became the Secretary, I partnered with our Treasurer and we estab- lished programs and held many fundraisers to support our efforts. We rescued the finance of the organization and became a very rich Lodge. Later in my Masonic journey I also served as Worshipful Master and as a District Deputy Grand Master. SGIG Matthews: Sir, as you entered into the Air Force not long after WWII, and served in the Korean War era, I am quite sure there was a different temperament for military service during that time. Also, I would like to examine what was the strength of the Craft at that time, especially as it relates helping to people of color in the community, and throughout Europe. We know that many African Americans were dealing with Civil Rights issues during this period back in the United States, and several went to Europe because they saw it as a more suitable environment. We would appreciate you telling us about the shared American history from your experiences in the UK, and how your contributions impacted Black history. I also want to go back and address the beginning of your Masonic journey, and a little bit of what inspired you. You mentioned about your brother, your uncle's your family, the Worshipful Master in your first Lodge, and the Lodge that you became a member of in
Dr. Hall being honored for 50 Years as a Scottish Rite Mason
England, all helping you along the way. That's the beginning of your journey, but we often state that Scottish Rite Masonry is the graduate program of Freemasonry. After you were advanced to Sublime Prince, when were you elevated to 33rd degree ? SGIG Hall: In 1995. I was coronated to SGIG in 2020. SGIG Matthews: Yes sir, I recall that just a few short years later, in 2023, you were recognized for having more than 50 years in Scottish Rite Masonry. We appreciate your service sir, and we are honored that you continue to be a part of our organization. Apologies Dr. Nichols, I know you have been on the line this entire time and we never let you introduce yourself. Are you located in the Maryland area and could you please tell us how you know Dr. Hall? Dr. Edwin Nichols, Ph. D : Yes, I live in Washington, DC. Dr. Hall, as you may know, is a psychologist, like myself and I met him through the Association of Black Psychologists, and organization of which I am a founding member. We met years ago in Virginia at a conference, he came down and spent time at my place and we have been friends and colleagues ever since. SGIG Matthews: I think someone mentioned that you are still practicing [psychology] at the age of 94! Dr. Nichols: Yes! I do lectures and workshops and things like that, mostly via Zoom from home. SGIG Matthews: Oh wow! I gathered a little bit about your shared history, seem like it has only been profes- sional and friendship based. Given that Dr. Hall is a longtime Mason, I am surprised that you never shared that journey with him. Dr. Nichols : When I met Bill, he needed clinical experience, and I was with the National Institute of Mental Health at the time. It was in 1969 and I was the first African American to hold a position as a center chief, which meant I had a budget and a program. I was in a position to arrange for him to do his internship at St. Elizabeth's Psychiatric Hospital here in DC. And from that point on, we were very tight and close in all kinds of things. He invited me over to do workshops once in England, and I was glad to be able to do that. And we maintained our friendship through all these years, so and it's been a hand and glove kind of relationship. Dr. Nichols: I don ’ t want to take up too much of your time. I would like to say congratulation Bill, and I am very happy for you and your guys! SGIG Matthews: Thank you so much for joining us, sir.
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