Prince Hall: Breaking Boston’s Racial Barrier in Freemasonry (1775)

Prince Hall, a Black leather craftsman born into enslavement, made history in March 1775 when he and 14 other men of color were initiated into a British military Freemason lodge at Castle William Island, Boston—marking the first known induction of African Americans into Freemasonry.

The Rise of Prince Hall Freemasonry & Global Impact

What began in Boston has blossomed into Prince Hall Freemasonry, now an international fraternity with over 300,000 members, nearly 5,000 lodges, and 47 grand lodges worldwide . It remains the oldest and largest predominantly Black fraternal organization in the U.S.

Legacy of Community Leadership & Abolitionist Advocacy

Prince Hall was more than a Mason—he was a devout abolitionist and activist. He petitioned the Massachusetts legislature to end slavery, launched the African Free School in 1798, and championed the rights of Black children and citizens . Hall also encouraged African Americans to fight in the Revolutionary War, linking military service to broader civil liberties.

Memorial Day Commemoration: Honoring Prince Hall’s Heritage

On Memorial Day, members of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, adorned in formal regalia, trace Hall’s legacy with a symbolic march to his memorial at Copp’s Hill Burying Ground—as they’ve done this spring to celebrate the 250th anniversary of his initiation . Justin Petty, the current Grand Master, emphasized how Hall used Freemasonry as a vehicle to uplift people of color and enhance the broader community. 

Evolving the Brotherhood: More Than Ritual

Far from being an exclusive order, Prince Hall Masons today emphasize community service and transparency. During the COVID-19 pandemic, lodges served as vaccination and testing centers. Recent initiatives include scholarships exceeding $40,000, youth mentorship programs, prom tuxedo drives, food distribution, and voter registration drives—all reinforcing the commitment to uplift communities.

A Cross-Racial Fraternity & Unifying Mission

Though founded in response to racial exclusion, Prince Hall Freemasonry’s underlying principle is universal brotherhood—a sentiment Hall voiced in 1797: _“Give the right hand of affection and fellowship to whom it justly belongs… let their colour… be what it will”_ . Today, Prince Hall Lodges enjoy mutual recognition with mainstream Masonic Grand Lodges across many U.S. states and even from the United Grand Lodge of England.

Inspiring Future Generations: Legacy Through Mentorship

Younger leaders like Ralik John and Lance Adam are modernizing the fraternity by engaging youth and amplifying community visibility. Their efforts—ranging from scholarships to youth-focused charity—aim to reshape the image of Prince Hall Freemasonry beyond ritual and robes.

Why Prince Hall Freemasonry Still Matters in 2025

From its origins as a means of racial empowerment to its current status as a vibrant, service-driven global fraternity, Prince Hall Freemasonry continues to champion charity, education, and civil rights. It thrives on preserving tradition while evolving to meet modern needs—embodying Prince Hall’s enduring vision of justice, unity, and social progress.