FCOD HISTORY
Our Heritage
The Florida Council of Deliberation (FCOD), Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction, was chartered in 1961 under the authority of Sovereign Grand Commander Dr. Jno. G. Lewis, 33°. Since its founding, FCOD has grown into one of the most respected Orients within the United Supreme Council, distinguished by its commitment to Masonic education, leadership development, charitable service, and community engagement.
Today, the Florida Council of Deliberation is composed of 17 Consistories, 11 Assemblies of the Order of the Golden Circle, and the Florida Council of Deliberation Charitable Trust. Through its charitable initiatives, FCOD provides scholarships to deserving students pursuing higher education while supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities, nonprofit organizations, and community programs that strengthen the communities it serves.
Continuing the Legacy
For more than six decades, the Florida Council of Deliberation has remained dedicated to advancing the principles of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite through education, charity, fellowship, and service. Guided by visionary leadership and supported by committed Fraters and Loyal Ladies, FCOD continues to preserve its rich heritage while preparing future generations to carry forward the work of the Rite throughout Florida and beyond.”
PAST DEPUTIES FOR THE ORIENT
1
III. E. D. Gibson, 33°
FIRST Deputy for the Orient
1961 - 1961
As the founding Deputy for the Orient, Ill. E. D. Gibson guided the newly established Florida Council of Deliberation through its formative years. Working alongside Most Worshipful Grand Master Dr. R. R. Williams, he laid the organizational foundation that would shape the future of Scottish Rite Masonry in Florida until his untimely passing.
2
Ill. James A. Mingo, 33°
SECOND Deputy for the Orient
1961 - 1976
Following Gibson’s passing, Sovereign Grand Commander Dr. Jno. G. Lewis appointed Ill. James A. Mingo to provide stability and continuity. His leadership strengthened the young Orient, established administrative structure, and positioned Florida for sustained growth.
3
III. Fred Alexander, 33°
THIRD Deputy for the Orient
1976 - 1979
Deputy Alexander expanded the influence of Scottish Rite Masonry by organizing Florida’s Loyal Ladies into what became the Fred Alexander Grand State Assembly of the Order of the Golden Circle, creating a lasting legacy of family participation and service throughout the jurisdiction.
4
Ill. Wilbur Fernander, 33°
FOURTH Deputy for the Orient
1979 - 2001
Serving nearly three decades, Deputy Fernander oversaw one of the most significant periods in FCOD history. His administration secured the purchase of the Wilbur Fernander Scottish Rite Cathedral in Jacksonville in 1983—the only African American-owned Scottish Rite Cathedral within the United Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction. The Cathedral mortgage was retired in 1992, and the facility was transformed into the administrative and ceremonial home of the Florida Council of Deliberation.
5
Ill. Joe L. Caldwell, 33°
FIFTH Deputy for the Orient
2001 - 2013
Appointed by Sovereign Grand Commander Edgar Bridges, Deputy Caldwell built upon the strong foundation established by his predecessors. His administration emphasized organizational growth, strengthened membership, and continued the expansion of Scottish Rite Masonry throughout Florida.
6
Ill. Anthony T. Stafford, Sr., 33°
SIXTH Deputy for the Orient
2013 - 2021
Deputy Stafford ushered in a new era of education, leadership development, and fiscal stewardship. His administration established the Florida Council of Deliberation Eagles Club, a leadership organization that has since become a model adopted by multiple Orients. He also led significant improvements to the Wilbur Fernander Scottish Rite Cathedral, expanded educational initiatives across the jurisdiction, and helped position Florida as a leader in Scottish Rite instruction within the United Supreme Council.
7
Ill. Christopher Terrell, 33°
SEVENTH Deputy for the Orient
2021 - 2025
Deputy Terrell modernized the Council through technological innovation and improved communication systems. Under his leadership, Florida successfully hosted the 135th Annual Session of the United Supreme Council in 2022 and conferred the 33° with distinction, showcasing the excellence and professionalism of the Florida Council of Deliberation.
8
Ill. Patrick C. Worlds, Sr., 33°
EIGHTH Deputy for the Orient
2025 - Present
Appointed by Sovereign Grand Commander Dr. Corey D. Hawkins, Sr., Esq., Deputy Worlds has focused on education, membership retention, unity, and organizational excellence. His administration launched the Orient’s first official website, strengthened communications, expanded educational programming, enhanced historical preservation, promoted leadership development, and continues to build upon the enduring legacy established by the Deputies who came before him.
The Great Seal Of Florida Council
Of Deliberation
“I see upon their noble brows the seal of the Lord, for they were born kings of the earth far more truly than those who possess it only from having bought it.”
– George Sand
Officially adopted in July 2026, the emblem of the Florida Council of Deliberation, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction, was designed by Illustrious Dr. Thomas Gilchrist, Jr., 33°, to symbolize the identity, principles, and enduring mission of the Florida Council of Deliberation.
The Symbolism of the Seal
The Circle
The circle is the result of the Compass which teaches us to keep our actions within due bounds. Geometrically, it’s also the one perfect shape, no beginning and no end, which is also symbolic of Deity.
The State of Florida
Inside the circle sits an outline of the state of Florida, which denotes our Orient, the ground this Council serves.
The Double-Headed Eagle of the Thirty-Second Degree
The 32nd Degree Double-Headed Eagle is the principal emblem of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. One head facing East and the other West symbolizes the Rite’s dominion over both the Eastern and Western hemispheres, as well as duality—the future and the past.
The Scale in Equipoise
Surmounted on the eagle is a scale, in equipoise. It reminds us that a Mason spends his life working toward that same balance, weighing passion against reason and action against judgment, always seeking personal growth and equilibrium.
The Two Five-Pointed Stars
On either side of the emblem are two five-pointed stars. One stands for the five senses, sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, the way we experience the world around us. The other stands for the five elements: earth, air, water, fire, and spirit. Together they also nod to the first five Intendants of the Building, who represent the five Departments of Architecture, a reminder that this Council is still under construction.
The Colors: Black and Gold
Black represents ignorance and darkness. Gold is the divine light, and the immortality of the soul. Together they represent a frater’s journey from darkness toward wisdom.