The Dr. Wallace E. Boston Ancient Order of the Craft is a private student organization at American Public University System 9APUS) that serves Regular Freemasons and affiliated groups (such as Order of the Eastern Star) who are students, alumni, staff, faculty members, employees, and retirees of the university. The organization is named after Dr. Wallace E. Boston Jr., who served as President of APUS from 2004 to 2020 and is now President Emeritus.
Dr. Wallace Boston grew up in a household where Masonry was revered. His father joined Manokin Lodge #106 (Maryland) when he turned 21 in 1951. His father’s father was a Mason and a past master, so Dr. Boston’s dad began his journey through the chairs several times until he became master in 1966. During his term as Master, Manokin built a new building dedicated by Maryland’s Grand Master. After focusing on college and his early career, Dr. Boston decided to become a master mason and was initiated at his uncle’s lodge, Centre #108 in Baltimore, on March 21, 1990. Six months later, he received his 32nd degree as a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Baltimore, Orient of Maryland. He later became a member of the Boumi Shriners of Baltimore. Dr. Boston enjoyed attending lodge with his father and uncle and was with his father when he received his 50 and 60 year pins. His lodge merged with two lodges and is now Amicable St. John’s #25.
Membership is available year-round to students, alumni, staff, and faculty members in good academic standing in all degree fields at the university. Membership will be granted and sustained to individuals who are existing Master Masons or those with membership in good standing in the Order of the Eastern Star.
The organization has achieved significant recognition within the university community. The Dr. Wallace E. Boston Ancient Order of the Craft achieved GOLD standing per the university’s Chapter Standards program. Gold standing demonstrates a high level of chapter involvement and denotes excellence in chapter leadership and member engagement.
The organization maintains an active presence, with the group being active on Facebook. Members can participate in campus leadership opportunities and connect with other students, alumni, and faculty.
The private organization is named after Dr. Wallace E. Boston Jr., a distinguished academic administrator and businessman who led APUS during a period of significant growth from 10,000 students to approximately 100,000 alumni worldwide. Dr. Boston’s leadership played a crucial role in the university’s accreditation and recognition for academic excellence in online education.
This private organization represents the intersection of Masonic tradition with modern higher education, providing a community for Freemasons within the university system while maintaining the high standards expected of student organizations at AMU.
