Brothers of the Nashville District have once again show

themselves stalwarts of the community by providinresources to feed the local homeless. More importantthe commitment of time to cook and prepare meals wastribute to Prince Halls spirit to provide for others.

Brother Eric Boyd also took the initiative to ensure thagood number of Prince Hall Masons contributsomething to the cause.

Na sh v ille Dist r ict Su p p o r t s K O

EffortsPhotos Submitted by Bro. Eric Boyd, WM (104)

On the opposite page, we see the efforts of the District support the Knights of Pythagoras during a churservice. Mentoring young men is crucial to thedevelopment.

In some jurisdictions, young, impressionable men do nhave the KOP. They are limited in learning to assist skills necessary for personal growth and development.

The work the Masons are doing with these fine younmen is greatand is an investment into our future.


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District News

Nashville Districtworking

with the Knights ofPythagoras


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District News

Brownsville Building Dedication

BrotherDewey Foster Given Honorary PMDegree

Brothers from West, and Middle Tennessee attended the Winfield Lodges buildindedication in B rownsville, Tennessee. GM Glass, R.W. SGW Boyd and WM B lue honoretheir local supporters, bridging the nexus of what commu nity ties represent.

Past Master Wendell Hussey and members of Sunset 21gathered at Marmalades Restaurant to honor Brother Dewey HFoster.

Grand Master Arvin Glass bestowed the Honorary Past MasterDegree upon Brother Foster as members watched.

Brother Foster is a dedicated member of Sunset Lodge # 211; amember in good standing for 62 years, 61 of which he served aSecretary.

Serving without reward or recognition, he remains faithful. Hi Masonic Motto: The Business of the Lodge is top priority Dewey H. Foster celebrated his 90th Birthday on December 4th2010.


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RememberingMEGMGAdlai Coffee

On November 23rd, 2010, the Prince Hall PHAmily lost a great treasure in Rev. BrotherAdlaiCoffee.

After a brief illness, he was called to Permanent Refreshment, by the grand Architect of theUniverse.

Coffee was a Past Master of Rock City Lodge # 272 and a 33rd Degree Mason. His focus wason the York Rite bodies where he helped to organize other jurisdictions and rose to nationalrecognition serving as the Most Eminent Grand Master General.

Rev. . Coffee was a great Mason, but his love and greatest work was his church and savingsoulsforGod.

OurfriendandBrotherIllustriousAdlaiS.Coffeewilltrulybemissed.


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Pictures of Prince Hall Masonry

Grand Lecturer Briggs (MS) is welcomed

Mayor A.C. Wharton of Memphisis honored by the USC.GM Lucas (MS) is received as GM Wilson (AR) awaits


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Bro. Van Hinton poses with GM Glass

Memphis R egional Director Flagg, SW Kemp (229)and Grand Webmaster Anderson (251)

LeMoyne Owen College Choir performsbefore dignitaries at the USC Concert

Major General Bagby (Army) speaks with audiencemembers at LOC Concert


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What is Freemasonry?What is a Freemason?

By PM. Lamont Banks, 32 - (#251)- Junior Grand Deacon, MWPHGL of T N

The text book answer to the first question, is a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustraby symbols. The answer to the latter, is a man that has been enlightened thru a process measuredproficiency in various degrees that follows Freemasonry. Yet, these two answers, are an alleg

themselves.

Lets move past the obvious, and unveil the veiled. To do this we first need to define our vocabulary words. TheyAllegory, Symbols, friendship, love, and Morality. We have all been taught what each of these words mean in quest for knowledge, but to answer these two questions, I want to focus on one. Morality; a noun- which meconformity to the rules of right conduct; moral or virtuous conduct. Root word moral, which means virtuous orright.

Lets apply what we have jlearned and ask once agw ha t i s F re em as on ry.b e a u t i f u l s y s t e m conforming to the rulesright conduct, veiled in a stwith characters that repressomething else, and illustraby sensible images that hodeeper meaning.

Confused yet? I'm not surprised, just think how confusing it is to the non-masons. You see Brothers, we confused by the language and the rhetoric. However, the profane get confused by what we say we should be eiverbally or in our teachings and what our actions say we are. Please understand Brothers, we are defined byactions,our conduct, or the lack their of.

Freemasons, for far to long, have taken a safe stance and watched as our young men and women have fallen intotempters snares. Freemasonry, was founded on three principle tenants; friendship, morality(their's that wagain), and brotherly love. We Freemasons have a rich history of patriotism and civil rights activism which gback to our beginnings. Freemasons are virtuous men that conform to the rules of the right and display loremember? When is the last time you was at a lodge meeting and felt like you was in a room full of virtuous m

Did youfeel like a secret agenda or some sneaky plot was a foot?

That's my point exactly. If the members don't feel like others in their lodge/lodges are virtuous, and Freemasmake up Freemasonry. Then how can Freemasonry confirm to the rules of the right when it's full of un-virtuMasons? It seems that we have reached a quagmire. How do we fix this? Is their a remedy to this conundrum?Brothers, there is one. We've hadit all along.

The answer is The First Great light in Masonry, our rule and guide to our faith and practices. The nexus of problems in Freemasonry, is that Freemasons have steered far from the teachings of The Great Architect of Universe.

ALLEGORYIs a story in which objects andcharacters stand for something

other than themselves


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Many Freemasons don't view each other as a friend let alone love each other. We make all type of excuses, myselfncluded, to justify why we feel this why, but that is wrong. It is written in Colossians 3:12-15 therefore, Godshosen ones, holy and loved,ut on heartfelt compassion,

k i n d n e s s , h u m i l i t y ,entleness, and patience,ccepting one another andorgiving one another if ny on e h as a c om pl ai nt

gainst another. Just as theLord has forgiven you, so also

ou must forgive. Above all,ut on Love -- the perfect bondf unity. And let the peace of

he Messiah, to which youwere also called in one body,

ontrol your hearts.

Be thankful.You see, Freemasonry didn't change, the Freemasons did. Remember the question, Where were youirst made a Mason? in my heart right? Back then your heart was pure and full of desire to aid a group of what you

hought great men. But you began to notice a few things. You noticed the ways of some of the Brothers that youidn't like, and that caused you to miss a few very important things. The first is the reason why you joined ouroble ranks. Was it for the approval of the brothers that you now hold contempt for, or was it to do some good forourself and others. The secondis whom do youput your trust?

That question and answer exchange was not just for the ritual, but for your guidance through the lodge and life. Ifou didn't put your trust in man then, why change your trust from God to man later? Man is imperfect, all have

sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23We have lost focus on the important things that makeFreemasons stand out. That important thing is thatFreemasons, focus on advancing ourselves throughenlightenment, and we use our trowel to spread the

cement of brotherly love.

Brothers I ask, How much cement have you spread

lately? 2 Chronicles 7:14 says; if my people, which arecalled by my name, shall humble themselves and pray,and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; thenwill I hear from heaven, and forgive their sins, and healtheir land. Let me put it another way.

Brothers,if you were going on a journey, and realized that

nd

SYMBOLA symbol is a sign that is

used to representsomething else


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you made a wrong turn, woyou keep going or make turn? I challenge each Broto have a strong talk withcreator, and then re-dedih im se lf t o t he s ev eobligations we all tookchallenge you to make the book answer to the quesWhat is Freemasonry?,

your actions paralell to eother and not perpendicular. It is my prayer that the love of God hits your life like a ton of bricks and floods yhearts with his divine grace and mercy, forever.

PROFANENot initiated into the inner

mysteries or esotericknowledge of something

PRE-REGISTRATION BEGINS MID JANUARY


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From the Northern and Southern jurisdictions , the Sovereign Grand Commanders and their entouragesenjoy the LeMoyne Owen Choir performance. In a move to promote unity at the level of the Scottish Rite,32nd, and 33rd degrees,we look to supportone anothers activities.

As M asonry of the new millennium progresses, mutual recognition and respect are the keys to buildingbridges between Brethren .


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MV: 2010Man of the Year

Andrew J. Jackson

Whether it is degree work, organizing a Grand Communicationmentoring the future of Prince Hall Masonry in Tennessee, tRight Worshipful Deputy Grand MasterAndrew Jackson cannot

given enough accolades.

He is the unanimous choicefor the Masonic Voices 2010 Man of the Year.

Bro. Jackson was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in PhoenLodge No. 6, in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1978. His first elective office was Secretary of Phoenix Lodge No. 6. While in Chattanooga, he served on t

Chattanooga Masonic Building Board and became a member of MartChapter No. 77, Order of theEasternStar.

In late 1980, Bro. Jackson returned to his native city of Knoxville, Tennessdemitting to C. C. Russell Lodge No. 262 and Wheeler Leona Chapter No. 2

O.E.S. In 1985, he was elected Worshipful Master of C. C. Russell Lodge No. 262. He is also a PastWortPatron of Wheeler Leona Chapter No.232.

During the 1980's, Bro. Jackson joined and becamactive in York Rite and Scottish Rite Masonry joiniKnox Chapter No. 20 Holy Royal Arch Masons, RobYancy Gary No. 11 Knights Templar, and AlcConsistory No. 175. He is a Past High Priest of KnChapter 20, H.R.A.M, and Past Commander-in-ChiefAlcoa Consistory No. 175. He also serves as GraRoyal Arch Captain for the Most Excellent Juiett AllisGrand Chapter Holy Royal Arch Masons of TennesseP.H.A.

In 1986, Bro. Jackson was created a noble of KeblTemple No. 78,Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Noblesthe Mystic Shrine. In 2000, he was elect IllustrioPotentate. In 2008, he was appointed as an Imper

Ambassador-at-Large for the State of Tennessee by tImperial Potentate Oliver Washington, Jr.

In 1996, Bro. Jackson was appointed District DepuGrand Master for District 17 by Grand Master WilliamBlevins, Sr. In 2005, Bro. Jackson was elevated to Gra

Inspector General 33 by the United Supreme CouncA.A.S.R. Freemasonry Southern Jurisdiction becominmember of the Ordie P. Taylor Class of 2005. In 201

Bro. Jackson was elected Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Gra

o

With Johnny WilliamsPresident of the Phylaxis Society


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Lodge, P.H.A.,Jurisdictionof Tennessee.

Over the last 30 years since returning to Knoxville, Bro. Jackson has labored tirelesslyin all Masonic bodies. He has served as president of the Knoxville Masonic BuildingAssociation and played an instrumental role in restoring and refurbishing the KnoxvilleLodge Hall and has given his time and money to building lodge halls throughout theState. He has a passion for Masonic research and study, and has written several essaysand delivered speeches related to the progressive science of Freemasonry. He is alongtime member of The Phylaxis Society (MPS). His dedication to the craft and hisMasonic knowledge has gained him respect and recognition by brethren throughout the

State of Tennessee.

Bro. Jackson is a member of First A.M.E. Zion Church in Knoxville where he hasserved in various offices to include Trustee, Sunday school teacher, Treasurer, andbusiness manager. He holds a B.S. Degree in Business Administration from theUniversity of Tennessee and a Master of Arts Degree from Tusculum College inOrganizational Management.

Bro. Jackson's professional career began with the Tennessee Valley Authority where heworked for 13 years. In 1988, he accepted a position at the Y-12 National SecurityComplex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in the Division of Safeguards and Security. He is currently employed as

Systems Development Manager, in which capacity he is responsible for developing and implementingsystems related to nuclear materials control and accountability. His other responsibilities includeparticipation in a joint working group with theAtomic Weapons Enterprise (AWE) in the United Kingdom.He has performed work with the International Atomic EnergyAgency (IAEA) on nuclear nonproliferation,and conducts training on nuclear materials management for nuclear materials managers in former SovietRepublics as well as for nuclearmaterials managers in the United States.

Bro. Jackson is also actively involved with other professional and civic organizations. He is a member ofthe NAACP. He is also member of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM) and serves onthe Executive Committee of the Central Chapter of INMM. Bro. Jackson is a 30 year member of OptimistInternational where he has served in various capacities. He is also a 20 year member of the NationalManagement Association. He has been married for 24 years to Dr. Denise Jackson a professor in Industrial

Engineering, University of Tennessee, and has two sons, Zack a senior at Washington University in St.Louis and Chris a senior at Bearden High School in Knoxville. In his spare time, Bro. Jackson enjoyssports, travel, and reading.


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I Am Tennessee

Prince Hall Masonry

Standing

Upright,

Being A Good

Man,

Striving To BeGreat.

PrinceHall

Masonry

Teaches

Leadership,

Social

Responsibility,And How I Can

Help My

Community.

Let My Light

Shine.

I AmTennessee

PrinceHall

Masonry.

16


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Under

4040

40 Under 40

Is a recognition of young Masons under the age of fortyyear s of age.

Every issue of the Masonic Voice will feature men who areyoung in age, yet are striving to build up the Order in theirown way.

These two Brothers, Andre Henderson, the WM of StStephens and District Lectur er; along with Er in Balfour,WM for Rock City # 272 serves also as the Grand Pianist.

As the jur isdiction enter s its 141st year, it is importa nt to

cultivate ad sow the good seeds to pr omote growth. Moreimportantly, it is ensuring the future of Prince HallMasonry is preserved and that is why we must begin toacknowledge and celebrate to encourage. and motivate.

The staff of the Ma sonic Voice tha nks those Brother s fortheir par ticipation and t hanks all of the young men whoseek to do good for the Or der an d ma ke it a betterfraternity.

Brother Andre Henderson

Brother Erin Balfour


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Brother Jack son poses with diginitaries fromthe various jurisdictions

Sen. Al Green (D-TX) poses with theMembers of the Transportation Team

Grand Lodge Officers section atBrownsville (Winfield Lodge) dedication Malcom Horton, SiStar Meeks, GM Dr. Vaughn & SiStar Spraggins


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GM Glass, GM Durrant (SC) and Rev. Paul Lowe

Secretary Gen Chambers, GIG Taylor & SGIG Eckwood Goverseer Horton escorts dignitaries at COD

USC diginitar ies and wives pose with GM Glass

Newly elevated Memphis memb ers of theB.L. Hooks Class of 2010


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Documents

Fall 2010 Web Issue