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Seizing the momentum of an excellent AGLS experience, KD #18 thoroughly supported the Joint Family Holiday Party (JFHP) on 10 DEC 2022. In addition to having two of our members on the JFHP planning committee (SW Johnson and JS Brown), we set the standard in donating over 50 toys to its toy drive. We distinguished ourselves with the MOST toy donations in the jurisdiction. Further, WM Okon issued a Masonic Summons to assist the MWPHGLMD in ritualistic work to raise Master Masons. Unfortunately, the specially convened meeting was canceled due to inclement weather. Despite being “dark” in December, King David #18 displayed a lot of light, and always stands ready to always assist the MWPHGL.

King David Lodge #18 was back in business during the month of January, resuming our usually high op tempo. During this period, we welcomed our newest Master Mason, Brother Haydn Gross, who fit right into King David through jumping headlong into fellowship, committee, and community service work. Importantly, we held a very successful Double Good popcorn fundraiser from 7-11 JAN 2023, through which we raised approximately $12,000.00. Our fundraising committee, led by RW Selby and SD Washington were outstanding in their leadership of 30 participants, and exceeded our goal.

King David, dauntless from the frenetic pace of the fundraiser, immediately pivoted to our Community Service Event on 16 JAN, “Covering Our Veterans” Blanket Drive. We donated over 400 blankets to homeless veterans at Maryland Center for Veteran Education and Training (MCVET). Baltimore City Councilman Mark Conway attended, and we were also covered by a Baltimore Times reporter. MCVET’s Director of Operations gave us all a tour and provided the history and impact of the program. After this event, we planned a luncheon with OES Trinity Chapter #5 in Elkridge, MD. Bro. Chaz Regan and his co-chair Bro. Curtis Royster led this amazing event to both commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King with a Day of Service, and support MWGM Osborne’s “364 Initiative”.

In addition to these other fraternal successes, King David participated and contributed in other ways. WM Okon planned a visitation with WTW #134 on 20 FEB. We purchased one table for the MWPHGLMD MW Past Grand Masters’ Gold Collar Luncheon. We also purchased one table for the NABVETS 23rd Annual Buffalo Soldier Memorial Banquet. We fully supported the successful Prince Hall Classic Basketball Game at Bowie State University. Despite all this, the most impressive display of brotherhood by King David this month was the groundswell of support for JD Mike Fuller after the loss of both his mother and brother in the same week. On 28 JAN, WM Okon provided some words of comfort to the family and congregation at the funeral, while he was accompanied by over 17 King David #18 Brethren.

King David Lodge #18 marched into Black History Month with the true spirit of fraternity and thanksgiving, as we completed a lodge visitation, and attended some excellent Grand Lodge events.

While originally scheduled for 16 FEB, King David postponed its First Degree until 16 MAR. This allowed us to investigate and ballot upon several new candidates, in furtherance of MWPHGLMD strategic initiatives.

On 20 FEB King David #18 visited William T. Wallace Lodge #134 (WTW) in Severna Park, MD. WM Chism and his brethren presented an excellent program of masonic education facilitated by RW Seymour Chambers, Grand Historian. He spoke on topics such as the Egyptian (Kemetic) Black origins of Freemasonry, as well as the history of the formation of the MWPHGL of MD. Of great interest was the close connection between Prince Hall Masonry and the formation of the AME Church. Sheldon D. Redden Lodge #139 was also in attendance. WTW also had a wonderful repast, where we fellowshipped greatly. The King David Lodge officers in attendance, WM Okon, SW Johnson, and JD Fuller had an amazing time, and cannot wait to visit again.

Brothers from King David #18 purchased a table and attended the NABVETS Buffalo Soldier Luncheon, where MWGM Noel C. Osborne, Sr. and his wife were honored. Several of our lodges facilitated the program, including RW Rick Lane, RW Jimmy Lewis, and Bro. Clarence “Tiger” Davis. King David Lodge #18 also attended the MWPHGLMD MWPGMs Gold Collar Luncheon, Black History Month Program and Grand Lodge Installation ceremonies in significant numbers.

King David Lodge #18 faced many opportunities and challenges during the month of March but continued to excel in outstanding fashion. Most notably, King David, within five (5) days of each event, was given the distinct honor and opportunity to both host the 1st Occasional Grand Lodge Meeting on 11 March, and perform the First Degree ceremony for three candidates and the Grand Lodge Lecture staff for an official assessment. The 1st Occasional Lodge went exceedingly well, with the assistance of all District One lodges and under the mentorship of RW DDGM Michael Hughes. DDGM Hughes’ sacrifice did not go unnoticed, as he was in excruciating physical pain, yet remained by our side through all the challenges this month. Despite losing some of our key brethren to illness and work obligations, we coordinated, set up, catered, opened, and managed the 1st Occasional Lodge very well. We even provided support to Federal Lodge #9, through procuring the donuts from their fundraising program.

Next, on 16 March we conferred the First Degree upon three candidates, now EAs: Cohn, Timmons, and Wylie. While we invited the RW DGM, and the elected Grand Lodge officers, they were regrettably unable to attend. However, RW Dent attended to assess our performance of the degree on behalf of the Grand Lecturer. Regional Deputy, RW Kevin Sanders was also present to observe the degree. Additionally, Bro. Eric Aubry from Sheba #7 (MWPHGLPA) visited to observe the degree in support of

EA Wylie. After the degree work was complete, we fed the brethren and guests on the way home. During that same meeting King David voted unanimously to recommend Bro. Ezra Hill (Treasurer) was promoted to Past Master. Tragically and suddenly, Bro. Larry Gibson lost his dear wife. King David #18 once again surrounded our Brother in his time of need, sending over 20 brethren to the funeral and repast to assist with transportation, security, logistics, and whatever else the Gibson Family required. Bro. Jonathan Nicholson, our Visitation and Relief Committee Co-chair led the charge, with assistance from RW Roland Selby.

We also updated and submitted a copy of our Lodge History to RW Seymore Chambers, Grand Historian. This update includes a list of all Past Masters, notable brethren, and an accounting of past and present Grand Lodge officers. Significantly, MWGM Noel C. Osborne publicly honored Ezra Hill, Sr. posthumously, making him both a member of King David #18 and Past Master of the same. Bro. Ezra Hill Sr. was a WWII veteran and likely the oldest living American at 111 years old when he transitioned. Finally, we finalized our plans to visit Chosen Friends Lodge #43 (MWPHGLPA) directly preceding our Annual Strategic Planning Retreat in Harrisburg, PA. Despite crucial losses this month due to health in FS Medford Campbell, DDGM Michael Hughes, and RW Rick Lane, King David #18 still found a way to come together and thrive.

In April, King David Lodge #18 got a chance to refocus after a high-paced current masonic year at our annual Mid-year Strategic Planning Retreat. It was held 14-15 April at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Harrisburg, PA. Topics presented were leadership succession planning, the health of our lodge, mission and vision alignment with the Grand Lodge, charitable contributions, mid-year awards, men’s health and prostate cancer, real estate investment for personal wealth, planning for upcoming events, and afteraction reports for all events thus far. The retreat committee, Chaired by RS Kevin Clark, provided an amazing experience including a nightly hospitality for fellowship and Sunday breakfast with the WM.

Directly prior to the event, 12 King David Brothers served as the “advance team” in visiting Chosen Friends Lodge #43 (MWPHGLPA). Our Chosen Friends #43 brethren, with their District Deputy Grand Master present, cordially and fraternally invited us into their lodge room at 7:30 pm on Thursday, 13 April 2023. MWPGM Jeff Mullen traveled with us and received the appropriate honors. Watching how they did things was very enlightening, as their JD put on a splendid masonic education and closed with his regular recitation of the masonic charge. Afterward, they treated us all to a magnificent repast, complete with home cooked meals, desserts, and libations. WM Okon and WM Waite bonded over the feast and look forward to a visit to King David soon. On 29 April, WM Okon, DDGM Michael Hughes, MWPGMs Gordon and Mullen, RW Fagan, RW Selby, and SW Paul Johnson all attended the WM and RW Leadership Meeting at the MWPHGLMD. Simultaneously, our LOI students as well as two Entered Apprentices all attended the 1st Degree Exemplification Ceremony at the Grand Lodge.

At the halfway mark, King David is poised to have a highly successful Masonic Year. Through outstanding ritualistic work, fundraising, charitable activity, strategic planning, fellowship, and visitations our lodge represents the best aspects of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland and Jurisdiction, Inc. mission and vision.■