Riverfront in Wilmington in New Hanover County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Masonic Hall

1841-42; 1907

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

1. Masonic Hall Marker

Inscription.
Third building to house St. John's Lodge No. 1, A.F. & A.M. Until 1899 third floor used by several Masonic lodges. Receptions held here for Henry Clay (1844), Daniel Webster (1847), and President James K. Polk (1849). Public hall on second floor, Center for Cultural Events, later housed the Wilmington Library Association (1874-1895). First floor occupied by grocery stores, including the Grocerteria (1926-1962). Troutman’s Beauty School of Wilmington (1963-1986) located here. Original Gothic Revival style façade replaced in 1907.

Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.
Preservation Leadership since 1966

Erected by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #11 James K. Polk series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.

Location. 34° 14.132′ N, 77° 56.873′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in Riverfront. Marker is on Market Street just west of North 2nd Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is mounted

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at eye-level on the southwest corner of the subject building, facing Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 125 Market Street, Wilmington NC 28401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ahrens Building (within shouting distance of this marker); June 19, 1775 (within shouting distance of this marker); Warren Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Here Stood the Residence of William Hooper (about 300 feet away); Betts-Harr Building (about 300 feet away); D. R. Foster Building (about 300 feet away); General Benjamin Smith (about 400 feet away); Burgwin-Wright House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Regarding Masonic Hall. Contributing property, Wilmington Historic District, National Register of Historic Places #74001364.

From the National Register Nomination:
Three-story commercial building with blind arches around third floor windows.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. St. John's Lodge No. 1, A.F. & A.M.

Also see . . .
1. St. John's Lodge.

The 1841 Lodge building on Market was used by the lodge for over 100 years. It was here that the Masons hosted prominent politicians such as President James
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

2. Masonic Hall Marker
(marker is mounted on left/southwest corner • cornerstone is below the historical marker, at ground-level)
K. Polk and Henry Clay in the upstairs hall.

(Submitted on June 22, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. St. John’s Masonic Hall.

The 1841 masonic hall was thoroughly remodeled in 1907 with a simple tan brick façade, but it retains a cornerstone inscribed “St. John’s Building/1841.”

(Submitted on June 22, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

1841 Masonic Hall (<i>south/front elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

3. 1841 Masonic Hall (south/front elevation)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 68 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 22, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.