The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Washington, D.C. and the Georgiana Thomas Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation (PHA), Washington, D.C. held its 2026 Administration’s Joint Inaugural and Installation Program on Jan. 10. The event was held at the University of the District of Columbia Theatre of the Performing Arts.
This year’s observance celebrated the 2026 newly elected leaders and included the inaugural addresses and installations of the Most Worshipful Grand Master the Honorable Alvin F. Smith Jr., accompanied by the Grand Worthy Matron Brenda G. Hardaway and Grand Worthy Patron Joseph N. Yearwood, III of the Georgiana Thomas Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, PHA., Washington, D.C. The event also featured musical entertainment, lighting of the Unity Candles and more.
“I am honored to serve as Most Worshipful Grand Master,” said Smith in a statement, “and look forward to leading the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia in unity, brotherly love relief, and truth.”
I am seeking any available photographs of the late Officer Oliver A. Cowan Sr. (1913-1986) who founded the Junior Police and Citizens Corps in 1942. One or more of these photos with appropriate acknowledgement could be published in my new book entitled–Engaging Underprivileged Youth in the Nation’s Capital: The Officer Oliver A. Cowan Story. I am working with his surviving daughter on this project to be published by Bloomsbury this year. I am the immediate past president of the Virginia Assoc. of Criminal Justice Educators (vacje.com).