I am a PROUD MEMBER of a PHA Lodge (Bayou City #228, PHA, F &AM, District 15-A, Houston, Texas), and I went thru the healing process in August 2010. I was initiated, passed, and raised in what is known as a "4 Letter Grand Lodge" in the Black Community here in Houston. Sadly, Brother Upton is correct when he mentions what is being taught or NOT BEING TAUGHT in some of these clandestine AF & AM Lodges. I was fortunate enough to come from a Symbolic Lodge environment where they at least stressed proficiency in the 3 Degrees, in the text from which we read. (Lester's Look To The East) Once I was healed into A PHA Lodge, my transition wasn't as difficult as some other Brothers I've met, who weren't taught much of anything, and some were even hazed after paying large sums of money. I was able to come right in and assimilate with my new Brothers, as I became proficient in the Free and Accepted Masonic Ritual used by PHA Lodges here in Texas. The LIGHT submitted by Brother Kosei on his thread makes it plain for the reader to understand how and why Black AF & AM Lodges were formed in the late 19th century, and how they are viewed by PHA Brothers to this day. Most of the Men I have come in contact with who have endured similar situations as mine simply wanted to become Masons, and usually went to a friend, co-worker, or acquaintance who they knew. I knew NOTHING about the differences between Regular and Irregular Lodges when I began, as it pertains to the AF & AM Lodges who CLAIM to be legitimate, but are found to have NO LINEAGE or connection to the UGLE. These Lodges are not recognized by either the respective Prince Hall GL or Mainstream GL of the State they are in, and I found this out THE HARD WAY. I had co workers who refused to talk about Masonry with me, and some even stopped speaking to me altogether. I trusted the Men who were all friends of mine, and they are all GOOD MEN, who are Christian, Family Oriented brothers. As I did my own research, it didn't take long for me to discover that the road on which I had traveled had a Dead End. The Brothers really believed that what they were a part of was Regular, but could never produce a Lineage to me which showed ties to the UGLE. This caused a restlessness within me, and I no longer felt as if I were a REAL Mason. I felt that a change needed to be made. I really hated to leave these Brothers, because bonds had been forged, and it was a very difficult decision for me. But, I have two Sons, and I KNEW that one day I would love to see them receive the LIGHT in a Regular Lodge with the proper Lineage. I contacted a friend of mine who had been a member of a PHA Lodge for quite some time, and asked him for further LIGHT, so I could make an informed decision. I have YET to regret my decision of joining a Prince Hall Affiliated Lodge. I consider myself a student of this "progressive science", and to me, Freemasonry is more than just a Brotherhood; it is a WAY OF LIFE, whereby a Man who is in line with his beliefs in GOD and the Holy Bible, as well the principles and tenets of our "time honored institution" , brings himself to an entirely different plane in nature, where he learns to keep his SPIRIT in control of MATTER, and his Higher Nature dominant over his Lower Nature. He appreciates and cherishes his faith, family, and friends. A FreeMason who adopts his studies as a PURSUIT OF TRUTH and SEEKS KNOWLEDGE OF HIMSELF automatically beings himself closer to GOD each day. As you study Masonic History and Philosophy, you begin to really see the beauty and depth of this Fraternal Order. Freemasonry helped me to become even stronger in my faith in GOD, as I would see constant references to GOD and Scripture throughout my material as I studied. Congratulations, PHA TRAVELER, on your decision to join the PHAmily..........Fraternally, Bro. Vincent C. Jones, Sr., Bayou City Lodge #228, PHA, F & AM, Houston, Texas...................