Sons of Light Lodge No. 61 has been an integral part of the Rock Hill community for 118 years. Chartered in 1903, the Lodge was actively involved in many local issues of the day including, but not limited to, civil rights.

The first known Lodge meeting took place at the I. A. Macon Building in downtown Rock Hill on West Black Street. Later, Lodge meetings were held at various local churches. In the early 1940s the Lodge met at the Riley Building (formerly Riley Drug Store), also located on Black Street. This building was later purchased by Sons of Light Lodge No. 61.

As the years progressed, Rock Hill became one of South Carolina's "Model Cities." This distinction brought a variety of urban renewal programs to the city which made relocation of the Lodge virtually inevitable. As a result, the idea of constructing a new temple was proposed. However, due to a variety of circumstances at the time and the enormous financial commitment involved, the proposal was unattainable.

Years later, the dream of constructing a new temple would be realized. Several brethren of Sons of Light Lodge No. 61 - P. M. Charlie T. Crawford, Rufus Caldwell, William H. Massey, Fred Thompson, James Coleman, P. M. D. C. McDuffie, P. M. Frontis Brooks and P. M. James H. Goudlock - donated their time and free labor in the creation of the new temple. The temple was dedicated in 1974 and is presently located on Crawford Road in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

A matter of special importance to Sons of Light Lodge No. 61, and to all South Carolina Prince Hall Freemasons, was the erection of the Masonic Temple in Columbia, South Carolina under the leadership of the Honorable Prince Riley, who was then Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Jurisdiction of the State of South Carolina, as well as a Past Master of Sons of Light Lodge No. 61.

Today, Sons of Light Lodge No. 61 is one of the premiere Lodges in Rock Hill and continues to be actively involved in the community.