Biography of MW Grand Master Maurio D. Powell I, 33º KYCH

Brother Maurio D. Powell is a member of Eureka Lodge No. 52 in Cleveland, Ohio which was the first Lodge of Negro Masons in the city of Cleveland, warranted as Eureka No. 14. The Lodge, having formed in August of 1854 operated Under Dispensation until 1855 when a charter was granted by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio. Of great significance is the fact that the charter was not granted on the purpose of intent alone; it was granted on the reputable characters of the men who asked for the privilege of working in unity as a Masonic Order.

Past Master Powell served Eureka as Worshipful Master in 2014 and 2015. The Lodge was awarded the Lodge of the Year Award during his first year in office. 

Masonically he is a member of several concordant and appendant bodies. As a York Rite Mason, he's a Past High Priest (2017) of Cuyahoga Chapter No. 36, a Past Thrice Illustrious Master (2023) of Adoniram Council No. 1, and a Past Eminent Commander (2016) of Emanuel Commandery No. 32.  In 2024, he joined the ranks of the Knights York Cross of Honor (KYCH) as a member of Alpha Priory No. 1. 

Brother Powell has been appointed to various committees throughout the various Masonic bodies. He was appointed as the Eminent Grand Historian for the Ohio Prince Hall Grand Commandery in 2023 – 2025 and appointed as a Grand Historian for the Most Illustrious Prince Hall Grand Council Royal & Select Masters of Ohio in 2023 – 2025. 

An ardent researcher, he has been a vital participant and writer in several Masonic and Fraternal history books including: HerStory, Bethel Chapter No. 58 (100th Anniversary Book), a sesquicentennial history book for the Prince Hall Grand Commandery of Ohio, Standing on the Shoulders of Giants (175thHistory Book for the MWPHGL of Ohio), and most recently, a history book for the  Most Illustrious Prince Hall Grand Council Royal & Select Masters of Ohio. 

He has worked in several capacities receiving various appointments in the Grand Chapter (Royal Arch) and Grand Council (Royal & Select). He was elected to the position of Eminent Grand Treasurer in 2016 for the Ohio Prince Hall Grand Commandery and served as such until not seeking re-election in 2025. In 2023, during the administration of the-then Right Eminent Grand Commander, Nathaniel C. Benn, the Grand Commandery saw it fit to bestow upon him the rights and benefits as Past Grand Commander. 

As a Frater he is a proud member of Bezeleel Consistory No. 15 and was elevated to the 33rd Degree in 2016 as a member of the Dr. Solomon Wallace Class. He was appointed to the Scholarship Commission of the Ohio Council of Deliberation SGIG Carl A. Williams, 33*, Deputy of the Orient of Ohio. Noble Powell is a member of El Hasa Temple No. 28 and a member of the Stroller Unit. He is also Past Patron (2020 & 2021) for Bethel Chapter No. 58 (O.E.S), both of Cleveland, Ohio.

In The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, he has also served in several appointed positions. In 2017, at the 168th Grand Communications held in Columbus, Ohio, he was elected as the Right Worshipful Grand Trustee-at-Large. He would go on to be elected as the Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden in 2019, the Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden in 2021, and the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master in 2023. At the 176th Annual Grand Lodge Communications for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio F&AM held in Columbus, Ohio, he was elected as the 67th Most Worshipful Grand Master. This historic moment marked a first for Eureka Lodge No. 52. 

Professionally, for the past 25 years he has worked in the automotive industry. He and his wife Yulonda reside in Cleveland, and they have two children, Yaniah and Maurio II. Both children are exceptional soccer players, having both played in high school and now at the collegiate level. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, he is an avid Cleveland Sports fan. He enjoys researching and presenting our fraternal history as Masons. When he’s not researching, he likes to travel and explore the open road on his motorcycle.