July 3, 2020

Most Worshipful Walter C. Disher, II, Grand Master of Masons in South Carolina has directed that a reminder be emailed/sent to all South Carolina Masonic Lodges and Appendant/Related Masonic Bodies that his May 29th Order, shown below, canceling all Masonic meetings and activities remains in effect until he issues a new order.

Please be in prayer for our Brethren, our beloved Fraternity, our wonderful State, and our great  Nation as we go through these most difficult times.  May you and your family have a wonderful celebration of our Independence day tomorrow.  Let us always remember that Freedom is only one generation away from extinction.

Fraternally,

Gerald “Jerry “L Carver, PGM, Grand Secretary
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​April 29, 2020
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To our Brethren in South Carolina, this updated information is in response to the 2020 Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our Grand Jurisdiction. Until further notice, ALL MASONIC LODGE MEETINGS, EVENTS, AND GATHERINGS IN SOUTH CAROLINA will continue to be suspended throughout the entire month of May.

If any circumstances change, we will communicate through Grandview postings, both Grand Lodge Facebook pages, and the Grand Lodge website. Your Grand Lodge Officers are working hard to secure a future date for our Annual Communication with the hotel. Thank you for your continued patience.

We will issue an update before June 1, 2020, concerning future Masonic Lodge Meetings, Events, and Gatherings.

We recommend that all Brethren follow health and safety guidelines or mandates issued by federal, state, and local governments in your particular area. All Brethren with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis or exposed to someone with a confirmed diagnosis PLEASE SELF-QUARANTINE.

Please stay in touch with local elderly Brethren, any Brother living alone, or any Brother with chronic health issues.

Lady Laura and I continue to pray for the health and safety of each of you, our state, nation, and world. In the near future, we will be together at our Lodges with a renewed spirit of the Craft. Until then, know that I love and miss each of you and look forward to that joyful day.

May God continue to bless our Craft, the state of South Carolina, and the United States of America.
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Respectfully and Fraternally,

Walter C. Disher II – Grand Master

From our Grand Master as of 3/16/2020
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IMPORTANT NEW UPDATE: PLEASE READ IN FULL
March 16, 2020
To our Brethren in South Carolina, This “NOTICE” is in response to the Corona-virus (COVID-19) in our Grand Jurisdiction.
Until further notice and due to Presidential, CDC Reports today, ALL MASONIC LODGE MEETINGS IN SOUTH CAROLINA are suspended for the remainder of the month of March.
No Lodge will be penalized for not meeting until established government mandates in your area are discontinued. Please report all cancelled meetings to our Grand Secretary for recordkeeping. We will continue to seek government advice and you will be updated by April 1, 2020, concerning future Masonic events.
Our Grand Lodge Communication scheduled for April 23rd and 24th 2020 in Myrtle Beach HAS NOT BEEN CANCELLED AS OF THIS TIME. Please stay tuned to the Grand Lodge System (Grandview) Postings, Emails, and the Grand Lodge Web-Site for future updates.
Please do not cancel any room reservations at this time. You will have plenty of notice if the Annual Communication has to be rescheduled and the Grand Lodge Office will assist in cancelations at that time.
Our Grand Lodge Officers and Committees are looking for future alternatives for our annual communication if such an issue should need to be addressed.
We are recommending that you follow all guidelines and mandates issued by the President, Governor of South Carolina, CDC–Atlanta, South Carolina Emergency Management Division, and Local Governments in your particular area.
All Brethren that have a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis or have been exposed to someone with a confirmed diagnosis should SELF QUARANTINE.
All Brethren that are considered at-risk, elderly, or are currently ill should refrain from all gatherings.
Please stay in touch with local elderly Brethren, any Brother living alone, or any Brother with chronic health issues. I have included health links below for information.
We are taught the lessons of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Now is the time and Here is the place for our world to know “Who We Are.” Lady Laura and I are praying for the health and safety of each of you, our state, and our country.
May God continue to Bless our Craft, the state of South Carolina, and the United States of America.
Respectfully and Fraternally,
Walter C. Disher II – Grand Master
SCDHEC Information
https://scdhec.gov/…/viru…/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
CDC Information
https://www.cdc.gov/
South Carolina Emergency Management Division
https://www.scemd.org/

Dear Brethren:
In Memory of Most Worshipful Brother G. Ray Marsh, PGM, Grand Secretary Emeritus, our Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Walter C. Disher, II has ordered that every Lodge’s Charter and Altar be draped for the period from the Lodge’s next Regular Communication until the following Regular Communication. The following are the Funeral arrangements for Most Worshipful Brother Ray:
Saturday, August 24, 2019
11:00 am Grand Master Disher with the assistance of the Grand Lodge Officers will open the Grand Lodge, Hiram Lodge No. 68, and Boyleston Lodge No. 123 on the Third Degree in the Hall of Hiram Lodge No 68 located at 118 E. Benson Street, Anderson, SC 29624.
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Visitation will be in the McDougald Funeral Home Chapel located at 2211 N. Main Street, Anderson, SC 29621.
3:00 pm The Funeral Service will be also be held in the McDougald Funeral Chapel located at
2211 N. Main Street, SC 29621. Following the Funeral Service, the Masonic Funeral
Service and Entombment will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park located at 2609 U.S Highway 29 North, Anderson, SC 29621.
The Grand Master has asked that all Elected Grand Lodge Officers and Past Grand Masters wear Black Tails, with Black Vest and Black Bow Tie with white gloves and their apron and Jewels. District Deputy Grand Masters and Subordinate Officers are asked to wear Black Tuxedo with Black Vest or Cummerbund, and Black Bow Tie with white gloves, and apron and jewels.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Grand Lodge Building Fund, P.O. Box 2185, Lexington, SC 29071 or Washington Street United Methodist Church, 1401 Washington Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
Tomorrow, if you are planning to attend Most Worshipful Brother G. Ray Marsh's Funeral at the McDougald Funeral Chapel, there will be a separate stand with a sign in registry for Brother Masons. Be sure to sign the Registry designated for Brother Masons.

​Brethren,
It is with the deepest and profound sadness with which I report that our Beloved Brother G. Ray Marsh, Past Grand Master, Grand Secretary Emeritus passed away a few moments ago.  He was one of the Great Pillars and Support of our Grand Jurisdiction and our Fraternity.  He will be greatly missed by Brethren from around the World.  Please uplift Mrs. Mary Ann in your prayers.  More information concerning arrangements will be provided when they become available.
Fraternally.  
Jerry Carver, PGM, Grand Secretary

​GRAND LODGE ANNUAL COMMUNICATION
The 282nd Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina will be held on April 25th & 26th, at the Marriott Hotel located at 299 N. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29606. Those desiring to stay at the Marriott Hotel, which is the Headquarters Hotel, are encouraged to make reservations as soon as possible since there is a limited number of rooms available. Elected Grand Lodge Officers, Appointed Grand Lodge Officers, Past Grand Masters,
and Committeemen are requested to stay at the Headquarters Hotel and to make their reservations promptly. Each person including Grand Lodge Officers, Past Grand Masters, and Committeemen are responsible for making their own reservations. Reservations may be made by calling the Marriott Hotel at 864-596-1211. When calling, you must ask for group reservations and identify yourself as being with The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina (Code: LCGLC A for King Bed and GLCGLC B for Double Queen Bed) in order to obtain the special room rate of $159.00 plus tax per night. This will include Breakfast Tickets per person (up to two tickets per
room) for each night reserved. The Religious Service will commence on Thursday, April 25th at 9:00 AM and will be conducted by Reverend and Right Worshipful A. Robert Nix, Grand Chaplain. Following the Religious Service, the Grand Lodge will be officially opened at 10:00 AM by Most Worshipful Michael D. Smith, Sr., Grand Master with the assistance of the Grand Lodge Officers and Brethren. The Annual Banquet will be held on Thursday, April 25th at 7:00 PM in the Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel.

​Grand Masters Decision September 10, 2018
To the Worshipful Masters, Wardens and Brethren
Brethren all,
It is now apparent from all forecast models that Hurricane Florence will impact South Carolina with high winds and rain beginning Thursday, September 13th through Monday September 17th.
All prediction models from this afternoon indicate that the northeastern shore of South Carolina will have an major impact with devastating rainfall and flooding for several days.
While it has yet to be determined where the eyewall will impact the east coast, this is going to be a major category 4 storm strength and rainfall amounts up to 20 inches which will impact on our Great State.
Safety is of the utmost importance for all citizens and for all of our members in this Grand Jurisdiction.
I am encouraging all Worshipful Masters to act in the best interest of your members and Lodges.
It is my decision as Grand Master of Masons to allow the Worshipful Master or Wardens to postponed the September Regular Communications as deemed necessary for the following reasons without need for Special Dispensation from the Grand Lodge and Grand Master for the Week of September 10th in preparation.
The following conditions are permissible reasons to postpone the Regular Communications under this Decision
Regular meetings scheduled during the storm the week of September 10th.
In the aftermath of the storm, if the Lodge has no power, no potable water (drinking water), or if the Lodge is unsafe from storm damage or otherwise.
In preparation for the storm, please encourage all your members to take the proper precautions by planning ahead and seeking the safest options for their families.
Check on your elderly members and make certain to follow up after the storm as well on their safety and well-being. This is what true Freemasons do for one another.
If possible, the Lodge should also prepare as best as possible in the primary impact zones to prevent and much damage as possible.
Sand Bags at the exterior wall to prevent water from entering under doorways in low areas.
Taping or securing windows and doors if necessary to prevent wind and water damage.
Unplugging or de-energizing appliance and unnecessary sources to protect against power surges that could cause fire.
Obtain some drinking water and necessary supplies if your lodge could possibly serve your members or community as a temporary shelter if necessary.
Plan where possible to be able to prepare a meal for displaced members, families if necessary. Grills may be very useful in the coming days.
It is indeed my prayer Brethren, for the safety and well-being of all of our members and communities.
May the God of Lovingkindness, Mercy and Grace be with us. Remember we make a difference every day as Freemasons, no matter what the day may bring!
Stand tall and remember that God is with us always.
Plan to resume Regular Communication as quickly as safety permits and to let your DDGM, the Grand Lodge and Grand Master of status of your Lodge as soon as possible.
If your Lodge has any other reason for delay Regular Communication, that would require Special Dispensation using the normal protocol.
Fraternally
Michael Smith
Grand Master

​Ruby Lodge No. 314 is now in possession of the State Gavel. They welcome any lodge to come and get it and keep it traveling. It was retrieved from Batesburg Leesville Lodge No. 138 on June the 12th.