STILLMAN MASONIC LODGE #490

The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Alabama

Freemasonry 

During the middle age’s a distinguished group of Men were assembled to carry the work of making Good Men Better.

Throughout history, Masonic Scholars have expounded on the theory that the origins of Freemasonry were established by stonemasons between the late 1600’s and early 1700’s. During this era, Stonemasons were known to travel the world in search of work. As a means of communication to determine a workman’s level of skill, a system of recognition was created. 

Stonemasons that held a higher level of knowledge were said to have established what is currently known Freemasonry. For a more informative perspective on the origins of Freemasonry, click the link below.

Prince Hall & African Lodge

After being denied admittance into what was then known as Colonial American Freemasonry, an abolitionist named Prince Hall, and 14 others petitioned for initiation into British Army Lodge (441) of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. 

On March 6th, 1775, Prince Hall and his members were accepted and initiated into British Army Lodge (441). Although they were allowed acknowledged as members, their abilities were limited. During this time, Prince Hall and his members were only allowed to meet as a lodge and bury their deceased members with Masonic Rites. But surprisingly, they were not permitted to confer the degrees of Freemasonry upon any new members.

On July 3rd, 1776 with Prince Hall as their Worshipful Master, African Lodge #1 was formed. They were later granted permission under a dispensation to attend St. John’s Day, by the late Provincial Grand Master John Rowe.

Not having the ability to initiate new members would cause Prince Hall and his members to petition for membership into the Grand Lodge of England in 1784. They were accepted and granted a charter on September 29th, 1784. For more information on Prince Hall Freemasonry, click the link below.

PRINCE HALL

The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama 

Use the link below for information on The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama

Stillman Masonic Lodge #490

The Establishment of Stillman Masonic Lodge (490)

 

Stillman Masonic Lodge (490) was organized on January 27th, 1986, by the late and Honorable S.J. Bennett, Past Grand Master of the State of Alabama. The late and Illustrious J.B. Weir, District Deputy of District 15, in association with the Illustrious A. J. Richardson, County Deputy of District 15 and Past Master Raymond Stevenson played an instrumental part in the establishment of Stillman Masonic Lodge.

 

The Lodge was formed to provide young, qualified men with the opportunity to better themselves and their communities through the teachings of Freemasonry. Its mission would be to inspire them to serve as outstanding examples of leadership and service. The lodge operated under a “UD”, under dispensation, distinction until an official number, (490) was provided. The official charter was granted on July 21st,1987 from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama. In preparations to form the Lodge, Raymond Stevenson approached Dr. Cordell Wynn, then president of Stillman College, with the proposal to establish a lodge on the campus of Stillman College.

 

After much deliberation with proper Masonic authorities, Dr. Wynn decided to approve the establishment of a lodge on campus. This lodge would facilitate growth and leadership opportunities for male students at Stillman College and the University of Alabama. Dr. Wynn and Raymond Stevenson suggested that the lodge be named after Stillman, and these actions led to the lodge serving as the first masonic lodge to be established on a college campus throughout the nation. After the formation of Stillman Masonic Lodge (490) on the campus of Stillman College, Dr. Cordell Wynn was made an honorary Masonic member of the lodge in 1987 with State officials present to oversee and approve the proceedings.

 

Stillman Masonic Lodge (490) began with 15 members.

 

R. Stevenson

V. Spencer

D. Long

R. Cook

S. Davis

J. Eckford

R. Bradford

C. Haynes

J. Hilton

V. Brown

D. Neal

B. Walker

E. Ward

C. Williams

R. Williams

 

Throughout the years, Stillman Masonic Lodge (490) has participated in numerous community projects. These include annual events like Easter egg hunts, clothing drives, Toys for Tots, food drives, and fall festivals. For over three decades, the lodge has also hosted the Masons Caring and Sharing Thanksgiving dinner, which provides meals for the homeless and less fortunate in our community. The membership grew to over 80 members as males from Stillman College and The University of Alabama joined Stillman Masonic Lodge (490). This strong foundation has been, and continues to be, upheld to a high standard of conduct by the dedicated members under the leadership of past and the present Worshipful Master. To date, those Masters are as follows.

 

  1. Past Master Raymond Stevenson
  2. Past Master Theodore Thomas
  3. Past Master Vincent Brown
  4. Past Master Anthony Byrd
  5. Past Master Mitchell Edwards
  6. Past Master Eric Owens
  7. Past Master Aundrea Thomas
  8. Past Master Marcellus Brown
  9. Past Master Charles Dailey
  10. Past Master Ronnie Eatmon
  11. Past Master Galvin Church

 

Joining Past Masters, Dr. James H. Gray Jr, and Dr. Corey H. Thomas would also play impactful roles in the leadership, and the advancement of education within Stillman Masonic Lodge (490). It goes without saying, but is a statement worthy of sharing, the foundation of Stillman Masonic lodge (490) has molded men of integrity, that strive to inspire the youth and uplift the community.

(490) is where Brotherly love abides. 

© Copyright. 2025 Stillman Masonic Lodge #490. Free & Accepted Masons of Alabama.  All rights reserved.

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