Forgotten Treasure (O.E.S)
by Sis Rhonda K. Bassett PHA (TX)
This paper is written to tell of an experience of being a member of an irregular jurisdiction. I am in no way trying to bring about a “witch hunt” on irregular bodies. I would just like to express my experience and to challenge those that are with irregular bodies to question their authority.
I’ve titled this piece Forgotten Treasure because sometimes the sisters are forgotten about. Some feel that it’s not important for us to know, it’s not our business to know and to those I question, why?
Life is forever changing, like the weather – cold, hot, warm, rainy, rarely again to be the exact temperature it was the day before. Change comes whether we want it to or not. We get so fixed in our little world until nothing else matters. Change also means to undergo transformation – to transition. I resisted this change I am about to talk about but eventually I relaxed and took the truth in its purest form and question why was I holding back. I couldn’t see clearly and I began to blame and punish myself. After my initial feelings of anger, betrayal, hurt I knew it was something that had to be done. Instead of resisting change I had to take charge…
My grandmother exposed me to the Order at an early age. I would go to many functions with her and was always amazed at the grace the ladies portrayed and how intelligent and nice they were. I would always find ways to emulate my grandmother and would ask her questions about the Order and how to become a member. She was always eager to show me her precious mementos. Sometimes I would find it strange that she would always ask me to go places with her. She would always be at every function and performance I participated in through school and other organizations. We would spend countless hours with one another and she would always tell me that she was preparing me for a lifelong experience. She stated that no matter what happens and what people say, she wanted me to pursue becoming a member of the Order of Eastern Star. I never did question her after that and through high school and college I just kind of put it in the back of my mind. In my eyes to become a member of the Order was much further down the road because what was more impressionable at the time were the college sororities.
I became friends with a lady and we’ll just call her “Sister Friend”. We went through school together and both of our families are from Louisiana so we became close from the beginning. After high school she went to college in another state and after college came back home. She would always talk about the sisters and all the different functions, meetings,etc. I never really questioned her much because I knew she was still active with her college sorority so I figured that’s what it was all about. One day I remember her asking me if I had something white she could borrow and I told her yes. As she was getting dressed I noticed that she was putting on a pin and I immediately recognized it and asked her was she a member of the Eastern Stars. She answered yes and asked me how did I know that symbol. I told her that my grandmother was a member but is inactive now. We got into a conversation as to why haven’t I became a member and she felt bad because after all this time she thought I knew she was a member. I told her that I just never pursued it and it didn’t interest me at the time and it’s for old ladies. Seems I struck a nerve with her and she told me that she would be by after her meeting to talk to me.
Sister Friend asked me for weeks to attend a tea that her chapter was hosting. I initially declined but at the last minute accepted. This was something important to her and after all this time she has been there for me and supported me on all of my endeavors so I felt that I should support her as well. I was quite impressed and shocked. The Order wasn’t full of little old ladies and I had a very good time. I’ve never had a problem socializing with others so I just fell right in. Not knowing but I became the center of attention. They begin asking me questions regarding my life, my family, my future and other subjects of the liking. On our drive home Sister Friend just smiled and commented that they liked me. I shrugged my shoulders and didn’t think anything else about it. As time went on Sister Friend would invite me out more with her “sisters”. It became quite a routine and I enjoyed talking with the ladies. She would spend time with me talking about the order and all that she does and what it has done for her. She would always comment and say that it keeps her grounded. I begin to question her more and there were times that she couldn’t answer. I would get a little upset because I felt that we had been friends all this time and there was nothing that we didn’t or couldn’t share with one another. She told me if I really wanted to know – join. I always declined because I felt I didn’t have the time for all of the meetings. Sister Friend teased me and stated that I find the time to come to their social functions then I could find the time for a meeting an hour or two each month. And most importantly I should become a member because my husband was a Mason. I then begin to make all kinds of excuses regarding the secrecy and rumors I’ve heard that they are devil worshippers and they sacrifice goats. Sister Friend and my husband would always uphold the Order and Masonry and how proud they were to be members and they would always add, PHA members at that. But I didn’t make it easy for them. Finally she asked me if I thought my grandmother and husband were devil worshippers? I really didn’t know what to say. Ignorance had me tongue tied. But I would still debate the issues with them and finally we came to a truce because our friendship begin to suffer from it and decided that we just wouldn’t talk about the order. My husband told her that I wasn’t just ready and when the time comes I will see the light.
As time passed Sister Friend became less active with the order because she had to spend more time at home with her child and my husband became inactive due to work travel. But it seems something was still pulling me into that direction and my husband wanted to get back active. My husband befriended a new guy at work and found out that he was a Mason. (We’ll just call him Bro. Misguided) Bro. Misguided informed my husband that the Grand Master comes through there all the time and he would like for him to meet him and possibly join their lodge. Bro. Misguided would talk so highly of the GM and how the lodge is in search of brothers especially brothers who were Masons before to help them build up the lodge. My husband agreed to meet the GM and was impressed with the outcome of the meeting. We were invited to their Annual Banquet to meet some of the members. The banquet was nice and we were the guest of the GM and his wife who held the office of Worthy Grand Matron and also Worthy Matron. The GM was very outspoken and talked about Masonry with such zeal. To say the least we were impressed and after the banquet my husband was asked if he made a decision to join. Before answering the GM told him that he wanted to get him in so that he could assist him in teaching the other brothers and after that he would let my husband run his own lodge. The GM then commented on how prestigious his Grand Lodge was and that it will be one of the largest. His comments then went on to express the legality of his grand lodge – that it was recognized worldwide. He receives more recognition than Prince Hall and that Prince Hall was bogus and had no true facts on their legality. The selling point came about when my husband was told that in order to receive all of the degrees in Masonry that he would have had to become a member of a 4 letter (AF&AM) lodge anyway so why not join now. He had to say no more and then proceeded to ask if I was going to join the Eastern Stars. My husband answered that if he joins that I would join. He told me this was my opportunity to actually find out about the order and to not argue about it because it’s a good thing. I didn’t resist and agreed to join. We were given the cost of what it would be to join, which was $130.00 for us both, and I was told that the Worthy Matron and Secretary would contact me. We politely paid the joining fees and went about our way.
I was contacted about a week later notifying me of the time, date, place and attire for my initiation. I immediately called my mother and grandmother and they were both excited. My grandmother asked me if I knew the name of the chapter and the affiliation and if I had been investigated because she didn’t receive a phone call. My answer - no. She begin to give me all kinds of instructions and what to wear and that she would come to the house to prepare me. The day of my initiation I was filled with reservations. I still wasn’t sure if this was the right thing for me but I wanted to make my husband and grandmother happy so I pushed those thoughts aside and prepared myself. As I was getting dressed she made sure that all was in place and that all was white and pure. She gave me one of those talks as to what to do and what not to do and presented me with a small gift box and not to open it until I passed through the five gates. (The gift was her Eastern Star pin.)
So I begin my journey (1997)…I was a little early so during that time the GM told me the different things the chapter does and how excited he was for me to join and then bluntly asked if I paid my joining fees. I told him yes and showed the receipt. He walked me to his office and told me of the Grand Lodge and Chapter and how it works and the different higher houses that I can become a member of. He also stated to me of the different books that I need to buy and regalia. But I didn’t have to purchase all of it right then except the ritual books and bylaws and I could put my regalia on layaway. I kindly shook my head and proceeded to meet the sisters as they walked in. I was told to stay seated as they open the meeting and someone would be down to get me shortly. During that time the GM told me that I would be blindfolded but to not worry it was part of the process. He then goes into telling me of stories of how Prince Hall Chapters initiates and that he doesn’t allow all of that foolishness in his lodge. Shortly a gentle and kind lady calls me by my name and states that she will be guide and to trust her. She asked me a few preliminary questions and proceeded to walk me upstairs. At this point I really don’t know what to expect but I kept thoughts of my grandmother in my head and that she wouldn’t lead me down an unrighteous path. The process was seemingly long and all I could think about was take this blindfold off so I could see what was really going on. As I was brought into the light things seemed normal other than this large signet on the floor. I became a little nervous until I took the “walk of the labyrinth” and said to myself that I know all of these stories. This was beginning to be quite interesting as they went into details regarding the heroines and also proper protocol in the chapter. I was quite relieved. The WM introduced me to the sisters once again in their respective stations and they were each told to teach me the grip and password and tell me something about the order.
After the initiation process the WM went right into the remainder of the meeting and announced that it was time to elect officers. I sat back and begin to just take notice of the members. They begin to talk amongst each other and already I could sense that there were clicks. I did have a little previous experience with parliamentary procedures and it seems this “election of officers” turned into a who’s my friend election. That seemed to go right pass me and I just sat back. Before the closing the WM stated that she will begin to give assignments out and since I was the only one initiated and the first of the year that I would have the first assignment and present it at the next meeting. My assignment was to study with the sister that was appointed to the “blue point of the star” and the heroine she represented. I was excited and met with “Sister Blue” after the meeting. We exchanged numbers and she informed me she was a college student. I told her that I would call her and possibly come out her way so it would be no extra expense to her. Before I parted, a sister approached me and she told me to study all I can because I will be charged up and she went her way with a cunning smile. Charged up? What is that? I asked the GM about what is to be charged up and he said that he doesn’t teach things like that at his lodge. He stated that they’re like test questions to make sure that you are a member of the order. That’s a Prince Hall thing and its unnecessary and you shouldn’t discuss anything pertaining to the order to anyone. Knowing that I had a whole month I still went home and immediately started reading my ritual. I called Sister Blue the next week and left a message. No return call –so it became a ritual of mine to call her every few days. Still no return call and time is winding down. I’m getting nervous because I’m not for sure what I am suppose to studying and if there was any additional material I needed and I had questions! So I turn to my grandmother and she assisted me and pointed me in the direction to take my studies to another level. By this time I’m nervous because Sister Blue still hasn’t returned my phone call and the meeting is Saturday. She eventually calls me the day of and states that she will not be at the meeting. She told me if I had questions, to ask them at the meeting. Now, I’m angry but I know what I have to do. I go to the meeting and as the Secretary is doing roll call she calls out Sister Blue name and no one says anything. She asks has anyone heard from her and I raise my hand and stated what was told to me. After roll call, the WM asks that I sit at that station and if I was ready for my presentation. To say the least my presentation went over well and I was even asked a few questions and so eagerly answered them all. The WM was quite impressed and made a comment that I should study with each star point to make sure they get the same information. Throughout the meeting I asked questions and made comments on the information presented. From that point I was pretty much on my own. We were given a phone list of all the members in the chapter and I made it a point to call each one of them and introduce myself again and ask questions because weeks had passed and I haven’t heard from anyone. Months pass and I seem to talk to the WM more than any of the other sisters. I continue to study on my own and bring forth new items to the chapter. Not necessarily new but items that I haven’t heard discussed yet. Finally the Secretary befriends me and states that she enjoys the information I bring and if I don’t mind studying with her. I accepted and shortly we all begin to study at my house occasionally and they begin to give me the details of the chapter and lodge. I begin to take notice that the membership at the meetings is declining. I was informed that the majority of the ladies were college students and during finals they study and school breaks they go home. Well seems like there were more finals and breaks as normal so I begin to sit back and take notice as to what was going on. Well there seems to be complaints that the GM is not doing things correctly, all he’s worried about is money and he’s taking charge of too much and no one is learning anything. At this time I am sitting at a different station each month because someone didn’t come to the meeting. I’m frustrated because it’s a lot to take in and where are these sisters? They did all this talk about sisterhood and how to make the chapter upstanding and all but no one is taking action. At that time I made it a point to learn all that I could and to take some of the weight off of the WM because it seems that these young ladies are not doing their job.
By this time announcements are being made about Grand Session. I was told that this is a meeting that is held once a year for all of the lodges and chapters in that jurisdiction and if anyone wanted to elevate into the higher houses they may do so with the approval of the WM and GM. I thought finally I would get a chance to meet some other sisters and brothers. My hopes were diminished because it was the same people I see every month. There were no other chapters. I met a few other brothers but not many. The GM announced that we all we be in this meeting. He doesn’t agree with the separate meetings and that it was a privilege for the sisters to be included in the Grand Session meeting with the brothers. The GM opens the meeting and we’re all told that there will be a $25.00 representation fee for each member and that if you were behind in your dues you had to pay your dues first and if you couldn’t pay the $25.00 fee you would not be able to vote or have a say in the decisions made during the meeting. As brothers and sisters came into the meeting the GM would call them up to the Secretary’s desk and begin questioning them of their financial business in front of everyone. As he is going through the meeting agenda he goes off on a tangent of paying dues and supporting the grand lodge. He made a statement that if you don’t pay your dues – don’t expect any type of assistance from the lodge. Then his next tangent was to explain that this grand lodge was a legal and upstanding grand lodge. The GM went to explain how the charters were obtained and that we were recognized worldwide and had amnity with the GL of Scotland. Before he closes the meeting he asks that all that will be elevated to stay and the others may go. As I was about to leave he told me to stay put because he wanted to make sure I received my high degrees. I questioned what were the high degrees and he told me - Queen of the South, Amaranth, and Heroines of Jericho and Daughters of the Sphinx. He stated that he needed to elevate as many sisters as he could to get those houses active and if I would assist him and the WM in seeing to that. I kindly accepted and he bestowed upon me and the other sisters each obligation from every house. After that he stated how much the dues are and we needed to purchase our rituals for each house and begin to set up meetings. Needless to say my first Grand Session was not a very good one. I came out of there more confused than I went in. Now I’m questioning what’s a charter? Who’s the GL of Scotland? What are these higher houses all about?
At the next meeting I was approached by the GM to become a Board Member at his request because he needed sisters to be on the board. I asked what all did I have to do and he stated that I would need to attend the quarterly meetings and assist with updating the bylaws and constitution. I said okay and he stated that to become a Board Member it would cost $250.00 for a lifetime membership and $10.00 every meeting. He told me that I could pay the $250.00 out in time but he really wanted me to become a member so that I could help him get things moving with the lodge and chapter. I kindly accepted.
During the next two years membership is declining at a fast rate. Sisters and Brothers both are unhappy as to the practices of the lodge and chapter. Brothers are quitting at a fast rate because they feel that everything is being “shortcutted” meaning brothers are coming in off the street receiving their 3 degrees in one day and basically paying their way up the ladder to receive the degrees of the higher houses. Pretty much the requirement was to come to meetings and pay your dues. Sisters were tired of him trying to run the meetings and doing as he pleases. The main complaint was that he was bringing in sisters to become members and no one knew these people and we would find out the day of the meeting. All of his talk was of money. His teachings became sermons of discontent with what we were doing wrong. He would talk about us buying paraphernalia from other places and not supporting the grand lodge was a violation of the bylaws. Flags were raised because along with the Macoy ritual we had to purchase the ritual book for that jurisdiction that was written by the GM. It was basically a shortcut version of the Macoy ritual with slight variations and at times was confusing because he would tell us to use that ritual in conjunction with the Macoy ritual. When we would question those items he would get upset thinking we were trying to ban his ritual. We learned both rituals and made adjustments when necessary due to the arrangement of the chapter room.
Everyone was pretty much getting disgusted because in other Masonic communities we were irregular. I knew nothing of what irregular or bogus was until a PHA sister and brother approached me. I was asked of my affiliation and was immediately told that I was bogus. I asked why and no one could answer me. They would just say oh, you don’t have a charter. I asked the question to the GM and he proudly showed me the “charter” from the state we reside in and the paperwork from Washington. The GM would talk on lengths on how irregular Prince Hall was and that we should not succumb to their ways and let them lie to us. He stated that he has challenged Prince Hall and they couldn’t produce a charter. He went on to talk at great lengths of his Masonic past and being a member of the “Grand United Congress” and how he has the authority to start lodges and chapter anywhere in the world and that I should feel privileged to be a part of an organization that is recognized worldwide unlike Prince Hall. I begin to ask him to tell me of these other jurisdictions and where they came from. He went on to state the history of Prince Hall up to where he became a Mason and said that Prince Hall started creating lodges without a charter. He went on to state that Prince Hall finally received his charter from the Grand Lodge of England but after sometime was dropped and never received the proper authority again to operate. He went on to give accolades to John G. Jones for his work in Masonry and Shrinedom and for “leaving” Prince Hall. I took what he said as being truth because after all he was the GM and a man with 40 years of experience in Masonry. He has to know what he is talking about and I went about my way.
As time goes on the sisters are bonding and we have set a standard as to how we want our chapter to operate. We’re coming along with our studies, participating and creating community and volunteer service projects and making a respectful stand for our chapter. But there is still that lingering problem of the GM wanting to control everything. We decided to have fundraisers so that the chapter could have an active budget. We were told that we couldn’t do that it and would have to put the funds in the Grand Lodge bank account. That raised many flags and the GM was questioned about that but the outcome was still null and void. Whenever there is a situation that is brought to his attention it turns into a “questioning of his authority” and he makes it a point to seat you or remove you. We wanted to intermingle with other chapters and he didn’t approve of it but said it would have to be done on our own time. So by this time its getting tiring because nothing can be done without his approval and there is no one to replace him if voted out. Still then I’m sure he would find some bylaw that would protect him. By this time we’re losing valuable members due to ethics that should be practiced but are not and I begin to open my eyes wider on what is going on with this jurisdiction. I begin to research and visit other chapters and have befriended many good sisters along the way. I begin to question why is it that we don’t attend these conventions? Why are we not in communication with other lodges and chapters? Why does Prince Hall have all of these jurisdictions but are still being called bogus? Is it something I’m not being told here? Yes, there is a lot that I was not told and a lot within this jurisdiction that I cannot correct.
Its very tiresome to know that the work and effort you put into something will go no further than the paper it is written on and that the jurisdiction you belong to will go no further than where it is now. The membership has decreased drastically and it’s the chapter that keeps it running. Its one thing to belong to an irregular organization but its also another thing to belong to one that has no future. So instead of continually being blind I opted to search for light. My reasons for leaving this jurisdiction go deeper than the trivial issues that have been experienced. One thing that I don’t want to do is experience this again and to stop learning. During my search I found truth and have learned to appreciate the efforts of those that are working to preserve the rich history and tenets that this organization was built on. My intentions are to not only search for the truth but to practice the truth in a legal and competent jurisdiction. So the next time you see me, put your sunglasses on because this light may blind you!
“He who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God. (John 3:21)
Found: Priceless Treasure
I petitioned and on February 23,2002 I became a member of McCullough - P. Wolridge #12 – Norris Wright Cuney Grand Chapter of Texas – PRINCE HALL AFFILIATED. I must give thanks to Bro. Joe Snow for his efforts and patience on educating me on the rich history of Prince Hall and to understand the difference between regular and irregular Masonic bodies. With his assistance and guidance and encouragement from Bro. Bey, Bro. McNeal and Bro. Stanley, the transition was one of success for myself and other members of my previous chapter.
I begin to have reservations because I was leaving friends and my “comfort zone”. But I had to reflect on how effective I would be now knowing the truth. How can I continue to live a lie? How can I lecture on being a good Eastern Star if I wasn’t being true to myself nor the order? I knew what I had to do and it wasn’t an easy road. I battled the decision to just leave and not say anything or inform the sisters and brothers of what we were dealing with. I felt obligated to at least pass on the information that had been given to me and give them the truth in its purest form as it was given to me. Even at the cost of losing friends and my integrity being questioned, I felt I was doing the right thing. It became a battle of me vs. the jurisdiction. With the assistance from the brothers on the Commission, it was a battle that I gladly suited up for. I presented the information to include references so that they each had the opportunity to research this for themselves. I didn’t want this to be a conversation that only the brothers would have and come back and tell the sisters, “everything is okay” or “this doesn’t concern you.” We all are entitled to the truth to better enable us to make conscience decisions.
I was invited to come to the lodge and meet with the sisters and ask any questions that I had. It was a greeting that will be remain etched in my memory forever. I gave an introduction of myself and was introduced to each sister that was present. They each greeted me with love and it was as if you were seeing an old girlfriend – excited, friendly, warm and caring. They were eager to tell me things about the chapter and how satisfied they are being members of this jurisdiction. Everyone stressed the points that they are constantly learning and the Worthy Matron always test and makes sure that all members are kept abreast on the business of the order. From that short time I knew that I was in the right place. I asked around to other sisters of the order regarding this chapter and was given positive reviews. I begin to feel that my journey has been fulfilled when I received the phone call informing me to come to the next meeting in all white because my time had come to truly “walk in the light”. I immediately called my grandmother and this time I could answer her questions regarding the name of the chapter, affiliation, the Worthy Matron and location. I even told her the things that the sisters shared with me regarding the chapter. She was extremely proud that I have finally found my place in the order. Surprisingly, she expressed to me that she wanted to get back active once I became a member and do things she planned for us to do. That in itself confirmed to me that I was on the right path. All of my reservations and feelings of not being accepted were dispelled.
When the Worthy Matron banged her gavel and announced that I was now a member of McCullough – P. Wolridge #12 – PRINCE HALL AFFILIATED I was overjoyed with happiness and a sense of accomplishment. We’re always told to go after what we want, follow your dreams, etc. But something that stayed etched in my mind when I asked my mother what should I do. Her response was, “Do the right thing. If you can believe a lie, then you can believe the truth.” I have listened to the opinions and lies of others and chose to believe them because I didn’t know the truth. But before I blame others, I had to look at the lies I told myself. I became dependent on a bad situation and used it as a crutch – an excuse for not living up to my potential. So now was the time to re-focus that energy to a more positive situation. My holding pattern had been broken and I am free.
If you don’t care to know the truth, any lie will do. To my brothers and sisters who are members of bogus / irregular bodies…when are you going to get tired of “any old lie”?