Brief History of the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge
Founding and Legacy
The Most Worshipful Stringer Grand Lodge of Mississippi is the governing body of Prince Hall Freemasonry in the state. It was founded in the late 19th century under the leadership of Thomas W. Stringer, a pioneering African American minister, educator, and civic leader. Stringer was instrumental in establishing Black fraternal organizations in Mississippi during Reconstruction, and the lodge was named in his honor.
The Grand Lodge has served as a beacon of leadership, education, and civil rights advocacy for African Americans in Mississippi. Its headquarters in Jackson, Mississippi, dedicated in 1955, became a hub for civil rights organizing, including hosting the NAACP, COFO, and the funeral of Medgar Evers.
Notable Figures
- Thomas W. Stringer – Founder and first Grand Master.
- Medgar Evers – NAACP leader and Prince Hall Mason; used the lodge as a second office.
- Thurgood Marshall – Delivered the keynote at the lodge’s building dedication.
- Ida B. Wells – Supported by the lodge in early NAACP efforts.
- Frank Figgers – Historian and civil rights strategist.
- Charles Taylor – Current Executive Director of the Mississippi NAACP, continuing the lodge’s legacy.
- Bennie G. Thompson – An American politician and educator serving as the U.S. representative for Mississippi’s 2nd congressional district since 1993.
Establishment and Legacy
The Grand Lodge building, located on John R. Lynch Street in Jackson, was dedicated on May 30, 1955, with a keynote address by Thurgood Marshall, then a civil rights attorney and future Supreme Court Justice. The building was designed by N.W. Overstreet and Associates, a prominent Jackson architectural firm.
From its inception, the lodge served not only as the headquarters for Prince Hall Masonry in Mississippi, but also as a hub for community development, housing a credit union, bank, life insurance offices, clothing stores, and the Mississippi Free Press newspaper.
Civil Rights Movement Role
The M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge played a critical role during the Civil Rights Movement. It provided a safe space for organizing, training in nonviolent protest, and hosting meetings when other venues were unavailable. It became the headquarters for the Mississippi NAACP, and was a central location for the Council of Federated Organizations (COFO), which united major civil rights groups like the SCLC, SNCC, and CORE.
On June 15, 1963, the lodge hosted the funeral of Medgar Evers, drawing thousands of mourners including Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph Abernathy, Dick Gregory, and Ralph Bunche.
Enduring Impact
The lodge continues to serve as a symbol of resilience, leadership, and community empowerment. Its bylaws ensure that the NAACP maintains a rent-free office in the building, a testament to its enduring commitment to civil rights and social justice.
Past Grand Masters of the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge
| # | Name | Term of Office | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thomas W. Stringer | 1875–1893 | 18 years |
| 2 | Murdoch M. McLeod | 1893–1894 | 1 year |
| 3 | Edward W. Lampton | 1894–1910 | 16 years |
| 4 | W.A.J. Morgan | 1910–1914 | 4 years |
| 5 | William W. Phillips | 1914–1932 | 18 years |
| 6 | John L. Webb | 1932–1946 | 14 years |
| 7 | Henry L. Knaive | Sept–Dec 1946 | 4 months |
| 8 | James C. Gilliam, Sr. | 1946–1974 | 28 years |
| 9 | Dr. Hazael M. Thompson, Sr. | 1974–1984 | 10 years |
| 10 | Edgar W. Bridges, Sr. | 1984–2004 | 20 years |
| 11 | Maurice F. Lucas, Sr. | 2004–2025 | 21 |