[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 147 (Thursday, September 17, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LEGACY OF PRINCE HALL FREEMASONRY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 2026

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy 
of Prince Hall Freemasonry and join the residents of the City of 
Deerfield Beach, Florida, in celebrating Prince Hall Day. In 
particular, I commend the distinguished officers and members of 
Districts 32, 33, and 34 of the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of 
Florida, Free and Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated, for their 
enduring dedication to brotherhood, benevolent service, and civic 
leadership.
  The story of Prince Hall Freemasonry is inextricably linked to the 
ongoing pursuit of equality, self-determination, and justice in our 
Nation. On March 6, 1775, Prince Hall and fourteen other free Black 
men--Peter Freeman, Benjamin Tiber, Duff Bufform, Thomas Sanderson, 
Prince Payden, Cato Speain, Boston Smith, Peter Best, Fortin Howard, 
and Richard Tilley--were initiated into Freemasonry at Castle William 
in Boston Harbor. Facing exclusion from local lodges following the 
American Revolution, Prince Hall petitioned the Grand Lodge of England, 
which issued a charter on September 29, 1784, establishing African 
Lodge No. 459--the first independent Black Masonic Lodge on American 
soil.
  From those foundational beginnings, Prince Hall Freemasonry expanded 
across the country, becoming a bedrock of civil rights leadership, 
education, mutual aid, and community strength. Since its establishment 
on June 17, 1870, the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida, 
Free and Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated, has carried forward 
this distinguished mission across the Sunshine State.
  Today, under the principled leadership of The Honorable Gus Harris, 
Jr., 20th Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Grand Lodge of Florida 
remains a powerful instrument for positive change. Furthermore, I 
recognize Right Worshipful Randy L. Reddick, Jr., District Deputy Grand 
Master, whose administration over Districts 32, 33, and 34 exemplifies 
the core Masonic virtues of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
  The brethren of Districts 32, 33, and 34 serve as vital pillars 
throughout Broward County and South Florida. Their continuous work in 
supporting local families, aiding widows and orphans, providing youth 
mentorship, advancing academic scholarships, and uplifting the 
residents of Deerfield Beach deserves our highest praise and gratitude.
  It is my pleasure to recognize Prince Hall Freemasonry and to join 
the City of Deerfield Beach in celebrating Prince Hall Day. I 
congratulate Grand Master Gus Harris, Jr., District Deputy Grand Master 
Randy L. Reddick, Jr., and all the members of Districts 32, 33, and 34 
for their extraordinary contributions to Broward County, the State of 
Florida and our Nation.

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