So let me make sure I understand this correctly and GIG Goods might be able to help me with this. Dr. Hall, when you became a Scottish Rite Mason were you a part of the Northern Jurisdiction, or the Southern Jurisdiction? SGIG Hall: I was part of the Southern Jurisdiction at first, because I was advanced in Shelby, North Carolina. I later became a member of Northern jurisdiction when I was in another jurisdiction overseas? GIG Grant Goods (413): I can answer this one sir. I believe Dr Hall, when I first came in Masonry in England, that we were in the Washington [State] Jurisdiction, and part of the Northern Jurisdiction in Scottish Rite. Dr. Hall was District Deputy Grand Master for Ancient Craft at the time, and PM Melvin Jackson was our Special District Deputy while we were in England. Sir, I would like to say congratulations on this momentous occasion, you are very deserving of this recognition for all your years of service. I am sure that many other brothers who have served with you or under your leadership would have like to attend, but I am sure they are here in spirit. SGIG Matthews: Dr. Hall, I have one final question to ask you, before we come to a close and that is what was the most memorable experience you had as a Prince Hall Mason? SGIG Hall: The most memorable experience as a Prince Hall Mason?
Dr. Hall with his family
I can remember, when Prince Hall Masons in North Carolina, used to talk about how England influence how Masonry is organized throughout the world. Our Lodge in the UK was very active and one of our members worked with a British guy who was also a Mason in the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). Several members of the Lodge met with our UK Brother and he put us in contact with other local Masons. We were the first Prince Hall Masons in over 100 years, to make contact with UGLE. Their Secretary Gen-eral was very active in trying to establish contact between Prince Hall Masons and UGLE. That led to UGLE sending an invitation to our Grand Master in Washington State to come and attend one of their Annual Session. Unfortunately, he could not attend, so I and another District Deputy Grand Master from our jurisdiction attended on his behalf. They honored us, and invited us back the next year, and we accepted their invitation for several subsequent years. I think that was the most memorable. GIG Goods: And I believe Dr. Hall, prior to the invitations to their Grand Lodge Sessions, they actually opened up the doors to their Lodge room for us to be one of the first Prince Hall Masons to visit and walk their middle chamber. SGIG Matthews: That's just amazing, absolutely amazing. SGIG Hall: That was the beginning of the big movement to recognize Prince Hall Masonry in England. SGIG Matthews: Sir, you know, as always, we are truly grateful for the moments to sit down and talk with folks who have been as influential as you, not necessarily just in Masonry, but our society, our communities, and our families. There is no doubt that you have added to your legacy and your family ’ s legacy by being an upright man with lots of great contributions.
This concludes our interview of Dr. William A. Hall. Thank you so much for attending.
Acronyms
GIG: Grand Inspector General
SGC: Sovereign Grand Commander
PCS: Permanent Change of Station
SGIG: Sovereign Grand Inspector General
PHA: Prince Hall Affiliated
UGLE: United Grand Lodge of England
PR: Public Relations
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