Excelsior Lodge was founded in 1867 as the 261st Masonic Lodge to be chartered in North Carolina. It was founded in Charlotte, NC by Charlotte businessman and alderman Samuel Wittkowsky and former N.C. Governor, U.S. Senator, and Confederate General Zebulon B. Vance. After the War Between the States, Vance was imprisoned for having served as

It is our hope on this site to provide answers to any questions you may have about Freemasonry - the world's oldest fraternity. Throughout the ages, men of great character have practiced the ancient arts in our brotherhood, including many great historical figures. Our honored fraternity has been a guiding spirit behind many of the