Past Masters Council / Association
M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge, F. & A.M., Prince Hall Affiliation
Jurisdiction of Mississippi
Overview
The Past Masters Council (PMC) of the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge, F. & A.M., PHA, Jurisdiction of Mississippi, is a formal association that unites all Past Masters across the Jurisdiction into a collective body dedicated to leadership, mentorship, and the preservation of Masonic excellence. The Council serves as a resource for Lodges, officers, and Master Masons by upholding the traditions, customs, and high standards of Prince Hall Freemasonry while supporting the ongoing growth of Masonic leaders.
This body functions not only as a fellowship of experienced Masters but as a think tank and advisory group dedicated to strengthening Lodge operations and enhancing the quality of Masonic education throughout Mississippi.
Purpose of the Past Masters Council
The Past Masters Council is established to:
1. Preserve Masonic Knowledge & Tradition
Provide a space where experienced Masters can share institutional memory, ritual proficiency, and organizational wisdom essential to sustaining Masonic excellence.
2. Mentor Current and Future Lodge Leaders
Assist Worshipful Masters, Wardens, and new officers by offering guidance, training, and support to ensure effective Lodge administration.
3. Strengthen Lodge Operations
Serve as an advisory resource in matters of governance, policy interpretation, history, protocol, and dispute resolution when invited by the Lodge.
4. Promote Unity & Consistency Across the Jurisdiction
Foster communication and cooperation among Lodges, Districts, and Regions, ensuring uniformity in ritual, standards, and practices.
5. Support the Mission of the Grand Lodge
Collaborate with the Grand Lodge Leadership to advance statewide initiatives, enhance community outreach, and build a stronger bond among Mississippi Freemasons.
Who Is Qualified to Join
Membership in the Past Masters Council is open to:
- All duly obligated and certified Past Masters under the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge, PHA, Jurisdiction of Mississippi.
- Past Masters who have:
- Successfully completed their term as Worshipful Master of a constituent Lodge.
- Maintained good standing within the craft.
- Upheld the moral, ethical, and fraternal standards of Prince Hall Freemasonry.
Honorary membership may be extended under specific guidelines or Grand Lodge approval, depending on local Council bylaws.
Historical Background
The concept of a Past Masters Council is rooted in longstanding Masonic tradition. Historically, Past Masters have served as custodians of the Craft—preserving ritual accuracy, mentoring new officers, and advising Lodges on complex matters of jurisprudence and custom.
Within the Jurisdiction of Mississippi, many Lodges have informally relied on Past Masters for decades, recognizing their experience as vital to Lodge stability and growth. However, the push toward establishing formal, structured Past Masters Councils represents a renewed effort to:
- Organize Past Masters into a unified, effective body
- Strengthen leadership pipelines
- Improve Lodge governance
- Foster statewide continuity and accountability
This initiative aligns with the broader historical mission of the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge, founded in 1867, to develop strong leaders, preserve the Masonic legacy, and serve communities across Mississippi under Prince Hall Affiliation.
Grand Lodge Initiative Led by Deputy Grand Master Fredrick K. Wilson
Deputy Grand Master Fredrick K. Wilson is spearheading a jurisdiction‑wide effort to formally establish Past Masters Councils across Mississippi. His vision includes:
✔ A Past Masters Council in Every Lodge
Each Lodge will be encouraged to organize its Past Masters into a local advisory body to support officers and enhance member development.
✔ Councils Established in Each Region or District
With 4 Regions and 16 Districts across the Jurisdiction, DGM Wilson seeks to ensure Past Masters play a coordinated role in improving communication, training, and leadership consistency at the district and regional levels.
✔ Strengthened Collaboration with Grand Lodge Leadership
These Councils will serve as a critical link between the Grand Lodge and local Lodges—helping carry out statewide programming, supporting Masonic education efforts, and reinforcing the mission of the Stringer Grand Lodge.
✔ Ensuring the Legacy of Mississippi Past Masters Endures
By organizing the wealth of knowledge and experience Past Masters hold, DGM Wilson aims to ensure this history is preserved, documented, and passed to future generations of Mississippi Freemasons.
Conclusion
The Past Masters Council represents the next step in strengthening the Craft across the Jurisdiction of Mississippi. Through unity, mentorship, historical preservation, and collaboration with the Grand Lodge, the Council will play a vital role in shaping the future of Freemasonry under the banner of the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge, F. & A.M., PHA.