Prince Hall

Landy77 · 09-14-2006, 12:18 AM

I am a member of an Antient lodge that does not recognize Prince Hall masonry. I was advised that Prince Hall is a "covert" form of masonry that does not conform to the standard of the grand lodge. So this is why they are not recognized and I am not supposed to acknowledge one as a mason.
First off I understand how prince hall was formed but I would like to know if this explanation is just an excuse for not acepting brothers of other races or if prince hall actually practices thier own form of masonry. Also I would like to know if this is standard practice or am I in a state that has fallen behind the times?

D. W. Brown · 09-21-2006, 07:26 PM

There are a few states left that do not recognize PH as regular. This goes against everything I believe in and thought masonry was about. There is hope though with the rebirth of the Moderns and the formation of the United Grand Lodge of America.

Landy77 · 09-22-2006, 02:05 AM

I live on the coast of Mississippi, I'm as far south as you can get. So I am familiar with meeting people that are ignorant and/or racist. In this part of the country that is not as prevalent as you think. During my instruction I asked why Prince Hall masons are not recognized. I was advised that recognition is not an issue of race. Prince Hall was conferring degrees before he received his charter from the grand lodge of England. Once the grand lodge found out of this his charter was removed but Prince Hall progressed anyways. Now I am sure there are some lodges that will not recognize a Prince Hall due to race, but the general consensus to the brothers I have spoken with on the topic will recognize a Prince Hall mason outside of lodge even though if a blue lodge member that knew could have him removed. With that said, brothers openly ignoring the grand lodge of the great state of Mississippi and privately recognizing Prince Hall!! Who would think of such a thing!

There are currently thirty-seven states that recognize Prince Hall, Mississippi will probably be the last one to officially give in. This is to let the reader know that even though lodges may reside in a state that is considered "behind the times" does not mean the brothers follow suit.

David Herman · 09-24-2006, 07:00 PM

Details of which 'mainstream' GLs recognize PHA GLs and much more detail: http://bessel.org/masrec/pha.htm

LittleBrother · 01-27-2007, 10:47 AM

Texas came around Dec.2006

D. W. Brown · 01-27-2007, 11:57 AM

In my opinion Prince Hall Recgonition is really not the root problem. The real problem here is segration at all.

BrAPeterson · 01-31-2007, 03:20 PM

Brethren,

I currently reside in a state that does not recognize Prince Hall (NC). There is nothing that says I can not treat a Prince Hall Mason as a brother. There is nothing that says I can not talk about Masonry in general with him. All I can not do is sit in lodge and converse about the secrets of Masonry with him.

In fact we are encouraged to display masonic kindness with "all mankind".

When it comes down to racism in a lodge, we know its there. It exists in some masons who are in jurisdictions that recognize Prince Hall. Though I disagree with judging a man by his skin color, I understand that this is ingrained since birth to many of my brothers.

So, what to do about it?

Remember your obligations are to the brothers of the lodge, not those outside the lodge.

If a brother feels he does not want someone in lodge simply because of their hair-do, it is his perogative to cast his vote as he sees fit, and without repercussion, or discussion.

I may not agree, but harmony being what it is, is the reason why it must be so.

IMHO

Fraternally,

Bro. Arthur

Brother Whatley · 02-01-2007, 01:26 PM

I am a Prince Hall Mason here in Alabama and it's just sad that we are not on the level with the white GL. We tried to petition for recognition before but was shot down. As far as Prince Hall being legitimate Freemasonry we have a Charter to dismiss all the naysayers. IMHO the real reason that we are not recognized by the GL here is race. Period. Despite the fact that we have documentation, we are recognized by all other white GL in the U.S., and, according to the Duke of Kent, who is Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England(which, along with Ireland and Scotland being the Mother Lodges that started Speculative Masonry) we are recognized as regular, legit Masonry.

If I'm wrong let me know.

BrAPeterson · 02-01-2007, 01:50 PM

Brother Whatley,

You are not wrong. It is sad. Lastly, in my opinion, it does boil down to race.

Change is happening. This year we voted on recognition and it was barely shot down. Eventually, it will succeed.

I am sure you know from living in Alabama that things move slower in south. The deeper you go the slower it moves.

This year I attended an installation of Officers at one of our local lodges. It was an open installation. Do you know who accompanied our Grand Master to this installation? The GM of Prince Hall in North Carolina.

Change is coming. Please be patient with our Brothers.

Fraternally,

Bro. Arthur

LittleBrother · 02-01-2007, 05:17 PM

You know,it seem's kind of stupid for these groups to continue calling
PH Masons irregular or clandestine seeing as,correct me if I'm wrong,
the PH Grand Lodge is in possesion of the oldest known warrant or
constitution still in exsistance.They still have the documentation to
prove their right to the rights,lights and benifits.

Bro.Whatley,I am truly sorry for the immaturity of the members in your
state.I would hope you can accept this brothers hand in friendship.

Matthew