A by-law (bye-law, bylaw, byelaw) is a rule or law established by an organization or community to regulate itself, as allowed or provided for by some higher authority. The higher authority, generally a legislature or some other government body, establishes the degree of control that the by-laws may exercise. 

 

In the Fall of 2015, Dr. Elvin J. Parker III, 33° set the foundation of our lodge to create articles when he was given permission to open 'Under Dispensation' (U.D.) or a particular arrangement or provision especially of providence or nature involving special dispensation by the Grand Lodge. WM Parker goal was to 'not' become a lodge until he felt the lodge could successfully sustain itself - absent of the weight of dues to the grand lodge.  However, after a year of U.D., the Craft anxiously petitions the officers to become a full-fledged lodge.  WM Parker was insistent in prolonging the U.D. designation - to no avail. Reluctantly, he begins the arduous task of crafting a set of laws worthy of carrying the burden of a lodge.  He requested the assistance from he trustworthy Senior Warden Bishop George L. Lockhart, Ed.D in forging rules suitable for sustaining quality and durable lodge. Once completed, both presented the instrument to the lodge's sitting officers: Junior Warden James Patterson, Secretary Joe Anderson, Treasurer Alex Cox, and  Senior Deacon Solomon Burgess, and Junior Deacon  Rev. Joel Simmons. Met with unanimous approval, this group would be the founding officers of Bishop Richard Allen #11.  

 

Giving the go-ahead by the officers and the craft, Worshipful Master E. J. Parker, D.D., and Senior Warden Dr. George L. Lockhart, Ed.D penned the standing By-Laws for Bishop Richard Allen Lodge #11.   "The weight of a burgeoning lodge was heavy upon us. Thus we had to get it right for future candidates qualified to enter such a noble fraternity" noted PM Lockhart.  Approved - the Bylaws were communicated to the Most Worship Union Grand Lodge for final approval. 

 

On November 21, 2016,  WM Dr. Elvin J. Parker, III received permission from Most Wishful Union Grand Lodge (MWUGL) of Florida for Under Dispensation (UD) to seek interests in the Riviera Beach, FL area. The new lodge would be under the name Bishop Richard Allen Masonic Lodge #11.