Prince Hall Freemasonry is one of the oldest and most respected fraternal institutions established by and for African Americans in the United States.
On March 6, 1775, Prince Hall and 14 men of color were made masons in Lodge #441 of the Irish Registry attached to the 38th British Foot Infantry at Castle William Island in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. It marked the first time that Black men were made masons in America.
About a year later, since the conflict between England and America had commenced, the British Foot Infantry left Boston, along with its lodge, leaving Prince Hall and his associates without a lodge. Before the lodge left, Worshipful Master Batt gave them a “permit” to meet as a lodge and bury their dead in manner and form. This permit, however, did not allow them to do any “masonic work” or to take in any new members.
Under it, African Lodge was organized on July 3, 1776, with Prince Hall as the Worshipful Master. It wasn’t long before this lodge received an additional “permit” from Provincial Grand Master John Rowe to walk in procession on St. John’s Day.
On March 2, 1784, African Lodge #1 petitioned the Grand Lodge of England, the Premier or Mother Grand Lodge of the world, for a warrant (or charter) to organize a regular masonic lodge with all the rights and privileges thereunto prescribed. The Grand Lodge of England issued a charter on September 29, 1784 to African Lodge #459, the first lodge of Blacks in America. African Lodge #459 grew and prospered to such a degree that Worshipful Master Prince Hall was appointed a Provincial Grand Master in 1791 and out of this grew the first Black Provincial Grand Lodge. In 1797, he organized a lodge in Philadelphia and one in Rhode Island. These lodges were designated to work under the charter of African Lodge #459.
In December 1808, one year after the death of Prince Hall, African Lodge #459 (Boston), African Lodge #459 (Philadelphia) and Hiram Lodge #3 (Providence) met in a general assembly of the craft and organized African Grand Lodge (sometime referred to as African Grand Lodge #1). In 1847, out of respect for their founding father and first Grand Master, Prince Hall, they changed their name to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, the name it carries today. In 1848, Union Lodge #2, Rising Sons of St. John #3 and Celestial Lodge #4 became the first lodges organized under the name Prince Hall Grand Lodge. From these beginnings, there now are some 5,000 lodges and 47 grand lodges who trace their lineage to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Jurisdiction of Massachusetts.
Today, Prince Hall Masonry is recognized by Grand Lodges across the United States and around the world. It carries forward the same core teachings as mainstream Freemasonry — Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth — while holding a distinct and proud place in African American history and civic life.
Regard for the whole human family, practiced through tolerance, kindness, and respect for every person.
Charitable service to Brothers, their families, and the wider community through giving and mutual aid.
A lifelong pursuit of honesty, integrity, and moral clarity in all things.
The story of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of West Virginia, F.&A.M., Inc.
On March 21, 1877, Star Lodge #1 (Charles Town) was organized and warranted by the Grand Lodge of Maryland. The first Worshipful Master of Star Lodge #1 was Bro. George Tabb.
On October 1, 1880, Star Lodge #1 organized Mt. Pisgah #3 (Martinsburg) and Rising Sun Lodge #5 (Harpers Ferry)
On September 22, 1881, a convention was held in the city of Martinsburg for the purpose of incorporating and electing Grand Lodge Officers. This purpose was achieved and the following Grand Lodge Officers were publicly installed by the Grand Master of Maryland.
Most Worshipful Grand Master - Thomas Marker
Right Worshipful Grand Senior Warden - George W. Green
Right Worshipful Grand Junior Warden - William Swartz
Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer - William Woods
Right Worshipful Grand Secretary - Benjamin F. Christian
These brethren began working under a charter that read; The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the state of West Virginia, A.F. and A.M. organized November 23, 1881.
On March 3, 1884, the Secretary of the State issued a charter for the Most Worshipful Colored Grand Lodge of West Virginia, A.F.&A.M. which was later changed to The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of West Virginia, A.F.&A.M.
On January 4, 1923, Secretary of the State Houston G. Young approved the discontinuation of the letter "A" and the newly issued charter reads The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of West Virginia, F. & A.M. Inc.
Today, the Grand Lodge continues to charter and support subordinate Lodges throughout West Virginia, carrying forward the founding principles of Prince Hall Masonry.
