W.C. Thomas Lodge #112 Prince Hall Masons

Last Update 11/06/2011W.C. Thomas Lodge #112 F &AMPrince Hall Affiliated330 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta GA 30303

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THE MASTERS MOMENTBehold how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in Unity ~ Psalms 133 .Greetings and thank you for visiting the website of the brothers of W.C. Thomas Lodge #112, Prince Hall Masons. I am Brian C. Thomas, Worshipful Master of this Great Lodge and since 1892 we have established a tradition of service to the community, charity for those in need, and a desire to uphold the tenets of Freemasonry to everyone that we may encounter. Our motto for 2011 is setting the Standard through Service, Education, and BROTHERHOOD. Please take your time and enjoy your journey through our website.Fraternally, Brian C. Thomas, Worshipful Master
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MWPHGL OF GA

CORNERSTONE PODCAST

PHGCOES OF GA

Upcoming Events PRINCE HALL DAY WEEKEND - September 9th - 11ADOPT A HIGHWAY (I-20 & Boulevard) - September 24, 2011RUTH CHAPTER ANNUAL 5 POINT TEA - September 25, 2011HANDS ON ATLANTA (Community Service) - October 1, 2011ATLANTA AIDS WALK/RUN (Peidmont Park) - October 16, 2011THE EVENT (Scholarship Banquet) - November 5, 2011

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Trestle Board
Officers

WM Brian C. Thomas
SW Walter James
JW Roderick Brown
Sec PM Stanley Wingfield
Tres Lloyd James
SD Charles Thomas
JD John Moss
SS Andre Clark
JS Lamar Holt
Marshall Scott Webber
Tyler Mendez Jeffries
Chaplain Arthur Cliette
Asst Sec Rodney Mercer
Asst Tres Michael Montgomery

The Craft

Past Masters past

First Row: ADDGM M. Lewis, WM Brian C. Thomas, PM P. James

Second Row: PM D. Evans, PM K. Cooper, PM J. Tyrus, PM D. Hobson, PM T. Dacus, PM S. Wingfield,

Guestbook
Members Only Gallery

March of Dimes
River Boat Cruise
Gallery 3

March of Dimes April 30th 2011, W.C. Thomas Lodge #112 showed up and showed out to the March of Dimes in support of healthy babies. 112 along with AMD#3 was able to raise $1,350 in support of the cause!

River Boat Cruise

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Gallery 3

Gallery 3

History Our history was originally compiled by our late Brother Hamilton Holmes. Past Master Douglas Evans, III. has taken Bro. Holmes’ work further and has compiled a major work of art. The following is a brief synopsis.The question has been asked, who was W. C. Thomas? Well every so often when the stars align, a son is born who will change the fabric of Humanity. Such a man was born in Lagrange, Georgia on February 11, 1864. His mother was a cook and laborer, Mattie Hayes and he moved to Atlanta at the young age of twelve to attend school. William Charles Thomas attended the Storrs School (established by the American Missionary Association of Freedsmen). During the Campaign of President William Harrison, a young Charlie (as he was called) was appointed Chairman of the State Central Committee.What did Brother Thomas do for a living? We believe that he was one of the first Black Deputy U. S. Marshals in Atlanta for the Northern District of America. Starting around 1893 as the first African American to clerk in the U. S. Court, he worked for 18 years as Deputy U. S. Marshal under Colonel A. E. Buck and Walter H. Johnson. Bro. Thomas’ law enforcement career was stellar and he became the private Secretary for the U. S. Marshal. Charlie was also a notary and a clerk for the 6th Ward polls for three terms.Who was William Charles Thomas? He was a family man. W. C. Thomas was married to the former Mary Mosby (nicknamed Mamye). They had three children, all boys. William Jr, (the oldest) was called Charlie, there was Cassius, and then Walter. After Bro. Thomas’ Stepfather died in 1884, he took care of his mother and his Sister Daisy Hayes from Lagrange. The Thomas’ lived on Fort Street near Auburn Avenue in Atlanta’s famous Old Fourth Ward and they attended Saint Paul Episcopal Church in Atlanta.Still, they ask, who was Brother W. C. Thomas? He was an entrepreneur. William Thomas was the founder of the Great Southern Fire Insurance Company. This company later merged with the Bankers Fire Insurance Company. Bro Thomas and Grand Master Dr. H. R. Butler in 1907 came up with an ingenious business plan to assist the families of deceased Master Masons with money for burial protection. This business proposal formulated the Masonic Relief Association in 1908, which was run by Bro Thomas. Past Master Thomas was the Secretary of the MRA for 16 years until his The question has been asked, who was W. C. Thomas? Well every so often when the stars align, a son is born who will change the fabric of Humanity. Such a man was born in Lagrange, Georgia on February 11, 1864. His mother was a cook and laborer, Mattie Hayes and he moved to Atlanta at the young age of twelve to attend school. William Charles Thomas attended the Storrs School (established by the American Missionary Association of Freedsmen). During the Campaign of President William Harrison, a young Charlie (as he was called) was appointed Chairman of the State Central Committee.Finally, we know that our founder, W. C. Thomas was a Mason. We believe that he was made a Mason in 1890 and he was a District Deputy Grand Master appointed by GM John D. Campbell in 1891. That same year they instituted Crystal Lodge in the Thomasville part of east Atlanta. In 1892, Bro. Thomas helped to organize Crystal Lodge #112 at the Thomasville, Grand Lodge Session in 1892 under Grand Master Campbell. The charter members were Worshipful Master, W. C. Thomas, SW Henry A. Rucker, and JW J. M. Scott. Bro. Thomas was a Past Master of Crystal Lodge for at least 18 years between 1892 and 1915. He was a 32nd degree Mason and was well known all over the State of Georgia for his ritualistic knowledge. The earlier proceedings of the Grand Lodge document that Bro Thomas and GM Butler together organized many lodges throughout the State of Georgia. Legend also has it that W. C. Thomas would have run for the office of Grand Master but due to his job or an illness, he could not go to the Grand Lodge session of 1900. Consequently, his friend and lodge brother Henry Rutherford Butler went as his proxy and was elected as Deputy Grand Master (the first from the Atlanta area). This Masonic Giant, Past Master Thomas, served the craft faithfully and also represented the Grand Lodge for many years as the Chairman of Foreign Correspondence. He was given his Masonic Last Rites in 1924 by the Master of #112 William F. Gaines and his body was interred at Southview Cemetery. In 1935, over 40 years after Bro Thomas chartered the lodge, the name was changed by Grand Master John Wesley Dobbs to W. C. Thomas Lodge #112 in honor of our founding father.Written/Composed by: Past Grand Historian: PM Doug Evans, III

William Charles Thomas

Lodge of Sorrow

Lodge of Sorrow

And now, O Lord, we pray for thy hand to lead us in all the paths our feet must tread; and when the journey of life is ended, may light from our immortal home illuminate the dark valley and shadow of death, and voices of the loved welcome us to that "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

So Mote It Be

Past Master Lloyd James

GCM Henry Gresson

Scholarship

Horace Ruben Memorial Scholarship
January 1, 2011 Dear Applicant: Thank you for your interest in the Horace Ruben Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship bears the name of one of the Past Masters of William Charles Thomas Lodge #112 whom the members felt embodied the tenets of our organization. During its existence the scholarship has provided assistance to deserving young people to offset the high cost of their undergraduate educations. Our application process is competitive and selective, but not overwhelming. It is our goal to provide you ample opportunity to present your accomplishments and abilities as comprehensively as possible. Before beginning the application process, please be sure to read the instructions and the application thoroughly. On behalf of the members of WC Thomas Lodge #112, I wish you continued success in your educational endeavors. Sincerely, Walter James Horace Ruben Scholarship Committee, Chairman

Scholarship Application 2011.pdf

Masonry Defined

What is Freemasonry?
What is this mysterious art we call Freemasonry? There has been a great number of definitions offered, but one of the simplest and most direct is used by our English brethren: "Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated with symbols." The idea of teaching by symbols and allegories is not new; all great teachers have more or less followed this system. Albert Pike, a great Masonic scholar and writer, says, "Freemasonry is the subjugation of the Human that is in man by the moral sense and reason; a continued effort, struggle, and warfare of the spiritual against the material and sensual." Of course, these definitions need a great deal of explaining. Yet, Masonry is, when clearly understood, a great world-wide system of emancipation, in that it teaches its initiates to liberate obsolete creeds, and beliefs that do violence to the reasoning faculties of every intelligent, enlightened, and untrammeled human mind. Freemasonry is a system of morality by the practice of which its members may advance their spiritual interest. But it is definitely erroneous to suppose that Freemasonry is a system of religion. It is but a handmaiden of religion, although it largely and effectually illustrates one great branch of it- the practice of virtue. The system of morality, to which we have just referred, is that which every Mason is bound to profess and practice. If it includes principles with which he was familiar before he became a Mason, he will nevertheless find these presented here in new ways and under forms different from those with which he was previously familiar. If he does not find in Masonic teachings anything surprisingly new, he should remember that in many respects at least there is "nothing new under the sun"; and that the essence of morality is to be found in the utter simplicity (though not ease) of its requirements. Freemasonry is neither a religion, a political organization, nor a social club. It has for its foundation the basic principles of the Fatherhood of God, and the Brotherhood of Man, It teaches a belief in a Supreme Being, in the immortality of the soul, and that the Holy Bible is the inestimable gift of God to man as the rule and guide for his faith and practice. It is a Fraternity or brotherhood pledged to the building of character- thoughts, words, motives, and deeds being the materials used. It strives to teach man the duty he owes to God, his country, his neighbor, and to himself. It inculcates the practice of virtue and morality in daily conduct, and it conveys its teachings through ceremonies and symbols. During almost every period of human history men have set themselves apart from their fellows in groups (or clans). In many of these groups the members were bound by secrets known only to those selected for membership. In primitive eras of man's existence the idea seems to have developed that group protection would afford the greatest security against the harsh forces of nature and the evil actions of man; that such groups secure sympathy, support, and protection for those whose bond of union was made in a common cause. Early Freemasonry doubtless originated out of similar causes. There are no precise historical records now available to establish the first origin of Masonry; and if any ever existed, they are now completely buried in obscurity. However, its philosophy may be traced back to the remote ages, where the records actually exist in many cases. Its operative symbols are older than the temple of Solomon or the law of Moses, and many of its ceremonies may have been practiced in the ancient mysteries when Egypt stood as the most enlightened power of the world as then known. The mission of Masonry now is to teach men to curb their intemperate passions and to reconcile conflicting interests; to extend to nations those principles of humanity, benevolence, and virtue which should move individuals; to overcome the pride of conquest and the pomp of war; to destroy local prejudices and unreasonable partialities; to banish from the world every source of enmity, hatred, and hostility; and to introduce those voluntary social dealings among men which can preserve peace and good order better than penal laws or political regulations ever could. The advantages which mankind in general reaps from this science or morality are beyond calculation. Its blessings are not confined to any one country but are diffused by the Craft throughout the world. Men of every country, sect, and opinion are united in a strong bond of brotherly affection with the sole object of improving men and blessing mankind. A Mason is at home in every country and with his friends in every lodge. On the level of Masonry, we know only God and man. We know neither rich nor poor, neither royal blood nor peasant stock. Men of wealth, men of simple toil, philosophers, royal heirs, and hard-handed peasants meet here upon the level, upon a common ground as brothers; and God is the Father of them all. The Masonic fraternity is in no sense an insurance society; neither does it pay benefits in case of sickness or death. In a broad and correct sense, it is both educational and charitable. It extends such assistance only as it is willing and able to grant. It knowingly admits none to membership except those who are able to provide for themselves and those dependent upon them. Freemasonry teaches and gives opportunity to its members to inculcate morality, honesty and integrity in all walks of life, and to worthy members it renders assistance to a limited extent. It expects its members to obey the moral law and to practice charity towards all mankind, it believes that its members should have a strong desire to aid their fellow creatures. It has its own laws, rules, and regulations, and it requires a strict obedience thereto. Admission into Freemasonry must not be sought through idle curiosity, because of ambition for honors, in the hope of monetary gain or of business or political advancement, nor for mercenary or other unworthy motives. Masonry does not solicit members; it wants and welcomes men of high character and integrity who should seek admission entirely of their own free will and accord. The aim of the true Mason is to cultivate a brotherly feeling among men, and to help, aid, and assist whomsoever he can. (lecture from the Lodge System of Masonic Education)

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