International
F & A.M. Masons and Order of the Eastern Star, is a world-wide fraternity. Organized in 1950 by the late Dr. William V.
Banks; a very prominent Attorney and a Mason with very high ideals. His dream became a reality at the birth of this new Masonic
Organization.
This fraternal
organization was incorporated and chartered in August of 1950 in Detroit, Michigan. This Charter empowered International Masons
to practice Freemasonry, and operate as a Masonic Order, throughout the United States, its possessions and territories. This
American issued charter empowers, International Masons to the same rights as those charters issued directly from the Grand
Lodge of England or the Grand Orient of France. Dr. Banks and his host of friends established a National Jurisdiction. Through
their diligent efforts the same year, three States were incorporated: Ohio, New York and Illinois.
Youth Chapters
were added with authority vested similar to that in the adult constitution. The purpose, to provide an apprentice work-shop
for the young children and adolescents in the charitable work of the Masonic Body. To inculcate certain moral principles,
as exemplified by the Holy Bible and other moral sciences, which is highly regarded by our Masonic Order.
International
Masons, was founded upon those Christian principles that denied no person the right to fraternalism, regardless of race, color
or creed. The cardinal principles of this organization are to appeal to its membership in such a manner as to:
-
Promote
better understanding and coordination.
-
To improve
such fields of thought which tend to ensure sound judgment.
-
To install
in the minds of youth the necessity of intellectual progress.
-
To regard
all that tends to develop character and wholesome personality traits.
-
To establish
only such assets or liabilities which are within the financial range of the membership.
International
Free & Accepted Modern Masons, Inc., and Order of Eastern Star, extends from coast to coast; from the Great Lakes to the
Gulf of Mexico, on the Bahamas Islands and Alaska. There are approximately 350,000 members enrolled, with an additional count
of youth courts.
Other institutions
of Freemasonry across the nation, swell with pride at the great progress our Organization has achieved in this century. A
large measurer of credits must be given to the well known reputation that Freemasonry enjoy throughout our nation and around
the world.
Our purchase
and employment of the first black owned Broadcasting Facilities of radio and television stations, along with the Universal
Barber College, the international School of Cosmetology, also the Industrial College puts us in the position to render unbridled
service far beyond that of any other Order. These medians of service, coupled with other modern services, such as monetary
benefits and those of prestige, and enjoyment, brings Freemasonry to a new level and where no one can doubt that International
Free & Accepted Modern Masons, Inc., and Order of Eastern Star, render services not duplicated by any other Organization.
Because of
our beliefs in the Bible and Christian principles, we teach charity service to all mankind and we try to induce an ethical
way of life which brings about those improvements necessary to the construction of good, clean respected citizenship. Under
the administration of our present leader, Supreme President and Chief Executive Officer, Illustrious, George Mathews, who
took office in 1986, International Free & Accepted Modern Masons, Inc., and Order of Eastern Star, has reached a higher
plateau and has grown to be one of the largest Fraternal Orders in the world. Dr. Mathews, has implemented higher goals for
the Officers and Members: Improved leadership, not only by teaching, but by demonstration.
Extending
a helping hand to the needs in our communities, by showing Christianity and Charitable deeds. Broadening our Scholarship Fund
to enable the Youth to own business' or have the skills to work in top ranking positions and take part of in our government
with strong voices, full of honesty. Having a helping hand in teaching people to have Respect, Dignity, and most of all Love
for themselves and mankind.
Dr. Mathews
has created ways and means of financially supporting other National Organizations, and private sectors with the same concepts
as our own. "LOVE, CARE and SHARE".
Succeeding
Dr. Mathews in leadership in March of 2009 the Ill. Bro. James O. Dogan, 33° has continued
to lead International Free & Accepted Modern Masons Inc. & Order of the Eastern Star to great heights and accomplishments
continuing a legacy of Brotherly Love in our Communities.
