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Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity
of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York
[[image - drawing of Masonic symbol]]

Teaneck Resident Elected
Grand Master of Masons

Mr. William Richardson, resident of Teaneck, New Jersey, was eleted Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, State of New York and Jurisdiction, at the Annual Grand Communication, held in the City of Buffalo, New York, June 1 to 4, 1977.

Prince Hall Freemasonry, the oldest Black Fraternal organization in the United States, had its birth on March 6th, 1775 in Boston, Massachusetts. Currently, there are forty-three Grand Lodges in the U.S.A, Canada, Africa and the Bahamas Islands with a membership exceeding 300,000.

Under Mr. Richardson's jurisdiction are over 10,000 members in 76 Lodges, including Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; St. Maarten, Netherlands West Indies; St. Lucia, British West Indies; Barbados, West Indies; and the Republic of Guyana,South America. 

Mr. Richardson, his beautiful Wife and daughter, have been living in Teaneck for some time. A graduate of Virginia State College, Petersburg, Va., he is associated with Schlieffelin & Co., spirit importers, as a marketing specialist. A member of the N.A.A.C.P., and the Urban League, he numbers among his numerous community service awards, one from former New York City Mayor John Lindsay, for working with under-priveleged children.

Mr. Richardson became a Freemason in 1958, by joining Joppa Lodge No. 55 in New York City. He is a member of the following bodies. Widow Son Chapter No. 1, Royal Arch Masons; Alpha Council No. 1, Royal and Select Masters; Past Potentate of Medina Temple No. 19, Nobles of The Mystic Shrine; Joppa Chapter No. 30, Order of the Eastern Star. He served as the elected Worshipful Master of Joppa Lodge; appointed District 1968-1971; elected Junior Grand Warden 1971-73; Senior Grand Warden 1973-75; Deputy Grand Master 1975-1977.

He is also a member of King David Consistory No. 3, A.A.S.R., and holds the high Masonic rank of Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33rd and last Degree. He is the second youngest person (of his forty-six predecessors), to be elected Grand Master of the State of New York. He is an honorary member of eleven Lodges, and the Grand Lodges of Delaware and Illinois.

[[image]]
[[caption]]Most Worshipful William J. Richardson, 33 degrees Grand Master[[/caption]]

132nd Annual Session Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
June 7, 8 and 9, 1978
New York Sheraton Hotel- 56th & 57th Avenues

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