M.W. CARLTON B. TUCKER

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER

It is indeed a pleasure to welcome the officers, members of this jurisdiction and visitors who have assembled here in the City of our capital Olympia, Washington on this our 78th Annual Grand Communication. I am confident that this session will be a most successful one, with the spirit of Brotherly Love prevailing throughout our deliberations.

I personally want to express my deep appreciation and sincere thanks to all of you who voted me into the Office of Grand Mastership of this Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Washington and Jurisdiction.  I shall always be grateful and mindful of the trust and confidence that you placed in me on July 16, 1980. I am indeed grateful to stand before you once again, this time as Grand Master to give this Grand Body accountability of my yearly actions. I accepted the challenge of Grand Master and started out to put forth all of my God—given talents to move this organization forward with progressive and meaningful programs that would add to our growth and prosperity. I tried to foster the principles of this great organization and to create an image for all masons that would build masonry to new heights and new goals of outstanding achieve­ments.

At the beginning of our administration each officer pledged that we would make progress for the future. We also pledged to give more brothers more of the action whereby they would be given an opportunity to participate in playing a bigger role in the Grand Lodge planning and programming. We are going to be relevant with the times and the needs and aspiration of this Grand Organization. We introduced new concepts with progressive programming which enabled us to broaden our growth numerically and to establish a new image that we all can look to with pride. The members (all of us) of this jurisdiction have a gigantic task before us and it can not be accomplished by one or two masons or any small segment of masons. it can only be accomplished by us all working together. This burden of responsibility must be carried by us all. We must unite in purpose, determination, courage, foresight and willingness to build where others have ceased. We must continue to justify and foster the principles on which this great Organization was founded in order that we develops love and admiration as well as respect from all people and from all segments. We can no longer afford the luxury of living in the past, we oust be prone to changes if we are to prosper and move forward.

We have a vast amount of talent, resources and influence within this great organization and I propose to tap this vast reservoir by utilizing the Master Masons who have the talent, dedication and willingness to function and perform in behalf of this organization.

We must make up our minds here and now whether to pull together as one and utilize our talents to their fullest potential by having a meaningful voice on all levels. This administration had no intentions of operating in a vacuum that would keep this jurisdiction at a status quo position. We made changes that we felt would be beneficial to this jurisdiction and for the majority of the member­ship. I have no intention of altering the symbolic and traditional values of this organization. We cannot hope to compete in the market place of the future without insisting on the highest standards of performance from our members at all levels of this great organ­ization.

NECROLOGY

Almighty and Gracious God of the Universe, Creator of all man kind, Grant us thy peace at this moment. Bless us in thy name, at this moment. We mourn, not for our dearly departed, but for ourselves, who will not see them for awhile. We try to bear in mind that one who lives in the memory and affections of his Brethren, does not leave this world by this means called “Death’.

Our hearts are saddened by the memory of those whom God, in his infinite wisdom has taken on the last journey to eternal rest. We will now pause to pay tribute to those of our members who have left this troubled plane, to find peace in the home beyond the sky. We have been saddened by the passing of the following.

§         Bro. Herbert M. Brown                            -43

§         Bro. Saul Marshall                                   -2

§         Bro. Sherman Steele                              -68

§         Bro. Warren M, Hammond                     - 17

§         Bro. Abe Shelby, Jr.                                -2

§         Bro. Bobby Richardson, Jr.                    -63

§         Bro. Roden J. Sanders                           -43

§         Bro. William E. Jones                             -5

§         Bro. Olten M. Jones                                -43

§         Bro. James L. Davis                               -2

§         Bro. Harry J. Knast                                 -17

§         Bro. John William McCorkle                   -43

§         Bro. Oren B. Jeans                                -17

§         Bro. Lucious B. Jackson                        -17

§         Bro. Warren Davis                                 -46

Whom we loved and cherished. May God’s healing hands be placed on our hearts, and may our knowledge of his promise of eternal life, lead us ever upward.

STATE OF THE CRAFT

I am pleased to report that the craft is in an excellent condition. Although there have been many problems to face, and many decisions to make and a tremendous amount of time spent in travel and trying to do the many things that are required of this office. I am pleased and happy to report that the true spirit of Prince Hall Freemasonry prevails throughout this Grand Jurisdiction.

Okinawa Military Lodge #68 lost their building and asked permission to hold their meetings with Toni Lodge No. 46 which was granted. At the present time they are holding regular meetings and functioning very well.

We have in this Grand Jurisdiction 31 Blue Lodges with a total membership of 1891, for 1980 1835, increase of 56.

We also have three (3) [3D Lodges, Fred U. Harris, Olympia, Washington, Mozart Lodge, Stuttgart, Germany and Joseph I. Station, Munster, Germany.

The special committee for 10 year planning committee for this Grand Jurisdiction under PGM Frank Russell, is one of our great vehicles for the future of this jurisdiction. Thanks to those on his comm­ittee.

I have tried to keep the lodges throughout the State of Washington, Europe and the Far East working with the membership, building, car raffle, voter registration, NAACP, and UNCF—Programs. I would like to thank each of the Worshipful Masters and brothers for your support. You may rest assured that the assets of our jurisdiction are growing steadily. I believe that the majority of our brothers in all areas of our jurisdiction are beginning to awaken to the many tasks that we have before us. I will do my very best to keep us in the main stream of progress.

THE FAR EAST AND EUROPE

The physical condition as well as moral is beyond reproach as this Grand Jurisdiction’s work and concerns for the brethren. These lodges have long since developed into the pride of our jurisdiction. Their acts of benevolence, practices of brotherhood and their great desire to Prince Hall Masonry in their areas leaves little to be desired. I hope that I have given them, the leaf that they have so long waited for, the report and condition found, plus the information that was revealed and shared with the brethren during both District Meetings, gives further indication that this Grand Jurisdiction of the State of the Craft is in excellent condition.

We must express thanks to Special District Deputy Melvin Jenkins for his assistance in working hard and long with Fred U. Harris U.D. Lodge.

In summary, you may rest assured that the assets of our jurisdiction are growing steadily inspite of many handicaps that any administration is faced with today.

FRATERNAL RELATIONS

It has been said that the State of Washington is one of the strongest, cohesive groups of Master Masons in the United States. It is pleasing to me to see our members of the Masonic Family attending national meetings and conventions in other jurisdictions. Because of the fraternal relationship of the Past Grand Masters and Past Grand Officers of this Jurisdiction leaves me with the conclusion that this Grand Jurisdiction experiences a true, warm, and brotherly fraternal relationship across all jurisdictions that I have encountered.

Intra-Fraternal Relations sincerely continue to be harmonious and excellent with our adaptive rite, concordant and appendage bodies. They are working diligently for the good of our Masonic Family.

DISTRICT DEPUTIES

It is the responsibility of the Grand Master to select in his cabinet individuals who in his judgment can assist the program under his administration. I feel that it is imperative that I admit very humbly that without the services of the District Deputy Grand Masters of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, we would not have made the remarkable progress we made. Many new programs and innovations have been planned and executed which have proven once again that brothers who are working together can accomplish great things.

I am taking this opportunity to express my appreciation to all my District Deputies that have worked so hard during this administration.

·         R. W.  DDGM Joe E. Benton                                                  1

·         R. W.  DDGM Daniel L. Lunsford                                           2

·         R. W.  DDGM Sanford L. Barnes                                           3

·         R. W.  DDGM William T. Gaskins                                          4

·         R. W.  DDGM Isaac Gaithers                                                 5

·         R. W.  DDGM Norlan K. Grim                                                6

·         R. W.  DDGM Victor 5. Baxter                                               7

·         R. W.  DDGM James 11. Bowser                                         8

·         R. W.  DDGM Eddie V. Crews (South)                                 9

·         R. W.  DDGM Cleophua D. Chatman (North)                       9

·         R. W.  SDDGM Melvin Jenkins                                             2

·         R. W.  SDDGM Richard T. Kingsberry, Jr.                           2

·         R. W.  SDDGM George Jordan                                             4

·         R. W.  SDDGM Jasper P. Warren (Secretaries)

I am sure, had it not been for you we would not be enjoying the progress that we have experienced thus far. Thanks to each of you.

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

We shall take this opportunity and privilege to extend our gratitude and personal thanks to all of our Grand Lodge Officers for the wonderful spirit of cooperation that they have displayed this year. To the Comptroller Board your contribution and support given to this grand Lodge.  You truly been outstanding. Thanks to each of you.  You have been called upon many times and you have responded to the beat of your abilities.  We are proud to have had the pleasure of working with such a wonderful staff.

IMPERIAL COUNCIL

ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ARABIC ORDER NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC SHRINE OF NORTH

AND SOUTH AMERICA AND JURISDICTION

I traveled to Cleveland, Ohio to attend the Imperial Council Session and received my Honorary Past Illustrious Potentate Degree. I would lake to thank the Illustrious Potentate, Officers and members of Yemen Temple #152.  To the Imperial Deputy Alexander Reed, Sr., Imperial Deputy Cole, and the Desert of Washington, thanks to you for a beautiful banquet given in my honor.

UNITED SUPREME COUNCIL

ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY (PHA) NORTHERN JURISDICTION, U.S.A. INC

The most thrilling event of the year, was the historical 100th Anniversary of the United Supreme Session, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  We had over 20 Illustrious Peers and their wives at this session and was blessed with the Honorable Leon Sullivan as guest speaker.

CONFERENCE OF GRAND MASTERS

The Grand Master’s Conference held in NASSAU, BAHAMAS, was full of interior, educational and wisdom. The conference focused its attention on developing a mission statement to be used as guidelines for future Operations of the conference.

1.         The Conference should consider all matters and issues, take action as appropriate in all instances where the results would have determentel impact an the Human Family, especially on the Black Community.

2.         The Conference should develop plans, implement ways and means to assist all people, especially the Black Community, in dealing with and overcoming problems of political, economic, social, educational and technical nature.

3.         The Conference should have a committee on Political Actions. The Committee should seek out the issues that concern Blacks and Minorities en the national, state and local levels. The Conference should address itself to such matters, while in session and take a position en the same.

4.         The Conference should have a Press and Publicity Committee. We should never meet without being headlined through the news medias on both national and local levels. The world should know that the Grand Masters are in session and their positions on matters of importance.

5.         The Conference should become interested in the economic development  in the nation and specifically in the Black Communities.  Since economics  is our only way out of the valley of depravation, this topic needs much discussion. 

BUILDING COMMITTEE

The Building Committee Chairman R. W. Irvin W. Hawkins, members of the Comptroller Board, and Grand Trustees. I am pleased to report that these three committees have used wisdom and excellent judgment of the sale of the Grand Lodge’s property in Seattle and Pasco, Washington. A special thanks to R. W. James T. Smith.

CONCLUSION

I urge each of you to take a look and ask yourself, from your present office or wherever you may be, what will be your contribution, what ‘sill be your goal to a meaningful progress to the Most Worshipful Prince tall Grand Lodge of the State of Washington and its juris­diction. Now I have finished. My work for this year is done. Just how well it is done is left for you to say and for the future to reveal; errors there doubtless have been, and the right to err I claim. I have, however, diligently endeavored to do at all times with fear or favor that which I believed to be right, and for the sake of right alone. My Brethren, the affairs of this Annual Communication are now in your hands. I am glad that you gave me an opportunity to serve in some useful capacity in the Grand Lodge and in Masonry.

Again I have experienced the joys, the fine spirit of cooperation, the brotherly love, as your Grand Master and again I say, the privilege of service was mine.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. That all projects be requested to submit an operation budget on an annual basis end the budget be reviewed by the Building Committee Chairman.

2. That each project have en activity group for the purpose of raising funds to assist with operating expenses.

3. That all Master Masons be assessed $1.00 per year for Prince Hall Pay.

4. That Past Masters Johnny Allen, Sylvester D. Lake and Louis R. Solomon be given a life membership in this Grand Lodge for services rendered.

5. That no Master Mason, who may petition for membership in a Female Organization under the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge and this jurisdiction be balloted on, but must be voted on.

6. That to become a Master Mason in this jurisdiction, it would take three (3) or more cubes to keep him out of the lodge that he petitioned.

7. That all funds from the sale of property known as the “Cherry Street Property” located in Seattle, Washington be placed in a financial institution until the next setting of this Grand Lodge.

8. That the 10 year working committee will continue to work under the leadership of PGM Frank Russell as Chairman.

9. That all lodges under the Jurisdiction of the State of Washington will give $30.00 for a flag to be made in the Philippines with the name of the lodge, the District end the City in which located on the flag to be put on display at Headquarters. The flag will be 3 x 5.

10. That a charter be issued to Fred U. Harris U.D. Lodge, Mozart U.D. Lodge and Joseph I. Staten U.D. Lodge.

Humbly and Fraternally Submitted,

/s/Carlton B. Tucker

CARLTON B. TUCKER