what is the main diffrence between prince hall masonry and "regular" masonry?

thanks, once more, for the great info.

Originally posted by Helios Barca


How widespread is joint-racial masonry? I was under the impression that having blacks in "mainstream" lodges was still something of a mine-field issue and that none of the Grand Lodges had actually sanctioned having both blacks and whites in the same lodge, though some have recognized Prince Hall Masonry without granting visitation? The whole issue makes little sense to me but I thought it still existed.

Joint-racial Masonry is VERY WIDESPREAD. Yes there are lodges that have racial issues, but only in states that have extreme racial issues. Primarily but not limited to southern states. I'm in Oregon, and there is not a single mainstream lodge that would deny a black person membership unless it was a matter of not meeting the standard criteria that all members must meet. As I said I am a black Mason and a member of a main stream lodge, not Prince Hall. Admittedly the only black member of my lodge, but my color was never an issue. Purely a matter of character. Most blacks assume mainstream Masonry to be racist due to it's history and some of todays lodges, and join Prince Hall, or don't know of the option for Prince Hall.

I admit, I thought my race would be an issue, and I was paranoid I would be judged on that. They never made an issue of it. In fact I asked if it would be an issue, and the Master of the lodge and the other interviewer said that to judge me in that respect would be "unmasonic and just plain stupid" to use his words. The only benefit I see to Prince Hall is that the majority of members are black so a black individual would not feel like they stand out.
I however do not feel that way, and truly feel like a brother Mason.

[edit on 1/11/2005 by cotwom]

Didn't PH actually get its start in Africa in the early to mid 1900s? I thought it was only recently (last two decades) recognized as true freemasonry. Also, in many areas and sub-cultures like the military, I think that most non-whites tend to join PH, like Mexicans and Asians, not just black men.

Originally posted by cotwom
Joint-racial Masonry is VERY WIDESPREAD. Yes there are lodges that have racial issues, but only in states that have extreme racial issues. Primarily but not limited to southern states. I'm in Oregon, and there is not a single mainstream lodge that would deny a black person membership unless it was a matter of not meeting the standard criteria that all members must meet. As I said I am a black Mason and a member of a main stream lodge, not Prince Hall. Admittedly the only black member of my lodge, but my color was never an issue. Purely a matter of character. Most blacks assume mainstream Masonry to be racist due to it's history and some of todays lodges, and join Prince Hall, or don't know of the option for Prince Hall.

I admit, I thought my race would be an issue, and I was paranoid I would be judged on that. They never made an issue of it. In fact I asked if it would be an issue, and the Master of the lodge and the other interviewer said that to judge me in that respect would be "unmasonic and just plain stupid" to use his words. The only benefit I see to Prince Hall is that the majority of members are black so a black individual would not feel like they stand out.
I however do not feel that way, and truly feel like a brother Mason.

[edit on 1/11/2005 by cotwom]

I'm in California and in one of the left of left counties at that. From what I gathered with my discussions with several of the members of the lodge I hope to join that Blacks would probably of been turned away. Of course in the same breath they pointed out that Arabs, Asians, Native Americans etc... were all accepted, seemed strange to me. Eh, every Grand Lodge is different and to some extent I'm sure every lodge is different.

Originally posted by cotwom
I don't know why a white man would join PH, I just know it's happened.

I know from a post over at thelodgeroom.com that one white-man wished to join/attend the PH group because he was rather disillusioned by the manner of dress and shoddy ritual of the mainstream lodge that he was initiated at. A few members of the PH lodge attended one of his degrees in full tux and white gloves while his own lodge included some people wearing jeans.

Originally posted by cotwom
That is true although white men may also join Price Hall although this is rare.

I don't know why a white man would join PH, I just know it's happened.

There, in percentage wise, are more masons that want Prince Hall recognised than not, on masonic boards throughout the internet it is a constant topic, where I don't think I have ever seen a post against the global recognition of Prince Hall.

SO why would a white man want to join PH?

Personally I would do it to show PH is more masonic than any lodge or grand lodge that that does not permit the entry of a coloured man to the craft. I don't recall in the constitutions it require a certain colour skin to be accepted, to which any lodge not accepting coloured people is acting in contra to the regulations laid does by Freemasonry and also bringing politics of acceptance and class into a lodge, both of which are non-masonic.

Hey but that is IMO, what do I know I only know 5 steps