M.W.
JOHNNY ALLEN
MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND
MASTER
The official Staff, Past Grand Masters, Past Grand Officers, Worshipful
Masters, Past Masters, Wardens, Master Masons, Visiting Masonic Dignitaries,
Representatives of affiliated bodies,
Greetings,
Sixteen years ago I was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason in
Harmony Lodge No. 2, F. & A. M., P.H.A. here in the city of Seattle.
Sixteen years ago I attended my first grand lodge session in Portland,
Oregon. Three years ago, here in the city of Seattle, you elevated me to
your honored office--called Grand Master. For sixteen years I have attended
grand lodge sessions with interruptions.
My most cherished recollections of the sixteen consecutive years are the
memories of the fraternalization of those brothers who have crossed the
swelling tide and those with you who, by the Grace of God, have been spared
to meet again in this our 59th Annual Grand Communication. I wish to extend
to each of you a hearty welcome.
Again, Brethren, I must render to you an account of my stewardship. For
Twelve months you have shown me your best respect, you have offered me your
support, and your prayers have brought me all the way. To each of you I am
grateful,
NECROLOGY
An alarm at the doors of many of our lodges was not some traveling brother.
It was the Grim Reaper who brought sorrow to our entire Masonic Family. It
is only natural to expect a certain number of deaths each year. Each call
is a warning to those fortunate enough, by the Grace of God, to be spared,
to keep their hawse in order. Our brothers are resting until that great
tomorrow when again we shall meet in that Celestial Lodge on high.
Brethren, let us remember our duties to their loved ones.
It is indeed a very happy moment for me to be privileged again to came
before you, who are the direct representatives of the lodges of our
jurisdiction, you who are representatives of other affiliated Masonic
bodies, Master Masons and brothers, who have achieved such great heights in
your various communities in civic, social, business and professional
activities--to bring you a report of my work as your representative in our
Grand Jurisdiction.
Many events of importance to our Masonic family have occurred during this
Masonic year, naturally, like good Masons, we are always concerned and
interested in such events, and we must always continue to be on the alert as
to what tends to affect the well-being of our country. Current events
affect our whole economy, whether they are good or bad.
One must indoctrinate himself to three of the basic principles as referred
to in the greatest of all books, in I Corinthians--Righteousness,
Sanctification and Redemption. There can be no real prosperity or progress
in a nation, a home or a soul, unless there be peace. It is not difficult to
see why this must be first. Our pride has been touched to a very low
degree, by those of a degenerate nature, those who would upset our entire
form of government to maintain segregation on all levels and in all branches
of society. Brothers, segregation is dead. All that is left for us
everywhere to do is to continue to get it on the minds of those who are in
the dark, the things that are happening in the light of the new day.
Our nation, like our lodges, or like a machine, cannot do its work unless it
rests secured on a good foundation. Quietness and assurance are
indispensable to our moral are spiritual well-being. The first requirement
of a salvation that should really bring blessedness to us was peace. There
cannot be peace until all men are treated equal under the laws under which
they live.
Our hearts are continually prone to wander from the great principles of our
country, our Masonic lodge, our Grand Lodge, Prosperity and enjoyment all
too easily satisfy us, weakening our support for our lodges, for religious
and civic and other high moral means of elevating us above those who tend to
destroy our American Way of life, is we strive from day to day to advance to
the best of our abilities we must not let anything detract from the moral
teachings of our Masonry.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Our Grand Lodge enjoys the great fraternal accord that should always exist
among Prince Hall Masons who comprise our great family. Our C.C. of F.C.
will give a full report.
YOUTH MOVEMENT
Our Youth Department is divided into four departments directed by four state
directors, A Grand Director, appointed by the Grand Master, is provided to
assist the Grand Master in the appointing of the other directors. Our Grand
Director has been unable to carry on his duties and it has been an added job
for the Grand Master to work with the three active directors, A summary of
their work follows.
Knights of Pythagoras
Director Ira Simons has worked hard in this position and has kept alive this
program, without the proper assistance. He has traveled in many areas and
has brought good will. His support in Seattle has been very good, with two
Master Masons, Brothers Louis J, Martin and Tyree Flecks doing a good Job.
Director of Scholarships
Director Robert F, Colbert, assisted by Grand Secretary Louis R. Solomon and
Attorney Herbert M. Stephens, has done an excellence job this year in this
department. They will be give you a full, outstanding report.
SPECIAL NOTE: No scholarships were issued last year, The applications
received were held over by the committee because each lodge in our
Jurisdiction did not have an equal opportunity to submit recommendations
since the information was not sent to them in due time. The actions of the
committee, in refraining from recommending scholarships last year, had the
complete approval of the Grand Master.
Guidance Clinics
Director George Jorden did our Grand Lodge much good in this masonic year.
Much of his work cannot be printed hut more of our Master Masons worked in
an executive capacity on this program than before because of his activities,
His report may not be long on paper but in the hearts and minds of those
whom we wish to know what masonry stands for, has been implanted the seeds
of goodwill for our entire Prince Hall Masonic Family,
CLANDESTINE MASONRY
We feel assured that in the near future there will be one legitimate Grand
Lodge in the State of Washington among our colored citizens and that it will
be no doubt the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington and Jurisdiction. This
is another step toward the human dignity in society for all our people. Our
commission will give a full report on this as well as up-to-date resume of
national suits won.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
Under the very able leadership of Director W.B. Foster and his outstanding
staff much has been accomplished for our Grand Lodge through this
department. The future looks very good. Our official newspaper, the
Square, has been placed in this department. I am sure that each of you is
aware of its quarterly publication in cooperation with the Public relations
Committee of Prince Hall Grand Chapter, O.E.S. Our Secretary of Hercules
Lodge No. 17, have been of especially service in the publication of the
Square.
AFFILIATED BODIES
Much respect has been shown this office by our affiliated bodies. It was my
happy privilege to assist in the charter presentation of the new Consistory
in Tacoma, Washington, June 17, 1962 and to at tend the banquet that
followed.
OUR CONCORDANT BODIES - LADIES
Invitations, greetings, dinners, etc, have been received from the Order of
Eastern Star, Heroines of Jericho and the Daughters of ISIS throughout the
year. A special treat was extended by my own Queen of Sheba Chapter on
September 13, 1961. The then Matron Sister Winifred Duncan, insisted that I
be present. I was received by her and the Worthy Matron, Capt. John C.
Eeichelberger, (Retired), with the highest honors they had to give, The
Matron read a very lengthy tribute to me.
As she read tears came from her eyes. She then presented me with a Jewel of
the O.E.S. Sister Duncan is now on her way to France to join her husband,
our faithful brother, Preston Duncan,. Both will be missed by all and we
pray their return when his tour of duty ends,
SPECIAL EVENTS
Under the very able leadership of W. Master James T. Smith, Union Lodge No,
43 celebrated its second anniversary. At this time several presentations of
appreciation were made. I was the recipient of a plaque for which I am most
grateful and shall forever cherish.
Harmony Lodge's past masters shocked me with the presentation of a fine
fountain pen with my name engraved upon it. This was a great surprise and
will always be remembered. The same evening Worshipful Master Lockhart and
his officials and members gave me another shocking surprise when they
presented me with a silver dollar mounted in a gold key set. I shall be a
Master Mason for life because no one could ever turn back and leave such
good friends.
STATE OF CRAFT
During the past year, as before, we have administered your affairs with all
the executive ability that you yourself would have used. Every decision,
directive, mandate or piece of advice has been given after careful thought.
Brethren, our jurisdiction is in a healthy condition and shows a much
healthier sign for the future. Our worshipful masters have done wonderful
jobs in most of the lodges in helping to carry us through our most critical
period--especially in collecting the assessment without the lose of many
brothers. This was our greatest test of strength and by the Grace of God we
have made it through.
Three years ago, upon my being selected as your representative, I faced the
greatest crisis of my life Among our critical problems were:
1.
A lawsuit to be won,
2.
A high death rate and the problem of how to keep
it from draining our Relief Fund.
3.
The collecting of an assessment levied by my
predecessor.
4.
A general revamping of our financial system.
5.
A new code to write.
6.
A declining membership.
7.
A loss of four lodges to the Oregon Jurisdiction.
8.
The loss of our lodge in Wenatchee.
9.
Delinquent lodges as much as three years in the
arrears.
10.
A new assessment to levy and collect and the same
time to try to avoid a decline in membership.
11.
The establishment of new lodges in areas long over
due.
12.
The need of new equipment in the grand lodge
offices to handle its operations.
13.
A youth department to build.
14.
A public relations department to establish.
15.
The development of a newspaper, or other means of
communication for our Prince Hall Family.
In everyone’s life there comes a crisis sooner or later. These problems were
my crisis. We are not all the way through but, by the Grace of God, we can
now see the end. You, my brethren, are to be given full credit for our
advancement. You gave me a qualified staff of officers, dedicated, loyal and
always ready to do their share. Let us, together, give all the praise to
God, our Father, because it was He who directed our every endeavor.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1.
For more than forty years of continuous, active
service to our Grand Lodge, serving as Grand Secretary most of that time but
also being elevated to its highest and most honored office, that of Grand
Master in July, 1952, I recommend that Past Grand Master Fred U, Harris be
given a life membership in this Grand Lodge, thereby exempting him from any
financial responsibility to this Grand Lodge, or to his local lodge, that
may arise under any circumstances, such as the paying of dues, assessments,
regular or special, levied either by the Grand Lodge or his local lodge and
that, upon approval of this recommendation, the Grand Secretary will be
empowered to make a special life membership card, signed by the Grand Master
and attested by the Grand Secretary, under Seal of this Grand Lodge, and
issue same to him.
2.
For over forty years of continuous, active service
to our Grand Lodge, serving most of that time as Grand Trustee, and also
having been elevated to our most honored office, that of Grand Master in
July, 1953, I recommend that Past Grand Master Hilliard H, Hood be given a
life membership in this Grand Lodge, thereby exempting him from any
financial responsibility to this Grand Lodge, or to his local lodge, that
may arise under any circumstances, such as the paying of dues, assessments,
regular or special, levied by either the Grand Lodge or his local lodge and
that, upon approval of this recommendation, the Grand Secretary will be
empowered to make a special life membership card, signed by the Grand Master
and attested by the Grand Secretary, under Seal of this Grand Lodge, and
issue same to him.
3.
I recommend that the yearly expenses of attending
the Grand Lodge for both. P.G.M. Fred U, Harris and P.G.M. Hilliard H. Hood
be allowed along with other top elected grand lodge officers in the budget
prepared by the Finance Committee, which shall include travel, lodging,
meals and kit or package.
4.
I recommend that life memberships be given any
brother who has served in any lodge recognized by this Grand Lodge, who has
demitted to a lodge in our jurisdiction, and who has been a continuous
member of a lodge in our jurisdiction for thirty years or more, providing he
has served a total of fifty years or more continuously.
5.
I recommend that Torii Lodge U.D., F. & A.M.,
P.H.A. be granted a charter and recorded upon our grand lodge rolls as Torii
Lodge No, 46, F.& A.M., P.H.A. and that their members and officers become
charter members of the same, (Okinawa).
6.
I recommend that Vancouver Lodge, U.D., F. & A.M.,
P.H.A., Vancouver, Washington, be granted a charter and recorded upon our
grand lodge rolls as Vancouver Lodge No. 47, U.D., F. & A.M., P.H.A. and
that all officers and members now listed in the official records of our
grand lodge be recorded as charter members and officers.
7.
I recommend that the Grand Lodge begin the
practice of opening an Occasional Grand Lodge at each regular or special
grand session, for receiving the Grand Master and his staff, according to
Masonic law, and that one of the following officers preside, in the given
order:
A.
Deputy Grand Master
B.
Grand Senior Warden
C.
Grand Junior Warden
D.
Junior Past Grand Master
8.
I recommend that the Grand Lodge begin immediate
plans to send a representative to visit Eureka Lodge No. 41, Cherry Blossom
Lodge No. 42 and Torii Lodge No. 46 and that a budget be set up by the
Finance Committee for the said purpose.
9.
I recommend that a $500.00 U.S. Savings Bond be
purchased from one of the funds, the fund and the type of bond be
recommended by the Finance Committee.
10.
I recommend that $40.00 be paid to the Grand
Master’s Conference General Fund.
11.
I recommend that we contribute the usual $100.00
to the Clandestine Commission Fund of the Grand Master Conference.
12.
I recommend that $500.00 in shares be purchased in
the Sentinel Credit Union and the Finance Committee recommend from which
fund this amount be drawn.
13.
I recommend that a life membership in the NAACP be
purchased through the Area Conference so that all branches In our area will
get credit and that we pay the minimum required per year, which is $50.00,
until such time as the full $500.00 can be paid.
14.
I recommend that we renumber our lodges beginning
with number one and proceeding in numerical order.
CONCLUSION
We
have been blessed, by the Grace of God, to pass another milestone and to
write another page in our history. Because of each of you we have been able
to meet the challenge, go through the crisis and today say: three years ago
we had 700 plus members and a host of obstacles facing us. Since that time
we have lost five lodges, reducing our membership to less than 600 members.
Today we have more than 800 on our rolls despite more than thirty brothers
being dropped from the rolls of one lodge. We have replaced the five lodges
we lost with five new lodges and a host of fine brothers. Some of our
lodges have made some of the greatest progress in history, while some are
steadily decreasing.
Brethren our accomplishment is the result of teamwork with each of you as an
important member of the team. Our Grand Lodge selected a team of experts to
assist the Grand Master three years ago and that team must be given full
credit for the great progress we have made. Behind that team was each of
you--loyal, faithful and dedicated to the progress of Masonry everywhere.
We have had to use strong directives during the year to get the job done but
it was the law, adopted by you and upon your advise. Except on rare
occasions we have executed it with equal regularity, although tempered with
mercy, equity and justice. These have been our guides. Peace and harmony
prevail in this our Prince Hall Masonic Family of Washington and
Jurisdiction. No Master Mason could ever refuse to work for this great
jurisdiction.
Again many, many thanks for your loyal support. Thanks to the staff of
officers who worked so hard this year for me and their grand lodge. It is
with my warmest thanks and gratitude and appreciation that I close this
report. Let our prayers be for each other, our Grand Lodge and our
oppressed people everywhere and for the success of our grand jurisdiction.
Faithfully submitted,
Johnny Allen
Grand Master
