UTOPIA 27

Chapter III · A Legacy of Dignity

Prince Hall Freemasonry

Prince Hall Freemasonry carries a profound history of fraternity, perseverance, equality, education and community service. Its story is part of the wider history of Freemasonry—and an important part of Black history in North America and Canada.

  1. 1748–1775

    Prince Hall in Boston

    Prince Hall was a free Black man in colonial Boston—a leatherworker, property owner, abolitionist and community leader who petitioned publicly for education and against slavery.

    Source: Widely documented in published Masonic and academic histories.

  2. 1775

    Initiation

    Prince Hall and fourteen other free Black men were initiated into Freemasonry by a military lodge attached to a British regiment stationed near Boston.

    Source: Standard published Prince Hall Masonic history.

  3. 1784–1787

    African Lodge

    A charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of England, and African Lodge began work—the foundation of Prince Hall Freemasonry.

    Source: Charter records cited in published histories.

  4. 19th–20th century

    Growth across North America

    Prince Hall Grand Lodges were established across the United States and Canada, sustaining fraternity, education, mutual aid and civic leadership.

    Source: Grand Lodge published histories.

  5. Canada

    Prince Hall in Canada

    Prince Hall Freemasonry crossed into Canada with Black communities who settled here—many arriving by way of the Underground Railroad and later migrations. Lodges were chartered under Prince Hall authority, giving Black Masons in Canada a recognised Masonic home and a base for mutual aid, education and civic leadership.

    Source: Prince Hall Grand Lodge published histories.

  6. Ontario

    Prince Hall in Ontario

    Prince Hall Freemasonry was born in Ontario within the Black communities that settled across the province, formed by Black Masons who sought a Masonic home of their own. From those early lodges grew the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Province of Ontario and Jurisdiction.

    Source: Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Province of Ontario and Jurisdiction.