Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas History

Our History

The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas

A Legacy of Brotherhood, Perseverance, and Masonic Excellence

The Beginning of Prince Hall Freemasonry

The history of Prince Hall Freemasonry is rooted in determination, perseverance, and the pursuit of brotherhood. It began when Prince Hall and fourteen other free Black men were initiated into Masonry under Charter No. 459, marking the beginning of a historic journey that would establish the foundation of Black Freemasonry in the United States.

These pioneering Masons were granted a permit to assemble as African Lodge No. 1, becoming the first Black Masons in the United States. Although their initial Masonic privileges were limited, their commitment to the principles and teachings of Freemasonry remained steadfast.

Following the conclusion of the Revolutionary War in 1783, Prince Hall sought to secure greater recognition and authority for African Lodge. On March 2, 1784, he wrote to William Moody, Worshipful Master of Brotherly Love Lodge No. 55 in London, England. In his correspondence, Prince Hall explained that African Lodge had been operating for eight years but possessed only “a permit to walk on St. John’s Day and to bury their dead in manner and form.”

Recognizing the importance of obtaining a legitimate charter, Prince Hall expressed his desire to return to the source of their Masonic authority, stating that he thought it “best to send to the Fountains from whence he received the light for a Warrant.” A charter was subsequently prepared in England; however, its delivery was delayed. Three years passed without the required payment being received in London. Although Prince Hall had reportedly sent the funds, the payment had not reached its intended destination. Determined to complete the process, Prince Hall carefully selected a trusted messenger, Captain James Scott, brother-in-law of Massachusetts Governor John Hancock. Captain Scott successfully delivered the necessary correspondence and payment, received the charter, and personally delivered it to Prince Hall. This historic Charter No. 459 remains in the possession of African Lodge of Massachusetts. As a treasured document of Prince Hall Masonic history, it has been preserved between two heavy plates of glass and secured in a fireproof vault in a downtown Boston bank.

The Expansion of Prince Hall Masonry

From its beginnings in Massachusetts, Prince Hall Freemasonry continued to grow, extending its influence and establishing new foundations of brotherhood throughout the nation. The Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts became the Mother Grand Lodge of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. In turn, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania chartered three lodges in the State of Ohio, laying the foundation for the establishment of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio. It was through the authority and leadership of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio that the doors of legitimate Freemasonry were opened to the men of Kansas. Under the leadership of Most Worshipful Grand Master John Jones of Ohio, the movement to establish Prince Hall Masonry in Kansas began to take shape. In 1865, Western Star Lodge No. 34 was organized and chartered in Lawrence, Kansas, with David G. Lett serving as its Worshipful Master. This historic establishment marked a significant milestone in bringing the principles, traditions, and teachings of Prince Hall Freemasonry to the State of Kansas. The expansion continued with the establishment of Euclid Lodge No. 39 in Topeka, Kansas, followed by Mount Oliver Lodge in Leavenworth, Kansas, which was later renamed Mount Olive Lodge No. 19. These three lodges became the foundation upon which Prince Hall Freemasonry would grow and flourish throughout Kansas.

The Establishment of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas

For a decade, the three pioneering lodges remained under the jurisdiction of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio. As Masonry continued to develop within Kansas, the time came for these brethren to establish their own governing Grand Lodge. In 1875, the necessary steps were taken to bring this vision to reality. Through a call issued by Right Worshipful David G. Lett, District Deputy Grand Master for the District of Kansas, who had been commissioned by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, all Master Masons in good standing were invited to assemble in the City of Lawrence, Kansas.

The convention, held March 7–9, 1875, was called for the purpose of considering the propriety of organizing a Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Kansas and taking whatever steps were necessary to accomplish its establishment. Representatives from the following three lodges were in attendance:

Western Star Lodge No. 34 — Lawrence, Kansas
Euclid Lodge No. 39 — Topeka, Kansas
Mount Olive Lodge No. 19 — Leavenworth, Kansas

On March 7, 1875, the brethren assembled in the lodge room of Western Star Lodge No. 34 in Lawrence, Kansas, to begin the important work before them. The convention was formally organized through the election of Right Worshipful David G. Lett as Chairman, with H. H. White and C. H. Langston serving as Secretaries. In a brief address to the assembled brethren, Chairman Lett outlined the purpose of the gathering and the significance of establishing an independent Grand Lodge within the State of Kansas. At the conclusion of his address, the convention was declared fully organized and ready to conduct its business. The Election of the First Grand Lodge Officers One of the most significant moments in the history of Prince Hall Masonry in Kansas came with the election of its first Grand Master. Right Worshipful David G. Lett was elected to serve as the first Most Worshipful Grand Master of the State of Kansas, receiving the unanimous support of the convention without a single dissenting voice. The following brethren were elected to serve as the first officers of the newly established Grand Lodge:

Most Worshipful Grand Master: David G. Lett
Deputy Grand Master: H. G. Lett
Senior Grand Warden: H. C. Bruce
Junior Grand Warden: C. H. Langston
Grand Treasurer: Ishmael Keith
Grand Secretary: H. H. White

With the election of these officers, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas was officially formed and prepared to carry forward the work of Ancient Craft Masonry throughout the state. Originally established as the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas, A.F. & A.M., its designation was later changed to F. & A.M.

A Foundation That Continues to Stand

From the determination of Prince Hall and fourteen pioneering Black Masons to the leadership of David G. Lett and the brethren who gathered in Lawrence in 1875, the history of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas reflects a lasting commitment to brotherhood, perseverance, and the principles of Freemasonry.

What began with three lodges under the jurisdiction of Ohio grew into an independent Grand Lodge, establishing a foundation upon which generations of Prince Hall Masons in Kansas would continue to build.

The sacrifices, vision, and dedication of those who came before us remain an essential part of our identity and serve as a reminder of the responsibility entrusted to every generation of Masons.

Rooted in history, strengthened by brotherhood, and committed to Moving Forward, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Kansas continues to honor its past while building toward its future.