Two Masonic Temples Cross Racial Barrier By Union

Associated Press/September 16, 2006

Wilmington -- Two Masonic lodges in Delaware are crossing a racial barrier by getting together officially at an open meeting in Wilmington.

The black fraternal lodge and the white lodge are making the move after more than 150 years of being separate.

It's part of a national trend. The decision will link nearly six-thousand members of Delaware's two grand lodges of Masons.

The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Delaware is white and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Delaware is black.

Leaders of both lodges will sign a compact of recognition in a public 10 a.m. ceremony in the Masonic Temple over the Grand Opera House on North Market Street.

Similar pacts have been adopted in more than 40 states.