Reading

What are some good books to read on Masonic history and the origin of Freemasonry and the OES I'm a young EA looking to improve my Masonic knowledge and learn the history of the fraternity
Freemason Connect Premium App

My Brother,

While your thirst for Masonic knowledge is admirable, my advice to you would be to concentrate on learning your work at this time & leave further research for after you become a Master Mason. Most of what you would read is not meant for you to see until that time. I wish you the best in your Masonic endeavors.

Sincerely & fraternally,
Bill

Brother JB, my advice to you will be sincere, and be given in the most Fraternal and respectful manner possible...............I was raised in a Black AF&AM Lodge/Grand Lodge here in Houston, Texas. (Mount Sinai GL, Rising Star Lodge #125, AF&AM) I would strongly encourage you to research and trace the LINEAGE of your Lodge/Grand Lodge......if you cannot make the connection from your Lodge to the United Grand Lodge of England, then your ability to be able to fully enjoy all of the rights, lights, and benefits of this Fraternal Organization will be difficult, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE, no matter what you are told by the Brothers in your Lodge/Grand Lodge..............

The ONLY predominantly Black Masonic Grand Bodies currently in possession of FORMAL RECOGNITION from the UGLE are the PRINCE HALL AFFILIATED (PHA) GRAND LODGES IN EACH STATE. EACH OF THESE GRAND LODGES ARE FREE AND ACCEPTED (F&AM)IN STYLE, WHICH DATE BACK TO BRO. PRINCE HALL'S ORIGINAL CHARTER FOR AFRICAN LODGE #459 RECEIVED FROM THE PREMIER GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND IN SEPT. 1784.

I did my research after 3 years of membership in MT. SINAI, and after being unable to find an English/Scottish/Irish connection, I left and petitioned for membership in a PRINCE HALL AFFILIATED LODGE...........you can read all of the books you desire, and attain all of the Offices through your Jurisdiction you like, but if your Organization does not possess the PROPER LINEAGE AND RECOGNITION from the UGLE, your Grand Lodge may be REGULAR, but will be considered NOT RECOGNIZED by either of the two FORMALLY RECOGNIZED GRAND BODIES IN YOUR STATE, (PRINCE HALL GL OF CALIFORNIA, AND GRAND LODGE OF CALIFORNIA, AF&AM).............

You have to decide for yourself what it is most that you desire.......If you desire the fellowship, camaraderie, and connection to the Brothers in your Lodge where you currently belong, by all means stay........HOWEVER, if you want your membership to provide a worldwide connection to all of the other REGULAR, RECOGNIZED MASONIC GRAND BODIES WHO POSSESS PROPER LINEAGE AND FORMAL RECOGNITION FROM THE UGLE, then please consider my advice, and do your research...........My Grand Lodge tried to convince me that becuase we held a Certificate of Incorporation from the State of Texas, that made us "legit". It may make you a legitimately Incorporated ORGANIZATION, however, that does not make the organization FORMALLY and MASONICALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND.


When I began to ask the hard questons regarding History and Lineage of our "Grand Lodge", some of the Elder Brothers became very angry, defensive, and rather than provide me with THE TRUTH, all I got was blowback for being "disrespectful" toward the Brothers who made me a Mason. So, as hurtful as it was, and as good as these Men were to me and to my family, I made the HARD decision to leave, because I wanted Proper Lineage and Recognition to go along with my PRIDE IN BEING A MASON............Furthermore, if a Man by the name of John G. Jones is listed ANYWHERE in your Organizational History, this will CONFIRM THAT YOUR LINEAGE IS ABBREVIATED AND WON'T CONNECT ITSELF TO ENGLAND...............Brother, I sincerely hope you take my testimonial as having nothing but Fraternal Love and Respect to you in your Masonic Walk..........

All I want is for you to get the MOST out of your Masonic Experience in life.................feel free to email me if you have ANY questions on how to properly research your organization......................towerbuilder7@gmail.com

Fraternally,
BRO. VINCENT C. JONES, SR., BAYOU CITY LODGE #228, PHA
PRINCE HALL AFFILIATION, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONRY
MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS

Brother Vincent. Although I am not Prince Hall Affiliated, it would disingenuous of me to deny the influence their members have had on me. Indeed, it is because of Prince Hall Affiliated Brethren that my journey began. I can definitely appreciate the draw. However,
these same Brethren explained the importance of being able to sit in lodges world wide, hence the importance of recognition and lineage. As a result, I am where I am and proud of it-AF&AM English Lodge.

As such, it s my sincere hope that JB absorb every word you wrote. I can tell that you chose your words carefully. I believe that your explanation of things is one of the best, respectfully delivered explanations I have heard regarding this touchy subject of recognition, lineage and regularity.

Additionally, JB, please refrain from reading too much right now. There are some wonderful surprises that you will encounter while on your journey from an EA. Too much reading and watching documentary material WILL take away from those surprises. Patience is the key here. The reward will be so much sweeter if you are patient. Just absorb and UNDERSTAND what was given to you when you were initiated, and ask a whole lot of questions. May the Great Architect of the Universe guide your steps.


Freemason Connect Mobile