Freemasonry is a post-collegiate mostly-all male fraternity dedicated to the social development of the member to form a broader sense of the self and their community.
“We’re the best in Texas, yes we are.” “They come to watch us from afar.” (or something like that)
Left, left, left, right, left…to the right – MARCH…Halt, one, two…Right face…about face…forward march… to the rear march…
Such was a tiny micro example of the precision marching of the Lone Star Guild Drill Teams that I witnessed at Prince Hall Texas’ recent York Rite Conclave. Now I know of men’s Knight Templar drill teams but I have never heard of or seen women within Freemasonry performing within drill teams. Then again I haven’t been a York Rite member or a Prince Hall Mason for a long time either.
Bro. Frederic L. Milliken with Two South Central #39 Guild Members
I don’t know for sure but I’m going to bet that my Mainstream Brethren have never heard of this. But it does go to show what a Masonic family is all about. In Prince Hall’s it means meeting with the female Bodies in the same building at the same time and coming together for some common functions and some good times. Luncheons, banquets, social mixers, yearly allocutions, awards ceremonies and installations are gender mixed. This builds a strong bond between the men’s side and the women’s side. And it provides strong cross support going both ways.
The Lone Star Guild Drill Teams Performances was one more thing that brought the
Prince Hall Family together. And it was a real morale booster. I left feeling really inspired and confident that my fraternity was going to do great things in the future. This sense of solidarity is a vital component of a healthy, growing, motivational Freemasonry and one that should be emulated elsewhere.
Grand Princess Captain R. Lucille Samuel was responsible for the creation of the Texas Guild’s drill teams and she will further educate us on how they came about and what they do.
LONE STAR GRAND GUILD
DRILL TEAMS
R. LUCILLE SAMUEL
GRAND PRINCESS CAPTAIN
In February of 2006 I was elected as the Grand Princess Captain of the Lone Star Grand Guild of Texas. It was not until 2008 when I traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina that I came up with an idea. At the Annual International Grand Encampment and International Grand Court of Cyrene Crusaders Session I saw men and women Drill Team competitions. At the time the Right Eminent Grand Commander of Texas, Tony M. Moore had a men’s drill team. There were only two members at this time but they stole the show.
Being a Retired Army Veteran I thought this could be a piece of cake as well as so much fun for the Guilds to compete in Texas. Little did I know we would go on to the International Session and bring home 1st Place 2 years continuously.
South Central Guild #39, R. Lucille Samuel Guild #41 and Heart of Texas Guild #38, 2010 Memphis, Tennessee
Heart of Texas Guild #38 2010 International Drill Team Champions
Heart of Texas Guild #38 2010 International Drill Team Champions
South Central Guild #39 2012
South Central Guild #39, 2009 International Grand Drill Team Champions Ft Worth, Texas
South Central Guild #39
When I returned to Texas, I sent out an email with the Drill Guidelines to all the Princess Captains and Special Deputies. Each Guild Drill Team was to perform at the 2009 Grand Conclave in Killeen, Texas. The Drill Team that competed was South Central Guild #39 of Killeen, Texas. We were the host for the International Grand Encampment that year in Ft Worth, Texas. South Central Guild placed first and became the 2009 International Grand Champions.
In 2010 we had two more Drill Teams to emerge at the Texas Grand Conclave in Houston giving us a total of 3. They were Heart of Texas #38 of Temple Texas, South Central Guild #39 of Killeen, Texas, R. Lucille Samuel Guild #41 of Waxahachie, Texas. At the International Session in Memphis, Tennessee all 3 Guilds placed. 4th Place R. Lucille Guild #41, 3rd Place South Central Guild #39 of Killeen, Texas and the 2010 International Grand Drill Team Champions Heart of Texas Guild #38!
In 2011 because there were no Teams Registered for competition in Baton Rouge, Heart of Texas Guild #38 remain the reigning International Grand Champions.
In February 2012 these 3 Drill Teams met again at our Texas Annual Grand Conclave in Dallas. South Central Guild #39 (Valiant Ladies) are the Texas State Champs once again!
As you can see each Drill Team is unique in their own uniforms and styles of Drill and Entertainment. It takes a lot of hard work, practice and dedication to ensure each member of the Drill Team is on the same step and beat as the others. The Drill Teams have been watched and evaluated by myself and other Veterans or Sir Knights. It is a competition but the most important thing is that they perform together as “ONE”.
The Drill Team Competition not only brings notoriety throughout the State and Nation but it gives these ladies a sense of pride and builds their self-esteem to compete in public. It builds camaraderie among the Guild members and hopefully will encourage other members to form Drill Teams for their Guilds. We have 12 Guilds in the state of Texas. I am very proud of each and every member. It is my dream that one day each Guild will have their own Drill Team. “DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS!”
Please do not hesitate to contact Grand Princess Captain Samuel at rouchellion@yahoo.com and tell her what you think.
I attended my first York Rite Grand Conclave recently. It was held in Dallas so I didn’t have to travel to all ends of Texas, a big state. Grand Sessions in Prince Hall Texas are great gatherings of celebration. Business is done but the emphasis is on camaraderie, fellowship, motivation and inspiration.
One of the things I like about Prince Hall is that it holds Grand Sessions of the men’s and women’s Bodies in the same building at the same time. Separated for most of the time they come together for meals, installation and a joint deliverance of each other’s annual allocution. In this case it was the Grand Commandery and the Grand Guild coming together.
First up for the joint presentations of allocutions was the Grand Princess Captain of the Grand Guild, R. Lucille Samuel. Now annual allocutions, like state of the union addresses, are usually recounts of travels and accomplishments with maybe a bit of reinforcement and goals for the coming year…”I went here, I went there, we did this, we did that, our membership grew/lost, I have this new program for next year, etc.”
So I settled back in my chair, relaxed and lazily squinted up at Grand Princess Captain Lucille Samuel. Within minutes I sat bolt upright with a big smile of admiration. I was not going to have to listen to the usual pabulum this day. This Sister challenged her Body and all of us! And she did so boldly without the slightest hint of timidness, with the Right Eminent Grand Commander on one side of her and the Grand Master of Prince Hall Masons in Texas on her other side.
Below in her own words is what she had to say. The next day before our joint installation I approached her and told her that her message needed to be heard by others and that I can do that. So here is something that could be a wake-up call for your organization.
Will Our Organizations Sustain? A Wake-up Call
By R. Lucille Samuel Grand Princess Captain Lone Star Grand Guild of Texas PHA
As I stated last year change is coming whether we are ready or not. There are two things that can happen, we may stand still and allow life to pass us by or we can get on Board and transform from a Yard into a Garden. We may have to alter our attitude but it is worth the risk for our Organizations.
We have a very important question to ask ourselves. WILL OUR ORGANIZATIONS SUSTAIN and if so for how long? At the present time we are walking on a very unstable foundation. The infrastructure of our organizations is slowing weakening. In order to remain strong and present a united front we have to work as ONE. The statement I use quite often is “If You Don’t Stand For Something You Will Fall For Anything”! At this time we are not standing we are sitting and allowing our organizations to slowly crumble around us. We are so busy placing blame on each other instead of taking the time to SUSTAIN our organizations.
Grand Princess Captain of the Grand Guild, R. Lucille Samuel
Grand Princess Captain of the Grand Guild, R. Lucille Samuel
Grand Princess Captain of the Grand Guild, R. Lucille Samuel
Grand Princess Captain of the Grand Guild, R. Lucille Samuel.
Grand Princess Captain of the Grand Guild, R. Lucille Samuel
A lot of times leaders feel that if they have the financial security then the organization will remain strong and invincible. This is only a short term fix to a long term problem. You may have a brand new roof on your home but what good is it if the foundation is shaky! If you want your organization to remain strong you have to employ the membership to SUSTAIN the foundation!
So what do we need to do to SUSTAIN our organizations? We need to create programs that appeal to the interest of our membership. We need to attract members that have a genuine interest in our mission. Our focus needs to be on the Community and future of our youth.
Instead of the competitive struggles of each other we need to concentrate on the issues at hand. We are losing our membership because we have lost our focus on the main objective. These organizations were created to assist with charity, community service, educational assistance and support of our youth and elderly. As leaders we are here to educate and train others to prepare to replace us in the future. The problem is we have stopped teaching because we are too busy in competition with each other. It should not matter who gives the most donations or raises the most money in fundraisers. You may be educated by academics but you display ignorance in people skills. Many of our leaders spend too much time worrying about losing their positions instead of researching why our membership is dwindling. If you are losing more members than you are recruiting there should be a RED FLAG! Talking down to others, rude attitudes or ignoring your officers and advisers is a sign of insecurity. The last time I checked these are Non-Profit Organizations and we pay to become members. Remember nothing on earth is permanent. We all have a voice and a vote. The same way you are voted in you can be voted out!
We are all here for a common purpose. There should be no animosity toward another leader because their organization is excelling beyond the others. The membership should not have to endure the pettiness of their leadership. We need to TEACH what we PREACH!
In the book of Samuel there is a story of Saul the first King of Israel. He made David his special assistant because he admired his work. Although Saul was anointed by God he was also possessed by an evil spirit and he defied God. He became jealous of David and tried to kill him on numerous occasions. He nearly killed his own son because he was caught up in being superior to others. In the end he took his own life.
The fact is this happens amongst our members of various organizations. We become so fixated on our titles that we forget where we came from. We treat our members without respect and honor. We don’t stop to think how others feel or even ask their opinions.
In our organizations today we are not motivated for the right reasons. Our motivation comes from the desire to reach the top before we have even scraped the bottom. Whatever happened to work your way up and on the way receiving a few bumps and bruises to remind us why we started this journey in the first place.
It is very frustrating to watch what our pioneers shed blood and tears for slowly fade away. We need to reflect back on our traditional values and goals. In order to SUSTAIN our organizations we need to engage in two way communication. It seems that we are not able to TALK to each other but we can TALK about each other. There is so much work that needs to be accomplished that there is no room for envy or back biting. If we spent as much time working together as we spend working apart this Jurisdiction could ROCK the Universe!
“People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within!” We have to stay focused and assist members in their thirst for knowledge. We need to renew our commitment to the organization.
In the story of Cain and Abel jealousy consumed Cain. In order to SUSTAIN our organizations we have to realize that this is not a contest but it is all about the mission that brought us here. Some of us panic at the thought of someone else learning our jobs. We are afraid to share knowledge or experience in fear of replacement. We stress out or make up untruths about others because we want them to feel inferior or incompetent. We coerce or persuade members to vote against each other because of our insecurities.
We are an organization based upon the Christian religion. There is no such thing as a part time Christian. You cannot shout on Sunday and back-stab on Monday! However it is a known fact that if you give more than is expected of you, you will get more than you expect. Fulfillment is not what you receive but what you give.
We have to be flexible and able to adapt to change. We cannot continue to use the same old strategies that were used to create organizations in the past. There has to be a continuous improvement so the organization does not become complacent. Involving the members and listening to their ideas also promotes growth. Reward members when possible and publicize their positive achievements. Fresh innovative ideas are needed in order to maintain our focus. We cannot remain as the “status quo” to become what we want to be. In order to attract and retain quality membership they have to be motivated and assured that they are crucial to our success. Members also need to feel there is room for progression and acceleration within the ranks.
Our organization is similar to the engine of your car. If you don’t perform the required maintenance the engine tends to not function properly and this affects the whole automobile. Sometimes a major overhaul is needed. No vehicle can perform effectively if the engine is not operational. A leader cannot function without the assistance of their membership.
I challenge all leaders to forget about what we used to do and start focusing on what WE NEED TO DO! Working against each other will never SUSTAIN our organizations. If we don’t start now by supporting each other and working as ONE Jurisdiction there will be no future for the Masonic Family. This is not a PROMISE this is a FACT!
Ask yourselves have I been a blessing to someone today or shared a blessing? ‘Don’t look at me…Look at who is in charge of me…Remember I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer. Had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.
R. Lucille Samuel
Grand Princess Captain
Lone Star Grand Guild of Texas PHA
Heroines of the Templars Crusade
International Grand Junior Shepherdess
International Grand Deputy of Texas
International Grand Court of Cyrene Crusaders
“BRING ONE TEACH TWO”
Please do not hesitate to contact Grand Princess Captain Samuel at rouchellion@yahoo.com and tell her what you think.
I first met Dr. Bro. Robert Uzzel three years ago at a Grand Session of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas. Later I had a more in depth conversation with him at a Phylaxis Convention. Brother Uzzel came over to Prince Hall from the Grand Lodge of Texas in 1981. He has a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from Baylor University. He has taught religion and history at various Dallas area colleges and at one time was chairman of the religion department for Paul Quinn College. He has also spent some time as a Texas state social worker. And since 1975 he has been a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He served for awhile as Grand Historian for the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas. Plus he is also an accomplished author.
Last year I reviewed Uzzel’s book, Prince Hall Freemasonry In The Lone Star State. This time around I am taking a look at his book, “Blind Lemon Jefferson.” It is not a Masonic book, rather a look at early 20th century Texas history and a mirror into the African American community of that time. It also heralds a great man and a trail blazer in the development of American Blues music. Without Uzzel’s comprehensive work on the life and legacy of Blind Lemon Jefferson, it is possible that this first successful blues recording artist would all but be forgotten outside the music community.
Blind Lemon’s peers, protégés, successors and performers in other musical strains all pay him due respect, however. Other great blues performers that followed him, T-Bone Walker, Josh White, Texas Alexander, Smokeyy Hogg, Lonnie Johnson, Sam ‘Lightnin’ Hopkins and even Bessie Smith bear his imprint. He is also said to have influenced Harry James, Benny Goodman, Bix Beiderbecke, Louis Armstrong and Tommy Dorsey. Bunk Johnson and Jelly Roll Morton paid him tribute in the development of their styles.
The 1960s saw resurgence in Blind Lemon’s music, with such artists as Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, Johnny Winter, Steve Miller and Ray Orbison adopting some of his music and/or style. Especially enamorate of Blind Lemon was Bob Dylan who recorded Lemon’s See That My Grave Is Kept Clean.
Uzzel tell us:
“Dylan, future king of folk-rock and poet for the social activism of the 1960s, was also described as part of that same tradition begun so eloquently by Blind Lemon. And indeed, while listening to Lemon Jefferson’s 1920 recordings, it is difficult not to hear traces of a young Bob Dylan some forty years later. The distance from the bottomlands of Central Texas to the folk clubs of Greenwich Village and from the country blues to rock ‘n’ roll is a short one.”
Carl Perkins performed a rockabilly version of Lemon’s “Matchbook Blues,” the Beatles recorded an adaptation of the same song and Elvis did the “Teddy Bear Blues.” And the rock group Jefferson Airplane, aka Jefferson Starship, paid Blind Lemon the ultimate tribute by naming themselves after him.
Even the great BB King acknowledges that he got a lot of his “stuff” from Blind Lemon.
Lectric Chair Blues By Blind Lemon Jefferson
I want to shake hands with my partner
and ask him how come he’s here.
I want to shake hands with my partner
and ask him how come he’s here.
I had a mess with my family
they goin’ to send me to the electric chair.
I wonder why they electrocute a man after
the one o’clock hour of the night.
I wonder why they electrocute a man after
the one o’clock hour of the night.
Because the current is much stronger
when the folkses turn out all the lights.
I sat in my electrocutin’ room,
my arms folded up and crying.
I sat in the electorcutin’ room,
my arms folded up and crying.
But my baby had to question
whether they gonna electrocute that man of mine.
Well they put me in a coffin
to take me all the way from here.
Well they put me in a coffin
to take me all the way from here.
I’s rather be in some new world
than to be married in the ‘lectric chair.
I seen wrecks on the ocean
I seen wrecks on the blue sea
But my wreck that wrecked my heart
when they brought my electrocuted daddy to me.
There are many different kinds of blues. Blind Lemon’s was a country style. No piano or band accompaniment for him. His work is often called a “holler.” Uzzel tells us that Blind Lemon sang the Texas blues,
“rooted in the Central Texas soil, characterized as having a great deal of ‘moaning and droning’ but as less percussive and with lighter emphasis on individual notes than the Delta blues.”
“The music of Blind Lemon Jefferson was an expression of archaic or country blues. This style, which is regarded as the first phase of the blues as an established form, is characterized by non-standardized forms, unamplified guitar, and spoken introductions and endings. At times, country blues performers were known to use ostinato patterns in the guitar accompaniment, bottlenecks on the frets of the guitar, and rough, growling tones, with falsetto voice used for contrast or emotional emphasis. This style stands in contrast to the classic or city blues style, which developed during the 1920s and was characterized by standardized form with regular beginnings and endings and two or more instruments in the accompaniment.”
Uzzel comprised material for this book over many years – decades. That gave him the opportunity to interview hundreds of people who knew Blind Lemon or had talked to him at one time or were influenced by him, adding a reality to the book that would have been missing without them. You will find pictures of some of these interviewees included in this work. Uzzel chronicled the effort to provide a new headstone for Blind Lemon’s grave and the effort for other historical recognition of which he was often a part of. He attended the 2001 Blues Festival in Wortham, Texas, Blind Lemon’s birthplace. There is much merit to be said for 30 years of research.
Blind Lemon Jefferson by Robert Uzzel is a well written, well documented book by an author who has a keen insight into the African American community and who has the knowledge, training and expertise in the fields of religion and history. Rather than a personal adulation of a music fan, this book is a factual representation of reality – a glimpse into the early 1900s, especially of those who were struggling, and a tribute to an icon of the music world whose legacy will now live on. Thanks to Robert Uzzel, well done!
I stood on the corner and almost bust my head.
I stood on the corner and almost bust my head.
I couldn’t make enough money to buy me a loaf of bread.
My girl’s a house maid and she earns a dollar a week.
My girl’s a house maid and she earns a dollar a week.
I’m so hungry on pay day, I can’t hardly speak.
Now gather round one, people, let me tell you true facts.
Now gather round one, people, let me tell you true facts.
That tough luck has struck me and the rats is sleepin’ in my hat.
The Beehive is proud to present the second article on the Wilbert M. Curtis Library Museum of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas opened this June, 2011. This article was written by the Grand Editor of The Grand Lodge Publication, “The Texas Prince Hall Freemason” and will appear in the Fall 2011 issue of that publication. We get to read it now. My thanks to Brother Burrell Parmer, Grand Editor, for a much more detailed article than I penned.
Telling Our Own Story: Wilbert M. Curtis Texas Prince Hall Library Museum Unveiled
Story By:
Grand Editor Burrell Parmer (1)
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas
FORT WORTH, Texas – By the authority vested in the office of the Grand Master and in accordance with the constitution of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Texas, the Honorable Wilbert M. Curtis hereby called all Prince Hall Masons of Texas into the Grand Lodge’s 136th Annual Grand Communication held at the Grand Masonic Temple, June 24 – 25.
On June 25, the Wilbert M. Curtis Texas Prince Hall Library Museum was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony and name unveiling at the Grand Masonic Temple.
The Library Museum adds another repository for the collection of Prince Hall Masonic History in the city. It will possess collections and preservation of Prince Hall Masonic History and activities in Tarrant County and throughout the state in the form of photos, paintings, books, articles, original lodge charters, cornerstones, ledgers, uniforms, a Lodge Room, etc. Many of the items date back to the late 1800’s.
Government officials from Tarrant County and the Texas House of Representatives, officials from the Tarrant County Black Historical & Genealogical Society and the Fort Worth Public Library were in attendance. Special guests included Grand Masters of Prince Hall Grand Lodges: G.M. John Miller of Arizona, G.M. Arvin Glass of Tennessee, G.M. Cleveland Wilson of Arkansas, G.M. Anthony Stafford of Florida, and G.M. Deary Vaughn of Oklahoma, who also serves as the Sovereign Grand Commander, United Supreme Council, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction.
Every Texas Prince Hall Masonic Organization was represented to include Grand Worthy Matron Martha Wolridge and Grand Worthy Patron Robert B. Calloway Jr. of the Norris Wright Cuney Grand Chapter; Grand Most Ancient Matron Jackie Levingston and Grand Joshua Isaac Cary Sr. of the Grand High Court, Heroines of Jericho; Grand Princess Caption R. Lucille Samuel of the Lone Star Grand Guild, Heroines of the Templars Crusade; State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler Shirley Gideon of the Texas Council of Assemblies, Order of the Golden Circle; Most Excellent Grand High Priest Willie Tate of the Most Excellent Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Holy Royal Arch Masonry; and Right Eminent Grand Commander Ronald Gerac of the Lone Star Grand Commandery of Knights Templar Masons of Texas.
After the opening prayer by Deputy Grand Chaplain Rev. F.D. Sampson Jr. and the occasion delivered by Grand Junior Warden Frank Jackson. Grand Marshal Ronald Gerac made the Proclamation and the Consecration was then performed by Deputy G.M. Michael Anderson, Grand Senior Warden Bryce Hardin I, and G.J.W. Jackson overseen by the Hon. Edwin B. Cash, the only living Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge.
With the Consecration of corn, wine, and oil complete, G.M. Curtis with tears in his eyes cut the ceremonial ribbon and provided comments.
“We will now be able to tell our own story,” said G.M. Curtis. “I hope that the city of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the state of Texas will embraced this Library Museum and utilize it as a research resource.”
“The Library Museum has been on the Trestle Board of the Grand Lodge for many years. Now it has come to fruition,” said G.M. Curtis. “Getting to this point of the grand opening has been a rewarding experience not only for me but also for the team members that assisted me.”
After G.M. Curtis comments, he opened the door to the Library Museum and guests began to pour in to view its treasures.
The original design of the Library Museum was conceived by Nicole Hawthorne, daughter of Past Master Benny Tucker, the Chairman of the Archives Committee.
Hawthorne, a graduate of Baylor University with a Bachelors of Art in Interior Design, had been performing interior design since 2007. She was asked in June 2010 by her father to produce some drawings.
According to Hawthorne, she wanted to create something that reflected what the space would be used for.
“I wanted the look and feel of the area to resemble a turn-of-the-century, new world library. The antiquated, over-sized portraits displayed there were inspiration for the rest of the design and everything else branched from them,” said Hawthorne. “The design of the Library Museum was intended to be like a time capsule with a rich historic atmosphere.”
G.J.W. Jackson, who also serves as the Grand Lodge Historian, provided background on the Library Museum’s conception.
“The Library Museum is a labor of love, it came from a vision by G.M. Curtis and we are thankful for him and his leadership. One thing that alarmed us was that we were losing a lot of our history and archives at a very disturbing rate,” said G.J.W. Jackson. “If we were to look forward from today, maybe 50 to 100 years, it will be highly likely that people will know our story and I truly believe that you cannot really tell the story of Texas without telling the story of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas.”
“We are proud of our legacy, we are proud of our heritage. If we don’t tell our story, no one is going to tell it for us,” said G.J.W. Jackson. “We have numerous materials. We haven’t even been able to go through all the archives, and materials are still being donated.
Currently the Library Museum only shows you just a glimpse of our treasures. So when people come here, we want them to see the vision that our Grand Master has shared with us and for researchers to see the culture and history that Prince Hall Masons have contributed to the great state of Texas.”
The mission of the Wilbert M. Curtis Texas Prince Hall Library Museum is as follows:
To collect, organize, describe, make available, and preserve primary and secondary resource materials emphasizing the historical documentation of the M.W.P.H.G.L. of Texas and its impact on the cultural milieu on the broader local communities, the state of Texas, the Jurisdictions under its authority and the larger expanse of human kind.
To provide adequate facilities for the retention and preservation of such records.
To serve as a resource and research center to stimulate and promote creative teaching and learning through the use of primary research materials; and provide instruction in the use of those materials.
To promote research and scholarship by providing access and encouraging the use of its collections by members of the Masonic Family and the public at large.
To implement records management by formulating policy and procedures that will ensure the collection and preservation of the Library Museum’s materials.
The Library Museum is available to the public by appointment Monday thru Thursday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Information about the Library Museum can be obtained by contacting the Grand Lodge Office at 817-534-4612 or by visiting www.wmctphlm.com.
Lt to Rt: G.M. Wilbert M. Curtis shakes hands with Territorial G.M. Dr. Osiefield Anderson of Florida, who was the guest speaker for the Masonic Banquet in the Lodge Room of the Wilbert M. Curtis Texas Prince Hall Library Museum, June 25. Standing behind them are Grand Master John Miller of Arizona, G.M. Anthony Stafford of Florida, G.M. Cleveland Wilson of Arkansas, G.M. Dr. Deary Vaughn of Oklahoma, G.M. Alvin Glass of Tennessee, and Grand Secretary Albert Kelly, Sr. of Louisiana.
Lt to Rt: Bro. Willie High Colman, Jr., chairman of the Prince Hall Charitable Foundation of Texas, Chairman of Archives Bro. Benny Tucker, Grand Editor Burrell Parmer, and Grand Junior Warden Frank Jackson sitting in front of portraits of Past Grand Master and officers of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F.&A.M. of Texas in the Wilbert M. Curtis Texas Prince Hall Library Museum June 24. The portraits are on loan from the Tarrant County Black Historical & Genealogical Society.
Lt to Rt: Grand Junior Warden Frank Jackson, Chairman of Archives Bro. Benny Tucker, and Bro. Willie High Colman, Jr., chairman of the Prince Hall Charitable Foundation of Texas reads through pages of a ledger belonging to the Fraternal Bank and Trust in the Wilbert M. Curtis Texas Prince Hall Library Museum, June 24.
Grand Master Wilbert M. Curtis cuts the ceremonial ribbon of the Wilbert M. Curtis Texas Prince Hall Library Museum at The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons of Texas’ Grand Masonic Temple, June 25.
Worshipful Masters and Brothers from throughout the state attended the 136th Annual Grand Communication of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F.&A.M. of Texas, June 24.
FACT SHEET
WILBERT M. CURTIS TEXAS PRINCE HALL LIBRARY MUSEUM
The Wilbert M. Curtis Texas Prince Hall Library Museum, located in the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Texas & Jurisdiction’s (M.W.P.H.G.L.) Grand Temple, at 3433 Martin Luther King Freeway, Fort Worth, Texas 76101 serves as the final repository for the historical records of the Grand Lodge, and as an archival repository for historical materials documenting the history of selective Texas Prince Hall Masons Masonic achievements related to: (1) the cultural history (to include the political, social, economic, religious, histories etc.) of the state of Texas and the Jurisdictions under the authority of the M.W.P.H.G.L. of Texas, (2) the activities and services rendered by the local Lodges to their respective communities, (3) the general interests, activities and services rendered to numerous communities within the state of Texas under the authority of the M.W.P.H.G.L. of Texas by its Appendant & Concordant Bodies.
The Library Museum welcomes gifts of books, papers, manuscripts, photographs, artwork, records, audio tapes, video tapes, maps, pamphlets, scrapbooks, oral history, memorabilia, and other archival records of historical value which will enhance the teaching, learning, research and service of the members affiliated with M.W.P.H.G.L. of Texas and or is interested in the advancement of knowledge related to Free Masonry.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Wilbert M. Curtis Texas Prince Hall Library Museum is as follows:
To collect, organize, describe, make available, and preserve primary and secondary resource materials emphasizing the historical documentation of the M.W.P.H.G.L. of Texas and its impact on the cultural milieu on the broader local communities, the state of Texas, the Jurisdictions under its authority and the larger expanse of human kind.
To provide adequate facilities for the retention and preservation of such records
To serve as a resource and research center to stimulate and promote creative teaching and learning through the use of primary research materials; and provide instruction in the use of those materials.
To promote research and scholarship by providing access and encouraging the use of its collections by members of the Masonic Family and the public at large.
To implement records management by formulating policy and procedures that will ensure the collection and preservation of the Library Museum’s materials.
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Masons of Texas Prince Hall Masonry in Texas:
Under the leadership of Captain W.D. Mathews, Most Worshipful Grand Master of Kansas, Lodges of Free and Accepted Masons were established in Texas in 1871 and 1873 to wit:
These were the first Negro Free and Accepted Masonic Lodges organized in Texas.
In the early part of June 1875, Norris Wright Cuney, Deputy Grand Master, and Richard Allen, District Deputy Grand Master, acting under the authority of the Kansas Jurisdiction, issued a call requesting the above named Lodges to send representatives on August 19, 1875, to meet with Mount Lebanon Lodge No. 26, located in Brenham, Texas. The purpose was to organize then the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Texas.
Key Facts:
On August 20, 1875, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons of the state of Texas was organized in Brenham, Texas.
The first Grand Master of Prince Hall Masons in Texas was the Hon. Norris Wright Cuney.
The first 5 Prince Hall Lodges in Texas were charted by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas.
On June 28, 1950, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons of the state of Texas was renamed to The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Texas.
The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas is a descendant of the first Prince Hall Grand Lodge.
From 1875 to 1906, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge had no permanent meeting place. Its annual meetings were held in various cities in Texas. In 1906, Fort Worth became the Prince Hall Grand Lodge’s permanent home.
20 Grand Masters have served the Prince Hall Grand Lodge; currently the Hon. Wilbert M. Curtis currently presides as Grand Master.
There are 160 Prince Hall Lodges in Texas with more than 3,000 members.
Concordant Bodies of the M.W.P.H.G.L. of Texas include:
Most Excellent Prince Hall Grand Chapter Holy Royal Arch Masons
Lone Star Grand Commandery Knights Templar Masons
Orient of Texas, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons
Appendant Bodies of the M.W.P.H.G.L. of Texas include:
Norris Wright Cuney Grand Chapter
Prince Hall Grand High Court Heroines of Jericho
Lone Star Grand Guild Heroines of the Templar Crusade
Order of the Golden Circle Auxiliary to the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
A Grand Session in Prince Hall is a very special, interesting and motivating experience especially when the female Orders meet at the same time. Texas is no exception where Eastern Star and the Heroines of Jericho meet simultaneously separately but attend the luncheons, social events, banquets and prayerful times with the Master Masons. It is rightfully billed a Prince Hall family event.
I don’t know how the women run their sessions but on the men’s side, often tedious and boring business is mixed well with awards and celebrations. We have annual awards for the Master Mason of the year, the District of the year, the District Deputy of the year and a special meritorious service of the year award. We have an awards luncheon with the whole Prince Hall family and a family night dinner open to the spouses and friends of members. The highlight of the awards luncheon was the presentation of scholarship awards from each House. And family night, as always, carried with it a prominent guest speaker who always delivers us an inspiring message.
This year’s guest speaker was Dr. Bro. Osiefield Anderson, a PHD in mathematics and a college professor. His theme was it is time to get up off our butts and do something about society that is crumbling and decaying all around us. A master of inspiring poetry he motivated us all to action. His motto is, “It is not how long a man lives that matters, but how well he lives.”
Out of Session any member of the Prince Hall family could participate in a gospel festival, a church service, a dance-social party and a Lodge of Sorrow for those who have traveled to the Celestial Lodge above.
And if that was all there was we would all go home happy, well fed and fired up. But when you throw in an extra special event in the middle of all this you fashion a Grand Session that will go down in history. Such was the June 2011 four day Grand Session of Prince Hall, Texas.
That history making event was the opening of the Wilbert M. Curtis Texas Prince Hall Library Museum. After more than a year in the making, the Library Museum was opened with a special ribbon cutting ceremony that included representatives from six jurisdictions, mostly Grand Masters, civic leaders and the head of the Fort Worth Black Historical & Genealogical Society. The Deputy Grand Master and Wardens consecrated the occasion with corn, wine and oil. Speeches were made and prayers raised up, the ribbon cut and finally it was time to go inside and see what treasures were in store for us.
And we were not disappointed. There were pictures, plaques, paintings and actual early uniforms, dress and jewels. There were also rare books and the records and minutes of Texas Prince Hall Grand Lodge dating back to the 1870’s. Copies of early Grand Lodge publications were in abundance. At one end of the Library Museum you opened a door into a well furnished Lodge Room. Before your eyes was a beautiful hand crafted wooden altar and stations made by a Brother who received one of this year’s Grand Lodge awards.
The Heroines of Jericho and Eastern Star are well represented in the Library Museum with early dress, pictures and presentations. One thing that distinguishes Prince Hall Masonry is how closely the men’s and women’s Orders work together. It is truly one big family.
There is much more to come. Contributions to the Library Museum are still coming in and in the years that follow much will be added. The Library Museum welcomes gifts of books, papers, manuscripts, photographs, artwork, records, audio tapes, video tapes, maps, pamphlets, scrapbooks, oral history, memorabilia and other archival records of historical value which will enhance the teaching, learning, research and service of the members affiliated with the MWPHGLTX and or is interested in the advancement of knowledge related to Free Masonry.
Now the Prince Hall family of Texas has a place to deposit its archives and to tell its own story, a story it will continuously share with others.
My Lodge, Pride of Mt. Pisgah #135, Dallas, Texas prefers to do its charitable/community outreach with programs that takes them directly to the people to actually perform a service or provide relief in some manner to those in their own community who they can meet face to face. In other words we are not big on Institutionalized Charity nor do we desire to turn Freemasonry into a Service Club. As Masons we are called to help those in need if within the length of our cable tow. But my Lodge wants a direct connect with those who they aid.
Thus we do Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets which we present directly to the people who are receiving them. Our latest venture is involvement in the Keep Dallas Beautiful program sponsored by the City of Dallas, whereby we enter a section or area of the community and clean up, fix & repair and make attractive areas of the community as well as individual private property. Last Saturday was our second work day in the community which we have now adopted. Past Master LaGrone explains the program and what we accomplished in more detail.
“On September 26th along with the Keep Dallas Beautiful program the Pride of Mount Pisgah #135 P.H.A. successfully completed phase one for our adopted community, Cedar Oaks. When I first brought this idea to the lodge to increase our community service and visibility, we unanimously voted to participate in 4 events throughout the year to help communities identified as needing assistance. We later voted to adopt Cedar Oaks as our own and in the past have picked up trash and last week painted a retaining wall.”
“The Cedar Oaks community was phase one of the pilot program of Keep Dallas Beautiful (KDB). As KDB is a city funded program, each year the city of Dallas moves to a new phase and adopts new communities while dropping the communities from the existing year after providing a year of support. Speaking with W.M. Williams the decision has been made to continue to support Cedar Oaks as a community providing whatever assistance we can within the length of our cable tow. “
“I wanted to thanks all the brothers that have participated and wished to participate as well as our W.M. for his commitment to the community.”
Memo
To: Fran Phillips, President, KDB, Jim Hobbs, KDB
From: Joy McBeth, Community Projects Manager, VCNT
CC: Dan Fitzgerald, Chief Financial Officer, VCNT
Shari Hicks, City of Dallas
Date: September 28, 2009
Re: Pride in Your Neighborhood Cedar Oaks Beautification Event
Event Date: Saturday, September 26, 2009
Event Time: 8am – 12 noon
Total Attendees: 19
KDB Board Members: 1
(External) Volunteers: 7
City Employees: —
VCNT Staff: 1
Residents: 10
In-kind donations: Water, Gatorade
Total Expenses: $17.72
Overview:
The residents of Cedar Oaks and volunteers from the Mt. Pisgah Masons group were involved in a neighborhood beautification project this past weekend. Mr. Taylor, HOA leader, identified a retaining wall at the entrance of the community on Marsalis Ave. that needed re-painting. Residents and volunteers painted over graffiti as they gave the wall a fresh coat of paint.
Next Steps:
Cedar Oaks has completed its second beautification event and is now ready to begin the home improvement incentive. We plan to conduct site visits and begin the work this week.
