The Prince Hall Masons were founded after the Civil War in South Carolina. Prince Hall (1738-1807) was a free Black leader and abolitionist in Boston. He founded the African Lodge No. 1 with several other men after being denied admission in the St. John’s Lodge. After his death, they renamed themselves the Prince Hall Grand Lodge.

Sons of Beaufort Lodge No. 36 was founded in 1896. The building was initially used by the whole community. The organization bought the building in 1937.