The following is provided by the Grand Secretary. It is a news release that was sent to him by the Masonic Service Association of America:

NEWS

AUGUST 30, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: SIMON R. LAPLACE, 301-476-7330

APPEAL FOR RELIEF – TEXAS

The entire Gulf Coast of Texas was deluged with high winds and rain from Hurricane Harvey, setting records for rainfall from any single storm anywhere in the continental United States. Extensive building and property damage, electrical outages, unhealthy conditions caused by flooding, and widespread disruption of normal living conditions has occurred.

The Grand Lodge of Texas has requested this Disaster Appeal, to assist their many brethren who have been injured or who have received extensive damage to their homes from Hurricane Harvey.

Donations can be made online at www.msana.com. When remitting by check, please mark clearly that you wish the funds to go to the Texas Disaster Appeal.

Please forward any donations you feel appropriate to help our devastated Brothers and their families in this stricken jurisdiction to MSA. Please make checks payable to MSA Disaster Relief Fund and send to 3905 National Drive, STE 280, Burtonsville, MD 20866.

MSA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

# # #

Simon R. LaPlace, PGM, Executive Secretary
Masonic Service Association of North America
3905 National Drive, STE 280
Burtonsville, MD 20866
www.msana.com

Have you heard of the Mississippi Lodge of Research DCXL (MLOR)? The Lodge of Research functions much the same as any regular Lodge in the State of Mississippi, but with a focus on education and with some special privileges.

If you are interested in learning about the activities of the MLOR (where education activities might be taking place), or for updates on the celebrations surrounding the upcoming Bicentennial of The Grand Lodge of Mississippi, please subscribe to the MLOR E-Mail List.

More information about the purpose of the Mississippi Lodge of Research DCXL, their publications, their stated meeting dates and location, and membership information, can all be found on their website.

Brethren,

Phil Bryant, Governor of the State of Mississippi, has signed a PROCLAMATION, in which he recognizes both the Tricentennial of modern Freemasonry and the Bicentennial of Freemasonry in Mississippi.

A hearty Thank You to G∴M∴ Bryant, to the Freemasons THROUGHOUT the State of Mississippi, and to all Freemasons around the globe who endeavor every day to continue our Craft and convince the world of its good effects.

A scan of the original document is shown here (click the image or here to download a printable PDF) and the text of the document follows:

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PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the Grand Lodge of Mississippi of Free and Accepted Masons is an organization dedicated to the ancient landmarks of the Order of Freemasonry; and

WHEREAS, on June 24, 2017, all Masons wheresoever dispersed celebrated 300 years of Freemasonry; and

WHEREAS, on July 27, 1818, the Grand Lodge of Mississippi of Free and Accepted Masons was officially established in Natchez, Mississippi, by delegates from territorial lodges warranted almost fifteen years prior to the recognition of the newly established State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Masons are taught that all men are equal and individual freedom of thought and action, as well as morality and ethics, are the concepts and ideals upon which the Order is founded; and

WHEREAS, by teaching the great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth and through its fellowship, its compassion and its concern, Freemasonry enables men to serve God, family, country, neighbors and self.

NOW, THEREFORE I, Phil Bryant, Governor of the State of Mississippi, do hereby recognize the Grand Lodge of Mississippi of Free and Accepted Masons and all Mississippi Masonic Bodies as their members celebrate 300 years of modern Freemasonry and more than 200 years of Freemasonry in the State of Mississippi.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have herunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi to be affixed.

DONE in the City of Jackson, on the 14th day of July in the year of our Lord, two thousand and seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and forty-second.

PHIL BRYANT

GOVERNOR

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Past Grand Master Jerry Williams passed away at 12:10 this afternoon. More details will follow. Members are encouraged to check the Grand Lodge Facebook Group for more up-to-date information.

Travel well into that undiscovered country, Most Worshipful.

The bricks for the Builders Walk of Fame have been laid – but there are a lot more spots still available! If you or your lodge would like to purchase a brick, which goes towards the Grand Lodge Endowment Fund, or to learn more about the project, Click Here.

Brother Jason Jefcoat, DDGL District 24, one of his employees, and brothers Jason Porter & Mark Jones assisted with laying the bricks.

Click on pictures for full-sized images.