The Birth of the 1847 National Grand Lodge
(N. G. L.)
The Name & Its York Rite Affiliates:
The Masonic Order of the General Grand Masonic Congress (G.G.M.C.), Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A. F. & A. M.) has long since been a member of "The Order" of Masonry in the United States of America. It was organized and incorporated before the United Supreme Council of the Southern and Western Jurisdiction (A.A.S.R.), which was Organized April 5, 1865, in Washington, D.C. However, the G.G.M.C. was Originally organized under a different name; it was first formed as The National Grand Lodge (N.G.L.), organized on June 27th,1847, in Boston, Massachusetts. If one were to go back and research the history according to "The 1847 National Compact of Free & Accepted Ancient York Rite Masons (F. & A. A. Y. R.) Prince Hall Origin," you would find that they say the original purpose of their idea for the formation of The National Grand Lodge was to establish a Unifying Grand Body or Organization for Legitimate and Legal Negro Masons of various Grand Lodges, Territories, and Masonic Jurisdictions within the United States of America from African Lodge No. 459 to meet under. They will state that in 1847 the various grand lodges elected delegates and sent them to Boston for the purpose of organizing a National Grand Lodge under a National Compact and an Agreement of four agreed upon Sentiments. This idea of harmony through unification, I am sure sounded good on the surface to most Masons at that time because there were no clear-cut rules of engagement or jurisdiction among "colored lodges" pertaining to membership and territory. So, there was an agreement of sentiment amongst the brethren to have a meeting of elected delegates from each Lodge to send their representatives to further discuss the details of how this may be done; to organize the formation of the National Grand Lodge which was to take place in Boston, Massachusetts. This location was chosen as the appropriate place to unify all Colored Masons because it was the home of the 1st Organized Masonic Lodge in the United States for Colored Masons; African Lodge #1 (Changed to No.459), purported to be started by Prince Hall on July 3,1776.
It is recorded that the Mission Statement for the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge was, "To support a way of life that promotes friendship, fellowship, and Brotherly Love. We shall dispense charity, make good men better, and lead by example." As stated earlier, this meeting was to take place on the week of Sunday June 20, 1847, through Sunday June 27, 1847, in Boston, Massachusetts. But it was on the critical date of Thursday June 24, 1847, that the delegates in their rigorous debates reached an impasse as to the direction that the National Grand Lodge should go, even the date of organization differ amongst the groups that were in attendance; some say it was organized on June 24, 1847, and others say the National Grand Lodge was organized on June 27, 1847. Research indicates that one faction within wanted to push the agenda of the National Compact Group, which had a particular vision for Grand Lodges and their States, and those who would join as members of The National Grand Lodge. They would have to allow it to have the power and authority invested in it to incorporate or make its member State's, Grand Lodges, and Subordinate Lodges be reconstituted by warrant to operate and exist under its Jurisdiction and permission. They wanted all subordinate Lodges that the Grand Lodges wanted to incorporate or charter within their Jurisdiction to be approved by the M.W. National Grand Lodge as an overseeing administrative body. This would require all the Subordinate Lodges and Grand Lodges at the meeting to give up their Independence, Sovereignty, Jurisdiction, Warrants, and Charters to have a New Warrant & Charter issued to them by the National Compact group of the National Grand Lodge. The other faction wanted to work together in Harmony and Brotherly Love under a Unified Banner too, but they wanted to keep their Independence, Sovereignty, and Jurisdiction. Some were interested in opening their doors to a broader base of Candidates and Members other than so-called (P.H.O.) York Rite Masons originally descending from African Lodge No. 459 only. Hence, almost as fast as the National Grand Lodge was being organized, it soon had splits within; separate groups started to form within due to fundamental and philosophical differences.
One of those Groups, if you will, was called "The Independents"; à faction of Master Masons from different States and Lodges that included those from the Washington DC area. It is understood that this National Body of Independents claimed jurisdiction in and over Universal Free (symbolic) Independent Masonry in all the United States of America and Canada for All Free Masons regardless of affiliation, be it International, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A. F. & A. M.), Free and Accepted Ancient Yorkrite Masons (P.H. O.), or Free and Accepted Masons (P.H.A.); they were accepted amongst them all. Some of its first organizers were Edward H. Thomas, John A. Smallwood, Adolphis Hall, and others from New York, Washington DC, Maryland, Delaware, Ohio, and abroad.
The other faction from within the Original National Grand Lodge of 1847 later became the "1847 Compact National Grand Lodge". The Lodges that were with this group more willingly surrendered their warrants and charters to be re-warranted by the M.W. National Grand Lodge under the first National Grand Master, Hon. John T. Hilton. To further legalize the National Grand Lodge, National Constitutions and By-Laws were drawn up to govern this body of colored Yorkrite Masons organized in Boston, MA. They maintained the idea that all member lodges should be according to them, a legitimate and legally constituted body of Colored Masons. As stated earlier, they believed that to be considered a legitimate and legally constituted body of Colored Masons your Masonic Body must be of the Free and Accepted Ancient Yorkrite, of the Prince Hall Origin National Compact; to later become known as Prince Hall Origin (P.H.O.) Free and Accepted Ancient Yorkrite Masons (F. & A.A.). Another faction later branched off to become what is known as "States Rites" Prince Hall Affiliates' (P.H.A.) Free and Accepted Masons (F. & A.M.). It should be noted that from the beginning, there was also an independent group that was proclaimed to be Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A. F. & A.M.).
PRINCE HALL ORIGIN: The name Prince Hall, being associated with a Grand Lodge, resulted from a Grand Warrant issued by the National Masons (Colored) to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge in Boston, Mass. in 1848; one year after the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons (Colored), to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge in Boston, Mass. It was on April 28, 1848, that the National Grand Lodge presented the Old African Grand Lodge of Boston a new State warrant under the name Prince Hall Grand Lodge. In most of the early States the warrants and charters for constituting a Grand Lodge were granted by the National Grand Lodge. From 1848 to 1888 the National Grand Lodge issued most of the Warrants and Charters for Grand Lodges. Around 1863 there came dissension and disagreement among the members of the National Grand Lodge and some of the delegates walked out. From the group that left the National Grand Lodge, they secured charters to practice masonry under the sanction of the State they wanted to reside in. Hence, this group later took the name Prince Hall Masons, who are often referred to as “State Rite” Masons. Remember, it was also on April 5,1869 when the United Supreme Council Southern and Western Jurisdiction (A.A.S.R.) was organized and registered in Washington, D.C., led by the Most P. Sov. Grand Commander Ill. Edward H. Thomas 33rd.
Declarations of Independence It was reported that also in the year 1869, the Grand Lodge of Ohio, under the jurisdiction of the National Grand Lodge, withdrew from their authority and styled itself as an independent Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Washington D.C. did the same. These two Grand Lodges were a part of a much bigger movement from within the National Grand Lodge. For example, the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio proved to have had far-reaching sympathy and support within the National Grand Lodge due to the many Lodges established by Ohio in other states through the influences of foreign correspondence by men such as William T. Boyd and others. The Most Worshipful Brother William T. (Theodore) Boyd was one of the Pioneers of Prince Hall Masonry in the city of Cleveland, OH (see pic Below). He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Union Lodge No. 5, in Indianapolis, Indian in 1850. He later moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1851 and participated in the organization of Eureka Lodge No. 14. He was elected Worshipful Master of that lodge in 1857. It should be noted that Most Worshipful Brother Boyd and the other members of Eureka Lodge No. 14 withdrew from that Lodge when it decided to continue its relationship with the National Grand Lodge. They organized Excelsior Lodge No. 11 and Brother William T. Boyd was elected its first Worshipful Master.
In 1869, Most Worshipful Brother Boyd was installed as the tenth Grand Master of the state of Ohio and held the office for six years. Also, while Grand Master he served as Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Correspondence. He would remain as Dean of the Department of the collection of pamphlets and documents dealing with Masonry from Grand Lodges, Grand Orients and Supreme Councils; to include our International Brothers in France and Romania. These materials were said to amount to over three thousand in number and were regarded as the most complete collection of Masonic Documents of any Black Mason in the country. He is also accredited with originating the plan to honor Prince Hall on a day of annual recognition, he was considered as one of the primary founders of celebrating and recognizing Prince Hall Masonry here in America and expressing the hope that other lodges would follow the example of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. As he had hoped, many other Grand Lodges under the jurisdiction of the National Grand Lodge did withdraw or engaged in re-organizations and mergers as independent Grand Lodges after some lodges and members were suspended or expelled for disagreements, insubordination, or for simply expressing their opinions. With this ebe-and-flow of lodges and members across unclear Jurisdictional lines, agreements and disagreements, groups, and factions within the (N.G.L.), it was inevitable that this National organization would have to do something drastic within its governance requiring a major re-organization in 1870, but the name would remain the same as they continued to operate. In the year 1870, the (N.G.L.) was under the leadership of its 5th and New National Grand Master, The Hon. Richard Howell Gleaves (see pic Below), who made some significant changes in the By-Laws and Constitutions with a more rigorous effort to root out the independent factions and their ideas. He believed this would also help bring some order and harmony to where it was needed. Due to these changes the separate groups within the (N.G.L.) were eventually forced to re-organize and comply with the changes if they wanted to remain a part of the (N.G.L.). Hon. Richard Howell Gleaves implemented a more official effort to try and bring the National Grand Lodge back into alignment with the ideas of the National Compact group of Masons.
A Brief History of the Scottish Rite for Colored Masons:
Now that the Scottish Rite was being introduced and practices by many of the once exclusive Yorkrite Masons, tensions were at an all-time high within the National Grand Lodge. In the year 1880, there were five Supreme Councils formed among "Colored" Masons, and they soon became competitive Masonic rivals, soliciting members: often at times, the same members. However, on April 1, 1880, the United States Supreme Council issued a call for representatives of all the Supreme Councils to meet in New York to address these issues and hopefully resolve them. The meeting took place on October 21st, 1880, where attendees voted and passed a resolution to convene the representatives again on January 13, 1881. On this date eighteen Inspector Generals convened in Corinthian Hall, New York City where Ill. John S. Chase 33rd of the United States Supreme Council was elected Chairman and Ill. Samuel R. Scottron 33rd of the United States Supreme Council was elected Secretary. The results from this Conclave were an agreement to form Only two Supreme Councils of Colored Masons in the United States out of the 5 that currently existed. All this was done for the sole purpose of the pursuance of the decrees, resolutions, and articles of a Convention of the Supreme Councils, held at the City of New York, in the State of New York, on the 13th day of January 1881. Hence, there at this Historic Conclave, all agreed to form Only Two Supreme Councils for the United States of America. The three in the North would unite to form one Supreme Council for the Northern Jurisdiction (see pic Below), and the two in the South would unite to form one Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction (see pic Below).
Therefore, on April 9th, 1881, a union was formed between the King David Supreme Council and King Frederick Supreme Council at Philadelphia, PA., to be known as the United Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, Grand East at Philadelphia, PA. (United States Supreme Council backed out due to a lawsuit filed against it in Chicago Ill.). On January 27th, 1887, a union was also formed between the Southern Supreme Council of Baltimore, MD. , and the Southern and Western Supreme Council of Washington, D. C., and it was to be known as the United Supreme Council for the Southern and Western Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, Grand East at Washington, D.C.
In the year 1888 the 8th National Grand Master, Hon. Captain William D. Matthews took over the National Grand Lodge when there were several Grand Lodges and Members becoming a part of separate groups that started to operate independently within the National Body. In 1888 National Grand Master Captain William D. Matthews saw the way dissent and rebellion existed amongst the Lodges and Grand Lodges established by and within the National Grand Lodge where operating, so he decided to wage against them by setting forth what is called, "The 1888 "Matthews Manifesto." This decree called for major changes in how lodges operate and report to the (N.G.L.). This Manifesto gave many of the separatist or independent groups and factions within the (N.G.L.) an ultimatum. The main provision of the Manifesto stated:
I therefore give each state, Grand Lodge, subordinate lodge, or lodges in such open rebellion until the 8th day of March 1888, to return to their allegiance, and to report to the National Grand Secretary, John A. Mulligan, 117 James Street, Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. Failing to comply with this order, I shall commission Grand Masters with full power and authority in those rebellious states, to re-organize Grand Lodges according to the precedent which was laid down in 1733.
The Grand Lodge of Georgia (Compact), who had not sent returns to the National Grand Lodge since circa 1878, who could have been considered as one of the independent entities, did not adhere to the manifesto of Captain Matthews. Three months after the deadline of Matthew's Manifesto, the Georgia Compact G. L. merged with the State Rights Grand Lodge forming The Union Grand Lodge of GA. (A. F. & A. M.) which eventually changed its name to the MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia (P.H.A.). National Grand Master William D. Matthews, in accordance with the Manifesto he published, then established the Most Worshipful Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons Prince Hall Origin-National Compact (P.H.O.) in and for the state of Georgia on December 27, 1892, to replace those that left the State and the Compact National Grand Lodge. With all these Lodges merging and Re-organizing then National Grand Lodge had to change its name too, it was re-named The National Masonic Congress (A.F. & A.M.) by the (late) Ill. John G. Jones 33rd on August 9th, 1889, in Cleveland, Ohio partly because of Capt. William D. Matthews' Manifesto that he put out in 1888. Later, as history would have it, some of the members from the National Masonic Congress (A.F. & A.M.) would return re-organized and re-named on April 27, 1896, in Washington D.C. as a new and powerful group of (A. F. & A. M.) members; these members emerging in the State of Georgia at a convention under a newly established National Body known as The General Grand Masonic Congress (G.G.M.C.). Note: The Most Worshipful St. Joseph Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. was Est. June 1, 1940, in the State of Georgia.
As stated earlier, the "1888 Matthews Manifesto" was a big reason the independent Grand Lodges had to re-organize and re-name the National Grand Lodge to the Masonic Grand Congress in 1889 in Cleveland, OH, done by Ill. John G. Jones 33⁰. These Grand Lodges at that time were styled as Prince Hall Affiliates (PHA) with members that also styled themselves as (A.F. & A.M.) which later split from PHA in 1895 to finally Re-organized and Re-name as "The General Grand Masonic Congress of The United States of America & Canada (A.F. & A.M.) on April 27, 1896, in Washington D.C. under the hand of Ill. John G. Jones 33⁰., with a New Warrant to operate in the United States of America and Canada from the 1880 National Grand Lodge of the Republic of Romania (M.L.N.R.) issued in 1896 to Ill. Henry C. Scott 33⁰ (see pic Below). This is a year after John G. Jones was elected as the Most P. Sov. Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council of the Southern & Western Jurisdiction after Thornton A. Jackson so called kicked him out of the Southern Supreme Council and John G. Jones kicked him and others off the Southern and Western Supreme Council, splitting up the two United Supreme Councils of the Southern Jurisdiction (P.H.A.) and Southern and Western Jurisdiction (A.F. & A M.) to this date.
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Let us exam the reports and documentations that indicate a significant impact on Masonry for people of Color; sparked by the influence and ideology of the Independent A. F. & A. Masons within the 1847 National Grand Lodge (N.G.L.) that started Up North in Boston, MA. and sped Down South to Georgia....Let's exam how the different ideas of governance regarding Masonry caused those that were willing to give up much of their sovereignty to comply fully with the National Compact among "Colored" Masons came to a loggerhead against the Independent Masons within, almost as soon as the organization process started.
It was reported that The Hiram Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania that established lodges in Georgia was a re-incarnation of another Grand Lodge already established in the State of Georgia (prior to the establishment of the National Grand Lodge.) To completely tell the story of Hiram Grand Lodge and its impact on Freemasonry amongst men of color would take volumes and would need to be told later. However, Hiram Grand Lodge was said to be a Grand Lodge created by members of the First Independent African Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania (prior to the existence of the (N. G. L.), in 1833). Over time, to the chagrin of some Lodges throughout the United States, Hiram Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania began to gain members and power with its so-called, "radical independent philosophies." It was reported that the situation with Hiram Grand Lodge was one of the reasons that led to the creation of the National Grand Lodge of 1847. At the convention of the organization of the National Grand Lodge in Boston, MA in1847, Hiram Grand Lodge was so-called, "healed" by the Articles of Union drafted amongst the two Grand Lodges in Pennsylvania to try and control them (Hiram Grand Lodge & First Independent African Grand Lodge) were to be united for this purpose. However, when these two lodges with different mindsets and ideas about the governance of Freemasonry came together to form the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York Rite Masons for the state of Pennsylvania on January 19, 1848; the union did not last long. In fact, the members who were part of the Hiram faction began to be seen as "rebels" due to their independent ideologies about Freemasonry and how it should be governed for Grand Lodges and States; so, most of them were eventually suspended and expelled from the "unified" grand lodge, not from Masonry. So, this group of expelled Masons, along with the members of the expelled United Grand Lodge of New York help to create a Strong and Powerful Independent Movement of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons (A.F. & A.M.) all over the Nation that proved to be seen by some as detrimental to the establishment and continuation of the unifying and governing body known as The National Grand Lodge. These Independent Masons formed an alliance with other Independent Masons from New Jersey, Maryland, D.C., Ohio, and Delaware to openly rebel against the National Compact Groups. This eventually caused à split and several reorganizations of the National Grand Lodge of 1847.
Freemasonry for African Americans in the state of Georgia began after the formation of the National Grand Lodge, in the city of Savannah, February 4, 1866, when the first Lodge, Eureka Lodge No. 11, was established by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The second Lodge of African American Freemasons was John T. Hilton Lodge No. 13 established on December 27, 1866, also established by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The third lodge was established by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Free and Accepted Ancient York Rite Masons (F. & A. A. Y. M.) in the city of Augusta, Georgia. Banneker Lodge No.38 was established in the same year. It is of importance to note that the Grand Lodges that granted dispensations for the fore-mentioned lodges were Grand Lodges subordinate to the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge.
On August 22, 1870, representatives of the above-mentioned lodges met and formed the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia (Colored) under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge. At that time, Bro. James Merilus Simms was installed as their first Grand Master. The three founding Lodges mentioned above were re-warranted under the newly formed Grand Lodge and were designated Eureka No. 1, Hilton No. 2 and Banneker No. 3. Bro. James Merilus Simms was also the National Grand Master [Pres. General] of the M.W. National Grand Lodge at that time; his successor was the Honorable Richard Howell Gleaves who was present, (these are the minutes):
Bro. R. H. Gleaves M. W. National Grand Master took the chair and delivered an elegant and instructive address on the Cardinal Virtues after which at 2 ½ o’clock P. M. The convention was called off. At 4 ½ o’clock the convention was called on. At the request of the N. G. M. the minutes of the convention held June 4th and 29th were read. The Grand Secretary elect read the Warrant of Constitution Granted the Grand Lodge for the state of Georgia by the M. W. National Grand Lodge. (Proceedings "Handwritten" Grand Lodge of Ga "Compact" 22 August 1870).
The Masonic Order of the General Grand Masonic Congress (G.G.M.C.), Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A. F. & A. M.) has long since been a member of "The Order" of Masonry in the United States of America. It was organized and incorporated before the United Supreme Council of the Southern and Western Jurisdiction (A.A.S.R.), which was Organized April 5, 1865, in Washington, D.C. However, the G.G.M.C. was Originally organized under a different name; it was first formed as The National Grand Lodge (N.G.L.), organized on June 27th,1847, in Boston, Massachusetts. If one were to go back and research the history according to "The 1847 National Compact of Free & Accepted Ancient York Rite Masons (F. & A. A. Y. R.) Prince Hall Origin," you would find that they say the original purpose of their idea for the formation of The National Grand Lodge was to establish a Unifying Grand Body or Organization for Legitimate and Legal Negro Masons of various Grand Lodges, Territories, and Masonic Jurisdictions within the United States of America from African Lodge No. 459 to meet under. They will state that in 1847 the various grand lodges elected delegates and sent them to Boston for the purpose of organizing a National Grand Lodge under a National Compact and an Agreement of four agreed upon Sentiments. This idea of harmony through unification, I am sure sounded good on the surface to most Masons at that time because there were no clear-cut rules of engagement or jurisdiction among "colored lodges" pertaining to membership and territory. So, there was an agreement of sentiment amongst the brethren to have a meeting of elected delegates from each Lodge to send their representatives to further discuss the details of how this may be done; to organize the formation of the National Grand Lodge which was to take place in Boston, Massachusetts. This location was chosen as the appropriate place to unify all Colored Masons because it was the home of the 1st Organized Masonic Lodge in the United States for Colored Masons; African Lodge #1 (Changed to No.459), purported to be started by Prince Hall on July 3,1776.
It is recorded that the Mission Statement for the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge was, "To support a way of life that promotes friendship, fellowship, and Brotherly Love. We shall dispense charity, make good men better, and lead by example." As stated earlier, this meeting was to take place on the week of Sunday June 20, 1847, through Sunday June 27, 1847, in Boston, Massachusetts. But it was on the critical date of Thursday June 24, 1847, that the delegates in their rigorous debates reached an impasse as to the direction that the National Grand Lodge should go, even the date of organization differ amongst the groups that were in attendance; some say it was organized on June 24, 1847, and others say the National Grand Lodge was organized on June 27, 1847. Research indicates that one faction within wanted to push the agenda of the National Compact Group, which had a particular vision for Grand Lodges and their States, and those who would join as members of The National Grand Lodge. They would have to allow it to have the power and authority invested in it to incorporate or make its member State's, Grand Lodges, and Subordinate Lodges be reconstituted by warrant to operate and exist under its Jurisdiction and permission. They wanted all subordinate Lodges that the Grand Lodges wanted to incorporate or charter within their Jurisdiction to be approved by the M.W. National Grand Lodge as an overseeing administrative body. This would require all the Subordinate Lodges and Grand Lodges at the meeting to give up their Independence, Sovereignty, Jurisdiction, Warrants, and Charters to have a New Warrant & Charter issued to them by the National Compact group of the National Grand Lodge. The other faction wanted to work together in Harmony and Brotherly Love under a Unified Banner too, but they wanted to keep their Independence, Sovereignty, and Jurisdiction. Some were interested in opening their doors to a broader base of Candidates and Members other than so-called (P.H.O.) York Rite Masons originally descending from African Lodge No. 459 only. Hence, almost as fast as the National Grand Lodge was being organized, it soon had splits within; separate groups started to form within due to fundamental and philosophical differences.
One of those Groups, if you will, was called "The Independents"; à faction of Master Masons from different States and Lodges that included those from the Washington DC area. It is understood that this National Body of Independents claimed jurisdiction in and over Universal Free (symbolic) Independent Masonry in all the United States of America and Canada for All Free Masons regardless of affiliation, be it International, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A. F. & A. M.), Free and Accepted Ancient Yorkrite Masons (P.H. O.), or Free and Accepted Masons (P.H.A.); they were accepted amongst them all. Some of its first organizers were Edward H. Thomas, John A. Smallwood, Adolphis Hall, and others from New York, Washington DC, Maryland, Delaware, Ohio, and abroad.
The other faction from within the Original National Grand Lodge of 1847 later became the "1847 Compact National Grand Lodge". The Lodges that were with this group more willingly surrendered their warrants and charters to be re-warranted by the M.W. National Grand Lodge under the first National Grand Master, Hon. John T. Hilton. To further legalize the National Grand Lodge, National Constitutions and By-Laws were drawn up to govern this body of colored Yorkrite Masons organized in Boston, MA. They maintained the idea that all member lodges should be according to them, a legitimate and legally constituted body of Colored Masons. As stated earlier, they believed that to be considered a legitimate and legally constituted body of Colored Masons your Masonic Body must be of the Free and Accepted Ancient Yorkrite, of the Prince Hall Origin National Compact; to later become known as Prince Hall Origin (P.H.O.) Free and Accepted Ancient Yorkrite Masons (F. & A.A.). Another faction later branched off to become what is known as "States Rites" Prince Hall Affiliates' (P.H.A.) Free and Accepted Masons (F. & A.M.). It should be noted that from the beginning, there was also an independent group that was proclaimed to be Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A. F. & A.M.).
PRINCE HALL ORIGIN: The name Prince Hall, being associated with a Grand Lodge, resulted from a Grand Warrant issued by the National Masons (Colored) to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge in Boston, Mass. in 1848; one year after the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons (Colored), to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge in Boston, Mass. It was on April 28, 1848, that the National Grand Lodge presented the Old African Grand Lodge of Boston a new State warrant under the name Prince Hall Grand Lodge. In most of the early States the warrants and charters for constituting a Grand Lodge were granted by the National Grand Lodge. From 1848 to 1888 the National Grand Lodge issued most of the Warrants and Charters for Grand Lodges. Around 1863 there came dissension and disagreement among the members of the National Grand Lodge and some of the delegates walked out. From the group that left the National Grand Lodge, they secured charters to practice masonry under the sanction of the State they wanted to reside in. Hence, this group later took the name Prince Hall Masons, who are often referred to as “State Rite” Masons. Remember, it was also on April 5,1869 when the United Supreme Council Southern and Western Jurisdiction (A.A.S.R.) was organized and registered in Washington, D.C., led by the Most P. Sov. Grand Commander Ill. Edward H. Thomas 33rd.
Declarations of Independence It was reported that also in the year 1869, the Grand Lodge of Ohio, under the jurisdiction of the National Grand Lodge, withdrew from their authority and styled itself as an independent Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Washington D.C. did the same. These two Grand Lodges were a part of a much bigger movement from within the National Grand Lodge. For example, the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio proved to have had far-reaching sympathy and support within the National Grand Lodge due to the many Lodges established by Ohio in other states through the influences of foreign correspondence by men such as William T. Boyd and others. The Most Worshipful Brother William T. (Theodore) Boyd was one of the Pioneers of Prince Hall Masonry in the city of Cleveland, OH (see pic Below). He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Union Lodge No. 5, in Indianapolis, Indian in 1850. He later moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1851 and participated in the organization of Eureka Lodge No. 14. He was elected Worshipful Master of that lodge in 1857. It should be noted that Most Worshipful Brother Boyd and the other members of Eureka Lodge No. 14 withdrew from that Lodge when it decided to continue its relationship with the National Grand Lodge. They organized Excelsior Lodge No. 11 and Brother William T. Boyd was elected its first Worshipful Master.
In 1869, Most Worshipful Brother Boyd was installed as the tenth Grand Master of the state of Ohio and held the office for six years. Also, while Grand Master he served as Chairman of the Committee of Foreign Correspondence. He would remain as Dean of the Department of the collection of pamphlets and documents dealing with Masonry from Grand Lodges, Grand Orients and Supreme Councils; to include our International Brothers in France and Romania. These materials were said to amount to over three thousand in number and were regarded as the most complete collection of Masonic Documents of any Black Mason in the country. He is also accredited with originating the plan to honor Prince Hall on a day of annual recognition, he was considered as one of the primary founders of celebrating and recognizing Prince Hall Masonry here in America and expressing the hope that other lodges would follow the example of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. As he had hoped, many other Grand Lodges under the jurisdiction of the National Grand Lodge did withdraw or engaged in re-organizations and mergers as independent Grand Lodges after some lodges and members were suspended or expelled for disagreements, insubordination, or for simply expressing their opinions. With this ebe-and-flow of lodges and members across unclear Jurisdictional lines, agreements and disagreements, groups, and factions within the (N.G.L.), it was inevitable that this National organization would have to do something drastic within its governance requiring a major re-organization in 1870, but the name would remain the same as they continued to operate. In the year 1870, the (N.G.L.) was under the leadership of its 5th and New National Grand Master, The Hon. Richard Howell Gleaves (see pic Below), who made some significant changes in the By-Laws and Constitutions with a more rigorous effort to root out the independent factions and their ideas. He believed this would also help bring some order and harmony to where it was needed. Due to these changes the separate groups within the (N.G.L.) were eventually forced to re-organize and comply with the changes if they wanted to remain a part of the (N.G.L.). Hon. Richard Howell Gleaves implemented a more official effort to try and bring the National Grand Lodge back into alignment with the ideas of the National Compact group of Masons.
A Brief History of the Scottish Rite for Colored Masons:
Now that the Scottish Rite was being introduced and practices by many of the once exclusive Yorkrite Masons, tensions were at an all-time high within the National Grand Lodge. In the year 1880, there were five Supreme Councils formed among "Colored" Masons, and they soon became competitive Masonic rivals, soliciting members: often at times, the same members. However, on April 1, 1880, the United States Supreme Council issued a call for representatives of all the Supreme Councils to meet in New York to address these issues and hopefully resolve them. The meeting took place on October 21st, 1880, where attendees voted and passed a resolution to convene the representatives again on January 13, 1881. On this date eighteen Inspector Generals convened in Corinthian Hall, New York City where Ill. John S. Chase 33rd of the United States Supreme Council was elected Chairman and Ill. Samuel R. Scottron 33rd of the United States Supreme Council was elected Secretary. The results from this Conclave were an agreement to form Only two Supreme Councils of Colored Masons in the United States out of the 5 that currently existed. All this was done for the sole purpose of the pursuance of the decrees, resolutions, and articles of a Convention of the Supreme Councils, held at the City of New York, in the State of New York, on the 13th day of January 1881. Hence, there at this Historic Conclave, all agreed to form Only Two Supreme Councils for the United States of America. The three in the North would unite to form one Supreme Council for the Northern Jurisdiction (see pic Below), and the two in the South would unite to form one Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction (see pic Below).
Therefore, on April 9th, 1881, a union was formed between the King David Supreme Council and King Frederick Supreme Council at Philadelphia, PA., to be known as the United Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, Grand East at Philadelphia, PA. (United States Supreme Council backed out due to a lawsuit filed against it in Chicago Ill.). On January 27th, 1887, a union was also formed between the Southern Supreme Council of Baltimore, MD. , and the Southern and Western Supreme Council of Washington, D. C., and it was to be known as the United Supreme Council for the Southern and Western Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, Grand East at Washington, D.C.
In the year 1888 the 8th National Grand Master, Hon. Captain William D. Matthews took over the National Grand Lodge when there were several Grand Lodges and Members becoming a part of separate groups that started to operate independently within the National Body. In 1888 National Grand Master Captain William D. Matthews saw the way dissent and rebellion existed amongst the Lodges and Grand Lodges established by and within the National Grand Lodge where operating, so he decided to wage against them by setting forth what is called, "The 1888 "Matthews Manifesto." This decree called for major changes in how lodges operate and report to the (N.G.L.). This Manifesto gave many of the separatist or independent groups and factions within the (N.G.L.) an ultimatum. The main provision of the Manifesto stated:
I therefore give each state, Grand Lodge, subordinate lodge, or lodges in such open rebellion until the 8th day of March 1888, to return to their allegiance, and to report to the National Grand Secretary, John A. Mulligan, 117 James Street, Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. Failing to comply with this order, I shall commission Grand Masters with full power and authority in those rebellious states, to re-organize Grand Lodges according to the precedent which was laid down in 1733.
The Grand Lodge of Georgia (Compact), who had not sent returns to the National Grand Lodge since circa 1878, who could have been considered as one of the independent entities, did not adhere to the manifesto of Captain Matthews. Three months after the deadline of Matthew's Manifesto, the Georgia Compact G. L. merged with the State Rights Grand Lodge forming The Union Grand Lodge of GA. (A. F. & A. M.) which eventually changed its name to the MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia (P.H.A.). National Grand Master William D. Matthews, in accordance with the Manifesto he published, then established the Most Worshipful Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons Prince Hall Origin-National Compact (P.H.O.) in and for the state of Georgia on December 27, 1892, to replace those that left the State and the Compact National Grand Lodge. With all these Lodges merging and Re-organizing then National Grand Lodge had to change its name too, it was re-named The National Masonic Congress (A.F. & A.M.) by the (late) Ill. John G. Jones 33rd on August 9th, 1889, in Cleveland, Ohio partly because of Capt. William D. Matthews' Manifesto that he put out in 1888. Later, as history would have it, some of the members from the National Masonic Congress (A.F. & A.M.) would return re-organized and re-named on April 27, 1896, in Washington D.C. as a new and powerful group of (A. F. & A. M.) members; these members emerging in the State of Georgia at a convention under a newly established National Body known as The General Grand Masonic Congress (G.G.M.C.). Note: The Most Worshipful St. Joseph Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. was Est. June 1, 1940, in the State of Georgia.
As stated earlier, the "1888 Matthews Manifesto" was a big reason the independent Grand Lodges had to re-organize and re-name the National Grand Lodge to the Masonic Grand Congress in 1889 in Cleveland, OH, done by Ill. John G. Jones 33⁰. These Grand Lodges at that time were styled as Prince Hall Affiliates (PHA) with members that also styled themselves as (A.F. & A.M.) which later split from PHA in 1895 to finally Re-organized and Re-name as "The General Grand Masonic Congress of The United States of America & Canada (A.F. & A.M.) on April 27, 1896, in Washington D.C. under the hand of Ill. John G. Jones 33⁰., with a New Warrant to operate in the United States of America and Canada from the 1880 National Grand Lodge of the Republic of Romania (M.L.N.R.) issued in 1896 to Ill. Henry C. Scott 33⁰ (see pic Below). This is a year after John G. Jones was elected as the Most P. Sov. Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council of the Southern & Western Jurisdiction after Thornton A. Jackson so called kicked him out of the Southern Supreme Council and John G. Jones kicked him and others off the Southern and Western Supreme Council, splitting up the two United Supreme Councils of the Southern Jurisdiction (P.H.A.) and Southern and Western Jurisdiction (A.F. & A M.) to this date.
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Let us exam the reports and documentations that indicate a significant impact on Masonry for people of Color; sparked by the influence and ideology of the Independent A. F. & A. Masons within the 1847 National Grand Lodge (N.G.L.) that started Up North in Boston, MA. and sped Down South to Georgia....Let's exam how the different ideas of governance regarding Masonry caused those that were willing to give up much of their sovereignty to comply fully with the National Compact among "Colored" Masons came to a loggerhead against the Independent Masons within, almost as soon as the organization process started.
It was reported that The Hiram Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania that established lodges in Georgia was a re-incarnation of another Grand Lodge already established in the State of Georgia (prior to the establishment of the National Grand Lodge.) To completely tell the story of Hiram Grand Lodge and its impact on Freemasonry amongst men of color would take volumes and would need to be told later. However, Hiram Grand Lodge was said to be a Grand Lodge created by members of the First Independent African Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania (prior to the existence of the (N. G. L.), in 1833). Over time, to the chagrin of some Lodges throughout the United States, Hiram Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania began to gain members and power with its so-called, "radical independent philosophies." It was reported that the situation with Hiram Grand Lodge was one of the reasons that led to the creation of the National Grand Lodge of 1847. At the convention of the organization of the National Grand Lodge in Boston, MA in1847, Hiram Grand Lodge was so-called, "healed" by the Articles of Union drafted amongst the two Grand Lodges in Pennsylvania to try and control them (Hiram Grand Lodge & First Independent African Grand Lodge) were to be united for this purpose. However, when these two lodges with different mindsets and ideas about the governance of Freemasonry came together to form the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York Rite Masons for the state of Pennsylvania on January 19, 1848; the union did not last long. In fact, the members who were part of the Hiram faction began to be seen as "rebels" due to their independent ideologies about Freemasonry and how it should be governed for Grand Lodges and States; so, most of them were eventually suspended and expelled from the "unified" grand lodge, not from Masonry. So, this group of expelled Masons, along with the members of the expelled United Grand Lodge of New York help to create a Strong and Powerful Independent Movement of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons (A.F. & A.M.) all over the Nation that proved to be seen by some as detrimental to the establishment and continuation of the unifying and governing body known as The National Grand Lodge. These Independent Masons formed an alliance with other Independent Masons from New Jersey, Maryland, D.C., Ohio, and Delaware to openly rebel against the National Compact Groups. This eventually caused à split and several reorganizations of the National Grand Lodge of 1847.
Freemasonry for African Americans in the state of Georgia began after the formation of the National Grand Lodge, in the city of Savannah, February 4, 1866, when the first Lodge, Eureka Lodge No. 11, was established by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The second Lodge of African American Freemasons was John T. Hilton Lodge No. 13 established on December 27, 1866, also established by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The third lodge was established by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Free and Accepted Ancient York Rite Masons (F. & A. A. Y. M.) in the city of Augusta, Georgia. Banneker Lodge No.38 was established in the same year. It is of importance to note that the Grand Lodges that granted dispensations for the fore-mentioned lodges were Grand Lodges subordinate to the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge.
On August 22, 1870, representatives of the above-mentioned lodges met and formed the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia (Colored) under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge. At that time, Bro. James Merilus Simms was installed as their first Grand Master. The three founding Lodges mentioned above were re-warranted under the newly formed Grand Lodge and were designated Eureka No. 1, Hilton No. 2 and Banneker No. 3. Bro. James Merilus Simms was also the National Grand Master [Pres. General] of the M.W. National Grand Lodge at that time; his successor was the Honorable Richard Howell Gleaves who was present, (these are the minutes):
Bro. R. H. Gleaves M. W. National Grand Master took the chair and delivered an elegant and instructive address on the Cardinal Virtues after which at 2 ½ o’clock P. M. The convention was called off. At 4 ½ o’clock the convention was called on. At the request of the N. G. M. the minutes of the convention held June 4th and 29th were read. The Grand Secretary elect read the Warrant of Constitution Granted the Grand Lodge for the state of Georgia by the M. W. National Grand Lodge. (Proceedings "Handwritten" Grand Lodge of Ga "Compact" 22 August 1870).
. Four years following the establishment of the Grand Lodge of Georgia (colored) by the National Grand Lodge, an independent Grand Lodge of African American Masons was established on June 23-27, 1874, in that year's National Grand Lodge convention. There, they announced themselves as being from The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted (Colored) Masons (A.F. & A. M.) for the state of Georgia. Records indicate that they had a large following with power and influence and were well established. The three lodges involved in the convention were: Excelsior Lodge No. 16, working under the jurisdiction of the M.W. United Grand Lodge of New York; Mount Moriah Lodge No. 56, working under the jurisdiction of the MW Hiram Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; and St. Augustine’s Lodge No. 16 working under the jurisdiction of the M.W. Hiram Grand Lodge of Delaware (Proceedings Grand Lodge of Georgia A. F. & A. M. (colored), 1874, Savannah, Ga). It is important to understand some historians viewed nature of the independent Grand Lodges that established these aforementioned so called, "Rival Lodges" in Georgia. For example, The United Grand Lodge of New York as well as Hiram Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Delaware were not considered by some as being subordinate Grand Lodges of the National Grand Lodge (which some say was the legitimate authority of Freemasonry amongst men of color in the United States at that time). The United Grand Lodge of New York was one of the independent groups within the National Grand Lodge that was said to be "EXPELLED" by the National Grand Lodge because of their "rebel rising" ideas; meaning they at least at one time were a part of the National Grand Lodge before the split. However, the faction of Masons that were more prone to operate and fully comply with The National Compact groups claimed they had records that indicated the following:
Whereas The United Grand Lodge of the state of New York, has refused to comply with the provisions of their charter, also the constitutional authority of the National Grand Lodge, from whom they received their authority; therefore, the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge (of Color,) of these United States of North America of Free and Accepted {A. Y. M.}, now in Grand Lodge assembled on the 25th day of June, A. D. 1849, A. L. 5849, at the Masonic Hall, south Eleventh Street, Philadelphia, do, by these presents, make known that the United Grand Lodge of the state of New York, and her warrant, is hereby expelled from the Masonic Union and Fraternity. (Woodlin, The National Masonic Union, 1856)
That is why this author believes it is so important to research and find the truth about your own history... Stop letting other people tell you who you are and what you did or did not do. Because if you don't, the world will be left with having to believe His-Story as fact... when it very well could be a misrepresentation of the truth, filled with "Alternative Facts" that shine a more positive light on the perspective viewpoint of the writer or organization he represents to try and skew his or her readers view towards seeing things from their often-bias or prejudice perspective.
Whereas The United Grand Lodge of the state of New York, has refused to comply with the provisions of their charter, also the constitutional authority of the National Grand Lodge, from whom they received their authority; therefore, the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge (of Color,) of these United States of North America of Free and Accepted {A. Y. M.}, now in Grand Lodge assembled on the 25th day of June, A. D. 1849, A. L. 5849, at the Masonic Hall, south Eleventh Street, Philadelphia, do, by these presents, make known that the United Grand Lodge of the state of New York, and her warrant, is hereby expelled from the Masonic Union and Fraternity. (Woodlin, The National Masonic Union, 1856)
That is why this author believes it is so important to research and find the truth about your own history... Stop letting other people tell you who you are and what you did or did not do. Because if you don't, the world will be left with having to believe His-Story as fact... when it very well could be a misrepresentation of the truth, filled with "Alternative Facts" that shine a more positive light on the perspective viewpoint of the writer or organization he represents to try and skew his or her readers view towards seeing things from their often-bias or prejudice perspective.
The Birth of the General Grand Masonic Congress
The General Grand Masonic Congress is affiliated with
THE UNITED SUPREME COUNCIL AND THE HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE FOR THE 33RD AND LAST DEGREE OF FREEMASONRY FOR THE SOUTHERN AND WESTERN MASONIC JURISDICTION U.S. A. GRAND ORIENT, WASHINGTON D. C.
Masonic Historian: ILL. OLLIE SPENCER, Sr. 33°/98° D.C.
President General Emeritus
Lt. Sov. Grand Commander
General Grand Masonic Congress (A. F. & A. M.) of the U. S. A. and Canada
Holy See in Washington, D. C.
(Click This Link to See Renown 1910 Sweeping Victory Article for A.F. & A.M.)
"Sweeping Victory on Feb. 1, 1910"
For the Legal Masons in the U. S. of A.
THE UNITED SUPREME COUNCIL AND THE HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE FOR THE 33RD AND LAST DEGREE OF FREEMASONRY FOR THE SOUTHERN AND WESTERN MASONIC JURISDICTION U.S. A. GRAND ORIENT, WASHINGTON D. C.
Masonic Historian: ILL. OLLIE SPENCER, Sr. 33°/98° D.C.
President General Emeritus
Lt. Sov. Grand Commander
General Grand Masonic Congress (A. F. & A. M.) of the U. S. A. and Canada
Holy See in Washington, D. C.
(Click This Link to See Renown 1910 Sweeping Victory Article for A.F. & A.M.)
"Sweeping Victory on Feb. 1, 1910"
For the Legal Masons in the U. S. of A.
The Birth of the General Grand Masonic Congress
A SUMMERY OF CHANGES: (Before the 1896 Romanian Warrant)
The history of this prestigious organization indicates that it went through several changes in name and location over 175 years of existence, for example it was originally organized in June of 1847, and it was soon split into 2 separate organizations or groups within the (N. G. L.). It was revised and reorganized with By-Law and Constitutional changes under the original name National Grand Lodge (N. G. L.) in Boston, MA. However, there was a major revision in 1870 under the same name "The National Grand Lodge" with a change in leadership and direction. This National Body was later revived and reorganized again by the (late) Ill. John G. Jones 33rd on August 9th, 1889, in Cleveland, Ohio, but this time the reorganization called for a name change to be the "National Masonic Congress (A.F. & A.M.) due to the National Grand Master's decreed Manifesto and By-Law change made in 1888. The Ill. John G. Jones 33rd helped make this legal name change when he was Lt. Sov. Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council Southern & Western Jurisdiction. Note at the same time the Ill. Thornton A. Jackson 33rd was the M.P. Sov. Grand Commander of that same (U.S.C.) of the Southern & Western Jurisdiction, the very one that he later denounced as being bogus and encouraged others to denounce. Hence, from that time it was seven years later that the organization resolved to change the name again to "The General Grand Masonic Congress of The United States of America & Canada (A.F. & A.M.) on April 27, 1896, in Washington D.C. once they split from their merger with the (P.H.A.) Masons. This is a year after John G. Jones was elected as the Most P. Sov. Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council of the Southern & Western Jurisdiction after Thornton A. Jackson so called Kicked him out of the Southern Supreme Council and John G. Jones Kicked Jackson out of the Southern and Western Supreme Council... splitting up the two United Supreme Councils of the Southern and Southern and Western Jurisdiction forever. This is also the same Historic year that The Ill. Henry C. Scot 33rd went to the Sovern Country of Romania to receive at that time, a New Warrant of Operation from the National Grand Lodge of Romania 1880 (N.G.L.R.) issued to him by the 1st Illustrious Grand Master of (M.L.N.R.) Col. Constantin M. Moroiu 33rd.
NOTE: It was in 1889 that Ill. John G. Jones 33rd was elected to serve as Lt. Sovereign Grand Commander of The United Supreme Council Southern and Western Jurisdiction. In that capacity he helped set up The John G. Jones Consistory #1 in Washington D.C. As membership began to grow in this New Consistory, the current Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge in D.C. was Ill. Hamilton Smith. Although he was Sovereign in his jurisdiction over the Blue Lodge and its adoptive rites, he was not in favor of John G. Jones actions to start a Consistory in D.C. Hence, this set him to issue an Edict forbidding any of his members from holding membership in this New Consistory established by John G. Jones due to personal issues and differences of opinion. Due to those personal feelings and differences, those within his Jurisdiction that had already obtained membership in the New Consistory had to renounce their membership or be expelled from his Grand Lodge. The members felt that the Edict from Grand Master Hamilton Smith was wrong and appealed to the Grand Master who denied their appeals. The Grand Lodge then split into 2 separate Independent Grand Lodges and Jurisdictions and became the present day Most Worshipful Prince Hall Affiliate (P.H.A.) Grand Lodge (F & A.M.) and the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge (A.F. & A. M.) These two Grand Lodges are still active in Washington, DC. to this day. However, it is important to note that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge affiliated with this website and this G.G.M.C. is the current four-letter Grand Lodge (A. F. and A. M.), and that John G. Jones Consistory #1 is still affiliated with this Grand Lodge and has been active in Washington, D.C. since 1895, making it the Oldest Consistory in our Supreme Council, which is the (U. S. C.) of the Southern and Western Jurisdiction of the Unite States organized April 5, 1869.
WE 3 DO AGREE:
Seeking a Warrant outside of the Prince Hall Mason's Jurisdiction, the ILL. Henry C. Scott went to Romania in 1896 to receive a legal and binding Warrant from the Romanian National Grand Lodge (R.N.G.L.) founded in 1880 by the Ill. Hon. Brother Grand Master Colonel Constantine Moroiu to Legally work and establish other Lodges in the Jurisdiction of the United States & Canada. Note: Because the Hon. Brother Ill. H.C. Scott 33rd was a member of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge it is considered the "Mother Grand Lodge" that received the Warrant from Romania in 1896 as an independent four-letter (A.F. & A.M.) Scottish Rite Lodge. All the affiliated Grand Lodges with this Lodge were graphed in under this Warrant if they maintained Membership with the G.G.M.C. Furthermore, it should be stated that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge (A.F.& A.M.) that H.C. Scott became Grand Master of is currently a member of the Original General Grand Masonic Congress and affiliated with the same Original United Supreme Council (U.S.C.) of the Southern & Western Jurisdiction (A. A.S.R.) that Ill. John G. Jones 33rd was the M. P. Sov. Grand Commander of in 1896: Meaning Only those Grand Lodges that are current Members of that G. G. M. C. are affiliated with that Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of (A. F. & A. M.'s) giving them legitimate claim to the original history, lineage, and work done by Ill. H.C. Scott 33rd and Ill. John G. Jones 33rd can claim that lineage. All other General Grand Masonic Congresses and Grand Lodges that currently exist are splits from the Original and its Mother Grand Lodge in Washington D.C.; or they are simply non-affiliated Organizations and Grand Lodges that have recently formed within the last few decades. According to Masonic Law, that Warrant gave H.C. Scott and his Lodge gave them the authority to Organize and Work in the United States of America and Canada to establish other Lodges, and he was the Only African American "Colored" Mason along with his Lodge that was given this Jurisdictional authority to do such according to the words written on the Reestablished Warrant from Romania reissued in 2015 AD or AL 6015 to the current Worshipful Grand Master of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge (A. F. & A.M.) in Washington, D.C.; The Ill. Ollie Spencer Sr. 33rd/98th by the current Grand Master of Romania, General Bartolomeu Constantin Savoiu of (M.L.N.R. 1880) in Romania.
A New AGE: (After the 1896 Romanian Warrant)
The newly formed G.G.M.C. of 1896 was again re-incorporated and improved upon after receiving its Warrant issued from Romania on November 3, 1927, in Washington, D. C. under Ill. G. C. William 33rd who served as the acting President General of the G.G.M.C. from (1925-1936). He hailed from Shreveport, LA., the state it was headquartered in for some time. Then the final revision was made on August 26, 1946, in the Great State Texas a year after the newly formed M.W. Mt. Sinai Grand Lodge Jurisdiction of Texas in the city of Houston, County of Harris was organized, by the Ill. J. C. Parker 33rd who served as the President General of the G.G.M.C. from (1936-1958). He was nicknamed "The Builder" and he hailed from the city and state of Detroit, MI. Because Masonry is a progressive science, each time and new era of progressive leadership arose there was a change for the good of the Order. It was a strive for improvements, a good and square body of work toward perfection Operatively; setting an example to those that would after to uphold the legacy to continue to work in that same vain Speculatively as Masons. Its Holy See and Headquarters was later set in stone with its Mother Grand Lodge being The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge located in Washington, DC where it is an incorporated nonprofit organization 501(c) 10 affiliated with the Southern & Western United Supreme Council (USC) A.A.S.R.
This National Organization of (A.F.& A.M.) Masons was formed to act as an advisory and administrative body of the Fraternity, not the governing body of its member Grand Lodges. The United Supreme Council is a part of The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Order of Freemasonry for the Southern and Western Masonic Jurisdiction of the U.S.A. and Canada; it was later organized on April 5, 1869, in the city of Washington, D.C., by many high degrees Masons from Washington, D.C. who regulate Scottish Rite Masonry from the fourth to the thirty-third and final degrees. Each of these bodies serve the purpose of giving the Masonic student a cleaner insight into the realm's Masonic perfection and render to him similar service as the college renders to the high school graduate.
M.P. Sov. Grand Commanders/President Generals of the G. G. M. C. (1895-Present)
- ILL. John G. Jones 33°; Chicago, IL. 1895-1914
- ILL Dr. B. H. Stillyard 33°; Wheeling, W. Va. 1914-1916
- ILL Henry Broads 33°; Homestead, PA. 1916-1918
- ILL Charles L. Mitchell 33°; San Antonio, TX. 1918-1925
- ILL G. C. Williams 33°; Shreveport, LA. 1925-1936
- ILL J. C. Parker 33°; Detroit, MI. 1936-1958
- ILL T. J. Hawkins 33°; Shreveport, LA. 1958-1977
- ILL. Robert L. Johnson 33°; Los Angeles, CA. 1977-1987
- ILL Ollie Spencer Sr. 33°; Washington, D.C.1987-1998
- ILL Jake Thomas 33°; Baltimore, MD. 1998-2010.
- ILL Ollie Spencer Sr. 33°/98° (Emeritus); Washington, D.C. 2010-2018
- ILL. Michael Billingslea 33°, Atlanta, GA; 2018-Present
LEGACY AND PEDIGREE:
It was and is because of the actions of the brave men who split from the disharmony with Prince Hall Masonry at that time, that we (Ancient Free and Accepted Masons) can enjoy the fruits of their labor from the legal minds of men like Ill. John G. Jones 33rd of Illinois. Thanks to the forward thinking and perseverance of Great Masonic Men like The Hon. H. C. Scott 33rd & N. F. Henry of Washington, D.C., W. T. Grant of Louisiana, along with over 50,000 affiliates and members who left three letter Prince Hall Masonry to become four letter Ancient Free and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons; to include the statements of several High-Ranking (A. F. & A. M.) Masons from the Republic of Romania. Truth be told, this so-called "Great Debate" on who is legal and who is not, who is recognized and who is not, was settled over 100 years ago in 1910. Special recognition and thanks should also go out to The Brilliant Legal Team of Mr. William A. Allison and Mr. Charles Kergwin that helped forge a Legal and Recognized path forward for us "Colored Masons" at that time. So, we do NOT have to Ever argue the Facts of our Legitimacy Again with Anyone. The legal documentations, warrants of constitution, with affidavits of declarations and facts from our Founding Fathers and International Brothers solidify and codify the fact that we are Regular and Recognized Masons Worldwide; to include the United States of America Nationally and Internationally. This Historic Decision was Established and Recorded for All to see and Read in the Court of Appeals No. 2007 in Washington, D.C. on February 1, 1910.
Because it takes three or more Lodges to form a Grand Lodge, other Grand Lodges and their members were able to file the necessary paperwork to form a New "Mother Grand Lodge," The M.W. Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A. F & A. M. in Washington, D.C. Because of them, ALL affiliated Member Grand Lodges under her Warrant and Jurisdiction are recognized by the Romanian National Grand Lodge 1880 and all the National Grand Lodges affiliated with it, to include The General Grand Masonic Congress (A. F & A. M), and the United Supreme Council of the Southern & Western Jurisdiction (A.A.S.R.). All that were born from The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge (A. F. & A. M.) in Washington, D.C. and are in good standings are considered Nationally and Internationally to be Legal, Recognized, and Regular, granting them the Rights, Lights, and Benefits to work and practice Masonry in the United States & Canada and to travel abroad to visit other Grand Lodges forming treaties of friendship and recognition with other Masonic Bodies.
Meaning Only those Grand Lodges that are current Members of the G. G. M. C. affiliated with The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge (A. F. & A. M.) in D.C. can claim its true history and lineage because these are the organizations that the Romanian Warrant intended to be covered in 1896. As previously stated, all other Grand Lodges claiming our lineage are either splits from the Original G.G.M.C. or they are non-affiliated organizations making false claims, because again, the Warrant from the National Grand Lodge of Romania 1880, given to the "Only Colored Masons" in North America in 1896 for the purposes of Legally Organizing and Working in the United States of America and Canada, was Only given to the Ill. Henry C. Scott 33rd & his Lodge, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge in Washington, D.C. (A. F. & A.M.) making it the Official Holy See of this G.G.M.C.
It was and is because of the actions of the brave men who split from the disharmony with Prince Hall Masonry at that time, that we (Ancient Free and Accepted Masons) can enjoy the fruits of their labor from the legal minds of men like Ill. John G. Jones 33rd of Illinois. Thanks to the forward thinking and perseverance of Great Masonic Men like The Hon. H. C. Scott 33rd & N. F. Henry of Washington, D.C., W. T. Grant of Louisiana, along with over 50,000 affiliates and members who left three letter Prince Hall Masonry to become four letter Ancient Free and Accepted Scottish Rite Masons; to include the statements of several High-Ranking (A. F. & A. M.) Masons from the Republic of Romania. Truth be told, this so-called "Great Debate" on who is legal and who is not, who is recognized and who is not, was settled over 100 years ago in 1910. Special recognition and thanks should also go out to The Brilliant Legal Team of Mr. William A. Allison and Mr. Charles Kergwin that helped forge a Legal and Recognized path forward for us "Colored Masons" at that time. So, we do NOT have to Ever argue the Facts of our Legitimacy Again with Anyone. The legal documentations, warrants of constitution, with affidavits of declarations and facts from our Founding Fathers and International Brothers solidify and codify the fact that we are Regular and Recognized Masons Worldwide; to include the United States of America Nationally and Internationally. This Historic Decision was Established and Recorded for All to see and Read in the Court of Appeals No. 2007 in Washington, D.C. on February 1, 1910.
Because it takes three or more Lodges to form a Grand Lodge, other Grand Lodges and their members were able to file the necessary paperwork to form a New "Mother Grand Lodge," The M.W. Most Worshipful Grand Lodge A. F & A. M. in Washington, D.C. Because of them, ALL affiliated Member Grand Lodges under her Warrant and Jurisdiction are recognized by the Romanian National Grand Lodge 1880 and all the National Grand Lodges affiliated with it, to include The General Grand Masonic Congress (A. F & A. M), and the United Supreme Council of the Southern & Western Jurisdiction (A.A.S.R.). All that were born from The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge (A. F. & A. M.) in Washington, D.C. and are in good standings are considered Nationally and Internationally to be Legal, Recognized, and Regular, granting them the Rights, Lights, and Benefits to work and practice Masonry in the United States & Canada and to travel abroad to visit other Grand Lodges forming treaties of friendship and recognition with other Masonic Bodies.
Meaning Only those Grand Lodges that are current Members of the G. G. M. C. affiliated with The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge (A. F. & A. M.) in D.C. can claim its true history and lineage because these are the organizations that the Romanian Warrant intended to be covered in 1896. As previously stated, all other Grand Lodges claiming our lineage are either splits from the Original G.G.M.C. or they are non-affiliated organizations making false claims, because again, the Warrant from the National Grand Lodge of Romania 1880, given to the "Only Colored Masons" in North America in 1896 for the purposes of Legally Organizing and Working in the United States of America and Canada, was Only given to the Ill. Henry C. Scott 33rd & his Lodge, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge in Washington, D.C. (A. F. & A.M.) making it the Official Holy See of this G.G.M.C.
The BIG Break UP:
It was in the year 1895 AD when the Supreme Councils of the Southern Jurisdiction (PHA) and the Southern and Western Jurisdiction (A.F. & A.M.) formally split ending with two well-known prominent and powerful Masons reaching an impasse that had ripple effects and consequences still felt in Masonry to this very day.
Research indicates that during the time that there were 5 Supreme Councils that merged into 2, many members belonged to both Jurisdictions simultaneously, Southern and Southern and Western, even though they were United, both organizations continued to have differences in opinion in the direction Masonry should go. Further research indicates that when you look at the office of M. P. Sov. Grand Commander you will see that between 1875 and 1895 the office of M. P. Sov. Grand Commander was rotated back and forth between members of the Southern Supreme Council and the Southern and Western Supreme Council. The consequences of this were no more apparent than in October of 1895 when John G. Jones was no longer Lt. Sov. Grand Commander, he became by vote, M. P. Sov. Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council Southern and Western Jurisdiction and Thornton A. Jackson was no longer the M. P. Sov. Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council of the Southern & Western Jurisdiction; he realigned himself as the leader of the United Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction. This election along with philosophical differences caused John G. Jones and Thornton A. Jackson to fall out of favor with one another resulting in John G. Jones having to expel Thornton A. Jackson from the United Supreme Council Southern and Western Jurisdiction and likewise Thornton A. Jackson expelled John G. Jones from the United Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction. These actions later gave birth to what is referred to as Prince Hall Affiliated "3 letter and Scottish Rite 4 letter Black/Colored Masons," and has been an unnecessary dividing factor for over 100 years; keeping good men with like attainments at odds with each other as opposed to uniting them and their resources for the common cause of good. Masons teach that Harmony is the Strength in Establishing All societies, Most Especially Masons. Isn't it time to move past these petty idiosyncrasies and work together to build a better tomorrow by Meeting on the Level, Acting on the Plumb, & Parting on the Square? Since 1895, there has been a circle of contention among the members of all creeds trying to claim ownership of Freemasonry. Deciding if someone's Jurisdiction is Recognized or Not, Legal or Not, Regular or Clandestine...
Listen, it is my opinion that Freemasonry is based on the belief in a Universal Creator. Freemasonry has NO boundaries within its existence. Having no boundaries, Freemasonry has found itself not bound by letters, jurisdiction, race, creed, religion, or color. There are over 100 different Masonic Rites and Jurisdictions. To own Freemasonry is like trying to own the Holy Bible. We All serve A Universal God in a Universal Brotherhood; it is the common thread or cable-tow that binds us all that take the same obligation. It is the same common thread that runs through All Masonic literature, lessons, and rites, binding us all as ONE brother to another.
Respectfully submitted: ILL. Byron K. Amerson 33°
It was in the year 1895 AD when the Supreme Councils of the Southern Jurisdiction (PHA) and the Southern and Western Jurisdiction (A.F. & A.M.) formally split ending with two well-known prominent and powerful Masons reaching an impasse that had ripple effects and consequences still felt in Masonry to this very day.
Research indicates that during the time that there were 5 Supreme Councils that merged into 2, many members belonged to both Jurisdictions simultaneously, Southern and Southern and Western, even though they were United, both organizations continued to have differences in opinion in the direction Masonry should go. Further research indicates that when you look at the office of M. P. Sov. Grand Commander you will see that between 1875 and 1895 the office of M. P. Sov. Grand Commander was rotated back and forth between members of the Southern Supreme Council and the Southern and Western Supreme Council. The consequences of this were no more apparent than in October of 1895 when John G. Jones was no longer Lt. Sov. Grand Commander, he became by vote, M. P. Sov. Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council Southern and Western Jurisdiction and Thornton A. Jackson was no longer the M. P. Sov. Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council of the Southern & Western Jurisdiction; he realigned himself as the leader of the United Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction. This election along with philosophical differences caused John G. Jones and Thornton A. Jackson to fall out of favor with one another resulting in John G. Jones having to expel Thornton A. Jackson from the United Supreme Council Southern and Western Jurisdiction and likewise Thornton A. Jackson expelled John G. Jones from the United Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction. These actions later gave birth to what is referred to as Prince Hall Affiliated "3 letter and Scottish Rite 4 letter Black/Colored Masons," and has been an unnecessary dividing factor for over 100 years; keeping good men with like attainments at odds with each other as opposed to uniting them and their resources for the common cause of good. Masons teach that Harmony is the Strength in Establishing All societies, Most Especially Masons. Isn't it time to move past these petty idiosyncrasies and work together to build a better tomorrow by Meeting on the Level, Acting on the Plumb, & Parting on the Square? Since 1895, there has been a circle of contention among the members of all creeds trying to claim ownership of Freemasonry. Deciding if someone's Jurisdiction is Recognized or Not, Legal or Not, Regular or Clandestine...
Listen, it is my opinion that Freemasonry is based on the belief in a Universal Creator. Freemasonry has NO boundaries within its existence. Having no boundaries, Freemasonry has found itself not bound by letters, jurisdiction, race, creed, religion, or color. There are over 100 different Masonic Rites and Jurisdictions. To own Freemasonry is like trying to own the Holy Bible. We All serve A Universal God in a Universal Brotherhood; it is the common thread or cable-tow that binds us all that take the same obligation. It is the same common thread that runs through All Masonic literature, lessons, and rites, binding us all as ONE brother to another.
Respectfully submitted: ILL. Byron K. Amerson 33°