Past Grand Master Emeritus
Honorable Joseph L. Thomas

     Born in Oakdale, Louisiana, the Grand Master Emeritus of the State of Louisiana, Joseph Leonard Thomas, was born to the union of Add and Charlotte Thomas. The Past Grand Master has three children, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He is currently in a loving marital wedlock with Mrs. Annette M. Thomas.

     Bro. Thomas accepted Christ at an early age, being baptized at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Oakdale, LA – under the leadership of Rev. T.S. Hankins. After his move to Lafayette in 1966, the Past Grand Master joined Progressive Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. C.R. Stewart. As a very active member of Progressive B. C., he has held the positions of Chairman of Deacon Ministry, Chairman of Trustee Ministry, Chairman of Building Committee, Sunday School Teacher, Discipleship Training Teacher, Choir Member, Director of the Summer Youth Enrichment Program.

     The Grand Master Emeritus Thomas, after graduating from Allen High School in Oakdale, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Grambling State University. In addition to his BS degree, Bro. Thomas also received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Shreveport Bible College. Professionally, he was not only an educator in Lafayette Parish School System, but he also retired from a stellar 31-year career with BP-Amoco Corporation as Offshore Supervisor – for which he was featured center page in the 1974 July edition of Ebony Magazine, as the First Black Offshore Supervisor for a major oil company in the Gulf of Mexico.

     The Past Grand Master has previously served as the Worshipful Master of Pride of Lafayette No. 249. He recently concluded a glorious term of service as the Grand Master of the M.W. Universal Grand Lodge A.F.&A.M, State of Louisiana, but still serves as the Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander United Supreme Council A.A.S.R. for the Southern and Western Masonic Jurisdiction.

Bro. Joseph Thomas currently resides in Lafayette, where he enjoys working in the yard and traveling.

 

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Colossians 4:13

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Brother Joseph L. Thomas, 33˚, Past Most Worshipful Grand Master