South Carolina House Bill H5661

South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/6/26
• Passed: 5/6/26

Caption

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR WILLIAMS GRAND LODGE INC. ON ITS ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY AND TO CONGRATULATE ITS MEMBERS FOR THEIR CENTURY OF SERVICE TO THE STATE.

Summary

H5661 is a House resolution recognizing and honoring Williams Grand Lodge Inc. on its 100th anniversary. The resolution recounts the organization’s history, beginning with a 1925 meeting in Orangeburg to form a Scottish Rite Masonic fraternity, its 1926 chartering, and its later incorporation and growth into multiple lodges, chapters, and auxiliaries across South Carolina. It also highlights the organization’s Christian principles, fraternal fellowship, charitable mission, and long-standing community presence. The resolution further notes the development of women’s auxiliaries, the creation of scholarship and recognition programs, the acquisition and expansion of lodge property, and the organization’s nonprofit status. It concludes by formally congratulating Williams Grand Lodge and directing that a copy of the resolution be presented to Grand Master Tommy Frazier and Grand Matron Sister Constance Ferguson.

Impact

This resolution does not change state law, create new regulatory requirements, or appropriate funds. Its legal effect is ceremonial only: it places the House’s official recognition on the record and commemorates the organization’s centennial service. The primary parties affected are Williams Grand Lodge Inc., its subordinate lodges and chapters, and the named officers receiving the resolution.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill is strongly positive and celebratory. The resolution is framed as an honorific tribute to a long-standing fraternal and charitable institution, emphasizing service, scholarship, fellowship, and community contribution. No opposition or dissent appears in the bill text or available legislative context.

Contention

There is no notable policy contention in the available materials. Because the measure is a ceremonial House resolution, it does not present the kinds of fiscal, legal, or ideological disputes that typically generate debate. Any discussion would likely center on the appropriateness of the recognition and the historical significance of Williams Grand Lodge rather than on substantive legislative disagreement.