Masonic Temple and Lodge (Alameda, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Masonic Temple and Lodge
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The 1891 Masonic Temple, Photographed from the east side of Park St.
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 Location in Oakland, California
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1329--31 Park St. and 2312 Alameda Ave., Alameda, California |
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| Area | 0.4 acres (0.16 ha) |
| Built | 1890–91, 1927 |
| Architect | Mau, Charles; Symmes, Edwin |
| Architectural style | Spanish Revival, Victorian Eclectic |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002153 |
| Added to NRHP | March 25, 1982 |
The Masonic Temple and Lodge are two buildings in downtown Alameda, California. They are special meeting places for a group called the Masons. These buildings have a long history in the city.
Contents
What Are the Masonic Buildings?
The Masons are one of the oldest and largest groups in the world. They are known for their traditions and helping communities. The buildings in Alameda have been important to the Masons for many years. They are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important historical sites.
The Older Temple (Built 1891)
The first building, called the Masonic Temple, was built between 1890 and 1891. It is located at 1329–31 Park Street. This building was designed in a style called Victorian Eclectic. This style mixes different design ideas from the Victorian era.
The Temple has tall brick sections that go above the roof. It also has a tower on one side of the roof. The main entrance is made of stone with an arch. The doors are carved with designs.
The Newer Lodge (Built 1927)
Later, a second building was added next to the Temple. This one is called the Masonic Lodge. It was built in 1927 at 2312 Alameda Avenue. This newer building is in the Spanish Renaissance style. It has beautiful decorative carvings. You can see these carvings around its entrances, arches, and windows.
The Lodge was built to add a parking area for cars on the first floor. It also has an elevator. This made it easier to get to all four floors. Before, people could only use stairs.
Inside, the Lodge has two large meeting rooms side by side. This allows different Masonic groups to meet at the same time. There is also a full kitchen and a dining room on the top floor.
One special feature in the Large Lodge Room is a built-in wheel. This wheel has stained glass emblems. It lets the room quickly change its look for different groups. There is also a hidden organ area. Some hidden doors lead to other rooms. These are used for special ceremonies.
Two original stained glass windows from the old Temple are now in the Small Lodge Room of the new Lodge.
A Place for Community
The Masons who met in these buildings helped the city of Alameda grow. For example, Oak Grove Lodge #215 helped build Alameda's first school. They also helped build the First Methodist Episcopal Church.
Many important people were members of the Masonic groups here. These included U.S. congressmen Joseph R. Knowland and William Knowland. A famous poet named Joaquin Miller was also a member. Eight of Alameda's mayors were also part of these groups.
Today's Island City Lodge
Today, the Masonic Lodge is known as "Island City Masonic Lodge." It keeps the number #215 to honor the original Oak Grove Lodge. The main entrance is now on Alameda Avenue.
The first floor of the Lodge used to be a parking lot. Now, those car entrances have glass. This area is now home to the Alameda Museum.
Masons still meet at the Lodge. They have informal meetings on Thursday nights. They also have a special dinner on the first Thursday of each month. Other groups, like the Alameda Oak Leaf #8, also meet in the building.
