On March 4, 1867, under authority of the Grand Lodge of New York, Past Grand Master James W. Hood organized Widow's Son Lodge #31, (now #4,) at Raleigh, North Carolina. Bro. O.M. Roane was the established as our first Worshipful Master

On March 1, 1870, members of King Solomon #23 (1) of New Bern, Giblem #28 (2) of Wilmington, Eureka #30 (3) of Fayetteville and Widow’s Son #31 (4) met in the Giblem Lodge Room in Wilmington, NC to establish The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of North Carolina and its Jurisdictions, Inc. This Grand Body went on establish Masonic Lodges in every area of North Carolina. Today there are over 300 Masonic lodges in NC.

Bro. Stewart Ellison, who was a prominent builder and former NC State Legislator, was elected to serve as the third Most Worshipful Grand Master of all Prince Hall Masons of NC. Bro. Ellison was also a member of Widow’s Son #4

In 1867, Widow’s Son #4 (in partnership with Excelsior Lodge #21) purchased property in downtown Raleigh on the corner of Blount & Cabarrus St. for the sum of $500 from Queen of the South Lodge #6 of the Independent Order of Good Templars. The edifice was constructed in 1907 and still stands to this day.

By locating the building in southeast Raleigh, the building helped to draw other Black institutions, businesses and residents into the neighborhood and helped to create a close-knit, vital Black society there. The building itself is a simple three story brick box with Italianate details that houses commercial space on the first floor, office space on the second floor. Widow’s Son, along with other Masonic groups meet on the third floor.

Bro. L.B. Capehart, who was a prominent Black Physician in Raleigh, was elected to serve as the 11th Most Worshipful Grand Master of all Prince Hall Masons of NC. Bro. Capehart was also a member of Widow’s Son #4

Widow’s Son #4, along with some of the wives, daughters, and sisters of fellow Masons, helped to establish Ruth Chapter #2, Order of the Eastern Stars. Our sisters meet in the same location on the first floor of the building.

In 1973, Widow’s Son Council #27 of the Order of Knights of Pythagoras of North Carolina was established. The Council is involved in a wide-variety of activities - volunteering throughout the community as well as even helping to preserve historic landmarks in Raleigh, NC. The Council also competes in state-wide competitions, which they have consistently won for nearly a decade. Click here for more info.

Under the leadership of Past Master Rodney A. Williams, Widow’s Son #4 began the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast. This annual event provides free meals to all who come. It is a morning filled motivational speakers, youth empowerment and performances, and FOOD!

On March 4, 2017, Widow’s Son #4 celebrated its 150th anniversary. Later in the year, we held a weekend long celebration consisting of community service, social functions and empowering events to help rejuvenate the members to continue the work of its forbearers for another 150 years!