Stringer Lodge No.1

Vicksburg, MS

Rev. Thomas W. Stringer at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church organized this Prince Hall lodge in Vicksburg in the year of 1872. Rev. Thomas W. Stringer was elected the first Grand Master of the jurisdiction of Mississippi Prince Hall Masons in July 1875 and served until his death in 1893.

 In 1962, there were eight lodges listed in Vicksburg, which included lodge 1, 7, 26, 55, 55-A, 120, 181, and 376. It is sadly to say that very few brothers are still living that can remember them. Even more of a tragic is the fact that a large part of those brothers living within the Vicksburg area that participated in the lodge during that time has become unable (due to father time) to pass on the rich history of how African Americans survived, and assisted those that were in great need. Many of the records that recorded these great events were misplaced due to the fact of not being able to store them within the lodge buildings; therefore, it was the responsibility of the secretary to safeguard the lodge history. This in itself caused the same hardships as the negative forces directed towards the lodge building, whereas either the keepers of the records died and the family members destroyed them or that member’s structure was destroyed.

Looking at the facts, I cannot help but to feel as if another part of my origin has been striped away, because of the unrecoverable history of my sisters and brothers that has been forever lost. Time has taken its toll on the many lodges that were once here giving assistance to the sharecroppers, underprivileged families, families of tragedy, and assisting the needed family with the burial of a love one. Due to the burning of some lodges and the merging of others, Vicksburg currently has two Prince Hall Masonic lodges left.

Listed below are the Past Masters of Stringer Lodge No.1. With pride and great joy, we thank them for their unselfish dedication of ensuring that we are given the opportunity to gain the knowledge so as to continue spreading charity. Each Past Master has contributed over twenty-five years as Master of the lodge, and they will forever be in the hearts of all brothers that travel this way after them.

Rev. Thomas W. Stringer

James T. Chiplin

Rev. Wright Lassiter

Herman Brown

Thomas J. Chiplin

Albert Squire Sr.

Richard L. Hudson Jr.

Listed below are the current officers of Stringer Lodge No.1

Howard W. McGee Jr.                    Eddie D. McGee                                Eddie Strong

Worshipful Master                          Senior Warden                                  Junior Warden

Alvin Stimage Sr.                           Johnnie Henderson                            John Stimage Sr.

Secretary                                      Treasurer                                          Senior Deacon

Ronnie L. Jones                             Kelvin Mixon                                   Alvin Woods

Junior Deacon                               Senior Steward                                  Junior Steward

Wesley Brown                               Brother Cole

Tyler                                           Marshall

The Prince Hall Masonic Family of Mississippi has focused on "Building Strong Leadership for Positive Influence." Stringer Lodge No.1 mission is to promote a way of life in Vicksburg that binds people in a brotherhood and sisterhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences; by teaching the great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, and to find ways in which to serve our Heavenly Father and Creator, family, country, neighbors and self.

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