I
“Behold How Good and Pleasant It Is For Brethren
to Dwell Together In Unity”

INTRO TO
PRINCE HALL MASONR Y

Presented by PM Edward Scott
Bethany Lodge No. 101
WM Norris Gilmore
MWPHGM Daniel Simmons
at Monticello Lodge No. 532, F&AM
Monticello, New York – November 26, 2001

“What is Beauty? ‘Tis the stainless soul within that outshines the fairest skin.” It is the third pillar of Freemansonry, that of Beauty, represents the perfected Soul quality that every Mason should strive to manifest in himself and in every aspect of his life.

Here is the fundamental strength of our Craft. Rising above sectarian differences, Freemasonry affirms our individual faith. Transcending all differences between men — whether geographical, cultural, or economical, what have you — our gentle Craft teaches every man to live according to the principles of brotherhood, relief, and truth. On this foundation, our forefathers built their lives. On this foundation, all men everywhere can draw the strength to make this world a happier, wiser and better place for all humankind.

“Pointed in the right direction the Wisdom of our Fraternity.” The unique contribution of Masonic wisdom of a man’s life is simply keeping him pointed in the right direction. He has a standard by which to measure his actions. He gets more of life because he remains on the right path more than others. Our Masonic symbol of the Square and Compass is no accident. It serves a unique purpose. No matter how many times a Mason sees these tools, he cannot escape being reminded of how he is expected to live! This is the Wisdom of our Fraternity.

At the building of King Solomon’s Temple, the various Masons were distinguished by the way they wore their aprons. The principles of Freemasonry, at this point, had no other distinguishing features. It is ironic that Masonry, which has always been recognized as a force of morality and progress should, or could be used for the purpose of suppressing any one group. Freemasonry is of one mind, one great common star around which all men of all tongues and languages assembled.

For centuries, segregation has caused ridicule of our honorable institute that professes brotherhood. Here tonight, my brothers, we are assembled, different races, different cultures, different languages, different religions, by the grace of GOD, the Grand Architect of the Universe, after many centuries of segregation and non-recognition. Look around my brothers... This is a great step forward for Masonry.

Prince Hall Masonry operates in much the same way as the White Lodge system runs, since both derive from the Grand Lodge of England. The “work” is also similar, varying slightly from state to state. There are no fundamental differences in organization, and values under which we are established and governed.

Prince Hall Masonry leads each man to the sacred alter, obligates him to GOD, to the
Fraternity, and to Mankind. Charges him strictly to lead life as an uprighteous man.
And through symbolism, furnishes him with the tools to maintain his way to that
undiscovered country, eternal in the heavens, not made with hands.

Prince Hall Masonry began when Prince H~li and fourteen other free Black men were initiated into Lodge No. 441, Irish Constitution, attached to the 38th Regimen of Foot,
British Army Garrisoned at Castle William, now Fort Independence, Boston Harbor on
March 6, 1775. The Master of the Lodge was Sergeant John Batt. Along with Prince
Hall, the other newly made masons were Cyrus Johnson, Bueston Slinger, Prince Rees,
John Canton, Peter Freeman, Benjamin Tiler, Duff Ruform, Thomas Santerson, Prince
Rayden, Cato Speain, Boston Smith, Peter Best, Forten Howard, and Richard Titley.

When the British Army left Boston in 1776, this Lodge No. 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 as a Lodge to bury their dead; but they could not confer degrees nor perform any other Masonic “work.” For nine years, these brothers, together with others who had received their degrees elsewhere, assembled and enjoyed limited privileges as Masons. Thirty-three masons were listed on the rolls of African
L odge #1 on January 14, 1779. Finally, on March 2, 1784, Prince Hall petitioned the Grand Lodge of England, through a Worship Master William Moody of Brotherly Love Lodge No. 55 for a warrant, or charter.

The Warrant to African Lodge No. 459 of Boston is the most significant and highly prized document to the Prince Hall Mason Fraternity. Through it the legitimacy is traced, and on it more than any other factor rests. It was granted on September 29, 1784, delivered in Boston on April 29, 1787 by Captain James Scott, brother-in-law of John Hancock. Under its authority, African Lodge No. 459 was officiated on May 6, 1787. Prince Hall was appointed Grand Master in 1791. Henceforth, the establishment of Prince Hall Masonry.

In closing, “I GREET YOU AS A BROTHER.” Tolerance is one of Freemasonry’s watchwords. In a world where the natural sense of the brotherhood of man is often
submerged beneath the oppressive weight of sectarian intolerance, or of the kind of strident nationalism that is the reverse of true patriotism.

“I WILL SUPPORT YOU IN ALL YOUR LAUDABLE UNDERTAKINGS.” This
Masonic commitment to human improvement finds many practical expressions — not only in charitable works, but also in educational projects and enterprises that aim to further mutual understanding between men and between nations.

“THE POSTURE OF MAY DAY SUPPLICATION5 SHALL REMIND ME OF YOUR WANTS.” Philanthropy is an inseparable part of the Masonic Fraternity, “And now abideth Faith, Hope, Charity, these three: But the greatest of these is Charity.” 1 Corinthian 13:13

“YOUR LAWFUL SECRETS WHEN ENTRUSTED TO ME AS UCH I WILL KEEP
AS MY OWN.” In common with all responses to deep spiritual experiences, every Freemason has his own personal, inner response to his initiation. These feelings cannot be communicated to another, for there is no language by which they can be expressed.

Finally, “I WILL SUPPORT YOUR CHARACTER iN YOUR ABSENCE AS iN YOUR PRESENCE.” Freemasonry seeks to instill in its members the virtues of tolerance, honesty, charity, and loyalty. The invisible tie that binds all Freemasons together is their shared experience of the Craft’s ethos — not only the work within the Lodge, but also in the wider world. Wherever he goes, and whatever his position in life, the Mason knows that when he meets a brOther, he is meeting someone who will offer him friendship, moral support, and whatever practical help he may need.

Brethen, stretch forth your hands in commemoration of a new and great beginning of spreading the cement of brotherly love to the ongoing preservation of this our honorable institution. May GOD add a blessing to this presentation.