Information, Definition, History, and Legacy
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodges
An information and history resource for the Prince Hall Affliated Grand Lodges and Jurisdictions of the United States of America, and for Prince Hall Affiliated Freemasonry.
Preserving a Legacy, Sharing the Light
This website is dedicated to the history, heritage, and present day work of Prince Hall Freemasonry in the United States. Our purpose is to bring together accurate, accessible information about the Prince Hall Grand Lodges and Jurisdictions across the nation in one place.
Whether you are a Brother of the Craft, a member of an affiliated body, a researcher, or someone simply curious about the fraternity, this site is designed to help you learn where Prince Hall Masonry came from, what it stands for, and how it continues to serve communities today.
The site is currently under development. The sections below offer a first look, and more will follow as the work continues.
The Story of Prince Hall
Prince Hall was a free Black leader, abolitionist, and community advocate in Boston during the American Revolution. His work to establish a lodge for men of African descent became the foundation of the oldest predominantly African American fraternal organization in the United States.
-
1775
Initiation in Boston
Prince Hall and fourteen other free Black men are initiated into Freemasonry by a military lodge attached to a British regiment stationed near Boston.
-
1776
African Lodge No. 1
After the regiment departs, the Brothers organize as African Lodge No. 1 under a limited permit to meet as a body.
-
1784
A Warrant from England
The Grand Lodge of England issues a warrant establishing African Lodge No. 459, with Prince Hall as Master. The charter arrives in Boston in 1787.
-
1791
Provincial Grand Master
Prince Hall is named Provincial Grand Master, giving him authority to establish new lodges beyond Massachusetts.
-
1807
A Lasting Name
Prince Hall passes away in Boston. In 1808 his lodges form the African Grand Lodge, which takes the name Prince Hall Grand Lodge in 1847. His name comes to identify the family of Grand Lodges that trace their lineage to him.
-
Today
A National Fraternity
Prince Hall Grand Lodges operate in jurisdictions across the United States and beyond, continuing a tradition of charity, education, civic leadership, and brotherhood.
Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth
The Square and Compasses remind every Mason to square his actions and keep his passions within due bounds. These three tenets guide the work of every Prince Hall lodge.
Brotherly Love
Regarding all people as one family, and treating every Brother with respect, kindness, and understanding.
Relief
Caring for those in need, supporting widows and orphans, and serving the wider community through charity.
Truth
Pursuing knowledge, living with integrity, and building character that stands the test of time.
What You Will Find Here
These resources are being researched and prepared now. Each will be published as it is completed and verified.
Jurisdiction Directory
A state by state guide to the Prince Hall Grand Lodges and Jurisdictions of the United States.
History Archive
Documents, biographies, and milestones tracing Prince Hall Freemasonry from 1775 to the present.
Masonic Education
Articles and study materials on symbolism, ritual history, and the meaning behind the Craft.
Affiliated Bodies
An overview of the appendant and concordant bodies connected to Prince Hall Affiliated Freemasonry.
Notable Prince Hall Masons
Profiles of Brothers whose leadership shaped American history, civil rights, and their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about membership, recognition, lineage, and what Prince Hall Affiliation means.