Universal Lodge #1

In 1845, 17 years before the Emancipation Proclamation, Universal Lodge No. 1 in Alexandria became the first lodge to be organized by black men in the state of Virginia. Universal Lodge No. 1 of Alexandria marked the introduction of Prince Hall masonry into the State of Virginia. It was necessary for the original members of this lodge to travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for initiation because the "free" status of the Negro did not satisfy the requirement of the Masonic Landmarks; that a man be "free born. This concept prevailed until President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, effective January 1, 1863. Prior to the Emancipation Proclamation, Black men who were regarded as free, were initiated into Masonry only by leaving the State of Virginia. These men returned and subsequently organized lodges. The earliest recorded lodge, Universal No. 1 was organized in 1845 in Alexandria.