Declaring October 6th, 2016 to be Prince Hall Day in the City of Philadelphia; honoring the outstanding civic and philanthropic contributions of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania throughout Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and celebrating the 201st Grand Lodge Session of Prince Hall Masons.

WHEREAS, Prince Hall is widely recognized as the Father of Black Masonry. The brotherhood that he helped to initiate has been an important part of Philadelphia’s historical landscape since our nation achieved its independence and, today, has a membership of over 300,000 individuals in 4,500 lodges worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Prince Hall helped to establish African Lodge No. 459 of Philadelphia, the first Masonic Lodge for Black Masons in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on September 22, 1797. In 1815, African Lodge No. 459 joined with other nascent Masonic Lodges in Philadelphia to form the first African Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, the historical antecedent of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, As the organization grew throughout the United States, the spirit of brotherhood, service, and charity began to truly shine. By the turn of the 20th century, Prince Hall Lodges were being founded in Africa and around the world; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge is involved in countless philanthropic endeavors, giving back to the community and spreading brotherhood across our City and Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia Sheriff Jewell Williams is joining with this Council to honor the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and extend his sincere appreciation for its contributions to our great City and Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, On behalf of itself and the Philadelphia Sheriff, that we hereby declare October 6th, 2016 to be Prince Hall Day in the City of Philadelphia; honor the outstanding civic and philanthropic contributions of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania throughout Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and celebrate the 201st Grand Lodge Session of Prince Hall Masons.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to [INSERT NAME] as evidence of the deep appreciation and sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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