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Our History of
International F. & A. M. Masons, Inc. and Order of the
Eastern Stars
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In the month of July, 1950, International Free &
Accepted Modern Masons, Inc and Order of the Eastern Stars was born. Its creation was brought about by Dr. William
V. Banks and a host of friends who saw the necessity of an organization which would on one hand prove loyal to the cause of
Freemasonry, and on the other hand would be spiritually inspirational. Yes, the foremost goal of these members
was to concern its youth with the importance of intellectual progressiveness and integrity.
In Detroit, during the month of August 1950, International
Free & Accepted Modern Masons was incorporated and chartered. This charter empowered International Free & Accepted
Modern Masons to practice Freemasonry, and operate as a Masonic Fraternal Order throughout the United States, its possessions
and foreign territories throughout the world. This American issued charter empowers International Free & Accepted
Modern Masons to the same rights as those charters issued from the Grand Lodges of England, Grand Orient of France, and etc.
After our charter was granted, our Supreme Grand Council had the power to establish a National Jurisdiction.
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Today, International Free & Accepted Modern Masons and Order of the Eastern
Stars has established more than sixty thousand Lodges and Chapters around the world. We have a prospering Youth Department,
which was first organized by Mrs. Mary Kirksey of Roseville, MI with the remarkable aid of Brother Earl Williams
of Flint, MI. The first
court was in Flint, and was known as the Mary Kirksey Court, and furthermore bears the proud distinction of being the very first
department dedicated to the annals of youth for International Free & Accepted Modern Masons and Order of the Eastern Stars.
Today, International F. & A. M. Masons and Order of the Eastern Stars has stretched
forth its wings, it extends from coast to coast, from Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, and on into the Bahamas Islands and
other foreign lands. This is a tribute to the far-sightedness and relentless determination of our founder, and First
Supreme Grand Master, the late Dr. William V. Banks, and his diligent co-workers. These manifestations and other deeds
express wholeheartedly their firm belief in God as the Creator, and in Jesus Christ as the Greatest Gift to the world.
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Our first home office was, and still is located in Detroit at 2101
Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, MI 48207.
--Information taken from "The Beacon Light of International
F. & A. M. Masons and Order of the Eastern star" by William K. Kirksey.
Membership Contact:
Elmer W. Duff Lodge # 267 * 26300 Ford Rd. Suite # 131
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 * (734)
755-9184
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