WILMINGTON COUNCIL, PRINCES OF JERUSALEM, 16°

IllˆSamuel C. Lawrence, 33°, Sovereign Grand Commander, resigned after the Supreme Council Meeting in September 1910 because of failing health and died September 24, 1911. His successor was IllˆBarton Smith, 33°, a lawyer of keen intellect and a striking individual, able, incisive, dominating and devoted to the principles of Freemasonry. By his authority a dispensation was granted, November 23, 1910, for opening a Council of Princes of Jerusalem, 16°, in Wilmington.

Pursuant to a notice sent to all petitioners, a Convocation of Wilmington Council, Princes of Jerusalem, 16°, (U.D.) was held in the Red Room of the Masonic Temple, Wilmington on February 24, 1911. The dispensation was read by Brother Harry J. Guthrie and the Council opened by the following officers:

Harry J. Guthrie, 32°  Thomas T. Weldin, 32°  Charles H. Blaine, 32°  Walter L. Roberts, 32°  William H. Weeks, 32°  T. Argyle Souder, 32°  J. Edward Reynolds, 32°  Coleman B. Harris, 32°  George C. McKay, 32°  Charles A. Feil, 32°

Sovereign Prince High Priest Senior Warden Junior Warden Treasurer Secretary Master of Ceremonies Hospitaler Master of Entrances Tiler

Thirty-four candidates were balloted upon and elected. They were introduced and received the 15° and 16° in full ceremonial form. Among the cast portraying the work were:

At the conclusion of the work, IllˆDavid H. Lukens, 33°, of Trenton, New Jersey, made a short address and extended congratulations.

A second Convocation (U.D.) was held on May 26, 1911, and eighteen candidates were elected, introduced and received the 15° and 16° in ample form.

The Supreme Council granted a Charter on September 21, 1911, and at a Special Convocation of December 13, 1911, the Council was constituted in ample form by IllˆJames H. Codding, 33°, Grand Secretary General of the Supreme Council and Deputy for Delaware.

The following officers were elected and installed:

IllˆBrother Codding congratulated the Council on their progress and introduced IllˆBrother Guthrie as an Active Member of the Supreme Council.

IllˆCharles E. Green, 33°, MSA
From "A History of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in the State of Delaware"