John S. Watson Lodge #23 of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, F&AM
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Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
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We Meet Every Third Sunday at 4301 North Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19140
 


 
              


      

 

                                  WORSHIPFUL MASTER

                                        ERIC WILLIAMS

 

 

 

 

 

 


                                                                                         The Pillars

       Senior Warden           Worshipful Master       Junior Warden

       John F. Fulton               Eric Williams          Dwigth A. Martin

                                  


 

 

 

 
 
 
 
THE HISTORY OF JOHN S. WATSON LODGE NO. #23

In the year of 1937, a group of musicians were made Master Masons and awaited assignment to various lodges within the First Masonic District. This group of Master Masons became known as the “Grand Lodge Band”. On Tuesday, December 14th, 1937, they made their official appearance before the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

It was desire of these men to have a lodge of their own. On April 1st, 1938, the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Harry A. Paxton directed the District Deputy Grand Master, James C. Swinson, of Philadelphia Lodge #74 to constitute a Lodge of Master Masons out of a group so styled the Grand Lodge Band. This group was to be known as John S. Watson U.D. (under dispensation).

Their prayers were answered on December 12th, 1938 at the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge’s 123rd Annual Communication. On the second day of the 123rd Annual Communication, the committee on Dispensations and Charters recommended that John S. Watson U.D. be made a regular constituted lodge. This recommendation was voted on and passed. On December13th, 1938 a charter was issued from the Grand Lodge under the signature and seal of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, making John S. Watson U.D., a regular constituted lodge.

The records of the Grand Lodge indicate that the meeting date of this lodge was changed from the 3rd Tuesday to the 3rd Sunday of each month in the year of 1942. This action made John S. Watson #23, the first lodge in the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania to meet on Sundays.

This Lodge was named after Bro. John S. Watson (a member of Philadelphia Lodge #74) who was the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary Of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania from 1921 to his death on April 27th, 1936.

The officer and members of this lodge while working under a dispensation were:

Officers: James T. Stewart - Worshipful Master
W. Basil Jackson - Senior Warden
George W. Hyder - Junior Warden
Robert O. Davis - Treasurer
Townsend Pierce - Secretary

Members: Abram L. Pycraft Wilbur Jones Major Jenkins
William H. Payne Felix F. Turner Ernest Shields
William E. Nixon George W. Crosby Elmer Wilkins
Leslie Melbourne Morris Stepteau Haywood Simpson
Harry Marsh Thomas Page Cephus Reed
Clarence Thomas Gilbert Staton Moses Williams
Herman Scott Robert E. Wilson Darnley Belgrave
James T. Stewart W. Basil Jackson A. Donald Scott
Walter H. Lindsay George W. Hyder Kendrick Jackson
Robert O. Davis Townsend Pierce

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Compiled By: The Education Committee
Linwood McKinney
Samuel Withers
Elmer B. Chinn, Chairman

 
 
Philadelphia, PA
Updated Friday, July 30, 2010 9:54 PM
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Tuesday
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Web Master,  PM. Larry J. Wimberly
Any Questions or comments, Contact me at ljwim56@walkingthelight.org
 
       JOHN S. WATSON #23 
 
Our Lodge is indeed Proud to Have Two
Illustrious Past Grand Masters        
 
 
          Most Worshipful Past Grand Masters
 
ROBERT N. DAVIS             EARL C. ABRAMS Sr.