Who We Are

Hannibal Lodge No. 1 is a historic African American Masonic lodge located in San Francisco, California. Established in 1852, it is one of the oldest continuously operating organizations in the city, affiliated with Prince Hall Freemasonry.The lodge was instituted on June 15th, 1852, with B. N. Crump named as the first worshipful master and Edward Duffield as another founding officer.

Prince Hall, our founder, was one of the great Americans – a Worthy Grand Master associated with the first Black Masonic Grand Lodge and its expansion. Prince Hall became a leading advocate for the rights of African Americans in the late 18th century.

In March 1775, Hall and fourteen other free black men were initiated into Masonry by a traveling Irish military lodge in Boston. They formed African Lodge No. 1, the first lodge of black Freemasons in America. Hall tirelessly petitioned the Grand Lodge of England for full Masonic privileges for his lodge. Finally in 1787, a charter was granted, and African Lodge No. 459 was established.

Prince Hall leveraged Freemasonry to become a prominent voice for black rights in America, lobbying for education access and the abolition of slavery. After his death in 1807, his legacy inspired the growth of black Freemasonry, which became known as Prince Hall Masonry in his honor.

Hannibal Lodge No. 1 was chartered in San Francisco during the California Gold Rush, playing a pivotal role in establishing other Prince Hall lodges in the state. Throughout its history, it has upheld Prince Hall’s vision, serving as a vital hub for Black social and political life in the city. Today, Hannibal Lodge No. 1 continues to carry forward this proud legacy as one of the pillars of San Francisco’s African American community.