NEW BERN
The Building
New Bern Masonic Theatre at Freemason’s Hall
The St. John’s lodge building was completed in 1809 solely through funds and material gathered by the brethren. It is home to the Historic Masonic Theater, the oldest continuously operating theater in the USA. The property includes two lodge rooms. One of these rooms is a historic Masonic lodge room, decorated with frescoes that contain Masonic symbolism. The frescoes were first painted in the mid-1800s and were completely restored in 2000. Please note that Lowthrop Hall, a large historic gathering place where pre-meeting meals are served, is adjacent to the Historic Lodge Room.
The Masonic Temple and Theater has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972.
“The Masonic Temple and Theater exists today much as it was built during the years 1802 through 18O9 despite additions and several alterations made over the years. A chronological explanation of those changes, made possible by photographs from various periods, aids in the analysis of the building.”
Link to Listing: Masonic Temple and Theater – National Register of Historic Places Data – Go Historic