GRAND MASTER EMERITUS
CLEVELAND K WILSON
It is truly a privilege to lead a chapter of individuals with differing interests and passions united by common values. I am proud to be a member of MWPHGL of Arkansas, and am eager to see what this year has in store for us. I invite you to take some time to explore our website and get to know our exceptional community.
Cleveland K. Wilson was born to the late Lue Dilla and Tom Wilson in Hamburg, Arkansas on August 16, 1952. He was one of five children: two brothers and two sisters. He married Dorothy Barnes and two sons were born: Anthony and Thomas. He has five grandchildren: Nick, Keyth, Jada, Jalen, Janiah and one great granddaughter Jaicey Lauren.
His public school education was obtained from the Hamburg School District from which he graduated in 1970. He enrolled in the University of Arkansas at Monticello where he played basketball with the Boll Weevils for two years. Beginning in 1960 at the age of 10, Cleveland worked for ten years as a Caddy for Tommy Clarkson. During that time, he developed a love for golf and his golfing skills. In addition to his education, love for sports and golfing skills, he acquired as a hobby collecting guns, and rebuilding automobiles. He entered several in car shows. He also enjoys fishing and hunting.
Cleveland began his career as an Electrical and Instrumentation Technician at Georgia Pacific Paper Company in Crossett, Arkansas. On September 11, 2001, he retired after twenty-nine years. He was also employed at the Jones Funeral Home.
He is a member of the Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church where he has served as assistant Sunday school teacher for the Men’s Class, President of Baptist Training Union (BTU), and youth director. He is presently a member of the Praise Team which he enjoys to the highest.
Cleveland is community minded and provides services when time permits. He has worked with the summer baseball program, served as a member of the Hamburg Planning Commission, a board member of the Hamburg School District, and a board member of the Prairie Country Club in Crossett, Arkansas.
In 1975, his life took a different spin when he joined Hamburg Lodge #232; later becoming the Worshipful Master. He continued on this course joining all houses and serving as High Priest of the Holy Royal Arch Masons; Potentate of Rahman Temple Shrines; Worthy Patron of Golden Star #380, Order of the Eastern Star; District Deputy Grand Master for District Four; member of the Phylaxis Society; Junior and Senior Warden of the Grand Lodge, and Secretary-Treasurer of the Masonic Relief Association. In 1986, he became a Grand Inspector General, 33⁰, and in 2010, Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the United Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction. In February 2005, he became the 19th Most Worshipful Grand Master for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Jurisdiction of Arkansas, Prince Hall Affiliation. As Grand Master, he considers his greatest accomplishment as occurring in August, 2005 with the purchasing of the new Masonic Temple as a united endeavor of the Royal Grand Chapter and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge.
Core Value: Giving his best because whatever is worth doing is worth doing well