HISTORY
Our Story
The Legacy of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons
The journey of Asenath Chapter No. 3 begins long before its founding, rooted in the rich and time-honored tradition of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons (A.F. & A.M.).
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Freemasonry, known for its values of fellowship, moral growth, and service, has deep historical roots in the United States. Over time, the structure of Freemasonry evolved to bring unity and regularity to Masonic practice nationwide.
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1847 - The first National Grand Lodge was established in Boston, Massachusetts, marking the formal organization of Freemasonry on a national scale.
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1879 - 1889 - As Freemasonry grew, the organization was revised and later reorganized as the National Masonic Congress, A.F. & A.M.
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1896 - It became known as the General Grand Masonic Congress (G.G.M.C), establishing a central authority to oversee and support member Grand Lodges across the country.
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1927 & 1946 - The G.G.M.C. was officially incorporated and reaffirmed as a recognized national Masonic body, with its Grand Seat in Washington, D.C.
The G.G.M.C. exists to support member Masonic Grand Lodges and Eastern Star Grand Chapters, ensuring legitimacy, education, and the preservation of the principles that define Ancient Free & Accepted Masonry.
The Birth of Genesis & Eden
In Tennessee, the legacy of Ancient Free & Accepted Masonry is carried forward through two state-level governing bodies:
the Most Worshipful Genesis Grand Lodge and Most Worthy Eden Grand Chapter. Together, they form a strong foundation for
Masonic lodges and Eastern Star chapters across the state.
The story of Genesis Grand Lodge is baked in transformation and unity. In 1961, a group led by Past Grand Master Edward Crawford separated from Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Tennessee due to concerns over constitutional conflicts and questions of Masonic regularity. This separation led to the creation of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge State of Tennessee, A.F. & A.M. Over time, one of its subordinate lodges, Calneh Lodge #124, grew to prominence, becoming a central hub for Masonic activity.
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As the years passed, tensions and challenges regarding legitimacy continue to grow. In 2012, three lodges, Akkadian Lodge #1, Nimrod Lodge #9, and Calneh Lodge #124, came together with a vision of building a unified, recognized Masonic authority for Tennessee. Through their efforts, the Most Worshipful Genesis Grand Lodge of Tennessee, A.F. & A.M. was born. Later that year, the newly formed Grand Lodge took an important step when Grand Master James King traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with leaders of the G.G.M.C. This meeting secured Tennessee's official membership under the General Grand Masonic Congress, connecting Genesis to the broader national and international Masonic network.
In parallel with this, the Most Worthy Eden Grand Chapter emerged as the governing body for the Order of the Eastern Star in Tennessee with Sis. Amber King being the very first Grand Worthy Matron. Eden was created to guide, educate, and oversee OES chapters across the state, ensuring they remained true to the principles of charity, truth, and lovingkindness. While Genesis serves as the head of Tennessee's Masonic lodges, Eden provides structure and leadership for Eastern Star chapters, forming a complete system of governance and support.
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Together, Genesis and Eden create the spiritual and organizational framework the allows subordinate lodges and chapters to thrive... including Asenath3.
The Foundation of Asenath
Building upon this strong lineage, three visionary women, S. Renee Watkins, Moira E. Frierson, and Jamillah S. Allen, came together in May 2024 to create a new Eastern Star chapter that would honor these traditions while meeting the needs of their local community. Through months or hardwork, faith, and unwavering dedication, the chapter proudly received its charter on Saturday, June 8, 2025, marking the beginning of new era of sisterhood and service.
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Their shared goal was to establish a chapter where harmony, growth, and service could flourish. With guidance from the Most Worthy Eden Grand Chapter and the support of the Most Worshipful Genesis Grand Lodge, Asenath Chapter No. 3 was placed under dispensation, officially joining the Eastern Star family of Tennessee.
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The founders chose the name Asenath for its deep symbolism. The name translate to "Devoted to Neith", referencing the Egyptian goddess of wisdom, creation, and strength. The number 3 was selected to honor the three original founders and reflect spiritual symbolism associated with creativity, communication, and optimism. Together, these elements embody the chapter's spirit and vision.
Asenath 3 Today: Service and Growth
From the beginning, Asenath 3 has been deeply committed to service, education, and leadership development. Guided by the OES of values charity, truth, and loving-kindness, the chapter has built a reputation for community engagement and empowerment.
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Their efforts include fundraising events such as Catwalk for a Cure, where 30% of the proceeds go directly to the family of a child battling cancer, and partnerships with businesses like Nashville Diaper Connection and Brookdale Senior Living Facility. The chapter also invests in education and leadership development, including programs like C.R.O.W.N., a mentorship initiative for you young women focused on spiritual and personal growth.
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Through these efforts, Asenath 3 has quickly become know for its action, compassion, and leadership.
The Compassion of Care Initiative
At the heart of Asenath 3's mission is Compassion of Care, a guiding philosophy that reflects the interconnectedness of the chapter's values and its work within the community. This circle is built on four key pillars:
Little Stars - supporting infants and toddlers through monthly diaper distribution, development initiatives, and family center care.
C.R.O.W.N. - empowering young girls and teens through mentorship, confidence-building, and educational support.
Soul & Sanctuary - uplifting parents and caregivers by providing spaces of rest, reflection, and emotional support.
Project Pat - honoring and assisting elders through acts of service, companionship, and community engagement.
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Together, these pillars create a compassionate circle of care, one that nurtures the youngest members of our community, strengthens families, and uplifts those who paved the way.​​
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Compassion of Care reflects the belief that when each generation is supported, the whole community thrives fostering a continuous cycle of healing, empowerment, and growth for members, neighbors, and generations to come.
Rooted in the values of Charity, Unity, Respect, Service, and Growth, each initiative under Compassion of Care is guided by these timeless principles. They serve as the moral compass of Asenath Chapter No. 3, ensuring that every act of service remains grounded in purpose, sisterhood, and love.
