The Legacy of #100
Since 1890, Jerusalem Military Lodge No. 100 has stood as a beacon of Prince Hall Masonry in Florida. Our history is written in the labor of the Brothers who came before us — founding members, Buffalo Soldiers, physicians, and civic leaders who helped build the city of Tampa.
Founding Roots: 1890
Jerusalem Lodge No. 100 was organized in 1890 and granted a charter Under Dispensation by the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, Prince Hall Affiliation. Its earliest known officers — Peter Johnson (Worshipful Master), Moses Rich (Senior Warden), and W.S. Hatton (Junior Warden) — formed a foundation of leadership that would endure for generations.
Peter Johnson, a 32nd-degree Mason born in Gainesville in 1866 and a charter member of the lodge, served as Worshipful Master for over ten years. He was also the Royal Grand Patron of the state of Florida and a prominent Tampa businessman — president of the Florida Industrial and Commercial Company.
On March 1, 1907, the lodge received its formal charter under MWGM John H. Dickerson, establishing its official standing within the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida.
Pioneers of the Craft in Tampa — the men who built Jerusalem Lodge.
A Lodge Documented
"Jerusalem Lodge, No. 100, was organized in 1910 and at present has a membership of twenty-five. This lodge is composed of a number of men who are engaged in active business in Tampa..."
Officers recorded in 1915 included D.J. Reid (Worshipful Master, tailor), Z.D. Walker (Senior Warden, painter and contractor), and Secretary Peter Johnson, described as "one of Tampa's most influential Black businessmen." The lodge met on the first and third Thursdays at Masonic Hall, 612 Scott Street.
A legacy of service: the men who built Tampa's Black civic institutions.
Building the City
The Incorporation
In 1887, our members comprised nearly half of the Black voters who petitioned for Tampa's incorporation, helping establish the very foundation of the city.
Faith & Community
The Lodge helped establish foundational institutions including churches and civic organizations that served the Black community during the Jim Crow era.
Military Heritage
From the Buffalo Soldiers of the 24th Infantry to its 2009 recharter as a military lodge at MacDill AFB, JML100 has always honored the Craft's ties to service.
Historical Milestones
1887
Lodge members comprised nearly half of the Black voters who signed the petition for Tampa's incorporation.
1890
Jerusalem Lodge No. 100 organized and granted a charter Under Dispensation by the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, PHA. Peter Johnson serves as founding Worshipful Master for over ten years.
1907
Formal charter granted on March 1st under MWGM John H. Dickerson. Charter officers: W.L. Rose (WM), Moses Rich (SW), W.S. Hatton (JW).
1915
Tampa Times profiles the Lodge, documenting 25 members and leadership under WM D.J. Reid. Secretary Peter Johnson is noted as a 32nd-degree Mason and Royal Grand Patron of Florida.
1999
Jerusalem Lodge No. 100 rechartered on April 21st at MacDill Air Force Base, beginning its modern era under WM Anthony E. Jones.
2009
Rechartered as Jerusalem Military Lodge No. 100 on April 23rd under MWGM Lee B. Carter, 33°, KYCH, solidifying the lodge's identity as a military lodge.
2022
Recognized by the Tampa Bay Times for 130+ years of leadership and its historic role in establishing the city of Tampa.
The Lodge in Action
The East Gallery
Honoring all who have presided over the Craft with wisdom and strength.
Affiliated Past Masters
These Brothers served as Worshipful Master in other lodges and later affiliated with Jerusalem Military Lodge No. 100 by demit. They are honored as Past Masters within our lodge.
Historical Archive
Compiled History & Charter Lineage
Full archival record covering the 1890 UD charter, 1907 formal charter, 1999 & 2009 recharters, and complete WM lineage.
Download DocumentHistorical Profile & 1915 Newspaper Record
AI-assisted historical summary including the original Tampa Times article from January 28, 1915 with biographies of early lodge officers.
Download DocumentPast Masters List
Official record of all Worshipful Masters and affiliated Past Masters of Jerusalem Military Lodge No. 100.
Download Document