along with other initiatives designed to advance the Craft and engage the next generation of leadership. He recognized the Past Grand Masters and introduced the officers of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey. Degree Work: Thirty-Second Degree SGIG Jeffrey M. Perry, respectfully turned over the gavel to SP Dean D. Parker, Commander-in-Chief of Ophir Consistory No. 48, empowering him to confer the Thirty-Second Degree upon 10 Sublime Princes. Upon completion of the exemplification, several rose to offer congratulations. They extended high praise to Ophir Consistory ’ s Degree Team for their exemplary work, precision, and dignified presentation of the Rite. Warm fraternal greetings were also conveyed to the newly created Sublime Princes as they continue their journey in the Scottish Rite. The occasion was marked by harmony, pride, and a renewed commitment to the principles of the Thirty-Second Degree. SGIG Perry, formally received SGIG Ricardo McNeil back to the East and he extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly created Sublime Princes and offered words of instruction and encouragement. He reminded the class that “ the battleground is not in the heart, but in the mind, ” urging them to discipline their thoughts and remain steadfast in the principles of the Rite. He further announced that the Class would bear the distinguished name of “ GIG Otis Appling ”, a devoted member of Golden Rule Lodge No. 24. The Consistory was closed in Ample Form at 3:00 PM, to reconvene at 8:00 AM on Sunday morning with Morning Worship. The Annual Session of the State Grand Assembly, Order of the Golden Circle under the leadership of L.L. Lisa Gist-Ragland, State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler on November 15, 2025 received SGIG McNeil and his selected delegation to The State Grand Assembly Order of the Golden Circle for official business. Ill. McNeil presided over the Nomination and Elections of the State Grand Elected Assembly Officers of the Golden Circle of New Jersey for the ensuing 2025- 2026 year resulting in the following: • State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler: L.L. Nicole E. Mingo Horton • State Grand Loyal Lady A. Ruler: L.L. Paulette McGee-Thomas • State Grand Loyal Lady Priestess: L.L. Kathie A. Lofland • State Grand Loyal Lady Guide: L.L. Tony Bethea
Alzheimer ’ s Awareness Presentation Mr. Paul Irving, State Representative for the New Jersey Association on Alzheimer ’ s, delivered an informative presentation to the Craft outlining the advancements and dedicated efforts to combat the disease. His remarks were enlightening, impactful, and was warmly received by all. SGIG McNeil, expressed his sincere appreciation for his commitment to raising awareness. GIG Raymond Smith, then, presented SGIG McNeil to render his Allocution to the NJCOD. SGIG McNeil closed with: “ The Orient of New Jersey has what I would call momentum; there is excitement in the air of this Orient that I sense as I travel to the various Consistories and Assemblies. It is his desire to capitalize on that excitement by challenging the membership to spread the word that Scottish Rite Masonry is alive and, on the move. It is a continuation of the first three foundational degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, and It is a school of higher learning, eager to enlighten its new candidates. He also thanked Sovereign Grand Commander, Melvin L. Bazemore,33° for the appointment as Deputy for the Orient of New Jersey. Because of outstanding service to the United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction, SGIG Robert L. Oglesby Sr.33° was elected and installed as the Illustrious Grand Minister of State during the 2025 Session. We Love You Man, and we congratulate you on your elevation, my Brother. ” Introduction of Guest and Remarks: Ill. Herman, stated he was happy and honored to be invited to the Session. LL Lisa Gist-Ragland, State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler, brought greetings from the New Jersey State Grand Assembly, Order of the Golden Circle. SGIG McNeil, then, presented SGIG Robert L. Oglesby, Sr. who brought greetings from SGIG Bazemore and stated “ Without a Vision the People Will Perish ” and that he gave his all and that he is blessed with my new position. He thanked the NJCOD for supporting him the past years and he is always available if needed. Most Worshipful Jimmy Barnes extended fraternal greetings and warmly acknowledged all distinguished visitors in attendance and expressed his sincere appreciation to the brethren for their support of the Grand Lodge ’ s initiatives, including the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and other charitable endeavors. He further spoke of his vision to revive and strengthen the “ Millennial Program ”,
State Grand Loyal Lady Treasurer: L.L. Evette M. Davis State Grand Loyal Lady Secretary: L.L. Marilyn D. Jones State Grand Loyal Lady Herald: L.L. Tolara Deloatch State Grand Loyal Lady S. Bearer: L.L. Donna D. Robinson State Grand Loyal Lady Inn. Guard: L.L. Rachel Lewis State Grand Loyal Lady Ot. Guard: L.L. Kary ’ n E. State Grand Loyal Lady A. Tres.: L.L. Jessi A. Banks State Grand Loyal Lady A. Sec.: LL Christine Sales State Grand Loyal Lady Musician: L.L. Martha Meyers State Grand Loyal Lady Photog.: L.L. Renee Harris
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The NJCOD C. Morris Cain Scholarship Awards Committee, under the leadership of GIG Jeffrey T. Griffin, proudly continues its longstanding tradition of recognizing academic excellence. The NJCOD awarded eight $1,000.00 academic scholarships to outstanding graduates in celebration of their educational achievements, perseverance, and future aspirations. This special presentation during the Annual Banquet not only highlighted the accomplishments of these deserving students, but also reaffirmed the Council ’ s unwavering commitment to education, mentorship, and community uplift. The recipients were: 1. Ms. Jordan Pace 2. Ms. Nadirah Saleem 3. Mr. Brandan Cunningham 4. Jahir Tisan Dawud 5. Ms. Mason “ Mazy ” Parker 6. Ms. Shania West SGIG Herbert M. Douglas Award: • Ms. JaNae Keys • Ms. Lenita Ann Hasan Each of the six Consistories within the Orient is allotted one scholarship award. Additionally, two supplemental scholarships are awarded through the generous support of the United Supreme Council and the NJCOTR. Veterans of Distinction Awards During the NJCOD Annual Session Banquet, several were recognized for their honorable military service to our nation. The following were awarded: • Meritorious Service Medal: - K.C. Brian L. Dailey - GIG Terrance M. Grimes • Distinguished Service Medal: S.P. Willie B. Faulks, Jr.
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