Kids Come First May / June 2020 Mississippi...

Kids Come First May / June 2020

HamasaNews

Mississippi Shriners Welcome Our New Grandmaster James Harold Norton

Hamasa News May/June 20202

5516 Dale Drive, Marion, MS 39342 P. O. Box 365, Meridian, MS 39302

Office: (601) 693-1361 Toll-Free: 1-800-243-1361

Fax: (601) 693-9544 Email: [email protected]

2020 Hamasa Divan Registry

ASHLEY R. LEWIS, POTENTATE 2020 4532 CR 31, ROSE HILL, MS 39356 CELL: 601-416-4148 E-MAIL: [email protected]

SMITH RABUN, CHIEF RABBAN (CHRISTINE) 387 KING ROAD, WEIR, MS 39772 CELL: 662-582-6344, HM: 662-547-6695 E-MAIL: [email protected]

PHILIP RUMERY, ASSISTANT RABBEN (DEB) 10554 HWY 494, MERIDIAN, MS 39305 CELL: 559-287-2993 E-MAIL: [email protected]

CHARLES “CHUCK” PETTY, HIGH PRIEST & PROPHET (JUDY) P.O. BOX 375, HEIDELBERG, MS 39439-0375 CELL: 601-577-5708 E-MAIL: [email protected]

JOHN “Chop” STEWART, ORIENTAL GUIDE (KITTY) 10041 Road 1725, Philadephia, MS 39350-6078 CELL: 662-617-1464 E-MAIL: [email protected]

PAUL D. THOMPSON, TREASURER, P.P (RHONDA) 7715 POPLAR SPRING DR., MERIDIAN, MS 39305 CELL: 601-479-8400 E-Mail: [email protected]

RICHARD L. WHITEHEAD, RECORDER (JUDITH) P.O. BOX 365, MERIDIAN, MS 39302-0365 CELL: 601-480-7749 OFFICE: 601-693-1361 E-MAIL: [email protected]

Hamasa Shriners 2020 AppointmentsPersonal Aides for Potentate & DivanChief Personal Aide — P.P. Kem Banks (Sharon)Chief Aide — Peanut Savell (Sheelah)Aide — John CreekmoreAide — Brad Hearn (Nikki)Aide — Donald Tate (Gidget)Aide — David Woods (Sarah)Aide — Henry Wilson (Diane)Chaplains: Marvin McFadden Benny EgglerHonor Guard and Ladies Escorts: Hamasa Provost GuardInternal Auditor: Angie Shirley, CPA, PATemple Attorney: Ashley LewisTemple Insurance Agent: Jim ThompsonSergeant at Arms: Hamasa Provost GuardParade Marshal: Provost MarshalMaster of Ceremonies: Grover Vining, P.P.Shreveport Hospital Board of Governors Representative: Grover Vining, P.P.100 Million Dollar Club: Chris Nettles, P.P.Hamasa News Editor: Melvin FordPhotographers: Melvin Ford & William Fortenberry Official Parade Escorts: Hamasa Motor CorpsFund Raising:

Ashley Lewis, Potentate 2020 Smith Rabun Philip RumeryHospital Transportation Chairman: Richard Whitehead, RecorderPublic Relations: Ashley Lewis, Potentate 2020 Smith Rabun Philip Rumery All Shrine Club Secretaries2020 Committees:Leadership Search Committee: Grover Vining, P.P. Paul D. Thompson, P.P./Treasurer Chris Nettles, P.P.Masonic Relations Committee: Melvin Ford Jason Jefcoat Donor Relations Committee: Raymon Busby, P.P. Chris Nettles, P.P.Membership Committee by Regions: Richard Whitehead — Meridian Jason Jefcoat — Laurel, Wayne Co. & Jasper Co. Smith Rabun-Winston Co. Tommy Millsaps — Starkville, Columbus & Tombigbee Melvin Ford — Lee Co., Pontotoc Co., Calhoun Co., Natchez Trace, Alcorn Co., & Itawamba Co.Each Shrine Club to have a Membership Chairman on fileLife Membership Committee: Homer Sullivan, P.P. & PGM Chris Nettles, P.P.Sunshine Committee: Richard Whitehead, Recorder Marvin McFadden Benny EgglerFundraising Committee:

Ashley Lewis, Potentate 2020 Smith Rabun Philip Rumery Divan 2020Hamasa News Committee: Grover Vining, P.P. Paul Thompson, P.P.Hospital Transportation: Tommy Millsaps Chuck Petty Larry Stafford Melvin Ford Smith Rabun Russell Moore III, P.P.Finance Advisory Committee: Paul D. Thompson, P.P./Treasurer Marvin McFadden Chris Nettles, P.P.Divan 2020Potentate Advisors: Homer Sullivan, P.P. & PGM Chris Nettles, P.P. Paul D. Thompson, P.P./TreasurerInsurance Committee: Ashley Lewis Steve Harris Jim ThompsonBuilding Association & Properties Committee: Raymon Busby, P.P. Chris Nettles, P.P. Homer Sullivan, P.P. & PGM Paul Thompson, P.P./Treasurer Grover Vining, P.P. Jason Jefcoat Marvin McFadden Jeff Gardner, P.P. Kem Banks, P.P. Ashley Lewis, Potentate 2020 Smith Rabun, C.R. Richard Whitehead, Recorder (Ex-Offico)

Hamasa News, a non-profit publication

of Hamasa Shriners

“For Hamasa Shriners membership information please

contact the Recorder’s Office”.

Please direct submissions, comments and inquires to the Hamasa News Committee

via e-mail to:

Melvin Ford: [email protected] Paul Thompson: [email protected]

Grover Vining: [email protected]

Or mail to: Melvin Ford

1013 Eisenhower Drive, Tupelo, MS 38801-5403

Page layout/graphics: Jennifer Hammond Printed by: The Meridian Star

Shriners International Headquarters 2900 Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607

(813) 281-0300 www.shrinershq.org

Toll-free patient referral line: In the US: (800) 237-5055

Laurel Shrine Club Meets the 3rd Monday of the Month at 7:00 PM

Lee County Shrine Club Meets the 1st Tuesday of the Month at 6:30 PM

Marion Shrine Club Meets the 2nd Thursday of the Month at 7:00 PM

Neshoba County Shrine Club Meets the 1st Thursday of the Month at 7:00 PM

Pontotoc County Shrine Club Meets the 2nd Thursday of the Month at 7:00 PM

Starkville Shrine Club Meets the 1st Thursday of the Month at 7:00 PM

Tombigbee Shrine Club Meets the 4th Monday of the Month at 7:00 PM

Wayne County Shrine Club Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 7:00 PM

Winston County Shrine Club Meets the 4th Tuesday of the Month at 7:00 PM

Uniformed Bodies AssociationMeets the 3rd Tuesday of the Month at 6:00 PM

Hamasa Shrine Clubs

Shriners Hospitals for Children is here to help. Our health care system offers care for a wide range of pediatric specialties. Please note that although Shriners Hospitals for Children does not require a physician referral, some insurance companies may. Additionally, some insurers may have specific requirements for certain types of medical care. Also, while referrals and assistance from Shriners is welcome and greatly appreciated, it is not necessary to have a connection with a fraternity member to receive care – all decisions are based on the child’s medical need and our ability to provide effective assistance. To Request an appointment Parents/Guardians may call: 800-237-5055Patient Referral/Eligibility Information: Email: [email protected] orTelephone: 800-237-5055 (in the U.S.) or Telephone: 800-361-7256 (in Canada)Both lines are staffed weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., EST.Direct Requests for the Shreveport Facility are made by calling 1-800-830-0606 Procedures for emergency burn care: In an emergency, the referring physician treating a child with burn injuries should telephone the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Boston, Cincinnati, Galveston or Northern California and indicate that there is a patient needing emergency burn care. The telephone numbers for emergency admissions to Shriners Hospitals for Children specializing in burn treatments are: Boston: 617-726-3575: Cincinnati: 866-947-7840; Galveston: 409-770-6773; or Northern California: 916-453-2111 Nobles please note that this information is conveniently printed on the back of your Hamasa Dues card. Feel free to share this information with any potential Shriners Hospital for Children patient’s parents or guardians. Parents and/or Guardians of children needing help with orthopedic or cleft lip and palate conditions within the Hamasa territory may contact the Shreveport Hospital directly by calling 1-800-830-0606 and asking for referrals for treatment. They may find it quicker to obtain an initial appointment if they have a medical condition the Shreveport facility specializes in treating. Hamasa Shriners follows the guidelines of the Medical Information Privacy Act so please assure all patients, parents and guardians that their personal contact information and medical condition will not be shared. Hamasa needs contact information on file but we will not make any patient information public. Calls for referrals must come from the legal parent and/or guardian, Nobles and Ladies cannot call for a child and the Hospitals will not share information to persons not allowed by the medical privacy act. Hamasa Shriners does have a program that assists patients with transportation to our hospitals and clinics. We have Transportation Coordinators in various Clubs and Volunteer Drivers. All Drivers must have a copy of their current driver’s license on file with out Recorder’s office. All Drivers and Office Personnel are bound by the same privacy laws and will not share any information about a patient, name included, in any public setting including Stated Meetings and Lodge gatherings. Photographs and patient information cannot be published or shared without express written consent on file with the Hamasa Recorder’s office. Verbal consent will not suffice.

Patients cannot be photographed without this prior written consent. All drivers must send in the proper trip report with receipts to the Hamasa Recorder’s Office as soon as possible. These reports must be complete and include current patient contact information. Drivers should remind parents and guardians that Hamasa will not share this information. Trip report forms can be obtained through the Recorder’s Office. Patients traveling on their own may receive reimbursement through the Hamasa Office provided they submit the proper form with proper receipts and full approval from the Hamasa Transportation Chairman. These forms are also available through the Hamasa Recorder’s Office. Snacks, gifts, alcohol and tobacco products will not be reimbursed. A motel room will be provided in the pre-approved motel that direct bills Hamasa Shriners. Extended stays and additional item costs MUST be pre-approved. All receipts must be turned in before reimbursement will be approved. Cash advancements will be at the discretion of the Club Transportation Coordinator per Club Board approval or by Hamasa Transportation Chairman if no club sponsorship available and will be deducted from final reimbursement; all receipts and the completed form is required. The maximum amount reimbursed for meals is $25.00 per day for the child and $25.00 per day for one adult per trip. If anyone has any questions regarding the Hamasa Transportation Program they may contact the Hamasa Office at (601) 693-1361 or at 1-800-243-1361 during normal business hours. E-mail inquiries can be made through [email protected]. If any Noble feels the need to contact the Shreveport Hospital they should contact our Hospital Representative and allow him to route any questions or inquiries to the proper administrator. Our representative is Past Potentate Grover Vining. He can be reached at (601) 416-6667 or through e-mail at [email protected]. If anyone needs to contact any other hospital they can contact Grover or the Hamasa Recorder’s Office so the inquiry can be routed through the proper channels. You may also contact the Hamasa Potentate in order that inquiries can be made properly. Hospitals will not discuss any patient or medical questions to unauthorized persons. Persons asking how they can make a tax-deductible donation directly to a particular hospital should contact our Hospital Representative or the Hamasa Treasurer. They may also contact the Hamasa Recorder’s Office or the Potentate. Inquiries into any tax-deductible donations should be rowuted through the Hamasa Recorder’s Office. Donations made to the Transportation Fund are restricted and may only be used for transportation purposes. It is advisable that you discuss any designated donation with either the Hamasa Treasurer or Hospital Representative prior to making the donation so the funds can be utilized more efficiently. Clubs and Units should discuss any designated donations with the Hamasa Treasurer so the proper by-laws can be followed. Our Hospitals are very important to Hamasa and we appreciate all volunteers that assist with transportation and donations. We have to follow the Imperial By-laws and Medical Privacy Laws. Please let people know that Hamasa and the Shriners Hospitals for Children want to help any child that we can help.

Hamasa Shriners Patient Referral and Information

Living Past Potentates

Ed Lightsey - 1990 Robert W. Taylor - 1993

Hal Hill - 2001 Homer Sullivan - 2002 Raymon Busby - 2004

Troy King - 2005 Bill West - 2006 & 2014

Gary Riddle - 2007 Chris Nettles - 2008

Edward Garrard - 2010 & 2015 Ruben Hanson - 2011

Paul D. Thompson - 2012 Grover W. Vining - 2013

Jeff Gardner - 2016 Russell Moore III - 2017

Kem Banks - 2018 R. A. Darnell - 2019

Hamasa NewsMay/June 2020 3

“Kids come First”

Potentate’s Message

Dear Nobles and Hamasa Faithful,

I began the year with two slogans that I hold dear to my heart, Kids come First and Don’t ask what Hamasa can do for you but what can you do for Hamasa. Now the third, stay at home and respect

social distancing. These are extremely hard times

for our country and the Shrine, but we

are strong and like always, we will pull through. The Divan is holding our monthly meetings to take care of business and to

pay the bills. Just know, times will

be tight for Hamasa because our needed

fundraisers have been put on hold. However, the Henry Shriner

Tribute .22 S/L/LR and the whole processed hog tickets are still on sale for $5.00 each. If all Nobles would purchase the tickets sent out in the mail, this would greatly support Hamasa in this time of need. Remember these fundraisers are to benefit Hamasa! I would like to congratulate Grand Master Harold Norton on becoming our newest Grand Master. Thank you for being a Noble of Hamasa. Finally, I would like to thank all the Hamasa Nobles for being patient with what we are going through. I look forward to many more years serving Hamasa. Thank you for all that you do, and hope to see you at the Temple.

Ashley Ray Lewis, Potentate 2020

Looking Forward to the Future when We all Can Get Together

Saturday, August 29th, 2020 In the Year of Avoiding that

Durn Ole Co-Ruina Virus, Woo-We!

Hamasa’s Annual Potentate’s Ball The Theme is Country & Western

with Dinner, Live Music and Dancing

Featuring Hamasa’s First Ever Chicken Drop! This is a Fun Filled Game that will raise some much needed money for

our Hospital Transportation Fund Festivities will begin around 6:00 PM will a Silent Auction,

Fellowship, Fun and Laughter. The Dress is Country/Western and Nobles wear your Fez.

Visit our Websitewww.hamasashriner.com


We know the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially hard on nobles who generously give their time as board members, greeters, volunteers, drivers and tour guides at Shriners Hospitals for Children. It may feel like social distancing and prolonged periods of isolation deprive Shriners of the personal satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of children – the very reason they joined the fraternity in the first place.

Please be assured that the safety of Shriners Hospitals patients, employees, and of course our Shriners and their families remains a top priority. We are closely monitoring updates from local health

departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, La Secretaía de Salud in Mexico, and Provincial governments in Canada, and are actively following their recommendations. These include: Limiting visitors, implementing minimal staffing, postponing tours and events, and rescheduling all elective surgeries, non-essential clinic visits and outreach clinics.

We look forward to the time when we can reopen our health care facilities and Shriners International Headquarters once the pandemic subsides. In the meantime, while they may not fulfill their typical volunteer duties, Shriners can always contact their

local Shriners Hosptial for Children to ask if there in anything, they or their club, unit or temple can do to help while still following infection control and prevention guidelines.

Nobles;

On Monday evening, the Dixie Shrine Association Board of Directors conducted a conference call in reference to the annual meeting in May at Panama City Beach, Florida.

After discussing the current medical situation that we are facing, the Board voted unanimously to cancel this year’s annual meeting. There were numerous other factors concerning restaurants, housing and the availability of having Frank Brown Park as a venue for the Motor Corp competition that were factors in this decision. As wttb the rest of the nation, Panama City Beach and the state of Florida are undergoing some tough times.

The safety of our Nobles and our Ladies is our major concern. We understand that this decision may not be agreeable with all of the Nobility, but it is in the best interest of all.

The Board of Directors looks forward to seeing everyone at the ‘2021’ Dixie Mid-Winter meeding to be to be held on February 5th and 6th, 2021 at the Pearl River Resort In Philadelphia, Ms.

If 1 can be of any assistance, please give me a call at (601) 479·8400 and 1 will be happy to discuss this with you.

Let’s all keep everyone and our Country in our prayers as we go thru this current crisis.

Yours in the falth; Paul D. Thompson, PP / President Dixie wShrlne Association

This Notice was posted on March 24th, 2020This Notice was posted on March 24th, 2020

We are thinking Optimistically And hoping the COVID-19 Shutdown is over

OFFICAL CALL Hamasa Shriners Stated Meetings Notice

TUESDAY, May 19, 2020 At 7:00PM

AT THE HAMASA BUILDING IN MARION Uniform Bodies meeting @ 6:00PM

Meal @ 6:30PM

TUESDAY, June 23, 2020 At 7:00PM

AT THE HAMASA BUILDING IN MARION Uniform Bodies meeting @ 6:00PM

Meal @ 6:30PM

Attest: Ashley R. Lewis, Potentate 2020 & Richard L. Whitehead, Recorder

Call the Temple Office at 601-693-1361 800-243-1361 if you have any questions.

Wear your Fez and Bring Someone with you! (Please note that at the time of this printing we may have to cancel another meeting due to the Corona Virus Pandemic)

Shriners Hospitals for Children Update

We know the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially hard on nobles who generously give their time as board members, greeters, volunteers, drivers and tour guides at Shriners Hospitals for Children. It may feel like social distancing and prolonged periods of isolation deprive Shriners of the personal satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of children— the very reason they joined the fraternity in the first place. Please be assured that the safety of Shriners Hospitals patients, employees, and of course our Shriners and their families remains a top priority. We are closely monitoring updates from local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, La Secretaría de Salud in Mexico, and Provincial governments in Canada, and are actively following their recommendations. These include: Limiting visitors, implementing minimal staffing, postponing tours and events, and rescheduling all elective surgeries, non-essential clinic visits and outreach clinics. We look forward to the time when we can reopen our health care facilities and Shriners International Headquarters once the pandemic subsides. In the meantime, while they may not fulfill their typical volunteer duties, Shriners can always contact their local Shriners Hospitals for Children to ask if there is anything, they or their club, unit or temple can do to help while still following infection control and prevention guidelines.

In Honor and in the Memory of

Past Potentate Jordan Downs

My Old Red FezMy old red fez has faded a bit;

Yet every time I look at itI view the past thro’ memory’s door

Scenes that will come again, no more.Voices and faces of yesteryear

Thro’ the magic of the old red fez appearTo remind me of joys that once were mine,

And happy days with the Mystic Shrine.My old red fez has faded a bit;

But that hasn’t dimmed my love for it,For into that bit of old head gear

Is woven the friendships of many a year;It knows the touch of friendly hand,And symbolizes, ---you understand,The things that are so good and fine

In our beloved Mystic Shrine.My old red fez has faded a bit;

But still I’m mighty proud of it,Proud of the things for which it stands

The loyal hearts and willing hands,Ready always to do their best

To meet with courage every test;Proud of the memories that are mine

Of the noble men of the Mystic Shrine.My old red fez has faded a bit;

And someday I’ll take leave of it,But not without a friendly smile,

For it’s been mine a long, long while,And if allowed in some future state

On earth’s affairs to meditateHappiness will indeed by mine

As off ’ I think of the Mystic Shrine.Here’s to the red fez and the men whom have worn it;

May love and loyalty ever adorn it;May the sun of good fellowship eternally shineIn the hearts of the men of the Mystic Shrine.


Hamasa Divan Members Attend Shriners International Seminars

Shriners International hosts several seminars each year and two of the most important is the Oriental Guide School and the Assistant Rabban School. We budget annually for our elected Divan to attend these seminars because they benefit Hamasa. These seminars teach leadership skills, Shrine Law, Protocol and basically prepares Divan members to serve their Temple as Potentate. This year we were lucky that before the COVID-19 shutdown John Stewart and Chuck Petty were able to attend the Oriental Guide School in Tampa. Plus, Phil Rumery and Smith Rabun were able to attend the Assistant Rabban school. Having our people attend these seminars is important because they are able to learn updated information concerning the Imperial Shrine and Shriners Hospitals. This is especially important now with all the changes proposed for our Hospital system. Our Oriental Guide John “Chop” Stewart sent in some pictures from the seminar and we thank him and Lady Kitty for serving Hamasa.


Alvin Darnell & Lady Shirley

A ContributionTHIS CARD IS AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

OF APPRECIATION FOR A CONTRIBUTION

MADE TO Hamasa Shriners Hospital Transportation Fund for the purpose of transporting children to the

Shriner’s Hospitals for Children

Shreveport or Galveston unit By

Roy Robertson Family

Dedicated to the glory of “God” and all children

When we think of a Masonic Lodge, what comes to mind, the building, the meetings, the Brothers you see there. Do you see it as a whole or as different parts connected? If you see a Lodge as having several parts; what are they and how are they connected? Most of us see a building, we see meetings, we see degrees and not much more than that today. Actually, there are four parts to a Masonic Lodge; (1) Ritual, (2) Instruction, (3) Benevolence and (4) Business Operations. Let’s break each of these down for clarification and better understanding. First, let us fully understand that these four parts are equal in value, neither being more important that another. Yet, in many jurisdictions one does become more important and others are addressed to a lesser degree which in the long term hurts the Lodge.1. Ritual – Ritual is defined as a solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order. That describes exactly the 1st, 2nd and 3rd degrees. Uniform throughout the jurisdiction of Mississippi. We all see it in action as we open and close the lodge, and each of these degrees.

2. Benevolence – Benevolence is defined as the quality of being well meaning; kindness. This encompasses an internal and an external benevolence. Internal includes the respect we show each other in and out of the lodge, the respect we show to our masonic widows, and the willingness to go out of our way to assist a Brother. The external is the contribution a Lodge makes to the local community. Community service is the little league team, the soft ball team or the Scout troop your lodge supports.

3. Instruction – Instruction is defined as detailed information telling how something should be done, operated or assembled, it is a purposeful direction of the learning process. During the officer installation ceremony, the new WM promises to “according to the best of your abilities…..to propagate the knowledge of the mystic arts… On opening a Lodge, the WM, is to “give proper instructions for their labors”. What is instruction, it is knowledge passed down to the Brothers, it is NOT ritual, it is knowledge. The Light in Masonry.

4. Business operations – Business operations is defined as the work managing the inner workings of a business/organization/club so it runs as efficiently as possible. This includes the collection of dues, organizing fund raisers, financial expenditures such as electricity, water/sewer, and building maintenance. It also includes the proper management of the Lodge assets. This is not only the building itself but the bank account and long-term investments of the lodge.

Now that we have the four parts defined let us evaluate how they interact. As I stated previously, they are equal in value to the proper functioning and long-lasting endurance of a lodge. Whenever one of these parts is forgotten, pushed aside and ignored then the whole is weaker that the sum of its parts. Case in point, let’s start with the one function that we have attempted to address this past year and has suffered tremendous push-back from many of the lodges and Brothers here in MS. That is the Business Operations. I have heard Brothers across the state say that the GL is sticking its nose into the internal operations of the Lodge far too much. Is that so, well I quote Brother Lane Dossett, PM of Petal Lodge “50 years ago the Masons of this great state were building Lodges, today with $25-$30-dollar annual dues you can’t even pay your bills”. You can’t purchase insurance and your buildings are in a sad state of disrepair. They are no longer a beacon of your community. Honestly, who wants to join a group that refuses to maintain it’s building. We have sold Masonry for cheap and as a result the numbers of members are decreasing annually and the attendance at lodge is at an all-time low across the state. You can’t deny this, not a single one of you. There are very few exceptions to this in our jurisdiction. So, you think GL is the bad guys for expecting you to pay attention to your business operations. No, it’s a wake-up call to you to halt this downward slide you are on toward eventually closing your lodge. Low dues and low initiation fees have gotten us into this situation and unfortunately it appears the members are not willing to open up to the reality of this downward trend. It’s going to take a little more money out of our pockets to keep Masonry alive and that isn’t going to be chump change. If you are not willing to increase your dues and initiation fees then you are part of the problem, not part of the solution. The second function that receives little to no attention in our lodges is “knowledge of the mystic arts…instructions for their labors”. How many WM’s in this state give a lecture at every lodge meeting, None. Why is that? Simply stated, it’s a lost art in the Blue Lodges. Somewhere we have confused ritual and instruction as being the same. Ritual practice is not instruction. Lectures, discussions, speakers and training is what I am addressing here. Some of you have never even heard of this. We can’t put the blame on the shoulders of our WMs. The blame for this is a lack of understanding of what it means to provide “knowledge of the mystic arts…instructions for their labors”. There is so much information available to all of us on the knowledge of the mystic arts it’s mind boggling. The Scottish Rite has a course titled the Symbolic Lodge Correspondence Program. Several in this room have taken this and I’ve talked with many of them about how enlightening it was. There are Research Lodges which publish papers on Masonic subjects, there are books upon books which one can obtain. The knowledge is there and it’s not very difficult to find. We have to reinstate this in our Lodges, NOW. If you don’t think this is necessary, I give you an example. A small group in the Hattiesburg area has discussed this very dissatisfaction for the past 2 to 3 years and finally had the opportunity to do something about it. S. B. Stamply Lodge #222 was very near closing. This forward-thinking group asked for the charter, moved it to Hattiesburg and now we have Brothers knocking on the door to become members. Why, because to put it in their words “This is what I thought Masonry was about when I joined”. Well it wasn’t, it was about paying bills and ritual practice, and doing degrees if you even had one. At the present state of being, that is all we have to offer. The young men of today are asking for more than a lodge that meets and pays bills and occasionally has a degree. In fact, a lot of older Masons are looking for more. This is the most significant reason your attendance is so low. If you are not seeking more light, why are you a Mason. Light in Masonry is your object, so why do you no longer purse it? This is not a social club, it is an institution founded on the belief that men want to be part of something bigger than themselves, that makes a positive difference in their lives and that provides a positive impact in their community.Is your Lodge providing this to its members? The third function that I see wasting away is the benevolence. How many of the lodges have an involvement with the local community? Do you participate in local parades, provide an annual educational scholarship to a deserving student, participate in local food drives, sponsor a youth group or maintain contact with the Masonic widows? Very few of you, it’s embarrassing. When I came into Masonry here in MS in 1974, Masonry in Mississippi was something to be extremely proud of. Members were the pillars of the community; the Lodges participated in many civic activities and sponsored several youth groups. Today we struggle just to pay our bills. Benevolence and Business Operations go hand and hand together. Without the proper funds you can’t sponsor anything outside your lodge. I say again, 50 years ago we were building lodges, today we can’t even maintain them. The last is Ritual. It is often said that MS is a ritual state. I agree. We place so much emphasis on ritual that we have forgotten to spend enough time on the other 3 functions of the lodge. There are four parts to a Lodge and you must spend an appropriate amount of time on each one of them in order to be a properly functioning Masonic Lodge. Once one takes up greater than its portion, your Lodge suffers and members disappear. Eventually the Lodge will close. Simply stated my Brothers, we are no longer a beacon in our community and that monkey sits on each and every one of our shoulders in this room. The question is – Are you willing to face the reality of where your Lodge is today and start putting wheels in motion to correct the issues regardless of how difficult that may be? Or, are you just going to sit, do nothing and let Masonry continue to decline? I challenge each and every one of you to “Mason Up”, so that each one of us can truthfully say we “Practice Out of the Lodge, those Great Moral Duties Which are Inculcated Within It.

Thank you, my Brothers.Xerxes Z. Herrington, Grand Orator 2019-2020

The Four Parts of a Mason Lodge

Donation From

In Memory ofIN MEMORY OF

Jordon Downs, P.P.A Memorial has been made to the

Hamasa Temple Hospital Transportation Fund for the purpose of transporting children to the


Shreveport or Galveston unit By

Lady Sarah Hall376 North Point Dr., Meridian, MS 39305

Donation From

The Roberson FamilyA Donation has been made to



Shreveport or Galveston Unit By

J. P. & Valerie Roberson4247 Russell Manor Rd., Meridian, MS 39301-8853


Donation From

Roy & Debbie RobertsonA Donation has been made to




Robertson Family4949 North Columbus Ave., Louisville, MS 39339


Donation From

Howard & Eugenia EvansA Donation has been made to




Howard & Eugenia EvansMeridian, MS 39305


Donation From

The Roberson FamilyA Donation has been made to




J. P. & Valerie Roberson4247 Russell Manor Rd., Meridian, MS 39301-8853


www.hamasashriner.com


Grand Lodge Session


Remember: Save the tabs

First I want to say THANK YOU to the nobles and Ladies of Hamasa for all the help and support that you have giving me as your Recorder and I enjoy all that we can do for our children and Hamasa family, please call on me at any time for help. This year has been one of many different things to get done and we still do not know what the outcome will be with coronavirus but as a family of shrine/masons we will be strong.

February 29 Lady Judy & I traveled to Austin, TX for the recorder seminar and it is always nice to see old faces of recorders you have met and the new 26 out of 51 new recorders for 2020. Sunday night was a welcome banquet for all to attend and the meal was chicken breast, gravy, wild rice, green long beans wrapped in bacon, tea, coffee, and cheese cake. Monday, we started out with the third vice president no present due to he had stepped down for personal reasons. The first session was on relationships and membership with the Grand Lodges

of your state. Membership committee needs to write a plan and use the Road Map on WebFez to get ahead of temple membership.

Imperial Recorder Jim Cain talked about the reports we need into headquarters and deadlines for these reports. John Piland, EVP he told us to work on the suspended members and that his department set ups the Imperial session and rooms and education training for the seminars.

After lunch we came back to Jon Hanson, chair Jurisprudence and Laws committee good note there are over 70 club Tap Rooms now. He went over the Article 30 proceedings and once it gets past # 3 Imperial is involved and a trial will take place. Please try to work it out before it gets this far and fair play among our nobles. Next, we had Imperial Sir Jerry Gantt spoke about our hospitals and the SHC Vision 2035, Shriners Healthcare for Children. The last to speak to us was Randy and Keith from the Fraternal Information services, Web Fez department. A lot is getting updated and the nobles and recorders will have an easier way to do our jobs. Monday night we had the President’s banquet and the meal was pork tenderloin, gravy, mix vegs, roll, tea, coffee and chocolate double layer cake.

Tuesday morning, we found out that Imperial Recorder Jim Cain’s son house was hit in Nashville, TN by a tornado; our prayers went out to him and family. Matt Noell, temple finance and accounting spoke about what reports and forms need to be sent to his office and what copies the temple keeps. IRS reporting form 990 must be from temple, clubs, and units must come to his office. He touched on Fund Raising and state “payments are not deductible as charitable contributions” needs to be on all tickets for fund raisers. Fraternal and Charitable are different and make sure you’re doing the right one or all monies come to hospitals. Thompkins Insurance manager David Nell is an under writer for temples and events that take place, make sure your covered before a parade.

Temple success story was a temple started nine years ago “A Tree for Christmas”, clubs and units put up 19 trees and had a prize to get tickets in a bucket under the tree ran for eight days and on Sunday one winner was drawn from each bucket under the tree. Now the businesses in the area put up 63 trees and some of the prizes have been motorcycles, four wheelers, bed room suits, vacations, etc. They raiser $432,000.00 in 2019 after all expenses were paid, but you need lots of help from your nobles and families. WebFez team came back in and finished out the day with some on screen training. We drove back to Hamasa Temple on Wednesday. Thank you, Benny Eggler, emeritus recorder and Marie Smith for watching over the office while I was away.

We as Hamasa Shriners have a lot of history here in our own temple and it is slipping away with each black camel that takes a member, we need to talk to our older members and ask what it was like when you became a SHRINER. I am saddened to report that we have lost three past potentates to the black camel since my last report: P.P. Jordan Downs and P.P. Dr. David L. Payne were taken on the same day February 24, 2020 and the black camel took P.P. L.D. Clark the oldest living potentate on March 28, 2020. We need to keep these families in our prayers and pray for each other during these trying times.

Keep our Hospital patients’ appointments and making sure they have a driver, motel room and food to eat takes a lot of time on the phone with drivers, parents, and hospital coordinators. The real reward is when you see a hospital child that had a medical issue come in the office and them look and feel good and say Thank You Shriners for what your hospitals has done for me and my family. With hospitals not taking a lot of patients at this time due to coronavirus, we will be busy when we get back to normal.

We will not go to Dixie Shrine in Panama City Beach, FL this year it has been moved to Hamasa Shriners being the host temple for 2021 with Mid-Winter at the Golden Moon in Philadelphia, MS and steak dinner at the Neshoba county shrine club and Saturday meeting to follow with lunch being served. President Paul D. Thompson and his officers will show you a good time, please keeps them in your prayers during these unknown times.

Our new normal is changing everyday but I am still going into the office and doing what I can. This article has been added to three times due to all that is happening. We do not know what tomorrow holds but “GOD” will always be there for us, he will not leave or forsake us. Please PRAY for our President and our nation as we go thru this COVIS-19 (CORONAVIRUS) pandemic response.

2020 is a new year for Potentate Ashley Lewis and there is a lot to come but you got to be here to see what is happening. We still do not know if Imperial Session in Kansas City, MO is a go or not but will keep you posted.

If you have and questions or just need to talk my door is always open and my phone lines are open to 601-693-1361, 601-693-8550, 1-88-243-1361, or my cell 601-480-7749 I will answer and if you need to talk you can bend my ear. Lady Judith and I want to say what a humble servant we are to be your Recorder. May “GOD” bless each of you and please keep our Hospital Drivers in your prayers as they travel the roads with our Hospital Children.

Fraternally Yours,Richard L. Whitehead, Recorder, Hamasa

Shriners

From the Recorder’s Desk:

Richard Whitehead

Smith Rabun

From the Chief Rabban:

Dear Nobility,2020 has started off to be a great year with learning,

making decisions, traveling, and also remaining safe. Lady Christine and I have gotten several opportunities to go to other Temples, to attend school, and also visit Mississippi Grand Lodge. In February, we got to attend Alcazar Shrine Potentate Ball. It was great to see our friends from Montgomery and also make new ones as well. It was an outstanding event. We had a cowboy good time!

Then, March rolled around. With Lady Christine and I attending Assistant Rabban and Chief Rabban school in Tampa, Florida. It was very knowledgeable and understanding the order of operations. The staff at the school

shared how to help our Temple and make it thrive in today world. As it was very busy half a week in Florida, but we had to make it back Friday to our Grand Lodge of Mississippi in Jackson, MS on Friday. As we all had some tough decisions to be voted on. Some went well and some not so much.

As our Country is taken precautions to ensure the outbreak of COVID-19. Please be aware and be advise that some of our meeting may change from public to closed meeting. This is just a temporary solution to help stop the spread. Let’s take the time not only to pray for our family and friends, but also keep our Hamasa Temple, our Potentate and Divian, our Country, and The President of Our Great Nation in our prayers for guidance, protection, and to make wise decisions. Nobility stay safe and remember that God is in control through everything.

God Bless, Smith Rabun, Chief Rabban

From the Assistant Rabban:

Phil Rumery

Greetings Nobles and Ladies,

We hope this edition of the Hamasa News finds everyone safe and well in their respective abodes.

Assistant Rabban school was a Blast! It was a great opportunity to reconnect and socialize with old friends. We had the opportunity to talk about our collective successes and failures while on our individual Divan journeys, and attended instructional courses to learn even more about the business that we all hold so passionately. We want to ensure that our children are able to receive the best quality care that will allow them the opportunity to rise to their highest level of success.

With the COVID-19 outbreak, I would like to urge everyone to keep themselves and their families safe by following the guidelines set forth by our government and plain old common sense. While we all miss the opportunity to meet and socialize while we tend to our business, we know that we will have the opportunity to return to the Temple again. When we do, we want to ensure that we will all be able to meet and greet old fiends as well as some new ones. We have a couple of new Nobles from the Meridian area, Jude Loya and Cody Hill, both from Meridian #308. They are both active in the Blue Lodge and are a great reminder of how youth, passion and zeal still exist for taking the next step and becoming part of our great philanthropy.

Please continue to practice social distancing but also take the opportunity to enjoy the time with your immediate family. Sometimes we forget to actually enjoy the company of each other while we are going to work, running errands, and tending to the daily travels and tasks associated with day to day living. While our current situation is not ideal, it does offer the opportunity to reconnect with each other and remember what we hold dear in our hearts.

Stay safe and we’ll see you at the Temple as soon as we possibly can.

God Bless Phil Rumery & Lady Deb, Assistant Rabban

Charles Petty

From High Priest and Prophet: This has been a messed up two months. The virus has

everything shut down. March started out good. I Went to Tampa for schooling and it was a real interesting to learn what was right and wrong.

We had a rib cook the last of March and sold all what was ordered. Because of this virus we did not have a club meeting for the last two months. This stay at home will make a person a little crazy. Hope all are well and ready for this to be over. I will say a pray and hope all are well.

God Bless and stay safe,Chuck Petty, High Priest & Prophet

From the Oriental Guide:

John Stewart

From the Oriental Guide:

Greetings from John Stewart, Oriental Guide and Lady Kitty. Well I am not exactly sure where to begin. These last several weeks have been very interesting to say the least. Things have really slowed down due to the Coronavirus. We hope everyone is safe and in good health. We are continuing to pray for everyone and for this virus to end soon. We sure do miss seeing all of our brothers and sisters. If there is anything, we can do for anyone do not hesitate to let us know. We will be glad to assist in any way we can. We also send our condolences to the families of PP Jordan Downs and PP LD Clark. We

will continue to pray for their families. March 5th through the 7th, we had the pleasure of attending the Oriental Guide

Seminar in Tampa Florida at the Tampa international airport Marriot Hotel. We definitely learned a lot about the rules and regulations of temple operations at the local level and Shriner’s International. We learned about day to day temple operations, finances and fundraising ideas and a lot more information to help us better understand how things work. We had the opportunity to meet a lot of amazing people whom we have become our friends that we will have for a lifetime. We are very blessed to have been able to go and learn things we will use from now on. There were 177 Nobles and 123 ladies at the Oriental Guide seminar from around the world. High Priest and Prophet Chuck Petty and Lady Judy accompanied us and we sure did enjoy having familiar faces with us. The classes were interesting and a little repetition but they had some good information for us to use as we climb the ladder. We thoroughly enjoyed the instructors and meeting and talking to them all.

We had to pleasure to meet and talk to Imperial Potentate Jeffrey Sowder and Lady Cheryl, Imperial Assistant Rabban William (Bill) Bailey and Lady Debby, and Imperial Oriental Guide James E (Ed) Stolze Jr. We also enjoyed meeting Jordan and Tiffany Settles, Matt and Mandy Sturlaugson and the Shriner’s Patient Ambassadors Twin Brothers Chase and Conner. We want to say a huge thank you to all of those involved in making the Oriental Guide Seminar a success. I collected a lot more pins and handed out Potentate Ashley Lewis’ pins as well. I also traded business cards which was an idea I got from 2017 Past Potentate Al Smith from Alcazar Shrine in Montgomery Alabama. We met him and his lady at the Dixie Midwinter conference in February at the Golden Moon Casino.

We got back home and had a few days break before we were on the road again to the 202nd Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi on March 12th through the 14th. Lady Kitty had the opportunity to go this year for the first time and I think she enjoyed herself. She said she would be going again next year. We had a great time at the Grand Masters Banquet where our very own Past Potentate Grover Vining was Master of Ceremonies. We enjoyed music from Mississippi’s own the Bible Tones Quartet. Breakfast time came early Friday morning we had the pleasure of dining with Past Potentate Russell Moore III and Lady Alice. We had Dinner with Peanut and Mrs. Sheelah at Drago’s. It’s was great to be able to spend some time with them. Voting was done electronically this year. This was new and had a few hiccups but all in all it went well. We also had an Ice Cream Social where we Fezzed Most Worshipful J. Harold Norton Grand Master 2020-2021 his Lady Dottie was right by his side. We are so thankful that we were able to get through it before the Covid 19 pandemic hit.

March 17th the Hamasa Divan were able to meet but unfortunately, we were not able to have our meal and our fellowship that goes with it due to the Coronavirus. We are looking forward to the time when this is all over with and we can gather with our friends and families once again but until then we pray for the safety and health of everyone especially our First Responders, Medical Personnel and Essential Businesses that remain open so that we can all have the luxuries we are all use to. We also pray for anyone else that is out there on the front lines. Until next time.

Fraternally yours, John Stewart, Oriental Guide

This is Lady Kitty. This is all a new experience for

me. It’s a little exciting and a lot scary. The Oriental Guide seminar was a bit overwhelming for me. It was truly interesting. We learned a lot about the rules and regulations and protocols for the Ladies of the Shrine Clubs. We probably laughed and talked more than we should have but that’s what women do that’s how we get to know one another. I am looking forward to the next time. First time going to the Grand Lodge as well. It was fun and we had lots of good food. Friday night was Bingo night. Who knew Bingo could be so competitive? Let me tell you those ladies are serious about their Bingo. I had a blast and have never laughed so hard in my life. Can’t wait to do it all again next year. Until next newsletter.


From your Treasurer:

Paul Thompson

Greetings Nobles! ‘2020’ has turned into an interesting year for the ages. The Covid pandemic has greatly altered our personal and business lives. Due to the pandemic, the Dixie Shrine Association Board of Director’s cancelled the annual Convention in May.

Also, the Potentate has postponed the Hamasa Shriners Golf Tournament until late May or early June. More details on the golf tournament as we get them.

In conclusion, everyone please stay safe and follow all medical directives. Better times are right around the corner!

Yours in the Faith,Paul D. Thompson: PP - Treasurer- President Dixie Shrine Assoc.

Lee County Shrine Club Well the Lee County Shrine Club had to cancel the April meeting due to the shutdown. We met in March, Ruben and Marvin cooked for us and we had a good meeting. That seems like a long time ago now. We had to reschedule our annual Children’s Film Festival we normally have every May. We have enjoyed this annual fundraiser for our club for over fifteen years and we are dependant on the income to support our club. Most of this money is used to fund our transportation program. We still have several children in our county that travel to our hospitals. We are one of the few counties left in the Hamasa that can pay for transportation costs which relieves the Hamasa Transportation fund somewhat. We do not know as of yet when we can resume our film festival but I assure you we will so our donors will realize the benefit of their generosity. As of now we are hoping to be back on our normal schedule in May and June. Please stay tuned to our Hamasa Facebook page for updates and future notices. As always our club meetings are open and we welcome visitors on the first Tuesday of each month except in July. Stay well and we look forward to get together again real soon.

Laurel Shrine ClubDateline: RSB - April 2020 President Charles “Chuck” Petty, 1st Vice President Jason Jefcoat, 2nd Vice President Lester Ivy, Secretary Wendell “Bart” Gavin, and Treasurer Raymon Busby (me) started the New Year off acting as if we were old hands at running the club. Two were adjusting to moving up a position, one moving from top to almost bottom, one new to the line, and then the old anchor that is always there in the same spot. (Thanks for your continued belief in me.) Overall things got off to a smooth start. The Laurel Shrine Club’s Annual Draw Down was the first major activity for the new year. All the tickets were sold before the event date and that made preparations easier. Thanks to all the Nobles for the big effort to get the tickets sold. Extra thanks to illustrious Jeff Gardner, PP, Noble Bart Gavin, and Noble Jamie Graham and Lady Donica. They were the top ticket sellers. It was an enjoyable night of good food, fun, and fellowship. Many door prizes and only one top winner of the cash give away. The Club’s March 27th Rack of Ribs and Rib Plate Sale ran rather smoothly. Adequate help was available thanks to the nobles and ladies that came to help. This is always a very successful fundraiser for the club, but sales were somewhat limited this year due to the COYID-19 threat. The club put protective measures in operation to protect the club’s workers and the individual people that were picking up ribs and rib plates. The club has planned a special limited rib cook that will utilize the materials remaining in stock. Tickets for the ribs from any club member. Noble Brad Hearn was planning a Second Annual Toy Drive for the Shriners Children Hospital, Shreveport. This event has been postponed. A new date will be set as soon as we get through this virus crisis. The annual Hamasa ~ Laurel Shrine Club Night Golf Tournament has also been postponed. A new date will be set as soon as we get through this virus crisis. All other club activities have been canceled or postponed until further notice. The club is asking all members and ladies to comply with all the health agencies and government official’s advice to protect ourselves and the members of the public.

A GOOD TIME TO PAY YOUR HAMASA TEMPLE DUES AND LAUREL SHRINE CLUB DUES IF YOU HAVE NOT PAID YOUR 2020 DUES

Amber’s T-Shirt FundraiserAmber DeFatta is a former Shriners Hospital’s for Children patient who is passionate about giving back to the Shreveport hosptial. She has organized several fundraisers over the past few years and this year, she is at it again. Amber has designed a special T-shirt in honor of her love for Shriners and interest in radiology. Please help her by purchasing one of her T-shirts. 100% of the profit from these special shirts will be donated to the Shreveport Shriners Hospital for Children.

About the Shirts: Gildan Ultra Cotton (100% Cotton)Color Choices: Maroon, Green (Military Green), BlueAvailable in sizes Adult Small – 5XL and Youth sizePrice: Youth – Adult XL = $20.00 2XL – 5XL = $25.00

Ordering: Please provide your name, phone number, size and color choice on the order sheet attached. Orders will be placed based on the number of shirts needed. We get a lower price for ordering more at one time and that helps make the donation to the hospital larger. We hope to

have everyone their shirts within 4 weeks but please be patient. Thank you so much of supporting this fundraiser and our Shreveport Shriners Hosptial for Children.For more information you can contact Amber through her father,

Jerry DeFatta PP (El Karubah) 318-426-0199 or by e-mailing [email protected] or [email protected]

(Front design – in all white)(Back design)

Editorial Note:March/April 2020Wow! The world sure has changed since our last

issue. One minute we are all at Grand Lodge present-ing our new Grandmaster with his Fez. Then the next morning we are witnessing the installation of our Mississippi Grand Lodge Officers and before we all get home that Saturday afternoon, we are having to cancel all Masonic and Shrine meetings for the next month. Grand Lodge opened with the announce-ment that a worldwide virus has been let loose and we shouldn’t shake hands and to be careful to regularly wash our hands and not go out if we feel ill. Now we are all told to stay home. We are not really sure what the world will be like when we do get to go back out or even when we will be able to return to what used to be

normal.One thing I do know is not everyone is paying heed to all the warnings. My wife works in

retail and she tells me about all the people that are still coming out with their kids shopping. Not all of them are buying food and cleaning supplies, they are buying patio furniture and lawn ornaments. One day we have a couple of hundred people testing positive for the virus and less than a month later a couple of thousand. Still people are crowding the stores.

When we are allowed back out and after I get a much-needed haircut, I hope that our Lodges and our Shrine Temple will come back strong. Our fraternity in great, we had a good Grand Lodge Session and we have some good people as officers. Our Hamasa Divan had four members that were able to attend the Imperial Shrine Seminars this so they are fueled with up to date information. Hamasa can finish out this year on a high note.

One thing I do know for sure is that when everything opens back up, we are going to be swamped with Shriner’s Hospital appointments and our transportation program is going to

need your help. Our hospitals had to reschedule several appointments due to this CO-VID-19 pandemic and when they do crank back up there will be a lot of catching up to do with patients. We have a limited number of volunteer drivers that are all very dedicated to our cause. We can always use more help. We also have a limited number of funds on hand available for transportation and we can always use more money in the restricted account to help with patient transportation. If you know of anyone wanting to donate to a great cause, please let them know that all donations to the Hamasa Transportation Fund will go directly to helping local children from the Hamasa territory.

Nobles & Ladies: This is something that I am very excited about, Amber’s T-Shirt Fun-draiser for Shreveport Shriners Hospital. Amber DeFatta is a former Shriners Hospital for Children patient that is once again organizing a fundraiser for the Shreveport Hospital of which Hamasa has several patients. About the shirts: Gildan Ultra Cotton (100% Cotton)

Sizes from Adult Small to 5XL and Youth Sizes and the prices are Youth to Adult Small are only $20.00. The 2XL through 5XL sizes are $25.00. They come in three colors Maroon, Military Green and Blue. Shipping is $8.00 or you can have it sent to the Temple via Grover. Please provide your Name, Phone Number, Color preference & SIZE on the order form.

I have the order form in .pdf format and will email it to you. Send me an email to [email protected].

Make checks out to; Shriners Hospital – Shreveport and Mail order form to: Amber DeFatta, P. O. Box 498Keithville, LA 71047For additional information email Jerry DeFatti PP at [email protected] or contact

Grover or me.Please remember that June 6th is International Shriners Awareness Day so make sure you

tell people about the Shriners and our philanthropy and cause. Stay well and we all look forward to when we can meet again in our lodges and our Temple.

Fraternally yours, Melvin Ford

Melvin Ford & Lady Christy

Tentative List of

Grand Lodge Schools for 2020

Congressional Schools for 2020All schools begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m.May 16, 2020 at Clyde Howard Lodge #525, LaurelJune 20, 2020 at George D. Riley Lodge #605, Lake

July 25, 2020 at Aberdeen Lodge #32, AberdeenAugust 1, 2020 at Indianola Lodge #450, IndianolaAugust 15, 2020 at Vardaman Lodge #527, VardamanSeptember 19, 2020 at Canton Lodge #28, CantonOctober 24, 2020 at Summit Lodge #231, Summit

November 7, 2020 at Jonesboro #250, WalnutDecember 5, 2020 at Enon Lodge #199, Petal


The 2020 Mississippi Grand Lodge Annual Communication will be long remembered for not only the resolutions passed but also the worldwide pandemic that changed everything this year. Due to the coronavirus, the “fist bump” was adopted as the official Masonic handshake for this Grand Lodge session. Before the opening of the Grand Lodge, M.W.G.M. Jason Jefcoat asked that the Grand Lodge members pray for the Grand Lodge and himself as well, as he oversaw the work that was coming before the Grand Lodge. The credentials desk opened up Thursday morning in the hotel lobby. This year the credentials committee was located in the lobby allowing for more vendor space in the hallway leading to the meeting rooms. We were given a special, and even possibly a “once in a lifetime” treat this year by being able to see the bible used by George Washington while receiving his Masonic degrees. It is a King James Version dated 1767 and complete with the Apocrypha. A special “Thank You” to all the brethren and Lodges who donated the funds allowing this historic Masonic Bible to come to our 202nd Grand Lodge Session. Many brethren attending were able to have their photograph holding this important artifact of Masonic history. We also thank the brethren that accompanied this bible who were not only very knowledgeable about this bible but also were very friendly to everyone. Thursday began as usual with the exemplification of the three degrees led by the Grand Lecturer, the District Deputy Grand Lecturers and the Board of Custodians. We had a good crowd in attendance for this important part of our yearly Grand Lodge Session. This year marked the final year led by Grand Lecturer Danny Alexander whom retired from this position but will remain as Grand Lecturer Emeritus and a lifetime member of the Board of Custodians. Brother Alexander has served our Grand Lodge well for many years and we look forward to his continued support and guidance. On Thursday afternoon Brother Jerry Klein, Grand Lecturer Alexander and Grandmaster Jason Jefcoat presented certificates for Ritual Proficiency in Masonic Burial and Degree Work. We congratulate those brethren that achieved these levels of proficiency. Also, on Thursday afternoon the annual Secretaries Conference was held led by Grand Secretary Jared Stanley. Salons A& B were beautifully decorated for the Grand Master’s banquet and set the tone for the very enjoyable evening that was to be had by those in attendance. The food was exceptional along with the entertainment by the Bibletones Quartet, which was formed in 1957 in Lumberton, Mississippi and have even been on the Grand Ole Opry. You can find more info on this lovely gospel group, and even acquire one of their several CDs at www.thebibletones.com. Grand Master Jason Jefcoat created a new award this year, the “Lodge of the Year Award” which went to O.D Smith #33 of Oxford, MS. The “Worshipful Master of the Year” award was presented to Brother James Alvin Whitfield Jr.- P.M. of Indianola #450. The “Mason of the Year” Award was presented to Brother William “Bill” Howard Roberts- P.M. & Secretary of Oak Grove #293 in Olive Branch, MS. for having the Most Reinstated members for the year being forty-four in total, even though only thirty-six are recorded due to the annual returns being due by October 31st, and the remaining came in after that and before the Grand Lodge Communications. Brother Roberts thanked the newly created Grandview program for the ability to be able to achieve that number. This is just one of the many capabilities of the Grand View tool, which can be accessed at www.msgrandlodge.org After the banquet we had an opportunity to view some of the items to be placed in the newly created museum at the Grand Lodge Office in the space made by the recent cleaning out of the basement. Some of these items were discovered during the cleaning out process, as well as other items to be placed in the new time capsule. Items discovered while cleaning out, were things like petitions dating 1805, which was thirteen years prior to formation of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, original manuscripts of Constitutional amendments along with annual returns dating 1867. The oldest petition found was addressed to Harmony Lodge of Natchez concerning Joseph Williams and recommended by James Farrell dating March 9th, 1802. Yes, the line to pick up the electronic voting device was long, and a tad confusing, but this was the first year and ironing out the kinks of any new adventure takes time. It reminded me of when we use to have four lines at the Marriott with four ladies typing out each and every one of our name badges, and took just as much time. This eventually led to the Grand Lodge body deciding to start using our dues cards as we do now. The voting devices had five (5) buttons with a choice of four different color lanyards consisting of white for one vote, blue for two, pink for three, and yellow/gold for four votes, along with the inscription “The Grand Lodge of Mississippi” printed on them. There was a warning issued that failure to turn in your voting device before leaving would result in a $200 fine toward your Lodge. The Mississippi Masonic Confederate Degree Team (MMCDT) presented the colors for the Grand Lodge, and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was given. Representative Brother Larry Byrd of the Mississippi House of Representatives spoke. He informed us at the public opening that he is in the process of getting handicap stickers for the Masonic car tags, including motorcycles, to help the growth of the Endowment Fund. Grand Worthy Advisor, Alyssa Storley, of the Rainbow Girls, Desoto Love #29 Chapter, talked about her service project, “Homeward Bound”, a foster care for pets until they are adopted. She appeared to be recovering very well behind her brain tumor surgery, which took place just a month prior to Grand Lodge. Alyssa’s mother, Debbie Storley owns Deb’s Exclusives in Horn Lake, Mississippi and is a Mother Advisor for the Desoto Love #29 Chapter of Rainbow Girls. The embroidery machine you saw set up at Grand Lodge was her small machine. She also told me she was making plans to bring her larger machine to Grand Lodge next year. I, personally, got to watch her embroider a multi-colored Shrine emblem on the front of a shirt. Her email is [email protected] if you or your Lodge desires some embroidery work. Brother Jiles Grice, Grand Chaplain, gave a talk on the “Four Essentials in Belief ” found on page 181 of the Blue Lodge Text Book and the Bible verses relating to them. Blue Lodge Text Books can be obtained from the Grand Secretary’s Office and contact info can be found at www.msgrandlodge.org. Brother Darrell Sartain gave a report on the DeMolay and after becoming a Mason, myself, from an inquisition of an emblem on a ring, I feel like DeMolay will be the gathering pool of future brethren to oversee the well-being of our lodges with our best interest at heart. We also heard from Grand Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Johnnie Sue Ford, whom introduced her officers and spoke. After the Public Opening the hall was purged and the Official Communication was opened. The new electronic voting devices and lanyards were explained. Grandmaster Jason Jefcoat saw fit to distinguish Deputy Grandmaster Chris Nettles with his own personal “Ole Miss” themed lanyard and voting device which may explain the constant zero displayed on the number three slot. Near the end of the session, DGM Chris Nettles reported having acquired a rash on his neck, which he said disappeared upon lanyard’s removal. We then proceeded to test our voting devices and learn how to work them along with a thirty second timer with sample questions such as “Do you believe in the existence of God?” and “Do you think LSU is the best football team?” which made that task fun. Grandmaster Jefcoat’s address included his personal interaction with the deaths of PGM Tom Cumberland’s mother, Jordan Downs, and Grand Secretary Tom Jones. He discussed the results of dealing with Lodges who were not present at last year’s Annual Communication. Two of them merged with other Lodges, one surrendered their Charter, and one had their Charter pulled of whom whose members were issued certificates to transfer to the Lodge of their choice. He also explained that the edict he reissued concerning the dress code does nothing more than forbid shorts, T-shirts, and sandals in a Tiled Lodge without a medical reason. He then talked of his beginnings on the Education Committee by the appointment of PGM Harley Dozier and being given the responsibility of selling pins and the misunderstanding of what pin sells had to do with education. Which he explained being his motive of

giving the Education Committee the responsibility of providing Masonic Education. This led to the implementation of the Lodge System of Masonic Education, teaching Orientation to Freemasonry, presenting the Masters and Wardens classes, and allowing Out of State brethren to teach the York Rite Leadership 101 class three times and the Leader 101 class. He expressed his concern over the fact that brethren of given the responsibility of leadership without any training and that it had to stop. Grandmaster Jefcoat went on to discuss the success of the Internet Social Media Committee and how their work with the Grand Lodge Facebook page has increased the views from 200 per week to 10,000 views daily. His mission this year was to bring back the integrity of our fraternity. And to light that fire, Grandmaster Jefcoat made 218 fraternally related visits this year with 239 days or 65.479% of the year invested into that endeavor, and travelled over 75,000 miles. He visited 101 of our sub-ordinated Lodges, some several times, along with 69 other Masonic Lodge related functions. We had some “Traveling Gavels” floating to inspire visitation between Lodges and that endeavor has gone quiet. Some brethren are even collecting Lodge Seal stamps when visiting other Lodges in their passport. Grandmaster Jefcoat then went on to explain the setup of the investment plan of the Endowment Fund, an item that was coming before the Grand Lodge Body for approval. Grandmaster Jefcoat issued twenty-two dispensations this year. Six allowing Lodges to advance candidates without the usual time between degrees. Two allowing Lodges to merge keeping the number of their choices. Two allowing lodges to permanently relocate their Charter. Seven allowing Lodges to temporarily relocate their Charter for special Degree work, and five allowing a Lodge to meet and conduct business with less than five members present. The Grandmaster’s address was given an opportunity to test the new voting devices and received an 818 yea & 26 nay vote. Grand Secretary Jared Stanley reported on the unfinished business of upgrading the computers at the Grand Secretary’s office expressed by then Grand Master Bobby R. Ainsworth at the 191st Annual Communications. He said that goal has been accomplished as well as installing a plan to keep them upgraded every five years, due to security issues updates in technology. He feels like the incorporation of the new Grand View system has been the best option to obtain this goal. One of the problems Brother Jared ran into was the lack of member’s information, mostly from the information require on the annual returns. He has incorporated the “for profit” marketing company PCI to help recoup the missing information. You should have received a manila post card requesting you to call them. You were then asked questions about your Lodge membership. The sales pitch to offer you Masonic collectables was intended to offset the cost of this endeavor. Whereby 10% is to be invested into our Endowment Fund with little over $5,750 being raised so far for the Endowment Fund. You are not required to purchase anything and the PCI project is expected to take the entire year of 2020 to complete. He then gave us the Membership Data in which the extensive data verification that followed caused our numbers to decrease more than usual. Maybe after the PCI work is done, we will have even more information to work with concerning our members. Brother Jared Stanley also informed us, that due to concerns of his ability to handle the workload of the Grand Secretary’s position as well as work as 9-1-1 Director is that his office at 9-1-1 and the Grand Secretary’s office is exactly twelve blocks from each other and that any need to travel between the two has not impacted the Craft or 9-1-1. The only stipulation being that should an emergency require his personal attention, that 9-1-1 comes first. Membership decreased this year from 14,741 to 14,048 between 2018 & 2019 along with the number of Lodges going from 232 to 225.The following certificates were issued: •LargestNetGain-OakGrove#293….29 •MostM.M.Degrees-O.D.Smith#33…6 •MostDegreesConferred-O.D.Smith#33…40 •LargestNo.Reinstated-OakGrove#293…36,andthatnumberincreasedto44between Annual Returns deadline and this Grand Lodge session. •Therecognitionofmembershippinsandcertificateswereissuedasfollows: 74-50-year pins; 43-60-year pins; 48-65-year pins; & 12-70-year pins “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” is how Brother Danny Olan Alexander, PGM Grand Lecturer began his last report as Grand Lecturer due to his stepping down due to health issues, he now being seventy-three years of age. He spoke of the question that he had been often asked “When did y’all change that?” He said there had been no changes in the ritual; however, there had been some “tactical improvements.” He spoke of three to four improvements within the ritual, as well as the writing of the installation ceremonies for the Grand Orator and Chaplain of Subordinate Lodge offices due to the fact that there were none. Brother Danny’s report received 816 -yea & 12- nay votes by the new electronic voting system in attempt to accustom us to it use. Brother Gary B. Jones, Law and Jurisprudence Committee Chairman, responded to several questions that had been asked throughout the year. The first concerning the rejection of a candidate and that ‘HE MAY’ petition the rejecting Lodge or another Lodge within the jurisdiction after waiting 6 months, and due to a similar question in 2012, that if there is an objection to a candidate made before the order is given to prepare him, he could petition another Lodge within the Jurisdiction immediately. The opinion asked by Grandmaster Jefcoat concerning electronic voting was deemed that it could be used as a voting method by the Grand Lodge and was held over until the 203rd Grand Lodge due to it changing the constitution. The question by the Grand Master concerning the removal and replacement of a committee member by him, was looked into and considered that “He Did Have Authority” to remove a committee member when the good of the craft warranted it. Which now brings us to the proposed changes to the Constitution and General By-Laws: •TheResolutionchangingtheConstitutionconcerningtheelectronicvotingwasheld over as required by the Constitution. •TheResolutiontochangetheConstitutionconcerningthequalificationsandduties of the Grand Secretary was held over as required by the Constitution. •Resolution#2tochangetheby-lawsconcerningChapter1,Section5-5.3;dealingwith electronic voting; PASSED- 843 yea & 125 nays. •Resolution#3concerningSection19-21.1tosetthedegreefeesfrom$12toaminimum of $15 for each of the 1st three degrees; PASSED-719 yea & 253 nays. •Resolution#4concerningSection21-51.1concerningthesaleofLodgepropertyto be handled by the Grand Lodge; PASSED- 727 yea & 240 nays. •Resolution#5concerningSection13-1.6BudgetStabilizationActof2020wherethe Grand Lodge will set aside 10% of each approved budget until 25% of the annual budget is acquired for emergency purposes. PASSED 724 yea & 216 nays •Resolution#6concerningSection13-3.5concerningraisingpercapitaduesto $27 and $35 for every degree conferred was voted on 3 times along with 2 amendments. The 1st vote was amended to have the per capita dues raised to $50 having the amendment see a Failed 255 yea & 727 nay vote. Then it was amended a 2nd time requiring the two recommending brothers who signed the petition pay $10/each to help defer the cost, that vote brought a Failed vote of 263 yea & 594 nay. The resolution in its original form brought back a Failed 368 yea & 438 nay ballot. The 2nd vote was for the original resolution and brought a vote in of 497 yea & 490 nays. Due to a complaint from a good portion of the brethren present of having both a Failed vote and a Passed vote along with the uncertainty of whether some of the devices working properly brought a 3rd vote. The 3rd ballot was cast and brought a Failed 493 yea & 499 nay vote. Then Grandmaster Jefcoat informed the Grand Lodge body that they had approved to have a balanced budget, and would see how the cuts recommended in some of the following resolutions were voted on and decide then whether another ballot would be needed. The 4th vote was cast in the form of Resolution # 19, an Emergent Resolution upon return to the 7:30pm evening session. •Resolution#7concerningSection13-7.7&9pertainingtoreimbursementofLodge representatives for mileage and per diem for Grand Lodge be eliminated; PASSED 635 yea & 322 nay and later deemed in the evening session to begin with this year’s Communications. •Resolution#8concerningSection13-7.1andSections9-9.3,9-9.5&9-9.7discussing DDGL’s reimbursement of expenses for Lodge duties PASSED 765 yea & 200 nays. •Resolution#9concerningSection19-25.1discussingSubordinateLodgesabilityto change their By-Laws at will with a minimum and without conflict to the William’s Digest PASSED w/ 845 yea & 119 nay votes. •Resolution#10concerningSection19-21.5basicallyeliminatingthatduescardshad to be blue which was causing a problem with the now instilled barcode on them to be able to be scanned, the dues cards are white now, with the other conditions remaining the same. PASSED 851 yea & 120 nays. •Resolution#11concerningSection19-1.7aboutSubordinatelodgeannualreturns not being received by August 31st, and those Lodges would be fined $100/ month for each month they are late, beginning October 1st. PASSED 690 yea & 280 nays. •Resolution#12concerningSection13-13.1aboutlettingLodgesbeexemptfrom paying dues to Grand Lodge for dual members similar to the already exempt members FAILED 246 yea & 732 nays •Resolution#13concerningSection19-15.9allowingdigitalcopiesofminutebooks for historical purposes; PASSED 805 yea & 157 nays. •Resolution#14concerningSection13-1.11todoawaywiththeretirementplanfor Grand Lodge employees had a floor amendment to exempt Carolyn Hodges attached that brought a Passed 854 yea & 110 nay vote for the amendment, and then received a FAILED 232 yea & 762 nay vote.

•Resolution#15concerningSection11-9.1allowingtheGrandMastertomakeappointments to the Education Committee received an amendment that would allow him to appoint as many aides as he saw fit. The amendment Failed by a 277 yea & 778 nay count. However, the resolution as originally written PASSED with a 713 yea & 236 nay vote. •Resolution#16concerningSection5-7.3discussingthenumberofGrandLodgeProceedings printed received an amendment, by myself, to allow additional copies to be purchased at a cost of $20/copy. The amendment for purchasing additional copies PASSED by a 505 yea & 422 nay vote; whereas the Resolution as amended PASSED 835 yea & 117 nay votes. Brethren, let me insert a personal note here; I have served as a literature chairperson for an outside non-profit for the past 23 years, and I plan on instilling measures to get a grip on the printed materials waste. Three (3) extra- large dumpsters of unwanted printed material was a wake-up call. Brother Jared Stanley, Grand Secretary, has already created an order form for your additional copies in PDF format and can be downloaded and printed from the Grand Lodge website at www.msgrandlodge.org. on Grand View under My Portal>Resources. •Resolution#17concerningSection17-1.1discussingtheindispensablequalifications of a candidate FAILED- 387 yea & 563 nays. •Resolution#18concerningSection13-5.5andre-adjustingthecostofperpetualmembership FAILED. By 352 yea & 590 nays. Brother Jerry Klein reported that the Ritual Proficiency Program awarded 6 certificates for at least Level 1 Proficiency and 4 for the Burial Rites. During the Board of Custodians report, Marvin Weeks DDGL District #9 was awarded the DDGL of the Year award. Brother Marvin has even gone so far as creating the ‘9th District Plowboy Degree Team’ in an attempt to make the degree work a little more fun. They practice every Tuesday night at 7:00 PM at Mathiston/Double Springs Lodge #184, unless there is degree work on the trestle board. Then Grandmaster asked that all DDGL’s present to come to the East, and at that time they presented PGM Danny Alexander, Grand Lecturer, a Weatherby 20-gauge Shotgun along with some ammo, this being his last year to serve as Grand Lecturer. Brother Danny during his acceptance of the shotgun award recognized Brother James Earl Weeks, DDGL of District #5, for setting a record for having the longest time served as a DDGL with twenty-eight years of service as a DDGL, and serving under 3 Grand Lecturers as of this year. The Grand Lodge Body then made PGM Danny Alexander a ‘Grand Lecturer Emeritus’ as well as a ‘Lifetime Member of the Board of Custodians’ and confirmed it with a standing ovation. Brother Xerxes Harrington, Grand Orator, spoke of the Four Parts of a Masonic Lodge, and the importance of being of the same value as 4 table legs keeping a table balanced and sturdy. The Four Parts are Ritual, Benevolence, Instruction, & Business operations. PGM Fred Bean reported in the Necrology that last year saw the death of 7 Past GL officers, 6 past DDGL’s and 541 other brethren within the Grand Lodge of Mississippi jurisdiction. He then gave a full Masonic eulogy on Brother T. Earl Creekmore Past Grand Treasurer Emeritus; Brother Tom Jones- Sitting Grand Secretary; and Brother Jordan Downs, 10 Year DDGL. PGM Danny Alexander of the Scholarship Committee stated they awarded twenty-one $1,000 scholarships this year. PGM Ken Dyers reported that the Perpetual membership report was only written a month ago, showing a total of $755,515.43 thanks to growth rate of 21.69% according to Raymond James Investment Co. with 157 participating Lodges. There were 11% of the Lodges whose checks have yet to clear the bank, and if you don’t plan on cashing your check, to please let him know, so he can eliminate the cost of handling those. Brother Jared Stanley, Grand Librarian, reported on the cleaning up and out the Grand Lodge Office’s basement along with the discovery of Grand Lodge artifacts being found before the Grand Lodge of Mississippi was even formed. Some of those included original manuscripts of Constitution amendments as well as petitions dating back as far as 1802. He also talked about all the articles that had been submitted to the Grand Lodge webpage along with the Grand Lodge proceedings dating from 1966 to 2019 now being digitalized and available on Grand View. The Grand Library is missing and in need of these Grand Lodge Proceedings dated 1995, 1985, 1980, & prior to and including 1923. If you or your Lodge has any of these, you can contact Bro. Jared at [email protected] which he will appreciate the use of them for digitalization for Grand View, and that future brethren may enjoy the opportunity, if desired, to refer to them. Upon return to the evening session, Grandmaster Jefcoat announced that we were in violation of the Constitution due to not having a balanced budget for the ensuing Masonic year. We then went through the budget by category and found ourselves still unbalanced. Which brought about Supplemental Resolution #19 which was an Emergent Resolution and dealt basically with Resolution #6 concerning raising the per capita to $26 per year and keeping the degree fees at $15 per degree. The degree fee was voted to be raised from $12/degree to $15/degree in Resolution #3. The ballot brought in 546 yea & 271 nay count, which gave us a balanced budget. DGM Chris Nettles of the Ten-Year Planning Committee reported that they were going to introduce a proposal next year to have an “across the board assessment” of $300 per member, being payable in three ways. The first being a one-time payment of $300, the second being a payment of $100 for 3 years, and the last being $60 per year for five years, or $5 per month for five years. He stated that this assessment would endow the Grand Lodge. He also mentioned that the Bible on the altar at GL this year was the one presented to his grandfather in 1917. The Fraternal Relations Committee reported was read and voted on by the Grand Lodge representatives present. You may see your Grand Lodge Representative for the results, bearing in mind that the Grandmaster issued an order that the results are forbidden on social media, i.e. FaceBook, and should only be discussed in a Tiled Lodge setting. Your Grand Lodge Officers for 2020-2021 are: •Grandmaster-JamesHaroldNorton •DeputyGrandmaster-JerryEWeaver •SeniorGrandWarden-RandyWadeGlover •JuniorGrandWarden-JilesKennethGrice •GrandTreasurer-MickyPaulMcMahan •GrandSecretary–JaredStanley

We saw 2 nominations: Jared Stanley received 596 votes & PGM Butch Britt received 130 votes.• GrandLecturer–PGMJasonA.JefcoatWe saw 2 nominations also: Jason Jefcoat received 392 votes & PGM Billy Ray Robinson received 323 votes• GrandTiler–LonnieLewisRayborn• SeniorGrandDeacon-JerryLeeLewis• JuniorGrandDeacon-RhettJacksonArmisted• GrandChaplain-RandleKeithHall• GrandMarshall-LutherHowardMontgomery• GrandSwordBearer-WilliamLeeBradyDDGL#3 Grand Pursuivant - Clyde Terrell Logan• GrandOrator-FrankE.Brewer,DDGL

In conclusion, and reflection on Brother Jared’s remark that “change is the only constant” and how it brought to mind of Einstein’s Theory of Relativity of E=MC squared, and how if we handled our changes by the square of Virtue and multiply it by the members of our fraternity, oh, what an energetic force vector the Grand Lodge of Mississippi would be..

Fraternally submitted, Brother Calvin ‘Ross’ Ford-PM; Education Committee of Columbus #5

Highlights of the 202nd Grand Lodge of Mississippi Communications


If you did not see your birthday in the Hamasa News please call the office to update your file: 601-693-1361 or 1-800-243-1361.

Hamasa Noble’s Birthdays MAY 1 Luther B. Saucier Jr. 2 Tommy J. Coke Jimmy T. Waldon 3 T. B. Dye Jr. 4 Benjamin F. Hughes Tommy D. Rawls 5 James H. McKee Justin R. Summerlin 6 Larry W. Walker 7 James F. Fulton Larry J. Haggard Sr. 8 Harvey D. Collins Richard H. Hawk Donny R. Shadburn Frankie J. Stevens Carroll D. Thompson Jr. 9 Robert N. Brooks Clifton E. Ratcliff Sr. Arthur C. Sharpe Gary K. Dunston 10 Samuel M. Jones II Raymond P. Wirth 11 Hubert E. Blaine Alfred G. Griffin 12 Jerry W. Fauver Ralph E. Gordon 13 Ricky Smith David E. Woods 14 Billye W. Maharrey 15 W. T. Smith Steve Yon 17 Brandon G. Griffin William D. Luther Charles E. Waldron 18 Johnnie P. Coombs Jr.19 Kerrah L. Stone20 Howard L. Cooper Robert H. Turner 21 Lois B. Adkins Randolph J. Parke Billy G. Sherman22 Roger E. Shirley 23 Vernon F. Brown Eullis J. Odom Henry K. Thompson25 Johnny Crane

James R. Graham 26 Joe L. Doss27 Derrick M. Olive William L. Robertson28 J. R. Penick Jr.30 Wilson L. Turner31 John C. Burkes Billy E. Johnson Michael S. Smith

JUNE 1 Fred G. Hills III 2 Gordon B. Nanney David E. Schultz 3 Fredrick B. Hood James H. Long 4 Norman Coats Jimmie L. Windham 5 Homer G. Cooper Jr. Freddie M. Leggett Carl R. Marshall Keith D. Parker 6 R. D. James Karl F. Hinrichsen Phillip A. Hooker Albert L. Ratliff Donald G. Steed 7 John M. Dickerson Alvis D. Erby Ricky D. Stanley Alexander B. Weddington George B. Williams 8 Melvin T. Ford III James L. Roberts Jr. 9 John A. Barron Dolph Bryan James L. Cartlidge William H. Fielder Jr William R. Fortenberry Irby J. Sanders Emil Weiss S. Q. Whitehead 10 Larry R. Mauldin11 Ruel B. Fulcher Leslie R. Watson12 Bob O. Breland Leonard W. Fulton David A. Sharp

13 Sylvester Busby Henry R. Dunn Jimmy L. Hopkins John R. Kent Gerald S. Evans14 Barney T. Cade 15 John W. Hawkins 16 Kenneth J. Bates Thomas H. Cowart Walter J. Malone James M. Whitmire 17 Glen G. Edmonds Jeffery A. Gardner John C. Latimer Jr. 18 Burnice L. Anthony James E. Dance Jr. William G. Lockhart Philip J. Rumery James H. Sandefer 19 Jason T. Hilburn Marvin E. McCollum Terry L. Moore Johnny B. Peebles 20 Bret A. Malone Jerry K. Nelson 21 Willie R. Suggs 22 Frank J. Benci Milton T. Jayroe Larry W. Smith Richard M. West John E. Wiseman 23 Roger E. Brown Zane L. Chapman Jimmy D. Duke 25 Hughlen J. Broome Howard L. Dubose Steve C. Fulcher Charlie B. Ray Jr. Hilton M. Richey Christopher C. Turner 26 Thomas E. Gregg 27 Gregory M. Dukes William E. Nadeau John C. Robinson Jr. Teddy G. Wilson 29 Robert Hodgins Paul D. Mills

Great American Children’s Film Festivals

Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic The Lee County & Hamasa

Film Festivals are being rescheduled to later dates.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Hamasa Shriners 2020 Fundraiser

Henry Repeating ArmsGolden Boy Shriner International Tribute

Edition .22 S/L/LRThis fully functional work of art sports an iconic 20″ blued steel octagonal barrel,

semi-buckhorn rear sights with a brass bead front sight and matching brass buttplate

and barrel band. It’s chambered in .22 S/L/LR with a capacity of 16 rounds of .22 LR

and as much as 21 rounds of . 22 Short.

This tribute rifle is built on the award-winning Golden Boy platform so it’s inherently

smooth action and top-notch performance will never let you down on the range when

it’s not being proudly displayed in your home.

Only $5.00 Donation per Ticket

Drawing to be held on December 15, 2020 at Hamasa Shriners

You do not have to present to win.

Contact the Hamasa Office

at (601) 693-1361

or Any Divan Member for [email protected]

Non Tax-Deductible Donation


(At this time, we are still planning on having this Event, Subject to Cancelation due to the COVID-19 Pandemic)

For Every Ticket Sold on Memorial Day Weekend Geyser Falls Will Donate $3.00 to Hamasa Shriners

Saturday, Sunday & Monday, May 23rd, 24th & 25th, 2020

Geyser Falls Water Theme Park 209 Black Jack Road, Philadelphia, MS 39350

A Development of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians

Due to the COVID-19 Corona Virus Pandemic the 2020 Dixie Shrine Association had to be canceled.

The present Officers will remain in office and we will begin again in 2021.

Join us in February 2021 in Philadelphia, MS for the Dixie Mid-Winter.

Paul D. Thompson PP, President

SPeCIAl NOtICe

Jordan Downs, 85, of Ellisville Mississippi, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday February 25, 2020 after a lengthy illness. Visitation will be held on Friday February 28, 2020 from 1:00-3:00 PM at the Ellisville Funeral Home in Ellisville, Mississippi. Funeral Services will be held Friday February 28, 2020 at 3:00 PM Ellisville Funeral Home with graveside services at Tula Rosa Cemetery with burial to follow. Tom Cumberland, PGM, Jason Jefcoat, GM and Bobby Ainsworth, PGM will officiate. Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (601)-477-3739. Jordan was born in Jones County Mississippi on December 3, 1934. He attended Ellisville High School and entered the U.S. Army after graduation. After military service, he attended Mississippi State University and graduated with a B.S. degree in Engineering in 1959. He was a Deacon at Tula Rosa Methodist Church. He began his career as a civil engineer working for the Mississippi Department of Transportation in Hattiesburg. He later worked for Nichols Construction in Shreveport Louisiana, and for L&A Construction in Mississippi and Miami, Florida. He formed his own company while in Miami and began his 50+ year career as a bridge builder. His company built many projects for FDOT around the state of Florida including work on the Buchmann bridge over the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, the Florida Turnpike, and multiple bridges across Alligator Alley in Broward and Collier counties. In 2019 he was recognized by the Florida Transportation Builder’s Association for his lifetime of service in the transportation industry. Jordan retired from heavy construction in 1994 and returned to Mississippi. In retirement, he devoted himself to service in the various bodies of Masonry in Mississippi, primarily through Ellisville Lodge #161, where he was a 50-year member. He was also a 33rd Degree member of the Scottish Rite. Among his many positions of leadership and service to the fraternity, he has served as District Deputy Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, Potentate of Hamasa Shrine, Grand Illustrious Master of the Grand Council of Mississippi (York Rite), and Governor of the York Rite College of North America. Jordan was preceded in death by his parents Willie A. and Zadie Downs; daughter

Julie Downs; sisters Opal Herold, Margaret Rayner, and Aletha Chappell; and brother Willie Downs Jr. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Fronia Gail Downs; son, Buck J. Downs; daughter, Cherie Hodge (Bill). Pallbearers will be Ashley Lewis, Chris Nettles, Paul Thompson, Grover Vining, Kim Banks, and Ed Garrard. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Gardner and Raymon Busby. An online guestbook may be signed at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children Transportation Fund (Shreveport), the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation (Brownsburg, Indiana), or Knights Templar Eye Foundation (Flower Mound, Texas).

In Memory of Past Potentate Jordan DownsIn Memory of Past Potentate L. D. Clark A graveside service will be held at 2:00 on Monday, March 30, 2020, at Good Hope Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Lynn Wedgeworth and Rev. Ed Newman officiating. McClain-Hays Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.Mr. Clark, 89, of Philadelphia, died Saturday, March 28, 2020, at his home. A native of Neshoba County, he lived in Meridian for 50 years until retiring from Mississippi Power Company after 45 years. While in Meridian he was secretary of the King Solomon Lodge #333 for 38 years, and he was a lifetime member of the York & Scottish rites. He was a Shriner in the Hamasa Temple and served as potentate in 1976. He was a member and served on the board of the AFLCIO for over 30 years. Mr. Clark was president of the Meridian Central Labor for 36 years, and was a member of IBEW Local 1209 for 60

years. He enjoyed hunting and sports; and after his retirement he moved back to Neshoba County. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Ruth Ellingburg Clark of Philadelphia, MS; daughters, Kathy Brittian (Mike) of McKinney, TX, and Karen Humphreys of Lawrence, MS; granddaughter, Brandy Young (Chris) of McKinney, TX; sister, Martha Ethridge of Meridian, MS; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Clark was preceded in death by parents, Doris and Linnie Clark; sister, Opal Ricks; and brothers, Herman and Hollis Clark.

In Memory of Past Potentate David Payne

David LeBaron Payne, age 92, of Overland Park, Kansas, formerly of Columbus, MS went to be with his heavenly Father on February 24, 2020. Visitation will be held Saturday February 29, 2020, from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the 903 College Street location of Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home. Services will be held by the family graveside at 2:30 PM at Friendship Cemetery, Columbus, MS, with Rev. Sarah Windham officiating. David was born in Gulfport, Mississippi, May 9, 1927. He was the second of two children of John Quincy Adams and Mabel Evelyn Franklin Payne. He graduated from Gulfport High School, Perkinston Junior College (A A), Mississippi State University (BS, MS), University of Alabama (MS) and The University of

Southern Mississippi (Ed. D.) He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine Marling Payne; son, John Quincy Adams Payne II; and sister Doy Evelyn Payne Longest. He is survived by his children, Robert Earl Matthews (Kathleen Matthews) of Madison, MS, Debbie Payne Gibson (Rodney Gibson) of Lenexa, KS and Marlene Payne Townsend of Brandon, MS. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Russell Matthews, Bradley Matthews (Courtney Matthews), Jennifer Gibson Summerlin, Dava Gibson Jackson (Spence Jackson), Angie Gibson Harkins and Nicholas Townsend; and great -grandchildren, Maddie Matthews, Rachel Matthews, R.J. Summerlin, Haley Summerlin, Spencer Jackson, LoriAnne Jackson, Jack Harkins and Maddie Harkins; and great-great-grandson, Everett Summerlin. David’s entire adult life was centered around his family and his career in public education. His education related career ranged from an elementary school teacher and librarian to the Director and Professor of Library Services at Mississippi University for Women. His professional memberships included The Mississippi Library Association, Southeastern Library Association, American Library Association, The Association of College and Research Libraries, and The Mississippi Genealogical Society. In 1972 he was named as an Outstanding Educator of America, along with membership in honor societies; Pi Gamma Mu, Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Delta Kappa, Phi Alpha Theta, Alpha Kappa Delta, Alpha Beta Alpha, and Lambda Chi Alpha. Another important facet of his life was his involvement and leadership in fraternal organizations: Masonic Lodges, Shrine Temples, Order of the Eastern Star, The Scottish Rite, The Odd Fellows, as well as The Mississippi Society, The Sons of the American Revolution, and The Sons of Confederate Veterans. David was a faithful lifelong member of the United Methodist Church culminating with his membership at Wesley United Methodist Church in Columbus, MS. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, P O Box 1525 Ranson, WV 25438, shrinershospitalsforchildren. org or Palmer Home for Children, P O Box 746, Columbus, MS 39703.

Appeared in The Commercial Dispatch on February 28, 2020

Kids Come First May / June 2020 Mississippi...

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