The Genesis and Rise of Bishop Richard Allen Masonic Lodge #11

                                                   Riviera Beach, Florida

 

In the early summer of 2016, Dr. Elvin J. Parker III, K.Y.C.H.. 33°, pastor of Hurst Chapel AME Church, envisions the formation of a Masonic lodge in Riviera Beach, Florida. With keen insight into the spiritual and communal needs of the city, he senses the time was ripe for such an institution to take root.

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To explore the feasibility of this idea, Dr. Parker consults with fellow masons and church members—Brothers Emmanuel Garrett and James Patterson—who are an affiliate with another lodge in the area. Together, they began canvassing local interest among area Masons. Their informal audit confirm what they suspected: a strong and sincere interest exists.

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On November 21, 2016, Dr. Parker receives authorization from the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida ((MWUGLFL) to operate Under Dispensation (UD) in Riviera Beach. Thus, permission to "open a new lodge' in the Palm Beach County is granted. The name Bishop Richard Allen (1760-1831) founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.) and first Grand Treasurer of the African Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, is the choice for naming the lodge. His work laid the foundation for future Black leaders and inspired many to pursue social justice and equality.  

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Dr. Parker invites Brother Dr. George L. Lockhart—a fellow minister and a school administrator with the School District of Palm Beach County—to join him in laying the foundation of the lodge. Together, their inlfluential presence within the community and througout the county, are instrumental in framing the new lodge's structure. Brother Parker is responsible for obtaining a Masonic Warrant, drafting the bylaws, and establishing regular meeting times. He gathers the paperwork necessary to start the lodge, while Brother  Lockhart is responsible for locating a facilty, Purchasing Symbolic items, lodge's Furniture and fixtures, and membership.

 

In its early stages, the fledgelding lodge faces significant logistical challenges, holding meetings in less-than-ideal locations such as dusty libraries, small classrooms without air conditioning, and on days in which facilites will allow us to meet for free. Yet the brothers press on with dertmination and resilience. Initiations began, and the lodge gradually began to grow.

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Dr. Lockhart’s professional influence within the school district, finally secures a permanent meeting place at Inlet Grove Community High School. The facility proves to be an ideal 'first' home—offering ample parking, use of the gymnasium as the lodge hall, the cafeteria for fellowship dinners, dedicated storage space, and proper restroom accommodations.

 

​Recognizing the power of digital outreach, a professional and positive digital footprint can significantly impact how others perceive you, both professionally and personally. Dr. Parker tasks (then Senior Warden) Dr. Lockhart with creating a digital presence for the lodge. Dr. Lockhart swiftly establishes BRAML 11’s digital footprint through a flurry of social media and communication platforms, including a website, Facebook, Instagram, and a digital newsletter. This presence not only connects the lodge with extended networks but also tracks community engagement, leading to a deliberate focus on hosting more public events.

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On April 8, 2017, after demonstrating remarkable commitment and perseverance, the MWUGL of Florida—under The Honorable Walter Gulley, Jr., 18th Most Worshipful Grand Master, along with Right Worshipful Jeffrey G. Jones, Deputy Grand Master; Right Worshipful Gus Harris, Jr., Senior Grand Warden; Right Worshipful Phillip Robinson, Grand Secretary; and Right Worshipful Melvin Wright, Grand Treasurer—officially grants a full charter to Bishop Richard Allen Masonic Lodge Number 11.

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Inspired by their newfound official status, SW Dr. Lockhart encouraged the creation of a campaign slogan. WM Dr. Parker proposed:

"THE GOLD STANDARD"
“By which all other standards compare.”

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Wearing this motto, BRAML 11 makes its public debut in the city’s annual MLK Day Parade, a symbolic and strategic act that sparks a wave of public interest and community engagement. "The city has awakened to our presence," noted WM Parker. Having successfully laid the foundation, WM Parker stepped down in November 2017, passing the gavel to Dr. George L. Lockhart (via unanimous election),  he assumes the mantle of Worshipful Master.

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Under WM Lockhart leadership, the lodge's momentum increases the period of flourishing. The lodge’s membership grows to 31 brothers, and its financial reserves reaching $10,000.

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Not long after, District Deputy Grand Master James E. Coney entrusts the young lodge with the significant responsibility of hosting all three Festive Days. BRAML 11 executes these events flawlessly, once again reinforcing its growing reputation in Riviera Beach. Here are the lodge's Charter Members.