Local Black Fraternal Orders

Traditions of Community Service

Fraternal orders were at one time one of the most important social phenomena in American cultural life after the U.S. Civil War. The golden age of these organizations ran roughly from the end of the war to the 1920s. Large percentage of men and women, from all across class and racial lines became members of these organizations, including the Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, Shriners, Rotary Club, Elks, and Masons. Local blacks were just as interested in organizing within these clubs for the services they provided. These societies offered their members camaraderie and belonging among other more specific forms of support, sometimes connected to politics, the temperance movement, mercantile interests or access to insurance. Elections of officers were routinely printed in the newspapers, and meeting places were listed in the city directories. Here are several organizations that appeared in Kalamazoo during the late 1800s.

Knights of Pythias

Damon Lodge No. 6, (organized in 1896)

Free and Accepted Masons

Central Lodge, No. 10 (organized in 1892)

The longest running active lodge in Kalamazoo has met in their building on 415 Bessie Street since 1971. Known as the Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, the chapter was established in 1892. Much of their work has been focused on educational scholarships, charitable events and community building. The original order began by men of color in the British army during the 1770s. Prince Hall relocated to New York, and then later Boston, where he was an active in petitioning for the expanding of rights to African Americans.

St. John’s Commandery, No. 5

Zorah Chapter, No. 3, Order of the Eastern Star (women’s group)

Odd Fellows

Kalamazoo Lodge, No. 3900

Article written by Ryan Gage, Kalamazoo Public Library staff, February 2025