MONROVIA, Liberia — The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Republic of Liberia has broken ground for the construction of a permanent monument in honor of Right Worshipful Brother William Maarschalk M. Roberts, Jr., 33°, former Deputy Grand Master, whose stewardship and sacrifice were instrumental in preserving Liberian Masonry during one of the darkest periods in the nation’s history. The ground breaking ceremony was held last month.
The solemn groundbreaking ceremony, held at the Masonic Temple grounds, brought together senior officers of the Craft, members of the Order of the Eastern Star, past Grand Masters, Grand Chapter officers, family members of the honoree, and brethren from across the jurisdiction. The event marked not only the beginning of a physical structure, but also the reaffirmation of collective memory, gratitude, and continuity within Liberian Masonry.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Grand Lodge, Most Worshipful Brother Willis J. Allen, Grand Master of Masons of the Republic of Liberia, recounted the pivotal role played by RW Brother Roberts in the survival and reactivation of the Craft following the 1980 military coup d’état, during which Masonic activities were banned and many senior Masons were persecuted, executed, or forced into exile.
From 1980 to 1988, Liberia’s Masonic institutions fell silent. When permission was finally granted for their reactivation, it was RW Brother Roberts—then Deputy Grand Master—who remained steadfast in Liberia, shouldering the responsibility of reorganizing, mentoring, and initiating a new generation of brethren, many of them sons of Master Masons, to ensure the continuity of the Craft. His proficiency in ritual, discipline, and leadership made him the cornerstone of the first and second reactivations of Liberian Masonry.
Several speakers emphasized that many of today’s senior Masonic leaders—including past and present Grand Masters—trace their initiation and formation directly to RW Brother Roberts’ guidance during that fragile period. As one speaker noted, “Because of him, we are all here today. The Craft and the Eastern Star owe him a debt that words alone cannot repay.”
In a deeply moving segment of the program, the sons of RW Brother Roberts formally participated in the groundbreaking, symbolically breaking the earth for the monument that will stand as an enduring testament to their father’s life of service. A daughter of the late Deputy Grand Master, who rose to the rank of General Grand Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, was also recognized—highlighting the family’s multigenerational contribution to the Fraternity.
Family representatives shared personal reflections, recalling RW Brother Roberts’ courage during the violence of the early 1990s, his refusal to abandon the Temple, and his unwavering commitment to protecting the institution—even at great personal risk. They described a man of discipline, faith, and humility, whose life balanced Masonry, church, family, and national service.
The monument, described as an obelisk, is intended to serve as a permanent historical marker—ensuring that future generations of Liberian Masons understand the sacrifices made to preserve the Craft. District leaders pledged full support to see the project completed, describing it as “more than stone and mortar, but a symbol of unity, devotion, and fidelity to the Craft.”
As hymns and prayers concluded the ceremony, the gathering reflected on a central message repeated throughout the program: that gratitude is a Masonic virtue, and remembrance is a sacred duty. The life and legacy of RW Brother William M. M. Roberts, Jr. will now be etched not only in memory, but in monument—standing as a beacon of perseverance, leadership, and fraternal love.
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