Grand Masters held their 10th Annual St. John’s Day ceremony on June 3 at Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church where the Rev. Ticey M. Brown serves as pastor. The feast day is observed by fraternal orders around the world to recognize the birth of St. John.
The Southern California Conference, founded by Honorable Grand Master Willie G. Gauff, Sr., 33°; was designed to create unity among the Grand Lodges in Southern California. Honorable Grand Master Richard Ramirez, 33°, serves as president, and Honorable Grand Master Van A. Hibbler, 33°, serves as first vice president.
The ceremony began with a huge parade with the Grand Masters and members of the fraternal order traveling by motorcade to Mount Tabor. Hundreds were in attendance including several chapters of the Order of Eastern Stars, church members and visitors.
Pastor Brown delivered a powerful sermon called, ‘Behold, How Good and Pleasant it is for Brothers to Dwell Together in Unity,’ taken from Psalm 133:1. Also, Most Worthy Associate Grand Matron Gwendolyn Hibbler sang a beautiful selection.
The Sovereign Grandmaster David Henry, 33º, X°, was a special guest and commended the Southern California Conference during his remarks.
“Freemasonry is the largest and oldest fraternal organization in the world. The rich Masonic history in Southern California can only be preserved if the knowledge from pioneers like Hon. Grand Master Gauff, 33º; Hon. Grand Master Ramirez, 33º; Hon. Grand Master Hibbler and Honorable Grand Master W.M. Smith, 33º, is passed down to those who are worthy to teach and build,” he said.
Other guests included R.W. Deputy Grandmaster Kevin Briley, 33°; and R.W. Grand High Priest Brandon Kiel, 33°, who also serves as the Deputy Director of Community Affairs for Attorney General Kamala D. Harris.
