Lodge History

Jerusalem Lodge #95, A. F. & A. M., is located at 103 Main Street (Highway N. C. 123) in Hookerton, North Carolina, upstairs over First Citizens Bank and Trust Company.

Hookerton is in Greene County, North Carolina, about six miles East of the County Seat of Snow Hill. It is approx-imately 12 miles North of Kinston, 20 miles East of Goldsboro, and 25 miles Southwest of Greenville.

PREDECESSOR

Any history of Jerusalem Lodge #95, A. F. & A. M., must be prefaced by an account of its predecessor, Davie-Glasgow Lodge #26. This old Lodge was located about one mile upstream from Hookerton on Contentnea Creek at Hawlanding. It was chartered January 20, 1795. Its charter was surrendered on December 3, 1806. The square and compasses as well as a level remained behind and are in the possession of Jerusalem Lodge today. The graven name and number, "Davie-Glasgow No. 26 North Carolina" are quite legible. These ancient emblems are used in the regular workings of our Lodge.

Many of the Charter Members of Jerusalem Lodge No. 95 were also former members of Davie-Glasgow No. 26, evidence that their love of Masonry lived on, even after the loss of their former lodge. We shall be eternally grateful for this old lodge that planted the seeds of Masonry in soil fertile enough to sustain it unto this day. May it flourish and grow and serve and build into the annals of time.

Jerusalem Lodge #95 was chartered December 4, 1827, at Snow Hill, the County Seat of Greene County. William T. Hendon was its first Worshipful Master. It was moved to Hookerton December 17, 1835.

At the annual communication of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina, December 7, 1853, application having been made through the Grand Lodge Committee on Charters, it was ordered that a new Charter be issued to Jerusalem Lodge #95, showing its location as Hookerton.

This new Charter, under which we still operate, was issued by Grand Master C. H. Jordan and Grand Secretary W. T. Bain to Jerusalem Lodge #95 on December 8, 1853, James A. May, Worshipful Master.

A return to Snow Hill was contemplated in December, 1848, and a committee was appointed to secure a meeting place in that town, but such a move never took place.

Jerusalem Lodge #95 has an unbroken record of service from December 4, 1827, to the present. Its Charter has never been suspended or revoked. "So Mote It Be."

No record remains as to the meeting place of the Lodge while it was located in Snow Hill, nor of its early home in Hookerton.

June, 1847. Funds provided for "purchasing four settees and six chairs and six spit boxes." Three of these beautiful wooden settees are still in possession of the Lodge and one of them is used for the Master's Seat" in the East.

July 13, 1850. A committee was appointed to draft a plan for the enlargement of the Lodge.

March 23, 1861. Meeting was called for the purpose of "making plans for building lodge in this place."

June 7, 1869. Purchased seal and press, costing $10.00, and a mahogany ballot box at $5.00.

October 9, 1869. Building committee appointed - W. J. Butts & Jepe T. Davis.

February 12, 1870. Bible was bought at the cost of $11.00

March 12, 1870. An altar was paid for at the cost of $11.00. This old altar is believed to be the one used at the Worshipful Master's stand in the East in our Lodge today. This same date a Masonic Chart was also purchased.

November 12, 1870. A bell was bought. Cost was $3.00. It is not known whether this is the low 12 hand bell still in use today or the bell used in the belfry.

February 10, 1877. Committee was appointed to repair belfry.

September 14, 1878. Appointed Brother W. T. Hart to "have lodge newly covered."

April 12, 1884. Committee appointed to make itemized estimate of cost to repair lodge hall. Estimate - $50.00.

June 14, 1884. The Lodge voted to join with Knights and Ladies of Honor and build new lodge hall. The Masons were to pay $100.00, plus whatever they could raise from the sale of their present building.

July 12, 1884. Committee appointed to superintend the building of the new lodge hall.

September 13, 1884. Paid $70.04 toward the cost to building committee treasurer.

October 11, 1884. Increased amount of subscription to $200.00 to match subscription of Knights and Ladies of Honor.

December 16, 1884. Planned celebration of new lodge hall "with speaker and dinner in the grove."

This new lodge building was located on what is now known as the "Old School Square" bordered by Main Street, Mill Street, Second Street, and Third Street.

March 14, 1885. Brother Irvin Jones was appointed to move the lodge furniture from the old lodge hall to the new.

There is record of the Lodge employing Brother John Quincy Jackson, a member of the Lodge and an attorney at law, to write a deed for the Lodge. He was given credit on his dues in the amount of $1.50 for this service. No record can be found of this deed in the Greene County Registry.

February 12, 1887. The trustees were ordered to obtain a $400.00 insurance policy on Lodge building.

May 7, 1906. Permission granted to the school committee to "make repairs and painting and furnishings" and on September 9, 1906, it was reported that this had been completed.

June 11, 1907. Granted permission for school committee to build an "Ell" on East end of lodge building and on North side of said building, not more than 18 feet in width and any length necessary or needed.

July 9, 1907. Covered lodge hall. Cost was $25.00.

March 12, 1912. A Bible was bought at the cost of $10.55.

May 14, 1914. Bought pot bellied stove from Knights of Pythias.

September 14, 1909. Bought 24 chairs at $1. 00 each.

November 14, 1911. Committee appointed to improve hall.

June 24, 1913. Voted permission to school committee to build an annex on the south side similar to the one on the north side.

May 13, 1919. Request from school committee for permission to use entire building for school purposes was granted upon condition that school committee pay rent for lodge room over the Bank of Hookerton. This move was completed August 12, 1919.

April 13, 1920. Bought six chairs at $3.00 each.

May, 1922. Wired new lodge for electric lights. Contract with Town of Hookerton for light bill - $1.00 per month.

June 12, 1923. Brother W. H. Johnson reported for the school committee that it would this month stop paying rent since the new Hookerton High School had been completed.

Motion was duly allowed that Lodge move back to old lodge hall.

June 23. 1923 Lodge voted to move lights to old hall - move completed June 29.

December 18, 1923. School reported that it was ready to sell its interest in old lodge. Lodge committee was appointed to handle the sale of lodge interest in school property or to subscribe funds from members and others for purchase of said property.

December 21, 1923. Authorized committee to purchase property at price up to $5,050.00.

December II, 1924. Lodge appointed committee to purchase site of the hall for future home of Jerusalem Lodge. The school was sold and on January 13, 1925 The Lodge received $158.33 for one-third interest in school property. The decision was made to move Lodge back to room over bank, the rent to be $50.00 semiannually.

November 14, 1944. Lodge was painted, cost being shared one-third by Masons, two-thirds by J. O. U. A. M.

September, 1952. Three steps in the East were installed at the cost of $104.97. Bruce Williams and Claude L. Wheeler, committee.

June 9, 1953. Metal filing cabinet was purchased.

August 11, 1953. Wooden square and level were purchased. Cost was $5.00.

April 12, 1955. A committee was appointed consisting of Brothers Harry S. Taylor, H. F. Beaman, Paul H. Albritton, E. Bruce Williams, Ed E. Butts, and B. F. Scarborough, Sr. to
investigate possibility of the Lodge acquiring the old movie theater on Main Street and whether it could be made into a suitable home for the Lodge.

May 10, 1955. Instructed same committee to draw sketch of a lodge hall and present it to the Lodge at its earliest convenience.

September 13, 1955. Building project was dropped.

September 2, 1960. Dr. F. W. Carroll, owner of bank building, died.

May 8, 1962. A committee. was appointed to look for suitable quarters for the Lodge, should we be asked to vacate present building.

January 8, 1963. Six dining tables purchased.

May 14, 1963. Lodge hall, adjacent rooms, and entrance were painted. Cost of $250.00 was shared equally by Masons and Junior Order.

October 8, 1963. Lodge voted to buy building from Mrs. F. W. Carroll. Committee appointed to handle purchase of building, A. C. Edwards, Hary S. Taylor, and Leroy B. Whitfield. Agreed price $5,000.00.

December 10, 1963. The committee reported that $3,245.00 had been collected toward purchase of building. A record of contributors is on file in the Lodge. Mrs. Carroll having signed the deed to the Lodge property October 21, 1963. It was recorded December 17, 1963, in Deed Book Number 351, Page 253, in the Greene County Registry.

June 26, 1964. Lower portion of building was rented to William Hill, Freeman Casey, and Rufus C. Freeman for $35.00 per month, to be used as an office for their construction company. The first $900.00 of rent to be used in repairs to building.

May 10, 1964. Gas space heaters were installed in the Lodge to replace old pot-bellied coal stove.

June 8, 1965. Roof repaired at cost of $140.00. Tenants Hill, Casey, and Freeman did not use building very long and soon gave up their lease.

April 26, 1966. A Lodge committee appointed to assist the trustees of the lodge in negotiating a lease with First-Citizens Bank and Trust Company for part of the ground floor of lodge building. The repairs and renovations were to be done at bank's expense. The terms of lease as follows: Two years at $50.00 per month, five years at $75.00 per month, five years at $100.00 per month, and five years at $125.00 per month.

May 10, 1966. This lease was accepted by both lodge and bank. A new roof covering was installed on building and glass doors installed at downstairs entrance to stairway at the time of bank renovations.

August 9, 1966. Brother John I Whitfield leased remaining portion of ground floor for his business as tax preparer and insurance agency.

January, 1972. Extensive repairs and painting was done to hall and stairway, lodge room, and preparation rooms. Harry S. Taylor, Sr. served as committee chairman and the total cost was $2,698.85.

December 12, 1972. Wall-to-wall carpet was installed by the Albritton Company of Hookerton. Harry S. Taylor, chairman. Cost - $1,872.00.

July 10, 1973. Central heating and air conditioning was installed by Hasty Plumbing and Heating Company of Mount Olive, North Carolina, at cost of $2,650.00. Harry S. Taylor,
committee chairman.

November 12, 1974. First-Citizens Bank leased an additional room downstairs, having leased one other additional room soon after it opened in November, 1966.

June 10, 1975. Roof of building was covered with hot asphalt at a cost of $375.00. Brother William A. McLawhorn served as chairman with work being done by Square Deal Roofing Company.

May 10, 1977. Officer's aprons and collars purchased, cost $476.10.

June, 1978. New altar constructed at the cost of $249.14. Fredrick Everett, chairman.

July 10, 1979. A "stairglide" to transport aged or disabled persons up the flight of stairs consisting of 27 steps was installed at a cost of $2,545.00. Leroy B. Whitfield served as chairman.

September 13, 1983. A new five year lease with First-Citizens Bank at $200.00 per month with an additional five years at $225.00 per month was approved.

January 11, 1983. Extensive repairs and renovations of lodge room and adjacent areas was authorized. The committee consisted of Brothers Leroy Whitfield, James Kenneth Hall, and William Lane Faulkner. An effort was made to preserve the antiquity of the Lodge throughout its long history in planning these renovations. The cost of these improvements totaled $7,148.34
Greene County Chapter 242, Order of the Eastern Star, gave $500.00 cash contribution.
Steve H. Taylor, provided a new restroom door.
William Henry Heath, installed the vinyl in Past Master's frames.
The antique lodge furniture was stripped and beautifully refinished by the ever faithful and loving Order of the Eastern Star.
An antique writing table was presented to the Lodge by Leroy B. Whitfield as a memorial to all those who have and to all who ever will serve the Lodge as Secretary.

November 8, 1983. New metal record storage cabinet was purchased at $213.04.

July, 1984. Central heating and air conditioning unit was replaced by Ed Phillips, Inc., plumbing and heating contractor of Snow Hill, Route 2. Cost: $2,739.00.

September 11, 1984. Bulletin board installed. Funded by Brother James R. Yocum, Jr., Empire Lodge, Number 126, Pekin, Illinois, a frequent visitor to our Lodge. Future plans call for a metal fire escape at rear of the building.


BOOKS AND RECORDS

The oldest record of Jerusalem Lodge Number 95 is dated 1826 in the Treasurer's account book, the Lodge being at that time in Snow Hill. The names of the brethren appearing on separate pages are beautifully written in ink. This account book also contains some minutes of the Lodge, written from 1838-1863. However, these minutes are not in regular order and not consecutive.

There is also in the possession of the Lodge some loose leaves containing private rules and bylaws of the Lodge signed by members of 1826.

The Lodge has partial minutes from 1831 through 1848 fairly complete from 1848 through 1852; a few minutes from the civil war years, and mostly complete minutes from 1868 through the present time.

The historic library of Jerusalem Lodge Number 95 consists of thirteen volumes of The Universal Masonic Library, published in 1856 by John W. Leonard and Company, Masonic publishers, New York.

"Universal code of bylaws for government of such lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, 1871. "

The General Ahiman Rezon and Freemasons Guide by David Sickles, 33 degree, published by Masonic Publishing Company of New York, 1872.

Masonic Code of 1875 and 1892.

Masonic Digest by the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, 1907-1926.

Constitution with regulations published in 1924.

Several copies of the Code of 1948.

Various bylaws and revisions of same from 1826-1986.

The revision of the bylaws in 1869 was printed in booklet form and distributed to each members of the lodge at that time. Several copies of this handsome booklet remain in the Lodge library until this date.

There are several Secretary and Treasurer's account books dating from 1826 'til the present.

The oldest petition for degrees is dated May 26, 1856, from Mr. I. H. Joyner, signed by Meman T. Powel, Secretary.

Most of the petitions from that date to the present are on file in the Lodge.

The oldest records of the Lodge are kept in an old wooden secretary with a drop down closure, which was used for a writing surface. The various pigeon hole divisions still have some of the handwritten labels denoting "acted on", "not acted on", "receipts", "letters to be read," etc. The old minute books were kept in a drawer below the writing surface. One of the old dip-type writing pens still occupies its place in the cabinet.

A framed display of artifacts dating back to Davie-Glasgow Lodge Number 26 hangs on the south wall of the lodge behind the Junior Warden's Station, constantly reminding us of the dedication of Masons over so many years and admonishing us to preserve and expand the Masonic Heritage of this beloved Lodge.

At a regular communication held August 8, 1891, a committee consisting of Trustees James J. Moore, John Patrick, and Dr. G. C. Edwards was appointed to make a written inventory of all the Lodge property. This was done, accepted by the Lodge, and ordered inscribed in the Tyler's Book. This record is still in the Lodge today and it is interesting to note that most of said property, other than the old building and coal stove, are still in possession of the Lodge.

GIFTS AND MEMORIALS

Aside from the financial contributions toward the purchase of the building in 1964, many gifts and memorials have been made to the Lodge.

March 12, 1929. A Bible was presented by Brother C. J. McDuffy.

November 10, 1981. A slide projector and lecture slides was presented by Brother John D. Costen.

April 13, 1982. A United States Flag was presented by Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Hall.

1982. A picture of George Washington was given by Brother Leroy Whitfield.


MEMBERS SERVING BEYOND THE LOCAL LODGE

Brother James A. May, Worshipful Master, 1853, served on the Grand Lodge committee for Charters and dispensations and accounts for his interest and efforts to get our Charter in order, showing its location being in Hookerton since its move from Snow Hill in 1835.

Brother Henry Franklin Grainger., a native of Greene County, born January 10, 1840, petitioned the Lodge for the degrees in Masonry, was elected and received his degrees in Jerusalem Lodge, 1861. He was an attorney by profession. He served as Master of the Lodge in 1866. Brother Grainger demited and affiliated with Saint John's number 96, Kinston, North Carolina, March 10, 1869. From Kinston he affiliated with Wayne Lodge No. 112, Goldsboro, North Carolina. He was elected Grand Master of Masons in North Carolina 1880-81. Brother Grainger died March 4, 1884, and is buried in Willow-Dale Cemetery in Goldsboro.

Brother Leroy Whitfield, P. M., C. L., served as D. D. G. M. of the 6th Masonic District, 1957-1958. He served also as D. D. G. L. in 1973, 11th District.

Brother Earl Wayne Skinner, P. M., C. L., served as D. D. G. L. of the 6th Masonic District, 1953.

Brother Harry Stanton Taylor, P. M., C. L., served as D. D. G. L. of the 6th Masonic District, 1956-57.

Brother William Henry Heath, P. M., served as D. D. G. M. of the 11th Masonic District, 1977-78-79.

The following brothers have attained the rank of certified lecturers: C. E. Vause, November 19, 1945, H. S. Taylor, November 5, 1945, Earl W. Skinner, April 2, 1949, and Leroy B. Whitfield, September, 1956.

Brother Henry F. Beaman was made a certified instructor in September, 1956.



CONCLUSION

One hundred fifty-nine years (1827-1986) is but a fleeting moment in the annuals of time, yet Jerusalem Lodge Number 95 is among the oldest institutions in our community. It's members have been preachers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, farmers, merchants, sharecroppers, men of wealth, and men of modest means.

It has answered the call to battle, heeded the cry of the orphan, and responded to the plight of the aged and uneducated. It enjoys a positive image in the community and has it's respect.

May the years to come enhance this image and may God grant the future historian to conclude that as this writer lays down his pen, "that the best was yet to come."

Leroy Beaman Whitfield
August 10, 1986
PDDGM, PDDGL, Lodge Historian 

History of Jerusalem Lodge #95, 1986 – 2006

1986 - Committee appointed to secure and install fire escape.
1987 - Roof recovered – complete replacement.
1988
August - Need for fire escape discussed again
1989
March - Reported that roof repair was completed.
June - Gutters replaced at rear of bldg.
1990
February - Committee reported on Fire escape progress
March - Reported that estimate for fire escape was $2500.00 not including door. It was decided that more estimates were needed.
1991
December - Roof repaired once more.
May - Set of carved Working Tools presented by Bro. Elmer Burroughs of Doric #568.
1994
July & Aug, - Lodge made offer of $5,500 for second half of bldg. Owner asked $10,700. Offer refused.
1995
July - Jerusalem Journal begun as a monthly newsletter.
1996
September - Motion to have fire extinguishers replaced and to buy emergency lights.
1997
January - Past Master Aprons presented to Lodge by Brothers James P. Wooten, Elmer Burroughs, and Will Lee.
1998
April - Greene Co. Chapter, OES donated $1,500 as Love Offering and since the Chapter was going dark, they donated a piano, 24 folding chairs, and a lectern.
Lodge donated $500.00 to MESH in memory of the OES Chapter.
July - Proposal to purchase emergency lights.
September - One emergency light purchased.
December - Second emergency light purchased and installed.
1999
October. - Dues increased to $50.00. Permission granted to spend up to $20,000.00 for recovery repair from the disaster caused by Hurricane Floyd.
December - New tin roof installed
2000
January Deed secured and recorded for adjoining property formerly owned by William F. Taylor at a cost of $1.00 plus $13.00 recording fees.
$5000,00 borrowed from bank (secured by CD owned by the Lodge)
Bro. Harry Fields, DDGM presented a set of hand crafted sounding blocks for use by the Wardens.
February Motion made, seconded and approved that two adjoining lots be purchased from William F. Taylor at a cost of $13,500.00.
November WBro. John I. Whitfield informed the Lodge of his election to the 33rd degree, S.R.
2001
February Our insurance company has made final payment for coverage of Hurricane Floyd’s damages to the Lodge
2002
May Bro. Ray Dotson presented copy of “The Master’s Book” by Carl Claudy to the Senior Warden with a request that it be passed on to each successive S.W.
WBro. James P. Wooten and Bro. Ray Dotson reported on a trip to Kentucky by 13 area Brothers to witness a Third Degree conferred in a cave.
June WBro. James P. Wooten and Bro. Ray Dotson reported on a visit to Royal White Hart Lodge #2 in Historic Halifax, NC. A total of 29 area Brothers were in attendance.
Bro. Ray Dotson presented the Lodge with a framed copy of “The Structure of Freemasonry.”
October Brothers LeRoy and John I. Whitfield presented framed copies of photos of President and Most Worshipful Harry S. Truman in full Masonic Regalia to Pleasant Hill Lodge #304 in honor of Bro. Raymond Turner Jr. and to Mt. Olive Lodge #208 in honor of Bro. Ray Dotson.
Bro. Ray Dotson reported on a visit to Royal White Hart Lodge #2 for the purpose of delivering a “Helping Hand” donation collected from many area Brothers.
November Bro. Ray Dotson reported on a visit to Mackey Lodge #77, Dillard, SC along with 13 other area Brothers to witness a third degree. Since SC Lodges are AFM rather than AF&AM, the many ritual differences were discussed.
December WBro. LeRoy Whitfield reported on rental proposals for office space behind the bank on the ground floor of the Lodge bldg.
2003
March Building committee appointed to address repairing front of the Lodge.
July Plaque showing President and WBro. George Washington in full Masonic dress was presented to the Lodge by Bro. Ray Dotson.
August WBro. LeRoy Whitfield reported that the downstairs large room had been rented to a Hispanic church and praised them for outstanding work they had done to the facility. He also reported that a loan of $8,800.00 had been obtained to pay for the building front repairs. He further reported that the widow of our Late WBro. John I. Whitfield had donated a nice fireproof file cabinet to house our valuable documents.
2004
March Large Masonic woven tapestry was presented to the Lodge by Bro. Ray Dotson and displayed on the North wall.
May Ladies Night banquet held in Maury, NC on 22 May. Well attended. Fourteen surviving Masonic Widows were the honored guests.
October Repairs to Lodge roof were reported to have been completed.
2005
April The Lodge slide projector failed. Bro. Ray Dotson donated a Carousel slide projector to the Lodge.
2006
February Committee appointed by W.M. to plan a family affair Ladies Night.
March Committee appointed to plan the installation of a fire escape which had been proposed numerous times in the past but never carried through.
June Fire escape committee reported that the existing rear stairway could be reopened and a pathway cleared that would give us adequate alternative exit routes in case of an emergency.
Worshipful Master invited all Lodge officers and their families to a special outdoor “Picnic on the Lake” at his residence.
Worshipful Master directed that our By-Laws be condensed and compiled into a manageable pamphlet to be presented to each Lodge member. Our Brother Secretary was appointed to chair this committee with help from the Master.
July Plans for fire escape were outlined. Bro. Charles Chapman volunteered to perform needed modifications to our building to facilitate the plan. Bro. Ed Hargrove will work with him. Funds were approved to accomplish this task.
August Advancement night was held in which all officers moved up one position to open the Lodge. This gave the officers an opportunity to practice for the coming year.
The Lodge was informed that our bank loan is now paid in full.
Fire escape modifications are progressing very well.
“Picnic on the Lake” held on August 12th was reported a success. Most officers and their families attended.
December Consolidated and revised By-Laws were read and approved by 2/3rd majority vote. The finished product will be submitted to the Grand Lodge for final approval, then copies will be made for distribution to the membership.

Raymond Paul Dotson, Master, 2006

Compilation from 1986 - 2006 completed on June 14, 2007