Amos Johnson Lodge #148
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Missouri Jurisdiction P.H.A F & A.M
Free Masonry
What is Free Masonry? Who is Prince Hall
Prince Hall Freemasonry is the oldest African American Masonic fraternity, founded by Prince Hall in Boston in 1775 after he and other Black men were denied entry into white lodges, providing crucial community, self-help, and civil rights leadership through lodges that became pillars of Black society during slavery and segregation, offering brotherhood, mutual aid, and platforms for empowerment and uplift, and today serves as a major Black fraternal organization with thousands of members and lodges worldwide.
Brotherhood in Action
At Amos Johnson Lodge #148, brotherhood is more than a word — it’s a living bond. Our members come together as men of shared values and mutual respect, united in friendship and purpose. Through fellowship, mentorship, and Masonic traditions, we create a supportive environment where every Brother can grow, belong, and lead with confidence.
We are invested in:
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Building lifelong friendships
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Mentorship and moral support
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Celebrations, meetings, and fraternal events
Building Better Men
Freemasonry calls each of us to pursue excellence in character, conduct, and service. Within our lodge, Brothers find opportunities to learn, reflect, and strengthen their leadership — both in the Lodge and in daily life. We believe that when a man builds himself with integrity and purpose, he builds stronger families, workplaces, and communities around him.
Our brothers develop mastery in:
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Masonic education and symbolism
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Developing leadership skills
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Living with integrity and purpose
Serving Kansas City
Our commitment to service extends far beyond the walls of the Lodge. Amos Johnson Lodge #148 is dedicated to uplifting the Kansas City community through charitable programs, youth mentorship, and outreach efforts that make a lasting difference. Whether supporting local schools, feeding families, or lending a helping hand where it’s needed most — we serve because we care.
We serve Kansas City with:
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Community outreach and charitable giving
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Volunteerism and civic engagement
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Making a positive impact locally
Faith & Tradition
Freemasonry is grounded in faith, guided by timeless values, and strengthened by tradition. At Amos Johnson Lodge #148, we honor the principles that have shaped our fraternity for centuries — truth, morality, and reverence for the Divine. Our rituals, symbols, and teachings remind us that personal growth is a spiritual journey as much as an intellectual one.
Our Lodge
For 125 years, Amos Johnson Lodge No. 148 has stood as a beacon of Masonic excellence—rooted in service, strengthened by leadership, and inspired by the life and labor of Rev. Bro. Amos Johnson. We honor his memory by continuing the work he began and by upholding the principles that define Freemasonry across generations.
History of Lodge No. 148
On the occasion of our one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary, Amos Johnson Lodge No. 148 stands with deep gratitude and pride. From its founding, this Lodge has been guided by Brothers who truly lived the tenets of Freemasonry. Those visionary men would be proud of the legacy they left to us, to our city, and to Prince Hall Masonry in Missouri.
After many years of dedicated study, investigation, and research—initiated by PM Charles Taylor (Rev. Dred)—Here is a historical record of our Lodge’s esteemed namesake.
Rev. Bro. Amos Johnson: Our Namesake
Rev. Bro. Amos Johnson was born in the British West Indies and later emigrated to the United States, first settling in Sacramento, California, where he served as a schoolteacher. His life’s journey carried him eastward through both free and slave-holding states, including Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Kentucky.
His legacy includes:
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Founder of Second Baptist Church, Columbia, Missouri
Rev. Johnson established what is now recognized as the oldest Black church in downtown Columbia—Second Baptist Church—where our Lodge continues to worship annually. -
Companion of Rev. Moses Dickson
He worked closely with Rev. Dickson and was actively involved in the Knights of Tabor, advancing justice, community uplift, and fraternal service. -
Distinguished Service to the Missouri Jurisdiction
Rev. Johnson held numerous key positions, including:-
Grand Lecturer of Missouri
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District Deputy Grand Master (Iowa/Missouri Jurisdiction)
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First Grand Relief Secretary of Missouri
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Second Grand Father Joshua, House of Jericho (Missouri Jurisdiction)
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Contributor to the founding of Hiram Grand Lodge of Iowa
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Builder of Institutions
As the first Grand Relief Secretary of Missouri, he collaborated with the renowned Bruce Brothers to establish the Prince Hall Masonic Home for the Elderly in Chillicothe, Missouri. Though the home ceased operation during the Great Depression, its significance in Masonic charity remains part of our heritage.
Rev. Amos Johnson passed away from complications due to diabetes on October 4, 1895, in Keokuk, Iowa. He is buried in Oakland Cemetery in an unmarked grave beside his wife, Annie.
Legacy of Lodge No. 148
The story of Amos Johnson Lodge No. 148 is one of enduring service and leadership. With only a few exceptions, nearly every Past Master of this Lodge has served as an elected or appointed officer of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Missouri.
Among our distinguished members:
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Two Brothers who became Most Worshipful Grand Master
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One Brother who served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees/Directors of the MWPHGL
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Two Brothers who became Grand Worthy Patron
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One Brother who became Grand Historian
We also proudly acknowledge the accomplishments of our sister body, Lone Star Chapter No. 2, Order of the Eastern Star. Many of their Past Matrons have gone on to serve as District Deputy Grand Matrons, and the chapter includes Past Grand Lecturers, a Past Grand Worthy Matron, and the current Associate Grand Matron.
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