District 24

Prince Hall, an African American abolitionist and prominent leader, made significant contributions to the world of Freemasonry, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations. Born in 1735, Hall became a prominent member of the free black community in Boston during a time when racial discrimination was rampant in the United States. Hall, along with 14 other free African Americans, was initiated into Freemasonry in 1775 by an Irish military lodge.

However, due to prevailing racial prejudices, Hall and his fellow African American Masons were not fully accepted within the existing Masonic community. Undeterred, Hall and his associates sought and were granted a charter from the Grand Lodge of England in 1784, establishing African Lodge No. 459, the first Masonic lodge for African Americans in the United States. This event marked a pivotal moment in the history of Freemasonry, symbolizing the fraternity's commitment to equality and inclusivity.

Hall’s dedication to Freemasonry went beyond his own lodge. He actively promoted the principles of Masonry, emphasizing brotherhood, charity, and personal development within the African American community. His efforts laid the foundation for Prince Hall Freemasonry, a distinct and influential branch of the Masonic tradition that continues to thrive today, promoting the same values of unity and enlightenment that Prince Hall himself championed.