Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina 381 Forest City

The Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina 381 Forest City is a local lodge of Freemasons under the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina. This lodge operates as part of a larger tradition of Freemasonry in North Carolina, which started in the early 18th century.

Background

Freemasonry has a long history in North Carolina, dating back to the early colonial period. The first Masonic lodge in what is now North Carolina was established in the Cape Fear region before 1735[3]. Saint John's Lodge of Wilmington, chartered in 1755, is the oldest continuously operating Masonic lodge in the state[3]. The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina was formally organized on December 12, 1787, in Tarboro, North Carolina[2][5].

Freemasonry in North Carolina

The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina is one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the state. It oversees a network of over 350 active lodges across North Carolina[2]. Freemasonry in the state emphasizes the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth, promoting charitable works and community service.

Local Lodge Activities

Local lodges like Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina 381 Forest City focus on community support and charitable activities. These include scholarships, disaster relief, and managing facilities like the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford[3]. The organization also celebrates Masonic traditions and rituals, fostering brotherly love and mutual support among its members.

EIN and Organizational Status

This lodge operates under the EIN 237535991 and functions as a part of the broader Masonic community in North Carolina, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina.

Educational and Cultural Contributions

Masonic lodges in North Carolina contribute significantly to local cultural and historical preservation. They maintain extensive libraries and archives, including historical documents and artifacts related to Masonic history and North Carolina's societal development[5].

Relationship with Other Masonic Bodies

In North Carolina, there are also Prince Hall Masonic lodges, which have a separate history and jurisdiction. The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina recognizes its Prince Hall counterpart, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between the two Masonic traditions[2].