A New Tradition

© Dr. Gary D. Lemmons, May 10, 2008

[For my non-Masonic readers, you will have to pardon this week’s column for it will be devoted to my Masonic brethren.]

On Friday, my best friend (other than Miss Debbie, who, of course, is not a Freemason), Worshipful Brother James B. “Jim” Phillips, convened the 111^th Annual Communication of the Seventh District Masonic Convention in Cherokee Lodge No. 66, F. &A.M. in Rome, Georgia.  Present were some 172 brethren from the 64 lodges that extend from the Tennessee line to Cobb County (north to south) and from the Alabama line to Fairmount, Georgia in the eastern edge of Gordon County.

For 109 and nine years, the Convention was held in the archaic and ornate Hall of Cherokee Lodge No. 66, F. &A.M. on Broad Street in downtown Rome.  After decades of use, wear, and tear, the brethren of that lodge had been compelled to sell their building and begin the process of constructing a new lodge hall. 

The 110^th Annual Communication, last year under the leadership of Worshipful Brother and Dr. Seaborn Moss, was held at the Rome Convention Center.  It was still hosted by the brethren of Cherokee Lodge, but it just didn’t seem to be the same.

This year was different!  A “new tradition” was established!

The brethren of Cherokee Lodge No. 66, F. &A.M. have erected a new lodge building on Highway 20 on the west side of Rome.  They have planned a functional and user friendly facility that possesses all of the modern conveniences that our brethren of the 19^th century did not enjoy.

Present at our Convention this year was the Grand Master of All Freemasons in Georgia, Ted C. Collin of Unadilla, GA.  Additionally, the following Past Grand Masters were in attendance: Rex D. Chilton, Joseph Pierce Suttles, C.E. “Buster” Horne, Thomas L. Blanton, and me.

The session, which lasts two days, was an overwhelming success.  Worshipful Master Jim Phillips was absolutely “proficient” in all his endeavors. 

At the end of the first day, Worshipful Brother and Rev. Terry L. Hensley brought a dynamic and challenging Sermonette, which inspired all the brethren.

Of particular importance on Friday evening was that Rev. Jim Dykes, retired United Methodist minister, brought an uplifting message for all present at the Annual Widows’ Night, a ceremony to celebrate the lives of those brethren who have passed away since last Convention.  Some 20 widows were in attendance.

On Saturday, the Convention concluded its business and Worshipful Brother Phillips surrendered the gavel.  Worshipful Brother Tommy Gilbert of Rossville Lodge No. 397 was installed as District Master for 2008-2009 by Right Worshipful Brother J. Edward Jennings, Jr., the Deputy Grand Master of All Masons in Georgia.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ~Photo by E. Ray Knittel

2008-2009 Seventh District Convention Officers

Following the closing of the Convention, the brethren and their ladies enjoyed a delicious barbeque lunch with musical entertainment by “The Entertainers” of the Yaarab Shrine Temple.

In the afternoon, the brethren and their ladies began to depart for home.  A great time was had by all.

(For my non-Masonic readers, the term “Worshipful” is adopted from the “old English” and simply means that, that person is “worthy of respect” much like the term “your honor” applies to a judge.  It has nothing to do with religious “worship”!)