Eastern Star Lodge # 58

Over the years people have asked what do Prince Hall Masons do? In this and some future posts, I will share information and pictures that will help answer the ...question. As the Dean of Prince Hall Grand Masters, I am sharing information from the archives of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Louisiana that contains records from 1863 to present that are maintained in the Amistad Research Center in New Orleans. Included in this print is the 1954 Annual Report by Thurgood Marshall, a Prince Halll Mason, to the Conference of Grand Masters on the Prince Hall Masons Legal Research Department (NAACP). In this report you will see the financial and moral support provided by the Prince Hall Family to fund landmark litigation that helped to improve our way of life in America. The funding contributed over the years has been substantial. Also included in the post is a photo of Thurgood Marshall (standing) at a lodge meeting in Louisiana with Grand Master John G. Lewis, Jr.

A historic moment will take place on April 3rd 2021 in Columbus, GA with the Broken Column Dedication Ceremony for PGM W.E. Terry.

TODAY IN MASONIC HISTORY (9/26/1872): The Shriners began with the first official meeting at Mecca Temple, now known as Mecca Shriners, in New York. Shriners ado...pted Turkish fezzes, name-dropped Muhammad, Allah, and Islam as part of their rituals. The reason being that Shriners back then wanted to project for themselves an image of being the playground of Masons, and that back in 1872, all things Middle-Eastern or pseudo-Arabic were deemed wildly "exotic" and "fun", far from the modern-day perception that such images now conjure. In fact, after the September 11 terror attack in New York, some Shrine branches have allegedly changed their names to get rid of any Islamic reference. However, though their main rituals still have Islamic elements, such were obviously used without any real intent of promoting or mocking Islam whatsoever. Such were merely injected from the very beginning in order to add an air of vague mysticism and therefore attract membership. Some Shriners believed that their organization can be traced to some ancient Persian crime-watch group, not realizing that, in actuality, their organization was merely set-up for the sake of "fun." In fact, the group’s lengthy name, "Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine" was chosen specifically to fill out the initials AAONMS that serve as an anagram for "A MASON." Despite the "fun" objective, Shriners International has now become the most charitable institution ever spawned in the entire history of organized Freemasonry, providing complete medical care to burned and crippled children wherever they are found.

www.mvp.sos.ga.gov Are you registered vote? Please take 5 minutes to check on your voter registration status. (see link) Also if you are not registered or you need to update your status you may do so through the link above. (see link)... It cost nothing to check, update, and/or register. (see link)

Today our members, alongside Brothers of Limerick Lodge #437, had the distinct pleasure of welcoming home Past Master Kenneth Smith of Ohio after being hospitalized for 5 months (3 comatose) at Memorial for treatment of COVID-19. At 72 years young, his chances of survival were very slim yet, by the grace of God, he overcame the odds and currently resting at home with his family in Midway. https://www.wtoc.com//georgia-man-welcomed-home-after-mon/

As one of the few projects that we have planned to improve our lodge, we recently completed a new white vinyl installation to the outside of our building! Check it out

Have a tremendously terrific Thursday

From the desk of the MWGM Corey Senior Shackleford: Greetings, The Last Rites for the late Congressman the Honorable John Lewis will take place Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 8:00 p.m., at the Georgia State Capitol in the Rotunda area. Due to the current pandemic and COVID 19 guidelines and out of respect to his family and staff we are adhering to the parameters they have in place for the service.... The Last Rites will be performed by H.R. Butler Lodge No. 23. Due to the numbers they will allow inside and for seating, the viewing of the Last Rites are limited. The limited seating has been allocated and confirmed at the family and his staff request. However, the membership will be able to procession to view and pay respect immediately afterwards. Membership should be on site on later than 7:30 p.m. for the service, at that time additional instructions will be given with regards to the viewing. We will be in Masonic dress for the Last Rites, all white apron, white gloves (no emblems) and black bowtie (no lapel pins or ear rings) for the procession of viewing. All in attendance and for the public viewing will be required to wear a face mask. Fraternally submitted, Corey D. Shackleford, Sr., 33 18th Most Worshipful Grand Master The Conservator of Masons for the Jurisdiction of Georgia

We humbly thank you for a life well spent fighting for civil rights, equality, and justice for all. Rest well Bro. John Lewis.

A reminder of why it's important for us to use our Common Gavel every day. #knowyourworth

To our great fathers and brethren all around the world. We salute you!

In continuance of our summer Healthcare Worker Appreciation initiative, today we had the pleasure of delivering brunch to the students and staff at Allied Medical Training Center in Hinesville, GA. These students are training for future careers in the medical field and we appreciate their willingness to care for our community.