New Day Masonic Lodge History

New Day Masonic Lodge No. 655 began as a study club in 2010, initially informally referred to as the "9 Brothers." This founding group was formed by Brother Dwayne Smith, Brother Satari Shaw, Brother Randal Davis, Brother Calvin Thomas, Brother Derek McKay, Brother Jerry Cotton, Brother Jevon Hawkins, Brother Thaddeus Clark, and Brother Keith Carruth, with Brother Jason Pruitt later joining. The "9 Brothers" shared a common vision of promoting the core tenets of Freemasonry—Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth—across the greater Grand Prairie, Texas area. As their interest in chartering a new Masonic Lodge grew, the name "New Day" was conceived. The brothers chose this name for several reasons, with one definition resonating the most: "being other than the former or old." This understanding fueled their commitment to embodying the values of Freemasonry as they envisioned them. In the year 2011, a petition was submitted to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Master of Texas, the Honorable Wilbert M. Curtis, seeking a dispensation to form New Day Masonic Lodge in Grand Prairie, Texas. In May of that same year, the petition was granted, marking the establishment of New Day Masonic Lodge U.D. Inspired by the great Indian philosopher Mahatma Gandhi, the brothers adopted the motto: "We must become the change we want to see." This principle guided them in creating a lasting legacy in Grand Prairie and within the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas. The Honorable Wilbert M. Curtis appointed the following brothers to serve as officers while the lodge operated under dispensation: Worshipful Master: Brother Calvin Thomas, Senior Warden: Brother Satari Shaw, Junior Warden: Brother Dwayne Smith, Secretary: Brother Randal Davis, Treasurer: Brother Jevon Hawkins, Senior Deacon: Brother Derrick McKay, Junior Deacon: Brother Thaddeus Clark, Chaplain: Brother Keith Carruth, Marshal: Brother Jerry Cotton, and Tyler: Brother Jason Pruitt. From its inception, New Day Masonic Lodge U.D. aimed to diligently complete every task while setting new goals and standards for future members to uphold. On June 23, 2012, during the Annual Grand Session, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas officially approved the charter, allowing New Day Masonic Lodge U.D. to become New Day Masonic Lodge No. 655. The history of Freemasonry is enriched by the contributions of its members, and the legacy of New Day 655 stands as a testament to their commitment.