THE PRINCE HALL SENTINEL Official Publication of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge F&AM, State of New York
Elected Grand Lodge Officers
M.˙. W.˙. Gregory R. Smith Jr. (1) Grand Master
From The Editor’s Desk
I would like to start by reflecting on two words “unity” and “diversity” within the Craft. At first glance, these seem like simple enough ideas: “Unity” refers to oneness, of being formed of parts that make a whole - essentially around a consensus of shared values as they relate to the principles of Freemasonry.
R.˙. W.˙. Darren M. Morton (64) Deputy Grand Master R.˙. W.˙. Jean E. Apollon Sr. (63) Grand Senior Warden R.˙. W.˙. Kevin P. Wardally (14) Grand Junior Warden
R.˙. W.˙. Jamal Ali (38) Grand Treasurer
“Diversity” refers to variety and difference – as these relate to individual members of the various Lodges and concordant bodies of the Craft. “Unity in diversity” suggests a happy equilibrium, or harmony, between these seeming dichotomies, spanning the Craft to national levels. On a close assessment, such a statement could be seen as a call for homogeneity, For example, the idea that Freemasonry is one organization of many people brought together through a shared commitment to “Masonic values.” When these ideas are looked at through the prism of social policy, and what the words may imply as representing an ideology, then we are looking at somewhat greater complexity. One area of ideology complexity I would like to address is that of the perceived divide between our members with longevity and our younger members. Many of our senior members use the phrase “Back in my day” when talking about their experiences in the Craft. Well it is true. Time leaves the legacy of history, and each age has its own social and cultural context. To our younger Brothers, a phrase like this seems to engender a feeling that “that Brother is out of touch with the realities of present day” and in many cases, just in the way. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only do senior Brothers have a cultural potential to develop, but Just like everyone else, they need to express themselves and want to play a useful role in the further advancement of the Craft. Our senior Brothers are great information sources. They represent experience and wisdom. We will probably not agree with all of their appreciations of life but talking to an 80-year-old Brother is talking to someone who has witnessed Masonic history since 1929! Inevitably, we must all grow old; and, as we do, we must deal with the aging process each in our own way. As we mature, relationships change; friends die; and our children establish their own families. How do you feel about older Brothers? Do you respect them for their experience and knowledge, or do you think they are out of date and just in the way. How do you feel about watching your parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles growing older? Have you ever considered that with life expectancy increasing, you too will soon be regarded by younger members as that Older Brother who is always talking about “Back in my day.”
R.˙. W.˙. Sandino Sanchez (14) Grand Secretary
Grand Trustees
R.˙. W.˙. Keith B. Bryant Sr. (122) Chairman R.˙. W.˙. Oswaldo Mestre Jr. (88) R.˙. W.˙. Patrick Rosene (124) R.˙. W.˙. Jerome Morris (3) R.˙. W.˙. Jimmy Chaple (120)
R.˙. W.˙. La ’Keith Rouse (14)
R.˙. W.˙. Dayquan El-Amin (14) R.˙. W.˙. Troy Jackson (59)
R.˙. W.˙. R. Nabar Colbert (53)
Editorial Staff M .˙. W.˙. Gregory R. Smith Jr. (1) Publisher R.˙. W.˙. Robert B. Hansley (93) Editor R.˙. W.˙. Raymond N. Freeman Jr. (97) Grand Photographer
Contributors In This Issue
P.G.M. Ludwick S. Hall (47) R.˙. W.˙. Kevin P. Wardally (14) R.˙. W.˙. Gary Davis (55) P.M. Mathew Wagstaff (36) R . · .W . · . Oswaldo Mestre (88) Bro. Kevin Parker (123) Bro. William Wagstaff III (55) R. · . W. · . Donald Washington ( ) W.M. Lester Neal (93) Sis. Danielle McFarland (67)
Bro. Firan Chisolm (117) P.M. Franklin Caesar (126) W.M. Jason Callahan (92)
Prince Hall Sentinel May 2024 Page | 2
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