For the remaining conspiracy claims, Plaintiffs have pleaded sufficient facts to establish a claim for relief. Plaintiffs further allege that the name was chosen "for the sole and exclusive purpose of trading upon, usurping, fiscally capitalizing upon and converting the goodwill, historicity, character and reputation of Plaintiffs.". Signed by Greener, John G. Jones, D.F. Officially, the Supreme Council, 33, N.M.J. 4.The policy is as follows: The Supreme Council of the 33 for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States shall only recognize other Supreme Councils whose members be-long to regular Grand Lodges. The United Supreme Council, AASRM, 33rd And Last Degree Of Freemasonry, For The Southern and Western Masonic Jurisdiction, USA emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the masonic community, and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. Therefore, the conversion claim is properly categorized as a conclusory legal allegation that cannot survive the motion to dismiss. 255 is a motion from the following Defendants: United Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the 33 Degree of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliated; Ralph Slaughter; Joseph Williams; and Michael Parris. The first alleged wrongful act came on the tails of an attempted coup that occurred on October 10, 2015 at an annual meeting of Plaintiff USC-SJ Tennessee. Category: Scottish Rite Collection. In 1881-1887, these five merged into 2 United Supreme Councils of the 33rd Degree: one for Northern Jurisdiction and one for Southern Jurisdiction. . The United Supreme Council Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern and Western Masonic Jurisdiction of the U.S.A. and Canada as organized on April 5, 1869, in the city of Washington, D.C., by many high degree Masons from Washington , D.C. to regulate Scottish Rite Masonry from the fourth to the thirty-third degrees. The motion is GRANTED with respect to the claims for fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, and conversion. 48) was filed by Defendants Roger Brown and the Grand Lodge ("Grand Lodge Defendants"). The mission of the United Supreme Council, 33 of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction of the USA is to serve as the College of Freemasonry for aspiring Master Masons seeking more light in the Scottish Rite; thereby, enhancing the knowledge base, providing the moral teachings of the Liam O'Grady United States District Judge. This Council arose through West Indian migration, for Stephen Morin had propagated the Rite there. THE UNITED SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE FOR THE 33 AND LAST DEGREE OF FREE MASONRY FOR THE SOUTHERN AND WESTERN MASONIC JURISDICTION, U. S. A., GRAND ORIENT WASHINGTON, D. C. is a Louisiana Non-Profit Corporation Or Co-Op (Non-) filed on April 30, 1956. Plaintiffs allege that this name "is the same if not substantially and significantly similar, to the name of Plaintiff [USC-SJ I]." This is an open forum for intellectual dialog, conversation, questions, comments, ideas, and debate. We are happy of your interest in pursuing more Knowledge in Freemasonry through the oldest Masonic Rite known as Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite. United Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree for Southern and Western Jurisdiction of the United States., 33 certificate issued by the United Supreme Council to Richard Theodore Greener, 1896 September 8,, https://digitalvgw.omeka.net/items/show/512. 2014). According to the complaint, there was no such vote, and "Plaintiffs' Constitution . . The first three degrees are: "'Entered Apprentice,' or the 'First Degree'; 'Fellow Craft' or 'Second Degree'; and 'Master Mason,' or 'Third Degree' of masonry." Prior to the formal application, Plaintiffs had used the trademark continuously and without interruption since 1964. 18-2034. united supreme council, 33 degree of the ancient and accepted scottish rite of freemasonry, prince hall affiliation, southern jurisdiction of the united states of america, a tennessee nonprofit corporation; united - supreme council 33 (thirtythree) of the ancient and - ; UNITED SUPREME COUNCIL, 33 DEGREE OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY, PRINCE HALL AFFILIATION, SOUTHERN JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, et al., Plaintiffs, v. UNITED SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE FOR THE 33 DEGREE OF FREEMASONRY, SOUTHERN JURISDICTION, PRINCE HALL AFFILIATED, et al., Defendants. united states court of appeals . The General Grand Masonic Congress and the. Plaintiffs' bare assertions of "authority" and "exclusive jurisdiction" under their Constitution are simply without legal support. Casetext, Inc. and Casetext are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. Even assuming this is a material and demonstrably false representation, there is no plausible argument that Plaintiffs relied on this statement. At this meeting, Parris requested fraternal recognition for USC-SJ II. The SlideShare family just got bigger. TX0008-210-759, titled "Constitution & General Regulations of the United Supreme Council, 33 Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, PHA, SJ, USA, Inc." The effective date of registration for Plaintiffs' Constitution is November 16, 2015. United Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree for Southern and Western Jurisdiction of the United States. Attempt to steal the lineage of the Prince Hall United Supreme Council United Supreme Council for the Southern and Western Masonic Refresh your browser window to try again. Instead, Plaintiffs try to draw the connection by affixing the label of "agent" on the signors on these accounts. . Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 570 (2007). United States District Judge March 28, 2017Alexandria, Virginia, United Supreme Council v. United Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the 33 Degree of Freemasonry, Civil No. Economopoulos v. Kolaitis, 259 Va. 806, 814 (2000). June 27, 1847, Boston, MA. Deputy of the Year for the United Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction for the years 2010 and 2012 Award for Dedication and Commitment to W.C. Thomas Lodge 1997 Golden Link Volunteer Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Community Service by Atlanta Journal Newspaper 1997 and the United Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction (P.H.A.). Plaintiffs' knowledge that Defendants' claims of authority were false belies any reliance on those statements and dooms their fraud claims. Click here to review the details. . for the Thirty-Third Degree of Freemasonry Southern Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliated," even though USC-SJ DC had only been incorporated for less than one year. "To survive dismissal, the complaint must contain enough facts to state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face." In 1871 a fifth was established in Philadelphia, and was named King Fredrick Supreme Council. If you reside in an EU member state besides UK, import VAT on this purchase is not recoverable. In this regard, bald legal assertions without factual support need not be accepted. In examining the legal elements of fraud, it is evident that this claim must fail. Hechler Chevrolet, Inc. v. Gen. Motors Corp., 230 Va. 396, 402 (1985). Fifth, as evidence of the conspiracy, Plaintiffs point to a published letter from Roger Brown to Ralph Slaughter on March 3, 2016. This amount is subject to change until you make payment. By accepting, you agree to the updated privacy policy. 15. At that meeting, Defendants Slaughter and Williams, along with non-party Alvin Wilkins, Sr., attempted to gain control of USC-SJ Tennessee by voting to replace the existing "Sovereign Grand Commander Deary Vaughn." Enjoy access to millions of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more from Scribd. Established in 1869, we're an organization driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support. A presentation on the history of clandestine freemasonry within the african american traditions of freemasonry. The Supreme Council of the United States Western Jurisdiction was established in 1864 by Baron Auguste Hugo Debulow of the; . Reviews (0) The first Scottish Rite organization among African-Americans was the African Grand Council of 1820 in Philadelphia, which was referred to as the Council of Princes of Jerusalem. Your country's customs office can offer more details, or visit eBay's page on. An appropriate order shall issue. Ill. Ollie Spencer Sr. 33rd/98th President of U.G.G.M.C. XXXVIII, 23). 943 likes. United Supreme Council, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction. Welcome Welc ome to the Orient of Maryland, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, PHA, Southern Jurisdiction. United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. [5] [6] Ill. Edward M. Thomas petitioned the King David Council, since he was residing in the District of Columbia, for the 33rd degree to be conferred on representative Masons in D.C., and on May 5, 1856, the conferment was made and a council was established. United Supreme Council, 33 Degree v. United Supreme Council. 48 in stock. Compl. Free shipping for many products! Description. As specific evidence, Plaintiffs allege that they were aware of Defendants' false claims and demanded that they cease the unauthorized use of their intellectual property. See terms. Prepared for the Supreme council of the thirty-third degree, for the Southern jurisdiction of the United States, and published by its authority by Albert Pike ( Book ) 118 editions published between 1871 and 2020 in English and held by 1,016 WorldCat member libraries worldwide. While the bank account conversion claim alleges some specific property (the bank accounts) that was taken, the "conversion of other personalty" claim does not identify a single tangible item. with Grand Master Jose Rivera 33rd of New York, Grand Master Mark Williams 33rd of Texas, Past G.M. . 2 talking about this. Unlike the "oath of fealty" that provides a factual basis for establishing a contract between Plaintiffs and their members, Plaintiffs do not allege a separate contract with the subordinate bodies in their Amended Complaint. 7 in Cincinnati in August 1883. A at 1 (Dkt. This amount is subject to change until you make payment. United Supreme Council, 33 Deg v. United Supreme Council, ROGER C. BROWN, Individually and as Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia Free and Accepted Masons, Incorporated and MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE OF VIRGINIA FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS, INCORPORATED, RALPH SLAUGHTER, UNITED SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE FOR THE 33 DEGREE OF FREEMASONRY, PRINCE HALL AFFILIATED, a District of Columbia Non-Profit Corporation, MICHAEL A. PARRIS and JOSEPH A. WILLIAMS, UNITED SUPREME COUNCIL, 33 DEGREE OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY, PRINCE HALL AFFILIATION, SOUTHERN JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, a Tennessee Non-Profit Corporation and UNITED SUPREME COUNCIL 33 (THIRTY-THREE) OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY (PRINCE HALL AFFILIATION) SOUTHERN JURISDICTION U.S., GRAND ORIENT AT WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, a District of Columbia Non-Profit Corporation; T. The United Supreme Council, AASRM, 33rd And Last Degree Of Freemasonry, For The Southern and Western Masonic Jurisdiction, USA Its' Dependencies and Territories, Lawfully Established at Washington, District of Columbia, April 5, 1869 Our Mission A Freemason splinter group that adopted a name similar to the council it left isnt liable for holding itself out as an extension of that council because no one was shown to have been defrauded, the Fourth Circuit said Oct. 30 in an unpublished ruling. The Defendants are grouped into two categories and have filed two separate motions to dismiss. Southern and Western Masonic Jurisdiction, USA, Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. Antoine Lilly. This was the date of the "Union of 1867", when it merged with the competing Cerneau "Supreme Council" in New York. Car & Truck Safety & Security Accessories, 1912 ANTIQUE MAP OF SOUTHERN BAVARIA BAYERN MUNICH AUGSBURG ALPS GERMANY, Top-rated Plus. Id. Indeed, the Court may not rely on mere "labels and conclusions" or the Complaint's "formulaic recitation of the elements of a given cause of action. African American Freemasonry & Fraternalism, For more information contact Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library | Van Gorden-Williams Library & Archives | 33 Marrett Road | Lexington, MA 02421 | 781-457-4109 | library@srmml.org, 2016-2022 Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & LibraryTerms of Use, 33 certificate issued by the United Supreme Council to Richard Theodore Greener, 1896 September 8. Despite this language, however, the Independent Elks cases did not address the legal issue of fraud. (Thirty-Three) of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (Prince Hall Affiliation) Southern Jurisdiction U.S., Grand Orient at Washington, District Of Columbia, Appellant . We've updated our privacy policy. By whitelisting SlideShare on your ad-blocker, you are supporting our community of content creators. Trusted seller, fast shipping, and easy returns, Get the item you ordered or your money back. The immediate predecessor in interest to USC-SJ Tennessee was the USC of the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-Third and Last Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States (USC Predecessor), which was incorporated in 1920 under the laws of the District of Columbia. Collection of Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, Lexington, Massachusetts. Plaintiffs' first conversion claim focuses on the bank accounts of its subordinate bodies. --------. Specifically, the motions are DENIED with respect to Count I (unfair competition); Count II (conspiracy to commit unfair competition); Count V (tortious interference); Count VI (conspiracy to commit tortious interference); Count IX (copyright infringement); and Count X (trademark infringement). 141. A fourth council was set up in Baltimore, Maryland and a fifth Council in Philadelphia. Am. Under this compact, the existing territories were divided between the two Supreme Councils, with any open territories declared "open territory" that was subject to invasion by any Prince Hall Affiliated Masonic Jurisdiction of the symbolic or first three degrees. To survive a motion to dismiss, the Plaintiff must allege enough allegations of fact "to state a claim for relief that is plausible on its face." The Amended Complaint alleges that the amount of money misappropriated by Defendants' "conspiracy . As such, there are no allegations that Plaintiffs had reason to be misled by the identity of USC-SJ II's new corporate entity.