The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia Free and Accepted Masons, Inc. recently marked its 150th anniversary with a private celebration held June 7 at the Hilton Short Pump ballroom.

The event honored the organization’s long-standing history and contributions to the community. Most Worshipful Grand Master Beverly W. Morgan Jr. opened the gathering as James Brown’s “You Got to Pay the Cost to Be the Boss” set the tone for the evening. Attendees embraced a Roaring ’20s theme, featuring period costumes and décor.

Special guests included former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder. Wilder expressed pride in attending and reflected on the encouragement from his mother that fueled his achievements, saying, “The reason I knew I could win (as governor), because my mother always told me you could be anything you wanted to do.”

The program included dance performances and themed refreshments, photo opportunities and other activities. The celebration concluded with presentations to the Grand Master.

A wreath-laying ceremony took place the following day at the Masonic monument on the grounds of First Baptist Church on Harrison Street in Petersburg.