Visit Bright Hope Lodge, Montgomery, West Virginia

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Bright Hope Lodge # 9 and Naomi Chapter #10 have helped to create positive role models for African American males and females, promote African American heritage and culture, instill spiritual ideals, and serve as an example of unity and strength. African American fraternal organizations, like Bright Hope Lodge #9 in Montgomery, WV began as a means of meeting the economic and social needs of the African American community. They shaped African American identity through rituals of brotherhood and protected members against poverty and other hardships. Although fraternal organizations originated in free black communities before the Civil War, thousands were founded during Reconstruction.Fraternal organizations for black and white residents began before governmental aid and other assistance programs existed for the poor. Segregation and discriminatory practices made obtaining what little help that was available even more difficult for African Americans. African American fraternal organizations became a back-up plan for their communities. By collecting membership dues, they were able to aid the poor, the unemployed, orphanages, and widows, often providing burial funds.Bright Hope Lodge was organized on January 22, 1889 in Coal Valley, Fayette County. Driving Directions:From Beckley, WV: Take Highway 19 north to Oak Hill, WV. Take the East Oak Hill exit and turn left at the top of exit ramp (Main Street or Highway 16 south). Drive through downtown Oak Hill. Turn right on Highway 61 north (Jones Street) and travel 23 miles to Montgomery. Pass the Montgomery City sign and turn right on the first road (Gaines Street) on the right after the City sign and before you drive under the overpass. Stop at Bright Hope Lodge on the right From Fayetteville, WV: Take Highway 19 south to Oak Hill, WV. Take the Oak Hill exit and turn right at the top of exit ramp (Main Street or Highway 16 south). Drive through downtown Oak Hill. Turn right on Highway 61 north (Jones Street) and travel 23 miles to Montgomery, WV. Pass the Montgomery City sign.Turn right on the first road (Gaines Street) on the right after the City sign and before you drive under the overpass. Stop at Bright Hope Lodge on the right

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