African Lodge of Boston operated a MARK and PAST MASTER Lodge between 1816 and 1821

[MasonicAdept]

Discovered in the archives of African Lodge of Boston, dated between the years of 1816-1821, were the bylaws of a Mark and Paster Master Lodge under the designation of "Mark and Past Masters Lodge of Boston", this Lodge operated under the charter of African Lodge No. 459.

This is the first documented instance of a body (other than symbolic) operated among members of African Lodge.
View attachment 6352

We know this to be a bona fide Mark and Past Master Lodge based on Article 6, which stated:

"Every MASTER MASON desirous of obtaining the DEGREES OF MARK AND PAST MASTER must make APPLICATION to the Master or Wardens...."

One had to be a Master Mason to receive the degrees of Mark and Past Master. This provides further evidence that the Past Master degree was VIRTUAL, because it was conferred on Master Masons, and not just the Masters of the Lodge.

From where they received these degrees is not known, but research has provided that members of the Royal Arch from around Boston were visiting African Lodge during this period. It is quite possible that the degrees were conferred on them by Mark and Past Masters of the "mainstream" Lodges in Boston.

Another great discover regarding the origins of the Royal Arch among members of African Lodge of Boston.

 

[Warrior1256]

Cool history!

 

[Keith C]

Awesome work Brother!

I have been a fan of your work since I saw your presentation on "Landmarks of our Fathers" at the PA Academy of Masonic Knowledge and look forward to each new discovery you bring out!

 

[MasonicAdept]

Awesome work Brother!

I have been a fan of your work since I saw your presentation on "Landmarks of our Fathers" at the PA Academy of Masonic Knowledge and look forward to each new discovery you bring out!

@Keith C I appreciate that my Brother...I will coming pretty soon with another follow-up to Landmarks in Dec. of this year.

 

[Love of Truth]

Excellent evidence/citation, brother Masonic Adept. While I do not like the history of the "two Americas" that gave rise to segregated lines of regular Freemasonry in this nation, it is what it is. The best we can do is learn from the past, and do better TODAY. You are doing an excellent work in that direction with informative articles/discoveries such as this. I have visited the local PHA lodge in my area, and intend to visit plenty more. I enjoy sitting in lodge with them. They truly are among the regular masons everywhere we remember as we formally close each lodge meeting.

I request your assistance/guidance with a matter. I have read somewhat on the history of Prince Hall Masonry, and I have read several short biographical treatments of the life of Prince Hall. When I say short, they are usually one page or less. I have to believe that a man who has had an entire Masonic lineage named after him lived a remarkable life that can fill more than one page. Are you aware of any good biographies on the life of Prince Hall? I recall one treatment I read on his life simply said that not much is known of his life. I am reluctant to believe that. Much obliged for any direction you may have to offer to me. Thank you.

 

[MasonicAdept]

Excellent evidence/citation, brother Masonic Adept. While I do not like the history of the "two Americas" that gave rise to segregated lines of regular Freemasonry in this nation, it is what it is. The best we can do is learn from the past, and do better TODAY. You are doing an excellent work in that direction with informative articles/discoveries such as this. I have visited the local PHA lodge in my area, and intend to visit plenty more. I enjoy sitting in lodge with them. They truly are among the regular masons everywhere we remember as we formally close each lodge meeting.

I request your assistance/guidance with a matter. I have read somewhat on the history of Prince Hall Masonry, and I have read several short biographical treatments of the life of Prince Hall. When I say short, they are usually one page or less. I have to believe that a man who has had an entire Masonic lineage named after him lived a remarkable life that can fill more than one page. Are you aware of any good biographies on the life of Prince Hall? I recall one treatment I read on his life simply said that not much is known of his life. I am reluctant to believe that. Much obliged for any direction you may have to offer to me. Thank you.

Prince Hall Life and Legacy by Charles Wesley.

 

[Love of Truth]

Prince Hall Life and Legacy by Charles Wesley.

Wow, that book sells for around $500 on Amazon. Would you happen to know of a vendor that sells the book at a much more modest price? I wonder if the United Supreme Council sells this book?

 

[MasonicAdept]

Wow, that book sells for around $500 on Amazon. Would you happen to know of a vendor that sells the book at a much more modest price? I wonder if the United Supreme Council sells this book?

Yeah, I actually have the Book and PDF. If you would like the pdf, I could help out with that...

 

[The Traveling Man]

Yeah, I actually have the Book and PDF. If you would like the pdf, I could help out with that...

I'd love to have the pdf, if you don't mind sending it.

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