The Prince Hall Legacy in the state of Delaware had its beginnings at the beginning-with the man himself. On March 6, 1775, Prince Hall, along with fourteen other men of color, were initiated into Masonry through Lodge #441, a military lodge warranted by the Irish Constitution. Upon their departure from Boston, Lodge #441 granted Prince Hall and his brethren authority to meet as African Lodge #1 (under dispensation), to go in procession on St. John’s Day and bury their dead as a lodge, but they could not confer degrees nor perform any other Masonic ‘work’. For nine years these brethren assembled, often with other men of color who had received their degrees elsewhere. Finally, after having their fill of enjoying their limited privileges as Masons, Prince Hall petitioned the Grand Lodge of England for a warrant or charter on March 2, 1784. The warrant was granted on September 29, 1784 and was delivered in Boston on April 29, 1787. It was under this warrant’s authority that African Lodge #459 was organized on May 6, 1787, and became the first African American Lodge in the United States.

Expansion into Pennsylvania came as a result of a request by man who made African American History himself in the area of religion (and has roots traced through Delaware)-Absalom Jones. Under the authority of the charter of African Lodge #459-Boston, Prince Hall established African Lodge #459-Philadelphia, Union Lodge, Laurel Lodge #5 and Phoenix Lodge #6 between 1797 and 1814. Acting in accordance with the custom of the period, these four lodges met on St. John’s Day, December 27, 1815 and organized themselves as the “First African Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, for and in the Jurisdiction of North America.” Reverend Absalom Jones was elected the Most Worshipful Grand Master.
In the year 1826, two men had an honest desire to improve themselves and be of service to GOD and mankind. These men were Samuel Leary and Jacob Jenkins-both residents of Wilmington, Delaware. They applied to Union Lodge #4 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Having met the necessary requirements, they were made Masons and admitted as members thereof. Shortly afterwards, the following men petitioned Union Lodge #4 and were received and made Masons as well: John Cooper, Moses G. Nelson, William A. Stevens, Henry Weeks, Levi Medford and David Jackson.

It was during the year 1845 that several of these above-mentioned brethren made application to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania for a charter to open and hold a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in Wilmington, Delaware. They received the support and recommendation of Union Lodge #4 and a dispensation was granted. The organization of Star in the East Lodge #12 (now #1) on September 20, 1845 brought forth the first African American Masonic lodge in the State of Delaware. After the dispensated time had lapsed, this lodge received its warrant; its officers duly installed and were dedicated in due and ancient form.

Three years later, after Star in the East Lodge #12 had grown to a large number, several of the brethren resigned their membership and applied to form a new lodge. Having received the recommendation by Star in the East Lodge #12, their request was granted and Rising Sun Lodge #28 (now #2) was formed in November of 1848 in the city of Wilmington, Delaware.

Later that same year, more brethren applied for a dispensation and eventual charter-which Pennsylvania’s Grand Lodge granted-and Meridian Sun Lodge #29 (now#3) was organized in Delaware City, Delaware. These three lodges worked Masonicaly and peace and harmony prevailed. Word of their congruous behavior reached the Grand Lodge and communication was sent soliciting representatives from this trio to attend the next Annual session and receive authority to take charge of the state of Delaware.
This report was acted upon in accordance to their wishes and on June 9, 1849 the three lodges assembled with their officers and members in their hall on West 5th Street in Wilmington, Delaware at 1 o’clock PM. Having paid all of the necessary assessments, the Most Worshipful Hiram Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of and for the State of Delaware was duly organized. The ceremony was presided by Jacob Jenkins-the very same man who traveled from Delaware to be initiated into the Mystic Art
of Freemasonry 23 years earlier-who was the Most Worshipful Grand master of Masons for the state of Pennsylvania.

The elected and appointed Grand Lodge officers were as follows:

Most Worshipful Grand Master.......................... Levi Anderson
Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master.......... Moses G. Wilson
Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden ................William Blunt
Right Worshipful Junior Grand Warden............. Michael Sterling
Grand Treasurer...................................................... Bennett Hill
Grand (Recording) Secretary........................... Joseph H. Banks
Grand (Correspondence) Secretary.................... John E. Young
Grand Pursuviant............................................. Charles Webber
Grand Tyler......................................................... Levi Medford
Grand Senior Deacon ...........................................Alex Watson
Grand Junior Deacon....................................... Hennard Bayard
Grand Master of Ceremonies............... Benjamin W. Sharpless
Grand Sword Bearer.......................................... Henry Weeks
Grand Marshal........................................................ John Viney
Grand Chaplain................................................... Daniel Russell
Grand Chaplain................................................. Henry Johnson
Grand Senior Steward................................... Hemsley Jackson
Grand Junior Steward......................................... Samuel Green

Around 1880, a piece of property was acquired on Twelfth Street between Orange and Market Streets and converted into a Masonic Hall. In keeping with our belief of improving and assisting our neighbors, Shiloh Baptist Church met in this building while its present day edifice was being constructed. Also, Howard School used the first floor to house classes until additions to its own building were complete. There are many older residents in the city of Wilmington who have recollections of many a pleasant hours
spent in social activities in this Masonic Hall.

As Wilmington grew and businesses developed, the growth of the Craft made it apparent that a new home would soon be a necessity. Looking forward to that day, in 1914, Most Worshipful Grand Master John L. Hubert organized and incorporated the Hiram Grand Lodge Masonic Temple Inc., to have funds available when the new quarters would be found. He also organized the Hiram Grand Lodge Endowment Association (now Known as the Mutual Benefit Fund) to aid Masons families to meet burial expenses.

It was under the leadership of Most Worshipful Grand Master Conwell Banton that negotiations were complete for the sale of the Twelfth Street property (to the Clover Dairy Company) and the purchase of 514 French Street (the old Delaware Fire Company). Bro. G. Oscar Carrington, #1, (who later served as Most Worshipful Grand Master from 1940-47 and 1949-51) was responsible for developing renovation plans, which were approved. On November 1, 1925, the cornerstone was laid by MW Banton, assisted by the officers and members of the Grand Lodge and visitors from neighboring jurisdictions. This home was dedicated according to Masonic customs on May 16th and 17th, 1926.

In 1944, at the 95th Annual Communication, during the administration of Most Worshipful Grand Master G. Oscar Carrington, #1, the name of this Grand Lodge was changed to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Delaware. It was Most Worshipful Grand Master C.P. Houston, #6, who provided the Jurisdiction with an international character by organizing lodges overseas.

The Prince Hall Masons contribution to this state has been phenomenal. Prince Hall Masons have ascended themselves as
leaders within their communities in every walk of life. Below are just a few areas where Delaware Craftsmen have excelled:


City Leadership
The state of Delaware has only had five African Americans elected to serve their local municipalities as mayor. Not suprisingly, four of these men are members of the Order: Roger Fisher, PM #10, Laurel; George Smith, #4, Lewes; James Sills, #1, Wilmington; and George Wright, PM #7 Smyrna.

Justice
There have been at least three masons who have sat on the bench of their local magistrate: Peter Gordon, #28; Robert Jackson, #1; and Courtney Houston, #6, PMWGM. Most courts have bailiffs to assist with maintaining order in the court. Bro. John Davis has the distinction of being the first (and for a long while, the only) African American bailiff in the Delaware Court System.

Medicine
Conwell Banton, #21 not only served as Most Worshipful Grand Master from 1924-35, but also received national attention for his work in trying to find a cure for tuberculosis. Also, Bro. Dr. Edward Dennis, #6 was the first African American physician in the Capital City of Dover.

Education
Jerome Holland, #6 had the pleasure of serving as president of Delaware State College and later served Hampton Institute in the same capacity. It should also be noted that Brother Holland had the opportunity to be a United Nations Representative and the Ambassador to Sweden. Another member of the Prince Hall family was Dr. Luna I. Mishoe, #6, who succeeded Bro. Holland as Delaware State’s President. Also, Past Most Worshipful Grand Master Herbert C. Norris has the distinction of being the only African American to have served on the Board of Trustees at Delaware Technical Community College.

Sports
PM Harvey Riley, #28 excelled in football, basketball and baseball while attending William Henry High School. He went on to letter in football, wrestling, and baseball while attending Hampton Institute (now University). He went on to play semi-professional baseball for several years with the Smyrna Eagles, maintaining a consecutive batting average of well over .300. It was while pursuing a military career that he developed an interest in racquetball and handball. PM Riley was one of the first African Americans to enter into racquetball competition in the state of Maryland and has won the State of Maryland, European and Pacific Theaters, single and doubles racquetball championships. PM Riley was just recently inducted in the first class of the
Afro-American Sports Delaware Hall of Fame.

Civil Rights
Louis Redding, #1 has the distinction of being the first African American lawyer in the state of Delaware. Known as ‘Mr. Civil Rights of Delaware’-Redding filed lawsuits in the 1950’s that led to desegregation being ordered in the Delaware Public School System.

Law Enforcement
Robert Snow, #22 has the distinction of being the first African American admitted on the New Castle County Police Department. Also, four of our members have served as Police Chief of Delaware municipalities: PM Charles Griffin, #21 (Delaware City); Bro. Samuel Pratcher, #1 (Wilmington); and Bros. Otis Ceaphas (Greenwood) and James Harris (Laurel), both of Morning Star #10. The Delaware State Police also have prospered as a result of some good men. PM Frank Chandler, #7 has the distinction of being the first African American to be promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and PM Edward L. Mayfield, Jr., #18, was the first African American to serve on the State Police’s Homicide Unit.

State Fire Marshall’s Office
This office was created in 1953, and it was not until 1979 that they hired an African American, PM James E. Bunkley, #28, to work there. PM Bunkley has been responsible for bringing Delaware’s fire codes updated to National standards and has implemented several policies that have saved Delawareans from perishing by fire.

City Councilman
Thomas Postley, our 10th Grand Master scored a political breakthrough in 1901 when he was elected to become a member of the Wilmington City Council.

State Legislature
Herman Hollaway, #1, was known as the ‘Dean of Black Politicians”. He spent over 30 years in the Delaware General Assembly-serving in both legislative chambers. His legacy is that he lead the battle in adequate social services for the poor.
Goethe said, “The best thing which we derive from history is that enthusiasm that it raises in (each of) us.” In closing, we have attempted to pen the noble deeds and great achievements which this mighty Craft has made marking this Sesqui-Centennial Celebration. It is a glorious record, worthy of observation. History is as old as time, and must be examined by those who come along later.

We believe that ‘unless our craft was good and honorable, we should not have lasted so long.’ Let us ever remember our solemn
duty not only to protect the heritage and preserve the prestige and reputation of our Great Fraternity, but let’s also ensure that our forefathers’ labors were not in vain, nor their strength spent for naught.