May 2017 Volume 1, Issue 1 Quarterly Newsletter

RGTIM Greetings 2

Elected Officers 3

Appointed Officers 4

Legend of Adoniram 5

Adoniram Day 6

Upcoming Events 7

Sickle Cell Donation 8

James Wright Banquet 9

Council Highlights 10

Council Highlights 11

Alzheimer’s Disease 12

“Unity Through Education, Outreach, and Service”

Volume 1 Issue 1 2017

Illustrious Companions!

Greetings in the name of the God the Father Almighty, from whom ALL blessings flow! I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you, the Illustrious Companions of the Great Prince Hall Grand Council of North Carolina & its Jurisdictions, Incorporated, for electing and entrusting me with the responsibility of serving and representing this Grand Council as the 12th Right Grand Thrice Illustrious Master for the 2017 Cryptic Year. It has indeed been a humbling and rewarding experience for me and I am truly grateful for this amazing opportunity to serve this Grand Council.

The legacy of greatness that has been established in this Grand Council began over 22 years ago under the leadership of PRGTIM David R. Odom and all of those charter members who traveled to Pennsylvania and brought back the charters to form this Grand Council and complete the Masonic circle here in the Jurisdiction of North Carolina. I am indeed humbled and truly grateful for the opportunity to continue to build upon the legacy of progressive leadership that my predecessors, PRGTIMs Odom, Bayard, Boyd, Price, Martin, Spencer, McConnell, Thompson, Cooper, Cooke, and Powell have laid.

Our Theme for this Cryptic year is “Unity Through Education, Outreach, and Service”. The officers of the Prince Hall Grand Council will continue to unify our Jurisdiction through education on and about Cryptic Masonry through our ritualistic work and lectures. We want every Illustrious Companion to have the knowledge and ability to practice Cryptic Masonry with confidence and pride throughout the Jurisdiction and abroad.

Outreach has been a mainstay of the Grand Council since its inception. We as Illustrious Companions understand that we have to get outside of the four wall of the Assembly to effectively outreach in our various communities. Continuing with the effort that was started under PRGTIM Joseph M. Powell, we will continue to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association of NC in efforts to help raise awareness and provide funding for research to help combat Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. We will also continue our outreach by supporting our youth and young adults who are pursuing their college education with our Grand Council Scholarship and supporting the Knights of Pythagoras with assistance for their Annual Assemblage.

Locally, each council has contributed to their local communities with various projects and initiatives. From school supply drives, to serving as mentors and proctors at various schools in their respective communities, by providing scholarships for young people to attend camps during the summer, organizing food drives for those who are less fortunate, and visitations to the sick and shut in throughout the course of the Cryptic year. These are just some of the ways our Illustrious Companions give back to our communities.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said “Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Publilius Syrus said “Where there is unity there is always victory!” I honestly believe that we will be successful in all of our endeavors because of the unity that this Grand Council continues to demonstrate! This will make us as Grand Council and the Cryptic Rite Masonry even stronger!

Finally, I look forward to meeting and greeting each of you as I travel across this great Jurisdiction of ours! Thank you for you willingness to continue to build this our beloved Prince Hall Grand Council and advance the strong legacy for years to come!

“ISH SODI”!

Yours in Humble Service,

`tâÜ|vx WA [tÅ|ÄàÉÇ

PTIM Maurice D. Hamilton, KYCH Right Grand Thrice Illustrious Master Prince Hall Grand Council Royal & Select Masters Jurisdiction of North Carolina, Incorporated

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Editor: Damajo Smith damajocs@yahoo.com

“Unity Through Education, Outreach, and Service”

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Grand Council Elected Officers

PTIM Alford L. Mack, KYCH Grand Illustrious Deputy Master

PTIM Clemuel D. Grandy, KYGCH Grand Illustrious Pr. Cond. of the Works

PTIM Rony Hartsfield, KYCH Grand Illustrious Recorder

PTIM Clinton Hamm, KYCH Grand Illustrious Treasurer

PTIM Sam Whitted 3 Year Grand Illustrious Trustee

PTIM Shawnta D. Best, KYCH 2 year Grand Illustrious Trustee

PTIM Clarence Barnett, Jr., KYCH 1 Year Grand Illustrious Trustee

PTIM Dillon McManus, KYGCH 2 Year Grand Illustrious Auditor

PTIM William “Bill” Smith, KYCH 1 Year Grand Illustrious Auditor

PTIM James O. Wright, KYCH 3 Year Grand Illustrious Auditor

PTIM Maurice D. Hamilton, KYCH Right Grand Thrice Illustrious Master

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PTIM Reginald Matthis – Grand Illustrious Captain of the Guard

PTIM James Reed – Grand Illustrious Conductor of the Council

PTIM Lee Capehart – Grand Illustrious Steward

PTIM David McAllister – Grand Illustrious Sentinel

PTIM Odell Moore, KYCH – Grand Illustrious Chaplain

PTIM Raymond Swann – Grand Illustrious Marshal

PTIM Clarence Barnett, Jr. KYCH – Grand Illustrious District Deputy District 1

PTIM William “Bill” Smith, KYCH – Grand Illustrious District Deputy District 2

PTIM Johnnie Dixon, KYCH – Grand Illustrious District Deputy District 3

PTIM Robert D. Hood, KYGCH – Grand Illustrious Grand Lecturer

PGTIM Weldon Hay, KYGCH – Grand Illustrious Lecturer Emeritus

PTIM Dillon McManus, KYGCH – Grand Illustrious Assistant Grand Lecturer District 1

PTIM Norman Sims, KYCH – Grand Illustrious Assistant Grand Lecturer District 2

PRGTIM William A. Cooke, KYGCH – Grand Chairman Committee Foreign Correspondences

PRGTIM Victor C. Cooper, KYGCH – Grand Chairman Charters & Dispensations

PRGTIM Daniel L. “DT” Thompson, KYGCH – Grand Chairman Jurisprudence

PRGTIM R. David Odom, KYGCH – Grand Chairman Grand Council History & Archives

PTIM Floyd A. Duhon, KYGCH – Grand Illustrious Assistant Recorder/Admin Assistant

PTIM Shawnta Best, KYCH – Grand Illustrious Assistant Recorder

HPRGTIM Jerwon Avery, KYCH – Grand Illustrious Ambassador at Large

PTIM Carlton D. Nelson, KYCH – Grand Illustrious Ambassador at Large

PTIM Thomas Shaw, KYCH – Grand Illustrious Ambassador at Large

PTIM Nathaniel DeGraffinreaidt, KYGCH – Grand Illustrious Ambassador at Large

PTIM Thomas L. Butts – Grand Illustrious Ambassador at Large

HPRGTIM Colen E. Craven, Jr. – Grand Illustrious Aide to Camp

HPRGTIM J. Michael Barnes – Grand Illustrious Aide to Camp

IC Willie Harris – Royal Grand Chief Advisor

IC Eddie F. Jones – Royal Grand Guardian

IC Henry Tindal – Royal Grand Guardian

Grand Council Appointed Officers

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Preserved in the Royal Master's Degree, we are told of Adoniram and how he is one to whom the three Grand Masters had intended to first communicate the Master’s Word which they had reserved as a fitting reward to be bestowed upon all faithful craftsmen at the completion of the Temple. Unlike the legend of Hiram Abiff and the building of the first temple or that of Zerubbabel and the building of the second temple, we have only a mention of our Illustrious Companion Adoniram. He is the first overseer for King Solomon, according to 1 Kings 4:4. In 1 Kings 5:14, we are given an important piece of masonic history that is rarely noticed, and when examined it is often disregarded and tossed into the rubbish. This particular chapter is what some legends have called the connecting link. It gives the narrative of Adoniram enlisting and overseeing 30,000 timber cutters in the forests of Mount Lebanon for the building of King Solomon’s Temple. It is believed that Adoniram played an important part in the construction of the Temple. Our Illustrious Companion has been called the first of the Fellow Crafts! The first mention of Adoniram in the Scripture is 2 Samuel20:24. His name is given in the abbreviated form Adoram; he is said to be over the tribute in the house of David, he was the chief receiver of the taxes. Seven years later he is seen exercising the same office in the household of Solomon, for it is said in 1 Kings 4:6, that "Adoniram was over the tribute." The name Adoniram in Hebrew is a compound of two words Adon, “Lord”, and Hiram, “Altitude”, signifying the Lord is Exalted. He was the son of Abda and was the tax collector In the United Kingdom of Israel for over forty years, from the late years of King David's reign until the reign of Rehoboam David’s grandson. Forty-seven years after he is first mentioned in the Book of Samuel, he is seen again in 1 Kings 12:18, or Hadoram in 2 Chronicles 10:18, where he was stoned to death by rebellious Israelites when Rehoboam sent him to collect taxes. Historical Our Grand Masters, Solomon, King of Israel, Hiram, King of Tyre, and Hiram Abiff, at an early period in the construction of the Temple, determined to reward those craftsmen who should prove themselves worthy by their industry, skill and fidelity, by imparting to them the Masters Word. This being agreed upon, it became essential to decide when and under what circumstances this should be communicated to them. Many plans were proposed, but all were found to be objectionable, so that their discussions continued until the Temple was nearing completion, when it was proposed by Hiram Abiff that the Masters Word should not be given until the Temple was completed and then only when they three were present and agree: This plan was agreed upon by a solemn obligation they bound themselves to the strict observance of the same.

The Legend of Adoniram

The Sanctum Sanctorum being nearly completed, King Solomon selected seven of the most skilled craftsmen to design and make all the holy vessels intended for use in the Holy of Hollies. Hiram Abiff and Adoniram were two of those selected, and while laboring together, held frequent conversations. One of these conversations took place just before the death of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff. After the Sanctum Sanctorum was completed and a portion of the furniture was deposited therein. Adoniram, on a certain day near high twelve, repaired there to deposit one of the holy vessels, and at high twelve, when the craft were called from labor to refreshment, he did not return with the rest of the craftsmen, but lingered behind with Hiram Abiff, whose custom it was at that hour to enter into the Sanctum Sanctorum to offer his devotions to Deity, and draw his designs upon the trestle board. After our Grand Master had fulfilled his usual custom, he was met at the South gate by Adoniram, who asked of him when he should receive the Masters Word. Hiram Abiff replied, “I do not know that you will ever receive it for it is agreed by Solomon, King of Israel, Hiram, King of Tyre, and myself, that it would only be given when the Temple is completed, and then only in the presence of all three.” Hiram Abiff then turned to pass on, when he was again stopped by Adoniram, who said “Suppose one of you three, even yourself, should be removed by death prior to the completion of the Temple, what then will become of the Masters Word?” Hiram Abiff meditated a moment, and after commenting about death, said, “If I die, it will be buried there.” As it was then one hour past high twelve, and the craft was returning to their labors, the conversation was interrupted and never again resumed. After the death of Hiram Abiff, this conversation was related to King Solomon by Adoniram, and led to the deposit of the Masters Word in the secret vault. The two surviving Grand Masters, in token of their respect for his memory, and as a partial substitute for the Master Mason Degree. Being unable to form the triangle in giving the Masters Word, as one of their number was dead, they substituted the broken triangle, being the nearest they could come to the original. Therefore, they first conferred the degree upon Adoniram, and then upon other particular friends of Hiram Abiff. WE HONOR ADONIRAM BECAUSE OF HIS FIDELITY AND BECAUSE HE WAS A FRIEND OF HIRAM! By: PTIM Robert D. Hood, KYGCH Grand Illustrious Lecturer

“Unity Through Education, Outreach, and Service”

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On March 28, 2017, Right Grand Thrice Illustrious Master Maurice D. Hamilton, KYCH sent out to all subordinate councils Proclamation No. 1 proclaiming that on Sunday April 23, 2017, all subordinate councils that hold allegiance to the Prince Hall Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters Jurisdiction of North Carolina, Incorporated will celebrate Adoniram Day. The Royal Matrons of the Ladies of the Circle of Perfection were cordially invited to join us in this annual celebration. Thirteen Illustrious Companions hailing from Hiram of Tyre Council No. 1, Bayard-Titus-Johnson Council No. 2 and Hiram Abiff Council No. 3 along with eight Royal Matrons representing Susie P. Rankin Court No. 1, Eleazar Court No. 3, and Clara N. Hayes Court No. 5 came together to celebrate Adoniram Day 2017 at United Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. United Cornerstone is the home church of PRGTIM David Odom, the 1st Right Grand Thrice Illustrious Master of the Prince Hall Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters Jurisdiction of North Carolina, Incorporated.

The speaker of the hour was the Rev. Delores McCullough, in place of Pastor, Rev. C. Anthony James, Jr., who was delivering the word in Charlotte, NC. The message was a teaching message entitled “Receive the Holy Spirit” coming from the Gospel according to St. John the 20th Chapter verses 19 through 22. Rev. McCullough delivered a thought provoking message of hope to all that believe and receive the power of the Holy Spirit! A good time was had by all in attendance and there was a token of love left by the delegation to assist with the ministries there at United Cornerstone.

Adoniram Day Celebration 2017

The Illustrious Companions from Hiram of Tyre Council No. 1, Bayard-Titus-Johnson Council No. 2 and Hiram Abiff Council No. 3 along with the Royal Matrons of Susie P. Rankin Court No. 1, Eleazar Court No.

3, and Clara N. Hayes Court No. 5

“Unity Through Education, Outreach, and Service”

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May 6th thru 7th 2017 General Conference of Grand Councils Royal & Select Masters Prince Hall Affiliated United States of America & the Bahamas Incorporated will hold its Annual Meeting at the Crown Plaza Hotel 1325 Virginia Avenue Atlanta, GA 30344. The Illustrious Companions of the Most Illustrious H.R. Butler Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters Jurisdiction of Georgia, Incorporated, under the leadership of Most Illustrious Joel Mends, Right Grand Thrice Illustrious Master, will serve as the host for this year’s General Conference of Grand Councils.

Saturday, June 24, 2017 The Prince Hall Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters Jurisdiction of North Carolina, Incorporated, in conjunction with the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Holy Arch Mason Jurisdiction of North Carolina, and the Tarheel Grand Commandery will hold the NC York Rite PHA Executive board meeting. The meeting will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at the Khalif Event Center 2000 East Wendover Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405. The meeting will start promptly at 9:00 am with the Holy Royal Arch going 1st. Dress for the meeting is business casual.

Illustrious Companion Damien Jack Thrice Illustrious Master Hiram Abiff Council No. 3

The Illustrious Companions of Hiram Abiff Council No. 3 and The Royal Matrons of Caesar R. Blake, Jr. Court No. 4 Proudly Presents the Purple & White Banquet: "Celebrating 20+ Years to Perfection" It will be held Saturday July 22, 2017 at Greater Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 1243 West Blvd. Price is $20 and it's a Semi-Formal Event. Come and support this event as we celebrate our past while looking forward to the future. Tickets are available now. We would greatly appreciate your support for the 2017 Purple and White Banquet Brochure. The Ad Brochure will be 5 X 7 Brochure or a DVD format. The Ad price is $25 and the size is full page only! 2017 Purple & White Banquet Souvenir Brochure Deadline is June 30, 2017. Please make Checks/Money Orders payable to: Hiram Abiff Council No. 3, write Souvenir Journal on the Memo Line, and mail to the following address: Hiram Abiff Council No. 3 P.O. Box 358 Newell, NC 28126

Upcoming Activities

On Monday, February 20, 2017, the Prince Hall Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters, Jurisdiction of North Carolina, Incorporated presented a $500.00 donation to the Community Health Interventions and Sickle Cell Agency, Incorporated, for Sickle Cell Research in memory of James Reed Jr., who passed from complications from sickle cell disease. He is the son of our Grand Illustrious Conductor of the Council, PTIM James Reed, Sr. The presentation was made by Grand Illustrious Conductor of the Council PTIM James Reed Sr., along with PTIM Michael Faulk(far right) and Illustrious Companion Joe Wiggins (far left) to Mrs. Mary E. McAllister, M. Ed., Executive Director and members of the staff of the Community Health Interventions & Sickle Cell Agency, Incorporated in Fayetteville, NC. PTIM James Reed Sr. King David Council No. 6 Grand Illustrious Conductor of the Council Prince Hall Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters Jurisdiction of North Carolina, Incorporated

“Unity Through Education, Outreach, and Service”

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Grand Council Makes Donation for Sickle Cell Research

“Unity Through Education, Outreach, and Service”

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On Saturday, February 25, 2017, Bayard-Titus-Johnson Council No. 2 Royal & Select Masters PHA and Eleazar Court No. 3 Ladies of the Circle of Perfection PHA hosted their annual James S. Wright Purple and White Joint Banquet at 7:00 PM. The event was held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6018, located at 116 Chance Street, Fayetteville, NC 28302. The theme for this Semi Formal event was “Making It Work Together Makes It Better Together!” The evening was filled with good food, great fellowship, prizes and giveaways, a moving tribute to Illustrious Companion James S. Wright, Sr. for whom the banquet is named, spoken word, a line dance demonstration where all in attendance could participate, and so much more! A good time was had by all in attendance! Illustrious Companion Josiah Nelson Thrice Illustrious Master Bayard-Titus-Johnson Council No. 2

Annual James S. Wright Purple & White Joint Banquet

IC James S. Wright Sr.

“Unity Through Education, Outreach, and Service”

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Newly Elected Grand Council Officers with newly made HPGTIM Jerwon L. Avery of Hiram Abiff Council No. 3

Council of the Year presented to Hiram Abiff Council No. 3 Charlotte, North Carolina

Highlights from the 2017 Grand Assembly

“Unity Through Education, Outreach, and Service”

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Highlights from the 2017 Grand Assembly

R. David Odom Service Award for Thrice Illustrious Master of the Year presented to

Illustrious Companion Ray Swann Hiram Abiff Council No. 3 Charlotte, North Carolina presented by PRGTIM

R. David Odom, KYGCH

Illustrious Companion of the Year presented to Illustrious Companion

Lonnie McBride Hiram Abiff Council No. 3 Charlotte,

North Carolina

Newly Elected Thrice Illustrious Masters for the 2017 Cryptic Year

Alzheimer's Disease, also referred to simply as Alzheimer's, is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and worsens over time. It is the cause of 60% to 70% of cases of dementia. It was first described by, and later named after, German psychiatrist and pathologist Alois Alzheimer in 1906. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events (short-term memory loss). As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems with language, disorientation (including easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation, not managing self-care, and behavioral. As a person's condition declines, they often withdraw from family and society. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. Although the speed of progression can vary, the average life expectancy following diagnosis is three to nine years. In 2015, there were approximately 29.8 million people worldwide diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. It most often begins in people over 65 years of age, although 4% to 5% of cases are early-onset Alzheimer's which begin before this. It affects about 6% of people 65 years and older. In 2015, dementia resulted in about 1.9 million deaths. Cause of Alzheimer’s The cause of Alzheimer's disease is poorly understood. About 70% of the risk is believed to be genetic with many genes usually involved. Other risk factors include a history of head injuries, depression, or hypertension. The disease process is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain. A probable diagnosis is based on the history of the illness and cognitive testing with medical imaging and blood tests to rule out other possible causes. Symptoms of Alzheimer's Initial symptoms are often mistaken for normal aging. Examination of brain tissue is needed for a definite diagnosis. Mental and physical exercise, and avoiding obesity may decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s, however, evidence to support these recommendations is not strong. There are no medications or supplements that decrease risk. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information. Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age. Most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion and other major changes in the way our minds work may be a sign that brain cells are failing. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information because Alzheimer's changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As Alzheimer's advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.

People with memory loss or other possible signs of Alzheimer’s may find it hard to recognize they have a problem. Signs of dementia may be more obvious to family members or friends. Anyone experiencing dementia-like symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. If you need assistance finding a doctor with experience evaluating memory problems, your local Alzheimer's Association chapter can help. Early diagnosis and intervention methods are improving dramatically, and treatment options and sources of support can improve quality of life. Cure & Treatment for Alzheimer’s There are currently no treatments stop or reverse its progression, though some may temporarily improve symptoms. People who have been diagnosed increasingly rely on others for assistance, often placing a burden on the caregiver. The burdens include but are not limited to social, psychological, physical, and economic elements. Exercise programs may be beneficial with respect to activities of daily living and can potentially improve outcomes. Treatment of behavioral problems or psychosis due to dementia with antipsychotics is common, but not usually recommended, as there is little benefit with an increased risk of early death. Your doctor will help you choose the best treatment based on a few things about you, including your age, overall health, and medical history, how severe your disease is, how well a medicine or therapy will work for you and your lifestyle, and/or your preferences or those of your family or caregivers. Some medications can help curb the breakdown of a chemical in the brain, called acetylcholine, that’s important for memory and learning. They may slow down how fast symptoms get worse for about half of people who take them. The effect lasts for a limited time, on average 6 to 12 months. Common side effects are usually mild for these medications and include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, loss of appetite, and weight loss. There are three drugs of this type: donepezil (Aricept), galantamine (Razadyne), and rivastigmine (Exelon). Research and Progress Today, Alzheimer's is at the forefront of biomedical research. Researchers are working to uncover as many aspects of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias as possible. Ninety percent of what we know about Alzheimer's has been discovered in the last 20 years. Some of the most remarkable progress has shed light on how Alzheimer's affects the brain. The hope is this better understanding will lead to new treatments. Many potential approaches are currently under investigation worldwide. Continuing with the effort that was started under PRGTIM Joseph M. Powell, the Prince Hall Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters Jurisdiction of North Carolina Incorporated, will continue to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association of NC in efforts to help raise awareness and provide funding for research to help combat Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. For any further information about Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, or other diseases that affect the brain, please visit www.alz.org and educate yourself, your family and your friends about this disease and to find out what you can do to help in finding a cure.

“Unity Through Education, Outreach, and Service”

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Alzheimer’s Disease