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INTROSPECTIVE
Past Master Archie Shepherd's life weaves a rich tapestry of service, deeply rooted in both fraternal brotherhood and a relentless pursuit of civil rights. His journey began within the hallowed halls of Friendship Lodge #20 in 1975, a commitment that blossomed into a profound, lifelong dedication, marked by his Gold and Lifetime membership, and three terms as Worshipful Master. Yet, his influence extended far beyond the lodge's walls.
Shepherd's legacy is defined by his proactive approach to community empowerment. He didn't merely participate; he built platforms for change. Founding the Sam McLurkin #75, a Knights of Pythagoras council, responsible for nurturing youth, while the Newton County National Action Network (NAN) chapter, which he founded in 2015 and led for a decade, became a beacon of advocacy. The "Concerned Citizens" watchdog group further exemplified his commitment to holding power accountable.
His passion for preserving African-American heritage manifested in tangible form. Collaborating with Newton County Commissioner J.C. Henderson, he championed the creation of a museum, ultimately establishing one in the former T.K. Adams Community Band Room, a testament to his dedication to historical preservation.
Even as a Past Master, Past Master Shepherd's commitment endures. He remains a guiding force, counseling successive Worshipful Masters, serving as a Lodge Trustee, and ensuring the financial stability of the lodge. His mentorship, a continuous thread throughout his journey, underscores his belief in cultivating better men for the community and families. Past Master Archie Shepherd's life is a testament to the power of sustained dedication, a legacy etched in both the hearts of his brothers and the fabric of his community.
PM Archie Shepherd
JAN 1985-JAN 1987
JAN 1996-JAN 1998
JAN 2007-JAN 2009
LAUDABLE RESTROSPECTIVE
Past Master Archie Shepherd, your persistent encouragement for me to embrace leadership, even when I instinctively retreated, has been a pivotal force in my life. Your unwavering belief in my potential to serve has consistently pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Your guidance in meticulously examining the lodge's infrastructure, uncovering seemingly minor issues that held significant future implications, has been invaluable.
Past Master Archie Shepherd, your persistent encouragement for me to embrace leadership, even when I instinctively retreated, has been a pivotal force in my life. Your unwavering belief in my potential to serve has consistently pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Your guidance in meticulously examining the lodge's infrastructure, uncovering seemingly minor issues that held significant future implications, has been invaluable.
Working alongside Past Masters Alston-Bey and Richardson in their administrations, your mentorship helped to facilitate action on the modernization of our lodge’s technology, administrative processes, and financial health. The strategic insights you've provided for the restructuring the Sam McLurkin Council #75, focusing on sustainable membership, consistent enthusiasm, and financial stability, have been transformative.
Working alongside Past Masters Alston-Bey and Richardson in their administrations, your mentorship helped to facilitate action on the modernization of our lodge’s technology, administrative processes, and financial health. The strategic insights you've provided for the restructuring the Sam McLurkin Council #75, focusing on sustainable membership, consistent enthusiasm, and financial stability, have been transformative.
Your confidence in my abilities to serve within the National Action Network, and your willingness to mentor me towards future leadership, fills me with profound gratitude. Over the past six months, I have increasingly recognized the depth of your impact on my life. Your counsel during my recent losses, particularly the passing of my father, has been a source of immense strength. Without conscious effort, you stepped into a surrogate father role, a testament to your extraordinary character and spirit.
Your confidence in my abilities to serve within the National Action Network, and your willingness to mentor me towards future leadership, fills me with profound gratitude. Over the past six months, I have increasingly recognized the depth of your impact on my life. Your counsel during my recent losses, particularly the passing of my father, has been a source of immense strength. Without conscious effort, you stepped into a surrogate father role, a testament to your extraordinary character and spirit.
Your selfless dedication and unwavering support have illuminated my path. I am deeply thankful for your mentorship, your wisdom, and your enduring friendship. I aspire to carry forward the light of service and dedication that you have so generously shared, striving to make a positive impact on both the lodge and the wider world, just as you have done.
Your selfless dedication and unwavering support have illuminated my path. I am deeply thankful for your mentorship, your wisdom, and your enduring friendship. I aspire to carry forward the light of service and dedication that you have so generously shared, striving to make a positive impact on both the lodge and the wider world, just as you have done.
Thanks so much,
Thanks so much,
Ed Coakley - Friendship 20, Master Mason
Ed Coakley - Friendship 20, Master Mason
On the road heading to say "Until we meet again" and to pay my respects to a dear Brother. I am reflecting on the time I got to not only spend with him but learn from as well. I literally can recall the very 1st time I laid eyes on PM Archie Shepherd I was visiting Friendship Lodge #20 PHA F&AM for the first time and I admit I was extremely nervous as it had been years since I entered into a lodge and didn't want to be an embarrassment to my then Lodge and Jurisdiction, Samuel T Daniels Lodge 107 under the Jurisdiction of the MWPHGL of Maryland. I stepped through the doors and this short grandfatherly figure looked up, smiled, walked towards me, extended his hand, and greeted me as if I was a long lost Brother returning home. I felt the butterflies in my stomach leave. When I decided to demit into F20 he was the 1st to welcome me into the fold.
On the road heading to say "Until we meet again" and to pay my respects to a dear Brother. I am reflecting on the time I got to not only spend with him but learn from as well. I literally can recall the very 1st time I laid eyes on PM Archie Shepherd I was visiting Friendship Lodge #20 PHA F&AM for the first time and I admit I was extremely nervous as it had been years since I entered into a lodge and didn't want to be an embarrassment to my then Lodge and Jurisdiction, Samuel T Daniels Lodge 107 under the Jurisdiction of the MWPHGL of Maryland. I stepped through the doors and this short grandfatherly figure looked up, smiled, walked towards me, extended his hand, and greeted me as if I was a long lost Brother returning home. I felt the butterflies in my stomach leave. When I decided to demit into F20 he was the 1st to welcome me into the fold.
Out of all the moments spent with him these are a few that stands out. One day PM Shepherd called me and said he wanted to discuss something with me that was on his heart and asked me to do something for him. He had expressed how the young men in the neighborhood needed some positive male figures and tasked me with finding out how to start the Knights of Pythagoras, a mentorship program, and I did. I, PM Shepherd, PM Grady Pearson Sr., PM Edward Darmon, and several boys went to Fort Valley and were obligated into the KOP and started the Sam McLurkin Council of the KOP.
Out of all the moments spent with him these are a few that stands out. One day PM Shepherd called me and said he wanted to discuss something with me that was on his heart and asked me to do something for him. He had expressed how the young men in the neighborhood needed some positive male figures and tasked me with finding out how to start the Knights of Pythagoras, a mentorship program, and I did. I, PM Shepherd, PM Grady Pearson Sr., PM Edward Darmon, and several boys went to Fort Valley and were obligated into the KOP and started the Sam McLurkin Council of the KOP.
Another moment that stands out is when I was elected to become Worshipful Master of Friendship Lodge and he congratulated me, looked me the eyes and said with a huge loving smile "Jeff, I am proud of you..." as those words meant a lot. When I finally came out the seat, he was one of the first to welcome into the Past Masters Club.
Another moment that stands out is when I was elected to become Worshipful Master of Friendship Lodge and he congratulated me, looked me the eyes and said with a huge loving smile "Jeff, I am proud of you..." as those words meant a lot. When I finally came out the seat, he was one of the first to welcome into the Past Masters Club.
Whenever I talked to PM Shepherd, he would always ask how my daughter Kristin was doing and say how proud he was of her. Archie, I will always keep you and your memory fondly in my heart and mind. I will truly miss you. It was an honor to have known you my Dear Brother and Friend.
Whenever I talked to PM Shepherd, he would always ask how my daughter Kristin was doing and say how proud he was of her. Archie, I will always keep you and your memory fondly in my heart and mind. I will truly miss you. It was an honor to have known you my Dear Brother and Friend.
Until we grip again...,
Until we grip again...,
Jeff Richardson - Friendship 20, Past Master
Jeff Richardson - Friendship 20, Past Master
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