During the 1930’s and 1940’s black men were not allowed to join Mainstream (white) Masonic lodges in the state of Florida and several other southern states. Florida along with several other states had Prince hall lodges and each state had a Prince Hall Grand

Lodge.

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There were black men in Flagler County that desired to become Prince Hall Masons. These men went to Ormond Beach Florida, Ormond Beach Lodge #35 Prince Hall Affiliated, which was chartered by The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge F.& A.M Prince Hall Affiliated Florida Jurisdiction, in 1935.

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The Masons from Flagler County that had received their degrees in Ormond Beach Lodge #35 decided they wanted a Prince Hall Lodge in Flagler County. The Prince Hall Masons from Flagler County petitioned The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge for a Charter in 1945, so they could have a Masonic lodge where they lived. The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge, under the leadership of Grand Master C.H. Henry, Chartered Espanola Lodge #161 on August 20, 1946.

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Paul Cooler was one of the Flagler County Prince Hall Masons, and the first successful black business man in Flagler County. Brother Cooler had some land in Espanola which is a rural part of Flagler County. Brother Cooler built a building on his land that the lodge used until his death. In the early 1960’s Espanola lodge #161 moved to Bunnell Florida under the leadership of Worshipful Master Reverend Frank Giddens Sr. who received his Past Master degree in 1957. The lodge is still located in Bunnell Florida and proudly displays the original charter from 1946. Past Master Dr. Reverend Frank Giddens Sr. is a pioneer of Espanola Lodge #161; he has been a champion for the lodge and the black community for over 50 years. The current Worshipful Master is the Honorable Thomas D Tucker III

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