Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Masons Iowa

The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Masons Iowa is a Prince Hall Masonic organization in the state of Iowa. It is part of the broader Prince Hall Origin network, which traces its lineage to African Lodge No. 459, the first African American Masonic Lodge founded by Prince Hall in 1784.

Background

Prince Hall Masonry began as a result of African Americans being denied membership in regular Masonic lodges in the United States. Prince Hall, a prominent figure in the fight for civil rights and equality, was instrumental in establishing this independent Masonic tradition for African Americans.

Structure and Lineage

The organization is part of a network governed by the National Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Ancient York Masons Prince Hall Origin, which oversees Grand Lodges predominantly composed of African American Masons. Grand Lodges within this structure, including the Iowa Grand Lodge, maintain historical ties to African Lodge No. 459 and therefore, to Prince Hall himself.

Mission and Activities

Like other Prince Hall Grand Lodges, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Masons Iowa likely focuses on advancing Masonic education, fostering community service, and promoting fraternal bonds among its members. Masonic lodges under its jurisdiction aim to support local communities through various charitable and social initiatives.

Importance

The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Masons Iowa plays a significant role in preserving the rich history of Prince Hall Masonry while contributing to the social fabric of Iowa communities. It also serves as a link to a broader tradition of African American Freemasonry that dates back to colonial America.

Legal Status

The organization operates as a nonprofit entity with its own EIN (Employer Identification Number), indicating its tax-exempt status under U.S. law. This legal status facilitates its operational and charitable activities within the state of Iowa.

[1] https://thephylaxis.org/about-us/our-history/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Grand_Lodge [3] https://www.thegazette.com/community/grand-lodge-of-iowa-celebrates-175-years-of-iowa-masons/ [4] https://grandlodgeofiowa.org/docs/History/GrandLodgeHistoryVol1.pdf [5] https://skirret.com/archive/misc/misc-o/ourtwomasonicpowers.html