(8.15.53 - 3.11.17)
Rodney J. Montgomery was born in Philadelphia PA to Billie Doris and the late Robert J. Montgomery, Sr. He is the second of four brothers.
At an early age Rodney served on the safety patrol, neighborhood drill team and was a member of the Boys Scouts where he earned badges to the level of 2nd Class Scout. He worked as a Newspaper boy, a clerk at the neighborhood pharmacy and as a meat cutter. He is a graduate of Central High School. While at Central he was a member of the Swim Team and Co-Captain of the Tennis Team.
In 1971 he matriculated at Penn State University where he majored in Social Administration. While at Penn State he joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity on April 15, 1972. He furthered his education at Temple University in Social Administration. He completed Social Administration graduate studies at Lincoln University and holds a Master of Human Service Degree. Rodney holds postgraduate certification from Boston University School of Allied Sciences as well as Rutgers University School of Social Work.
His work experience with children began at Southern Homes for Children were he became the Home Life Manager. After receiving his Master's Degree Rodney became the Director of CMCH in Trenton, New Jersey, a mental institution for children. Rodney is a retired Behavioral Consultant, following 30 years of work with children and families. After retiring, Rodney devoted his time as a mentor at Prince Hall School.
Rodney was baptized at Non-Sectarian Church of God where he worshipped with his wife's family. He later transferred to Mount Zion of Germantown and found his new Christian family at Heart of Worship Restoration Center where he fell in love with his HOW family.
Rodney is married to the lovely and industrious Marva Linda the Grand Worthy Matron of Deborah Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, Inc Prince Hall Adopted, PA. She is the love of his life, partner and friend for almost 33 years. During their earlier years while Marva was working as a travel agent they were able to arrange many excursions and travel together. As a team they shared their leadership with many organizations.
During his last couple of years of Rodney resided at Maplewood Manor. There his social and leadership skills went into effect as he formed and lead the Men's Group that met on a monthly basic. Rodney exercised his intelligence and leadership abilities everywhere he was present. He was a mentor and friend to many. If he befriended you he would give you a nickname. His favorite advice was you get more with sugar than vinegar'.
He is a member of National Association of Child Care Workers, NAACP, Urban League and The Chapel of Four Chaplains. He has won numerous awards and honors, he's especially proud to receive Master Mason of the Year (1992), Junior Warden of the Year (1997), Thrice Illustrious Master of the Year (1998), Extra Large Lodge of the Year (1999), Eminent Commander and Commandery of the Year (2008), Sir Knight of the Year, (2011). He was honored by the Philadelphia Council of Clergy (2000).
Masonic Affiliations:
Past Master, Tuscan Morning Star Lodge # 48
Past High Priest, Bethel Chapter # 39, Holy Royal Arch Mason
Past Thrice Illustrious Master, Philadelphia Council # 1, Royal &Select Mason
Past Eminent Commander, Union Commandery # 1 MKT
DeMolay Consistory # 1 Grand Inspector General, United Supreme Council
Past Potentate, Pyramid Temple #1 Award Winning Clown
Regent Melvin U. Davis No. 7, Knight of Pythagoras
President/Founder, Winston O. Williams Chapter of the Phylaxis Society
Past President, First Masonic District
Past Worthy Patron, Blanche P. Nottingham Chapter No. 84 OES
Former OES District Lecturer, (4 years)
Isabella Clarkson Royal Court No. 31, Order of Cyrene
Past Worthy Joshua, Truth Court No. 35, Heroine of Jericho
Past Royal Chief Advisor, King Solomon Court No. 15, LOCOP
Past Royal Grand Chief Advisor, Esther Grand Court, LOCOP
He is the first in the history of Tuscan Morning Star Lodge # 48 to receive Knights of the Yorkrite Cross of Honor.
Honorary Memberships: Lodges, Sheba Lodge #7, Corinthian Lodge #18, (Wash. DC), William F. Taylor Lodge # 57, (Maryland)
O.E.S. Chapters, Martha No. 3, Louisa S. Rumford No. 15, Caroline E. Boardley No. 49, King Solomon No. 60 and Trinity No. 79.
He leaves to cherish is memory, his wife Marva Linda; his mother Billie Doris; his brothers Robert, Michael, William (Selena), his daughter Aikiya Mignon Price, his son Bruce Raymond Morris, (Jahmeela), his sister in laws Barbara Ford, Charlene and Vanessa Price, his two Godchildren Rashee Chiverton and Tina Watson, his friend for over 54 years and best man Wayne Tucker, nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends.