Baltimore, MD (February 2, 2025) — Several hundred Free and Accepted Prince Hall Masons and members of the Order of Eastern Star from across Maryland convened on Sunday, February 2, 2025 to commemorate the founding of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland in 1825. Since its establishment which pre-dates the end of slavery in the United States, the Maryland Lodges have played a significant role in civic, economic, and spiritual life in our state and the nation.
Attendees gleefully joined in powerful acapella renditions of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and gospel hymns, invoking the spirit of their ancestors. The theme of “Unity” resonated throughout the ceremony, underscored in the Bicentennial Address delivered by Senior Grand Warden RW Reverend Otis D. Wilson, Sr. citing the African Proverb – “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
The event drew members from dozens of lodges across Maryland, including representatives from the Order of Eastern Stars (OES) whose bright white and flowing apparel illuminated the sanctuary of the African American landmark. Sharp Street Memorial was established in 1787 and was the site of the Grand Lodge’s early organizing meetings, thus providing a symbolic “full-circle” backdrop for the celebration.
Reverend Warren L. Savage, Pastor of the Sharp Street congregation and Brother Brandon Lee, Worshipful Master of Friendship Lodge No. 1 welcomed attendees with scripture readings by RW Reverend Joshua J. Slack, Sr., and historical reflections shared by Grand Historian R.W. Seymour E. Chambers.
This massive gathering was “summoned” by the newly elected Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Honorable Kevin Barney, Jr., who presided over the event and offered greetings alongside Past Grand Master Bishop Orlando A. Wilson, who delivered the invocation.
Historical Roots and Growth
The origins of Prince Hall Masonry in Maryland trace back to February 2, 1825, when the First African Independent Grand Lodge of North America No. 1 of Pennsylvania authorized Maryland’s first Black Masonic lodge. By 1845, with Pennsylvania’s support, three subordinate lodges formed Maryland’s First Colored Grand Lodge, led by Rev. James A. Handy. The Grand Lodge evolved over time, adopting its current name in 1947: The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland and Its Jurisdictions, Inc.
The Black Methodist Church has been intertwined with Prince Hall Masonry’s history as the lodge was initially chartered at the original Sharp Street Building. Notably, Richard Allen, founder of the A.M.E. Church, served as the first treasurer of the First African Independent Grand Lodge. Leaders like Rev. Daniel Coker of Sharp Street Church and Bishop James A. Handy, the first Grand Master of the Union Colored Grand Lodge, further cemented this connection.
Modern Legacy and Global Reach
Today, the Grand Lodge oversees 81 constituent lodges, including 66 in Maryland and others in Germany, England, Italy, Belgium, and Kuwait. Its history of distinguished leadership includes recent Grand Masters like the Honorable Noel C. Osborne, Sr. (2021–2024), who is known for modernizing and professionalizing lodge operations.
Grand Master Barney concluded the ceremony with a charge to continue serving the community, declaring 2025 as “The Year of the Maryland Prince Hall Mason.”
A series of events and activities are planned throughout the year in celebration of this bicentennial milestone. Many events will be free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.mwphglmd.org.