A Brief History of Freemasonry in Cleveland County, N.C.
Part One: Early Beginnings and Growth
Origins
No one really knows where Freemasonry began. No records exist earlier than 1311, but the square and compasses and other Masonic symbols have been found from ages much earlier than that, and in some very unlikely places around the world. The early records have been either destroyed, hidden and never found, or never written down at all, having been passed down “from mouth to ear”. Freemasonry is without a doubt, the most prominent fraternal order the world has ever known.
Early Freemasons were craftsmen in the building trades. They really were “operative” masons working in stone, brick, carpentry, and other building related crafts. They were responsible for building the vast majority of cathedrals and prominent structures throughout Europe, Greece, the Roman Empire, and Persia from the building of King Solomon’s Temple, through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance Period, and on. Their skills were such, that many of those structures still stand today. In a time when most people were illiterate, they were skilled craftsmen who knew how to read and write, and how to measure and calculate. It stands to reason that they were very guarded as to whom they passed on their trade. They were keeping the craft pure with dedicated workers held to a higher standard. Their skills were so in demand that they were free to travel as their work required; not restrained by any king, potentate, or feudalistic lord. Hence, the term, “free mason”. The earliest use of the word “freemason” appeared in print in 1212.
A man wanting to join and learn the craft first had to be born free, known to have a good reputation, and come recommended by a member. He took an oath to be obedient to his teachers and dedicate his life to honing his skills. It was typical to serve as an apprentice for seven years. Then when his skills and art were perfected, he submitted his “master’s piece” so that the Master could judge if he was ready to be a fellow in the craft, and eventually a master mason.
It is widely believed that Freemasons were already organized during the time of the building of Solomon’s Temple and after the destruction of King Solomon’s Temple, the Freemasons dispersed. First, they organized the Roman Collegia, a group of schools for builders and artificers. From this, the Comacine Master Builders, the Lombards, the College Fabrorum in England, and other noted trade schools followed. They scheduled and planned their work through local guilds and eventually established what we know in our modern culture as trade unions. They developed an apprenticeship learning system for the building trades that is still widely in use today.
The Templar Knights
Freemasons were the root of the Knights Templar, who were an elite group of knights entrusted with safely escorting travelers through the Holy Lands during the Crusade Wars. In a sense, they were mercenary soldiers who enlisted and trained the Christian armies. They established their headquarters in Jerusalem at the site of King Solomon’s Temple. Their integrity established a secure transfer system of wealth, money, and credit between countries and empires, which would eventually become the basis of a banking system. Freemasons were also the Hospitallers, who built highways, way-stations, and refuges (called hospitals); and they were the Rosicrucians (literally meaning red cross) who cared for the sick and wounded. They were the first to establish a health care system and provide insurance for themselves should they die, become wounded or sick, or become unable to care for themselves or their families.
By the end of the Holy Wars, the defeated “Crusaders” left to go in many directions. Even without a country or any boundaries, their wealth had grown to be enormous. With the spoils and rewards of conflict, they had bought land and built monasteries in many different countries. Vineyards, paper and cloth mills, brick and tile factories, and other infrastructure supported their building trades. They even had (possibly the first) large fleet of privately owned sailing ships.
Many monarchs and lords were indebted to the Templar Knights for loans made to finance their own wars. As the Knights were also gaining political strength, the ruling powers of those countries became jealous and nervous, and they regarded these knights as a potential threat to their power. Eventually a conspiracy arose in a plot by Philip (IV) “The Fair”, King of France and Pope Clement V. On “Friday, the 13th” of October, 1307 the then Grand Master Jacques DeMolay was summoned to appear before the King where he was arrested, subsequently tortured, and put to death. Many other known Templar Knights throughout Europe were accused of heresy, imprisoned, and tortured or killed. Many were tried in absentia, and stripped of any power or privilege. The Knights were exiled or forced to go underground. Most went to Iberia (Spain and Portugal), or to England and Scotland, or to the Islands of Cyprus and Malta. Others simply went back to their home countries throughout Europe. Up until this period, the Freemasons were not a secret society, only a brotherhood with secret modes of recognition for the privileges they had enjoyed.
There is no doubt that the Knights who fled to the Alps were responsible for training the peaceful Swiss mountain people into an army that was able to defend themselves against invading armies who wanted control of the crucial mountain trade passes. The result was the birth of a nation predicated on complete neutrality. Today, Switzerland is known not only for its neutrality, but is renowned for its banking center and cutting edge technologies in nearly every scientific field. The elite Swiss Guard has prevailed since the 15th century, and ironically, the Papal Swiss Guard still protects the Pope in the Vatican and when traveling abroad.
Speculative Freemasons get Organized
As the middle ages progressed, fewer of the great edifices were being built and the craft guilds were slowly dwindling. To prevent Freemasonry from dying out entirely, the lodges were opened up to men outside the building trades. They were referred to as “speculative” Masons. It was only natural that with new discoveries and the birth of the industrial revolution, the free thinkers of that time were attracted to the ideals and philosophies that are so much a part of our craft. Astronomers, explorers, scientists, inventors, teachers, artists, musicians, authors, and political idealists were joining Masonic lodges. It was the “networking” of its day. Men like Copernicus, Magellan, Mercator, Newton, Mozart, Voltaire, and Robespierre helped to shape human history and were all known to be Freemasons.
As time went on, more and more men outside the craft guilds desired to become “speculative” Masons. Whether it was the romance of the Knights Templar, the desire to improve oneself, or just wanting to belong and be a part of something special, everyday men from all walks of life were now permitted to join the Masons if they were free-born, of good character, and came well recommended.
The problem was, that with the spread of Freemasonry, new lodges were cropping up everywhere. There was a real concern that the basic principles of Freemasonry were being diluted and the ritualistic “work” was suffering. Many new lodges were deviating from the usages and rituals that had been meticulously handed down through the ages. Newly created lodges were questioned as to being “regular” or “clandestine”.
In 1717 the four largest lodges in England organized the United Grand Lodge of England. The new Grand Lodge established continuity in its rituals and purpose, and established guidelines for the governing of over 600 subordinate lodges in England and its colonies around the world. It also issued warrants of dispensation and charters to new lodges. Shortly thereafter, Grand Lodges in Ireland, Scotland, France, and other European countries were formed.
Part Two: Freemasonry in America
Freemasonry Migrates to the Colonies
Of course, Masons came with the first settlers to the new world. The first organized lodges in the colonies were British military lodges referred to as “traveling lodges”. Within a few years, lodges were being formed in the major ports of the northeast. Massachusetts and New York had created their respective “Grand Lodges”, even though the lodges in the colonies were chartered by the Grand Lodge of England.
Benjamin Franklin, Father of American Freemasonry
Most historians agree that Benjamin Franklin was the first notable Mason in the Colonies, and that he had a profound impact on the Craft; so we will take a moment to further explain.
Franklin was made a Mason in St. John’s Lodge of Philadephia in 1730. By then, he was already being noticed as a brilliant entrepreneur. Not only was he a successful printer and publisher in Philadephia, he was the first postmaster and organized the first public lending library. In 1732, he began publishing the popular “Poor Richard’s Almanac”, and in that same time, printed the first Masonic material in the colonies and published the first “Book of Constitutions”.
In 1734, after declining the appointment of Provincial Grand Master by the Grand Lodge of England, Franklin was elected the first Grand Master of Pennsylvania, and laid the cornerstone of Independence Hall.
He advocated the paving and the lighting of streets and organized the building of Philadelphia’s first fire department in 1736. He owned “franchised” printing houses in several key cities. In effect, he had a “news network” that had a great influence not only on the speed of the news, but on the political thinking of his time as well.
By 1749, he sold his printing and publishing assets to concentrate on his science experiments, his inventions, and public service. In 1751, he organized a group to finance and build the Pennsylvania Hospital and help organize the University of Pennsylvania. In 1752, he started a fire and life insurance company that still exists today. He had already invented the Franklin Stove and would invent bifocals, musical instruments, swim fins, and harness electricity.
His Masonic influence would play a key part in the diplomatic relations with France and winning their support in the Revolutionary War. He signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the Revolutionary War.
Freemasonry Arrives in the Carolinas
While Masonry was sprouting up within the military ports in the northern colonies, Masonry was fueled by private enterprise in the ports and settlements in the southern colonies. The first lodge of Freemasons in North Carolina was Solomon Lodge in Wilmington charted by the United Grand Lodge of England in 1735. It is extinct having ceased work about 1754. No records survive, but the named Masonboro Inlet near Wilmington is a definite Masonic connection. It is thought that the surviving members of that lodge formed St. Johns Lodge No. 213 (UGLE) in 1755. That lodge exists today as St. Johns No. 1, given that number as the oldest lodge when the Grand Lodge of North Carolina was organized in 1787.
In 1771, the United Grand Lodge of England commissioned Brother Joseph Montfort to be the Provincial Grand Master of North America for governing all the “regular” lodges in the colonies. No one man, before or since, has governed such an area of Masons in America. By 1775, Montfort’s health was declining and Brother Samuel Johnston was a rising star. Brother Johnston would be elected the first President of the North Carolina Provincial Assembly, then elected the first Senator from North Carolina. At the Tarboro Convention in 1787, he was elected the first Grand Master of Masons in North Carolina, and would go on to be North Carolina’s fifth Governor.
Freemasonry and the American Revolution
Freemasonry played a vital part in the Revolutionary War and the birth of the United States of America. George Washington is considered to be the father of our great nation and is the most prominent Mason of his time. It was no accident that nearly all of his senior Generals were Masons. 33 of the 74 Generals, Brigadier and above that served in the War were Masons, including Nathanael Greene, Benjamin Lincoln, Israel Putnam, Henry Knox, John Paul Jones, the Baron von Steuben, the Marquis De Lafayette, and even Benedict Arnold.
The Boston Tea Party was planned in a Blue Lodge room above the Green Dragon Tavern, and all who are known to have participated were said to be Masons (including Paul Revere, who would later be the first Grand Master of Massachusetts). Many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were known or suspected to be Masons. Many of the key figures responsible for forging our new nation and establishing its early government were Masons. Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Hancock, John Marshall, Robert Morris, and Haym Salomon among the many.
Traveling Army Lodge No. 20 was composed of regiments of the North Carolina Continental Line and was issued a warrant from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in the summer of 1779. Speculation has it that the lodge was formed while North Carolina regiments were campaigning under General Washington in New York and Pennsylvania and may have been operating clandestinely before the issuance of any warrant while being quartered at Valley Forge. After the raid at Stoney Point (N.Y.), these same troops marched south to reinforce the southern campaign and defend Charleston, only to be captured by the British in May, 1780. All the records of Army Lodge No. 20 are thought to have been destroyed by the British. Major William Polk, later to be a Grand Master of North Carolina, was said to have been a member of this lodge.
In 1784, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania revoked all its military warrants, and the members of the former Army Lodge No. 20 were issued a charter from the Grand Lodge of South Carolina as Phalanx Lodge No. 7, A.Y.M., Charleston. The lodge moved to Charlotte in 1797 and was issued a charter as Phalanx Lodge No. 31, A.Y.M. by the North Carolina Grand Lodge. It is the oldest surviving lodge in the area once known as “Mecklenburg”, and many new lodges were to be born out of this lodge. It is still a very active and prosperous lodge and today anchors the York Rite Masonic Center in Charlotte.
Added speculation has it that a frontier lodge named North Fork 20 operating in what is now eastern Tennessee before 1800 may have been an extension of some of the members of Army Lodge No. 20. The number would be out of sequence and before the Grand Lodge of Tennessee was established in 1813. Nothing more is known about Army lodge No. 20.
Our own Masonic Heroes
Freemasonry is so interwoven with the American Revolution it would be practically impossible to document everything here. Masons were involved with virtually every battle or significant event throughout the War. Cities, towns, counties and major streets bear familiar names, many of them were Masons. So for the sake of brevity, we will confine this history to noting the more prominent Masons with connections to the western part of the Carolinas who distinguished themselves in the Revolutionary War. To wit:
Nathaniel Alexander- Surgeon, Governor. Born in Mecklenburg. Surgeon in the North Carolina Continental Line. Practiced medicine in Charlotte. Served in the U.S. Congress and U.S. Senate. Elected 13th Governor (1805) serving two terms. Alexander County is named for him. Charter member of Phalanx Lodge No. 31, Charlotte. Listed as Senior Grand Deacon (1797) and as Junior Grand Warden (1803).
Waightstill Avery- Colonel. Born in Connecticut. Practiced Law in Charlotte. Presbyterian Lay Leader. Signer Mecklenburg Declaration. Served in several Provincial Congresses. Colonel of Jones County Militia. First Attorney General of N.C. Avery County is named for him. Member of Rutherford Fellowship Lodge No. 14, Forest City, and Master of Rising Sun Lodge No. 38, Morganton. Junior Grand Warden (1800).
William Blount- Paymaster, Signer of Declaration of Independence, Governor of Tennessee. Born in Bertie County, N.C. Served as Paymaster in the North Carolina Continental Line. Served several terms in the Continental Congress. Appointed by Washington as first Territorial Governor of Tennessee. First U.S. Senator from Tennessee. Expelled from the U.S. Senate, only to return home and be elected State Senator and become Speaker of the House. Member of Unanimity Lodge No. 7, Edenton.
Edward Bumcombe- Colonel and fallen hero. Born in the West Indies. Appointed Magistrate and commander of militia by the Royal Governor Tryon. Switched allegiance to Patriot cause and was appointed Colonel of the 5th Regiment of the N.C. Continental Line, which he equipped with his personal funds. Fought at Brandywine, wounded at Germantown and taken prisoner and eventually died of his wounds. Buncombe County is named for him. Member of Unanimity Lodge No. 7, Edenton.
Richard Caswell- Major General, Governor, Grand Master. Born in Maryland. Surveyor for Governor Tryon. Elected to assemblies both Royal and later Patriot. Served in First Continental Congress. Fought at Moore’s Creek. First militia officer to be promoted to Major General. Authored N.C. State Constitution before being elected first Governor of North Carolina, eventually serving seven terms. Also served as Speaker of the State Senate. Member of St. John’s Lodge No. 3, New Bern. Elected first Deputy Grand Master and second Grand Master.
Benjamin Cleveland- Colonel. Born in Orange Co., VA. Farmer and surveyor. Became wealthiest man in Wilkes Co., N.C. Commissioned a Colonel in N.C. militia. Led heroic cavalry charge at Kings Mountain. Cleveland County is named for him. He was “A Mason from Wilkes County”.
William Richardson Davie- Brigadier General, Governor, Grand Master. Born in England. Practicing attorney in Salisbury and commissioned Captain of Salisbury Militia. Wounded at Stono Ferry, fought at Hanging Rock, Ramsour’s Mill, Camden, Kings Mountain, and Charlotte. Member of N.C, House of Commons and constitutional Convention. Served in Continental Congress. Elected tenth Governor of N.C. Founding father of University of North Carolina and laid the cornerstone of “Old East Building” while serving as the third Grand Master. Renowned horse breeder. Davie County is named for him. Member of St. John’s Lodge No. 3, New Bern, then of Royal White Hart Lodge No. 2 in Halifax. Served on the commission to establish the N.C. Grand Lodge in 1787, and served as Grand Master for seven terms.
Joseph Dickson- Militia Colonel. Born in Pennsylvania, raised in Rowan County, N.C. Cotton and tobacco farmer. Commissioned a Captain in Colonial Army under Gen. McDowell. Commanding Major of the “Lincoln County Men” at Ramsour’s Mill, at Kings Mountain, and at Charlotte. Served as Lincoln County Clerk of Court and State Senator from Lincolnton and served in U.S. Congress. Served on the Commission to establish University of N.C. Elected U.S. Senator from N.C. Moved to Tennessee where he served as State Senator and Speaker of the House. Member of Old Cone Lodge No. 9, Salisbury, and charter member of Phalanx Lodge No. 31, Charlotte.
William A. Graham- Colonel. Born in Virginia, settled in Tryon. Signed the Tryon Resolves. Commissioned a Colonel in the militia. Fought in the Cherokee indian battles, faught at Ramsour’s Mill and Camden. Marched his “South Fork Boys” to Kings Mountain but did not participate due to medical leave. Member of Phalanx Lodge No. 31, Charlotte and later Orange Lodge No. 47, Lincolnton.
Frederick Hambright- Colonel. Born in Bavaria, immigrated to Pennsylvania, and settled in Lincoln County. Commissioned a Lt. Colonel and fought Tories and Indians throughout the War. Commanded the Lincoln County militia at Kings Mountain where he was wounded and is considered the hero of that battle. Retired due to his injuries. Member of Orange Lodge No. 47, Lincolnton.
William Lenior- Militia Colonel. Born in Virginia to Huguenot descendents, and settled into Surry (Wilkes) County. Lieutenant in Surry militia, and fought a number of campaigns against the Tories and Cherokee indians. One of the heroes of Kings Mountain being twice wounded. Also fought at Charlotte and at Pyle’s Massacre. Promoted to Major General of the 5th N.C. Militia. Served as Clerk of Court of Wilkes County and was an original Trustee founding University of North Carolina. Member of Uninimity Lodge No.7, Edenton, and later a charter member and Master of Liberty Lodge No. 45, Wilkesboro.
Francis Marion- Militia Colonel. Born in coastal South Carolina to Huguenot descendents. Commissioned a Lieutenant in the French and Indian War and drove the Cherokee indians out of the Pee Dee area. Promoted to Lt. Colonel and fought in the battles of Monk’s Corner, Cowpens, Camden and ran back and forth across the North and South Carolina border. He was noted for introducing guerilla warfare. His harassing hit and run tactics earned him the nickname “The Swamp Fox” by Gen. Cornwallis. He was one of the most popular figures of the Revolutionary War. No less than 30 cities and towns in 9 states are named for him, including Marion, N.C. He was a Charleston area Mason.
Joseph McDowell- Militia Colonel. Born in Burke County, N.C. Fought Cherokee indians and fought Tories at Stono, Ramsour’s Mill, and Musgrove’s Mill. Commanded a militia regiment at Kings Mountain and at Cowpens. Promoted to Brigadier General after the War, and served in the N.C. General Assembly for a number of terms. McDowell County is named for him. Member of Rising Sun Lodge No. 38, Morganton.
Daniel Morgan- Colonel. Born in New Jersey settled in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia as a teamster. He fought the Shawnee in Virginia and Ohio with the Virginia Militia. Commissioned a Captian in the Virginia Continental Army leading a unit known as “Morgan’s Riflemen”. With innovations to their muskets and using indian-type tactics they were deployed to invade Quebec, where he was taken prisoner and exchanged a year later. He was promoted to Colonel and commanded the 11th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line fighting across New Jersey. He played a key part in the victory at Saratoga. He participated in Bemis Heights, Freeman’s Farm, and Skuyerville before joining Washington at Philadelphia and returning to the Southern Campaign. His brilliant battle tactics at Camden made him a hero and is considered to be a model of modern battle tactics. He supported General Greene at Charlotte, but back and leg pain forced his retirement. He was elected to the U.S. Congress from Virginia. Counties and cities in nine states are named for him, including Morganton, N.C. Spartanburg’s (S.C.) court square is named for him and bears a statue of him. He was made a Mason in a lodge in Virginia.
William Polk- Colonel, Grand Master. Born in Mecklenburg County. Probably participated in more battles and suffered more wounds than any other officer in the Southern Campaign. Commissioned a Lieutenant in S.C. 3rd Regiment and wounded at Ninety-Six, and wounded again at Cane Brake. Commissioned a Major in the 9th N.C. Regiment, fought at Trenton and Brandywine, and wounded again at Germantown. Fought at Camden, Catawba River, Cowan’s Ford, Guilliford Courthouse, Friday’s Ferry, and Fort Granby. Wounded again at Eutaw Springs, ending his military career at age 23. Served in numerous legislatures, and was elected Mayor of Raleigh. Polk County, Polkville, N.C., and Fort Polk, Louisiana are named for him. Initiated in Pheonix Lodge No. 8, Fayetteville, and was charter Master of Phalanx Lodge No. 31, Charlotte. Fourth Grand Master of Masons in North carolina.
Griffith Rutherford- Brigadier General. Born in Ireland and settled in Salisbury as a surveyor. Was a Captain of the local British militia during the French and Indian War against the Cherokees. Served in the N.C. House of Commons, and served as Sheriff and Justice of the Peace of Rowan County. Changed allegiance and was commissioned a Colonel in the North Carolina Line. Was the Commanding officer at the victory at Ramsour’s Mill; was wounded and taken prisoner at Camden and later exchanged. He participated in the victory at Wilmington. After the War, he again fought the Chickamauga in Tennessee. He was a N.C. State Senator, settled in Tennesse and was President of the Southwestern Territory Legislative Council. Rutherfordton and Rutherford County are named for him. He was charter Master of Rutherford Fellowship Lodge No. 14, Forest City.
John Sevier- Colonel, Governor of Tennessee. Born in Virginia, built the first fort on the Watauga river. Representitive at the Provincial Congress at Halifax. Commissioned a Colonel in the N.C. Militia. Fought at Kings Mountain and later served under Gen. Marion fighting indians in Western North Carolina and Tennsessee. Headed the failed attempt to establish the State of Franklin. Elected to the U.S. Congress from N.C. and from Tennessee. When Tennessee was admitted into the Union, he was elected first Governor, serving several terms. Sevierville and Sevier County, Tennessee are named for him. Member of Polk Lodge No. 41, Knoxville (under N.C.G.L.).
Isaac Shelby- Colonel, Governor of Kentucky. Born in Maryland, settling in what is now Bristol, as a tobacco and dairy farmer. Built a fort and trading post. Was a surveyor and a deputy sheriff. Served as a Minuteman in the Virginia Militia, and commissioned a Captain by Virginia Governor Patrick Henry. Used his own money to purchase provisions for John Sevier’s expeditions against the Chickamauga indians. Elected a delegate to the Virginia House of Commons. Promoted to Major by Virginia Governor Thomas Jefferson. Commissioned a Colonel in the North Carolina Line by N.C. Governor Richard Caswell. Commanded the victorious troops at Musgrove Mill, and played a key role in the victory at Kings Mountain and at Cowpens. After the War, he was elected to the N.C. General Assembly and campaigned to separate Kentucky from Virginia. Was a delegate to frame the Kentucky Constitution and was elected first Governor of Kentucky. After managing to quell indian uprisings in Kentucky and Ohio, he was again elected (5th) Governor of Kentucky. Founded the Kentucky Bible Society. Counties and cities in 11 states are named in his honor. Known to have been made a Mason in Virginia.
Freemasonry Comes to our Region
The first lodge in this region was Rutherford Fellowship Lodge No. 14 chartered in 1788 and located on Main Street of what is now Rutherfordton. It was the western-most lodge at that time, literally set in the wilderness on the edge of the frontier. It was dissolved in 1803. Several other lodges in the surrounding landscape would come and “go dark”. St. Johns Lodge (in Morganton) was issued a dispensation to work in 1797, but was never issued a charter. Rising Sun Lodge No. 38 (also in Morganton) was issued a charter in 1799, but was dissolved by 1803.
Orange Lodge No. 47 (in Lincolnton) was chartered in 1804 but dissolved by 1816. An unusually large number of Brethren gone off to fight in The Second War of Independence in 1812 is said to have been a main factor in its demise. Among the members listed in the frail ledgers of 1807 are Frederick Hamright, hero of the Battle of Kings Mountain, and Thomas Graham, a merchant from Shelby.
Even though Masonry was sputtering in some places, it was spreading rapidly across a struggling new country. Within this same time frame, nine other lodges were granted dispensation to work in western North Carolina (then referred to as Tennessee). They were subsequently the first nine lodges in the new Grand Lodge of Tennessee. Nos. 1,2,4, and 6 are extinct while the remaining five prosper as the oldest lodges in Tennessee.
As already noted, the lower the lodge number , the older the lodge. With an exception here and there in the beginning, once a charter has been surrendered or revoked, that lodge’s number is not used again. Consequently, the lodge numbering system provides a chronological sequence.
Over the years, the organized body of our fraternity has been referred to by several different names. The North Carolina Grand Lodge gives this explanation: Ancient York Masons (A.Y.M.), the name carried over from the English Lodges, was used in North Carolina from 1787 (when the N.C. Grand Lodge was established) through 1857. Free and Accepted Masons (F.&A.M.) reflected the tremendous growth of “speculative” Masonry and was used from 1858 through 1866. Many other Grand Lodges in the United States still use this designation. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A.F.&A.M.) has been used in North Carolina since 1867.
Freemasonry and The War Between The States
Masons serving in the military were, and still are, known as “Sojourners”. During the Civil War there were many Lodges operating in both the Union and Confederate Armies and their Navies. Lodges were impromptu and haphazardly operating with “Brothers” from many different states; most of them working under very primitive conditions. Masonic work has even been documented in Andersonville, Salisbury, Jefferson, and other prisoner of war camps. Lodges were held to reestablish a sense of brotherhood, and for the sheer love of the Craft. Masonic work and instruction provided a great boost to morale, and was a great diversion from their life threatening situations. It is well documented that freedom, privileges, leniency, and even the sparing of life was extended to the enemy or to their families when a certain phrase was spoken or a sign given. The minutes of numerous lodges record Union and Confederate brothers “sitting in lodge” together. To discount a war is a great testimony to the principles of Freemasonry, and its true regard for brotherly love.
During the Civil War, The North Carolina Grand Lodge issued dispensations to six Military Lodges, with Masons from Cleveland County serving in all of them at one time or another.
J.E. Avery Military Lodge No. 1, F.&A.M. operated within the 6th North Carolina Troops attached to Gen. Robert F. Hoke’s Brigade. This Lodge was filled with many Cleveland and Lincoln County Masons.
Zeb B. Vance Military Lodge No. 2, F.&A.M. operated within the 40th Regiment, North Carolina Artillery.
Vance Brothers Military Lodge No. 3, F.&A.M. operated within the 43rd North Carolina Troops attached to Gen. Daniel’s Brigade.
3rd North Carolina Military Lodge No. 4, F.&A.M. was known as “The Lodge in the 3rd N.C. Calvary”.
Chickamauga Military Lodge No. 5, F.&A.M. operated within the 21st North Carolina Regiment, N.C. Troops.
J.C. McDowell Military Lodge No. 6, F.&A.M. operated within the First North Carolina Battalion.
After the war, on Dec. 5, 1865, the Grand Lodge of North Carolina ordered that the dispensations of all the military lodges be surrendered. And, on that same date, thirteen new lodges throughout North Carolina were immediately created and they were issued Charters numbering 228 through 240. It was very evident that Freemasonry had undergone a tremendous growth during the War Between The States.
Military lodges have been organized during wars and in battle zones throughout history. Most revolutions and major wars have held documented lodge meetings and there are many stories dealing with brotherly love and friendship between enemies or adversaries during times of strife. Today, there are still sojourners serving in armies and navies around the world enjoying Masonry as a relief from the stresses of their military lives and missions.
Part Three: Freemasonry Comes to Cleveland County
Masonic Lodges in Cleveland County
The first lodge established in Cleveland County was Cleveland Lodge No. 202, Shelby, which was chartered in 1858. It was born out of Lincoln Lodge No. 137, Lincolnton. Their first Master was Augustus W. Burton, who was also the first Master of Lincoln Lodge in 1851. W. Bro. Burton was also to be the first Master of several other lodges in North Carolina. John F. Stephens would serve as its Secretary for the first few years. The first lodge meetings were held above a store located across from the Court Square on Lafayette Street. The Masonic Building located on the Southeast corner of Washington Street and Warren Street was built in 1921 primarily as a Lodge Temple. A York Rite Royal Arch Chapter also had its charter there, as did Shelby Lodge 744 for the first 10 years of its existence. The building’s Egyptian architecture stands as one of Shelby’s most notable buildings and is a continuing reminder of Masonic pride. For many years it was the tallest structure in Cleveland County and was the first building in the county to have an elevator. In 1985, Cleveland Lodge moved into a new building located at 1436 East Marion Street. Cleveland Lodge No. 202 is the largest lodge in the county with about 200 members.
Fairview Lodge No. 339, Kings Mountain, was chartered in 1874. Issac W. Garrett was their Master for the first ten years. Bro. R. S. Suggs served as their Secretary for the first 13 years. The Garrett brothers and R.S. Suggs were business partners and are credited with the establishment of Kings Mountain in 1872 when they brought the railroad to the community then known as White Plains. The first meetings were held in a building on Cherokee Street. In 1943, the lodge moved into the W.K. Mauney Building, from there, above Fred Kiser’s Store on West Gold Street. The present location on Landing Street was built in 1965. It is the second largest lodge in the county with about 180 members. For more history or information about Fairview Lodge No. 339, refer to their website: www.fairview339.org.
Fallston Lodge No. 356, Fallston, was chartered in 1876 as Double Shoals Lodge located near the Doulble Shoals Mill (which was the first textile mill in Cleveland County). Their first Master was T.E. McBrayer and first Secretary was J.H. McBrayer. The lodge moved to Fallston in 1900 and met above Stamey’s Furniture Store. In 19__ the present lodge building was dedicated and it remains an active lodge today with about 100 members.
State Line Lodge No. 375, Grover, was chartered in 1881 in what was then called Whitakers, S.C. When the Post Office was opened on the North side of the state line in 1885, the center of the town shifted. There was already a Post Office named Whitakers in N.C., so the name was changed to Grover after then President Grover Cleveland. Their first Master was R.B. Price and first Secretary was F.H. Dover. The first location of the lodge was in a building on Main St. above what is now Keeter Furniture. In 1947 a dry cleaning store caught fire and totally destroyed the building including the lodge above it. All the lodge records were lost. The lodge is now located at 115 Mulberry St. and it remains an active lodge today with about 85 members.
Mooresboro Lodge No. 388, Mooresboro, was chartered in 1884. Their first Master was Burwell Henderson “B.H.” Bridges who was also Master of Cleveland Lodge No. 202 in 1867. The lodge met in a two story, white clapboard building located on South Church Street. The building would also serve as a branch of the Bank of Ellenboro and at one time served as the town hall. The building survives as an artist’s studio and has been nominated to be placed on the National Historic Register. In 1999 Mooresboro Lodge built a new lodge building in Boiling Springs and is now known as Friendship Lodge No. 388, Boiling Springs. It is a strong and very active lodge with about 160 members. The first Master of Friendship Lodge No. 388 was Jimmy Allen Bridges.
Boiling Springs Lodge No. 464, Boiling Springs, was chartered in 1895 and met in a building where the Boiling Springs Post Office now stands. Their first Master was D.J. Hamrick and first Secretary was L.V. Lee. In 1928 it was consolidated with Mooresboro Lodge 388.
Lattimore Lodge No. 508, Lattimore, was chartered in 1902 and met in the brick building at the corner of Price and Mill Streets. Their first Master was John M. Green and first Secretary was T.D. Scruggs. In 1937, it too was consolidated with Mooresboro Lodge 388.
Lawndale Lodge No. 486, Lawndale, was chartered in 1896 and was located in a building next to, and owned by the Cleveland Mill. Their first Master was H.F. Schenck and their first Secretary was F.C. Grigg. In 1969 the mill demolished the lodge building, and the lodge purchased a building from the city of Lawndale located next to the park behind the Lawndale Branch of First National Bank. It remains an active lodge today with about 80 members.
Camp Call Lodge No. 534, Shelby, was chartered in 1906 in the community bewteen Shelby and Polkville once known as Camp Call, now known as Union. Camp Call was named becuase it was a Confederate Army training camp during the Civil War. Their first Master was J.T.S. Mauney and their first secretary was M. F. Power. Their meetings were held above Gold’s General Store (located at Polkville Rd and Rehobeth Church Rd.). The present lodge is a very distinctive building, built in 1969, and located at the intersection of Polkville Rd. and Union Ch. Rd. It remains an active lodge today with about 110 members.
Sharon Lodge No. 537, Shelby, was chartered in 1906. Their first Master was W.T. Grigg and first Secretary was L.L. Smith. Very little is known about this lodge except that they held their meetings on the second floor of Sharon School located behind Sharon United Methodist Church. The Odd Fellows also met in this building and it is believed that both shared in building the two room school house around 1905. Sharon Lodge surrendered its charter in 1926 and the members were absorbed into the surrounding lodges.
Casar Lodge No. 579, Casar, was chartered in 1908. Their first Master was W.S. Moore. The first Secretary was Charles A. Wortman. The first meetings were held above Charles Wortman’s Store located at the intersection of what is now N.C. Hwy 10 and the Casar-Lawndale Rd. In 19__ the lodge moved across the street purchasing the C.A. Brittain Building where it meets today above the Post Office. Today, it is a very active lodge with about 130 members.
Shelby Lodge No. 744, Shelby, was the last lodge to be chartered in Cleveland County in 1970. Their first Master was Samuel Moser Sain. Their first lodge meetings were held on the second floor of the Masonic Building (with both 202 and 744 having separate blue rooms). In 1980 they moved their meetings to the upper floor of Cohen’s Dept. Store. In 1988 they purchased the building on West Warren St. from Huey Webb. It is an active lodge today with about 150 members.
As of 2012, there have been 767 charters issued by the Grand Lodge of North Carolina to lodges within its territorial jurisdiction. 375 lodges are active to date with a total membership of about 45,000 Master Masons.
Today, Freemasonry in Cleveland County is, in all respects, healthy, prosperous, and growing. It is estimated that there are over 1300 Master Masons in Cleveland County from all walks of life, and always a number of men taking their degrees as Entered Apprentices or Fellow Craft, yet to be “raised” to a Master Mason. This total includes Masons who live in Cleveland County but hold regular memberships in other lodges within N.C., S.C., and other states.
Prince Hall Affiliated and Other Lodges
For historical accuracy, we will mention that Cleveland County has had several Masonic lodges for the African-American community.
Prince Hall was a minister of the Congregational Church and an abolitionist living in Boston. He was a free and literate black merchant who owned a tannery, a leather shop, and was a successful drum maker. He supported education and theater for blacks (free or not) and encouraged them to enlist in the Colonial Army. He thought that it would help their status as free men after the Revolution.
In 1775, Prince Hall and fourteen other free African-Americans were initiated into Freemasonry by Irish Lodge No. 441, Boston, under the Grand Lodge of Ireland. It was a military “traveling lodge” imbedded within the British forces in the Boston area. After the Boston Massacre, they severed ties and founded African Lodge No. 1, Prince Hall being their Master.
In 1784, The United Grand Lodge of England issued a charter to African Lodge No. 1 officially as African Lodge No. 549. The popularity and success of the African-American lodge (still known as No. 1) under the leadership of Prince Hall was the beginning of Freemasonry for blacks in the new United States. In 1791, The Grand Lodge of England made Prince Hall a Provincial Grand Master. In 1797, Prince Hall chartered lodges in Philadelphia and in Providence, Rhode Island.
Prince Hall is considered to be the Father of Freemasonry for African-Americans and laid the first foundations for civil rights.
We know of but two Prince Hall Affiliated lodges in Cleveland County:
Pride of the West Lodge No. 182, in Shelby was chartered in 1885, and sustained an average membership of 25-50 brothers. They met in a building on North Washington Street. Throughout its existence, it has closed and reopened numerous times. It was operating as late as 2004, but according to the PHA Grand Lodge, as of 2011, it is not.
D.A. Mackay Lodge No. 531, in Kings Mountain was chartered in 1918. The building is located on Childers Street and has about 20 members.
From “The Heritage of Cleveland County” (Vol. 1), an earth covered lodge building on Wilson Street in Shelby is shown in a photograph. Nothing else is known about this lodge, except that it was an African lodge.
Hopewell Lodge No. 192, used to have a sign on North Post Rd. pointing to a building located at the end of Friendship Road. The lodge met until sometime late in the 1990s. The sign is gone now.
Both of these lodge were probably “clandestine”, not being recognized as “regular” even by Prince Hall Affiliated Masons.
The History of Freemasonry in Cleveland County was compiled and written by Al Tate, copywright applied for in 2013. Any additional information, corrections, or opinions are most welcome and will be taken in the spirit of brotherly love, and may be sent to; altatefd@gmail.com.
