Masonic Temple (Jacksonville) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Masonic Temple
|
|
Masonic Temple, Jacksonville, FL
|
|
 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Jacksonville, Florida, USA |
|---|---|
| Architect | Mark and Sheftall |
| Architectural style | Chicago School Prairie School |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000949 |
| Added to NRHP | September 22, 1980 |
The Masonic Temple in Jacksonville, Florida is a very old and important building. It's also known as the Masonic Temple, Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge PHA. This historic building is located at 410 Broad Street. It was built a long time ago, between 1901 and 1912. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the United States on September 22, 1980.
The building today has shops and offices that are not related to the Masons. It also holds the offices and meeting rooms for the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida and Belize. This is a special group of Prince Hall Masons.
Contents
What is a Masonic Temple?
A Masonic Temple is a special building where members of a group called Freemasonry meet. Freemasonry is one of the oldest and largest friendly societies in the world. Members often learn about good citizenship and helping others. They also work to improve their communities.
The National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is an official list in the United States. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. When a building is added to this list, it means it is recognized for its historical or architectural value. This helps protect it for future generations.
History of the Jacksonville Masonic Temple
The Masonic Temple in Jacksonville was built by a group called the Grand Lodge. Construction started in 1901 and finished in 1912. This means it took over ten years to complete. The building has been an important part of the LaVilla neighborhood for a long time.
Who are Prince Hall Masons?
Prince Hall Masonry is a branch of Freemasonry. It was started by African Americans. Prince Hall was an important leader who founded the first African American Masonic lodge in the late 1700s. The Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge of Florida and Belize is a Prince Hall Masonic Grand Lodge. They use this temple for their meetings and offices.
Building Design and Style
The architects who designed the Masonic Temple were Mark and Sheftall. They used two main styles of architecture for the building.
Chicago School Architecture
One style is the Chicago School. This style became popular in Chicago around the late 1800s. Buildings in this style often have:
- Steel-frame construction
- Large windows
- Simple, strong designs
Prairie School Architecture
The other style is the Prairie School. This style was developed by architects like Frank Lloyd Wright. It often features:
- Strong horizontal lines
- Flat or low-pitched roofs
- Wide, overhanging eaves
- Open floor plans
The Masonic Temple combines elements from both these important architectural styles. This makes it a unique and interesting building.
