Giblem Lodge

The cornerstone of Giblem Lodge was laid in 1871. The Historic Wilmington Foundation is partnering with the Masons to ensure that this historic building continues to serve our community long into the future. 

Giblem Lodge is the second-oldest Black Masonic Temple in the state—and it still has an important role to play in the 21st century. The Prince Hall Masons seek to preserve their c. 1871 building so that it may serve as a revitalized center for the expression of Black history and culture in Wilmington. Giblem has always served as a community hub and meeting hall, fostering Black economic, civic, and educational advancement. The site of NC’s first “Colored Industrial Exposition” in 1875, Giblem went on to be utilized as Wilmington’s Black library during segregation.

HWF is working with the Masons to return this structure to prominence as a cultural center and meeting hall, with the inclusion of an exhibit space for Black history. After Giblem’s rehabilitation is complete, the Lodge will once again serve the community as a space to support Black economic growth, youth education, cultural enrichment, philanthropy, and political action.

Giblem Lodge’s rehabilitation is made possible through the generous support of:

• Marion Stedman Covington Foundation ($15,000)
• National Trust for Historic Preservation ($5,000)
• North Carolina Community Foundation’s 1898 Memorial Fund ($1,160)
• Residents of Old Wilmington ($4,625)
• Patriot Roofing & Exteriors (~$6,600, in-kind)

Making Headlines

Port City Daily: Giblem Lodge receives $5k grant for restoration efforts

WECT: Giblem Lodge rehabilitation project reaches milestone

WilmingtonBiz: Preserving The Future Of Wilmington’s History

WECT: Wilmington City Council approves landmark status for Giblem Lodge, Juneteenth city holiday

WECT: First African American Masonic Lodge could receive local landmark designation

WWAY: Giblem Lodge requests local landmark designation in Wilmington

WECT: Efforts underway to repair Wilmington’s first African-American masonic lodge

WWAY: Efforts continue to restore 2nd oldest Black Masonic Lodge in NC located in Wilmington

StarNews: 19 of the most iconic buildings and historic structures in the Wilmington area

WWAY: Funds secured to replace roof on Wilmington’s 1st Black Masonic Lodge

Port City Daily: First steps underway to restore Giblem Lodge

StarNews: Historic Wilmington Foundation to help restore iconic Black history landmark

WECT: Historic Wilmington Foundation announces restoration of Giblem Lodge

WWAY: Historic foundation works to preserve Giblem Lodge in Wilmington

photo credit (above): Cody Lee Aulidge