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Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free And Accepted Masons Of Connecticut (Prince Hall Masons) Records

 Collection
Identifier: 1994-0061

Scope and Content

The collection contains materials dating from 1925 through 1987, although the bulk of the collection dates from 1971-1981. The files are the result of a letter sent to several Grand Masters of the Lodge requesting their personal papers concerning freemasonry in Connecticut. Included in the collection is correspondence, reports, publications, photographs, addresses, lectures, ephemera and newspaper clippings all concerning the Lodge and its activities and members.

Dates

  • Creation: undated, 1925-1987

Access

The collection is open and available for research.

Restrictions on Use

Permission to publish from these Papers must be obtained in writing from both the University of Connecticut Libraries and the owner(s) of the copyright.

History

Lodges were established in several areas of the American Colonies with the emigration of British Masons prior to the Revolutionary War. The American Revolution caused disruption in the firm establishment of a Grand Lodge in Connecticut until 1789. “The history of Black Free and Accepted Masons dates its origin from the initiation of Prince Hall on 6 March 1775 along with fourteen other free blacks into a Military Lodge of white masons. Lodge No. 441 of the Irish Registry up to the present time. Public acknowledgement of the legitimacy of black masonry came in March 1947 when the white Grand Lodge of Massachusetts officially recognized Prince Hall Masonry as a duly constituted regular and legitimate body. The committee of the white Grand Lodge of Massachusetts stated in its report regarding the charter issued to African Lodge in 1784, that it is believed to be the only original charter issued from the grand Lodge of England which is now in the possession of any lodge in America.” [Preamble to Biography of Prince Hall written by Preston L. Pope, 1975]

Extent

6 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The history of Black Free and Accepted Masons dates its origin from the initiation of Prince Hall on 6 March 1775 along with fourteen other free blacks into a Military Lodge of white masons. Lodge No. 441 of the Irish Registry up to the present time.

Arrangement

Series I: Grand Lodge Records (undated, 1925-1987)

Series II: Other Lodge Records (undated, 1945-1984)

Acquisition Information

The materials were collected from several Grand Masters of the Lodge.

Related Material

Archives & Special Collections has a substantial collection of materials pertaining to Connecticut labor. See also the Preston L. Pope Papers. For detailed information on these collections please contact the curator or ask at the Reading Room desk.

Separated Material

The following materials have been separated from the collection and cataloged:

Official Proceedings of the 165th and 166th Annual Communication,Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, 1980-1981. Dodd Periodicals

Official Proceedings of the 189th Annual Communication, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Massachusetts, 1980. Dodd Periodicals

Official Proceedings of the 116 Annual Communication, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan, 1981. Dodd Periodicals

Official Proceedings of the 136th Annual Communication, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, 1982. Dodd Periodicals

Official Proceedings of the 191st Annual Communication, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Massachusetts, 1982. Dodd Periodicals

Official Proceedings of the 115th Annual Communication, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of the State of South Carolina, 1983. Dodd Periodicals

Official Proceedings of the 192nd Annual Communication, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Massachusetts, 1983. Dodd Periodicals

Official Proceedings of the 118th Annual Communication, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan, 1983. Dodd Periodicals

Official Proceedings of the 135th Annual Communication, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, 1983-1984. Dodd Periodicals

Official Proceedings of the 136t Annual Communication, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio, 1984-1985. Dodd Periodicals

Official Proceedings of the 194th Annual Communication, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Massachusetts, 1985. Dodd Periodicals

Official Proceedings of the 122nd Annual Communication, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Louisiana and Jurisdiction, 1986. Dodd Periodicals

Official Proceedings of the 123rd Annual Communication, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons for the State of Louisiana and Jurisdiction, 1987. Dodd Periodicals

Two Hundred Years of Freemasonry in Connecticut. Case, James R. TGrand Lodge A.F. & A. M. of Connecticut, 1984.

Bibliography

Title
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free And Accepted Masons Of Connecticut Records
Status
Published
Author
Archives & Special Collections staff
Date
2000 November
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Archives and Special Collections, University of Connecticut Library Repository

Contact:
University of Connecticut Library
405 Babbidge Road Unit 1205
Storrs Connecticut 06269-1205 USA US
860-486-2524