First African American Masonic Lodge in North Carolina Getting Needed Restoration Support
New Bern, NC – King Solomon’s Lodge #1 and the New Bern Preservation Foundation are partnering to do a historic restoration on the lodge meeting place originally known as Drayton’s Hall. The Foundation is working with Lodge members to apply for grants and raise funds for a restoration of this important historic building. The initial phase of the project will deal with exterior stabilization and restoration. This includes roof repair, siding repair, reconstruction of window frames and sashes, and removal of the cinder block sheathing around the brick foundation. The immediate primary task is to repair the cupola on top of the building, which is currently leaking when it rains.
A fire in 2005 caused extensive smoke and water damage to the structure. The structure was not flooded during Hurricane Florence, but the storm certainly highlighted the urgent need to do external repairs to keep out wind and rain.
Formed in 1865, King Solomon’s Lodge is the first African American Masonic lodge in North Carolina and one of the first south of the Mason-Dixon Line. The current building, originally known as Drayton’s Hall, was completed in 1870. It has been continuously used as a Masonic lodge and meeting hall since it was built, and it is one of the very few structures north of Queen Street to survive the great fire of 1922. Frederick Smith, Worshipful Master of King Solomon Lodge, has kept everyone focused on the significance of this effort.
“King Solomon #1 is an icon of the history of the Colonial Capital of North Carolina,” said Smith. “The sole purpose of this important structure is to house the membership of a Master Mason Lodge, a Chapter of The Eastern Star as well as their young men, The Kop and the young ladies, the Gleaners. The vision of making good men and women better as well as cultivating young minds for the future is of the utmost importance.” The New Bern Preservation Foundation is providing its experience in preservation to support this initiative.
“This is a vitally important historic structure not only to New Bern but to the entire state. Its architecture is important along with its historic and cultural significance.” said Tim Thompson, current President of the New Bern Preservation Foundation. “This is one of the few buildings in New Bern that we know was built by African American craftsmen and used by the African American community leaders who became state legislators and U. S. Congressmen.”
King Solomon Lodge #1 is an Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Lodge, part of the Prince Hall group of Masonic Lodges. The New Bern Preservation Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, formed in 1972 to preserve the historic architecture of New Bern, North Carolina. Questions about the project can be directed by calling the NBPF office at 252-633-6448 or by emailing NBPFinfo@gmail.com.
Submitted by: Thea Grace Morgan, Administrator, New Bern Preservation Foundation