The 11th Masonic District of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas finished Prince Hall Weekend with the Annual Prince Hall Americanism Day Service on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at the Shiloh Church ( 4702 Saturn Road; Garland, TX 75041 ).
Worshipful Grand Lecturer John Carter gave the History of Prince Hall:
Prince Hall Americanism Day is a time when Prince Hall Masons across the country pause to honor the life and legacy of Prince Hall, and to reaffirm our commitment to community, service, and citizenship. It reminds us that we are not only members of a fraternity, but also builders of unity, dignity, and justice in our communities.
On March 6, 1778, in Boston, Massachusetts, Prince Hall and fourteen (14) other free Black men were initiated into the degrees of Freemasonry. This was a groundbreaking moment – one that would lead to the establishment of African Lodge No. 1, with Prince Hall serving as its first Worshipful Master.
Initially, their authority was limited. The Provincial Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, under Provincial Grand Master John Rowe, gave them permission only to assemble, walk in procession on St. John’s Day, and to conduct funerals. But, Prince Hall and his brethren knew their vision was greater.
Determined to exercise the full rights of a Masonic Lodge, Prince Hall petitioned the Grand Lodge of England through Worshipful Master William Moody of Brotherly Love Lodge No. 55. On September 29, 1784, their efforts were rewarded when African Lodge No. 459 received its official warrant from London – making it the first lodge of African Americans formally recognized in the United States. The warrant arrived in Boston in 1787, and African Lodge No. 459 was organized on May 6, 1787. From that lodge, the worldwide legacy of Prince Hall Freemasonry was born.
Here in Texas, we proudly trace our heritage to that same lodge. Under the leadership of Captain W.D. Matthews, Grand Master of the King Solomon Grand Lodge of Kansas, several lodges were chartered in Texas in the early 1870s. In November of 1872, Rev. William R. Carson relocated to San Antonio, Texas. Serving as District Deputy Grand Master of the Western District of Texas under the Kansas jurisdiction, he played a vital role in the establishment of our early lodges and in planting the seeds of Prince Hall Freemasonry on Texas soil.
Soon after, leaders such as Norris Wright Cuney of Galveston and Richard Allen of Houston saw the need for unity and a governing body of our own. On August 19, 1875, they called the lodges together in Brenham, Texas, for a convention. The very next day, August 20, 1875, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons for the State of Texas was officially established, with Norris Wright Cuney elected as our first Grand Master. And on January 19, 1876, Grand Master W. D. Matthews himself traveled to Houston to install those first Texas Grand Lodge officers – sealing our place in the long and proud story of Prince Hall Freemasonry.
From six humble lodges, the Grand Lodge grew rapidly. In 1906, it convened in Fort Worth and resolved to move its headquarters there. Over the years, more than six hundred (600) lodges were chartered, with about one hundred and forty (140) active Lodges still at work today.
In 1950, during the Annual Grand Communication, the Committee on Jurisprudence recommended a historic change in name. The Grand Lodge was henceforth known as “The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Texas and Jurisdiction.” That recommendation was unanimously adopted, and the name continues to honor both our heritage and our jurisdiction today.
Most recently, on August 19–20, 2025, we proudly celebrated our 150th Anniversary as a Grand Lodge. One hundred and fifty years of endurance, progress, and achievement – standing as proof that the dream of Prince Hall continues to live on. That celebration was not only about looking back at where we came from, but also about affirming where we are headed as a people and as a fraternity.
Since that day in Brenham, 150 years ago, Prince Hall Freemasonry in Texas has stood as a pillar of leadership, service, and achievement. We have educated our children, strengthened our families, and built institutions that continue to serve our communities.
We can truly say that we are proud of how far we have come. From humble beginnings, we now stand strong – men and women of dignity, truth, and respect – walking in the legacy of Prince Hall himself.
But our story is not finished. We are still building. We are still striving. And we are still dreaming. Our hope is that the light of Prince Hall Freemasonry will continue to shine for generations yet unborn – teaching love for one another, respect for humanity, and faith in the God who has brought us this far.
So, as we celebrate this day, we recommit ourselves to that vision. We carry forward the legacy with pride, unity, and purpose. And, we always remember: the greatest monuments we can build are not of stone or steel, but of service, brotherhood, and love for one another.
WM Rev. Dr. Fredd Adams brought the message for the day:
We Have Come This Far By Faith
2 Corinthians 5:7
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
With all that is going on in our society these days, his message was very timely, appropriate, and encouraging for all in and outside of our Prince Hall Affiliated organizations.
