of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
Free and Accepted Masons
Widows Son #4
What is Widows Son #4 ?
Widows Son #4 is a Masonic Lodge, based in the City of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. We are part of the 1st Masonic District (1 of 7 in the State of Pennsylvania), who operates under the authority of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Pennsylvania.
Widows Son #4 Beginnings
The early history of Widow’s Son Lodge No. 4 is shrouded in mystery, except for word-of-mouth information. We are told that it existed prior to or about the time application was made to Prince Hall for a warrant, 1797. These reports are believed to be authentic, but according to the recording of the proceedings of the M.W.G.L., F. and A.A. York Masons in 1878, it shows a committee report relative to the estate of Dr. Jonathan Davis, P.G.M. No. 4; deceased, which ended as follows: “They further reported the finding of an old warrant, purporting to be a warrant granted to Absolom Jones and others, under style of African Lodge No. 544, dated June 24th, 1798, by the Grand Lodge of the Roman Empire at Frankfort on the Mayme.”
What is Freemasonry ?
Making good men, better. We are thinkers and believers of better one’s self as well as being _ of our fellow brethren. Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies. Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms and use stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical guides.
M.W.P.H.G.L. of PA
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
Widow’s Son #4 operates under the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the state of Pennsylvania , the authority having jurisdiction in the State of Pennsylvania for all Prince Hall Affiliated Masonic Lodges.
Free & Accepted Masonic Lodges in the state of Pennsylvania. Most Worshipful Grand Master Timothy Cager is the head of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania. For more information regarding the M.W.P.H.G.L. of PA, please utilize the button to the left.
Who is Prince Hall?
Social Leader. Abolitionist. Revolutionary.
Founding father of Prince Hall Affiliated Freemasonry.
Rejected by colonial American Freemasonry, Hall and 14 others sought and were initiated into Masonry through Lodge No. 441 of the Grand Lodge of Ireland on March 6, 1775. They were eventually provided a charter from The Grand Master of the Premier Grand Lodge of England, H. R. H. The Duke of Cumberland, issued a charter for African Lodge No. 459 on September 29, 1784, later renamed African Lodge No. 1.
The Lodge was the country's first African Masonic Lodge. Additional “African” Lodges opened in Boston, Philadelphia, and Rhode Island with Prince Hall providing reporting on them to the Grand Lodge of England.
Because of his hard work, leadership, dedication, upon his passing on December 4, 1807, all of the “African” Lodges were renamed after Prince Hall.
Question and Answers. Freemasonry and . . .
….. Politics
Members of Prince Hall Freemasonry are taught respect the laws of the land. As an organization we take no position towards any political side, although members are encouraged to exercise their right to vote in elections.
….Religion
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its essential qualification opens it to men of many religions, and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meetings.
…. Society
Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives. Its principles do not in any way conflict with its members' duties as citizens but should strengthen them in fulfilling their private and public responsibilities. The use by a Freemason of their membership to promote his own or anyone else's business, professional or personal interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions on which he sought admission to Freemasonry. His duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any attempt to shield a Freemason who has acted dishonorably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.
… Secrecy
The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with its traditional modes of recognition. It is not a secret society since all members are free to acknowledge their membership and will do so in response to inquiries for respectable reasons. Its constitutions and rules are available to the public. There is no secret about any of its aims and principles. Like many other societies, it regards some of its internal affairs as private matters for its members.
Additional Questions:
Q: Where do my donations go?
A: Unless specified, all donations go towards our community outreach and philanthropic activities.
Q: Where does the name Widows Son come from?
A: The Widows Son is an individual in masonry who represents a key character in Masonic history.
Q: Are there other Widows Son Lodges?
A: As Masonry is a global fraternity, there are other Widows Son and even other Widows Son #4’s out there, but there is only one
Widows Son #4 in Pennsylvania, and no other Lodge like it.
Q: What are the qualifications of becoming a member of Widows Son #4?
A: The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is a belief in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfill this essential qualification and are of good repute.
Q: So are there no women in Masonry”
A: There are sister chapters and organizations within the structure of masonry
Q: How do I become a member of Widows Son #4?
A: 2 Be One. Ask One. The 2B1ASK1 phase is true and continues to be relevant. If you don’t directly know a member of Widows Son #4, please provide your information on our connect page.