Modern
Free & Accepted Masons
of the World
by: Joshua Feliciano

In 1917, Jerry Baxter Baldwin founded an organization under the name Modern Free & Accepted Colored Masons of the World. While adopting Masonic-sounding titles and traditions, the organization lacked lineage from any recognized Masonic authority. Baldwin’s group operated outside of the established Masonic framework, drawing scrutiny from legitimate Masonic jurisdictions—especially those affiliated with Prince Hall Freemasonry.

‍Admission of Clandestine Status
‍During legal proceedings, Baldwin testified under oath that his organization was clandestine. In Masonic jurisprudence, this term applies to groups that claim Masonic status without being lawfully constituted. Baldwin’s admission confirmed what Prince Hall Masons and others had long asserted: that Modern Free was not a part of recognized Freemasonry.

Lack of Masonic Charter
‍Further undermining its legitimacy, Modern Free had no Masonic charter. Instead, the organization operated under a state charter, issued on November 17, 1921, by the County of Jefferson in the State of Alabama. While this civil charter allowed the group to exist as a legal entity, it carried no Masonic authority. The court clearly distinguished between a state-issued business charter and a Masonic warrant granted by a legitimate Grand Lodge.

“I find that the defendant [Modern Free], or its legal predecessor, was granted a charter by a court of competent jurisdiction for the County of Jefferson and State of Alabama on November 17, 1921…”

Court Ruling on Name Infringement and Deception
‍The case also addressed the use of the phrase “Free and Accepted”—a hallmark of legitimate Masonic bodies. The court found that Baldwin’s organization deliberately used this phrase to mislead the public and capitalize on the reputation of Prince Hall Freemasonry:

“I find that the defendant’s [Modern Free] use of the words ‘Free and Accepted’ is an infringement on the real name or trade name of the plaintiff [Prince Hall] and is such a colorable imitation thereof that the general public, in the exercise of ordinary care, might think or be led to believe that it is the name of the plaintiff…”

‍The court further concluded:
‍“The controlling mastermind of the defendant, J.B. Baldwin, intended to create the impression in the minds of the public that he and his group were the ancient and original ‘Free and Accepted’ Masons, which they are not.”

Final Judgment: Fraud and Illegitimacy
‍The ruling was clear: Modern Free was not a Masonic organization by any lawful standard. It had never been chartered by a superior Masonic authority, and its use of Masonic language and symbolism was designed to deceive:

“I find, according to Masonic jurisprudence, that the defendant [Modern Free] was not regularly and lawfully organized, since it never had any charter, writ, or warrant of authority from any superior body.”

Conclusion
‍The case against Modern Free & Accepted Colored Masons of the World not only exposed the group's illegitimacy but also served as a cautionary example of how names, symbols, and terminology can be misappropriated to mislead the public. Through Baldwin’s own admissions and the court’s detailed findings, the legal system upheld the integrity of recognized Prince Hall Freemasonry and reaffirmed the boundaries between authentic and clandestine Masonic bodies.