Peace, Love, Blessings And Prosperity To All In Summer 2008!

In this second re-issue of the Mariner's long awaited return, we glance at Sis Estelle M. Parmer Bey and the Order Of The Moorish Star; the exciting women's component of the Moorish Rite, Brother Devon Patillo's return home from the front lines in Iraq, and the christening of Angelo Soliman Lodge No.3 in Florida. Also, under our Looking For Articles section, Texas Grand Master Bro. Roger Moore pins the historical jewels on Benjamin Banneker, while New Jersey Grand Master Bro. Quality El issues a timely clarion call for Moorish unity. And as is customary of the Mariner, included also are specific Masonic topics as well as topics of general interest. Enjoy!

The Moorish Rite MARINER

The Official Newsletter of the Ancient Free Moorish Rite

Volume 2 SECOND RE-ISSUE May 2008

THE O.M.S: SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED

By Sis. Estelle M. Parmar Bey

(People have been asking questions, both informed and uninformed, about the Order Of The Moorish

Star; we hope to satisfy some of those questions in this article.)

Those who know are not joking when they willingly tell you: “The O.M.S is no joke!”

When Ill. Bro. Clifford E. Hazel Bey said, “There are no degrees within the Moorish Rite that are moreprofound, more sacred, and more necessary thanthose which define the OMS...Some of this stuffsoared right over many heads,” he wasn't joking. Notthat he is often inclined to mirth anyway, but hewasn't sparing words nor anyone's feelings. Heinsisted (before the establishment of the O.M.S) that the Moorish Rite would only sail properly when the women came aboard. Smart man.

What was so lofty about the O.M.S that compelled the Grand Commander to add, “soared over many heads,” in that bold declamation Well, just take a quick gander at the O.M.S insignia above. Notice the centered symbol; the word just below (maybe not legible here but see front page) reads GOBLET. This one is a golden goblet.

Now regarding the goblet and Bro. Hazel's statement: a gold goblet (or grail), because of its spherical cast, reflects light whichever way it is turned. And it symbolizes, among other things, woman's natural, uncompromising reflection and essence of the Creator in all her divine aspects. It is a holy grail! Not to be confused with the Holy Grail from the King

Arthur legend and recently made more popular by Dan Brown's blockbuster book turned blockbuster movie, The Davinci Code. Our goblet or grail, while it could allude to the same historical similarities , it has stronger references to elements from Moorish legends. So, you see; the O.M.S is onto some “deep” stuff!

It is called the Complementary Rite. Of course, it is the women's component of the Ancient Free Moorish Rite, predicated on the natural complementarity between woman and man. And know this: The Order of the Moorish Star is absolutely profound! Its degrees are predicated and established upon ancient spiritual principles. And sometimes, unfortunately, the spiritual often “spirits” right over the heads of many on this material plane on which we toil daily to survive.

In that sense, the spiritual is akin to birds. Soaring in the atmosphere above our heads, birds still exist on in our world, and frequently alight in our realm. But we have always marveled at their airborne abilities and associated flying with spirituality. Birds are also often symbols of spirituality associated with woman. Thus, our ancient Goddesses were often depicted with wings. Isis, was one such Goddess; she is represented on the O.M.S star on which ten historical Goddesses are memorialized. Moreover, we say in the O.M.S Ritual, Bringing The Sacred Sail, “You have the vessel, but we have her wings.” That implies volumes about the character of the order which cannot be covered here.

But here are some frequently asked questions—andanswers—about the order. One sunny, mid-winterSaturday morning in the Newark library (NewJersey), I sat for a comfortable interview/question &answer session with a sister from the Urban Timesmagazine. As we sipped warm herb tea and munched on sliced apples and wheat bread with butter, we talked about the O.M.S. Here is the gist of thatdiscourse:

Q: Is the O.M.S an “Androgynous” rite?A: It is not. It is for women inasmuch as men andwomen naturally experience peculiar rites ofpassage specific to each gender as suchexperiences are not mutually shared. As aComplementary Rite, the O.M.S is not by thatdesignation an androgynous component of theMoorish Rite, but is, in fact, an equal andcomplementary component, but formallyseparate from the Moorish Rite. O.M.S women

do organize with Moorish Rite men, but do notnecessarily hold meetings with them. Forinstance, a married couple may share the samebed, bathroom, bank account, and even the same dreams and aspirations, etc., but they wont share the same clothing or undergarments (not tosound trifling), because those things are specific,personal—and formal when you think about it. And it's always been that way in all civilizedsocieties. In fact, that fine, blurred line betweenthe sexes is a veritable definition and true marker of civilization.Q: Is the O.M.S a secret organization?A: Actually, the “androgyny” question surprisedme because this question is usually the firstquestion people ask; I guess people arebecoming Masonically literate these days. In all candor though and to answer the question: No, we're not a “secret organization. ”At least not in a “Secret Society” sense, which is a suspicion most often implied by the question. We do have secret handshakes and passwords, etc., and I guess that makes us somewhat “secretive” concerning certain organizational practices. And I prefer the word 'private to secret. But it'scertainly not a secret that we exist and we do notrequire, nor suggest in any way, that a womanregard her membership as secret. Please! Shecan tell everybody; she should tell everybody!Q: Must an O.M.S candidate be a spouse or relative of a Moorish Rite Freemason?A: No. Any woman can be a candidate, she neednot be the spouse or relative of a Moorish RiteFreemason, although she can very well be both.Q: Is the O.M.S just like the Moorish ScienceTemples?A:No, it isn't. At least not in a religious sense, asthe temples are religious; but maybe in afraternal sense some similarities betweenorganizations are perhaps discernible to some.But as the Moorish Rite is not to be confusedwith the Moorish Science Temples by simple dintof the mutual word Moorish, neither should theO.M.S be so confused. As the Moorish Ritedoes respect the profound legacy of ProphetNoble Drew Ali, remembering that all such

temples today are not necessarily united underhis legacy, the O.M.S maintains the same.So with respect to the M.S.T of America and thegreat work and vitally important legacy ofprophet Noble Drew Ali, the O.M.S is not “justlike” that organization. But some women aremembers of both organizations.Q: Is the O.M.S religious, then?A: Spiritual but not “religious.” The O.M.S is anon sectarian organization and will imposenothing on a woman's individual choice of faithand practice; a woman's religious preference isher own. We are, however, a Creator reveringorganization. While we do recognize religion asa wise choice and necessary aspect of people'slives, we do not espouse any religion or religiouscreed as a primary organization tenant. Butthere is much here that deals with spiritualitythat can help a woman gain added insight intoreligious concepts. Religious discussion is sooften emotional and unsettling, we leave thatactivity to individuals so inclined, to pursue intheir private or religious lives as they please.Q: I've heard that men sit in women'smeetings in Freemasonry, controlling themand telling women what to do...is the O.M.Sthe same?A: While we don't stress ourselves with thegoings on in other Freemasonic rites orfraternal organizations - nor do we criticizethem, and I won't agree that the questionnecessarily applies to them, suffice to say: Mendo not attend O.M.S meetings unless requestedor the Supreme Grand Commander decrees it orrequires an O.M.S audience and visits a meeting.In other words: O.M.S women are self-governedin meetings. We can lead ourselves in our ownaffairs. And there's nothing wrong with that.Everything is right about it, in fact.Q: What exactly is a Moorish Star?A:Big questions demand big answers. Don'tmind if I prelude this one: Now, of course, theexpression is fraternal and symbolic. Aphysical star, we all know, is an elevatedheavenly body which emanates light, light whichis only detected by our eyes three years after itsactual emanation. A shadow of the pastinfluencing the present. Don't get me started!

Now I'm going to go in another direction with

“A Moorish Star is a woman of stellar

character and elevated repute!”

this question because of its profoundly simple yetcomplicated implications. The El Dey thinks Ishouldn't; he says that people must pursue theirown study to uncover profound truths. But heasked me write this article, and so, true to O.M.Sform, thus must I be a woman, and thus, bemyself, and so, be a true light for my sisters.That said, I will imply as well a forecast with thisanswer. So here goes: Anciently, stars werealways associated with women, because starsgave birth to the blueprint (or “trestle board,” as my brothers may prefer to say) of the heavens. When the sun descended, the stars ascended, to show us the way as well as delineate where we were situated on this earthly terrain. In this way, stars became the invaluable tool of the navigator at sea. For example, depending on the position of the Little Dipper relative to the navigator at sea or on land, navigators knew where they were within the four cardinal earthly points.

Copious volumes have been written and spokenabout the Giza pyramids and I only echo herethat they were constructed to reflect the stars inthe heavens and to help astronomers detect thesame. The pyramids were originally glass-like,smooth structures and when night fell, they werea truly magnificent star-spangled spectacle. Thecasing stones were designed to reflect andmagnify light. That's why the ancients called the pyramids Ahkket, meaning Light within light,within light, within light! Three magnificentheavenly

lights, which also alluded to the ancient trinitarian teachings surrounding Osiris, Isis, and Horus. And here's my own two cents: While historians generally regard obelisks as veritable masculine symbols, I contend that the pyramids are feminine symbols.

The ancient hieroglyphs show the reveredGoddess Nut (pronounced newt) depicted as theheavens enveloping earth as her star-specked body stretches across the earthly expanse, associating womanhood with divine and heavenly light—and much more. This necessarily calls up the zodiac and Zudiakus, which alludes to woman or the feminine reproductive aspect of the universe. Anciently, stars were named according to feminine phonetics. Isis was first the name of a star before its personification as a human Goddess. Now with that said, I will end this answer adding only this: A Moorish Star is awoman of stellar character and elevated repute! Q: I understand that a male wrote the O.M.Sritual and other Order materials, why so?A: You mean Bro. Aalim Bey El Dey. Well, asthe Supreme Grand Commander of the MoorishRite and one of its Founding Fathers, henecessarily assumed that charge. Moreover, wecould not have been more blessed with a better“Drafter” of the O.M.S ritual than he. While theSGC is certainly “ultra” male in demeanor andpersonality, he is very capable of left brainedwriting. Now as that may be an uncommonconcept for those not acutely familiar with thewriting process, it serves the SGC particularlywell for such literary work requiring a femininetenor. And know this: Bro. Aalim brainstormedthe O.M.S ritual concepts and the literary designof other O.M.S materials with the expresscontribution of women; his literary “ink”followed their spiritual feminine flow. Thus, theO.M.S material is, in essence, reflective ofwomanhood. Bro. El Dey simply “penned” thepalpitations of our pulse. It's like how we saythat the prophets actually penned the scriptures, but it's still the word of God.Q: Why is the O.M.S even necessary?A: Well, our people aren't exactly the picture ofrighteousness these days. And the reputation of our women is less than desirable. I think we could use all of the moral teaching we can get.

“While we dorecognize

religion as a wisechoice and

necessary aspectof people's lives,

we do not espouseany religion or

religious creed as aprimary

organization tenant.”

We women, especially, should clean up our act. Look at the way we dress and carry onsometimes; we've lost all self respect and selfworth. Much of this “cheap” clothing signalsthat we are exactly that, and it is “designed” toaccentuate one thing: our physical “ass-ets!”And even some of us who claim a degree ofsocial sophistication are not inclined to moralityin it's proper applications. We don't respect ourmen and they don't respect us. We are so quick tolead or follow men in sin and fornication, but ifthat same man selects a path of righteousnessand moral excellence, we will not follow or leadif it kills us. We women will sometimes temptmen right through the gates of hell to exert ourcarnal influence over a man's lower passionsand weaknesses, but we won't dare lead the wayto heaven even if we know a shortcut to get there. We say we want a man of God; but if wefind him, we become Delilahs in haste. Wehurriedly strive to defeat God and then takeGod's place in our men's lives. What we so oftenblame men for, we are ourselves the trueculprits, we should blame ourselves. You can't tell me otherwise; I am a woman. I know that wepossess a mighty power to influence men, naturegave that to us, but how have we used thatinfluence. You're looking at it today. We are poorexamples for our men and children. That's whymen really have no regard for our mental andintellectual assets, we are merely physicalobjects to satisfy their abusive carnal appetites.I'm not advocating religion when I say this, butstudy and read the biblical account of Adam andEve. We succumbed to the adversary's influenceand we continually do it today. Who told you toput on that dress?Q: O.k...but some of us do dress decently,respect ourselves and our men and children,and cultivate our brains instead of desecratingour bodies. You talk like all of us are back-wards and whoreish.A: Hey, I am throwing some mean punches herebecause I certainly don't mean to pull any; but ifI'm not hitting you, then don't cry “ouch.” Andmoreover, we've got to be more sophisticated inour thinking, in our sense of conversation: Whenthe man said that all Cretans are liars, he didn'thave to mean “all” and every last one of them. Itis paradoxical because Epimenides could not

have known every single Cretan, thus he couldnot literally speak for “all” of them. But what hewas speaking about was that Crete culture hadbecome a cesspool of prevarication because asocio-religious, tongue-twisting clergy hadgreatly influenced the behavioral and religiousoutlook of the average citizen. He was talkingreligious oppression. I know I've gone Greek loreon you, but the discourse does havecontemporary merit and meaning. So If you say, 'Americans love apple pie,' I hope I'm not included in that insanity, because I abhor apple pie—as a food choice. But “Americans”generally do love it as a desert of choice andthey love it as a socio-political symbol as well.Q: Whoa! You really drove that point home; Ithink I got your meaning. Are you always sopassionate about Greek Philosophy—and apple pie.A: You got jokes. I am always passionate abouterudition and intellectual discussion. TheEpimenides paradox always stimulated myintellectual appetite. Apple pie just doesn't doanything for me. But I am speaking to a muchbroader and specific concern here. Much ofthese immoral behavioral norms we see with ourwomen—and men—are vividly symptomatic ofan oppressed people. But that should not be anexcuse. Other people have overcome oppressionusing morality as a primary weapon against it.We must understand that and do the same! As apeople, we have got to get our act together andunderstand that immorality is a byproduct ofoppression and poverty. And believe it or not,many people rely on immoral behavior as ameans of survival in a world run amuck withimmorality.

The point is that we sometimes generalize;but because we do, that doesn't mean the listenershould place “all” our words in a specificcontext. We must stay within the context of aconversation to better comprehend its contents.

And to get back to my initial answer: Yes, we dohave fine examples of womanhood out here. AndI strive for that in my life as well. But we are fewand far apart. We need to increase the examplesto insure a righteous future for our children andnation. The merchants of our ignorance are

filthy rich from our filth and getting richer everysecond. Aids and herpes have taken uppermanent residence in our communities. Anddrugs have ever reigned on the “urban” throne.Teen pregnancy is out of control and homicide isthe norm. Listen: I won a $5,000 scholarship in college for a paper I wrote on street vigils in the Black communities across America. Now that award doesn't make me so special, this is no selfaggrandizement moment for me, I didn't think Iwould win a literary award for something itseemed that no one cared about or even noticed.And people who live outside of certain urbancommunities couldn't even relate to my paper.It's true. They were like, “Oh-my- gosh! I can't imagine! Poor, dear; and she survived this! We need to give this child an award! Somebody write a check, please.”

I was in absolute shock all the way to the bank. And somehow I felt that I owed something to all the fallen victims of urban violence; some of them even family members I grew up with. Q; I understand that you donated $2000 of that award to an anti gun organization, is that why?A: Yes. Street vigils have become a cultural art form in urban America; they are directly linked to guns and killing in America's “poor” communities. And most of the victims are Black males under 22 who live in single parent households headed by women under 35. Don't make me go statistic here!

I grew up walking to school every morning,passing by vigils on every corner. It was like,“O.K, let's see who got shot last night.” Youcould count on at least one vigil popping upevery three days or so; you became desensitized to death. And on weekends, forget about it...was like the OK corral in the hood! Guys were always trying to impress girls by showing us their guns—and I don't mean biceps. In the hood you can get a gun before you can get a job. And chances are high you will find your best friend shot dead before you find your daddy whom you have never seen!

El Dey often says, “When you declare war on a people, you arm them with guns.”

You see, this message is not for the timid or lamewomen. It's for those who are committed andpoised to stand up for change. But for thosewomen insistent on being wanton whores orprofessionals in the office by day and“professionals” in the sheets by night, thismessage isn't for them. They could certainlystand to benefit from it, but if they're not lookingfor us, we're not looking for them.

Look, I'm a young woman who grew up in the“hood;” I wasn't raised on an exurban farm. I've seen what our woman do; I've witnessed woman,even in my own family, run the streets and sweatthe sheets while young, only to flock to thechurches the moment their breast sag and ageknocks on the door. It's like they think about Godfor the first time in their adult lives with theappearance of their first gray hair.

I know that Sometimes the bold and brutal truthhurts, and sometimes I tend to speak and writecandidly, as I mean not offend anyone, but wehave to face truth order to deal with it andminimize its painful effects, because it's truththat will make us free, not our denial of it. Ourpeople are gravely in denial about so muchthat goes on in our communities. We havecreated a denial culture. Most devastating is ourdenial of righteousness and morality as anecessary, chief good in our lives. Instead we'vebecome the world's chief hypocrites!

'Why do we need the O.M.S?' Why not? Oursisters are in trouble out here! It doesn't requirerocket science to discern that much.Q: I notice you use the word “Black.” A lot of the Moors don't use that word.A: All of my comments are not restrictedexclusively to “Black” people; and besides, I trynot to get caught up in all of that wordplay, ithas its place. Although I could argue quiteconvincingly from both sides of Moor vs. Blackpeople coin. Q: Who is Sis. Estelle M. Parmar Bey?A: I didn't see this question coming; but since Iam one of my favorite subjects, I'll try to be briefif that is at all possible. About nine years ago, Iwas a student in a middle-grade creative writingcourse Bro. Aalim taught at a public library. He

immediately recognized my passion for writingand always chose me for special classassignments; I was like a teacher's favorite. Hetook a sincere interest in me as an aspiringwriter and we became close; he was like asurrogate dad to me (I'd never knew anythingabout my biological father). Bro. Aalim (ofcourse I only knew him then as Mr. Bey) used totake me to libraries and book readings andliterary clubs and chess tournaments, often introducing me to people as his daughter. I didn't complain. In fact, I thought it was cool—so cool, I used to tell friends that he was my dad back into my life after so many years. He didn't complain. He gave me a PC after my mom told him she couldn't afford to buy me my own. I finally felt like a real writer! My first computer. You see, I'd been writing poetry for as long as I can remember, but I'd never owned a computer. Now I owned one and it was great. That first day, I wrote until I ran out of words (I cherished that machine and still use it sometimes today).

All the while, Bro. Aalim encouraged me topursue education, be a “good girl,” love God,and he always said, “Keep writing, Sister. You have a God given gift with a pen!” Well, Icertainly started gifting myself with them,collecting all kinds of pens, and now I have over two thousand in an extensive collection. I've gotvintage ink pens the type of which BenjaminBanneker probably used to cartograph D.C and high tech do-it-all camping pens that Indiana Jones could find useful raiding ancient Egyptian tombs. I even own a few fancy, vintage ostrich quills. Those things are so beautiful! Naturalpieces of art. No wonder our ancestorsspiritualized the ostrich feather.

Anyway. Later, when my older brother became a Freemason, and my mom an Eastern Star in the same year, I somehow caught on that both had been influenced by “Mr. Bey.” Suspicious, one

day I just boldly asked him about it. Just took it right to him! And I'll never forget his answer. He said, “Yes, I am a Freemason. But that's just door number one, you still haven't seen what's behind number two and three.” And that's when I really took notice for the first time, of the Masonic ring on his finger. He continued, “It's a very big part of my life, you know. And now it has become a part of yours. All I did was to show your mom and brother the water; they were themselves inclined to drink. They didn't drink simply because of thirst; they drank because theydiscerned the spirit of God moving on the face ofthose waters.” I said to him, “One day I'm going to write what you just said, just the way you said it.” And he responded “I pray that the Creatorwill allow you to write for our people one day. I think it's your destiny, M, and I'd like to be therewhen that day arrives—it will truly be my honor—and God's glory.” (Mary is my middle nameand most people used to use “M” as a moniker for me.)

I knew very little or nothing, consciously, aboutFreemasonry at the time, so I sat watching fromthe sidelines, if you will, and my interest grew. From time to time I would strike up meanconversations with Bro. Aalim on the subject andhe would talk until my ears would go numb.Much of it was over my head, but it was stillnevertheless intriguing. Then when I would be inschool in Social Studies or Science classes, someof the same topics he talked about would comeup. He sometimes talked about the Moors, butnot too much; he always said, “You won't learnmuch about Moors in school right now, so Iwon't say much until it's time. Right now, it's all a fuzzy puzzle on the general academic canvass.But in time, you will learn to put the piecestogether and bring them into focus.”I even went to a few Freemasonic events,conventions, etc., incognito. But staying out ofsite and mind of everyone, no one really noticedme much; I was around 13 or 14 at the time, arather gawky, shy and pimple-faced naiveteenager. And I wrapped a turban so awkwardly,my hair would fall out or slip through the folds. Iwas far from a Mooress; I as a mess! Butbecause I read books on the subjects of Moors,Freemasonry, religion and spirituality, and

“All I did was to showyour mom and brother the

water; they were themselves inclined to

drink.”

peeped into Masonic and Eastern Star rituals, too, so I knew a little”sumthin-sumthin.” Iwasn't just a droopy-eyed child all lost in agrown up fraternal wonderland. I mean, look atmy teacher!

When El Dey would refer to me as his “Sacreddaughter,” I told him “Daughter” worked finefor me. I asked, “Why can't you just continue to say I'm your daughter?” He answered, “Becausethese people may believe it...and we can't havethat!” Umm.

Later when his “other” daughter, my sister, wasborn, I will admit that I was little jealous for ahot hour, but I got over it. Then, when I went offto college, I majored in Journalism on his adviceand graduated with honors. At my graduation, Igave my flowers to my mother and my diplomato Bro. Aalim. And I will proudly tell you: AalimBey Al Dey is my father! I care not what he oranyone else has to say about that! All things arenot “...best remained in the sound, in the deep, unexplained.” Read the Sacred Legend Of AriemAbef Bey, People!Q:Is that your eye in the picture heading this article...I've seen it with some of your other writings?Yes, that's a hieroglyphic type rendition of myleft eye on papyri. I was in Egypt two years ago, and you know they have these artist/vendors everywhere around the Giza touring site; they'llpull out papyri and do a picture of you rightthere on the spot; they'll put the pyramidsbehind you and all of that, right there on thespot! It's rather impressive. An elderly womandid this for me. Just my left eye, which isanciently symbolic of feminine insight andspirituality. It took her no more than an hour and she charged me $10 (American dollars), but I gave her $20 because she did such a great job. The whole piece itself, isn't much bigger than an American bill, about the size of a standardenvelope. But the artwork, the precision anddetail, is beautiful as you can see. Yes, I use it as a signature for my writing. Get used to it.Q: What do you mean by that...can we expect more from you in the future?A: I am honored to announce that I will penmuch of the new O.M.S material forthcoming

(with El Dey's input, if necessary, and of coursewith his consent). To me, that charge has beenassigned, and I humbly submit that I am up tothe task—and I pray that you will welcome me inthat charge, so that I might be proved worthy ofthe task. Q: I understand that the O.M.S was veryactive some years ago, but then thingssuddenly came to a halt and all the sisterswent separate ways. Are the numbers bettertoday?A: You always have to render a due andrespectful acknowledgment to those who havepioneered. And I respect and acknowledge those women who were there at the establishment of the O.M.S. Today, I clearly stand on some of the work they did yesterday.

It's not easy for women to walk this walk. As I was expressing earlier, we are up against a lot out here; the pressures are all but crushing.

Those women, like other people involved withthe Rite in the beginning, did their part and have moved on; it wasn't for them to stay the whole course. That's why the El Dey salutes everyone on the website, whether they are still around or not. He knew that the ship was moving in an onwarddirection and gathering an increased pace. His salutation was more of a goodbye than ahello to some. You see, the ship was pulling away from the dock.

So the O.M.S is currently undergoing anecessary rebuilding. A younger generation ofserious minded and concerned women are morein touch with some of the things I already spokeabout than the old guard was. We have takenhold of the mantle and a new day emerges on thehorizon.

So there you have it. I hope your questions areanswered for now and not over-answered (smile). Ithank you profoundly, and...good bye fornow...and...true peace...always

All Hail Angelo Soliman Lodge N0.3!

(Bro. Kenneth El and a cadre of courageous Moors establish first Moorish Rite lodge in the

orange state.)

Brother Kenneth El is ever a wise and industrious Freemason. Not only was he industrious enough to move to Florida (from New Jersey) four years ago and build the Moorish Rite there, he was as well, wise enough to style and name his first lodge (the first Chartered Moorish Rite lodge in the state) after the Illustrious Angelo Soliman. When Bro. Clifford E. Hazel Bey learned that a Moorish Rite lodge in Florida was to be established in honor of the historic Moor (historically recognized as the first Moorish Freemason in the occident), he said only two words: “Praise Allah!”

What else would we expect from the Moorish Rite Khalif? How Kenneth El initially came to be a Moorish Rite Freemason is the stuff of future Moorish Rite lore—and a very rich and telling story for another day. But today, we hail him and all the Moorish Rite Freemasons in the state of Florida. With sound mind and open hearts, we solemnly recognizeAngelo Soliman Jariyyah N0.3 in the state of Florida!

In Grand Master Kenneth El's own words, let's look at some impressive navigational maneuvers credited to Angelo Soliman Lodge N0.3 thus far:

“We now have doubled our membership since the last newsletter. We participated in the 4th of July parade in the City of Opa Locka, Florida. We are making alliances for the purpose of feeding the needy in Opa Locka. When we are in Opa Locka, we feel like we are home because of the Moorish Architecture and the street names (which are Moorish). We are co-sponsoring a food distribution in the Brownsville section of Miami on the 19th of August with the Make A Wish veterans organization. They have been instrumental in our efforts to feed the needy in the city of Opa Locka. A special 'Thank you' goes to Brother Charles Buford (Director of Make A Wish Veterans) for his support and guidance. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with the Make A Wish veterans and admire their efforts in these trying times. We have plans on the trestle board to develop more fundraising events in order to accomplish our goals of "Uplifting Fallen Humanity Through Nourishment"

Of course, we could not have said it better and we won't foolishly attempt to. Let's just say simply:All hail Angelo Soliman Jariyyah N0.3!

We look forward to enjoying the progress of AngeloSoliman Jariyyah N0.3 for many, many years tocome.

Moorish Rite Freemasons Feed Newark, NJ. Homeless For

Holiday(Bros. Sol Al and Clauzenei Santos

comb Newark streets to give plates to Homeless on Thanksgiving Day)

While Thanksgiving Day is indeed a day designated for giving and goodwill, Newark, New Jersey, like all American metropolises, is not short of its “needy” population. Many local organizations follow a long standing city tradition and set up food stations at major thoroughfares throughout the city and at shelters and churches for people to eat, drink, and socialize for the holiday. While these charitable efforts are certainly always good for the city and the Homeless population, there are always people who slip through the cracks, and sadly never make it to the picnic, so to speak..

Realizing this, Bros. Sol Ali and Clauzenei Santos loaded a car with about fifty plates of home-cooked meals, including the usual turkey with stuffing and cornbread and candied yams, and together, they rode all over the city slipping into those obscure cracks where the homeless so often lurk and fed a segment of the “needy” populous which may have otherwise gone without “daily bread” another day.

We commend these compassionate brothers for doing what Moorish Rite Freemasons do best, carrying on a fraternal tradition of charity and goodwill to the human family. And what is most impressive is that they initiated this campaign by means of their own largess; Bro. Clauzenei reached into his own pantry for most of the food, while Bro. Sol broke open his own piggy bank to purchase over a dozen turkeys. They cooked the turkeys one day before the holiday and then rose hours before dawn the next day, put on their aprons back on (not the kind they wear in the lodge, but still symbolic of honor all the same), and hit the kitchen. Caught up in the electric spirit of charity, Sol and Clauzenei cooked until mid afternoon

and until they felt like stuffed turkey themselves. Hey; we all know: when you cook a lot of food you nibble a lot of food.

Now it was time for the brothers to load up and hit the infamous Newark “Boweries.”

We may never know how many people got full tummys that day at all the shelters and bus terminals and churches, etc.; but we do know that “somebody” was thankful that day for two Moorish Rite Freemasons who, just for one glimmering moment, invaded their abandoned stairwell or hallway or park bench or even makeshift cardboard-box shelter, to remind him or her that the All Seeing Eye does indeed see all and has a hand to extend as well.

And what this demonstrates for Moorish Rite Freemasons is that, as the Most High is moving to inspire his people to make every day a Thanksgiving Day, Moorish Rite Freemasons throughout the country, must model this example and make it a Moorish Rite tradition. Let's seek out and “feed” those who would otherwise remain at a perpetual distance.

EDITORS NOTE

Sometimes, proofreading, double checking and even spell-check and word-check are only so accurate and foolproof due to human error. We humbly apologize for any word misplacements, spelling errors, word omissions, etc. We only hope to bring you an informative newsletter, reflecting in the main, the Ancient Free Moorish Rite effort to propagate positive information through an on line e-zine venue.

SUPREME COUNCIL FUNDRAISER

We can always stand to raise funds for the SupremeCouncil as it exists under the Sovereignty of our beloved brother Clifford E. Hazel Bey and Sister Supreme Grand

Matron Bessie Hazel Bey.As a Council fund raiser item, the Moorish Rite is

offering the engaging book Bessie Hazel: Fraternal Matron & Freedom

FighterVisit our online store at

http://www.moorishriteonline.org/apps/webstore/

We have offered this book as a fund raiser item in the past, but now, we have revised the text and more

pictures have been included to make it available as an on line e-book.

Donations start at $50 and 70% of all proceeds go to the Supreme Council.

Please show Sister Bessie some real love and participate in this fund raiser while you aid the

Supreme Council. Click on the link above to participate.

Thank You

LOOKING FOR ARTICLES

A SOLDIER SURVIVES!Bro. Devon Patillo Returns From The Front Lines

to reveal that combat was the least of his survival concerns

Aalim Bey El Dey

Who was General Hannibal?What was his historical contribution to Moors?Was he a Freemason?

Perhaps you can furnish answers to the above questions!

We are looking for contributingarticles on this great Moorish

ancestor. We reserve the right toselect the articles we publish from

those submitted as well as edit themfor this publication. All submitted

articles are subject to editing.Editing, if necessary, is for text

structure, formatting andpresentation; not necessarily for

modification or distortion of content. Authors will be given proper

attribution for articles selected andpublished in the Mariner. If

interested, please submit articleswith your name to:

moorishrite@yahoo.com

Brother Devon Patillo is a true soldier in everysense. Not only is he a beloved Freemason; he isa devoted father, husband, and humanitarian.And now he is a decorated enlisted NavalOfficer, returned home from the front lines of Iraq. And we are proud and honored to welcome him back.

In this article, he shares some poignant active-duty experiences with us. And Some of it maynot be pleasing to our ears, but it is the truth asonly a soldier of honor who has “been there” cantell it. And trust me, if Bro. Devon says it, you can take it to the bank and cash it. While he is one the most mild mannered and genuinely kindest individuals I have ever had the pleasure of close proximity with, he takes no prisoners! This is not a man to be taken any other way but seriously. To do otherwise will be to confront his soldier side. And that's never good at all. In fact, that's tantamount to suicide.

Devon Patillo (P.O. 2nd class), was stationed atCamp Arifjahn in Kuwait City, Kuwait beforebeing called to active duty in Iraq. Whilesurviving combat should have been his primaryconcern, it ceased to be that, as racism was aliveand well in the military, presenting itself as aformidable enemy to a soldier of color. Listen ashe expresses his concerns in his own words.

“I am sharing this because I love America andwould never betray my country. But so manytimes I felt betrayed by men who should havebeen arm-and-arm with me, and color not afactor at all. But that was not the case. The levelof racism in the military disappointed me.

Don't get me wrong; it's great to be home and Iam a soldier at heart, but over there it seemedlike more military politics than actual war. Yes, Isaw buddies slaughtered on the battlefield andeven saw a whole platoon wiped out in a matterof seconds; and these were soldiers that I trained with, even shared bunkers with. Friends. But

those of us who would survive combat missions, would get back to camp and it was like anotherwar going on, waged by whites against blacksand Latinos or anyone not white. Sometimes Iwould think to myself, 'This cannot behappening...this cannot be happening!'

The truth is: some of the Iraqi citizens treated me with more respect than some of my whitecommanding officers. So I often I felt like wewere fighting a war that wasn't ours. And I'm notashamed to say that. I commend those Iraqipeople who were able to lift their humanityabove the politics of war. Meanwhile, there Iwas, a proud soldier of the greatest country inthe world, and my commanding officers weretreating me like a I was less than dirt because ofmy skin color. I was like,'this is some old-schoolracist BS right here.' I would question who the'We' meant in '“We the people.”' I thought thatall men were created equal and that we were allsoldiers, side by side, protecting democracy.

I was always proud to be a soldier, it's afundamental part of who I am, it's a familylegacy starting with my father and uncles; butsometimes the way those white officers, rankingand non ranking, would act, I must say that Iwas sometimes ashamed to be called anAmerican. Throughout my entire Naval career,racism has been an uncomfortable factor, not

just for me, but for many soldiers of color—andmany military racial issues to this day remainmisaddressed. Racial epithets like ”Nigger”spewing from the hostile mouths of whitesoldiers and commanding officers alike, wasnothing unusual; it was an everyday thing.

Listen; war is ugly, there's nothing beautiful orglorious about it; it's not a movie. On the combatfield, it's bloody, it's brutal, it's kill or be killed.It's that simple, yet that harsh a reality. You go inprepared and equipped to survive, but you knowthat death can come at the blinking of an eye,and if it does come, then you've served yourcountry and died for it too. And you are readyfor that reality if you should come face to facewith it. That's what makes us soldiers. Andbelieve me, I've come face to face with death onthe battle field more times than I want toremember.

But when you consider the fact that racismprevails off the battlefield, within our ranks, yousometimes wonder what you're fighting for orwho against. You wonder if it's all worth it.Again, war has an ugly face, but it can lookbeautiful next to the face of racism. Racism canbrandish the face of an odious and viciousmonster. And it has menaced our nation for toolong now. I'm not implying that it's new in themilitary, it isn't, but it can feel that way when anindividual doesn't expect it and finds him orherself confronting it on a daily basis.”

While bombs exploded at his feet on thebattlefield and racism erupted in his face on thebunker. Bro. Patillo's thoughts often flew to hispregnant wife back home. She was carrying theirfirst son and he wondered if he would survive thewar or even racism to see his child.

“Yeah, sometimes things would become sohostile between blacks and whites, I wondered ifI would just survive camp, let alone combat,without somebody putting a bullet in my head, Itwould get that serious! Racial fights in thebarracks packed more explosives than combatminefields.

Now I wish for no one to see my views as allsour. Not all white military personnel are givento racist actions. I've had some very good white

“Listen; war is ugly,there's nothing

beautiful or gloriousabout it; it's not a movie. On the combat field, it'sbloody, it's brutal, it's

kill or be killed. It's thatsimple, yet that harsh a

reality.”

“The truth is: some of the Iraqi citizens treated me with more respect than some of my white

commanding officers.”

buddies in active-duty and they were exceptions.I can tell you now, that one of my whitecommanding officers had much to do with myhonorary discharge. I loved that man and therewasn't a racist bone in him. But there are too fewof him in the military. The problem I speak of is a real one and we must solve it with the samevalor and courage that we bring onto thebattlefield. As a country, are we at once amilitary super power able to defeat the world'sstrongest armies and a moral coward unable toeven wrestle with our own demons?

Racism and its ugly history is an embarrassingstain on the white American psyche, and becauseof that embarrassment whites would prefer thatothers forget about racism, put it to rest. And wecan forget about it and put it to rest; we wouldlove nothing more; that actually works forpeople of color; but white people just won't letgo of racism. They are the people who must forget about it and put it to rest, but they justrefuse to let it go!

So, as military people, we are the front lines. Weare the nation's defense, so we must set theexample for civilians. Racism must not continueto exist in the military. I think America has aproven track record of defeating racism or atleast overcoming it at times when our nationdepends that we do. It's time to close the chapteronce and for all.

Whether it was Dr. King or President Clinton,committed leaders had to be willing to lead theway. It is that sense of true commitment tochange that has made America the great nationit is today. Yes, racism is alive and well in the

U.S. Military and it is a deadly enemy to ournation. But we can defeat it and we will defeat it,because that's what we do; we are America—wewin!

We must win this war on “terrorism” abroadbecause we have to fight another within our ownborders. We terrorize each other on a daily basislike it's sport. We terrorize each other in theworkplace, in our relationships, in all oureducational institutions, everywhere and all thetime! In every sphere of life in America, someoneis terrorizing you just because you want topursue happiness and eat your daily bread. It'sridiculous!

Now I add this for the sake of this newsletter, butwhat I add has much merit. Freemasonry too, isalive and well in the military and just as it took“brothers” (meaning Freemasons) yesterday toresolve conflict between brothers in the CivilWar, today it must be the same. The change willhave to start with the Freemasons.

Spoken like a true soldier—and a true brother.

After having served his third two year stint,Naval Officer Devon Patillo, decked out insplendid officer blue, arrived in the states justhours before the birth of his first son.

Now that's a soldier's story!

(A beaming Devon Patillo receives the NavyAchievement Medal certificate from his commanding officer, in

July 2007, for saving a fellow soldier's life)

“Freemasonry too, is alive and well in the military and

just as it took “brothers” (meaning Freemasons)

yesterday to resolveconflict between brothers in

the Civil War, today it must be the same. The change will

have to start with the Freemasons.”

Sayings of the “Sovereign Grand”By Aalim Bey El Dey

Clifford E. Hazel Bey

Anyone acquainted with the Sovereign Grand Commander knows that his thoughts are deep and penetrating and that he often expresses inspiring and profound sentiments. This column emerges from many conversations I have been privileged to share with him over the years of

our acquaintance. And while we have, and do, converse across a vast expanse of topics, generic and profound, three often prevail to encompass all. They are as follows.

On Freemasonry“I want to talk about Freemasonry before 1717, before the grand Lodge of England and Anderson's Constitutions—even he said that Freemasonry was lost before their time and implied that it was an English phenomenon. But historians admit that much of Freemasonry was lost when the Church of Rome “burned” the Alexandria library in AD 391. Well, shucks; England wasn't even a country in AD 391, and Alexandria is in Egypt not England. And yes, I want talk about it even before the poor Knights of Jerusalem got into the picture.”

On the Moorish Rite“I've always admonished El Dey: 'keep your back to wind and remain in the Creator's hands; because you must keep moving forward with the Creator's protection and blessings. People, and “Moors” especially, are not going to accept the Moorish Rite at first. It's going to take time and patience to build this ship. Conduct your research and write for one hundred years from now. But keep your ear to the ground, for you will hear the footsteps of the people coming in droves like horses stampeding—in your lifetime. I have seen this and it will come to pass by the Creator's will.'”

“I always admonish the El Dey: 'Don't kill yourself over “niggers” who call themselves “Mo's,” can't even respect their own heritage so they make a nickname of our forefathers honorable legacy. Don't do it! And don't worry that many will remain sitting at the docks when the ships come in sail without them, one day the real Moors will stand up! But you must keep standing yourself, through gale, tempest and storm, and stretch your arms across the seven seas. If these American “Negroes” don't want to grow up and be Moors, they love being “niggers,” then reach out to your brothers and sisters abroad.'”

“People may not like what the Moorish Rite is or what they think it's going to be—if they think it's going to be anything at all. But the Moorish Rite is and will be what the Creator decrees. And I can promise you this: One day historians will write about the Moorish Rite! And they will write about it with honor and respect—and they will talk about it the same way. The Moorish Rite is bigger in the Creator's eyes than what many of us can see right now.”

On the Creator“The main thing today that people must understand about the Creator, is that He has a government just as countries have governments. He works through governmental structure. He has angels! It's much like the President's cabinet. God too, has a Secretary of State and Joint Chiefs of Staff, etc. If you want to get a message to the President, you write your Congressman and he'll get it to the President—you hope. But if you pray to the Creator, there are angels who carry your prayers to the Creator—guaranteed! These angels have certain abilities to carry out certain functions according to the creator's will. So if you want to talk with the Creator, ask an angel. But be patient; you may have to make an appointment, because everybody wants to talk with God, you know.” More Next Issue.

The official Banner of the Ancient Free Moorish Rite

Advertise Your Business or Organization in the

Moorish Rite Mariner

For a respectable and reasonable fee, ask us about our rates.

Call 551-580-2947

LOOKING FOR ARTICLES!

Benjamin Banneker - A Legacy of Moorish ExcellenceBy Bro. Roger Mitchell

"I AM fully sensible of the greatness of that freedom, which I take with you on the present occasion; a liberty which seemed to me scarcely allowable, when I reflected on that distinguished and dignified station in which you stand, and the almost general prejudice and prepossession, which is so prevalent in the world against those of my complexion. I suppose it is a truth too well attested to you, to need a proof here, that we are a race of beings, who have long labored under the abuse and censure of the world; that we have long been looked upon with an eye of contempt; and that we have long been considered rather as brutish than human, and scarcely capable of mental endowments.”

– Benjamin Banneker from A Letter to Thomas Jefferson

Many of you have met Benjamin Banneker during your navigation. You may have learned of Mr. Banneker’s intelligence, hard work, and diligence through his contributions to Astronomy and Mathematics; qualities not foreign to men of your high station. Mr. Banneker is probably best known for the legend describing his work surveying and engineering the District of Columbia, the capitol province of the United States of America Incorporated. A project he participated in for his student and then President of the United States, George Washington.

During your travels you may have witnessed Mr. Banneker making clocks by hand; these clocks capable of keeping time with precision and accuracy. You may have read his Almanac, arguably his finest work, published from 1792-1797, where he describes and predicts solar and lunar eclipse. You may know him as the Sable Astronomer, who lived a life dedicated to exploration of the universe, knowledge of self and freedom of men.

“You may know him as the Sable Astronomer, who lived a life dedicated to exploration of the universe, knowledge

of self and freedom of men.”

The astute Moor has studied the life of Benjamin Banneker. Born in 1731 to Mary, a free-woman, and Rodger, a former slave, Benjamin was born free. Rodger Banneker was influential in the development of an elaborate spring-derived farm irrigation system that allowed the family tobacco crop to flourish, even during the time of drought. Benjamin was taught much by his father and grandfather. Additionally, Benjamin’s mother and grandmother taught him how to read. Benjamin’s grandmother was Molly Walsh, a European who was sent to America as an indentured servant. After completing her time in servitude Molly purchased a plot of land and two slaves. One of the slaves went by the name of Banna Ka. Banna Ka, an African, won the affections of Mary and soon married her. The Banna Ka family name was changed to Bannaky and then Banneker by the time Mary, Benjamin’s mother, was born.

This is where our discussion begins. Benjamin’s grandfather, Banna Ka, was Benjamin’s only link to his African history and legacy. We do not know much about Banna Ka, except for his name. Whether the name Banna Ka was given or taken is not clear. African/Moorish parents traditionally named their child to reflect Gods future for that child. In as much, Africans, after trans-Atlantic transport, often gave themselves names that could resonate if heard by family. This would ensure a slave could reunite with family based upon that name.

What is in a name? Many Moors will take the name Bey or El to establish the connection with the Moorish Rite or Nation (i.e. Emmanuel Mu-Ali Ben Bey). Noble Drew Ali believed the name of a people is paramount to their

existence and that all so-called ‘blacks’, ‘negroes’, or ‘colored’ should forevermore be referred to as Moors. A people without a nationality will never have knowledge of self. Knowing the origin of the name Banna Ka, is therefore crucial in understanding Benjamin Banneker and his legacy.

Ka is from the Egyptian concept of life force. The difference between the living and the dead is the presence or absence of the ka. The Ka is sustained through food and drink. For this reason food and drink was often offered to the dead in Ancient Egypt.

Banna can also be traced to Egypt as the proper name al-Banna. Moreover, the word albanil is a spanish word that means ‘mason’ or ‘builder’; it too is derived from the Egyptian name al-Banna. A most influential and venerable Moor goes by the name of Ibn al-Banna (1256-1321) also known as Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Uthman al-Azdi. It is unclear whether al-Banna was born in the city of Marrakesh or whether it was the region of Marrakesh which was named Morocco by Europeans. Some historians suggest al-Banna was born in Granada, Andulasia and moved to North Africa for his education.

Morocco was certainly the country that al-Banna was educated in, learning the leading mathematical skills of the period. He studied geometry in general, and Euclid's Elements in particular. He also studied fractional numbers. It was during the Marinid Dynasty that Fez became a major learning center. At the university in Fez, Al-Banna taught all branches of mathematics, which at this time included arithmetic, algebra, geometry and astronomy.

“The difference between the living and the dead is the presence or absence of

the Ka.”

“Ibn al-Banna was arguably thefirst to consider a fraction as a

ratio between two numbers and heis the first to use the expressionalmanakc (in Arabic al-manakh

meaning weather) in a workcontaining astronomical and

meteorological data.”

Ibn al-Banna was arguably the first to consider a fraction as a ratio between two numbers and he is the first to use the expression almanakc (in Arabic al-manakh meaning weather) in a work containing astronomical and meteorological data. It now becomes clear that Banna Ka carries the name of Moorish/Egyptian Africans who have excelled in mathematics, astronomy, and masonry. It is no coincidence that his son-in-law Rodger has the knowledge of land irrigation, a skill well documented in Egyptian and Moorish Civilizations.

American historians attribute Benjamin Banneker’s excellence in clock-making, land survey, mathematics, and astronomy to his time with Quakers in Maryland. The fallacy in this claim is now made evident. Benjamin’s excellence is his legacy. Countless lessons from his father and grandfather were undoubtedly where he learned the ancient science and mathematics of Moorish Africa.

Emmanuel Mu-Ali Ben Bey [Benjamin Banneker (Banna Ka)] shares the pride of Moorish America-Amexem not only by his choice and diligent study, but by nature and direct legacy.

Bro. Roger Mitchell is the Moorish Rite Grand Master of Texas.

The Little Canoe Activity Page

Moorish Word Puzzles Decode the Hidden Message Below Unscramble and Spell the words correctly:

TfgahjdIhkgfhloveghsfthejgdfjhMoorishtyuwtyuRiteutsaufdFreemasonrygdsgfaItdsagIsfghSomethingghtVeryrwtjgGoodfasfgForwtrwuyAlluyrGoodyefuyjgMoors

__________________________________

__________________________________

__________________________________

Scramble: Can you figure out what this says?

O I M R H S O E T R I

RDPAMIY

ATHIF

IENDFR

MOHARNY

NESTNOH

OONRH

LA MOR

EESMFNYRAOR

UTHRT

DUAIONETC

Calling All Moors!A Clarion Call For Moorish Unity In The Light Of Equality

By Bro. Quality El

We are living in revolutionary times, dear Moors and we as a nation must assume the responsibility to heal the division within our nation. We are divided into many

different sects of conscience, Moors. Now that in itself is educationally progressive overall and we share a common knowledge that we are all Moors, kith and kin, people of a

common ilk, linked to a common destiny. Also, we all stand 4 the divine principles of love, truth, peace, freedom and justice, at least we should. But there is one principle that is

often missing. And that my family, is called Equality. Equality amongst all Moorish people, no matter what school of thought:

AZIZAN, MSTOPA, GREAT SEAL, CLOCK OF DESTINY, WASHATAW or NUBIAN. CHRISTIAN, MOORISH RITE, YORK OR SCOTTISH RITE FREEMASONRY, PRINCE HALL, YUROBA, etc. No

matter what, Moors, we are still bound together by the Most High, knowing that we are children of the Most High, and that we all claim, in some way or another, to worship, love, respect, acknowledge, actualize, embody, understand, overstand, comprehend and follow the SUPREME NAVIGATOR OF THE UNIVERSE or whatever respective appellation we deem

necessary for the Creator or Progenitor of all life. If this is so, why do we bicker and fight each other over petty issues, obviously disagreeing and refusing to unite. For those Moors

who have children and those who are soon to have them, would you as a conscience parent, allow your children to hate each other and kill each other? Would you step in and command order and have them come to terms with their differences, or would you stand

idly by while they go at each other throats? Ask yourself that question. Is there some principle capable of healing the division between brother and sister, mother and father, to

make us once again, a firm standing unified nation. My plea to you, Moors, is that you extend communication to your Moorish organizations as well as others, it is time to Unify-Unify-Unify! No longer shall we stand divided against each other. Now is the time to stand

and Unite! We must take the iron feet of oppression off OUR NECKS!!! Will we come to order in a New World Order, or will we come to our demise because we refuse to unite.

One nation, one government, one voice and one cause......LIFE! To live means you have life, to have life means you are free! Yes. Noble Drew Ali saw it, and it starts with conscience

Moors. I leave you with this last and final thought: Lets claim our house so that we can help

humanity, because if we don't, we may have as well killed Drew Ali and all the warriors of truth before him, ourselves. Listen, Moors: Because I mention Drew Ali by name do not misconstrue my message, I could have very well mentioned the whole host of ancestors.

But most of our readers are conscience Moors, who are all familiar with or pay respect to Drew Ali. So I call you not to a personality or any particular school of thought. No, and by no means. I only mean to call our attentions to the much talked about, but so often under

activated, time honored principle of equality.

ISLAM TO ALL!

The Concentric Square A Moorish Rite Symbol

Of Equality

Bro. Quality El is a Moorish Rite Grand Master in New Jersey