Fire Destroys Prince Hall in Providence - One of America’s Most Historic Masonic Temples
Friday, December 25, 2020
A fire has devastated the home of one of America’s oldest Masonic temples in Providence -- the Prince Hall Masonic Temple building.
The temple's history goes back to the 1700s and has played a historic role in America’s black community.
The three-alarm fire destroyed much of the interior of the building at 883 Eddy Street.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIt was a central meeting place for much of Providence’s black community. It was where wedding anniversary dinners were held and where birthday parties were celebrated. Inside the building was the Acadia Club that on some nights doubled as a jazz club and featured local stars such as Leland Baker.
"So many memories in this place. I hope they can rebuild it back even better. What a gut punch this whole year has been. I've DJ'd and taken pictures there forever -- my wife had her 40th birthday there. The Christmas Day blaze required Providence Fire Department to call for three alarms," said Justin Case, Providence photographer.
Kyle Bennett, who is the R.W. Senior Grand Warden of the Lodge said in a statement to GoLocal:
While we are tremendously saddened by the fire that broke out in the early hours of Christmas morning, devouring the home of Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, we are also extremely happy that there was no loss of life in the fire. Prince Hall Masons of Rhode Island and all affiliate lodges and chapters are incredibly grateful for the members of the Providence Fire Department for fighting an intense fire with significant wind gusts and downpours. Their courage and professionalism continue to inspire our membership.
Community service has been at the heart of Prince Hall Masonry and this week, just two days before the fire, we were fortunate enough to continue our tradition. We partnered with several organizations to deliver toys, food baskets and clothing to more than four hundred cars full of individuals and families in need. Our efforts to restore our home will help to continue that work and much more into the future
While we await the report from the fire inspector, explaining the cause of the fire, we call our community to join us in efforts to rebuild the structure and re-engage our community. In addition to the loss of the building we also lost significant memories and artifacts documenting Prince Hall Masonry in Rhode Island since 1827. Next week we will announce an opportunity for those who have already expressed their support for the renovation of our home on Eddy Street. In the meantime, we ask all community members to refrain from entering the building as it is unsafe.
According to the Temple’s history:
On March 6, 1775, Prince Hall and 14 men of color were made masons in Lodge #441 of the Irish Registry attached to the 38th British Foot Infantry at Castle William Island in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. It marked the first time that Black men were made masons in America.
About a year later, since the conflict between England and America had commenced, the British Foot Infantry left Boston, along with its lodge, leaving Prince Hall and his associates without a lodge. Before the lodge left, Worshipful Master Batt, gave them a “permit” to meet as a lodge and bury their dead in manner and form. This permit, however, did not allow them to do any “masonic work” or to take in any new members.
On March 6, 1775, Prince Hall and 14 men of color were made masons in Lodge #441 of the Irish Registry attached to the 38th British Foot Infantry at Castle William Island in Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. It marked the first time that Black men were made masons in America.
About a year later, since the conflict between England and America had commenced, the British Foot Infantry left Boston, along with its lodge, leaving Prince Hall and his associates without a lodge. Before the lodge left, Worshipful Master Batt, gave them a “permit” to meet as a lodge and bury their dead in manner and form. This permit, however, did not allow them to do any “masonic work” or to take in any new members.
UPDATED 12/25/20 8:09 PM
