New Bern Preservation Foundation Inc

This project is a partnership between King Solomon Lodge #1 and the nonprofit New Bern Preservation Foundation to rehabilitate North Carolina’s first African American Masonic King Solomon Lodge #1. All donations will go directly to finishing the exterior work on the two story building to include replacing windows and siding. All donations will also be used to rehabilitate the interior of the lodge.

Built in 1870, mostly by former slaves, the lodge has been in continued use serving the African American community with fellowship and leadership. Lodge members also provide youth mentorship to young men through the Knights of Pythagoras. The sister organization, Masonic Eastern Star Queen Esther #7 chapter members, work with the Gleaners Female Youth to mentor young women.

Lodge member and even those who are not masons, use this building as a symbol to provide programs and opportunities to build confidence in the African American community and help improve lives.

The mission of Freemasonry in North Carolina and of King Solomon Lodge #1 is to raise the moral, social, intellectual, and spiritual conscience of society by teaching the Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, which are expressed outwardly through service to God, family, country, and self under the Fatherhood of God within the Brotherhood of Man.

The nonprofit New Bern Preservation Foundation preserves historically significant structures and sites in and around New Bern, North Carolina.