INAUGURAL CLASS

the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery.

Shortly after the session, I was approached by our Illustrious Deputy, who informed me that, in recognition of my diligent work within the Orient, he was recommending me for the investiture of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour. I humbly accepted and was honored, but I didn’t understand in that moment what the investiture was and the magnitude of what he bestowed upon me. However, trusting my Deputy, I soon learned that my time in Scottish Rite would never be the same.

In October of 2022, I departed for Jacksonville, Florida for the 136th Annual Session of the United Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., Inc. This was my first Annual Session and a milestone as well for many Sublime Princes as it was the first time in history that Sublime Princes were granted permission to attend. The investiture aside, I couldn’t afford to miss this opportunity to get a glimpse at just how Scottish Rite Masonry conducts business on a national scale. However, during this Annual Session, I would learn the meaning of this investiture, the history being made on that fateful ceremonial day, and why it is one of the greatest moments for me as a Mason.

The investiture of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour was established at the insistence of Grand Commander, Albert Pike on May 5th, 1870. It was created to recognize deserving members for their great and dedicated service to the Scottish Rite. At the 135th Annual Session, Sovereign Grand Commander for the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, Illustrious James D. Cole, 33°; bestowed the honor upon Sovereign Grand Commander for the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliation, Illustrious Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., Esq., 33°. This investiture not only marked the first time in history that a Prince Hall Mason received the honor, but it also granted our Sovereign Grand Commander the authority to bestow it to worthy Scottish Rite Prince Hall Affiliation Masons within the Southern Jurisdiction.

Walking into the ceremonial area and being present to receive this honor was a humbling experience. To see the precision and diligent efforts of our leadership as they performed the ritualistic work of the investiture gave me a sense of pride to be a part of this great institution…and that fire that awoke when I first advanced on that fateful day burned brightly once again and fueled me to continue this great work. At the completion of the ceremony, where we received our red caps, jewels, pins and certificates of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour; I realized, when directed to sign the archival logbook that I, along with my fellow invested Knight Commanders, were also making history that day. We became the inaugural class of Knight Commanders. The first ever to receive that honor in the history of Scottish Rite Prince Hall Affiliation Masonry. As incredible as that feeling is, it should also be known that to whom much is given, much is required.

Being a Knight Commander in the Orient of D.C. is not an easy task and is not to be taken lightly. This is an investiture, not a promotion in rank. You will still hold the thirty-second degree (32°). However, if you are fortunate to be given the opportunity to receive this great honor; understand that while you are being recognized for your outstanding efforts in the goal of advancing the mission of Scottish Rite Masonry in this Orient, you are also expected to continue that great work and face the disparate challenges that are presented to you. More is being asked and expected of you because you have already set the stage by contributing more of your time and talent, which is how we tithe in Masonry. Being the birthplace of Scottish Rite Masonry (38° 53’ 53.17” North Latitude), we are also expected to conduct ourselves at a certain standard. This standard requires constant vigilance to not only set it and meet it, but also maintain it. I am glad that I did not stay home that fateful day. I am proud to be a Scottish Rite Mason. I am grateful for being given the chance to serve this Orient and show my value by contributing to its success...

And I am honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with the other 7 Knight Commanders of the Court of Honour, proudly behind our leaders and alongside our members of the Louis W. Roy, Sr. Council of Deliberation, Orient of the District Of Columbia, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction.

To our Illustrious Deputy, Illustrious Overseer of the Works, Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, Grand Inspectors General, Knight Commanders of the Court of Honour, Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, Scottish Rite Masons all for the Orient of the District of Columbia, I salute you. May the Supreme Architect bless you all for He created the Blueprints to our life’s architectural design, and may this Orient continue to shine its Masonic Light as a beacon to all who answer the call to serve.

I look forward with great anticipation on whom will be chosen to join us and serve as a Knight Commander of the Court of Honour. Put in the work and perform your duties as a Scottish Rite Mason and you may discover that you may be traveling on that enriching journey to the Court.

Fraternally submitted, KCCH Tyrone S. Hurley, Jr., 32° Jonathan Davis Consistory No. 1 Louis W. Roy, Sr. Council of Deliberation

A∴A∴S∴R∴ PHA∴SJ-USA.