THE MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE
FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION GUIDE
M.W. Robert L. Oglesby, Sr., Grand Master
THE MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL
GRAND LODGE
FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
In an effort to educate our new members who have been recently raised to the sublime degree of Master Masons, we have developed this orientation guide to assist you as you begin your travels within our ancient and honorable Masonic fraternity.
In the building of a member’s spiritual, moral and Masonic edifice, brethren must have a solid foundation on which to construct his house. This orientation guide is intended to provide you some basic tools, Masonic law, support and wholesome instruction, which are essential to your future growth within our organization.
We also acknowledge that, some of our new members do not have the benefit of a large pool of brethren within their own lodge and as a result, may not get as much information and Masonic guidance as new members of lodges with many seasoned members who possess a wealth of knowledge, skills and abilities. Also, some lodges meet less frequently than others, which results in fewer opportunities to share information and provide teaching moments.
This compilation of information is provided as a supplement to the nurturing guidance and teachings new members should receive from their petitioner, pillars, officers and sages of the lodge of which they have become a member. However, you must know that no orientation guide can cover every aspect of our Masonic fraternity. This booklet simply gives you some useful information in a condensed form, that you may better understand your new Masonic environment.
It is our hope that this document will pique your interest, enlighten you to our goals and objectives, and become a frequently utilized tool in your ongoing Masonic construction project. Our Masonic fraternity is best served when we have well informed brethren as part of our organization, and we trust that this orientation guide serves to strengthen that effort.
History
The Origin and Early Progress of Prince Hall Masonry in New Jersey
Within a two year period, four Lodges, two of which were in obeisance with the First Independent African Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and the other two of which were constituents of the Hiram, or rival Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, were erected in New Jersey. Saint John and Unity Lodges were established in Trenton (July 26, 1845) and Burlington respectively, by the former Grand Lodge. Rising Sun and Mount Moriah Lodges, respectively situated at Camden (May 13, 1847) and Salem (December 27, 1847) were set apart by a latter grand body.
Pursuant to a call, representatives from these four Lodge located in New Jersey met in Burlington on June 12, 1848 and “did than and there” erect a Grand Lodge styled. The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons for the State of New Jersey and Jurisdiction, Thereunto Belonging”
“The Grand Lodge in this state has performed its work for One Hundred Sixty-two years.” That Grand Lodge, the sixth formed among Prince Hall Freemasons became a unit of the National Grand Lodge, allegedly formed in Boston, Massachusetts, June 24, 1847
On January 19, 1848 the two Pennsylvania Grand Lodges, having decided to become amenable to the so called National Grand Lodge, settled their differences and effected a union. But that did not last for long for in 1849 another schism occurred in the grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and several Lodges renewing their former allegiances, rallied to the standards of the two formal rival Grand bodies in that State.
That unhappy event was almost immediately reflected in the state of New Jersey. Saint John and Unity Lodges, upon notice and for reasons announced withdrew from the Grand Lodge in New Jersey to form another Grand Lodge whose title was identical with that of the parent body. While the Original Grand Lodge remained with the National Compact, the newer grand body declared itself an independent and sovereign body. The second or rival Grand Lodge was established in Camden on April 29, 1850.
Thus, a great rivalry fanned by the flame of bitter recrimination and fueled with jealousy and animosity ensued. That state of affairs persisted for a while. But former feelings had been
forgiven and forgotten by December 28, 1875. On that day, the Two Grand Lodges, having labored at great lengths to make necessary amends and to complete satisfactory arrangements,
adjourned “without day or date” and met in convention on the following day when they did form a unified body, formally titled. The
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, for the Sate of New Jersey and Jurisdiction Thereunto Belonging” The consolidation was effected in Schweinhagen’s Hall, Camden. The spirit of compromise, so notably represented by the events that transpired in that historic convention is of great importance today. Former feelings of bitterness were dissolved; peace and harmony prevailed; and Craftsmen of the present generation know full well that the unseeming chapter in our Local history, which is being candidly reported, has long since been closed. Today, a Grand Lodge sovereign, and founded upon unity and brotherly love, superintends the affairs of Prince Hall Masons in New Jersey.; The Grand Lodge in this state has performed its work for One Hundred Sixty-two years. Our Grand Lodge continues to dispense light and charity, and to supervise the Craft affairs, while fraternal relations with the Prince Hall Family has been maintained continuously. By Action of the Grand Lodge in the Ninety Eighth Annual Communication held in Atlantic City on June 25 and 26, 1946, the title of the Grand Lodge was changed to read: The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, State of New Jersey By the following June, the incorporation of the Grand Lodge under its new designation has been completed.
PRESENT GRAND MASTER of the JURISDICTION of NEW JERSEY is:
M.W. Robert L. Oglesby, Sr.
THE MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE
FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
Adopted at the One Hundred First Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey on June 22, 1949, it may be regarded as a broad definition of the purposes of Masonry, and because of its importance, it is here presented. Study it thoroughly and apply its standards in your daily life.
“Free Masonry teaches man to practice charity and benevolence, to protect chastity, to respect the ties of blood and friendship, to adopt the principles and revere the ordinances of religion, to assist the feeble, guide the blind, raise up the downtrodden, shelter the orphan, guard the altar, support the Government, inculcate morality, promote learning, love man, fear God, implore His mercy, and hope for happiness”.
The true Mason will act in civil life according to his individual judgment and the dictates of his conscience.
NOTE: THESE PRINCIPLES CAN BE FOUND IN SECTION 6, PARAGRAPH 3 OF THE BOOK OF CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS, MWPHGL, F&AM, STATE of NEW JERSEY
GOVERNMENT
B.O.C. Section #3 Masonic Government: The actions of Freemasons, as such, in the Grand Lodge, in their Constituent Lodges, and in their individual character, shall be regulated and controlled:
By the Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry, which we hold to be the ancient principles of Masonic government and procedure which, forms the peculiar character of Masonry. That we may never stray beyond the bounds Masonry intended, we declare the following Landmarks to be unalterable, and not subject to change.
By Constitutions, being the written compacts or laws adopted by Freemasons for the government of the Grand Lodge and its Constituent Lodges and their members, and which are intended to be permanent in their character..
By-Laws or Regulations, being those unwritten Masonic rules of action, adopted by competent authority, for local or temporary purposes, rules, edicts, and resolutions having the force of laws; but which may admit changes at convenience, and not embraced in Ancient Landmarks or Constitutions.
LANDMARKS
1. Freemasonry is a speculative science founded on an operative art.
2. Belief in God, the Grand Architect of the universe, is required of its votaries.
3. The belief in the immortality of the soul is required of its votaries.
4. The Holy Bible, Square and Compasses constitute an indispensable part of the Lodge furniture.
5. The secrecy of Freemasonry.
6. The division of Symbolic Masonry into the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason Degrees, the obligations and the modes of recognition.
7. The legend of the third degree.
8. A candidate for Masonry must be a man free born, of legal age, of good character and reputation having no mental or physical defect that may render him incapable of learning the art, or of performing the work. He may be accepted only by unanimous secret ballot.
9. The government of the fraternity by a Grand Master, whose prerogative it is to preside over every assembly of the Craft, and to grant dispensations that do not violate these landmarks.
10. The government of the Lodge by a Master, a Senior and Junior Wardens, and when convened must be duly tiled.
11. The right of every Mason to be represented in all general meetings of the Craft, where his presence will not disturb the peace and harmony of the same.
12. The right of every Mason to appeal to the Grand Lodge, whenever aggrieved by an act of a Lodge.
ORGANIZATIONAL COMPOSITION
Our Prince Hall Family members in New Jersey are governed under the authority of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey and lead by our Most Worshipful Grand Master. He is supported by the elected and appointed members of the Grand Lodge and the members of the constituent Lodges within its jurisdiction. These members hold a variety of Offices and titles. Once a title is acquired, it remains with the brother although he no longer holds the Office. A brother has the right to the highest title he has attained, Most Worshipful being the highest, Right Worshipful next, followed by Worshipful Brother.
The Elective and Appointive Officers of our Grand Lodge and their titles can be found in the MWPHGL of New Jersey Book of Constitutions and By-Laws in sections 15 & 16 respectively.
The Elective and Appointive Officers of our Local Lodges and their titles can be found in the MWPHGL of New Jersey Book of Constitutions and By-Laws in sections 126 and 138 (5) respectively.
MASONIC ATTIRE
Proper Masonic clothing is the Apron and Jewel of Rank, white gloves, black suit, white shirt, black tie and black shoes. In the event of a Masonic funeral procession, a white lambskin apron shall be worn in lieu of the Apron and Jewel of Rank. All pins should be removed from suit lapels. B.O.C. # 255
Elected and Appointed Grand Lodge Officers will be in formal wear (tails) at our annual Grand Lodge Communication, Prince Hall Day, Esther Day, and Cornerstone ceremonies. Formal wear (tails) will be worn to Ozeil Grand Chapter at the opening of their annual Grand Session.
When Prince Hall Day, Saint John the Baptist Day, Saint John the Evangelist Day, and Esther Day is observed within the District, a black suit or tuxedo may be worn. Protocol IV
COMMUNICATIONS
B.O.C. Section 8: This Grand Lodge shall meet annually, for the elections of its officers and the transaction of business, in June at such place as the Grand Lodge shall decide. Special Communications of this Grand Lodge may be called, by the Grand Master but no legislation affecting the general interest of the Craft shall be made, repealed, or changed at a Special Communication except upon thirty days’ notice by the Grand Master to all Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge stating specifically the proposed legislation.
B.O.C. Section 153: The Communications of a Lodge are either STATED or SPECIAL. The Stated Communication shall be held at the time fixed by the By-Laws of the Lodge, but not more often than twice in any month. Special Communications may be held at the pleasure of the Master for such purposes as are authorized by law, except for the conferring of any degree, or degrees, when a dispensation to do so shall be necessary. And no Communication shall be held on Sunday except to perform Masonic funeral service or to form processions for religious services.
B.O.C. Section 155: Stated Communication: Except as otherwise provided by law, all business of a Lodge shall be transacted at its Stated Communication; and except for the conferring of degrees, examination of candidates, and trial for Entered Apprentices or Fellow Crafts, while the Lodge is opened on the Master Mason degree.
B.O.C. Section 156: Special Communication: A Master of a Lodge may call a Special Communication of the Lodge for the purpose of conferring any degree or degrees upon a duly elected candidate or candidates; conferring Masonic burial; installing officers, performing deeds of charity, receiving a visit from an officer of the Grand Lodge, receiving and imparting Masonic instruction; or for the transaction of any special business which by law may be acted upon by a Lodge at either Stated or Special Communication without formal notice to members; by giving due and timely notice, verbal or otherwise to a suitable number of brethren. A Special Communication shall not be held for any other purpose without given written or printed notice to all members. Immediately after opening of a Lodge at a Special Communication, the Master or Presiding Officer shall state the object for which the Communication was called, and no other business shall be transacted or work done at that Communication than that for which it was called.
DISTRICT MEETINGS
Each Masonic District within the jurisdiction holds monthly meetings. These meetings are extremely important and should be attended by all members of the District. Your appointed District Deputy Grand Master and District Grand Lecturer facilitate these meetings. District meetings focus on administrative and ritualistic instruction.
Your District Deputy Grand Master (D.D.G.M.) will facilitate the administrative business of the District which may include, but not be limited to:
· Communications from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge
· Coordinate activities at the District level
· Receive reports from District Committees
· Receive Communications from Lodges within the District
· Address authorized Communications from other Masonic Bodies