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.
 

Silver Square Lodge #791 smoothly integrated with the Prince Hall Masonic family of Fayetteville, NC, hosting banquets with the proceeds going toward assisting students seeking a higher education and providing assistance to less fortunate members of the Fayetteville community.
 

Worshipful Master Harry B. Harris served this Lodge from 1947 until 1950. Bro. Earl T. Hutchins was voted Worshipful Master, 1950 - 1951 followed by Filmore B. Martin who served from 1951 until 1952.

At he outbreak of the Korean War the members 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 points 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's contribution to the collection assisted many churches in the "burning of their mortgages." The celebration of St.s' 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 32^nd 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 WM Ervin Farmer, Jr. 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 www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/5138/index.html, giving our Lodge the distinction of being the first Lodge of the MWPHGL of North Carolina on the World Wide Web.

Under the leadership of WM Ervin Farmer, Jr. we now have the active membership and participation of our three principal officers, as well as many other Lodge members, in Adah Chapter #31, O.E.S. (PHA). Through this joint effort 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 barbecue 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. 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.
 
 

Walking In the Light,
Bro. Howard R. Jones                                                                                    Ervin Farmer, Jr.
D.D.G.M.                                                                                                        Worshipful Master
16^th Masonic District (PHA)                                                                          Silver Square Lodge #791 F&AM
MWPHGL of North Carolina                                                                        March 15, 1999