Eagle Lodge #19
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons
Hillsborough, North Carolina
History
Founded in 1791, Eagle Lodge is one of the first Masonic lodges chartered under the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. In 1793 members helped lay the cornerstone of Old East building at the University of North Carolina. The ceremony marked the birth of public higher education in the U.S.
The Lodge meets in an 1823 Greek Revival building designed by state architect William Nichols and built by John Berry. The building is a 40-foot cube with walls of solid brick.
Although Eagle Lodge has occupied the building since its construction, the hall also served as an opera house, unofficial town meeting hall, Civil War hospital and observatory for Burwell School students. Water damage led to the rooftop observatory’s removal in 1862 but its stairs remain, as well as the building’s original louvered shutters and paneled entrance doors.
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Lambskin Masonic apron worn at the laying of the cornerstone of Old East in 1793. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Collection, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. |
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Ideals
Freemasonry is devoted to high ideals, community service and charity. North Carolina’s Ancient Free and Accepted Masons support the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford and the Masonic and Eastern Star home for the elderly in Greensboro.
Origins
The term Freemason appeared as early as 1212 in connection with the master builders who traveled about Europe erecting churches and cathedrals. These builders were called Freemasons because they were free to travel when many others were in bondage.
The Freemasons knew that so long as their art was practiced by few, the demand for their services would continue. To protect their livelihood the Freemasons formed lodges. They were selective of those applying to join, determined that the secrets of their art should be handed down only to those fit to receive and perpetuate them.
The Freemasons were highly regarded not only for their great building achievements, but also for their circumspect behavior and their loyalty to their fellows. Many sought admission to their lodges but few were chosen.
Today, as then, prospective candidates must seek admission. Freemasonry does not recruit members but inquiries about membership are welcomed.
Mission
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The mission of Freemasonry in North Carolina is to raise the moral, social, intellectual, and spiritual conscience of society by teaching the ancient and enduring philosophical tenets of 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. Mission statement of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina |
Eagle Lodge #19
PO Box 1095
142 West King St.
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-9834
Stated communications: second and fourth Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.
Click here for an article on Davie's gravesite and a description of the Masonic symbols found there
For more information on Hillsborough, North Carolina:
http://pils.netcom.duke.edu/~joe/hb/
http://www.hillsboroughweb.com/
This page was last updated on 11/06/12.
visits since 7/12/00