Prince Hall Masons Explore Their Augusta History [Pt. 2]

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1 Historical Day (cont...)

     So after we visited Cedar Grove Cemetery, Springfield Baptist Church, and Tabernacle Baptist Church, we were discussing the finds of many of the names that were unknown, but still could have played a vital part in masonry, as well as history. So we continued on to Laney Walker Blvd, where there are many headstones that detail more of the rich history here in Augusta, Georgia.

Dr. C.T Walker (Mason)

Attorney Judson W. Lyons (Mason)

Rev. Samuel B. Wallace

Rev. Dr. William J. White 

Miss Lucy C. Laney

      At this moment, when we came upon the Lucy C. Laney stone, did we expect what happened moments later, when we entered her former home, The Lucy C. Laney Museum. But, before we entered the museum, we traveled on down Laney Walker Blvd still in shock of all the historical information we were finding.

Dr. George N. Stoney (Mason)

Attorney James M. Nabrit, Jr.

The Honorable Edward M. McIntyre

Rev. Essie Mae McIntyre (Mother of Edward)

Dr. John M. Tutt

Rev. Jesse P. Galphin

Sidney "Beau Jack" Walker (Boxer)

Thelma "Butterfly" McQueen

Frank G. Yerby

William Carpenter, Sr.

Dr. James E. Carter

Dr. John Hope

     As we completed the rows of headstones, that had us talking about the many historical connections that began within the city of Augusta, we stumbled up on this old, ran-down building. We later found out that this building was one of the first buildings that was used for teaching all-black children and even had a major role in the 1st African-American School for Kindergarteners, which was started with the helps of distinguished ladies, such as Lucy C. Laney.

      At this point of the day, we were already so mind-blown with all the knowledge we were finding, we did not know what was in store for us, as we stumbled upon the Lucy C. Laney Museum.

      Once we arrived, and took the tour through the house (where no pictures were allowed),  we learned so much more history about the connections between all the names we were finding. Springfield, Tabernacle, Lucy C. Laney, C. T. Walker, Dr. McIntyre, Kaigler, and on-and-on with names we had already started seeing. The information that was found in the museum was amazing. We even had a story given to us, about when John Rockerfeller came in town and worshipped with the African-American church. Within 48 hours, Grand Historian Dave Gillarm, Jr. had already delved into the information. Here is his statement about his findings.

" This was a great weekend for research! While visiting the Lucy Laney Museum in Augusta we heard a very interesting story about John D. Rockefeller and Reverend Charles T. Walker. So of course once I heard about it I started digging into it. Reverend Walker of Banneker Lodge #3 had moved to NY to take over as Pastor of Mt. Oliver Baptist church for a few years. While in NY he met John D. Rockefeller who he would become good friends with. Reverend Walker told John that if he were to ever come to Augusta to stop by Tabernacle Baptist Church (Reverend Walker founded this church). John assured him that he would. Well on Jan 20, 1907 John took up Reverend Walker on his offer. While he (John) was leaving the Bon Air hotel, he happened to pass by Tabernacle Baptist church and was informed that they were passing by Reverend Walker's church. John immediately ordered the driver to stop. As he entered the church everyone was amazed that a "white man" would come to worship with them. They didn't know that he was the richest man in America at the time. John took a seat on the 3rd pew and asked an usher if they could get the pastor because his "northern friend" wanted to talk to him. Reverend Walker came out of his study, shook John's hand and told him that he was glad to see him. By this time everyone started to realize exactly who came to worship with them that day. Reverend Walker preached from the book of Luke, 4th Chapter, 35th verse and his sermon was titled "Here ye Him." John must have really loved this sermon because when the collection plate was passed around he placed $20 into it which equals $500 in today's money. At the end of the service John was one of the last people to leave the church and the next day his visit to the church made headlines. John was criticized for "worshipping with negroes" but that didn't change him one bit. John and Reverend Walker remained friends until Reverend Walker's death." 

Dr. C.T. Walker

John D. Rockerfeller

      Mind-blowing! I know! But this was only the tip of the iceberg. Many of the connections between the prominent African-American communities led back to many men, including a notable mason, John P. Bohler. When we asked the tour guide about Mr. Bohler, he told us that we were within walking distance of the historical home of the Bohlers. We had to go see for ourselves.

 This was the story of John P. Bohler, told by the Senior Warden, Brother Sean Daniels, on his Facebook account.

" At the corner of Hopkins and Phillips Streets and across from Laney High School sits a large single family home built in 1926 and occupied by the Bohler Family. The Bohler family is best known for Lt. Henry Bohler who was an Augusta native and a graduate of the prominent Haines Normal and Industrial Institute. Henry would become the first African American pilot in the United States Military as part of the Tuskegee Airmen. The Bohler family still occupies the home and its condition is fair with the typical attention needed to various systems throughout the house, including a fresh coat of paint. The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History has remained in contact with the family in an effort to help with preservation of this community landmark and to bring awareness to its rich history and prominent history makers who called Augusta home. The home was sort of Grand Central Station for who's who in the Black community. It's said that Dr Martin Luther King would spend time in the Bohler House as a kid when traveling with his family. Lewis P Bohler Sr was a Past Deputy Grand Master of Prince Hall Masons in Ga. Henry Bohler was a member of Banneker No 3 and Rev Lewis P Bohler Jr who is still living in Augusta Ga, was a member of Banneker No 3.

Rumor has it, the house will be for sale for about $30,000 estimate. A sorority is looking into buying it since The delta, AKA's and Zeta's already have houses on the block. It would make a great museum for s organization rather it be a Fraternity or Sorority. Would love to see a Prince Hall Masons of Georgia Museum as well. Our history is deeper than most even can dream of just here in Augusta along.  "

      This concluded our walking and touring, but not the research of all the astounding history we found.  Many of the names are being researched by both, the Grand Historian, and the Senior Warden. We were astounded with all the information about these great men and women that had contributed so much to society as a whole, but especially of the great city of Augusta, Georgia.

Fraternally,

James Q. Leach

Prince Hall Mason

Part 1 Of Blog:  http://3ghb.blogspot.com/2015/05/prince-hall-masons-explore-their.html