Brotherhood
Humble Beginnings
It starts with a vision…
On Monday, the 16th of September 2024, a historic moment for Prince Hall Freemasonry in the state of New York was marked at the Pelham Masonic Lodge located at 241 City Island Avenue, City Island-Bronx, NY, as Primus Hall Lodge UD held its inaugural meeting under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York. With this meeting, Primus Hall Lodge UD officially begins its journey as a member of the Third Masonic District, bringing new light and fresh energy to the timeless traditions of Prince Hall Freemasonry.
The new lodge will be under the care and guidance of Right Worshipful Kirby Mack 32° (64), District Deputy Grand Master of the Third Masonic District and a Past Master of Progressive Lodge No. 64. Known for his wisdom and dedication, Right Worshipful Mack has been instrumental in guiding the newly formed lodge through its early stages, ensuring that it remains true to the core tenets of Prince Hall Masonry. “This is a proud moment not only for the brethren of Primus Hall Lodge UD but for all of us in the Third Masonic District,”* said Right Worshipful Mack. *”The brothers of Primus Hall Lodge UD have answered the call to form something greater than themselves, and their dedication to the Craft is evident in their commitment to serve their lodge, district, and community.”
The brave brothers who have come together to form Primus Hall Lodge UD are:
– **Worshipful Master**: Nathaniel Higgins
– **Senior Warden**: Patrick Powell
– **Junior Warden**: Maurice Baker
– **Secretary**: Donald Thomas Jr.
– **Treasurer**: Gabriel Mitchell
– **Trustee**: Keith B. Bryant Sr.
– **Chaplain**: Michael N.F. Queen
– **Senior Deacon**: Marquis T. Woods
– **Junior Deacon**: Andrew King
– **Marshall**: Alden King
– **Sean Porter**
– **Dwinell Bedard**
– **Worshipful Master**: Nathaniel Higgins
– **Senior Warden**: Patrick Powell
– **Junior Warden**: Maurice Baker
– **Secretary**: Donald Thomas Jr.
– **Treasurer**: Gabriel Mitchell
– **Trustee**: Keith B. Bryant Sr.
– **Chaplain**: Michael N.F. Queen
– **Senior Deacon**: Marquis T. Woods
– **Junior Deacon**: Andrew King
– **Marshall**: Alden King
– **Sean Porter**
– **Dwinell Bedard**
Primus Committees
Everything about Primus
Masonic Education
The Masonic Education Committee shall be charged with developing, codifying and presenting educational and mentoring programs for Entered Apprentices, Fellowcrafts and Master Masons of the Lodge with respect to the lessons and symbols of the Three Degrees of Masonry, as well as Masonic law and protocol. It shall be a primary responsibility of the Masonic Education Committee to ensure that Candidates attain proficiency in each Degree before advancement.
Gabriel Mitchell (Chairman)
Keith B. Bryant Sr.
Michael N.F. Queen
Nathaniel Higgins
Ways and Means
The Ways and Means Committee shall assess the financial condition of the Lodge and make recommendations designed to ensure the continued financial health and stability of Primus Hall Lodge #(TBD) and will be determined by the Trustee Committee.
1.) The Senior Warden shall be the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.
2.) The Ways and Means Committee shall submit in writing at the Stated Communication in the month of November, the Committee’s Annual Dues Recommendation setting forth the Committee’s recommended percentage increase(s) to Lodge Dues for the following year. The Annual Dues Recommendation shall set forth the following:
i.) The annualized non-seasonally adjusted New York Consumer Price Index (the “CPI”) as most recently published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; or, should the CPI not be published, a suitable substitute measure of inflation.
ii.) The Ways and Means Committee’s summary of the present and future financial needs of Primus Hall Lodge #(TBD), including but not limited to:
a.) increases in the regular expenses of the Lodge such as room rental charges and compensation of Lodge personnel;
b.) projected expenses in connection with the ongoing needs and/or projected works and activities of the Lodge, both long-term and short-term, including the projected works and activities of the Lodge for the following year;
c.) the balance and status of the Lodge’s Operating Funds; and
d.) the balance and status of the Trustee’s Fund.
e.) The Ways and Means Committee’s proposed percentage increase(s) to Lodge Dues for the following year; said proposal to consist of an equal percentage increase for all Dues Classes or different percentage increases for the Senior Member, Non-Resident Member, Regular Member Dues Classes, provided that the recommended increase for any and all Dues Classes shall not be less than CPI.
3.) The Ways and Means Committee shall submit in writing at the December Stated Communication the Committee’s Budget Guideline, setting forth the Lodge’s projected regular debits for the ensuing year of the Master-elect’s term of office, including but not limited to rental fees, personnel, collation expenses, transfers to the Trustees’ Fund, the Grand Lodge per capita assessment, charitable donations, and sundry expenses, and allocating a discretionary budget for the Master-elect’s programming for the ensuing year.
Patrick Powell (Chairman)
Gabriel Mitchell
Marquis T. Woods
Wives, Children, Widows, & Orphans
Wives, Children,Widows, & Orphans The Committee for Wives, Widows, Children, and Orphans is committed to offering compassionate support, resources, and advocacy for the families of our Brothers affected by their absence, whether on earth or beyond. Our goal is to empower wives, children, orphans, and widows through emotional and financial assistance while fostering a strong sense of community rooted in Primus Hall Lodge’s shared values.
Michael N.F. Queen (Chairman)
Don Thomas
Sean Porter
Reese Baker
Marquis T. Woods
Nathaniel Higgins
Sick and Distress
Reese Baker (Chairman)
Patrick Powell
Gabriel Mitchell
Nathaniel Higgins
Don Thomas
Audit and Budget
Keith B. Bryant Sr. (Chairman)
Sean Porter
Andrew King
Michael N.F. Queen
Bylaws
Bylaws Committee shall protect the integrity of Primus Hall Lodge’s foundational vision while fostering growth for years to come. By preserving and enhancing our bylaws, we honor the vision of our forebears and secure the continuity of their legacy for future generations, safeguarding the traditions and values that have defined Freemasons for centuries.
Don Thomas (Chairman)
Gabriel Mitchell
Michael N.F. Queen
Keith B. Bryant Sr.
Nathaniel Higgins
Investigations
The Investigations Committee is dedicated to upholding the values of integrity, brotherhood, and discernment within our Brotherhood. Our mission is to conduct thorough and respectful investigations of potential members to ensure that they embody the principles of Masonic ideals and contribute or have the potential to positively effect change in our community. We are committed to fostering a transparent and fair process, respecting the dignity of all individuals involved while safeguarding the traditions and standards of our Masonic Body. Through careful evaluation and consideration, we aim to strengthen our brotherhood and uphold the noble values that define Masonry.
Alden King (Chairman)
Don Thomas
Reese Baker
Keith B. Bryant Sr.
Education and Scholarship
Andrew King (Chairman)
Marquis T. Woods
Alden King
Nathaniel Higgins
Primus Club
The Primus Club shall support Primus Hall Lodge, by creating lasting, positive change through specific programs, initiatives and services. We will foster collaboration, innovation, and compassion to transform lives and strengthen communities for future generations to come.
Marquis T. Woods (Chairman)
Nathaniel Higgins,
Michael N.F. Queen,
Patrick Powell, Don Thomas, Gabriel Mitchell
Funeral
Gabriel Mitchell (Chairman)
Patrick Powell,
Reese Baker,
Nathaniel Higgins,
Michael N.F. Queen
Trustee
The Trustee Committee shall be composed of chartering members
PM Nathaniel Higgins
PM Donald Thomas
PM Gabriel Mitchell
PM Michael N.F. Queen