Prince Hall: Abolitionist, Educator, and Freemason
Freemasonry has always been a fraternity that celebrates diversity, bringing together men from all walks of life, united by shared goals and values. Brother Prince Hall's story is a vivid reminder of this principle. His establishment of the first African American Masonic lodge and his tireless efforts in advocating for the rights and education of African Americans highlight the inclusive spirit that is at the core of our fraternity.
For over 150 years, Prince Hall Freemasonry has been a critical part of the Masonic community in Illinois and is the oldest, continually active, African American fraternal organization in the state. In exploring the life and achievements of Brother Hall, we celebrate not only his remarkable contributions but also the timeless principles that Freemasonry represents. His story serves as a powerful example of how the fraternity can be a force for social justice and community building.
By honoring Brother Hall, we recognize the enduring importance of his contributions which strengthened our brotherhood and helped ensure that every Mason, regardless of background, is welcomed and valued.
From Enslavement to the Revolution
Brother Prince Hall was born around 1735, and although details of his early life remain somewhat obscure, we know that he was enslaved by a Boston tanner named William Hall. Despite the harsh realities of his early years, Brother Hall exhibited remarkable resilience and a keen intellect, traits that would define his future endeavors. This early experience undoubtedly shaped his fervent commitment to the causes of freedom and equality.
Brother Prince Hall was an abolitionist, educator, and founder of Prince Hall Freemasonry.
As a boy, Brother Hall learned to work leather under William Hall, but by 1770 he was a free, literate man. It is unclear whether he taught himself to read and write or if he had assistance. Around this time, he joined the Congregational Church and married an enslaved woman named Sarah Ritchie, who soon sadly passed. He then married Flora Gibbs of Gloucester and worked in Boston where he owned a leather shop.
In April 1777, he created five leather drumheads for an artillery regiment and joined the Continental Army. He encouraged enslaved and freed Black men to serve in the American colonial military because he believed it would help them attain freedom once the new nation was formed. Brother Hall took a leadership role in his community, petitioning the legislature of Massachusetts to end slavery and the slave trade.
The Dawn of Prince Hall Freemasonry
Drawn to Freemasonry’s values, Brother Hall tried to join St. John’s Lodge in Boston in the early 1770s but was denied membership because of his race. Brother Hall and fourteen other African Americans who had also been rejected by established Boston lodges turned to a British military lodge operating in Boston, Lodge No. 441, in their quest to become Freemasons. Initiated by the lodge in 1775, Hall and his brothers met as members of the British lodge until the end of the Revolutionary War.
Having served during the Revolutionary War, many African Americans expected but did not receive racial equality when the war ended. Intending to improve the lives of fellow African Americans, Brother Hall collaborated with others to propose legislation for equal rights. He also hosted community events, such as educational forums and theatre events, to improve the lives of Black people. In 1784, nearly a decade after becoming a Master Mason, Prince Hall, and the other Black members of the British lodge, formally petitioned the Grand Lodge of England to charter a new lodge on American soil. Their request was granted, allowing them to create the first African American lodge, African Lodge No. 459.
This new lodge quickly grew, and Worshipful Master Prince Hall was appointed a Provincial Grand Master in 1791. This subsequently led to the creation of the first Black Provincial Grand Lodge and within a few years, Brother Hall organized lodges in Philadelphia and Rhode Island, both of which were designated to work under the charter of African Lodge No. 459.
Prince Hall Master Mason Apron, 1915, courtesy of Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library.
The new Prince Hall Freemasonry fraternity quickly spread. The pursuit of truth and self-improvement helped give rise to a community committed to service to others and standing against slavery and white supremacy. Prince Hall Freemasonry became a cornerstone of African American society, promoting education, leadership, and social justice that was integral to the abolitionist and civil rights movement of the 19th century.
Abolitionism and Death
Understanding how critical education was in helping him advance his own life, Brother Hall devoted much of his energy to promoting equal educational opportunities for the Black community. He petitioned the city of Boston to establish schools for Black children and even started a school program for Black youth out of his home. Brother Hall gave public speeches on the plight of the Black community and, for a time, was involved in the Back-to-Africa movement.
When Brother Prince Hall passed away in 1807, African American Masons endowed their fraternity with his name to distinguish it from the lodges that first excluded them. Brother Hall is buried in Copp's Hill Burying Ground in Boston along with other notable Bostonians from the colonial era. A nearby tribute monument in his name was erected on Copp's Hill next to his grave marker.
The Legacy of Prince Hall Freemasonry
For nearly 250 years, Prince Hall Freemasonry has been an empowering force for the Black community. After the Civil War, Prince Hall Masons established community institutions and benefits for freed families that were instrumental in the civil rights movement.
Prince Hall Freemasonry remains the largest and oldest African American fraternity in the world. At least 5,000 lodges can trace their lineage to the original African Lodge No. 459 established by Prince Hall. Thousands of communities across Illinois have benefited from Prince Hall Freemasonry going back to the middle of the 19th century. There are over 300,000 members in the United States alone and many notable figures from the Black community have also been Prince Hall Masons, including Brothers John Lewis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Jesse Jackson, Thurgood Marshall, Al Green, Booker T. Washington, and many more.
Freemasonry is a fraternity designed to make good men better through service to mankind. Today, Prince Hall Freemasonry is a vibrant and essential part of the Masonic fraternity, embodying the principles of brotherhood, equality, and truth. As we remember Brother Prince Hall, we honor a man whose vision and determination continue to inspire Masons everywhere. His contributions to Freemasonry and the broader fight for civil rights are a testament to the enduring power of unity and the relentless pursuit of justice. Brother Hall's legacy is not only a vital part of our history but also a guiding light for our future.