Masonic Temple (Mechanicsburg, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Masonic Temple
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Front of the temple
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | N. Main St., Mechanicsburg, Ohio |
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| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1909 |
| Architectural style | American Craftsman |
| MPS | Mechanicsburg MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001887 |
| Added to NRHP | August 29, 1985 |
The Masonic Temple is a special old building in Mechanicsburg, Ohio. It was built in the early 1900s for a local group called the Masonic lodge. Before this, the Masons met in other buildings.
This temple is the last building left in Mechanicsburg that was built for a secret society, like the Masons. It's now a historic site because it shows off beautiful American Craftsman style architecture.
Contents
The Masons' Story in Mechanicsburg
The village of Mechanicsburg started in 1814. In 1834, it officially became a town.
Nine years later, in 1843, a Masonic group called Clinton Lodge No. 113 began in the village. Their first leader was Obed Horr.
At first, the Masons met in different places. In 1855, they found a more permanent home. They worked with the local Methodist Protestant church to build a new two-story building. The Masons owned the second floor, and the church owned the first.
This arrangement lasted until 1889. The Masons discovered problems with the building's structure. They sold their part of the building to the church and moved out. Around this time, their name changed to "Mechanicsburg Lodge." The church later tore down the building and built a new one.
The Masons then met on the second floor of a building in downtown Mechanicsburg. They stayed there until their new temple was ready.
In February 1908, the Masons bought land for their new temple. The first stone was placed in August of that year. The building was officially opened in March 1909. It cost about $20,000 to build. By 1917, more than 200 men were members of the lodge.
Other Groups in Mechanicsburg
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Mechanicsburg was a busy and important place. Many other secret societies were active in the village:
- The Royal Arch Masons (started 1899)
- The Order of the Eastern Star (started 1894)
- The Odd Fellows (started 1855) and their women's group
- The black Odd Fellows (started 1881) and their women's group
- The Knights of Pythias (started 1891) and their women's group
- The Improved Order of Red Men (started 1874)
- The Modern Woodmen (started 1900)
- The Maccabees (started 1911)
Both the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias had over 100 members. They built their own lodge buildings in the late 1800s. However, the Pythian Castle burned down in 1916. The Odd Fellows' building also burned down later.
The Odd Fellows later bought the Oram Nincehelser House, which is near the Masonic Temple. But the Masonic Temple is the only building still standing that was built specifically for a secret society in Mechanicsburg.
Temple Design and Style
The Masonic Temple is three stories tall. It is made of brick and sits on a stone foundation. Stone is also used around the main door and windows, adding to its look.
The roof has a pointed shape called a gable. One gable faces the street. Windows in this gable let light into the second and third floors. The main entrance has a porch with square brick pillars.
The building has special features like brackets shaped with "knees." It also has multi-pane windows with slanted glass pieces above them. The light-colored brick walls give the building its American Craftsman style.
When it was built, the temple had different rooms:
- A club room in the basement.
- Dining and reception rooms on the first floor.
- A lodge meeting room and more reception space on the second floor.
The building has changed very little since it was built.
A Protected Historic Site
In 1985, the Mechanicsburg Masonic Temple was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It earned this honor for two reasons:
- Its important role in the community's history.
- Its special and well-preserved architecture.
The temple was one of twenty different Mechanicsburg places listed on the Register at the same time. It is the only building among them that is in the American Craftsman style. Also, besides five churches, it is the only one not built as a house or a business.
