King Solomon Lodge #1
A Legacy of History and Brotherhood
The values of Freemasonry are based on integrity, kindness, honesty, and fairness. Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole through charitable giving and volunteer efforts.
KSL supports an orphanage in Oxford, North Carolina, Religious Community Services in New Bern, and other local organizations.
North Carolina’s “Black Mother Lodge”
The historic Masonic King Solomon Lodge #1, originally known as Drayton’s Hall, in New Bern, North Carolina, holds a prominent place in African-American heritage.
Organized on September 27, 1865, by Paul Drayton, Past Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, it stands as the first African-American Masonic lodge in the state and one of the earliest south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
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.
Learn more
King Solomon Lodge No. 1, as photographed by Peter B. Sandbeck c.1980. From Peter B. Sandbeck, The Historic Architecture of New Bern and Craven County, North Carolina, 1988
BE A FREEMASON
Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity. It is comprised of adult men (18+) of good character from every country, religion, race, age, income, education, and opinion. Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, his faith, his country, and his fraternity.
Membership is open to men aged 18 and older who meet our standards of character and purpose and hold a belief in a Supreme Being. We welcome men from all ethnic and religious backgrounds.
If you’d like to explore membership in our lodge, this is a great time to start. Feel free to contact us to arrange a visit during an event or request additional information.