Asheville Masonic Temple facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Asheville Masonic Temple
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in North Carolina
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| Location | 80 Broadway, Asheville, North Carolina |
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| Built | 1913 |
| Architect | Smith and Carrier |
| Part of | Downtown Asheville Historic District (ID79001676) |
| MPS | Asheville Historic and Architectural MRA |
| Designated CP | April 26, 1979 |
The Asheville Masonic Temple is a special building in Asheville, North Carolina. It was designed by British American architect Richard Sharp Smith. He was also a Freemason, which is a member of a fraternal organization. The building first opened its doors in April 1915. It is recognized as an important historical building in the Downtown Asheville Historic District.
The Temple is a four-story building made of pressed brick. It has cool details made of limestone and grey brick. The bottom part sits on a strong granite foundation. The front part of the roof is red and sloped, called a hipped roof. The front of the building on Broadway has a special entrance with two stories. It has tall, fancy columns called Ionic columns.
Building History
The architect, Richard Sharp Smith, came from England. He worked in New York City before coming to Asheville. He helped build the famous Biltmore House.
In 1909, two Masonic groups bought the land for the Temple. These groups were Mount Hermon Lodge No. 118 and the Royal Arch Masons Asheville Chapter. In 1912, they met to plan a new Masonic Temple building.
They decided to create a company with members from both groups. The plan was to have a reading room, library, and offices on the first floor. There would also be a banquet hall and kitchen. The second floor would be used by Mount Hermon Lodge and other groups. These included the Order of the Eastern Star and the York Rite. The third and fourth floors were for the Valley Of Asheville Scottish Rite.
In May 1913, they signed a contract with McPherson Construction Company. The building was set to cost $56,260. Almost two years later, in April 1915, the building was finished. The original plans and records are still kept at the Temple.
Important People
Many important Freemasons were part of the Asheville Masonic Temple.
- Robert Brank Vance was a leader of Mount Hermon Lodge #118 several times. He was also the Grand Master of Masons of North Carolina in 1868 and 1869.
- Zebulon Baird Vance was a member of Mount Hermon Lodge #118. He joined at age 23 in 1853. Zebulon Vance was the Governor of North Carolina two times.
- Norburn Creighton Hyatt was a leader of Mount Hermon #118 in 1969. He became the Grand Master of Masons of North Carolina in 1985.
