Highlights of the 61st Annual Grand Conclave
Of the T.C. Almore Grand Commandery

            The 61st Annual Grand Conclave of the T.C. Almore Grand Commandery of Mississippi was held March 16-17, 2007 at the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge.  On Friday, March 16, 2007, a reception for all Sir Knights and Cyrenes was held at the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge.  Several Past Grand Commanders and the Honorable Maurice F. Lucas, Sr., the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge were in attendance.

            On Saturday, March 17, 2007, St. John Commandery, No. 9, of Meridian, Mississippi, opened the 61st Annual Grand Conclave in ritualistic form.  Sir Morris Fields is the Eminent Commander, Sir Lamar Blalock is the Generalissimo and Sir Johnny Kidd is the Captain General. 

            The Deputy Right Eminent Grand Commander, Sir Fredrick K. Wilson was received and he in turn received the Grand Officers.  Sir Richard L. Hudson of St. John Commandery, No. 3, in Jackson, Mississippi commanded the Grand Honor Guard. 

            The Right Eminent Grand Commander, Sir Melvin L. Pace, was received and the 61st Annual Grand Conclave was opened in ritualistic form.  All commanderies across the state were represented.  The Right Eminent Grand Commander received special guests, Sir Stacy Taylor, Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Prince Hall Grand Chapter of Holy Royal Arch Masons of Mississippi.  Sir Amondus D. Brown of the Amondus D. Brown Commandery, No. 23, in Kuwait, the Honorable Maurice F. Lucas, Sr., the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge, and the Honorable Curtis E. Briggs, Sr., State Grand Lecturer, for the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge.

            The Right Eminent Grand Commander and Very Eminent Grand Prelate, Sir Herman Holly, conducted the ceremonial dubbing of the Honorable Maurice F. Lucas, Sr. and the Honorable Curtis E. Briggs.  Upon being dubbed Knights of this Valiant and Magnamious Order of Knights Templar, they were received in the asylum among the Past Right Eminent Grand Commanders.

            The Right Eminent Grand Commander addressed the 61st Annual Grand Conclave and encouraged all Sir Knights to lend their talents, skills and abilities toward building a stronger and more unified Grand Commandery.  A luncheon banquet was held and the guest speaker was the Rev. Dion F. Porter, V.E. Grand Generalissimo.  Rev. Porter spoke from the Book of James, and emphasized the importance of giving thanks, obedience and reverence to God. 

            Grand Commandress, Mattie M. Coleman of the Magnolia Grand High Court of the Order of Cyrenes for the State of Mississippi, welcomed her special guests.  Sir Amondus Brown presented a Grand Commandery banner to the T.C. Almore Grand Commandery.

            Upon reconvening, the Right Eminent Grand Commander made special presentations to several Sir Knights.  The Honorary Past Grand Commander Degree was conferred upon the Honorable Maurice F. Lucas, Sr. and Sir Luther Steele, Jr.  The Andrew Stewart Service Award was presented to Sir DeMario Green of Constantine Commandery, No. 25, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Sir Gregory L. Anderson of St. John Commandery, No. 3 and Sir DeJohn Hampton of St. John Commandery, No. 3. 

            The Eminent Commander of the Year Award was presented to Sir Morris Fields of St. John Commandery No. 9, in Meridian, Mississippi and Sir James E. Boyd where he presides over both W.H. Lee Commandery No. 12, in Okolona, Mississippi and Billy Dillworth Commandery No. 7, in Corinth, Mississippi.

            The T.C. Almore Grand Commandery Knight of the Year Award was proudly presented to Sir Richard L. Hudson of St. John Commandery, No. 3 in Jackson, Mississippi.

            A special presentation was given to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in the name of Mrs. Carolyn C. Lucas, wife of the Honorable Maurice F. Lucas, Sr., MWGM.  Mrs. Lucas was stricken with breast cancer in 2005 and today, she is cancer free.

            Elections were held and the officers for 2007-08 are as follows:

• Sir Melvin L. Pace, Right Eminent Grand Commander
• Sir Fredrick K. Wilson, Deputy Right Eminent Grand Commander
• Sir Dion F. Porter, Very Eminent Grand Generalissimo
• Sir Gregory Anderson, Very Eminent Grand Captain General
• Sir Herman Holly, Very Eminent Grand Prelate
• Sir DeMario Green, Very Eminent Grand Senior Warden
• Sir Freddie Wynne, III, Very Eminent Grand Junior Warden
• Sir Curnis Upkins, Jr., Very Eminent Grand Recorder
• Sir William H. Lofton, Jr., Very Eminent Grand Treasurer

The Right Eminent Grand Commander made the following appointments:

• Sir Cedric Beal, Most Eminent Grand State Deputy
• Sir Phillip Berry, P.R.E.G.C., Special Deputy to the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, U.S.A., Prince Hall Affiliated
• Sir Hosea Hollis, V.E. Grand Marshall
• Sir Vincent Barnett, V.E. Grand Marshall
• Sir Isaac Blalock, V.E. Grand Warder
• Sir Curtis G. Snell, Sr., V.E. Grand Standard Bearer
• Sir Lontrael Stevenson, V.E. Grand Sword Bearer
• Sir Lamar Blalock, V.E. Grand Sentinel
• Sir Kevin Mayes, V.E. Grand Sentinel
• Sir Michael Wheaton, V.E. Grand Trustee
• Sir Morris Fields, Special Delegate to the United York Rite Bodies of Mississippi

The Grand Conclave was closed in ritualistic form and will reconvene Saturday,
March 15, 2008 at the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge, Jackson, Mississippi.

The T.C. Almore Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, would like to recognize and congratulate several Sir Knights around the State for their Masonic, civic, social and professional accomplishments.   

Sir Christopher Moore, Deputy Grand Master

            Sir Christopher Moore was reelected Deputy Grand Master of the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge of Mississippi.  Sir Knight Moore, is a member of Constantine Commandery, No. 25 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  Sir Knight Moore has received numerous state and national awards, citations and recognitions for his military, Masonic, civil and social service.

Sir William “Bill” Smith, P.R.E.G.C.

            Past R.E. Grand Commander, Bill Smith is the Grand Secretary for the Prince Hall General Grand Conference of Holy Royal Arch Masons of Mississippi.  He is also the General Grand Recorder for the General Grand Conference of Grand Chapters of Holy Royal Arch Masons for the United States and its Jurisdictions.  He is also a candidate for the Knight York Cross of Honor.  Past Grand Commander Smith is a member of W.H. Lee Commandery in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Sir Fredrick K. Wilson, Deputy R.E. Grand Commander

            Deputy Grand Commander Wilson was re-elected Worshipful Master of J.I. Martin Lodge No. 701.  He will be installed as the first Illustrious Grand Thrice of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons of Mississippi in April, 2007.  Sir Knight Wilson was also elected Eminent Commander of St. John Commandery, No. 3, in Jackson, Mississippi.  Sir Knight Wilson is the Thrice Illustrious Master of Andrew Stewart Council No. 11, in Jackson, Mississippi.

Sir Dion F. Porter, R.E. Grand Generalissimo

            Dr. Porter was recently elected Worshipful Master of West Jackson Lodge No. 697.  Dr. Porter is an assistant professor of Rehabilitation Counseling at Jackson State University and has recently accepted a position at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama.  Sir Knight Porter was recently elected Captain General of St. John Commandery, No. 3 in Jackson, Mississippi.

Sir Cedric O. Morgan, R.E. Grand C.C. of F.C.

Sir Gary D. Gray

            Sir Gary D. Gray was recently re elected Worshipful Master of Henry Beck Lodge 307 in Biloxi, Mississippi; He is a member of Biloxi Chapter No. 39 of Holy Royal Arch Masons and the Second Lieutenant Commander of King Solomon Consistory #142.  He is an ordained Deacon at First Missionary Baptist Church; a Co-founder and CFO of Visions of Hope, a non-profit community outreach service providing home buyer training programs, financial counseling, GED programs and free medical screenings.  He also serves on the executive board of Boys and Girls Clubs for the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  Sir Knight Gray is a member of Constantine Commandery, No. 25 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Sir Willard Spires

            Sir Knight Spires was elected First Lieutenant Commander of Jackson Consistory, No. 117.  Sir Knight Spires is a member of Raymond Lodge No. 94, and a long time class coordinator for the Jackson Consistory, No. 117.  Sir Knight Spires is a member St. John Commandery, No. 3 in Jackson, Mississippi.

Sir Stacy Taylor

            Sir Knight Taylor is the Grand High Priest, Prince Hall Grand Chapter of Holy Royal Arch Masons of Mississippi.  He will be installed as the Deputy Grand Thrice Illustrious Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons of Mississippi in April, 2007.  He is a candidate for the Knight York Cross of Honor, KYCH.  Sir Knight Taylor is a member of DeMolay Commandery No. 10, in Greenwood, Mississippi.

Sir Curnis Upkins, Jr., R.E. Grand Recorder

            Sir Knight Upkins was re-elected Worshipful Master of Sollie B. Norwood, Lodge No. 699.  Sir Knight Upkins recently became the Director of Human Resources for the St. Dominic Hospital system in Jackson, Mississippi where he is responsible for over 1,600 employees.  Sir Knight Upkins received the Grand Master’s Community Service Award for 2006.  Sir Knight Upkins is a member of St. John Commandery, No. 3 in Jackson, Mississippi.

Sir DeJohn Hampton

            Sir DeJohn Hampton was elected Excellent High Priest of Phillips Chapter, No. 46-A in Jackson, Mississippi.  Sir Knight Hampton was also elected recorder of St. John Commandery, No. 3, in Jackson, Mississippi.  Sir Knight Hampton is the President of the Melchizedek  Grand Convention of the Order of High Priesthood.  Sir Knight Hampton recently received national recognition as one of the top law enforcement officers in the country.

Sir James Boyd

            Sir Knight Boyd, Eminent Commander of Billy Dillworth and W.H. Lee Commanderies was recognized as an Ageless Hero sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi.  Ageless Heroes of Mississippi is part of a nationwide program that honors citizens, age 65 or older, who remain active and give back to the community. There are six categories, such as "community involvement" and "good neighbor," in three regions of the state. Sir Knight Boyd, age 81, a dynamic educator, continues to serve his community as an active reading tutor and counselor.

Sir Reginald J.V. Jones

            Sir Reginald Jones, recently graduated from Jackson State University in Criminal Justice.  Sir Knight Jones, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and former law enforcement officer, fulfilled a promise to his late wife Danita, by earning his degree.  He is employed with the Mississippi Department of Corrections as a probation officer.  Sir Knight Jones is a Past Worshipful Master of T.C. Almore Lodge No. 242 and a member of St. John Commandery, No. 3 in Jackson, Mississippi.

They’re Baaack!

St. John Commandery, No. 9, in Meridian, Mississippi is back and in full force!  The Commandery welcomed six newly dubbed Sir Knights in March, 2006 at the Annual Templar Day.  Elections were held in April, 2006 and Sir Morris Fields was elected Eminent Commander. Most of St. John’s knights have received the Honorary Past Eminent Commander and are members of the Conclave of Past Commanders.

            St. John Commandery, No. 9, meets monthly and the meetings alternate between Meridian and Quitman, Mississippi.  For more information, please contact Sir Morris Fields at mfields@tcalmoregrandcommandery.org .

W. H. Lee Commandery and Billy Dillworth Commandery, No. 7 Join Forces

            W. H. Lee Commandery and Billy Dillworth Commandery, No. 7 have consolidated in order to accommodate the Sir Knights in Northeast Mississippi.  W. H. Lee Commandery in Tupelo, Mississippi and Billy Dillworth Commandery, No. 7 in Baldwin, Mississippi joined together in April, 2006.  Meetings are alternated between the two cities.  Sir James Boyd is the Eminent Commander.  For more information, please contact Sir James Boyd at jboyd@tcalmoregrandcommandery.org or Sir Bill Smith, P.R.E.G.C. at bsmith@tcalmoregrandcommandery.org .

Mississippians Appointed to National Offices

            The Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, U.S.A. was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, June 27, 2006 through July 1, 2006.  Annual elections were held and Sir Jefferson A. Lofton was elected, Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, U.S.A.

            Appointments were made by the newly elected Grand Master and Sir Melvin L. Pace, the Right Eminent Grand Commander of the State of Mississippi and Sir Fredrick K. Wilson, Deputy Right Eminent Grand Commander of the State of Mississippi were appointed to positions within the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, U.S.A.  Sir Melvin L. Pace was appointed as Right Eminent Grand Warder and Sir Fredrick Wilson was appointed as Grand Webmaster for Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, U.S.A.  Sir Melvin Pace was also appointed as legal counsel to Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, U.S.A.

For a complete listing of elected and appointed officers of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, U.S.A., please visit www.gekt.org .  All Sir Knights are invited to join the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, U.S.A. Dues are $5.00 per year and to join, simply send $5.00 to Sir Curnis Upkins, R.E.G.R., T.C. Almore Grand Commandery, Post Office Box 31252, Jackson, MS  39286, or email him at cupkins@tcalmoregrandcommandery.org.            

Sir Knights Join Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

     The Knights of St. John Commandery, No. 3, joined in Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts by donating men’s toiletries and children’s toys to the temporary shelter at Pearl Street A.M.E. Church in Jackson, Mississippi. 

     St. John Commandery, No. 3 continued its efforts until the evacuees were placed in permanent housing and the shelter was closed.  In addition to the efforts of St. John Commandery, No. 3, the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge of Mississippi received five tractor trailer loads of new men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, food, personal care items and generous monetary donations from around the country. 

The Stringer Grand Lodge of Mississippi held its doors open to all displaced citizens and disseminated goods and relief from the eve of Hurricane Katrina, August 28, 2005 until the eve of the opening of its Grand Lodge Session on December 1, 2005. 

Please visit the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge of Mississippi at 1072 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, Mississippi or on the web at www.mwstringergl.org