The Color Line at the Temple: Seattle’s Masonic Order Faces National Backlash
As the Grand Lodge of Washington convenes at the Masonic Temple to debate racial segregation in its ranks, telegrams from across the country reveal a deep national fracture over 'Negro Masonry.'
The story, cleaned up
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The Grand Lodge of Masons continued its session in the Masonic Temple today, with much of the first day given up to committee meetings. Fully 50 Masons arrived to attend the communication, the larger number of late arrivals being from points out of the city.
The question which overshadowed all others before the body was that of the color line. Very little is being said outside of the lodge room, but there is a deal of hard thinking being done.
'The Washington Mason,' which is the official organ of the Washington Masons, takes a firm attitude and gives a strong argument against the actions of the preceding Grand Lodges, which restricted the color line in Masonry in this state. On the other hand, the action of the Washington Grand Lodge has met with severe condemnation at the hands of the sister Grand Lodges of the United States.
In response to telegrams sent out by Samuel M. Green, M.W. Arcana, No. 27, asking for the opinions of the respective masters of the different states on the question of Negro Masonry, replies have been received from 15 states and territories. Three are now have been printed and placed in the hands of the members.
The point of view taken by many members is shown by the following, which was received from Nebraska: Omaha, Neb.—Since last Nebraska has held that all negro lodges are clandestine. We cannot hold intercourse with jurisdictions creating them.—All. W. KEYTON, Grand Master.
That there are nullification views on the matter is shown by the following from Florida: Jacksonville, Fla.—I trust for at proof shows they are and will be a menace to Masonry and social equality.—HENRY NASH, Grand Master.
Deland, Fla.—By your resolution of last year a negro brother from a grand lodge in this state can visit your lodge. We hope you will rescind this manly act to restore friendly relations.—CLARK H. WRIGHT, Grand Master.
Oxford, Ala.—For the sake of regular Masonry, of grand lodge sovereignty, of social purity, of peace, and of unbroken fraternity, I implore you to rescind.—RUFUS H. RAMS, Grand Master, Alabama.
While many support the action of the past Grand Lodges, there are also a few who believe that nothing can be gained, and that much is lost by members traveling out of the state.
The following telegram from Ohio shows that the feeling over the question is not confined to the South: Cleveland, O.—Ohio Grand Lodge will sever relations with Washington unless its action on negro Masonry is rescinded. T.C. COLEMAN, Grand Master.
None of the Grand Masters heard from Oregon to stand by Washington in her action.
This 1903 report captures a pivotal moment when Seattle’s civic institutions were forced to confront the national debate over segregation. While modern readers might focus on the progressive stance of the local lodge relative to its southern counterparts, the article highlights how deeply entrenched racial exclusion was in American fraternal organizations, mirroring today's ongoing reckonings with systemic racism in community groups and professional networks.
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