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THE
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A Time to Remember
By Grand Associate Conductress Cynthia Powell
The 150th (Sesquicentennial) Anniversary Celebration
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
How good and pleasant it was for those who were in attendance at the 150th Celebration of Prince Hall Masonry in North Carolina. The celebration was held on February 28th, 29th and March 1st in Wilmington, NC – when Grand Worthy Matron Mary McGhee and Stars of this Grand Jurisdiction came out to join in with Most Worshipful Grand Master Daniel L. “DT” Thompson, our Grand Worthy Patron Reginald McClenton and the brothers of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of North Carolina.
The festivities began on Friday evening with a “Meet and Greet” – a time set aside for the Sisters and Brothers to fellowship with one another. There were conversations, laughter, picture taking and just a wonderful time spent together as a Prince Hall Family. The evening was light, informal and unscripted; almost like the first day of a family reunion. Our Grand Worthy Matron was radiant, adorned in her yellow and royal blue, but most noticeable was the light of her smile as she greeted her sisters and brothers; thanking those who were able to take time out of their busy schedules to support this celebration.
On Saturday morning, a Prayer Breakfast was held. MWGM Thompson greeted and thanked the sisters, brothers and visitors who were in attendance on this momentous occasion and declared that on this day, he wanted the brothers and sisters of this jurisdiction to see “What Right Looks Like.” He called up Past MWGM Toby Fitch to bring the morning message. PMWGM Fitch took us on a stroll down “memory lane” as he recapped some of the history leading up to this weekend’s celebration. At the conclusion of the message, MWGM Thompson explained the non-existence of a Charter for the PHGL of North Carolina. In the beauty of new beginnings, another history-making moment was captured as Brothers and Sisters looked on, to witness the signing of a document that will go down in history as the “Declaration of Organization” of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of North Carolina.
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AY 2020Even more historical and memorable was to behold the “unity” of the only three living Most Worshipful Grand Masters for the State of North Carolina; who before the eyes of those present, signed a document that symbolized the charter for the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of North Carolina. Pictures will never be able to capture the true essence and emotions of the moment. Oh what a morning!
The Stars shone brightly on Saturday night, as we entered a dimly lit room; dressed in our formal attire, to enjoy the festivities of the evening. In a nearly filled room; Past Most Worshipful Grand Master Marvin Chambers delivered his message of “From Whence We Have Come”. He commended the works of our 24th Grand Master and encouraged him and Grand Worthy Matron to continue to work together. At the conclusion; MWGM Thompson shared his appreciation and desire to take this jurisdiction to higher heights and deeper depths; and solicited our support in helping to make this jurisdiction all it is capable of being.
The weekend climaxed on Sunday Morning with Worship Service at St. Stephens AME Zion Church. Many of our brothers and sisters who had not been able to attend some of the earlier events pressed their way to participate in the worship service, fellowship and Holy Communion. What a Word….What a Weekend……What a Fellowship!
As history is read; many years from now; those of us who were present will be forever grateful to have been a part of this 150th Anniversary Celebration and will truly be able to say “it was good for us to have been there!”
Let us continue to follow and support our great organization and its leadership whenever we can, wherever we can and in whatever way we can; being Available Accountable and Acceptable. In closing, let us also be reminded of Grand Worthy Matron’s guiding scripture:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Let us not just talk the talk, but walk the walk as we strive to show others: “What Right Looks Like.” It was truly a time to remember.
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THE MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE OFFREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF NORTH CAROLINA AND JURISDICTION, INC.
SESQUICENTENNIAL BREAKFAST
FEBRUARY 29, 2020
“150 YEARS LED BY BROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF AND TRUTH”
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL SENIOR GRAND WARDEN VICTOR. C. COOPERMASTER OF CEREMONIES
Call to Order
Welcome DDGM James H. Lightfoot
Invocation Grand Chaplain James Harris
Purpose RWDGM James C. Russell
Blessing of the Food
BREAKFAST IS SERVED
Introduction of Speaker MWGM Daniel L. “DT” Thompson 24th Most Worshipful Grand MasterMWPHGLNC
Speaker PMWGM Milton F. ”Toby” Fitch, Jr.23rd Most Worshipful Grand MasterMWPHGLNC
Special Event MWGM Daniel L. Thompson PMWGM Marvin D. ChambersPMWGM Milton F. Fitch, Jr.
Remarks MWGM Daniel L. “DT” Thompson 24th Most Worshipful Grand MasterMWPHGLNC
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THE MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE OFFREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF NORTH CAROLINA AND JURISDICTION, INC.
SESQUICENTENNIAL BANQUET
FEBRUARY 29, 2020
“150 YEARS OF STANDING ON THE FATHERHOOD OF GODAND THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN”
RIGHT WORSHIPFUL DEPUTY GRAND MASTER JAMES C. RUSSELLMASTER OF CEREMONIES
Call to Order
Welcome DDGM James H. Lightfoot
Invocation Grand Chaplain James Harris
Purpose RWSGW Victor C. Cooper
Blessing of the Food
DINNER IS SERVED
Introduction of Speaker MWGM Daniel L. “DT” Thompson 24th Most Worshipful Grand MasterMWPHGLNC
Speaker PMWGM Marvin D. Chambers22nd Most Worshipful Grand MasterMWPHGLNC
Remarks MWGM Daniel L. “DT” Thompson 24th Most Worshipful Grand MasterMWPHGLNC
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SUNDAY MORNING SESQUICENTENNIAL SERVICEST. STEPHEN AME CHURCH
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AY 2020TEN MASTER MASONS
Author Unknown
Ten Master Masons, happy, doing fine;One listened to a rumor, then there were nine.
Nine Master Masons, faithful, never late;One didn't like the "Master," then there were eight.
Eight Master Masons, on their way to heaven;One joined too many clubs, then there were seven.
Seven Master Masons, life dealt some hard licks;One grew discouraged, then there were six.
Six Master Masons, all very much alive;One lost his interest, then there were five.
Five Master Masons, wishing there were more;Got into a great dispute, then there were four.
Four Master Masons, busy as could be;One didn't like the programs, then there were three.
Three Master Masons, was one of them you?One grew tired of all the work, then there were two.
Two Master Masons with so much to be done;One said "What's the use," then there was one.
One Master Mason, found a brother -- true!Brought him to the Lodge, then there were two.
Two Master Masons didn't find work a bore;Each brought another, then there were four.
Four Master Masons saved their Lodge's fate;By showing others kindness, then there were eight.
Eight Master Masons, loving their Lodges bright sheen;Talked so much about it, they soon counted sixteen.
Sixteen Master Masons, to their obligations true;Were pleased when their number went to thirty-two.
So we can't put our troubles at the Lodge's door;It's our fault for harming the Lodge we adore.
Don't fuss about the programs or the "Master" in the East;Keep your obligation by serving even the very least.
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JOHNSON CHAMBERS FITCH JR. THOMPSON
CLEMENT PARKER DAWSON FITCH SR.
C.S. BROWN CARNES BROWN SHAW
RANDOLPH MCCRARY SHEPHERD CAPEHART
TELFAIR WHITE YOUNG WORLDS
REV. JAMES WALKER HOOD
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1870 2020
150
MWPHGLNC
THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTERS OF NORTH CAROLINA
Most Worshipful James W. Hood (1870-1883)
Most Worshipful James W. Telfair (1883-1886)
Most Worshipful Stewart Ellison (1886-1890)
Most Worshipful George H. White (1890-1896)
Most Worshipful James H. Young (1896-1898)
Most Worshipful J.J. Worlds (1898-1903)
Most Worshipful L.R. Randolph (1903-1908)
Most Worshipful John W. Moore, pro tem (1908)
Most Worshipful Robert B. McRary (1908-1920)
Most Worshipful James E. Shepherd (1920-1928)
Most Worshipful L.B. Capehart (1928-1933)
Most Worshipful Calvin S. Brown ((1933-1936)
Most Worshipful James E. Shepherd (1936-1947)
Most Worshipful George C. Carnes (1947-1959)
Most Worshipful Clark S. Brown (1959-1974)
Most Worshipful Herbert B. Shaw (1974-1980)
Most Worshipful William A. Clement (1980-1987)
Most Worshipful William C. Parker (1987-1994)
Most Worshipful Ulis N. Dawson (1994-1995)
Most Worshipful Milton F. Fitch Sr. (1995)
Most Worshipful Nathaniel Johnson (1995-1998)
Most Worshipful Marvin D. Chambers (1998-2003)
Most Worshipful Milton F. Fitch Jr. (2003-2018)
Most Worshipful Daniel L. Thompson (2018-Present)
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True Division of Time
By Brother Thomas Lockamy
How do you choose to divide your time? Greater than any monetary amount, time
is such a valuable commodity. You can get all things back through hard work, but
time you will never recapture for once it is gone it is a thing of the past no matter
how much effort you put in to try to obtain it again. We are taught as Master
Masons how to divide our time through the use of the twenty-four inch gauge.
Operatively, the twenty-four inch gauge is used to measure and lay out work. Its
use over time is for monetary gain and to build structures for dwellings. As
Masons we are taught to use it to remember how we divide our twenty-four hours
of the day. We make time for refreshment and sleep, our work day, and fun
activities, and the rest we devote to God and worthy brothers that are going
through stress, anxiety, sorrow, or pain.
We make time for what we want to do, but are we really giving a true and
accurate division of time for each segment of our gauge? Think about it. There is
a particular order in which our gauge is explained to us. The first 8 hours given
are in reference to God and our brothers. Is there a reason why that comes first?
Maybe it is the most important. Maybe it is because the last one, refreshment and
sleep, is easier. Unfortunately, sometimes we lose sight of what is most important
when it comes to dividing our time, and we get out of order with our work. Ask
yourself which would you rather do and why? If your answer repeatedly
expresses selfish gain maybe a more equitable division of the gauge is
necessary.
Too often we are rushed to finish with the real work that seems like “hard work
with little reward” in an effort to move on to the easier “work” that is more light-
hearted and pays tangible and immediate dividends with less energy exertion.
Attending and being fully engaging in meetings, working for the lodge outside of
our normal eight to five (825) hours, service in the community, time spent with a
Supreme Being, performing thankless duties for others, doing what we said we
“came her to do”, etc. are all real work. Sometimes these deeds fall short when
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up against the choice of doing things that have "other things to do" (you can fill in
the blank here). We, as human-beings, find it more satisfying to engage in the
other two sections of our gauge because it is often what we want to do or
because it is what brings us immediate satisfaction that really is temporary. Is
there a greater reward in this fraternity of ours? Time spent building a
relationship with a Supreme Being, forming and building relationships/bonds with
your fraternal brothers, as well as time spent in the community or working with
widows and orphans are priceless. There is no dollar amount you can place on
this one-third of the gauge. These duties are not expendable, yet they are part of
life’s rewards. From this work, you gain a life of memories and a closer
relationship to your Supreme Being. What can top that? Life’s timetable is about
deposits and withdrawals. How much time have you put into these wonderful
eight hours of the day? Will your withdrawals be plentiful? The great gift of time
is not guaranteed so use it wisely.
Finally, have you recalibrated your gauge lately or checked it for its accuracy.
Over time and use, sometimes we need to get our gauge back in order. One
slight deviation from its original quality or an unbalanced division can cause your
spiritual building to become faulty. Every Master Mason should look into his own
dwelling and find out if his is sturdy or weak. If it is weak, it might be because we
chose to deposit more into that which is superficial and tangible within the gauge
instead of taking a leap of faith and believing in that which we cannot see, touch,
taste, hear, or smell. We all should recharge ourselves and perform self-
examinations in order to be upright with ourselves and this great fraternity of
ours. When we do we will begin to understand the answer to the question, "what
is a true division of time"?
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ASONS OF NORTH CAROLINA AND JURISDICTION, INC.NORTH
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Excerpts of Installation RemarksIt’s In The Valleys I Grow
By Janet EgglestonSometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble, and woe.It’s then I have to remember,That it’s in the valleys I grow.
If I always stayed on the mountain topAnd never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God’s loveAnd would be living in vain.
I have so much to learnAnd my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,But it’s in the valleys I grow.
I do not always understandWhy things happen as they do,But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.
My little valleys are nothingWhen I picture Christ on the cross.
He went through the valley of death;His victory was Satan’s loss.
Forgive me Lord, for complainingWhen I’m feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminderThat it’s in the valleys I grow.
Continue to strengthen me, LordAnd use my life each day
To share your love with othersAnd help them find their way.
Thank you for valleys, LordFor this one thing I know;
The mountain tops are gloriousBut it’s in the valleys I grow!
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AY 2020First giving honor to the Grand Architect of the Universe, he who sits high and
looks low, who blesses us in spite of, to Past Most Worshipful Grand Master
Marvin D. Chambers, to the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Grand Lodge
Officers, Grand Worthy Matron Mary McGhee, Grand Worthy Patron Reginald
McClenton, Grand Chapter Officers, Past Masters, Past Matrons, Past Patrons,
Worshipful Masters, Worthy Matrons, Worthy Patrons, Brother’s, Sister’s, family
and friends, Good morning.
I am Daniel Larnell Thompson, aka DT, and I have the honor of being the 24th
elected Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina and Jurisdiction, Inc.
My name is Daniel L. Thompson, my motto is “My Brother’s Keeper.” My
leadership philosophy is TEAM; transparency, education, accountability and
management. My goals are TEAM; touch lives, empower youth, assist
communities and motivate membership.
To the officers of the Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, thank you. When I
was first asked about doing a joint installation, I said no and that the Grand
Chapter could have a public installation. The officers of the Grand Chapter voted
13-0 and wrote me a letter (signed and sealed) saying basically, we will have a
joint installation or no installations at all. To each of you I say, thank you.
To Past Most Worshipful Grand Master Marvin D. Chambers, thank you, thank you
and thank you. Thank you for the doors you opened for me. You allowed me to
learn and see Prince Hall Masonry on a level outside the jurisdictional lines of
North Carolina. Thank you for serving as the installation officer today. Welcome
home, it’s been to long.
We thank Reverend Charles W. Brooks and the Poplar Springs Christian Church
for their hospitality and for allowing us to have our joint installation here. We thank
the Male Chorus and the Martin Luther King Children’s Choir for taking time out of
their schedules to make this program a success.
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The view from the mountain top is beautiful, but I can’t stay here; I have to go to
the valley. There are young men and young women who need role models. Young
men need to be shown and taught they are kings and young women need to be
reminded and shown they are princesses and queens. There is work in the valley.
There are educational needs, employment needs and healthcare needs in our
local communities and across the state, we can’t afford to stay on the
mountaintop, there is work in the valley.
Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know;
The mountain tops are glorious
But it’s in the valleys I grow!
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Sister Mary R. McGhee, Grand Worthy Matron
Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star
Rite of Adoption for the State of North Carolina
An Affiliate of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons
of North Carolina and Its Jurisdiction, Inc.
Joint Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter
Public Installation Address
January 25, 2020
•To Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, the Author and Finisher of my life,
•To the Most Worshipful Grand Master Daniel L. “DT” Thompson,
•To our 25th Grand Worthy Patron Reginald W. McClenton,
•To all Grand Lodge Officers Elected and Appointed, Past and Present,
•To all Grand Chapter Officers Elected and Appointed, Past and Present,
•To My husband, PGP Telessie McGhee, Associate Patron, for the
Conference of Grand Matrons/Grand Patrons ,
•To Subordinated Chapter Elected and Appointed officers and members,
•To my family, friends, visitors and all my brothers and sisters in Christ,
Greetings!
I am Mary Elizabeth Royster McGhee the 24th Grand Worthy Matron of the
Jurisdiction of NC,
“Let your Light so shine before men, that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father in Heaven” Matthew 3:16
In his address at the National Cathedral on March 31, 1968, Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. made the profound statement that: “Darkness cannot
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only love can do that.”
It is truly beautiful to see the light and love that is in this room today. I
hope that we will maintain this momentum past the events in this roomtoday and continue as we interact with one another and our
communities in the days, weeks and years to come.
I offer you hearty congratulations for the leadership positions in which
you have been elected and appointed to serve. Although you wereselected for your position, you decided to accept the tasks and
responsibilities that come along with the position. Freely you havechosen to be a servant leader within your respective organizations.
Those tasks cannot be taken lightly. There is much work to be done as
we continue to honor our traditions, create new ones and manifest ourbe-attitudes.
The definition of BE is to have, maintain, or occupy a place, situation or
position. It means to remain unmolested, undisturbed or uninterrupted.
In order to BE, one must be present. You must BE in place. It isn’t acoincidence that you are here. You are the present and the future of our
beloved organization.
Oftentimes, servants are misled by the titles and the collars, when they
should be motivated by it, so that they are able to motivate others. To bea leader, you must be more than the title and the collar. You must lead
with a servant’s heart. You must be able to lead with compassion,humility and wisdom. You must be able to stand alone. In moments of
chaos, you must be able to stand firm on the solid ground of
righteousness and fairness. You must be able to recognize your ownshortcomings and solicit other servant leaders to fill that void when
necessary. You must be able to apologize in private and in public.
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People will come for you. You will be put to the test often. You will be lied
on, misunderstood and undermined, and at times, these actions will come
from people that are supposed to be on your team. The journey isn’t about
them. It never has been, and never will be. This journey is about God’s
plan and perfect timing. His timing is the reason that each of us sit here
today. We were chosen.
As we move through the year, I ask that you continue to uplift our youth.
We need to be serious about how we’re guiding and encouraging them.
Don’t just pray for them, pray with them. Show them what we had the privilege of seeing when we were their age. You see, we knew no matter
which way we were going; up, down, or side to side, that Granny and her prayer circle was praying for us. I don’t know if you can agree or
not, but a lot of us are here because of the prayers of our grandmothers
and elders in our families. Sisters and Brothers, prayer without works is dead. We must allow our youth safe spaces in which to be themselves
and express themselves. We must gain the trust of our youth. If our youth trust of us, we will be able to guide them and prepare them for
the cold and unfair world.
For us, the adults, dealing with one another, I will keep it simple. “Catch
a Falling Star.” Now if you are sliding down a slippery slope, I doubt that you can catch anything! Sometimes you have to catch yourself when
you’re slipping and falling. It’s important that you take care of
yourselves like you take care of the members in this Order. We all go through hardships, but that’s where you need to know that you are not
alone in this world. Treat people the way that you want to be treated. If you want respect, respect others. Your word should be firm enough for
you to stand on. If it’s not, you have work to do.
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Our organization is rooted in the ideals of stewardship, sisterhood and brotherhood. Our foundation is built upon the Holy Scriptures which
means we are solid and unshaken. We have some of the brightest
members of any organization. I am trusting and believing that each of you will BE available, accountable and acceptable in whatever way God
leads you to BE a true servant. Thank you for trusting me with this awesome responsibility. Thank you for supporting this Grand Chapter.
May God continue to bless you and the Grand Chapter, as we continue
to magnify His Name.
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Rules to Fit IN… or Fit OUT!
WRITTEN BY BRO. ANTHONY MASSENBURG
PREFACE:
-Often times the difficult or uncomfortable conversations are the most necessary and productive. And the best way to address these topics is to simply talk about them.
-This lecture is NOT intended to incite disharmony, cause confusion, call out any individual, or single out any particular instance
-This lecture IS intended to remind us of an important message given when we were presented with a working tool during 3rd degree ceremony
-Trowel: We are a “band of brothers… among whom no contention should ever exist! Save, for that noble contention, or rather emulation, of WHO BEST CAN WORK...” So let's talk about work!
LECTURE:
[1] MAKE YOUR MEETINGS!!
[2] If you can't make your meetings, BE AT THE EVENTS!
[3] If you can't be at the events, SERVE ON THE EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE!
[4] If you can't serve on the event planning committee, COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS AHEAD OF TIME TO A BROTHER THAT WILL BE INVOLVED IN THAT EVENT!
[5] If you can't communicate your ideas ahead of time to a brother that will be involved in that event, BE QUIET!!
MESSAGE:
-Message is simple: PARTICIPATE. Choose to participate! And if you choose NOT to participate, don't stand on the sideline with the shoulda, coulda, woulda's.
-Don't be that brother who doesn't participate, isn't involved with planning or working, yet has the most to say in criticizing the execution of events and functions.
-A brother from my lodge once told me, “There’s a difference in not being PRESENT, and not being ACTIVE. Being ACTIVE does NOT require your PRESENCE… IT REQUIRES YOUR SUPPORT.”
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-Example 1: Bro. Hilber is unable to make most meetings, due to working his 2nd
vocation. But since being raised 2 years ago, come 3p Sunday afternoon, he is in the
lodge helping with the class. He chooses to participate.
-Example 2: Bro. Hammond missed a meeting a month ago, but called me the next day
to get filled in on what was discussed and what we have coming up. There's an
upcoming lodge event that falls on a day where he had prior plans, but he proactively
offered to help with set up on the day prior, or morning of. He chooses to participate.
-If there's a lodge raffle and you suck at selling raffle tickets, buy the tickets (give them
to family and friends)! If you can't attend the annual lodge banquet, buy two tickets (support your lodge)! Can't attend the Fall Festival or Turkey Leg Fundraiser? Help with
set up the previous day or that morning!
-As members, we cannot possibly make every event, nor should we be expected to.
Understand the order: God-Family-Work-Masonry
-Freemasonry is not to be a detriment to the aforementioned three.
-However, too often times, brothers will use G-F-W as the excuse to choose not to be
active in freemasonry. You make time for the things you want to make time for; but
become complacent when sight is lost of what first ignited that zeal.
-Freemasonry is a lifestyle (not a hobby to be picked up and put down), so when done
correctly, this should enhance G-F-W. Freemasonry brings you closer spiritually to the
GAOTU. Freemasonry teaches you the principles of how to be a better MAN, FATHER,
HUSBAND, and SON. Freemasonry gives you working tools in every degree to improve
your work ethic, and to deal with the various personalities and situations that come
about with your coworkers.
-Where does the ritual say we were 1st prepared to be made masons? (IN OUR
HEARTS)…. But were you, really?? Do you actually believe that?? Do you actually show
that?? Or do you just REPEAT that??
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-To some brothers, maybe I'm preaching to the choir, because some of you
consistently participate… but as the 5 Points of Fellowship remind us: we are to
whisper wise counsel in the ear of an erring brother! Whose ear will you whisper
into?? Who will you hold accountable?? Will you hold yourself accountable?? Can you talk the truth into your own ear and pull it around to your mouth from
time to time??
WRAP UP:
-I'll end with a quote, a statement, and a question...
-“Labor in company is lightened always; a burden shared is a burden halved!”
-Find your niche! Do what it is you're good at! STOP continuing to cause your lodge distress by relying on the same few to do so much.
-Will you choose to PARTICIPATE, or choose the EXCUSE?? ARE YOU GOING TO FIT IN?? … OR FIT OUT??
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AY 2020LOOKING BACK IN OUR HISTORYThis article was published in The Masonic Journal, Spring and Summer 1972, Volume XII,Number 1.
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B(ee) is for Brothers
By Thomas Lockamy
As God would have it by creating the heavens and the Earth, we are charged with
the duty of repayment for our gift of life. In this great fraternity of ours, we learn the
motto "Faith, Hope, and Charity" which we are to apply in everyday life. By being
here, we know you have committed to some level of faith. Hope is exemplified in our
daily prayers to the GAOTU. Charity is the work we do to repay His favor. As bees of
the Masonic hive, we should give charity by working to build a better place.
Operatively this would be the world. Speculatively our "place" is our hive aka our
fraternity. Without the worker bees the hive does not flourish. Bees protect their hive
as we are forever obligated to protect the mysteries of Freemasonry. If every bee
does his fair share to support the hive, imagine the enormity of the hive that can
come as a result! Every bee (brother) in the lodge has the potential to add something
great to the hive, but first we must put into action what we have all confessed with
our mouths. Our obligations lend themselves to true efforts to better the lodge while
ultimately bettering our community and ourselves. Having faith in your obligation will
fuel the hope of many people's prayers while offering charity to our GAOTU. He, in
turn, will spread the hope, faith, and charity of all humanity.
Essentially, we as bees (brothers) of freemasonry have to ask ourselves daily, how
much work did I put in today that is pleasing to the GAOTU? If for no other place, we
must be working bees (brothers) in our lodge. Although the undertaking is great, if
every bee (brother) is willing to put in the work the returns on the time, sweat, efforts
will be as sweet as honey. If every worker bee does gives a little of himself to the
cause the benefits for all, bees (brothers) and others will be great! What kind of bee
(brother) are you? Are you that tireless bee that works hard for the good of all? Are
you the bee that gives mediocre effort while others work hard? Or are you the bee
that has committed with your mouth an obligation that your heart will not see
through? Bees (brothers) are better when we work in a swarm. The more bees the
accomplished the outcomes. What kind of (bee) will you be?
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Alzheimer’s: An Epidemic in the African-American Community
By: Jay ReinsteinNational Board MemberAlzheimer’s Association
Background:
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Alzheimer’s is not just memory loss. Alzheimer’s kills. Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Although deaths from other major causes have decreased significantly, official records indicate that deaths from Alzheimer's disease have increased significantly. Between 2000 and 2017, the number of deaths from Alzheimer’s disease as recorded on death certificates has more than doubled, increasing 145 percent, while the number of deaths from the number one cause of death (heart disease) decreased 9 percent. At this time, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. There are a few medications that can provide partial, temporary relief in the disease’s early stages-but they are ineffective against cognitive decline and physical deterioration.There are approximately 6 million people in the U.S living with Alzheimer’s disease. In most people with the disease—those with the late-onset type—symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Early-onset Alzheimer’s occurs between a person’s 30s and mid-60s and is very rare; however, there are approximately 300,000 people in U.S living with this disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. The Alzheimer’s Association has identified an emerging public health crisis among African- Americans — the Silent Epidemic of Alzheimer’s Disease. There is an accumulating body of evidence about the scope and nature of Alzheimer’s disease in African- Americans.
Findings:
• Alzheimer’s disease is more prevalent among African-Americans than among whites — with estimates ranging from 14% to almost 100% higher;• There is a greater familial risk of Alzheimer’s in African-Americans; and• Genetic and environmental factors may work differently to cause Alzheimer’s disease in African-Americans.
Advances in genetics and imaging, combined with our increased understanding of the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s, provide immense opportunities to examine the disease in African-Americans in ways that would not have been possible even five years ago. Without additional investment in Alzheimer’s research targeted to all populations, but especially to African-Americans, there is a danger that research will be stopped in its tracks.
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AY 2020Data from longitudinal studies suggest that high cholesterol and high blood pressure
may be significant risk factors for Alzheimer’s. The implications of these discoveries are enormous for African-Americans, among whom vascular disease and its risk factors are disproportionately present. Effective therapies for primary and secondary prevention of vascular disease already exist – including cholesterol- lowering drugs (statins) and anti-hypertensive medications. Now, observational studies indicate that these drugs may also protect against cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. This is a line of scientific inquiry that must be pursued as aggressively as possible.The epidemic of Alzheimer’s will continue to spread over the next 30 years, as the number of African- Americans entering the age of risk more than doubles to 6.9 million. There is no time to waste.What the Research Shows:
African-Americans Are Hard Hit by Alzheimer’s Disease• Age-specific prevalence of dementia has been found to be 14% to 100% higher in African- Americans. (While the rates vary among studies, three out of four report these higher prevalence rates.)• The cumulative risk of dementia among first- degree relatives of African-Americans who have Alzheimer’s disease is 43.7%.• For spouses (who share environmental but not genetic backgrounds), the cumulative risk was 18.4%. These findings of familial risk, reported in January 2002, are based on family histories of the largest number of African-American families ever studied for Alzheimer’s disease.The Number of African-Americans Entering Age of Risk is Growing Rapidly
• Age is a key risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease in all racial and ethnic groups. Over 10% of all persons over 65, and nearly half of those over 85 have Alzheimer’s disease.• The number of African-Americans age 65 and over will more than double by 2030, from 2.7 million in 1995 to 6.9 million by 2030• The number of African-Americans age 85 and over is growing almost as rapidly, from 277,000 in 1995 to 638,000 in 2030 and will increase more than five-fold between 1995 and 2050, when it will reach 1.6 million.
Genetic and environmental risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease seem different in African- Americans• Genetic risk factors seem different in African- Americans and white Americans.• Data from a large-scale longitudinal study indicate that persons with a history of either high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels are twice as likely to get Alzheimer’s disease. Those with both risk factors are four times as likely to become demented.• Sixty-five percent of African-American Medicare beneficiaries have hypertension, compared to 51% of white beneficiaries. They are also at higher risk of stroke. (Data from the Current Medicare Beneficiary Survey)• African-Americans have a 60% higher risk of type 2 diabetes — a condition that contributes directly to vascular disease.• African-Americans have a higher rate of vascular dementia than white Americans.To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and how you can help us find a cure for this horrific disease, please visit alz.org
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Chris Paul's grandfather still running Winston-Salem
food pantry at age 75James Paul has been in charge at the New
Jerusalem Food Pantry since 2004
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —Deacon James Paul, grandfather to 10-time NBA All-Star
and former West Forsyth High School and Wake Forest standout Chris Paul, continues
to run the New Jerusalem Food Pantry, located right across the street from New
Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church on Dunleith Avenue in Winston-Salem.
When it first opened in 2004, Paul, age 75, says it was located in a small duplex
apartment but now it is in a substantially larger building that opened just last year. In
the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, he says he and his staff serve as many as 250
families per week "It has changed tremendously," he says, when speaking about how it
operates now as compared to early March. "We've got more kids at home- 9, 8 (years
old)- eating more, drinking more. So it’s been an adjustment period that we couldn't let
them come in and we have to take all their information from the outside from them. We
just don't have that personal contact. But by the grace of God, we are still getting
everything done."
Chris Paul's father, Charles, is James Paul's oldest son. James Paul says the last time
he saw Chris was when he was playing in Charlotte. Based on the Oklahoma City
Thunder's schedule, that would have been two days after Christmas in 2019, a game in
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which Chris had 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in a 104-102 overtime win against
the Hornets. The NBA's regular season remains paused because of the pandemic.
"Charles was a good boy. And I like the way he raised his children," James Paul says.
"The Lord has blessed me with good boys and blessed me with good grandchildren and I
try to set an example for them."
"I'm just proud," he adds. "Just thankful to God that he took him (Chris) and used him like
that.” James Paul knows that he has been blessed and he hopes that others who have
been too will consider making a donation to help battle hunger in the community.
"You should donate. If you ain't got no money to donate, donate your time. Help
somebody because it could be you (struggling) tomorrow," he says.
New Jerusalem is a partner agency with Second Harvest Food Bank, which services
pantries of all sizes from Boone to Burlington. To make a donation to WXII's virtual food
drive, visit their website. To learn more about New Jerusalem, visit their website.
Grand Master Bradshaw, Grand Master Thompson and Deputy Grand Master Wickerat the Sesquicentennial
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MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE OFFREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF NORTH CAROLINA
AND JURISDICTION, INC. CELEBRATES SESQUICENTENNIALWITH SIGNING OF DECLARATION OF ORGANIZATION
Marvin D. Chambers, the 22nd
Most Worshipful Grand Master,signs the Declaration of Organization
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Milton F. Fitch Jr, the 23rd
Most Worshipful Grand Master,signs the Declaration of Organization
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Daniel L. Thompson, the 24th
Most Worshipful Grand Master,signs the Declaration of Organization
Saturday, February 29, 2020
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TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETINGS:
WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons was organized under the National Compact, March 1, 1870 in the city of Wilmington, NC with the following officers: James Walker Hood, Most Worshipful Grand Master; Edward R. Dudley, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master; George B. Willis, Right Worshipful Grand Senior Warden; Hezekiah Reed, Right Worshipful Grand Junior Warden; Olive M. Roane, Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer; J.J. Sawyer, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary and A.J. Henderson, Right Worshipful Grand Tyler, and
WHEREAS, James W. Hood, Stewart Ellison, G.H. White, Elijah Lane, E.R. Dudley, R.E. Clements, W.F. Debnam, M.M. Peace and J.T. Howe, were the corporators of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient Masons of North Carolina under the leadership of Grand Master James H. Young whose incorporation was ratified by the General Assembly of North Carolina on the 9th day of March 1897, and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Grand Master George C. Carnes, a unanimous vote was taken in the city of Wilmington, NC on the 9th day of December 1958, at the Grand Lodge Session to merge the Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina, Inc. and the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient Masons of North Carolina, and on the 10th day of June 1959, the name of the surviving organization was The Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina, Inc., and
WHEREAS, on the 26th day of June 1999, the name of the Grand Lodge was changed to The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina and Jurisdiction, Inc. under the leadership of Most Worshipful Grand Master Marvin D. Chambers, and
WHEREAS on this the 29th day of February 2020, in the city of Wilmington, NC, at the Sesquicentennial Celebration of Prince Hall Masonry in the Jurisdiction of North Carolina where the elected officers of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina and Jurisdiction, Inc. are Daniel L. Thompson, Most Worshipful Grand Master; James C. Russell, Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master; Victor C. Cooper, Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden; Eric T. Badgett, Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden; M. Trent Carmon, Right Worshipful Grand Secretary; David Holeman, Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer; Freddie A. Robertson, Right Worshipful Grand Trustee, Charles R. Smith, Right Worshipful Grand Trustee, Lee A. Woods, Right Worshipful Grand Trustee and Michael S. Blair, Right Worshipful Grand Tyler,
BE IT RESOLVED, on this the 29th day of February 2020, in the city of Wilmington, NC, this Declaration of Organization is hereby signed and sealed to commemorate, celebrate and honor the organization, transition and history of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina and Jurisdiction, Inc.
SO MOTE IT BE!
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