M.W. JAMES W. DAVIS

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER

To the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Senior and Junior Wardens, Grand Lodge Officers, Worshipful Master, Past Grand Masters, Past Masters, Brothers and Visiting Dignitaries:

Greetings:

It is again with deep gratitude and humility that I stand before this organized body, as many distinguished craftsmen have done for the past 72 years, to account for my stewardship for the past year.

Brothers, I need not remind you that this Grand Lodge can only be successful if each and every brother plays his part. This world in which we live is but the stage upon which we dramatize life’s work, and we, as Craftsmen must play our parts well.

We have been engaged in some very important programs this par; such as the Miss Prince Hall Program, and the Debenture Bonds, which most of you have not supported. I wonder why.

However, we are grateful for whatever accomplishments we have made through Divine Guidance and the support of the Faithful Craft.  Therefore, in keeping with our accepted masonic dogma, of first invoking divine assistance, let us pause as we begin these deliberations to give thanks to the Supreme Architect of the Universe.

NECROLOGY

It is with much sadness and regret that I report to you the Grim Reaper with the scythe has taken his toll of our members during the year. But we know that if this early house of our Tabernacle is dissolved we have another building, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

We pray that our loss is Heaven’s gain.

STATE OF THE CRAFT

I am pleased to report to you that I have traveled throughout the Jurisdiction. I found the Craft to be healthy and stable in most areas.  Beehive Lodge #60, Tainan Taiwan is suffering for the lack of personnel in the area.  Corinthian Lodge #66 is holding its own.  Martin Luther King, Jr. Lodge #65 is making some progress. They are now meeting in the White Brothers Masonic Temple.  I further wish to report to you that our membership is continuing to grow.

GRAND MASTERS’ CONFERENCE

On May 5-7, 1976, I attended the Grand Master’s Conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  I was accompanied by Deputy Grand Master, Jimmy Simmons, Past Grand Master, Louis R. Solomon, Past Grand Master, Sylvester J. Lake and Past Grand Master, Russell S. Gideon.  Under the leadership of Grand Master David Holliman and his Grand Lodge, the conference was most interesting, on which I will give you a separate report.

FRATERNAL RELATIONS

It has certainly been my pleasure working with the Executive Officers of Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Stars and Prince Hall Grand High Court, Heroines of Jericho.

SPRING CONFERENCE

Our Annual Spring Conference was held at the Olympic Hotel, Seattle, Washington, March 6, 1976. The Order of Eastern Stars and the Heroines of Jericho were present and participated. In my opinion this was one of the bettor conferences.  My thanks to all who participated and attended.

BICENTENNIAL BALL

On the evening of March 6, 1975, we celebrated in the form of a Bicentennial Ball. This affair was well attended. Special thanks to Brother Irvin Hawkins and his committee for a job well done.

CONCLUSION

I wish to express my sincere thanks to all the Grand Lodge Officers for the service they have rendered during the year. I believe they are the most dedicated group any Grand Master could have. I am very grateful to all of them. 

I further wish to express personal thanks to the Comptroller’s Board. They too, have spent many long hard hours working in the best interest of this Grand Lodge. They are to be commended for their time and effort.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.      That the Grand Lodge per capital tax be raised $2.00 per year.

2.      That a Life Membership be granted to Brother John A. Woods of Guiding Star Lodge #6.

3.      That a Life Membership be granted to Brother William L. Hawkins of Harmony Lodge #2.

4.      The recommendation coming from the Comptroller’s Board concerning additional plan on Masonic Relief be accepted.

Fraternally Submitted,

JAMES W. DAVIS