Prince Hall Masonic Temple (Los Angeles, California) | freemason / masonic temple, historic landmark

 freemason / masonic temple, historic landmark

 Upload a photo

1050 E 50th St
Los Angeles, CA 90011

Clubs and organizations played a significant role in the social history of black Angelenos. While some clubs were organized for purely social purposes, others worked to improve the lives of African Americans through charitable and political activities. The Order of Odd Fellows, Order of the Eastern Star, Order of Elks, and the Prince Hall Masons were “colored chapters” of national fraternal orders, while the Twelve Knights and Daughters of Tabor were founded by African Americans. The 1921 City Directory documents no less than 33 chapters of such fraternal orders. These orders promoted morality, charity, and community service among its membership.

In 1926 the black Masons of Los Angeles had constructed the Prince Hall Masonic Temple on 50th Street, just off South Central Avenue. They had been meeting at 1209 South Central Avenue, a building that was shared by numerous other societies and fraternal organizations. During the 1930s several chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star were also meeting at the Prince Hall Masonic Temple. The construction of the building reflects the movement of the African American community south along the Central Avenue corridor.

www.cajaeir.com/pdf/portfolio/prince-hall-masonic-templ...