Jacob’s Ladder to Meridian

Author: WM Dr. Kevin D. Claiborne

James Chapter 1 verse 12 reads, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life the Lord has promised to those who love him.“

The Mighty Men of Federal Lodge No. 9 collectively made plans and supported each other in seeing the positive outcomes of our labor. The 2023-24 Masonic Year has been filled with hard work with the inclusivity of our loved ones and community that we support. Our efforts from the start of the new calendar year until current have been filled with getting out of the four walls of our lodge, enjoying the work we are proud to do, and placing the health of our membership as a priority.

Like any non-profit organization, charity and creating streams of revenue remained a consistent focus for Federal Lodge No. 9. But, unlike other constituent lodges of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, the Mighty Men of Federal Lodge No. 9 are blessed to call Trinity Chapter

No. 5 Order of the Eastern Star our sister chapter. And, together with their support, our organizations were able to initiate the 1st Annual Baby Product Charity, the 1st Annual 10 Week Weight Loss Challenge, and received support in our lodge’s efforts in selling Krispy Kreme Donuts and Texas Roadhouse Peanuts. These philanthropic efforts, and financial means of revenue creation, provide much needed relief in moving the lodge forward. Also, with genuine support from our 3rd Masonic District, led by RW Marvin Council, we were able to support the 1st Occasional Lodge with needed refreshments for the brothers in attendance. We are extremely proud to announce exponential growth in participation in the 10-week weight loss challenge where we have 25 participants including none other than our very own Grand Worthy Matron Sis. Chelly A. Jones!

March 2024 our lodge, and lovely sisters of Trinity Chapter No. 5, progressed in our efforts to finalize the RW Willie S. Godfrey Masonic Education Committee at Coppin Sate University. Our Entered Apprentices observed Women’s Day on 7 March 2024. Also, our SW proudly supported our Mid-Atlantic Conference of Grand Masters hosted by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland.

Day on 7 March 2024

Spring Informational Meeting. We are very proud to announce we have met the number of required students to get recognized as an on-campus organization! We thank Ms. Sandra Green for all of her support, and Bro. Roger Avery in leading this effort. Bro. Obed Gant has been selected as the inaugural president of RW Willie S. Godfrey Masonic Education Committee at Coppin State University.

Senior Warden Cash D. L. Crooms and his lovely Family at the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Grand Masters, Grand Matrons, and Grand Patrons.