Submitted by Bro. Firan Chisolm 2024 Junior Warden of St. Joseph Lodge #117
ST. JOSEPH LODGE #117 (A History Venerated) St. Joseph Lodge #17 was founded in 1953 in Mount Vernon, NY. Beginning in the basement of Deacon William Grant of Mount Zion Church. It was a member of the Alpha Grand Lodge of New York City. The first Worshipful Master was Bro. Herbert Grant (22) becoming the predecessor to Bro. Charles Webb (5), who in turn was succeeded by Bro. Willie Gibson (4). Their meetings were held at various churches and the Odd Fellow Hall in Mount Vernon.
Through the commitment and sacrifice of its charter members the Lodge was able to purchase a building in Mount Vernon to hold their Stated Communications at 28 East 1st Street. In the year 1983 under the leadership of Worshipful Master Willie Gibson, the Lodge became Under Dispensation (UD) to become a member of the MWPHGLNY which was granted the following year. In 1984 St. Joseph Lodge received its new Charter and was re-numbered in the register of the MWPHGLNY to 117 making them a member of the Thundering Third District. The inaugural Worshipful Master elected in the new St. Joseph #117 was Bro. Paul Bates, his inaugurally elected Senior and Junior Wardens were Bros. Amos Jones and Earlie Albright. Well known for its commitment to the principles of Freemasonry. These principles compel its members to dispense charity while maintaining integrity and honesty in our communities. Belief in God, Family, and Community are the core values of our institution. We support the recognition of citizens contributing to the neighborhood, preparing meals, and serving the less fortunate at local Soup Kitchen programs, guest chefs at various community venues, and sponsoring little league baseball along with youth football. We also support our Grand Lodge Scholarship Fund program to assist our youth with their education needs. We enjoy marching as Masons in both the Mount Vernon & NYC Annual African American Day Parades. Upon joining the Third District in 1984 the Lodge has upheld the tradition of having an Annual Breakfast to honor the most recent serving Past Master (aka Junior Past Master) of the Lodge with a specially made Past Master’s apron for services re ndered. Also to recognize the Widows of the Lodge with expressions of love and gratitude for sharing their husbands with us. It is indeed at these moments where we take time to reflect, acknowledge, and give thanks to our beloved history.
HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY!!!!
Prince Hall Sentinel May 2024 Page | 76
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