[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          SALUTING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF FELIX LODGE NO. 3

                                 ______


                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 1996

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an esteemed 
historical institution in the District of Columbia, Felix Lodge No. 3. 
The Felix Lodge, the second oldest Prince Hall Masonic Lodge in the 
District, will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 1996.
  The Felix Lodge has traveled a long and distinguished road from its 
inception, when meetings were held in the loft of a stable just outside 
Washington. Chartered on April 4, 1846, by the Hiram Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania, the Felix Lodge was named in honor of Brother Felix 
Dorsey, who was a deputy grand master of the Hiram Grand Lodge. Brother 
Dorsey was pivotal in the advent of Masonry for African-Americans in 
the District of Columbia.
  Through the bravery of men seeking freedom and fraternity, the birth 
of the Felix Lodge was quite an accomplishment, especially before the 
Civil War. Several other sites in Washington, including a carpenter's 
shop and personal residences, became the lodge's surreptitious meeting 
sites throughout the 19th century and into the 20th. In 1922, the lodge 
moved to the Masonic Temple on U Street, in Northwest Washington.
  Many prestigious members of the Felix Lodge have served in greater 
roles of the Masonic hierarchy. George W. Brooks, the first African-
American doctor licensed in Washington, became most worshipful grand 
master in 1878. The Felix Lodge also produced 10 Grand Masters. In 
addition, the lodge has a proud tradition of trailblazing activities, 
such as conducting Washington's first black Masonic funeral in 1849, 
and involvement in civic ceremonies like the opening of Union Station.
  Mr. Speaker, the long and eminent history of Felix Lodge No. 3 
deserves our attention and respect. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honoring their 150th anniversary and saluting the gentlemen, past and 
present, of Felix Lodge.

                          ____________________