Throughout over 230 years of heritage and history, our members have come from all walks of life and each with their own unique story to tell for why they became a Prince Hall Mason.
As one of the oldest social and charitable organizations in the world, we have a thriving community of approximately 300,000 members throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Liberia. Freemasons use four key values to help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Charity.
Membership is open to people from all backgrounds and our aim is to empower members to be the best they can be.
Here are just a few reasons to become a Freemason:
You want to make new friendships
Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life. Finding bonds with people who share common interests and meeting people from all different backgrounds are just some ways Freemasonry can help cultivate lasting friendships.
You want to develop
yourself
Freemasonry is all about building character and supporting members as individuals. It’s these foundations that allow members to develop themselves, from increased self-confidence to transferable skills such as public speaking.
You want to positively contribute to society
Whether taking part in social events or fundraising, charity is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions to deserving causes and it’s because of this we’re recognized as one of the largest charitable givers in the world.
Henry Brown Lodge No. 42, Peoria, Illinois, Comedian/Actor
Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, Founder, Rainbow Coalition and Operation PUSH
Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, First Black Mayor, Chicago
Wisdom Lodge No. 102, Chicago, Illinois,
Orchestra leader/composer
Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, First Black Mayor, Chicago
Southern Cross Lodge No. 112, East St. Louis, Illinois, Former NFL player
Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, Publisher, Ebony and Jet magazines
King David Lodge No. 100, Chicago, Illinois, Olympic gold medalist
Doric Lodge No. 77, Chicago, Illinois, Retired pastor, Trinity Church
Fidelity Lodge No. 103, Chicago, Illinois, MLB Hall of Famer
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Famous Illinois Prince Hall Masons
- Robert Sengstacke Abbott, Oriental Lodge No. 68, Chicago, Illinois , Founded and publisher The Chicago Defender
- Richard Pryor, Henry Brown Lodge No. 42, Peoria, Illinois, Comedian/Actor
- John H. Johnson, Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, Publisher, Ebony and Jet magazines
- Jesse Jackson Sr., Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, Founder, Rainbow Coalition and Operation PUSH
- Jessie Owens, King David Lodge No. 100, Chicago, Illinois, Olympic gold medalist
- Jesse Jackson Jr., Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, Founder, Former U.S. Representative, Chicago
- Bro. Harold Washington, Harmony Lodge No. 88, Chicago, Illinois, First Black Mayor, Chicago
- Jeremiah Wright Sr., Doric Lodge No. 77, Chicago, Illinois, Retired pastor, Trinity Church
- Ernie Banks, Fidelity Lodge No. 103, Chicago, Illinois, MLB Hall of Famer
- William “Count” Basie, Wisdom Lodge No. 102, Chicago, Illinois, Orchestra leader/composer
- Roland Burris, Eureka Lodge No. 64, Chicago, Illinois, Former U.S. Senator, Illinois
- Jerry Butler, North Star Lodge No. 1, Chicago, Illinois, Famous R&B singer
- Gene Chandler, King David Lodge No. 100, Chicago, Illinois, Famous R&B singer
- David Duerson, Hiram Lodge No. 14, Chicago Illinois, Former Chicago bear football player
- Marshall Faulk, Southern Cross Lodge No. 112, East St. Louis, Illinois, Former NFL player
Become a Member
Locate your local lodge where you live, work or study.
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
Free & Accepted Masons
State of Illinois and Its Jurisdiction