NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) — The process to demolish the historic Sudan Shriners Temple in New Bern has begun.
The 42,000-square-foot temple was built in 1951 and is the birthplace of the Sudan Shriners, a philanthropic organization supporting the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
It closed in 2018 after Hurricane Florence flooded and damaged the inside.
“It wasn’t repairs that we could afford,” said Robby Sadler, Sudan Shriners Oriental Guide. “The county needed it, so they bought it from us, and now we’re going to move on in another direction.”
Last year, county commissioners decided to tear it down and turn it into a parking lot. The county says it will preserve elements from the temple, such as the doorway monument and the monument facing Front Street.
Sadler said seeing it go brings mixed emotions.
“It’s bittersweet,” he said. “Seeing the dome come down is kind of hard to swallow, but we’ve got to move on.”
New Bern resident Kevin Strike said he understands why the temple needs to be torn down, but doesn’t agree with the new use for the property.
“I’m sad that they’re going to turn riverfront property into a parking lot,” Strike said.
Another resident, Debra Johnson, said she’s sad to see it go but thinks the change is necessary because the city needs more parking.
“I’m glad that they’re keeping the monument because it’s such a good, charitable organization,” Johnson said.
A county spokesperson said the demolition will begin later this month and continue through December.
Construction of the parking lot will then begin and run through February 2027.
Sadler said the temple used to host Shriners who came from out of town because there weren’t many hotels. It also hosted many dances and a notable Elvis performance in 1955.
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