Nestled in the quiet downtown of this historic town sits the Masonic Temple of Enfield, which is a 1920s-era Art Deco masterpiece, complete with two theaters, classrooms, dance studios, banquet facilities, office space and kitchens.
Two out-of-state newcomers who bought a historic house in town, Myra and Andrew Wirtz, kept strolling by and admiring the building and finally were able to take a look inside with the help of a local attorney, Lawrence Armstrong. One peak at the grand interior and they were hooked. They knew what they had to do. As the current stewards of this majestic building, they embarked on a massive renovation, so they could bring quality arts and entertainment to the entire Eastern Carolina region. The new facility was renamed Enfield Performing Arts Center, or as some still refer to it, “The Lodge.” It is currently being renovated and will be a multi-media entertainment and dining establishment unrivaled in Eastern North Carolina. “The Lodge” will be a prominent addition to the live music scene, theater, film, dance and health programs, as well as other genres of entertainment. In addition, in collaboration with the school districts, community-based organizations and foundation and corporate sponsors, a menu of in-school and after-school workshop programs for children and families will be offered. The Arts Team will provide a range of cultural and arts programs to meet the needs of elementary schools and the community, including workshops for students K-12 and professional development workshops for teachers. The programs use age-appropriate drama, writing, storytelling, puppetry, music, dance and visual art activities as strategies for promoting learning, teaching basic academic subject areas, encouraging positive social experiences and promoting positive relationships Calling all artists, entertainers, producers, directors, musicians, playwrights, educators, chefs, restaurateurs! The Lodge needs your talents and creative energies to transform this majestic structure into a world-class entertainment venue. The Lodge will be available for facility and room rental for weddings, graduations, film production studio space and other ceremonies by request. If you want to hold your meetings here in a beautiful historic structure, contact us. Please join us on this journey with a contribution to help modernize the theater. The 2021-2022 initial goal is $500,000. These funds will be devoted to structural enhancements to the entire building, new roofing and masonry work on exterior, stage electrical panels, plumbing, restroom facilities, roofing and HVAC enhancements. Just press the radio button below to enter your tax-deductible donation. Thank you for your support! |
Just a sampling of the fun you can have when living in Enfield: reading Thoreau in the Great Dismal Swamp, Yoga (now at Yoga Magnolia) and Mardi Gras balls!!!
For more information contact: Susanna Martin, Executive Director ph. 201-401-4234