[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 96 (Thursday, June 16, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E945]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION OF SUMNER LODGE NUMBER 5

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 2016

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to recognize 
one of Springfield, Massachusetts' most well-known institutions, the 
Grand Sumner Lodge Number 5 of the Prince Hall Masonic Temple, which is 
celebrating its 150th anniversary.
  The Grand Sumner Lodge was founded on June 24, 1866 by eleven Master 
Masons living in Springfield, who felt it was time for the city's 
African-American community to host a fraternal organization. The Master 
Masons chose to name their lodge after Senator Charles Sumner of 
Massachusetts. Senator Sumner dedicated his life to serving his country 
as a member of the United States Senate from 1851 until his death in 
1874. He was a long time champion of the abolitionist and civil rights 
movements. In fact, he was beaten on the floor of the United States 
Senate for the cause of equality in 1856. The members of Grand Sumner 
Lodge Number 5 have dedicated themselves to following the example set 
by their illustrious namesake. The Lodge has been at the forefront of 
the battle for civil rights in this country. They have broken down many 
barriers, including in 1955 when the members of the Lodge became the 
first African-American fraternal organization to erect their own 
meeting hall in Massachusetts.
  Sumner Lodge has been a force for good in the Springfield community 
for 150 years and has shown no signs of slowing down. The group 
currently donates time and money to causes that include the Martin 
Luther King Day Center, American Cancer Society, CDC Rehabilitation 
Springfield, and Jane Doe, Inc. Sumner Lodge provides positive role 
models for the young men of Springfield to ensure that they do not fall 
victim to substance abuse. The Lodge also seeks to educate young men on 
the horrific consequences of sexual assault and domestic violence, so 
that they learn healthy respect for the women in their lives. 
Additionally, they serve all of the youth of Springfield by toiling to 
construct safe areas for after school recreation activities. 
Organizations such as the Sumner Lodge are vital pillars of the 
American community and must be commended for their tireless dedication 
to service. I have full confidence that they will continue to do 
phenomenal work for the next 150 years.
  Mr. Speaker, as Springfield celebrates the 150th anniversary of the 
Grand Sumner Lodge, let us all acknowledge the outstanding work that 
this group has done on behalf of the people of Springfield, and let us 
all wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

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