Sunday, September 29, 2013

JOHN G. JONES: THE MASONIC 'CLANDESTINE' ARGUMENT JUST WILL NOT GO AWAY

JOHN G. JONES: THE MASONIC 'CLANDESTINE' ARGUMENT JUST WILL NOT GO AWAY

By Fahim A. Knight-El

The United States of America was built on racism and injustice and our social experiences (values and morals) as a people were often shaped by the external world. This was superficial and often ego driven, it led us to view the world through a disdain prism which was rooted totally in a false subjective reality. When we began to grow internally and spiritually, we are allowed to free ourselves from the negativity of this world's order. The ancient masters understood this best in which brings me to the subject of Freemasonry, I embarked upon the Masonic journey some years ago; I was on a journey and search to find the truth and I was always curious about Freemasonry and prior to joining my intellectualism led me to research, study and learn as much as I could about the ancient fraternity. I learned very quickly that Freemasonry was a system of morality; veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. It possessed a lot of wisdom and old age knowledge, but beneath it all was three basic principles: Morality, Friendship and Brotherly love. The mission was to make good men better.

I have always felt, that we have an obligation to enlightened people with the truth and if nothing else to strike their curiosity to desire to research and study for themselves all knowledge (in particular the knowledge of self) and derive from research and their own life experiences what the journey is about. I know many of my conscious brothers and sisters already know and understand that we are God and like minds in particular, will not find this statement as being hereticThose of us who have been awakened have the ultimate responsibility to go after the 85% (those that have been duped by the bloodsuckers of the poor); the 10% are well organized and are carrying out their agenda—it is us who are failing in our duty (paraphrasing my Brothers of the Nation of Gods and Earths--better known as the Five Percenters: What is duty of the civilized man?)

I am always open to sharing what I know, with another Brother or Sister and offering whatever assistance I can to elevate one’s intellectual and conscious level. The topic of "clandestine versus regular Masonry", is a controversial topic and it's going to take some level heads on both sides of the equation to resolve this matter in the United States of America in particular, coming from Prince Hall Masonry and Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry (AF&AM). I am a Prince Hall Mason and there are many who belong to Prince Hall Masonic Order that will never engage in a discussion with non-Prince Hall Masons because of the label of ‘clandestine’, but I consistently receive a lot of email inquiries from ‘clandestine’ Masons and I am in constant dialog with them. Many would like to have better Masonic relations with Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masonry, but often the historical rift and division seems so wide and even I am not optimistic if there would ever be a reconciliation of sort, which will allow a reasonable discussion to take place in 2013. There is no doubt that Prince Hall Masonry is the ‘Big Elephant’ in the room and perhaps possesses more prominence than most other Black Masonic Orders in this country. However, there is a dark cloud over Black Freemasonry in the United States of America in particular, when it comes the legitimacy of black non-Prince Hall Masonic orders, which has stifled positive dialog among all Black Masonic Orders and has created a sense of organizational antagonism on both sides.

Thus, unfortunately, we do have some ‘clandestine’ Masonic groups that give Freemasonry a bad name and reputation. I am always telling brothers to do their own due diligence prior to joining any lodge and to be sure that the organization has a legitimate and recognized charter by some grand body of competent jurisdiction empowering it work, which authorizes them to practice the landmarks of Masonry. It cannot be a fly-by-night charter with no recognizable Masonic lineage. I chose to join a Prince Hall (PHA) lodge because they truly have a legitimate warrant/charter that goes back to 1784, so in that department they left no doubt about their history and legal right to authorize degree work, etc., and function openly as a body of Masons. I received this part of my experience with open arms; yet I had been a knowledge seeker prior to joining Prince Hall Masonry and although, the brotherhood respected me as a Free Thinker, it has become tedious work to move my brothers from knowledge stagnation after they have been raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason (third degree). I found myself introducing external knowledge, which gave more life to the science of Speculative Masonry and allowed them to put the historical pieces together and reconstruct Masonry from the history and culture of black people (the original Master Builders who proceeded the mythological story of Hiram Abiff) and upended the Eurocentric version of Freemasonry. This was challenging and it still remains a challenge because of the brainwashing that has occurred with people of African descent. But the PHA grand lodges and PHA Masonic history is solid; however, I do wish that they would use more of the original principles found in Kemet (Ancient Egypt) in the ritual work and may be it is true you cannot have everything in Masonry in one house.

I have made every attempt to open dialog between Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masonry and Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry (AF&AM). I have tried to present objective information and focused more on writing about the subject from a non-bias perspective. I know there are a lot of ‘clandestine’ Masonic Orders out there, who uses the principles of Masonry to dupe the innocent and they are often hustling and running con games in order to benefit themselves financially and monetarily. These type brothers give Freemasonry a bad name and it compromises the good principles of Morality, Friendship and Brotherly love, which encompasses the foundation of Freemasonry. Some may disagree with Prince Hall Masonry because they are very particular about legal Masonic Charters and Dispensations, but this idea protects and weed out those fly-by-night Masonic Orders. Masonry is a beautiful system of Knowledge that is embedded in the ancient wisdom of the original man; if taught properly you could see the links between the Nation of Gods and Earths, Islam, Kaballah, Judaism, Christianity, Kemetic science, New Age, etc. Now, we all have an obligation to challenge those who falsely use Masonry by standing properly on the Square. We have to know which way we are traveling.

I am going to use the term 'amnesty' loosely when referring to Brother John G. Jones, the former Prince Hall Grand Lodge official from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge F & A.M. State of Illinois who was ex-spelled, excommunicated, and suspended in 1904 (Reference: Ezekiel Bey; (http://www.thephylaxis.org/bogus/johnjones.php). Jones was also one of the founders of Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in 1893 better known as the black Shriners. I think this conflict and/or disagreement took place over 100 years ago and 'amnesty' should be granted as a step in the right direction, but this also will require AF&AM of the John G. Jones Masonic lineage to view this from an egoless perspective. For example, it should not be said, "who does Prince Hall Masonry think they are to issue our founder historical 'amnesty?' "; this would be the wrong approach to all of us who are willing to go forward for the sake of unity and to bring forth an amicable resolution in this divisiveness—there has to be some give and take on both sides of this argument.

Prince Hall Masonry should just issue an 'amnesty clause' and wipe their hands clean of this historical Masonic disagreement with their former Grand Lodge officer Brother Attorney John G. Jones and enter into a covenant with John G. Jones lodges and establish recognition, which would only serve the good of all Masonry. I know my Brothers Ezekiel Bey and Emanuel Stanley over on the Prince Hall Masonic Blue-Lite Research Discussion Group http://blue-lite.com/ would, perhaps disagree with many of my contentions and of course they would not sanction this type of discussion and even my Brother and friend Ralph McNeal, Jr., might even disagree with my contentions in this matter as well, but the soul singer and follower of Elijah Muhammad, Sam Cooke wrote and sang the song that ‘A Change is Gonna Come’.  However, this issue has historically lingered on for decades and the wounds from the breakup has never been healed, rectified and/or atoned for and, therefore, even in 2013, we are still debating whether or not John G. Jones Masonic lodges should be considered a 'regular' body of Masons and to me this is ludicrous.

I would agree with my pundits that essentially this is an old argument, but what's ironic about this argument, is that it just won't go away. I think it stays on the Black Masonic radar screen because the historical debate still remains very much unresolved and continues to serve as an artificial barrier that impedes Black Masonic unity. I think what I have proposed above is just one way of settling these disputes and allowing other Black Masonic brothers to be granted full and complete recognition and once and for all rid ourselves of these useless squabbles. I think John G. Jones Grand Lodges (Ancient Free and Accepted Masons) and Prince Hall Grand Lodges (Free and Accepted Masons) should desire to end this so-called legitimacy debate once and for all; by Prince Hall Masonry issuing an olive branch and rescinding and/or exonerating all the historical charges/allegations waged against Brother John G. Jones by passing a binding resolution declaring that Jones’ suspension and excommunication be rescinded and grant him all the rights he earned before the fallout (of course 100 years later this will only serve as a formality).

Yet, as I stated above by granting him amnesty could perhaps begin the healing (of course even this would only serve as a formality as well) and allow this part of our Masonic history to be ever put to rest. But let me be clear, this proposal and resolution will not absolve John G. Jones Ancient Free and Accepted Masonic lodges of their independence and sovereignty, however, it will allow us to recognize each other, establish visitation, attend ritual work and raisings, etc. The John G. Jones Masonic charter would be recognized and accepted by Prince Hall Grand Lodges and let this serve as plan of allowing these Masonic Orders an avenue to work towards establishing better relations with each other. I know that there are Brothers who are Prince Hall Masons and they will always view Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry as a ‘clandestine’ order and there are brothers who are of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons would probably say who cares what PHA thinks of us. We have to move beyond those polarized positions in order to demonstrate to our grand children and great grand children that a body of black men took positive steps to end the Masonic Willie Lynch Syndrome. (Reference: Fahim A. Knight-El Blog: http://fahimknightsworld.blogspot.com/2011/12/clandestine-versus-regular-freemasonry.html).

I think we as former enslaved people of African descent were definitely brainwashed and division on the plantation was advocated over unity and togetherness (this is recorded in the Willie Lynch letter and although many have dismissed this as a forged document, but it adds up the Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome theories). Yeshuaa Ben Yosef (Jesus the son of Joseph) and better known in western society as the 'Christ', he taught a ministry of love (love is one of the most often mentioned words in the New Testament). The working tool (Holy Bible) in most Western Freemasonic lodges are assembled on the alter in conjunction with the Square and Compass; the Bible is not placed on the alter as a religious guide nor is it meant to represent a dogmatic symbol of the faith of Christianity. Yet, many wise men would agree that pure and unadulterated truth is found in the principles of all the great religions (not necessarily in the theological interpretation) that borrowed from the various philosophical schools of thought, which have been used to set up moral and ethical guidance for humanity. This is no better represented in the most accepted definition of Freemasonry that I have found. I think there are many definitions floating out there about what Freemasonry is and/or isn't. But this is the one that resonates with me: Freemasonry is a beautiful system of MORALITY veiled in ALLEGORY and illustrated by SYMBOLS. This definition encompasses and tells us that morality has to be the foundation that undergirds our Craft—our mission is rooted in Morality, Friendship and Brotherly Love.

I think the biblical Cain and Abel story was borrowed from the Kemetic (Egyptian) folklore of Aset (Isis), Osar (Osiris), and Heru (Horace), which was rooted in polarity—of negative and positive energy (charges) good and evil and viewed and dramatized as acts of human betrayal (recorded in Biblical tales such as the Cain and Abel story). I heard Dr. Minister Khallid Abdul Muhammad once stated that we were ‘Negroes’ (the walking dead) before we accepted the truth and the knowledge of self; well, I am of the opinion, that the process of becoming God like is a tedious process and we cannot get there overnight and it will require us to be patient with one another and be willing to forgive each other when it is necessary. We must be willing to seek atonement and reconciliation with brothers and sisters that have fallen short of what the plumb, level, and square (the standard bearer that should be used to measure character in Speculative Masonry and were the sciences that gave perfection to operative masonry) represents for us who took the various oaths and charges that each degree required and mandated. I think from time-to-time we all need to revisited those charges and allow ourselves to soak in those pristine principles and verbally recite them. I too fell in love with the symbolism associated with the esoteric, Gnostic and Occult because it demonstrated the connective linkages of the ancient wisdom and knowledge that eventually gave birth to religion.

If a non-Prince Hall Masonic Orders has legitimacy, then they should be willing and have the capability of defending their charter, warrant and/or dispensation and demonstrate that they have the legal Masonic rights to practice the ancient landmarks of Freemasonry. Freemasonry isn't nothing to be played with and some of these crooked fake orders threatens the legitimacy of all Masons. I am about Black Masonic unity, but nothing bothers me more than to meet an allege brother who do not have legitimate Masonic credentials (he may even present me with 'yours for mine', but its a fake document from a irregular Masonic jurisdiction); yet if you can give me the token, sign and word unlike most Prince Hall Masons, I will still consider you to be a brother (but we are taught in Prince Hall Masonry not have Masonic intercourse with a so-called ‘clandestine’ Mason).

We as Prince Hall Masons unjustly whip other non-PHA Masons over the head, if they cannot trace their origin or charter back to the United Grand Lodge of England (I personally do not recognize the United Grand Lodge of England as having supreme authority over black Freemasonry and it is this view that separates me from the brain thrust of PHA Masonry). Now, keep in mind Prince Hall Masonry for over 200 years did not have full Masonic recognition from UGLE and it has only been in the last five to ten years that a UGLE decree was bestowed upon Prince Hall Masonry (although still in the United States there are, perhaps 11 States that have not recognized Prince Hall Grand Lodges as legitimate)—the battle of Prince Hall Masonry recognition has been won in small increments and has been on-going; the historical authorities would be Roundtree, Alton G., and Paul M. Bessel (2006).  “Out of the Shadows: Prince Hall Freemasonry in America, 200 Years of Endurance”. I would have desired for us to trace our Masonic origins back to ancient Kemet (Egypt) rather than settling on Eurocentric recognition. I also believe that once a Masonic order has proven themselves to be long standing and credible and has demonstrated a positive track record by following and implementing the Masonic Landmarks these credentials should allow them to be viewed and accepted as a legitimate and 'regular' body of Masons.

I wrote at least two or more articles on my Blog in which I was challenged in a debate by two of Dr. Malachi Z. York-El followers and scholars, Kedar Griffo and Michael Berkley (Berkley also claimed that he was a once Prince Hall Mason who I believed was raised in a PHA military lodge) they also both claimed to have been Masons connected to York’s 'clandestine' Masonic order. Dr. York was the cult leader of the Nuwaubians, a pseudo Black Nationalist organization that delved into many different philosophical schools of thought ranging from Islam, Moorish Science, Kemetic Science, Hebrew Israelite, Native American rites and culture, Metaphysics, Esoteric, Gnostic, Occult, Alien Space and UFOs diatribes, Christianity, Freemasonry, Rock and Soul Music, New Age, Western Cowboy culture, etc. He changed identities and names more than the average person drinks water. He is now serving a life sentence (convicted to 135 years) in Federal Penitentiary Colarado Super Max. Dr. York had purchased huge acres of land in a little rural town named Eatonton, Georgia and built a compound (architecture design was a replica of pyramids found in Kemet Egypt) for he and his followers—The U.S. Government accused him of multiple rapes of underage girls who were members of his organization, sex molestation of minor age girls, violating of RICO Statues, IRS tax evasion, etc.

However, perhaps unknowing to Dr. York, the U.S. Government sent agent provocateurs who may have infiltrated his inner circle and ultimately worked to set him up. He had been on the FBI watch list (Cointelpro and later the Homeland Security list) since he led a large Islamic group in the 1970s thru the early 1990s called the Ansaar Allah Community in Brooklyn, New York. I believe the government kept dossiers on the enigmatic Dr. Malachi Z. York-El but often these type ego-driven cult leaders almost always are trapped off by money, sex and lies (they become consumed by the world of materialism). Dr. York in my opinion, was a highly intelligent man and although, his brand of Freemasonry would be considered ‘clandestine’; he had the ability run circles around most high degree Masons because he was well studied and well learned. There was a lot that I disagreed with Dr. York (Pops), but he was a wise teacher and I am the beneficiary of some of his teachings and knowledge. But I still maintained that Dr. Malachi Z. York-El had established a bogus Freemasonic Order and his alleged Blue Lodge affiliation and the appendent and auxiliary bodies membership in which he claimed to have belonged were also clandestine and irregular. (Reference: Fahim A. Knight-El Blog:  http://fahimknightsworld.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-rebuttal-to-ancient-free-and.html)

These two said individuals had falsely accused me of hiding behind white Freemasonry in which in reality I have never supported or shown any allegiance to Eurocentric Freemasonry and have consistently denounced the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE)—just go all the way back and re-read through my Blog archives. My research has always taking me back to ancient societies such as Kemet (so-called Ancient Egypt) and not Greece, Rome, or England, etc. The UGLE is a baby entity relative to being established in 1717. Yet, as I have maintained in this article and in previous writings, we are not going to allow nor give legitimacy to fly-by-night clandestine Masonic groups that have a questionable history and charter; and we have a duty to expose these type bogus Grand Lodges and jurisdictions that have an undocumented charter and questionable Masonic linage. (Reference: Fahim A. Knight-El Blog:  
http://fahimknightsworld.blogspot.com/2009/07/table-talk-with-ancient-free-and.html )

Furthermore, I am not going to allow someone either to hide behind my opposition to the UGLE and try to justify their own clandestine Masonic existence. These bogus groups should be held accountable and exposed. I often receive tons of emails from brothers who were manipulated and deceived by these type clandestine groups and I have assisted many of them with getting on the correct Masonic track. So, I view the Prince Hall Phylaxis Society and work, as a valuable resource, but that does not take away from my skepticism of Prince Hall Masons acting as the authority in determining which other so-called Black or so-called African American Masonic group should be considered legitimate and a regular body of Masons.   


I do not have all the answers to these complex issues facing Black Masonic entities that were established after 1784. Prince Hall Masonic Order often act as the black supreme authority in these type discussions and sometime this position eschews objective and unbiased debate; thus, forbidding reasonable assessment and evaluation from those black Masonic orders of non-Prince Hall origin. Now, in the grand scheme of things, it truly does not matter because it isn't about what Masonic Jurisdiction you belong, or the type of Masonic emblem you wear on your finger or lapel or Square and Compass on the back of your car. But what matters is the quality of ones character. I will salute and recognize a brother regardless, if he belongs to a three letter or four letter Masonic organizations. I do not have too see the charter that he is under because his character should exemplify the power of the circumference of the knowledge, which will translate into him being an upright man standing perpendicular on the principles of Brotherly love, Friendship and Morality.

Fahim A. Knight-El Chief Researcher for KEEPING IT REAL THINK TANK located in Durham, NC; our mission is to inform African Americans and all people of goodwill, of the pending dangers that lie ahead; as well as decode the symbolism and reinterpreted the hidden meanings behind those who operate as invisible forces, but covertly rules the world. We are of the belief that an enlightened world will be better prepared to throw off the shackles of ignorance and not be willing participants for the slaughter. Our MOTTO is speaking truth to power. Fahim A. Knight-EL can be reached at fahimknight@ yahoo.com.

Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Fahim A. Knight-El


19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good things are bound to happen to people who study what I agreeably call sacred geometry. It is sublime with promise under many names. A key to the Kingdom of symbolism. Glad for your frankness. R. Olausen,9/30/13

FAHIM KNIGHT said...

Thank you R. Olausen for your wise comment and I recognize that there is a lot in what you have said, that is far beyond what the naked eye is accustom to bringing into focus. This is nothing but pure wisdom.

Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Fahim A. Knight-El

Anonymous said...

Hello, I'm in a four letter jurisdiction in Ohio. MW Benevolent GL. I been traveling 10 years and I have not seen a hint of reconciliation of some sort with the leadership (Iv heard about it from past), I'm sure that does not mean a formal or informal discussion was not attempted between either affiliation and the leadership at some point in time. I am only speaking for myself here. Iv came across some hard line PHAs that blew me off but most of the time I have come across PHAs that will talk with me on that level but not without Q&Aing the heck out of me first but I like a challenge. Especially them knowing I'm not one of them. Whatever given circumstances of these predominately Afro American "Masonic Groups" existing seems to been due to us black men not getting along starting back decades ago. Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems we are the only ethnicity of Freemasons that are divided like this. What (mixed) mainstream GL in the US do not have mutual recognition of some sort with each other? Are they divided and tribunal like how the black masons are? I understand the given circumstances and the reasons behind all this mentality but for starters, at least consider having a pow wow session with those groups that has been around for 100 years because those so called clandestine/unrecognized/spurious or whatever term used are most likely not going to die off. Otherwise, continue to not recognize them as regular, so mote it be then. For all those hardcore PHAs that ain't down with that, I get it. My experience in a black AF&AM GL has been fun and educational enough to not leave it despite our own internal issues. The experience could be even more fulfilling and beneficial for a member without having to demit from one predominately black group to another. If I was to demit, it would be for the Masonic experience. I don't have to be Straight off the boat African to experience they culture and history. I don't have to denounce my US citizenship for that experience. I hope that analogy gets interpreted in a context of what I'm trying to imply. We have more similarities than differences but apparently those few differences have such an impact to still keep us divided and may not be worth resolving for whatever it could be worth. I'm not saying let's merge, I'm saying let's have the leadership communicate if they willing.

Anonymous said...

Im a fan of your blog site Mr. Fahim.

FAHIM KNIGHT said...

Peace: To the Brother of the Masonic jurisdiction of Ohio Most Worshipful Grand Lodge (AF&AM). Firstly, thank you for your comments and that is not to say that I agree with your entire statement. I think history has more to do with how Prince Hall Masonry perceive John G. Jones' Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry than an outright dismissal of them just being classified as irregular and/or clandestine. The Masonic history of John G. Jones remains unresolved in 2013; thus, PHA has allowed this contentious history to linger on for over 100 years without a resolution. Yet, I do believe some of these Masonic Orders are undeserving of becoming a recognized body of Masons because not only are their charters questionable, but they have deviated from the Landmarks of Masonry and are illegal and illegitimate. However, I do not think whole-heartily that Prince Hall Masonry should be the determining entity of which black Masonic order would be received as being a regular body of Masons. We all should be striving for some sort of recognition and at least some aspect of operational unity amongst this diverse Masonic body in the United States of America. I did not join Masonry to have fun; I was led to this path because I was in quest of knowledge and truth. I am a student of Sacred Geometry and the Universal Intelligence led me to the path of Freemasonry. I think we allow these artificial barriers to keep us divided and we must move beyond the Willie Lynch status.

Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Fahim A. Knight-El

Unknown said...

Greeting bro Knight

Im a 4 letter Freemason from Chicago, i real really like your blog on John G. Jones masonry. I too want Unity within Masonry, but I do not see that happen anytime soon. i would like to email on this topic

thank you for your time

FAHIM KNIGHT said...

Peace: Thank you for your comment, I do agree somewhat with your comment; I to think it will continue to be an uphill battle, but I remain optimistic that level heads will at some point prevail (you and I might not see it but our grand children might be the beneficiary). What sense does it make for Masons who claims to be a universal brotherhood, but we allow artificial barriers such as three letter and/or four letter alphabets to serve as a division. Yet, I will never give legitimacy and credence to unauthorized clandestine Masonic groups that have a questionable charter and Masonic history. These groups use Freemasonry to scam potential candidates and Prince Hall Masonry has continued to defend and fight for the integrity of this ancient craft by exposing these 'irregular' Masonic organizations. I am always open for further discussion.

Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Bro. Fahim A. Knight-El

The Quill and The Sword said...

I think the proposal of "historical amnesty" for John G. Jones is out of the question. John G. Jones committed a Masonic Crime, was found guilty and expelled from Freemasonry. That is the FACTS, whether John G. Jones groups accept that or not. If we extend John G. Jones a pass for the damage he incurred on Freemasonry, then why not do the same for all of those who were expelled or indefinitely suspended.
I think John G. Jones members and sympathizers attempt to portray John G. Jones as the victim, and the subsequent bodies formed under his name as recipients of undue attacks from Prince Hall Masons. The fact is that there can be NO conversation until the John G. Jones group FIRST accept the TRUTH as it is. The debate continues, not because Prince Hall masons just need someone to kick, but because when we run into John G. Jones members they have SO MUCH MISINFORMATION on Prince Hall and the Organizations in the various states, and when there is an attempt to correct the misinformation and place them in the right standing with Freemasonry, there is where the debate ensues, based on denial.
I see no olive branch being extended to a blatant clandestine group. But there is a way to end the rift. That John G. Jones members join a legitimate Lodge and be good members there.
Bro. Fahim A Knight El stated:

"I chose to join a Prince Hall (PHA) lodge because they truly have a legitimate warrant/charter that goes back to 1784, so in that department they left no doubt about their history and legal right to authorize degree work, etc., and function openly as a body of Masons."

And added to that:

"Freemasonry isn't nothing to be played with and some of these crooked fake orders threatens the legitimacy of all Masons."

Clandestine organizations could never threaten the legitimacy of the Regular Freemasonry. The Legitimacy has been established, but it could make membership sleighted, because of the damage that has been incurred by these groups. Unity will come when they heal over into regular lodges and give up the illegitimacy of clandestine freemasonry.
There is LAW to this, and we must preserve the Order by observing the law. We erase what has been done already. We can just fix the problem. The opportunity to do so stands open to all members who find themselves in clandestine groups...knock on the door of a legitimate lodge and ask to join it.

The problem can be solved in one day, but it begins with John G. Jones groups recognizing that they are illegitimate and that their lineage is illegal, and then make the decision to take the PROPER STEPS to address that revelation.

Sincerely,
WB John L. Hairston
MWPHGL of Washington and Jurisdiction
J. C. Logan Lodge #53 FAM
Seattle, Washington

FAHIM KNIGHT said...

I think Brother Hairston comments needed to be answered by me given it a full response. I disagreed with his assessment because it lacked a true Masonic vision and in my opinion the scope of it was shallow. But I understand that they were taught not have "Masonic Intercourse" with clandestine Masons and I blame the PHA Grand Lodge jurisdictions for faulting in their duty to foster black Masonic unity. So I decided to write a complete response to Brother Hairston's diatribe. I will give him this much, his response was very respectful and I did not receive it as a personal attack. We just have two different view points. Here is the link to my response: http://fahimknightsworld.blogspot.com/2014/04/john-g-jones-regular-versus-irregular.html

Stay Awake Until We Meet Again,
Bro. Fahim A. Knight-El

Unknown said...

Thank you Brother for the beautiful piece you wrote, I'm from a four letter Grand lodge in California, We recognize the Prince Hall family & we also would like all of this to come to a end. Who's right who's wrong know one will really know. There is a lot of information saying that they are right & information saying we are right. But, staying separate is just helping the white man keep us from growing as people. Even if they say that they now recognize you they still call us the N. Word behind are backs, it's funny but, they the white lodges have three & four letter Grand Lodge's & have no problems so, why do we?
We will come together one day sooner than later.
Thank you,

Anonymous said...

I am also a 4 letter from San Antonio texas Alamo #1491 and we do great work brothers love the order I see PHA as brothers as well a MM is a brother anyway hopefully one day we will stop the separation I doubt our grand lodge would have an issue it's just instead of brothers teaching themselves there taught by there slave masters

Bro Terrance Scott
Secretary
ALAMO LODGE #1491. A.F&A.M
S.A TX

Unknown said...

I see masonic ignorance coming from everywhere just as my brother John Hariston did. Expelled not suspended and where is all this 4 letter foolishness coming from. Would Fahim Knight please tell me why 4 letter is so much more special than 3 ? LOL. Sorry as I find no difference in them except that one is Ancient Free & Accepted Mason and the other being Ancient & Accepted Mason. In todays legal and just masonic world there is no difference between the two other than jurisdictions that chose to use one or the other. So many Bogus , Spurious, and Clandestine think if they have 4 0r 5 letters after their G.L. name they are legal.. How pathetic.. Please educate them Fahim Knight as soon as possible, if possible.Thank you in advance.
Ev Sayre P.M.

Unknown said...

The goal of Freemasonry is Masonic unity, not "black Masonic unity." Until you learn to look into a man's soul as a spark grom the Divine Soul, and not at the color of his skin, you cannot speak unity, harmony, or universal benevolence - which is the science of Ancient Freemasonry. Join a legal lodge and work to heal divisions within world wide Freemasonry so that the world at large may know that Masons love one another. Peace

FAHIM KNIGHT said...

Peace, I did not create a world that was steeped in racism and have revolved around white supremacy. White Freemasonry has a lot to atone for when it cames to understanding the historical role they played as an institution, that systematically overlooked the universal principles of Masonry and created two Masonic Orders, one black and one white. For example, for over 250 years white Masons in the United States of America segregated themselves from black Masons and falsely labeled all black Masonic Orders, which included Prince Hall Masonry the oldest black Masonic Fraternity in America as being irregular and clandestine. These motivations were rooted in the epitome of racism and the white Masonic Order was in violation of the three basic Masonic foundational principles of Morality, Friendship and Brotherly Love (yet their conduct represented bigotry, discrimination and racism). There are still eight or nine southern states that still will not allow a black man to join their white Masonic lodges and refused to recognize the black Prince Hall Masonic Order in 2017 as a legitimate Masonic Order. But to accuse me of creating an environment of racial hostility is ingenious. Perhaps you need to question those who took Masonic oaths of brotherhood, but their behavior have been a clear indication of Masonic hypocrisy. Now, I am a different type of so-called American Negro; why should I seek unity with white Masons who do not respect us as human beings and do not respect our humanity? The Honorable Prince Hall in 1784, he petitioned the white Masonic Order in the United States and was denied entry because of his race and skin color; moreover, Prince Hall Masonry evolved because of white racism and being denied membership and this led to the establishment of the all black lodge known as lodge number 459 in PHA history, which transitioned into African Lodge number 1. I make no apology for being a black nationalist and Pan-Africanist (and live and teach Afrocentric theories) who believe and advocate in the positive benefits of black Masonic unity. We have to be taught to love ourselves before we can love anyone else. My recommendation to you will be to work in the best interest of Freemasonry to eradicate the unjust tentacles and the last vestiges of white supremacy in Masonry, that we can coexist and stand plumb, level and square on all the universal principles that governs our Order.

Fraternally yours,
Bro. Fahim A. Knight-El

Unknown said...

Hello Brother's I choose not to read or engage in any of these conversations, but I am a member of a PHO jurisdiction that has the original charter that PHA claims to have but who cares. We put to much focus on a piece of paper that actually perfecting our craft. Who told England they was the mother of masonry, who empowered them masonic thought was developed in ancient Egypt not England, Brothers do your research do believe what has been told, majority of the older brother in their 60's and 70's had masonry passed down some of them could not read or comprehend that well now we can research, Do your homework and then you can be truly enlighten.

Ill Walter Williams 33rd

Unknown said...

Actually it's free and accepted mason

Nicholas. N. Stephens said...

John Hairston
I would argue that it is not a misinformation about Prince Hall the man but rather Prince Hall the organization which is two separate topics. It can not be denied that Prince Hall broke the barrier when he received his charter from GLE to establish African Lodge #459; however, his successors had no authority to establish themselves as a Grand Body. They had no governing body (sure its on paper but that established no right to do with only a blue lodge dispensation). It is documented: "Notwithstanding the unusual transformation of its original Lodge into a Grand Lodge, the philosophy and practice of Prince Hall Masonry today are of exemplary regularity. "http://www.thephylaxis.org/bogus/regularitypha.php. I do not make apologies for the history of John G. Jones as he is long gone but I can say that a lot of misinformation on both sides has historically been spewed at one another (not the public because they really could care less) for the purpose of what??? Black A.F. & A.M. have remained strong for over 100 yrs. I would argue that this relates to the topic of tribalism and traditionalism. While true some spurious pop-up lodges have taken advantage of the craft and its founding beliefs for their own personal gain, but as do all things go in freemasonry -- time will be their judge. There is no governing body with the reins held to Freemasonry if that were the cases Prince Hall Freemasonry would not be thriving in bliss of amity with GLofS and its other networks. Just because you don't recognize a body that is operating within the principle tenets of the craft and showing the work that doesn't give you the rite to speak on them--sell your Brand (as you all say). Now if they are ding soething outside of the norm or their going against the principle tenets then call them what they are BOGUS--in history and practice. I am a meber of the Most Worshipful Lazarus Grand Lodge and newly installed WM of Carl Stephens Masonic Lodge No.2 we are regular in practice and lineage. We are recognized a by a Grand Lodge. We practice the 3 degrees of masonry and hold true the values of our great fraternity. No we are not PHA. Why is AFFILIATION more important to whether or not the man is of good report and character. We always hear one side of the story from PHA Masons if you're going to be the historian then you have to present both sides of the event in question in order for the audience to make an informed decision.For me there is not a question that there was a suspension that occurred at the time but there are also many gaps that have yet to be answered. So you're telling me a renowned lawyer gets caught up with legalities. There's more to the story than what is always presented and debated upon.

Unknown said...

I agree with I'll Williams

Anonymous said...

As a four letter Mason, I would like all involved in this debate to recognize some undeniable facts. There is a light in the center of the lodge on the altar. That light tells us the letter kills but the spirit gives life; it also admonishes brothers to reconcile before making any requests of God. I would be remiss if I didn't say that it is clear that an abused slave tends to be short on compassion or empathy. According to the record, he left before the charge and punishment without the intention on returning. The attitude of punishing an ex sounds like a disgruntled and scorned partner. Remembering the reason we came into masonry; to subdue my passions ans improve myself in masonry, makes this a case study as to the validity of the claims of many involved in this. You can have an issue with someone who does you dirty and then throws dirt on you but Grand master John G Jones did not do that. Instead he went on to blaze the trail and make some great masons and build some powerful lodges. PHA can be as upset as they want just remember victimizing innocent people cause they are not like you is the epitome of darkness. Ultimately people do What they want. The GAOTU will be the final judge. In closing, there is more of a benefit to unite under the banner of Brotherhood of Man cause God will not be judging based on your title but your behavior. Stay in the Light Brothers