James M. Eidson, Sr., PGM 1974-1975

James M. Eidson, Sr. was born in Cullman, Alabama, on October 6, 1932. He is the son of Lonnie B. and Gladys Norman Eidson. He attended Cullman Elementary School, Saint Bernard High, and Cullman High School. He also had a year of private counseling from Dr. Joe Cardwell, professor of Dairy Manufacturing at Mississippi State University.

Brother Eidson spent three years in the Military as a paratrooper in the Eighty-second Airborne.

He married Mary Lou Butts on July 25, 1953. They have two sons—Jim, twenty years of age, who is a junior and a varsity football player at Mississippi State University. Michael, his second son, is eleven years old and a sixth grader at Hartselle Junior High School. Brother Jim and his wife Lou are members of the First Christian Church of Hartselle where he is serving his fifth term as chairman of the Official Board.

He is in his sixteenth year of employment with Flav-O-Rich Dairy, a division of Flav-O-Rich, Inc. of which the parent company is Dairymen, Inc. of Louisville, Kentucky. He is now serving his company as General Manager of the State. Brother Jim is also a member of the Board of Directors of Cord Systems, Inc. of Huntsville, Alabama. He has served the Kiwanis Club as a past member of the Board of Directors, and he has also served as past treasurer.

Brother Eidson was initiated September 23, 1958 in Hartselle Lodge Number 398, now known as Nunn-Oden Lodge Number 398. He was passed October 10, 1958 and raised October 28, 1958. He served as Master of the Lodge in 1962-63. He served as District Lecturer in 1965 and 1966. Jim served on the Committee on Work for five years—from 1967 until 1971, at which time he was elected Junior Grand Warden. He was chairman of that committee in 1970. Brother Jim is also a charter member of Huntsville Scottish Rite and also a charter member of Cahaba Shrine Temple. He and his wife are members of Hartselle Chapter Order of the Eastern Star Number 39.

The Eidsons reside in Hartselle, Alabama.
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Joseph Daniel Brackin, PGM 1973-1974

Joseph Daniel Brackin was born. August 19, 1929, in Ozark, Alabama, the son of Grady D. and Prillie N. Brackin. The family moved to Enterprise, Alabama, in 1930 where they lived until they moved to Dothan in 1939. Brother Brackin attended elementary schools in Enterprise and Dothan and graduated from Dothan High School in 1947. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Navy and served as an Electronics Technician for four years. After discharge from the Navy, he attended Troy State University. He is presently employed by the City of Dothan as Assistant Superintendent of the Electric Department.

Brother Brackin’s Masonic affiliation began on his Initiation in Pythagoras Lodge Number 659 on April 23, 1963. He was Passed on May 14, 1963, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on May 28, 1963. He served Pythagoras Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1967-68. He also served as District Lecturer (28th Masonic District) for two years. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in November 1970. He regularly advanced through the Senior Grand Warden and Deputy Grand Master stations and was elevated to the exalted office of Grand Master of Masons in Alabama on November 21, 1973.

An active Scottish Rite and York Rite Mason, he has served Dothan Lodge of Perfection as Venerable Master and also principal officer of Dothan Chapter 113, R. A. M., Dothan Council 68, R. & S. M., and Dothan Commandery Number 25, K. T. He has been invested a 32° Knight Commander Court of Honor and also Knight York Cross of Honor. Brother Brackin is also a member of Alcazar Shrine Temple, Dothan Chapter Number 76, OES, and Saint Bernard Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. He is presently serving his third term as Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Dothan Chapter of DeMolay.

Brother Brackin is currently the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Georgia near the Grand Lodge of Alabama.

Brother Brackin is an active member of Lafayette Street United Methodist Church, serving as a member of the Administrative Board, Assistant Sunday School teacher, and member of the Choir.

He is also a member of Dothan Lodge #1887, B. P. O. E.

Brother Brackin is married to the former Shirley Henderson of Dothan, arid they have two sons, Joseph Allen Houston and John Mark.
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Charles Cecil Robinson, PGM 1972-1973

Charles Cecil Robinson was born May 2, 1921, in Chilton County near Jemison, Alabama, the son of Mack C. and Daily Gore Robinson. He received his education in the public schools of Chilton County. He has attended several training schools while employed with the U. S. Government. For the past twenty years he has been with the U. S. Government.

He served 31/2 years during World War II in the U. S. Army Air Corp.

He is a member of the Baptist Church.

On February 18, 1945, he married Miss Emma Lena Cook of Montgomery, Alabama. To them has been born two daughters, Mrs. Patricia Snodgrass of Montgomery, and Miss Pamela Robinson, a student at Troy State University, and one son, Charles T. Robinson, a student at Auburn University. There are two granddaughters, Melanie and Rebecca Snodgrass.

As for his Masonic record, he was initiated in Keystone Lodge #778 in Montgomery, Ala. June 12, 1953, Passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft July 10, 1953, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason July 31, 1953. He served Keystone Lodge #778 as Worshipful Master 1957-58 and 1969-70. He received his Grand Lodge Proficiency Certificate July 31, 1959, served as Assistant and District Lecturer for District 21 and 21A.  He is a member of Elizabeth Armstrong Chapter #10 O. E. S. and served his chapter as Worthy Patron in 1967-68. He served on the Advisory Board, Order of Rainbow for Girls during 1966-67 and received the Grand Cross of Colors June 8, 1967. Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of West Virginia since 1969. Very active and charter member of Bandar Grotto since 1964. Member of the Low 12 Club, Keystone Lodge #778, member of the Masters, wardens and Past Masters Association of Montgomery County. Member of the Past Matrons and Past Patrons Club of Elizabeth Armstrong Chapter O. E. S. #10. He received the York Rite degrees in Montgomery in October 1970. Member of Alcazar Shrine Temple, Montgomery, Alabama. He was elected Junior Grand Warden, November 1969 elected Senior Grand Warden, November 1970 elected Deputy Grand Master, November 1971 elected Grand Master, November 1972.

Brother Robinson is very friendly, pleasant and dependable. He is easy going but positive. In the past, he has proven himself to be an excellent administrator. His experience and good judgment will be wonderful training in handling the affairs of Grand Lodge.

Paul E. Bradford, PGM 1971-1972

Paul E. Bradford was born in rural Jefferson County near Trussville, Alabama, on September 2, 1912. He is the son of the late Floyd Bradford and Alta Brown Bradford. He attended the public schools of Trussville and graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School in 1931. He attended the extension department at Auburn and holds a certificate in accounting. He later attended many courses in real estate at the University of Alabama.

Brother Bradford married Lisale Todd on December 30, 1931. They have two sons, Paul Jr., and Gerald; and a daughter, Gloria (Mrs. Sherman Forehand). They also have eleven grandchildren. Brother Paul and Mrs. Bradford are active members of the First Baptist Church of Trussville. He is a retired Postmaster after 33 years, and is now engaged in real estate brokerage.

Brother Bradford is a member of Georgiana Davis Lodge No. 338, F. and A. M. at Trussville. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice on September 9, 1940, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on September 23, 1940, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on October 14, 1940. He immediately became an active worker in Freemasonry, serving his Lodge in several capacities, including Worshipful Master for two consecutive years, Secretary for two years and is now serving as Lodge Treasurer.

Brother Bradford was exalted to Royal Arch Mason on August 11, 1951, in Woodlawn Chapter No. 146, R. A. M.; greeted a Select Master on November 16, 1951, in Woodlawn Council No. 71, R. & S. M., and was constituted a Knight Templar on August 18, 1951, in Woodlawn Commandery No. 31, K. T. He is also a 32nd degree Mason of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Birmingham; and a member of the Ritualistic Cast of Zamora Shrine Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. of Birmingham.

He has been active in Grand Lodge work for the past 24 years, serving as Assistant District Lecturer, District Lecturer, Committee on Work, Grand Marshal, Senior Grand Deacon and
then was elected Junior Grand Warden in November, 1968.

We feel that Freemasonry in Alabama is in good hands with Brother Bradford as Grand Master, and we are looking forward to a successful year under his capable and dedicated
leadership.

Marvin Park Lynn, PGM 1970-1971

Marvin P. Lynn was born August 23, 1926, in Brewton, Alabama. He is the son of Sewell Mason and Iva Parker Lynn. He moved to Gadsden in June, 1940. He attended elementary school in Brewton, High School at Emma Sansom and University Center in Gadsden.

He is an Engineer with the L & N Railroad. Married Jeanette Carpenter August 23, 1948. They have two daughters, Debbie, (Mrs. Robert W- Davis) and Beckie, a senior at Gadsden High
School. They are all members of the East Gadsden Baptist Church.

Brother Lynn has been an active and outstanding Mason. He was initiated on April 21, 1955, passed on April 28, 1955, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on May 12,
1955. He is a Past Master of Ed Christopher Memorial Lodge 904, F. & A. M., and is the first member to receive his degrees in this Lodge and later serve as Worshipful Master.

He has served as Assistant District Lecturer, District Lecturer, member and Chairman of Committee on Work. After a short but outstanding Masonic affiliation, he was elected Junior Grand Warden in November, 1967. He is a member of Queen City Chapter 135 O. E. S. His membership also includes York Rite bodies of Gadsden which include Coosa Chapter 86 R. A. M., Gadsden Council 56 R & S M and Etowah Commandary 15 K. T., and a member of Zamora Shrine Temple in Birmingham.

Brother Lynn’s DeMolay activities deserve special consideration. In 1957 he was instrumental in reorganizing DeMolay in Etowah County. He is a Charter Member of Etowah Chapter’s
Advisory Council, and still serves on the Advisory Council.

He was a driving force behind the per capita tax increase so necessary to support our Masonic Home. He spent many hours studying the financial records of the past several years so he could bring to light all questions and answers. He then spent many hours traveling all over the State with a chart explaining the problem we had at our Home.

We look forward to an outstanding and progressive year with Brother Lynn as our Grand Master.
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John Brannon, PGM 1969-1970

John Brannon was born June 4, 1913, in Coal Valley, Walker County, Alabama, the son of the late Thomas C. and Eva (Myers) Brannon. He received his education in the Public Schools of Walker County.  On September 9, 1939 he married Willie Mae Boshell.  Brother Brannon is a member of the Oakman Methodist Church.  He has been employed by the Alabama Power Company for nineteen years, and he is presently serving as an Electrician.

Brother Brannon was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Oakman Lodge No. 465 on November 28, 1944, passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft December 12, 1944, and raised to the Sublime
Degree of Master Mason on December 26, 1944. He has served as Worshipful Master of the Oakman Lodge for four years, June 1947-1948, 1948-1949, 1949-1950, and 1955-1956. The main event during his leadership was the burning of the mortgage on the lodge in 1956. He served as Assistant District Lecturer and District Lecturer eleven years, and five years on the Committee on Work and one year as the Chairman of the Committee. He qualified for the Proficiency Certificate in the Alabama Ritual on November 9, 1948 with a grade above 99.  In 1966 he was elected Junior Grand Warden and has regularly advanced to the peak of being installed as the Most Worshipful Grand Master on November 19, 1969.

He is a member of the Oakman Chapter No. 298, Order of the Eastern Star. A member of the York Rite bodies of Jasper, which includes Jasper Chapter No. 118, Royal Arch Masons, Jasper Council No. 70, Royal and Select Masters, and Jasper Commandery No. 48, Knights Templar. He is a Shriner in Zamora Temple, Birmingham.

Since the time John entered the Masonic Fraternity, he has served and led with such enthusiasm and determination that only good could be the product of his leadership. Brother
Brannon is well loved by all in the state.

Howard Eugene Blackwell, PGM 1968-1969

Where he is known the best is where our new Grand Master is loved and respected the most. This certainly is a compliment to anyone and should make us all proud that we have elected him to serve this exalted station.

Brother Blackwell was born in Frisco City, Monroe County, Alabama, May 11, 1909, the son of William R. Blackwell and Susan V. Whatley Blackwell of that city. He attended the schools of Frisco City and graduated from Frisco City High School and the Mobile Business College. He also attended San Diego State College, San Diego, California. On December 2, 1938 he married Irma Lee Conway, Pensacola, Florida, and they have one son, Leslie Howard Blackwell, a junior partner in Blackwell Automotive Parts Company established by Howard E. Blackwell in 1958, in Satsuma, Alabama.

Brother Blackwell is a member of and active in the First Baptist Church of Satsuma. He has been a participant in civic, cultural and business affairs of the community, serving the Housing Authority of his City, the Industrial Board of his County and was a member of and President of Satsuma’s Town Council (city governing body) for eight years.

He was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Frisco City Lodge 702 F&AM, on October 19, 1944; Passed to the Degree Fellowcraft on October 23, 1944 and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on October 26, 1944. He became a Charter Member of Satsuma Lodge 899 on August 18, 1951 and is a Past Master of that Lodge. On November. 15, 1954 he qualified for the coveted Proficiency Certificate in the Alabama Ritual, his score being near perfect. He has served his lodge many years as Treasurer, which office he. now holds. He was appointed District Lecturer for Mobile and Baldwin Counties in November of 1955 and served until 1961, at which time he was promoted to the Committee, on Ritual Work, serving as its Chairman in 1963-64 and remaining on the committee until he was elected Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge in November of 1965. He regularly advanced through the Senior Grand Warden and Deputy Grand Master stations and was elevated to the exalted office of Grand Master of Masons in Alabama on November 20, 1968.

He is currently the Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Turkey near the Grand Lodge of Alabama. Brother Blackwell was Exalted a Royal Arch Mason on April 15, 1949 in Mobile Chapter 21; Greeted a Royal and Select Master in Mobile Council 12 on April 22, 1949, and was Constituted a Knight Templar in Mobile Commandery No. 2 on May 13, 1949. He became a Charter Member of St. Bernard Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine in Mobile, and later presided as Sovereign. He is a Shriner in Abba Temple, Mobile. He became a Charter Member of Satsuma Chapter 515, Order of Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Patron from 1954 to 1957. Thus you will determine that Masonry in Southwest Alabama in particular and in the whole State in general, has felt the touch of Howard Blackwell for the past two decades.

Fraternal associates will avouch for the fact that Brother Blackwell is a dedicated Mason, always ready to give freely of himself and his time to promote Masonry, thereby rendering service to God, country and fellowman. He has a deep and abiding faith that this endeavor will help to make this great land a better place in which to live and inspire others to keep the laws of the Supreme Architect of the Universe and show forth His praise in the world.

His tenure as Grand Master can only mature him in the faith, hope and charity begun in his early Masonry and continued to the very gateway of the venerable duty he now discharges as Alabama’s leading Mason.

Wilbur Hale Armistead, PGM 1967-1968

W. Hale Armistead was born January 27, 1911 in Cumberland City, Tennessee. He is the son of the late Wilbur H. and Kate (Dunbar) Armistead. His life has been enriched by the companionship of eight brothers and two sisters. His father, a rural mail carrier, was a Fifty two year Mason in Tennessee. Five of the nine boys are Masons, one each in West Virginia,, Tennessee, and Georgia, two in Alabama. He attended High Schools at Cumberland City and Tuscaloosa Senior High after moving to Tuscaloosa in 1928.

In 1931 he married Johnnie Marie Laycock, daughter of the late John and Lola Laycock of Tuscaloosa. They are the parents of two daughters, Barbara Ann Armistead Chopp of La Plata, Maryland and Jeanne Marie Armistead, a Junior in the University of Alabama. Their lives are blessed with five grandchildren, three girls and two boys of La Plata, Maryland. He worked at Gulf States Paper Corporation from 1929 to 1946. He and his brother Carl, who also worked at Gulf States, started, a grocery business in 1935. Both resigned to expand into a supermarket the business which is still operating as Armistead Brothers Super Market in Tuscaloosa.

He is an active, dedicated church worker, being one of the founders of his present church, Druid Hills Methodist, in the eastern section of Tuscaloosa. Prior to his founding activity in
Druid Hills, he was a lay leader in Alberta City Methodist Church, serving practically all offices.

He received his Entered Apprentice Degree in Von Bayer Lodge on July 13, 1936, was passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft on August 10, 1936, and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on September 14, 1936. He was elected Junior Warden in 1944 and served as Worshipful Master 1946-1947. He was elected Secretary in 1948, an office which he still holds.

He was appointed District Lecturer of District 15, serving from 1950 until 1964 when he was elected Junior Grand Warden of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Alabama.

Grand Master Armistead was Exalted a Royal Arch Mason on September 10, 1946 and served Tuscaloosa Chapter No. 1 as High Priest 1952-1953, Greeted a Royal and Select Master December 17, 1946 and served Tuscaloosa Council No. 4 as Illustrious Master 1954-1955, Knighted on May 9, 1951 and served Tuscaloosa Commandery No. 13 as Eminent Commander 1956-1957. He is a life member of all York Rite Bodies of Tuscaloosa and still actively participates in all rites and ceremonials. He became a member of Birmingham Priory No. 31, KYCH in 1957. In 1953 he became a member of Zamora Temple AAONMS. He was taken into St. Dunstan’s Conclave, Order of the Red Cross of Constantine in 1966. He is also a member of the Order of the Silver Trowel and the Anointed High Priesthood.

Brother Armistead was initiated into Druid Chapter No. 421, Order of the Eastern Star on January 15, 1945 and served as Worthy Patron 1947-1948. He was elected to receive the Degree of the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem in Tuscaloosa on October 3, 1967. He completed the Scottish Rite Degrees on November 16, 1967.

Brother Hale’s term as Grand Master climaxes a notable Masonic career. His early and continuous exposures to the Fraternity have indelibly imprinted service and devotion upon
his life. The benchmark of W. Hale Armistead upon the finished works of Masons with whom he has taught, encouraged, inspired, and led implies excellence.

James Wilson Cooper, PGM 1966-1967

James W. Cooper was born June 13, 1915 at Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama. He is the son of Leonard and Ella (Greenhill) Cooper. He enjoyed the blessings that come to a large family through the companionship of two brothers and five sisters. At an early age he moved with his parents to Birmingham. He was educated in the public schools of the city, graduated from high school in June of 1933, after which he became associated with the United States Steel Corporation. His employment with the corporation spans three decades. After a romantic courtship, he married Ruth Harper (of Russellville) in Sheffield on March 10, 1936. They are the-parents of two daughters, Mrs. Norma Jean Hathcox and Mary Ella Cooper. They are the proud grandparents of four lovely Hathcox children; Donna Jean, Cindy Jo, Cathy and Donald Wilson.

J. W. and his entire family are active members of Hunter Street Baptist Church where he has served as an official of the Men’s Bible Class.

Grand Master Cooper was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Fairview Lodge No. 644, F & A M on July 3, .1945, passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft on August 7, 1945 and raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason on September 18, 1945. He was appointed Junior Steward June of 1946, elected Junior Warden in June, 1947, thence to Senior Warden and was elected and installed as Worshipful Master of Fairview Lodge No. 644 in June of 1949. He was elected Junior Grand Warden November, 1963.

He received the Scottish Rite Degrees in 1954. He was Exalted in Mineral City Chapter No. 101, on May 8, 1965, Greeted in Sam Thompson Council No. 43, R&SM on May 8, 1965 and Knighted in Cyrene Commandery No. 10 on May 15, 1965. He was initiated in Mary Echols Chapter Order of Eastern Star, October 18, 1946, and served as Worthy Patron during 1947- 1948 and 1959-1960. He is a member of Dinar Grotto, having been initiated in 1963. On December 3, 1963, he was initiated and became a member of Zamora Temple A.A.O.N.M.S.

Serving as Grand Master, J. W. will climax a notable Masonic career. His unsurpassed love and devotion for the Fraternity Will be his hallmarks. We look forward to an enthusiastic and capable administration.

Fredrick William Vaughan, PGM 1965-1966

Fred W. Vaughan was born February 6, 1914 in Alabama City, the son of James A. and Clyde Rye Vaughan. He attended school in Alabama City, graduating from Emma Sansom High School in 1932.  In 1938 he married Nicky Dodd, who died in 1961. They had three children, two daughters, Mrs. Peggy Clark of Fort Devens, Massachusetts, and Donna Vaughan, a teacher at Alma Hinson Junior High School in Attalla, Ala., and one son, James Fredrick (Ricky) Vaughan, now a member of the Armed Forces at Fort Devens. In 1963 Brother Vaughan married Anne Crim. They reside in East Gadsden.

Brother Vaughan is a member, of the supervisory staff of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of Gadsden.  He is an active church worker, is a member of East Side Presbyterian Church in Gadsden, and has’ served that congregation as deacon and as a teacher of the Men’s Bible Class.

His experience in and service to Masonry have been extensive. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Dwight Lodge, on April 18, 1947, passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft on May 5th of the same year, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason On May 12th. He began to take an active part in the activities of his Lodge, serving in all of its offices, including two terms as Master. He has received various Grand Lodge appointments, including Assistant District Lecturer and District Lecturer. He has served on the’ Committee on Work, first as a member and later as Chairman of that body. He has been a member of the Committee on Appeals. His services to Alabama Masonry finally culminated in his election in 1962 to the station of Junior Grand Warden, and since that time he has given us every reason to expect that his year as Grand Master will be a brilliant and productive one for Alabama Masonry. Brother Vaughan is an active member of Alabama City Chapter No. 345, Order of the Eastern Star, and has served that Organization as Worthy Patron.

Since 1962 he has been a member of the York Rite bodies of Gadsden, which include Coosa Chapter No. 86 Royal Arch Masons, Gadsden Council No. 56 Royal and Select Masters, and Etowah Commandery No. 15 Knights Templar and’ holds an elective office in each. He has been a Shriner for the past three years, with membership in Zamora Temple in Birmingham. He was recently admitted to the Royal Order of Scotland. Special mention must be made of Brother Vaughan’s activities in connection with youth work, both Boy Scouts and DeMolay. For a number of years he has been Chairman of the Board of Advisors for Etowah Chapter in Gadsden, and in spite of the many demands made on him, he is always there on meeting nights prepared to give advice or encouragement as needed. As soon as Fred had entered Masonry he gave evidence of possessing that combination of traits and qualifications which have made him so popular among Masons of this State and which have finally caused him to be chosen for the high station he occupies today. He combines energy and zeal with judgment, common sense, and a great knowledge of Masonry and its problems. A man of great tact and personal charm, he is equally qualified to preserve harmony within, and to represent us abroad. He is a worthy successor to that eminent group of Grand Masters who have preceded him.

Tolbert D. Sharp, PGM 1964-1965

Tolbert D. Sharp was born November 20, 1913 at Corinth, Mississippi. He is the son of Willie D. and Minnie May Sharp. He attended elementary school and graduated from Corinth High School where he participated in all the school activities.  In 1930 young T. D. made his first step toward the Masonic fraternity by joining the Corinth Chapter of DeMolay. It was there that his young mind was impressed with the outward demeanor of Masons. From there on it was his heart’s desire to become a Mason.

The next few years were eventful for T. D. as he held several jobs and each change saw him advance. He led Lexie E. Blankenship of Selmer, Tennessee, to the Altar on March 14, 1936. They are the parents of two sons, Edward Philip Sharp, age 19, now serving in the U. S. Navy and Tolbert Larry Sharp, age 17, a student at Sheffield High School. He is a member of
the Church of Christ.

For the past 22 years T. D. has been employed by Reynolds Metals Co. in Listerhill Alloys plant of Sheffield, Alabama. He is now serving as General Foreman of the Shipping Department.T. D. has participated in the Reynolds training program in Management and Supervision. He is a member of the Reynolds Management Association.

Grand Master Sharp was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Sheffield Lodge No. 503 F. and A. M. on August 8, 1944, passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft on September 5, 1944 and raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason September 19, 1944. He was elected and installed Senior Deacon in June 1952, progressed to Junior Warden, thence to Senior Warden and was elected and installed as Worshipful Master of Sheffield Lodge No. 503 in June 1955.

He was made a Royal Arch Mason in Cyrus Chapter No. 6 in Florence, Alabama August 28, 1951. He became a Royal and Select Master in Florence Council No. 74, R. and S. M. of Florence on October 30, 1951. He received the Orders of Knights Templar in Florence Commandery No. 39 on November 17, 1951 and was introduced into the mysteries of the Degree of Super Excellent Master of Florence Council No. 74, R. and S. M. on January 9, 1954.  He received the Scottish Rite degrees—4th through 32nd—in Birmingham in the spring class of 1959. He was initiated and became a member of Zamora Temple AAONMS May 28, 1955. In 1961, he served as President of the Muscle Shoals Shrine Club and as President of the Muscle Shoals Scottish Rite Association.

Our Grand Master has served on several Grand Lodge Committees including two years on the committee on work. He served eight years as District Lecturer of the Third Masonic District. In addition to having served as Worshipful Master of Sheffield Lodge, he has served as Lodge Secretary for eight years.

His Eastern Star membership is in Sheffield Chapter No. 32 where he was initiated February 10, 1951, serving as Associate Patron in 1954-55 and Worthy Patron in 1955-56.

T. D.’s being chosen to serve as Grand Master climaxes an illustrious Masonic career. His enthusiasm for the fraternity has never waned. He has been able to lead without goading. He displays strength without being forceful, perseverance without pottering and friendliness without demonstration. He preaches and practices proficiency in the work. It is therefore reasonable to anticipate a year of friendly and capable administration.

William Wallace, Jr, PGM  1963-1964

William Wallace, Jr., or Bill, as he is known to hundreds of Masons throughout Alabama, was born on a farm near Atmore, son of William and Arry Wallace. He received his elementary education in the public schools of Escambia County and was graduated from Murphy High School in Mobile in 1927.  For the past 23 years he has operated his own business, Bill Wallace Auto Parts, in Mobile. He is a member of All Saints Episcopal Church. On July 23, 1936 Bill was married to Myrtle Southall, daughter of Past Grand Master Joe S. Southall, Sr. and Past Worthy Grand Matron Irma Southall.

He was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Toulmin Lodge No. 875 on March 16, 1951, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft on March 30, 1951 and raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason April 6, 1951. He was elected Treasurer of Toulmin Lodge in 1951 and again in 1959, appointed Senior Steward in 1953 and elected Junior Deacon in 1954, and after normal progression, was elected Worshipful Master of Toulmin Lodge in 1958.

He received the York Rite degrees in Mobile on December 18, 1959, and walked the hot sands of the AAONMS, Abba Temple, at a ceremonial held in Bay Minette on December 19, 1959. He
is a charter member of St. Bernard Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, Mobile. Bill has also been active in the Order of Eastern Star being initiated into Birdie Winston Chapter No. 391 on June 6, 1951. He served this chapter as Worthy Patron in 1952, 1953, and 1954. Bill served as Grand Sentinel of the Grand Chapter O. E. S. of the State of Alabama in 1955-56. He has
served as a member of the Advisory Board, Order of DeMolay since 1955.

In Grand Lodge activities Bill served two years as Assistant District Lecturer, District 32, and two years as a member of the Committee on Work, Group 7. He served as Senior Grand
Steward of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Alabama in 1952-53. In 1959 he was appointed Grand Representative of Italy and still holds that appointment for the Grand
Lodge of Alabama. Bill was elected Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of Alabama in November 1960, and has progressed upward to his election and installation as
Grand Master in November 1963.

Bill’s Masonic career has been highlighted by many things, but two of the more important have been work and interest in the fraternity. Since his entry into the fraternity he has studied diligently and has never been too busy to stretch forth that helping hand for a brother. His complete knowledge of Masonry in Alabama and his wide acquaintance with its members will make him, as Grand Master, invaluable to the brethren of our State. His quiet and unassuming manner belie his ability to work and travel long hours in all types of weather to participate in any function in which he may be helpful. He has always been a strong proponent of proficiency and has set an example and established a criteria for all to follow. Masonry in Alabama will be much richer for the leadership provided by this outstanding Mason.