Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
Brethren of West Virginia, Arkansas, even my own state of Texas and others – take due notice and govern yourselves accordingly.
Bridging the Gap
I have been a Brother of Redeemer Lodge #53 for nine years. Since my initiation, I have had the pleasure of visiting with Brothers from the “mainstream” lodges under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Michigan. During this time, I have made many, many great friends. One of these wonderful friends is a Brother by the name of Richard Mackie. Bro. Mackie is the liaison from the Grand Lodge of Michigan to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Michigan. Bro. Mackie and I have remained in close contact throughout the years and he has attended many Redeemer functions and is an honorary member of Redeemer Lodge #53. When I was elected Junior Warden, Bro. Mackie informed me that he wanted to do something special when I become Worshipful Master. I didn’t think much of it then because it seemed as if that would take an eternity. I was elected Worshipful Master in December of 2010 and Bro. Mackie kept his promise.
In September of 2011, Bro. Mackie called me and asked me if I was prepared to do something special. He proceeded to inform me that he had spoken with his Grand Master, Most Worshipful Bro. Fred Kaiser, who wanted to visit Redeemer. Of course I agreed, not knowing what I was really getting myself into. After a series of emails and phone conversations between Bro. Mackey and I, we decided that the Grand Master would attend our Master Mason degree on November 26, 2011. Bro. Mackie promised to get a guest list together and send it to me prior to the degree so that we could properly prepare. I really didn’t know what kind of number to expect so I waited patiently. I received an email from Bro. Mackie a few days prior to the degree stating that he had 29 guests confirmed. I was elated with this and moved forward with planning the repast to follow the degree.
On the evening of November 26, 2011, Redeemer Lodge made history. This day marks the first such occasion when a sitting Grand Master from the Grand Lodge of Michigan has ever sat in a tyled lodge under the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Michigan. It turns out that included in those 29 guests were the Grand Wardens along with several appointed Grand Lodge officers. While 29 guests RSVP’d, we ended up with about 60 Brothers from the Grand Lodge of Michigan and an additional 15 Brothers visiting from other PHA lodges in the jurisdiction visiting to witness the raising of Bro. David Robinson and Bro. Tom Robinson to the Sublime Degree. This was truly a momentous occasion and I could never have imagined such an outcome. I am proud to have been the Worshipful Master for such an amazing event. Redeemer was nearly flawless with the ritual work, as always but we were absolutely flawless in the spreading of Brotherly love and affection in fellowshipping with ALL of our Brethren. The Brothers that were raised had an awesome experience that they will never forget. Their journey began with them knowing that we are ALL Brothers, regardless of our skin color, political beliefs, religious beliefs or any other matter. We meet on the Level, act by the Plumb and part on the Square.
Fraternally,
Bro. Harry Weaver, III
Worshipful Master
Redeemer Lodge #53, F&AM, PHA
Detroit, MI
Amazing story and the true essence of Brotherhood. May moments like these forever outshine any negative light shined upon our great fraternity due to intolerance and bigotry….from both sides of the table.
well am very happy about the unity of brothers, and my heart is filled with so much love and passion hearing this great news in my life today. But what am not too happy is that no body cares about me upon all the effort and comment am making to be a member or brother of freemason. I need a good reply from you people here is my cellphone number +2348069201564.
I had the honor of being one of the many from the Grand Lodge of Michigan in attendance that day. I’ve known WB Harry for some time now and he has been always been a great Brother to joke with, converse with, etc. I’m proud to have had the privilege to visit his Lodge while he sat in the East, especially on such an auspicious occasion. With everything going on, evenings like this reminds you what it’s all about
Brothers, you truly are worthy to be called “The Bridge Builder(s)”.
ALL I CAN SAY IS==ARKANSAS==WAKE UP==WE GO FUTHER DOWN===EVERY YEAR==GRAND LODGE DO THE RIGHT THING==FOR MASONRYS SAKE RON CHASTEEN==EXPELLED MASON BY A UNMASONIC TRIAL IN JASPER NO. 21==DENIED A TRIAL BY GRAND LODGE OF ARKANSAS==BOTH CASES==!POLITIC
ARKANSAS WAKE UP==WE GO FUTHER DOWN EVERY YEAR==GRAND LODGE DO THE RIGHT THING==RON CHASTEEN EXPELLED MASON OF ARKANSAS==BY THE MOST UNMASONIC TRIAL EVER IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS BY JASPER NO.21==DENIED A TRIAL BY GRAND LODGE OF ARKANSAS =EVER MAN SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE A FAIR TRIAL TO CLEAR HIS NAME=POLITCS==NOTHEN MORE
Finally, it is beginning to happen. The long awaited, and much desired union of
blacks and whites in Masonry. If we, as men worship God the father, regardless of
skin color, then that makes us brothers, Right? Jesus said, Love your neighbor as
yourself. He did not say, but only if he is white. We are all his children. Let us unite,
and make our great fraternity, even greater, through unity.
Now that is an awesome story. A historical event for sure. It brings me great joy that real Freemasonry is still alive somewhere. Too bad the South is too damn stubborn, on both fronts to make Freemasonry what it should be down here. I hope to one day be a member of a great Lodge with recognition such as this.
Bro.Mac
God Bless, We Are One, Keep it going for all, Moving Forward.
Now that this beaytiful bridge has been built, we must have the dignity to maintain this bridge in all it’s splendor and Glory. Praise be to the Grand Artitect.
Hearing about and reading stories such as this reinforces my efforts and desire to rid Masonry in my state of the terrible racial discrimination that is practiced here. Even though I have been expelled for my beliefs, along with several other good Masons within my state, many without the benefit of Masonic trials, I believe I will see the day that I sit again in a tiled Masonic Lodge and enjoy fellowship, with brothers both black and white—yes, in Arkansas.
Greetings brothers! Bro Aaron Hairston Pythagoras Lodge #86 KC,KS MWPHGLKS. Finally! Certain districts in Kansas even allow dual membership. We have been to mainstream raisings and they to ours. What a beautiful sight.
An inspiring and heartwarming story; so mote it ever be!