About Us
Our History
Paul Drayton Lodge No. 7
Paul Drayton Lodge No.7 was established on Sept 10, 1872, in Charlotte, North Carolina as a subordinate lodge under the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina and Jurisdiction, Inc. The lodge was named after Paul Drayton, the first Grand Master of Boyer Grand Lodge of New York.
In 1866, under the authority of the Grand Lodge of New York, Past Grand Master Paul Drayton organized King Solomon Lodge No.23 (currently No.1), in New Bern, North Carolina, and Giblem Lodge No.28 (currently No.2) in Wilmington, North Carolina. After being named supervisor, Grand Master James W. Hood established Eureka Lodge No. 30 in 1867 (currently No.3) in Fayetteville, North Carolina and Widow’s Son Lodge No.31 (currently No.4) in Raleigh, North Carolina. All locations were established under the authority of the Grand Lodge of New York. The four lodges met on March 1, 1870, in the Giblem Lodge room which is the Most Worshipful Lodge for the State of North Carolina. It is currently known as the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of North Carolina and its Jurisdictions.
Paul Drayton Lodge No.7 was the seventh lodge established in the state of North Carolina under the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina. The lodge purchased their first building in 1974 at 1908 East 7th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina and occupied the location for 51 years. Additionally, this lodge supports their sister chapter Ruth Boger No. 669 Order of the Eastern Stars as they strive to make a positive difference through charitable works, and loving-kindness to all mankind, promoting values like charity, truth, honesty, and loyalty within a fraternal, service-oriented environment.
The brothers of Paul Drayton Lodge are currently in the process of relocating to a new facility to continue to make good men better by building moral character through, focusing on brotherly love, and service to their communities while encouraging faith, good citizenship, and helping others in need.
Photo of Paul Drayton
Civic Influence
Early Prince Hall lodges like Paul Drayton No. 7 drew members from the emerging Black middle and professional class of the Reconstruction era, helping foster civic leadership, mutual aid, and community cohesion.
History Emphasis
Paul Drayton himself was instrumental in establishing lodges across the South. Before coming to North Carolina, he helped organize King Solomon Lodge No. 1 in New Bern—that lodge being the first African American Masonic lodge in the state.
Echoes in Eternity
Founded in 1872: Paul Drayton Lodge No. 7 was established on September 10, 1872 and was the first Prince Hall Masonic lodge in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. It helped lay the foundation for African American fraternal life in Charlotte soon after the Civil War.
325
Charitable donations
525
Members
302
Successfully Projects
154
Years of Labor
Some of our
Legendary Members
James Harrell
Past Grand Master
Richard Rankin
Past Master
Damien Jack
Past Master
Our Vision
Preserving tradition while building future leaders
To be a beacon of light through our ancient traditions of Freemasonry.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make good men better by teaching the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
- Brotherhood
- Moral Development
- Service to Humanity
- Pursuit of Light
Trust and Worth
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