chgregory

My Brothers,

Here in VA we have complete recognition between GLof VA and PH. We often work together, although some brothers from both groups refuse to attent those joint meetings. Nearly everyone I know feels the interaction is a great thing and only the first step toward complete "integration" of the two groups. In Virginia we are often confused by the fact that some folks still believe the "War of Norhtern Agression" (not my term) was never ended. Those are the roots of the issue here in VA, but most good men and good masons are accepting of all good men who seek to better themselves.

In VA you can join any lodge you wish, and if you choose a lodge where they have not heard the news about the end of the civil war, you could withdraw your petition and submit it in a less exclusive one pretty easilly.

I for a have a great deal of respect for the Prince Hall Lodges, and know their MWGM. We met because his license plate says MWGM with a square and compasses...I had to ask him.

I have visited the Grand Lodge at his invitation and he has attended a picknic at ours. He has so far not made a formal visitation, mostly due to his schedule, but he will be welcome when he does.

I just called a friend of mine who was once GM of the SGL of Texas. Here is the story from his mouth to my ear. The Sovern Grand Lodge of Texas (as sovern it is the only in their thinking) has tried to find a means to recognize Prince Hall Masons in Texas, but can't because:

1. There are 3 distinct and unrelated PH Grand Lodges
2. As the only possible Grand Jurisdiction, the PH Grand Lodge would have to subordinate, and so far none is willing.
3. (His words not mine" Ain't nuthin easy in Texas.

While that all sounds like it could be worked out by reasonable men, I can see where it is near impossible for a committee.

He does give a glimmer of hope. (read below)

Any man (regardless of race or mixture of race) can petition and if otherwise qualified can't be excluded (at least in Texas and Virginia) on the basis of race.

In El Paso a pettioner of African decent applied, was worthy and well qualified and strongly recommended. He was rejected, but the Grand Master of Texas demanded that he be reconsidered.

In the end he was and was approved and the Grand master then put into the record of the Texas GL that the Texas GL and the subordinate lodges will not discrimanate on the basis of race, religion or national origin. That was a few years ago, when my friend was GM, but since I got the story from him, I think it is true.

There is little chance of recognition of PH lodges in Texas because of the things I listed above, but you are free to petition any Blue Lodge and I would talk to them before I petitioned to be sure it was the lodge for me and you are the candidate for them.

If you proceed with the Prince Hall petition, you may find it is impossible to join a SGL of Texas lodge as they do not treat PH lodges as regular lodges.

I hope this is helpful. I still believe strongly in the masonic system and in the ability of us as the membership to change things for the better.

Good luck on your journey toward enlightenment.

S&F,

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Cliff Gregory, 32