The Bulletin - Summer 2021, Vol. 2, No. 2

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The Official Journal of the United Supreme Council, 33º AASR, PHA, SJ, U.S.A.

Vol. 2, No. 2 Summer 2021

Rebranding The Southern Jurisdiction

REBUILDING THE RITE STONE BY STONE COVID-19

IMPACT ON THE RITE

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Editor-in-Chief Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., Esq., 33° Sovereign Grand Commander Managing Editor Dr. Anthony T. Stafford, 33° Lt. Grand Commander Editorial Board Arvin C. Glass, 33° Grand Chancellor Alonzo Haynes, 33º Grand Minister of State Marvin D. Chambers, 33° Grand Secretary-General, H.E. Staff Editor L.Ken Collins, II, 33° Assistant Grand Secretary-General, H.E. Staff Writers Dr. Marlon Honeywell, 33° Dave Gillarm, II, 33° Eric Konohia, 33° Patrick Worlds, 33° Staff Photographer Danny West, 33° Dir. Internet Technology Garnett Hall, 33°

UNITED SUPREME COUNCIL, 33º AASR, PHA, SJ, U.S.A. 3385 Airways Boulevard Road, Suite 200 Memphis, Tennessee 38116 WWW.AASRPHASJ.ORG

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CONTENTS Rebranding the Southern Jurisdiction

SGC Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., Esq.................................4

Keeping it Together

LGC Dr. Anthony T. Stafford.......................5

Spotlight: Deputy Eden Reeves: Orient of the Republic of Liberia Eric Konohia......................................6

SGIG Larry Gibson, Esq.: The Hidden Hand Eric Konohia......................................17

Tech Update

Jonathan Beverley.......................11

Minimed 770G - Diabetes Management Dr. Marlon Honeywell.................12

Esoteria: Knight of of the East & Sword Patrick Worlds............................15

Scales of Justice: Qualified Immunity

Gr. Attorney General Michael Joiner..........................20

All The Rite Questions:

Alonzo Haynes...............................22

Highlighting Our HBCU Presidents.........................26

Be Sure to Order Your Commemorative

DR. DEARY VAUGHN LEGACY MEDALLION Back of Fraters

Don’t o t t e g For Order!

Front

Back of Loyal Ladies

TO PLACE YOUR ORDER Please visit our website at: www.aasrphasj.org

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Sovereign Grand Commander’s Message

s new administration’s assume their full leadership roles, a full inventory of the status of the organization must be taken. In like fashion, I looked closely at the historical, administrative and ritualistic makeup of this “Grand Ole Order.”

One of the resounding themes that resonated was “Who are we? What do we do?

What is the public’s view of us?” After working with the Council of Administration, we identified that we need to provide a clear understanding of who we are, what we do and re-establish ourselves both

within and without Prince Hall Freemasonry. Therefore, we have to enact a strategic campaign of “Rebranding the Scottish Rite” in the Southern Jurisdiction.

The first item on the list for the team was to take a critical review of our published works (The Bulletin, rituals, The Official Bulletin, membership patents, etc...). My team was tasked with reviewing them for design and language updates and enrolled the assistance of graphic artists to enact a new look of the Southern Jurisdiction.

Another item that the team is reviewing is how to enhance our imagery within and without Prince Hall Freemasonry.

This assessment includes formal and informal surveys to membership and within the African-American community to ascertain how they view the Southern Jurisdiction.

The internal item of “What do we do?” is being reviewed under a strict microscope of the varying demographics (age, background, education, gender, etc...) of the Southern Jurisdiction. As we move forward, this review will ensure our updates are germane to the Southern Jurisdiction’s constituency, our historical legacy and future.

Lastly, we are giving the organization a facelift. We have obtained wisdom through past experiences. We are “moving forward!”

As we hammer in on “Carrying the Scottish Rite Banner since 1886,” we look forward to the future. The Southern Jurisdiction will continue our traditions, while ensuring our image reflects a 21st century organization that can and will be around for another 135 years!

Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., Esq., 33° 33° Sovereign Grand Commander

Rebuilding the Rite Stone by Stone: Through Remembrance, Revitalization & Recommitment Carrying the Scottish Rite Banner Since 1886

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Keeping it Together - The Resilience of the South Greetings Fraters and Peers!

As we make final preparations for the approach of the 135th Session and 45th Triennial Session of our United Supreme Council, remember to adhere to the precautions set by the federal, state, and local officials regarding the COVID-19 Virus and its variants. Let’s adopt a safe posture as we travel amid this crisis and always keep yourselves and your families safe.

The Council of Administration looks forward to seeing the Fraters as it has been 2 years since our last in-person gathering. Scottish Rite education has seen a seismic shift. Some things to look for this year include the continuation of our Lecture Series from our Education Team.

Our team has raised the bar in Scottish Rite education in the South and cultivated a team that delivers consistently! The Committee provides lectures on the fundamental protocols of the United Supreme Council, as well as an in-depth analysis of the timeline following the death of Hiram Abiff, in a lecture titled, “First 48.” It employs an interactive model which engage learners directly in a small group setting. The team brings a level of competence, professionalism, and enthusiasm. I would urge attendees to employ their attentive ear during lectures and presentations. You will not be disappointed.

The 25th degree, – Knight of the Brazen Serpent has a passage I’ve come to admire regarding education, and it states, “Be not content with what you have already learned and thinking that you may not improve your store of wisdom. The brightest and sharpest sword, left to remain long in the scabbard, rusts and loses its edge, and the intellect left to lie fallow becomes arid and barren.” I encourage Deputies for the Orients, Presidents of Commanders of the Rite

(local and state), Commanders-in-Chief and Ministers of State (local and state) to canvass your areas of responsibility, conduct frater asset inventories and utilize your member’s, knowledge, skill, and abilities.

Lastly, the United Supreme Council has endured. The Sovereign Grand Commander and I began implementing his rebranding efforts to continue building and fortifying our Rite, guarding against intrusion.

When the sages of our posterity speak of our time, let it be said that this Grand Ole’ Order of ours endured and we stood our ground during one of the most challenging times of our generation. We do not retreat. We do not give up. We do not forget. We are the Southern Jurisdiction!

GOD SAVE THE CRAFT.

Dr. Anthony T. Stafford, 33º Lt. Grand Commander

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REBUILDING THE RITE, STONE BY STONE: Recommitment - ORIENT Of THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.

Spotlight On Ill. Deputy Eden Reeves, 33º - PART I

By: eric konohia, 33º Staff Writer Connections I have become accustomed to the process in which I prepare for these interviews for the Scottish Rite Bulletin. In my past interviews of Sovereign Grand Commander Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., Esq, 33°, and SGIG Lucious Turner, 33°, both drew my attention by their charisma, presence and leadership acumen. This interview, however, was spawned by my love for a country and its people, coupled with the undeniable aura of a Frater, who was recently appointed as the Deputy for the Orient of Liberia.

Through in-depth research over the years, Liberia has become a country that I respect and adore, despite its tumultuous history of civil war and coups.

I contend that the people I have met from Liberia are magnificent and the country is full of Masonic history, unbeknownst to many.

In October 2017, as I sat in the Howard D. Woods class, I purposely introduced myself to my classmates from Liberia, which spawned lengthy conversations with them about a variety of subjects, including my 30+ trips to their country beginning in April 2007. During our talks, I mentioned that almost every government official we met in Liberia was a Mason. I further stated that we took a tour of the country and visited what was left of their Grand Lodge after the war during my very first trip.

Ironically, one of my classmates remembered our trips to Liberia and the purpose of our visits. While in Jacksonville, Florida, the delegation from Liberia and I established a fond relationship and exchanged gentle pleasantries throughout the weekend. However, by happenstance, I noticed an individual, who always appeared to be in close proximity to the Liberian delegation. In fact, he traveled with them so frequently that I thought he was also in the class.

This man moved like a whisper and possessed a

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gentle smile as bright as the sun; yet, he also exhibited the distinct and profound stature of a proud Liberian. When our class took breaks or completed the daily tasks, he was always awaiting his fellow countrymen. Eventually, I was introduced to this man, whose name is Eden C. Reeves, II. Since 2017, I have found him to be a highly-respected freemason, a knowledgeable historian, and a good friend.

Foundation In June 2021, I was informed that GIG Reeves was appointed as the new Deputy for the Orient of Liberia by SGC Hawkins. I immediately called to congratulate him. After a few attempts, I finally spoke with him, while vacationing in Jamaica and

visiting his in-laws. Believe it or not, my congratulatory and exuberant remarks were met with wisdom, humility and contemplation. Evidently, Eden Reeves was toiling heavily with the fact that he was replacing, in his words, “His Father in Masonry”, Most Worshipful Grand Master and Deputy for the Orient of Liberia, SGIG George E. Henries. However, according to Reeves, he was comforted after visiting the home of SGIG Henries, as he had done on previous occasions, to deliver the news of his recent appointment. In fact, Reeves stated that when SGIG Henries responded, “well deserved,” he felt the weight lifted. Moreover, he also knew, in that sobering moment, that there is still much work to be done.

Contrasting Perception Reeves’ first experience with masonry was when his father sent a car to their home to retrieve his black suit and regalia. When he awakened the next morning, Reeves noticed that his home was filled with cakes, fried chicken, and several other foods. Obviously, his father brought with him these items from his Masonic meeting. Notwithstanding, Reeves, much like other Liberian kids, was still afraid of masonry because of several rumors gallivanting throughout the country: Masons are involved with some “dark things” up there (referring to the Grand Lodge building). The Deputy also remarked that his father kept all of his masonic books in a drawer.

Additionally, it was believed that should one read a Masonic book without being a member, instant blindness would be the consequence! Eden also stated that, in one sense, he was excited by the cornucopia of food that his father brought home after meetings, while, on the other hand, he wrestled with the ‘dark side of Masonry,’ an aspect in which many Liberians believed confidently. Even so, it was his college experience at Adelphi University in Garden City, Long Island that brought clarity to his misconceptions. He began following several Pan-African lecturers, who consistently underscored the Egyptian influence on freemasonry, and became more interested in the Order. Nevertheless, Reeves’ journey to being raised in 2005 is consumed with exAfter his solemn comments, I took an opportunity ecution, escape, freedom, and opportunity. Truth to shift the conversation in order to highlight the be told, his story is buried beneath the ambitious history of Liberia, the newest Deputy, and his plans desires of men who would maim and murder their own people for the sake of power. moving forward.

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was to conduct quality assurance testing to ensure that the systems were working correctly. (It should be noted that this is a period of time before Reeves was initiated into Masonry; but you can already see a “Leader” being groomed.)

Creating a Leader Eden Reeves’ story starts in 1980, when his mother sent him and his siblings to live with family in the United Sates because of a coup directed by Samuel Doe and his National Democratic Party of Liberia.

(For a moment, we both laughed when he told me he moved to Columbia Maryland in 1980. Columbia, Maryland is about 30 minutes from where I lived in 1980.) Reeves’ family was once a part of the ruling class. During the coup, his father was imprisoned and later placed under house arrest. Eventually, Reeves’ father was able to flee the country and purchased a home in Hempstead, New York. During that period, his father began working for the United Nations as a representative of several African countries, a position he held for approximately 13 years.

While in the United States, Reeves graduated from Howard High School and Adelphi University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Although experiencing difficulty with employment on Wall Street after college, he landed his first job at Blue Cross Blue Shield, where they discovered his expertise in auditing and system development. After a few years, he changed jobs and worked for TIAA-CREF (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America and College Retirement Equities Fund). Shortly thereafter, he landed his dream job at Goldman Sachs, where he developed systems for their merchant and investment banking divisions. At that time, Goldman Sachs was spending approximately 22 Billion dollars in their IT budget, as it allowed them to trade $500 million in seconds. Reeves job, at the time,

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Sons of Mother Liberia have deadly ambitions GIG Reeves traditionally visited Liberia in the summer. However, from 1990-2002, he stopped traveling to Liberia because the country was unstable due to Charles Taylor’s invasion. He would later learn that Masonry had been banned by President Samuel Doe’s government. Because of the close relationship to political power since the founding of Freemasonry, there was a general perception that the Craft was the fourth branch of government .

During this period (1980-1988) following the military coup, thirteen members of the administration of the deposed president, William Tolbert, were placed on trial and sentenced to death by the Doe court. According to GIG Reeves, the custodian of the Masonic Temple, Right Worshipful Afrikanus Schaaks, was also murdered for refusing to turn over the keys to the Temple.

(Photo: Samuel Doe holds radio alongside other conspirators)

Several of the men below were members of the Craft in Liberia (executed by firing squad) : • Frank E. Tolbert — Brother of President Tolbert and President pro tempore of the Senate (Past Grand Master) • Richard A. Henries — Speaker of the House of Representatives (Past Grand Master)* • E. Reginald Townsend — National Chairman of the True Whig Party (Grand Master) • P. Clarence Parker II — Chairman of the Na-

• • • • • • • • •

tional Investment Council and Treasurer of the True Whig Party (Past Master) James A. A. Pierre — Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (Past Master) Joseph J. Chesson Sr. — Minister of Justice (Master Mason) Cecil Dennis — Minister of Foreign Affairs (Master Mason) Cyril Bright — former Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs (Master Mason) John W. Sherman — Minister of Commerce, Industry and Transportation (Master Mason) James T. Phillips — former Minister of Finance, former Minister of Agriculture David Franklin Neal — former Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs Charles King — Representative from Nimba County (Master Mason) Frank J. Stewart Sr. — Director of the Budget (Master Mason)

(Photo: L to R - Liberian Deputy Eden Reeves, Liberian Deputy-Emeritus George Henries, Grand Secretary-General Marvin D. Chambers, Past Sovereign Grand Commander Dr. Deary Vaughn and Liberian Frater.)

GIG Reeves intimated that it took deliberate conversations between the former Grand Master, Philip J. L. Brumskine, the current Grand Master, George E. Henries (who at the time was the Senior Grand Warden), and the Doe administration to have the Masonic ban lifted. (It should be noted that Grand Master George Henries is the immediate past Deputy for the Orient of Liberia, whom GIG Reeves replaced, and the son of PGM Richard A. Henries, who is listed above as having been executed by Doe’s firing squad.)

During Henries and Brumskine’s conversations with Doe to lift the Masonic ban, one major item was

requested: Masons in Liberia MUST initiate President Samuel Doe. Despite the coup and executions, Brumskine and Henries agreed, for the betterment of Masonry. According to Reeves, Grand Master George Henries said that it was more important to bring masonry back than to dwell on the past. Accordingly, on September 24-27, 1988, The Grand Lodge of Liberia resumed the practice of Masonry by holding its 8th Grand Convocation in Monrovia, Liberia.

Unfortunately, the sun rising again for Masonry in Liberia would be short lived. Soon thereafter, Charles Taylor invaded the country with a rebel army, placing Liberia in a 10-year, civil crisis. In 1997, Taylor was elected President, only to face a second civil war that forced him to step down as President and flee the country.

Stabilization In 2005, three events occurred that would help steer Liberia away from its tumultuous past: (1) Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was the first democratically-elected female head of state in Africa, as she became Liberia’s 24th President; (2) Former President of the United States, William Jefferson Clinton, started the Clinton Global Initiative to improve economic growth in Liberia. (President Sirleaf spoke on Liberia’s needs and the close relationship of freed black American slaves and Liberia.); and (3) Billionaire businessman Robert Johnson, moved by Ellen Sirleaf ’s speech, pledged to mobilize $30 million dollars for the revitalization of Liberia. This pledge by Robert Johnson would be the impetus of my numerous travels to Liberia. After these positive and life-changing events, in December 2005, Eden Reeves became a member of the Craft in Amos Lodge, No 10.

Emergence of the Leader Eden Reeves could now peer inside masonic books without the fear of going blind. After initiation, Reeves immersed himself into masonry. Seven years after being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, he was nominated, elected and installed as Worshipful Master of his lodge from 2012-2013. In 2014, he was advanced as a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret in Mesurado Consistory, No. 237 (Valley of Monrovia). At that time, Mesurado Consistory was the only active consistory in Liberia.

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In 2015, Reeves’ predecessor, George Henries, who served as a Special Overseer of the Work, petitioned to reactivate William R. Tolbert, Jr. Consistory, No. 310 (Valley of Schieffelin) and John G. Lewis Consistory, No. 311 (Valley of Buchanan), which was granted by PSGC Deary Vaughn, 33°. The John G. Lewis Consistory, No. 311 charter established the Orient of Liberia.

In October 2015, at the 129th Annual Session of the United Supreme Council, Eden Reeves was elevated to Grand Inspector General. Immediately following his elevation, Reeves immersed himself in the work of the United Supreme Council. The following year, he served as assistant to the United Supreme Council’s Class Administration Committee, and as class advisor, from 2018 to 2019.

In his Orient, Reeves served as Commander in Chief of John G. Lewis Consistory, No. 311 in 2019 and as the Illustrious Grand Secretary for the Council of Deliberations, from 2015 to 2021. As if that was not enough, Reeves served as the Overseer of the Work for their Council of Deliberation, from 2018-2021.

Reeves immediate immersion in the work of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite placed him in the “Rising Star” and “Up and Coming” designation.

Deputy Reeves is a Past Patron of Adah Chapter, No. 4, Order of the Eastern Star. In 2019, he was elected and installed as the first Most Excellent Grand High Priest of the newly formed Grand Chapter, Holy Royal Arch Masons of Liberia. In the eyes of many, Deputy Reeves’ trajectory and appointment may seem as an anomaly; however, as the bible proclaims, “Your gifts make room for you!”

Congratulations, Deputy Reeves, on a job well done! ________________________

Photo: The Dr. William O. Jones Class of 2015 - Liberia

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Fraters Stay Connected via Member Portal The USC PHA SJ Connect App is the first of many tech enhancements for the Rite.

G.I.G. Jonathan Beverley, 33°, Guest Contributor

Earlier this summer, the United Supreme Council rolled out a new, interactive way Fraters can stay connected and abreast of the happenings across the Jurisdiction. USC PHA SJ Community is an online site where Fraters can discuss various aspects of the Scottish Rite, securely. Before its implementation, Fraters primarily relied on other social media platforms such as Facebook, Google Groups, and GroupMe to share information and thoughts, but as one can imagine, the data resides in an environment that we neither manage nor secure. Our online Community is managed, secured and moderated by the USC PHA SJ’s I.T. staff.

A vital element of the USC PHA SJ Community is that Fraters can access the environment several ways. The website (https://uscphasj.org) can be accessed via any web browser, including those installed on mobile phones. Another way to access the Community is via the USC PHA SJ Connect app, a cross-platform solution (Apple iOS and Android) a Frater installs on their mobile device. Fraters must register to access the environment by supplying their name, email, Orient, Consistory, and member number. If Fraters do not know or remember their member number, their K.S.A., Illustrious Deputy, or the USC Office Staff can provide that information.

The USC PHA SJ Community has various public and private groups members can join to discuss Scottish Rite philosophy, ritualistic interpretation, esoterica, and administrative matters. Moreover, Orients and Valleys can promote their events and initiatives across the broad membership spectrum. Imagine the ability to inform your fellow members of scholarship opportunities for deserving young people at the click of a couple of buttons. The USC PHA SJ Community provides that capability. Future capabilities include buy-and-sell classifieds listings and real-time chat as utilization and adoption increase.

The United Supreme Council has been transforming how we do business by incrementally incorporating technology into all aspects of our operations. The USC IT Staff provides technology support during our quarterly webinar series, eCommerce portal development, and back-office administration to maintain operational efficiency. S.G.I.G. Garnett Hall 33°, Director of Information Technology and Deputy for the Orient of Maryland, stated, “In rebuilding the Rite stone by stone, the I.T. department will continually provide innovative technologies to help enhance the organization and the mission of the United Supreme Council.” From providing our Fraters with innovative ways to stay in touch to “keeping the lights on,” the United Supreme Council is well on its way to provide its Fraters with increased value and pride in its membership.

Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play App, searching for “USC PHA SJ Connect.”

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Minimed 770G: A Novel Device for Managing Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

For Type 2, there seem to be a variety of causes, which include obesity, leading a sedentary lifestyle, increasing age, and a bad diet. While many of the causes of type 2 DM may be mitigated by facilitating lifestyle changes, the same is not true for T1DM.

Dr. Marlon S. Honeywell, 33° IMPORTANCE OF MONITORING SUGAR LEVELS Staff Writer Monitoring sugar levels regularly is an essential component for managing DM. Regular monitoring allows one to gauge the impact of recommended or prescribed measures and to make adjustments, when appropriate. When glucose measurements INTRODUCTION Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a condition which results indicate that sugar levels are too high, modificain high glucose (sugar) levels. Though the Ameri- tions may be instituted to bring it back to norcan Diabetes Association classifies four categories mal right away. This may involve altering food for DM, the main two types are Type 1 Diabetes intake (avoiding unhealthy foods) or increasing Mellitus (T1DM), which involves an inability of the dosage of medications. When glucose levels the body to produce any insulin; and Type 2 Diabe- waver outside the normal range, particularly in tes Mellitus, a condition where the body produces T1DM, consider speaking with your pharmacist some insulin, but not enough to effectively control or to a healthcare professional to schedule an apsugar levels. According to studies, the incidence of pointment. Additionally, keep a daily log of your DM is increasing globally every day. If sugar levels sugar levels to present to your healthcare providaren’t properly monitored and controlled, affected er during the appointment. With this vital inforindividuals are placed at a greater risk of develop- mation, you and your provider can determine an ing other associated problems, which may affect the appropriate strategy to rectify the situation. eyes, kidneys, nerves, and feet.

MINIMED 770G Developed by Medtronic, a leader in medical devicWHO IS AFFECTED? Based on a recent National Diabetes Statistics Re- es, the Minimed 770G was created specifically for port presented by the Centers for Disease Control the management of T1DM in patients ages 2 and and Prevention, data collected indicate that 9.4% older. The system uses a computerized program (30.3 million) of the United States (U.S.) popula- that continuously monitors the user’s sugar levels tion have DM, and only 23.1 million are diagnosed. and correspondingly adjusts insulin every 5 minAccording to the U.S. Department of Health and utes. Using real-time glucose readings, the device is Human Services, non-Hispanic blacks are twice as able to calculate a personalized amount of insulin likely as non-Hispanic whites to die from DM. Ad- to deliver based on the patient’s needs. The Minditionally, African American adults are 60 percent imed 770G also connects directly with a compatimore likely than non-Hispanic white adults to be ble smartphone, allowing sugar trends and insulin delivery to be viewed on the go. Device features indiagnosed with the disease. clude the following: WHAT CAUSES DIABETES? 1. Sugar levels can be automatically shared T1DM is caused by the immune system destroying with your healthcare provider. cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Destruc2. Patients may view insulin delivery and sugtion of such cells triggers fluctuations in sugar levar trends on your smartphone. Friends and els by leaving the body without enough insulin to family can also view trends. function normally. This is called an autoimmune 3. Device is enabled for future software upreaction because the body essentially attacks itself. grades.

Regrettably, autoimmune changes in the pancreas 4. System temporarily changes the glucose tarcannot be stopped. get to give less insulin when exercising.

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EFFICACY In a trial regarding the Minimed 770G, 151 children and 124 adolescents and adults were assessed over two weeks in Manual Mode and three months in SmartGuard Auto Mode. Results showed that there were no episodes of severely low sugar levels or diabetic ketoacidosis and no serious device-related adverse events while using the SmartGuard Auto Mode.

TRAINING Free training on the system is offered by Medtronic. Prior to training, compatibility with your smartphone must be determined, and supplementary resources will be provided. An image of the Minimed 770G may be seen below.

CONCLUSION Although T1DM is a challenging disease to manage, the Minimed 770G has shown to be very efficacious in reducing risks of complications and improving glucose management. For more information on the Minimed 770G System, please visit: https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/products/minimed-770g-insulin-pump-system.

Photo: 770G Minimed REFERENCES 1. American Diabetes Association: Diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus, Diabetes Care 35:S64-S71, 2012.

2. Auday B, Buratovich M, Marrocco G et al. Salem Health McGill’s Medical Guide. 8th ed. Ipswich: Grey House Publishing; c2018. Vol 2, Diabetes Mellitus; p. 678- 82 3. Diabetes and African Americans. https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=18. Accessed July 15, 2021.

4. Diabetes Causes. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-causes.html. Accessed July 12, 2021.

5. The Importance of Monitoring Blood-Glucose Levels. https://www.brunet.ca/en/health/health-tips/the-importance-of-monitoring-blood-glucose-levels/. Accessed August 17, 2021.

6. The MiniMed 770G. https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/products/minimed-770g-insulin-pump-system. Accessed August 17, 2021.

7. Medtronics Introduces New Minimed 770G for Type 1 Diabetes. https://xtalks.com/medtronic-introduces-new-minimed-770g-for-type-1-diabetes-2410/. Accessed August 17, 2021.

8. Image of Minimed 770G. https://www.google.com/search?q=minimed+770G+image&rlz=1C5CHFA_en___US741&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwikm6On1rjyAhX2QjABHdI6AFUQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1680&bih=847#imgrc=sRGoQxgj3RrdaM&imgdii=enEAv8-ZwJZ0wM. Accessed August 17, 2021.

Disclaimer: Dr. Marlon Honeywell, PharmD, serves as the Executive Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Florida A&M University - College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The views of Dr. Honeywell do not reflect the views of the United Supreme Council nor does it constitute providing medical advice.

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ESOTERICA C. Patrick Worlds, 33º Staff Writer by

The Knight of the East & Sword: The Audacity of Harmony

“We are one people, one family, the human family, and what affects one of us, affects us all.”

– SGIG John Lewis, 33°

Reconciliation, in many cases, is driven by the innate desire of mankind to attain harmony and equilibrium within all facets of life. In fact, masonic literature aligns with this belief by including the significance of harmony in the Senior Warden’s comments during opening ceremonies. However, in certain instances, a financial situation may hinder the achievement of unanimity, thereby, contributing to what may be considered by some as irrevocable discord. To inform future generations of Fraters of the importance of harmony, several masonic degrees highlight the relevance of reconciliation in allegorical stories. To this end, the 15th degree, Knight of the East or Sword, is replete with examples of biblical schisms and how, after time

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and divine intervention, harmony was ultimately achieved.

The Knight of the East or Sword – Overview The 15th degree elucidates the basis of Babylonian captivity and the subsequent release of the Hebrews by the Persian King Cyrus. The degree begins with the destruction of King Solomon’s Temple by Nebuchadnezzar and the subsequent captivity of 42,360 Jews, for 70 years.

Zerubbabel, a prince of Jerusalem, was eventually appointed governor of Israel by the Persian King Cyrus and permitted to return and rebuild the second temple. While migrating to Jerusalem, many of his companions were met with fierce resistance at a bridge over the Eu-

phrates River. As a result, he ordered his companions to build with a trowel in one hand and to fight with a sword in the other. The trowel and sword represent the presence of opposing forces and reconciliation of the same.

The Crux of the Matter – Opposing Tools The trowel is an instrument used by speculative masons to spread the cement which unites a building into one common mass. The trowel is used esoterically to spread the cement of brotherly love that unites us into one sacred band. Masonic literature instructs that the trowel unites masons as friends among whom no contention should ever exist; but that noble contention or rather emulation of who best can work or best agree. Conversely, the sword is an instrument of war, used to cause and inflict harm up to and including, death. Both can be viewed as opposites. The trowel is an instrument of peace, and the sword is an instrument of war.

Additionally, the Egyptian crook and flail, arguably one of the most recognized symbols of ancient Egypt, provide an additional example of duality. Carried by most pharaohs (Egyptian monarchy as a symbol of authority) these two symbols have resulted in several explanations of their relevance. The flail (Egyptian – nekhakha), a rod with three strands of beads attached to the top, is said to have been used to establish order, by punishing if necessary. When used as a weapon, it can also be employed to defend the sheep from harm.

The crook (Egyptian – heka), conversely, is regularly said to have evolved from the staff of shepherds to steer and direct their flock in an effort to maintain order. In most depictions, the two are depicted with alternating stripes of blue and gold in color. Symbolic of the power and authority of the ruler, the crook and flail can often be seen held by pharaohs crossed over their chests. The two in concert, produce equilateral triangles with one pointing up, and the other pointing down. An esoteric contemplation yields the alchemical symbols for fire and water, or as above so below – polar opposites.

Together these symbols are reconciled in the center and illustrate the presence of harmony through tolerance and restraint. The prevailing lessons of the Scottish Rite degrees teach masons to constantly seek harmony and balance, in the presence of opposing forces. Differences and conflict tempered with tolerance leads to harmony. Hermes Trismegistus under the name, The Three Initiates, in a book called, The Kybalion, details what he calls the Seven.

Hermetic Philosophy – Principle of Polarity One must be willing to learn and capable of understanding to begin the process of reconciliation or as Hermes Trismegistus puts it, - the lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of understanding. In the reconciliation of opposites, the law of duality can be found from the Hermetic Principle of Polarity. It represents the idea that everything is embodied by duality and possesses opposite poles. Additionally, in the Kybalion, Hermes states that when temperature is evaluated, opposing poles – hot and cold – are simply varying degrees of the same thing. For example, when considering temperature on a thermometer, one may ask where does heat begin and cold end? Though hot and cold appear to the profane as opposites, conceptually, temperature is simply varying degrees of the same thing.

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Similarly, brothers are all humans, with varying levels of value in character. Compromise and tolerance provide the most value in the pursuit of harmony by providing an alternative way to achieve the desired balance. The path to equilibrium is illuminated by tolerance, which deals only in matters of faith and politics, not in adherence to the rules of the Scottish Rite...and it is paved in unfettered loyalty to this Grand Old Order.

Freedom of thought or Liberte’ de Penser (an esoteric approach to Liberte’ de Passage), in the fifteenth degree provides tolerance as an avenue to stability. Freedom of conscience and thought promotes acceptance and potentially reunites the separated.

“Everything is dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled.”

—The Kybalion

The Mettle of the Rite Similar to the reconciliation of Hiram the King of Tyre and Joabert in the 6th degree, (Intimate/ Confidential Secretary), by King Solomon, Zerubbabel reconciled with Cyrus, and led the Hebrews back to rebuild the Temple. Subsequently, good triumphed over evil. Examples of reconciliation can be found throughout the lessons of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

The Sovereign Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council (USC PHA – SJ), Illustrious Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., Esq., upon assuming the reigns of the USC and during the COVID- 19 virus pandemic, unveiled his pub-

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lic relations directives. It began with hosting, Understanding Covid - 19: Vaccines, Keeping Our Communities Safe, on the Supreme Council’s Facebook page with moderator, Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Dr. Donald Ware, Grand Health Director. Additionally, the Sovereign Grand Commander in his effort and determination to reunite members who have been suspended for non-payment of dues and want to recommit themselves, instituted the B.I.R.D. – Back In the Rite Drive – program. His enthusiastic approach is demonstrative of a familiar comradery found in professions of loyalty and honor.

The directive issued by the Sovereign Grand Commander concerning the BIRD program outlined reclamation procedures for members who were suspended for lack of payment.

Conclusion The Sovereign Grand Commander’s BIRD program offers an excellent opportunity for reclamation and rebuilding the Rite. Civil Rights Leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., stated, “But life itself is a creative synthesis of opposites in fruitful harmony.” Zerubbabel’s Knight Masons in the 15th degree completed the Second Temple in forty-six (46) years by working with a trowel and a sword, rather than one or the other. His understanding toward the completion of this magnificent edifice can be directly related to his wisdom and desire to rebuild the temple. His orders to build and defend demonstrates his determined resolve as a leader. An attentive ear can hear those same whispers coming from the Sovereign Grand Commander, “rebuild and defend.”

“If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with Kings – nor lose the common touch...”

– Rudyard Kipling _____________________

Rebuilding the rite stone by stone: remembrance - The Hidden Hand Spotlight on SGIG Larry Gibson, 33º

By: eric konohia, 33º Staff Writer

“History, too, has a penchant for giving birth to itself over and over again, and those whom it appoints agents of change and progress do not always accept their destinies willingly.” -Aberjhani History in many ways takes on a speculative persona, almost like ritual, where words, sentences and entire paragraphs can take you on a literal ride, all while knowing that behind the poignant text and eloquent prose is an entire utopia of whence the history holds its true roots. This is where you will find S.G.I.G Professor Larry S. Gibson, 33° doing his research. While others attempt to corporealize historical facts to paint a picture, Professor Gibson, exhausts his energy in the essence of what makes history worthy to be painted.

sel at Shapiro, Sher, Guinot & Sandler where he for seven years represented the World Umpires Association, which includes all Major League Baseball umpires. In 2005, when the Maryland General Assembly passed the law renaming the state’s airport to Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, SGIG Gibson was the chief advocate for that legislation. This intersection of two lawyers who grew up in Baltimore Maryland would galvanize the immortality of one and invigorate the legacy of the other.

In 2012, SGIG Gibson published his book, Young Thurgood: The Making of a Supreme Court Justice (Prometheus Books). With the approval of the Marshall family, this book focused on the young Thurgood up to 1938, including his childhood, education, and early years of law practice in Baltimore.

The book covers Marshall’s first major case on behalf of the NAACP. Many historians call it “The First Step on the Road to Brown vs Board of Education.” It desegregated the University of Maryland Law School (ironically the school where Gibson still teaches) and is called the “First Step” because it was the first time any court in the United States ordered the desegregation of an educational facility. Gibson’s book also describes what Thurgood Marshall was like as a person and how he got to be that way. Gibson’s first book did extremely well and won national and international book awards.

It is in SGIG Gibson’s next book, Thurgood’s Orchestra: Conducting Civil Rights in the South 1935 Photo: SGIG Larry Gibson, Esq., 33º – 1955, where history gives birth to itself again. To Besides his full-time vocation of teaching law be released in 2022, the book will detail Marshall’s at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey national leadership as counsel for the NAACP, up School of Law, SGIG Gibson also serves as Of-Coun- to and past Brown v. Board of Education.

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Marshall was a Mason from pictures he had seen of Thurgood Marshall and PSGC, Dr. Willard W. Allen, 33° and his association with PSGC, Dr. Jno. G. Lewis, 33°. Marshall’s involvement with the Craft was further evidenced by photographs of Marshall receiving checks from various Masonic bodies.

But, the extent of the support and Marshall’s reliance on it was far greater than Gibson had imaged.

Photo: Book entitled Young Thurgood by SGIG Larry Gibson

As history begins to give birth to itself again, SGIG Gibson writes about a case in 1955 where the U.S. Supreme Court rendered an important decision, that has received almost no attention. In this case, it extended the Brown ruling beyond education to desegregate the public beaches in Maryland.

On that same day, the Court rendered another decision applying the Maryland beaches case to desegregate the Atlanta municipal golf courses. Few scholars have written about this case, regarding the Maryland beaches, because the Supreme Court only issued an order and did not write an explanatory opinion. But, Gibson explains how it began the process of completely unravelling all government supported Jim Crow laws, in America.

In his upcoming book, SGIG Gibson describes the extraordinary financial, logistical, and organizational support that Thurgood Marshall and his work received from Prince Hall Freemasonry.

According to SGIG Gibson, what has emerged from his research is a part of American history few understand. He says that he knew that Thurgood

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Photo: SGIG Thurgood Marshall, 33º Grand Minister of State

SGIG Gibson, who has in speeches and writings repeatedly called the Prince Hall Masons “America’s Oldest Civil Right Organization,” uses research to peel back history to show the nation the full story of Prince Hall Freemasonry’s support of Thurgood Marshall and the advancement of civil rights. The book is replete with the names of Masonic lawyers who assisted Marshall, Masonic Temples they used to strategize and organize, Masonic brothers who transported Marshall around and protected him and also, an outline of the financial support he received, which was ultimately nothing short of jaw dropping.

This book will shine the proverbial light on how Past Sovereign Grand Commanders and countless other Prince Hall Masons affected the outcome of the Civil Rights Movement and how history has given birth to itself again to include the United Supreme Council, PHA, SJ, USA. _________________

Class Reunions Greetings Fraters!

As you know, each respective 33° Class holds its Class Reunion based on the last digit of the year to which they were elevated. In preparation for the 135th Annual & 45th Triennial Session, I want to personally pledge to provide you with the necessary tools in order to make sure that your Class Reunion will be successful. Over the coming months, I will be developing a database to identify Class Year, Class Name and also the current officers of each Class. Therefore, it is pertinent that each and every Frater assist me in identifying the Class Officers to provide the best service available for your Class Reunion.

Additionally, I am asking every Deputy for the Orient to inform your Grand Inspectors General of the services that our Department will provide in order to have a successful Class Reunion.

Please be reminded that we are here to help serve to make your Class Reunion a pleasant experience. Some of the assistance that the Class Reunions Department provides include: (1) Providing your Class meeting space, (2) Requesting an original Class roster, and, (3) Assistance with hotel logisitics for your catering needs.

What is most important is that we want to remind the Fraters that the Class Reunion is a time to get back together with those men that took the step with you so many years ago. This is a time that you can relax, break bread, reminisce on old times and enjoy yourself.

If there is anything that our Department can do to make your planning any easier, please do not hesitate to contact me at: malcomhorton@comcast.net or 901.289.1252.

Again, we look forward to hearing from you and we will see you in Memphis!

Fraternally Yours,

Malcom Horton, 33º Director of Class Reunions

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Scales of Justice

by Michael Burnett joiner, 33º Grand Attorney General

What is Qualified Immunity And Why Does It Matter To You? Qualified immunity is a term that has received a lot of attention as more videos of police interactions with citizens, particularly people of color, that go awry, have gone viral leading to a cavalcade of voices calling for change as to how law enforcement police communities of color. Qualified immunity is a judicially created doctrine that shields government officials from being held personally liable for constitutional violations—such as the use of excessive force—for money damages under federal law so long as the officials did not violate “clearly established” law. Because damages are often the only available remedy after a constitutional violation has occurred, suits for damages can be an essential means of vindicating constitutional rights. Qualified immunity can be raised as an affirmative defense, barring damages even if government officials committed unlawful acts.

Since 2013, about 1,100 people have been killed each year by law enforcement officers, but only about 1.1 percent of officers who kill civilians are charged with murder or manslaughter. Since the beginning of 2005, 140 non-federal sworn law enforcement officers—such as police officers, deputy sheriffs and state troopers—have been arrested on charges of murder or manslaughter resulting from an on–duty shooting. Of those, 44 have been convicted of a crime resulting from the incident, in most cases from a lesser offense. Whether this is the result that many shootings are legally justified or the legal system and laws are overly deferential of law enforcement is hotly debated.

Many have clamored for federal legislation which would standardize best practices in law enforcement and their interaction with the public. Republicans and Democrats, led by Black lawmakers in the House and Senate, have been negotiating for months on compromise legislation to address what

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members of both parties see as needed accountability within police ranks on abusive officers and restrictions on the use of force. The chief negotiators for the package—Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Rep. Karen Bass (D. Calif.)—announced in June that they had “reached an agreement on framework addressing the major issues for bipartisan police reform.” Negotiations, however, have stalled, as the two parties remain at odds over a number of issues.

Scott’s bill would require police agencies to report to the FBI when officers discharged their weapons or used force; about 40% of jurisdictions do so now.

Bass’ bill would also require reporting on use of force, including data on race, sex, disability, religion and age. Her bill seeks to prohibit profiling suspects based on race and religion, ban chokeholds and noknock warrants and change the legal standard for suing police officers. The effort against no-knock warrants stemmed from the death, in March 202, of Breonna Taylor, who was shot to death in her Louisville, Kentucky, apartment by policing investigating her boyfriend. Each bill would encourage officers to wear body cameras by withholding federal funding from their departments if they don’t. One of the main sticking points since the start of discussions has been qualified immunity. Democrats do not want the legal principle to be included in the police reform bill, while Republicans demand it remains.

Reasons for the abolishment and retention of qualified immunity are plentiful. Scott has stated that any police reform legislation cannot “leave the impression that somehow we’re going to demonize police officers.” “When you demonized police officers, when you defund the police and you start talking about this war on police and prosecution and not on crime, you’re going to have a reduction of forces, and if you tell officers that their person-

al liability is on the line, it is a bad decision,” says Scott. Scott, however, supports allowing civil suits to be filed against police departments. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., offered a contrasting perspective that legislation must “bring meaningful change to police departments across the country, to reform practices and training and the legal protection that grant too great a shield to police officers guilty of misconduct.” According to Schumer, Democrats “should not rest until strong legislation to end systemic bias in law enforcement” is passed.

Photo: SGIG Michael Burnett Joiner, 33º

A proposed compromise bill would rectify employer liability if not repudiating qualified immunity. Thanks to a 1978 Supreme Court decision, Monell v. Department of Social Services, agencies and municipalities who employ police officers and other government workers cannot be held liable for their employees’ action (like a private employer would), unless a victim can show the violation occurred due to an obvious lack of training or an agency’s policy or custom. In practice, this is an incredibly high bar that makes it very difficult to win a case against a public employer. Moreover, it allows agencies to pin the blame on a convenient scapegoat without taking responsibility for systemic abuses. Explicitly overriding government immunity for cases involving law enforcement officers, the draft version would hold the public employer “liable to the party injured for the conduct of the officer…regardless of whether a policy or custom of the public employer caused the violation.”

Though the bill would leave qualified immunity untouched—neither eliminating nor codifying the doctrine—it ensures that victims of constitutional violations do not get left out in the cold.

Under this compromise, individual officers would not be held personally liable, but this already happens, even when courts reject qualified immunity. Due to widespread indemnity policies, officers didn’t contribute a single cent in 99.59% of civil rights judgments and settlements, according to research by UCLA professor Joanna Schwartz. By addressing employer liability, the Senate compromise would provide an additional path to hold law enforcement accountable, ensure that victims can be properly compensated and guarantee that individual officers won’t be exposed to any new financial liability.

The proposed bill would finally close an appalling loophole in civil rights law. Federal workers generally can’t be sued for constitutional violations, even when qualified immunity is unavailable. The proposed bill would amend Section 1983, which authorizes civil rights lawsuits against state and local officials, to expressly include federal agents. These two reforms would provide a powerful incentive for law enforcement agencies to respect people’s constitutional rights and to target the proverbial “bad apples’ before they spoil the rest of the force.

Qualified immunity is a term that you should continue to pay close attention to as police reform legislation is considered by lawmakers. The use of this language or the lack thereof in any finalized federal legislation can have significant impact on the extent that bad behavior by law enforcement may be punished, and those who suffered at their hands, may be compensated. ________________________ DISCLAIMER: Grand Attorney General SGIG Michael Burnett Joiner is an Assistant County Attorney for the Shelby County Attorney’s Office (Memphis, Tennessee) and is licensed to practice law in Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky and Washington, D.C. His views are not the views of the United Supreme Council nor are they to be considered legal advise.

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All the Rite Questions ALonzo Haynes, 33º Grand Minister of State by

Question: How Did our dress change over the years - Robes?

F

Photo: USC Annual Session Active Membership in Military Uniforms at Howard University.

rom time to time, we received correspondence that make inquiries on matters about the United Supreme Council. Of late, we recieved a question from a Frater asking, “How did our dress change over the years - robes?” This questions is a great segue to the importance of ritualistic, administrative and historical knowledge of the Supreme Council.

On January 27, 1887, the United Supreme Council would meet and hold its official consecration, elect and install its officers and establish its first constitution, entitled “Constitution of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America (Constitution of 1887).

Within the Constitution of 1887, the Supreme Council would establish its first directives on dress for

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the Rite. What we find is that the dress of the Southern Jurisdiction has moved from the original military-styled dress to the classical judicial robes, for official functions.

The dress for Fraters of yesteryear are in stark contrast to what we utilize today. In fact, to see a snapshot of how we’ve changed, we have provided you with exerts from the Constitution of 1887’s Article XXXIV - Clothing, Arms, Jewels and Rings, specific to dress: “Full Dress Section 5. The Full Dress -- Black double-breasted, swallow-tail coat, black pantaloons, sash, sword, belt, epaulettes, white kid gloves, black velvet cuffs, with appropriate crosses, and hat fine wool, turned up on left side, with appropriate trimmings.

Fatigue Dress The Fatigue Dress -- Same as full dress, except for fine wool hat, a cap with appropriate cross on front, and white gloves, without cuffs.

Coat Section 6. The Uniform Coat to be worn by all Scottish Rite Masons of this Jurisdiction, shall be a black double-breasted, swallow-tail coat, cut military style, (of lightweight beaver) tail reaching about three-fourths (3/4th) of the distance to the bend of the knee, standing collar, fastened with hook and eye at the next, sleeves plain, with three buttons at cuff, four buttons behind. Buttons for coat, metal plate gold.

Pants Pants black and cut military style.

Sword Section 7. The sword to be worn by all members of the Rite shall be a gold etched diamond blade, straight and double edged.

double cross, embroidered on the left side.

GLOVES: White kid; cuffs, black velvet, trimmed with gold wire and proper emblems for 33rd.”

Twenty (20) years later, at the 1907 Annual Session, the Supreme Council would offer a resolution highlighting the growing issue of “diversity of Baldrics, Caps, Swords, Belts, Chapeau and Coats” worn by the membership was becoming a nuisance. As a result, the Supreme Council worked to alleviate the issues involving such diverse versions of dress amongst the Fraters.

Through the administrations of Sovereign Grand Commanders J.L.H. Smith, Robert L. Pendleton until Willard W. Allen, the dress of the Supreme Council would morph from the military-styled Templar attire into the judicial-styled robes.

The first instance of adopting the judicial robes for the Supreme Council would occur immediately following the revision of the rituals of both the Northern Jurisdiction and the Southern Jurisdiction. On October 17, 1948, at the Annual Session, SGC Allen would state: “In keeping with the new Rituals (sic), it has been suggested that the six elective officers and the Grand Prior wear the black judicial type robe and the appointive officers will wear the regular type uniform. I am in favor of the adoption of the robes as has been suggested.”

Thirty-Second Degree SASH: The sash is black velvet 3¾ inches wide. Embroidered with gold and silver bullion; with the emblems of the Degree in the center, and where it crosses the breast is a delta with the number 32 in red, surrounded with rays; worn from the left shoulder In almost one year to the day, on October 18, 1949, to right hip. the Supreme Council would again have the topic of dress of the Active Membership called into question.

Thirty-Third Ironically, of all places, in the Library Commitee report, SASH: The sash is of 3¾ inches wide, white watered Chairman Ill. Cicero A. Lee would bring up for discussilk, edged with gold, embroidered with the emblem sion, the topic of a photograph of all Active Members to of the degree, viz.: A delta surrounded by rays, in the be taken. Ill. Lee would state: “It was suggested at the center is the number 33 in violet. To be worn from meeting in Dallas that a uniformed sized photograph the left shoulder to the right hip. of all active members of the Supreme Council be taken.

SWORD: Gold plated, scabbard covered with violet This thought has been pressed for a reason that a sugcolored velvet; two rows of gold plated mountings, gestion was made, if, and when, we were robed.” two rings, white grip, gold etched diamond blade, One year later, at Annual Session in Louisville, Kenname on blade. tucky, on October 15, 1950, the utilization of robes BELT: Leather, covered with violet velvet, two rows would used by the Active Members by SGC Willard Alof gold figuring, three gold plated Knight slides, cap len in his allocution, it reads: snap, two gilt chains, return slide, gold buckle plate, double headed eagle with 33rd in the center.

“During the year, in accordance with instructions, HAT: Same as for the 32nd, but with a red, a black robes were ordered for the officers and [Active and white plume. The Sovereign Grand CommandMembers] of the Supreme Council. These robes are er, and all Past Sovereign Grand Commanders wear the property of the Supreme Council, to be used a triple cross, and all other Inspectors General, a only when ordered to do so by said Council. They

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are not to take the place of the uniform now in use. double-headed eagle emblem, Elected Officers would We must at all times maintain the air of Masonic wear Purple Crowns with the Patriarchal Cross and the Dignity. These robes cost over two thousand dol- SGC would wear a Purple Crown with the Papal Cross. lars [today $22,702.66 with inflation].”

Photo: Active Members shown wearing robes during the 1950 Annual Session in Louisville, Kentucky.

In Volume 11, No. 4, October-December Edition of the Scottish Rite Informer, Deputy for the Orient of The inspiration of this article begins on a typical Alabama and Grand Minister of State, Ill. E.T. Belsaw’s warm, humid Washington D.C. morning on Monday, statement on the correct wearing of the uniform of the August 21, 2017, at the Washington Hilton Hotel. On Southern Jurisdiction was clear and consise, for the Inthis specific day, I was attending the Biennial Session spector-General:

of the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction of the United “Here is a description of the properly equipped InStatesspector-General’s of America, with my Deputy for the Orient of feet: turned out equally at an anD.C.gle andofa45few fraters of our Council of Deliberation degrees; heels together on the same straight (COD).

When we arrived at the hotel, our group had line; knees straight without stiffness; the body erect; coffeetheand loitered in the lobby of the iconic hotel, hips and shoulders square and falling equally; watching leader leaderatfrom around the globe arms hangingafter naturally the side; head straight to makethe their wayeyes to the front; andgrand mouthballroom. suggesting a smile with-

outeventually actually smiling; squarely We made and our cap wayresting into the grand[EMballADDED]atonthe head. ” roomPHASIS and marveled grandiose set-up for the upcoming program. We exchanged pleasantries with The matter of use robesaand crowns would be fraters and friends andoffound section to be seated. solidified in 1954, by a mandate of the Sovereign Grand Shortly after receiving the Sovereign Grand ComCommander. year later, on33°, October 18, 1955,and the mander (SGC)One Ronald Seale, we watched Committee on theWorshipful Golden Circle would require that the listened as Most Grand Masters and leadLoyal Ladies would wear, “the White Felt Crown; simiers from every aspect of Freemasonry from around lar style to our Crown the Emblemto of the the theinworld processed inand andbearing were introduced Golden Circle. ” SGC. As Grand Masters were announced, cheering Over course of 45 years, exhaustive discussion from the the room was heard, and occasionally someone were made regarding the usage of the double-headed shouted the name of the college football team of their eagle on the rear of Active robes, to include respective jurisdiction.

TheMembers pomp and circumstance discussions of the front panels of of thelevity. robes. and brevityon of the the color day yielded to a moment In 2000, in Executive Session, it was finally decided that theMembers dignitaries were wear seated,Blue SGCCrowns Seale asked theOnce Active would with

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Within the USC, debate continued for years regarding finalizing the colors associated with the robes of the Active Members. On Saturday, October 4, 2004, SGC Vaughn deliberated the matter before the Active Membership. The question before the Supreme Council involved a final decision on if the Active Member robes would contain purple or blue panels. After deliberation, a decision was made that Active Members would utilize, blue panels on robes. While this matter was settled, we must remember that the Supreme Council, can and may make changes, in the future.

Alonzo Haynes, 33º Grand Minister of State

Please feel free to visit our website at:

Http://www.aasrphasj.org visit our FaceBook Page located at: http://www.facebook.com/southernjurisdiction

PLEASE CONSIDER getting your covid-19 vaccination to aid in protecting yourself, your family & community!

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Highlighting our 33º

HBCU Presidents Over the course of the next year, we will be highlighting the Presidents (past and present) of Historically Black Colleges & Universities, that were/are Grand Inspectors General of our United Supreme Council. We have to honor these men of merit that have graced the Presidency of our institutions of higher learning.

President Dr. H. Councill Trenholm Class of 1930 (AL)

President Dr. George T. French, Jr. Class of 2019 (AL)

President Dr. Quinton Ross Class of 2019 (AL)

President Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr. Class of 2021 (NC)

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USC 2022

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Congratulations and Best Wishes Illustrious Corey D. Hawkins, Sr. 33° Sovereign Grand Commander

S.G.I.G. Larry S. Gibson, Esq. 33°

Hiram Consistory #2 Valley of Baltimore, Orient of Maryland Author of “Young Thurgood: The Making of a Supreme Court Justice”

Now available at Amazon.com “Young Thurgood: The Making of a Supreme Court Justice”

This book covers the early years of Illustrious Thurgood Marshall 33°, the most important American lawyer of the 20th century.

Coming in 2022

“Thurgood’s Coming Here: Orchestrating Civil Rights in the South 1934-1954”

This book will describe the crucial support Illustrious Thurgood Marshall 33° received from the Prince Hall Masons, America’s Oldest Civil Right Organization