1. THE MOST WORSHIPFUL NATIONAL GRAND LODGE
FREE AND ACCEPTED ANCIENT YORK MASONS
PRINCE HALL ORIGIN – NATIONAL COMPACT U.S.A.
The Origins of Compact Freemasonry In The State of Georgia
Part I (1865-1900)
By
Bro. Christopher Belcher
Bright Hope Lodge # 465
Inman, Georgia
Most Worshipful Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge
Jurisdiction of Georgia
The purpose of this paper is to submit findings on the beginnings of freemasonry
amongst African-Americans here within the state of Georgia. Though my affiliation is
with the Most Worshipful Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge, under the jurisdiction of the
Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Ancient York Masons, I
pledge to present my findings with the utmost fairness which is due of anyone who
chooses to present a document of historical account. For the sake of focus and length,
there is a pre-requisite knowledge needed of the history of The Most Worshipful National
Grand Lodge Free & Accepted Ancient York Masons. That historical information can be
obtained via the website of the National Grand Lodge (www.mwnationalgrandlodge.org).
Freemasonry for African-Americans in the state of Georgia began in the city of
Savannah, February 4, 1866 when the first lodge, Eureka Lodge No. 11, was established
by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. The second lodge of
African-American freemasons was Hilton Lodge No. 13 established on December 27,
1866 also established by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts. The third lodge was established by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania in the city of Augusta, Georgia. Banneker Lodge No.38 was established in
the same year. It is of importance to note that the Grand Lodges that granted
dispensations for the fore-mentioned lodges were Grand Lodges subordinate to the Most
Worshipful National Grand Lodge. On August 22, 1870, representatives of the above
mentioned lodges met and formed the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia
(Colored) under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful National Grand Lodge. Bro.
James Merilus Simms was elected the first Grand Master for the state of Georgia. The
three founding lodges were re-warranted under the newly formed Grand Lodge and were
designated Eureka No. 1, Hilton No. 2 and Banneker No. 3. The previous information
presented is common knowledge to Georgia masons that are members of The Most
Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia; however there has been a veil of
mystery in understanding the role that the National Grand Lodge played in the history of
freemasonry amongst African-Americans in the state of Georgia.

2. Four years following the establishment of the Grand Lodge of Georgia by the
National Grand Lodge a rival independent Grand Lodge of African-American masons
was established. According to Herry Rutherford Butler, Grand Master of the MW Union
Grand Lodge AF&AM (which is presently the MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge of
Georgia), this rival independent Grand Lodge was established by members who left the
Compact.
But even our Grand Lodge was not without its dissentions. Some
dispute having arisen at home of our grand session relative to the
election of the grand master a split originated. I am told that
one Bro. Gordan ran for grand master against Bro. Deveaux and was
defeated. But his admirers bolted the grand lodge and went out.
The life of the Gordon faction was of short duration. It was
through the splendid work of Bro. Alexander Hamilton, then S. G.
W. of the regular grand lodge, and W. E. Terry (now deceased) that
at the time both bodies met in Savannah they buried their
differences and united, and from that date the grand lodge has
been known as the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge for the state
of Georgia and was so chartered and incorporated to do business in
the state.
(Butler, HR "The History of Masonry Among Men of Color In
Georgia", pages 9-10)
June 23-27, 1874 in convention the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and
Accepted (Colored) Masons for the state of Georgia was established. The three lodges
involved in the convention were: Excelsior Lodge No. 16, working under the jurisdiction
of the M.W. United Grand Lodge of New York; Mount Moriah Lodge No. 56, working
under the jurisdiction of the MW Hiram Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; and St.
Augustine’s Lodge No. 16 working under the jurisdiction of the M.W. Hiram Grand
Lodge of Delaware (Proceedings, MW Grand Lodge of Ga AF&AM, 1874 p. 4). The
prevailing sentiment was the establishment this Grand Lodge was not an invasion of the
territory of the Compact Grand Lodge. This Grand Lodge was in strong opposition to the
National Grand Lodge.
Whereas, in this State there exists a Grand Lodge (so called)
created by the abnormal National Grand Lodge, holding a warrant
from them and working in subordination to their jurisdiction,
which in the face, intent and meaning of the laws quoted cannot
be a legal Grand Lodge. (Proceedings, MW Grand Lodge of Ga AF&AM,
1874 p. 4)
To gain an understanding of the position of the Independent Grand Lodge, the author
must momentarily digress. During the time of the founding of the Compact Grand Lodge
of Georgia and the Independent Grand Lodge of Georgia, two ideologies were present
concerning freemasonry amongst African-Americans. The differences were centered on
the system of government of the craft. The Compact Grand Lodge of Georgia system
dealt with being subordinate to a National Grand Lodge. The Independent Grand Lodges
(also called State Rite Grand Lodges), believed that each state Grand Lodge should be
sovereign. In the United States, sovereign state Grand Lodges are considered the norm.

3. However, there were many attempts in mainstream freemasonry to institute a National
Grand Lodge. The concept has been topic for many debates. On the independent Grand
Lodge side of this debate reference is made towards Mackey’s Jurisprudence regarding
the illegality of the National Grand Lodge. The counter-argument is that Mackey’s
Jurisprudence was published eight years after the formation of the National Grand Lodge
(Lewis, 2007, p.19,55-56).
The year of 1878 was an important year in the history of African-American
freemasonry in Georgia as well as the nation. The year was one of compromise and
hopeful reconciliation. On May 8, 1878, a convention of masons independent and
compact was called in the city of Willmington, Delaware. The purpose of the meeting
was to settle the differences amongst the independent GLs and the National Compact. As
a result of the convention were drafted resolutions that were to: (1) Form A Grand Lodge
Union to settle disputes. (2) Recommend that the National Grand Lodge shut down. And,
(3) That the two factions of masons in each state merge immediately (Roundtree, 2007,).
For the resolutions to be binding it had to be ratified by two-thirds of the independent and
Compact Grand Lodges. This DID NOT happen. This was a significant point of
contention for the Grand Lodge of Georgia (Compact). It has been written by other
Georgia Masonic scholars that the Grand Lodge of Georgia (Compact) withdrew from the
National Compact as others had done during that time. However, there is not any
documented proof that this occurred. The Grand Lodge of Georgia (Compact), from circa
1878, ceased to make returns to the National Grand Lodge to the National Grand Lodge.
It has been debated amongst Masonic scholars that the Grand Lodge of Georgia
(Compact) remained a subordinate of the National Grand Lodge for ten years beyond
1878. There has not been any evidence presented to show to the contrary. According to
the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Georgia (Compact), the foreign correspondence
committee had problems achieving recognition from independent Grand Lodges in
various states (Proceedings, 1885, p. 18-21). In fact a good contingency of Independent
Grand Lodges still believed the Grand Lodge of Georgia was still a part of the compact at
the time of request for recognition. (Proceedings, 1885, p.19) It can be concluded that the
Grand Lodge of Georgia (Compact), was involved in rebellious acts that were equivalent
to what other Grand Lodges that left the compact had done. The only problem with the
actions of the Grand Lodge of Georgia (Compact) was that the independent Grand Lodge
of Georgia was already established, which meant to leave their mother, the National
Grand Lodge and remain “regular”, they would be forced to merge or be “healed” into
the independent Grand Lodge of Georgia. It would be safe to say for nearly ten years the
Grand Lodge of Georgia was on the proverbial fence.
The virtual stalemate between the two African-American Grand Lodges lasted for
nearly ten years until unique motivation came into play via the National Grand Lodge.
Motivation came from the National Grand Master, the Honorable Captain William D.
Matthews. Captain Matthews’s autocratic style of leadership was a reflection of his Civil
War military experience (Lewis,2007., p.55). In 1888, Captain Matthews issued his
infamous manifesto. Captain Matthews was well within his constitutional right to issue
his manifesto. It is a very ironic consequence that the executive order that was issued in
his manifesto was constitutionally drafted by the independent Grand Lodges that
withdrew from the compact (Roundtree, 2007 p.16).

4. I, therefore give each state, Grand Lodge, subordinate lodge or
lodges in such open rebellion until the 8th day of March 1888, to
return to their allegiance, and to report to the National Grand
Secretary, John A. Mulligan, 117 James Street, Allegheny City,
Pennsylvania. Failing to comply with this order, I shall
commission Grand Masters with full power and authority in those
rebellious states, and organize Grand Lodges according to the
precedent which was laid down in 1733. (Brock, 1980 p.83)
The Grand Lodge of Georgia (Compact), who had not sent returns to the National Grand
Lodge since circa 1878, who could have been considered as a rebellious entity, did not
adhere to the manifesto of Captain Matthews. The next event of significance regarding
African-American freemasonry in Georgia occurred some three months after the deadline
mandated by Captain Matthews. The legality of the two bodies of freemasons in Georgia
as per the standards of the National Grand Lodge past the date of 8 March 1888 is and has
been the talking points of debate of African –American Masonic scholars.
On June 26, 1888, the two bodies of African-American freemasons met in session
to form the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Georgia of Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons for the state of Georgia. This point of history, through the name of
“Union”, which was a part of the title of the newly formed Grand Lodge, could have
possibly united the state of African-American freemasonry under the banner of
Independent (state-rite) freemasonry. There was an issue regarding participation of all
lodges in the process. The lack of participation from more than 15% of the compact
lodges for all intensive purposes ensured the survival of the compact within the state of
Georgia.
Compact Lodges Not in Attendance @ The Union Merger
(Proceedings, Union Grand Lodge AF&AM, pp. 9,10 & 17-34)
Lodge City
Corinthian Macon
Friendship Covington
Saint Luke Camilla
Tuscan Monroe
Saint Mark's UD Dawson
Phenix Macon
Banneker Augusta
35 Compact Lodges WERE present
The re-organization of Compact freemasonry within the southern United States was
methodical and took years to reach Georgia. With the Matthews manifesto and his
subsequent actions, there were definitely rough edges to be refined. The Captain
Matthews re-organization reached Georgia in 1892 with the establishment of the Most
Worshipful Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons. The
Honorable Dick Bowen served as its first Grand Master from 1892-1896. The following

5. graphic represents a summary of the events for the formation of the first Grand Lodge of
African Americans through the merger to Compact re-organization.
From the time of her inception, the Most Worshipful Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge has
been a vital part of the growth and progress of the National Grand Lodge. In a time
period of less than thirty years, the M. W. Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge went from re-
organization under National Grand Master Captain William D. Matthews to over four
thousand members (Proceedings, National Grand Lodge, 1921, p.26). During that time
strong movements had been made to make a strong presence in Georgia’s major cities.
The excerpts from the following report, made by National District Deputy L. W. Paden of
Georgia, shows the sustained viability and commitment to growth of the Compact within
the state of Georgia.
To the Officers and Members of the Most Worshipful National Grand
Lodge of F. A. A. Y. Masons (National Compact)in and for the
United States of America.

6. Greetings:
I entered actively into the work of York Masonry in the
year 1908. I was commissioned a District Deputy Grand Master
under the administration of Prof. S. S. Simmons, the Grand Master
for the state of Georgia, and instructed to work up Masonic
Lodges and assigned, mainly, to the jurisdiction in and about the
City of Atlanta, Ga. There were but two lodges of our Craft at
that time in the city with a total membership of about fifteen
brethren including myself.
Alone and unaided I began the work with an indomitable will
and full of confidence to win and succeed in the cause that I
know had the right stamp, and, if you please, to “beard the Lion
in his den,” for the “State Rites” or so-called Masons, numbered
about 175 members at that time. Within a period of seven months I
succeeded in getting together eighteen men and notified the Grand
Master who came and organized us under the name of Empire Lodge
No. 320, with myself as Master. I served this office for three
consecutive years.
Encouraged by this beginning I labored on with greater
energy and six months later had worked up another Lodge and
organized it under the name of Pittsburgh Union with fifteen men.
I soon discovered that it took time and patience in the
pursuit of my cherished ambition in the interest of York Masonry,
but undaunted by the flight of time and the fightings within and
foes without, I am happy to report as the result of my persistent
and untiring efforts, the following Lodges and Courts have been
added to the banner of York Masonry:
Pride of East Atlanta Westside Lodge Keystone Lodge
Pride of Georgia Cherokee Lodge Plato Lodge
I am proud to report that the Craft in its onward march
have now left behind them the lowest vales and are slowly and
surely making its way upward to the highest hills and with the
proper support of the Grand and National Bodies will eventually
and in the near future reach the top.
(Proceedings, National Grand Lodge, 1921, p. 18-20)
In conclusion, organization of freemasonry in Georgia among men of color was
one of great trials and struggles. To this day, Compact freemasonry is alive and well in
the state of Georgia. Many Georgia Grand Masters have served as National Grand
Officers. The Most Worshipful Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge has hosted National
Triennial Sessions. Though the trials of its creation, rebellion and re-organization; the
National Compact has been a part of the Masonic history of African-Americans in
Georgia since 1865.