History of Pyramid Temple No. 1

On the 12th day of December 1900, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania three Temples meet in a historic meeting and organized the Imperial Council, of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdictions.

Isaac L. W. Holland of Pyramid Temple # 1 was its’ first Imperial Potentate serving from 1900-1902. At its’ First Annual Session in Newark NJ, September 25, 1901, it was decided that the order should be confined only to regular Freemasons who were member of Lodges descended from African Lodge # 459 under a warrant or charter granted by the Grand Lodge of England, September 29, 1784-most commonly known as Prince Hall Freemasons. In addition they must be Knights Templar, in good standing or a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason under the Jurisdiction of the Northern or Southern United Supreme Council.

The organization was incorporated under the federal laws relating to Washington, District of Columbia on November 13, 1901 at 2:50pm.

“Let us also remember that each difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. As we reach towards our goals, our task is to build on what has gone before us, not turning away from the old, but turning towards the new. Let us always explore the avenues that unite us instead of belaboring the problems that divide us. Nobles, in your hands rests the final success or failure of our endeavors”