Carl Anthony Williams
Deputy for the Orient • Ohio Council Of Deliberation
“With the Grand Architect of the Universe directing his path, he has been blessed beyond measure during his tenure in Freemasonry.”
The Man behind the Crown
A life of Service & brotherhood
Carl A. (Anthony) Williams, the youngest of five boys, was born to Clarence and Lula Williams in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 4, 1958. He was baptized at St. Adalbert Catholic Church in June 1958 and has been a member for more than 60 years. He attended St. Adalbert Grade School; matriculated to Benedictine High School; and graduated from John Adams High School in 1976. He later attended Ohio State University for leadership and steward training courses. He has also taken several safety courses in connection with his professional career.
In September 1974, Brother Williams began working as a stock clerk for Pick-n-Pay Supermarkets until March 1980 when he began his career with the U.S. Postal Service. During his employment he worked in various areas of supervision and safety. He also served as a union steward, financial secretary, and an administrative assistant to the president of the Cleveland Area Local American Postal Workers Union No. 72. After 34 years of service, he retired in March 2014 as a retail sales associate.
In the spring of 1982, he met a beautiful young lady—a co-worker named Cheryl—who became the love of his life and eventually his wife. They are the proud parents of two wonderful daughters—Secoya and Shadae. They also have five magnificent grandchildren: Raymond and Roman Carey; and Kendall, Roy Allen Lejacque, Jr., and Raylen Bumpers.
Brother Williams’ favorite pastimes are spending time with his family and friends; encouraging Brothers to subdue their passions and improve themselves in Masonry; and praising God from whom all his blessings flow. With the Grand Architect of the Universe directing his path he has been blessed beyond measure during his tenure in freemasonry. In his 34nd year of service, with God, his family, and the support of the brethren the journey continues.
The Masonic Journey
Houses of the craft
A 34-year ascension through every hall of Prince Hall Freemasonry—from Entered Apprentice to the Grand East.
Ecclesiastes Lodge No. 120
Blue Lodge
Brother Williams was Initiated as an Entered Apprentice in January 1991 under the canopy of Ecclesiastes Lodge No. 120—the foundation upon which all Masonic degrees are built. Within four years, his diligence and dedication were recognized as he was selected Master Mason of the Year in October 1995. The pinnacle of lodge leadership followed as he served as Worshipful Master in 2000, shepherding his brethren with wisdom and devotion.
Royal Arch
Cuyahoga Chapter No. 36
Exalted to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason in Cuyahoga Chapter No. 36 in October 1991, Excellent Companion Williams rose with purpose through every station. He was honored as Royal Arch Mason of the Year in December 2001, served with distinction as Excellent High Priest in 2007, and was elevated to the venerable rank of Past Grand High Priest in April 2016.
Royal & Select Masters
Adoniram Council No. 1
In the spring of 1992, Brother Williams was Greeted as a Royal and Select Master of Adoniram Council No. 1—the first Council of Royal and Select Masters in all of Prince Hall Freemasonry. Honored as Companion of the Year in December 1996, he ascended to Thrice Illustrious Master in 1999 and was accorded Honorary Grand Thrice Illustrious Master status in May 2013.
Knights Templar
Emmanuel Commandery No. 32
In April 1992, Sir Knight Williams was Dubbed a Knight Templar in Emanuel Commandery No. 32, Cleveland, Ohio—donning the mantle of Chivalric Masonry with honor. Selected as Sir Knight of the Year in December 2000, he commanded the Commandery as Eminent Commander in 2002 and was subsequently accorded the prestigious rank of Past Right Eminent Grand Commander.
Knight York Cross of Honor
ALPHA PRIORY NO. 1 · JUNE 2008
Admitted into the Garden of Kings of Alpha Priory No. 1 in June 2008, Brother Williams was honored with one of Capitular Masonry’s most distinguished Orders—the Knight York Cross of Honor, recognizing exemplary service across the York Rite bodies.
The Shrine
EL HASA TEMPLE No 28
Created a Noble of El Hasa Temple No. 28 in November 1991, Noble Williams rose through the highest honors of the Ancient Arabic Order. His journey through the Shrine spans three decades of ascending distinction.
62nd
The Grand East
A 24-year journey through every appointed and elected Grand Lodge office culminated on August 12, 2015, when—with the blessings of the Supreme Architect of the Universe and the will of the Craft—Brother Williams was elected the 62nd Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, Free and Accepted Masons.
2001 • Appointed Editor, The Lamp · Northern Ohio Jurisdiction
2003 • Deputy Grand Lecturer, 7th Masonic District
2007 • Right Worshipful Grand Lecturer
2009 • Elected Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden
2011 • Elected Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden
2013 • Elected Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master
2015 • 62nd Most Worshipful Grand Master of Ohio
Scottish Rite
Bezaleel Consistory No. 15
Advanced to Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret in Bezaleel Consistory No. 15 in October 1991, Illustrious Williams ascended through the Scottish Rite’s highest offices, becoming a pillar of the United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction.
1991 • Advanced to Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret
2002 • Elevated to Grand Inspector General, 33°
2005 • Reclassified as a Sovereign Grand Inspector General
2008 • Co-chairman, “Saving the African American Male” mentoring program
2016 • Appointed Overseer of the Orient of Ohio by S.G.C. Basil L. Sands 33°
2017 • 13th Most Illustrious Commander-in-Chief & Deputy for the Orient of Ohio
2018 • Promoted to Convention Director, USC NJ
2022 • Gold Medal of Achievement — highest award of the USC NJ
2025 • Invested as Knight Commander of the Court of Honour