Our Mission

Hiram Sovereign Grand Lodge, Inc., was organized in August 1927 in Selma, Alabama, and was headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. The Organization went through a leadership change in March 1995, and for the first time in 44 years, a new Sovereign Grand Master was elected. 

Hiram United Grand Lodge was organized through group discussion in October 1994. The group was then led by Ill. Jacob O'Neal and Most/Ill. Mattie T. Cohen of Columbus, Georgia. That group approached Sov/Ill. L.W. Myers, Jr., a Masonic Juris on the legality and constitutionality of such an organization. After a week of research, Sov/Ill. Myers informed the group of the requirements of such an undertaking. 

Most members of this group were affiliated with Modern Free, Travelers, Reformed Universal, and United National Masonic Jurisdictions, who felt that the basic principles of Masonry were not being adhered to in their organizations. Their focus was a return to the Religious Degrees for both Eastern Stars and Masons. 

The group wanted a Masonic Jurisdiction that would include all Masonic degrees. Some members were dissatisfied with the direction the other organizations had taken and looked to organize an organization that was more member-oriented and service-oriented. 

After Hiram United Grand Lodge, Inc., was organized, they sought to elect a leader. The suggestion was made that Sov/Ill. L. W. Myers, Jr., be that United Grand Master. Sov/Ill. Myers informed the members of Hiram United that he was already serving as Sovereign Grand Master of Hiram Sovereign Grand Lodge, and there would be a need for the two organizations to merge. After several meetings, the merger was agreed upon, and the two organizations merged by amending their certificates of incorporation in the state of Georgia in 1995. 

Hence, Hiram United Sovereign Grand Lodge, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Freemasons of the World, Inc., was born. 

With untiring energy, Sov/Ill L.W. Myers, Jr., located the dormant Holy See" of The Original Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors Generals of the 33rd and Last Degree, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Freemasons of the United States, Their Territories and Dependencies. 

This "Holy See" was organized in 1762 and fully recognized by the Supreme Council, Mother Lodge of the World of England under the Supreme Constitutions of Councils in 1786 as the first legal Jurisdiction to come to the United States, Territories, and Dependencies. The Organization practiced the Original 25 Scottish Rite Degrees until England overhauled its higher degrees in 1821. Thus was born the 4th through the 33rd and Last Degree of Masonry as we know them today—Hiram United Sovereign Grand Lodge of the World, Inc. 

This Holy See gave birth to all of, The 33rd and Last Degree Scottish Rite Councils in America. After much turmoil and Jurisdictional conflicts, a Schism created the different bodies. The Original Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors Generals of the 33rd and Last Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the United States, their Territories and Dependencies began several lawsuits to preserve its Sovereign Rites within the United States, losing five lawsuits and winning one against the state of North Carolina in 1915. This was the last official act of this body in the United States. 

The last official meeting, as filed with the Secretary of State's Office in the state of Ohio, occurred on October 24, 1910. Through the Assistance of the Secretary of State's Office, Hiram United Sovereign Grand Lodge was able to secure all Rights and Privileges to activate this "Holy See". It took three 33rd Degree to form the Council to revive this "Holy See". They were: Sov/Ill. L.W. Myers, Jr., Sov/Ill. David C. Cooper, and Sov/Ill. Carl G. Johnson Jr., Hiram United Sovereign Grand Lodge, Higher Degrees are now Duly Sanctioned. 

Along with this "Holy See," came the authority invested in this Jurisdiction to issue Charters to other Masonic Jurisdictions who do not have Sanctions for their Higher Degrees. Hiram United Sovereign Grand Lodge may, at its discretion, establish Orients, Valleys, and Encampments throughout the United States, Their Territories and Dependencies, and the World.