Our History
Prudence Lodge No. 6 was chartered on January 20, 1854, under Grand Master Levi Anderson. The brothers began meeting as a chartered lodge in February 1854, first in churches, meeting houses, and members’ homes. The original charter was lost, and a new charter was issued in January 1925.
Early records of Prudence Lodge history are unavailable but in the early 50's, C.P Houston started keeping records of the lodge's activities. At that time, Prudence Lodge was meeting at Red Hall, a community building on the corner of Division and West Street.
In the 1960's when Red Hall was no longer available, the lodge started meeting in the basement of Howard Stevenson's funeral home.
In 1970, lodge members asked Brother Dr. James Dennis to rent his Reed Street building. They turned it into a lodge room and, with a dispensation from Grand Master C. P. Houston, formed the Square Club as Prudence Lodge’s social arm. In 1975, Square Club funds bought property on State College Road, and in 1977 construction began on the new home for Prudence Lodge No. 6 and the Square Club. Key founders of the Square Club were Edmond (JC) Higgins, Oliver Cooper, James Mead, Dennis Bordley, Harvey Bordley, Thomas Harmon, Custis Powell, Clifford Summers, Lester Scott, and Worshipful Master William Scott.
The cornerstone of the new building was laid in October 1975. It included meeting rooms available to community groups and an auditorium large enough for church services, wedding receptions, banquets, and other events.
In 2014, Prudence Lodge sold the property to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Delaware. Prudence Lodge continues to meet at 1412 College Rd, Dover Delaware home of the Grand Lodge.
Prudence Lodge has produced two Past Grand Masters: Courtney P. Houston & Nathaniel Williams
Prudence Lodge has produced seven Honorary Past Grand Masters: Leon Battle, Edward Swiggett Sr, Willie G. Brown, William Scott, William Wilson, Joseph Bedford Sr., and William W. Stevenson. All 33° Mason
