WHEREAS, Prince Hall is widely recognized as the Father of Black Masonry in the United States. The brotherhood that he helped to initiate has been an important part of Philadelphia’s and the United States’ historical landscape since our nation achieved its independence, and today the brotherhood 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 Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Prince Hall Masons have played important roles in our City’s and Commonwealth’s histories, advocating passionately for the abolition of slavery, fighting on behalf of freedom in the Civil War, and leading in the movement for civil rights through the 20th century and beyond. Throughout its history, the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge and its brothers have worked tirelessly to advance justice and equality on behalf of all people; and
WHEREAS, As the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania continued to grow in Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth at the turn of the 20th century, the spirit of brotherhood, service, and charity began to truly shine. Prince Hall Masons have played an invaluable role in fostering connections within the African American community, supporting philanthropic endeavors, and advocating on behalf of the less fortunate; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is involved in countless philanthropic endeavors, giving back to the community, and spreading brotherhood across our City and Commonwealth. This Council is pleased and proud to celebrate the contributions of the Grand Lodge and to join with the brotherhood in recognizing May 2nd as Prince Hall Day; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, that the Council hereby declares May 2, 2024 to be Prince Hall Day in the City of Philadelphia, and honors the outstanding civic and philanthropic contributions of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania throughout Philadelphia and across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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