Karsceal Turner – I Got NEXT!
On September, 21st, Prince Hall masonic brothers and sisters of the Order of Eastern Star (O.E.S.) filled the claustrophobic confines of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, located in Bunnell, Florida for the Annual Prince Hall Day celebration, commemorating the life of the founder of what is known as the father of Black freemasonry on America.
The event was well attended. Masonic members from various Prince Hall affiliated house were in present including; sisters of the Order of Eastern Star (O.E.S.), Blue Lodges, Royal Arch Masons, Cryptic Masons, Knights Templars, and Nobles of the Mystic Shrine…here is where I mention that I am a member of all of these.
Central Florida was represented by Boaz Lodge #212 (Ormond/Daytona Beach), J.C. Reese Lodge #429 (Mims), and Espanola Lodge #161 (Espanola). Worshipful Master James L. Crockett Sr. and the lodge presided over the celebration proceedings. On the sisterly side of the masonic family were: Essie M. Giddens Chapter #96 (Bunnell), and Serenity Chapter UD (Ormond/Daytona Beach). I must say the sisters attendance cast a bright light on the entire occasion, you should have seen them file into the choir stands and rock the house!
You’ll recall me mentioning this celebration was held in a small church in the Black community in rural Flagler County. The population of the community basically equates to the number of church members but the church was filled.
I’ll toss you some tidbits to attempt to enlighten you so you won’t think all masons worship the devil. Don’t get me started about the Demons that hang out at some churches, mosques, and synagogues.
Prince Hall Trivia
Prince Hall was involved in the Back-to-Africa movement and approached the legislature to request funds for voluntary emigration to Africa. In January 1773, Prince Hall and seventy three other African-American delegates presented an emigration plea to the Massachusetts Senate. This plea contended that the African Americans would be better suited to the warm climate of Africa and would better endure the African lifestyle. The ploy failed but you didn’t know this did you?
Black Freemasonry predates the Declaration of Independence in this country.
As an abolitionist, Prince Hall was an advocate of freedom and was a civil rights torch-bearer. He sought, and achieved civil rights for freed men in New England. He adamantly filed petitions preventing free men, viewed as runaway slaves from being deported to the Deep South. As an educator, he established the first Black school in New England.
As a veteran, Prince Hall was a volunteer in the Revolutionary War, joining more 5,000 other Blacks fighting for a freedom that would not come to them, although the war was successful.
As a Master Mason, On March 6, 1775, Prince Hall and fourteen (14) other men of color were initiated, passed and raised to the degree of Master Mason in a Military Lodge attached to an Irish Regiment of the English army. This was the early beginning of what has become the oldest and largest Black Fraternity in America. African Lodge was organized on July 3, 1776, with Prince Hall as the worshipful master.
A little Eastern Star insight
Since I am a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, I am qualified to give you come insight into their history. WP of Serenity Chapter UD at your service. As Patron, I can vouch for the good works of the sisters because I am a participant and I regularly write about it. If you say you know nothing of what Eastern Stars do in Central Florida…the devil is a liar.
According to easternstar.org, the history of the Order of the Eastern Star is divided into three Eras:
1. The First Era extended from 1850 to 1866, under the leadership of Dr. Rob Morris, Poet Laureate of Masonry.
2. The Second Era extended from 1866 to 1876, under the leadership of Robert Macoy of New York.
3. The Third Era extends from 1876, when the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, was established to the present time.
Of these eras, the first is perhaps the most important as it prepared the way for the other two.
The real origin of the Order of the Eastern Star, like Masonry, will always be shrouded in mystery. Many researchers believe it had a French origin as early as 1703. By some, this is claimed to be the first inception of “Female Masonry” or “Androgynous Degrees” (degrees for both men and women). However, there isn’t any of this in Prince Hall masonry…I’m just saying. I must shout out my chapter Worthy Matron (president) of Serenity Chapter UD – Maria McCoy, my District Deputy for district 17 & 22, Jacquelyn Mitchell, and the outgoing Grand Worthy Matron of Jerusalem Grand Chapter O.E.S. Florida PHA -Patricia Stafford as she leaves the seat this year. We look forward to seeing you both for our chartering (call this a plug).
Hey, you can’t blame me for trying to put in work for my chapter, I’m their Patron.
Good old church grub!
Since it was a celebration, you have to know the food was on point. You see, I got the first plate because I had to leave….reporter stuff you know? What I uncovered when I returned to my apartment was a heaping helping of Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, cabbage, greens, cornbread, and even a heaping helping of pig’s feet. You know, church grub! BTW, I don’t do pig’s feet like that “homies”.
In all, Prince Hall Day 2014 was celebrated in fitting fashion. The District Deputy Grand Master for zone 17 (Ronald E. Williams), marveled at the representation of the various masonic houses. This venue was filled with good times, good food, and good fellowship, as a Prince Hall Masonic family within the sanctuary of God. Tell me, where is Satan in the midst of all this? Nowhere to be found.
