Meaning Of New Yerusalem

(Nickname-"THE HOLY CITY")

NEW -”To Prince Hall”

YA -”God Is with us”

RU -”Rule over”

SALEM -”City of peace”

"YOUR ACTIONS CONTROL YOUR DESTINY"

Decisions can determine the future or fate of an entire organization and its members. The favor was instilled in a few individuals that determined the destiny of an entire lodge for a decision that not only moved the entire Masonic community that made Prince Hall history. On August 2015 Brother Timothy Wright made a visit to A.F. & A.M, Mount Clare Masonic Lodge, 6910 West Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL. He was approached by a brother and was asked for his credentials. Brother Wright was informed that the credentials he presented were not those of a regularly constituted lodge of masons that were legalized to practice masonry in the state of Illinois. Brother Timothy Wright was escorted out of the facility. Bro. Tim Wright immediately contacted his worshipful master, David Dotson, Jr, explained his situation, and requested support and instruction. After lengthy conversations, both brothers decided to do research on other jurisdictions in order to find a future home for the members of Prince of Mercy. On October 3, 2015, Sister Marsha Dotson introduced her husband, ( David Dotson) to Worshipful Brother Andrew Joslin, Worshipful Master of Cable Lodge #119, PHA. Initially, W.M. Dotson was offered the opportunity to bring the original fifteen (15) members of his lodge to join Cable Lodge #119.

The fifteen (15) original members of Prince Of Mercy were: Brothers Timothy Wright; Robert Woolridge Sr. ; Christopher Lawrence; Billy Lawrence; Antoine Jones; Charlie Whitby; Rodney Hargrett; Keith Noone; Clifton McGee; Sanford Prude Sr.; Jonquae Winston; Almon Cooper; Mario Barnes; Markell Mooney; and Shannon Callahan committed to join Cable Lodge #119 . With an overwhelming passion to move into a legally constituted lodge and exhibit authentic Masonic labor. On October 10, 2015, David Dotson met with Cable Lodge #119 and was introduced to Past Master Frank Logan, it was then that W.M. Andrew Joslin stated that if you can get pass P.M. Logan interview you are a credible brother. Past Master Logan interview David Dotson Jr. After being pleased with the interview P.M. Logan set up another interview with the Most Worshipful Brother Dwayne A.Smith Grand Master of Prince Hall, that interview was taken on October 24, 2015, @ 4:00 p.m. with David Dotson jr. and 30 members ready to join the M.W.P.H.G.L of IL. With a total of 31 members ready to join, the Most Worshipful Brother Dwayne A. Smith G. M. along with the entire grand body made the decision for us to continue as a lodge instead of joining one. This decision was the beginning of coming out of the wilderness into a city of peace. New Yerusalem U.D. lodge was born into the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois and its jurisdictions.

*Official Lodge Healing: December 5th, 2015

* 1st Annual Installation of Officers:  December 26th, 2015

*Officially Chartered: August 2nd, 2017 (151st Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Illinois)

We Would like to thank The Most Worshipful Brother Dwayne Smith Grand Master, MWPHGL Of IL and is its jurisdiction; Right Worshipful Brother Aubrey K. Barlow Deputy Grand Master; Right Worshipful Brother Roland G. Simon Grand Senior Warden; Right Worshipful Brother Steven R. Coleman Grand Junior Warden and Right Worshipful Brother Tony D. Stafford Sr. Grand Lecturer

Lodge history composed by Brother Markell L. Mooney

Brother Timothy Wright

David M. Dotson Jr, Worshipful Master.

New Yerusalem Lodge #158 

Today, New Yerusalem #158 continues to learn, grow, and celebrate the blessings so graciously bestowed by the Grand Architect.