Fitch, Leroy.

Biographical notes:

Lodges were established in several areas of the American Colonies with the emigration of British Masons prior to the Revolutionary War. The American Revolution caused disruption in the firm establishment of a Grand Lodge in Connecticut until 1789. “The history of Black Free and Accepted Masons dates its origin from the initiation of Prince Hall on 6 March 1775 along with fourteen other free blacks into a Military Lodge of white masons. Lodge No. 441 of the Irish Registry up to the present time. Public acknowledgement of the legitimacy of black masonry came in March 1947 when the white Grand Lodge of Massachusetts officially recognized Prince Hall Masonry as a duly constituted regular and legitimate body. The committee of the white Grand Lodge of Massachusetts stated in its report regarding the charter issued to African Lodge in 1784, that it is believed to be the only original charter issued from the grand Lodge of England which is now in the possession of any lodge in America .” [Preamble to Biography of Prince Hall written by Preston L. Pope, 1975]

From the guide to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free And Accepted Masons Of Connecticut (Prince Hall Masons) Records., undated, 1925-1987., (Archives & Special Collections at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center .)