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Photo Circa 1863, Source: U. S. Army Military History Institute
of New Bern. Leading architects described it as “the largest and most elaborate
building ever built in New Bern up to its time, with the exception of Tryon Palace.”
Through the years, the Masonic Theatre was the scene of many stage plays, talent
benefits, concerts, vaudeville acts, political rallies, civic conventions, school
commencements, church services and other community gatherings. During the War
Between the States, it was used as a Confederate arsenal and later as a hospital when
Union forces occupied New Bern.
After having served all this time as New Bern’s chief place for civic gatherings, it
became a motion picture theatre in 1917 and remained so until 1974 when it closed. It
was the nation’s oldest continually operating theatre until that time. The Masonic
Theatre Restoration Project is in the final phase of restoring the theatre to her original
beauty so that the community may once again enjoy events in this wonderful space.
We are thankful for all of the people who have kept the arts alive in the Masonic
Theatre and New Bern for over 200 years.
At The Masonic Theatre!
