Hopewell’s Shiloh Lodge receives over $370K for preservation
HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) -- Hopewell's historic Shiloh Lodge, a building dating back to the early 19th century that has since served as the lodge for an African American Masonic group, has received $371,577 through a grant for its restoration and preservation. The site was selected as one of 35 preservation projects across Virginia to receive the funding through the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund, totaling about $20 million. Shiloh Lodge is located at 601 Prince Henry Avenue. It dates to the early 19th century and was first built between 1810 and 1830. The building was initially a tavern, then was occupied by the U.S. Christian Commission during the Civil War. The commission offered religious support, supplies and socials services to Union soldiers. Then, according to the city of Hopewell, it was used as a lodge for the Prince Hall of Virginia Free and Accepted Masons from 1878 to 2019. Prince Hall Freemasonry is reportedly a branch of North American Freemasonry for African Americans founded in 1784. Prince Hall is recognized as the father of Black Masonry in the U.S., according to the group. Shiloh Lodge (Photo: City of Hopewell) According to the city of Hopewell, the grant will support site improvements and interpretive features. Work is expected to begin in the coming months with the goal of being completed in 2026. The site previously received the African American Cultural Resources Grant, which supports efforts to preserve and highlight the contributions of African American communities throughout Virginia.
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HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) -- Hopewell's historic Shiloh Lodge, a building dating back to the early 19th century that has since served as the lodge for an African American Masonic group, has received $371,577 through a grant for its restoration and preservation.
The site was selected as one of 35 preservation projects across Virginia to receive the funding through the Virginia 250 Preservation Fund, totaling about $20 million.
Shiloh Lodge is located at 601 Prince Henry Avenue. It dates to the early 19th century and was first built between 1810 and 1830.
The building was initially a tavern, then was occupied by the U.S. Christian Commission during the Civil War. The commission offered religious support, supplies and socials services to Union soldiers.
Then, according to the city of Hopewell, it was used as a lodge for the Prince Hall of Virginia Free and Accepted Masons from 1878 to 2019.
Prince Hall Freemasonry is reportedly a branch of North American Freemasonry for African Americans founded in 1784. Prince Hall is recognized as the father of Black Masonry in the U.S., according to the group.
Shiloh Lodge (Photo: City of Hopewell)
According to the city of Hopewell, the grant will support site improvements and interpretive features. Work is expected to begin in the coming months with the goal of being completed in 2026.
The site previously received the African American Cultural Resources Grant, which supports efforts to preserve and highlight the contributions of African American communities throughout Virginia.
