Rising Sun Lodge No. 4

In the days predating the Civil War, a number of free men of color living in and around Milton, Delaware longed to become part of the Masonic Order. Well respected in their communities and active in their churches, several having become acquainted with the Craft while working in the Wilmington area, they grew desirous of organizing a lodge in southern Delaware.

On March 17, 1852, a group of fifteen men, who became known as “seekers of light,” organized and met at the home of Mr. Lott Purnell, on the site where the Milton Middle School (formerly Milton High School) now stands. On April 2, 1852, a lodge was opened at Mr. Purnell’s home, using the upstairs as a lodge room, and Rising Sun Lodge No. 4 was adopted as its name.

On July 3, 1852, James White was empowered to purchase a building for use as a lodge hall; at the time the treasury held $26.25, and a fund drive soon added $27.50 more. The Charter was officially granted by the Grand Lodge the following year, on April 1, 1853. The lodge still holds its original Charter, bearing the signatures of MWGM Levi Anderson; DGM Purnell Russell; RWGSW John W. Layton; RWGJW Michel Sterling; RWG Chaplain Harry Weeks; and RWG Tyler Bernie Hill.