New Jerusalem Masonic Lodge #29

TO BE ONE YOU MUST ASK ONE!

We Can Do It

by Charles Bibbs

History

In mid December 2000, 7 master masons in the Jackson area petitioned the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Ancient York Rite Masons, Prince Hall Origin National Compact for a dispensation to practice the first three degrees of masonry.

After some deliberations, the Hon. Billy Broomfield, Grand Master of masons convened an occasional lodge with the assistance of some of his Grand Lodge cabinet on January 24, 2001. The results of the occasional lodge was the issuance of a dispensation to the newly formed New Jerusalem Masonic Lodge (Under Dispensation) with Brother Glenn Woolfolk as the first Master.

NJML immediately set out to work in the Jackson area, practicing the tenets of freemasonry at there finest. Bro. Glenn Woolfolk, being an active law enforcement officer, saw his usual vocations increase as a result of the 9-11 attacks. NJML almost went dark. With intervention from the Grand Lodge, and the assistance of a Sister lodge, a new master was chosen to continue to facilitate the growth and stability of NJML. On August 20, 2002 at the regular meeting of NJML the brethren asked Brother Cedric Lewis, a past grand lodge officer and seasoned mason, to serve as its Master. With the assistance of men beyond reproach, NJML was stabilized, and community service became the pinnacle of their efforts. Where there is community service in masonry, there is growth.

In Grand Communication on November 8, 2003, the M.W.P.H.G.L. chartered NJML (UD) as NJML #29.