Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of North Carolina 550 Roman Eagle

Overview

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of North Carolina 550 Roman Eagle is a part of the larger Masonic community in North Carolina, primarily focused on promoting Masonic values and community involvement. The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons (A.F.&A.M.) are a major branch of Freemasonry, which emphasizes the development of friendship, brotherly love, relief, and truth among its members.

History of Masonry in North Carolina

Masonry in North Carolina dates back to colonial times, with the first Masonic lodge forming in the Cape Fear settlement in 1735. Saint John's Lodge of Wilmington, chartered in 1755, is the oldest continuously operating lodge in the state. The Grand Lodge of North Carolina, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, was formally established on December 12, 1787. This organization has grown significantly, with over 60,000 members in 385 lodges by the late 1990s.

Mission and Activities

The primary mission of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of North Carolina is to foster community engagement and visibility of Masonic lodges. They promote activities that enhance friendships among members and encourage participation in local community projects. This includes charitable work, educational support, and disaster relief efforts.

Masonic Principles

Masonry in North Carolina, as elsewhere, is built around three core principles:

• Brotherly Love: Encouraging strong bonds and solidarity among members.
• Relief: Providing assistance and support to those in need.
• Truth: Promoting truthfulness and integrity in all interactions.

These principles guide the activities and projects undertaken by Masonic lodges across the state, ensuring a commitment to service, charity, and community development.

Relationship with Other Masonic Bodies

In North Carolina, there is also the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina and Jurisdiction, Inc., which operates alongside the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons. While they are separate entities, both organizations share common Masonic values and histories, reflecting the broader diversity within the Masonic community in the United States.