The Order of Cyrene is unique to Prince Hall Freemasonry. It started in Pennsylvania in 1884, consisting of wives, widows, mothers, and daughters of Master Masons. They originally wanted to benefit humanity, taking on Simon of Cyrene as their example.  As Simon helped Christ to bear His cross, so should we help one another to bear the burdens as we make the journey to eternity, the Circle of endless commendation or condemnation.

The object of the Order of Cyrene is to promote wider diffusion of the principles of Morality and Friendship by established and significant emblems, to encourage the influence of females toward the purpose of instituting and increasing social enjoyments by the aid of Commandery ties; to make better the condition of wives, daughters, mothers, sisters and destitute widows and the helpless orphans, and to afford increased facilities in relieving distressed travelers throughout the world.

The Theory of the Order by Cyrene is founded upon the Holy Gospel of God, who looks down from His abode in Heaven upon us who dwell in this world, though we cannot see Him.

The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Court Order of Cyrene of the State of New York is a non-profit organization which embodies a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.