["The tradition of respect for our Heritage, both Fraternal and National, has led to the setting aside of a day to celebrate the birth of our founder, and to reaffirm our loyalty to a system in which our freedom to practice our ancient craft remains unimpaired, therefore, in keeping with this custom, be it known that I, Tyrone Hampton, Grand Master of Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 21, 2014, as PRINCE HALL AMERICANISM DAY."]
May I add that after the death of Prince Hall, on December 4, 1807, the brethren organized the African Grand Lodge on June 24, 1808, including the Philadelphia, Providence and Boston lodges. The African Grand Lodge was in 1827 renamed the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, in his honor.
Hall was considered the "Father of African Freemasonry." Prince Hall said of civic activities:
"My brethren, let us pay all due respect to all who God had put in places of honor over us: do justly and be faithful to them that hire you, and treat them with the respect they may deserve; but worship no man. Worship God, this much is your duty and Christians and as Masons".
