A Message From The Deputy of the Orient

The inception of the first Scottish Rite organization among African Americans dates back to the establishment of the African Grand Council in 1820 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This Council emerged as a result of West Indian migration, as Stephen Morin had introduced the Rite to the region. Notably, the merger of this African Grand Council with the King David Supreme Council marked the birth of the first Prince Hall Council.

The formation of the King David Supreme Council can be traced to the conferral of the 33rd degree on David Leary in Philadelphia in 1850. Leary, the first colored Inspector-General of the Prince Hall Scottish Rite, received this honor from Count De St. Laurent (also known as Larine) of the Supreme Council of France, who was also the Grand Commander of the Council of Spain. The Supreme Council of France formally acknowledged De Laurent's Scottish Rite endeavors in America on March 5, 1887. Detailed records from December 10, 1854, within the King David Council's minutes, confirm that David Leary obtained a patent from the Supreme Council of France, establishing the Philadelphia Supreme Council.

In 1864, the establishment of the Supreme Council of the United States in New York City marked another significant milestone. This Council emerged from contacts initiated by Baron A. Hugo De Bulow of the Supreme Council of France in 1862 and 1864. Illustrious Edward M. Thomas, residing in the District of Columbia, petitioned the King David Council for the conferral of the 33rd Degree upon representative Masons in the District of Columbia. Consequently, on May 5, 1866, the conferral took place, leading to the establishment of a Council. Subsequently, additional Councils were established in Baltimore, Maryland, and Philadelphia.

The collaborative efforts of these five Councils culminated in a pivotal conference held in New York City on January 13, 1881. This gathering resulted in the creation of the Articles of Union and the formation of two Supreme Councils: the United Supreme Council of the Northern Jurisdiction (PHA) and the United Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction (PHA). These Councils have remained steadfast in safeguarding the legitimacy of their Rite against any challenges.