Please Support our Annual Scholarship Luncheon Efforts!

The Annual Scholarship Luncheon is being offered in memory of the late Ellis G. Simpson, Jr. 33° ~ Past Grand Master, Prince Hall Affiliated.

Ellis strongly believed in tangible means to support youth to become productive, pragmatic, and successful adults. He was also a strong advocate of helping to provide access to higher education, which in turn can lead to a professional and successful career path. Based on his personal achievements, Ellis knew, the combination of motivation, along with strong morals, supported by higher education, allows access to higher paying jobs, positions of management, corporate board member appointments, and if desired ~ business ownership.

Ellis G. Simpson, Jr. went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 16, 2018 with his beloved wife by his side. He was born in Freehold, New Jersey on March 6, 1950 to the late Ellis G. Simpson, Sr. and Thelma Mae Simpson. The family relocated to CT where Ellis attended the Hartford Public School System graduating in the top 10% of his class from Hartford Public High School in 1968. Ellis graduated from one of the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the nation, known as Lincoln University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting in 1972. He later continued his education at the University of Hartford matriculating in the Master of Accounting Degree Program. Ellis' professional career began shortly after graduation with Travelers Insurance Company. After 40 years of assuming various roles and responsibilities, thereby receiving awards, recognitions, and promotions, he retired in 2012. Alongside his long career at Travelers, Ellis was also contracted by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving as a Scholarship Consultant whereby administering the Grants and Scholarship Programs for the Greater Hartford Community awarding hundreds of scholarships. Ellis' professional career also included a successful career in Real Estate, Property Management and CEO of his Tax and Bookkeeping practice performing income tax preparation, consultation, and bookkeeping services. Being semi-retired, Ellis worked as a part-time Independent Contractor for the Robert Half Agency performing accounting related services. Ellis was a proud member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Bloomfield, CT where he served on the Steward Board, Sons of Allen Ministry and sang with the Men's Music Ministry. In addition, Ellis humbly served as the Church Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer where he supervised and managed all financial aspects of the Church. Ellis proudly served as the 74th Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons for the Jurisdiction of CT. Prince Hall Masonry is one of the oldest and highly respected fraternal organizations in the history of the United States. His long Masonic career started when he was raised to the Subline Degree of a Master Mason in Tuscan Lodge #17 in 1982. He later served as Worshipful Master of Tuscan Lodge #17 from 2000 - 2002. In 2001, he became a member of Adah Chapter #22, Order of the Eastern Star and served as Worthy Patron along with his wife, Judy who served as Worthy Matron from 2005 to 2007. Under his leadership as Grand Master, he administered and oversaw numerous community sponsored events including a statewide Child Identification Program, scholarships, teenage mentoring/coaching programs and senior citizen visitations. Also, as former Chairman of the Board of Tuscan Brotherhood Homes, Inc. who provides services that assisted the residents with "Dial a Ride" services, Masonic Care services and assisted the residents with complying with HUD requirements and ensuring that their living conditions were safe and comfortable. Ellis' hobbies consisted of playing golf and deep sea fishing, he also enjoyed reading, sports and traveling ~ especially cruising. Ellis was a longtime avid Cowboys fan. Ellis was also a member of: United Supreme Council, A.A.S.R., Northern Jurisdiction - Herbert M. Douglas Class of 2013 - 33rd Degree, Hartford Consistory #80, Joshua Chapter, Holy Royal Arch Masons, Groove Phi Groove Fraternity. Other Professional Boards/Civic Affiliations: Past Chairman & consultant of Greater Hartford Interracial Scholarship Fund, Former Board Member of Charter Oak Health Center, South Meadow Estates, Former Treasurer and Board Member Bethel Center for Humane Service, Past Chairman Tuscan Brotherhood Homes.

Ellis was known as June Boy, Al, Mr. GQ, and he was a Gentleman and Perfectionist who loved the Best of Everything. Most importantly, Ellis loved the Lord with all his heart,  now rests with the Divine Master of the Universe.