St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

S.D.W. Smith, Ancient City, Mt. Horeb #20

545 King Street "New Augustine"

Photographed by James R. Murray, September 6, 2014

1. S.D.W. Smith Ancient City Mt. Horeb #20 Marker

Inscription.
This Masonic Lodge, built in 1947 with George Morgan as Worshipful Master, was originally organized in 1925 and represents a merger (in 1984) of Prince Hall Lodges—S.D.W. Smith No. 481, Ancient City No. 26, and Mt. Horeb No. 20. This facility is the lodge-home of Electa Chapter No. 4, Order of Eastern Star—organized in 1939 with Ethel L. Jenkins as Worthy Matron.

In keeping with supporting the needs of this community, these fraternal organizations shared space in the 1960s with The Peppermint Lounge. It was called "The Lounge" by our community's energized young people — sojourners on the road toward freedom — often active in the civil rights movement. It was a safe haven, teen social club, and respite from the challenges of the civil rights era. Youthful and ordered activities were managed by Bernice Lacey Harper.

Erected 2006 by Civil Rights Memorial Projects Committee of St. Augustine.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1947.

Location. 29° 53.408′ N, 81° 20.015′ W.

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Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County. It is on West King Street west of South Whitney Stret, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 545 King Street, Saint Augustine FL 32084, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in First Coast

and in Greater Jacksonville.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); 8 Dr. R.B. Hayling Place (about 800 feet away); 262 West King Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); 570 Christopher Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Randolph Caldecott (approx. 0.3 miles away); Zion Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); 57 Chapin Street

S.D.W. Smith Ancient City Mt. Horeb #20 Marker as seen from King Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James R. Murray, September 6, 2014

2. S.D.W. Smith Ancient City Mt. Horeb #20 Marker as seen from King Street

(approx. 0.3 miles away); 96 Evergreen Avenue (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2014, by James R. Murray of Elkton, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,118 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2014, by James R. Murray of Elkton, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.