[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 85 (Thursday, June 25, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE RISING SUN CHAPTER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 1998

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Rising 
Sun Chapter of the Prince Hall Royal Arch Masons for providing 
leadership and support to its members and to the New York community.
  The first Independent African Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of North 
America located at South Eleven Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 
held its Grand Chapter Convocation on November 27, 1847.
  At that convocation a petition was presented by Brothers from New 
York requesting that a delegation be sent from Grand Chapter to confer 
the several Royal Arch Degrees. The petition was received and adopted, 
and ten Brothers from New York were exalted.
  Going back to the Civil War and the military conflicts that followed, 
its members have shown the way in the defense of this country overseas, 
even while confronting the challenges of racism at home.
  Since its beginnings the lodge has made education a priority, and 
worked for the economic and social improvement of its members and the 
African-American community at large.
  During the Harlem Renaissance Companion Arthur Schomburg, a Royal 
Arch Mason, shared his knowledge of the history of people of African 
descent and inspired other scholars and writers, such as James Weldon 
Johnson, Claude McKay and Richard Wright.
  The lodge has supported the civil rights movement, been prominent in 
fighting the scourges of our community, from drug addiction to deadly 
diseases. It has supported efforts to improve the educational system 
and prepare our young people for the job market.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in saluting the 
Rising Sun Chapter for their great accomplishments.

                          ____________________