Origins of Prince Hall Masonry
Prince Hall Freemasonry is the oldest recognized and continuously active organization founded by African Americans. Prince Hall Freemasonry began on March 6, 1775, when Prince Hall, an abolitionist and civil rights activist, along with fourteen other free men of color, were initiated into freemasonry. These men later organized African Lodge No. 1 on July 3, 1775, which later became African Lodge No. 459 on September 29, 1784. This organization laid the foundation for African American citizenship, education, and for the improvement of the condition of Blacks in America. In 1847, out of respect for its first Grand Master, Prince Hall, the African Grand Lodge changed its name to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, the name it carries today.
Prince Hall Memorial Education and Scholarship Fund
The Prince Hall Memorial Education and Scholarship Fund (PHMESF) grew out of a desire by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California to provide educational assistance to deserving high school students throughout the jurisdiction. To meet this objective, the PHMESF was established in 1991, and granted probationary tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service and the California Franchise Tax Board. The fund received its permanent status as a 501(c) 3 in 1996.
Our Mission
Our mission is to “build bridges to a better tomorrow” through our philanthropic activities. Through the donations that we receive, the PHMESF distributes grants and scholarships to deserving low-income students, children of members of the Prince Hall family, and other high school seniors, who have demonstrated a desire to achieve in spite of their economic circumstances.
Fund Officers
The Independent Charities Seal of Excellence is awarded to the members of Local Independent Charities of America that have, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. These standards include those required by the US Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign, probably the most exclusive fund drive in the world. Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated that fewer than 50,000, or 5 percent, meet or exceed these standards, and, of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this Seal. The PHMESF has been awarded this seal.