Masonic Temple (Worcester, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Masonic Temple
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Masonic Temple
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Ionic Ave., Worcester, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1914 |
| Architect | Halcott, George C. |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| MPS | Worcester MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000537 |
| Added to NRHP | March 05, 1980 |
The Masonic Temple in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a very old and important building. It is located at 1 Ionic Avenue in the city's downtown area. This building is a special meeting place for a group called the Masons.
Work on the temple started on September 12, 1913. The first stone, called the cornerstone, was put in place that day. The building was finished and officially opened on September 3, 1914. A leader named Melvin M. Johnson dedicated the temple.
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About the Building
This three-story building is a great example of a style called Classical Revival. This means it looks like ancient Greek and Roman buildings. The front of the building has eight tall columns. These are called Ionic columns, and they might even be why Ionic Avenue got its name!
Outside the Temple
Four columns stand on each side of the main entrance. The entrance itself has a stone top that looks like a triangle. Between the other columns, you can see windows. These windows have rounded tops, like an arch.
Inside the Temple
Inside the temple, there are many interesting rooms. On the first floor, you'll find a large hall for events and a banquet hall for meals. The second floor has a "Grecian" room, which might look like ancient Greece. The third floor has an "Egyptian" room, perhaps decorated like ancient Egypt. There is also a special Gothic chapel inside.
A Historic Landmark
The Masonic Temple was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This means it is recognized as an important historic site in the United States. The building is still used by Masonic groups today.
Groups That Meet Here
Many different groups use the Masonic Temple for their meetings and activities. These groups are connected to the Masons or are supported by them.
- The Morning Star Lodge A.F & A.M. was started way back in 1793.
- The Worcester Chapter of Demolay is a group for young men.
- The Worcester 32nd Degree Masonic Learning Center for Dyslexia helps children who have trouble reading.
- The Scottish Rite Valley of Worcester, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction is another Masonic group.
- The York Rite Bodies of Worcester also meet here.
- Thistle Lodge #2 of the Daughters of Scotia is a group for women.
