THE MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGEFREE AND ACCEPTED MASONSJURISDICTION OF GEORGIAHONORABLE RAMSEY DAVIS, JR. GRAND MASTERGreetings Brothers and Sisters,Thanks to each <strong>of</strong> you for an excellent <strong>Grand</strong> Session in Savannah. Most <strong>of</strong> you pre-registered and thatallowed us to do a better job <strong>of</strong> planning. Words cannot express my gratitude to Deputy Hymes and hisDistrict for the very fine job <strong>of</strong> hosting our <strong>Grand</strong> Session. Let me suffice it by saying the bar has been sethigh for future <strong>Grand</strong> Sessions.Our <strong>Grand</strong> Session for 2010 will be held in Columbus. District Deputy <strong>Grand</strong> Master Grisson, andMembers <strong>of</strong> the Columbus District are busy getting ready. I have been told the best is yet to come, soyou want to be present in Columbus in 2010.Our <strong>Prince</strong> <strong>Hall</strong> Celebration will be held in Rome, <strong>Georgia</strong> this year and by now you should have receivedthat information. I understand the rooms are all but gone, but do not fret; there are several hotels in thearea and at a decent rate.To all Worshipful Masters, you run your lodge, so be careful who you give the gavel to.To all DDG Masters, you are in charge <strong>of</strong> your district and you are the representative <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Grand</strong>Master. Most <strong>of</strong> you have done an outstanding job and for that I say thank you. By the same token a few<strong>of</strong> you are not doing your job. In the very near future I will be replacing those deputies who are notcarrying out their duties.Brothers and Sisters please be advised that the ruling relative to balloting and the black ball has beenwithdrawn. We have seen a tremendous decrease in the black ball being dropped, and for that I saythank you. When balloting, let us all continue to do unto others as we would have others do unto us. Ithank Past Master Joe Snow and others who voiced their concern about this issue and the decision Imade relative to the black ball. Not all decisions are popular but most are necessary.To all Worshipful Masters and District Deputy <strong>Grand</strong> Masters, it has come to my attention that we are notadhering to our Masonic Dress Code. Yes, it is hot, but the weather does not dictate the dress for ourmeetings. The coat from a member’s dark suit may be removed during the summer or at the pleasure <strong>of</strong>the Worshipful Master. Otherwise the Masonic Dress Code must be adhered to.Finally my Brothers and my Sisters, other than God we are all that we have ; therefore, it behooves each<strong>of</strong> us to help bring out the best in each other.Fraternally,Ramsey Davis, Jr., MWGM
Words From The EditorPerseverance, persistence, courage- these are anchors that we shouldcling to during the storms <strong>of</strong> life. Even in the worst storm have faith andbe steadfast, unmovable and always abounding, that you will find peacein your storm and peace creates the power that gives you courage andthe ability to persevere. Wilma LeRouxTyrone L. Hendry, PM (161)Editor - in- Chief“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due seasonwe shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9)My Brothers and Sisters, as always I would like to personallythank each <strong>of</strong> you for your continued support <strong>of</strong> the MasonicDigest. Being the Editor <strong>of</strong> the Masonic Digest has allowedme to really see what our Jurisdiction is truly about. OurJurisdiction is about Brothers and Sisters doing the best theycan for their respected communities and areas. Again, wehope you enjoy the latest issue <strong>of</strong> the Masonic Digest.Though your dedicated support we are able to show the worldour works and deeds as Masons and Eastern Stars. I am veryappreciative <strong>of</strong> the Brothers and Sisters who submitted theirarticles in a timely manner for publication. Without yourdedication there would not be a Masonic Digest.This issue <strong>of</strong> the Masonic Digest contains articles <strong>of</strong> interestsuch as the Knights <strong>of</strong> Pythagoras. I hope you will take thetime to look at the activities <strong>of</strong> the Knights <strong>of</strong> Pythagoras inthis issue. As a former Area Coordinator for the Knights <strong>of</strong>Pythagoras in my District, I know the hard work it takes tokeep the Knights Councils going. We should all applaud Past<strong>Grand</strong> Master Willie Williams, who is our State Director forthe Knights <strong>of</strong> Pythagoras and his KOP Staff members. Theymake the effort to educate and mentor our young men in thisJurisdiction. In my <strong>Lodge</strong> we had a former Sir Knight whobecame a Master Mason when he turned 21 years <strong>of</strong> age. Hismother still gives our <strong>Lodge</strong> members praises for the workand mentorship we did with her son at a early age.I know our Order <strong>of</strong> the Easter Star Chapter’s are also busywith their Youth Chapters in the Jurisdiction. Sister EddieLee Marsh and her Officers have done an outstanding job <strong>of</strong>providing the mentorship and guidance for the young ladiesin the various Youth Chapters in the Jurisdiction. At Districtfunctions on a local level in my area I see Gentle BreezeYouth Chapter <strong>of</strong> Claxton, GA and Shining Stars YouthChapter <strong>of</strong> Metter, GA doing various activities makingeveryone proud. Please keep working with our future leaders.I would like to congratulate Worshipful Master JamesSheppard III and the Officers and members <strong>of</strong> Pythagoras<strong>Lodge</strong> No. 11 in Savannah, GA for being awarded the 2008<strong>Lodge</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Year at <strong>Grand</strong> Session held in Savannah, GA.Please take the time to read about the many activities andprograms that the <strong>Lodge</strong> participated. It is my hope that other<strong>Lodge</strong>s and Chapters will be inspired and follow the lead <strong>of</strong>Pythagoras <strong>Lodge</strong> No. 11. We must give back to ourcommunities. Masons and Eastern Stars are members <strong>of</strong> aService Organization. Please serve your local Churches,volunteer groups, youth organizations, and civic groups withthe zeal you serve Masonry.We as a Jurisdiction recently celebrated our Annual <strong>Prince</strong><strong>Hall</strong> Day Weekend in Rome, <strong>Georgia</strong> on September 11 th -13 th<strong>of</strong> this year. I attended the <strong>Prince</strong> <strong>Hall</strong> Day activities and wasnot disappointed. DDGM Charlie Morrison and his DistrictOfficers and members left no stone unturned to make surethat the Jurisdiction members had a great time. <strong>Prince</strong> <strong>Hall</strong>Day Weekend is a great time for members to take a break andjust fellowship as a <strong>Prince</strong> <strong>Hall</strong> Family. Remember thesaying “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Ialways look forward to the many friends and family whotravel to our various destinations to meet once again eachyear at <strong>Prince</strong> <strong>Hall</strong> Day. If you have not ever had anopportunity to attend a <strong>Prince</strong> <strong>Hall</strong> Day Weekend pleasemake it your business to attend the next one. I can assure youthat the host District will go out <strong>of</strong> their way to see you enjoyyourself. I took several pictures in Rome, GA that I havedisplayed in this issue <strong>of</strong> the Masonic Digest. Thank youagain Dalton Masonic District No. 21 for making this year’s<strong>Prince</strong> <strong>Hall</strong> Day Weekend Celebration a memorable one.Again, the articles in the Masonic Digest are pro<strong>of</strong> that we asMasons and Eastern Stars are making a difference within ourcommunities and areas. This issue <strong>of</strong> the Masonic Digestcontains articles about local food drives, back to school givea-ways,nursing home visitations, and various communityprojects. If your <strong>Lodge</strong> or Chapter has not received anyissues <strong>of</strong> the previous Masonic Digest please inform yourWorshipful Master or Worthy Matron and have them contactyour District Deputy <strong>Grand</strong> Master. If you still are unable toget your issues or articles published please send me an emailand I will check into the matter personally. You may sendyour request to editor@mwphglga.org ormasonicdigest@mwphglga.org Please allow 3-5 days toreceive a response.We are nearing another holiday season. I pray that eachmember and their family remain safe throughout theremaining year. If you have any ideas or suggestions for ourpublication please do not hesitate to contact me. The nextMasonic Digest publication deadline for submittingarticles is January 15, 2010. The next printed issue willbe distributed at Mid-Winter Meeting in Forsyth, GAFebruary 13, 2010.