Frequently Asked Questions

Prince Hall Freemasonry (also known as African American Freemasonry) was named after Prince Hall (c.?1735–1807). He was an African American noted as an abolitionist, for his leadership in the free black community in Boston, and as the founder of Prince Hall Freemasonry, he lobbied for education rights for black children and was active in the back-to-Africa movement. He is considered one of the most influential free black leaders in the late 1700s.

You are encouraged to either e-mail us (eurekalodgeevents@gmail.com ) or connect with a lodge officer to learn more about membership. The process includes a person must ask a Masonic member who knows them well to recommend them to the Lodge. You must then sign a petition, stating things like your age, occupation and place of residence. Members of the Lodge will then vote on your admission after careful consideration of your character and reputation. A person must then pass through a series of educational steps and learn our organization’s laws; they are encouraged to gain a deep understanding of themselves and their Supreme Being, no matter how they imagine him to be. There are certain rules as to who can become a Mason. Everyone is welcome but not everyone is accepted.

Our membership is private not secret. We are the oldest fraternity in the world and can trace our history to biblical times. Our membership is worldwide, our lodges are clearly visible and our deeds are publicly noted. We march in parades, dedicate buildings, visit the sick and shut in and feed the less fortunate. Our members come from all walks of life such as teachers, policeman, doctors, lawyers, sailors, soldiers, janitors, shopkeepers, congressmen and presidents.

To promote a way of life that binds like-minded men in a worldwide brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, 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.

We are proud of our philosophy and practice of "making good men better." Therefore only men of high character are considered for membership. Every applicant must state his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being. Atheists are not knowingly accepted into the fraternity.

In the state of New York, the Grand Master, at his will and pleasure convenes an Occasional Grand Lodge for the purpose of accepting Lodges and individuals from unrecognized and Non-Prince Hall jurisdictions into the Prince Hall Family. If you would like detailed information on the process contact the office of Grand Secretary at the following address:

M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge

Attn: Grand Secretary

454 West 155th Street

New York, NY 10032

At Eureka Lodge #36, throughout the year, our four (4) key pillars of focus will be to 1) strengthen the bonds of BROTHERHOOD, 2) execute the charitable BUSINESS of Masons within our community, 3) improve ourselves personally and professionally through studying the BOOKS of knowledge, and 4) enhance our physical BUILDING and surroundings.  All of which are possible when we work together in harmony and for the greater good of our Craft.

Famous Prince Hall Masons include Garrett A. Morgan, Sr., Robert Abbot, UN Ambassador Andrew Young, “Count” Basie, Henry Blair, Edward Bouchet, “Nat King” Cole, Ossie Davis, W.E.B. DuBois, Edward Kennedy, “Duke” Ellington, Medgar Evers, Alex Haley , Benjamin L. Hooks, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Jack Johnson, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Benjamin E. Mays, Kweisi Mfume, Richard Pryor, A. Philip Randolph, Congressman Charles Rangel, "Sugar" Ray Robinson, Arthur A. Schomburg, Rev. Al Sharpton, Booker T. Washington and Governor David Paterson.

Yes, Scholarship Application is available on Website.