50th Annual Masonic Banquet
St. Joseph Masonic Lodge #99 of Marianna, Florida will celebrate 50-years of Brotherly Love at its annual banquet on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Jackson County Ag Center, 3631 Hwy 90 in Marianna, Florida. The public is invited. To assist with seating, you are asked to call 850-209-4951 of your intention and the number in your party. A $30.00 donation per person can provide a level of giving back to our Jackson County communities by way of food, clothing, toys, etcetera. Thanks to all potential donors for their consideration. Again, you can call 850-209-4951 if you wish to attend or make a donation.
The Guest Speaker for this grand occasion is Pastor Matthew J. Bryant who is the son of the late Reverends General L. Russ and Hattie M. Russ. He was married to the late Mrs. Sandra M. Enzor Bryant and is the father of five children: Veleka, Reverend Matthew II, Kendrick, Samathlyn, and the late Terrence. Pastor Bryant resides in Quincy, Florida, and is a proud grandfather of twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He attended schools within the Gadsden County School System and graduated from Northside High School in Havana, FL. He furthered his education at North Florida Junior College in Madison, Florida where he majored in Religious Studies.
Pastor Bryant was saved as a child and accepted his call to the ministry in 1979. He was licensed to preach under the guidance of Dr. Samuel Morris and received his first appointment at Steward Temple in Quincy, Florida in December 1981. Since then, he has provided pastoral leadership to several churches, including Hopewell A.M.E., Saint Peter A.M.E., Saint Paul A.M.E. (the Midway Circuit), Mayflower A.M.E., Greenshade A.M.E., and St. John A.M.E.
He is known for his deep knowledge, dedication, and ability as a preacher and singer. Pastor Bryant has devoted his life to building God’s kingdom. He strongly believes, “In times like these, we need the Lord on our side, for we cannot make it without His grace and mercy.”
On September 13, 2024, at 9:47 PM, Pastor Matthew J. Bryant retired during the 159th Session of the Florida Annual Conference, which was presided over by Dr. Marvin C. Zanders, II. Pastor Bryant had a distinguished career, serving as an active Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church for 45 years.