In 1775, Prince Hall, after whom the nation’s first Black Masonic Lodge was named, and 14 other Blacks were initiated into Lodge No. 441, which was attached to the British Army. When the British left Boston in 1776, they granted Hall and the others authority to meet as African Lodge No. 1 with limited mason privileges.

In 1784, Hall petitioned the Grand Lodge of England to get a warrant or charter, which established what is known as the Prince Hall Mason Fraternity. African Lodge No. 459 of Boston was officially organized on May 6, 1787. Hall served as the lodge’s first Grand Master. The Prince Hall fraternity now has more than 4,500 lodges worldwide.

BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

(Photo: Travelgoat.com)