Amidst, I'm sure, lots of eloquent words, much recognizing of esteemed visitors, and gold-chain rattling, the Grand Lodge of Alabama is meeting for its annual communication this week (Monday through Wednesday).High on their list of things to vote on is a proposal to lower the minimum age to become a Mason to eighteen.
Noticeably missing from the list is any mention of recognizing Prince Hall Masons, or of rescinding the century-old rant against "negro Masons" still on the books at the Alabama grand lodge.
And I don't expect they'll be hearing any speeches similar to the one given by Bro. Alex Harris in 1999.
As a thought experiment, we've posted several imaginary sentries outside the doors to the Grand Lodge meeting. Their job is to count the number of black Freemasons who enter the meeting. Can't wait to find out the final tally.
Image: Bro. Theophilus Eugene "Bull" Connor (1897-1973), Alabama police commissioner, public service commissioner and outspoken segregationist during during the 1940s, 50s and 60s. He was reportedly a Freemason and a "very active" Shriner. It was Connor who ordered the police to have the German shepherd dogs attack protesters, and the fire department to turn their firehoses against them, in Birmingham in 1963. One disgusted fireman said later, "We're supposed to fight fires, not people."
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