THE MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL
GRAND LODGE
FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION GUIDE
M.W. Robert L. Oglesby, Sr., Grand Master
THE MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL
GRAND LODGE
FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
In an effort to educate our new members who have been recently raised to the sublime
degree of Master Masons, we have developed this orientation guide to assist you as you
begin your travels within our ancient and honorable Masonic fraternity.
In the building of a member’s spiritual, moral and Masonic edifice, brethren must have a
solid foundation on which to construct his house. This orientation guide is intended to
provide you some basic tools, Masonic law, support and wholesome instruction, which are
essential to your future growth within our organization.
We also acknowledge that, some of our new members do not have the benefit of a large
pool of brethren within their own lodge and as a result, may not get as much information
and Masonic guidance as new members of lodges with many seasoned members who
possess a wealth of knowledge, skills and abilities. Also, some lodges meet less frequently
than others, which results in fewer opportunities to share information and provide
teaching moments.
This compilation of information is provided as a supplement to the nurturing guidance
and teachings new members should receive from their petitioner, pillars, officers and sages
of the lodge of which they have become a member. However, you must know that no
orientation guide can cover every aspect of our Masonic fraternity. This booklet simply
gives you some useful information in a condensed form, that you may better understand
your new Masonic environment.
It is our hope that this document will pique your interest, enlighten you to our goals and
objectives, and become a frequently utilized tool in your ongoing Masonic construction
project. Our Masonic fraternity is best served when we have well informed brethren as
part of our organization, and we trust that this orientation guide serves to strengthen that
effort.
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History
The Origin and Early Progress of Prince Hall Masonry in New Jersey
Within a two year period, four Lodges, two of which were in obeisance with the First
Independent African Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and the other two of which were
constituents of the Hiram, or rival Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, were erected in New
Jersey. Saint John and Unity Lodges were established in Trenton (July 26, 1845) and
Burlington respectively, by the former Grand Lodge. Rising Sun and Mount Moriah
Lodges, respectively situated at Camden (May 13, 1847) and Salem (December 27, 1847)
were set apart by a latter grand body.
Pursuant to a call, representatives from these four Lodge located in New Jersey met in
Burlington on June 12, 1848 and “did than and there” erect a Grand Lodge styled. The
Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons for the State of New Jersey
and Jurisdiction, Thereunto Belonging”
“The Grand Lodge in this state has performed its work for One Hundred Sixty-two
years.” That Grand Lodge, the sixth formed among Prince Hall Freemasons became a unit
of the National Grand Lodge, allegedly formed in Boston, Massachusetts, June 24, 1847
On January 19, 1848 the two Pennsylvania Grand Lodges, having decided to become
amenable to the so called National Grand Lodge, settled their differences and effected a
union. But that did not last for long for in 1849 another schism occurred in the grand
Lodge of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and several Lodges renewing their former
allegiances, rallied to the standards of the two formal rival Grand bodies in that State.
That unhappy event was almost immediately reflected in the state of New Jersey. Saint
John and Unity Lodges, upon notice and for reasons announced withdrew from the Grand
Lodge in New Jersey to form another Grand Lodge whose title was identical with that of
the parent body. While the Original Grand Lodge remained with the National Compact,
the newer grand body declared itself an independent and sovereign body. The second or
rival Grand Lodge was established in Camden on April 29, 1850.
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Thus, a great rivalry fanned by the flame of bitter recrimination and fueled with jealousy
and animosity ensued. That state of affairs persisted for a while. But former feelings had
been
forgiven and forgotten by December 28, 1875. On that day, the Two Grand Lodges, having
labored at great lengths to make necessary amends and to complete satisfactory
arrangements,
adjourned “without day or date” and met in convention on the following day when they
did form a unified body, formally titled. The
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, for the Sate of New Jersey
and Jurisdiction Thereunto Belonging” The consolidation was effected in Schweinhagen’s
Hall, Camden. The spirit of compromise, so notably represented by the events that
transpired in that historic convention is of great importance today. Former feelings of
bitterness were dissolved; peace and harmony prevailed; and Craftsmen of the present
generation know full well that the unseeming chapter in our Local history, which is being
candidly reported, has long since been closed. Today, a Grand Lodge sovereign, and
founded upon unity and brotherly love, superintends the affairs of Prince Hall Masons in
New Jersey.; The Grand Lodge in this state has performed its work for One Hundred
Sixty-two years. Our Grand Lodge continues to dispense light and charity, and to
supervise the Craft affairs, while fraternal relations with the Prince Hall Family has been
maintained continuously. By Action of the Grand Lodge in the Ninety Eighth Annual
Communication held in Atlantic City on June 25 and 26, 1946, the title of the Grand Lodge
was changed to read: The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted
Masons, State of New Jersey By the following June, the incorporation of the Grand Lodge
under its new designation has been completed.
PRESENT GRAND MASTER of the JURISDICTION of NEW JERSEY is:
M.W. Robert L. Oglesby, Sr.
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THE MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL
GRAND LODGE
FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
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6
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
Adopted at the One Hundred First Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Prince
Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey on June 22, 1949, it may be regarded as a broad
definition of the purposes of Masonry, and because of its importance, it is here presented.
Study it thoroughly and apply its standards in your daily life.
“Free Masonry teaches man to practice charity and benevolence, to protect chastity, to
respect the ties of blood and friendship, to adopt the principles and revere the ordinances
of religion, to assist the feeble, guide the blind, raise up the downtrodden, shelter the
orphan, guard the altar, support the Government, inculcate morality, promote learning,
love man, fear God, implore His mercy, and hope for happiness”.
The true Mason will act in civil life according to his individual judgment and the dictates
of his conscience.
NOTE: THESE PRINCIPLES CAN BE FOUND IN SECTION 6, PARAGRAPH 3 OF THE BOOK OF
CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS, MWPHGL, F&AM, STATE of NEW JERSEY
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GOVERNMENT
B.O.C. Section #3 Masonic Government: The actions of Freemasons, as such, in the
Grand Lodge, in their Constituent Lodges, and in their individual character, shall be
regulated and controlled:
By the Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry, which we hold to be the ancient
principles of Masonic government and procedure which, forms the peculiar character of
Masonry. That we may never stray beyond the bounds Masonry intended, we declare the
following Landmarks to be unalterable, and not subject to change.
By Constitutions, being the written compacts or laws adopted by Freemasons for the
government of the Grand Lodge and its Constituent Lodges and their members, and which
are intended to be permanent in their character..
By-Laws or Regulations, being those unwritten Masonic rules of action, adopted by
competent authority, for local or temporary purposes, rules, edicts, and resolutions having
the force of laws; but which may admit changes at convenience, and not embraced in
Ancient Landmarks or Constitutions.
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LANDMARKS
1. Freemasonry is a speculative science founded on an operative art.
2. Belief in God, the Grand Architect of the universe, is required of its votaries.
3. The belief in the immortality of the soul is required of its votaries.
4. The Holy Bible, Square and Compasses constitute an indispensable part of the Lodge
furniture.
5. The secrecy of Freemasonry.
6. The division of Symbolic Masonry into the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and
Master Mason Degrees, the obligations and the modes of recognition.
7. The legend of the third degree.
8. A candidate for Masonry must be a man free born, of legal age, of good character and
reputation having no mental or physical defect that may render him incapable of
learning the art, or of performing the work. He may be accepted only by unanimous
secret ballot.
9. The government of the fraternity by a Grand Master, whose prerogative it is to preside
over every assembly of the Craft, and to grant dispensations that do not violate
these landmarks.
10. The government of the Lodge by a Master, a Senior and Junior Wardens, and when
convened must be duly tiled.
11. The right of every Mason to be represented in all general meetings of the Craft, where
his presence will not disturb the peace and harmony of the same.
12. The right of every Mason to appeal to the Grand Lodge, whenever aggrieved by an act
of a Lodge.
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ORGANIZATIONAL COMPOSITION
Our Prince Hall Family members in New Jersey are governed under the authority of the
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey and lead by our Most
Worshipful Grand Master. He is supported by the elected and appointed members of the
Grand Lodge and the members of the constituent Lodges within its jurisdiction. These
members hold a variety of Offices and titles. Once a title is acquired, it remains with the
brother although he no longer holds the Office. A brother has the right to the highest title
he has attained, Most Worshipful being the highest, Right Worshipful next, followed by
Worshipful Brother.
The Elective and Appointive Officers of our Grand Lodge and their titles can be found in
the MWPHGL of New Jersey Book of Constitutions and By-Laws in sections 15 & 16
respectively.
The Elective and Appointive Officers of our Local Lodges and their titles can be found in
the MWPHGL of New Jersey Book of Constitutions and By-Laws in sections 126 and 138
(5) respectively.
MASONIC ATTIRE
Proper Masonic clothing is the Apron and Jewel of Rank, white gloves, black suit, white
shirt, black tie and black shoes. In the event of a Masonic funeral procession, a white
lambskin apron shall be worn in lieu of the Apron and Jewel of Rank. All pins should be
removed from suit lapels. B.O.C. # 255
Elected and Appointed Grand Lodge Officers will be in formal wear (tails) at our annual
Grand Lodge Communication, Prince Hall Day, Esther Day, and Cornerstone ceremonies.
Formal wear (tails) will be worn to Ozeil Grand Chapter at the opening of their annual
Grand Session.
When Prince Hall Day, Saint John the Baptist Day, Saint John the Evangelist Day, and
Esther Day is observed within the District, a black suit or tuxedo may be worn. Protocol IV
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COMMUNICATIONS
B.O.C. Section 8: This Grand Lodge shall meet annually, for the elections of its officers
and the transaction of business, in June at such place as the Grand Lodge shall decide.
Special Communications of this Grand Lodge may be called, by the Grand Master but no
legislation affecting the general interest of the Craft shall be made, repealed, or changed at
a Special Communication except upon thirty days’ notice by the Grand Master to all
Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge stating specifically the proposed
legislation.
B.O.C. Section 153: The Communications of a Lodge are either STATED or SPECIAL.
The Stated Communication shall be held at the time fixed by the By-Laws of the Lodge,
but not more often than twice in any month. Special Communications may be held at the
pleasure of the Master for such purposes as are authorized by law, except for the
conferring of any degree, or degrees, when a dispensation to do so shall be necessary. And
no Communication shall be held on Sunday except to perform Masonic funeral service or
to form processions for religious services.
B.O.C. Section 155: Stated Communication: Except as otherwise provided by law,
all business of a Lodge shall be transacted at its Stated Communication; and except for the
conferring of degrees, examination of candidates, and trial for Entered Apprentices or
Fellow Crafts, while the Lodge is opened on the Master Mason degree.
B.O.C. Section 156: Special Communication: A Master of a Lodge may call a Special
Communication of the Lodge for the purpose of conferring any degree or degrees upon a
duly elected candidate or candidates; conferring Masonic burial; installing officers,
performing deeds of charity, receiving a visit from an officer of the Grand Lodge,
receiving and imparting Masonic instruction; or for the transaction of any special business
which by law may be acted upon by a Lodge at either Stated or Special Communication
without formal notice to members; by giving due and timely notice, verbal or otherwise to
a suitable number of brethren. A Special Communication shall not be held for any other
purpose without given written or printed notice to all members. Immediately after opening
of a Lodge at a Special Communication, the Master or Presiding Officer shall state the
object for which the Communication was called, and no other business shall be transacted
or work done at that Communication than that for which it was called.
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DISTRICT MEETINGS
Each Masonic District within the jurisdiction holds monthly meetings. These meetings are
extremely important and should be attended by all members of the District. Your
appointed District Deputy Grand Master and District Grand Lecturer facilitate these
meetings. District meetings focus on administrative and ritualistic instruction.
Your District Deputy Grand Master (D.D.G.M.) will facilitate the administrative business
of the District which may include, but not be limited to:
 Communications from the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge
 Coordinate activities at the District level
 Receive reports from District Committees
 Receive Communications from Lodges within the District
 Address authorized Communications from other Masonic Bodies
 Annually convene and preside in a District Lodge of Instruction
 Annually convene in the month of May a District Lodge of Elections
 Ascertain the state and condition of Lodges within the District
The full duties and qualifications of the D.D.G.M. may be found in the B.O.C. Section 39
Your District Grand Lecturer (D.G.L.) will facilitate the ritualistic portion of the District
meeting which may include, but not be limited to:
 Exemplification of the Standard Work as authorized by the Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge and Committee of the Custodians of the Work
 Impart Masonic Enlightenment at the Annual District Lodge of Instruction
 Make criticisms and corrections, which are to be regarded as constructive
The full duties and responsibilities of D.G.L. may be found in the B.O.C. Section 41
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PROTOCOL AND TRADITIONS
Traditions are the beliefs, information and customs orally transmitted to succeeding
generations. Traditions are also ways through which we build a sense of loyalty toward
each other and continuously develop a strong regard for the honor of our Fraternity.
The knowledge that has been passed down to us by our predecessors forms the basis of our
traditions.
During our history, we have developed several practices, which have emerged to where we
have become confused and have identified with them as being part of our traditions.
The Protocol and Traditions Manual contained within our Book of Constitutions and ByLaws of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey is an invaluable
tool. It is to be utilized by all members of our Fraternity as the rule and guide for proper
Masonic etiquette. Its purpose is to set forth our beliefs and to clarify our policies and
traditions.
Our Masonic Monitor contains the exoteric ceremonies that are practiced in this
jurisdiction and such other information that is deemed necessary and helpful toward
promoting uniformity among our constituents. The ceremonies are written in clear,
concise and dignified manner, with no deviation from Ancient Masonic Usage. The
Masonic Monitor was adopted on June 24 1958, and as such, some additions and
modifications have been implemented to our Masonic teachings. These modifications are
found in our Custodians of the Works documents and are available to our Lecturers Staff
whose responsibility it is for the dissemination of such modifications.
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MASONIC MATERIALS
OF
ENLIGHTENMENT
B.O.C. Section 110. Laws and Regulations: The laws and regulations of the Most
Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, State of New Jersey,
pertaining to Lodges under its jurisdiction are hereby declared to be contained in:
 The Book of Constitutions, containing laws and regulations
 The Masonic Monitor, containing ceremonies
 The Ritual, containing the esoteric work
 The B90K Book of Forms, delineating the forms used by the Lodges
And such other ceremonies, forms and books of record, that may be from time to time
adopted by the Grand Lodge, which include, but not limited to:
 The Holy Bible
 The New Jersey Prince Hall Masonic Curriculum Series
 The Line Officer Training Work Book for Individual Officers Study
 The Committee of the Custodians of the Work Backup Data
The majority of the aforementioned materials may be purchased or obtained through the
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge or your District representatives. The Holy Bible or book of
the individual Mason’s faith should be in his possession and used as the rule and guide of
his faith and practice.
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THE MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL
GRAND LODGE
FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
MASONIC BODIES
AND
FRATERNAL RECOGNITION
The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge admits the following named organizations,
their constituents and none other, to be regular and duly constituted bodies;
B.O.C. Section 107. Masonic Organizations:
 The Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Holy Royal Arch Masons, State of New Jersey
 The United Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry,
Northern Jurisdiction, USA, Inc.
 The Arthur R. Taylor Grand Council Royal and Select Masters
 The Mount Calvary Grand Commandery, Knights Templar
 The Daniel W. Frazier, Jr. Priory, Knights of the York Cross of Honor, New Jersey PHA
and its Jurisdiction
 The Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted
Masons, State of New Jersey
Brothers amenable to this Grand Lodge shall be ineligible to membership in these Masonic
bodies for one (1) calendar year after being raised and must possess a Certificate of
Proficiency, Form 17.
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B.O.C. Section 107A -- Fraternal Recognition:
 The Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, State of New
Jersey




B.O.C. Section 108 – Appendant Bodies:
Bethlehem Grand Court, Heroines of Jericho
New Jersey Council of Assemblies, Order of the Golden Circle
Bernal V. Ford Grand Court, Ladies of the Circle of Perfection
Celestial Grand Court, Order of Cyrene
B.O.C. Section 108A – Adoptive Bodies:
 Oziel Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star
 The Youth Felicitares of Oziel Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star
 Prince Hall Grand Council, Order of the Pythagorans
B.O.C. Section 108B – Affiliated Bodies:
 The Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South
America and its Jurisdictions, Inc.
 The Imperial Court, Daughters of Isis, Auxiliary of the AEAONMS, Inc.
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FESTIVE DAYS
Festive Days are those religious days that are observed by our M.W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge
and our adopted, appendant and affiliated bodies.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Prince Hall Day, observed the second Sunday in September.
St. John the Evangelist Day, observed the third or fourth Sunday in December.
St. John the Baptist Day, observed the third or fourth Sunday in June.
Zerubbabel Day, observed the second Sunday in March.
Palm Sunday Thanksgiving Service, observed on Palm Sunday.
Melchizedek Day, observed the third Sunday in April.
Esther Day, observed the fourth Sunday in May
Whitsunday, observed the seventh Sunday after Easter.
Ascension Day, observed the Sunday closest to the sixth Thursday after Easter.
Jubilee Day, observed the Sunday closest to the third of June.
Thanksgiving Service, observed the third Sunday in May.
At no time during the observance of any of these recognized Festive Days will any member of
the Masonic family or house schedule any social functions or meetings.
Holy Week:
Holy Week begins at 12:01 A.M. on Palm Sunday and concludes on Easter Sunday evening at
12 midnight. At no time during our Holy Week observance will any member of the Masonic
family or house schedule any social functions to be held.
Grand Masters Banquet:
The event is held annually in the first year of his administration, in the month of April. No
member of the Masonic family or house shall schedule any social functions or meetings on this
date when we honor our M.W. Grand Master.
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NOTES
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