Philadelphia's African Masonic Lodge Advertises Its 1797 Parade

The notice in the Gazette of the United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser, June 22, 1797 (vol. XI, no. 1494), fourth column, halfway down the page. Library of Congress, Chronicling America.

A lodge of their own

Black freemasons in Philadelphia were turned away by the leaders of the white-led Pennsylvania Masons lodge. Peter Mantone — described in the Park Service's account as the appointed acting grand wizard — wrote for help to Prince Hall, founder of the first African Masonic Lodge, in Boston, and Hall assisted in forming the first African Masonic Lodge in Philadelphia: African Lodge No. 44 of the Ancient York Masons.

The announcement

On June 22, 1797, the lodge's members placed this notice in the Gazette of the United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser, telling the public about the new organization and about a parade two days later, on Saturday, June 24. It was the first parade of its kind in the city. The procession was to be followed by a sermon from the Reverend Absalom Jones, the lodge's first Worshipful Master and pastor of the newly founded St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

The notice reads:

Notice is hereby given,
THAT a procession will be on Saturday next, the 24th of June, 10 o'clock in the morning, of Ancient York Masons, African Lodge No. 44. The Brethren are requested to attend the Same. Sermon at 11 o'clock, by the Rev. Brother A. Jones.
By order of the R.W. Grand Master,
P.M. NIXON.
PETER RICHMOND, Secretary.
June 22.

Sources

Rewritten from the National Park Service object record "Ancient York Masons' Parade Advertisement - June 22, 1797" (Independence National Historical Park; public domain), in hubnx's own words. The 1797 notice is quoted as printed, from the Library of Congress's Chronicling America.