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HISTORY OF THE MOORISH SCIENCE TEMPLE OF AMERICA
The Moorish Science Temple of America in itself is the first Islamic organization in America, being founded in 1913 A.D. In 1913 the Moorish Science Temple of America headquarters’ was at the Canaanite Temple building located in Newark New Jersey. The address of that building was: Seven Rutgers Street corner 12th Avenue, and West Market st. Prophet Noble Drew Ali later moved the headquarters to Chicago Illinois. Prophet Noble Drew Ali informs us that we, the Moorish Science Temple of America, organized as the Moorish Temple of Science in the year of 1925. The Moorish Temple of Science was incorporated November 29th 1926 as a civic organization. In the year of 1927 we, the Moorish Science Temple of America, were unofficially known as the Moorish Holy Temple of Science (unofficially because that name never appeared on any corporate documents). The name Moorish Science Temple of America was formally adopted in May of 1928. The Moorish Science Temple of America was changed from a civic to a religious organization July 20th 1928 “officially” making it the first Islamic organization in America, and an affidavit to that effect has been filed in the Cook County’s Recorders office of Illinois. The Headquarters’ of the Moorish Science Temple of America in 1928 was 3140 Indiana Ave. The Moorish Science Temple of America is Religious non-profit Corporation. The Moorish Science Temple of America is a Movement; a divine and national movement. Proof of this fact can be read in Prophet Noble Drew Ali’s speech entitled ‘A Divine Warning By The Prophet For The Nations;’ Prophet Noble Drew Ali states in this speech, “There is but one issue for them (unconscious Asiatics of America) to be recognized by this government and of the earth and it comes only through the connection of the Moorish Divine National Movement, which is incorporated in this government and recognized by all other nations of the world.” There is no such corporation by the name of Moorish Divine National Movement; the corporation that exists is the Moorish Science Temple of America. By 1928 Prophet Noble Drew set aside 15 Temples in 10 different states. Subordinate Temple #1 Subordinate Temple #3 Subordinate Temple #2 Subordinate Temple #4
Subordinate Temple #5 Subordinate Temple #11 Subordinate Temple #6 Subordinate Temple #12 Subordinate Temple #7 Subordinate Temple #13 Subordinate Temple #8 Subordinate Temple #14 Subordinate Temple #9 Subordinate Temple #15 Subordinate Temple #10
In 1928 the Moorish Science Temple of America, Inc. held its first Convention.
THE ARTICLE BELOW ENTITLED, “MOORISH HEAD MAKES PLANS FOR CONCLAVE” APPEARED IN A 1928 EDITON OF THE CHICAGO DEFENDER NEWSPAPER. MOORISH HEAD MAKES PLANS FOR CONCLAVE Beginning Oct. 15 and continuing through the entire week, the Moorish Science Temple of America which Mr. Drew Ali is founder and president, will hold its first general conference at Unity hall, 3140 Indiana Ave., Chicago, Ill. President Ali began definite plans to this end upon his recent return from Pine Bluff, Ark., where he spent several days lecturing at the local Moorish temple. This organization is playing a useful and definite part in advancing the sacred obligations of American citizenship. Indications a------ that this convention will be one of the most interesting ever held in the city. It will be featured by delegates attending in pilgrimages from 15 different states where local temples have been established. There will be an interesting parade, in which men and women members will wear regalia similar to that worn in eastern countries. A Camel will be used. During the sessions specific reports of the general work and civic accomplishments of local temples will be made. Reports also of the business enterprises that have been established in connection with these temples, such as two grocery and market stores in Detroit, a laundry in Pittsburgh, Pa., and moving and express business and grocery in Chicago. These examples of collective effort show that the members of the Moorish temple and their leader have a sound economic program and are blazing the trail and marking the pathway over which our posterity may travel unhampered and unafraid. “It must be kept in mind that no great movement can take definite shape in two or three years, so as to be error proof,” said President Ali. “However, through accumulating experience each annual convention ought to witness a more perfect and wider functioning organization, representing the organized experience of men and women members throughout the country and possibly in time the world over.” And continuing, President Ali said: “Constructive criticism from sympathetic friends in and outside of our ranks is welcome.”
The Proceedings of (EDITORIAL NOTE: THE BOLD FACE TYPE, ADDED FOR EMPHASIS BELOW, DID NOT APPEAR IN THE ORIGINAL REPORT, HOWEVER, NONE OF THE TEXT HAS BEEN ALTERED IN ANY WAY.)
Monday Night SessionThe Temple was beautifully decorated in lovely roses of white and red: designed of the crescent and star. The Chair of the Prophet was a mass of white roses. Testimonial meeting talk by a sister from Ohio, Temple No. 5, subject, ‘I am glad I am not a Negro.’ She said “Jesus passed this way before”, after which Governor Garner-Bey of Temple No. 4, Detroit, MI was introduced and proceeded with a most excellent speech. Prophet Noble Drew Ali and a number of Governors and Grand Sheiks came in dressed in costumes representing the nations of the world, with Prophet Noble Drew Ali leading. The spirit of the Prophet filled all the Temple! For a long time, such rejoicing you never heard! After which Governor Garner-Bey proceeded with his speech. He emphasized recognition. His speech was a masterpiece. Brother W. Smith-Bey, Pittsburgh, PA was presented using for his subject ‘The spirit of unity’. How our hearts burned within while he talked! The song “Shine on me O’ Islam, shine on me” was sung and we were in the midst of a glorious meeting. Governor Lomax-Bey of Detroit Temple no. 4 was presented and said “When the Prophet speaks through us we feel no fear.” He used for his subject ‘My father and I are one’ and preceded by saying “We cried for this message, prayed, bared the cross for this message, but we had to wait on our Prophet Noble Drew Ali who is shaking every government.” Governor Lomax-Bey was caught up in the spirit and he spoke as never before. He directed the song “Free at last” and said “The spirit of resurrection is in the land and we are rising out of the grave one by one.” A song performed by Sister Mince-Bey and two little girls of Milwaukee, WI, subject of song: “Who is Noble Drew Ali?” The words were touching. Prophet Noble Drew Ali came forward, he said: “The garment I have on represents power and if you obey my voice and you will have power with me. I am going to free you, though its hard because of your mixture which brings about many different spirits. When you fail to hear my voice you are lost. It is against the law to stand up in any audience intoxicated. The leader is not to stay out all night giving earnings away to someone else. You who are heads of Temples, it is easy for you to destroy the influence of the Temple and me. Now lace up your shoes and get right!” His talk was sincere. Collection for the parade, realized $68.30. Dismission. Tuesday P.M. Session
Assembled at 3:00P.M.. Opening meeting conducted by Governor Mealy-El, Chicago, IL., Temple No. 1, after which Governor Garner-Bey, Detroit, MI, Temple No. 4, made the opening address. At this period Governor Lomax-Bey, Detroit, MI, Temple No. 4, took charge, reporting the work of Temple No. 4’s commercial enterprises and the Sunday School was represented by Sister Sanifer-El. The work was represented to its fullest extent. The Temple spiritually and financially was represented by Governor Lomax-Bey. The reports were a credit to the Temple and the Governor, after which Brother Trailer-Bey and others gave short talks. Collection and adjournment.
Tuesday Night Session Speaker said, There was a time once when the Moors saved civilization. I am glad you have relit the lamp. Don’t let nobody turn you around. We will never be a nation until we have all the rights of civilization and someone sitting in Congress. I see that these people have seen the light and walk in the light. Brother Payne-Bey, Attorney of Chicago was presented, he said “I don’t know a moment of my life that I was happier than now.” His speech was of the highest type. Honorable Anderson was introduced and said “The Growth of this movement has been marvelous.” He said many good things for the Moors. Honorable Oscar Depreist of Chicago was presented, he said “I feel encouraged knowing that with your prayers I will succeed. I wish more of my people would join the Temple.” His talk was encouraging. Honorable George W. Blackburn, Representative of the state of Chicago, IL said, “I am here to serve you. We all are Moorish Americans.” Governor Pilot-Bey of NJ came forward using for his subject ‘Let the Moors lead’ he said. “ Someday the Moors will lead the world back to love. One half of the wisdom of Noble Drew Ali has never been told. Nations are crying for peace, but our Prophet declares “There shall never be peace until the world has accepted Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom, and Justice.” The representative of the President of the Binga State Bank of Chicago was introduced and proceeded by saying “I don’t want my job if I cant serve you all. If I cant serve you all it is not worthy of being open. I am the closest man to your Temple outside. We don’t need but one leader and there he is, Prophet Noble Drew Ali and I am going to follow him too.” Prophet Noble Drew Ali came forward and made a good speech. He said: “Our nationality in this government began with the parade.” Wednesday P.M. Session Opening talks by different ones. A brother from Pittsburgh gave a talk, he said “The world is worried now, worried because we are out of Egypt.” The Prophet Noble Drew Ali was presented and said: “You stop figuring out your way how your salvation shall come, just follow me. You can say one thing Moors, you have made a start for the kingdom. If you want success you must follow the Prophet. Husbands, take care of your wives and families. Wives, keep your homes and children clean.” His talk was wonderful! Governor Mealy-El Temple No. 1, Chicago, IL said “There is just one way for the Asiatics, one religion, Islamism, one God, Allah and one destiny. After we were favored with a music number by the Chicago Brass Band. Prophet Noble Drew Ali came forward and said many good things. He said: “I have done more than you think. I want you all to help me by your good deeds of living at home and abroad. It is through your good, not with your lips, trying to be in the front seat in everything, always standing in my face. Moors be careful of your steps, leaders of Temples must be careful how they walk. They must be an example. I am not asleep, it will take you Moors a long time to find out what I did today. When you all go home don’t start no stuff, for I will be right there listening at you.” Wednesday Night Session Reassembled: Governor Crumby-Bey of Pittsburgh, PA presiding. A befitting program was rendered by members of Temple No. 5 Pittsburgh, PA which consisted of readings Quartette and reports of Temples.
Thursday P.M. Session Testimonial service. After, Brother Trailer-Bey of Pittsburgh, PA came forward and said “Be careful what you say, how you say, when you say, and where you say.” Next was Governor White-Bey of Charleston, VA, he said “When I accepted my nationality, people called me crazy.” If Islamism would make you go crazy we all should go crazy, he used for his subject. “For what cause are we here? To take our minds back to Islamism that we may be able to function under the five greatest principles that the world has ever known.” Sister Smith-Bey of Baltimore, MD made a very nice talk.
Thursday Night Session Musical program conducted by Brother Ross-Bey. Talk by Sister Tompkin-El of Detroit, MI Temple No. 4 which was very good. Talk by Brother Ross-Bey who said Edison solved big problems giving a little bit to fourty different men all coming together. Next was a short talk by Governor Lomax-Bey who spoke out of his soul. Solo from a little girl from Temple No. 1, Chicago, IL, Quartette Pittsburgh, PA and reading from Sister Pearl Ali, Chicago, IL, Temple No. 1. Sister Lomax-Bey preceded her solo with a befitting talk. Her solo was of the highest type which reflected much credit to her and Temple No. 4. Prophet Noble Drew Ali came forward and said, “This is no social organization it is a Divine and National Movement.” He further said, “By you being born here don’t make you a citizen.” He said “Look what I have on, now this was handed to me by the government. It represents the Royal Prince.” He said many good things. He had the supreme Laws read by Brother Greene-Bey.
Members of the Supreme Grand Council: The Prophet said: “Follow me and you all shall be happy.” The Prophet announced as followers: Governor Garner-Bey, Governor of Temple No. 4, Detroit, MI and Governor Lomax-Bey, Grand Governor of the state of MI. THE INFORMATION WHICH FOLLOWS IS A REPRINT OF AN EDITORIAL THAT APPEARED IN THE OCTOBER 26TH, 1928 PUBLICATION, THE MOORISH GUIDE . CONVENTION A BIG SUCCESSDelegates Assemble From Fifteen States The first annual convention of the Moorish Science Temple of America was without a doubt the greatest success of any convention that has been held in Chicago in many a day. There were delegates from fifteen different states. All came as was expected by the prophet although many of the Temples did not represent according to the numerical strength of them. The program as was dictated by the prophet was followed in detail and everything went as was expected. The opening of the session was the registration of delegates and visitors at the general headquarters, 3140 Indiana Ave. There were more than three thousand delegates and visitors from out of the city. The main auditorium of the Temple was crowded to its capacity every night. The day sessions were given over largely to the business of the different temples. The Moroccan costumes worn by the members of the Moorish Science Temple was a very different, but striking scene during the convention and made every one know that the Prophet had introduced a new feature in the apparel of the organization, that distinguished it to the public as nothing else could. Prominent Men Speak- Notwithstanding the fact Hon. Oscar DePriest as well as Alderman Anderson was very busy with the campaign, they took time to stay throughout the meeting, and the closing address was delivered by Hon. Oscar DePreist. He outlined very simply, but very forcefully the matters evolved in the Congressional Campaign of the first Asiatic Congressman who had entered the halls of Congress for more than a quarter of a century. He reminded the audience that twenty-eight (28) years ago Hon. George F. White in his last address to that law-making body told them that his leave would be only temporary, and that it would be only a matter of time that he would return in the person of one of his brothers. Now, in the course of political events the time presents itself for the return of that Honorable man in the person on Hon. Oscar DePreist. Hon. George W. Blackwell, State Representative, and a strong member of the Temple, explained the economic situation as it relates to the Moorish Americans, his was a very interesting address. The meeting was extremely enthusiastic. It could be easily seen that the Moorish Americans caught the spirit of the speaker and demonstrated it very dramatically. During the course of the speaker’s talk, the Prophet took the occasion to bless his efforts in this great undertaking, all of which was very proper and fitting. Hon. Oscar DePriest thanked him and said, “I feel that with the help of the Moorish Americans in this city, that I have won.” Moorish Parade- The Prophet, in securing a permit for the parade also secured a squad of European police to accompany his car in the parade. The line of march was from 37th and Federal streets east to Wabash and north on Wabash to 32nd street then to the Temple at 3140 Indiana Avenue. That it was one of the most beautiful parades that had been held in Chicago for a number of years was stated by all of the leading newspapers of the city. This parade did much to inform those who were not acquainted with the movement as to the aims and purpose of the Moorish Science Temple of America. Many citizens had never seen so many Moorish Americans dressed in Moroccan costume, therefore voiced their hearty approval. The Convention was an entire success from all angles. Many people visiting took the occasion to investigate and join. The aim of the Moorish Science Temple of America is to promulgate the Mohammedan religion and give to all Moorish Americans their national free name. In a course of time this movement will become of national scope because already there are Temples in fifteen different states. THE ABOVE EDITORIAL IS REPRINTED FROM THE MOORISH GUIDE NATIONAL EDITION, VOL 1, NO 7, DATED FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1928. PRICE 10 CENT.
THE INFORMATION WHICH FOLLOWS IS A REPRINT OF AN EDITORIAL THAT APPEARED IN THE DECEMBER 1ST, 1928 PUBLICATION, THE CHICAGO DEFENDER .
MOORISH LEADER ON TOUR VISITS SUBORDINATE BODIES
Prophet Noble Drew Ali, founder and leader of the Moorish Science Temple of America, left Saturday to visit the members of the 17 different subordinate Moorish science temples, which are organized in 15 different states. He is accompanied by Richard Ross Bey, editor of the Moorish Guide, a biweekly publication of the organization. Up-to-date Detroit, Newark and Philadelphia have been visited. During this tour special emphasis is being put the importance of strict observance by the members and officers of the constitution and by-laws recommended by the prophet and unanimously adopted during the first annual convention of the Moors at Chicago in October, 1928. The message of the prophet, published in the Moorish Guide issue of Nov. 10, has created very favorable comment. It was directed to the nations as well as the Moors of the United States. Two prominent visitors from an eastern country called at the prophet’s private study, 3140 Indiana Ave., to personally compliment him on the article. According to information from Mrs. Pearl D. Ali, national secretary treasurer of the Moors organization, members are responding encouragingly to the per capita tax system adopted at the convention. It is believed that in conjunction with his other plans, upon his return to Chicago, Prophet Ali, in all probability will interview Governor Len Small of the state of Illinois.
(Lennington "Len" Small, Republican from Kankakee county served two terms. The first on Jan 10, 1921 followed on Jan 12, 1925. he was born near Kankakee on June 16, 1862.)
When the Prophet went on tour to visit subordinate Temples, he leftBro. E. Mealy-El in charge
THE ARTICLE BELOW ENTITLED, “PROPHET’S TRIP TO DETROIT A SUCCESS” APPEARED IN THE SEPTEMBER 14TH, 1928 EDTION OF THE MOORISH GUIDE NEWSPAPER. PROPHET’S TRIP TO DETROIT A SUCCESS The Prophet made a trip to Detroit, Michigan to visit Temple No. 4 which is one of the largest Temples in the United States and is presided over by Brother Lomax Bey, Governor.
Editors Note: Although Lomax-Bey has proved to be a defector to the movement, the article displays the magnificence of the movement during the time of our illustrious Prophet, and it should inspire us as a nation to dare and do wondrous things.
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