COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
Prince Hall Affiliation
Northern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., Inc.
1881
ORIENT OF NEW JERSEY
State Grand Assembly Order of the Golden Circle
State of New Jersey, PHA
L.L. LISA GIST-RAGLAND
STATE GRAND
LOYAL LADY RULER
L.L. Paulette McGee Thomas
State Grand
Loyal Lady Priestess
L.L. Nicole E. Mingo Horton
State Grand
Loyal Lady Associate Ruler
L.L.Kathie A. Lofland
State Grand
Loyal Lady Guide
L.L. Evette M. Davis
State Grand
Loyal Lady Treasurer
L.L. Marilyn D. Jones
State Grand
Loyal Lady Secretary
L.L. Tony Bethea
State Grand
Loyal Lady Herald
L.L. Tolara Deloatch
State Grand
Loyal Lad yStandard Bearer
L.L.Donna D. Robinson
State Grand
Loyal Lady Inner Guard
L.L.Rachel Lewis
State Grand
Loyal Lady Outer Guard
L.L. Jessi A. Banks
State Grand
Loyal Lady Assistant Treasurer
L.L. Christine Sales
State Grand
Loyal Lady Assistant Secretary
L.L. Martha Meyers
State Grand
Loyal Lady Musician
L.L. Reene Harris
State Grand
Loyal Lady Photograher
Elected and Appointed Officers
L.L. Lisa Gist - Ragland
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
L.L. Nicole E. Mingo Horton
State Grand Loyal Lady Associate Ruler
L.L. Paulette McGee Thomas
State Grand Loyal Lady Priestess
L.L. Kathie A. Lofland
State Grand Loyal Lady Guide
L.L. Evette M. Davis
State Grand Loyal Lady Treasurer
L.L. Marilyn D. Jones
State Grand Loyal Lady Secretary
L.L. Tony Bethea
State Grand Loyal Lady Herald
L.L. Tolara Deloatch
State Grand Loyal Lady Standard Bearer
L.L. Donna D. Robinson
State Grand Loyal Lady Inner Guard
L.L. Rachel Lewis
State Grand Loyal Lady Outer Guard
L.L. Jessi A. Banks
State Grand Loyal Lady Assistant Treasurer
L.L. Christine Sales
State Grand Loyal Lady Assistant Secretary
L.L. Martha Meyers
State Grand Loyal Lady Musician
L.L. Reene Harris
State Grand Loyal Lady Photographer
The State Grand Assembly
Order of the Golden Circle
Orient of New Jersey
Auxiliary in The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
Prince Hall Affiliation, Northern Jurisdiction, USA, Inc.
Our History Here In New Jersey
An Assemblage of Loyal Ladies of the Golden Circle was convened by order of the Deputy of New Jersey, Ill. Robert W. Gwaltney, 33° in the Quadrille Room of the Sheraton Poste Inn, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, at 3:30 PM on the 19th of November, 1977. Ill. Charles W. Jones, 33 ° entered the room and restated the purpose of the meeting. The Illustrious Deputy then entered the room, together with the M.W. Worshipful, Ivory M. Buck, Jr., Grand Master and Ill. William R. Venable. The following prayer was offered by Ill. Gwaltney:
Golden Circle Prayer
Almighty and Sovereign Grand Commander of the Universe; who by thine Divine power, doth continually search and penetrate the most secret recesses of our hearts, draw near we beseech thee, by the sacred fire of love guide us by thine unerring hand, in the path of virtue; and out of thine adorable presence, aid us to keep out all impiety and perverseness.
Let peace and unity link us together in a pleasing union, and may this Assembly of Loyal Ladies exhibit a faint resemblance of that happiness the elect and chosen each enjoy in thy Kingdom forever. Give us a spirit to refuse the evil and choose the good, that we may not be led astray by those who unworthily assume the title of Loyal Ladies, may our doings tend to thy glory, and our advancement towards Perfection. May a sweet perfume ascend from the altar of our hearts, and be acceptable to thee, O’ God. Bless us, O’ God, and prosper the work of our hands. Keep us through life, and accept us in death. Amen.
Among the Fraters present were, M.W. Ivory M. Buck, Jr., Grand Master, 33°, Ill. William R. Venable,33°,
P.S.G.H.E., ILL. Carl L. Wilson, 33', S.G.H.E., Ill. Charles W. Jones, 33°, Ill. Charles W. Campbell, 33°, and Ill. Arthur R. Crawford, 33°, Acting Secretary.
While preparations for holding election of officers were underway, brief remarks were made by Ill. Wilson, S.G.H.E., Ill. Venable, P.S.G.H.E. and M.W. Buck, G.M., Ill. Venable stated that he was present at the first setting up of a State Grand Assembly which took place in Columbus, Ohio, on the 27th of September, 1971 under the late Ill. Leland D. French, S.G.C., 33°. All expressed their pleasure at being present to witness such an historic moment.
An announcement from Ill. Russell S. Gidson, 33° , Sovereign Grand Commander naming the three top officers of the new State Assembly, was then read by Ill Gwaltney.
They are as follows:
P.L.L.R. Ernestine H. Buck, No. 9, State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler, P.L.L.R. Elizabeth S. Jackson, No. 16, State Grand Associate Loyal Lady Ruler P.L.L.R. Carrie V. Harris, No. 44, State Grand Loyal Lady Priestess Ill. Gwaltney then ordered Ill. Crawford to establish the number of those eligible to vote, which resulted in establishing that the voting strength was 36. Election of three officers for State Grand Loyal Lady Guide, Treasurer, and Secretary was then conducted with the following results: P.L.L.R. Ellen Gwaltney, No. 27 nominated L.L. Mae Johnston, No. 27, for State Grand Loyal Lady Guide. No other nominations being made, a unanimous ballot of 36 votes was cast for LL Mae Johnston
ROSTER OF OFFICERS
NEW JERSEY STATE
GRAND ASSEMBLY – 1977
P.L.L.R. Ernestine H. Buck
No. 9
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
P.L.L.R. Elizabeth S. Jackson
No. 16
State Grand Assoc. Loyal Lady Ruler
P.L.L.R. Carrie V. Harris
No. 44
State Grand Loyal Lady Priestess
P.L.L.R. Mae G. Johnston
No. 27
State Loyal Lady Guide
P.L.L.R. Ellen S. Gwaltney
No. 27
State Grand Loyal Lady Treasurer
P.L.L.R. Frances M. Brown
No. 9
State Grand Loyal Lady Secretary
P.L.L.R. Alice Martin
No. 9
State Grand Loyal Lady Herald
P.L.L.R. Anna L Wilson
No. 44
State Grand Loyal Lady Standard Bearer
P.L.L.R. Rozena Brodie
No. 16
State Grand Loyal Lady Inner Guard
P.L.L.R. Ruth Douglas
No. 33
State Grand Loyal Lady Outer Guard
P.L.L.R. Geraldine Rawlings
No. 33
State Grand Loyal Lady Asst. Secretary
P.L.L.R. Eddie L Shelton
No. 27
State Grand Loyal Lady Musician
L.L. Beatrice Shack
No. 44
State Grand Loyal Lady Assistant Musician
P.L.L.R. Alberta Hurdle
No. 16
State Grand Loyal Lady Historian
State Grand Loyal Lady Rulers
L.L. Ernestine H. Buck
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(1977 – 1979)
Primrose Assembly No. 9
L.L. Elizabeth H. Jackson
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(1979 – 1981)
Arbor Vitae Assembly No. 16
L.L. Carrie V. Harris
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(1981 – 1982)
Lady Orchid Assembly No. 44
L.L. Mae G. Johnson
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(1982 – 1984)
Olive Branch Assembly No. 27
L.L. Alice Martin
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(1984 – 1986)
Primrose Assembly No. 9
L.L. Frances M. Brown
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(1986 – 1988 )
Primrose Assembly No. 9
L.L. Thelma Streater
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(1988 – 1989)
Olive Branch Assembly No. 27
L.L. Ruth Douglas
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(1989 – 1990)
Gethsemane Assembly No. 33
L.L. Gertrude Bradley
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(1990 – 1992)
Primrose Assembly No. 9
L.L. E. Florence Callaway
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(1992 – 1994)
Olive Branch Assembly No. 27
L.L. Catherine Gaylord
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(1994 – 1996)
Arbor Vitae Assembly No. 16
L.L. Henrietta O. Gonzales
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(1996 – 1997)
Lady Orchid Assembly No. 44
L.L. Blanche C. Moton
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(1997 – 1999)
Primrose Assembly No. 9
L.L. Sylvia P. Owens
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(1999 – 2001)
Rose of Sharon Assembly No. 83
L.L. Charlotte Bradley
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(2001 – 2003)
Lady Orchid Assembly No. 44
L.L. Esther R. Welch,
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(2003 – 2004)
Olive Branch Assembly No. 27
L.L. Audrey Williams
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(2004 – 2005)
Arbor Vitae Assembly No. 16
L.L. Sarah Meeks
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(2005 – 2007)
Lady Orchid Assembly No. 44
L.L. Eloise J. Burch
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(2007 – 2009)
Primrose Assembly No. 9
L.L. Patricia Lyons
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(2009 – 2011)
Gethsemane Assembly No. 33
L.L. Gwendolyn D. Jenkins
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(2011 – 2013)
Rose of Sharon Assembly No. 83
L.L. Flora Williams
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(2013 – 2015)
Lady Orchid Assembly No. 44
L.L. Gloria Ellzy
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(2015 – 2017)
Arbor Vitae Assembly No. 16
L.L. Amelita B. McDowell
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(2017 – 2019)
Rose of Sharon Assembly No. 83
L.L. Mary A. Burruss
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(2019 – 2021)
Olive Branch Assembly No. 27
L.L. Daphne P. Roberts
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(2021 – 2023)
Gethsemane Assembly No. 33
L.L. Lisa Gist-Ragland
State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler
(2023 – Present)
Arbor Vitae Assembly No. 16
STATE GRAND
LOYAL LADY RULERS
PORTRAIT
GALLERY
L.L. CARRIE V. HARRIS
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
1981-1982
L.L. ELIZABETH S. JACKSON
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
1979-1981
L.L. MAE G. JOHNSTON
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
1982-1984
L.L. ERNESTINE H. BUCK
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
1977-1979
L.L. ALICE MARTIN
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
1984-1986
L.L. RUTH DOUGLAS
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
1989-1990
L.L. FRANCES M. BROWN
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
1984-1986
L.L. THELMA STREATER
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
1988-1989
L.L. GERTRUDE BRADLEY
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
1990-1992
L.L. HENRIETTA O. GONZALES
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
1996-1997
L.L.FLORENCE CALLAWAY
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
1992-1994
L.L. CATHERINE GAYLORD
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
1994-1996
L.L. SYLVIA P. OWENS
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
1999-2001
L.L. BLANCHE C. MOTON
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
1997-1999
L.L. CHARLOTTE BRADLEY
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
2001-2003
L.L. ESTER R. WELCH
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
2003-2004
L.L. SARAH MEEKS
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
2005-2007
L.L. AUDREY WILLIAMS
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
2004-2005
L.L.ELOISE J. BURCH
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
2007-2009
L.L.PATRICIA LYONS
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
2009-2011
L.L. GWENDOLYN D. JENKINS
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
2011-2013
L.L. AMELITA B. MCDOWELL
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
2017-2019
L.L. GLORIA ELLZY
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
2015-2017
L.L. FLORA WILLIAMS
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
2013-2015
L.L. MARRY BURRUSS
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
2019 -2021
L.L. DAPHNE P. ROBERTS
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
2021-2023
L.L. LISA GIST-RAGLAND
STATE GRAND LOYAL LADY RULER
2023-PRESENT
HISTORY
ORDER
OF THE
GOLDEN CIRCLE
“Order of the Golden Circle, Auxiliary to Scottish Rite Freemasonry”
Early in the year of 1907, certain gentlemen of the Ancient Accepted Order of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America conceived the idea of forming a Ladies Auxiliary to the Jonathan Davis Consistory of Washington, D.C.
They felt that as in other branches of Masonry, their wives, mothers, sisters and daughters could be of great assistance to them and furthermore could partake of such courtesies as the Sublime Princes could offer to blood relatives. To Ill. Andrew Laster, 33°, whose untiring zeal was known to these brethren, was given the task of organizing the Auxiliary. Furnished with the names of certain ladies prominent in Eastern Star Chapters, he proceeded to organize the Auxiliary, hereafter to be known as the Ladies’ Auxiliary to Johnathan Davis Consistory. The growth at first was disgustingly slow, but later, Mr. Laster, who was made of stuff that pioneers were made of, refused to be discouraged. He visited the ladies in every area that he could approach them and urged them to attend the meetings and sought out new members. At many times only two, and sometimes one, attended the meetings. But he never lost courage. In October, 1907, the Auxiliary received a new impetus, new members were added, the old ones took on new zeal and the Auxiliary started on its present course of success.
About this time, the new Sovereign Grand Commander, Robert L. Pendleton, 33°, who was then the Ill. Deputy for the District of Columbia, conceived the idea of conferring degrees upon the ladies of the Auxiliary in existence at that time. Thus bringing them into closer relationship with the brethren of the Scottish Rite. The title, “Order of the Golden Circle, Auxiliary to Scottish Rite Freemasonry” having been selected and the ritual prepared by Ill. Pendleton, the matter was presented to the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction and adopted by that body. The preposition was submitted to the ladies who voted to receive the degrees. All the ladies who at that time were members of the Auxiliary were to be eligible, but thereafter, the membership was to be limited to those only possessing the Scottish Rite relationship.
On May 6, 1908, Ill. Pendleton assisted by other Ill. Sirs conferred the degrees upon the ladies. The obligations, signs and mottos were given. The ladies named their Assembly, “The Richard Howell Gleaves, Assembly No. 2, Order of the Golden Circle.” Number 1 was assigned to Queen Esther Assembly of Baltimore, Maryland, because the Scottish Rite Auxiliary of that city was the first to be organized in the Jurisdiction. This Assembly was named after the late Richard Howell Gleaves, one of the most prominent Masons in the United States at that time. Born in the earlier part of the nineteenth century, in that grand old Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in his early manhood he went to the State of South Carolina. During the stirring days of reconstruction, he played a prominent part, at one time being the Lieutenant Governor of the state. He was a typical gentleman, courtly and of the old world type of courtesy. He was the fifth Grand Master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, serving from 1857 to 1861. He played a prominent part in the history of Black Masonry, and the very prosperous condition of Black Masons of the District of Columbia today is largely due to his tireless efforts. The ladies felt that no better nor fitting memorial could be given him than to have his name on their banner under the motto “Peace and Unity.”
The ritual, form of application, the Constitution and the burial service were all written by Ill. Pendleton and copyrighted under the laws of the United States in 1908.
The late J. Francis Rickards, 33°, when he was Sovereign Grand Commander of the Northern Jurisdiction, decided to establish the Order of the Golden Circle in this Jurisdiction. Since the ritual was copyrighted, it was necessary for him to get the permission of Ill. Pendleton, which he did. Within a short time after obtaining this permission, Ill. Rickards established a number of Assemblies in this Jurisdiction. Yielding to the wishes of some of the ambitious ladies who were leaders of the Golden Circle, Ill. Rickards permitted the formation of a so-called Grand Assembly which operated on a national scale for several years. When Ill. Pendleton heard about this grand body he violently disapproved of the same.
In 1920 Ill. Rickards conferred with Ill. Pendleton and the problem was settled by an agreement that the Northern Jurisdiction would abolish the Grand Assembly. This was done and since that time until 1969 the Order of the Golden Circle existed in the Northern Jurisdiction on the same basis as it exists in the Southern Jurisdiction, where it originated.
In 1969 the late Ill. Leland D. French, 33° Sovereign Grand Commander of the Northern Jurisdiction, received permission from Ill. John G. Lewis, 33 ° Sovereign Grand Commander of the Southern Jurisdiction, to organize the State Grand Assemblies in the Northern Jurisdiction.
In compliance with Article VII, enacted at the 1970 Supreme Council, held at Detroit, Michigan, Ill. French met with Ill. John G. Lewis and the necessary changes were made in the Constitution and By-Laws.