As we reviewed what we had done on the “other side” as a Masonic Lodge, it was clear that SOCIAL ACTION PROGRAMS would be our “niche” as we moved forward as a Chartered Lodge of the MWPHGLNY. Of course, we would do the other three Core Programs, but we had been doing Social Action Programs for ALL the years that we had existed as a Lodge! As it happens with all Lodges, our membership evolved. Two of the “original thirteen” left the practice of Freemasonry for personal reasons. We still communicate with them hoping they will eventually return to the fold. But life runs its course for Brothers in a myriad of ways. Fraternity Lodge No. 126 has nineteen (19) Brothers on its rolls. Brother Divine Apoh married last summer. He and his wife now live in Malawi, Africa. He pays his dues through CashApp. PM Anthony Reams demitted to our Lodge from another PH Lodge of the MWPHGLNY. We had PM Shamell Lawrence, Brother Lendell Huggins, Brother Clyde Mitchell, Brother Ben Tobias, and Brother Jermaine Robinson come to us from the Occasional Lodge last summer. Finally, Brother Terrance Brown was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason through a Raising at Widows Son Lodge No. 11 of the 2 nd District on Saturday, October 14 th , 2023. Several of us were there to witness his transformation. When it was announced that the MWGM would be celebrating Prince Hall Day at Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church (UGMBC), it was apparent that the G.A.O.T.U. had led us to our “niche.” You see, we had been working with UGMBC as a Masonic Lodge since 2017! We had committed to UGMBC because the families of two of our Brothers, JW Gary Goodwin and Brother Gregory Bynum, had been members of the church for decades!
We adopted UGMBC as a place where we would be able to “uplift” our community. We were active participants in their heralded program called “Feed The Community.”
“Feed The Community” occurred the week before Thanksgiving. Through donations of money and food from members and friends of UGMBC, corporate and personal donations, UGMBC feed thousands of families! Prior to the pandemic, UGMBC was able to provide families, who did NOT have to be members of the church, with canned foods, dry goods, and staples and of course, a 12 – 16-pound turkey – so that everyone in the community could celebrate the holiday where we “give thanks” for our blessings. The entire operation was done in ONE day! Hundreds lined up. The line would inevitably extend around two corners! Members of UGMBC and other volunteers signed up to work the event from 7:00 am until every one on the line received their groceries and turkey. As a Masonic Lodge we had Brothers who worked the entire day. Some worked on their lunch break. These Brothers gave their time which as I stated previously, is the most precious gift one can give when one performs charity. As a Lodge, we also gave a monetary gift to support UGMBC as it helped members of the community. “Feed The Community” even persevered through the pandemic and our Lodge was there with them. When we received our PH Charter in June, 2022, our Brothers worked the event and gave a monetary donation as well.
When the MWGM celebrated Prince Hall Day at UGMBC, Fraternity Lodge No. 126 was present. We were very proud to have been involved with UGMBC when it was announced our MWGM would be there to celebrate Prince Hall Day. As a matter of fact, another PH Lodge, Trinity Lodge No. 127, under WM Andrew Smith, has also been involved with UGMBC with PM Jay Johnson giving up his time to work the event alongside our Brothers for the last seven years!
Prince Hall Sentinel May 2024 Page | 83
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