African American Prince Hall Fraternal Organization Archive, Oregon, 1950s-70s

[African American] [Fraternal Organizations] Archive of 3 pamphlets relating to African American Masonic lodges, primarily the Prince Hall Freemasons, from the 1950s-1970s. Included are 3 programs from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Portland, Oregon from the years 1958, 1973, and 1977. Scarce, with no copies found on OCLC at the time of this writing. Measurements range from 8.5" x 11" to 6" x 9". Pages range from 44-73 pages. Staple bound illustrated wrappers. Each program is heavily illustrated with black and white photographs of members of various lodges and of various leadership positions. Together, these materials offer a rare and insightful (truncated) 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. Historically, Freemasonry was exclusive of people of color, and women. Prince Hall was founded in order to give Black men and women a sense of camaraderie and social responsibility in their local communities. These Portland, Oregon Prince Hall Grand Lodge souvenir programs document annual communications—formal gatherings where Masonic leaders set organizational priorities and reaffirm community engagement. These booklets include many black and white photographs of high-ranking male and female 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. One page is dedicated to Grand Worthy Matron, Lenora E. Gaskin, as she dawns an official embroidered sash over her formal attire. 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.

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. 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. Minor foxing and fading to covers, curled corner to the 1977 program. Binding tight and pages are clean. Overall very good condition. (Inventory #: 21408)