Excerpted from the Kinston Items column:

The Masons (colored) in State convention here last week, had a grand and imposing display last Thursday.  About one hundred and fifty in masonic costume turned out and marched through the town to the music of the Kinston colored band. They presented a fine appearance, and during the entire convention, were as quiet and orderly as the best regulated assemblages. Mr. John W. TELFAR was chosen Grand Master for the ensuing year.

Source: New Berne Weekly Journal , 20 December 1883, page 3.