A house RESOLUTION

To recognize and honor Williams Grand Lodge Inc. on its one hundredth anniversary and to congratulate its members for their century of service to the State.

Whereas, Reverend W. K. Rickenbacker, pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Orangeburg, and Reverend Charles A. Williams, Supreme Deputy of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Scottish Rite of the Southern and Western Jurisdiction of the USA, its territories and dependencies, auxiliaries and departments, called a meeting in 1925 to plan organizing a Scottish Rite Masonic Fraternity; and

Whereas, this meeting, later to be Williams Grand Lodge, operated under a dispensation for one year. After organizing this Masonic fraternity, the group applied in 1926 for a charter from the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Scottish Rite of the Southern and Western Jurisdiction of the USA with Reverend Charles A. Williams, Grand Master; Reverend T. F. Owens, Deputy Grand Master; Reverend W. K. Rickenbacker, Grand Secretary; and Reverend C. D. Salley, Senior Warden; and

Whereas, after Reverend Williams died, Brother S. D. Rickenbacker of Branchville became Grand Master.  With the success of Williams Lodge, members realized they would need more lodges in order to grow, so White Rose No. 1 in Branchville and St. John No. 2 in Orangeburg were established. The Williams Lodge was organized to promote religious education; social, fraternal, and charitable harmony; and fellowship. In January of 1927, a written declaration was filed with the Secretary of State, recording its purpose and updating its officers, and was duly incorporated. Williams Grand Lodge, White Rose Lodge No. 1, and St. John Lodge No. 2 share the charter date; and

Whereas, in 1927, an auxiliary for the female relatives of the masons was established, and the Williams Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star was born. Sister Rosa Barton of Branchville became the first Grand Worthy Matron. White Rose Chapter No. 1 was organized as the sister chapter to White Rose Lodge No.1, and Queen Victoria Chapter No. 2 became the sister chapter to St. John Lodge No. 2; and

Whereas, other lodges, chapters, and auxiliaries were organized throughout the State to include the Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar, Consistory, and the Shriners. The following female auxiliaries were also organized: Heroines of Jericho, Lady Knights Templar, Royal House of the Temple, and Daughters of Sphinx. All of these groups were founded upon Christian principles, so this fraternal organization was considered as a fellowship outlet to the church. The grand lodge acquired property for its first permanent Grand Lodge Hall for meeting. As the organization grew in membership, the need arose for a larger meeting space and additional office space for housing its records; and

Whereas, in 1980, Reverend Brother J. C. Harrison was elected Grand Master of Williams Grand Lodge and Sister Pearlie L. Walker was elected Grand Worthy Matron of the Williams Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star. Together they presented new programs and events to provide other service avenues for members, such as an Annual Recognition Banquet. By 2013, this event was renamed the Pearlie L. Walker Memorial Scholarship Banquet, awarding college scholarships yearly. Williams Grand Lodge funds activities and programs through the quarterly dues paid by subordinate lodges and chapters. The Grand Lodge holds two meetings each year attended by the officers and members; and

Whereas, from 1983 to 2013, Brother John W. Wrice served as Grand Master of Williams Lodge with new vision for the organization. The Grand Lodge, subordinate lodges, chapters, and auxiliaries procured nonprofit status. Office space was provided for the Grand Master and Matron, expansion to the original grand lodge building was added, and the parking lot was paved and lights added. The Masters & Wardens' Council was created, and the Brotherhood of Grand Lodges of South Carolina was formed with Williams Lodge; Palmetto Lodge (York Rite); King Solomon Lodge (International); and B'Natural Lodge (Modern Free). Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Williams Grand Lodge Inc. on its one hundredth anniversary and congratulate its members for their century of service to the State.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Grand Master Tommy Frazier and Grand Matron Sister Constance Ferguson.

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