This year the great city of Pittsburgh was selected for the 94th Biennial Supreme Session held at the Radisson Hotel in Monroeville from July 24-Aug. 2.
Nearly 1,000 members of the Order of the Eastern Star, USA and Ancient Free and Accepted Masons from 16 states gathered for a week of friendship, fellowship and fraternity.
During the week, guests took advantage of their Monroeville location and during breaks indulged in retail therapy at some of the great stores surrounding their temporary Pittsburgh home.
AT THE BLACK AND WHITE BALL—Standing from left: Carolyn Pierce, Arlene Oliver, Willa Graves and Virginia Gray. Seated: Frances Hinds and Allen Eubanks.
However, there was serious business to conduct during the many sessions held throughout the day and evening. On July 26, after a series of meetings and workshops, there was time to unwind at the Black and White Ball.
On July 27, the General Grand Masonic Congress Supreme Grand Session Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Supreme Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star and Cognate Branches of Freemasonry Southern and Western Jurisdictions held their Supreme Thanksgiving Service honoring Pittsburghers who have made a difference.
The list of honorees included: in the category of law—James J. Barnes, managing partner of the Pittsburgh Office of the law firm, Reed Smith, LLP; law enforcement category—Maurita Bryant, assistant chief—investigations, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
For community service, Rev. Ricky Burgess, councilman District 9 City of Pittsburgh was honored; and in sports and entertainment, Charlie Batch, Pittsburgh Steelers and founder of the Best of the Batch Foundation was recognized. In the category of education, Mark Brentley Sr. of the Pittsburgh Public Schools Board was honored. In the youth activism category, NaTisha Washington, junior councilwoman, Wilkinsburg; and yours truly were honored to receive the Media award.
Inspirational and moving musical selections highlighted the afternoon and were performed by the choir of Hillcrest Seventh Day Adventist Church and Leymar White and her daughter, Azasha White.
The guest minister of the hour was Rev. Henry Billingsley, senior pastor of Zion Baptist Church in McKeesport.