By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
Historic New Bern is brimming with illustrious architectural treasures: Tryon Palace, Christ Episcopal Church, the John Wright Stanley House and countless stunningly beautiful homes in Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian styles.
But New Bern is also shrouded in mysteries and secrets: the ghosts of Civil War battlefields, the Cedar Grove cemetery, and the murky past of the Lady Blessington’s cannon, to name a few.
But there are lesser-known hidden gems, and perhaps the most remarkable is the King Solomon’s Lodge, which holds a vital place in our local history as the first African American Masonic lodge in North Carolina. Established in 1865, the lodge is currently under the leadership of Worshipful Master Frederick Smith, who says that “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. Our vision of making good men and women better and cultivating young minds for the future is of the utmost importance.”
The beginnings of the lodge are truly fascinating, reaching back to the early political rumblings preceding the Revolutionary War. Prince Hall, an eighteenth century African American freeman and mason, led the way to membership along with 15 other freemen. He began his relentless pursuit of the Masonic charter in 1775, and finally obtained it after the Revolutionary War had ended from the Grandmaster in London.
The unassuming building resides on upper Metcalf Street, nestled up against the Cedar Grove cemetery. Like the Masons that created the lodge itself, the structure is resilient and tough, and has managed to survive the Great Fire of 1922 and both water and smoke damage in 2005.
Currently, an extensive remodel is underway on the structure with the assistance of the New Bern Preservation Foundation and their hired craftsmen. Their mission is to provide support for the lodge and its members, restoring the structure in an effort to preserve the cultural history.
Tim Thompson, President of the New Bern Preservation Foundation says, “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.”
Thompson became passionate about historic preservation due to his deep family roots in North Carolina, reaching back to 1710. His appreciation for history began with his own family home, which was built in the early 1800s on 127 acres of land. In order to preserve the integrity of the structure, as well as to protect the farmland from being parceled out, he obtained a conservation easement which is now attached to the deed of the home. A software engineer by trade and an avid sailor, Tim has taken the lead with the Preservation Foundation to work with individuals and community organizations to improve and repair brick and mortar structures throughout New Bern.
As of this week, significant progress has been made with the King Solomon’s Lodge: the roof has been replaced, the cupola has been restored, and the windows are newly installed. The next step, replacing the siding, will dramatically improve the appearance of the lodge—but more funds are needed from the community to finish the remaining work. If you are passionate about the historic preservation of New Bern’s structures, please visit the preservation foundation’s website to make a donation at www.newberpf.org or call 252-633-6448.
