James Varick Lodge #31

James Varick Lodge #31 Prince Hall is recognized as the Father of Black Masonry in the United States.

Historically, he made it possible for Negroes to be recognized and enjoy all privileges of free and accepted masonry. The warrant was granted on September 29, 1784 under the name of African Lodge, # 459 on the register of the Grand Lodge of England by authority of then Grand Master, the Duke of Cumberland, delivered in Boston on April 29, 1787 by Captain James Scott, brother-in-law of John Hancock

and Master of the Neptune. Prince Hall was the first Master of the lodge which was organized one week later, May 6, 1787. The warrant to African Lodge # 459 of Boston is the most significant and highly prized document known to the Prince Hall Masonic Fraternity. Through it, Masonic legitimacy among free black men is traced, and on it more than any other factor, rests their case. That charter, which is authenticated and in safekeeping, is believed to be the only original charter issued from the Grand Lodge of England still in the possession of any Lodge in the United States. African Lodge allowed itself to slip into arrears in the late 1790's and was stricken from the rolls after the Union of 1813 although it had attempted correspondence in 1802 and 1806. In 1827, after further unreplied communication, it declared its independence and began to call itself African Grand Lodge # 1. It is interesting to note that when the Massachusetts lodges which were acting as a Provincial Grand Lodge also declared themselves an independent Grand Lodge, and even when the present Grand Lodge of Massachusetts was formed by the amalgamation of the two separate lodges, African Lodge was not invited to take part, even though it held a warrant every bit as valid as the others.

12/16/2015

Recently ran into Bro. Willie E. Jones!

03/10/2012

Thes 5:5-8a (NIV) You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled.

03/04/2012

Once again, the Great Architect of the Universe has dispatched his angels with the scroll of heaven and added Brother Adam Stuckey to that list. The sun has set upon him for the last time here on earth, and now he will awaken to the new and brighter light of the Eternal City. He has ascended the great steps. The golden gateway has opened wide, welcoming him, and as his reward, he has received the plaudit”well done good and faithful servant” from the Supreme Master on February 21st. Rest well with GOD Brother Adam Stuckey. You will be missed...

02/10/2012

James Varick was the first Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

James Varick was born near Newburgh, New York, on January 10, 1750 and became the first black Methodist Episcopal Zion Bishop.

The important events in Varick's life were associated with his religious avocation. Varick joined the John Street Methodist Church in New York City at an early date, possibly in 1766, the year after the church held its first meeting. Varick seems to have been licensed to preach by this group although he does not appear among the licensed preachers of the early Zion church listed by Christopher Rush, the second supervisor or bishop, in his 1844 history of the denomination. As early as 1780, black members of the John Street Church were holding separate class and prayer meetings. In 1796, Varick was among those black leaders who established separate meetings on a firmer footing.

This is the James Varick graduating class of 2010. R.I.P. JW Raymond Brown.
01/23/2012

This is the James Varick graduating class of 2010. R.I.P. JW Raymond Brown.

01/22/2012
01/22/2012
01/22/2012

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Philadelphia, PA
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