• Louisiana PHA History • “ When the Temple was Hopping ” • Interview w/ a Living Legend
• Wor. Grand Chaplain Rev. Sidney Joshua • Grand Worthy Matron Mary McGriff Bell • Brothers and Sisters working TOGETHER
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First Edition 2023
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Louisiana, Incorporated The Honorable Ralph Slaughter, Ph.D., CPA Most Worshipful Grand Master CEO/Publisher Editor in Chief: MWGM Ralph Slaughter Chief Advisor: Bro. Walter Simmons, Jr., PM, #148 Co - Editor: Bro. CJ Raymond #114 Co - Editor: Bro. Sherman Ruth, PM #261 Staff Writer: Bro. Treven Lagerman, PM #163 Staff Writer: Bro. Howard Matthews, #163
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From the Grand Master
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Louisiana PHA History
Features: When the Temple was Hopping
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Interview w/ a Living Legend
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Wor. Grand Chaplain Rev. Sidney Joshua
GWM Mary McGriff Bell
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Education: Badge of a Mason
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Brothers and Sisters Together
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Scenes from Regional Meetings
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Photography: Submissions and stock images
OES Mid - Winter Session
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Upcoming Events
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Mission Statement : The mission of The Plumb Line is to disseminate Masonic material to the Prince Hall Masonic Family, which documents the efforts of members of Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Louisiana to render community service (through unity and brotherly love) to im- prove the cultural, social, and economic conditions of the people of Louisiana.
The Plumb Line is published at: 1335 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802
The Publisher and Editorial staff reserve the right to reject any material
DISCLAIMER: Articles, views, and/or opinions herein expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinion or carry the endorsement of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Louisiana or any constituent Lodge within this Jurisdiction.
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Greetings:
It is an honor to welcome you to the spring edition of the Plumb Line magazine of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Louisiana and its jurisdiction. As the representative for more than 5,000 Masons and 168 Lodges in Louisiana, I have the honor of leading them. Your confidence in our efforts makes it my pleasure to serve this great organization. It is often stated that Freemasonry is a beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated with symbols, and the brothers and sisters of this jurisdiction embody these virtues. Freemasonry provides opportunities for fellowship, enlightenment, leadership, and philanthropy that enhance and strengthen the character of men. Masons of this Jurisdiction will always receive inspirational opportunities for personal development, education, and fellowship as part of the
maintenance and upkeep of our landmarks and obligations. Throughout our jurisdiction, 2022 has been a productive and progressive year. We welcomed hundreds of new Brothers into our jurisdiction, launched an updated website, re - launched Plumb Line magazine, and delivered charters for eight new Lodges. As we prepare to host the Conference of Grand Masters, PHA, in 2023, we expect our largest and most productive annual session ever. We will continue to be the world's most pro- gressive Prince Hall Jurisdiction. Additionally, I am excited about the work done on Camp Chicota so far; however, there is still much to do. One of the jewels of this jurisdiction, Camp Chicota is a one - of - a - kind Masonic property, and we will continue to support and improve it.
May God bless and keep you. In the spirit of fraternity and sincerity,
Dr. Ralph Slaughter Most Worshipful Grand Master
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T he story of the Most Wor- shipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Louisiana would never be complete without recognizing the contributions of
leadership in the battle for civil rights and instilled that courage in both his sons and the Craft. Not only was GM Lewis Sr. a prominent lead- er and civil rights activist, but he also spearheaded many agendas that set the MWPHGL of Louisiana on its current path. Two actions in particular deserve spe- cial recognition. First, in 1909 the Grand Lodge un- der GM Lewis ’ leadership was able to purchase a printing office and began preparing to publish a Ma- sonic journal that was issued monthly. The next sum- mer, in June of 1910, the first issue of the Plumbline was published and remains in circulation to this day. The second noteworthy milestone occurring during GM Lewis ’ s tenure was moving the Grand Lodge from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, where it presently resides. At the 55th Annual Communication in June 1917, GM Lewis Sr. recommended this change and the move occurred shortly thereafter. GM Lewis Sr. continued to work out of his local lodge in Natchitoches, as there was no facility for the Grand Lodge at that time. GM John G. Lewis, Sr. was the father to the 10th and 11th Grand Masters of the State of Louisi- ana, GM Scott A. Lewis and GM John G. Lewis, Jr. The Lewis family represents over 75 years of Mason- ic leadership within Louisiana and our illustrious Order.
Grand Master John Gideon
Lewis Sr. Born on June 26, 1851, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he ar- rived in Louisiana soon after the Civil War in the
PGM John G. Lewis, Sr.
late 1860s during the Reconstruction Era. He worked as a teacher in the Natchitoches area, and later re- ceived his naturalization papers in New Orleans in 1877. GM Lewis Sr. quickly became a well - known civic leader and an influential community advocate in which he was a member of many African American - led organizations during the 1870s and 1880s, to in- clude the MWPHGL of Louisiana, then known as Eu- reka Grand Lodge. Following the tragic death of GM Louis R. Price, then - Deputy Grand Master Lewis Sr. was elect- ed the 9th Most Worshipful Grand Master of Eureka Grand Lodge of Louisiana at the 53rd Annual Ses- sion. In 1903, GM Lewis Sr. was not only elected Grand Master, but he was also blessed with the birth of his second son, John G. Lewis Jr., who later be- came the 11th Grand Master of our illustrious organi- zation and arguably one of the most influential lead- ers in Prince Hall Masonry ’ s history. GM Lewis Sr. was a renowned speaker and arguably the one of the leading influences of black orators from the early 20th century who are often overlooked by mainstream historians. As an orator, GM Lewis Sr. provided
PGM Scott Lewis, PGM Jno G. Lewis, Jr .
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"It's where we gathered," said Huel Perkins, assis- tant to LSU's chancellor and a member of an old Baton Rouge family.
"What I remember from any social event among blacks is the Temple Roof Garden."
The Roof Garden was a large room on the top floor of the North Boulevard building, where during the 1930s and '40s many of the major black entertainers performed. Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, B.B. King, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, the Ink Spots, King Oliver, Louis Jordan and, later, Ike and Tina Turner were a few of the world - class entertain- ers who stopped at the Temple over the years. "When they came to town, there was such excite- ment. People who couldn't get in parked outside and just listened," Perkins said. Baton Rouge was smaller then, and the location of the Temple at 1333 North Blvd. was the center of town. People came to the Roof Garden to dance to the mu- sic on the hardwood floors. They even danced on the balconies that surround three walls of the large room. The Temple was built in 1924 and 1925 as the Dis- trict Grand Lodge No. 21 of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows. The building, which was dedicated in 1926, was designed by white architects Wogan & Bernard and built by African - American general con- tractors Conner, Bryant and Bell. Frank Johnson, 102, who still lives near the Temple, did the stone work on the building as well as work on the Bentley Hotel in Alexandria, the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas and the Omni Shoreham in Washington,
D.C.
"He's the only one of the original workers on the building still living," said Robert Buffington, grand secretary of the M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Louisiana, which in 1948 purchased the building from the Odd Fellows for $42,976.66. The building is built of steel and concrete, so well built that during World War II it was declared an offi- cial bomb shelter. "I understood that they almost put the building up for cash," said Buffington, whose family has been associ- ated with the Temple since its beginning.
The late B.V. Baranco Sr., a prominent black commu-
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nity leader, was grand master of the Odd Fel- lows and directed the construction of the building, which housed the organization's state offices. Baranco's son, Dr. B.V. Baranco Jr., had his dental office in the building. Also lo- cated in the building were a barber shop, a movie theater and of- fices of businessmen and professionals. "The Temple and the Grand were the only places we could see a movie," said Perkins.
"The building was not designed for basketball. It was designed for dancing," Perkins said. Players had to shoot from under balconies. "If the ball went out of the window, the game had to be held up until some- one went to the street and brought it back." A souvenir program from the third annual Baton Rouge City Championship Tournament April 11 - 12, 1942, lists the competing teams as the Trojans, the Colonials, the Chicken Shack Pirates, the Golden Ea- gles, the Apex Commodores and the Cobras. The forward to the program makes a touching refer- ence to World War II, then being fought, and stresses the importance of friendly competition. "All the world's a playground and each individual in a lifetime plays many games. Many of us are inclined to forget the dangers that threaten us in this game of war and to think more seriously of the beauties of life and the things that make it worth living. We must learn to take the good breaks with the bad and to make the most of every situation. Good sportsmanship and friendliness are the first requisites of all of the games of life." History buff Isadore Tansil Sr., a member of the Ma- sonic Lodge, grew up in the neighborhood, as did Perkins. He recalled that most people who went to the Temple would stop across the street at Bernard's Chicken Loaf House to pick up a chicken loaf for $1.25. Buffington said that the business was operated by brothers Eugene, Waldo and Joe Bernard. "You had to go next door to get a chicken loaf," said Perkins, who played for the Chicken Shack Pirates in the 1942 tournament. "It was part of coming here."
B.V. Baranco Sr., : Grand Master of the Odd Fellows, 1st Worshipful Master of Blazing Star Lodge No.114
Because blacks had no gymnasium in the city, the Temple Roof Garden dou- bled as a basketball court. Several semi - professional teams, sponsored by major black businesses, compet- ed in the building. The Chicken Shack Pirates, sponsored by Thomas Delpit, father of Joe Delpit; the Colonials, sponsored by Bernard's Chicken Loaf House; the Commodores, sponsored by Macie Lamotte of the Apex Lounge; the Trojans, sponsored by Manee's Cab Company; the Catholic Youth Organization team, sponsored by St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church; and the Golden Ea- gles, a team without a sponsor, all competed in a fierce but friendly rivalry.
For the dances, various clubs sponsored the bands,
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which were booked by Sam Johnson and Buffington's brother, the late Thomas Buffington. Tickets would be sold in advance as well as at the door. "There were always more people who wanted tickets than they had room for," Perkins said. The bands almost always played on Monday night, Buffington said. They would play in New Orleans on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and then head to Baton Rouge for Monday evening. "We would sub - book," Buffington said. "We could get them cheap." They usually played Baton Rouge for $800. Tansil recalled a famous band, Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy. "Our weather was hot to them," he said. So they went downtown to Stein's on Third Street where suits with two pairs of pants could be bought for $15. "They bought suits for the whole band," Tansil said. Buffington remembered the first time Duke Ellington played the Temple. Tickets were $1.25 in advance and $1.75 at the door. "The tickets sold slow," he said, because Ellington played a type of music known as "sophisticated." Patrons of the Temple preferred peppier dance music. "Duke came early," Buffington said. "He started swinging. The windows were open. Everybody could hear the music. We cleaned up that day." The second time Ellington played the Temple, the house was packed. In a brief history of the Temple, Robert Buffington's nephew, Thomas Buffington Jr., described a night at the Temple as "a night of parading automobiles and fashions."
Even younger members of the black community en- joyed the music of the visiting artists. "For those of us who were too young to attend the dances, they had a matinee," Tansil said. The under - 18 crowd would dance and enjoy the music but had to get out of the building by 8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. The adult dances be- gan at 9 p.m. and ran until 2 a.m. Buffington used to sell Cokes and hamburgers during the dances. "On a dance night, we would fry up 50 to 60 burgers at a time. They were just meat, bread and mustard," he said. The bands played at the north side of the Roof Gar- den. At the south side was a private balcony, which was entered by a circular metal stairway. "The mayor, chief of police and city officials would sit in the pri- vate balcony," Tansil said.
Eight or nine hundred people crowded into the Roof Garden to hear the bands. Fats Waller drew the larg-
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est crowd - 1,600 people - in the mid - 1930s. "If you couldn't get in, you would climb up on the fire es-
Robert Buff- ington said.
"That tells you how cen- tral this build- ing was to the black com- munity," Per- kins said. "They fig- ured if they put up a sign here, the whole black community would see it."
cape to hear the music," Perkins said. "The fire es- cape was al- ways full of people."
Often people inside the building would open the door to the fire escape and sneak in their friends, Tansil said. Crowds for the dances were orderly. A Capt. Hanks from the city police was hired to keep order. "When we had these crowds, we only needed one police- man," Buffington said. Local businessman Horatio Thompson paid to have a sign advertising his Esso filling station painted on the side of the Temple. A large arrow pointed to the sta- tion four blocks away. At one point the Odd Fellows ran short of money, Robert Buffington said. To keep the building going, Mrs. B.V. Baranco sold a lot on the east side of the building to the Home Oil Company, which put up a competing filling station on the property. "They had Lamar put up a billboard to hide Horatio's sign,"
Over the years, many businesses have occupied the historic building. A barber shop, the Temple Cafe, the Temple Theater, the Temple Cab Company, in- surance offices, a beauty shop, offices of the carpen- ters' union, a photography studio, a Christian bookstore, Hastings Realty office, the Spaulding Business College, the Louisiana Education Associa- tion and the Christian Faith Church. A Mr. Brockenbery operated a typing school with 20 typewriters donated by the Underwood Company. "With socks on his hand, he could type more words that you can imagine," Robert Buffington said. The first barber Robert Buffington can remember at the Temple Barber Shop was Joe Robbins. Any black barber in the city who wanted to trim hair had to pass muster with Robbins, Buffington said. When Rob- bins died around 1975, Walter Harrison took over the
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barbershop. Many other social events took place at the Temple - wedding receptions, sorority and fraternity functions, commencement exercises and private parties. On Jan. 10, 1972, years after the building's heyday, a riot between police and a small band of black Mus- lims traveling the country erupted on North Boule- vard in front of the Temple. Five people - two sher- iff's deputies and three Muslims - were killed, and 31 people were injured in the fighting. Members of the local black community refuse to let this one day of violence mar their appreciation for the Temple. Thomas Buffington Jr. believes that the Temple must be preserved for the "grandsons and great - granddaughters to enjoy musical and other cultural events, or merely to serve as a community meeting place." Times have changed. Meeting facilities are no longer segregated, but activities continue at the Temple. A board outside the Roof Garden announces the weekly schedule of events. The old movie theater has been dismantled, and the room is now available for private meetings and parties.
"There is no one in the community of greater Baton Rouge over age 30 who does not know the Temple, and we all seek to preserve this landmark because of its history and the part it has played in our lives and the lives of all who have gone before us in this centu- ry," Thomas Buffington Jr. wrote. Members of the Prince Hall Masonic Temple have plans now to renovate the old building, which was entered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Sometime in 1998, they plan to remove the paneling on the walls of the Roof Garden to once again expose the windows covered in an earlier renovation. "We're
Reference: Advocate Archives. (n.d.). https://theadvocate.newsbank.com/doc/news/0EB47886BA6AC300
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O n 6/15/2022 at 6:00 pm CST , the brothers of the Public Relations Department were afforded the privilege to spend time talking to Worshipful Grand Lecturer Reverend Sidney Joshua. Worshipful Brother Joshua shared his Masonic experiences with the Public Relations team, as well as insight about his upbringing. We are truly thankful and grateful that Reverend Joshua took time out of his schedule for the Public Relations Department ’ s interview, and we thank him for his service to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Louisiana.
PM Sherman Ruth : We spoke about a week or so ago in anticipation of this meeting. So again, I want to thank you! We cannot thank you enough for taking time out of your busy schedule [to attend this interview]. Before we get started, I am going to be obedient to the one of the first great cares of Masons when convened, we in- volve the aid of the Deity. So, if everybody could just take an attitude of prayer, we'll start his meeting off correctly. “ Father God, we come before you
here, just like the brothers right here in the State of Louisiana. The final member of our committee is Bro. Treven Lagerman. Brothers, I introduce you to our Grand Chaplain, Bro. Sidney Joshua. Bro. Joshua, we have come to this point by the wisdom of our MWGM Ralph Slaughter. Dr. Slaughter in our conversations a few months ago stated that we have several living legends in Prince Hall Masonry. So, what we want to do is highlight those brothers, and we want to interview them, and we wdeposit it into the archives of the Grand
with bowed heads and humble hearts. First to say thank you, Fa- ther. Thank you for allowing us to wake up this morning and you cov- ered us with your hedge of protec- tion to get us to this point in the day. Father God, we ask you to look upon this interview and bless that everything that happens is pleasing within your eyesight Fa- ther God. We are inspired to devel- op our Living Legend Series, and this is the fourth of those meetings. Father God, you have been with us before and we ask you to be with us now. It is these and all blessings we ask in your darling Son Jesus ’ name. Let us all say, Amen. WGC Sidney Joshua : Amen. PR Department : Amen.
Lodge for future brothers ’ reference and to be able to read the transcripts. We just want to expand our histori- cal footprint in Prince Hall Masonry. I would be remiss if I did not thank Bro. William Jelks. Bro. Jelks was very influential in making sure that we were able to connect with Bro. Joshua via zoom. So, I did not want to proceed any further without rec- ognizing Bro. Jelks for his diligence and hard work in getting us to get to this point. Bro. Joshua, I sent you some ques- tions that will operate as an agenda or an outline of how our interview would go. And with that, I'll start the interview off with our very first question. We are interested in your background. Tell us where you were
PM Sherman Ruth : Bro. Joshua, before I get started, I want to introduce the personnel present that make up the Public Relations Department of the MWPHGL of Louisiana. First, we have Grand Lecturer Walter Sim- mons Jr., and he also heads the PR Department. Also, we have Bro. Carl Raymond. Bro. Raymond is very, very active with the Public Relations Department and he is also co - editor of the Plumb Line. We also have Bro. Howard Matthews with us. And to the show his diligence, you know he is out of the country most of the time [Germany], but he practices punctuality and infal- libility by making sure that he is as much of a presence
born, where you are from, if you have any siblings, your employment background, your educational back- ground, and your family dynamic. Let us know if you are married, if you have any kids and so forth and so on.
WGC Sidney Joshua : Ready? PM Sherman Ruth : Yes, sir.
WGC Sidney Joshua : I was born in a little place called Lemannville, about six miles down the road from Don- aldsonville, LA.; right across the Sunshine bridge in the
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year of 1934. Growing up as a country boy, picking beans and other stuff that country boys were doing at that time. As far as my siblings, there are only three of us left out of 11, I have one sister and one brother still with us. My educational background. I attended Laurel High School in Donaldsonville, LA and graduated in 1954. I joined the Navy the following year, in August of 1955. My enlistment ended in August 1959, and I came to New Orleans and went to Union Baptist Theological Seminary. I earned my bachelor ’ s degree in 1972 and my master ’ s in 1975. I supported regional WH history [sic] preaching conventions and did a lot of trade work. I joined the local union, NOLA #689 [known as Laborers Local Union No. 689 AFL - CIO], where I spent 35 years in the construction business. I worked on all the high rise [buildings] you see downtown in New Orleans, LA from the Superdome to the Benson Towers. Now, politically wise, I was involved in politics because my first cousin you might know is Justice Bernette Joshua - Johnson, who was the first black Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. We ant to be able to record (video/audio) those interviews so that we can did a lot of campaigning on her behalf while she was running for various offices. And from those pursuits, I learned to be punctual, because her daddy always stressed being on time. So as far as political life goes, that was a great experience for me. Okay, I met my wife in 1960 at a picnic. So, I saw this young lady and my auntie said, “ look at that young lady over there, she has to have a wig on her head. ” So, I de- cided to investigate and in 1961 we got married. I have three sons, Craig, Derek, and BJ. All the boys are doing well, and I am proud of my sons. My second son is one of my associate ministers here at the church. Okay, what else we need? I have been a Prince Hall Mason for 53 years. In our Lodges we always hope that they will contain great men, young men. We need young men to come into the order and keep it going. We pray that the Lord will keep the older men here to teach the younger brothers how to conduct themselves as men. [Response to “ Who was the Worshipful Master of your first Lodge? ”] The Lodge [Worshipful] Master where I was initiated 53 years ago was Bro. Perryman. And the reason I came into Masonry was because a lot of my preaching friends, even in the country, (even my old preacher in the country) were Prince Hall Masons. Then when I came to New Orleans, I remember Frederick
Dunn, John Francis, and the older preacher I spoke of ear- lier were all Prince Hall Masons. And they took me under their wing, after that I was determined to become a Prince Hall Mason. [Response to “ Who was the Grand Master at that time?] Jno G. Lewis was a Grand Master! 53 years ago, Bro. Jno G. Lewis was the Grand Master. [Response to “ Did you hold any offices in the local lodge?] I served as the Chaplain in St. Luke #4 at my local Masonic Lodge and also the Grand Chaplain in the MWPHGL of Louisiana. [Response to “ Okay, so what inspired you to become a Prince Hall Mason, and what was your most memorable experience?] A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to preach at the Grand Lodge [Grand Session] memorial ser- vice. Great, great experience, and such a wonderful privi- lege to be selected for such a great honor. And when you think about all the preachers in the Order, and they [MWPHGL of Louisiana and the MWGM Ralph Slaugh- ter] select you to do the honor of preaching, that was a very glorious and exciting experience for me. And when you think about it, you know, where I came from and where I am today. And as I look back over my 53 years in
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the Order, you know, I have enjoyed myself very, very much. And I plan on being in the Order, until Gabriel blows his horn to come and get me. I am going to try to keep preaching and telling the story of Jesus Christ. My brothers, I appreciate the honor that I have been selected for this interview. I ask that you continue to pray for me, and I will pray for you, so we can continue to thank God for His divine glory. PM Sherman Ruth : We thank you for that insight into your beginnings. I tell you that your legend speaks vol- umes, Bro. Joshua. Now I will turn it over to Bro. Carl Raymond for any questions he may have. Bro. Carl Raymond : Good evening. First of all, Grand Chaplain Joshua, it is a pleasure and honor to be able to interview you tonight. And you have already dropped a plethora of information on us, and we are going to absorb all of it like a sponge. We thank you for what you have shared with us thus far. One question that I would like to ask is, “ if you could give any advice to the younger broth- ers in the Order for how to be good Masons like yourself, what would it be? ” WGC Sidney Joshua : My advice to the younger brothers, first of all, you need to be a man. You need to be a man and you need to be a man of your word. Make sure you are involved in the activities of your Lodge. If you can ’ t make it, call somebody. We need young men who are in- spired to become Prince Hall Masons, young men who are coachable that would listen to the older brothers so they can be directed into the right path. That would be my ad- vice to the younger brothers. PM Sherman Ruth : Okay, next we have Bro. Howard Matthews. Bro. Howard Matthews : Sir, good evening. And again, a total honor to be on the line with you and to be at your feet to hear your wisdom and your story. If we could, though, I would like to go back to your beginnings in Ma- sonry. You spoke about MWGM Jno G. Lewis being at the helm when you came in, but I would imagine there were some local folks. Who were those people that in- spired you to become a Mason? WGC Sidney Joshua : Jude Muntley, Charlie Shanks, Joshua Clark, and so many of the brothers that pulled my chain and brought me into [Freemasonry]. But my preach- ers were the real inspiration for me to come into the Order via Prince Hall Masonry. Simmie Harvey was one of my WMs when I came in; so many others that inspired me, and I am now standing on their shoulders. As I look back and see where I came from, I had some ups and downs like everyone else did. You know, sometimes I felt like giving up, but there was always somebody who told me
stay in the race. Because some- body else is al- wayswatching how you conduct yourself. But first of all, you have to be a Mason. Bro. Howard Matthews : So, what was the most memorable experience you've had as a Prince Hall Ma- son? No question about it, you are a man's man by your word and deed. But what is the memory you associate with being the greatest in your time in Masonry?
WGC Sidney Joshua : I remember when I decided I was going to quit, and I simply said to myself that I was not going to be a Mason anymore. Simmie Harvey was the WM of my local lodge, Reverend Simmie Harvey. He pulled me to the side, and he whispered fine counseling in my ear. From that time on, I had a different determination. Just that one conversation from him inspired me. And as I look back over that conversation today, I remember that if it was not for that great conversation that night, I probably would have gotten out right then and never looked back, and that interaction still registers in my mind today. Bro. Howard Matthews : So, Reverend Joshua, now that you have dropped that nugget, I will pull that cord a little more. What was it about that conversation? Why was that so important? Because we talked about, and you have talked about how important being a man is to Freemason- ry. What was so significant in that conversation, you know, that goes with being a man that was important to you. WGC Sidney Joshua : I can go back to when I was grow- ing up. My dad had eight boys. He told all of us, “ never compromise your manhood. ” And then when I came into the Order, some of the older brother helped me build on that conversation and the advice that my daddy had given me when I was growing up. So, if you are going to be a man, be a man. And if you are going to be a man, be a re-
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you for that. I mean, I really get that. I have one final question for you and that is, if you could just entertain me with the posture of the Grand Lodge right now, “ in the MWPHGL of Louisiana and its Jurisdictions, what would you like to see us accomplish as a Grand Lodge? ” WGC Sidney Joshua : I hope that we can keep on inspir- ing people and reaching for higher goals. Keep the Order going according to the Code. Regardless of what anybody else says, the Code speaks and as long as we follow the Code things are going to be all right. Your Code is the Masonic Bible, that is how I see it. The thing about it is, we need young men. But we also need the older men to be examples. They had a song back when I was growing up, that said, “ Somebody's Watching You. ” You will be amazed at the people observing you that you may not be aware of. So, you have got to walk circumspectly in the world. Not only will you win the souls of men, but you will get better Ma- sons. PM Sherman Ruth : When brethren get together, there are some who need more light. But all of us need a beacon to guide us through the night. Bro. Joshua, you have truly been a beacon to a lot of brothers and to people that you probably have never met. But just like you just said, they have been watching you, and you have led by your exam- ple. It is quite ironic, but pleasingly so that you are the fourth living legend that we have had the opportunity to inter- view. The first interview was Past Deputy Grand Master J.W. Vaughn. The second interview was with the Grand Worthy Matron of Esther Grand Chapter, Sis. Elvira Shannon. The third interview was Deputy Grand Master James “ Bull ” Baker. And you are our fourth interviewee. And you all have basically said the same thing in one way or another. In order to be a Mason, you have to be a man, and you have to have a word and that is resounding. No wonder, you guys are living legends because you think alike, you talk alike, and you walk alike, and anyone can point you out and say, “ those people are affiliated with Prince Hall Masonry. ” We want to thank you for being the example. It is hum- bling to know that you are the first cousin of Justice Bur- nett Joshua Johnson. As an attorney, Justice Johnson ad- ministered my oath of office when I became a member of the bar association. . I could not wait to take my oath with all of my other classmates, I had some cases I wanted to get involved in, so I gave her a call. She said, “ Sherman come on down in New Orleans," and she swore me in in her chambers. So now I feel a special connection. I knew it was something I liked about Justice Johnson, but now
sponsible man. A man, that other folks learn from your example, not only by your word of mouth. A lot of folks talk it, but they don't walk it. So, if you are going to be a real Mason, then you are to conduct yourself as a Mason, and as a man. Bro. Howard Matthews : All right. Please forgive me on this one, but at the same time entertain me. What does that mean? What does that mean to you about being a man and being a Mason? You mentioned being responsible. But I want you to flesh this out for young kids today because some of them think that being a man is beating your chest and showing how masculine you are. What does that real- ly mean? Is that about responsibility? Is that about author- ity? Is that about accountability? What does that mean to you? WGC Sidney Joshua : It is about accountability, number one, being a man. Nowadays they are “ wishy washy ”. I tell you something else, you have to “ let your light so shine before men. ” Because somebody is always watching how you carry yourself, even in the Lodge. So, when young brothers come to Lodge meetings, they are looking for an example from the older brothers.So, we have to be living examples to them and inspire them to continue be- ing Prince Hall Masons. That is my theory on being a man. Being respectable, and letting your word be your bond. Don't say one thing and then when you get to the hallway say or do something else. Bro. Howard Matthews : Thank you very much. Thank
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this makes it that much more special. I was initiated in Jno G. Lewis, Jr. Lodge #261 and you mentioned that he was the Grand Master when you be- came a Mason. Jno G. Lewis, Jr. Lodge #261 had a dis- tinction of being one of the youngest chapters across the country where we were a lot of college students like my- self at the time, saw the Light of Masonry. In my final question, I would like to ask you this. The rea- son we are doing these interviews so that it can be depos- ited into the archives of the Grand Lodge. The primary reason we are pursuing this project is for future brothers, who may be babies now, but 18 years from now they will become Masons. So, my final question or request rather, Bro. Joshua, is that you speak to the young brothers, who may be 18 to 25 years old, 50 years from now. And at that time, all of us participating in the interview will probably
WGC Sidney Joshua : Did you tell those brothers that, Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson is DDGM Frank Joshua ’ s sister. WGL Walter Simmons : Yeah, that's right. [Chief Justice Johnson] is Frank's sister and your cousin. Right? WGC Sidney Joshua : Yes. PM Sherman Ruth : Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay.That is awesome! Bro. William Harris. I see you are on the line. I know you were very instrumental in assisting Bro. Joshua and getting on the call. Would you like to make any com- ments Bro. Harris? PM William “ Chief ” Harris Jr .: Yeah, I just want to say on behalf of the organization to Reverend Joshua, thank you for everything that you have done. I take a lot from him. But for those that don't know, Reverend Joshua is the pastor of the Zion Hill Mis- sionary Baptist Church,
have answered Gabriel's horn. What would be your words to him, so that he can follow a similar path that you have followed? A path that DGM Bull Baker and PDGM J.W. Vaughn have followed. Put them on that path for us. WGC Sidney Joshua : Steady the course. Walk in the footsteps of those who have walked before you. Understand the trail that they have laid down and keep your head up, you will
where I serve as head of the deacon board and the church treasurer. But as long as I have been there, when I started coming to that church in January of 1992, when I became Commander in Chief of the Valley of Louisiana, United Supreme Council - District of Colum- bus. At the time, I had not made a decision on which church to join. But when I visited his
church with the Consistory and heard Reverend Joshua speak and saw the demonstration, I knew right then and there that I wanted to belong to that church, and I've been there since 1992. All this time Reverend Joshua has al- ways led us in the right way, and he is a humble man. But most of all, just like he said, he is a man, and he speaks his mind. He lets you know just where he stands in all sit- uations, and I am just glad to have met him. I thank God that I've met him. I just look forward to just working along with him. If I had somebody to pick as my father, other than my father, it would be Reverend Joshua. PM Sherman Ruth: Those are awesome words, Chief, we thank you for being a part of our interview series as well. And assisting us in making this dream of our Grand Master a reality. We really appreciate you Chief. PM Williams “ Chief ” Harris Jr .: Thank you sir! PM Sherman Ruth: You're welcome. Well, this concludes our interview, Bro. Joshua. We really appreciate you tak-
never go wrong. Follow the leader, those who went on before you. All of us have somebody behind us in Order and we all have somebody ahead of us as well. So then, if you follow that person ahead of you, and that person is going in the right direction, you will be alright. That is why it is so important that as a Mason, [you] be a man and a leader. Always conduct yourself accordingly because someone is always watching you. PM Sherman Ruth : Outstanding! We appreciate those nuggets of wisdom Bro. Joshua. Bro. Walter Simmons, did you have any questions, or would you like to make a comment? WGL Walter Simmons : Thank you for the interview. You already know how I feel about you. So, until the next time I see you again. I will leave you with that famous word. Chunko! PR Department : (Laughs)
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ing time out of your schedule to indulge us with your presence, your story, and to answers to some burning questions that we've had. I would be remiss also, if I did not mention, and wish you all a Happy Father's Day, this upcoming Sunday is Fa- ther's Day. So, to each of you on the call who are Fathers, Happy Father's Day! If you are not a father, you are prob- ably a father figure. So, it will include you as well. Brother Jelks, would you like to say a few words? ADDGM William Jelks : Brothers, this is very enlighten- ing, and I really appreciate everyone for taking the time to interview our legends. I am so pleased that you took this man and interviewed him. Because he and I—we have a history. My uncle, he mentioned Reverend Dunn, or- dained him.WGC Sidney Joshua: And we preached the sermons together across the nation. ADDGM William Jelks : And we've been we've been joined after him forever. And I would echo the same thing my Chief said, if I didn't have a father, Reverend Joshua is the epitome of what a father looks like. He is the epitome of a Mason. When you open up Webster ’ s [dictionary], his picture stains and the words “ Master Mason ” would sit beneath. God bless each and every one of you, and God bless you Bro. Joshua.
that I have only known you, and I first met you only, just a couple of months ago, and I absolutely understand the sentiments that Chief Harris and Bro. Jelks. I ’ m sure there are a number of other brothers who feel the same way. So, we thank you and praise God for giving us the opportunity to be with you. WGC Sidney Joshua : Amen! PM Sherman Ruth : Any final words Bro. Joshua that you would like to say? WGC Sidney Joshua : When I make it to October 4th this year, I will be 88 years old! PM Sherman Ruth : We want to wish you a Happy early birthday! WGC Sidney Joshua : Thank you sir! PM Sherman Ruth : Let us all assume an attitude of pray- er to close out our interview. “ Father God, thank you for being in the midst of our inter- view. Father God, please touch and keep Bro. Joshua, and everyone who participated in the call tonight. It is these and all blessing we ask in your son Jesus ’ name, let us all say Amen! ” WGC Sidney Joshua : Amen. PM William “ Chief ” Harris Jr .: Amen. ADDGM William Jelks : Amen. All : Amen.
WGC Sidney Joshua : Thank you sir! WGL Walter Simmons : Bro. Matthews.
Bro. Howard Matthews: Just happy to be here and to hear from a legend. I I've said it before—I think it was at the COD [Council of Deliberation] . Bro. Joshua, Grand Worshipful Chaplain, I know that is not actual etiquette here in Louisiana—but I think you deserve it. You truly are a man, no doubt, touched by God, and I thank God for giving us the opportunity to be with you this evening, to listen to you, and hear your words. The interesting piece is
Brothers present for the interview
MWGM Dr. Ralph Slaughter
•
• Bro. Treven Lagerman, PM, # 163 • Bro. Howard Matthews, #163 • Bro. CJ Raymond, #114 • Bro. Sherman Ruth, PM, #261 • Bro. Walter Simmons, Jr., PM, #148 • SDGM William Harris, Jr. • ADDGM William Jelks
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Dynamic. Outstanding. Dedicated. These are all adjectives used to describe the 2nd Grand Worthy Matron of Esther Grand Chapter, Order of East- ern Star (EGCOES), Sister Mary McGriff Bell. Only one Grand Worthy Matron served before Sister Bell. The 1st Grand
she obtained a master ’ s degree. She taught in the public schools of Lake Charles and ultimate- ly retired from same. Sister Bell was well known throughout the state as an educator and eventually as the inspiring head of the Order of Eastern Star.
Worthy Matron was Sister Mi- nerva G. Minor. Although 69 chapters were organized during Sis Minor ’ s administration, Sis Bell is credited with more than tripling the number of active subordinate chapters from 53 to 163, and exponentially in- creasing the total assets of Es- ther Grand Chapter. Much of the personal and historical data concerning Sister Bell is sparse. However, the following information has been confirmed through multi- ple sources and research. Sis-
At the time of the 1st Grand Worthy Matron ’ s death in 1948, Sister Bell was serving as Grand Associate Matron of EGCOES. She was immediate- ly appointed Acting Grand Worthy Matron, then later nom- inated, and installed as Grand Worthy Matron at the 1948 Grand Session in Bogalusa, LA. She hit the ground run- ning! The correspondence be- tween Sister Bell and the Most Worshipful Grand Master (MWGM) at the time - John G. Lewis, Jr. - who resided in Ba-
Sister Mary McGriff Bell 1903 – 1967
ter Bell was born in 1903. She was married to Willie Bell, an insurance executive and real es- tate operator. They adopted and fostered two children - Clarence H. Bell and Mable G. Rob- inson. Sister Bell resided in Lake Charles, LA with her family and did live there throughout the duration of her administration. She was educat- ed at Columbia University in New York where
ton, Rouge, LA, demonstrate Sister Bell ’ s com- mitment to assuring the growth and perpetuity of the order. It also makes quite clear that her ad- ministration was not without hiccups. However, Sis Bell maintained constant communication with the MWGM, writing dozens of letters to him weekly discussing the growth and state of the or- der. She regularly sought his advice, often re-
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for the ladies) for Grand Session. Sister Bell also insisted on celebrating Esther Grand Chapter ’ s Birthday on January 12 of each year, the revival and rezoning of District meet- ings, and that Esther Grand Chapter be a mem- ber of the International Conference of Grand Chapters. Arguably, the biggest accomplishment of Sister Bell ’ s administration was the organiza- tion of the Youth Fraternity! At Grand Session in 1955, under Sister Bell ’ s leadership, the youth motto was created, and all OES sisters were encouraged to sponsor the children in the fraternity. The sisters took their duties serious- ly, eventually organizing the Youth Fraternity all over the state of Louisiana and naming an OES Grand Sponsor and Co - Sponsor. In 1956, Sister Bell, in her annual ad- dress, recommended that a Camp Site be pur- chased for the youth of our organization. Subse- quently, the Prince Hall Masons and members of Esther Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star pur- chased a site near Ville Platte, LA and built a modern camp for our youth, now called Camp Chicota. Further, as a surefire way to make sure
GWM, Mary McGriff Bell OES attire bulletin
minding him of his “ rulings ” and seeking clarity if confused. This proved invaluable as the order grew along with its assets! During her administration, Sister Bell was instrumental in numerous accomplish- ments that are still enjoyed by the order today. The act of incorporation of Esther Grand Chapter was completed on December 4, 1954, under her administration. If you are ever curi- ous as to why Sisters wear all white with Fez- zes in formal meetings, look no further! Sis Bell insisted on this dress code. After consult- ing with her MWGM, she asked that this pref- erence be printed. On February 20, 1954, she officially sent out what is thought to be the first bulletin on attire (which included fezzes
Mary McGriff Bell building at Camp Chicota
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Brother George Shannon (the Grand Worthy Pa- tron at the time and the deceased husband of our current 4th Grand Worthy Matron Elvera Ricks Shannon) were instrumental in paying tribute to Sister Bell, posthumously naming the Mary M. Bell Building at Camp Chicota. The building was completed in 1983 and was valued at over $170,000. A legend is simply defined as an extreme- ly notorious person, especially in a particular field. Sister Bell ’ s import in the field and Order of Eastern Star is remarkable. It cannot be over- stated or ignored. Her ideas contributed to the growth and unity of the order. Her contributions are just as important today as they were over 60 years ago. She couldn ’ t have imagined the effect she would have on the order. Dynamic she was. Outstanding she was. Dedicated is an under- statement. She was our very own Grand Worthy Matron Mary McGriff Bell, a Legend in her
Mary McGriff Bell funeral service announcement
the camp never went without, and would always have a funding source, the annual Queen ’ s Con- test was introduced by Sister Bell! Presently, in 2022, the Queen ’ s Contest is s till the biggest funding source behind Camp Chicota. Sadly, by December 1967, Sister Mary McGriff Bell passed away. She remained Grand Worthy Matron until her death. Her funeral was held on January 3, 1968 at Warren Method- ist Church in Lake Charles, LA. She is buried in Combre Memorial Park. Her funeral was well attended by many OES sisters and Prince Hall Masonic brothers – including the MWGM John G. Lewis, Jr. In 1981, the 3rd Grand Worthy Matron, Esther Lee Meadors and Masonic
own right.
Mary McGriff Bell headstone
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T he language of Masonry is symbolism. It at once preserves her mysteries inviolate from the profane and indelibly stamps them upon the minds and hearts of those members of the Craft who are earnestly seeking f or light. The very word badge is full of mystic meaning. The dic- tionary says that a badge is a mark, sign, token or symbol to denote the occupation, allegiance, association or achievements of the person by whom it is worn.
What, then, is the Badge of a Mason?
The uninitiated will doubtless reply that it is the square and compasses. As illustrative of the ex- tent to which these instruments are known as symbols of Masonry, it will be recalled that in 1873 the Commissioner of Patents denied the ap- plication of a flour manufacturer for permission to use them as a trade - mark. He gave as his rea- son the fact that "there can be no doubt that this device, so commonly worn and employed by Masons, has an established mystic significance, universally recognized as existing. Whether comprehended or not, is not material to the is- sue." And we know that this device is appropri- ately so worn and employed by members of this great Fraternity, for it is the proper Masonic em- blem of their profession. But we know that the Badge of a Mason is not some device wrought in precious metals, set per- haps with costly jewels. To us the simple Lamb Skin, or White Leather Apron, the emblem of in- nocence, is the distinguished Badge of a Mason. The apron is the oldest article of apparel of which we have any record. We are told that our first parents made for themselves aprons of fig leaves when they were in the Garden of Eden.
Some of us believe in the story literally, while in this day of modernism some may perhaps regard it as merely a beautiful allegory. But however we may accept it, we should not fail to grasp one great truth that it teaches - that the obligation to work accompanies the wearing of the apron. Aside from the Scriptural story of the Garden of Eden, there are evidences without number as to the antiquity of the apron. Archeologists delve back into the remote periods of time before the written history of man began and bring to light from far beneath the soil crude carvings and en- gravings showing man clad in aprons of various materials and patterns. Later, when records begin to assume al more systematic form, we find his- tory replete with references to the apron. From this information we learn that this humble gar- ment of the working man has been used as a mystic symbol or vesture by' practically all the peoples of the earth from the earliest times. It ap- pears in various forms - sometimes very similar to its lowly prototype, in some cases transformed
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into a girdle, and again we find it elaborated into a robe.
mids of Egypt, to whom we are indebted for much of our symbolism. It is not mere empty verbiage when we are told that geometry, the first and noblest of the sciences, is the basis on which the superstructure of Masonry is erected. Through this science we are enabled to interpret the symbolism of the ancients and to discern that the mysteries upon which this great superstruc- ture was erected were hoary with age when Hi- ram Abiff began his apprenticeship. By its aid we find that the knowledge of these mysteries existed not only in the old world, but on the American continents as well. The museums of this country are full of geometrical evidence con- necting the aborigines of the American conti- nents with the ancient old - world worshipers of Jehovah, the Great Architect. Many of the Amer- ican cliff - dweller pictures in the collection of the Smithsonian Institute are of a Masonic nature, and much of a Masonic significance is to be found in the Peruvian collection of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
A girdle formed a part of the investure of the Israelitish priesthood. The Jewish sect of the Essenes clothed its novices with white robes. In Persia the candidate for admission into the Mys- teries of Mithras was invested with a white apron. A girdle, called the "Sacred Zennar," was substituted for the apron in the initiations prac- ticed in Hindustan. I certain rites of initiation practiced by the Japanese, the candidate is in- vested with a white apron. In the Scandinavian Rites a white shield was used instead of an apron, prompted, it has been suggested, by the martial spirit of the people, but it was accompa- nied by a charge similar to that of the Masonic apron. Throughout the ages the apron has been an hon- orary badge of distinction, and by its variations the wearer's degree of preferment has been made known to the world. In the Jewish priesthood the superior orders wore elaborately decorated and richly ornamented girdles, while the inferior priests wore plain white. The Indian, Jewish, Egyptian, Persian and Ethiopian aprons are said to have been equally superb, though each was dissimilar in design from the others. WHILE in primitive times the apron was used as an ecclesiastical rather than a civil decoration, yet it sometimes served as a national emblem. The royal standard of Persia, for instance, was originally an apron. However, the more common use of the apron was in connection with the wor- ship of a supreme being, it having been used in this manner by practically every people of the ancient world.
For instance, in the design of the an- cient ceremonial cloaks, or ponchos, of the Peruvians, we find the Pythag- orean Triangle, the basis of the Forty - seventh problem of Euclid. This was the sacred triangle of the Egyptians, the symbol of their "Sun - God," who was known as the "Eye of Heaven." This figure is the original of the Egyptian amulet,
The Masonic apron as we have it today was handed down to us from the builders of the Pyra-
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