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Biography
James H. Bell was born in Barbour County, Alabama on his parents farm in 1910. He attended rural district school. Later, he went to Montgomery, Alabama to continue his education where he attended the Lutheran Parochial school. He also attended Alabama State Teachers College. Bro. Bell took Bible training for two years, after which he took Business Administration and Real Estate Law. He has been a successful business in Cleveland, Ohio for a number of years, operating a grocery and market, accounting and real estate brokerage firm, as well as a detective agency.
James H. Bell was known as the :Dean of City Council" during his 25 years of service representing not only the Central and Hough areas, but all people of the City of Cleveland. While in City Council, Mr. Bell was chairman of the Welfare Committee, Utilities Committee, and Finance Committee, just to name a few.
Bro. Bell was active in civic, fraternal, political and church affairs. He was Supreme Grand Master of the United Ancient Free and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons, 33rd degree. He was vice-president of the Federation of Scottish Rite Masons of the World. He was a Trustee of St. Philips Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Board of the Council for Economic Opportunities of Greater Cleveland, the Welfare Federation, Area Hospital Association, Cleveland Multipurpose Service Centers, Hough Norwood Centers, Golden Age Centers Association, as well as supporter of the National Negro College Fund.
Bro. Bell held the Supreme Grand Master position until his passing in 1988. His successor MW Oscar B. Williams has held the position from 1988 to present. In 1990, the state of New York later changed the name of Supreme Grand Lodge to General Grand Masonic Congress; the position was also changed to President General. His legacy still continues today under the leadership of our current President General MW Oscar B. Williams. Thanks Bro. Bell for your vision, loyalty, and commitment, you will always remain in our hearts.
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