The Early Introduction of Bogus Freemasonry in the United States of America and Texas Among Colored Masons

by C. L. Mitchell

The Name of the African Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was Changed to the Name of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Mass. in 1808.

After the Death of Prince Hall which occurred in the year of 1807, at the session held in the year of 1808 the name of African Grand Lodge of Modern Masons of Massachusetts was changed to the name of Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Modern Masons of Mass.

Judging from the rapid and numerous changes of position as soon as a cloud appeared among the so-called bogus Masons and an spurious Grand Lodge of Mass. some of the Masonic writers and followers and members of the bogus Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Mass. when they where exposed and shown up and dislodged from one untenable position they have jumped from one position to another. On the 24th of June 1791 they called themselves Modern Masons, in 1847 they called themselves Compact Masons, in 1880 they styled themselves as Free and Accepted Masons. We may expect at any time to hear of those Masonic imposters and shams of Mass, belonging to that notorious self constituted Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Mass. giving themselves another title and name at any time.

London England
Freemasonry Hall
Office of the Grand Sec.

London England, May 10, 1874.

To John G. Jones, Esq.,

Grand Secretary,

Dear Sir and Bro:—

On the 27th of December of 1873 I addressed you a letter which I hope will reach you in due time giving you the information that you seek concerning a Lodge that was said to have belonged to the Grand Lodge of England in General Gages Military Regiment that was in the United States of America. As I stated to you in my former letter that there was no Masonic Lodge in General Gages Military Regiment in the United States and I beg to state to you and the brethren in your country as to a provincial Grand Master by the Grand Lodge of England. Any person having such papers claiming to be such is a fraud. I enclose you a copy of a letter that I addressed to Mr. B. F. Rogers of Springfield Ill., who is Grand Master of your State.

I trust this will supply you with all the information that you desire.