To seeker.mm, there are several issues that need clarity......first, you mentioned that you are scheduled to receive your EA degree in "an AF&AM Lodge", on Monday the 27th. As the Brother mentioned above, we need to know the Grand Lodge with which your Lodge is affiliated. If your Lodge is not a subordinate Lodge under the Grand Lodge of Texas, AF&AM, also referred to as "Mainstream Masonry", or the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas, (PHA) then that creates an issue of Masonic recognition. For your Lodge to be considered a recognized, regular and duly constituted Lodge in Texas, your Lodge must be a subordinate Lodge under one of the two above mentioned Grand Lodges. If not, you will not be allowed to visit, be recognized, nor have any Masonic contact with any Lodge in either Jurisdiction. Next, if you do not KNOW the answer to my question, I recommend you do some research before Monday, so that you know the LINEAGE of your Lodge. If your Lodge cannot trace its lineage thru its charter or warrant back to the United Grand Lodge of England, your Lodge will not be considered a regular and recognized Lodge, no matter what the members of that Lodge tell you. I strongly suggest you get as much information about the Brothers in that Lodge and its History as possible. Members of some Lodges sometimes count on the fact that Men are not very well versed in recognition or regularity, as they relate to a Masonic Lodge. These two terms make a REAL bona fide Masonic Lodge, because a Lodge must be considered BOTH in order to receive dispensation for a charter or warrant which empowers a Lodge to work. Last, but not least, if you are getting your FIRST Degree, then you should not be at all worried about "visiting and working with Prince Hall Lodges in your area". I will say this in the most respectful manner possible.....if your Lodge is NOT Prince Hall Affiliated or a member of the Grand Lodge of Texas, AF&AM, you will not be recognized, or be allowed to visit or work with either one. Good Luck. Bro. Vincent C. Jones, Sr., Bayou City Lodge #228, Prince Hall Affiliation, Jurisdiction of Texas, Houston, District 15-A.
