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COUNCIL OF DELIBERATION ORIENT OF KOREA Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A
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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ORIENT OF KOREA Ancient & accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Southern Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliation
The Council of Deliberation Korea of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite is a Masonic organization based around principles of freedom and self determination. Below is snap shot of our humble beginning. The first mention of a Consistory in Korea under the Southern Jurisdiction occurred in a call from Most Worshipful Grand Master, Dr. Deary Vaughn to Illustrious Alvin K. Wilkins, 33° Dr. Vaughn learn about Illustrious Wilkins’ assignment to Korea and he asked him to contact Illustrious Julius Small, Jr. when he arrived in country. After a survey of the country and Illustrious Wilkins meeting the brethren, he wrote to Dr Vaughn in a letter stating, “I have been feeling around cautiously about the extension of the Scottish Rite in Korea. I find enough men anxious for the degrees, but I want to conciliate good men, who will work for the order. " It appears reasonable to assume that there were many Prince Hall Scottish Rite Masons serving and living in Korea. There is no reason to doubt that they did meet, hold club meetings. Some of the Master Masons were traveling to Okinawa, Japan receive the degrees of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish. There were enough members in Korea to establish a Consistory, which allowed them to continue to enjoy the warmth of fraternal fellowship. The history of Orient of Korea (Southern Jurisdiction begins with our brethren in Billy G. Miller Lodge in Tonducheon, Korea. Billy G. Miller Military Lodge is under the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oklahoma.
1989 The Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliated (PHA), Valley of Osan, took its first step in September 10, 1988, when Illustrious Alvin K. Wilkins, 33 and Illustrious Richard D. Watson, 32, held a meeting in Seoul, Korea to discuss establishing the four bodies of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, PHA. There were fifteen members of the Scottish Rite present at the meeting. Illustrious Wilkins informed all present that it will cost time, dedication and money to bring other houses of Freemasonry to the peninsula. The members expressed their desire and willingness to actively participate. A few days later the names of 35 area Prince Hall Masons were presented as willing to take the degrees. Illustrious Wilkins met with Illustrious Julius Small, Jr. 33, who was serving as the Command Sergeant Major for the 19th Support Command in Daegu, Korea to discuss his plans for organizing the Ancient & Accepted Scottish. He also informed the District Deputy Grand Master, Right Worshipful Claude Bayard of his intentions. Deputy Bayard was the Deputy for District 21, Korea, Oklahoma Jurisdiction, PHA. The word spread throughout Korea and Illustrious Wilkins met with some of the members who felt they did not need any more houses on the peninsula. But, Illustrious Wilkins was determined to see it through. He almost single handedly sought out interested Masons in Korea, and once obtaining the required number of 30, on November 18, 1988, formal letters were written to Dr. Deary Vaughn, Most Worshipful Grand Master, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oklahoma, and Dr. I.H. Clayborn, 33, Sovereign Grand Commander, United Supreme Council, 33, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliated, USA., Inc. Once Illustrious Wilkins received the support of Grand Master Vaughn, and the blessings of Dr. Clayborn, he petitioned the United Supreme Council in Washington, District of Columbia. Illustrious Wilkins followed up his letter with a call to Dr. I.H. Clayborn. Dr. Clayborn asked “If there was a need to send a team over to Korea to conduct the work?” Illustrious Wilkins informed the Dr. Clayborn that most of the Scottish Rite members in country were members of the Prince Hall Military Consistory No. 304, Frankfurt, Germany, and they are very familiar with the degree work and are qualified to perform the degrees in a professional way. Dr. Clayborn gave Illustrious Wilkins his blessings and permission to proceed. After discussion with Grand Master Vaughn and Dr. Clayborn, the propose name for the Consistory was presented; Herman E. Duncan. The late Herman E. Duncan was the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the jurisdiction of Oklahoma from 1972 to 1985. He also was a Grand Inspector General of the United Supreme Council. Dr. Clayborn wrote a letter to Illustrious Wilkins providing him with guidance and instructions, along with the letter; he issued a dispensation to form the first Consistory in Korea under the United Supreme Council, 33, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliated, USA, Inc. Illustrious Wilkins was also instructed to contact Illustrious James A. Mingo, 33, Secretary-General, Holy Empire. Illustrious Wilkins met Dr. Mingo in Germany in 1976. Needles to say, Dr. Mingo was one of Illustrious Wilkins’ mentor and teacher. They spend a lot of time together while Illustrious Wilkins was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia in 1977. Illustrious Wilkins’ connection with Dr. Mingo and the United Supreme Council still runs deep after 30 years of membership, having served as officers and both unofficially and officially in the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite. The dispensation was issued on January 6, 1989, thus Herman E. Duncan Military Consistory 359 (UD) was born. The first officers were; Illustrious Alvin K. Wilkins, 33, Commander-in-Chief; Illustrious Richard D. Watson, 32, 1st LT Commander; and Ishmael A. Webb, 32, 2nd Lt. Commander. It is interesting to note that Illustrious Richard D. Watson and Illustrious Wilkins, Ishmal A. Webb were classmates in Prince Hall Military Consistory No. 304 in Frankfurt, Germany. They laid the first brick in building the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction in Korea. We have the Western Europe and Far East Connection. The records indicate that the first meeting was held at Camp Casey, Korea at the DISCOM Chapel were the by-laws were established and plans were presented to conduct the Consistory’s fist advancement. Sixteen petitions were presented and accepted for the Consistorial degrees at that time.
The plans were laid out and Illustrious Wilkins provided instructions and guidance on what was needed for the different degrees. The members all agreed that they were ready to take the next step and perform degree work for the four houses of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish. The members present pledged their support with assisting the officers. Illustrious James C. Epps, 32, volunteered to drive to Seoul, a two and a half hours drive, to ask the Seoul American High School, ROTC Department could they borrow the swords for their ceremonies. Illustrious Epps hand-receipted the swords and also found black robes to wear to perform the degree work. Illustrious Wilkins instructed all the members to spread the word throughout the peninsula and that Herman E. Duncan Military Consistory No. 359, (UD) will conduct its first advancement for Prince Hall Masons who are currently financial with the ancient craft lodge. The meeting was closed.
The second meeting was opened by Illustrious Wilkins. The minutes were presented and read by the “acting secretary Illustrious James C. Epps. This was the historical meeting when the advancement took place. Illustrious Wilkins, 33°, communicated to a class of twelve the Scottish Rite degrees from the 4° to the 14° inclusive, the 15° to the 30°, inclusive, and the 31° and 32° with Illustrious Richard D. Watson, Illustrious James Epps and Illustrious Larry D. Davis assisting in the communication of these degrees. They each served as one of the head of houses; Thrice Potent Master, Most Wise & Perfect Master, Grand Commander, and Illustrious Commander-In-Chief.
Illustrious sirs; Gale Matthew Collins, Gary Lewis Smith, Wayne Allen Mitchell, Sr., Chris Martin Alston, Charles P. Ervin, Jr., Reginald Williams, Roy Lee, Daniel Diaz Rodriquez, Alvin Leon Shows, Russell Chevaz Parker, Lee Alton Roster, Jr., and Zampino, Carvili Stokes. This was the “charted class”.
At this meeting, a check for $300 was drawn for the fee to the United Supreme Council for Charters and Rituals and Constitutions for the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliated. Illustrious Wilkins welcomed the new members to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry! He informed them that our membership is our most important asset. Scottish Rite members are the force that allows our organization to continue its service and humanitarian efforts within our communities and throughout the world. We need new members to infuse our consistory with new ideas, energy, and enthusiasm and enhance community representation. Illustrious Watson gave the new members a lecture and Illustrious Wilkins stated he hope that the information presented will be helpful to the members as they become better acquainted with the organization. Illustrious Wilkins also stated “to deliver on our mission, we must build our movement. We must exert our best and most united efforts to do so and increase the number of our members, peninsula wide.” The third meeting was held on February 10, in Osan, Korea for the purpose of advancing more Masons into the Consistory. Illustrious Wilkins opened the meeting and welcomed the members. He expressed his appreciation and thanked the members for participation in the meeting despite the late notice. Illustrious Julius Smalls, Jr., 33, Western Europe, Illustrious Charles Appling, 33, England, Illustrious Claude Bayard, 33, North Carolina, Illustrious David Rivers, 33, Kentucky were members of the Southern Jurisdiction, and Illustrious David Young, 33, Far East, Northern Jurisdiction were present. The advancement was completed and the consistory records show there were 33 charter members. Illustrious Sirs; Ishmael A. Webb, Gale Collins, Gary Smith, Wayne Mitchell, Sr., Reginald Williams and Daniel Rodriquez played vital roles in assisting the consistory with the advancement. Illustrious Smalls addressed the membership about the Scottish Rite and the legacy of leadership that had come to Korea. The original membership came from four different lodges. The twelve charter members hailing from Billy G. Miller Military Lodge No. 43, Camp Casey, Korea. The other members came from Prince Hall Military Lodge No. 141, Seoul, Korea, Otis Hopskin Military Lodge No. 10, Osan, Korea and Andrew Baskin Military Lodge No. 65, Daegu, Korea.
Illustrious James C. Epps, 32, Illustrious Julius Smalls, Jr., 33 and Illustrious Ishmal A. Webb were great supporters and played active roles in assisting Illustrious Wilkins. Their total support is admirable and was commended.
It was on March 15, 1989, that the consistory voted that each class will make a donation to purchase the necessary articles; such as the furniture, apron, swords and altar and station cloths for the consistory. Every Commander-In-Chief each year kept the need for a purchasing the items alive and finally, speculative masonry became operative masonry and the consistory was fully dressed.
Illustrious Wilkins expressed thanks to Dr. Clayborn, Dr. Mingo and to Grand Master Deary Vaughn for their many contributions and guidance. He also pledged to continue the efforts to make Herman E. Duncan Military Consistory 359 responsive to the desires of the membership. Illustrious Wilkins, Illustrious Commander-In-Chief of Herman E. Duncan Military Consistory No. 359 (UD), reported the establishment of Herman E. Duncan Military Consistory 359 (UD) in Osan, Korea and transmitted the remittance resulting from the formation of that Body to the United Supreme Council, on October 10, 1989. The Charter for the Consistory was issued on October 10, 1989, and the Consistory was constituted November 11, 1989. Officers were elected at once. The following were elected; Illustrious Alvin K. Wilkins, 33, Commander-In-Chief; Illustrious Richard D. Watson, 32, 1st Lt. Commander; and Ishmael A. Webb, 32, 2nd Lt. Commander, Illustrious sirs; James C. Epps, Treasurer; and Gale M. Collins, Keeper of the Seals and Archives. Appointments were as follows: Illustrious sirs; Reginald Williams, Master of Ceremonies; Gary Smith, Hospitaler; Charles P. Ervin, Jr., Engineer and Architect; Daniel Rodriguez, Captain of the Guard; and Roy Lee, Sentinel. The consistory unanimously voted to make Dr. I.H Clayborn, Dr. James A. Mingo, and Dr. Deary Vaughn “honorary” lifetime members of Herman E. Duncan Military Consistory No. 359.
1990 Illustrious Robert L. Thompson, Herman E. Duncan Military Consistory No. 359 received the Thirty-Third degree. He was the first member of the consistory to receive the degree. Illustrious Thompson was the District Deputy Grand Master of District 21, Korea, Oklahoma Illustrious Alvin K. Wilkins, 33°, left Korea in September, 1990. Before he left, Illustrious Wilkins made plans with the Grand Master Vaughn and many others for the organization of other Scottish Rite Bodies in Korea. Much interest was manifested in Masonry and the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite has been an active Masonic body. Early meetings were held in Camp Casey Seoul and Osan Korea. Having successfully organized Herman E. Duncan Military Consistory 359, it fell to the Officers and Members to increase membership and to move that Consistory forward. All Scottish Rite Bodies had received their Charters and Rituals
1991 Council of Deliberation Korea The minutes of the October 1991 executive session indicate Sovereign Grand Commander Clayborn recommended Illustrious Deary Vaughn becomes a Sovereign Grand Inspector General “Active” member of the United Supreme Council, 33. This action was approved. The Sovereign Grand Commander also appointed Illustrious Deary Vaughn as the Deputy for Korea. Illustrious Eddie Mallard, Herman E. Duncan Military Consistory No. 359 received the Thirty-third degree.
1992 Under the authority of the Constitution and General Regulations of the United Supreme Council, 33, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliated, USA. Inc. Illustrious Deary Vaughn, 33, Deputy of the Orient called together members of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite known to him, read his deputation and established the Council of Deliberation of Korea. This was the first meeting of the Council of Deliberation, Korea. Illustrious Alvin Bradley, 33, Arkansas, who is the Grand Secretary of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oklahoma, was present to assist Illustrious Vaughn. Illustrious Andrew Graham, Jr., Herman E. Duncan Military Consistory No. 359 received the Thirty-third degree.
1993 The Council of Deliberation held it second session in Osan. Illustrious Vaughn Presided. Illustrious sirs; Robert Boyd, Larry D. Davis, Hughey D. Donald, Charles L. Perkins and Richard D. Watson received the Thirty-third degree. Illustrious Watson was the District Deputy Grand Master of District 21, Korea, Oklahoma
1994 Illustrious Wilkins returned to Korea to see the fruits of his labors. He was re-appointed as the District Deputy Grand Master for District 21, Korea, Oklahoma and appointed Overseer for Scottish Rite in Korea. The Council of Deliberation met in Seoul and Illustrious Wilkins was deputized by Illustrious Vaughn to hold the session. Our Sovereign Grand Commander, Dr. I. H. Clayborn was called from labor to refreshment. Illustrious sirs; Wade M.W. Jones, Paul Kearney, Jr. Robert Jones, Alvin S. Scott, Clarence E. Adams, Mark A. Rowden, Dennis Peterson, Carl R. Kirkendoll and James A. Bryant, Sr. received the Thirty-third degree.
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