TITLE
Title
RESOLUTION HONORING TOUSSAINT L'OUVERTURE MASONIC LODGE NO. 524 ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 110TH ANNIVERSARY
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Chairman Melvin "Skip" Alston
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RESOLUTION
Resolution
WHEREAS, Toussaint L'Ouverture Lodge No. 524, a Prince Hall Affiliation of Free and Accepted Masons, has a proud and distinguished history of brotherhood, leadership, charitable service, civic engagement, and community-building in High Point and throughout Guilford County; and
WHEREAS, the Lodge received its first charter on December 14, 1916, in Washington, North Carolina, and upon returning to High Point, its founding members established their first meeting place on High Street, beginning a Masonic tradition rooted in faith, fellowship, charity, and service; and
WHEREAS, named in honor of Toussaint L'Ouverture, the celebrated Haitian revolutionary leader and symbol of courage, perseverance, freedom, and leadership, the Lodge has upheld these enduring ideals through generations of dedicated Worshipful Masters and members; and
WHEREAS, as its membership and influence grew, the Lodge moved through several High Point locations before establishing its permanent home on East Washington Drive, with construction beginning in 1962 and completed in 1963 through the vision and collective efforts of its members, trustees, and building committee; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of successive Worshipful Masters, including Brother David P. Crosby during the 1965-1966 term and Brother Melvin Saunders, who oversaw the building's eventual payoff, the Lodge strengthened its facilities, community presence, and civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, the Lodge demonstrated its organizational leadership and commitment to community partnership through its work with the International Home Furnishings Center, providing parking and shuttle services during furniture markets with 42 vans and 12 parking lots, with assistance from Davidson Pride Lodge when additional support was needed; and
WHEREAS, Toussaint L'Ouverture Lodge No. 524 holds an important place in the Civil Rights Movement, having provided a gathering place and refuge for Freedom Riders and members of the Wilmington Ten, including Brother Ben Chavis and Past Master Brother Milton Fisk, who were engaged in the struggle for civil and human rights; and
WHEREAS, the Lodge's legacy extends throughout Prince Hall Masonry and beyond, having produced four Grand Lodge Officers - Doctor C.H. Gaylord, Brother Aaron Lightner, Brother Daniel Bell, Jr., and Brother Warren Williams - and helped establish additional lodges in Oak Ridge, Climax, and at North Carolina A&T State University; and
WHEREAS, for 110 years, successive generations of brothers have upheld the principles of brotherly love, relief, charity, and service, making the Lodge an enduring pillar of African American institution-building, leadership, fellowship, and community pride in High Point and Guilford County; and
WHEREAS, as Toussaint L'Ouverture Lodge No. 524 celebrates its 110th Anniversary on December 14, 2026, Guilford County honors its founders, past and present members, and the generations of leaders whose dedication and service have preserved an extraordinary legacy for future generations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Guilford County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes and celebrates Toussaint L'Ouverture Lodge No. 524 on its 110th Anniversary, commends its longstanding contributions to brotherhood, leadership, charitable service, civic engagement, and community development, and extends sincere appreciation to its members for strengthening High Point, Guilford County, and the broader community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board honors the Lodge's rich history and encourages the continued preservation of its legacy of service, leadership, education, charity, and commitment to future generations.
Adopted, this 18th day of November, 2026.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and cause the corporate seal of the County of Guilford to be affixed, this the 18th day of November, 2026.
Melvin “Skip” Alston, Chairman
Guilford County Board of Commissioners
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Adopt resolution honoringToussaint L'Ouverture Masonic Lodge No. 524 in Celebration of its 110th Anniversary.
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