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History of the 9th District of the
MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington
Greetings
First
given thanks to God, who has sustained me with good health despite
experiencing some difficulties earlier this year. I am mindful
that it is through his grace that I am able to welcome you to our 31st
anniversary session
I would
like to thank my wife Brigitte Morgan who is the wind beneath my wings
for her undying love and support, it is no coincidence that we too
celebrated our 31st anniversary in April of this year. She has
been my rock in ages past and the key to my future.
As we
celebrate our 31st anniversary we should pay tribute to the triumphs of
those who helped chronicle our history. Great men like Past Grand
Master James E. Chase, who issued the first dispensation to King Solomon
Lodge #62, in 1973 and Past District Deputy Grand Master P. J. Price who
is the founder and pioneer of this district. I am sure he had no
inclination
at the time
of the Masonic dynasty he created. The great thing about reaching
this milestone is that it signifies so much more than the recognition of
a couple of individuals.
Anniversaries are a
celebration of the past and a pep rally for the future. When some
organizations are started, it takes time for them to bear fruit, but
District Number Nine has been fruitful for the community and for its
members almost since inception. Clearly, there are countless
individuals whose contributions were significant during the last 25
years. While I cannot remember all their names, I would like to
recognize some of those
responsible
|
Name of Lodge |
Date Charter |
First Worshipful Master |
Grand Master who Issued Charter |
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King Solomon
Lodge #62 |
10 July 1974 |
Abner E.
Williams |
James W. Davis |
|
Pride of
Giessen Lodge #63 |
16 July 1975 |
Gus D.
Stringfellow |
James W.
Davis |
|
Joseph L.
Wilson Lodge #64 |
16 July 1975 |
Harry J.
Russell Jr. |
James W.
Davis |
|
New Light
Lodge #67 |
13 July 1977 |
Ozzie Brown |
Jesse Simmons |
|
Mozart Lodge
#69 |
15 July 1981 |
J. C.
Thompson |
Carlton B.
Tucker |
|
Joseph I.
Station Lodge #71 |
15 July 1981 |
Booker T.
Washington |
Carlton B.
Tucker |
|
Herman E.
Bradley Lodge #74 |
09 July 1984 |
Richard F.
Daley |
Charles D.
Stubblefield |
|
Pride of
Great Britain Lodge #76 |
09 July 1985 |
Matthew D.
Collier |
Charles D.
Stubblefield |
|
Sons of
Light Lodge #77 |
16 July
1986 |
Michael W.
Jones |
Billy V.
Morris |
|
Russell S.
Gideon Lodge #78 |
16 July
1986 |
George
Chester |
Billy V.
Morris |
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St. John’s
Lodge #79 |
16 July
1986 |
Victor
Johnson |
Billy V.
Morris |
|
Trowel
Lodge #80 |
13 July
1988 |
James B.
Ellis |
Kenneth
Swanigan |
|
James E.
Chase Lodge #81 |
13 July
1988 |
William A.
Jackson |
Kenneth
Swanigan |
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Fellowship
Military Lodge #82 |
11 July
1989 |
Murray
Williams, Jr. |
Kenneth
Swanigan |
|
Rising Sun
Lodge #84 |
11 July
1990 |
Curtis D.
Riley |
Daniel L.
Lunsford |
|
Divine
Prince Lodge #85 |
11 July
1990 |
Peter
Stacy |
Daniel L.
Lunsford |
|
Jacob
Lodge #86 |
10 July
1991 |
Dulles F.
J. Smith |
Daniel L.
Lunsford |
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King David
Lodge #87 |
10 July
1991 |
Johnnie D.
Davis |
Daniel L.
Lunsford |
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Perfect
Square Lodge #88 |
10 July
1991 |
Earnest J.
Peel |
Daniel L.
Lunsford |
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Haile
Selassie Lodge #90 |
15 July 1992 |
Lyndon Tarver |
Daniel L.
Lunsford |
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Booker T.
Washington Lodge #91 |
15 July 1992 |
Michael M.
Monix |
Daniel L.
Lunsford |
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Unity Lodge
#92 |
15 July 1992 |
Keith A.
Andrews |
Daniel L.
Lunsford |
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TRI STEP #. 99 |
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Middle East Lodge #105 |
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Light of the Ghar Lodge #107 |
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Adriel Military Lodge #108 |
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This is why this anniversary takes on such significance to those
of us who are members of this great District. The vision back
in 1973 was a challenging one. Through the three decades, our
lodges have contributed large sums of money to numerous charity
projects, and thousands have knelt at the altar and went on to
have rewarding Masonic careers.
I
would also like to pay tribute to the Past District Deputies who
served this district with distinction, R.W. P.J. Price, whom I
mentioned earlier who was the first District Deputy Grand
Master, Right Worshipful John T. Broom, Right Worshipful
Singleton, Right Worshipful Lucky Caswell, Right Worshipful
Eddie V. Crews, and Right Worshipful Cleophus D. Chatman. Their
contributions to the strength and vitality of this district
cannot be measured in words for you to fully appreciate them but
they are the pillars on which our foundation rests.
In closing, let me say in spite of the challenges we face I am
happy to report that peace and harmony prevails. After
maintaining the peace for almost half a century a reduced
American presence in Europe has been ordained to cope with
pressing social problems at home. And though the future of our
Masonic organization is linked to the presence of U.S. Forces in
Europe, the challenges of the future will have to be met by
resolute leadership and dedication of purpose as demonstrated in
the first thirty-one years of our existence.
I
am very optimistic about the future of this District and I feel
very confident that it will be poise to energetically seize the
opportunities of the new millennium. I hold the District Nine
Torch high, may it’s flames inspire us all to greater and more
noble achievements in the years ahead.
Fraternally Submitted,
Andrew Morgan
District Deputy Grand Master
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