New Bern Masonic Theatre at Freemason’s Hall
The St. John’s lodge building was completed in 1809 with funds and material donations gathered by the brotherhood. It houses the historic Masonic theatre, at one time the oldest continually operating theatre in the USA, which is still in operation today. It also contains our historic lodge room. A unique space decorated with frescoes containing masonic symbolism, first painted in mid-1800, and restored in 2000. Adjacent to the lodge room is Lowthrop Hall, a large gathering place where meetings are held and meals are served.
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
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