Allentown Masonic Temple facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Allentown Masonic Temple
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Allentown Masonic Temple, October 2011
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1524 West Linden Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1923-1925 |
| Architect | Schmid, Richard G.; William & Gangrene & Co. |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 04000402 |
| Added to NRHP | May 05, 2004 |
The Allentown Masonic Temple is a really old and important building in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It's a special place for a group called the Masons. This amazing building was built a long time ago, between 1923 and 1925. It stands five stories tall and is made from strong limestone.
The temple looks very grand because it's built in the Neoclassical style. This means it looks a bit like ancient Greek or Roman buildings. It has fancy stone and terra cotta decorations. You'll also see four huge, impressive columns at its main entrance. The building is about 97 feet wide and 150 feet deep. It sits on a very strong concrete foundation. Right next to it is the Scottish Rite Cathedral, which was built later in 1968. Because of its history and unique design, the Allentown Masonic Temple was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. This means it's officially recognized as a special historical site.
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What is a Masonic Temple?
A Masonic Temple is a building used by a group called the Freemasons. Freemasonry is one of the oldest and largest groups in the world. It's like a club for adults who want to learn and grow. They focus on things like being good people and helping their communities.
Who are the Freemasons?
The Freemasons are a group of people who come together to learn and support each other. They often talk about morals, ethics, and being good citizens. They have special ceremonies and traditions, but they are not a religion. Many famous people throughout history have been Freemasons.
What Happens Inside?
Inside a Masonic Temple, members hold meetings and events. They might have special rooms for ceremonies or large halls for gatherings. These buildings are designed to be grand and inspiring. They often have beautiful architecture and artwork.
The Temple's Amazing Design
The Allentown Masonic Temple is a great example of Neoclassical architecture. This style was popular for important buildings in the early 1900s. It was meant to show strength, order, and history.
Classical Revival Style
The temple's design is also called "Classical Revival." This means it brings back ideas from ancient Greek and Roman buildings. Think of grand temples with tall columns. The Allentown Masonic Temple has four large columns at its entrance, just like those old buildings.
Special Building Materials
The building is made of limestone, which is a strong and beautiful stone. It also features terra cotta trim. Terra cotta is a type of baked clay that can be shaped into detailed designs. These materials make the temple look very impressive and last a long time.
A Historic Landmark
Being added to the National Register of Historic Places is a big deal. It means the Allentown Masonic Temple is important to the history of the United States. This helps protect the building so future generations can enjoy it.
Why is it Historic?
The temple is historic for a few reasons. First, its architecture is a great example of its time. Second, it shows the history of the Freemasons in Allentown. It's a place where many community activities and meetings have happened over the years.
Protecting Old Buildings
When a building is on the National Register, it gets special attention. People work to make sure it stays in good condition. This helps us remember and learn from the past. It's like preserving a piece of history for everyone to see.
See Also
