Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia F&AM, Inc

Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia F&AM, Inc Black men in these states were forbidden to become freemasons. It was organized in 1845 with many prominent black men of the time, viz: Rev. Robert H. M.F. Rev.

To bring visibility to our Most Worshipful Grand Master in his travels, and the subordinate Lodges & other Masonic houses in our organization, Dedicated to GOD & Community service to all mankind. HISTORY OF PRINCE HALL MASONS IN VIRGINIA: In the years before the Civil War which began in 1861, the institution of slavery was very strong in many of the states in the south. A number of blacks traveled to Philadelphia and after establishing residency and meeting the qualifications, they were initiated into the mysteries of the craft. The first lodge organized in the Commonwealth of Virginia was Universal Lodge at Alexandria, which is still working under the designation of No. 1. Robinson, Alfred Hamilton, Peter Coustin, and they all were citizens of the city. Rising Sun Lodge in Norfolk was next in line of organization and to this day carries the designation of No. 2 on the roster of Prince Hall Lodges in Virginia. The question of which is older caused quite a long and sometime bitter controversy between Morning Star Lodge in Portsmouth and Easter Light Lodge in Norfolk. By common consent and in keeping with the idea of who can best work and best agree, Morning Star Lodge was given the designation of No. 3 and Eastern Light Lodge was No. 4. For more than fifteen years there were in Virginia two Grand Lodges, Union Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge of Virginia Ancient York Masons. The first and oldest one was part of the National Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge was named the Union Grand Lodge and was organized December 28, 1865. The organization was not completed until February 17, 1866. The second Grand Lodge was organized as a result of the activity and influence of one Rev. Sluby, a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Sluby was an advocate of this organization and upon discovering the Universal Lodge was operating in Alexandria, he persuaded the Masons there to become more active and at the same time he caused division against the National Compact. The Independent Grand Lodge of Maryland, in 1865, instituted Lincoln Lodge No. 11. The Independent Grand Lodge of Maryland styled its membership "Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons." The following year Rev. J.B. Trusty was sent to be Petersburg's minister of the Union Street C.M.E. Church, and having been revived from being a member of a Lodge in Philadelphia, assembled a group of men on the 16th day of August, 1866. A committee of brethren came from Pennsylvania and entered, passed, and raised this group. There were seventy-two men in all who were so divided as to organize three lodges. The names of these lodges were J.B. Trusty No. 8, Virginia No. 9, and Abram No. 10. Charters for these lodges were issued by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. These three lodges formed the Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons which was instituted on June 23, 1868. The two Grand Lodges, that is the Union Grand Lodge and the Grand Lodge of VIrginia, Ancient York Masons, operated separately for a number of years, but because of the family, social, religious, and community ties they developed the idea of merging the two groups. The first meeting, looking to accomplish this idea, was called on the 9th day of December, 1873. This meeting was held in St. Luke's Hall on Franklin Street in Richmond. Because of the absence of representatives from the Union Grand Lodge, the only thing of significance done was the adoption of a resolution which laid the basis for the coming union. The failure to accomplish what was intended didn't deter the brethren so another meeting was called in Petersburg on the fifteenth day of December 1875, at which time our present Grand Lodge was organized.

We look forward too seeing you in the great city of Hampton, VA
09/15/2026

We look forward too seeing you in the great city of Hampton, VA

HAPPY 291st HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOUNDER OF OUR ANCIENT AND HONORABLE FRATERNITY!! Prince Hall was an abolitionist, ...
09/14/2026

HAPPY 291st HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOUNDER OF OUR ANCIENT AND HONORABLE FRATERNITY!!

Prince Hall was an abolitionist, civil-rights advocate, community leader, entrepreneur, educator, and the founder of the Masonic tradition now known as Prince Hall Freemasonry. His exact birth date and birthplace remain uncertain. Historians generally place his birth between 1735 and 1738, while his birthday is traditionally commemorated on September 14.

Prince Hall became a prominent member of Boston’s free Black community. He worked as a leather dresser, caterer, and businessman and used his standing to advocate for freedom, education, justice, and equal citizenship for African Americans.

On March 6, 1775, Prince Hall and fourteen other Black men were initiated into Freemasonry by members of Lodge No. 441, an Irish military lodge attached to British forces stationed near Boston. They subsequently organized African Lodge No. 1, with Prince Hall serving as its Worshipful Master.

Because the lodge initially possessed only limited authority, Prince Hall petitioned the Grand Lodge of England for a formal charter. A warrant was issued on September 29, 1784, establishing the lodge as African Lodge No. 459. This historic lodge became the foundation from which Prince Hall Freemasonry developed and expanded throughout the United States. The Library of Congress describes it as the oldest recognized and continuously active organization founded by African Americans. Library of Congress⁠

Prince Hall’s leadership extended far beyond the Masonic lodge. In 1777, he joined other Black citizens in petitioning the Massachusetts legislature for the abolition of slavery. He also advocated for educational opportunities for Black children and supported the establishment of schools within Boston’s African American community.

In 1788, Prince Hall led a petition protesting the kidnapping of three free Black men who had been seized in Boston Harbor and transported toward the West Indies to be sold into slavery. This surviving document demonstrates his determination to defend the freedom and legal rights of Black Americans. Massachusetts Historical Society⁠

Through his influential Masonic charges of 1792 and 1797, Prince Hall encouraged unity, education, moral conduct, racial pride, perseverance, and resistance to oppression. Under his leadership, African Lodge helped establish lodges in other cities and became an important center of religious, civic, charitable, and intellectual life.

Prince Hall died in Boston on December 4, 1807, and was buried with Masonic honors in Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. His legacy continues through Prince Hall Grand Lodges and affiliated Masonic bodies across the United States and throughout the world.

Today, Most Worshipful Brother Prince Hall is honored as the Father of Prince Hall Freemasonry and remembered as one of America’s pioneering champions of brotherhood, education, justice, equality, and human dignity.

GRAND RISING EVERYONE.
09/14/2026

GRAND RISING EVERYONE.

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09/12/2026

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What if P.H.A. meant more than identifying who we are affiliated with?

What if it also told us how we are supposed to live?

P.H.A. — Practice His Actions.

We proudly invoke the name of Prince Hall. We celebrate his legacy, teach his history, display his image, and identify ourselves as Prince Hall Masons.

But carrying his name is easy.

Living worthy of it is the challenge.

Prince Hall practiced courage when courage was costly.
He pursued knowledge when opportunities were limited.
He confronted injustice without surrendering dignity.
He served his community.
He persevered when doors were closed.
And he understood that Masonry should produce better men who create better communities.

So perhaps the question isn’t simply:

“Are you Prince Hall Affiliated?”

The greater question is:

“Do your actions look anything like Prince Hall’s?”

This week’s Words of Leadership challenges every Brother who proudly carries those three letters:

Don’t merely celebrate his legacy. LIVE IT.

P.H.A. — Prince Hall Affiliated. Practice His Actions.

By Virtue and Honor, We Lead.

We will NEVER forget🙏🏾
09/12/2026

We will NEVER forget🙏🏾

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Richmond, VA
23230

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