Comments on: The Masonic Lodge: World’s Smallest Naval Base?

By: James Snotherly

James Snotherly — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:28:27 +0000

Although it may be just a joke, it is said that the cannon is pointed where is because the Honorable Jesse Helms lived directly across the street. Of course you know The Honorable Mr. Daniels was a staunch democrat and The Honorable Mr. Helms was a staunch rebublican.

By: Lisa Jeffries

Lisa Jeffries — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 03:38:18 +0000

Thanks for the local history lesson, as always! I love taking a few minutes to read through posts like this :-)

By: The Grey Piper

The Grey Piper — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:35:49 +0000

I mean this seriously — would it be possible to have the gun repositioned so the barrel is pointing to the ground? That might convey a more peaceful character (and ease the minds of those across the street!). I’m sure the barrel has been stuck that way a long time, and shifting it would be no easy task.

On the other hand, I’m not sure it is as inappropriate as the article suggests – as Masons as well as Americans, of course we prefer peace, but should always be on our guard against those who would take our liberty — a theme noted in degrees of the dependent bodies.

Scripture (Nehemiah 4:17) tells us of the rebuilding of Jerusalem: “They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.” ( The historian Josephus, appropriately, also tells us this.) A weapon, not of aggression, but of defence. Perhaps with this understanding, a cannon in front of the temple is singularly appropriate, after all.

By: Raleigh Boy

Raleigh Boy — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 03:09:38 +0000

Fascinating story, John Morris — and beautifully photographed, as always.

Goodnight Raleigh readers may be interested to know that in addition to the Cap Square and RCM cannons referenced in the cited link, yet another two Raleigh cannons once stood on the NC State campus.

Spanish American War naval cannon
http://historicalstate.lib.ncsu.edu/catalog/ua023_031-007-cb0004-038-001

WW I field artillery
http://historicalstate.lib.ncsu.edu/catalog/0004736

Both were salvaged for scrap during WW II, and are now long gone.

By: Dustin

Dustin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 19:35:13 +0000

If you want a tour, simply visit and ask for one.
There is usually someone there Mon-Fri.

By: NCSU

NCSU — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:53:59 +0000

Once again, another great story about a building I’ve passed thousands of time and have always wanted to get inside. Ol’ Josephus D. was quite an character.

I did a quick search on the Wake County Property Tax website, and there’s no indication that the Federal Government owns any land anywhere in the area.

Thanks for posting this and the great pictures of the interior!