History of Mount Olive Lodge No. 27

F & A M PH 1855 TO 2001

FOREWORD: All the history of Mount Olive Lodge No. 27 can not be told in short form. Some of the information here was taken from materials that was gathered for the Centennial in 1955, under the leadership of Past Master James A. McCrae as Worshipful Master. We’ve taken other materials from speaking with other Lodge members and from personal knowledge and experience. This report was first complied in 1966, which has now been updated. There maybe some names or information of importance omitted at this time, However, it is hoped that some member may find the time to do more research and compile such information so the history of Mount Olive Lodge No. 27 maybe known by all, especially the new members.  

PART ONE COMPLIED 1966 WITH NEW ADDITIONS IN 2001:

 Mt Olive Lodge No. 27 of Philadelphia Pa. , received it’s Charter from the Grand Lodge of the state of Pennsylvania over 146 years ago. The Worshipful Master, at that time was Brother *David B. Cornish. Mount Olive Lodge No. 27 of Prince Hall Mason, entered the arena of Fraternal Organization in March, 1855. Since it’s beginning, there have been major wars, major conflicts and one major depression along with many other discouraging incidents. Through the years of World Struggles and difficulties, Mount Olive Lodge No. 27 had maintained an unbroken record of progress. The Lodge has had within it’s fold such distinguished men as Rev. *Franklin Maxwell, *G. Grant Williams, one-time editor of the Philadelphia Tribune. *Andrew Stevens, of Brown and Stevens Bank. *Charles K. Draper, first Colored Police Officer in Philadelphia. Dr. *Truitt and *Jones H. Fitzhugh, Bank Tellers of Philadelphia Savings Fund Society. During that time, fifteen Lodge members were on roll; We are proud to say there were two hundred and eighty-three (283) Master Masons on our roll in 1966. This was made possible because of the faithlhlness of the Brothers of the craft and an example of having men of the highest caliber hold their interest in the fraternity to carry on as the men who have gone on before them. We intend to maintain this standard throughout the Life of Mount Olive Lodge No.27.

 There had been handed down by word of mouth that Mount Olive Lodge founded in 1855 under the English Grand Lodge, was known to be a mixed Lodge of White and Colored.

 Mount Olive Lodge No. 27 has never been suspended from the Grand Body or had it’s Charter lifted by any Grand Master. In 1905 we were represented in the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Pennsylvania by Past Master *IFrank Maxwell and Past Master *Levi Overton, as Grand Trustees; Past Master *Joha W. Tate in 1909 as Grand Orator and Past Master *Wjlliam H. Bellamy, Chairman of Foreign Correspondence.

In 1909 Past Master *Levi Overton, was nominated and elected Trustee to represent the Grand Lodge in the Masonic Hall at 409 South Eleventh Street. Mount Olive Lodge No.27, still maintains the first Friday of each month for it’s meeting night.

 In later years, Past Master,* McKinley Newby, was elected as Right Worshipful Grand Secretary. Also, served as Grand High Priest, Holy Royal Arch Masons State of Pennsylvania. Past Master *Robert Stubbs, was elected as Grand Marshal. Past master *Richard P. Jones, was appointed Worshipful District Deputy in the early 40’s. At the Annual Grand Session in 1941 Past Master *Richard P. Jones and Past Master * William McKinley Newby were a part of the Committee to Revise the Ritual.

Past Master *Herbert Hall, was appointed District Lecturer, also, in 40’s; Past Master *Edward L. Mobley, was appointed Grand Senior Steward and served under five Grand Masters. Past Master *William I Bellamy and Past Master *James 0 Mobley, were appointed on the Credential Committee for the Grand Lodge. Past Master Ralph Yates was the first Worshipful Master at 17th and Diamond Street’s. Past Master *Charles Witherspoon was appointed Associate Editor Light Magazine in 1958. Elected Right Worshipful Assistant Grand Secretary in 1959. Member of Annual Returns Committee in 1957. Worshipful District Lecturer 1968-1969 and Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master 1970-1971 as well as Assistant Secretary for Mount Olive Lodge No. 27 1964-1974 again 1985-1986. Served as Chairman, Past Master’s Council 1966-1977. Past Master *Winston Burton, was appointed Worshipful District Lecturer in the 60’s.Past Master, *James Agee helped to found and form the First Masonic District Council and was it’s First President. Past Master, *Alexander Warthen served as Treasurer of Mount Olive Lodge No. 27 and Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Holy Royal Arch Masons State of Pennsylvania. We boast the membership of four Past Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Holy Royal Arch Masons in the persons of Past Master’s *William McKinley Newby, *Riley Glover, *Charles Harris and John White.

Mount Olive Lodge No. 27, Also, has the distinction of having had one member to hold office as Secretary continuously for forty one (41) years. Past Master *‘William H. Bellamy. Past Master *Bellalmy was looked upon as a guiding light by Mount Olive. There was always wise Council handed down by him. In his passing the Lodge saw fit in his honor to elect his son, Past Master, *William J Bellamy to succeed him in office as Secretary. Past Master, *William R. Ballard, Son-in-law of P. M. *William I Bellamy served the Lodge for over 30 years as Assistant, then Secretary. He served as a valuable asset to many Worshipful Masters and Brothers. The first Friday in February of each year has been dedicated as Past master Bellamy Night, Also, All Past Masters, Night.

In the membership, we have every trade known to man represented.

Rev. Dr. *William H. Gray Jr. Pastor of Bright Hope Baptist Church, one of the most modern Edifices in the city in 1966. Rev. Dr. William H. Gray III, succeeded his father in 1972 as Pastor of Bright Hope Baptist Church. Served in Congress, and presently heads the U. N. C. F. and is on many Corporate Boards. Augustus Baxter, Architect, successful Businessman and former member of the Philadelphia School Board.

We have had two members of our Lodge to spend several years in Africa doing Missionary Work: namely Rev. *J. W. Grant and Rev. *Paul Washington who when returned resumed their Lodge activities.

Brother *G. Lovell Robinson, served as Treasurer for over 30 years. Past master,

* Thomas L Seamon, served as Treasurer for over 10 years. Past Master, James E. Small Jr., served as Treasurer for 21 years. Served two (2 terms as Worshipful Master 1966- 1968, as of this date the only Master with such Honor. Past Master, *Riley Glover and Past Master, James E. Small Jr. both served as Worshipful Master and High Priest simultaneously, (this can no longer be done). Past Master, *Hiawatha Calhoun served as Worshipful District Lecturer 1970-1975. Past Master, Ernest Lattimore served one term as Grand Junior Steward and two terms as Grand Senior Steward. Served as Commander in Chief Demolay Consistory #1, 1981-1984. Served as Assistant Secretary 1962-1964 and 1975-1985. Past Master, James L. Spain Jr. was the first Worshipful Master to serve at 4301 North Broad Street in 1975. Served as Worshipful District Lecturer, 1983-1996 Worshipfiul Grand Lecturer, 1997-1999. Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master, 1999- 2000. Past Master, Julius Renwick, Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master, 2002 until Present.

There were several members elevated to the 33’rd and last Degree in Masonry. Past Master, * Thomas L Seamon, Past Master, Ernest Lattimore, Past Master John White, Brother William Highsniith, Rev. Brother William H. Gray III and Brother Augustus Baxter. Past Master, Crunimer Hickson Jr. served as Illustrious Potentate, Pyramid Temple, #1 A. E. A. 0. M. S. Inc. P. H. A. Now serves as Lodge Treasurer 1995 to present. Past Master, Warner Granger served as Assistant Secretary 1986-. 1987. served as Illustrious Potentate, Pyramid Temple, #1 A. E. A 0. N.. M. S. Inc. P. H. A.. Past Master, Walter T. Jernigan Jr., served as Secretary 1986-1987. Past Master William L. Lockwood Jr., served as Assistant Secretary 1986-1987, serves as Secretary from 1987 to 2003. Served as Right Grand Thrice Illustrious Master, (Head of Prince Hall Council of Royal and Select Master’s). Past Master, *Leslie H. Jenkins served as Assistant Secretary 1987-1991. Past Master, *William F. Robinson served as Assistant Secretary 1992-1993. Served extended term do to change of Grand Lodge calendar year. 1971-1973. Past Master, Steven A. Ballard served as Assistant Secretary 1993-1997. Past Master, Aaron Cullars Jr. served as Assistant Secretary 1997 to 2001. Brother Keith Coleman, 2001 to 2002. Past Master, Walter T. Jernigan Jr, serves as Assistant Secretary, 2002 until 2003. Past Master, John C. Terry Jr. served as Auditor 1975-1992. Past Master, Julian Smith served as Chairman Past Master Council 1977-2000. Past Master, Claude R. Jenkins serves as Chairman Past Master Council 2000 to present. Brother Tyrone Wesley served as Most Wise, Demolay Consistory #1 1998-2000. Other Brothers are active in various houses holding stations of leadership.

Mt Olive Lodge No. 27 was the first Prince Hall Lodge to perform a Burial Service at the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge Home in Elizabethtown Pa. Team in 1995 was headed by then W. M. Claude R Jenkins. Past Master, Claude R Jenkins and Past Master, Albert Johnson were on the Grand Lodge Sorrow Team in 1998, headed by P.M. James L Spain Jr. Grand Lecturer. Brother Shawne Wilkerson, served as Master on Grand Lodge Sorrow Team in 2002.

In 1943 Past Master,  Hall assembled several members of Mount Olive No. 27 and formed a Square Club namely, the “Cable Tow”. Today known as the “Cable Tow Square Club Inc.”. This club operates successfully, assists it’s Mother Lodge and donates to charity. It’s events are known to be among the outstanding affairs of Philadelphia Society.

* Denotes Deceased Brothers