Our Most Worshipful Grand Lodge was founded in the summer of 1960, in Nashville, Tennessee by a group of distinguished Masons. These men refused to observe as the constitution of their previous Grand Lodge (the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge F&AM State of Tennessee) be violated as many of their brothers at the 90th Annual Grand Session had pronounced Charles F. William out of Memphis, Tennessee Grand Master for the duration of his life span. This was not just a violation of the constitution which stated, all Grand Officers shall be elected annually at each Annual Grand Communication but also this went against the obligations of any upright Masons. This violation by losing many good men and well established lodges, a newly Grand Lodge of Masons came to light by forming The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Tennessee AF&AM.

 

The altercation was not over between the two. For violating the constitution, ours resourceful brothers summoned Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Masons to settle the matter in a legal court of justice. Our brothers on both sides stood anxiously before the law of the land, as they awaited the verdict. The judge, also a Mason, found Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Masons guilty for the infringement of an organization’s constitution and by-laws. The judge ruled that they had to immediately vacate  the Masonic Hall and gave all rights and privileges of the property (which is located  at 1513 18th Ave North, Nashville, TN 37208, where it stands to this date) to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Tennessee AF&AM.

 

With the disturbance behind them our brothers were presented with a Charter in1961, from the General Grand Masonic Congress Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Under the direction of its first Grand Master III. Edward E. Crawford 33, the Grand Lodge continued to grow throughout the state at a rapid pace. Lodges such as East Star Lodge #1, and Kirjathjearim Lodge #4 out of Nashville, TN lead the way with membership. Over the years the Grand Lodge became home to many Lodges such as: Mt. Nebo #3, Grace#6, Trinity #12, King David #13, Golden Signet #19. These great lodges brought forth remarkable men, whom craved a greater knowledge in freemasonry. Many of these men were also a part of the different honorary degree within the Grand Lodge such as Rock City #1 Royal Arch Masons, N.H. Harness #10 Knights Templar, Cumberland Valley #1 Consistory, and Arabic Temple #1 the Order of the Mystic Shrine.

 

In 2009 almost 50 years in existence the Grand Lodge would be tested yet again, with a great disturbance. Under the direction of ILL. Henry V. Young 33, the grand body with the grace of almighty God, stood steadfast in the mist of chaos. A well-known brother of the craft had illegally attained information of the Grand Lodge and made corrections without informing the Grand Master or any Grand Officer. With doing this, he named himself grand master over The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Tennessee AF&AM. After the word spread throughout the state, a minor division arose throughout the grand body. Grand Master II. Henry V. Young 33 over this period stated “that the name of this organization can be taken, but this grand body cannot”. This said the Grand Lodge was renamed “Most Worshipful Grand Lodge State of Tennessee AF&AM still affiliated with The General Grand Masonic Congress which defended the grand lodge during this period.

 

Since the assembly of this Grand Lodge, these disturbances have only strengthen brothers within this craft. Although over the years as many lodges have come to pass. They have not disassembled the harmony of this Grand Lodge which principle values are and will always be Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love, which our ancient brethren established many of years ago. As freemasons we should always remember that harmony is the strength and support of all societies, more especially of ours.