by African American, Fraternal Organizations
Three pamphlets relating to African American Masonic lodges, primarily the Prince Hall Freemasons, along with two funeral programs from prominent members of the Black community. Included are: a 1969 yearbook for the Golden Star Lodge No. 143, F. & A.M. of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; two souvenir programs from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oregon (1973 and 1977); and two funeral programs for Sister Mattie White and John Columbus Coger (both 1993). Together, these materials offer a rare and insightful look into the role of Black Masonic lodges and fraternal orders in fostering social, economic, and spiritual leadership in African American communities during the 20th century.
Prince Hall Freemasonry, founded in 1784, played a vital role in the African American struggle for self-determination, fostering leadership in business, education, and civil rights. The Golden Star Lodge No. 143 Yearbook (1969), printed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, provides a roster of members, meeting schedules, and guiding principles of the lodge. The cover prominently features the Masonic square and compass symbol and the inscription: “Meets every first Saturday / 143 Orr Street / Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219.” Inside, the yearbook pays homage to past Worshipful Masters and members, reinforcing the importance of continuity and tradition in Black Freemasonry. The two Prince Hall Grand Lodge souvenir programs, from Portland, Oregon (1973 and 1977), document annual communications—formal gatherings where Masonic leaders set organizational priorities and reaffirm community engagement. These booklets include photographs of high-ranking members, such as William B. Odom Jr., identified as the "Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oregon, F. & A.M. Inc.," wearing full Masonic regalia. Another leader, Thomas R. Vickers, is pictured in the 1977 program, outlining in his address a commitment to youth programs, scholarships, and anti-crime initiatives. The theme of the 1977 souvenir program, illustrated on the cover, emphasizes “Community Involvement,” “Youth Civic Affairs,” “Education,” and “Family,” underscoring the lodge’s broader mission beyond ritual and fraternity. African American fraternal organizations, particularly Prince Hall Masonic Lodges, have historically been rare in Oregon due to the state's early exclusionary laws and the relatively small Black population.
The funeral programs for Sister Mattie White and John Columbus Coger, both from 1993, illustrate the intersection of Black fraternal orders with religious and community life. Mattie White’s “Home Going Service” was held at Central Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, led by Dr. Isaac Green, and features a photograph of her in a white ensemble, possibly denoting membership in a Masonic auxiliary such as the Order of the Eastern Star. The “Service of Triumph” for John Columbus Coger, held at New Hope Temple Baptist Church in Philadelphia, includes a solemn photograph of the deceased, reflecting the importance of dignified remembrance in African American funerary traditions. The archive also includes a September birthday roster listing names, addresses, and phone numbers of individuals, further revealing the social networks sustained by these organizations. This archive documents the continuity of that mission into the late 20th century, illustrating how lodges served as pillars of Black civic life, offering mutual aid, youth mentorship, and spiritual guidance. Assemblies like those described in the Oregon and Pennsylvania materials were not merely ceremonial but functioned as vital organizing centers for African American empowerment. This collection provides an invaluable historical record of the rituals, leadership, and social impact of Prince Hall Freemasonry, particularly in the post-civil rights era. (Inventory #: 21408)
Prince Hall Freemasonry, founded in 1784, played a vital role in the African American struggle for self-determination, fostering leadership in business, education, and civil rights. The Golden Star Lodge No. 143 Yearbook (1969), printed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, provides a roster of members, meeting schedules, and guiding principles of the lodge. The cover prominently features the Masonic square and compass symbol and the inscription: “Meets every first Saturday / 143 Orr Street / Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219.” Inside, the yearbook pays homage to past Worshipful Masters and members, reinforcing the importance of continuity and tradition in Black Freemasonry. The two Prince Hall Grand Lodge souvenir programs, from Portland, Oregon (1973 and 1977), document annual communications—formal gatherings where Masonic leaders set organizational priorities and reaffirm community engagement. These booklets include photographs of high-ranking members, such as William B. Odom Jr., identified as the "Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oregon, F. & A.M. Inc.," wearing full Masonic regalia. Another leader, Thomas R. Vickers, is pictured in the 1977 program, outlining in his address a commitment to youth programs, scholarships, and anti-crime initiatives. The theme of the 1977 souvenir program, illustrated on the cover, emphasizes “Community Involvement,” “Youth Civic Affairs,” “Education,” and “Family,” underscoring the lodge’s broader mission beyond ritual and fraternity. African American fraternal organizations, particularly Prince Hall Masonic Lodges, have historically been rare in Oregon due to the state's early exclusionary laws and the relatively small Black population.
The funeral programs for Sister Mattie White and John Columbus Coger, both from 1993, illustrate the intersection of Black fraternal orders with religious and community life. Mattie White’s “Home Going Service” was held at Central Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, led by Dr. Isaac Green, and features a photograph of her in a white ensemble, possibly denoting membership in a Masonic auxiliary such as the Order of the Eastern Star. The “Service of Triumph” for John Columbus Coger, held at New Hope Temple Baptist Church in Philadelphia, includes a solemn photograph of the deceased, reflecting the importance of dignified remembrance in African American funerary traditions. The archive also includes a September birthday roster listing names, addresses, and phone numbers of individuals, further revealing the social networks sustained by these organizations. This archive documents the continuity of that mission into the late 20th century, illustrating how lodges served as pillars of Black civic life, offering mutual aid, youth mentorship, and spiritual guidance. Assemblies like those described in the Oregon and Pennsylvania materials were not merely ceremonial but functioned as vital organizing centers for African American empowerment. This collection provides an invaluable historical record of the rituals, leadership, and social impact of Prince Hall Freemasonry, particularly in the post-civil rights era. (Inventory #: 21408)
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