The Story of Resurgence

Isaiah

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The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland is proud to announce a resurgence in our youth program known as the Knights of Pythagoras (KOP). In December 2023, the Honorable Grand Master, Noel C. Osborne Sr., appointed Dr. Kevin D. Claiborne as the State Director of the program with clear guidance and intent to support our youth. The State Leadership moved forward under the support of Right Worshipful Claymon Strong as the State Treasurer and Past Master Terrence Tyson as the State Recorder. The State Leadership initiated monthly meetings on Third Thursdays via zoom at 730 pm where discussions on reorganization of the program were conducted.

In similar fashion to the establishment of a Grand Lodge, where three constituent chapters are needed, our leadership worked with our Regional Deputy Grand Masters and respective District Leadership to identify where constituent councils for the Knights of Pythagoras would be feasible with the limited number of resources and personnel available to support. Western Maryland leaders determined a regional Knights of Pythagoras council would be the most suitable for the geographical region. The 4th Masonic District led the effort in Southern, MD with a district operated council. Federal Lodge No. 9 took lead on the efforts in the Northern Masonic region. This plan was presented to the Grand Master, Deputy Grand

Master, and several Grand Lodge Officers where the direction to reopen defuncted councils stood as the refining guidance to moving forward.

The State Director has taken on several roles in getting the Knights of Pythagoras program revitalized including efforts to get recognized at schools and participating on community advisory boards for youth.

Each month, at the availability of the students, Dr. Kevin D. Claiborne conducts a monthly mentorship meeting with a few youth at Renaissance Academy High School. This opportunity is directly supported by Sister Raiana Davis and Bro. Roger Avery, Jr. Additionally, Dr. Claiborne supports an advisory board in Baltimore County, MD where a pilot program to support youth in Shady Grove and Dundalk area Recreation Centers are underway.

Lastly, a strong partnership with the Simon-Cunningham Grand Youth Fraternity leadership was formed under the direction of Sister Jacqueline Barber where a joint induction program of members was conducted and joint fundraiser. Getting the word disseminated regarding the development of the KOP program was facilitated using the Grand Lodge’s Secretary tool with the support of RW Julio Martinez. The Western Maryland Leadership, granted the State Director the opportunity to present an informational brief at the 2nd Masonic District Leadership Meeting on 10 February 2024.

Later on the same day, the State Director provided the brief at the Jurisdictional Town Hall at the Grand Lodge on 1307 Eutaw Place Baltimore, MD 21217. These opportunities were integral in getting information to Brothers and Sisters of the Jurisdiction.

Under the approval of the Grand Master, the youth were invited to the 1st Occasional Grand Lodge Meeting on 09 March 2024. The State Leadership of KOP set goals of ensuring charters were approved, available, and presented. Also, plans were made to conduct a hospitality suite for the youth, parents, and leadership while waiting. By the graces of the Grand Architect of the Universe, the

Later in the month of March, our very on Grand Master, hosted the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Grand Master, Grand Matrons, and Grand Patrons in Owing Mills, MD.

During the working lunch on Saturday 23 March 2024, the State Director was able to present the situational report on the status of the Maryland Grand Council including previous activity and the Director’s three-year plan for growth.

After the working lunch, the Grand Lodge graciously provided, the Grand Council with a break out session for visiting KOP State Director’s and KOP leadership to convene.

During this opportunity, the DC State Director Aubrey Farrar, 4th Masonic District Deputy Grand Master R.W.

RW James D. Singletary Council No. 11 was rewarranted serving the Western Masonic Region. The Peter Hassell Council No. 6 was rewarranted under the leadership of the 4th Masonic District. The Henry U. Ayers Council No. 13 was rewarranted under the leadership of the 1st Masonic District. Once presentations were completed, the State Director made the announcement of the reestablishment of the Maryland Grand Council Knights of Pythagoras, Inc. followed by his selection of the Most Venerable Grand Master Knights Michael A. Barber. The three charters were presented with their charters and banners to be utilized at their determination.

Harold Hobson, State Treasurer R.W. Strong, Bro. Joshua Jones, and the MD State Director were able to conduct a discussion on ways to support and grow together.