Simon-Cunningham Youth Fraternity’s History
The Simon Cunningham Grand Youth Fraternity was established in 2014 as a unifying body for youth development and leadership within Myra Grand Chapter. It was formed through the consolidation of five previously independent youth fraternities, each affiliated with a distinct chapter:
Philip Butler No. 1, hosted by District 1
Knox Brooks Carey No. 9, hosted by Columbine Chapter No. 46
Holiday Glenn No. 12, hosted by Merriam Chapter No. 24
Betty M. Good No. 14, hosted by Marjorie T. Lancaster No. 84
Brown Taylor Bradshaw No. 16, hosted by Amulet Chapter No. 85
This merger aimed to strengthen youth engagement under a unified structure while honoring the legacy and contributions of each original fraternity.
The Simon Cunningham Grand Youth Fraternity operates under the auspices of Myra Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliated, for the state of Maryland and its jurisdictions. Our organization welcomes young women and men between the ages of 7 and 18, regardless of whether they have existing ties to the Masonic Order.
Our mission is to provide a nurturing and structured environment where youth can grow intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, physically, and socially. We are committed to guiding and empowering our members as they develop into well-rounded individuals, with the ultimate goal of encouraging meaningful participation and leadership within the Maryland Masonic community.
At the 125th Annual Grand Session of Myra Grand Chapter in November 2021, Past Grand Worthy Matron Barbara J. Henderson approved the petition of Grand Princess Matron Kalia J. Turner and Grand Prince Patron Michael A. Barber to establish a scholarship in their names.
At the time of the scholarship’s founding, Kalia was an 11th-grade student at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and Michael was a 5th-grade student at Francis T. Evans Elementary School in Clinton, Maryland. Today, Kalia Turner holds a bachelor’s degree, and Michael Barber is currently in the 9th grade.
Kalia proudly stands on the shoulders of her grandfathers—Mr. Henry L. Turner, a Prince Earl Mason who served honorably in the United States Army during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and Mr. James Tillman, Sr., a former Negro League baseball player for the Homestead Grays of Washington, D.C.
Michael draws strength and inspiration from his grandfather, Mr. Robert Anthony Barber, a United States Air Force veteran who also served in the Korean War. Mr. Barber made history as the first African American emergency medical technician for the City of Boston, dedicating over 40 years of service to his community.
Together, Kalia and Michael are committed to paving the way for future generations, with the vision of enabling students to pursue higher education without the burden of tuition.
The Turner-Barber Scholarship Fund is exclusively designated for active members of the Simon Cunningham Grand Youth Fraternity. Scholarship awards are distributed annually in June during our Youth Day celebration. All funds raised throughout the year directly contribute to the scholarship amounts awarded to graduating high school students, supporting their continued academic pursuits.
Charity: The practice of charitable acts and caring for others is how we operate.
