Opening
We have a moral belief and a Masonic commitment that “before any great or important undertaking, we are always to invoke the aid of Deity.
Prayer
Eternal God, Our Grand Architect of the Universe,
We come before You in humility and gratitude, acknowledging Your guiding hand in all our undertakings. We thank You for allowing us to gather in brotherly love, in unity of purpose, and in the spirit of Prince Hall, whose legacy continues to light our path.
As we stand at this moment of transition, we humbly ask for Your blessings, Lord, that our leadership may be rooted in humility and guided by Your wisdom, inspiring trust and respect among all Present.
Bless the elected officers, the Past Grand Masters, the leadership, and every brother of this Grand Lodge. Knit us together in harmony that we may labor with integrity and stand as examples of charity, truth, and brotherly love within our communities.
Guide our steps, O Lord, that our work may reflect the light of Your presence and that all we build shall rest upon the square of virtue and be cemented by the bond of fellowship.
May I, as the newly chosen leader, be blessed to walk uprightly, serve faithfully, and lead boldly—always mindful that all power and honor ultimately belong to You.
In Your holy and eternal name, we pray. Amen.
Remarks
We are gathered here this afternoon on the eve of closing our 176th Annual Communication of this Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge (MWPHGL). At this time, I have the privilege of accepting your nomination and the confidence you have in voting me in as your 89th MWGM. I do not take this lightly, for what it means – to be favored to lead your MWPHGL and your Masonic life journey. I am committed to providing you with a vision, direction, and execution of the designs I have on my trestleboard for the ensuing fraternal year.
Vision, Direction & Execution
My vision of seeing us strengthen our bond of Brotherhood, Relief, and Truth is evident:
- Brotherhood – Getting back to rededicating ourselves to sincerely being our brother’s keeper.
- Relief – Cultivate relationships and be ever ready to assist our brothers.
- Truth – Being honest with ourselves and our brethren to be ever ready to impart knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment positively and productively.
My vision to improve our Lodge and Grand Lodge membership roster involves working us back in the direction of the past when men of our communities desired to be Masons.
- We must focus on making our organization appealing and attractive to be a part of, emphasizing positivity and not negativity.
- Increased membership starts with existing members being good brothers and friends – Bad attitudes translate into vibes that transcend into decreased participation and membership.
- If the community sees the good nature, decorum, and positive attitude and behaviors, others will want to be a part of anything positive.
- There is nothing to gain from divisiveness – that is where the old phrase of “divide and conquer” comes from. A known strategic approach to failure.
Now, I will address the organizational challenges of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (AASR) of Freemasonry:
- We know there is a crisis of divisiveness there, and I am not going to get into where it started and how it has evolved. I will tell you that the emergence of two AASR organizations has left members of our Jurisdiction as members of both AASR organizations that exist today. As a result, I am continuing recognition of both AASR organizations.
- My reasoning is simple – the AASR is an Auxiliary Organization in Freemasonry and not a part of Ancient Craft Masonry; it does not fall under the authority or purview of this Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge. Therefore, the challenges of the AASR are not the responsibility of this Grand Lodge to resolve. From this day forward, there will be no further discussion from me or any other member in our Jurisdiction about the challenges of the AASR, and any statements made against either AASR organization in our Jurisdiction will not be tolerated. I will not allow the challenges of any Masonic Organizations to disturb the peace and harmony in our Jurisdiction. Remember, we are all Masons and Brothers first.
- With that understanding, this Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge affirms its support for both AASR organizations and commits to partnering with them and attending their events when invited. I consider us “One Masonic Jurisdiction.”
My final vision is to see our Warranted Lodges and Grand Lodge’s financial position improve and continue to grow.
- The Grand Lodge will audit all Lodges this year for checks and balances, and provide financial recommendations for future growth and prosperity.
- The Grand Lodge will include the Warranted Lodges’ community service and outreach programs as part of its advertising campaign.
- The Grand Lodge will continue to support the Warranted Lodges’ efforts to recruit, retain, reclaim, and cultivate new membership opportunities that translate into growth in membership.
In closing, I want to thank all the brethren who made this moment possible:
- My Warranted Lodge Vouchers – Past Master Thomas W. Moore and Past Master Benjamin F. Holloman for seeing something in me that I did not see in myself about Freemasonry.
- Brethren of Pythagoras Lodge #9 for their vote of confidence in accepting me into the Lodge and teaching me about Freemasonry.
- 1993 Worshipful Master of Pythagoras Lodge #9 and my personal chief Masonic advisor, Leroy M. Hughes, who raised me from that dead level to an upright Mason upon my initiation.
- MWPGM Roland D. Williams, who provided me with my first example of Grand Lodge Leadership characteristics to emulate.
- MWPGM Robert E. Wheeler, who was MWGM the year I served as Worshipful Master of Pythagoras Lodge #9, extended his hand in sincere friendship and brotherly love and mentored me for many years.
- MWPGM J. Raymond Murray for inviting me into his leadership and appointing me to my first two Grand Lodge Officer appointments as a Worshipful Assistant Grand Orator and Worshipful Assistant Grand Inspector, and mentoring me as a Grand Lodge Officer, explaining to me that I should work in as many officer positions to learn all the workings of the Grand Lodge.
- MWPGM David A. McWilliams for granting me the opportunity to serve in his administration as Worshipful Assistant Grand Secretary and Worshipful Assistant Grand Secretary & Office Manager.
- MWPGM MacKinnon Myers for granting me the opportunity to serve in his Administration as Worshipful Grand Standard Bearer.
- MWPGM John T. Doles Sr for granting me the opportunity to restructure and lead the Masonic College as the Dean and appointing me to the moving grand leadership line as Worshipful Junior Grand Steward.
- MWPGM Norman L. Campbell for granting me the opportunity to serve as Worthy Patron of Queen Ester Chapter #1 Order of the Eastern Star to serve the Chapter with my wife as Worthy Matron while serving as Worshipful Senior Grand Steward.
- MWPGM Phillip David for appointing me to serve as Worshipful Senior Grand Deacon, Chairman of the MAS Star Committee, and Grand Master Ball Committee, and honoring me with the award of Grand Lodge Officer of the Year.
- MWPGMs Quincy G. Gant, Anthony B. Corbitt, and Glenn N. Ruffin for the opportunity to serve in their Administration as Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden, and Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, respectively.
- And, MWPGMs Thomas L. Johnson, Warren R. Whitley, John Ellington Jr, and Aaron R. Jordan, for all the years of mentorship, providing wise counsel, encouragement, and friendship throughout my Masonic career and journey to the Grand East
I will leave you with my Theme Scripture:
The New Testament Book of 1 John 3:16 KJV – Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
Masonic Moto: “Brotherhood First and Foremost” – “For that is the Origin of our Existence”
MWGM Slogan
“We Are DC Forever”
Fraternally and respectfully,
Alvin F. Smith Jr PM
89th Most Worshipful Grand Master
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
Free and Accepted Masons PHA
Jurisdiction of the District of Columbia