That is a new one to me. I talked to several PHA brothers from Maryland and they all had a big laugh. When one talks about Freemason as it relates to PHA and AF&A Mason we have to talk about race (past and present). PHA never had a race exclusionary policy while the AF&A Masons did (whether formal or “gentleman’s agreement”). I know when I first sought light(4yrs) I did not even think about approaching the AF&A lodges due to their racist policies. I have three PHA masons that did approach the local AF&A lodge (which is common because most people don’t know about the difference and will go to the first lodge that they see in their community) and were told that they should go to the PHA lodge.  In fact one of my lodges EA this year did at first approach the local AF&A lodge and was warmly received but he did not feel that it was genuine but they did give him an application and ask him to return. I do believe they would have received his application with favor. So things in NC are changing but that was just this year (2011).

But back to my main point, the PHA brothers that I talked to said that no such agreement was made or even talked about. They are not worry about losing potential members to the “traditional” lodges. Most of the PHA mason, while open to fellowship are happy to members of a great organization like PH and will ask you where your original charter is. So you will not offend or harm the Prince Hall Grand Lodge. If you do want to help them and work with them to form a relationship between the two grand lodges, just go in person and tell them your concerns about what you perceive as insecurity in the PH grand lodge.
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REYoung - 21 January 2010 12:29 PM

Dzifman, I think I owe it to you to be frank about a situation in Maryland, where I live, and may also be a concern in other areas.

The Grand Lodge of AF&AM; of Maryland and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge F&AM; of Maryland concluded an agreement which resulted in each recognizing the other about 15 years ago. The PH Grand Lodge was greatly concerned that men of color might begin joining the GLAF&AM; rather than Prince Hall lodges, so it was agreed that we would not allow visitations between lodges or members to the other jurisdiction or actively encourage men of color to join our lodges, although we will not bar or actively discourage them. There are men of color in our lodges; I have sat in lodge and Grand Lodge with them, and they are as welcome as any other member. The PH grand lodge officers visit our GL annual communication and are welcomed along with the visitors from other grand lodges. At our last GL communication, the PH Grand Master addressed us and received a standing ovation for a very cordial and thoughtful message beautifully composed and delivered.

You have to sympathize with the Prince Hall GL attitude. They are not as numerous or as well-financed as the traditional lodges and GL. They meet in a large and beautiful 100 year old building (formerly a synagogue) which must be very expensive to maintain. If I were a member of a PH lodge, I too would be worried about losing potential members to the traditional lodges. We walk a very cautious line here, to avoid offending or harming the Prince Hall Grand Lodge. We want to help them and work with them. It’s working, and the relationship between the two grand lodges is a good one, if just a bit at arms length. We look forward to the day when the PH grand lodge is totally secure and confident that there can be no competition between us for members; then we can drop all the temporary restrictions and enjoy total mutual brotherhood. Then we can maybe address working with the two or three other small grand lodges in Baltimore which are composed of black men and which the Prince Hall GL does not recognize at present.

Chemist - 20 June 2011 04:18 PM

When one talks about Freemason as it relates to PHA and AF&A Mason we have to talk about race (past and present).

Absolutely.  Without race issues there would BE no PHA.  It’s very existence is definited by issues of race.

Chemist - 20 June 2011 04:18 PM

But back to my main point, the PHA brothers that I talked to said that no such agreement was made or even talked about.

Whether the men you spoke to were aware of the agreement or not doesn’t change the fact that PHA Masonry IS recognized in Maryland.

Wouldn’t science say we are all ultimately from Africa? Which is derived from the ARCHITECT? I have read up on this and have heard many differ things all of which are subject to time and their writers integrity for truth.

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I have read internet crap that goes on a tangent about Albert Pike being a Satanist and starter of the KKK .......be careful what sources you seek for all men are fallible and everything is seen but the intention of this Fraternity is to allow everyone to coexist and move freely. Times change and god comes from bad and bad from good. I wouldn’t be suprised (don’t misconstrue this as slander) to read about a Mason who owned slaves.

Nobody is saying that there weren’t Masons who owned slaves.  In fact, there WERE Mason’s who owned slaves.  That was a sad chapter in mankind’s progression.

I’m not sure there’s much else that can be added to this discussion, so if there’s nothing further of import, I’m going to lock it down in a little bit.

Just as there are forms of class war and slavery still in our present day.

The intention of this thread was that the original poster was concerned that minorities might not be welcome in Freemasonry.  Since we have proved this to be false, and the original poster was satisfied with our response and had said he was going to visit some open houses, there’s no need to keep an old thread open merely to discuss general issues of race and opression in society.

I’ll be closing the thread now.  Thanks all.