PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION

Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
Prince Hall Affiliation
Northern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., Inc.

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122nd Annual Convocation

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Reading Pennsylvania

November 7, 2003 - November 9, 2003

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Allocution No.5

S.G.I.G. Herbert N. Gibbons, Sr., 33°
Most Illustrious Commander -in -Chief
 Ill. Deputy for the Orient of Pennsylvania

ALLOCATION NO.5

"When I am rich", he used to say, "a thousand joys I'll give away;
I'll walk among the poor I find and unto one and all be kind.
I'll place a wreath of roses red upon the bier of all my dead;
I'll help the struggling youth to climb; in doing good I'll spend my time;
To all in need I'll friendly be the day that fortune smiles on me".

He never guessed that being kind depends upon the heart and mind, And not upon the purse at all; that poor men's gifts, however small, Make light some weary traveler's load and smooth for him his troubled road. He never knew or understood the fellowship of doing good.  Because he had not much to spare. He thought it vain to give his share. 

Yet many passed him, day by day, he might have helped along the way.   He fancied kindness something which belongs entirely to the rich.  And so he lived and toiled for gold, unsympathetic, harsh and cold, Intending all the time to share the burdens that his brothers bear.  When he possessed great wealth, and he could well afford a friend to be.

His fortune came, but, oh, too late; the poor about him could not wait.  They never guessed and never knew the things that he had meant to do.    Few knew how much he'd planned to give if God had only let him live.  And when at last his form was cold, all that he'd left on earth was gold.  A kindly name is something which a man must earn before he's rich.

 

 

Truly, --- truly, this most profound poem penned by the very noted Poet, Edgar Albert Guest, speaks volumes to the plight of many people that have good intentions, which are not supported by actions. Good intentions like faith ---by themselves alone, - --if they do not have works (action), ---they are dead! I'm told about a six-lane super highway, all of the traffic headed in one direction, to a place no one wants to go and it is paved with good intentions. During this past year, ---I am pleased to make note that faith, along with good intentions, and works has been expended. And progress has been in evidence in this Grand Old Orient of Pennsylvania, and I would aver that it was the result of the people (the Peers, the Fraters, and the Loyal Ladies) having the mind and the heart to work. And work we did! Relative to the progress made, I will humbly submit to you that we may not be where we ought to be. But I do believe that it could become manifest by assiduously utilizing and/or implementing to our best advantage the resources at our avail. And that is our hope as we look back into the past, and simultaneously looking with faith to the future.

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With humble reverence to Almighty God, ---and by the power of His Holy Spirit, I do greet you, one and all, to this l22nd Annual Convocation of the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, Northern Jurisdiction, (Prince Hall Affiliation) in the marvelous and majestic name of my Lord and my Savior, Jesus, the Christ. ---To our Sovereign Grand Commander (in absentia), the Honorable Dr. Samuel Brogdon, Jr., 33°, Respectfully, to the designated representative of the Sovereign Grand Commander, Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Lorenzo Cruger, 33°, ---with fond esteem and fraternal regards to the United Supreme Council Officers that are here present. To our very revered Secretary -General of the Holy Empire, Sovereign Grand Inspector General. In humble recognition of our Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Honorable Robert Eugene Wyatt, Sr. and his entourage. ---In sincere appreciation for the presence of our invited guest. ---To the Sovereign Sirs and the Grand Inspectors General ---To all of the Council Officers, ---To Grand Inspector General Thomas W. Harrison, 33°, Illustrious President of the Pennsylvania Commanders of the Rite, ---Illustrious Commanders-in-Chief, ---Most Wise and Perfect Masters, -- -Thrice Potent Masters, ---Officers of the Concordant Scottish Rite Bodies and Fraters All! ---

Good Morning!

        The Apostle James, (the Great) informs us in his epistle that "the effective fervent, prayer of a righteous man avails much". ---It is fitting, therefore, that I request that our Illustrious Grand Prior would lead us in our supplications.

(PRAYER)

NECROLOGY

Here the dearest of ties we must sever
Tears of sorrow are seen every day.
But no sickness, ---no sighing forever, When I've gone the last mile of the way.

        ______of our revered and noble Peers and Fraters have reached the summit of their earthly sojourn. They have quit the hustle and the bustle of this terrestrial plane. They have embarked for that celestial home on high where, as Job declared, that the wicked shall cease from troubling. And their wearied souls shall be at rest. "The days of

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our lives are seventy years; ---And if by reason of strength, they are eighty years, --- Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow. For it soon cut off, and we flyaway". (Psalm 90:10 NKJV). The Roll Call ---

 
GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL
LUCIEN E. BLACKWELL,33°
DeMolay Consistory No.1
Friday, January 24, 2003

GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL
HOWARD LENNON, SR, 33°
DeMolay Consistory No.1
Friday, March 14, 2003

GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL
ROBERT HUNTER, 33°
DeMolay Consistory No.1
Sunday, March 23, 2003

GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL
GEORGE L. WATERS, 33°
Whitney M. Young, Jr. Consistory No.88
Thursday, May 1, 2003

GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL
ALBERT G. BRANCH, 33°
Nimrod Consistory No. 9
Friday, June 6, 2003

GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL
JULIAN B.P. BRERETON, 33°
DeMolay Consistory No.1
Sunday, June 8, 2003

GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL
HOWARD E. HARRIS, 33°
Charles E. Gordon Consistory No.65
Thursday, June 12, 2003

 

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GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL
JULIUS S. QUINN, SR., 33°
St. Cyprian Consistory No.4
Wednesday , June 18, 2003

GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL
WILLIAM T. ROYE, 33°
DeMolay Consistory No.1
Monday, June 23,2003

GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL
WILLIAM QUARLES, 33°
DeMolay Consistory No. 1
Thursday, August 28, 2003

 

       

When the roll is called up yonder ---I'll be there! ---"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen
asleep lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. F or if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him
those who sleep in Jesus", (1 Thess. 4:13-14 NKJV)

A RE'SUME' OF THE WORK

        Reflecting upon the past, I look auspiciously towards the future of Scottish Rite Masonry here in the Grand Old Orient of Pennsylvania.
  And in viewing it, I am well pleased! ---And I hasten to inject that the stimulus has little bearing upon this Deputy of Pennsylvania. I am gratefulto God, and then to our Sovereign Grand Commander for the ability and the opportunity to serve as such. ---And that's as it should be. For without the blessings of the Almighty Father who sustains us all, and the selfless assiduous efforts of you, my beloved Peers and Fraters, this Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation would, - --nor could accomplish anything of real consequence! I am most appreciative of the efforts of the Peers and Fraters that have worked to lift some of the areas, sections and Valleys of this Orient out of the morass to which it had lapsed in these latter years and was languishing in lately and for far too long. Pleased to also take judicious note that some of the Consistories continued to maintain a progressive agenda while still some others were previously not progressing at all.

        Case in point! Consistent with the death of good men becoming members of our Blue Houses ---its impact, understandably would and it does have its concomitant effect on all of the affiliated branches of Masonry. Nothing sown! ---Nothing to Reap! I was pleased, however, to observe that notwithstanding, all seven consistories had an increase or remained at the same level of membership between the last and the previous quarterly reports. This takes into consideration the modifying effects caused by deaths, suspensions, initiations, reinstatements, etc.

Nimrod Consistory , via its Lodge of Perfection, has ventured into conducting a luncheon and orientation for the Master Masons domiciled in the Valley of Harrisburg. The prime objective is for the opportunity of introducing and orienting them to the pleasures and the privileges of Scottish Rite Masonry .The Pennsylvania Commanders of the Rite hosted a Testimonial Banquet as a tribute to pay honor to the Secretary-General of the Holy Empire, Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Lorenzo Cruger, 33° on Saturday, March 8, 2003. Among some of the luminaries in attendance were the Sovereign Grand Commander, Illustrious Dr. Brogdon; Sovereign Grand Inspector General Solomon Wallace, 33°, Grand Minister of State; Sovereign Grand Inspector General Courtney P. Houston, 33°, Treasurer-General of the Holy Empire; Sovereign Grand Inspector General Alfred Lobo, 33°, Deputy for Connecticut; Sovereign Grand Inspector General Grady Edge, 33°, Deputy for New York; and several other Sovereign Sirs from our neighboring Orients. This, to intimate the level of strategizing and executing, the Illustrious President, Grand Inspector General Thomas W. Harrison, 33°, as well as all of the Officers and members of the Pennsylvania Commanders undertook to cause this magnificent affair to become successfully manifest.  I salute them for a job well done! I hazard the presumption that our congratulations are in order for Commander Harrison and his Corp of Officers for another administrative year . We pray God's richest blessings upon you and the work to which you are enjoined.

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I believe that it would be most appropriate that I would inject the fact that the Pennsylvania Commanders of the Rite seized a work in progress from Unit No.1, which began the testimonial project under the capable and competent leadership of its President, Commander Irving C. "Petey" Oglesby, 33°. On Saturday, September 13, Unit No.1 also hosted a Prayer Breakfast, in honor of its esteemed Former President, Commander John Grant,33°. My congratulations as well as commendations for your inspiring year of progress. ---One of the best attributes as a result has been a most appreciable increase in the morale of the membership. Thank You, Sirs. And please continue the same.

        Another highlight was a most informative and well planned symposium on Scottish Rite Masonry which had been conducted by the Pennsylvania Commanders of the Rite, and was hosted by the Illustrious Commander-in-Chief, Sublime Prince John A. Barbee, 32°, and the members of Mountain Consistory No. 55, in the Valley of

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Williamsport. An assemblage consisting of a contingent of Illustrious Peers and Fraters traveled via bus from several of the various Consistories in the Orient. Grand Inspector General Eugene Fairfax, 33°, served as our facilitator. It was an enlightening as well as a most inspiring day.

        In our reflections of the past year, it would almost tend to raise the often asked question, "Where did all the time go"? Particularly, when we consider that we are once again in the process of preparing to host the Triennium Session of our United Supreme Council to be held in the Valley of Philadelphia in May, 2004. ---My how the time goes by! Making good use of the time at our avail, our Triennium Committee has been formed and activated again. Several planning sessions have been held and active preparations for the various anticipated activities are being made. Our thanks go out to the Committee and to the Chairperson, Sovereign Grand Inspector General Threston C. Roots, 33°, the assistant to the Chair, Grand Inspector General Eugene L. Saunders, 33°; and the Grand Overseer, Sovereign Grand Inspector General Thomas J. Lashley, Jr.; 33°.

I dare not to forget herewith to include and express our sincere thanks and appreciation for our wonderful Loyal Ladies of the Golden Circle of the Pennsylvania State Grand Assembly. We would be remiss to not do so. Our Loyal Ladies have continued to be an integral part and very active supporters of all of the Scottish Rite activities of this Orient. Their participation in the planning phases of the Triennium Committee warrants our mentioning here. Two of our regular stalwarts on this Committee, Past State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler Naomi Y. Taswell; and State Grand Loyal Lady Standard Bearer Marlene Y. Capers, were called away to their heavenly reward, since our last Triennium. They are sorely missed. ---Truly, they rest from their labors, ---and their good works do follow them!

I commend our State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler, Elaine R. McFadden, for her zeal, her display of leadership, and her devotion to duty. It made this Deputy proud that not only were several of our Loyal Ladies of this Orient present at the Golden Circle workshop that was conducted during the Supreme Council Session in Seattle, Washington, but their presence was very notable to all that were present by their active participation via their meaningful dialogue with the presenters.

        Illustrious Sirs! Please be attentive to the missive that had been sent out from the Office of the Sovereign Grand Commander. Your annual dues are due on the last day of the month of September! ---September 30th of each year is the deadline date. After which, you are officially delinquent if you have not paid your assessment for the current year. It has been legislated at our 122nd Annual Session of the United Supreme Council

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held in Seattle, Washington that you will have one month ---one month grace in delinquent status. On October 31st, a delinquent Peer, without just cause, will be DROPPED! I will no longer be caused to beg or to plead with you.

In the interest and the essence of time, I'm endeavoring for brevity. ---Opinions may differ, but I'm also cognizant that I should also endeavor to be essentially thorough. It becomes difficult when I have herein expressed my thanks to some, and make no mention of others that are also just as deserving, and perhaps, even more so. The uplift of this Orient is a "we" thing. I am just a part of the whole. And we all stand in need of our Father which art in heaven! It is to HIM that all glory and honor should be given.

        But I just couldn't close without mentioning sincere thanks and appreciation for Ms. Betty Evans, Ms. Renee Isaac, and Ms. Deborah Miles. These three ladies have been responsive to any and all requests I have made of them in my quest to proficiently serve this Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation as your Most Illustrious Commander-in-Chief.

I have not been hesitant to ask them, ---and they have never seemed hesitant to assist me in any manner I have requested of them. I am referring, most respectfully, to the Sovereign Sirs, ---the Active members, ---the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Orient of Pennsylvania. Alphabetically, they are: Sovereign Grand Inspector General George M. Calloway, 33°; ---Sovereign Grand Inspector General Lorenzo Cruger, Sr., 33°; Sovereign Grand Inspector General Robert N. Davis, 33°; Sovereign Grand Inspector General Thomas J. Lashley, Jr., 33°; Sovereign Grand Inspector General Andrew E. (Jack) Morris, 33°; Sovereign Grand Inspector General Threston Charles Roots, 33°; Sovereign Grand Inspector General John Paul Simpkins, Esq., 33°; Sovereign Grand Inspector General Winston Oscar Williams, 33°; --It's often said, but I mean it sincerely, ---the last, but certainly not the least, ---Sovereign Grand Inspector General William E. Williamson, 33°. ---All of you that are present, won't you please stand (if you are able and so desire) ---to take a bow! Thank you, Sirs!

The Officers of the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation ---won't you stand where you are as I express the sincere thanks of this Orient for being the best tableau of Officers anywhere, ---bar none! Thank You, Sovereign Sirs, Illustrious Peers, and esteemed Fraters! ---Thank you for your services so adroitly rendered!

        There is one of our committees I desire to cite for services beyond the call of duty, ---provided the limitations can be identified. I allude to our Scholarship and A wards Committee which is chaired by Grand Inspector General Otis Guinyard, 33°, and with Grand Inspector General Shelley T. Strickland, 33°, and Grand Inspector General W. 

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Curtis Thomas, 33°. I'm going to ask that the Illustrious Grand Master of Ceremonies, Grand Inspector General James A. Wells, Jr., 33°, to also stand as I recognize this Committee for the splendid works they are doing to establish and to perpetuate, even more, significant scholarship awards to be presented on behalf of the Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation. Illustrious Wells serves admirably as the conduit during the year between this committee and the Office of the Most Illustrious Commander-in-Chief. As of this writing, the work is ongoing and all of the mechanics are yet to be finalized. More information on this to follow.

        Also, as of this writing, I am anticipating that it would be known among this August Body that the recipient of the Deputy's Award is Grand Inspector General W. Curtis Thomas, 33°, the State Representative of the l8lst Legislative District. Despite the onerous responsibilities he has and in light of the services he renders to his constituents, Illustrious Thomas has been and is a dedicated, contributing, and very visible member of this Masonic Brotherhood, and in virtually all branches. I don't believe that I need to detail all that I'm sure most of you bear witness and can attest to. I felt that I could do no less, without any hesitation, mental reservations, or self -evasion of mind in me, than to cite a truly deserving recipient to receive the Deputy's Award for Excellence for the year of 2003. The Illustrious W. Curtis Thomas, our crown is off to you, Sir.

And to conclude, I make an appeal to all of our membership to forward all information of news from around the Orient for publication and dissemination to our News Editor, Grand Inspector General Walter G. Smith, 33°. Illustrious Smith have mailed requests to all consistories to forward to him the name of a designated reporter for each consistory.  Let the entire Orient know what is happening in every Valley .

        Undoubtedly, there will be someone or some others I have failed to mention that are just as deserving of recognition, ---and to whom I should express a measure of thanks for your contributions in the works we are thus engaged. Surely, I would have all of you to know that your mere presence here is an asset I treasure and hope that it shall continue. I thank my God for all of you, and for your being here. Particularly, to our guest. ---You could have chosen anywhere else to be, but you chose to be with us. Thank You, Sirs!

        I will close citing two passages of Scriptures that are very relevant to me. The first periscope is found in the New Testament, in the first epistle that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth. "Everything is permissible for me ---but not everything is beneficial. ---Everything is permissible for me ---but I will not be MASTERED by anything!" (I Corinthian 6: 12 NIV)

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And from the Old Covenant, we are caused to contemplate the thought we find in the Book of the Prophet Micah, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? ---To act justly and to love mercy, ---and to walk humbly with your God"; (Micah 6:8 NIV)

Keep this thought paramount in mind. May God Bless You! ---God Keep You! - --God Loves You ---And God Knows ---So Do I! ---And there is nothing you can do about it!

Fraternally and respectfully submitted, 

Herbert N. Gibbons, Sr.
S.G.I.G. Herbert N. Gibbons, Sr., 33°
Most Illustrious Commander-in-Chief 
Pennsylvania Council of Deliberation

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RECOMMENDATIONS

1. That this Body would make its usual contribution of $500.00 to the United Negro College Fund Drive in concert with the Prince Hall Masonic Family of Pennsylvania and said funds to be turned over to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania pending the appeal of our Most Worshipful Grand Master .

2. The Annual Mid- Winter Conference for Deputies and Overseers is scheduled to be held from Thursday, January 8th through Sunday, January 11th, 2004 in the Valley of Bloomington, the Orient of Minnesota. The Illustrious Charles E. Milliner, 33° is the Host Deputy. I am recommending that the appropriate expenses be allocated and provided for the Deputy to attend this conference.

3. The 123rd Annual Session of the United Supreme Council will convene in the Valley of Philadelphia, and in the Grand Old Orient in Pennsylvania from Thursday, May 27th to Wednesday, June 2nd, 2004 observing its 41st Triennium. We are the Host! ---Our recommendation is that we will conform and comport to be consistent in our status as competent host as we have performed in the past by providing the essential resources, financial and otherwise, with the proper management and oversight of such funds provided.

4. That this Orient would make our annual contribution to the Benevolent Fund of the United Supreme Council. I am recommending that our contribution would be consistent with our previous donation of at least $1,000.

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