The history of Prince Hall Masons, an African founded and influenced sect of freemasonry, has rich roots throughout the nation as well as the state of Indiana. In fact, the founders of the Recorder, George P. Stewart and Will Porter, were both members of a local Prince Hall organization. Since the association’s creation in the, mid-late 1700’s members have implemented initiatives geared toward improving the educational, economic and social status of African-Americans.
Here in Indianapolis, many of the groups under this organizational umbrella held their meetings at the Senate YMCA, a place that was heavily frequented by most every African-American civic or social group in the city.
In the 1980’s, several of the masonic entities moved their operations to a temple on Central Avenue.
The building, constructed in May of 1912 by Rubush & Hunter, the same firm responsible for the architecture of the Indianapolis Masonic Temple, located downtown was originally owned by the Oriental Lodge 500, a white masonic group.
“(Oriental Lodge) didn’t want to remain in the building any longer,” said Ronnell Griffie. Griffie is the second vice president of the Prince Hall Masonic Association. “In the 1980s, the neighborhood became really bad back then… that’s how we ended up with it. They didn’t want to be in a Black area.”
Today, the stately facility still boasts all of the original features including an antique pipe organ. In March of last year, it was added to the National Park Service’s register of historic places. The report states that the site is “an excellent Indianapolis example of Exotic Revival, specifically, Islamic architectural ideas being worked into the decorative program for a modern building in the early 20th century. It has a high degree of integrity overall, with minor alterations.” While 2201 Central Avenue may be a pristine relic of times past, the surrounding neighborhood has indeed experienced some changes.
New homes have been added and development has taken place, raising the neighborhood’s profile and property values. The building’s administrators, Griffie, president Herman Jiles and first vice president James William Moss, have been approached by developers looking to take advantage of the turning tides.
“The neighborhood is growing, you see how it’s developing over there? That 5 mile radius and they’re giving us hell on every point,” shared Moss of the recent inquirers.
Despite growing outside pressures, the residents of what is now known as the Prince Hall Masonic Temple, continue to uphold many of the old school traditions such as an annual Thanksgiving meal that’s served by members and volunteers to the less fortunate and other charitable efforts. In the spring, Griffie and others plan to host an event to raise money for children who are patients at Riley Hospital.
For more information, visit princehallmta.org.
