Gerald S. Borden, PGM 1978-1979

Gerald S. Borden, the son of the late James Edmer David Borden, Sr., and Anna Lee Borden King of Royalton, Illinois, was born in Russellville, Alabama, on October 17, 1941. He attended Russellville Elementary and Senior High Schools and is a graduate of International Correspondence Schools of Scranton, Pennsylvania, with a degree in Business Administration.  He has been employed by the Gas Board of Russellville for 15 years and has been manager of that department since February 1972.

Brother Borden is married to the former Jo Ann Hester of Sheffield. They have four daughters, Teresa, age 15, Lisa, age 14, and twins, Beverly and Ginger, age 3. Both Teresa and Lisa attend Russellville Senior High School. Brother Borden and his family reside in Russellville, Alabama, and attend Southside Baptist Church.

Brother Borden began his Masonic career October 14, 1965 when he was initiated an Entered Apprentice of Russellville Lodge and in just a little less than two months, on November 27, 1965, he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. In June of 1969, he was elected and served his Lodge as Worshipful Master. Upon completing his term as leader of his Lodge in 1970, he was awarded his first Grand Lodge appointment. He was appointed Assistant Lecturer of District 4, of Group 2, which he served for a year before being appointed Lecturer of the District for the year 1972. He served as Lecturer again in 1973 before being appointed to the Committee on Work in 1974. In 1975 he served as Chairman of the Committee on Work. In November 1975, he was elected Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden, and was installed as Most Worshipful Grand Master, November 22, 1978.

Brother Borden is a Charter member and Past President of the Northwest Alabama Proficiency Club. He is a member of The Huntsville Household, Master Chefs of the Temple.

Robert Charles Coley, PGM 1977-1978

Robert Charles Coley, the son of our- late Brother Oscar Floyd and Vivian Allen Coley, was born at Tarrant City, Jefferson County, Alabama, June 1, 1930. As he grew up, he attended elementary schools in Gadsden, Grove Hill and Mobile before he earned his diploma from Murphy High School, of Mobile, in May, 1947. He attended Birmingham’s Howard College (now Samford University) and the University of Alabama, in Birmingham, prior to his enlistment in the military in September 1950. He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean conflict. Receiving his discharge from the military, Brother Coley became a civilian employee of the U. S. Government, where he has served for more than twenty years. He is currently employed with the Naval Education and Training Command, Pensacola, Florida.

He is married to the former Katherine “Kitty” Maits, of Mobile, and they have two daughters and two sons. Their son, Dan, resides with them in the Hollinger’s Island Community, South of Mobile. They attend the Hollinger’s Island Baptist Church.

Grand Master Coley received his Blue Lodge Degrees in Eureka Lodge No. 64, Greenville, Alabama. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice August 2, 1954, was Passed and, on September 6, 1954, he was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. In July 1959, he transferred his membership into Guy T. Smith Lodge No. 883, Hollinger’s Island, Mobile, where he served as Worshipful Master during 1962-1963.

Brother Coley’s service in the Grand Lodge began in November 1964, when Most Worshipful Grand Master Tolbert D. Sharp appointed him a member of the Committee of Lodges Under Dispensation. His service on this Committee spanned five years, the last two as Chairman. He was appointed Lecturer of District 32 in 1969 and served as assistant Lecturer of the District in 1971-1972. Upon the creation of District 33, in November 1972, Brother Coley received the appointment as first Lecturer of the new District. Appointed to the Committee on Work in 1973, he served until his election as Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden in 1976, and on November 23, 1977, Brother Coley was elevated to the exalted office of Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Alabama.

He received the Scottish Rite Degrees in 1960 and served as Venerable Master of the Mobile Lodge of Perfection in 1968 and in October 1973, the Scottish Rite Supreme Council (Southern Jurisdiction) honored him with the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour. He received the Degrees and Orders of the Mobile York Rite Bodies in August 1974, and in August 1977, he was created a Knight Companion of St. Bernard Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine and he is a member of Abba Temple Shrine in Mobile.

Brother Coley is a charter member and Past President of the Alabama Masonic Historical Society; Past President of the Mobile County Masonic Breakfast Club; a charter member of the Mobile County Masters and Wardens Club and Albert J. Youndt Chapter No. 511, National Sojourners, Inc. He is, also, an honorary member of the Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Florida and the Florida Lodge of Masonic Research.

Brother Coley is a member of Hollinger’s Island Chapter No. 480, Order of the Eastern Star and is Past Patron, serving in 1976-1977. He has also been elected to membership in Wisteria Court No. 6, Order of the Amaranth, in Mobile.
In addition to his Masonic activities, Brother Coley is a very avid and active Citizens Band radio operator, and holds membership in several CB Radio Clubs and Associations.

Wilbur O. Harden, PGM 1976-1977

Wilbur O. Harden, the son of Clarence O. and Emma Edwards Harden, was born in Titus, Elmore County, Alabama, September 24, 1916. Growing up in Elmore County, Brother Harden acquired his early education in the Titus Elementary and- Junior High Schools. Upon completing Junior High School, he attended Wetumpka High School, where he graduated in May 1934. He went on to study for two years at Auburn University and, also, attended Massey Business College in Montgomery. Brother Harden entered professional baseball, playing in the Minor Leagues for part of two years, 1938-1939, and was employed as a salesman for three years with Armour Packing Company and Cudahy Packing Company, of Montgomery, before enlisting in the U. S. Army Air Corps where he served from October 1942 until February 1946.

Receiving his discharge from the Army Air Corps, he went into the building material and contracting business in Opelika, Alabama, in 1946. Two years later, in September of 1948, he returned to Elmore County to operate a general merchandising business at Wallsboro, Alabama, until 1958. In June of 1952, he went to work for Alabama Power Company, where he was employed in the Security Department of Jordan Dam, on the Coosa River. He retired September 30, 1976.

Brother Harden married Miss Doris Garrett, of Selma, Alabama, August 24, 1940. They have one daughter, Mrs. Gary (Joy) Strong and two granddaughters, Emily and Wendy Strong.

Brother Harden’s years of dedicated Masonic Service were launched when his petition was accepted and Wetumpka Lodge No. 39 initiated him an Entered Apprentice, January 25, 1949.  He was Passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft, February 8, 1949 and, on February 19, 1949, he was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. He served the stations and offices of the Lodge and was installed Worshipful Master in 1957. He served as Worshipful Master again in 1964 and in 1968 and assisted in the formation of the Past Masters Club of Wetumpka Lodge.  He also contributed to the creation of the Elmore County Masonic Association and its annual Masonic Day Observance. He was made a Life Member of Wetumpka Lodge January 17, 1975.

He received his first Grand Lodge appointment in 1964, when Most Worshipful Grand Master William Wallace, Jr. selected him to fulfill the duties of Lecturer of District Twenty. He very capably served as Lecturer until, in 1970, he was chosen to be the member of the Committee on Work from Group Four. He served on the Committee on Work until he was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1974. In 1975, he was elevated to the office of Deputy Grand Master.

Brother Harden is a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Montgomery; the York Rite Bodies of Montgomery and St. Asaph Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, in Montgomery. He is a member of Bandar Grotto, Montgomery, which he served as Monarch in 1968. He is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and served Fort Toulouse Chapter No. 448 of Wetumpka, as Worthy Patron in 1967 and again in 1968. He is Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma near the Grand Lodge of Alabama.

Brother Harden and Doris, reside on the shores of Lake Jordan, Titus, Alabama. He is a member of the Titus Methodist Church

Thomas B. Whaley, PGM 1975-1976

Thomas B. Whaley was born June 23, 1907, in Houston, Texas, the son of Samuel E. and Jessie Givens Whaley. In 1912, as he approached school age, Brother Whaley’s family moved into the Birmingham area, where he attended elementary schools in Birmingham and Warrior, Alabama, and graduated from Warrior Senior High School. Also, he attended special classes to study sales and store management. Brother Whaley was employed as manager of a chain grocery store before accepting employment with United States Steel Corporation, where he learned the trade of “Die-Setter”. Later, he became Labor Foreman and Relief Foreman, Cleaning Lines and Shear Lines. He retired as Director of Packaged Products, Cold Reduction Department, with a record of 42 years of continuous service.

Brother Whaley met Miss Laura Mae McDonald, of Birmingham, Alabama, and they were married May 2, 1931. They have two children, one daughter, Mrs. Dorothy M. Shields and one son, James T. Whaley, both of Birmingham. He is a charter member of Parkview Baptist Church where he formerly taught the Intermediate Sunday School Class.

Brother Whaley began his service to Masonry thirty years ago when he was accepted and initiated an Entered Apprentice of King Hiram Lodge No. 774, Birmingham, on August 20, 1945. He was Passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft September 3, 1945 and, fourteen days later, on September 17, 1945, he was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. He served through the Chairs of King Hiram Lodge No. 774 and was installed Worshipful Master in June 1953. In 1955, he accepted the duties and responsibilities of Instructor and Director of the Ritualistic work of King Hiram Lodge, a position he served for four years.

In 1959, Most Worshipful Grand Master Gordon L. Evatt gave him his first Grand Lodge Appointment. He was appointed Assistant Lecturer of the Thirteenth Masonic District. He served Grand Lodge Appointments continuously from that time until he was elected Junior Grand Warden in November 1974. Among his many appointments, he served as a District Lecturer; a member of the Committee on Work, as Grand Marshal for Most Worshipful Grand Master James W. Cooper and as Chairman of the “Pennies Program” of the Alabama Masonic Home Endowment Fund.

Brother Whaley was elected and served as Senior Grand Warden in 1975 and was elevated to the exalted office of Grand Master of Masons in Alabama on November 19, 1975.

Brother Whaley is a Life member of the Birmingham. Metro York Rite Bodies and is a Life Sponsor of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. He is, also, a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Birmingham; a member of Bell Ash Chapter No. 156, Order of the Eastern Star and is Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Rio Grande De Sol, Brazil, near the Grand Lodge of Alabama.

Brother Whaley and his wife, Laura, reside at 4636 Court R, in the City of Birmingham, Alabama. [ALGL PROCEDINGS]

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.
[ALGL PROCEDINGS]

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.
[ALGL PROCEDINGS]

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.
[ALGL PROCEDINGS]

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.

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.