Fed 9 Fine: White Elephant Gift Blessing

The Mighty Men of Federal Lodge No. 9 and the lovely Ladies of Trinity Chapter No. 5 Order of the Eastern Star Prince Hall Affiliated (OES-PHA), are proud to announce the activation of our collective presence at Coppin State University. During the 175th Annual Session, the RW Willie S. Godfrey Masonic Education Committee at Coppin State University (CSU) was approved as a coed entity managed by Federal Lodge No. 9 and Trinity Chapter No. 5. OES -PHA. The first formal event included a white elephant gift blessing that was recommended to the 2023-24 Trestle Board planning committee by RW Dennis Bamm King. Thirty-one students from Coppin State University were able to attend the event free of charge, enjoyed food, and participated in the high stakes gift exchange. The event space was coordinated by Senior Stewart Roger W. Avery, Jr. as the committee advisor of the Masonic Education Committee at CSU.

SW Cash Crooms, and his family, ensured the gifts were available. Worthy Matron Marcia Cooper led the execution of the gift exchange to ensure traditional rules were followed.

At the conclusion of the event, the students and members wished Worshipful Master Dr. Claiborne congratulations on his commencement as a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Doctorate of Business Administration Program. Due to the conflict of dates, the commencement was conducted during the same day and time of the white elephant gift exchange, but even in his ab- sence, the outstanding leadership among brothers and sisters prevailed. In respect to the motto of the RW Willie S. Godfrey Masonic Education Committee at CSU, we are truly “Stronger Together!”