Lodge History

  » Home

  » Officers

  » Photographs

  » Lodge History

  » Coming Events

  ť Past Masters

  » Visitor's Register

  ť Return

Radiance Lodge History

We are embarking on the third century of Masonic influence in Greene County. The first Lodge was Davie-Glasgow Lodge #26. It was the 26th Lodge warranted by the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. in the state of North Carolina. This Lodge was located about a mile upstream from Hookerton on Contentnea Creek at Hawlanding. We shall ever be eternally grateful to this old Lodge that planted the seeds of Masonry in soil fertile enough to sustain this great fraternity until this day.

These early days in this new nation and young state were troublesome and Davie-Glasgow Lodge #26, for reasons unknown to the author, discontinued and surrendered its charter in 1806. In 1826, many of the same Masons who were members of Davie-Glasgow #26, again united, and petitioned the Grand Lodge of N.C. for a charter to open another Lodge in Greene County, more specifically, Snow Hill. While our early Brothers began meeting again in 1826, the Charter was actually issued on December 4, 1827 under the name of Jerusalem Lodge #95. The members elected to move their meeting place from Snow Hill to Hookerton on December 17, 1835.

There was some discussion around the issue of moving from Hookerton back to Snow Hill and a committee was appointed in December 1848 to secure a meeting place in Snow Hill; however, such a move never took place. Jerusalem Lodge #95 still functions today in Hookerton and may well be considered a close sister Lodge to the one in Snow Hill which is Radiance Lodge #132.

Radiance Lodge #132 A.F. & A.M. was chartered in Snow Hill in 1850 and has since had a paralleling history to Jerusalem Lodge #95. Again, the number signifies that Radiance Lodge was the 132nd Lodge warranted by the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of N.C. to practice freemasonry in this state. On the walls at the rear of our Lodge are displayed our Past Masters of this great Fraternity. These are not all the Masons of the past years, but rather just the Past Masters of Radiance Lodge #132.

There is an effort afoot to continue to research some of the particulars of Radiance Lodge; however, at this time the research is only partially completed.

There apparently was a fire after the turn of the century and most of the records of meetings from 1850 to 1906 were lost. The Grand Lodge has some records as far as who became Masons and when, but many particulars may be found only in minutes and for this 56 year time frame prior to 1906, only the Supreme Architect of the Universe may hold this knowledge.

It isn't known for sure at this time where the Lodge met from 1906 until 1911; however, from the minutes of the meetings, one may deduce these meetings took place in the rear room of Doctor Whittington's office. In 1911, we found a permanent home upstairs over the property of Brother J. T. H. Harper. This is on main street in Snow Hill, and one can still see the Masonic emblem on the 2nd floor window. This was the home of our Lodge until 1978. At this time, we purchased the old First Baptist Church and have since resided there. Ironically, not only was our Lodge chartered in 1850, but also the original church building (where we meet today) was constructed in 1850. Isn't that quite a coincidence?

There's lots of antiquity around our Lodge. The old roll top desk in the Secretary's office was purchased from Dr. Whittington for a price of $5.00 on December 5, 1912. The seal of our Lodge was purchased September 3, 1915. Our wooden chairs were purchased new on August 7, 1911 for $4.00 each. Some of the old regalia in a case in the entrance hallway was purchased in the 1910 time frame. As a matter of interest, the dues in 1906 were just $3.00 per year. Another interesting bit of trivia - the flag of this great nation was first displayed in our Lodge in the East on March 6, 1942. While we still use and display pieces of antiquity in our Lodge, we are also growing and strengthening with new additions. Not only do we continue to add strength by adding new upstanding members, but we've recently added some new furniture. The beautiful oak furniture of our Lodge-the altar on which we rest our Bible- the furniture in the East, West and South, the speaker's podium, the staff holders, the gavels, the display case of Masonic Working Tools, were all hand-crafted and presented to our Lodge by WBro. Elmer R. Burroughs of New Bern, originally from Greene County.

Our Lodge has a proud heritage of patronage to our country as well as to the community. During WWII, not only did we demonstrate our allegiance to our country by placing Old Glory in the East, but we also sent, on more than one occasion, $25 worth of cigarettes to the "boys abroad". On the community level, we have, on multiple occasions, assisted in the admission of local children to the Oxford Masonic Home for Children. These children came from homes where some state of emotional or financial distress had befallen the family. We not only met the needs of children of masons, but also the needs of children of non-masons alike. We have assisted in gaining admission for some elderly to the Masonic and Eastern Star Home in Greensboro. There is a lady there today whose husband was a member of this Lodge prior to his death.

Yes indeed, we as masons have a lot to be proud of! It's obvious the impact we've made on our community in many ways.

In summary, Masonry started in this county 200 years ago and, with the exception of one brief period, has flourished and proven its worth and benefit to the community. Three Lodges of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons have been chartered in Greene County - Davie-Glasgow, Jerusalem, and Radiance Lodges. Although this period is but a fleeting moment in the annals of time, we are one of the oldest institutions in our community. Our members have been preachers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, judges, farmers, merchants, sharecroppers, men of wealth, men of modest means. Yet when we gather as Brothers, there are no barriers.

Our Lodge has answered the call to battle, heeded the cry of orphans and responded to the plight of the aged and uneducated. We enjoy a positive image in the community and have it's respect. It is our hope and prayer that the years to come will enhance this image.

By Bennie J. Heath, PM

(Many thanks to the late Harry Stanton Taylor, Sr., and Leroy Beaman Whitfield - both of Jerusalem Lodge #95 - for the historical data they collected relative to the early days of Davie-Glasgow Lodge #26 and Jerusalem Lodge #95).