The recent joint recognition between the Grand Lodge of Delaware and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Delaware this past week has brought up the question of which remaining states have not yet extended such privileges between their two principal Grand Lodges.
Many, many thanks to Brother Peter Renzland of Toronto for providing this information on the Philalethes Society mailing list:
The following are the only US States with no recognition between their two Grand Lodges of any kind: Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. All are former states of the Confederacy.
In June of 2002, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia unanimously voted to recognize the mainstream Grand Lodge of Georgia. The GLGA has never considered the question to reciprocate.
In September 2004, the mainstream Grand Lodge of North Carolina voted 520 to 459 (53%) in favour of recognition of their Prince Hall counterpart. This did not meet the newly required 2/3 majority to pass. In October 2004, the MWPHGL of NC unanimously voted to recognize the mainstream GL of NC.
In October 2005, the Grand Master of the mainstream Grand Lodge of Texas reported that the MWPHGL of TX had offered recognition. The next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Texas is in December.
Lest anyone get smug, this is not just an issue confined to the former territory of the Confederacy. In Canada in 1991, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ontario & Jurisdiction offered intervisitation recognition to all mainstream Canadian Grand Lodges. Their invitation has never been reciprocated. The mainstream Grand Lodge of Canada/Province Of Ontario meets again next July. It is not known at this time whether the question will be called.
"The remaining 9 are the only US States with no recognition between their two Grand Lodges of any kind: Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Arizona."
ReplyDeleteI must make a correction in regards to Arizona. The two Grand Lodges in this state have had fraternal relations since 1995.
JF Conway
Sr. Warden
Central Az #14
Sedona
My brother, thanks for the correction. My apologies to the brethren in Arizona for spreading misinformation.
ReplyDeleteThe Grand Lodge of georgia don't not recognize any PHA grand lodge
ReplyDeleteAt the 150 Communication of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario, held in Toronto in July, then Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Donald Mumby made the following announcement:
ReplyDelete“…I am now pleased to report, that effective immediately, full right of reciprocal visitation with Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons within this jurisdiction is authorized. This move has been fully endorsed by the Grand Master of Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons in the Province of Ontario and Jurisdiction.
A committee composed of an equal number of members from the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario and Ontario and Jurisdiction Prince Hall Freemasons will be established to explore future paths that may be taken."
At the 150 Communication of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ontario and Jurisdiction, held in Richmond Hill the following month, then Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Joseph Halstead made following announcement:
“…Effective immediately, Members owing allegiance to this Most Prince Hall Grand Lodge F. and A.M., Ontario and Jurisdiction can engage in reciprocal visitation with their counterparts in the A.F and A.M. of the GRC.”
West Virginia was a "Union" state because that part of Virginia broke away to support the Union cause. It is likely that General Lee would have been a Union officer if his lands happened to have been located in the new state thus formed.
ReplyDeleteI'm disappointed that we do not yet have intervisitation in Texas, but, alas, I still could not visit a PHA Lodge anywhere due to my Obligation to the GL of the State of Louisiana. I do not doubt that the day will come when I will enjoy true Universal Brotherhood with all Regular Masons!
Kyle Myers, P.M., Rudolph Krause Lodge #433 F&AM Lake Charles, Louisiana
J.S., San Gabriel Lodge #89, Georgetown, Texas
On September 19, 2008, in Grand Lodge in Winston-Salem, the GLofAF&AM of North Carolina voted to recognize the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of F&AM of North Carolina, having overturned the 2/3 majority in 2007.
ReplyDeleteBob Franks, PM 2002, Wayne Lodge #112
Goldsboro, NC
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ReplyDeleteLest anyone should believe that Texas Masons are racist bumpkins who fail to practice what we preach, San Gabriel Lodge No. 89, F.&A.M., Georgetown, Texas, last night received a favorable committee report on an African-American petitioner & elected him to receive the Mysteries. We will initiate him next Wednesday evening & look forward to further opportunities to consider petitions from other well-qualified men. So Mote It Be!
ReplyDeleteKyle Myers
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ReplyDeleteIowa has recently elected it first african american as a grand lodge officer. He is also a Past Master of Iowa City Lodge #4.
ReplyDeleteIowa has recently elected it's first african american as a grand lodge officer. He is also a Past Master of Iowa City Lodge #4.
ReplyDeleteLarry Dillon
Sr. Deacon
East Gate Lodge #630
Des Moines, Iowa