About Us
Prince Hall Freemasonry Background
Prince Hall Freemasonry had its beginnings on March 6, 1775 when Prince Hall (ca. 1748-1807), an abolitionist and civil rights activist, along with fourteen other free black men were initiated into freemasonry. These men later organized African Lodge No. 1 on July 3, 1775. In 1784, they petitioned the Grand Lodge of England for a charter; it was granted and African Lodge No. 1 became African Lodge No. 459 of Boston, Massachusetts.
Prince Hall. A Charge, Delivered to the African Lodge, June 24, 1797, at Menotomy. Library of Congress Rare Book and Special Collections Division.
Fredericktonian Lodge History
1859 - Fredericktonian Lodge No. 12 was warranted by the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of the State of Maryland on September 6, 1859.
1876 - On September 12, 1876 the lodge was re-warranted by the Grand Lodge officers under the seal for the state of Maryland as Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Mason of Baltimore City.
1925 - A building fire destroying most records previous to 1925. However, some artifacts were preserved detailing the early brotherhood and caring for the sick. Reflecting strong traditional Masonic commitment to the community, which is still present today.
1954 - Members of Fredericktonian Lodge No. 12 purchased the current property on 110 W. All Saints Street.
West All Saints Street Circa 1930s and Present
Historic American Buildings Survey, C., Pickering, E. H., photographer. (1933) 119-150 All Saints Street Houses, Frederick, Frederick County, MD. Maryland Frederick Frederick County, 1933. Documentation Compiled After. [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/md0343/.
Fraternal Brotherhood
While the landscape has changed, our lodge's history reflets 153 years of strong allegiance to our Grand Lodge and Masonic disciplines. Below are important facts about Freemasonry:
What is Freemasonry? It's the oldest, largest, and most prestigious fraternity in the world. In many ways, we are like a civic club, a charitable institution, and a fraternity all rolled into one organization.
Like a civic club, we do a lot of community and statewide projects.
Like a major charity, we give away almost $1.5 million away every day.
And most importantly, we are a fraternity for men doing good things for each other, and trying to bring men of good morals and ethics together in our community.
What is the Mission of Freemasonry? To promote a way of life that binds like-minded men in a worldwide brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethic, cultural, social and educational differences; by teaching the great principles of brotherly love, relief and truth; and by the outward expression of these through its fellowship, its compassion and its concern, to find ways in which to serve God, family, country, neighbors, and self.
What do Masons do? The most important things we do is take care of each other and our families. We are a fraternity. That means we help other Masons and support them no matter where they live. We build friendships all over the world, which not many organizations do today. With almost $1.5 million of charity a day given, most of the money goes to help kids. We rank among the top 10 best-liked charitable groups in America. In addition, we also teach leadership skills and help men lead an ethics-based life. We promote good relationships and strong family values. We try to do something to strengthen the family unit every day.
What do you get out of being a Mason?
A lot of pride, and a sense of belonging to an organization that exist all over the world and being part of a great heritage.
Sharing an identity with the greatest men of the past and of today.
Sharing a special bond with men from all walks of life, which in return, creates life long friendships.
Being part of an organization that lets each man think for himself and express his own opinions, without worrying about being wrong.