It is my sad duty to inform you that Past Grand Master Roger Simmons has passed away this morning. Services for MW Brother Simmons will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Holman Funeral Home in Ozark, Alabama. Visitation will be from 10-11am. Funeral with Masonic Rites will be held in the Chapel at 11am.
Zachary A. Holmes, Grand Secretary
When the Lord needed a warrior to defeat evil, He said whom shall we send? Christ said here am I send me. Since then, warriors have spent Christmas apart from their families on the frontline around the world defending Freedom and protecting Peace on Earth. At this time we want to send a special Thank You to all our Veterans and Prayers that the Lord would watch over and protect all our men and women in uniform around the world let them feel our Love and give them Peace.
The Grand Lodge office will be closed from December 23rd, 2024 through January 3rd, 2025. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, January 6th, 2025. The Grand Lodge office staff wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas, and a blessed and prosperous New Year.
R:.W:. Zachary Allen Holmes
Grand Secretary/Executive Director
Grand Lodge of Alabama, F&AM
P O Box 1070
Millbrook, AL 36054
334-290-0961
Most Worshipful Sirs, Right Worshipful Sirs, Worshipful Grand Lodge officers and Brethren All:
It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Most Worshipful Charter Lee Nicholson, Sr., Grand Master of Masons in Alabama 1982-83.
Arrangements for MWPGM Nicholson are as follows:
Most Worshipful Grand Master Rusty Beck will open the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Alabama at 10am Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Nunn-Oden #398, 126 Sparkman St. SW, Hartselle, AL 35640.
Visitation will be Tuesday, 26 September 2023 from 11 a.m. – 1p.m at Peck Funeral Home, 1600 Hwy 31 SW, Hartselle, AL 35640, (256) 773-2541.
There will no service at the funeral home.
Masonic graveside rites will be performed at 1:30 p.m. at Forest Chapel UMC Cemetery, 250 Forest Chapel Rd, Hartselle, AL 35640, (256) 773-2730.
https://www.peckfuneralhome.com/obituary/Charter-NicholsonSr
All present sitting Grand Lodge officers are strongly encouraged to attend if possible. Please dress accordingly and remember to bring your apron, jewel, and gloves.
S&F,
Zachary Allen Holmes
Grand Secretary/Executive Director
Grand Lodge of Alabama, F&AM
I had the pleasure of paying my respects at the Gettysburg National Military Park and Gettysburg National Cemetery this fine morning.
Amid the 1000’s of monuments in Gettysburg, the one that I believe touched my heart the most, the one that I’ve long sought visiting, was the “Friend To Friend, A Brotherhood United” monument.
“The monument depicts Union Captain Henry Bingham, a Mason and staff assistant to General Hancock, himself wounded, rendering aid to the fallen Confederate General. Armistead is shown handing his watch and personal effects to be taken to his friend, Union General Hancock Union General Winfield Scott Hancock. “
What is most meaningful, most striking about this monument is what it represents as a whole. Freemasonry doesn’t “instill” or “create” a bond. It is not something that can be pulled off like our aprons or rings. Freemasonry exists on our good days, and the bad days. It exists in peace, and at war. What this monument shows to the world is one man handing his last effects, the contents of his pockets to another.
What it means to Masons is that no matter what, good or bad, peace or war, there exists between them a bond that is inseparable. A bond of brotherhood, a bond of protecting a brothers life, a bond of protecting a brothers family, and most of all, an unwavering devotion and commitment to never breaking your word or promise to another brother.
It was my distinct honor and privilege to visit this solemn place of honor.
Zachary C. Grizzard
Right Worshipful Grand Historian
The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of F & A M of Alabama
MW Brother Rusty Beck, Grand Master, RW Brother Mike Boyles, Deputy Grand Master, MW Brother David Tucker, Past Grand Master, and RW Brother Max Carey, Grand Marshal were privileged in presenting two of our Brethren service awards for their many years of service to our Fraternity: Brother John Willis of Somerville Lodge No. 721 and Rising Sun Lodge No. 29 received his 60 year pin, and Brother Mike Jones of Rising Sun Lodge No. 29 received his 70 year pin. Congratulations to you both!
Our RW Deputy Grand Master, Brother Mike Boyles, presenting scholarships at Florence Lodge. Congratulations to all the recipients!
