This review is not an official, sanctioned activity of the Grand Lodge, but a literary review in the spirit of providing light and knowledge about Prince Hall masonry and to counter problems of bogus masonry, a problem communicated by Joseph A. Walkes and other senior masonic writers.

This is a brief review of History of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio 1849 - 1971, and a look at the author, Dr. Charles Wesley.

The current book is sold by the Ohio Grand Lodge. Contact Grand Secretary, William Young, 50 Hamilton Park, Columbus, Ohio 43203, or call (614) 221-6197. Cost for the book, is $20.00, plus shipping. The U.S. Postal Service will ship the book priority mail for $3.25.

Grand Secretary Young can provide additional information about the book and other matters. He is assisted by Donna Marshall, Grand Lodge Headquarters Secretary. My experience with all Grand Office personnel has resulted in courteous, helpful and friendly contact.

The Ohio Grand Lodge maintains a web page at http://www.phaohio.org/ , which presents the Ohio craft to the world. Only a few months old, this web site is a product of the tenure of Most Worshipful Grand Master Honorable Embie R. Bostic.

The Ohio Grand Lodge maintains a web page at http://www.phaohio.org/, which includes an online history of M.W.P.H.G.L. of Ohio prepared by Antonio Caffey, PM #7, 4352 Goldengate Sq W., APT M, Columbus, OH 43224-1671. Email: acaffey@earthlink.net. This is an ongoing work by Past Master Caffey, and some material is to follow.

Dr. Charles H. Wesley was best known to most for being the founding father of Wilberforce State College, changed to Central State College in 1947. He served as president of Central State University until 1965.

Dr. Wesley became president of Wilberforce University in 1941. He had served briefly as president of Wilberforce University for a month in 1932, according to Dr. Frederick A. McGinnis in his book An Interpretative History of Wilberforce University .

Dr. Wesley was a well known scholar who wrote such books as Afro-Americans In The Civil War : From Slavery To Citizenship, The Collapse Of The Confederacy, The History Of Alpha Phi Alpha; A Development In Negro College Life, In Freedom's Footsteps : From The African Background To The Civil War, History of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World, 1898-1954, and Prince Hall: Life and Legacy. He published 35 books.

Dr. Wesley was a well known and tireless Prince Hall Mason, active in local lodge business in Xenia, Springfield, Lima and Dayton and the Southern jurisdiction (Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia). I first met him in 1960, as a student at Wilberforce University.

Dr. Wesley was also a licensed African Methodist Episicopal (AME) minister, though he did not spend much time in the pulpit after 1947; an active member of the Elks, Alpha Phi Alpha and involved in various youth programs.

Dr. Wesley's glory years at Central State were 1947 -1960. New buildings were built , new faculty recruited and a viable and youthful student population. The Annual Prince Hall Communication was held at Central State in 1945, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963 and in 1965. The "breaks" were Toledo (1947), Cincinnati (1949) and Toledo- Commodore Perry Hotel (1964).

President Wesley operated out of Wilberforce Lodge #21, on Main Street in Xenia. I was struck by the appearance of the building: It was identical in appearance to the masonic hall on East Academy Street in Troy, Alabama, my hometown.

The president of Central State influence began to wane about 1961. New politicians were in the Ohio state legislature. A new form of racism was developing among national and Ohio politicians. Central State students, following the tide of all black, or "colored" institutions began to change. In 1960, Central State admitted one girl (along with Wilberforce) who was one of the "Little Rock nine", as a freshman.

Central State students went South on "freedom rides" in Mississippi with white students, to the chagrin of some faculty members , the public, newspapers and white politicians.

Central State in the "glory years" was known by some as "state side", a subtle separation by students and outsiders of the politics of the AME Church on the one-hand, and the State of Ohio politicians on the other. Dr. Wesley known to be his militant and concerned self, a good conscious mason (also Elk and Alpha). Student recruitment included one young man who would later rise to Major General in the United States Army and two young men who would later become president of Central State University.

But many faculty, especially, at Central State had become adverse to risk in the 1950s; many preferred a conservative philosophy in approaching and preparing students for the real world work- mostly as public school teachers in Ohio.

The goal of some appeared to be paychecks, fine dress, dances, trench coats and "looking good."

The result, was that Dr. Wesley and others found themselves "out-on-a-limb" in many cases. Despite marches in Montgomery, the situation at Little Rock, unrest in urban communities, sit-ins and calls for Black Power. Many Afro-Americans were not ready to advance beyond being "colored people"- and very few wanted to be masons, either.

The information above, and further history of Wilberforce Lodge #21 may be accessed at http://www.phaohio.org/mwphgloh/.

Thus, despite the efforts and reputation of Dr. Wesley and the fine men of masonry, the craft did not appeal to many in a period of about twenty years.

Masonry, with the exception of interests in Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Toledo almost "died out." The exception was the interest in the Military Lodge concept expressed by personnel coming through Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, resulting in Edward Dugger Military Lodge, plus a resurgent of interest among young people that lead to the Cenforce Lodge.

The growth of clandestine, or non-Prince Hall lodges has not been studied, but it is believed that growth did occur and these groups recruited viciously in Dayton, Cleveland and Cincinnati.

The history of Prince Hall Masonry in the United States is a fascinating story of the rise and development in spite of group and individual opposition, of a Masonic organization with a legitimate historical background extending back to England and forward to the states of our nation. Wesley, (preface, page v.)

To be a Prince Hall mason requires an understanding of the past to be able to survive in the future. The new information age allows data and information to be easily accessed on the inherent, but sometimes because the web itself is a medium, information needs to be summarized. The answer to this problem goes back to the old fashion habit of reading books.

Dr. Wesley's book traces the history of our Ohio Grand Lodge back to the first Grand Master Thomas J. Springer in 1849. Details are covered from that eventful year to 1971, covering the establishment of the various Lodges and who was involved. Not only is the information interesting, but instructive. There are many examples, but looking back some incidents reminds one of the present, or the last Lodge meeting.

Prince Hall Masonry has been a struggle- and controversial from the beginning. There have been problems relating to racism- and even "classism". There has also been the "1849" problem and existence of the National Compact masons- which is covered (briefly) from an historical perspective by Dr. Wesley. The National Compact issue, "clandestine masons" and the general universal world of masonry should be understood by all Prince Hall masons.

The National Compact brothers- sometimes calling themselves "Prince Hall Origin," masons are given some light in Dr. Wesley's book from a historical perspective.

One criticism of Wesley was that he was too timid in exploring the relationship of National Compact matters. Some Lodges are believed to have been "healed" over the years, but constantly their is only a hint of what happened. This leaves later day masons puzzled, in the least. In my case, being nearly 60 years old, this is a unnecessary burden. Where, and from whence did Unity Lodge #115 come from?

Our Ohio Prince Hall Grand Lodge between the years 1850- 1859 had jurisdiction over lodges in New Orleans, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri and Illinois. The historical developments are explained. A check of modern Grand Lodge histories in the states of Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri and Illinois acknowledge these facts.

Depending on perspective other weighter or lighter issues are covered by the book. However, there are a few errors, caused by the fact that Dr. Wesley relied on earlier writings from The Official History of Freemasonry Among the Colored People in North America by William Henry Grimshaw ( 1907). The view of Joseph A. Walkes author of Black Square & Compass: 200 Years of Prince Hall Freemasonry is that Grand Master Grimshaw (District of Columbia) made errors concerning the life of Prince Hall.

For the young, and those new to Prince Hall masonry in the last 20 years- especially those not holding office and being passively involved in the craft. History of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio 1849 - 1971 is "must" reading.

Brother Joseph A. Walkes, Jr., President of the Phylaxis Society has delivered several papers on bogus masonry over the years, including a recent paper Bogus Black Groups or Black on Black Crime. Among his complaints is "Masons read very little about their own institution and they are generally misinformed in matters of masonic history and law." Although, out of context, reading available literature will provide light to the mason

I also believe that "civility" can also be advanced by knowledge. Masonry is part of the culture of life. We need not get touch a degree of uncivility that harsh words be a part of our makeup.

Guidance and the law is important. That is why I will be authoring up for review The Prince Hall Counsellor prepared and published under the auspices of the Prince Hall Grand Masters Conference (1965).

How others see us is also interesting. That is why I will be authoring up for review Middle Class Blacks In A White Society, by William A. Muraskin (University of California Press, (1975) that infuriated many people a generation ago. Dr. Muraskin, now a world renown writer and scholar of communicable diseases is said to have been so put back by the reaction to his book that he has eschewed Prince Hall Masonry for years.

Grand Lodges from many of the states have a summary of the history of Prince Hall masonry in their states on the world wide web. All are interesting and unique to the state. The tenure of Grand Masters differ. For example, in Georgia during a ninety year period there were only three Grand Masters- ( H.R. Butler, 1901-1932; John Wesley Dobbs (the grandfather of former Atlanta mayor Maynard Jackson) 1933 - 1962; X.L. Neal 1962-1991) each serving 30 years in office. While some states like Ohio, Maryland and the District of Columbia limit the term of a Grand Master to two years.

Dr. Wesley covers the terms of each Grand Master, summarizing the significant events and order of business during their tenure. Interestingly, each Grand Master seemed to have a major order of business during their term, whether it was internal, doctrine, or organization. Examples abound; in April, 1946, the Pythagorans were organized, but it took two years to get it going (Grand Master Lloyd H. Kimbrough). The 1950s saw the need to "adopt a resolution concerning communism" (Grand Master A.J. Worsham).

During the tenure of Grand Master Russell L. Jefferson, the Ohio Prince Hall Grand Lodge raised $34,000 and turned it over to the Prince Hall Masonic Grand Lodges, who in turn gave to brother Thurgood Marshall of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Past Grand Masters Cory Adams, A.J. Worsham, James B. Simmons, Jr., Guy R. Taylor, Louis B. Henderson, Lloyd H. Kimbrough, Clyde E. Moss and then Grand Master Carl L. Wilson, plus Grand Attorney Ray E. Hughes were key players in supporting and approving Dr. Wesley's original book (1955- 1961). The reprint was supported by then Grand Master Samuel Brogdon, Jr., (1969-1971).

Dr. Wesley's book lists all the Grand Masters since 1849, as listed below, with what happened during their term:

• Thomas J. Springer, 1849-1851
• Griffin T. Watson, 1851-1852
• William Darnes, 1852-1856
• John Parsons, 1856-1857
• Richard Howell Gleaves, 1857-1861
• Henry W. Spencer, 1861-1863
• Edward A. Fulton, 1863-1865
• John Jones, 1865-1867
• William D. Goff, 1867-1869
• William T. Boyd, 1869-1875
• William H. Parham, 1875-1879
• Samuel W. Clark, 1879-1888
• Jeremiah Arthur Brown, 1888-1898
• Samuel W. Clark, 1898-1902
• William E. Clemens, 1902-1909
• W.W. Cordell, 1909-1912
• Cory Adams, 1912-1917
• Howard W. Greer, 1917-1919
• John C. Logan, 1919-1921
• Charles Porter, 1921-1924
• George W. Holland, 1924-1925
• Frank A.B. Hall, 1925-1930
• Everett J. Gatliff, 1930-1934
• Homer H. Collins, 1934-1938
• A.C. Alford, 1938-1940
• Charles F. Casterman, 1940-1944
• Clyde E. Moss, 1944-1947
• Lloyd H. Kimbrough, 1947-1949
• A.J. Worsham, 1949-1951
• Russell L. Jefferson, 1951-1953
• Louis B. Henderson, 1953-1955
• James B. Simmons, Jr., 1955-1957
• Guy R. Taylor, 1957-1959
• Carl Wilson, 1959-1961
• Hartford Jennings, 1961-1963
• Braxton F. Cann, 1963-1965
• Edward Dugger, 1965-1967
• Herbert R. Bracken, 1967-1969
• Samuel Brogdon, Jr., 1969-1971

   

  Wesley's book covers many details of events that were handled by Grand Masters and other officers and the Annual Session that we take for routine today. The Ohio Prince Hall jurisdiction was the first to adopt a uniform written ritual for example (1955), pp. 384. On external, but important matters, the Grand Lodge's incredible dealing with banks in support of our people is covered.

  Likewise, ongoing problems with our Shrine, selling raffle tickets and the power of the Grand Master and Grand Lodge to exercise "control" over masons are covered.

  Availability of the book in Libraries

  The original hard back book was published in 1961 as History of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio 1849 - 1961, by Central State University Press . This book was printed in hardback and many brothers have it among their masonic collection. These editions are "collector" items to others.

  Unfortunately, History of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio 1849 - 1971, nor the 1961 original, can be found in most local public libraries in Ohio. I performed an internet search of all Ohio colleges and public libraries with the following results:

  The Cincinnati Public Library has two copies of the original 1961 edition. The Dayton Public Library (City of Dayton, Montgomery County and Troy-Miami County Main Library) does not have a copy of History of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio 1849 - 1971. The Dayton Public Library has copies of twelve books published by Dr. Wesley, including Prince Hall: Life and Legacy.

  None of the other public libraries in Ohio list a copy of History of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio in either the 1961, or 1971 printing.

  Only a few college libraries have copies of History of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio 1849 - 1971. Central State University's Hallie Q. Brown Library has thirty-three different book titles published by Dr. Wesley, including the 1961 edition. Wilberforce University has a copy in its library (It also shares the Brown Library at Central State).

   

  Antioch College has the second most extensive collection of Dr. Wesley's books- twenty eight of his books- but one missing is History of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio 1849 - 1971.

  The current book was published by the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, Washington, DC. The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History was established by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and Dr. Wesley had a long association with this premier black history organization.

  A 1977 printing was done by the Southern Jurisdiction , Prince Hall in Washington, DC. The content of this 1977 printing is the same as the current book.

  The current book was edited and updated through 1971 by Dr. Wesley, who died in 1987 at age 95. The current edition is in softcover. In reproducing the updated edition, costs were cut in production of the book out of necessity, resulting in most of the halftone-plates (pictures) not being as clear. The type is slightly smaller than the original.

  OTHER GRAND LODGES:

   

  Many Grand Lodges have a summarized histories of their jurisdictions on the wordwide web on the internet. These are interesting and can be linked from http://www.phaohio.org/ Go To "LINKS" and click onto Listing of Grand Lodges of the World. Our Amaranth Grand Chapter O.E.S PHA STATE OF OHIO Chapter may be found at http://www.phaohio.org/amaranth.

  Nothing beats reading a book. That is why Dr. Wesley's book is recommended.

  As an after thought, this review has pointed out the absence of History of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio 1849 - 1971 in many public and school libraries. It might be helpful if efforts are made to see that the book is available for reading in libraries, especially for young brothers and sisters.