Cypress Military Lodge #206, F&AM, PHA

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This man was one of the original Patriots of the American Revolution in Boston. Both he and his son fought with George Washington as part of The Continental Army. He Founded Black Freemasonry in America on March 6th 1775, one month before the outbreak of open rebellion. The foundation of a Black Masonic Lodge in Boston's built a fundamentally new "African" movement on a preexisting institutional foundation. Within that movement they asserted emotional, mythical, and genealogical links to the continent of Africa and its peoples founded upon ideals of liberty, equality and peace.
Here are his words and here is his story.
“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 as Christians and as masons”
Prince Hall (1735 – 1807) was an African American noted as a tireless abolitionist, for his leadership in the free black community in Boston, and as the founder of Prince Hall Masonry. Hall tried to gain New England’s enslaved and free blacks a place in Freemasonry, education and the military, which were some of the most crucial spheres of society in his time. Hall is considered the founder of “Black Freemasonry” in the United States, known today as Prince Hall Freemasonry. Hall formed the African Grand Lodge of North America. Prince Hall was unanimously elected its Grand Master and served until his death in 1807. He lobbied for education rights for black children and was active in the back-to-Africa movement. Many historians regard Prince Hall as one of the prominent African-Americans during the early years of the United States. Hall was born in 1735. Hall may have been born in Barbados, somewhere else in the Caribbean, or in Africa. It is more likely that he was a native of New England, by age 11 Prince Hall was a slave to Boston tanner William Hall. By 1770, Prince Hall was a free, literate black man living in Boston. The manumission certificate for Prince Hall, dated one month after the Boston Massacre [April, 1770], stated that "no longer Reckoned a slave, but [had] always accounted as a free man." Hall encouraged enslaved and freed blacks to serve the American colonial military. He believed that if blacks were involved in the founding of the new nation, it would aid in the attainment of freedom for all blacks. Hall proposed that the Massachusetts Committee of Safety allow blacks to join the military. He and fellow supporter’s petition compared Britain’s colonial rule with the enslavement of blacks. Their proposal was declined .England issued a proclamation that guaranteed freedom to blacks who enlisted in the British army. Once the British Army filled its ranks with black troops, the Continental Army reversed its decision and allowed blacks into the military. It is believed, but not certain, that Hall was one of the six "Prince Halls" from Massachusetts to serve during the war. .His son, Primus, was a Revolutionary War soldier, having enlisted at the age 19.Having served during the Revolutionary War, many African Americans expected, but did not receive, racial equality when the war ended. With the intention of improving the lives of fellow African Americans, Prince Hall collaborated with others to propose legislation for equal rights. He also hosted community events, such as educational forums and theatre events to improve the lives of black people .Many of the original members of the African Masonic Lodge had served during the Revolutionary War. Prince Hall was interested in the Masonic fraternity because Freemasonry was founded upon ideals of liberty, equality and peace. Prior to the American Revolutionary War, Prince Hall and fourteen other free black men petitioned for admittance to the white Boston St. John’s Lodge. They were turned down. Having been rejected by colonial Freemasonry, Hall and 15 others sought and were initiated into Masonry by members of Lodge No. 441 of the Grand Lodge of Ireland on March 6, 1775 The Lodge was attached to the British forces stationed in Boston. Hall and other freedmen founded African Lodge No. 1 and he was named Grand Master. Prince Hall and those who joined him to found Boston's African Masonic Lodge built a fundamentally new "African" movement on a preexisting institutional foundation. Within that movement they asserted emotional, mythical, and genealogical links to the continent of Africa and its peoples.

Black History salute to Prince Hall Masons

newpittsburghcourieronline.com During Black History Month 2015 I believe it is important to highlight some of those long lasting institutions and entities that have continued to serve the empowerment interests of Black America f...

Social Masonry | The Tao of Masonry

masoneria357.com The question came up with one of my friends on Facebook: “Is there too much Masonry on social media?” By that, he was asking if the…

Cypress Military Lodge #206, F&AM, PHA's cover photo

As we complete yet another year, and prepare for a new, let us not forget that we must awaken to each new day as an opportunity to shine brightly with the Light we work so hard to develop over time. It is by choice that we gain knowledge, by fate that we rehearse what we've learned to gain experience, and through time develop wisdom. "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." [Sir Winston Churchill]. On behalf of the Brothers of Cypress, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and have a safe and prosperous New Year!

Cypress Staff 2016 | Cypress Military Lodge #206, F&AM

Join us in congratulating and supporting our newly elected Cypress Staff for 2016! Read the full article at:

cypressmilitarylodge206.org YOKOTA AIR BASE, JAPAN – The Brothers of Cypress convened their regular communication for November 2015, for the purpose of electing the 2016 Staff.

Lodge 2015 Elections | Cypress Military Lodge #206, F&AM

The Cypress 2015 Staff has been elected. Read the article and congratulate the new staff.

http://www.cypressmilitarylodge206.org/cpt_news/elections2015/

cypressmilitarylodge206.org YOKOSUKA, JAPAN – The Brothers of Cypress convened their regular communication for November 2014, through the hospitality of the Brothers of New Beginnings Military Lodge #199, at the Masonic Hall aboard the Yokosuka Naval Activity, Yokosuka, Japan, for the purpose of electing the 2015 Staff.

Cypress Initiates New Members | Cypress Military Lodge #206, F&AM

Please join the Brothers of Cypress and welcome our newly initiated members.

http://www.cypressmilitarylodge206.org/cpt_news/class-2014-03/

cypressmilitarylodge206.org YOKOTA AIR BASE, JAPAN – On Saturday, the 27th of September at 05:00, the Brothers of Cypress Military Lodge came to order and proceeded to accept and initiate six men into their ranks.

A Masonic Ball | Cypress Military Lodge #206, F&AM

Don't miss out on the must-attend formal event of 2014!

cypressmilitarylodge206.org This event will be the must-attend formal event of 2014 with featured performances by Guest Comedian, Last Comic Standing’s own, Ron G, and musical performance by Recording Artist and Songwriter, Irish Mendoza. Don’t miss-out on this event!

Newly Raised Master Mason | Cypress Military Lodge #206, F&AM

Check out the Official Cypress Website, and don't miss-out on what's happening at Cypress.

cypressmilitarylodge206.org YOKOTA AIR BASE, JAPAN - Please join the Brothers of Cypress in congratulating our newly raised Master Mason, Bro. Anthony Burton, who after a long period of work, study, and dedication, has completed his first challenge in his Masonic-walk. We are honored and the PHAmily is strengthened. Congratula…

Lodge History | Cypress Military Lodge #206, F&AM

Friends and Supporters, on this very day five years ago, our Lodge was officially chartered and established under the 22nd District of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oklahoma, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Congratulations to our founders, all the Brothers of Cypress, and all the friends and family who have supported our Lodge throughout the years. Thank you.

cypressmilitarylodge206.org In September, in the year of our Lord, 2008, at 17:00, six Freemasons stood under a tree at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Gathered amongst the six was Past Master Rickley Berry. These distinguished gentlemen assembled to put a long awaited dream into action. The dream was to establish a home for Oklahoma…

The Fiesta | Cypress Military Lodge #206, F&AM

Friends and Supporters of Cypress, don't miss out on The Fiesta! Buy your tickets online now. If you can't attend a donation would be greatly appreciated. Both links for purchase and donation are available on our page. Please support.

cypressmilitarylodge206.org The Brothers of Cypress, under the Oklahoma Prince Hall Association, and the members of the Yokota Scary Blossoms Roller Derby Team presents, The Fiesta! Advance Ticket Purchase: $10 for Singles, $15 for Couples;�Door Ticket Purchase: $15 for Singles, $20 for Couples 50/50 Raffle, Door Prizes, and F…

The Fiesta | Cypress Military Lodge #206, F&AM

Friends and PHAmily Don't Miss Out! Buy your tickets online now, or make a donation and support Cypress!

cypressmilitarylodge206.org The Brothers of Cypress, under the Oklahoma Prince Hall Association, and the members of the Yokota Scary Blossoms Roller Derby Team presents, The Fiesta! Advance Ticket Purchase: $10 for Singles, $15 for Couples;�Door Ticket Purchase: $15 for Singles, $20 for Couples 50/50 Raffle, Door Prizes, and F…

Growing PHAmily | Cypress Military Lodge #206, F&AM

Check out the latest post on the Cypress Official Website.

cypressmilitarylodge206.org YOKOTA AIR BASE, JAPAN – The Brothers of Cypress would like to ask everyone to please join us in welcoming and congratulating our newest Brother, EA Anthony Burton. We are very proud of this young man for taking his first step into Masonry and the Lodge for executing a well rehearsed initiation. The…

The Fiesta | Cypress Military Lodge #206, F&AM

Friends and PHAmily, please help us support our fundraising event for May, The Fiesta! If you reside at or near Yokota Air Base, you can purchase your tickets right now online (link below). For all our Friends and PHAmily who are distant, you can help us out as well. We are accepting donations in support of this event. Proceeds from this event will be used for various community initiatives supporting our Yokota Air Base military families and neighbors throughout Japan. Please help us help the community.

cypressmilitarylodge206.org The Brothers of Cypress, under the Oklahoma Prince Hall Association, and the members of the Yokota Scary Blossoms Roller Derby Team presents, The Fiesta!

Happy Easter from the Brothers of Cypress, and a big thank you to our lovely SiStars for organizing another great fellowship meal. Praise our Lord for this day.

Oklahoma Dist #22

Life requires levity. ;)

Repost: Truth.

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Cypress Military Lodge #206, F&AM | Faith, Hope, and Charity

Brethren, Sisters, and Supporters of Cypress, thank you very much for your patience and support. We are happy to announce the debut of the Official Lodge Website. The Information Systems and Communications Committee, chaired by Bro. Roy Arellano, has been working diligently to redevelop and produce the website. We hope that it becomes a useful platform for sharing information about Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, and Charitable Works. Please stop by the site and bookmark it for future reference. Again, thank you for your support.

cypressmilitarylodge206.org Cypress Military Lodge #206, F&AM PSC 78 BOX 2356, APO AP 96326Lodge Office Hours Second Tuesday of every Month: 18:00 to 20:00 JST

7 Steps To A Truly Effective Leadership Style

Not all are meant to be leaders, but when you're in that role you must prepare to be effective.

forbes.com Photo By Search Engine People Blog By Rebecca Hourston If you've ever been led by a Mushroom (everyone's in the dark), a Seagull (swoops in, squawks and dumps), or a Kipper (two-faced and gutless), you'll be all too aware of the leadership style you don't want to be known for. Fortunately, the simpl...

Black History Month is American History, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it," so in honor of those who came before us, let us never forget the Light they left us with....

"And now I have sent a skillful man, endowed with understanding, Hiram my master craftsman (the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre), skilled to work in gold and silver, bronze and iron, stone and wood, purple and blue, fine linen and crimson, and to make any engraving and to accomplish any plan which may be given to him, with your skillful men and with the skillful men of my lord David your father." [2 Chronicles 2:13-14]

Brothers, Family, and Friends of Cypress working hard in support of the Yokota Striders' biggest annual community event, the 2014 Frostbite Run. We anticipate close to 10,000 participants this year.

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Cypress 2013 PHAmily Christmas Potluck. A big thanks to our lovely SiStars for organizing this successful fellowship event. Merry Christmas to all our Brothers and SiStars around the world.

Cypress 2014 Elected and Appointed Officers.

CML206 Bros representing at Mt Fuji Military Lodge first annual Black and White ball.

Difficulties break some men, and make others. - Nelson Mandela

Congrats to Cypress Military Lodge #206 Newly elected and appointed officers!

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