Masonic Temple (Belfast, Maine) facts for kids
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Masonic Temple
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | High and Main Sts., Belfast, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1877 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Part of | Belfast Commercial Historic District (ID80000257) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000246 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 26, 1973 |
| Designated CP | April 4, 1980 |
The Masonic Temple in Belfast, Maine, is an old and important building. It used to be a meeting place for a group called the Masons. Built in 1877, it's one of the most fancy buildings in Belfast. You can even see special symbols from the Masons on it.
It's so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This list helps protect special buildings. Even though Masons still meet in Belfast, they now have a newer building on Wight Street.
Contents
What Does the Building Look Like?
The former Masonic Temple is in the main shopping area of Belfast. It stands at the corner of Main and High Streets. This building is made of red brick and has stone decorations. It sits on a strong granite base.
Key Features of the Building
The building has three and a half stories. It has a special roof called a mansard roof. There's also a tall, four-story tower right on the street corner. This tower also has a mansard roof.
The first floor has shops, just like many buildings today. The main door for the Masons was on High Street. It has fancy columns and a decorated stone top. The windows on the upper floors are rounded at the top. They also have special stone pieces called keystones.
The mansard roof has small windows called dormers. These dormers have little gables on top. The tower has a small, decorative wall at its very top. Inside, there was a large meeting room for the Masons. It had a very high ceiling.
History of the Masons in Belfast
The first Masonic group in Belfast was called the Phoenix Lodge. It started way back in 1817. By 1875, there were four different Masonic groups in the city. They used to meet in a hall inside the old High School.
Why a New Building Was Needed
Sadly, the old High School building burned down in 1875. This fire meant the Masons needed a new place to meet. So, they decided to build this special temple. They bought the land in 1877. The building was then built the next year.
A famous architect named George M. Harding designed the temple. He was from Boston, Massachusetts. In 1995, the Masons sold the building. The Belfast Lodge #24 then moved to their new building on Wight Street.
Images for kids
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The historic Masonic Temple in Belfast, Maine.
