Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of North Carolina

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of North Carolina, often referred to as the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina, is the largest and oldest fraternal organization in the state of North Carolina. Established in 1787, it has been in continuous operation since its founding by a convention of Masonic lodges in Tarboro, North Carolina.

History

Freemasonry in North Carolina traces its origins to the early colonial period. By 1735, enough Masons had assembled in the Cape Fear settlement to form a lodge. Saint John's Lodge of Wilmington, chartered in 1755, is the oldest Masonic lodge in continuous use in North Carolina. Several lodges existed prior to the Revolutionary War throughout the state, with Royal White Hart Lodge No. 2 in Halifax being chartered on August 21, 1767 and still active today.

The first three grand masters of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina were Samuel Johnston, Richard Caswell, and William R. Davie. For many years, the qualifications for the Grand Master included having played a prominent role in the Revolutionary War.

Structure and Activities

As of the late 1990s, the Grand Lodge had more than 60,000 members in over 385 lodges across North Carolina. The organization supports various charitable activities, including scholarships, disaster relief, and maintaining facilities like the Masonic Home for Children in Oxford and the Masonic and Eastern Star Home in Greensboro.

Headquarters and Notable Events

The Grand Lodge's headquarters is located in Raleigh. In 1958, it dedicated a new headquarters and administrative building. In 1987, it celebrated its bicentennial.

Legacy and Impact

The Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of North Carolina continue to play a significant role in the state's fraternal and charitable landscape. Their history reflects the broader influence of Freemasonry in the United States, with ties to early educational and cultural institutions. The laying of the cornerstone at North Carolina State University in 1888 with Masonic honors illustrates this connection between Freemasonry and academia.

Records and Archives

Extensive records and archives related to the Grand Lodge are preserved in repositories such as the State Archives of North Carolina and the Southern Historical Collection at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. These collections include minute books, ledgers, and other documents that detail the history and operations of various lodges under the Grand Lodge of North Carolina.

Publications

The Grand Lodge has published the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina annually since its establishment in 1787, providing a detailed record of its activities and business.