Timeline of the Masonic Lodge being built in 1895 ~By: Noelle Woodcock
Robert Branson Robert Branson

Timeline of the Masonic Lodge being built in 1895 ~By: Noelle Woodcock

Today I thought it would be interesting to see a layout/timeline of the stages in which the old masonic lodge (now the museum) went through from the time the Masons were making the arrangements to erect the building to the finished product. I am going to show you a timeline through newspaper articles reporting on the progress of the building

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U. S. Presidents who were Master Masons
Robert Branson Robert Branson

U. S. Presidents who were Master Masons

George Washington (Virginia Mason) – 1st President, 1789 – 1797, Commanding General during American Revolution, made a Mason August 4, 1753, in Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, A.F. & A.M., Fredericksburg, Virginia.

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Voltaire: The Enlightenment's Iconoclast
Robert Branson Robert Branson

Voltaire: The Enlightenment's Iconoclast

Voltaire was one of the most prominent thinkers of the Enlightenment, a movement that swept Europe in the 18th century. He was a writer, philosopher, and advocate of reason, tolerance, and freedom of thought. Voltaire's ideas had a profound impact on Western thought, and his works continue to influence modern philosophy, literature, and politics.

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Brother Nat King Cole: The Unforgettable Jazz Legend
Robert Branson Robert Branson

Brother Nat King Cole: The Unforgettable Jazz Legend

Nat King Cole was a jazz pianist, singer, and composer who rose to fame during the 1940s and 1950s. He was known for his warm and velvety voice, smooth phrasing, and impeccable sense of timing. He became a trailblazer for African-American musicians during the era of segregation and racism in America

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Duke Ellington: The Musician and Freemason
Robert Branson Robert Branson

Duke Ellington: The Musician and Freemason

Duke Ellington, born Edward Kennedy Ellington, was an American composer, pianist, and bandleader who was one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz music.

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Jesse Owens: A Legend on the Track and in Freemasonry
Robert Branson Robert Branson

Jesse Owens: A Legend on the Track and in Freemasonry

Jesse Owens is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, having won four gold medals in track and field at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany. His record-breaking performances on the track not only shattered racial barriers but also left a lasting impact on the sport.

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John Lewis: The Life and Legacy of a Civil Rights Icon
Robert Branson Robert Branson

John Lewis: The Life and Legacy of a Civil Rights Icon

John Lewis was a towering figure in American politics and civil rights activism. Born on February 21, 1940, in Troy, Alabama, Lewis went on to become one of the most prominent and influential leaders of the civil rights movement.

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Ossie Davis: A Talented Actor and Respected Masonic Leader
Robert Branson Robert Branson

Ossie Davis: A Talented Actor and Respected Masonic Leader

Ossie Davis was a legendary actor, playwright, and director who made an indelible mark on American theater and cinema. Born on December 18, 1917, in Cogdell, Georgia, Davis grew up in the rural South during a time when segregation was the norm. Despite the challenges he faced, Davis pursued his passion for acting and went on to become one of the most respected and accomplished artists of his time.

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Alex Haley: The Life and Legacy of a Freemason
Robert Branson Robert Branson

Alex Haley: The Life and Legacy of a Freemason

Alex Haley was a renowned American writer, best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "Roots: The Saga of an American Family." Through his work, Haley captured the stories of African American history and culture,

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Solomon G. Brown: Scientist, Lecturer, and Community Leader
Robert Branson Robert Branson

Solomon G. Brown: Scientist, Lecturer, and Community Leader

Solomon G. Brown was an African American scientist, educator, and civil servant, who dedicated his life to advancing knowledge and advocating for civil rights. Brown's career was largely associated with the Smithsonian Institution, where he made significant contributions to science and knowledge-sharing. He was also an active member of the District Grand Lodge of Masons, and a prominent figure in civic and educational programs for the African American community.

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Scottie Pippen: The Basketball Legend and Prince Hall Mason
Robert Branson Robert Branson

Scottie Pippen: The Basketball Legend and Prince Hall Mason

Scottie Pippen, born on September 25, 1965, in Hamburg, Arkansas, is a name that is synonymous with basketball greatness. Pippen played 17 seasons in the NBA and won six National Championships with the Chicago Bulls. He is regarded as one of the greatest small forwards

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Shaquille O'Neal: A Legacy Beyond Basketball, From Freemasonry to Charity
Robert Branson Robert Branson

Shaquille O'Neal: A Legacy Beyond Basketball, From Freemasonry to Charity

Shaquille O'Neal, also known as Shaq, is one of the most recognizable names in the world of basketball. His towering stature and impressive skills on the court have earned him numerous accolades and a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame. However, Shaq's impact on society extends beyond basketball, with his involvement in Freemasonry and charitable activities.

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Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr: A Military Pioneer and Freemason
Robert Branson Robert Branson

Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr: A Military Pioneer and Freemason

Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr. was a pioneering figure in the United States Air Force and an accomplished member of the Freemasonry community. Born in 1920 in Pensacola, Florida, James became the first African American four-star general in the Air Force, and his legacy continues to inspire young people today. In this article, we will explore the life and career of this remarkable individual, including his time in the military and his involvement in Freemasonry.

Military Career:

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George P. Norton and the Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers: The Founding of Tampa's Masonic Jerusalem Military Lodge No. 100
Robert Branson Robert Branson

George P. Norton and the Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers: The Founding of Tampa's Masonic Jerusalem Military Lodge No. 100

The Buffalo Soldiers were a legendary unit of African American soldiers who served in the United States military during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They earned their nickname from the Native Americans they fought against in the Indian Wars, who called them "buffalo soldiers" due to their curly, black hair resembling a buffalo's mane. The Buffalo Soldiers made history as the first African American soldiers to serve in the United States Army, and their legacy has lived on to this day.

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The Remarkable Life of Robert Smalls: From Slave to Hero, Politician, and Master of his Own Destiny
Robert Branson Robert Branson

The Remarkable Life of Robert Smalls: From Slave to Hero, Politician, and Master of his Own Destiny

Robert Smalls was a former slave, Union hero, politician, and a prominent figure in the African American community, known for his bravery, leadership, and unwavering determination in the fight against slavery. Born into slavery in 1839 in Beaufort, South Carolina, Smalls spent his youth in bondage, working as a laborer and eventually becoming a skilled dockworker. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he seized an opportunity to commandeer a Confederate ship, bringing it to the Union and securing his freedom.

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