Karsceal Turner – I Got Next!
Six separate Prince Hall affiliated lodges accompanied by two chapters from the Order of the Eastern Star converged Sunday on the historic St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 819 Cypress Avenue located in Sanford. Rev. W. Damone Johnson is Pastor.
Members of the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge (PHA) Masonic districts 16 and 17 filled into the church sanctuary in observance of “St. John the Baptist Day”. The observance was hosted by Deltona Lodge #756, where Charles G. Williams is Worshipful Master (President).
Some insight on why Masons celebrate Saint John
For the uninitiated, Prince Hall Masons, (who are descendants of the first Black man to become a Master Mason here in America), observe two festive occasions honoring St. John the Baptist at the end of June, and St. John the Evangelist at the end of December. It was common custom in the middle ages for craftsmen (masons) to place themselves under the protection of some saint of the church, usually associated with their trades (jobs). St, John the Baptist, in addition to having baptized Jesus was a man of strength and fortitude who was uncompromising with evil or expediency, yet humble, courageous, and sincere. Such traits are what these men and women come together twice a year to commemorate. Perhaps you say I know a lot about this “secret” organization that isn’t secret at all. It is because I am one of them (on BOTH sides). From my personal standpoint, I haven’t seen nor knowingly committed any satanic acts.
But I digress, you notice the first paragraph lets you know this observance of a Saint occurred at a church. Marinate on that. Anyway, here is how it went down. A parade of masonic brothers and eastern star sisters were led into the church sanctuary by District Deputy Grand Master Randolph M. Harris and it was a sight to behold. That black and white looked GOOD! I should know, I barely sat during the entire service. Reporter stuff, ya know?
Still on edge after Charleston shootings
I must admit, it was just a tad different being in a church sanctuary in the aftermath of the Charleston, South Carolina massacre. After all, historic St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church’s name begins with the word, “historic”. This church was organized in 1867 under a brush arbor (a crude shelter from the weather, later converted to outdoor churches when a need for spiritual enlightenment was deemed necessary by the village elders). The first permanent church building was erected here in 1880 under the leadership of Rev. S.H. Coleman. The sanctuary was rebuilt in 1890 and again in 1913. On April 24, 1992, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. I am certain my readers know of a church similar to this one. It had that “old time religion” feel to it. I was glad to be in the House of the Lord while dwelling in unity with my brothers and Sisters.
Although I dug the atmosphere in the Black church, from the pianist urging us to sing louder, to the sisters fervently fanning themselves. Maaan it was hot in there! Yours truly made rounds delivering as many fans as I could grab from the choir stands. One of the ushers delivered water to the congregation to help ease the effects of the heat. Listen, Black people and hot conditions do not mix. Add a jump and a shout and it’s a great recipe for heat exhaustion. Luckily, there was not of that.
The majority of the service was conducted by lodge members including Rev. Eldred W. McCoy as the worship leader. Masonic men performed the welcome, occasion, and scripture. After a moving praise dance by Emerald Alexander and solo by Mrs. Elaine Turner, the word of God was shared by a very spirited Rev. Damone. Johnson. I thoroughly enjoyed the message as it related to St. John the Baptist. Still, no hint of anything satanic. I’m just saying.
Worship, fellowship, and food…in that order
Lodges and chapters in attendance from all around Central Florida included: Espanola Lodge #161, (Bunnell), Boaz Lodge #212 (Daytona/Ormond Beach), Rudolph Bradley Lodge #706, (Sanford), Deltona Lodge # 756, (Deltona), and Beehive Lodge #779, (Apopka). O.E.S. chapters present included: Essie M. Giddens Chapter #96, (Bunnell), and Serenity Chapter #118, (Daytona/Ormond Beach). Also in attendance were the Knights of Pythagoras. (a youth organization dedicated to The Fatherhood of a Supreme Being and the Universal Brotherhood of Man).
The organization accepts boys between the ages of 11-17 and helps to develop them into young men. The Knights of Pythagoras promotes family values, provide educational scholarships, and plays a significant role in the uplifting of humanity. They were represented by William S. Dennis Council #56, (Deltona), Their Master Knight is Tabarious Jackson.
All good church folk know what goes down after afternoon service. Some of the best grub you can dig into including: baked chicken, baked mac and cheese, green beans, yellow rice, and lemon pound cake…Just the way you remembered growing up. Mind you, this was a majority of Masons and Eastern Stars although it sure looked like any group of church people I’ve ever laid eyes on.
Worshipful Master Donald Jordan of Boaz Lodge #212 was excited about the number of men and women of God who are also Masonic men and women, who graced the house of the Lord for the occasion.
“The most moving experience I have as a member of this lodge is the fellowship we have when we congregate at churches,” Jordan said. “The negative stigma of the masonic lodge is lessened when people see us filing into a congregation for any of our functions and observances. Actually, a number of masonic brothers serve as Deacons and Pastors of churches. It’s a beautiful thing,” he said.
