I n this special edition of our historical interview series, the USC-DC Public Relations Department s at down with the esteemed SGIG Dr. William A. Hall to capture the story of a man whose Masonic journey spans more than half a century. What follows is an intimate and wide-ranging conversation that explores Dr. Hall ’ s deep family roots in Masonry, his military and academic accomplishments, and his influential service across jurisdictions in the United States and abroad. Joined by longtime friends and colleagues—including Dr. Edwin Nichols, GIG Treven Lagerman, and GIG Grant Goods—the interview unfolds with moments of reflection, brother-hood, humor, and profound historical insight. Readers will hear Dr. Hall recount everything from his early in-spirations, to his military service during the Korean War era, to his pivotal role in establishing contact be-tween Prince Hall Masons and the United Grand Lodge of England. This is more than an interview—it is a preservation of legacy, leadership, and the enduring power of Prince Hall Masonry. SGIG Howard T. Matthews Jr, Esq. (418): Good evening gentlemen. SGIG Dr. William A. Hall (418): Good evening. SGIG Matthews: Alright, so we have you loud and clear. Sir, it so good to see you. SGIG Hall: Yes, it's good to see you as well. I have to break the habit of speaking too soft, so let me know if you can't hear me [anytime during the interview]. SGIG Matthews: Sir, you are perfect. You are coming in loud and clear, as if you are ready for radio. I see we have GIG Lagerman, who is also part of the Public Relations Department for the USC-DC [like myself]. And I recognize the other gentleman we have on the call, Dr. Edwin Nichols; I am going to let him introduce himself as well. Sir, I suppose you and SGIG Hall are acquaintances. SGIG Hall : Yes, he is a very good friend of mine. Dr. Edwin Nichols: Good evening gentlemen. Yes, Dr. Hall and I are friends for many years, we are both psychologists, and I still work some. I do a lot of zoom events, which includes lecturing for distance learning courses, which is very convenient! My father was a 32nd degree Mason, and a Shriner, and from what I under- stand that being a 33rd is the pinnacle [of Freemasonry]. So, I am very honored to be part of this celebration and join with my dear friend Bill Hall in helping him to rejoice and celebrate this very special honor that you all are affording him. And I thank you for permitting me to be a part of this celebration. SGIG Matthews: Oh, that is so wonderful and we are very glad to have you join us. As you may have no- ticed, we also have on the line GIG Grant Goods, who also goes back with Dr Hall in Masonry. The connected with each other while they were both living in England. SGIG Hall: That's right. SGIG Matthews: I am glad that he could join. I think he's going to try to get on the camera in a bit, or maybe just stay in the background and offer some insight as we progress through the interview. As a matter of pro- cess, this is one of those initiatives that our Sovereign Grand Commander, Dr A. Ralph Slaughter has initiated, where we put the spotlight on some of our fraters, our brothers who have given so much to the Craft. They have also given much to our communities and our society as a whole, and we give them an opportunity to tell their story, because not everyone will have an autobiography or a biography published by or about themselves, so this is our opportunity to hear their story and place into our archives. SGIG Hall: Okay, thank you. First, I'd like to say thank you very much for you honoring me, I highly appre- ciate it. I have been a Mason for more than 50 years. SGIG Matthews: Oh yes sir, we know that. We are acknowledging that you have been a Scottish Rite Mason, by attaining the 32nd degree more than 50 years ago, which speaks volumes. If you would first please tell us who you are. SGIG Hall: I am Dr. William Alexander Hall. I am a descendant of a long line of Masons.
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