Profiles of J.S. Watson # 23
Past Most Worshipful Grand Masters
Profile of
Robert N. Davis
85th Grand Master of
Pennsylvania Jurisdiction
Robert N. Davis was born in Philadelphia PA, the son of Robert O. and Ida Mae Davis. He aquired his education in the Philadelphia School System, graduating from Central High School; and in 1946 entered Temple University, School of Business Administration.
With the advent of W.W.II, he was inducted into the Armed Forces in 1942, serving as an Administrative Non-Commission Officer with SHAFF Headquarters, (U.S. Army) European Theater of Operations. In 1946, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sgt. First Class. With the outbreak of the Korean cohflict, he was recalled to active military duty with the 307th Army Field Band, 3rd Army Corp., serving as its Administrative Officer until 1953, when he returned to civilian life.
In 1946,he entered the U.S. Postal Service. Over the course of years, he was assigned to various departments such as the Claims/Inquiry and Customer Services Offices. In 1970, he was assigned to the Finance Division, Accounting Section. At the time of his retirement in 1979, he held the position of Accounting Technician in charge of disbursements. In April, 1944, he and the former Gloria C. Ballard were united in holy matrimony. They have one son, Robert Edward, four grandsons and one granddaughter. They are both members of St. Mathews, AME Church, 57th & Summer Streets, Phila.
Bro. Davis is a member of the N.A.A.C.P., and the National Postal Association, former Trustee of the United Fund and the recipient of the "Certificate of Merit Award" from the Chapel of Four Chaplains. On June 27,1978, he was inducted to the Penna. State Senate and presented him its "Congratulatory Resolution." In 1978, the U.S. Postal Service presented him its "Achievement Award" for his involvement in community affairs.
Bro. Davis joined Masonry in October 1947, as a member of John S. Watson Lodge #23, and served as Worshipful Master in 1958. Also served the 1st Masonic District in various positions and holds honorary membership in several lodges. He served as Administrative Secretary for the Grand Master from 1956 - 1960. In 1961, he was elected as the R.W. Assistant Grand Secretary. Served as R.W. Grand Secretary from 1962 until 1977, when he was eleted R.W. Junior Grand Warden.
On October 11, 1983, the exalted and prestigious title of "Grand Master of Masons," the highest honor that can be achieved by a Master Mason was bestowed upon Past Master Robert N. Davis, #23. He was elevated to the honorary 33rd Degree of Masonry on May 9, 1977. His other Masonic memberships include: William Cooper Chapter, #6, H.R.A.M. (Past High Priest), DeMolay Conistory, #1, A.A.S.R; St. George Commandry, Knights Templars; Pyramid Temple,#1, A.F.A.O.N.M.S. (Past IIL Potentate); Knights of Pythagoras.
P.M.W.G.M. Robert N. Davis is also a member of Blanche P. Nottingham Chapter No. 84, O.E.S. In 1990, he was elevated to the status of Sovereign Grand Inspector General and elected to the office of Secretary General of the Holy Empire of the United Supreme Council, a position he served for a decade.
Profile of
Earl C. Abrams Sr.
Past Most Worshipful Grand Master
of the Pennsylvania Jurisdiction
Earl Christoper Abrams Sr. was elected Most Worshipful Grand Master on the 12th of October 2004 at the Annual Session of Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge held at the Adams Mark Hotel, City Avenue & Monument Road, Philadelphia, PA.
Earl C. Abrams Sr is the youngest of eleven children born to Robert and Ruby Abrams. He attended Philadelphia Public Schools and graduated in 1965 from Thomas A. Edison High School. He joined the United States Air Force after graduation, and was assigned to overseas and state locations, including Vietnam. He continued his education after his honorable discharge from the United States Air Force, earning a Bachelor Degree in Sociology from Temple University. He has a Masters Degree in Education from Antioch University and earned Post Graduate credits in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University. He also attended Xerox School of Management and the Federal Government's Management Institute. He has worked in the field of education for thirty years: he was employed for ten years at Community College of Philadelphia, and for the last twenty years managed education and testing programs for a Department of Defense Agency.
Past Grand Master Abrams has been involved in education issues since the 70's, he`was chairman of a national veterans organization, which required him to testify before the United States Senate and House of Representives. He was invited to the White House by Presdent Jimmy Carter and presented with a pen memorializing the signing of veterans education legistration. He recieved the Thomas McNulty Award from NJ Cooperative Industrial Educators for his work with students enrolled in vocational programs. He teaches team building for American Cities Foundation, and he is a recipient of "Men Making A Difference Award" presented by Congressman Chaka Fattah.
Past Grand Master Abrams is a twenty-five year member of John S. Watson #23, and served as the lodge Worshipful Master in 1983-84. His first grand lodge appointment was to the education committee by Grand Master Lorenzo Cruger. Grand Master Hebert N. Gibbons appointed him State Director of Education. He held two appoinnted positions during the administration of Grand Master Vernon Dobbs, State Director of Education and District Lecturer. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master by Grand Master Roland K. Lee and re-appointed to the office of District Deputy Grand Master by Grand Master Thomas A. Jackmon and Grand Master Howard A. Accoe. He was elected fourth constitutional office in the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge; Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden in 1998. He was elected Senior Grand Warden in 2000 and Deputy Grand Master in 2002. His theme for his administration was Leadership, Commitment, and Growth.