The Story of the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida: A Legacy of Prince Hall Masonry and Brotherhood
Introduction: Honoring Our Florida Masonic Legacy
When you hear the name Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, you’re hearing more than just a title — you’re hearing over 150 years of Masonic history, faith, and leadership among Prince Hall Masons in Florida.
As a proud local brother, I want to share with you the inspiring story of how our Grand Lodge began, who helped build it, and how we continue to shine today as one of the oldest and most respected Masonic Grand Lodges in Florida.
The Beginning: Brother Charles F. Dailey and the Birth of Black Masonry in Florida
Our history begins in 1865, right after the Civil War, with Brother Charles F. Dailey, a man of vision and courage. Born in St. Thomas, West Indies in 1820, Brother Dailey came to Florida as a successful businessman in the fruit trade between Florida and Europe.
During his travels abroad, he joined Freemasonry — receiving his first three degrees in Liverpool, England, his Scottish Rite degrees in Glasgow, and becoming Knighted in Greenock, Scotland.
When Brother Dailey accepted the title of Deputy Grand Master for the Southern Jurisdiction under the Hiram Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, he probably didn’t realize he was laying the foundation for what would become the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida — a beacon for African American Freemasonry in the South.
Despite racial tensions and post-war turmoil, Brother Dailey organized and inspired men of color to embrace the Masonic ideals of brotherly love, relief, and truth. That was no small feat in 1865 Florida.
The First Florida Lodges: Building the Foundation (1867–1870)
By 1867, Brother Dailey had established the first three African American Masonic lodges in Florida:
Solomon Lodge No. 50
Saint Johns Lodge No. 51
Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 52
These lodges were chartered under the Hiram Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, and they became the starting point of Prince Hall Masonry in the Sunshine State.
Then, on June 17, 1870, history was made in Jacksonville, Florida. A general assembly of the Craft was called, led by RW Charles F. Dailey and RW Charles H. Pierce. Over two days of meetings, the lodges adopted a code of Masonic laws, consolidated their work, and established a new and independent Grand Lodge — officially named:
The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida.
The first Grand Lodge officers were:
Harry H. Thompson, Grand Master
John H. Robinson, Deputy Grand Master
Robert Smith, Grand Senior Warden
James Roberts, Grand Junior Warden
Emanuel Fortune, Grand Treasurer
F.H. Dunkins, Grand Secretary
Rev. Charles H. Pierce, Grand Chaplain
This was the true birth of Prince Hall Freemasonry in Florida.
Joining the Prince Hall Affiliation (1877)
In 1877, the National Compact Grand Lodge was dissolved in Wilmington, Delaware, allowing each state to become its own sovereign Masonic authority.
When the time came for Florida to decide its future, our forefathers chose integrity and recognition — joining the Prince Hall Affiliated (PHA) family of legitimate Grand Lodges.
From that moment on, the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida stood proudly among the recognized Prince Hall Masonic jurisdictions, ensuring our legacy was built on authenticity, unity, and respect.
150 Years of Light: The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge Today
Fast forward to today, and our Grand Lodge remains a strong and vibrant force within Florida Freemasonry and Prince Hall Masonry worldwide.
Officially known as:
The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge, Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity, Free and Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated, Florida and Belize, Central America, Incorporated,
our Grand Lodge is headquartered at 410 Broad Street, Jacksonville, Florida — a historic location that continues to serve as the center of leadership, education, and community outreach.
2025–2026 Grand Lodge Officers
Under the dedicated leadership of our current officers, the Craft continues to thrive:
MW Gus Harris, Jr., Grand Master
RW Kendall T. Moore, Deputy Grand Master
RW Marlon Honeywell, Senior Grand Warden
RW Tommie Wright, Junior Grand Warden
RW Canary Williams, Grand Secretary
RW Melvin Wright, Grand Treasurer
RW W. Matthew Stevenson, Grand Chancellor
Pastor Ernest Powell, Grand Chaplain
Marcus Brinson, Committee Chairman of Foreign Correspondence
As of 2025, the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida has 124 chartered lodges and a proud membership exceeding 3,000 brothers across Florida, Belize, and Central America.
Our Mission: Faith, Leadership, and Community
For over 150 years, the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, Prince Hall Affiliated has dedicated itself to building strong men and stronger communities. Through mentorship programs, charity, scholarships, and spiritual guidance, our lodges continue to live by the Masonic values that Brother Charles F. Dailey embodied in 1865.
Our mission remains clear — to preserve the Masonic Light, strengthen brotherhood, and uplift our local Florida communities through service, education, and faith.
Closing Thoughts
When you think of the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, remember that it’s not just an organization — it’s a living legacy.
From the courage of Brother Charles F. Dailey to the leadership of Most Worshipful Grand Master Gus Harris, Jr., our history is one of perseverance, unity, and service.
As Florida Masons, we are proud to carry this torch forward — spreading light wherever we go, and ensuring the principles of Prince Hall Freemasonry continue to shine bright for generations to come.
About the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida
Headquarters: 410 Broad Street, Jacksonville, Florida
Affiliation: Prince Hall Affiliated (PHA)
Membership: Over 3,000 brothers
Established: 1870
Jurisdictions: Florida and Belize, Central America
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The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida is a Prince Hall–affiliated Masonic Grand Lodge that governs subordinate lodges throughout the state.
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Yes. As a Prince Hall–affiliated Grand Lodge, it is widely recognized across mainstream and Prince Hall jurisdictions.
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Membership is open to men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being and desire to participate in Masonic teachings, charity, and fellowship.
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You can inquire at a local lodge or contact the Grand Lodge. The process includes an interview, investigation, and ballot.
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The MWUGL governs subordinate lodges, establishes rules and rituals, charters lodges, and supports statewide programs.
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The Grand Lodge oversees subordinate Masonic lodges, charitable groups, youth programs, and community organizations.
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Lodges support scholarships, youth mentorship, disaster relief, food drives, and community service initiatives.
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Masonic meetings are private, but many public events — such as fundraisers and ceremonies — welcome guests.
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You can contact the Grand Lodge or visit its website to find directories of active subordinate lodges.
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Most lodges primarily serve Florida residents, but residency requirements vary by lodge.
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Yes. Many Prince Hall jurisdictions sponsor youth leadership and mentorship programs such as the Knights of Pythagoras.
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The MWUGL is part of the historic Prince Hall tradition, emphasizing leadership, education, community service, and cultural heritage.
