Title
Also naming the 1500 block of Fitzwater street "United Supreme Council Way" to recognize the United Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Northern Jurisdiction, USA, Inc., for their long track record of charitable works in Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, The United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction, a Black fraternal organization, has been a continuous resident in the city of Philadelphia since 1881, and previously, under another name, dating back to 1856; and
WHEREAS, Beginning in 1881, an initial impetus to have an organizational headquarters stemmed from a desire to have a central repository for the organization's records and items of historical relevance. During this search for a permanent location the United Supreme Council grew in membership, territory, and prominence. This was especially in that time when men of color were not on an equal social or economic footing as their Caucasian counterparts; and
WHEREAS, In 1923, a location was secured by Dr. Sumner A. Furniss at the old James Pollack Elementary School bounded by Fitzwater, Mole, and Hicks Streets, where the "Scottish Rite Cathedral" was later built; and
WHEREAS, Later leadership, headed by Dr. Russell S. Gideon, eventually sought to expand the footprint and charitable works of the organization by building a home for the elderly and infirm in conjunction with the federal government. The Scottish Rite House was completed and dedicated in 1985 and created 125 units for the senior housing market in South Philadelphia. Additional properties were acquired and the Scottish Rite Tower, a sister building of the Scottish Rite House, was built. This edifice added 106 additional units of affordable housing for South Philadelphia seniors; and
WHEREAS, Another leader, Dr. Solomon Wallace, sought to aid and assist the youth of their constituency. A mentoring program was created-"Saving the African American Male: From Cradle to College." This init...
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