M.W. FRANK RUSSELL

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER

To the Right Worshipful and Worshipful Grand Lodge Officers, Past Grand Masters, Worshipful Masters, Past Masters, Wardens, and Brothers of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Washington and Jurisdiction, Visiting Dignitaries, and Visiting Brothers.

Greetings:

I wish to welcome each and everyone of you to the 67th Annual Grand Communication and again hoping with all earnest desire that brotherly love and affection will prevail throughout our deliberation and that your visitation here, whether it be to observe, to participate, or to just offer a word of encouragement to the brethren of this Jurisdiction be enjoyable. We earnestly and sincerely trust that you will have enjoyed your stay and will have received an experience that will be gratifying for the time that you will partake with us in our deliberation. At this point, I would like to express, on behalf of all of the brethren, our thanks for the diligent work and services that have been performed by the various committees and the host Lodge Guiding Star, for affording us this opportunity to enjoy thus far and convene in another annual session. To the lodge in Yakima, we are very thankful.

The theme that I would like to call to your attention throughout this message will be centered around “This is not the time nor the place”. It would be correct to say that this Jurisdiction, of Masons, for 67 years, has moved in a steady progressive manner with one single purpose in mind, That purpose was to make the tenicles, the landmark of free masonry, free Prince Hall Masonry, free black masonry in the State of Washington and Jurisdiction, a fraternity of men that is truly concerned with the welfare of each and everyone of its brethren, and to fill the need as an organization in our various communities; this being, our single purpose. Certainly, this is not the time nor the place to abandon that purpose.

Never in the history of this Jurisdiction of the State of Washington is it more important than now for us to realize the great and significant meaning of this purpose. I personally would like to express the warm, sincere appreciation for the dedication of service to this purpose by each and everyone of the elected officers of this Jurisdiction during this administration—R.W. D.D.G.M. James E.  Chase, R.W. S.G.W. James W. Davis, R.W. J.G.W Jimmy Simmons, R.W. Grand Tres Elbert Timmes, R.W. Grand Sec Harold Bond and R.W. Grand Lect Carlton B. Tucker. There are some who have performed beyond the call of normal expectation. There are some who have performed well in every area of assigned responsibility. There are some that wandered away by the wayside. Those that have been afore mentioned, whether they wandered by the wayside or whether they ran a swift race, let it be said that we wish and express our sincere thanks for their service and their contributions for truly this is not the time nor the place for the brethren to abandon this Grand Lodge.

It is true that as time moves on changes must come about. It is a fact that throughout this masonic year we set forth various priorities for this Grand Lodge. To this end, those priorities that were of major significance were the membership, the building program and a better rapport with our Eastern Star Sisters. Those three priorities were successful throughout this Jurisdiction. Every Lodge, did in fact, support, contribute, and move to an awareness concerning their building program of this Jurisdiction. Every Lodge did improve its rapport with the Eastern Star Chapter of this Grand Lodge. Brethren, I congratulate you on meeting these priorities. Truly, with this type of success, this is not the time nor the place to abandon such priorities.

STATE OF THE CRAFT

To comment in a manner that is understandable to you who are assembled, words are not adequate in ones ability to truly depict a comprehensive portrayal of an understanding of the State of the Craft of this Jurisdiction.

Each and everyone of you can answer the question of what is the condition of the Craft of this Jurisdiction and I am sure that you would be right to a degree in whatever comment as a description in depicting the State of this Craft.

However, as Grand Master, it falls upon me to collectively evaluate and state the total condition of the Craft or the state of conditions of the membership for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Washington and its Jurisdiction. The condition of this Craft of this Jurisdiction has never before in history been in such a healthy state of condition as it is presently at this time.

I must comment from the records the specific areas to support this fact. The records of this Grand Lodge will show that the brethren have performed their services in the degree work as it has never been performed before. Traveling across the Jurisdiction and assisting the local lodges and administering the three symbolic degrees has been a continual commitment. It has been the responsibility and the challenge of this administration to assist in the various affairs given in honorary positions-­banquets, dedications, and cornerstone laying across this Jurisdiction like it has never been before. The State of this Craft in the Far East Command is in excellent condition thanks to Brothers such as District Deputy, who assumed the duties in March, 1970, after an outstanding performance by Brother Ernest Spence. The first time in the history of this Grand Lodge, a cadre of officers consisting of your Grand Master, Grand Secretary, and Grand Lecturer, journeyed to the Far East com­mand to assist and bring the brethren information relative to improving the conditions of the brethren of the Far East Command. The brothers in District #1 and #2 joined together in an installation program that has never been seen before of this nature. The brothers in Spokane have worked diligently in preparing themselves to change their image from a physical standpoint for the improvement of their living quarters and their lodges. The brethren in Yakima, where we are fortunate enough to be assembled today, have labored harmoniously. The State of the Craft is unquestionably in a very good condition.

The specific ceremonies that has addressed itself to the youth, aides in stating that the condition of the Craft is excellent. It seems to me that we as concerned men about our future, must compliment the Grand J.W., Brother Jimmy Simmons, for an outstanding job in the area of the youth. This is not only affects today, but it affects tomorrow. A Youth Program had developed and has been reported in the Grand J.W. report. This program is one that we can be proud of, and I urge all of the officers of today and those that are to become officers so support the Youth Program and help develop it so it will be a meaningful one in the future.

In crisis of all nature, there is always someone to pick up the banner and continue to run. To this end, we are very grateful to the outstanding work our District Deputies Grand Master have done in the var­ious locations in this Jurisdiction District. #1--Brother Bennett Wilborn, Seattle District #2--Brother Jasper R. Warren, Tacoma, District #3--Brother McKinley Yates, District #4--William T. Gaskins, Spokane, District #5--Brother A.E. Pendray, Vancouver B.C.--District #6--Brother Roland R. Rainey, Far East and District #8--Brother Willie W. Martin, Fairbanks.

Personally, on behalf of my family, I wish to compliment the District Deputies who have seen to the need and care of my family as we jour­neyed across the Jurisdiction. On behalf of my wife and myself, I wish to thank you.

CLANDESTINE MASONRY

This is not the place nor the time for black men dedicated to the proposition of universal brotherhood to consume time and utilize funds for the purpose of carrying a fruitless fight too an unsuccessful end. As you know, it was the consensus and desires of many black masons over a period of time to think in terms of demanding and enforcing a white mason to recognize black masons. As you know, your Grand Lodge, your Grand Master, along with the Executive Committees, recommended to picket and demonstrate before the white Grand Lodge.

As your Grand Master, it was decided after collecting and evaluating the consensus of opinions of the P.G.M.’s of this Jurisdiction for the State of Washington that this was not in the best interest of this Grand Jurisdic­tion. With this in mind, your Grand Lodge did not demonstrate or picket the White Grand Lodge. It is the opinion of this Grand Master that this Grand Lodge host the feeling that we are as good, if not better, and can sustantists that we are legitimate, that we are truly masons and that it was not necessary for us to demonstrate for this purpose. The records will show that this Grand Lodge was initiated, passed, and raised men, all men regardless of their color, into the Grand Jurisdiction, and make all men able to accept themselves as capable proficient masons, which we are.

It is the policy and rule of this Grand Jurisdiction to advise all of its lodges to administer the three symbolic degrees to all candidates applying and carving admittance having the necessary qualifications, regardless of the mans’ color. No longer can we waste our time and energy in the pursuit of having our neighbor to recognize us when in fact, we don’t recognize them.

This Grand Jurisdiction has demonstrated publicly through its various programs. It has performed privately through its various masonic proceedings; that we do not need the approval of any white Grand Lodge to be able to continue operating and making the progress that we have made. We will spend our time and effort to bring to our fold men of color, all colors, those who are called by both black and white clandestine. It will be the responsibility of the forthcoming administration to bring; to bear meaningful ways by which all men of color can have an opportunity to come under the banner of Prince Hall Masons. This, I believe, will assist us in getting our own house in order and until our house is in order, we do not need to invite the problems of another house. Now brethren, it should be very clear, your Grand Lodge is saying to you that you can make and raise men regardless of their color. A recommendation pertaining to this as to visitation will be found in the Recommendation.

The Clandesting Committee that is serving in this area to include the Grand Master and several officers-- the Grand Secretary Harold Bond, Grand Trustee William Charles, and P.G.M. Russell Gideon, met with the white Grand Master. It was obvious from this meeting that they are not really aware, nor do they have the concept of the true spirit of free masonry.

I am sure that the white Grand Master with its older members will need a revolution within their own house before they can get their own house in order. Brethren, the white Grand Lodge of the State of Washington need to cleanse their own house and minds and restructure their program. Our program is so far ahead and so improved and address itself to the need and relative positions of a growing society and membership, I am sure that the future will show that they will have a revolution within their own Grand Lodge. We are the Prince Hall Masons; Prince Hall Masons are performing the necessary duties and tasks of a changing society. This is not true of the White Grand Lodge of the State of Washington. It is the hope and desires of this Jurisdiction that there will not be another section of Grand Master addresses addressing itself to black Clandestine Masonry, but addressing itself to any irregular group, that may be performing masonry be they black or white. Your commission on Clandestine Masonry will be taking this matter under advisement during this session.  For all of the years of this commis­sions services we thank you.

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INTER-FRATERNAL RELATIONS

Under the watchful eye and the very capable leadership of PGM Johnny Allen and C.C. of F.C. P.G.M. E. A. Douglas, good spirit is well en­grained into the archives of all the Masons of the Jurisdictions of the United States and in the various communities of our own state.

I wish to compliment the officers for performing their task in such an effective and meaningful way. Their duties, not only outside of the fraternity but inside, have effectively assisted in the improved repoire of the affiliated bodies, which we at this time, want to compliment them for the many invitations, courtesies, and hospitalities, that have been extended not only to the Grand Master, but to many of the brethren of this Jurisdiction.

To these brothers we want to say to you that you are a part, you are an appendage body of this Grand Jurisdiction and we are very happy, very grateful for the contribution that you have made in the stride for improvement for all of us.

It gives me great pleasure to augment this particular compliment to the Order of Eastern Stars for their meaningful contribution, which was made at the Masonic Conference in Tacoma, Washington, on March 28, 1970. It was one of those long awaited involvements that had been approved by their Grand Lodge, endorsed by the membership, and we, at this time, wish to acknowledge the full sum of $2,000 toward our Grand Lodge Building Fund, This Building Fund is certainly not only the Building Fund for the Grand Lodge, but for all of our appendage bodies. To the Heroines of Jericho, we salute you, we congratulate you, and we trust that the first annual session is one of great and useful suc­cess towards the program of improving the relationship in this Jurisdiction.

Space will not permit me to indicate the various special events that we attended during this Masonic Year, but certainly all of the events had a meaningful impact for all us that attended. For you that participated, we wish to compliment you at this time.

It is my opinion that live is an experience of theories that we all evaluate and question from time to time. To this end, I have constantly researched and tried to determine when does the action of my brethren indicate that any personal action is acceptable and their action indicates the same.

To this end, just recently being a typical businessman that opens his mail usually with skepticism particularly if it is a registered letter, I had the duty of performing the same of opening several letters and after having a hard day at the office, the material that I found in these letters revealed to me that to some degree, our work and efforts are being accepted. Our attempts, or sacrifices for this order and for this Jurisdiction are being appreciated by individuals that maybe we have never seen and never heard of, but we have communicated to them by other brethren who have passed our way and accepted our concern and action. Specifically, I received a petition from Clark AFB in the Philippine Islands with the names of 12 brethren desiring a dispensation to form a U.D. Lodge. I am certain that many, in particular, my predecessor P.G.M. Louis R. Solomon will recall that we made an unsuccessful journey through the city of Manila in a vain attempt to make contact on Clark AFB three years ago. Yet three years later, such a specific request and grant is now in your Grand Master’s office and it was due not because of what I personally had done, but what this Jurisdiction and you, the members, had done.

This same evening I opened the second letter and found from a brother belonging to Torii Lodge in Okinawa, a letter expressing all of his disappointments as to the communication gap in his attempts with the various brethren and the problems that he has had with the information that he had received from Torii Lodge for non-payment of the assessment. Yet, this letter contained the check in the full amount of $189.81 with a petition signed by him to be put before the lodge for reinstatement into his lodge and with his assessment in full-$l00. This type of concern shows the true effectiveness of this Jurisdiction.

The Various officers brought their reports to me and discussed the relevancy of this Grand Lodge and where we will go from here; it was immediately understood by all of the officers that this Grand Lodge must immediately go into revamping of this Grand Lodge in significant ways for the future development. This Jurisdiction is growing with leaps and bounds, and I personally wish to express to every one of the members my belief of the vast capabilities of this Jurisdiction. The recommendations that you will find below are recommendations for the purpose of immediately setting into motion those things that will be of immediate benefit in the years to come and for the ensuing adminis­tration.

I believe that we have the potentials, and we must have the willingness to subdue our own ego and bring into the Order of the Jurisdiction every black Mason that has ever said that he was raised from a dead level to a living perpendicular on the square, whether he is in a clandestine lodge or whether he had been a Prince Hall Lodge, but that he is a true Mason, they should be brought together and into Prince Hall.

There is a sage, saying, “Wisdom sometimes comes slow, but only a fool fails to accept it even though it may come late.”

It has been an extreme gratifying experience and pleasure for me to have been able to serve you during this year. To everyone, I wish to personally, individually, and collectively thank you for your sup­port and like you, I too, am willing and desirous of serving our fraternity to its true and greatest heights of Masonry.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.       I recommend that $5,000 be allocated for an additional purchase of stock from the Sentinel Credit Union and $5,000 be allocated for the purchase of stock in the Liberty Bank of Seattle.

2.      I recommend that the sum of $100 be paid to the N.A.A.C.P. Legal Defense Fund.

3.      I recommend that the prorated share of 10 cents per member be paid to the Conference of Grand Masters.

4.     I recommend that the accounting procedures of this Grand Lodge be reestablished in the priority manners as recommended by the Finance Committee as presented to the Finance Committee from the outside auditor in regards to bringing all the accounts current to show a re­serve account that has been established and be budgeted for all expected expenses.

5.       I recommend that the office of an Assistant Secretary be funded with an amount of $500 for salary--for the purpose of handling quarterly reports and mailing of supplies to various lodges throughout the Jurisdiction during the interim year. The sum of $2,000 be allowed specifically for the purpose of administration, Masonic, supplies, mailing, receipt, stock accounting supplies and for this Jurisdiction. The $500 would not be an operating fund, but it would be a salary. Detail job description to be provided by the Grand Master.

6.       I recommend that all expenses of the District Deputies as shown in the District Deputies reports and the Grand Masters official acts be allowed. (Records of the Grand Master.)

7.       I recommend that this Grand Lodge recognize the white masons of an acceptable jurisdiction, into the local lodges or that this Grand Lodge has no objection where that member can establish that he is in good standing in a lodge that has affiliated with the white Grand Lodge of Washington and he personally has been vouched for by a black brother having good standing in a Lodge of this Jurisdiction and a favorable vote of the membership in attendance at the local lodge meeting.

8.       I recommend that a Washington Jurisdiction Quarterly publication be provided and that $500 per quarter be allowed until this publication is self-sustaining. (The responsibility of all District Deputies with a rotating chairmanship).

9.       I recommend that a letter of recognition be sent to the Grand Lodge of the State of Washington and a copy be sent to the local lodges setting forth that this Grand Lodge will recognize its membership for visitation.

10.   I recommend that a loan to O’Misawa Lodge be negotiated as to the needed amounts to be determined by the Finance Committee at this Grand Lodge setting.

11. I recommend that the $100 assessment be continued for the next five year period.

Fraternally yours,

Frank Russell