kids? DGM James Baker: I have one child, but I had two. My baby [youngest] died in 2005. And no, I am not mar- ried at this time. PM Sherman Ruth: So, life is hap- py! DGM James Baker: Great! I hope neither one of them are looking. [Laughs] PM Sherman Ruth: Oh, I can under- stand that. Do you have any grand- children? DGM James Baker: Yes, I have our two grandchildren and one great grandson. One lives in the nearby area and the other lives in Atlanta, Geor- gia. Bro. Carl Raymond: Good evening, DGM Baker. How are you tonight, sir? DGM James Baker: It is great. I am doing well. Bro. Carl Raymond: It is a pleasure and honor to chat with you this after- noon. If you don't mind, if you would indulge us and kind of tell us a little about your Prince Hall Masonic expe- rience and your journey? Like what Lodge were you initiated? And who was the [Lodge] Master? Who was the Grand Master at the time? DGM James Baker: Yes, I was initi- ated into Eagle Lodge #212. Probably around 45 - 50 years ago, somewhere up in there. Initially I didn ’ t know an- ything about being a Mason, I really didn't know anything about it. My ma- sonic journey started when a guy “ ruffled my feathers. ” So, I went to see him the next week to kind of put him in his place. He was so nice, and he started talking to me before I had a chance to get out of line. Then he asked me, “ have you ever considered being a Prince Hall Mason? ” And I
told him, “ I don't know, I don't know anything about it. ” So, he invited me to his home the next week and he gave me a petition. I filled it out and returned it to him, I was accepted, and they brought me into the organ- ization. I served as the Junior Deacon, Senior Deacon, Junior Warden, Senior Warden,
more time. PM Treven Lagerman: Good even- ing, DGM Baker. You already gave us what inspired you to become Mason when you talked about the interaction with the person, you later came to know was a Lodge Master. The ques- tion I want to ask you this evening is, “ What was your most memorable ex- perience as a Prince Hall Mason? ” DGM James Baker: I thought about that, and there are just so many, it is hard trying to figure out one. As a Prince Hall Mason? I have one, we were in the Grand Lodge Session, I don't remember exactly what year, I think it was the Grand Lodge Session. Some of the brothers came up, and gave me an award and it said, “ Thank You! ” I couldn't hold back the tears at the time, because any and everything I do [in regard to Freemasonry] is not to receive anything in return. It is just living and doing what I am supposed to do by living up to the obligation. That most memorable thing because I am not supposed to cry. I don't cry, I don't believe; well at least not where anyone can see me. So that has to be the most memorable thing I would
and the [Lodge] Master for several years. I also served as District Lectur- er for District Two, under DDGM Ri- ley O. Lucas. I have served as the “ DDGM ” for Region #1. And some years ago, I was elected Senior Grand Warden for the State of Louisiana, and a few years after that I was elect- ed as the Deputy Grand Master. Freemasonry to me, I often say is a lifesaver. In my younger days I was headed in the wrong direction. It must have been something good that this guy identified within me for him to ask if I would become a Mason. His name was Mack Hurst, and he was the Master of the Lodge [Eagle Lodge #212]. And it has taught me so much, Masonry has been so good to me. As far as curbing in my life in a different direction completely. Mack Hurst was the WM of the Lodge at the time of my initiation. Is there anything else specific you want to know? Bro. Carl Raymond: It is quite fine, and you have quite a legacy. We thank you for your service, and we are honored to be with you tonight. We are going pass the microphone one
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