Albany Masonic Temple facts for kids
The Albany Masonic Temple in Albany, New York is a very old and important building. It sits on land that has been owned by the Masons longer than any other property in the United States. The building before this one was the first Masonic Temple ever built just for Masons. This temple is part of the Downtown Albany Historic District, which is a special area listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of the Temple
How Masonry Began in Albany
The idea for a local Masonic group in Albany started with British army officers. They were part of a military Masonic lodge that met in Albany in 1758. When these soldiers left, some local people who had joined the Masons were allowed to keep meeting. They could also invite new members to join.
In 1765, this group became Union Lodge #1. The next year, in 1766, the city gave them land for their own building. This land was at the corner of Maiden Lane and Lodge Street. The first stone for the first Temple was placed in 1767. The Temple was officially opened in 1768. Before this, meetings were held at a local inn. After the American Revolutionary War, the lodge changed its name. It became Mount Vernon Lodge #3 in 1807.
Lodges Meeting at the Temple
Today, five different Masonic lodges meet at the Albany Masonic Temple.
- Mount Vernon Lodge #3 is the oldest lodge in New York State outside of New York City. It is the same group that was once Union Lodge #1.
- Guttenburg Lodge #737 was started in 1873. It was originally a German language speaking lodge. It moved to the Temple when it was built in 1896. In 1900, they switched from German to English.
- Wadsworth Lodge #417 has met in the current Temple since it opened in 1896. This lodge was founded in 1856. Before 1896, they met in different places around Downtown Albany.
- Masters Lodge #5 also holds its meetings at the Albany Temple.
- Ancient Temple Lodge #14 is another lodge that meets here. It was formed in the 1970s when two lodges, Ancient City and Temple Lodge, joined together. This lodge will celebrate its 225th year around 2020.
The Building's Design and Features
Architecture and Materials
The Masonic Temple is located at the corner of Maiden Lane and Lodge Street. Maiden Lane is now called Corning Place. The building is made of granite. It is designed in the Renaissance Revival style. This style looks back to the grand buildings of the Renaissance period. The architects who designed it were Fuller & Wheeler.
Inside the Temple
Inside, the Temple has beautiful oak wood and fancy plaster decorations. The main rooms where the lodges meet are two stories tall.
- The larger room is called the Ten Eyck room. It has colorful stained glass windows. It also has a large pipe organ from 1896. This organ was made by J. W. Steere & Sons.
- The smaller room is called the Weaver room. It has an older pipe organ from 1874. This organ and the carved walnut furniture in the room were moved from the previous Temple building.
On the top floor, there is a room with a stage. This stage is used for special ceremonies called "degrees" by the Valley of Albany, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. One special piece of furniture is a very detailed oak throne. It has Scottish Rite symbols carved into it. This throne was designed and given to the Temple in 1898. It weighs over 400 pounds!
Famous Members
Two United States Presidents were members of the Masons and had connections to this Temple.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt was a member when he was Governor of New York. A metal ramp was built for him to reach the banquet hall. This ramp is still there and used every day.
- His cousin, Theodore Roosevelt, who also became President, was also a Mason.
