Welcome to the distinguished history of Joseph A. Meekins Lodge #103, F&AM, affectionately known as JAM103. Our journey began as Prince Hall Military Lodge #103, officially constituted, installed, and chartered on the 26th of October in the year of our Lord, 1963, at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
In a pivotal moment on the 20th of July 1988, Prince Hall Military Lodge relocated from Edwards Air Force Base to its present home in Lancaster, California. In homage to our inaugural Worshipful Master and Charter Member, the lodge was re-chartered as Joseph A. Meekins Lodge #103, forever honoring the legacy of Bro. Joseph A. Meekins. Since our relocation to Lancaster, we’ve steadfastly served as a beacon of Light for the community, encompassing the entire Antelope Valley region, including Palmdale, Quartz Hill, Del Sur, Rosamond, Edwards AFB, Mojave, and surrounding areas.
JAM103 proudly identifies as a Prince Hall Affiliated (PHA), Free & Accepted (F&AM) subordinate (constituted) Lodge operating under the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California, Inc. Our commitment extends beyond the walls of our Lodge, as JAM103 is a registered 501(c)10 Non-Profit Masonic Fraternal Organization. Our mission revolves around the core tenets of “Faith, Hope, and Charity,” fostering the Development of Men, practicing Servant-Leadership in the Community, and extending Charity to all in need.
Embodying the spirit of our motto, we are recognized as “The Little Lodge with the Big Heart.” Discover the legacy, camaraderie, and community impact that define Joseph A. Meekins Lodge #103. Thank you for visiting our virtual home, and we invite you to explore the profound journey of Freemasonry with us.
Prince Hall Military Lodge, Under Dispensation (U.D.)
Freemasonry has a unique ability to weave itself into the hearts of individuals who seek a deeper connection and fellowship. This sentiment was particularly evident among a group of dedicated men stationed at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB). These individuals, hailing from various parts of the United States, were Master Masons but lacked the knowledge to locate a regular Masonic facility for their meetings.
In the spring of 1962, a pivotal moment unfolded on the steps of Dining Hall No. 2 at EAFB. Approximately twenty-five to thirty Masons gathered on a rainy Saturday afternoon, united by the shared belief that they should establish a lodge for fellowship. However, not all among them were Prince Hall Masons, and many were unaware of the distinctions between irregular and Prince Hall Masons.
Among this group was a brother named J.B. Roberts, who had heard of Grand Master Walter C. Taylor of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of California. Determined to connect with Grand Master Taylor, Roberts traveled from EAFB to San Francisco, leaving a note explaining the aspirations of the brothers at EAFB.
In the interim, a separate group of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons took it upon themselves to form a lodge. Unfortunately, they sought the guidance of a clandestine Grand Master named Mr. Pugh from a lodge called Sons of Light. Mr. Pugh visited EAFB, purportedly established a lodge, collected funds for a so-called benefit fund, and departed, leaving the base with funds in hand.
Upon learning of the plight of these Prince Hall Masons without a Masonic home, Grand Master Walter C. Taylor swiftly deputized a committee to investigate the situation at Edwards AFB. After a thorough inquiry, the committee reported its findings to Grand Master Taylor. Subsequently, Grand Master Taylor, along with several brothers from the Bay area, visited Edwards, California. Notably, Mr. Pugh, supposed to attend the meeting, failed to present himself.
In a letter addressed to the brothers, Grand Master Taylor revealed that Mr. Pugh had been expelled from Prince Hall Masonry in California. Those Prince Hall Masons who had contributed to the so-called “New Lodge” were required to disassociate from the unlawful group and take an Oath of Fealty to the Prince Hall Masonic order, a testament to their fidelity and loyalty.
Upon the completion of the necessary sifting, distinguishing the essential from the extraneous, Grand Master Taylor proceeded to facilitate the election of officers, yielding the following results:
- Worshipful Master: Bro. Joseph A. Meekins
- Senior Warden: Bro. Robert L. Wells
- Junior Warden: Bro. Stephen W. Young
- Treasurer: Bro. John P. Morgan
- Secretary: Bro. J.B. Roberts
- Senior Deacon: Bro. Richard A. Cooper
- Tyler: Bro. Harwedia Terrell
These distinguished individuals, each contributing their unique skills and dedication, formed the inaugural leadership team, laying the foundation for the newly established Masonic endeavor.
Following the elections, Grand Master Taylor initiated the establishment of a Lodge Under Dispensation (U.D.) and designated RW William L. Ratliffe, Inspector of District No. 9 in Monterey, California, as the instructor for the newly formed lodge.
During the summer of 1963, a significant change occurred when Past Master Urban Grass from Gravity Lodge No. 94, Free and Accepted Masons of Los Angeles, California, assumed the role of Instructor for Prince Hall Military Lodge U.D. This decision was primarily influenced by the considerable distance both Past Master Grass and RW Ratliffe had to travel to the lodge.
At the annual Grand Lodge Communication held on July 14th to 17th, 1963, in Sacramento, California, the Committee on Charters and Warrants recommended the granting of a Charter to Prince Hall Military Lodge U.D., contingent upon the satisfactory proficiency demonstrated by the group. At that juncture, the lodge comprised seven (7) Master Masons.
On September 28, 1963, the brethren of Prince Hall Lodge U.D. embarked on a journey to San Joaquin Lodge No. 11 in Bakersfield, California. There, Worshipful Master Joseph A. Meekins and the lodge officers, with the exception of the Senior Deacon, Bro. Cooper, and the Tyler, Bro. Harwedia Terrell —both of whom had been transferred (PCS)—were present in their respective stations. Brother Kenneth A. Pittman, a recent affiliate, assumed the role of Tyler, and Brother Willie Parker, who had demitted from the Maryland jurisdiction, took on the responsibilities of Chaplain. This significant gathering marked a pivotal moment in the journey toward the official Charter for Prince Hall Military Lodge U.D.