The Tribune

By Vanessa C Smith

Rev Stephen Smith and the Ebenezer church family in Farmer's Hill, Exuma, were pleased to host Most Worshippable Master Don Rolle and the Freemasons of Mount Royal Lodge #20 of Exuma Prince Hall.

Grand District Deputy Jason Anderson brought remarks and thanked Rev Smith for allowing them to worship. He spoke of the history of Prince Hall, born in 1738 in Bridgetown, Barbados and considered the founder of "Black Freemasonry" in the United States, known today as Prince Hall Freemasonry.

Hall formed the African Grand Lodge of North America after petitioning the Grand Lodge. Along with 14 other Freemen, he joined the Freemason Lodge of British soldiers. After the British left, Hall was unanimously elected as Grand Master in 1791 and served until his death in 1807.

Freemasonry teaches that each member has a duty to God and country. Freemasons focus on helping those in despair and maintaining the brotherhood. Former Member of Parliament for the Exumas and Ragged Island Anthony Moss is a member of the Exuma Prince Hall.

At the recent service, Rev Smith encouraged members to always encourage friends to come to know and accept Jesus as their personal saviour. He cited the Bible story, in which four men decided to carry their paralysed friend to Jesus to be healed by him. They were determined, and despite the obstacles on the way, they never gave up.

In order to be successful in life, Rev Smith said, you must have a made up your mind to not give up despite any challenges or unforeseen occurrences.

Rev Smith alluded to the recent benevolent efforts of Most Worshippable Master Don Rolle and the Prince Hall Lodge in constructing a new house for Wendell Rolle, a resident Rolle Town, Exuma. He called it an act of care, concern and a manifestation of brotherly love.

The Freemasons sang "God is so Good" in closing and presented a financial donation to the church. Rev Smith and the Ebenezer family also made a financial contribution to a Freemason of Prince Hall whose family member recently faced medical challenges.