The Father of Black Masonry
From a Single Lodge to a Worldwide Fraternity
Prince Hall is recognized as the Father of Black Masonry in the United States. What began with a handful of free men has grown into a global fraternity — and in 1849, took root here in Delaware.
The First Initiation
Prince Hall and fourteen other free Black men are initiated into Lodge No. 441 of the British Army at Castle William, Boston Harbor.
African Lodge No. 1
After the British Army departs Boston, the men receive limited authority to meet as African Lodge No. 1 — permitted to march in procession on St. John’s Day and to bury their dead, but not yet to confer degrees.
The Warrant Is Granted
African Lodge No. 459 receives its warrant from the Grand Lodge of England — the most significant and highly prized document known to the Prince Hall Mason fraternity.
The Charter Arrives
The charter reaches Boston on April 29, 1787, and the lodge is formally organized on May 6, 1787.
Provincial Grand Master
Prince Hall is appointed Provincial Grand Master, formally establishing his leadership of the fraternity.
The Fraternity Expands
Sister lodges are established in Philadelphia and Rhode Island, extending the reach of the Craft.
The African Grand Lodge
The African Grand Lodge is formally organized, uniting the lodges under a single governing body.
Delaware Is Chartered
The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Delaware is officially chartered, becoming the governing body for Prince Hall lodges throughout the First State.
Honoring Our Origins
A Pilgrimage to African Lodge No. 459
In 2026, brethren of the Delaware Jurisdiction traveled to Boston, Massachusetts to take part in the 12th Biennial Reopening of African Lodge No. 459, hosted by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
African Lodge No. 459 holds a sacred place in our history — it is the Mother Lodge of Prince Hall Freemasonry. Its story begins on March 6, 1775, when Prince Hall and fourteen other free men of color were made Masons in Boston, laying the foundation for a legacy that continues to shape our identity, our responsibility, and our work today.
Delaware’s presence at this historic gathering reflects our enduring commitment to honoring our origins, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood across jurisdictions, and preserving the legacy entrusted to us. We extend our sincere appreciation to every Brother who represented the First State with dignity, respect, and pride.
