Theta Libertus Lodge #17

Theta Libertus Lodge #17 was chartered on August 6th 1989

History of Theta Libertus Lodge #17

The Calling: Saturday, May 27, 1989, Cyril E. Murray and J. Alphonsus Davis, as history goes, were setting up for the Memorial Day event and could not find the barriers to contain the drinks. These barriers were out of sight for reasons unknown to the two men who had always frequented the location and knew their way around.

Brother Robert Johnson, the then Building Manager, when asked about the containers, replied, “If you were one of us, then you would have known the location of the containers”. After a brief discussion between the two men, they were told how to become a mason, and the calling began.

J. Alphonsus Davis called Ousley Natt Early and Joe Vah Lavien, Cyril E. Murray called T. Sampson Quioh, and Ousley talked to Isaac H. Collins.

Upon petition by the founding members, Theta Libertus was granted dispensation as a Lodge on August 6, 1989. The first meeting was held on November 12, 1980, under Worshipful Master Isaac A Collins Sr.

Theta Libertus has come a long way since its conception. Theta Libertus, however, was conceptualized to provide a “home for African Masons” but has evolved into a home for all brother Masons from all walks of life. Theta Libertus has exemplified and upheld the true tenets of Masonry as intended by the founding fathers, and, as a result, the lodge has achieved great milestones.

We won Lodge of the Year three times, and counting. We had had two Grand Masters in succession (MWPGM Johnston Bate, 3* 2021-2023, and MWPGM Charles E. Gittens Sr., 33* 2023-2024); a couple of Honorary Grand Masters (PGM Nat. Seton and PGM Ousley Early). Worshipful Master Marcus Blamoh 32* won the prestigious Master Mason of the Year Award 2023/2024 and Lodge of the Year 2024/2025. and a host of other accolades.

Theta Libertus has gone from being considered an “African Lodge” to the most influential lodge within the Minnesota Jurisdiction and a cornerstone for PHA Masonry in the Midwest.

As we strive to keep pace with the changing times, while upholding the principles and tenets of our Noble Fraternity, Theta Libertus is at the forefront of integrating technology and Masonry to make Masonry relevant and maintain its undeniable moral standards, all while preserving its Ancient Rites and traditions. At Theta Libertus, we believe that Masonry should be about Love. Love for thy Creator, Love for thyself and family, Love for thy Brothers and Sisters, and Love for the Community.

We hold a special gratitude to our founding Brothers, who saw the need to make good men of our diaspora better and took on the initiative of founding Theta Libertus: PM Isaac Collins Sr., PM Ousley Early Sr, PM Joe V. Lavien, Bro. Alphonso Davies Sr, Bro. James Gatei, Bro. Sampson Quioh, Bro. Cyril Murray and Bro. Peter Dweh.

Written by: PGM Ousley Natt Early 32* (Founding Member)

Revised by: PM Clarence IK Schaack 32* (Secretary)