Richard Allen Lodge No. 30 · Prince Hall
Our Story
About Our Lodge
A heritage of dignity, service, and self-improvement — carried from one generation of brethren to the next.
Our Heritage
History of Richard Allen Lodge No. 30
Richard Allen Lodge No. 30 was chartered on December 8, 1918, in Philadelphia.
For more than a century we have served under the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, F. & A.M., in the 1st Masonic District. From our founding, generations of brethren have labored to build good men into better men and to carry the light of the Craft into our community.
Our Purpose
Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
To make good men better through the principles of Freemasonry — practicing brotherly love, relief, and truth, while serving our families, our community, and one another.
Vision Statement
To be a pillar of leadership, charity, and brotherhood in Philadelphia, honoring the legacy of Richard Allen and strengthening the bonds of the Prince Hall family for generations to come.
What We Stand For
Core Values
Brotherly Love
We meet on the level and part on the square, regarding the whole human family as one.
Relief & Charity
We turn principle into action, giving of ourselves to those in need.
Truth
We pursue integrity and character in all our dealings.
Service
We serve our community with humility and purpose.
The Craft
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest fraternal organizations — a society of men bound by shared moral and ethical values. Using the working tools of the ancient stonemasons as symbols, Freemasonry teaches lessons of self-improvement, charity, and service. A Mason is encouraged to be a good citizen, a faithful believer in a Supreme Being, and a devoted family man.
We are not a religion and not a political body. We are a fraternity that helps good men grow in character and contribute to the world around them. Learn more in our Education section.
Our Tradition
Prince Hall Freemasonry
Prince Hall Freemasonry traces its roots to 1775, when Prince Hall and fourteen other free Black men were initiated into Masonry, later forming African Lodge. It is the oldest and most prestigious organization of its kind founded by African Americans. Today, Prince Hall lodges remain pillars of leadership, scholarship, and charity in their communities.
Richard Allen Lodge No. 30 proudly stands within this tradition under the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Where We Stand
Our Jurisdiction
Grand Lodge
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Free & Accepted Masons.
District
1st Masonic District · Philadelphia.
Lodge
Richard Allen Lodge No. 30 · Chartered December 8, 1918.
Our Journey
Lodge Timeline
1918
Richard Allen Lodge No. 30 is chartered in Philadelphia on December 8.
Our First Century
Generations of brethren serve in the East, raising new Masons and serving the city. (The lodge can expand this timeline with key milestones, anniversaries, and notable events.)
Today
We continue the labor — in fellowship, in degree work, and in community service across Philadelphia.
Our Namesake
Why Richard Allen?
Born into slavery in Philadelphia in 1760, Richard Allen purchased his freedom, became a minister, and founded the Bethel African Church and the African Methodist Episcopal Church — the first independent Black denomination in America. In 1797, when the first African Lodge of Philadelphia was warranted, Richard Allen was installed as its first Treasurer.
We bear his name because we strive to live his example: faith, freedom, leadership, and service. Read his full story in our Education section.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Freemasonry a religion?
- No. Freemasonry requires a belief in a Supreme Being but is not a religion and does not take the place of one.
- Is Prince Hall Masonry recognized?
- Yes. Prince Hall Freemasonry is a regular and recognized branch of the fraternity with a proud, well-documented history.
- How do I join?
- A good man asks of his own free will. Visit our Membership page to learn about the petition process.
- When does the lodge meet?
- Cabinet on the 1st Wednesday, the monthly meeting on the 2nd Wednesday, and Town Watch on the 4th Tuesday. See Events.