Excerpt from Grand Sate Director Bobby Pearson Report given at the 144th Annual Session of Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Tennessee. —
“My vision for our youth movement is entwined with the K.O.P slogan. I believe that today’s K.O.P is tomorrows’ Grand Lodge Cabinet. It is for this reason I continue to look for Master Masons willing to commit to and devote themselves to the growth and development of our youth movement. We are after all Prince Hall Masons, so named after a man of vision and action. When we apply the principles of our founding fathers to our movement, we then, “Train up a Child in the way he should go….” Proverb 22:6. We then produce Governors, Mayors, Grand Masters and even Presidents.”
Bobby C. Pearson Sr. 32° Grand State Director, Knights of Prince Hall, Tennessee and Jurisdiction P.H.A
“Preparing a New Generation of Boys to become Leaders among Men”
What is the Order of The Knights of Prince Hall?
The order of the Knights of Prince Hall is an organization composed of youths from 9 to 20 years of age inclusive. Working under the sponsorship and personal supervision of Prince Hall Masons to provide beneficial use of their spare time, with worthwhile companions, in a wholesome educational environment and a program aiming to interest and aid youth in their all-round development.
Who may become members of The Order of The Knights of Prince Hall?
It is not necessary for a boy to be a son or a relative of a Mason to be eligible for membership, but youths who have passed their ninth birthday and who are of good character may petition a Council of the Knights of Prince Hall for membership. It should be borne in mind that this organization is not a Junior Masonic Order but is merely under Masonic Supervision.
What lessons are taught in the Rite of Investure?
From their entrance into a Council of The Knights of Prince Hall as a candidate for initiation, the youths are presented impressive lessons, free of hilarity and horse-play. The investure is built around the nine Cardinal virtues of the Order: Adoration and Reverence for God. Love of Parents, Righteous Thinking, Purity, Patriotism, Toleration, Courtesy, Friendship and Constancy. The order embraces no particular creed but teaches faith in the one living and true God. While The Order of the Knights of Prince Hall has its ritual with its signs, words, Etc.., it has no secrets to withhold from the world regarding its aim in making its members better sons and better youths than they have ever been before.
What must a Youth do to become a member of The Order of The Knights of Prince Hall?
A youth between the prescribed age limits should file a petition for membership in a Council of the Order of the Knights of Prince Hall through any member or at the office of the Knights’ Secretary of the Council. On this petition, the character of the applicant must be vouched for by two active Knights, a Master Mason, or a Majority Knight.
What activities does Council of the Knights of Prince Hall carry on?
Special Ceremonial Days are fixed and their observance is made obligatory for all members.
They are: Devotional Day, Sunday in June; Patriot’s Day, in July; Parents’ Day, Sunday in November. Such social activities are conducted by the Council as are advisable under local conditions. All of these affairs are given under the supervision of the adult advisor and the members of the Board of Regents of the Council. Athletic contests and tournaments are conducted by Councils. In jurisdictions having three or more councils, annual state conclaves are held with attendant oratorical contests, exemplification of the Rite of Investure, competitive drills, etc…, and other interesting features.
Do Youth enjoy The Knights of Pythagoras?
All young men enjoy the many-side activities of The Knights of Prince Hall. Its entire program is especially designed for them. It gives them the advantage of the highest type of associates at an age when they are active and energetic. Masons can make no greater contribution than to aid in the directing of their efforts in uplifting channels during their spare time. All such endeavors are to be found in The Order of Knights of Prince Hall.
The Parents Club
The Parents Club is made up of Parents who help, aid, and assist the Order. They help out with fund-raisers, transportation, planning, awards banquets, and other activities as needed. Most of all, they proudly support their child’s involvement in The Order of The Knights of Prince Hall.