HONORING THE LEGACY OF PRINCE HALL FREEMASONRY

On 2026-09-17, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LEGACY OF PRINCE HALL FREEMASONRY" in the House.

HONORING THE LEGACY OF PRINCE HALL FREEMASONRY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 147 (Thursday, September 17, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 147 (Thursday, September 17, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E953] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LEGACY OF PRINCE HALL FREEMASONRY ______ HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ of florida in the house of representatives Thursday, September 17, 2026 Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Prince Hall Freemasonry and join the residents of the City of Deerfield Beach, Florida, in celebrating Prince Hall Day. In particular, I commend the distinguished officers and members of Districts 32, 33, and 34 of the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, Free and Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated, for their enduring dedication to brotherhood, benevolent service, and civic leadership. The story of Prince Hall Freemasonry is inextricably linked to the ongoing pursuit of equality, self-determination, and justice in our Nation. On March 6, 1775, Prince Hall and fourteen other free Black men--Peter Freeman, Benjamin Tiber, Duff Bufform, Thomas Sanderson, Prince Payden, Cato Speain, Boston Smith, Peter Best, Fortin Howard, and Richard Tilley--were initiated into Freemasonry at Castle William in Boston Harbor. Facing exclusion from local lodges following the American Revolution, Prince Hall petitioned the Grand Lodge of England, which issued a charter on September 29, 1784, establishing African Lodge No. 459--the first independent Black Masonic Lodge on American soil. From those foundational beginnings, Prince Hall Freemasonry expanded across the country, becoming a bedrock of civil rights leadership, education, mutual aid, and community strength. Since its establishment on June 17, 1870, the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, Free and Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated, has carried forward this distinguished mission across the Sunshine State. Today, under the principled leadership of The Honorable Gus Harris, Jr., 20th Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Grand Lodge of Florida remains a powerful instrument for positive change. Furthermore, I recognize Right Worshipful Randy L. Reddick, Jr., District Deputy Grand Master, whose administration over Districts 32, 33, and 34 exemplifies the core Masonic virtues of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. The brethren of Districts 32, 33, and 34 serve as vital pillars throughout Broward County and South Florida. Their continuous work in supporting local families, aiding widows and orphans, providing youth mentorship, advancing academic scholarships, and uplifting the residents of Deerfield Beach deserves our highest praise and gratitude. It is my pleasure to recognize Prince Hall Freemasonry and to join the City of Deerfield Beach in celebrating Prince Hall Day. I congratulate Grand Master Gus Harris, Jr., District Deputy Grand Master Randy L. Reddick, Jr., and all the members of Districts 32, 33, and 34 for their extraordinary contributions to Broward County, the State of Florida and our Nation. ____________________