Message from:
Shawn A. James Sr. #8
35th Most Worshipful Grand Master
A Century of Light: Celebrating 100 Years of Prince Hall Masonry in Wisconsin
June 29, 2025
From the Office of the Grand Master
Shawn A. James, Sr., 35th Most Worshipful Grand Master
Brothers,
Today marks a sacred milestone, a moment not just in time, but in testimony. On this day, June
29, 2025, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Wisconsin celebrates 100
years of Brotherhood, leadership, service, and legacy in this great state.
One hundred years ago, our founders did more than establish a Grand Lodge.
They lit a torch, one of courage, dignity, and hope, and placed it in our hands.
They built more than institutions; they built platforms for Black men to lead, to uplift their
communities, and to pass on the Light.
A Legacy Etched in Stone and Spirit
Through wars and civil rights struggles, through eras of prosperity and challenge, we endured.
Our lodges became sanctuaries. Our rituals became roadmaps.
Our leaders became beacons for those who had few examples elsewhere.
And now, we are those beacons.
Why This Matters
We do not celebrate today just to remember the past.
We celebrate by recommitting to our purpose and our future.
At 100 years old, we are not growing tired; we are just getting started.
This moment calls for:
Brothers who are builders, not just attendees.
Leaders who are listeners, not just directors.
Lodges that are lights, not just rooms for meetings and degrees.
Let This Be Our Charge
As the 35th Most Worshipful Grand Master, I don’t simply ask you to celebrate —
I ask you to build upon this foundation:
Rekindle your zeal for the Craft.
Reconnect with your Brothers.
Reengage your communities.
Let us rise from this centennial celebration with renewed fire in our hearts and clear vision in
our minds.
In Closing
One hundred years from now, another Grand Master will stand where I stand today.
Let us leave him a legacy he will be proud to inherit, built not only of gold and brick, but
of character, commitment, and brotherhood.
May the Grand Architect of the Universe continue to bless this Grand Lodge, and may we
continue to walk upright, act justly, and serve faithfully
for the next 100 years and beyond.
Best Regards,
Shawn A. James, Sr.
35th Most Worshipful Grand Master
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, Inc.