Ancient York Masons' 1797 Parade Advertisement

Black American freemasons in the city of Philadelphia were able to establish their own African Masonic Lodge after they were rejected from joining the white-American led Pennsylvania Masons lodge. This ad notified the public of the lodge's creation and their parade followed by a sermon by Rev. Absalom Jones. Click on the image above to see the newspaper page featuring the ad in the 4th column, half way down the page.

Gazette of the United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser. Vol. XI, n. 1494 (Philadelphia [Pa.]), 22 June 1797.

Title: Ancient York Masons' 1797 Parade Advertisement
Date: 1797
Object Information: Paper document
Repository: Gazette of the United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser. Vol. XI, n. 1494 (Philadelphia [Pa.]), 22 June 1797. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025881/1797-06-22/ed-1/seq-3/ (accessed May 1, 2024).
Description:
Members of the Ancient York Masons published this announcement in the Gazette of the United States & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser on June 22, 1797 to notify everyone about the new organization and the parade two days later on Saturday, the 24th. The parade would be followed with a sermon by Reverend Absalom Jones, first Worshipful Master and pastor of the newly established St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The parade of the Ancient York Masons, African Lodge No. 44 was the first of its kind in the city in June 1797. Peter Mantone, the appointed acting grand wizard wrote to Prince Hall, the founder of the first African Masonic Lodge in Boston, after Black freemasons were rejected by the leaders of the white American-led Pennsylvania Masons lodge. Hall then assisted with the formation of the first African Masonic Lodge in Philadelphia.

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TRANSCRIPT

Notice is hereby given,
THAT a procession will be on Saturday next, the 24th of June, 10 o'clock in the morning, of Ancient York Masons, African Lodge No. 44. The Brethren are requested to attend the Same. Sermon at 11 o'clock, by the Rev. Brother A. Jones.
By order of the R.W. Grand Master,
P.M. NIXON.
PETER RICHMOND, Secretary.
June 22. *2t