Are there differences in the rituals and grips in the black “Prince Hall” Masons and the white mason lodges?

There are minor differences in the masonic ritual between Prince Hall Masons and regular American Freemasonry. However, to call that a “white” lodge is incorrect, as American Freemasons are men of all ethnicities. The main differences in the ritual are the floorwork done and the specific wording used in the degree work. However, it is based on the same principles, the same allegory, the same symbolism, and the same tenants.

You will have no problem “communicating” with Prince Hall masons once you are a Mason, and in fact, might even find it interesting to discuss the small differences between Prince Hall Masonry and American Masonry. There is a small chance that, depending on which region of the country you are in, that there might be problems with Prince Hall Masonry being recognized by the Grand Lodge, but in most states, they are recognized. Even so, recognized or not, you’ll find that the fundamentals of the organizations are the same.

Prince Hall Masonic Rituals

Where ever you travel, after you become a Master Mason, you will need to be able to “prove yourself” as a Master Mason to the Right Worshipful Master of the Lodge if you wish to attend a Lodge. That includes attending Lodges even of your own Obedience. Even being in possession of The Inner Word may not be enough.

A paid up dues card is in some Orders a requirement. *grin* In some, an Outer Word which is communicated once a year or by the Right Worshipful to those whom He or She knows to be a True and Lawful Brother.

Now, regarding grips… that which you see upon the Internet, well, some things do change over the years. I am not at liberty to say about my own Order and I certainly do not know about the Illustrious Order of Prince Hall Masons, of whom I hold in deepest respect. I would love to visit their Lodge in working.

I am a Co-Mason, American Co-Masonry, Freemasonry for women and men of all races and religions.

May TGAOTU Bless and Sustain all who range under the banner of Freemasonry. May we meet on the L…l, act on the P…b, and Part on the S…r!

A Master Mason

Hiram Lodge No. 11

Amon Ra Lodge No. 9

Sapientia Lodge of Research No. 1

Adamant Mark Lodge No. 3

Cl freemason has it right, you have to find out if the grand lodge of your state recognizes Prince Hall masonry, these days most do. If you go to a Prince Hall lodge use the grips and words you know. If you don’t have any friends there to vouch for your being a Mason the really important thing to have is your Lodge Dues Card.

Now- you say you are “trying to become a mason” if that means you haven’t been raised to the 3rd degree yet you’re getting a little ahead of yourself.

Once you are a freemason, ask your Lodge secretary which, if any, Prince Hall Lodges you recognize. If you recognize any then you can have contact with them and the grips/rituals won’t matter, you can show up and the will admit you.

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The usminc.org link is by anti-masons. please do read it, but also read some actual masonic sites to understand what freemasonry is really about. i have not read an anti-masonic claim that is true. if anyone posting anti-masonic material has something new or something they believe to be “proof” i would be interesting in hearing it. otherwise, opinions of people seeking their 15 minutes just doesn’t cut it.

There are differences in all types of masonry. State to State Country to Country, even lodge to lodge within the same state. However, you will be able to communicate with all that are recognized by your State Grand Lodge. Prince Hall, Eastern Star, Shriners, Scottish and York Rites and many more. In most states the black and white issues that anti-masonic groups talk about, is not a problem. In my lodges, we have Bro’s from all backgrounds.

I am a 32nd degree Mason and am glad to answer any detailed questions you have.

Dan

Masonic Grips

Separate but equal is not equal. They have a separate Grand Lodge (sometimes more than one per state) and different floor work and ritual. It’s a shame. As a 32 degree Master Mason, Knight Templar and Shriner in MA I can say there is a difference and they are predominately black.

I don’t think I can answer you question fully as I’m a UK Freemason and Prince Hall Freemasonry is not in the UK, to my knowledge, although recognised by the United Grand Lodge.

There is no such thing a “black lodges” and “white lodges”, as you will learn when you become a Freemason.

I heard it is all the same.

Master Mason in Tampa,Fl.