reflecting the teachings of Dr. King. For the past 30 years Illustrious Pickett, a professor, performer, playwright, producer and director, has been coordinator of the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center at Cleveland State University. In attendance was his wife Loyal Lady Bertha Pickett, Bezaleel Assembly No. 19; Most Worshipful Grand Master Maurio D. Powell (15); Deputy for the Orient, SGIG Carl A. Williams (15); WM Eloy Vasquez, Ecclesiastes Lodge No. 120 (15); GIG Tony J. Dye (15); GIG Jerry Nichols (15); and LL Diane P. Jofferion (19), State Grand Loyal Lady Priestess/ Executive Secretary to the Deputy.
musketeers say, “ One for all, and all for one ”. Teamwork and fellowship have allowed us to rise again, like the Phoenix, our symbol. Sublime Princes work hard to fulfill the needs of the Consistory. Our Commanders of the Rite shore up our Consistory with strength and knowledge. Albany Consistory has come a long way, but we are not done. As The Phoenix has risen, so has Albany.
Sovereign Grand Inspector General Carl A. Williams, 33 o , Deputy
Pentecost Consistory No. 98
Pentecost Consistory continues to thrive. Under the dynamic leadership of our Commander-In-Chief and the SGIGs, GIGs, and Fraters. We are growing and evolving rapidly. Upon his election, the Commander-In-Chief implemented a comprehensive trestle board, launching several initiatives designed to strengthen the Consistory and enhance its community impact. One of our cornerstone programs is the monthly virtual Scottish Rite Lecture Series, presented by GIG Anthony McEachin and GIG Jerry L. Bailey, Jr. These lectures cover a wide range of topics and are aimed at deepening our understanding of the principles and responsibilities of Scottish Rite Masonry. Fostering strong fraternal bonds remains a central focus. This year, the members and the Loyal Ladies of Pentecost Assembly came together for several impactful events, including a dinner hosted by the Commander-In- Chief and his Lieutenants and a festive "Pentecost Family" Barbecue. Both gatherings were warmly received and significantly strengthened the ties between our Fraters and Loyal Ladies. Membership growth remains a vital priority. This past year, we welcomed three new Fraters into our ranks: Sublime Princes Gregory Grose, James Johnson, and Claude Addo. We also reclaimed two valued members. Our efforts continue as we seek to initiate new members and reengage those who have stepped away, ensuring the enduring strength and vitality of our brotherhood.
Even though it may have stopped snowing, the Orient of Ohio is still going! The only easy day was yesterday. November was a month of celebration for SP Stacie Baker, 32°, L.D. Easton
Consistory No. 21, Valley of Columbus. He was re-elected to the Reynoldsburg City Council. He has served since 2017. He is now engaged in a run for the Ohio State Senate. On Saturday, December 13, 2025, GIG Raymond Hummons, 33°, Miami Consistory No. 26, Valley of Dayton, was recognized in a
On Sunday, January 11, 2026, the Orient of Ohio, the United Supreme Council, and Prince Hall freemasonry suffered the tremendous loss of SGIG Dr. Chester C. Pryor II, 33° of King Solomon Consistory No. 20 who transitioned shortly after his 96th birthday. A native of Cincinnati, he led a storied life. After graduating from Central State University (Chemistry), he graduated from Howard University Medical School (ophthalmology). He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. In the late 1950s, his chosen profession of ophthalmology resulted in a number of firsts amid an unfriendly environment for African- Americans. He was the first Black ophthalmology intern; first Black ophthalmologist in Cincinnati; first Black president of the Cincinnati Eye Society, among other honors and appointments. Illustrious Pryor has been recognized many times for his civic, social, and professional service. One of the most notable honors was that of being named among the “ Great Living Cincinnatians ” in 2018. In Scottish Rite freemasonry, Ill. Pryor was a past Illustrious Commander -in-Chief (1972 – 73); Past Deputy for the Orient of Ohio (1986 – 89); and served as the Director of the USC Medical Department for more than 40 years (1981 – 2022). He was a member of the
street renaming ceremony in recognition of the remarkable example of his professional, civic, and fraternal lives. For more than 80 years he has exemplified what it means to be a Scottish Rite Mason.
On Sunday, January 11, during the Cleveland Orchestra ’ s 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Concert GIG Prester Pickett (15), was honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service in the Arts Award for 2026. This award honors individuals and organizations whose work positively impacts music and the arts while
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