02/03/2026
PHA Black History Month Series; Day 3
Bro. Charles H. Wesley 33°
Born in Louisville, KY on December 2, 1891, Wesley later graduated from Fisk University at the age of 19 and attended Yale University, where he received a masters degree in 1913. He returned to Washington to preach at Campbell and Ebenezer A.M.E. Churches. In 1925, Harvard awarded him a doctorate, and two years later his doctorial dissertation, becoming the third African American to receive this level degree from Harvard. He accepted a teaching position at Howard University, and continued to preach in Washington until 1938. In 1942, he was named president of Wilberforce University, and later formed Central State University, where he served as president until 1965. He authored hundreds of articles, wrote 12 books, including Prince Hall: Life and Legacy, History of Sigma Pi Phi, History of IBPOEW, and The History of Alpha Phi Alpha: A Development in College Life, just to name a few.
Bro. Wesley has held many roles and membership in many different organizations. He was a member of Hiram Lodge #4, MWPHGL of DC, advanced to the 32nd degree in 1943 before being elevated to the 33rd degree, serving as Grand Prior Emeritus for the Southern Jurisdiction PHA. Charles H. Wesley Lodge #147 of the MWPHGL of Maryland. He was a Fellow of the Phylaxis Society. Not only did he serve as Grand Historian of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he also served as the fraternity’s 14th General President, serving a total of five terms. He was also a member of Sigma Pi Phi, the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, and the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of The World.
Bro. Wesley passed on August 16, 1987.
