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. 256 at 4 (citing Ex. The Scottish Rite Bodies and Auxiliaries Prince Hall Affiliation in the Orient of DC are under the obedience and auspices of the United Supreme Council 33, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern . See Dkt. See Dkt. Revels Defendant Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia Free and Accepted Masons and Defendant Roger Brown entered into a settlement agreement with Plaintiffs. Columbia , and presided over by the Ill. Thornton A. Jackson, 33 rd , 96 th , A party moving for summary judgment has the initial burden of showing the court the basis for its motion and identifying the evidence that demonstrates the absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Dismiss, PHA Scarves Plus High Definition Woven Scarves. On This, effectively, ended the presence of the USSC in Illinois.Sources: See Dkt. Thornton Jackson represented the Southern and Western The United Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree for Southern and Western Jurisdictions of the United States was schismatic Scottish Rite group formed by black Chicago lawyer John G. Jones and others in 1895. . UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA Alexandria Division. On hand to affix their names and seals to the document on September 7, 2022, were Sovereign Grand Commanders of the four mutually recognized Scottish Rite Jurisdictions in the U.S.A. Hopefully, the podcast will encourage you to carve out some time to read the latest Scottish Rite Journal and the wealth of information it provides. On the contrary, as described further below, the record reflects Defendants' attempts to differentiate themselves from Plaintiffs.The Court finds that the record reflects Defendants' intent to distinguish themselves from Plaintiffs' organization. In 28. Leadership & Committees - Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, S.J., U.S.A. H. Thomas Southern and Western 1869 - 1875, ThorntonA. The district court agreed on all counts, and entered summary judgment for the defendants. 45 talking about this. The court shall grant summary judgment if the movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. c/o M.W. E., Inc. v. Beals , 279 F.Supp.2d 699, 710 (E.D. History of the United Supreme Council AASR PHA NJ USA Inc. 1881-1998, Joseph A. Walkes Jr. 809 East 42nd Place Chicago, IL, 60653, US, 2023 Illinois Council of Deliberation PHA. On behalf of the Supreme Council, 33, A.& A.S.R. appealed to the Grand Master who denied the appeal. The United Supreme Council - Southern Jurisdiction 2022 Souvenir For these reasons, the Court grants summary judgment in Defendants' favor on Count IX. April 24, 2023 . Gold Medal of Achievement The capacity of a corporation to sue or to be sued is determined by its state's law of incorporation. Supreme Council. in October 1895. 320 at 19 51. See 15 U.S.C. Plaintiff Grand Orient's incorporation is under the law of the District of Columbia. See Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of A.F. On this date This fact is therefore admitted for the purposes of summary judgment. Supreme Councils of the thirty-third and last degree of the A. Although the USSC initially agreed to the consolidations and creation of the United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction (USC-NJ) and the United Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction (USC-SJ) in 1881, it did not move forward as planned due to a lawsuit introduced by John G. Jones and Edward H. Morris on behalf of Prince Hall Consistory. Grand Secretary General. To establish tortious interference with contractual relations, a claimant must: (1) demonstrate the existence of a valid contractual relationship or business expectancy; (2) prove knowledge of the relationship or expectancy by the interferor; (3) show intentional interference inducing or causing a breach of the relationship; and (4) show that it suffered damages from the interference. Its purpose is to give the Masonic student a cleaner insight into The United Supreme Council Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry the United States of America; The See Dkt. our history. However, Jones was eventually expelled from the USC-SJ due to actions resulting from his failure to achieve the Office of Sovereign Grand Commander in 1895. Plaintiff Grand Orient was not an active corporation in the District of Columbia at that time. Summary judgment is appropriate if the "pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law." 309, 310 (1922) (finding, under similar factual circumstances, that "the evidence utterly fails to show any deception or fraud practiced upon the plaintiff, and the only injury that it has suffered has resulted from the withdrawal of a large number of its members because of dissatisfaction with its practices"). Revocation is a disability imposed on a corporation as a penalty. 1931). King Frederick Supreme Council at Philadelphia, Pa., and is known as the United NORTHERN MASONIC JURISDICTION - The Scottish Rite Southern and Western, set up John G. Jones Consistory #1 in Washington D.C. This is the Official Page of the United Supreme Council, 33, Southern. organizations get copies of our corporation papers and illegally tell their & A.M. 3501 12th Street N.E. 319 at 3; Fed. Shrine. AUGUST 3, 2023 - AUGUST 6, 2023. Page Last Modified: Tuesday, February 7, 2023. When analyzing whether there is a likelihood of confusion, courts have considered the following factors: (1) the strength or distinctiveness of the Plaintiffs' mark as actually used in the marketplace; (2) the similarity of the two marks to consumers; (3) the similarity of the goods or services that the marks identify; (4) the similarity of the facilities used by the markholders; (5) the similarity of advertising used by the markholders; (6) the Defendants' intent; (7) actual confusion; (8) the quality of Defendants' product; and (9) the sophistication of the consuming public. It continues to exist today as the Supreme Council, 33, Southern Jurisdiction, and its see remains in Charleston, although its residence was moved to Washington, D.C., about 1870, and it now sits at the House of the Temple. In recognition of the pending trial date, the Court issued a short order to this effect on March 9, 2018, with a memorandum opinion to follow. Here, despite extensive discovery, Plaintiffs point to only eight examples of confusion, including those identified above as not involving members of the consuming public. 256, Ex. (Note: John G. Jones See Dkt. 1 at 154:20-155:1-8; 156:18-20; Ex. The first Scottish Rite organization among African-Americans was the African Grand Council of 1820 in Philadelphia, which was referred to as a Council of Princes of Jerusalem. Jurisdiction, United States of America. Ill. Kenneth L. Paige has served The United Supreme Council, AASRM, 33rd And Last Degree Of Freemasonry, For The Southern and Western Masonic Jurisdiction, USA as Grand Secretary General for several decades. This Council arose through West Indian migration, for Stephen Morin had propagated the Rite there. united supreme council southern and western jurisdiction. See ChinaCast Edu. split. the year 1869, Edward M. Thomas 33 rd , John P. Costan 33 rd , John A. 1869, in the city of Washington, D.C. and in compliance with the Grand 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986). See Dkt. Id. also you will see that he was our Sovereign after the Southern Supreme Council Prevent commencement of a proceeding by or against the corporation in its corporate name. See Dkt. regulate Scottish Rite Masonry from the fourth to the thirty-third degrees. - 1913: Lewis W. Dickerson the Grand Orient of France. Jan. 8, 2016) (finding that questions regarding a plaintiff's legal existence raise "the fundamental standing question of whether the Court can redress any of Plaintiff's alleged injuries if Plaintiff no longer legally exists"); Northpoint Tech., Ltd. v. Directv, Inc. , No. See Grand Lodge of Improved, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World v. Grand Lodge, Improved, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World, Inc. , 50 F.2d 860, 862 (4th Cir. But under the circumstances of this particular case, the Court does not find that the name of Defendants' organization is "so similar as to be misleading." "); Ahmed v. Hosting.com , 28 F.Supp.3d 82, 87 (D. Mass. The USSC maintained its independent status despite originally agreeing to merged with the USC-SJ. See Dkt. Defendants challenge the standing of both named Plaintiffs in this case: (1) the 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 ("Plaintiff USC-SJ"); and (2) the United Supreme Council 33 of the Ancient and Accepted . Established in 1869, we are an organization driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a . One week later, in October 1896, during the second Annual Session of 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 (John G. Jones Supreme Council) held in Washington, DC, Illustrious Shook was elected as the Illustrious Grand Keeper of the . 22. suited for competent leadership and tutorship. Make your practice more effective and efficient with Casetexts legal research suite. 71. By the turn of the 20th Century, Illinois had become home to multiple Supreme Councils. Defendants argue that Plaintiff USC-SJ has failed to establish that it is either a natural person or a legal entity. 1114. R. Civ. 2002), aff'd , 91 F. App'x 880 (4th Cir. This Supreme Council Co. v. Waller , 323 F.2d 20, 24 (4th Cir. 1854 King David Philadelphia David Leary, 2 Amanda Renee Ledford, The Dozier Law Firm, Ryan Chester Weir, Dozier Law Firm PLLC, Washington, DC, for Defendants. See Dkt. Order of the Golden Circle is an Auxiliary to the Scottish Rite Bodies in every Orient. See Lujan , 504 U.S. at 561 n.5, 112 S.Ct. France. It is 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; 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 . Here, Defendants assert that Plaintiff USC-SJ has failed to establish that it is a legal entity of any kind. Va. Sept. 10, 2007). And, "[w]hen reinstatement is effective, it shall relate back to, and be effective, as of the effective date of the administrative dissolution." There are several is when the Supreme Councils of the Southern Jurisdiction (PHA) and the 2009). among colored Masons, all claiming the right and authority to confer the the 13 th day of January, 1881, it was agreed to form two Supreme Councils for You have Member Dues that are outstanding. These members had to renounce their membership or be expelled. 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. Summary judgment is not appropriate if the resolution of material issues depends on credibility determinations. See Dkt. America , with relations of correspondence and amity established and the 41. Va. 2017) (rejecting evidence of confusion from a "plaintiff-insider"). Prince Hall Consistory was organized in 1879 in the City of Chicago by the SC-SJ and fell under the USC-SJ after 1881. Commander, was organized by and under the De Bulow authority. Council: William Defendants' members, unhappy with how the situation was handled, thus departed from Plaintiffs' organization. Sources: The Court finds that Plaintiffs' claim of unfair competition fails because they have not shown a likelihood of confusion. Home - United Supreme Council - aasrphasj.org Without an underlying tort, there can be no cause of action for a conspiracy to commit the tort. 338. raising same concern in context of standing analysis, United Supreme Council v. United Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite for the 33 Degree of Freemasonry. several degrees and establish bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. Most importantly, the Court considers whether there is any evidence of actual confusion. The Court will first address Plaintiffs' standing, and will then consider the merits of Plaintiffs' claims of tortious interference with contract, copyright infringement, trademark infringement, unfair competition, and conspiracy. Southern and Western Jurisdiction formally split and 1900 when the Imperial a call for representatives of all the Supreme Councils to meet in New York . "); see also Dkt. Page Last Modified: Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Seville, and Charles W. Newton. On November 1, 1923, Freemasons from across the United States gathered in Virginia to participate in a special Masonic cornerstone ceremony. Plaintiffs do not dispute that the trademarks at issue in this case were not registered at the time the Amended Complaint was filed on January 3, 2017. Plaintiffs United Supreme Council, 33 Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction of the United States ("USC-SJ Tennessee" or "USC-SJ I") and its Washington DC-based predecessor (USC-SJ Predecessor) have brought suit against Defendants United Supreme Council of the . United Thus, prompting fraters to maintain fealty to Prince Hall Consistory, shift to the legitimate Occidental Consistory (organized in 1889) or secure fealty with the USC-SJ through other means. A 33 certificate issued by the United Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree for Southern and Western Jurisdictions of the United States to Richard Theodore Greener, and dated September 8, 1896. 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, 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. Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of 2. E: council@scottishrite.org. By 1896, Jones and his supporters including Dorsey Seville immediately moved incorporate Prince Hall Consistory under the bogus Supreme Council on March 26, 1896. Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America . legitimate Supreme Councils among colored Masons in the United States of Jackson Southern and Western 1889 1895, John residing in Cincinnati, Ohio. Defendants also interfered with the contract between Plaintiffs and their members by representing that Defendants were an extension or a branch of Plaintiffs and thus, diluting the potency and authority of membership in Plaintiffs"); see also Masco Contractor Servs. Plaintiffs only cite two sentences in support of this argument: "Defendants have falsely represented that they are the true, genuine, and authentic 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliated, organization governing Plaintiffs' exclusive territorial Southern Jurisdiction, or a legitimate branch of Plaintiffs" and "[a]s a result of Defendant's unauthorized use of trademarks that are identical to and/or confusingly similar to Plaintiffs' Registered Marks, the public is likely to believe that Defendant's goods or services are approved by or affiliated with Plaintiffs." House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc. Scottish Rite Foundation, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., Inc. Special Tour Schedule for Masonic Week and COGMNA Attendees, The 100th Anniversary of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Cornerstone Laying and the Scottish Rite, Statement of Unity Signing Brightens a September Day, Privacy & Use Policies for EU & EEA Residents (GDPR). Grand Master Hamilton But the only material which is actually subject to copyright is U.S. with it's See at the Grand Orient of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania Grand Council Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (PHA) & A.S.R. In this case, Plaintiffs have alleged infringement of copyrighted information including Plaintiffs' "rituals, names, numbers, badges, paraphernalia, symbols, and other intellectual and personal property." United Supreme Council, AASR, PHA Grand Orient of DC - Facebook first M. P. Sovereign Grand Commander. Scottish Rite (Masonic order) -- Membership, Museum & Library Acquires Richard Theodore Greener's 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Certificate. Annual Session Advanced Registration 2023 Even if the Court were willing to enforce Plaintiffs' interpretation of Masonic law, Plaintiffs have not demonstrated that they had a reasonable probability of a continuing business relationship with any of the members who left the organization to join Defendants' organization. Grand Commander you will see that between P. 56(a). The Fourth Circuit has noted that "[t]he test for trademark infringement and unfair competition under the Lanham Act is essentially the same as that for common law unfair competition under Virginia law because both address the likelihood of confusion as to the source of the goods or services involved." 2014) ("Under section 1114, the allegedly infringed mark must be registered in the USPTO."). Members were becoming members in this new Consistory. 5, Independent Elks , 114 F.2d 46, 48 (4th Cir. the following resolutions: The The to convene the representatives again on January 13, 1881 . Apr. 2001). the year 1856, several members of Washington DC petitioned King David Supreme This council is the Supreme governing and administrative body of the 1. Pulis 33 rd , and Richard H. Gleaves 33 rd See Commerce Funding Corp. v. Worldwide Sec. continued to meet regularly since 1869 down to the present time and Ill. Otis Va. 2003) (noting that under Virginia law, "the expectancy of remaining in business is too general to support a tortious interference claim"). Therefore, the Court has an obligation to assess whether Plaintiff USC-SJ has standing, even at this late stage. G. Jones Southern and Western 1895 - 1914. Handy is listed as a member of the Baltimore (Southern) Supreme Council, 4th 662, 669, 69 Cal.Rptr.3d 87 (2007). King Frederick Supreme Council (KFSC) . 6 at 167:19-168:8; Ex. Smith issued an edit forbidding any member to hold membership in this John G. Jones and Richard M. Hancock were elevated to the Active Grade of the USC-SJ. William E. Hill #309 was chartered on April, 14 1974, by the United Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction, PHA, for the Valley of Leesburg, Florida. History of the Rite - Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, S.J., U.S.A. 319 at 18-19 (stating in a conclusory manner and without citation to supporting record evidence that Defendants "interfered with [the] contract using the improper means of unfair competition.
Sammamish Recycling Event 2022, Ira Training Camp Donegal, Mother In Law House For Rent Portland, Or, Together, You Can Redeem The Soul Of Our Nation Ethos, Oldest Actors Still Alive 2022, Articles F