Arrangements for MWPGM Charter Lee Nicholson, Sr.
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
Gold Mine Degree – September 16, 2023
Gettysburg Visit
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
Service Awards
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!
Scholarship Presentations
Our RW Deputy Grand Master, Brother Mike Boyles, presenting scholarships at Florence Lodge. Congratulations to all the recipients!
Alabama Masonic Code Constitution and Edict Change Proposals
Recent Advertisement Sent to Lodges
Be aware, this flyer has been sent to some Alabama Lodges and directly to some of our Brethren. On some copies, our Grand Lodge name and logo has been printed on the flyer.
The Grand Lodge of Alabama has no connection to this advertisement. We have not authorized this to be sent out, nor have we authorized the use of our name and logo for this printing.
2021 Grand Lodge Annual Communication Pictures
Pictures from the 2021 Grand Lodge Annual Communication and the Master Mason Degree Monday night.
*Service Date Change* Obituary of Mrs. Shirley Brackin
Please keep the family of Mrs. Shirley Brackin in your prayers. She is the Widow of Most Worshipful Brother Joseph Brackin, Past Grand Master. She is also the Mother of our current Senior Grand Deacon, Brother Allen Brackin.
Obituary:
Shirley Henderson Brackin, of Dothan, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. She was 85 years old.
Funeral services will be held 3p.m. on Sunday, January 17, 2021, at Sunset Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Mike Pearson and Rev. Teresa Seevers officiating. Burial will follow at Dothan City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2-3 p.m. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Greystone United Methodist Church, 4401 Fortner Street, Dothan AL 36305.
Shirley was born on December 16, 1935 to the late John Asa and Katherine Henderson. She was a majorette at Dothan High school and graduated in the class of 1954. After high school, Shirley married the love of her life, Joseph Brackin, and they would be married for almost 50 years before his passing. Shirley worked at Fort Rucker as the Inspector General for 33 years until her retirement. She was a dedicated member of Greystone United Methodist Church, formally Lafayette Street UMC, where she served as the Church Financial Secretary, Sunday School teacher, and charter member. She was also a member and secretary of the Forsythia Garden Club.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph Brackin; and her sister, Bobbie H. Jackson.
She is survived by her sons, Allen (Mary Beth) Brackin, Mark (Kathy) Brackin, and David (Kris) Brackin; Her grandson, Matthew (Fiancée Cassie) Brackin; step-grandson’s, Michael Monday, Chris (Elisha) Hollis, and Joey (Erica) Hollis; several great step-grandchildren; her brother, Johnnie (Helen) Henderson; and a host of extended family members and friends.
