Carl Charles Cooper, PGM 1956-1957

Charles Cooper was born July 5, 1908 in Chilton County, near Mountain Creek, Alabama; the son of Charles Cooper and Laura Miller Cooper. His boyhood was spent in Marbury and Verbena, Alabama. He received his education in the public schools of Marbury, Verbena and Lanett, Alabama. At an early age, he became interested in the building business, first as a bricklayer in 1924. Since 1938 he has been in the General Contracting Business, having erected many fine buildings throughout the State.

In September, 1928 he moved to Selma, Alabama and on June 21, 1929 he was happily married to Miss Ruby Wood of Selma, Alabama. They were blessed with three children: Mrs. H. J. Riley, Thomas Eugene Cooper and Linda Marie Cooper.

He was an active Deacon in the First Baptist Church of Selma and enjoyed the privilege of leading the singing in his Sunday School Class.

He was initiated in Selma Fraternal Lodge No. 27 on February 24, 1947, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft March 10, 19447, and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on March 17, 1947. He was elected Senior Warden of the Lodge in June 1947 and was elected and served the Lodge as Worshipful Master from June 24, 1948 to June 24, 1949. He received the Capitular degrees in Montgomery Council Royal and Select Masters No. 3, on March 19, 1954. He received the Orders of The Temple in Selma Commandery No. 5, Knights Templar on November 8, 1947. He was initiated in Alcazar Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. on November 25, 1947. He was initiated in Dallas Chapter No. 184, Order of the Eastern Star on August 14, 1947.

He was appointed District Lecturer of the 24th District, Group 5, on November 17, 1948 by now Past Grand Master J. Clifton Roe and he served in that capacity until November 22, 1950 when he was appointed a member of the Committee on Work, Group 5, by now Past Grand Master, Franklin W. Parks, and served as a member of the Committee on Work until November 18, 1953 when he was elected Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden. He was regularly advanced and on November 21, 1956 was elected and installed Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alabama.

In all his undertakings he has made a success and served with honors whenever entrusted with responsibility whether it was in his Church, Civic, or Fraternal duties. Brother Carl Charles Cooper passed away March 20, 1978.”

Troy Leander Nunn, PGM 1955-1956

The subject of this sketch was born February 23, 1898 on a farm near the little town in which he now resides, Hartselle, Morgan County, Alabama, the son of Mattie Callaway Nunn and the late Samuel Nunn. His boyhood days were spent in a wholesome atmosphere among the people of sterling qualities and high ideals. He received his education in the public schools of Morgan County. At an early age he decided to leave the farm and seek employment elsewhere, and for several years working at various jobs until 1923 when he was employed by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in the Building Department. During the next fourteen years he “was thus employed and was located in many States in the South and East which made it possible for him to meet many people in all walks of life, thereby enabling him to better understand the problems which confront the people of his native Southland. In 1937 he decided to return to his home town of Hartselle, Alabama and go into the Jewelry business. He has enjoyed a successful business in this field for more than eighteen years, but most of all, he enjoys and values his many friends made during the years spent in his home town.

He is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Hartselle and a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He is also past president of the Rotary Club and is at present, serving as Chairman of the City Council. He was elected to this position three years ago, and enjoys the respect and admiration of a host of acquaintances.

Brother Troy L. Nunn was initiated in Hartselle Lodge No. 398 F& A M on June 23, 1939, passed on July 18, 1939 and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on August 1, 1939, He was elected and served the Lodge as Worshipful Master from June 1940 to June 1943. He was elected and served Hartselle Chapter No. 39, Order of the Eastern Star as Worthy Patron from June 1940 to June 1941. He is a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for the Southern Jurisdiction, Alabama Consistory No. 1, Valley of Birmingham, having received his 32nd degree on April 5, 1946. He is a member of Zamora Temple A. A. O N . M. S. having been initiated May 18, 1946 and is now a member of the Decatur Shrine Club.

John William Preddy, PGM 1954-1955

John William Preddy was born September 7, 1909 in Nashville, Tennessee and is the son of Fred A. Preddy and Jessie Waters Preddy. He was educated in the public schools of Birmingham, Alabama. He joined the United States Navy in 1925 and remained in the service until December, 1933. From December 1933 to December of 1934 he worked at T. C. I. On December 13, 1934 he went to work for the Birmingham Police Department where he has remained ever since.

He is a member of the Central Park Methodist Church.

He married Miss Helen Brunton of Charlottesville, Virginia on August 25, 1936, and to them has been born a daughter, Miss Valeria Ann Preddy, a student at Central Park Elementary
School at Birmingham, Alabama.

John William Preddy was initiated in Fairview Lodge No. 644 F. & A. M., Birmingham, Alabama on April 16, 1940, passed on April 30, 1940 and raised on May 14, 1940. He was elected
and served the Lodge as Worshipful Master from June 24, 1943 to June 24, 1944. On retiring as Master, he was elected and served the Lodge as Secretary from 1944 to 1951.

He received the Scottish Rite degrees, Valley of Birmingham, Orient of Alabama in 1944. He is past Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection, Past Wise Master of the Chapter of Rose Croix and is Commander of Council of Kadosh and Marshal in Alabama Consistory. He received the Knights Commander Court of Honor on October 16, 1951. He was exalted to the most sublime degree of Royal Arch Masonry in Woodlawn Chapter No. 146 on November 7, 1953;
was received and Greeted as a member of Woodlawn Council No. 71 Royal and Select Masters on November 21, 1953 and was Knighted in Woodlawn Commandery K. T. on May 15, 1954.
He is a member of Mary Echols Chapter No. 125 O. E. S. and is a member of Zamora Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Birmingham, Alabama.

He was elected and served the Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Alabama as Grand Tiler in November 1948 and served in that office until November 9, 1951 when he was elected Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Alabama. He was regularly advanced and on November 17, 1954 was elected and installed Most Worshipful Grand Master.

He is a man of great sterling worth, distinguished for his solid common sense, understanding and good judgment and he is loved by all who know him for his kind and tender heart,
and loyalty to his friends and principles.
[Grand Masters of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons The State of Alabama 1821-2008 by Donna R. Causey]

Leonard Stacy Terry, PGM 1953-1954

“Leonard Stacy Terry the son of L. Clint Terry and Susie Goodwin Terry, was born May 24, 1898 near Courtland, Lawrence County, Alabama. He was educated in the public schools of Lawrence County. He was appointed as rural letter carrier on Route No. 1, Courtland, Alabama, at the age of 19. In 1919, he transferred to Route No. 2, Hillsboro, Alabama. He was a Steward in the Hillsboro Methodist Church.

He married Miss Catherine Bailey of Hillsboro, Alabama on June 21, 1922 and to them was born a son, Bailey Terry and a daughter, Miss Julia Sue Terry. Leonard Stacy Terry was initiated in Courtland Lodge No. 37 on July 14, 1919, Passed Aug.14, 1919, and Raised on Sep.9, 1919. After serving in various stations, he served as Master for the year 1929-30 and Secretary in 1953. He was exalted as a Royal Arch Mason in Decatur Chapter No. 38, Decatur, Alabama, on November 17, 1921 and served as High Priest of that Chapter for the year 1934-35. He was anointed, consecrated and set apart to the Holy Order of High Priesthood on December 2, 1935. He was Knighted in DeMolay Commandery No. 14 K.T. of Decatur, Alabama on December 6, 1951 and was a member of Zamora Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. of Birmingham, Alabama, having been initiated on May 30, 1953. He was initiated into Town Creek Chapter O.E.S. No. 249 on August 16, 1926, and served as Worthy Patron in 1931-32. When Courtland Chapter No. 498 was organized in 1951, he demitted from Town Creek and affiliated with Courtland. His zeal, faithfulness and devotion to the Masonic Fraternity has been proven by service throughout the years. He served the Grand Lodge of Alabama as District Lecturer and a member and Chairman of the Committee on Work.

On November 22, 1950, he was elected Junior Grand Warden, and successively advanced each year to the station of Grand Master in 1953.

“Brother Leonard Stacy Terry died in Starkville, Mississippi, March 4, 1976. He served as Superintendent of the Alabama Masonic Home 1962-1967.

He was one of the most faithful, steadfast and honorable Masons of our State. We all are made poorer by his leaving us.”

Joseph Spangler Southhall, PGM 1952-1953

Joseph Spangler Southall, was born April 20, 1889, at Sunny-South, Wilcox County, Alabama, the son of Alexander M. and Alma Spangler Southall. He was educated in the public schools of Wilcox County, moving at the age of 10 years to Mobile where he continued his education at Barton Academy. He has been connected with Industrial and Mill Supply Houses as a factory representative since 1910.

He is a member of the All Saints Episcopal Church in Mobile, Alabama.  On April 24, 1911 he married Miss Irma I. Steber of Mobile. The union has been blessed with four children: one son, Joseph S. Southall, Jr., New Orleans, Louisiana; three daughters: Myrtle  (Mrs. William Wallace, Jr.), Mobile, Alabama; Irma Inez (Mrs. Robert F. Flinn), Mobile, Alabama, and Betty Carolyn (Mrs. Harvey N. Blakeney), Mobile, Alabama, and one granddaughter, Marilyn Flinn, Mobile, Alabama.

Joseph Spangler Southall was initiated in Athelstan Lodge No. 369 of Mobile, Alabama on April 5, 1919, Passed on May 3, 1919 and. Raised on May 14, 1919. He was elected and served
the Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1923-24.

He received the Capitular Degrees in Mobile Chapter No. 21 R. A. M. on January 28, 1921.  He was received and Greeted in Mobile Council No. 12 R. & S. M. on July 21, 1921. He was Knighted in Mobile Commandery No. 2 K. T. on July 1, 1921. He was initiated in Abba Temple A. A. O. N. M. S. on April 11, 1923 and is a Charter member of Al. Hassen Grotto. He was initiated in Veritas Chapter No. 175 O. E. S. on November 28,1922 and served as Worthy Patron in 1924-25. He demitted from that Chapter and became a Charter member of Birdie  Winston Chapter No. 391 in 1929. He was elected and served the Grand Chapter O. E. S. of Alabama as Worthy Grand Patron in 1930-31. He was later elected and served the Birdie Winston Chapter No. 391 as Worthy Patron in 1943-44.

For many years he served the Grand Lodge of F. & A. M. of Alabama as a District Lecturer and a member of the Committee on Work. On November 23, 1949 Brother Southall was elected Junior Grand Warden of the M. W. Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Alabama and was regularly advanced and on November 19, 1952 was elected and installed Most Worshipful Grand Master.

He is a man of cheerful disposition, quick to make friends, zealous in the interest of Masonry and well known for his solid common sense, fine understanding and good judgment. Brother “Joe” is loved by all who know him for his generosity and loyalty to his friends and principles.
[Grand Masters of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons The State of Alabama 1821-2008 by Donna R. Causey]

Franklin Warren Parks, PGM 1950-1951

“Franklin Warren Parks, born January 11, 1898, at Brundidge (Pike County), Alabama, the son of Franklin Butler Parks and Alice Harden Parks, was educated in the public schools of Pike County.

He served in the 1st World War during the years 1917-1919, spending 15 months overseas in France and Belgium.

In 1920 he came to Montgomery and attended Massey’s Business College. He made his home in Montgomery and operated a Decorating business.

He married Miss Mae Schoefield of Crenshaw County on August 2nd, 1922, and to their union three children, William P., Joseph Robert and Patricia Ann were born. He was a member of the Capitol Heights Methodist Church in Montgomery.

Brother Parks was initiated an E.A. in Keystone Lodge No. 778 A.F. & A. M. at Montgomery, Alabama on January 12, 1937, passed to degree of Fellowcraft on January 26, 1937, was raised to Sublime Degree of Mason on February 23, 1937. He was elected Junior Deacon in 1939 and served as Worshipful Master of his lodge during the year 1941-42. He was appointed Assistant District Lecturer of the 21st Masonic District in 1940, and District Lecturer in 1941-42-43. He served as a member on Committee on Work in 1945-46-47. He was appointed as Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of Western Australia in 1947. He was elected Junior Grand Warden, November 1947. Brother PARKS received the Scottish Rite degree in May 1939, served as Venable Master, Sept. 19, 1945 to Feb. 5, 1947, received 32nd degree K.C.C.H. on Oct. 21, 1947. He was made a member of Alcazar Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., Montgomery, Alabama May 26, 1939 and was exalted to the Most Sublime Degree of R.A.M. on July 10, 1945 in Montgomery Chapter No. 22. He was received and acknowledged a R. & S. M. on March 4, 1948 in Montgomery Council No. 3. Brother PARKS was Knighted a K.T. in Montgomery Commandery K. T. No. 4 on March 8, 1948. He was a Charter Member of the Past Master Association in Montgomery and was initiated in Hinda Grotto March 15, 1941 where he served as Monarch during the year 1942. He received the degrees of the Order of the Eastern Star in Elizabeth Armstrong Chapter No. 10, Montgomery, in 1948.

In the fraternal circles of the State he was held in the highest esteem, attested by the fact that he was honored by the highest office in the gift of his fraternal brethren. Socially he was one of the most genial and companionable of men and numbers among his close personal friends, men in every walk and station in life. Grand Master PARKS was capable and honest, and noted for his sterling integrity in dealing with all matters pertaining to his official duties, endeavoring at all times to follow our teachings Do good unto all; recommend it more especially “to the household of the faithful.”

Brother Parks passed away March 13, 1966 following a sudden seizure at a Shrine Dinner in honor of the Imperial Potentate.”

Joseph Clifton Roe, PGM 1948-1949

“Joseph Clifton Roe was born September 23, 1893, on a farm near Newburg in Franklin County, Alabama, the son of Frank Sykes Roe and Lucy Tubb Roe. He was educated in the public schools of Franklin County and the State Teachers College at Florence, Alabama. He taught five years in Lawrence and Franklin Counties.

In World War I, he served in the United States Navy. Beginning as City Carrier, he was employed in the Post Office at Russellville, Alabama October 1, 1919 and became Assistant Postmaster by 1948. He married Miss Rhoda Hargett on July 5th, 1920 and was a member of the First Baptist Church, Russellville, Alabama.

He was initiated in Newburg Lodge No. 388, on November 3, 1917, passed December 1, 1917, and raised January 5, 1918. On returning from service, he was elected Senior Warden, June 1919. He demitted from Newburg Lodge, July 2, 1921 and affiliated with Russellville Lodge No. 371 on September 3, 1921. After having filled the chairs in this Lodge, he was elected Worshipful Master in June 1926.

He received the Capitular degrees in Tuscumbia Chapter No. 10, Royal Arch Masons, May 15, 1924. Brother Roe was a charter member of Russellville Chapter No. 164, R.A.M., organized May 20, 1925 and was Past High Priest of the Chapter. He received the Cryptic Degrees in Young S. Harrington Council No. 74, Florence, Alabama on November 19, 1945. Brother Roe received the Orders of Red Cross and Malta on October 11, 1944 and the Order of the Temple on October 18, 1944 in DeMolay Commandery of Knights Templar No. 14 of Decatur, Alabama. On December 6, 1945 he demitted from this Commandery and affiliated with Florence Commandery No. 39, Florence, Alabama. He was a member of Zamora Temple, A. A. O.N.M.S., of Birmingham, Alabama, having been initiated December 9, 1944. In the Order of the Eastern Star, he was a Charter member of Russellville Chapter No. 256, organized June 22, 1920 and was Past Patron of the Chapter. He was a charter member of North Alabama Shrine No. 7 White Shrine of Jerusalem, Decatur, Alabama organized March 24, 1948.

In the Grand Lodge of Alabama, he was appointed District Lecturer of the Fourth District on December 6, 1940, and served in that capacity until December 6, 1944 when he was elected Junior Grand Warden. He was regularly advanced and on November 17, 1948 was elected Most Worshipful Grand Master.

His record of Service as a line officer was one of faithfulness and ever present readiness to do what was asked of him. His friendly and delightful personality endeared him to all Masons wherever he visited. He had the faculty of getting things done in a manner of making the craft enjoy their labors, thereby creating a wholesome, happy and united Fraternity.” Lxxvi [1948 Pro] [Grand Masters of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons The State of Alabama 1821-2008 by Donna R. Causey]

Irving Eugene Farmer, PGM 1947-1948

“Brother Farmer was born April 9, 1902 on a farm near Collinsville, Dekalb County, Alabama, the son of Eugene and Lucy Plukett Farmer. He was educated in the public schools of Dekalb County, Alabama. In 1926 he moved to Fort Payne where he established business connections and lived until his death.

On January 3, 1931, he married Miss Minda Ann Safford of Lebanon, Alabama. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Payne, Alabama.

Brother Farmer was a faithful and zealous worker in Masonry. He first entered Masonry in Van Buren Lodge No. 355 at Collinsville on December 28, 1923, passed January 11, 1924 and raised January 25, 1924. After having filled all the chairs, he served as Worshipful Master in 1927. Later he moved his membership to Fort Payne Lodge No. 437. He held membership in the York Rite Bodies, Eastern Star and Zamora Temple. For several years he served as District Lecturer, Member and Chairman of the Committee on Work. In 1942 he was elected Junior Grand Warden and being regularly advanced, in November 1947 he was elected Grand Master.

Bro. Farmer began a renewed consciousness in money matters for Masonry in Alabama, especially in his main project, the Endowment Fund. He took an inventory of the herd, livestock, and poultry at the 276 acre Masonic Home and strongly recommended a building expansion program.

As we share his loss with his wonderful Wife of 41 years, Minda, we are reminded that in the midst of life we are in death, and may we so live and act that we may be fittingly prepared to die when the hour of our departure is at hand thereby again meeting our loved ones in that “Beautiful Land Far Beyond the Sky”.

Brother Farmer was a man of genial disposition, he loved and enjoyed the company of his brethren and was always ready to give his time, energy and ability to serve our fraternity and humanity. He exhibited a genuine love for Masonry, his fellow man and most especially our Masonic Home that was so dear to his heart. He will be greatly missed in the circles of Alabama Masonry. “

Clarence Edward Michaels, PGM 1946-1947

“CLARENCE EDWARD MICHAELS was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, on February 26, 1888, the son of AUGUSTUS P. and MARY MICHAELS. He was educated in the Public Schools of Chillicothe, Ohio and from 1902 to 1907 was employed by the B. & O.S. W. Railroad as Stenographer and Clerk. On October 1, 1907 he came to Birmingham, Alabama and entered the employ of the L.& N. Railroad as Stenographer and Accountant. From 1914 to 1917, he operated Metal Culver plants at Portsmouth, Ohio and Savannah, Georgia, and on June 8, 1917 returned to Birmingham, Alabama and entered the employ of the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Co., as Stenographer and Clerk in the Purchasing Department and where he served as Buyer. On August 15, 1912, he married Miss MARTHA SCHOEL of Birmingham, Alabama and to them three children were born,, two daughters and one son.

He was a member of the First Christian Church of Birmingham, Alabama and of the Exchange Club of Birmingham, Alabama.

CLARENCE EDWARD MICHAELS was initiated in Woodlawn Fraternal Lodge No. 525 of Birmingham, Alabama on September 29, 1921, passed October 13, 1921 and raised October 20, 1921. He served this Lodge as Worshipful Master for the years 1928-1929 and on June 26, 1940 was elected a Trustee of the Lodge. He served the Lodge as Secretary Pro Tem during the illness and until the death of their Secretary from July 19, 1934 to September 26, 1935. In the Grand Lodge of Alabama he was elected Junior Grand Warden on December 4, 1940, was regularly advanced and on November 20, 1946 was elected Most Worshipful Grand Master.

He received the Capitular degrees in Woodlawn Chapter No. 146, Royal Arch Masons of Birmingham, Alabama on November 16, 1923 and served the Chapter as High Priest for the year 1931-1932. He was elected a Trustee of the Chapter on June 14, 1935. He received the Cryptic degrees in Woodlawn Council No. 71 Royal and Select Masters of Birmingham, Alabama on March 15, 1924 and served the Council as Thrice Illustrious Master for the year 1934-1935. He was elected a Trustee of the Council on June 12, 1935. In the Grand Council of Alabama, he was elected Grand Conductor of Council on December 4, 1934, was regularly advanced and on November 30, 1937 was elected Most Illustrious Grand Master. He received the Orders of the Temple in Woodlawn Commandery No. 31 Knights Templar of Birmingham, Alabama on March 14, 1924 and served the Commandery as Eminent Commander for the year 1934. He also served the Chapter, Council and Commandery as Secretary and Recorder Pro Tem during the illness and until the death of the Secretary and Recorder from 1934 to 1935. He received the 32nd degree of the A.A. Scottish Rite in the Bodies of Birmingham, Alabama on Nov. 9, 1945. He was a member of Zamora Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. of Birmingham, Alabama, having been initiated on May 25, 1925.

Brother MICHAELS was a devoted worker for the benefit of Masonry in all its branches, and was ever alert to guard its interest and ready to do all in his power to promote its good. His genial disposition, charitable heart and constant concern for the welfare of the brethren made him beloved by all.

He passed away in Birmingham, March 22, 1955.”

James Matthew Jones, Sr., PGM 1944-1946

“James Matthew Jones, the son of Randolph Pittman and Mattie Lou Jones, was born September 6, 1894 at Malvern, Geneva County, Alabama, He attended the Public Schools of Geneva County, Alabama and the B.C.I. College, Newton, Alabama. From 1917 to 1924 he was engaged in the hotel industry in various cities of the South. In 1924 he came to Dothan, Alabama and engaged in the grocery business and farming. He was married July 17, 1920 to Miss Lila Loretta Harman of Graniteville, South Carolina, and their union was blessed by one son, James Matthew Jones, Jr. Bro. Jones was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Dothan, Alabama.

James Matthew Jones was made a Master Mason on April 28, 1925 in Pythagoras Lodge No. 659 of Dothan, Alabama. He filled all the chairs in that Lodge and was elected Worshipful Master in June 1938. In December 1937 he was appointed Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge by Grand Master Samuel B. Adams and in December 1939 was elected Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Alabama. He was regularly advanced and on December 6, 1944 was elected Most Worshipful Grand Master.

He received the Royal Arch degree in Dothan Royal Arch Chapter No. 113 of Dothan, Alabama on March 18, 1940. He served the Chapter as High Priest in 1941 and 1942. In December 1940 he was elected Grand Master of the 2nd Veil of the Royal Arch Chapter of Alabama and was Grand Captain of the Host. On April 27, 1944 he was appointed Grand Representative of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Western Australia in the Grand Chapter of Alabama. He received the Holy Order of Priesthood on November 30, 1942 in the Council of Anointed High Priest of Alabama. He received the Cryptic Degree in Dothan Council No. 68 of Dothan, Alabama on September 28, 1942. Bro. Jones was Knighted in Dothan Commandery No. 25 Knights Templar of Dothan, Alabama on April 11, 1940 and served the Commandery as Eminent Commander in 1944. He received the degrees of the Scottish Rite from the 4th through the 18th degree in the bodies of this Rite in Dothan, Alabama in 1926 and served as Venerable Master of Dothan Lodge of Perfection for two years. He was a member of Dothan Chapter No. 76 Order of the Eastern Star and served four years as Associate Patron of this Chapter.

Brother Jones was a zealous and enthusiastic worker in all the Bodies of Masonry. He was ever alert to serve and benefit the Craft and untiring in his efforts to promote its best interest.
Brother Jones passed away in Dothan, Houston County, Alabama July 9, 1959. He was the last Grand Master to hold two consecutive terms.” lxxiii[1944 Pro][1959 Pro] [Grand Masters of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons The State of Alabama 1821-2008 by Donna R. Causey]