"The Smooth Lie"
part one
Article one of a number in a series to set the record straight for once and for all about the true history of Smooth Ashalr Grand Lodge F.A.A.Y.M. (Compact) Georgia.
I suggest to members of this body that they take the information back to their leadership and demand answers as to why they have been lied to and mislead for so long.
. Knowledge and the true history of the respective Prince Hall Grand Lodges as well as the reporting of the inaccurate history by the Irregular Grand Lodges will be the ultimate tool to break the Nasty Strong hold that the National Compact or Grand Lodge still has on the efforts to heal the wounds and bring Prince Hall Freemasonry back to what it should have been all along Joe H. Snow Grand Historian PHGLofGA
By Joe H. J. Snow
Grand Historian
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia
There has been and continues to be a great debate between the members of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia and Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge of Georgia F.A.A.Y.M. (Compact) about who owns the history that is given below. Many attempts have been made to set the record straight even volunteering to assist SAGL in the attempt to find their own and real history, but after many years of discussion and their desire to still claim what is not theirs nor to correct the Lies that have been told, we have made it to this point. It is my desires as the Grand Historian for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia to put forth the information for the Masonic world to see.
In the words of the later Dr. H.R. Butler PGM for the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia. “Let me beg of the men of Georgia to look around themselves before making an effort to come in possession of the secrets of masonry. Do not take them because they are cheap, for in the end they will be more costly to you.”
Below is the history recorded by Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodges in a Centennial book celebrating the Anniversary of the said Grand Lodges and its 100 year existence from 1865 to 1965. This history coincides with what Brock a PGM for the NGL lodge wrote in his book titled “The History of the National Grand Lodge.”
I will now address the matter piece by piece, present the true facts to put to death for once and for all the “Smooth Lie”
OUR HERITAGE: Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge, Georgia Jurisdiction
Smooth Lie: In 1865, Grand Master, R. H. Gleaves, National Deputy of the Ohio jurisdiction under the National Grand Lodge, warranted three lodges in Georgia of York rite Masons and established the same.
Fact: a dispensation was granted by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts on February 4 A.D. 1866, A.L. 5866. Eureka No. 11, A.F. & A. M., was now a working Craft Lodge. The officers of this first “colored” Lodge in Georgia were Anthony L. Stanford, W.M.; James M. Simms, S.W.; Barcus S. Davidson, J.W.; King S. Thomas, Secretary and Stephen Johnson, Treasurer.
Bro. A. L. Stanford, who served as the first Worshipful Master, was made a Mason in Philadelphia. Bro. J. M. Simms, the first Senior Warden, was made a Mason in Boston. Bro. K. S. Thomas, the first Junior Warden, was made a Mason in New York. Bro B. S. Davison who was the first Senior Deacon was made a Mason in New York. Bro. James Jackson who was the first Senior Steward was made a Mason in Philadelphia. Bro Miller Mac was Junior Steward and he was connected with the white jurisdiction of Georgia.
Bro. Miller Max, Clinton Lodge No. 54 of the White Grand Lodge in Georgia was informed that the “colored” brethren needed one more person to start the Lodge, so being of a liberal mind, he offered his assistance. Soon after its inception, the lodge grew to such a large number that some of the brethren were given demits to form new Lodges. In September of 1866, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts granted dispensation to John T. Hilton Lodge No.13 in Savannah.
Bro. James Jackson continued to work for organization of Eureka Lodge and acted as the Senior Steward. However, during the same month and year he also helped to organize Banneker Lodge No. 38 in Augusta, Georgia, and became the first Worshipful Master. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania granted this dispensation.
Smooth Lie: Those established Lodges under the National Grand Lodge multiplied rapidly, and on January 21, 1870 a convention of the Lodges constituted assembled in Masonic Hall, Atlanta, for the purpose of organizing a Grand Lodge of York rite Masons in Georgia. The convention elected a Grand Master and other Grand Officers. This Grand Lodge of York rite Masons had many subordinate Lodges working under its Warrant of Authority.
Fact: In following the customs and landmarks of Freemasonry and practice of the Craft in the United States, District Deputy Grand Master Simms called these three Lodges together to meet in Savannah to form a Grand Lodge for Georgia. The initial meetings were held on June 7th and 29th 1870 at which time representatives from the Three Lodges Eureka No.11, Hilton No. 13 and Bannaker No. 38 all Past Master voted on the Principal officer for the Grand Lodge.
Proceedings of our Grand Lodge at it’s first Communication
Savannah August 22nd 1870
Past Masters and representatives from Eureka, Hilton and Bannaker Lodges met in convention for the purpose of organizing a State Grand Lodge, Present Past Masters.
R. H. Gleaves M.W. National Grand Master
King S. Thomas P.M. Eureka Lodge
James M. Simms P.M. Hilton Lodge
Louis B. Toomer P.M. Hilton Lodge
Albert Jackson P.M. Hilton Lodge
WM H. Bearfield P.M Bannaker Lodge
Representatives from Eureka Lodge Alexander Harris S.W.
Richard F. Jackson J.W.
Representatives from Hilton Lodge Henry S. Giles W.M.
Caesar Brimson S.W.
John H. Deveaux J.W.
Representatives for Bannaker Lodge Duncan S. Scott} Proxie
David Grandy} Proxie
The convention was called to order at 11 ½ o’clock a.m.
Bro. R. H. Gleaves M. W. National Grand Master took the chair and delivered an eloquent and instructive address on the Cardinal Virtues; after which at 2 ½ o’clock P. M. the convention was called off.
At 4 ½ o’clock the convention was called on. At the request of the N.G. M. the minutes of the convention held June 4th and 29th were read. The Grand Secretary elect read the Warrant of Constitution granted the Grand Lodge for the State of Georgia by the M.W. National Grand Lodge.
The officers elected by the convention June 4th and the new elective officers appointed by the Grand Master elect were then installed by the M. W. National Grand Master as follows to wit:
Bro. James M. Simms M. W. G. M.
“” Louis B. Tommer R. W. D. G. M.
“” King S. Thomas R. W. G. S. W.
“” Albert Jackson R. W. Grand Secretary
“” John H. Deveaux Grand Senior Deacon
“” Henry S. Giles Grand Junior Deacon
“” Alexander Harris Grand Pursuivant
“” Caesar Brimson Grand Senior Stewart
“” Sundry Moore Grand Junior Stewart
“” Samuel G. Preutilf Grand Tyler
Smooth Lie: In 1863 when a disgruntled group of Colored Masons walked out of the National Grand Lodge in Pennsylvania, they went into various States organizing lodges. They set up a few lodges in Georgia and June 23, 1874 organized the Prince Hall Grand Lodge.
Fact: Formation of a second Grand Lodge in the state.
A call of Masonic Convention was published in the Advertiser-Republican in Savannah Georgia on the 16th Day of June, 1874, stating:
“We the undersigned Worshipful Masters of Excelsior Lodge No. 16, Mount Moriah Lodge No. 56 and St. Augustine Lodge No. 16 (colored lodges), working under legal warrants from the colored Grand Lodges for the States of New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware, respectively, by and with the consent of our several Lodge, do now call a convention to be held at our Masonic Hall, in McIntyre’s building, on St. Julian street, near Jefferson, on Tuesday Next, 23rd June Instant for the purpose of organizing such Grand Lodge , to which convention all Master Masons of Good Standing in regular Lodges, adhering to the principles that, in Masonry, each State or Territory is sovereign, and has a right to govern itself, are respectfully invited.”
Charles Vanterpool, W. M.
Barcus Davidson, W. M.
Ceasar Brinson, W. M.
At the formation of the supposed “regular” or at least “independent” Grand Lodge, a preliminary meeting was held starting at 10:30 am, June 23rd A. L. 5874. It was called to order by the Rev. J. Robert Love, District Deputy Grand Master and Grand Lecturer for the State of Georgia. On a motion, M.W. Bro. Richard L. Jones, Grand Master for the State of Florida, was elected president pro tem, Bro. John H.H. Sengstacke was elected Secretary of the meeting. Bro. C. Brinson, moved that a committee on Charters and Credentials with instruction to report at once. He named for that committee Bros. Robert P. Young, Charles Vanterpool, John H. H. Sengstacke, Caesar Brinson, Raymond Jackson and W. G. Clarke.
Bro. Love called the meeting to order again at 2:30 p.m. June 23, 1874. On a motion, the M.W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge for the State of Delaware (Bro. Robert H. Lewis), being present, was elected to preside over the convention.
Smooth Lie: For some time prior to 1870 there were two Grand Lodges in the State of Georgia. On June 26, 1870, Brother W. S. Terry, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of York Masons working under the National Grand Lodge and National Compact, exercised the power possessed in bringing together and harmonizing the dual Grand Lodges.
In order to perfect the Union it was agreed, through a conference committee, to consol- idate on amicable terms. Grand Master W. S. Terry, of the National Grand Lodge faction, and Grand Master, John D. Campbell, of the "State Rite" faction, signed the agreement and occupied seats of honor in the convention, which was called to order by Grand Master W. S. Terry and Past Master John H. Deveaux, "State Riter", was made chairman of the convention. The articles of Agreement were read and approved. Ninety seven Lodges were represented and One Hundred and Thirty Past Masters.
Fact: As you can see from the above proceedings there was not two Grand Lodges for African Americans in Georgia in 1870. There was one started in 1870 with James Simms as Grand Master and one started in 1874 with Love as Grand Master. These two Grand Lodges met in 1888 to form a Union.
Savannah, Ga. June 23, 1885
To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Georgia, to convene in Atlanta 24th Instant:
Dear Brethren- We, Your Committee, to whom was referred, at the last annual meeting of the Grand Lodge, a communication for the so-called Grand Lodge of Masons for this State, beg leave to report that in consequence of the interruption among the so-called Grand Lodge we were unable to make very much progress in the matter for caused as stated above. We could not meet with them as true Masons working in one common brotherhood, and we therefore submit this our report to the Grand Lodge for further instructions.
Fraternally yours,
C.H. Ebbs
C. L DeLamotta
A. K. Desverney
W.E. Terry
Lemuel Wade
Committee,
The foregoing report was adopted, with the instructions that the committee be authorized to hold such meetings at such times and at such places, as they may deem best. With approval to work, the Special Committee on Masonic Harmony sent out a letter, which stated:
Savannah, December 15, 1885
We the committee appointed at the last annual communication of this Grand Lodge for the purpose of harmonizing the differences existing among the fraternity in this State, do recommend that the following resolutions be passed at this Session:
Be it resolved: 1. That a committee of conference be appointed to meet a committee that may be appointed from what is known as another body of Masons now existing in this State.
Resolved, 2. For the purpose of producing such articles of agreement as may be necessary to bring harmony and peace.
Resolved 3. That a copy of the above report and resolutions, with the names of the committees that may be appointed by this Grand Lodge, be forwarded to the Grand Lodge of which Mr. A.S. Gordon is Grand Master.
C.L. DeLamotta,
W. E. Terry,
A.K. Desverney,
C.H. Ebbs,
Lemuel Wade
Committee,
On a motion by Bro. Toomer, this report was adopted and the committee authorized to continue their work. Bros. A. Hamilton and E. P. Holmes were added to the committee.
With this resolution, efforts where being made to heal the wounds caused by the National Grand Lodge and establish one single Grand Lodge in the State of Georgia for colored Masons.
The following correspondence was sent to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A. F. and A. Masons Savannah, Georgia, which read:
Savannah, Ga, December 15, 1885
Dear Brethren- We, the above committee, appointed, with others herein named, at the annual communication or our Grand Lodge, held on the above date, respectfully and fraternally beg for the good of the craft in our state, and the discontinuance of the existing difference pending between the two grand bodies, and our desire for “brotherly love among whom no contention should exist, but that noble contention or rather emulation of who best can work and best agree,” call your attention to the appended resolutions as passed by our Grand Lodge on the above date, in regular session in this city, to-wit:
Be it resolved, That a committee of conference be appointed for what is known as another body of Masons now existing in this State.
For the purpose of producing such articles of agreement as may be necessary to bring about harmony and peace.
That a copy of the above resolutions, with the names of the committees that may be appointed by the Grand Lodge, be forwarded to the Grand Lodge, of which Hon. A. S. Gordon is G.M.
The above is fraternally submitted by the committee,
Bro. C. L. DeLamotta
“ W.E. Terry,
“ A. K Desverney,
“ C. H. Ebbs,
“ Lemuel Wade,
“ Alexander Hamilton,
“ G. B. Lewis
The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A. F. And A. Masons of Savannah, Ga. responded by saying that, “ The above proposition was unanimously received and the following resolution was then offered:
Resolved, That a committee on conference be appointed to confer with the committee for the Grand Lodge, of which Rev. A. Harris is Grand Master Adopted.
With this report being returned, a meeting was scheduled for the 21 of September 1886 and the following report was given.
Savannah, Ga. September 21, 1886
A Joint meeting of the special committee as appointed by the two (colored) Grand Lodges, now existing in this State, for the purpose of making such recommendations as will be conducive of perfecting a union and harmonizing the difference now existing in between the two Grand bodies, met on the above date at the “Delmonico Hall,” 3:30 p. m. Present-Brethren C. L. Delamotta, C. H. Ebbs, W. E Terry, Lemuel Wade, Rev. E. P. Holmes and W. H. Spencer, representing the Grand Lodge of F. and A. M. of which Rev. Alex Harris is G. M. and brethren Rev. C. F. Vanderpool, F. H. Willliams, Dennis Burton, B. C. Cashin and G. L. Bowens, representing the Grand Lodge of A. F. and A. M. of which Bro. A. S. Gordon is G.M.
The meeting was opened by the election of Bro. DeLamotta, as chairman, and Bro. Ebbs, Secretary, after which a prayer was offered by Rev. Bro. Vanderpool. Bro. Lemuel Wade, by request, acted as door-keeper. The meeting being properly organized, the following resolutions were then submitted, to wit:
Whereas, There are now existing in the State of Georgia two Masonic bodies, each claiming to be the Grand Lodge of Georgia; and
Whereas, The above state of affairs is unmasonic, inasmuch as there cannot exist but one Grand Lodge in the same territory (white excepted): therefore be it
Resolved, That we, the undersigned committee, appointed by the above bodies to meet in joint session for the purpose of producing such articles of agreement as will remove the deplorable state of affairs, do recommend the following:
That the two above Masonic bodies do meet on a common level, on ______, for the purpose of then and there forming one Sovereign Grand Lodge, without reference to the past, letting by-gones be, and looking only to the future welfare of the craft.
And immediately after forming the above Grand Lodge, the following Grand Officers shall be elected, to wit: M. W. Grand Master, R. W. S. and J. Grand Wardens, R. W. Grand Secretary, R. W. Grand Treasurer.
And the following Grand Officers shall be appointed by the proper authorities, to-wit: R. W. S. and J. Grand Deacons, R. W. S. and J. Grand Stewarts, R. W. Grand Sword Bearer, R. W. Grand Lecturer, R. W. Grand Chaplain, R. W. Grand Pursuivant, R. W. Grand Tyler, R. W. Grand Marshal
We further recommend that the annual meetings be held during the month of June or July, and at such place as may be selected by majority of the members present at each annual meeting. Should there be semi-annual meetings, the Most W. Grand Master shall be invested with the power to select time and place for said meeting.
We further recommend that on forming the above Grand Lodge, on _______, the officers elected there and then shall be chosen to serve six (6) months only, after which all officers shall be elected annually.
The above resolutions were, upon motion of Bro. F. H. Williams, unanimously adopted, after which Bro. F. H. Williams motioned that a copy of the above resolutions be furnished each Grand Lodge. The same was adopted. By request neither Bro. Delamotta nor Rev. Vanderpool voted upon said last motion.
Bro. W. E. Terry moved that, provided the recommendation as made be accepted by the two Grand bodies, the blank spaces in resolutions relative to the time for forming of the union be authorized filled by the Grand Masters for each side, who will meet and consult for the purpose. Adopted
Upon motion of Bro. F. H. Williams, the chairman, as appointed by each Grand Lodge, was requested to meet as early as possible to consider the resolutions as submitted.
The above proceedings of the committee were read and unanimously confirmed. The meeting then adjourned, subject to call by the chairman.
L. DeLamotta, Chairman.
Attested: C. H. Ebbs, Secretary
At the next Grand Lodge Session for the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A. F. and A. M. for the State of Georgia in Darien, Georgia, the following resolution was adopted:
Be it resolved, that it is the sense of this M.W. Grand Lodge of A. F. and A. M., that the interest of the craft in the State will be best subserved by the holding of a convention by the two (2) Masonic Factions, to be held at such time and at such place as the Grand Masters of the two (2) Grand Lodges may agree upon, not later than June 24th, A. L. 5888, A.D. 1888.
Resolved, That the Grand Master and Grand Secretary be appointed a committee to notify the Grand Lodge, of which Bro. A. K. Desverney is G. M., of the action taken by this Grand Lodge relative to a union of the craft upon terms honorable to the bodies interested.
Resolved, That we do accept all Masons in good and regular standing and in possession of the true principles of ancient Masonry as our brethren and members of on common family.
Resolved, That a the holding of the said convention for the purpose of effecting the said union, that the lodges under the two (2) Masonic Grand Lodges each entitled to two (2) representatives.
Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be sent to Bro. John H. Deveaux, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of which Bro. Desverney is Grand Master. Adopted
On the 17th of May, 1888, a meeting was held between A. K. Desverney, M.W. Grand Master of F. and A. Masons, and John D. Campbell, M. W. Grand Master of A. F. and A. M. The following written statement was offered.
To whom these presents may concern:
We, A. K. Desverney, M. W. Grand Master of F. and A. Masons, and John D. Campbell, M.W. Grand Master of A. F. and A. Masons of the state of Georgia.
Article of agreement on Unions made this 17th day of May, A. L. 5888, and A. D. 1888, in the city of Savannah, State of Georgia.
By the power vested in us by the (2) Masonic Grand bodies now existing in the State of Georgia to appoint a place and time of holding a Convention to perfect a Union between the (2) Masonic Fraternities.
We therefore agree that this Convention shall be held in the city of Savannah.
And on the 26th day of June, A. L. 5888, A. D. 1888, convening at 2 o’clock p.m.
And not in either Masonic Lodge room.
And said Convention to be held in Turner’s Hall.
This agreement, where of we have hereunto affixed our hand and seal this day, year and time as above stated.
Signed A. K. Desverney, M. W. G. Master,
“ J. H. Deveaux, R. W. G. Secretary,
“ J. D. Campbell, M. W. G. Master,
“ F. H. Crumbly, R. W. G. Secretary,
Smooth Lie: The convention consummated the Union and organized one Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons (Colored) for the State of Georgia, known as Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge and received a Warrant from the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge. Brother W. S. Terry was again elected Grand Master of the consolidated Grand Lodges. He served as Grand Master from 1865 to 1888.
Fact: The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Georgia
Turner Hall Savannah, Ga. June 26, 1888
Pursuant to the adoption of articles of union, entered into by the Grand Lodge, of which brother A. K Desverney was M. W. Grand Master of F. and A. Masons, and of which J. D. Campbell was M.W. Grand Master of A. F. and A. Masons, both claiming the same territorial jurisdiction, being that of the State of Georgia, promptly at 2 o’clock p. m. the grand officers and representatives assembled in Turner’s Hall, on Broughton Street, and was called to order by M. W. brother A. K. Desverney, who in a clear and brief manner stated the object of the Convention, and called on Rev. brother C. M. Manning to lead in prayer, asking the blessings of the Supreme Architect, God our Father, to watch over our deliberations while here assembled on the most important occasion known in the history of Negro Masons in the State of Georgia.
Rev. Bro. Manning then invoked God’s blessing on the Convention.
Bro. Desverney then pronounced the Convention open and ready for organization; whereupon Bro. C. M. Manning motioned that Bro. W.E. Terry be elected temporary chairman.
Motion carried that Bro. F. H. Crumbly and Bro. C. H. Ebbs stand nominated for temporary Secretary.
Bro. Ebbs received 40 votes.
Bro. Crumbly received 44 votes.
Bro. Crumbly having received 4 votes over Bro. Ebbs, was pronounced temporary secretary.
On a motion, a committee of seven was appointed on credentials, consisting of Brothers R. B. Hodgers, A. Hamilton, H. R. Stewart, C. M. Manning, Thos. Walker, L. B. Toomer and J.W. Cummings.
The committee, through its secretary, Bro. H. R. Stewart, submitted its report, showing the following named brethren as members of the Convention, entitled to voice and vote as such, to-wit:
Savannah, Ga. June 26, 1888
Mr. Chairman and Brethren of the Committee:
We, your committee on credentials, beg leave to report the following names as legal delegates to the convention, to-wit:
Lodge Representatives
Blackshear Bro. L. B. Toomer
Corbin Bro. C. M. Manning
ordon C. T. Roberts, J. Coffee<
Chattahoochee A. K. Desverney, J.E. Hamilton
Widow Son L. W. Coats, H. C. Voss
Mt. Moriah R. Wright, C. Brinson
Excelsior T. Walker, J. D. Campbell
Bradwell W. H. Spencer, W.E. Terryp
Lilly N. Mcrea, G. C. Clark
Mt. Moriah L. C. Lane, J. Bryant
Excelsior T. Walker, J.D. Campbell
Bradwell W. H. Spencer, W.E. Terry
Lilly N. McRea, G. C. Clark
Mt. Moriah L. C. Lane, J. Bryant
Tillman W. A. Brown
King Solomon R. B. Hodgers
Prince Hall W. T. Davis
St. James A. Hamilton, E. S. Jones
Golden Rule J. J. Morningstar, S. Rogers<
St. Augustine J.C. Habersham, L. J. Pettigrew
St. Johns C. F. Vanterpool, J. Glover
Spencer Mc D. Spencer, W. Lucas
Eureka L. Wade, C.H. Ebbs
Aurora J. R. Robinson
Report of the Committee was adopted.
By Motion of Rev. Bro. C. M. Manning, the temporary organization was made the permanent organization of the Convention.
By Bro. Alex Hamilton:
Whereas, There have for fifteen years existed in the State of Georgia two grand bodies claiming the same territory; and
Whereas, Articles of agreement have been adopted by each Grand Lodge: therefore be it
Resolved, that we now proceed to the election of officers for the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Georgia.
By Bro. F.H. Crumbly as substitute for the above:
That the two Grand Masters be requested to ascend the rostrum, and by the power in them vested as Grand Masters, proclaim their respective grand bodies dissolved and a united Grand Lodge organized.
Adopted amid applause.
Grand Lodges Dissolved
Whereas M.W. John D. Campbell followed by M.W. A. K. Desverney, ascended the rostrum and proclaimed as follows, to-wit:
Grand Officers and Representatives here assembled:
By the power in me vested as M.W. Grand Master, and in obedience to the articles of union by us unanimously adopted, I do hereby declare this Most Worshipful Grand Lodge dissolved for the purpose of organizing on Sovereign Grand Lodge for the State of Georgia.
Expressions of great joy seemed to illume the countenances of every one present, and in one voice as caught up by every mind at tone and the same time the craft rose to their feet and sang:
We have reached the land of corn and wine,
And all its riches freely mine;
There shines undimmed one blissful day for
All my life has passed away.
Chorus:
Sweet Beulah land, sweet Beulah Land etc.
R. W. Bro. W.E. Terry, presiding, then stated the next in order was the election of a Grand Master, Grand Senior and Grand Junior Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary, and appointed Brothers Lane, Jones and Spencer as tellers.
Nominations
Bros. A. Hamilton, J. D. Campbell, A.K. Desverney and W.E. Terry were nominated for the office of M.W. Grand Master, Bro. A. Hamilton declining.
Upon the call of the roll the brethren voted and the tellers announced the following ballot:
A. K. Desverney 38
J. D. Campbell 34
W. E. Terry 15
A. Hamilton 4
The hour of adjournment for the evening having arrived, the convention was closed for refreshment until 9 o’clock a. m. June 27th, 1888.
The Grand Lodge session was resumed on June 27, 1888 at 9 o’clock promptly. P.G.M. A. Harris presided and called the convention to order. Prayer was offered by Rev. L. W. Coates. Roll was called and a quorum was present and the minutes of the evening session of June 26 was read and approved.
The Rev. C. M. Manning, in a short address stated: “…looking only to the best interest of the craft of the State, forgetting the errors of the past, and with nothing in view save the better establishment of freemasonry in Georgia, I withdrew the name of P.G. M. John D. Campbell from the contestants for the office of Grand Master.” Then Brother L.B. Toomer withdrew the name of P. G. M. A. K. Desverney, and in a short but strong address moved that our well-beloved Brother W.E. Terry be elected by acclamation. Bro. F.H. Crumbly seconded the motion. Bro. Harris who was chairman took the vote, which resulted in a unanimous vote electing R. W. W. E. Terry of Bradwell Lodge, Columbus, Ga., for the office of Grand Master.
It was resolved that the two Past Grand Masters appoint a committee of three whose duty it shall be to collect and report all Grand Lodge property to the M.W. Grand Master W. E. Terry. It also was resolved that the Grand Master and Grand Secretary be appointed a committee to herald the news of the United Grand Lodge to the Masonic World. The R.W. Grand Secretary was ordered to compile and prints 1,000 copies of the proceedings of the convention and that the Grand body shall be know as the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Georgia. A final major union resolution approved was for $30 to be appropriated for refreshment for the craft after installations. A recess was called for two hours to convene again at the hall at 3 O’clock sharp on the corner of Bay and Lincoln streets.
At 3 o’clock p. m. P.G. M. Alexander Harris call the Grand Lodge from refreshment to labor with all Grand Lodge officers being present. The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge was duly opened in the third degree. P.G. Masters A.K. Desverney and John D. Campbell, assisted by P.G.M. Louis B. Toomer, installed all officers of the M.W.U.Grand Lodge.
Representatives present from Sister Grand Lodges were: R.W. J. C. Corbin of Arkansas, PDGM T. James of Connecticut, RW J.T. Frazier of Colorado, M.W. J. H. Lee of the District of Columbia, PGM R. H. Lewis of Delaware, RW S. W. Lewis of Mississippi, RW E.R. Spaulding of New York, RW A. J. Anderson of Ohio, RW A. Fassett of Pennsylvania, RW George H. Simms of Rhode Island, RW S. J. Leonard of Texas, RW W. S. Williams of Tennessee, RW A. B. Campbell of Virginia, and RW J.F. Dixon of West Virginia.
Proceedings of the Convention and Organization of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted (Colored) Masons for the State of Georgia and its Jurisdiction.27th June 1874
Proceedings of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Georgia, Atlanta, Ga, June 24th 1885 pg. 5
Proceedings of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Georgia, Atlanta, Ga, June 24th 1885 pg. 22
Proceedings of the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Georgia June 26th and 27th, 1888 pg. 4-5
Proceedings of the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Georgia June 26th and 27th, 1888 pg. 5
Proceedings of the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Georgia June 26th and 27th, 1888 pg. 5-7
Proceedings of the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Georgia June 26th and 27th, 1888 pg. 7-8
Proceedings of the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Georgia June 26th and 27th, 1888 pg. 3-4
Proceedings of the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Georgia June 26th and 27th, 1888
The History of Masonry Among Colored Men in Georgia by Dr. H.R. Butler Grandmaster.