Tuesday, June 01, 1999
Black, white Masons meet
Lindner, Reece win awards for recognition effort
BY WILLIAM A. WEATHERS
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Two Cincinnati businessmen — one black, and one white — were among those honored Monday for their efforts in creating mutual recognition among black and white Masonic groups.
Steven Reece Sr. and Carl Lindner received plaques at the annual banquet of the United Supreme Council Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonary Prince Hall Affiliation Northern Jurisdiction, U.S.A., Inc. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Sovereign Grand Commander Samuel Brogdon Jr. said the two Masons were being honored for their part in organizing that “historic meeting which ignited recognition.” He presented both with the plaques, which contained the illustration of two hands shaking — one white, one black.
“This is a very touching moment for us,” Mr. Reece said after receiving his plaque. “None of us knew what to expect (from the summit).”
The success of that summit, Mr. Lindner told the audience of more than 1,200 Masons, “has been one of the highlights of my life” and the “highlight of my Masonic life.”
On Dec. 4, 1994, top national Masonic leaders held a summit in Cincinnati and agreed to pursue mutual recognition — a vital step to cooperation, and even visiting each others' groups. Merger between the two Masonic groups, which are segregated, was never an issue. A formal compact was agreed to in 1995.
A number of white Masons attended the three-day gathering of the black Masonic group, which ended with Monday's banquet.
Mr. Reece, owner of the Integrity Hall meeting facility in Bond Hill and head of the black Masons in Ohio, organized the summit that led to the compact. Mr. Lindner, whose family holdings include United Dairy Farmers, Great American Insurance and Chiquita Brands International, helped Mr. Reece organize the summit.
Payoffs for the mutual recognition between the two Ma sonic groups included greater scholarship funds and helping hands at work and in hiring, Mr. Reece said before the banquet.
“It opens a lot of doors and dialogue,” he said. “The payoff to the community is building bridges.”
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