M.W.
BILLY V. MORRIS
MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND
MASTER
Greetings:
It is a special honor and pleasure for me to welcome you to Eighty-Fourth
Grand Communications. I am thankful to the Grand allowing us to gather here
on this occasion, where men thoughts, ideals, modes of living, occupations
and habits of around a common altar, share a common hope, and seek common
problems which threaten our fine institution.
Once again, as I look about this room and see brothers who have traveled
from far and near to transact the business of this Grand Lodge, I am proud
to know that there is still a genuine interest in the activities of this
Grand Body. My hopes and prayers are that we will have a harmonious and
prosperous session. Today I thank God: for whatever was accomplished during
the year for the benefit of mankind; for our failures, because we are given
the chance to be more intelligent on our next attempt to accomplish the same
feat; for the strength, ability and initiative which he provided me with to
travel throughout this Jurisdiction to do whatever had to be done; for the
unity that was prevailed among the brothers of this Jurisdiction; for the
cooperation, support and dedication of my fine staff of officers, my Past
Grand Masters and especially my Worshipful Masters who govern the Craft
which supports our every endeavor; and last, but certainly not least, for
each of you, for your loyalty, support, prayers and day-today hard work.
You are to be commended for a job well done.
NECROLOGY
“In my Father’s house there are many mansions. If it were not so I would
have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself that where I am
you will be also.” This past Masonic year 17 brothers were called from their
labor to rest. Their troubles on this earth are over. We shall miss them,
but God knows best. May their souls rest in peace. The names of those called
to rest are:
DATE OF DEATH
NAME
LODGE
August 13, 1986
John W. Gay,
Jr. Harmony #2
September 2, 1986
Wesley R.
Johnson Hercules #17
September 5, 1986
Keith G.
Jones O’Misawa #54
October 3, 1986
Eugene H.
Breckenridge
Cassia #5
November 7, 1986
Henry H.
Boykin Hercules #17
November 22, 1986
William
Rickman Harmony #2
November 22, 1986
Robert D.
McGlaston Marianas #49
December 18, 1986
James W.
Reid Olympus #45
December 20, 1986
Russell S.
Sanford Hercules #17
January 7, 1987
Lovell Jones
Abiff #37
February 7, 1987
Victor M.
Quinones Egyptian #44
February 21,
1987 Paul
A. Cooke Cassia #5
March 2,
1987
James Guy, Sr. Hercules #17
April 13,
1987
Theodore Tripp Cassia #5
April 27,
1987
John F. Martin Egyptian #44
May 3,
1987 Stanley
J. Simpson Vancouver #47
May 19,
1987
James C. Chase Inland Empire #3
May God continue to bless those who have been left behind to mourn their
passing. Let us observe a moment of silence in their memory, after which a
prayer will be rendered by the Grand Chaplain.
STATE OF THE NATION
We started out the year with the gains or the services to blacks, the aged,
minorities and the poor being eroded. Many though that things “couldn’t be
worse,” but thanks to the present administration, they proved everyone
wrong. When we look at the plight of black people in America today as it
relates to jobs or joblessness, crime, illiteracy, the poverty in which some
of us live, the school drop—out rate and other statistics which tend to say
that we’re moving in the wrong direction, we know we have a tough job ahead,
and masons ought to be in the thick of the turn-around-movement. On the
positive side, we continue to gain in the political arena as blacks are
running and winning some of the top jobs in our cities, states and nation,
such as Mayors, Congressmen/women and city and county persons. For these we
can be proud, and yet, we have to be cautious. We have witnessed lately the
attack on some of our foremost black leaders. Their errors or perceived
errors are the news for days and are the headlines for every paper. The
attempts at smearing reputations are at a new high which should be an
indicator for blacks in public office to be a “Mr. or Mrs. Clean.” It is
doubtful that we could mishandle $30 million and walk around six to eight
months awaiting immunity before we will testify about it. It is doubtful
that we could invest in a company, see that it gets a rich contract from the
government, and still retain a very high office in government, such as
Attorney General or whatever the office may be, especially if it happened
two or three times within the year. Racism is still alive and well, even in
the highest offices in this nation and the fight must continue for us, as
blacks in America, to obtain our just due and be recognized as first class
citizens of these United States.
STATE OF THE CRAFT
I find the Craft in good condition. We are not suffering from any problems
which cannot be overcome with a little effort. I have visited most of our
districts and wherever I went the Craft was very responsive and cooperative.
My staff meetings were very well attended, not only by my staff, but by
Worshipful Masters, Wardens and Craft. My January staff meeting consisted of
approximately 85 brothers.
We have in the Jurisdiction 42 lodges. Our membership stands at 2,188. We
still need work in the area of membership. Our ability to retain our present
members and attract new members has not been as good as it should be. We
must continue to work in this area.
UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND
I am proud to announce that we did contribute $1,783.00 to the United Negro
College Fund last year. We have not been so fortunate in collecting funds
this year because we attempted to have more of our members participate in
donating $3.00 rather than asking the same few faithful members to “foot the
bill.” This has not worked too well so far. But, I am still keeping the
faith that the lodges will come through with the donations. Furthermore, we
anticipate the fund raising committee to put on some event which will
supplement this project. I solicit your wholehearted support for “A Mind is
a Terrible Thing to Waste.”
IMPERIAL COUNCIL SESSION --
CHICAGO
During the period of August 16 through 21, 1986, I attended the Imperial
Council Session in the city of Chicago. I met many old friends and made many
new acquaintances. It was a pleasure to witness some of our Shriners obtain
their Past Potentate degree. I would also like to thank the Illustrious
Deputy of the Desert, Harold Houston, Past Master Alexander Reed Sr., and
his brother Robert, D.D.G.M. Andrew Morgan and the Western European Delegation
and a host of others who made my stay a very pleasant one. A special
“thanks” goes to brother and sister Erskine and Betty Solomon, who met me at
the airport and escorted me to the hotel. Congratulations to Bro. David
Archibald on obtaining his Past Potentate’s degree.
Also, during this event I was able to meet with Most Worshipful Grand Master
Herman Duncan, the late Grand Master of Oklahoma. We talked of the problems
of Western Europe. Although no solution to our problems was reached, we did
agree on further talks since both of us would be in Germany at the same
time.
TRIP TO WESTERN EUROPE
This year there were some significant events which occurred. We constituted,
consecrated and chartered three (3) lodges -- one, St. John’s Lodge, which
grew out of the controversy with the Jurisdiction of Oklahoma.
An important event which was to occur, but failed to materialize was the
meeting to resolve the differences between the Jurisdiction of Washington
and the Jurisdiction of Oklahoma. In part, this was due to my personal
emergency in which I was called back to the USA because of a death in my
immediate family.
Our main business in Western Europe went on as scheduled, thanks to the
competency of the Grand Senior Warden, Daniel Lunsford, who accompanied me
on this trip, and D.D.G.M. Morgan. They, with a host of brothers, went about
Germany and completed the work of constituting the two lodges as planned.
I arrived back in Germany in time to depart to London, accompanied by DDGM
Morgan, where we were met by R.W. S.D.D.G.M. Maurice Thomas, who hosted us
graciously. We performed our work in London, chartering Russell S. Gideon
Lodge #78 and returned home. A special thanks to both D.D.G.Ms and all of the
Craft of Western Europe for a job well done.
COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION
During October 11 through 12, 1986, I attended the Washington State Council
of Deliberation. I wish to congratulate Brothers Earl Metz, Leroy Trent and
Chillis Nickelberry on being selected to receive the 33rd degree of Masonry.
Certainly these hard working brothers deserve this high and privileged
honor.
GRAND MASTERS SUMMIT
During October 23 through 25, 1986, all Most Worshipful Grand Masters of the
43 Prince Hall Jurisdictions were invited to what was termed a “most
significant historical event” by the Prince Hall Family. Most of you are
probably aware that there was some friction between some Grand Masters and
the Shrine. This summit was called by Imperial Potentate Earl Gray to
alleviate the strained relationship between the two factions. Highly
stressed was the dependency of the Shrine for their membership from the
“Blue Lodges,” and therefore, there was certainly no intention on the part
of the Shrine to alienate or impair the relationship between the
organizations. Imperial Potentate Gray did a masterful job of conducting the
Summit of Grand Masters -- one in which all of us belonging to the Shrine
can be proud. There were 39 Grand Masters present.
A part of the Summit was a very detailed briefing on the program titled
“Assault on Illiteracy Program (AOIP).” The Grand Masters present
unanimously accepted the roles of “Senior Advisors” within their respective
Jurisdictions. As such, we work closely with the state coordinators in
making this program successful. For those of you who may not be aware of
goals of this program, it is an attempt to alleviate the 45% rate of
illiteracy among blacks. Although it has tutorial aspects as well as many
others, its main goal is to get at the root of the problem and make blacks
feel pride and confidence in themselves, enough so to want to learn and
better themselves.
Thirdly, and just as important, I was able to converse with the late Most
Worshipful Grand Master Herman Duncan concerning the problems between the
Oklahoma Jurisdiction and the Washington Jurisdiction as it pertains to
Western Europe. With the assistance of Most Worshipful Grand Master Howard
Woods of the Jurisdiction of Arkansas - and to quote him, “The only state
mentioned in the Bible because Noah stood on the Ark-And-Saw,” - we were
able to reach an agreement.
This consisted of an exchange of letters which hopefully would bury this
situation. My letter to M.W.G.M. Duncan was dated November 3, 1986. After a few
weeks had-passed and I had not heard from
M.W.G.M.
Duncan, I telephoned him to
inquire if a problem existed. He assured me that he was most appreciative of
my letter and that a positive answer would be forthcoming in the near
future. Unfortunately,
M.W.G.M.
Duncan expired on February 28, 1987 without
having answered my letter or fulfilling his promise to rescind the letter of
June 9, 1986 expelling certain brothers from Masonry. However, Acting Grand
Master Deary Vaughn, in a subsequent telephone call assured me that the
problem would be resolved. Further, since Acting Grand Master Vaughn could
not attend the Grand Masters Conference, sent word by
M.W.G.M.
Howard Woods,
bringing me greetings and reassurance that the matter would be resolved at
his Grand Session in June, 1987.
We were invited by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons of Washington to participate in a project to celebrate the 200th year
of the United States Constitution. There were at least two (2) projects in
progress: One in Spokane and a much larger affair planned as a statewide
event for Olympia. The project for Spokane was to place a marker at a
specific location and a joint dedication ceremony performed by the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge of Washington, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand
Lodge of Washington and the Knights of Columbus. Each of the respective
organizations would have its name inscribed on the marker. Our
representatives to this committee are Past Grand Master S.J. Lake and R.W.
Elmo Dalbert. We have other brothers who are participating on the committee
also.
The project for Olympia is to place a replica of the statue of George
Washington, which is at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, on the ground of the
State Capitol. Likewise, the names of the two Grand Lodges were to be
inscribed on this statue. However, after a few meetings had elapsed, I
received a letter from Deputy Grand Master Marks Ewing (now Most Worshipful
Grand Master) stating that he and Grand Master Ensworth had talked and felt
that in order not to jeopardize the progress in our relations that the
inscription should read “Donated by the Freemasons of Washington.” I
subsequently responded that the suggested inscription would not identify the
Prince Hall Masons as a participant. On returning from our trip to the
Philippines, R.W. D.G.M. Swanigan called me to relate that Bro. Sprague Vigus,
chairman of the Centennial Committee had called to set up a meeting with
Grand Master Ensworth, D.G.M. Ewing, Grand Master Morris, D.G.M. Swanigan and
himself. The outcome of that meeting was very fruitful. Most Worshipful Bro.
Ensworth and Most Worshipful Bro. Ewing were understanding of our concerns
and we were equally understanding of theirs.
I found them to be dedicated in their efforts of improving the relationship
between the two organizations. The joint celebration of the Constitution
will continue to meet. Additionally, the Commission meetings will resume
shortly after our Communications. In my opinion, our meeting was successful
and rewarding for both organizations.
Project #2 was a “Manual of Operation.” Each lodge should have received
copies of this manual, with instructions suggesting that you have all of
your questions ready when you arrive at this Grand Lodge Session so they may
be consolidated with others. For this project I want to thank my line
officers for their initial input and Bro. Chatman for completing the final
touchup and presentation at the workshop. Additionally, we want to present a
revised copy of the Protocol Manual. A special thanks to Ms. T. Diane Day
for the typing and retyping of this manual.
Project #3: After a workshop which was conducted by a representative from.
the national office of AOIP at our Masonic Hall in Seattle on January 31,
1987, W. Bro. Moses Staton assumed the leadership role of putting chapters
together within the state. He is to be commended on a job well done. We have
three chapters in the beginning stages, all of which are dedicated to
helping our children and adults overcome illiteracy.
Project #4: This project was to pay the monies owed to the various
organization which either donated or loaned monies to the old Temple
Association. Attempts have been made to reach agreements with most all of
the organizations. At this point we are still awaiting final action by the
Bodies concerned. We are hoping for acceptance and the turn over of stock so
we can get on with other business of this Grand Lodge. We feel we have made
some very good offers or our best, to say the least. I would like to
compliment PGM Carlton B. Tucker and his committee for their ernest efforts
to resolve this sensitive situation. Let us continue to hope and pray that
all organizations will come to an amicable agreement soon.
GRAND MASTERS’ CONFERENCE
I attended the Grand Masters’ Conference in Jackson, Mississippi. Most
Worshipful Grand Master Edgar Bridges and his staff provided all the
necessities possible. It appeared that no anticipated problem was overlooked
and no stone unturned in order to provide a well thought out and
pleasant conference.
The Conference work was much more productive this year and less time wasted.
We were able to get through the recommendations of previous years and take
some sort of action on most of them. Most important items/action were:
1.
Problem between the Shrine and the Jurisdiction of
Maryland. Action: A resolution requesting that Grand Master Daniels of
Maryland and Imperial Potentate Gray meet to work out a solution with an
alternative to be suggested by representatives of the Grand Masters’
Conference if they could not agree.
2.
Recommended that Four Corners and WNW Regions
merge. Action: Suggested that the two regions meet and discuss
recommendation. If they can agree, then it would be brought back to the
Conference for approval.
3.
Most Worshipful Grand Master Morris Miller is
working on a ritual for possible adoption by the Conference of Grand
Masters.
4.
A committee is working on a demit form which, if
approved by the Conference, we hope all Jurisdictions will adopt.
5.
The Grand Master of Illinois, the Honorable Archie
Senter, has published a paper on Prince Hall. Consideration is being given
to adopting it as our version of the “Legend of Prince Hall,” after editing
and making the necessary changes as requested by the Grand Masters. We are
also attempting to arrive at a “likeness” of Prince Hall in picture form,
which can be adopted as the official Prince Hall Grand Masters’ Photograph.
SUPREME COUNCIL, A.A.S.R,
NORTHERN JURISDICTION
I was unable to attend the Supreme Council this year due to a conflict in
schedules. However, I do wish to congratulate those fraters who received the
33rd degree, namely: Brothers Earl Metz, Chillis Nickelberry, and Leroy
Trent.
SPRING WORKSHOP
Again this year we had a splendid workshop. However, we still continue to
overbook or run out of time. Also, there was the complaint this year of the
$20.00 fee which was approximately half of the cost of the previous year.
Additionally, there was the perception by some organizations involved that
the Grand Lodge was making a large profit and they were not being
considered.
This year was the most profitable, to my knowledge, and only $1,002 was
realized due to the requirement that everyone involved register for all
activities. I am suggesting that due consideration be given to abolishing
the joint workshop and conducting our own workshop in the Masonic Hall. This
would allow those brothers holding offices in the other organizations to
attend our workshops as well as eliminate the cost factor. Again, I
emphasize that the workshop was very good and highly compliment the Grand
Senior Warden on a job well done.
FAR EAST VISITATION
My trip to the Far East was a very fruitful one. I was accompanied by the
Deputy Grand Master, PGM Jimmy Simmons and the Grand Worthy Patron, Gene
Baxter, as well as the Grand Worthy Matron and other Grand Chapter officers.
Although there was plenty of leisure time for shopping, there was also
plenty of business to transact. I held many meetings with representatives of
the various lodges, assisting in the resolution of problems and answering
general type questions.
The brothers are to be commended for their outstanding comradeship, and
community efforts which have drawn the high praise of base commanders
through the Far East, especially Col. Hendricks of Clark AFB, P.I. In
effect, he said that of all the groups he has ever worked with, the Prince
Hall Masons stood at the top of the list. His compliments extended
throughout the Masonic family. The brothers of Mabuhay Lodge #59 are so
highly respected that even though the Air Force is tearing down their
present meeting site. Another building has been allotted to them and is
being renovated to meet the conditions needed by the brothers as much as
possible. The same high regard extends to other areas of the Far East, such
as Cherry Blossom #42 and O’Misawa #54 to name a few, who are also receiving
special considerations because of their community efforts and special
services to the bases where they reside. Nevertheless, housing still remains
the number one concern as the Air Force expands and is in constant need of
its buildings. This limits our brothers in their ability to find a suitable
place to meet. The brothers on Okinawa are paying more than $600.00 per
month collectively to meet, a rather exorbitant cost. This concern should
not only be their concern, but ours as well. I have, therefore, asked that a
study of the cost and feasibility of a pre-fab building be accomplished
which can be situated on donated land by the Air Force. This study, when
completed, will be submitted to the Office of the Grand Master and then to
the applicable individuals for such action as may be possible to take.
A special highlight of this trip was the Imperial Potentate, the Honorable
Earl Gray, joined me in the Philippines. He not only gave to those of us
belonging to the Shrine a very enlightening workshop, but made your Grand
Master the recipient of a very high Shrine honor by bestowing on me the
title of “Honorary Past Imperial Potentate.” I was very surprised and
honored by this kind and considerate gesture. To the Imperial Potentate I
again express my sincere thanks.
We also made a stop over in Tokyo where we visited with and were well
received by the brothers and sisters of District #6. We visited with the
brothers of Cherry Blossom #42 and Pride of the Orient #55. They are in very
good condition at this time. The leadership of the officers of the lodges on
mainland Japan as well as that of DDGM Orland Steele has greatly improved
the condition and stability of those lodges.
In closing this aspect of my report, I want to extend a sincere “thank you”
to the brothers of the Far East for an enjoyable visitation.
PAST MASTERS’ COUNCIL MEETING
We have re-established the Annual Past Masters’ Council or Conference, with
a few changes. Instead of it being a District #1 or District #2 Past
Masters’ Conference, it is for all Past Masters belonging to the
Jurisdiction of Washington. Wardens are invited to attend. Instead of a
specified number of Past Masters being able to call a special meeting, the
Grand Master can call a special meeting.
Its primary purposes are to screen resolutions and recommendations that are
to come before the Grand Lodge and make recommendations to the submitter as
well as give to the attendees some indication of the meaning and the intent
of the resolution prior to Grand Lodge. This will assist in a more
intelligent vote on subject matters brought before this Body. The newly
elected officers are: President, Bro. William Gardner; Vice President, Bro.
Columbus Black; and Secretary/Treasurer Bro. Julius Headen. We congratulate
these brothers and offer the assistance of the Grand Master’s office when
needed.
GRAND MASTER’S BANQUET
The Grand Master’s Banquet, held March 28, 1987, was an outstanding affair
and very much appreciated by your Grand Master. I highly commend all who
were involved in putting this affair together. The chairman and vice
chairman, RW James B. Sloan and RW William C. Rheubottom, respectively, are
especially commended for their outstanding cooperation and efforts in this
and many other projects throughout the year. My special thanks to one and
all who participated in putting the banquet together and those who attended
and gave their support. The speaker, Dr. Jones, delivered an outstanding
message which was very much appreciated. Additionally, it was an honor to
have the Mayor of Tacoma sit in on the banquet and present me with the
proclamation. Another honor was to have the representative of the Grand
Lodge of Washington present, the Honorable PGM George Bordwick, and members
of the Masonic Commission which represents their Grand Lodge.
FRATERNAL RELATIONS
Again I am pleased to report that there is peace and harmony between all
concordant and adoptive bodies within the Order. We have attempted to
resolve all problems in a fair and equitable manner and I feel we have been
successful. We must be aware that some of us like to cause problems or fuel
those problems in existence instead of taking swift action to resolve them
before they get “out of hand.” I must compliment the Grand Worthy Patron for
his expertise in the swift resolution of the problems which flared up in his
area of concern. This year has also been one of a most cordial and pleasant
relationship with the Grand Worthy Matron and the Most Ancient Grand Matron.
However, from various conversations among the brethren, I would suggest that
we seriously investigate the feasibility to continue joint conventions or
separate ones. The subject has been approached by several of our members for
different reasons.
YOUTH PROGRAM
RW Grand Junior Warden Victor S. Baxter did an outstanding job with the
Youth Program this year. The appearance of the Knights of Pythagoras at our
Spring Workshop should have made all of us very proud. Secondly, the “Thom
Thumb” wedding in District #1 was outstanding and enjoyed by all in
attendance.
Unfortunately, not many Masons were in attendance to support the “Thom
Thumb” wedding. Bro. Lozan was primarily responsible for the event and is to
be commended on an outstanding job. Further, I have received correspondence
from several overseas locations reporting on their progress in establishing
a youth program. To all of you involved in the youth program, you deserve a
special “pat on the back.” Our youth are our future and deserve all the
special attention they can get. It appears more has been accomplished this
year for our youth than in many of our preceding years. Congratulations are
in order to the Grand Junior Warden and his staff for an outstanding job.
ANNUAL COMMUNICATION OF OREGON
I attended the opening festivities of the Grand Lodge of Oregon, which
included the Ball and the Thanksgiving Services. Unfortunately, my job
called me to return home on Sunday. Though my stay was short, I thoroughly
enjoyed it, as always, with my friend and brother, Most Worshipful Grand
Master Joseph Harvey.
DIRECTIVES
1.
Directed that all lodges refrain from rough or
inhumane treatment during initiations.
2.
Directed Worshipful Master George Steele, Toni
Lodge #46, to relinquish one of his offices. WM Steele was holding the
office of Illustrious Potentate as well as that of Worshipful Master. Our
Code forbids a Worshipful Master from being the head of a concordant body
during his term as Worshipful Master.
RECOMMENDATIONS
-
Recommend adoption of the manual of
operations as corrected by this Body.
-
Recommend adoption of the protocol
manual as changed/updated.
-
Recommend that the “Next of Kin” on our
petitions not be used as a guideline for paying Masonic relief by the
lodges. Further recommend that a statement of “Payment of Masonic
Relief” be developed within 90 days of this Annual Communication by a
Committee appointed by the Grand Master and that the statement be placed
into use immediately after development and approval of the Grand Master.
Further, that the form/statement be placed before this Grand Body at its
85th Annual Communication for final review.
-
I
would like to preface this recommendation with this explanation. The
question has again risen on who is entitled to a Grand Lodge Funeral.
Realizing that a Grand Master has the power and right to give anyone he
desires the privilege of a Grand Lodge Funeral at the family’s request,
the following is recommended as a guideline to entitlements. This
recommendation pertains to Grand Lodge Funeral involvement only;
recommend that the following officers be entitled to a Grand Lodge
ceremony:
*****
A. All Active Officers, Elected and Appointed
*****
B. Past Grand Masters
*****
C. Life Members of the Grand Lodge
*****
D. Worshipful Masters
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, I would like to again say “thank you” to a fine staff of
officers who have worked diligently throughout the year. To my Executive
Staff and District Deputy Grand Masters, your loyalty and support throughout
the year has been immeasurable. I compliment each of you for giving
unstintingly of your time, money and dedication.
Masons are taught to divide their time properly, to labor cheerfully, to
make generous provisions for their families, to cultivate order and to labor
for peace, to strive for justice, to oppose usurpation by the church or
state, to respect other’s opinions as assiduously as they hold to their own
and never begin any great undertaking without invoking the aid of the deity.
And so, we say without reservation and with enthusiasm, Freemasonry is a
teacher of tolerance. God bless Freemasonry everywhere and make all Masons
what Masons ought to be -- good men and true, tolerant of the opinions of
others, lovers of their families, loyal to their country and faithful to
their fellowman. So shall their white lambskin aprons remain ever
untarnished to the end.
My brothers, the power which you turned over to me at the close of our 83rd
Session, I now return to you.
Thank you.
Fraternally Submitted,
/s/BILLY V. MORRIS
MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER OF MASONS
