Prince Hall Freemasonry in Bloomington, Illinois traces its heritage back to African Lodge No. 459. The "African Grand Lodge of North America" formed in 1791 is now know as the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, F&AM.

The Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts became the Mother Grand Lodge for the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania chartered three lodges in the state of Ohio which led to the formation of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio. In likewise manner, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio chartered three lodges in the state of Illinois which led to the formation of what is now known as the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, State of Illinois and Jurisdiction in 1867.

The first lodge chartered by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Illinois was Mourning Star Lodge #4, Bloomington, IL. This lodge later dissolved. A second lodge, Union Lodge #23 was chartered in Bloomington in the year 1877. This lodge also stopped functioning in the late 1940's.

Union Lodge #23's charter was revived in 1981, due to large influence by a man named Elijah S. Betts. Shortly after Betts died in 1982, Union Lodge #23's name was changed in his honor to Elijah S. Betts Lodge #23. Elijah S. Betts Lodge #23 is still continuing the tradition and legacy of Prince Hall Masonic family residing in Bloomington today. Also of the Prince Hall Masonic family residing in Bloomington is Anwar Chapter #149, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation.