Know your PAST to know your FUTURE

         Citing a desire to fellowship primarily with Masons who shared common interests, concerns, and vocational backgrounds, 21 soldiers from Ft. Bragg, North Carolina petitioned the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina, Inc., in October 1947, to establish a Masonic Lodge in the city of Fayetteville, NC. Though, there already existed Eureka Lodge #3 and Savannah Lodge #407, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge established Silver Square Lodge UD, Fayetteville, NC. Worshipful Master Harry B. Harris served this Lodge from 1947 until 1950.

         On December 14^th 1949, Silver Square Lodge #791 received its Charter which enables us to this current day to perform all rights of a regular Lodge. Bro. Earl T. Hutchins was voted Worshipful Master, 1950 - 1951 followed by Filmore B. Martin who served from 1951 until 1952. At the outbreak of the Korean War the members of Silver Square Lodge #791, being predominantly soldiers, were called to serve in that conflict. This unfortunate action caused the Lodge to become dormant from 1952 - 1954. With the return of many of the members of Silver Square Lodge #791 in 1954 the Lodge was reactivated with Worshipful Master William A. Davis occupying the Oriental Chair from then until 1957. Under his leadership, and those Worshipful Masters who followed him, Silver Square Lodge #791 adopted the sobriquet, "the Lodge that leads the way". Ritual perfect openings, closings and degree work were presented in the Lodge without the use of a book.

        Their prowess in these areas caused them to be utilized constantly by the District Deputy Grand Masters in demonstration of model openings, closings and degree work. A Lodge, now that boasted members of all walks of life, Silver Square Lodge #791 continued to grow in membership, benevolence and reputation. Church visitations to local houses of worship and the Brethren contribution to the collection assisted many churches in the "burning of their mortgages." The celebration of St. John Day and Prince Hall/Americanism Day allowed Silver Square Lodge #791 the opportunity to parade to the selected site of observance in full Masonic regalia. Proud Prince Hall Masons. Not feeling complete and at the recommendation of many wives Silver Square Lodge #791 petitioned the Prince Hall Grand Lodge to sponsor an Order of the Eastern Star Chapter. After carefully reviewing the request and existing O.E.S. Chapters in the Fayetteville, NC Masonic community, it was discovered that Eureka Lodge #3 was sponsoring two (2) O.E.S. Chapters, Queen Esther Chapter #3 and Adah Chapter #31.

         In a magnanimous display of Brotherly love, Adah Chapter #31 was assigned to Silver Square Lodge #791.This Masonic union proved to be a tremendous asset, providing the Sisterly touch to many community endeavors undertaken. Our Lodge has been fortunate enough to realize Grand Lodge officers, Past Masters, William A. Davis, B.A. McGeachy (longest serving Worshipful Master, 6 yrs. and first Hon. Past Grand Master of the Jurisdiction), Joseph L. Pillow, Freddie K. Woods, Robert M.L. Walker, William T. Pratt, Ervin Farmer, Jr. and Howard R. Jones (first Grand Lodge Sword Bearer). The community has benefited from Councilman Joseph L. Pillow; magistrates, Otto Morgan and Arthur Tompkins, a host of policemen and deputy sheriffs.

       Though our membership being diverse we are still affectionately known as a military Lodge and continue to attract demits from Brothers being assigned to Ft. Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. Inquires of newly demitted Brethren has revealed that many of our present members and former members have displayed such Masonic knowledge that these Brothers wished to become a part of this Lodge. Fayetteville State University Chancellors; Charles A. Lyons, Jr., Lloyd V. Hackley, and Willis B. McLeod leveled themselves to become members of our august body. Many members of the faculty and staff of the University boast membership in Silver Square Lodge #791. The proficiency of the members of this Lodge has caused other Masonic Lodge members to vote them into positions of leadership in the Scottish Rite, York Rite and Shriners at local and Grand levels.        

        The most noted being, the late, PM William T. Pratt, who was elected and served as 32nd Imperial Potentate (1995 & 1996) of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Noble of the Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdictions, Inc. PM Joseph L. Pillow, on a trip to California, was impressed with a youth council called Knights of Pythagoras, sponsored by the local lodges there. Getting all of the necessary information, he returned, and with the blessing of the Grand Lodge established Knights of Pythagoras Council #1 (at his death renamed Joseph L. Pillow Council #1).His foresight and work has seen most of the Masonic Lodges in the jurisdiction sponsoring a Council. Our Council continues through the untiring efforts of PM Ervin Farmer, Jr., PM Pharnell Miles and PM James Wright, offering a positive alternative to those activities offered in the street. PM Howard R. Jones, utilizing his skills as a web master, moved Silver Square Lodge #791 into the electronic age, by establishing a web site for the Lodge at, which is now under the hand of PM James McCormick,  giving our Lodge the distinction of being the first Lodge of the MWPHGL of North Carolina on the World Wide Web.  The site is now maintained by Bro. C.J. Thomas.

        The Masonic year of 2009-2010, Silver Square was the Lodge of the Year under the leadership and wisdom of PM Curtis L Carriel. Throughout the past few years Silver Square Lodge #791 has lead the way in improving the relationship between Ancient Free & Accepted Masons and Free & Accepted Masons Prince Hall Affiliated in the local area within the State of North Carolina. This effort was led by PM Gerard Thomas and Brothers of this Lodge. During the 2013-2014 Masonic year three AF&AM Brothers by the names of PM Ken Wical, PM Micheal Dodson and PM Thomas Pope were made Honorary Members of Silver Square Lodge #791 F&AM PHA. At that time PM Gerard Thomas from Sliver Square Lodge #791 and PM Lamar Smith from East Freedom Lodge #328 were made Honorary Members of Phoenix Lodge #8 AF&AM.

         Since that time, both bodies have attended multiple lodge meetings, degree work and functions of their counterpart. Silver Square Lodge #791 has coordinated the participation of marching in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade for numerous years and of which that AF&AM Brothers have participated.

         In the Masonic Year 2013-2014 Honorary Past Master David G. Harvey was named as the Treasurer of the Year for 13 years of continuous service as the Treasurer for Silver Square Lodge #791. Under the current leadership of WM Christopher Dillon are are continuing to carry on many traditions of this great Lodge. We have the active membership and participation of our three principal officers, Lodge members and Adah Chapter #31, O.E.S. (PHA).

         Through the tireless effort of Silver Square Lodge #791 members, several "feed the hungry" programs have been successfully completed in the community and our annual Easter egg hunt projects are conducted at Smith Recreation Center and J.S. Spivey Recreation Center. This event provides not only Easter eggs, but also educational gifts, to each child participating. The two highlights of the year are our joint outdoor family and friend’s day and our Master Mason of the Year Banquet, where we not only recognize that special Brother who went that extra mile, but also the young person selected as the recipient of our Scholarship award. Works completed yesterday are our history.

          Over the last few years Silver Square has worked in the community school district, providing book bags, school supplies and most recently a food drive. Works on our trestleboard are our present and the newly raised Master Masons our future.  Remember always, that you are someone's image of a Mason, and as such, ever act honorably.

        In dealing with your fellow Brothers and Sisters, remember that, "your mind, like a parachute, works best when open." Look well to the East.

We are “The Lodge That Points the Way”.

                                                                                 Charter Members December 14 1949