Prince Hall York Rite of Illinois

The root of Cryptic Masonry in the state of Illinois began with the formation of Prince Hall Council #8, Royal and Select Masters from the Ohio jurisdiction in 1923. From 1923 to 1984 additional Councils were formed in Peoria (Peoria Council) and Centreville (Ellis T. Moore Council) and during the early 1980s the three Councils took the necessary steps to organize themselves into a Grand Council for the state of Illinois.

In the same form and fashion of the organization of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Illinois (MWPHGL) did in 1867, the three Councils proceeded accordingly in the city of Peoria in September of 1984:

§ Surrendered their charters to the Prince Hall Affiliated Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Ohio;

§ Organized the Most Illustrious Prince Hall Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters (MIPHGC);

§ Elected new leadership - The first set of Elected Grand Council Officers included:

1. Grand Thrice Illustrious Master: Most Illustrious Companion James F. Clarke, Sr.

2. Grand Deputy Master: Right Illustrious Companion William S. Brooks, II

3. Grand Principal Conductor of Works: Right Illustrious Companion Eugene A. Williams

4. Grand Treasurer: Right Illustrious Companion Thomas Wilson, Jr.

5. Grand Recorder: Right Illustrious Companion John W. Thompson, Jr.

§ and issued new charters to the Illinois Councils under the newfound authority:

1. Prince Hall Council #1, Chicago, Illinois—Willie M. Gistover, Thrice Illustrious Master;

2. Peoria Council #2, Peoria, Illinois—Ronald W. Boone, Thrice Illustrious Master;

3. Ellis T. Moore Council #3, Centreville, Illinois—Cecil K. Crowe, Thrice Illustrious Master.

The formation of the MIPHGC was officially completed on September 22, 1984 and the MIPHGC was officially adopted as an Appendant Body of the MWPHGL at the 1984 Grand Session.

§ About RSM

§ Grand Council Officers