Broadkill Hundred in Milton in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Rising Sun Lodge #4, F. & A.M., P.H.A.
Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 6, 2013
1. Rising Sun Lodge #4, F. & A.M., P.H.A. Marker
The roots of African-American Masonry in this country can be traced to the period of the American Revolution, when founder Prince Hall and others established the first Masonic Lodge for men of color in Boston, Massachusetts. By the early 19th century organizational growth had extended to the port cities of Philadelphia and Wilmington. where residents of southern Delaware who were engaged in maritime and other commercial occupations were exposed to the Masonic Order. In March 1852, a group of 15 men from Milton area met at the home of Lott Purnell for the purpose of organizing a local Lodge. On April 1, 1853, Rising Sun Lodge #4, Free and Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliation, received its charter. After meeting at various locations since its organization, the Lodge formally occupied the present building in 1934. Constructed as a Presbyterian Church in the 1830s, the structure had been converted for use as a public school in 1876. It was used as such until 1892, when it was conveyed to the trustees of Union Methodist Episcopal Church. Sale of the property to the Lodge was completed in 1939. Today, the members of Rising Sun Lodge #4 continue to follow the traditional Masonic precepts of Brotherhood, Charity, and Truth, in service to the community.
Erected 2007 by Delaware Public Archives
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1852.
Location. 38° 46.273′ N, 75° 18.756′ W. Marker is in Milton, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in Broadkill Hundred. It is on Chestnut Street (State Road 249) just south of Church Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 516 Chestnut St, Milton DE 19968, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Mid-Atlantic and on the Delmarva Peninsula. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 428 Chestnut Street (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Queen Anne's Railroad (about 500 feet away); Milton (about 600 feet away); 419 Chestnut Street (about 700 feet away); T.S. Wilson House (approx. 0.2 miles away); 411 Federal Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); 403 Chestnut Street (approx. Ό mile away); Goshen United Methodist Church (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milton.
Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 6, 2013
2. Rising Sun Lodge #4, F. & A.M., P.H.A. and Marker on Chesnut Street
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,120 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on April 1, 2026, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 29, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
