MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Reynolds

House Resolution 33

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING JAMES MORRIS WARD ON HIS INSTALLATION AS MOST EMINENT GRAND MASTER OF THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT OF THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 

WHEREAS, James Morris Ward was elected Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the Knights of the Templar of the United States of America on August 12, 1997, and installed on August 13, 1997, in St. Louis, Missouri; and

WHEREAS, Sir Knight Ward, a resident of Jackson, Mississippi, was born August 10, 1930, in Dyersburg, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, after obtaining his early education in the public schools of Dyersburg and graduating from high school in 1948, Sir Knight Ward furthered his education by attending the University of Mississippi and the University Center in Jackson where he completed courses in business administration, mathematics and engineering; and

WHEREAS, in 1966, he completed studies in mathematics, electronics and economics at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Sir Knight Ward was employed by South Central Bell Telephone Company for 35 years and, during that period, worked in engineering and construction management positions, and at the time of his retirement in 1991, he was manager of district construction operations in Jackson; and

WHEREAS, raised in Pearl Lodge No. 23, Sir Knight Ward served as Master of his Lodge in 1971 and currently serves as the Secretary; and

WHEREAS, in 1979, he was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi and is now a member of the board of managers of the Masonic Children's Home; and

WHEREAS, Sir Knight Ward has served in numerous leadership positions including service as a former president and current secretary/treasurer of the Mississippi Masonic Youth Foundation, Inc.; a past presiding officer of his Chapter, Council and Commandery and current secretary/recorder of these York Rite bodies; the Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of R.A.M. of Mississippi in 1985; Grand Master of the Grand Council of R. & S. M. of Mississippi in 1986; and the Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Mississippi in 1982; and

WHEREAS, before being elected as the Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the Knights Templar, Sir Knight Ward was appointed Right Eminent Department Commander of the Southeastern Department from 1982 to 1985, was elected Right Eminent Grand Captain General of the Grand Encampment in 1988, was elected Right Eminent Grand Generalissimo in 1991 and was elected Right Eminent Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Encampment in 1994; and

WHEREAS, the first Mississippian to head this national body of Christian Masons, Sir Knight Ward will serve a three year term as Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the Knights Templar of the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, Sir Knight Ward has been lovingly supported in all his endeavors by his gracious wife, Jan, and their daughter, Kathy; and

WHEREAS, the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi finds it most appropriate to pay special tribute to such an outstanding leader as Most Eminent Grand Master James Morris Ward, for his many years of leadership to this remarkable group of Masons:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we commend and congratulate James Morris Ward for being the first Mississippian to serve as the Most Eminent Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the Knights Templar of the United States of America and extend to him our heartiest wishes in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to James Morris Ward and the Capitol Press Corps.