TRIBUTE TO CHARLES W. HALES
This is a celebratory acknowledgement of a man whose public and private life is an

example of what the fruits that hard work and dedication can bear. He lived a life worthy of celebration, emulation, and admiration.

Charles W. (Walter) Hales—affectionately known as “Charlie” (or the Godfather)— celebrated 98 years of life.

Charlie was born on January 25, 1922, in a small town about 30 miles outside of Pittsburgh—Stewartsville, Ohio—but was raised in Kiskimere, Pennsylvania. He had three (3) brothers, Webster, Eugene, and Edward, and two (2) sisters, Helen and Dorothy. He attended schools in the KiskiValley area where he achieved a remarkable attendance record of missing only one-half day of school from the 1st through 12th grade. This would be a harbinger of future behavior in respect to his fraternal exploits—he was fully dedicated to the task. He graduated from Leechburg High School where he also played on the baseball and football teams.

Charlie was drafted into the United States Army serving during World War II. Satisfactorily fulfilling his obligation he earned an honorable discharge. Subsequent to his military service he traveled through Europe for about a year before returning to the United States—Pennsylvania specifically.

In the summer of 1946, due to the positive example shown by a Sergeant Blocker in the Army, Charlie answered the siren call of brotherhood by being Initiated into the mysteries of Prince Hall freemasonry in St. Cyprian Lodge No. 13 in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania.

On a whim he drove to Cleveland for a weekend to attend a football game. It was then that he fell in love with the City of Cleveland and made plans to remain permanently. Eventually he transferred his membership to Ecclesiastes Lodge No. 120, Cleveland, Ohio.

Thereafter followed a series of jobs while he pursued his professional calling—a career in accounting. In a surprising, ironic, and foreboding twist Charlie worked as

a brick mason as well. In the midst of it all, Charlie married the love of his life Jane Elizabeth. To this union was born one son—Brian. While being gainfully employed and providing for his family, Charlie enrolled in night classes for a few years to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

In 1951, Charlie crossed the hot sands of the desert to be created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine of El Hasa Temple No. 28, Oasis of Cleveland, Desert of Ohio. He was a dedicated member participating in all of the community service activities. Striving to improve his lot in life and that of others he pursued leadership in the

organization ultimately being elected as the Illustrious Potentate in 1964.

Continuing his association with Shrinedom and serving in more roles of progressive responsibility, Charlie began assisting the then Convention Director of the national organization—the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdictions, Inc. (Shrine). In an unforeseen twist of fate, Charlie was thrust into the Convention Director position in 1969. Shortly thereafter he was elected as the Worshipful Master of Ecclesiastes Lodge No. 120 in 1970.

During his service as Convention Director, Charlie selected the city where the Annual Session of the Shriners would be held. His decision resulted in thousands of room nights being booked and millions of dollars in positive economic impact for the convention city. His service led him to bring one of the most desired hotel guests in America. It also helped him to create many friends across the country because there is nowhere he travelled in these United States where he did not know someone

and/or someone did not know him.

Charlie performed that duty exemplary and unfailingly for 23 years. However, in 1992, one door closed and another one opened. All of his professional accounting training culminated in his appointment as Imperial Auditor for the national Shrine organization.

In this position he was responsible for reconciling, down to the penny, the assets and liabilities, cash flows, and expenditures of this multi-million dollar nonprofit organization. For many years this task was performed to the 100-percent satisfaction of the Imperial Divan. In recognition of many years of outstanding performance, Charlie was bestowed the title of Honorary Past Imperial Potentate.

In his career and masonic activities Charlie exemplified excellence, dedication, and loyalty. As a member of Bezaleel Consistory No. 15, Cleveland, Ohio, those same qualities caught the attention to those in leadership positions superior to him and in

May 1978 he was Elevated to the 33rd and Last Degree of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in Chicago, Illinois.

With education being a key component of his roadmap to success, Charlie once again underwent the grind of taking classes at night while working during the day. In due time, he graduated from Baldwin Wallace College with a Master of Business Administration with a 3.96 GPA.

Also about this time, fulfilling a lifelong desire, Charlie joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. as a member of the Cleveland Alumni Chapter. Ever the busy

individual, Charlie completed his formal career in accounting retiring from the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority with 10 years of service as a Senior Auditor.

Due to Charlie’s cross country travels making many friends, acquaintances, and contacts along the way it should come as no surprise that that Charlie was very

instrumental in the early days of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals. He was a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Most recently he was bestowed with Lifetime Membership.

Just when it seemed he reached the highest of highs, yet another opportunity for advancement availed itself to Charlie. He managed to improve upon his Elevation to the 33rd degree by being reclassified to the position of Sovereign Grand Inspector

General, Active of the United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction (USC NJ) in May 1993.

In this position he was one of the most powerful 33rd degree Masons in the country as there are no more than 60 Active members in the USC NJ. Concurrently, he was

appointed to the position of Convention Director for the USC NJ. Very similar to his position with the Shrine, he decided in what cities the USC NJ met for their Annual Session. In May 2000, he was awarded the USC NJ’s most prestigious award—the Gold Medal of Achievement.

Drawing upon the same honorable traits mentioned previously, and his many years of uninterrupted and continued service Charlie was again presented a rare Masonic honor in the form of being named an honorary Past Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio in August 2001.

He attended the Annual Communication faithfully and nobly supported one Pythagoran (a male member of the youth group) every year.

Sadly in 2010, his wife Jane departed this world after a long illness. They shared many years of wedded bliss together.

The accolades do not stop. He was an integral partner in helping to establish and administer Sovereign Grand Commander Solomon Wallace’s landmark initiative— “Saving the African American Male: From the Cradle to College.” This mentoring program provides high-school-aged males guidance, encouragement, and positive Black male role models to emulate, who are proof positive that the seemingly impossible is indeed possible.

Charlie was a member of Mt. Zion Congregational Church. It goes without saying that Charlie was a stalwart member of the Masonic order. He was a member in good standing for 74 years. Charlie was a nonagenarian with a positive outlook on life

and a desire to do his best to the very end. Charlie is the personification of a life well

lived.

Please join me in saluting an outstanding citizen, stalwart Masonic member, and loving father.