148th Annual Grand Communication

On Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. an Occasional Lodge will be opened by St. James Lodge No. 71, The Lodge of The Year, 2022. All Master Masons are here by summoned to attend.  This year we are planning something different for the workshops. We are going back to basics with members participation. Bring your ritual, monitor and constitution. Also bring your cell phone with GVMS installed on it. Training and lectures will be provided for all Master Masons in attendance.

Thursday lunch is on your own. The cost is not included in registration, but I recommend that you purchase tickets and take part in the luncheon that is hosted by one of the adoptive rite bodies.

The Past Master Degree will be given on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. promptly.  All Master Masons receiving the degree must meet with the Grand Lecturer at 1:30 p.m. and be Masonically dressed.  Master Masons receiving the degree must register for the degree prior to June 1, 2023 with the Grand Lodge Office.  No late applications will be accepted.

Note: If you received the Past Master Degree at the 147th Annual Grand Session, you must be in attendance at this Grand Session to receive your Past Master’s Certificate, ritual, card and pocket medallion. No one can pick it up for you. NO Exceptions.

All District Deputy Grand Masters and Special District Deputy Grand Masters are hereby summoned to attend the District Deputy Meeting on Thursday, June 22, 2023, time TBD.  District Deputy reports will be given at this time.

On Thursday evening starting at 7:00 p.m. the OES and HOJ will host a Joint Queen Contest.  The festival will feature the Prince Hall Masonic Family Sisters at their finest.  The attire is Business or Masonic casual.  Please support the sisters.

On Friday, June 23, 2023, at 7:30 a.m. the 148th Annual Grand Communication will commence with The Prince Hall Masonic Family Joint Opening Ceremony. You are strongly encouraged to attend as we prepare our hearts and minds for the Session.

The 148th Grand Communication will officially convene at 9:00 a.m.  Masonic dress is required.  Elected and appointed Grand Lodge Officers are required to wear Black tux with tails. Black tux is optional for the craft.

The Masonic Family Awards Luncheon will be at 12:00 noon Friday.

The Saint John’s Day and Memorial Service will be held on Friday at 7:00 p.m.  The procession will begin at 6:45 p.m.  A Lodge of Sorrow ceremony will be performed.   Masonic Dress with plain black tie, black shoes, black socks, white aprons and white gloves is the appropriate attire; no lapel pins.

The High Twelve Club will sponsor a dance following the St. John Day Service.

On Saturday, the Scholarship Luncheon will be held beginning at 12:00 noon. Scholarship winners from the OES, HOJ and Grand Lodge will be announced.

On Saturday afternoon after the close of the Grand Session, promptly at 3:30 p.m., all Elected and Appointed Grand Lodge Officers are required to attend the Annual Joint Installation Ceremony.    All Master Masons and guests are encouraged to attend.

On Saturday evening, the Annual Prince Hall Masonic Family Banquet will be held at 7:00 p.m.  The attire is white dinner jacket and shirt, black slacks and tie.  The Masonic collar is optional.

On Sunday, June 25, 2023, there will be a closeout meeting, SINE DIE.  Have safe travels home.